Warriors steal two points in Trail

The West Kelowna Warriors started the second half of the BC Hockey League season the way they ended the first - with a win.

But this one was more than your textbook win - it was more like highway robbery.

The Warriors got two goals from David Pope 30 seconds apart with goaltender Andy Desautels on the bench and the overtime winner from Liam Blackburn to escape the Steel City with an improbable 4-3 victory.

Tyson Dallman also scored for the Warriors.

Trail erased a 1-0 first period deficit with three unanswered goals in the middle frame to take a 3-1 lead.

They held onto that lead despite relentless pressure from the Warriors until the bitter end.

With Desautels on the bench Pope scored his ninth of the season at 18:37 of the third then, with the netminder back on the bench for an extra attacker, Pope scored again 30 seconds later to force overtime.

Blackburn capped off the thrilling comeback with his eighth of the season 4:07 into the first overtime period.

Captain Matt Anholt assisted on both the tying and winning goals and finished the night with three helpers.

West Kelowna outshot Trail 47-28 including 22-7 during the decisive third period.

Trail finished the night 1-5 on the power-play while the Warriors went 0-3 with the man advantage.

The Warriors have now won three in a row and six of their last seven while the cellar dwelling Smokies have dropped 13 in a row.

The win moves the Warriors into third place in the Interior Division a point up on fourth place Salmon Arm and a single point behind second place Vernon. The Warriors hold a game in hand on both teams.

The Warriors are back in action this weekend when they host Trail Saturday night and Nanaimo Sunday afternoon.