There were two chances for the West Kelowna Warriors to clinch a spot in the RBC Cup but they didn’t mess around with option No. 2.
The Warriors scored a decisive 6-0 win over the Brooks Bandits Saturday night to claim the Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup and the first berth from the WCC to the RBC Cup national championship May 14 to 22 in Lloydminster, Alta.
Bryan Basilico, Nick Rutigliano and Garrett Forster all scored in a first period that saw the Warriors hold an 18-11 shot advantage and they never looked back. Kyle Marino added a power-play tally in the second with Kylar Hope and Jared Marino adding the finishing touches in the final frame.
Keelan Williams – pressed into action earlier in the week when starting goalie Matthew Greenfield was injured in a 4-2 loss on Sunday to Brooks – was flawless, making all 32 saves for the shutout win. Williams has thrived in the relief role, having also gotten the nod in the Fred Page Cup-clinching win in the BCHL Finals.
The win makes three BCHL titles in four years at the Western Canada Cup. Surrey won the inaugural event in 2013 and Penticton won in 2015.
West Kelowna will make their way to Lloydminster for the RBC Cup and their first shot a national title.
Brooks takes on Portage Sunday in the WCC 2nd/3rd place game with the winner claiming the final berth to the RBC Cup.
