The West Kelowna Warriors hot start leads to a big 5-3 regulation victory Friday night over the Merritt Centennials.
The Warriors got off to a picture perfect start scoring a pair of goals on the man advantage. First it was John Evans who would fire a wrist shot past Tanner Marshall to make it 1-0 Warriors. Then on another power play Warriors defender Nick Ardanaz would receive a John Evans pass and put it past Tanner Marshall to make it 2-0. Only 16 seconds later the Warriors would add another one courtesy of Ryan Novecosky extending the lead to 3-0 only 7:28 into the game. That would be the end of the night for Centennials goaltender and Okanagan native Tanner Marshall who would be replaced by Ryan Winter between the pipes. The Cents would get a goal from Thomas Manty to get them on the board but once again the Warriors would answer back this time shorthanded. Deegan Mofford was able to steal the puck and rip one five hole on Ryan Winter to restore the 3 goal lead. The Cents were able to get a goal in the final minute of play in the first to make it 4-2 heading into the dressing room.
The second period the Warriors got themselves into penalty trouble but it was Carter Wilke who was able to grab Holden Kodak pass to give the Warriors their second short handed goal of the game and a 5-2 lead.
The Warriors took their foot of the gas pedal in the third period allowing the Cents to spend time in the Warriors zone. Rylan Van Unen was able to cut the lead to two but in the end it wasn’t enough as Johnny Derrick stopping 36 of 39 shots on goal picking up first star of the game.
Final shots on goal: 39-32 in favor of the Centennials.
Three Stars:
- WKW G Johnny Derrick (36 Saves)
- WKW F Carter Wilkie (1G)
- MER F Rylan Van Unen (1G)