Ryan Gropp collected the powerplay winner as the Penticton Vees opened the B.C. Hockey League regular season with a 2-1 win over the Victoria Grizzlies Friday afternoon at the Bauer Showcase in Chilliwack.
Gropp also assisted on Brad McClure’s snipe just 78 seconds into the game at Prospera Centre. Ben Dalpe, the little brother of Penticton grad Zac Dalpe, now with the Carolina Hurricanes, had the other assist and was named first star.
Vees’ netminder Olivier Mantha recorded 25 saves for second star. Nick Charif, from Shawn McBride and Leo Fitzgerald, scored for Bill Bestwick’s Grizzlies.
In other opening-day action in Chilliwack, the Merritt Centennials thumped the Coquitlam Express 5-2, the Langley Rivermen outlasted the Trail Smoke Eaters 4-3 in overtime and the Surrey Eagles slammed the West Kelowna Warriors 3-0.
Former Vernon Viper Michael Roberts drew an assist on Surrey’s first goal.
The Vipers faced Surrey Saturday and will take on the Chilliwack Chiefs tonight (6 p.m.). Their home opener is this Saturday against Salmon Arm at Kal Tire Place.
