New-look Warriors face Penticton in weekend home-and-home

Photo: West Kelowna Warriors

The West Kelowna Warriors will have a decidedly different look when they kick off a weekend home-and-home with the Penticton Vees tonight at the SOEC.

The Warriors have turned over a third of their roster since they last faced the Vees two months ago.

Six forwards and two defencemen have been either traded or released outright, with five forwards and a defenceman coming back in their place.

Forwards Tyler Cristall, Carter Wilkie, Deegan Mofford, Holden Kodak and Colby Elmer have all been added up front, with Andrew Viggars joining the club on the blue line.

Most of the moves have been made over the past two to three weeks, with many already paying dividends.

The most recent arrival, Colby Elmer, came as a result of a three-team deal from Trail that saw veteran defenceman Declan Douthart sent to the AJHL.

Many of the moves for younger prospects are seen as a way to not only improve this year, but also with an eye to next season and beyond.

The Warriors also have future considerations coming from Nanaimo in the Brandon Dent trade.

Despite the roster turnover, the Warriors remain mired at the bottom of the BCHL standings, two points in back of the Merritt Centennials.

However, they have played better of late, picking up three of a possible six points over the past three games.

Saturday's return engagement with the Vees at Royal LePage Place is Paster Don Richmond's annual Christmas Hamper Drive.

$1 from every ticket sold will go toward the drive, with donations also being accepted at the game.

Each year, he endeavors to deliver 50 Christmas hampers to families in need in West Kelowna.