Steen Cooper’s second-period goal led the Penticton Vees to a 4-1 win over the Merritt Centennials at the South Okanagan Events Centre Friday night.
Cooper deflected a goal past Centennials goalie Jonah Imoo at 14:51 of the second period of their BCHL match. The Vees secured the win with goals by Dakota Conroy and Tyson Jost in the third period. Also scoring for the Vees was Patrick Newell, who opened the scoring in the first period on the power play at 7:08.
Hunter Miska made 20 saves to give the Vees their 41st win of the season and Gabe Bast collected two assists. Jake Clifford scored the only Centennials goal when his shot smacked the post and went in after hitting Miska.
The Vees power play went two-for-eight, while killing off all three of Merritt’s power plays.
In other BCHL action from the Interior Division, the Salmon Arm Silverbacks edged the visiting Alberni Valley Bulldogs 4-3, the Vernon Vipers smoked the Trail Smoke Eaters 11-3 at Kal Tire Place with a seven-goal third period and the West Kelowna Warriors topped the Chilliwack Chiefs 6-2. The Nanaimo Clippers defeated the Powell River Kings 6-1, Coquitlam bested the Cowichan Valley Capitals 6-4 and the Prince George Spruce Kings and Surrey Eagles battled to a 1-1 draw.
