With all the talk surrounding the potential relocation of the West Kelowna Warriors, Rylan Ferster couldn’t be blamed for being a little distracted these days.
Quite the contrary, according to the team’s head coach and GM, who is solely focused on preparing his players for a demanding three-game road trip against three of the B.C. Hockey League’s top teams.
The Warriors, who have been hit hard by injuries of late, will open up the tour tonight on the island against the Victoria Grizzlies, before moving on to Powell River on Saturday and Chilliwack Sunday.
The Chiefs, Grizzlies and Kings are second, third and fourth respectively in the BCHL’s overall standings.
Adding to the challenge for West Kelowna are the likely absences of captain Nick Rutigliano, Jake Harrison, Peter Tomaras, Calvin Tilsley and Jonas Gordon from the lineup due to injury.
“It’s just some more adversity we’re going to have go through, it’s been one of those kinds of seasons for us,” said Ferster. “We’ve got three of the top teams in the league on their ice, so we’ll see how the guys step up to the challenge.”
The Warriors (22-20-1-0) next home action is Friday, Feb. 3 against the Coquitlam Express.