For the second time this pre-season the Westside Warriors fell in overtime, dropping a 2-1 heartbreaker in Vernon on Friday night.
After a slow start the Warriors got stronger as the game wore on, outshooting their hosts 14-4 in the second period and 14-7 in the third – for a game total of 35-22.
But overtime would again prove to be Westside’s undoing. Early in the first extra frame, the Warriors failed to clear the puck from their own zone, allowing Darren Nowick to set up Mike Zalewski’s game-winner 42 seconds into the 4-on-4 period.
Both regulation goals were scored early in the contest. Jedd Soloway converted a Marcus Basara centring pass just 1:49 in to give the defending champs an early lead. Rookie Tyson Witala hammered home a rolling puck late in the opening period to get Westside back on an even footing.
But despite the lack of goals in the second and third periods, there was no lack of scoring chances – particularly late in the game as both teams began to open things up and search for a winner.
“We played well, especially as the game went on we started to outplay them” said Westside’s Sebb Lloyd afterwards. “They just got the lucky bounce in overtime” he lamented.
The 17 year-old had only joined the Warriors camp the day before, but proved to be one of Westside’s key offensive catalysts on the night.
“I think there’s a lot of things to build on” Lloyd added. “Obviously you want to win, but I think the way we played as a team – that’s something to build on for tomorrow night’s game.”
The Warriors return to action on Saturday night as they host division rival Salmon Arm. The Silverbacks will come in looking for their first victory of the pre-season, after losing 5-2 to visiting Trail on Friday.
Saturday’s game gets underway at 7 p.m. at Royal LePage Place.
Visit The General’s Report for more reaction to Friday’s game.
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