A 2-1 lead heading into the third period turned into another narrow defeat for West Kelowna.

Photo: Contributed - Randy Emery

Connor Collett celebrates the game winner in Trail's 3-2 OT win over West Kelowna

After thumping Trail 9-2 on home ice 4 days prior, the Warriors suffered their second overtime loss of the season and second defeat in as many tries at the Cominco Arena on Tuesday.

Brennan Clark and Marcus Basara each tallied for the Warriors in the first period.  A Scott Davidson marker just as a Trail powerplay expired meant the visitors were up 2-1 after 20 minutes of play. 

The second period turned into a scrambly affair, with neither team able to find the back of the net.

Clinging to a one-goal lead, the Warriors found themselves unable to clear their zone midway through the period – leading to a tying goal from Trail’s Connor Collett.

West Kelowna would push hard for another go-ahead goal, but was repeatedly denied by Lyndon Stanwood.  The Smokies netminder was named the first star of the night and has been instrumental in both of Trail’s wins over West K.

Finally, 2:11 into the first overtime period, Collett would set up Tyler Berkholtz for the game-winner. 

With the win, the Smoke Eaters remain a perfect 4-0 at the Cominco Arena.  Trail has now beaten West Kelowna in two of three matchups on the season and is two points up on the Warriors in the BCHL’s Interior Conference. 

“It’s a bitter loss” Warriors forward Reid Simmonds admits.  “We gave them a little chance in the third period and they capitalized.”

“We kind-of underestimated Trail” Simmonds also suggests.  “Coming in here they’ve obviously proven that they’re a great home team.”

The Warriors will get a quick chance at redemption, with yet another matchup with the Smokies set for Friday night at Royal LePage Place.  West K. then heads to Vernon on Saturday.