The Penticton Vees are now winless in four games against the Salmon Arm SilverBacks.
Friday night’s 2-1 loss at the South Okanagan Events Centre didn’t come without controversy. Trailing 1-0 in the second period, the Vees had a shot ring off both posts and out.
Vees fans booed in disbelief that the officials waved it off. Vees coach Fred Harbinson was incensed following the game because the officials wouldn’t ask the goal judge what he saw. The reasoning for the officials not speaking to the goal judge about plays, said Harbinson, is because they are certain about their decision.
“Our guys deserved a better fate,” said Harbinson, adding it’s the fourth time the Vees have had a goal waved off.
With 2:10 remaining in the second period, Landon Smith, the BCHL’s leading scorer, beat Vees goalie Olivier Mantha above his shoulder. The goal was scored on the power play, which Salmon Arm went 1-for-4.
The Vees lone goal was scored courtesy of captain Brad McClure, who beat Angus Redmond from the left high slot. Redmond turned aside 21 shots for the win, while Mantha made 13 saves.
The Vees, 29-12-2-4, will travel to Salmon Arm Saturday for the final game of the home-and-home series. The SilverBacks are 15-7-0-2 at the Shaw Centre. Puck drop is 7 p.m.
