West Kelowna Warriors scored three unanswered in the third in a 6-3 win over Crancrook

Photo: Wayne Moore

The West Kelowna Warriors needed a strong third period to keep their home-ice winning streak alive.

After a less than inspiring opening 40 minutes, the Warriors turned up their game a notch, scoring three unanswered goals over the final 20 minutes to escape with a 6-3 victory over the pesky Cranbrook Bucks.

"Slow start, slow middle, some questionable decision-making," said head coach Simon Ferguson.

"It's early in the year, and I think a year off, a lot of skill work and understanding how to play the game and how to win, and we found a way to do it.

"We bought in for a bit then we got away from it, so it's good we were able to finally get the win."

The Warriors fell behind early but were able to get back on even terms when Alexi Van Houtte-Cachero deflected a Nick Ardenaz shot into the far corner.

Felix Trudeau broke the deadlock moments later converting a saucer-pass from linemate Elan Bar Lev Wise on a two-on-one break.

The visitors tied it 90 seconds into the second just as a power play had expired. Luke Pfoh banged home a rebound off a wild scramble when goaltender Justin Katz appeared to pushed out of the way.

The officials talked it over and let the goal stand.

Bar Lev Wise tapped home Trudeau's pass from behind the net to give the Warriors the lead again, but the Bucks, buzzing around the Warriors end over the final two minutes were eventually rewarded when Brendan Rogers wired a shot past Katz with just three second left in the period.

Despite the late goal, it was the Warriors who grabbed the momentum in the third.

Tyler Cristall scored what proved to be the game winner early in the third when he batted the puck from behind the net off Cranbrook netminder Nathan Airey and in.

Bar Lev Wise added some insurance three minutes later before Pat Lawn notched his third of the young season into an empty net.

Minus three forwards to injury and suspension, Ferguson inserted Damon Jugnauth onto the line with Trudeau and Bar Lev Wise.

Normally a bottom six forward, Jugnauth didn't look out of place, meshing seemlessly with his new linemates.

He's work hard all summer, he's work hard the beginning of the year, he plays with a lot of speed and I think he's done a great job," Ferguson said of Jugnauth.

"I thought (Brennan) Nelson's another guy who really stepped up tonight, and give credit to Katz in goal."

Katz, making just his second start of the season, turned away 35 shots to earn his first BCHL regular season victory.

The Warriors are now 3-0 on home ice and 7-2 overall.

They'll look to continue their hot start at home Saturday when the winless Merritt Centennials come to tow.

Despite their 0-10 start, Ferguson says

"It's the same as tonight. If you're focused on the end result, you're going to end up in trouble.

"It's a scary night because they are a hungry team who is desperate and they're playing for their lives over their. For me, we've got to come and play our game, play simple and not try to do things that aren't in our wheelhouse."