Photo Credit: Julie Pringle Snap Photography
OCTOBER 27th, 2018
WEST KELOWNA B.C. -The West Kelowna Warriors head to the South Okanagan for a tilt with the Vees.
WARRIORS VS VEES REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE:
Friday October 19th @ West Kelowna 7pm WIN 3-2
Saturday October 27th @ Penticton 6pm
Tuesday November 13th @ West Kelowna 7pm
Wednesday November 14th @ Penticton 7pm
Friday December 21st @ Penticton 7pm
Saturday December 22nd @ West Kelowna 7pm
The Warriors are coming off their third straight victory after last night’s win over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. It was a full team effort led by the new look line of Max Bulawka, Willie Reim, and Mike Hardman that made noise once again getting on the score sheet. Mike Hardman’s 10th of the season turned out to be the game winner. The Warriors also had stellar play from their fourth line of Mason Richey, Brandon Dent, and Eric Olson. Olson was named the Fortis Energy Player of the Game last night after throwing a couple big hits in the offensive zone, creating numerous scoring chances, and eating up minutes in the Silverbacks end. Cavin Tilsley was also able to end his scoring drought picking up his first of the season. The new look line of Bennett Norlin, Matt Kowalski, and Tilsley has produced over the past couple of games for the Warriors.
The Warriors come into tonight’s game knowing they have to play the Vees better than last time. Brock Baier absolutely stole the show back when these clubs first met Friday October 19th. The former Windsor Spitfire stopped 52 of 54 shots leading the Warriors to a 3-2 victory. The Warriors were also able to capitalize on a couple turnovers in the first period forcing the Vees to play catch up the rest of the hockey game. Tonight the Warriors need to be aware that the Vees will play smarter hockey, and they can’t reply on their goaltenders to win them their hockey games.
The Penticton Vees welcome some familiar faces to the lineup, forwards Massimo Rizzo and Luke Loheit. Rizzo, 17, is expected to be a potential first rounder in the 2018 NHL entry draft, but hasn’t dressed this season battling an undisclosed injury. The Burnaby native scored 39 points in 50 games played in the 2017-18 regular season, also netting 4 goals and 6 assists in 11 games played. Although the Vees are excited to have their captain back in the lineup, missing months of action may show some rink rust. Another forward the Vees have back in the lineup is Ottawa Senators prospect Luke Loheit. The Minnetonka, Minnesota native is already making noise in the BCHL scoring a pair of goals in 7 games played. Both forwards are expected to give a boost to a Vees club that’s been depleted up front to start the season. Another intriguing story line is defenseman Kenny Johnson. The Michigan commit received a three games suspension at the end of the Vees and Warriors last meeting with the Warriors picking up a 3-2 victory. Look for the Vees to start off the game with a little physicality tonight after ending their past meeting placing over 50 shots on goal on Brock Baier and still unable to pick up the two points.
Catch tonight’s game and every other home and away game this season on Mixlr and Hockey TV. Just head to the Warriors website and click on the “Listen Live” column to get directed to a radio feed of each game.
