SEPTEMBER 7th, 2018
WEST KELOWNA B.C – The road to the Fred Page Cup starts in Trail. The West Kelowna Warriors first test of the season will be a playoff rematch against the Trail Smoke Eaters.
Warriors vs. Smoke Eaters 2018/19 Regular Season Schedule:
Friday, September 7th @ Cominco Arena (7:00 PM)
Saturday, September 8th @ Royal LePage Place (7:00 PM)
Saturday, October 20th @ Cominco Arena (7:00 PM)
Saturday, January 5th @ Royal LePage Place (7:00 PM)
Friday, February 22nd @ Royal LePage Place (7:00 PM)
Saturday, February 23rd @ Cominco Arena (7:00 PM)
The Warriors are still reeling from their playoff exit last March with the Smoke Eaters sweeping the Warriors in the first round of the 2017-18 BCHL playoffs. It was the best season the Smoke Eaters have had in over 20 years thanks to a new coaching staff, and deep roster. West Kelowna is bringing back numerous players including their new captain Cavin Tilsley. Tilsley, 20, was part of the leadership group back in 2017-18. “I have had amazing leaders in the past that have helped me become the player and person I am today, and I hope to have the same affect on my teammates. ” Tilsley will have fellow veterans Parm Dhaliwal, Chase Dubois, and Bennett Norlin serve as his alternate captains this season.
The Trail Smoke Eaters lost a couple major pieces both up front and on the back end starting with Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Kale Howarth. Howarth alongside forward Ross Armour, and Seth Barton were just a few of many players moving on to the next level this season. The Smoke Eaters will be relying on new players to take the next step including forwards Tyler Ghiardosi, Carter Jones, and Brayden Tuck. All three players are expected to make the next step in their development according to Smoke Eaters General Manager Craig Clare. A couple players to look out for are the rookies for the Smoke Eaters, 16 year old forward Kent Johnson and 17 year old defenseman Jimmy Darby. Johnson played with the CSSHL’s Burnaby Winter Club last season scoring 29 goals and 75 points in only 35 games played. Darby, 17, isn’t known to be a major point producer saw some action with the Smoke Eaters in the BCHL playoffs last March picking up a goal and three points in five playoff games.
This will be a tough start to the season with the Warriors dealing with not just injuries but suspensions. Both Willie Reim and Matt Kowalski will be out of the lineup for the Warriors serving suspensions dating back to the playoff exit in March. Kowalski, 20, will start serving a four game suspension this weekend while Reim, 19, is only serving one game and is expected to slot into the lineup Saturday night. Another tidbit about the Warriors situation is between the pipes. With Cole Demers being traded last Tuesday night to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. That leaves 2000 born goaltender Connor Hopkins the starter this weekend. The Warriors are thrilled to have a talent like Hopkins between the pipes, especially if they can hold on to him long term. Hayden Missler, 18, will dress as the backup.
Both games this weekend will be broadcast live on HockeyTV and pending technical difficulties there will also be an audio stream available on MixLR. Puck drop for both games is at 7:00pm with a 10 minute pregame show airing at 6:50pm.
Season tickets are now on sale for the upcoming 2018/19 season, which is set to begin tonight in Trail, before heading to Royal LePage Place to host the Smoke Eaters in their home opener on Saturday, September 8th. Head to the Warriors newly renovated office to check in on ticket details.
