The Warriors cranked out another imposing team performance on Sunday.
Powell River is a very good team and best West Kelowna in overtime a couple of months ago. They came into the rematch tired and banged up, and were duly overmatched by a focused Warriors group.
David Pope scored this gem, and was named the first star
The Kings had some great jump early on, and I’d say they were the better team for the first 6-8 minutes of the game. However, no deadly scoring chances materialized, and the Warriors began to take over.
Jonah Imoo sparkled in net, and did a great job of keeping his team in it, particularly late in the first and early in the second. David Pope and Seb Lloyd both got stoned in the first, and there were a ton more in the second. He gave a couple of rebounds, but usually bailed himself out – including an incredible stop on a Carl Hesler rebound bid while falling backwards that simply blew me away.
The Warriors kept at it though, and wouldn’t be denied. Seb Lloyd continued his good form of late by shelfing a second rebound midway through the second. David Pope made a pro finish on a break later in the frame.
Matt Anholt spotted Liam Blackburn with tons of space for a powerplay goal early in the third, making it 3-0 West K and giving the Tribe something that’s eluded them so much of late – that powerplay goal to put a team away.
And it proved useful too, when Nyshan Basra made one bounce awkwardly over Desautels for his first BCHL goal and another shutout-spoiler. Desautels bounced back with a terrific save moments later to keep the Warriors in front by two, setting up Matt Anholt’s empty-netter and a 4-1 win.
Pics by John Hebert
The Warriors have now won three games in a row, giving up a total of two goals in the process. From Desautels out the guys are playing stingy hockey and showing skill to boot.
Tyson Dallman will return on Wednesday, and it doesn’t sound like anything too serious happened to Jordan Masters when he was forced from the game on Sunday.
Things are trending, anyway.
