Warriors fall to Rivermen in OT

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet File Photo

Jonathan Desbiens scored the lone goal as the Warriors fell 2-1 in double overtime in Langley Tuesday.

A good defensive effort went for naught as the Langley Rivermen knocked off West Kelowna with a 2-1 win in double overtime on Remembrance Day in Langley.

A slow start to the first period saw limited chances and tight checking hockey.

The Rivermen opened up the scoring at 18:20 of the opening frame when Matthew Graham fired a shot from the point after a Warrior turnover.

The 2nd period say more big saves from both goaltenders, as Bo Didur and Scott Patton stopped everything thrown their way.

There would also be some big hits in the period, as Gage Torrel was given two and 10 for a blow to the head on Mac Ferner in the middle frame. Kyle Marino also decked Jacob Kearley as he reached up for a high puck.

Early in the 3rd Jonathan Desbiens executed a perfect three-on-two rush, snapping a shot over Didur’s shoulder after a great pass from Andrew Johnson.

The Warriors held the Rivermen to just a single shot on goal in the 3rd period as the teams headed to overtime knotted at 1-1..

In the first OT, West Kelowna had a late power-play opportunity as Jason Cotton hit the post on a one-timer in the slot.

Once the penalty expired and the teams reverted to 3 on 3, the Rivermen got a turnover down low and Jacob Kearley snapped home the game winner while standing all alone in front of Patton, who was named second star.

Next up for the Warriors a Friday night tilt against the Merritt Centennials at Royal LePage Place.