Especially forward Bryson Aikens.
One night after dropping a 10-1 decision to the Regina Aces in Sask AA Hockey League action in Regina, the Warriors had a six-point night from Aikens on their way to falling 9-7 back at home.
And if things had went as well for them the rest of the contest as they did in the first period, the result could have been even more interesting.
The Warriors had goals from Mark Belanger, Cashton Seaborg and Bryce Boughen on their way to building a 3-1 lead in the opening frame -- that, one night after giving up six goals in the first 20 minutes and trailing 6-0.
Thing is, hockey is a three-period game. And before the second period was eight minutes old, Regina had come all the way back and taken a 5-3 lead. Aikens would score his first of the game with 9:16 left in the period, but when all was said and done, the Aces had another six-goal frame and a 7-4 edge.
That set the stage for a dramatic third, where Aikens pulled the Warriors back within two 6:33 into the period, and Belanger made it a one-goal game with 10:15 to go. Only 46 seconds after that marker, though, Regina would take an 8-6 lead. And seven seconds after that, Koen Sneft scored his fourth of the game to once again put Regina up three.
Boughen tacked on a late goal, but that would be as close as the Warriors would get.
All told, Aikens finished with two goals and four assists, while Noah Thul also had a pair of helpers.
Casson Silbernagel went the distance in goal and faced 50 shots.
The Warriors fell to 1-2, Regina improved to 2-1.
The Warriors are back in action Saturday, Nov. 21 when they take on the Regina Pat Blues in Regina before hosting the Blues on Sunday (1:45 p.m., Red Knight Arena).
