The Smoke Eaters are unable to get the last laugh of the season series as the Warriors come into Cominco and take two points in a 5-2 on Friday night.
The Smoke Eaters had to adapt to a few changes tonight as they welcomed Willoughby and Dawson back, but at the same time have to adjust to life without Brady Hunter who provides so much for the Smoke Eaters. Despite allowing the first goal and losing Charlie Strobel to what was assessed as a five minute major and game misconduct then Smoke Eaters were right there through 20 minutes of hockey. Quinn Disher scored his 12th of the year as he stripped the puck from Johnny Derrick and wrapped it around into the open cage. Dishers goal comes just 1:32 after the Warriors opened the scoring.
Despite being down on the shots 21-8 the Smoke Eaters started the second period tied at 1 with everything to play for. The Warriors did retake the lead as John Evans would score his first of two on the night, with this shot coming from the blueline and making it through the crowd and in. The Warriors doubled their lead as Christophe Farmer got the last touch on the puck as it trickled in behind Fradette on the shot from the right wing. It was almost a disaster like scenario for the Smoke Eaters as following the goal Fradette was forced to leave the game with an injury, the last thing the Smoke Eaters need right now. Shebansky would come into the net for what was only temporary relief. Immediately after the Warriors scored to take a 3-1 lead Teddy Lagerback added his 21st of the year by shooting the puck off the back of Derrick and in just 11 seconds later to get the Smoke Eaters back within one. However that’s as close as they’d get with the Warriors scoring again three minutes later to make the game 4-2 and then Evens scored on the powerplay in the third period to put the game out of reach from the Smoke Eaters. The powerplay hurt the Smoke Eaters who had some good looks but definitely have to fine tune a few things without Hunter on the first unit. As for the penalty kill the Smoke Eaters go in the way of a lot of shots and we’re effective from much of the kill. But the Warriors seemed to get most of the puck luck tonight going 3/6 on the man advantage.
Trail will now head to Penticton looking to get their first win of the year over the Vees.
