West Kelowna and Vernon gave fans another glimpse of just how good, and how well-matched, the Interior Division teams are on Saturday.
Having traded home wins in their previous two matchups, the Warriors and Vipers engaged in a compelling contest in Vernon – though 70 minutes wasn’t enough to determine a winner.
The Vipers had a strong start to this game, and drew first blood on a Demico Hannoun tally 4 ½ minutes in. A Dexter Dancs goal early in the second doubled Vernon’s lead and more pressure from the hosts looked like it might spell disaster for West Kelowna.
However, netminder Andy Desautels made some strong saves to keep the Warriors alive, and Adam Osvzevski’s first BCHL goal soon catalyzed the Warriors’ comeback bid.
“I feel surreal, actually” Osczevski grinned after the dust had settled. “It’s a really good feeling to get that first goal.”
The Warriors continued to improve and found the equalizer when Carl Hesler lifted a backhanded over Austin Smith on a short-handed chance early in the third.
After some more lovely saves from Andy Desautels preserved the tie and forced overtime, the Warriors surged in the first extra frame and had a handful of chances to earn the win.
However, Vipers netminder Austin Smith stood tall in overtime and the game concluded with both teams settling for a hard-fought single point.
“I’m not happy with a tie” Osczevski mused afterwards. “I think we deserved that win.”
Having said that, the West Kelowna rookie knows it was an important step forward for a team that has struggled so far in November (now 2-5-1). “A lot of things went well for us tonight” Osczevski agrees. “We did most of the little things well.”
With the tie, the Warriors move back into fourth place in the division, four points back of division-leading Vernon but with games in hand. Another big test is scheduled for Tuesday when West Kelowna plays host to key rival Penticton.
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