The Vernon Vipers got the goaltending — the Westside Warriors didn't.
That was the difference Friday as the Vipers dumped Westside 5-2 in the Warriors home opener before 1,186 noisy fans at Royal LePage Place.
The Warriors had a week's worth of scoring chances during the opening 40 minutes but could only beat Kirby Halcrow once.
The Vernon netminder made several key saves from close in and stopped Warriors rookie Seb Lloyd on a clear breakaway, with the Vipers clinging to a 2-1 lead late in the second.
At the other end of the rink Warriors netminder Steven Racine, who was in goal for all three Warriors victories, was shaky in allowing sharp angle goals to Mike Zelewski and Marcus Basara.
Rylan Ferster pulled Racine after the second goal in favour of Brandon Lane.
"I think we needed a save. I don't think our goaltending gave us an opportunity to win tonight," says Ferster.
"It's difficult when that happens. We're not going to win many games giving up five goals and we know that so we're going to have to do a better job there. I thought our compete level was pretty good but again, I think there's two guys that have to look in the mirror tonight."
With the game scoreless in the opening period the Warriors were handed three straight power-plays. Despite numerous chances they were unable to beat Halcrow.
"Our power play didn't score early. I thought maybe that could have been the difference."
After Zelewski opened the scoring for the Vipers Max French came back with his first of the season banging home a rebound to put the Warriors on even terms with a minute to go in the opening period.
The Vipers grabbed a 2-1 lead in the second then capitalized on three straight Warrior penalties with goals from Marc Hetnik and two from Adam Tambellini in a span of just three minutes to put the game away.
Travis Blanleil scored in the final on the Warriors seventh power-play to close out the scoring.
The loss may also have come at a steep price for the Warriors.
Forward Reid Simmonds left in the second period with a right knee injury after it seemed he was hit knee-on-knee by one of the Vipers. He didn't return.
In the third period captain Izaak Berglund was taken off on a backboard after laying on the ice for several minutes.
Berglund apparently took an inadvertent knee to the head.
The Warriors trainer Mike Bois accompanied Berglund to the hospital.
"It was a freak kind of thing. I really didn't see it so I don't know exactly what all happened. It's just something that happens so we're just praying for the best for that young man" says Ferster of the injury.
The Warriors, 3-1 on the season, travel to Merritt for a date with the Centennials Saturday night.
They'll play in Vernon Wednesday before starting a six game home stand Friday against Merritt.
Visit The General's Report for more on the Westside Warriors.
