Photo Credit: Endless Moments Photography
DECEMBER 22nd, 2018
WEST KELOWNA B.C. – The West Kelowna Warriors get ousted by the Penticton Vees by a score of 7-2.
The Vees would start the first period the exact same wy they did Friday night with loads of shots on goal. First it was Vees Eric Linell who rushed up the right side of the ice firing the puck past Brock Baier’s blocker side to give the Vees an early 1-0 lead. The Warriors would answer back only 5 minutes later with a Vees turnover in their own zone. Wyatt Head was able to intercept the puck and would distribute the puck to Mike Hardman, who found a wide open Max Bulawka for the tap in goal which would tie the game up at one scoring the annual Teddy Bear Toss goal. The Vees would answer right back though, it was Eric Linell who was able to take advantage of a Warriors turnover leading to a breakaway goal making it 2-1 after the first period.
The second period was all Vees to start, Warriors goaltender Brock Baier had to be sharp a couple times with Warriors giveaways in their own zone. It was sloopy play all around which would lead to Andre Ghantous scoring his 7th of the season extending the lead to two. Late in the period the Warriors would get their first push of the game drawing a penalty allowing special teams to go to work. The top unit was able to move the puck well to start the man advantage and it was Parm Dhaliwal who received a great cross ice feed from Mike Hardman getting the Warriors back into it. At one point in the period the shots on goal were 31-15 in favor of the Vees, the second period would end with the Vees only up 33-22 after the late Warriors surge.
The fans were behind the Warriors throughout the third and gave them the boost they needed. They peppered Vees goaltender Jack LaFontaine with shots but a controversial penalty call midway through the third period allowed the Vees to regain the two goal lead on the powerplay. The Warriors would have a larger hill to climb in the final ten minutes, and they were able to capitalize on the powerplay. Anthony Bishop was able to feed the puck to Parm Dhaliwal who made a sweet pass to Lucas Cullen to cut the lead to one. Trailing 4-3 late, the Vees would spend the remaining minutes of the game in their own zone and were able to rely on stellar goaltending from Jack LaFontaine to keep it a one goal game.
Shots on goal 48-44 in favor of the Warriors.
3 Stars
- WKW F Mike Hardman (2A)
- PEN F Eric Linell (2G)
- WKW G Brock Baier (40 Saves)
Fortis Energy Player of the Game:
WKW F Parm Dhaliwal (1G-1A)
The Warriors next game is Friday January 4th versus the Vernon Vipers. Puck drop at 7:00pm from Kal Tire Place in Vernon. Catch Friday’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.
