Brett McKinnon scored the winner with 30 seconds remaining, as the Warriors knocked off Salmon Arm 3-2 on Wednesday night.
Westside overcame a 2-1 deficit after the 40 minutes to earn a hard-fought win against a Silverbacks team desperate to record its first victory.
Trailing 2-1 after 40 minutes of play, the Warriors tied the game up when Connor Dempsey converted a 5-on-3 advantage, setting up McKinnon’s heroics.
Richard Vanderhoek also scored for Westside, marking the star forward’s first tally of the season. Sean Flanigan and Kyle Oleniuk responded for Salmon Arm.
The Warriors outshot their hosts 20-5 in the third period and 48-27 overall, with Silverbacks netminder Kurt Williams named the game’s first star.
“He did great” says third star Peter MacIntosh of Williams’ effort. “We came in trying to get lots of shots, and we did. He kept them out for the most part – until we finally came through in the end.”
MacIntosh assisted McKinnon’s game-winning-goal, but also blocked numerous shots in his own zone. It’s something that we always try to do” says the New Brunswick native, adding “it’s actually something that their team did a really good job with tonight too, even though we got a lot through.”
Visit The General’s Report for more on Wednesday’s game.
Having recorded wins in each of their first three games, the Warriors now return to Royal LePage Place for their Home Opener on Friday night. The evening promises to be an entertaining one – with a tailgate party getting underway at 5:30 outside the arena. There will be a BBQ and live music, as well as firefighters and an engine from the West Kelowna Fire Department.
"It’s going to be awesome” says Brett McKinnon of the Home Opener. “There should be tons of fans there, and it should be a good environment … hopefully we can get another win.”
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