The West Kelowna Warriors had a break from the grind of the BCHL schedule this week as they played host to a touring team from Austria in an exhibition game Monday at Royal LePage Place.
The touring Red Bull Salzburg U20 team displayed plenty of speed and skill en route to an 8-6 win over the hometown Warriors.
It was the first of four games for the Austrians against BCHL opponents over the next week.
Red Bull built up a quick 4-0 lead on West Kelowna after 20 minutes, then stretched it to 8-1 before the Warriors rallied to make a game of it.
The Warriors scored the last five goals, while outshooting the Austrians 21-10 in the third period, to make it close.
Meanwhile, the Warriors went into Monday's exhibition riding a three-game BCHL winning streak.
After convincing 9-4 victory at home to Trail on Friday, the Warriors edged the Silverbacks 2-1 in Salmon Arm. Rookie defenceman Jake Harrison scored the game winner at 1:46 of the 3-on-3 session. Matthew Greenfield was superb in the West Kelowna net making 42 saves.
The Warriors (26-15-2-0) return to action Friday when they visit the Vernon Vipers.
On Saturday, West Kelowna is home to the Chilliwack Chiefs.
Face off at Royal LePage is 7 p.m.