The West Kelowna Warriors scored unanswered goals in the second and third period to defeat the visiting Coquitlam Express 4-2 in their BC Hockey League game Tuesday at Royal LePage Place.
After West Kelowna opened the scoring seven minutes into the first period, Connor Gregga scored the first of his two goals to get the Express even just 27 seconds later.
But less than two minutes after that, the Warriors regained the lead on a goal by Lucas Cullen.
Gregga’s second goal of the night, on a one-timer as his team enjoyed a power play, tied it again with just over five minutes left until the first intermission.
West Kelowna’s Brandon Dent scored what proved to be the game winner after 8:17 had been played in the second period.
Hardman’s second goal of the game 2:36 into the third period gave the Warriors some insurance as the Express pulled goalie Clay Stevenson late in the game while West Kelowna’s Austin Chorney served a minor penalty for slew-footing, but they couldn’t get any closer.
Stevenson stopped 34 of the 38 shots he faced in Coquitlam’s net, while Connor Hopkins made 32 saves for the Warriors.
The Express host the Chilliwack Chiefs Friday, 7 p.m. at the Poirier Sports and Leisure Complex and then the team will hold its annual Teddy Bear Toss on Sunday, at 3 p.m., when Powell River is the opposition.
