Submitted by Fraser Rodgers
The Penticton Vees clinched their second BCHL league pennant (Ron Boileau Trophy) in four years with a 5-2 win over the Trail Smoke Eaters at Cominco Arena Saturday.
Steen Cooper scored twice, including the winner, while Gabe Bast and Jack Ramsey hit the scoresheet as the Vees (40-9-3-2) scored four times in the third period. Also scoring for the Vees was Demico Hannoun, a shorthanded goal to even things up at one. Riley Alferd finished with three assists and his line with Cooper and Ramsey finished with eight points. Hunter Miska made 31-saves for his 30th win of the season and took home first star honours.
Dallas Calvin and Cooper Leitch scored for the Smoke Eaters. Calvin opened the scoring just shy of the six-minute mark in the first period on a rebound in front of Miska, who stopped the initial attempt. Hannoun scored the equalizer in the opening minutes of the second period.
The Vees finish with a 6-0-0-1 record against Trail and improve their record to 23-7-1-1 against the Interior Division. The Vees finished the game with just 16 skaters after Dakota Conroy and Shayne Gwinner picked up fighting majors. The Vees finish with a 19-6-2-2 road record and now return to the South Okanagan Events Centre for four straight at home to wrap-up the BCHL regular season. The Vees are back in action on Friday, Feb. 20 when they host the Merritt Centennials.
