West Kelowna Warriors lose in Penticton

PENTICTON – The Penticton Vees doubled up on the West Kelowna Warriors 4-2 thanks to a 3-point effort from Lewis Zerter-Gossage and solid goaltending from Hunter Miska on Friday at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

Miska made 27 saves on the night, the majority of which were on scrambles in front when the Warriors had multiple chances.

The Vees built up a 2-0 lead thanks to Zerter-Gossage and a power-play marker from Cody Deporcq with the game just 8 minutes old.

Josh Bly would reply for the Warriors after his initial shot was stopped, he got it back on his stick and stuck it past Miska to make it 2-1.

Patrick Sexton would restore the 2-goal lead with a slapshot from the point with just under 2 minutes remaining in the opening frame.

Right after that goal, Tanner Campbell cut to the middle and was hit by Mitch Newsome of the Vees, which drew the ire of Mac Ferner, who jumped to his teammates rescue, earning himself an early shower.

The only goal in the middle frame would be Bly's 2nd of the night to make it 3-2.

Scott Patton would allow a goal at 3:50 of the final frame to widen the margin for the Vees back to 2, and Patton would leave the game due to discomfort from his injury earlier this week.

Okanagan Rockets goalie Jordan Reynolds was solid making 5 good saves in a relief effort.

The Warriors return on Saturday night to Royal Lepage Place for a rematch with the Vees at 7 pm.