Chilliwack (West Kelowna Warriors) – The West Kelowna Warriors got the BCHL’s Third Round off to a great start on Tuesday night, knocking off the Chilliwack Chiefs 5-1 at the Prospera Centre in Chilliwack.
After losing captain Kyle Marino to a checking from behind call in the first period, the Warriors rallied around the penalty kill and came out strong in the middle frame.
Jake LeBrun scored the opening goal as he stole the puck from the Chiefs goaltender Aidan Pelino behind the net and snuck one in the open cage.
Laser vision and great passing by Bryan Basilico lead to the Warriors second goal, as Connor Sodergren’s snipe from the left circle put West Kelowna up a pair and silencing the crowd of 1598.
They would have something to cheer about just four minutes later, as Jordan Kawaguchi picked the top corner to cut the lead in half after 40 minutes.
The Warriors power play put the game away in the third, as Quin Foreman and Liam Blackburn each scored, as the man advantage units worked at a 66.7% efficiency on the night.
Kylar Hope added the empty netter with 4:10 remaining, and Matthew Greenfield finished off his 32 save performance with a first star honor.
Game Two for the Chiefs is Saturday night in Nanaimo.
