Warriors streak obliterated

Photo: Wayne Moore - File Photo

Lucas Bahn scored his first career BCHL goal during Sunday's loss in Merritt.

The West Kelowna Warriors came crashing back down to earth.

Riding a franchise-tying eight-game winning streak, the Warriors skated into Merritt Sunday afternoon for a first place showdown.

It wasn't much of a battle.

The Centennials rushed out to a 3-0 lead after one, built it to 5-0, and cruised to an 8-3 thumping of the Warriors.

It was the second thumping the Warriors have been dealt in the tiny confines of the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena. A month ago, Merritt skated away with an 8-4 win.

Nick Granowicz led the way for the Centennials with two goals and an assist. Bradley Cocca had a goal and two assists while Mathieu Gosselin added three helpers.

The Centennials also hit on three of seven power play opportunities during the penalty-filled contest. The Warriors were hit with 52 minutes in penalties, the Centennials 36.

Fifty minutes of those came at the end of the first period when four players were handed misconducts during a scuffle following the buzzer.

Bennett Norlin, Lucas Cullen and Lucas Bahn with his first BCHL goal on a third period power play scored for the Warriors.

Bahn's goal came as the Warriors threw everything they had at goaltender Austin Roden in the final period. They peppered Rodin with 24 shots, but managed just the one goal.

Connor Hopkins started for the Warriors, but was removed after allowing five goals on 20 shots. Brock Baier went the rest of the way, giving up the last three goals on 17 shots.

The Centennials win moves them back into sole possession of top spot in the Interior Division, two points better than the Warriors and Penticton.

The Warriors and Vees will lock horns in a home-and-home set beginning Tuesday at Royal LePage Place.

The teams will hook up again Wednesday in Penticton.