Warriors seek vindication

Photo: Julie Pringle/Snap Photography

The West Kelowna Warriors look to slay their demons Friday night when they host the Merritt Centennials at Royal LePage Place.

The Warriors have struggled in their two previous meetings with the Centennials, falling 8-4 and 8-3.

Both games were played in the tiny confines of the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena in Merritt.

And, while the players will tell you its the worst rink in the league to play, head coach Geoff Grimwood says it's not the rink that's to blame.

“Our players need to get over that if that’s how they feel, I think people make too much of it. it was just a poor effort on our part," said Grimwood.

The Warriors head into Friday's contest on a bit of a roll.

They have won three of their last four, including two of three on last weekend's Island Division road trip.

The Warriors were led on the island by the newly formed line of Willie Reim, Cavin Tilsley and Bennett Norlin. The trio combined for 13 points in the three games.

Reim, with four goals and four assists, was named the BCHL's player of the week.

The Warriors come into the game Friday fourth in the Interior Division, just three points in back of both Merritt and Wenatchee.

Friday's game is also Paster Don Richmond's annual Hamper Drive. $1 from every ticket sold will go toward the campaign.

Raffle items will also be available by donation.

Richmond is hoping to fill, and distribute 50 hampers to families in need in West Kelowna.