Special teams sink Warriors

Photo: Chris Fowler/Pure Life Photography

Special teams and an inability to capitalize on their chances were the difference as the West Kelowna Warriors saw their three game winning streak come to an end.

The hometown Salmon Arm Silverbacks scored a pair of power play goals in a 3-1 victory over the Interior Division leading Warriors.

Ethan Langenegger, called up by the Silverbacks for the game, turned away 36 shots in his BC Hockey League debut.

As was the case in a come-from-behind win over the Cowichan Capitals the night before, the Warriors had a tough time around the opposition net, despite a number of good chances.

Unlike Saturday, there would be no third period comeback.

After a scoreless first, Marcus Mitchell broke the scoreless tie five minutes into the second, banging home a centering pass past Warriors netminder Nik Amundrud.

Noah Wakeford doubled the lead eight minutes later on a Salmon Arm power play.

Newcomer Michael Lombardi got one of those back, taking a pass from Max Bulawka on a two-an breakaway.

The Warriors peppered Langenegger with 18 shots in a desperate attempt to get the equalizer, but were unable to beat the rookie.

Rhett Kingston closed out the scoring with another power play marker with less than three minutes to go in regulation time, ending any hope of a comeback.

Amundrud took the loss.

The Silverbacks league leading power play connected on two of five opportunities, while the Warriors went 0-5

The Warriors power play has come up empty in its last 21 chances, and is only one for 26 over the last five games.

West Kelowna is off until Saturday when it travels to Vernon to face the Vipers.