Warriors score the only two goals in a shootout in beating Cowichan

Photo: Wayne Moore

Tyler Cristall sealed Saturday's shootout win.

Through the first three-and-a-half months of the season, the West Kelowna Warriors couldn't win a tight hockey game.

They dropped seven straight that went past regulation time, and 13 of 14 one-goal decisions.

Since the middle of December, things have changed.

The Warriors have won two of three one-goal games and two straight that have gone to overtime.

Saturday, they thrilled nearly 800 fans at Royal LePage Place with a 3-2 come-from-behind shootout win over the Island Division-leading Cowichan Valley Capitals.

Newly-appointed assistant captain John Evans scored a highlight reel beauty in regulation time, then notched the winner in the shootout.

"it was a special play in an area that we needed it," said head coach Simon Ferguson of Evans goal that got the Warriors on the board.

"Then we scored one more that they didn't want us to have, and the boys still didn't quit. We kept going, and we pushed...I'm real proud of them."

The Warriors dug themselves a whole, going down 2-0 early.

Will Arquiett sent home a one-timer on a backdoor pass on a Cowichan power play, then Brady Lynn converted a two-on-one to put the visitors up two 11 minutes in.

Johnny Derrick, who was pulled after allowing six Friday night, shut the door the rest of the way.

Despite being down 2-0, Ferguson agreed the Warriors played stride-for-stride with Cowichan in the opening period.

"That's what I told them (after first). I said the score is not the tale of this game.

"We're going to chip away at this, and we're going to get the next one. We battled and we did that."

Evans finally got the Warriors on the board 14 minutes into the second. He deked past two defenders through the slot, then slid a shot five-hole past Ben Howard.

The goal gave the bench, and the fans a lift.

In the dying seconds, Deegan Mofford continued to be ever the opportunist.

He found a rebound lying loose in the crease, and got to the puck first for his seventh goal in 15 games.

The goal, with less than 28 seconds left in the period, knotted the game at 2-2.

The Warriors had the better of the play in the third period, and were handed three power plays, including a two-man edge for a minute 32 seconds, but were unable to beat Howard. In fact, they were unable to get a shot during the five-on-three.

The power play almost let the Warriors down. They went 0-9 with the man advantage, and barely looked dangerous on many of those..

After a scoreless overtime, the game went to a three-round shootout.

Evans was first to shoot. His initial shot hit the post, but the rebound came back, hit Howard and trickled over the line.

Derrick stopped Matthew Crasa, then watched Luc Wilson drive one off the post before Tyler Cristall beat Howard with a deke to the backhand.

"These guys have been in these battles all year, and to be able to find a way in a one goal game, then get it done all the way to a shootout.

"Down two, nobody quit. We got some great play from some big time players."

After Friday's defeat, Ferguson said his club seemed to believe they didn't have to work hard to win.

Saturday, he said, was a good teaching moment, showing just what they can do when they work hard and work for each other.

The game marked the return of defenceman Austin Chorney, who was dealt to the Capitals at the trade deadline. Saturday's game marked Chorney's 200th in the BCHL.

The Warriors, winners of four of their last five, host the Interior Division-leading Penticton Vees Tuesday.

They entertain Vernon next Friday before playing eight of nine on the road.