West Kelowna Warriors edged by visiting Silverbacks in OT

WEST KELOWNA – The West Kelowna Warriors fell 6-5 in overtime against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks to open up the BCHL Playoffs on Friday night, March 4, at Royal LePage Place.

Chase Zieky played hero for the Silverback at 10:53 of overtime, snapping a shot off a part of the crossbar sending the Salmon Arm players over the boards. After some discussion amongst the officials, the goal counted and the game ended.

It was a tough start for West Kelowna, giving up a pair of goals on three shots in the first four minutes of action. Ross Heidt and Marcus Mitchell found the back of the net, as Heidt was left alone in front and Mitchell banged home a rebound crashing the net.

It took the Warriors some time to find their legs, and Connor Sodergren got the over 1,000 fans on their feet with his first of the playoffs to cut the lead in half.

West Kelowna played inspired hockey into the start of the second period, as Liam Blackburn beat Angus Redmond with a wrister, followed by Bryan Basilico on a power play rush into the Silverbacks zone gave the Warriors their first lead of the night.

Nick Hutchison tied the game in response, then got a Kodi Schwarz power-play goal to take a 4-3 lead.

The Warriors tied the game in the third on a Kylar Hope goal, before Zieky had an opportunity on a penalty shot midway through the period.

After Zieky was stopped by Greenfield, Laframboise made it 5-4 just three seconds after the puck was dropped following the one on one scenario.

Quin Foreman caught a break to tie the game at five, as his shot bounced off the goaltender then the defender and over the goal line.

In overtime, the Silverbacks had two quick chances to start, before a broken play behind the net ended up popping out to Zieky for the winner.

Game 2 goes tonight at 7 p.m. in West Kelowna.