Warriors, Vees in action

Photo: Wayne Moore/file

Tonight is a crucial night for West Kelowna Warriors prospects hoping to make another impression on the coaching staff.

Players on the bubble will be given that opportunity Wednesday night when the Warriors face the Penticton Vees in a pre-season tilt at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

"It's a big night for a lot of our guys," said head coach Brandon West.

"We're going to sit our top line, and give other players a chance to step up and play bigger minutes against a very good team."

The Warriors have trimmed their training camp roster from 40 down to 28, including 12 forwards, eight defencemen and four goaltenders.

Ideally, West says he would like to be down to 13 forwards, seven defencemen and two goaltenders for the start of the season, but admitted the team could hit the 23-player limit if warranted.

The Warriors come into Wednesday's game with a 1-2 pre-season record, their only victory, a 6-5 overtime win in Salmon Arm Saturday.

The Vees, meantime, are a perfect 3-0, including a 2-1 win at Royal LePage Place last week.

The Warriors will close out the exhibition schedule with games Friday in Trail and back home at Royal LePage Place against the Smoke Eaters Saturday.

They open the regular season Friday, Sept. 6 at home to the Vernon Vipers.