Warriors to honour fire fighters

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet File Photo

Liam Blackburn leads the Warriors with four goals heading into the team's home opener Friday night at Royal LePage Place

The West Kelowna Warriors will pay tribute to fire fighters and first responders Friday night when they kick off the home portion of their BCHL schedule against the Vernon Vipers.

The special night comes just two months after fire fighters from the Okanagan, BC Wildfire Management Branch and across the country fought the Smith Creek Wildfire in West Kelowna.

"It was such an easy decision. You look at the impact it had on the community and of course the Warriors are the biggest eyes on the community once hockey season starts," says Director of Business Operations, Alex Draper.

"It was a real easy decision because these guys and gals need to have respect paid to them and I couldn't think of a better venue because of the sheer size and the number of people we can get out to honour them."

Along with the fire fighters and first responders, the Warriors are also inviting those people impacted by the Smith Creek Fire to come to the game as well.

"All evacuees, all they have to do is show ID...it's best they go to the ticket office early because they do have to have a ticket but the ticket will be comped if they are an evacuee."

The evening will include a special presentation to West Kelowna Fire Chief, Wayne Schnitzler and an emotional video tribute Draper says brought a tear to his eyes.

Friday's game features a Vernon team that should have an emotional boost after Mark Ferner was hired as the team's new head coach replacing Jason Williamson who stepped down just two weeks before the start of the regular season.

Ferner left his position as assistant coach with the WHL's Kamloops Blazers to take the Vipers job.

The Vipers come into Friday's game taking three of a possible four points from last weekend's Showcase in Chilliwack.

Vernon shutout Cowichan Valley 2-0 before falling 5-4 in overtime to Victoria.

The Warriors meantime are looking to build on a perfect opening weekend.

West Kelowna dumped Coquitlam 6-2 before edging out Nanaimo 7-6 in a wild shootout.

Sophomore forwards Liam Blackburn and Jason Cotton both got off to fast starts.

Blackburn had four goals and an assist over the opening two games while Cotton has three goals and a pair of assists.

Rookie Jonathan Desbiens also had a five point weekend with a goal and four helpers.

Game time Friday is 7 p.m.

The Vipers and Warriors conclude a home-and-home weekend Saturday in the Vipers home opener at 6 p.m. at Kal Tire Place.