In recent games, goals have been hard to come by for the West Kelowna Warriors.
Head coach and GM Ryan Fertser said that needs to change if the defending BCHL champs are to have success this weekend against a pair of Interior Division rivals.
With just three goals to show for their last three outings, the Warriors will host the Salmon Arm Silverbacks on Friday and the Vernon Vipers on Saturday.
“We need to score some goals, it’s as simple as that,” said Ferster. “You’re not going to win many games with one goal, so we have to find a way to score more.
“I’m happy with our work ethic,” he said, “we’re just not getting it done offensively.”
If not for the work of goaltender Shane Farkas on Tuesday night, the Warriors could easily be on a three-game losing streak.
The 17-year-old netminder stopped all 42 shots in a 1-0 overtime shutout of the Chilliwack Chiefs at Royal LePage Place. Reed Gunville netted the winner for West Kelowna at 1:09 of the extra session.
The Warriors (5-3-0) were coming off losses last week to Merritt (5-1) and Penticton (3-1).
In the Silverbacks (2-6-0) and Vipers (5-3-1), Ferster said West Kelowna will be put to the test by a pair of familiar rivals.
“(Salmon Arm) turned over a lot of players, but this is always a good matchup, I think both sides will remember the heated and physical playoff series we had with them last year said Ferster. “It’s always fun playing those guys, I have good friendships with Troy (Mick) and (coach) Brandon West.
“Vernon, they’ve returned a lot of key pieces,” Ferster added. “They’re a good team with skill and size and historically have played very well against us.”
Game time both Friday and Saturday nights at Royal LePage Place is 7 p.m.
