The regular season is in the rear-view for the West Kelowna Warriors.
The team’s focus has shifted to the BCHL playoffs as the Warriors will face Interior division rival Wenatchee Wild beginning March 2.
“I’m optimistic going into the playoffs because of our regular season record against Wenatchee,” said team owner Kim Dobranski.
“We need to pull our socks up, and we’re getting some confidence with the win at home (against Trail.) We’ve had good success against good teams this year.”
The Warriors, who ended up sixth in the Interior Division, split the season series against the Wild, who finished third.
West Kelowna will look to rely on Warriors’ leading scorer Mike Hardman and the defensive core to pull off a playoff series upset.
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The Warriors have split other season series against some of the BCHL’s best including Penticton, which finished first in the Interior division.
“Since (Brandon West, Warriors’ new coach) has come on board, we’ve seen a change in the players, and the playoffs are a different type of hockey,” said Dobranski.
“The energy level is a lot higher and (we know) the fan support inspires and energizes the players.”
The Warriors will play the first two games the best-of-of seven series in Wenatchee starting March 2, but will return to home ice March 5 for Games three, four, and five (if necessary). Tickets for the Warriors’ home games go on sale March 2.
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