Warriors get Trail in playoffs

Photo: Trevor Miller

The West Kelowna Warriors finally know who they'll face in the first round of the BC Hockey League playoffs.

The Warriors clinched fifth in the Interior Division Friday, meaning a date with the fourth place Trail Smoke Eaters.

West Kelowna sealed fifth with a thrilling 2-1 overtime win over the Merritt Centennials.

It was the Warriors second straight overtime game, coming on the heals of Wednesday's 7-6 defeat at the hands of the Wenatchee Wild.

Parm Dhaliwal was the hero for the Warriors, banging home the game winner on the only shot of the extra period, just 30 seconds in.

Ryan Steele assisted on the goal, giving him 12 goals and 12 helpers since being acquired from the Alberni Valley Bulldogs at the trade deadline.

Jake Harrison opened the scoring for the Warriors with his seventh on a power play seven minutes into the second.

Christian Sabin tied it four minutes later, and the score remained that way until Dhaliwal put an end to the proceedings.

Nik Amundrud was the busier of the two netminders, turning away 40 of 41 shots to earn his 17th win of the season.

The Warriors will close out the regular season in Salmon Arm Saturday.

Because of a postponed game last weekend, the Silverbacks will be playing their fourth game in four nights when they meet the Warriors Saturday.

The Silverbacks, who were challenging the Warriors for fifth just a week ago, have faded down the stretch, and will finish seventh.