The Westside Warriors entered weekend action trailing the Penticton Vees in the Interior Conference standings, but they aren't looking up at anybody following a 4-3 win against their Okanagan rivals in their home opener on Friday.
Co-captain Trevor Bailey led the way offensively for the Warriors, netting a hat trick that included the game-winner on a third period power play. Cam Reid continued his hot start, assisting on all three of Bailey's goals.
Reigning BCHL Player of the Week Denver Manderson had three points of his own for the Vees, scoring once and picking up assists on tallies by Luke Curadi and Joey Holka.
Kevin Jebson stopped 33 of the 36 shots sent his way by Penticton, while Vees counterpart Sean Bonar made 26 saves.
The teams are set to meet again in another home opener — this time in Penticton — on Saturday after both teams opened their seasons on matching three-game trips t Northern B.C.
Vernon 7 @ Trail 2
The Vernon Vipers have played three games in three different cities to begin the regular season, but no matter where they play the results seem to stay the same.
The defending RBC Cup champs scored five unanswered goals in the first period and piled on with another pair in the second en route to a 7-1 vistory in Trail that ruined the Smokies' home opener.
Cory Kane scored three goals — all in the opening frame — to pace the Vipers while Mike Collins contributed a pair of assists. Travis St. Denis scored the lone Trail marker mdway through the thrid period to break a shutout bid by Graeme Gordon. The Vernon netminder turned aside 25 shots in the win.
The Vipers and Smoke Eaters are set to tangle for the second time in as many nights when they meet on Saturday at the Wesbild Centre in Vernon.
Salmon Arm 9 @ Williams Lake 5
The SilverBacks jumped into the win column in fashion on Friday, scoring a six-pack of goals in the second period en route to a comfortable victory over the Timberwolves in the first game of a Northern road trip.
The line of Mark Zengerle, Travis Statchuk and Tyler Gubb led the way offensively for Salmon Arm, combining for three goals and seven points. Trent Murdoch replied with a pair of goals for Williams Lake.
The 'Backs had opened the season with just an overtime point to show for a pair of games against Vernon, but jumped on the T-wolves with three goals in the span of 1:48 midway through the second to break a 2-2 tie.
Salmon Arm completes their three-game trip with stops in Quesnel and Prince George while Williams Lake faces their first road test when they visit the Spruce Kings next Friday.
Prince George 2 @ Merritt 0
Following a tough start to the regular season that included three consecutive defeats, the Spruce Kings got the jump start they needed with a shutout win on the road in Merritt.
Wes McLeod opened the scoring late in the first period and Joe Morgan tallied the insurance marker with less than seven minutes remaining in regulation to close out the victory for Prince George. Recently re-acquired netminder Alex Wright contributed a first-star performance, turning aside 33 Centennials' shots.
The Spruce Kings now return home to face Salmon Arm on Sunday, while Merritt awaits a visit from unbeaten Burnaby in a midweek game on Wednesday.
