The West Kelowna Warriors fell to 1-1 with a disappointing 4-2 loss to the Brooks Bandits on Sunday afternoon, but it wasn’t for the lack of opportunity.
The Warriors were given 13 power plays in the game, but could only score once as the Bandits saw themselves down two men on three different occasions.
Brooks was the first team to score in the game, getting the marker just under four minutes into the game to make it 1-0.
West Kelowna responded with Brett Mennear’s third of the tournament, then once again when Quin Foreman scored in the final minute while on the man advantage. Twice in the frame the Warriors were given an opportunity on the power play after goaltender interference calls.
The Bandits score a pair of bookend markers in middle frame as Tristan Thompson tied the game for Brooks, before Cole Makar scored late in the period on the power play to make it 3-2.
Matthew Greenfield was run over behind the net at 8:16 of the second, sparking a scrum and giving the Warriors an extended 5 on 3 after the Major and Game Misconduct.
A shorthanded goal early in the final period proved to be the backbreaker for West Kelowna, as they couldn’t find their way in the third, as Garrett Hughson finished with 36 saves in the Brooks net.
West Kelowna’s 1 for 13 power play was their undoing in the game, as they couldn’t create enough Grade A scoring chances against the solid Brooks penalty kill.
The Warriors will now have an off day on Monday before taking on the Manitoba Junior Hockey League Champion Portage Terriers on Tuesday afternoon at 2 PM local, 1 PM BC time.
