A third period hat trick for Felix Caron led the West Kelowna Warriors to a 4-1 road victory against the Vernon Vipers, ending the Vipers91Ƶ winning streak at seven games.
With first place in the BC Hockey League Interior division on the line, the Warriors put 32 shots on goaltender Ethan David, twice as many as the 16 Rorke Applebee faced at the other end of the rink.
Callum Hughes scored early in the first period after a strong Warriors fore-check for a quick 1-0 lead.
After a scoreless second period, Caron got on the board early in the third, snapping a shot from the left face-off circle past the blocker of David for a 2-0 Warriors lead.
The Vipers got one back a few minutes later off the stick of Luke Buss, his second goal of the early season, set up by Julian Facchinelli and Owen Kim.
The two teams traded shortened powerplays before Caron restored the Warriors91Ƶ two-goal lead, snapping a shot past David, this time from the right circle.
Caron capped off the night with an empty net goal for the hat trick.
91ƵWe weren91Ƶt ready to go tonight,91Ƶ said Vipers assistant coach Colton Sparrow. 91ƵIt was on everyone, and there weren91Ƶt a lot of positives. The one positive was the turnout from the fans, which we very much appreciate.91Ƶ
91ƵIt was definitely not our best game and our group knows what needs to be fixed,91Ƶ said Vipers assistant captain Julian Facchinelli. 91ƵWe will get back at it tomorrow and be ready for the Showcase next week.91Ƶ
The Warriors now sit atop the Interior division with a 7-2-1-0-0 record and 15 points in 10 games. The Vipers are one point back with a game in hand and tied in points with the Penticton Vees.
Both teams91Ƶ next game action is at a BCHL Showcase event in Seattle on Monday, Oct. 23. The Warriors take on the Langley Rivermen at 4 p.m. at Kraken Community Iceplex, followed by the Vipers battling the Coquitlam Express at the same rink at 7 p.m.
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