Warriors Bounce Back For The Win

The second half of the Warrior season was interesting for everyone attending the game considering that they were entertained in what some called it a “seesaw” battle that saw the Warriors pull out an impressive 11-9 win over the Buffalo Bandits.  

At one point the home squad managed to have a five-goal spread in both the first and second quarters but to the surprise of the Warriors the visitors managed a six-goal run in the second quarter and the Warriors held Buffalo scoreless in the third, while scoring four goals of their own. 

The Warriors sticks got hot in the attack as well as strong “D” play in their own half of the floor that saw some impressive goals as well as stops from both “tenders” used in the contest.

Overall GM and Coach Curt Malawsky was impressed with the sixty minute effort from the team who were led by their veterans who continue to lead the team. 

Malawsky mentioned at the post-game press event telling the media “It was massive on so many levels. We’re past the halfway point, so you’re on the home stretch – you’re playing the back nine now.” 

He continued “It was huge for us to get that win, especially when we kind of slipped a little bit in the second quarter, and then we’re able to bounce back in the third and close it out in the fourth.” 

In conversation with some Delta Islander fans they felt that the Warriors played somewhat “soft” at times, but only when it seemed to get away from them in the second quarter.

To no surprise it was Coquitlam’s Christian Del Bianco who faced 47 shots turning aside 38 shutting things down in the fourth quarter while letting a pair of goals in the second half which Del Bianco was pleased with the win. https://fotoguyphotography.fromsmash.com/HwRs228ao9-ht

He (Del Bianco) mentioned “We dialed it in and I think that just comes with such a veteran group.”

He continued “You have so many guys that can kind of be a voice out there and help with adjustments, and help us all dial in. So, we lean on a lot of guys, not just one.” 

Malawsky mentioned at the press event following the game “He made some really big saves, especially when they tried to dunk from behind. It’s really tough when a guy’s behind the net and then you’re facing the shooters, you’ve got to step out and then if they skip it over your shoulder, if there’s a rebound that goes behind, you’ve got to get back and stop the dunk. He made a couple really, really nice athletic plays.”

To no surprise it was Warriors Reid Bowering reached 700 career loose balls, with nine against the Bandits. Bowering also chipped in two assists in the win. Malawsky called on Bowering many times in the fourth quarter to help the team shut the door on Buffalo. 

Curtis Dickson managed four goals along with a pair of assists while Keegan Bal managed a six point night (2G, 4A) while Jesse King notched a hat trick, Adam Charalambides grabbed three points (1G, 2A) wrapping the night up with Marcus Klarich getting one goal and one assist.  

Del Bianco talked about Dickson’s efficiency and how the 37-year-old continues to come up with clutch goals. Del Bianco says Dickson is as good at finding the back of the net now as he was a decade ago. 

“I think there’s one or two goals tonight where us on the D line were just kind of chuckling like ‘That was crazy!’ but for him, that’s regular stuff,” Delbs said. 

The Warriors have two road games next week against the Las Vegas Desert Dogs on Friday, February 27th and San Diego Seals on Sunday, March 1st.  

Malawsky says the game plan stays the same going into next weekend: taking care of the ball, executing on the power play, being disciplined, and staying out of the box. 

The Warriors have two road games next week against the Las Vegas Desert Dogs on Friday, February 27th and San Diego Seals on Sunday, March 1st.  

The Warriors return to Rogers Arena and host the Buffalo Bandits Friday, March 6th at 7:00pm PT for Women in Sports Night. For season tickets, group tickets, premium options, and all ticketing options, please go to tickets.vancouverwarriors.com.