Managing just 10 shots in the first two periods, the West Kelowna Warriors fell behind early and never recovered, dropping a 5-2 decision to the host Salmon Arm Silverbacks in B.C. Hockey League play on Friday.

Although the Warriors peppered winning goaltender Ethan Langenegger with 16 shots in the third period, it was much too little too late for the visitors as they fell to 5-4 on the season.

Photo Credit: Lorne White/KelownaNowThe Warriors' Lucas Cullen scored his second of the season in a 1-1 first period in Salmon Arm.Lucas Cullen scored on one of only five Warrior shots in a 1-1 first period while Bennett Norlin notched his second of the season to bring West Kelowna to within a goal (3-2) at 8:43 of the third.

But Hudson Schandor, with his second of the game and fourth of the season, restored Salmon Arm’s two-goal lead just over a minute later and Matthew Verboon added his fifth of the season into an empty net at 16:51 to leave no doubt of the outcome. The Silversbacks’ John Little and Aiden Jenner scored the only two goals of the second period.

Photo Credit: Lorne White/KelownaNowBennett Norlin got the Warriors to within one midway through the third period. West Kelowna finished with 26 shots on Langenegger while the Silverbacks, with 15 shots in each of the first two periods, finished with 34 on losing goaltender Connor Hopkins.

The Warriors are back in action on Monday when they play host to the Victoria Grizzlies at Royal LePage Place beginning at 2:30 p.m.