Photo Credit: Jack Murray
February 1st, 2019
WEST KELOWNA B.C. -The Warriors are looking to create some separation in the BC Interior Division standing with a win tonight over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
Silverbacks VS Warriors Schedule:
Sept 28th VS Salmon Arm 7:00pm 5-3 WIN
Sept 29th @ Salmon Arm 7:00pm 4-1 LOSS
Oct 5th @ Salmon Arm 7:00pm 5-2 LOSS
Oct 26th VS Salmon Arm 7:00pm 4-1 WIN
Feb 1st @ Salmon Arm 7:00pm
Feb 2nd VS Salmon Arm 7:00pm
The Warriors are coming off a big 7-3 victory over the Surrey Eagles last Wednesday. Everything was going well for the Warriors in this one – Their power play was perfect, Mike Hardman had his first multi goal game of 2019, and Lucas Bahn was able to register his first multi point game in the BCHL. The game was also the first victory for newly acquired Head Coach and General Manager Brandon West who faced his former club.
Tonight Coach West faces another former team of his, the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Last time these two clubs met was back in October 26th where the Warriors controlled the pace of play coming out with a 4-1 victory. This will be the first time defenseman Austin Chorney faces his former club since joining the Warriors earlier this season. Chorney has spent time with the Chilliwack Chiefs, Vernon Vipers, and Salmon Arm Silverbacks in the span of only 3 seasons. The future Ohio State Buckeye doesn’t look into the story lines of facing his former clubs, “I only look at the importance of these two games coming up and that’s all I’m focused on at this point.”
The Salmon Arm Silverbacks have struggled in 2019. Inconsistent play has been the theme in January with the club being leapfrogged by their North Okanagan Rival Vernon Vipers this past week in the BCHL Interior Division standings. The Silverbacks are one of the BCHL’s youngest teams and growing pains maybe the cause of the slump, but Warriors Assistant Coach Matt Miller knows this Silverbacks club is still dangerous, especially at home. “Our goal this weekend is to get four points. And the only way to get four is to get the first two on Friday night in a tough building to play in. They’ve been a very tough team to play at home this season so we have to go in with the right mindset and be ready to compete.”
The Warriors are currently sitting in 4th place in the Interior Division with 53 points. 6 points behind the Wenatchee Wild and 3 points ahead of the Vernon Vipers. The Salmon Arm Silverbacks are sitting in sixth place in the Interior Division – 1 point behind the Vernon Vipers and 3 points ahead of the Trail Smoke Eaters.
Catch tonight’s game on Mixlr and Hockey TV. Warriors Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations Chase Johnston is back on the mic with a pregame show 10 minutes before puck drop. Just a reminder that tickets are still available for Saturday night matchup versus the Silverbacks. Visit the Warriors website and select single game tickets for more details.
