The Warriors got a great start on the road in Chilliwack, but couldn’t maintain the pressure, as they fell 6-4 to the Chiefs on Friday night.
Marcus Basara drew first blood for Westside when he deflected a Curtis Toneff point shot past Mitch Gillam 1:24 into the game.
The Warriors had some great early pressure but could only beat Gillam once. A pair of markers from Malcom Gould then gave the Chiefs led 2-1 after 20 minutes.
A remarkable Gillam glove save off Max French early in the second proved pivotal, with a David Bondra tally giving the hosts a 3-1 lead after 40.
And despite three goals in the third, two of them on the powerplay, the Warriors couldn’t find the equalizer and the Chiefs hung on for a key victory. Spencer Graboski and Kit Sitterley (empty net) scored for Chilliwack in the third, while Malcolm Gould added his third of the night – which also held up as the game-winning goal.
As well as Basara’s opener, David Pope, Travis Blanleil and Devon Hascarl tallied for the Tribe.
Mitch Gillam was named the second star of the game, stopping 28 of the 32 Warriors shots. Dwayne Rodrigue suffered the loss, allowing 5 goals on 29 shots.
After the loss, Westside forward Marcus Basara said he was content with his team’s work ethic on the night, though he admitted his team may have lacked some toughness. “I think the boys are a little disappointed in ourselves tonight” he conceded. “We could have stood up for a couple of teammates tonight that got roughed up … and we all know that.”
The Warriors now trail both Chilliwack and Vernon by 10 points with 10 games remaining in the regular season. The Chiefs and Vipers will battle for sole possession of fourth place on Saturday in Chilliwack, while the Warriors visit Penticton looking to curb the Vees’ 31-game winning streak.
Visit The General’s Report for continuing coverage of the Westside Warriors.
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