Warriors 4 - Vernon 1

West Kelowna took down the Vernon Vipers by a 4-1 margin on Friday night to kick off Parents Weekend.

A scoreless first period saw lots of physical play, as these two teams renewed their rivalry from last season, and from the October 23rd matchup. There were no penalties called until the last five minutes, when the Vipers were assessed the first minor. Andrew Shortridge was the story early, making key saves as West Kelowna had the better opportunities, out-shooting the Vipers 13-5.

West Kelowna continued to get shots on goal to start the 2nd, when Quin Foreman shot a loose puck past Shortridge. Then, at 11:51, Jonathan Desbiens scored his 13th with a beautiful shot underneath the crossbar over the glove. There were big saves in the period from Shortridge, including a massive glove save on Tanner Campbell in tight.

Foreman's 2nd of the game was the product of a beautiful pass down-low from Liam Blackburn, as he went across the crease onto the stick of Foreman as he hammered one past Shortridge. The Vipers didn't get on the board until a power play in the 3rd period, as Riley Brandt was able to beat Keelan Williams with a slap-shot while the Warriors were changing.

The 2nd of the night for Desbiens was also a pretty goal, as he changed the angle with a quick move in tight and went upstairs with the shot. The rest of the night was uneventful as the Warriors finished with a 45-24 margin in shots.

Game Thoughts: 

• After the first 5 minutes I thought the Warriors took over the hockey game. The puck possession was there throughout the night, and they out-chanced Vernon 25-6 in the game. If it wasn't for Andrew Shortridge, and I referenced it on the broadcast, it could have been 7 or 8 for the Warriors. Shortridge once again played as advertised, and you cannot blame him on any of the goals.
• The Warriors only dished out 18 hits in the hockey game, but I felt they were more physical than that. It would be interesting to see what the Vipers had recorded for hits.
• Quin Foreman. He was good tonight. Liam Blackburn told me on Wednesday night that he likes playing with Foreman because of his big body and he seems to win puck battles. Warriors fans have watched Foreman blossom from a 4th line type guy early on, to a Top-6 forward after the Paul Lovsin trade. Look for Campbell-Blackburn-Foreman to continue together.
• Kylar Hope could have easily been a star last night, but picked up his 6th Fortis BC Energy Player of the Game honours last night. 2 Assists for Hope makes it his most productive BCHL season, and that is only game 24. He has 10 points in the last 5 games.