Vees stump Warriors again

The West Kelowna Warriors have one big obstacle they have to overcome if they hope to claim the BCHL's Interior Division crown this season.

Photo: Contributed - Andrew Deans

The Vees defeated West Kelowna (in white) for the 4th time this season.

They have to figure out a way to beat the Penticton Vees.

The Warriors suffered their 15th straight loss against the Vees on Friday, falling 4-1 in Penticton.

The steak dates back to December of 2010.

After beating the Warriors three times at Royal LePage Place this season, including twice in overtime, the Vees grabbed an early lead and never looked back.

The Vees opened the scoring late in the first period, when Mike Rebry jammed in a loose puck in the crease at 17:22. Rebry dove for the puck at the goal-line after it squirted free from underneath Tyler Briggs for his first of two on the night.

Brad McClure made it 2-0 in the second period when he jammed a Louie Nanne rebound over the goal line. Penticton had a two-goal lead through two periods, even though they were out-shot 12-10 in the second and 26-25 through forty minutes.

Both Vees scorers would strike again in the third, with McClure finishing off a 2-on-1 and Rebry converting Penticton’s lone power-play of the game. 

Seb Lloyd ended Chad Katunar's shut-out bid when he finished off a beautiful Marcus Basara feed with 2:10 remaining,

Despite the 4-1 loss, the Warriors were upbeat about their performance after the game. 

"I thought we had a good game overall" says Jetlan Houcher.  "It just didn’t happen for us tonight."

Missing forwards Max French, Brett McKinnon, Ambrose Firkus, and Brent Lashuk, Houcher also admits his team was struggling offensively, yet he insists his team will be able to persevere. 

The Warriors are in Prince George Saturday night, while Penticton hosts Victoria.

--with files from Jon Zacks and Fraser Rodgers