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Warriors, Vees clash Friday

The West Kelowna Warriors hope to turn their hope fortunes around when they entertain the Penticton Vees Friday and Saturday in games three and four of their Interior Division semi-final series.

The Warriors wrestled home ice advantage away from the Vees by earning a split of the opening two games in Penticton.

The Vees evened the series Wednesday erasing a 2-0 third period deficit and earning a 3-2 overtime win.

While the Warriors now have home ice advantage for what is essentially now a best-of-five - Royal LePage Place has been anything but an advantage for the Warriors when these teams meet.

Over the past four seasons the Warriors have just one regulation time win (4-0, Dec. 21, 2013) in 15 games dating back to the start of the 2011-2012 season.

However, over the past three seasons, the Warriors are 5-5 over a 10 game span.

"We kind of laughed about that this morning and said we should just keep playing in their building because we seem to have more success there," said Warriors head coach Rylan Ferster.

"They are such a good hockey team I think we could play them anywhere. We could play them in Summerland or anywhere...you;re going to get the same game, they're good no matter where they play."

In three post season series with the Vees dating back to the 2007-2008 season, the Warriors are 3-4 in seven meetings on home ice.

They have also yet to beat the Vees in a playoff series losing in four, six and five games respectively.

"Anytime we've beaten them it isn't because we've dominated them because we haven't but they seem to have our number here, that's for sure," said Ferster.

"But, it's playoffs and we haven't seen them here for a while so, we'll see."

Ferster said he doesn't believe there is any secret or any mystique the Vees hold over the Warriors at Royal LePage Place.

He said they're just a good team that has been able to win no matter where they play.

Ferster added one of the keys to beating the Vees will be to play to the final buzzer.

Too many times since he's been with the Warriors the Vees have somehow found a way to get the equalizer or the winner late in a game.

The Warriors also showed in game one Tuesday they have the ability to come back themselves.

They turned a 3-2 deficit into a 4-3 overtime win.

Scott Patton, who, according to the shot counters in Penticton has faced 103 shots over the course of the first two games will get the start again Friday while Andy Desautels serves as the back-up.

Ferster said Jordan Masters will remain on the sidelines and isn't expected to play in the series.

The Warriors will have a pre-game tailgate party in the courtyard prior to games three and four featuring live music, food and games.

Game time is 7 p.m. for both games.

Game five in the series will be played in Penticton Monday with game six, if necessary, Tuesday back at Royal LePage Place.

 



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