Photo Credit: Julie Pringle(Snap Photography)
January 4th, 2018
WEST KELOWNA B.C. – The West Kelowna Warriors hope to even up the season series with their North Okanagan Rival’s the Vernon Vipers.
WARRIORS VS VIPERS REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE:
Sept 14th @ Vernon LOSS 4-3
Nov 16th @ West Kelowna LOSS 6-3
Dec 8th @ Vernon WIN 2-1
Jan 4th @ Vernon
Jan 18th @ West Kelowna
Feb 16th @ West Kelowna
The West Kelowna Warriors kick off 2019 in Vernon Friday night. It’s a match up the Vipers are looking forward to after losing 2-1 on home ice back on December 8th. That game had the Vipers without a handful of players due to injury, suspension, and the World Junior A Challenge. Although tonight they’re a little on the healthier side, they are still without top forward Jesse Lansdell who is suspended long term, and top centre Alex Swetlikoff who elected to make the jump to the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League after the Rockets acquired his WHL rights from the Lethbridge Hurricanes. This leaves the Vipers once again shorthanded up front, but Warriors Assistant Coach Matt Miller believes regardless of which Vipers lineup comes to play, they will always be a tough matchup, “They have had a couple of big blows up front losing some of their best players, but they continue to be one of the tougher oppents in the BCHL. They are also well coached and will compete for a full 60 minutes no matter what their lineup looks like.”
Warriors forwards Chase Dubois and Mike Hardman hope to continue their hot streaks as of late. Dubois, 20, is currently on an 8 game point streak scoring 17 points during the stretch. Union College committed Mike Hardman is sitting in second place for the league lead in BCHL goals scored, as well as tied for first in game winning goals. Both Dubois and Hardman will try and light the lamp versus a Vipers club that hasn’t allowed the Warriors much offense as of late.
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 tomorrow night’s home game versus the Trail Smoke Eaters. Visit the Warriors website and select single game tickets for more details.
