Photo Credit: Chase Johnston
OCTOBER 7th, 2018
WEST KELOWNA B.C. – The West Kelowna Warriors bounced back this weekend with a thrilling victory over the red hot Victoria Grizzlies Sunday afternoon. It was a game full of special teams play with un predictable plays on both ends of the ice.
1st Period:
The Warriors started with a bang with a couple powerplays that they couldn’t cash in on, but later on with 14:05 gone in the first Bennett Norlin was able to deflect a shot from the point leading to the first goal of the hockey game. Even with the extra man advantages the Grizzlies lead shots on goal 9-5.
2nd Period:
The second period was loaded with more power play opportunities the Warriors couldn’t cash in on. Credit has to be given to the Grizzlies preventing any chances or shooting lanes for the Warriors. Veteran forward Cam Thompson made numerous plays on the penalty kill for the Grizzlies and even creating some short handed chances. The Warriors took their first penalty of the game at the 12 minute mark of the second leading to a quick power play goal for New York Rangers prospect Riley Hughes. Only a couple minutes later the Warriors answered right back with a Mike Hardman shot that deflected off the body of Chase Dubois to regain the one goal lead.
3rd Period:
Things got off the rails to start the third with three two man advantages for the Warriors and an ejection to the Grizzlies Jeremie Bucheler. Bucheler took his gloves off on the ice before entering the penalty box and was immediately removed from the game. Even with 3 two man advantages the Warriors were still unable to cash in. The Warriors came into this afternoon’s game with the second best power play in the BCHL, but finished 0/14 on the man advantage. After a Chase Dubois knee on knee penalty on Alex Newhook the Warriors went on the penalty kill with only 4 minutes remaining in the game. Enter Max Bulawka, who was able to block a pass from the point and take off on a 2-1 with his Captain Cavin Tilsley to score the short handed insurance goal. Towards the end of the game Grizzlies head coach Craig Didmon had no other choice but to pull his goaltender Kurtis Chapman with 2 minutes to go and that’s where Matt Kowalski and Willie Reim connected with the empty net goal to win it 4-1.
“The power play was absolutely terrible, but the penalty kill won the game for us”, Geoff Grimwood added after the game. The Warriors pick up a two points they needed to keep up with the pack in the BCHL’s Interior Division.
3 Stars:
- WKW G Brock Baier 34 saves
- WKW F Bennett Norlin
- WKW F Lukas Cullen (1A)
Fortis Energy Player of the Game:
VIC #19 Riley Hughes
The West Kelowna Warriors next game will take place Friday October 12th in Merritt against the Cents. Puck drop at 7pm on HockeyTV and Mixlr. The Warriors next home game is Saturday September 13th with the Nanaimo Clippers in town for a rematch from the BCHL Showcase just a couple weeks ago. Tickets are available for Saturday nights game. Check out our new ticketing system on the West Kelowna Warriors website and choose your seats!
