The Warriors may not have had as much time off as they would have liked over Christmas.
However, the team looked hungry and focused on Friday, returning to action with a 5-2 victory in Penticton.
The victory halts the Vees’ 15-game winning streak over the Warriors, and also marks the first time since December of 2010 that West Kelowna has won in Penticton.
While the Vees looked lethargic and rusty in their return, the Warriors were sharp for a full 60 minutes.
“We were excited to get back” says Brett Zarazun of the effort. “We had fun out there, and we were definitely going to the net hard.”
Zarazun and his defensive partner, Braxton Bilous, were instrumental in keeping the league’s highest scoring team at bay, but he insists there’s plenty of credit to go around.
“It was a full team effort, and I think it showed” the 20 year-old blue-liner declares, adding “We were definitely the better team.”
Five different players scored for the Warriors, with Seb Lloyd named the first star after posting the game-winner and an assist. Brennan Clark, Shawn Hochhausen (SH), Josh Monk, and Matt Anholt (EN) also found the back of the net.
Wade Murphy and Sam Mellor notched the lone goals for the Vees, who were held to just 24 shots all night.
It’s a massive momentum boost for the Warriors, who came into play having lost three straight games.
The Warriors were also missing four key forwards, and expect to be without all four (David Pope, Brett McKinnon, Ambrose Firkus, and Brent Lashuk) for Saturday’s rematch.
The teams square off again on Saturday night at Royal LePage Place.
