Photo: #33 Johnny Derrick was dialed in Friday night stopping 42 of 44 Vipers shots.
Photo Credit: Lisa Mazurek Photography
April 16th, 2021
Vernon, B.C.- Early offence proves to be enough as the West Kelowna Warriors held on for a 3-2 win over the Vernon Vipers Friday evening.
Sporting an unconventional ten forwards and eight defenceman lineup, the Warriors scored early and they scored often in the first period. Just 39 seconds in, Damon Jugnauth reaped the reward of a hard Dawson Porter forecheck. Porter was able to force a turnover and get the puck onto Jugnauth’s stick for the opening goal. The Warriors’ second and third goals came 2:24 apart. First was Riley Sharun with his fourth of the pod season. Then on the powerplay, Tyler Cristall finished another Dawson setup. Warriors’ goaltender Johnny Derrick kept the Viper’s shooters at bay, stopping all 14 shots thrown his way in the opening frame.
The Warriors then found themselves in penalty trouble. A five minute power play gave Vernon an opportunity to get back into the game. The Viper’s cashed in twice on the major penalty, just 30 seconds apart. The first courtesy of Nicholas Kent, the second from Tyler Carpendale.
Vernon continued to dominate play in the third. However, it was Derrick making sure they were unable to find an equalizer. Despite being outshot 44-23, the Warriors skated away with a 3-2 win.
The Warriors will have a day away from game play before getting right back at it Sunday. They’ll face the Salmon Arm Silverbacks looking to avenge a 6-4 defeat earlier this week. Puck Drop is 6:00pm from Kal-Tire Place. Tune into the action on BCHLTV (formally HockeyTV) or on the free internet radio stream on Mixlr.
