A night after pounding Cowichan Valley, the Warriors found themselves embroiled in a barnburner in Vernon.
Unfortunately for the Tribe, their overtime woes continued as they dropped a 4-3 decision in extra-time.
Ryan Renz notched the winner when he muscled to the net and beat Tyler Briggs halfway through the 4-on-4 first overtime stanza.
Renz’ winner came after Aaron Hadley’s second of the game had tied things up with just four minutes remaining in regulation. Hadley would end up with a 3-point night, while Adam Tambellini also scored for Vernon.
David Pope led the Warriors attack, scoring two goals. Pope’s tallies were scored in a remarkably similar fashion, both on one-timers after Shawn Hochhausen face-off wins.
Seb Lloyd rounded out the Warriors’ scoring push, with the Warriors going 2/4 on the powerplay on the night.
The Vipers went 1/5 with the man advantage.
Shots were even for most of the game, with the Vipers eventually edging their guests by a 37-31 count (including 4-1 in overtime).
“I definitely didn’t think it was our best game” says David Pope of his team’s effort.
Pope suggested that the Warriors were having a hard time finding flow in the game, regretting that his squad struggled “generating back-to-back shifts of pressure.” He adds “We looked a little sluggish and just weren’t ready to battle.”
And so the Warriors earn three of a possible four points on the weekend.
West Kelowna will host Powell River next Friday before visiting Trail on Saturday.
Visit The General’s Report for ongoing analysis of the West Kelowna Warriors from broadcaster Jon Zacks.
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