The Penticton Vees scored six goals against the Vernon Vipers Friday. On Saturday, five got past Trail Smoke Eaters goalie Adam Todd in a 5-2 decision at the South Okanagan Events Centre.
The crowd of 1,986 didn’t have to wait long for the home team to strike first as Steen Cooper finished a play started by Erik Benoit at 1:08. The lead was short lived as the Smoke Eaters took advantage of a power play with Dylan Bowen evening things up at 1:51 after Vees defenceman Chris Rygus was sent to the box for interference.
The Vees regained their lead a little over four minutes later as captain Brad McClure struck for his 34th goal of the season. The Vees then gave themselves a little cushion as Shane McColgan was found at the Smoke Eaters blueline and sprung on a breakaway. Todd denied him on the first shot, but McColgan cashed in the rebound for his second as a Vee. Nic Pierog then gave the Vees a 4-1 lead to take into the second intermission as he redirected a McClure shot off his skate behind Todd.
In the final frame, the two teams exchanged goals from Adam Wheeldon and Ben Dalpe. Todd finished with 38 saves in a losing effort, while Hunter Miska turned aside 20 for his 14th win. The Vees improved to 29 wins with 11 losses, two ties and four overtime losses in the BCHL.
For more Vees coverage, check Wednesday’s issue of the Western News.
