WEST KELOWNA – The West Kelowna Warriors are hosting a round robin semi-final game for the first time in their 10 year history.
After a monumental upset against the Penticton Vees in the Division Final, winning the series 4-2, the Warriors took the Interior Division title for the first time in franchise history. They’re now looking to rack up three wins in the round robin semi-finals and advance to the BCHL Fred Page Cup Final.
They’ve already got one win recorded, downing the Chilliwack Chiefs on Tuesday night 5-1. On Thursday night they play host to the Island Division Champion Nanaimo Clippers. West Kelowna fared well against Nanaimo in the regular season, where they met twice and the Warriors took both decisions by scores of 7-4.
Warriors Head Coach Rylan Ferster says he’s still adjusting to the round robin semi-final format.
“It’s different for sure. You’re used to playing four games in five nights to start a series. We’ve played one, had a day off and play a totally different team here now, so it has its challenges.”
The round robin has West Kelowna, Chilliwack, and Nanaimo playing each other. The first two teams to record three wins will advance to the Cup Final.
“I think you approach it like a regular season game. Obviously the intensity picks up but the preparation and everything we do with the team is kind of like preparing one game at a time,” says Warriors Captain Kyle Marino.
Despite the unfamiliar playoff format, the team welcomes the opportunity to host a semi-final game.
“It’ll be nice to get one here in front of our home crowd,” Marino says.
After Thursday night’s game at Royal Lepage Centre, the Warriors won’t play again until April 6, when they host the Chilliwack Chiefs.
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