Photo: #26 Jack Finley picks up a goal and assist in his first game with the Warriors Friday night.
Photo Credit: Pure Life Photography
November 6th 2020
Salmon Arm, B.C. – The West Kelowna Warriors kicked off the last weekend of the Okanagan Cup round robin with a 3-2 win over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
Coming off a much needed bye weekend the Warriors took a few moments to get their game legs back in gear. Salmon Arm would spend the better part of the opening five minutes of the first period in the attacking zone. Goaltender Johnny Derrick started strong in first appearance back since injury and was able to hold down the fort while the team in front of him got back to game speed. Just passed the six minute mark the Warriors would get their first crack at a powerplay opportunity. Not being able to capitalize with the man advantage would prove to be costly as the Silverbacks would draw first blood shortly after the penalty expired. A point shot from Lucas Matta would be tipped in front by Danny Ciccarello and the Silverbacks would jump out to a 1-0 lead. On their next power play the Warriors would make amends. Recent addition Jack Finley, a 2020 2nd round NHL draft pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning, would redirect a John Evans slap pass to bring the game back to even.
The second period would start with Salmon Arm taking their fourth consecutive penalty. However, a Warrior’s turnover at the offensive blueline would result in a short handed breakaway for Simon Tassy. He would make no mistake, finding the back of the net and restoring the Silverbacks one goal lead. Before the five minute mark it was the Warriors other NHL draftee Matthew Steinburg getting in on the scoring action. Pat Lawn would throw the puck towards the net where Steinburg was set up all alone. That score would hold till the final moments of the period. With 11.7 seconds left on the clock Evans would give the Warriors their first lead of the evening. Steinburg and Finley would draw the assists on Evans’ 5th goal of the Okanagan Cup.
As the third period progressed, both teams found themselves making trips to the penalty box. Despite there being plenty of space due to 4 on 4 and 4 on 3 play neither side could find a way to add to the goals column. Salmon Arm would empty their arsenal over the last half of the third but were unable to solve Derrick. The score from the second period would hold through the third and the Warriors would string together their third consecutive win. Final shots on net 26-25 in favour of the Silverbacks.
The victory combined with a Vernon Vipers loss means the Warriors have locked up 2nd place in the Okanagan Cup standings. They will play those same Vipers next weekend in a single game semi final. However, the Warriors will first play Salmon Arm one more time to close out the round robin portion of the tournament. Puck drop From Royal Lepage Place will be Saturday November 7th at 7:00pm. That match up will once again be available on HockeyTV, Warriors MixIr Station, and the Shaw Spotlight Channel. A reminder to Warriors fans that Wings West Kelowna will have the game broadcasted on their big screen.
