After a promising start to their 2007/08 Golden Horseshoe League campaign, the Stoney Creek Warriors are in a tough battle to stay in the upper tier of the standings.

Over the last 10 games, the Warriors have struggled to find any consistency and have posted a 4-6 record, including the most recent loss, a 10-3 shellacking in Welland Dec. 2.

Over the last 10 games, the Warriors have been outscored 50-43 and continue to be one of the most penalized teams in the GHL.

Adding to the team's turmoil was a decision last week by leading scorer Andrew Dovey to leave the squad.

Dovey said his decision had nothing to do with the organization, which he called "first class." The Burlington native said he was hoping to get a NCAA scholarship and felt his chances were better playing at the Tier II A level.

The Warriors also released goaltender Garrett Driscoll and defenceman Eddie Wright. The American players were recruited by former coach Mike Schutte.

Warriors defeat Port Colborne

With three games in four nights, Stoney Creek got off to a good start with a convincing 5-2 win over Port Colborne last Thursday.

Greg Bryl led the way with two goals, as the Warriors jumped out to a 2-0 lead early in the second period. Picking up assists on both goals was Mike Kavanagh. Jordan Poole, from Jamie Osborne and Jordan Gignac, made it 3-0 at the 3:15 mark.

The Sailors closed the gap to 3-1 just 15 seconds later, but Gignac, with his 14th of the season, restored the lead to three goals at 6:45 mark. The powerplay marker was assisted by Sean Murray and Osborne.

The teams traded goals in the third, with Osborne scoring an empty-net marker to seal the win for Stoney Creek.

Thorold, 4 - Warriors, 3

It appeared as if the positive momentum would continue Dec. 1, as the Warriors played host to Thorold Dec. 1.

Stoney Creek jumped out to a 3-1 lead, but surrendered three straight goals and ended up on the losing end of a 4-3 tilt with the Blackhawks.

Kavanagh and Jordan Winger paced the Warriors to a 2-0 lead early in the opening frame. Thorold responded with a goal at the 13:16 mark to close the gap to 2-1 after 20 minutes. Picking up assists on the Warriors' goals were Murray, Popek, Marcus Ruberto and Bryl.

Gignac, with his 15th of the season, made it 3-1 at the 7:03 mark of the second. The powerplay marker was assisted by Murray and Osborne.

However, it was all Thorold in the second half of the game. The Blackhawks scored two quick goals to tie the game in the second and added a power-play marker halfway through the third to earn the come-from-behind win.

Dylan Ellis, who held his team in the game in the third period, took the loss in net.

Massacre in Welland

On Sunday, the Warriors traveled to Welland to face the high-flying Jr. Canadians.

Stoney Creek fell behind 6-1 in the opening period and never recovered. The Final score was 10-3 for Welland.

Picking up goals in the game were Bryl, J. Winger and M. Ruberto.

Roster changes

The Warriors have released defenceman Jason Bayne to the Glanbrook Rangers Jr. C team and picked up defenceman Devin Thompson in a deal with Niagara Falls. The Warriors also signed 20-year-old Stoney Creek native and defenceman Curtis Winger.

Next action

The Warriors have only one game this weekend. The team travels to Niagara Falls Saturday, Dec. 8 for a game against the first-place Niagara Falls Canucks.