BCHL Playoffs: West Kelowna Warriors edge Silverbacks in OT

WEST KELOWNA – Kylar Hope scored the winner in overtime as the West Kelowna Warriors downed the visiting Salmon Arm Silverbacks 2-1 last night, March 5, at Royal LePage Place.

The best-of-seven BCHL playoff series is tied 1-1.

Both goaltenders were strong early on in the hockey game, but it was the Warriors who drew first blood in the opening period. Jonathan Desbiens beat Silverbacks netminder Angus Redmond under the blocker for a 1-0 lead.

That is how the game would remain all the way to the third period, as each time struggled with a couple of man advantages, and neither team could find the net. Redmond made two of the biggest saves of the game in rapid succession as he stymied Desbiens while laying on his stomach in the crease.

Salmon Arm's Ross Heidt tied the game 1-1 eight minutes into the third period.

In overtime, Hope grabbed the puck in his own zone, driving through the middle to throw one towards the Silverback's net. That shot hit a defenseman, but the rebound went right back to Hope who tried again, beating Redmond's pad down low sealing the victory for the Warriors.

The series shifts to the Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm on Monday at 7 p.m. A fan bus is going to Salmon Arm for the game. Seats are $30 and you can call the Warriors office Monday morning to book your spot at 250-769-7051.