Warriors' overtime struggles continue

The West Kelowna Warriors suffered their fifth overtime loss of the season and their second OT loss in three games on Saturday, falling 4-3 in Prince George.

Photo: Contributed - Ron Gallo

West Kelowna's Seb Lloyd (4, in black) and teammate David Pope left for Calgary after the game for the Team Canada West selection camp for the upcoming World Junior 'A' Challenge.

Still missing several key forwards, the Warriors got exactly the start they needed when Seb Lloyd slipped a puck underneath Kirk Thompson, giving the Tribe the lone goal of the first period. 

West Kelowna doubled the lead early in the second when Brent Lashuk converted an odd-man rush. 

Unfortunately, the Warriors couldn't hold on.

The Spruce Kings tied it when Liam Board banked a puck off Warriors netminder Garrett Rockafellow from the side of the net.

Then Trevor Esau fired a point shot through traffic, tying the score at 2-2. 

Prince George took their first lead of the game when Justin Rai scored 12 minutes into the third.

That lead held until Brennan Clark evened it at 3 with 4:19 remaining. 

The goal ensured the Warriors would claim at least a point, but the Spruce Kings would end it early in overtime when former Warrior Tyson Witala batted in Mitch Eden's rebound.

“We want wins,” says Lloyd.

“You don’t come to the rink to get an overtime loss or a tie. I don’t think it’s acceptable, even with some key absences.”

Lloyd and line-mate David Pope didn't return to West Kelowna with the team.

Instead the pair headed to Calgary for the Team Canada West selection camp for the upcoming World Junior ‘A’ Challenge. 

The duo is expected back when then Warriors kicks off a six game home stand next weekend.

On Friday November 2, the third place Warriors (8-3-0-5) host Salmon Arm, then Nanaimo visits for a Sunday matinee at Royal LePage Place.

--with files from Jon Zacks