It's tough enough trying to beat the league's top team, but when one of your opponents is wearing black and white stripes, the task gets even harder.

Last Saturday night, the Stoney Creek Warriors faced the Golden Horseshoe League leader Niagara Falls Canucks.

Despite outplaying the Canucks for the majority of the game, the Warriors came up short in a 6-5 final.

One of the reasons Stoney Creek had a tough time earning the victory was the inconsistent and, at times, questionable, calls from referee Scott Brown.

In the first period, Warriors defenceman Justin Ciprietti made a perfect angled check on the pressing Canucks forward. For his efforts, Ciprietti was sent to the box for charging.

When assistant coach Dave Hill questioned the call, he was promptly tossed, giving the Canucks a two-man advantage.

Niagara Falls took advantage of their good fortune and netted a power-play marker to take a 2-0 lead early in the first period.

Despite clawing their way back to a 3-2 lead by the end of the period, Stoney Creek faced a steady stream of questionable calls throughout the game. In total, the Warriors were assessed 31 minutes in penalties as compared to 14 for the Canucks.

After the game, Hill did not want to comment on the refereeing for fear of reprisal from the league. But he said he was proud of the way the team continued to fight through the adversity.

Scoring in the first period for the Warriors were Ciprietti, with a nice blast from the point, Jason Popek and Mike Kavanagh. Assists went to Greg Bryl, Adam Montgomery, Jordan Poole (2) and Popek.

Niagara Falls regained the lead in the second period. The Canucks tied the game at the 1:24 mark and then took the lead on another five-on-three power-play. The short-handed situation was forced after the Warriors were assessed another bench minor after a penalty call.

However, the Warriors battled back and tied the game at 4-4 when Jordan Gignac scored at the 15:05 mark. The power-play goal was assisted by Jake Lyons and Cayle Creen.

In the third period, the Canucks gained a two-goal lead midway through the final 20 minutes with goals at the 11:33 mark and 14:04 mark.

The Warriors scrambled to get back into the game and Andrew Dovey gave the team a legitimate shot at sending the game into overtime when he scored at the 16:07 mark. The power-play marker was assisted by Montgomery.

Despite having numerous chances in the final minutes, the Warriors couldn't earn the tie.

"We outplayed them," said Hill. "As a team, we need to stay focused on playing disciplined hockey and fight through adversity."

Hill said the Warriors have a legitimate chance of winning the league championship. First off, he said the Warriors need to win the majority of their nine remaining regular season games and finish in the top three.

"I believe we can do it," he said. "I believe we will do it."

Hill said if the players commit to 60 minutes of hockey each time they step on the ice, they will be tough to beat.

"When we play a low end, gritty, intensive forechecking style, no one can beat us," he said. "We compete in the offensive zone all game."

Warriors sink Sailors

On Jan. 18, the Warriors came home with a 5-3 win over the host Port Colborne Sailors.

However, after dominating the first 40 minutes of the game, the Warriors sat back and attempted to cruise through the final period. The Sailors came out flying and almost tied the game, with three straight goals.

"It was a good lesson for us," said Hill. "You have to play 60 minutes of hockey. It is imperative at the point of the season."

Scoring for the Warriors were Jordan Winger, Montgomery with two, Dovey and Riley Steeves. Assists went to Kavanagh, Mitch Merante, Lyons, Marcus Ruberto, Gignac, Steeves and Dovey.

Race to the finish line

It will be an exciting race to the finish line, as only eight points separates first through sixth in the GHL.

The Warriors were in action last night against the red hot Fort Erie Meteors, who are riding a five-game winning streak. Results were not available at press time.

On Saturday, Jan. 26, the Warriors host the Welland Canadians at Valley Park Arena. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

The Warriors have a week off before playing their next game at Stoney Creek Arena against the Thorold Blackhawks. Game time Feb. 2 is 7:30 p.m.