Scoring goals and not throwing fisticuffs will be the focus of the Penticton Vees who meet the West Kelowna Warriors tonight.
It’s round two of the British Columbia Hockey League playoffs in the Interior Conference. Multiple fights breaking out at the end of the third period during a 2-1 Vees win in late January is the last memory between them. However, for the Vees to have success and a chance to defend their Fred Page Cup championship, coach-GM Fred Harbinson wants his team to play their game.
“Don’t let them dictate how this series is going to be played,” said Harbinson. “Getting a good start in Game 1 is important. They are a team we have had some heated games against over the years. Had a lot of success. We feel confident going in.”
The Vees won the season series taking six of seven games. Two wins came in overtime.
Vees captain Troy Stecher said while he was a bit surprised that the Warriors defeated the Merritt Centennials in five games, he figured they would face the Warriors. He said regardless of who they face, they are prepared. The only thing Stecher would have liked was if the Warriors and Centennials beat each other up a bit more.
“We control our own destiny and that’s what we’re here to do,” said Stecher, who had seven points against the Warriors this season. “Anything can happen in the playoffs and they are a great hockey team. They only lost three games since that brawl incident with us so they are playing hot. We have to match their intensity.”
Along with that, Stecher said, comes a willingness to sacrifice. He is excited about the series and a chance to win another banner for Vees fans to watch hang from the South Okanagan Events Centre rafters. Heading into the series, Vees forward Jedd Soleway likes how their team is playing. He also feels good about his own play.
“I felt good in the first series,” said Soleway, who scored two goals and collected four points against the Salmon Arm SilverBacks.
It’s Soleway’s intention to continue where he left off winning face-offs, playing physical and contributing offensively.
The Vees are healthy and rested thanks to a 10-day break. A few of the players battled the flu. Harbinson said on Tuesday that he woke up with a cold, but joked that “everybody that matters is in good shape.”
The same can’t be said of the Warriors. Coach-GM Rylan Ferster said his team is getting healthy, but there will be some game time decisions. David Pope played in two games against the Centennials, while Ben Tegtmeyer saw action in just one. Mitch Nardi never dressed. During the season series against the Vees, the Warriors were led offensively by Seb Lloyd with four goals and nine points. Marcus Basara had three goals and seven points, while Matt Anholt and Max French each had five. Basara leads the team in playoff scoring with two goals and eight points. Ambrose Firkus and French lead the way with four goals. French scored a hat trick in the series clinching game against the Centennials. Lloyd is tied with Basara for the team lead with six assists.
Ferster credits their series win to timely goals and saves.
“I think we got some big goals from some other guys throughout this series too,” said Ferster. “Some of our top guys had done well, but again I just thought it was some timely goals.”
When it comes to facing the Vees, Ferster said they know what they are facing.
“Until somebody beats them, they are the Royal Bank Cup champions,” he said. “We’re playing a very good team that’s deep and solid from their goalie out. We’re gonna have our hands full again.”
Harbinson and Ferster share the feeling that it will be a great series. One area in particular to watch for will be the battle between the pipes featuring Chad Katunar and Tyler Briggs.
“Chad Katunar is a very good goalie,” said Ferster. “I don’t think they have any weak links on their team. I think it’s a good matchup. Briggsy has played really good for us all year.”
“It’s two good goaltenders,” said Harbinson. “(Briggs) he was a key acquisition. He’s been good for them this year (1-6 against the Vees). Our goalie has obviously won a B.C. championship as an 18-year-old. Not a lot of guys can say that. It’s going to be a really good matchup.”
