Chilliwack, BC: The Penticton Vees (3-0-0-0) came from behind to beat the Alberni Valley Bulldogs 3-2 last night at the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack, and tonight they turn their attention to the event hosts, the Chiefs (1-2-1-1).
Trailing 2-0 after the first period yesterday, the Vees got two goals from Ben Allen, one from Dakota Boutin and 19 saves in a relief appearance from Adam Scheel over the final 40 minutes to remain undefeated on the young season.
Chilliwack’s tough start to the season continued with a 2-1 double-overtime loss to the Nanaimo Clippers last night in their first Showcase game. Their lone win came September 16 in Langley, also in overtime.
While tonight’s game is a rematch of last year’s Fred Page Cup Final, and also of the deciding game at the Western Canada Cup for the second Royal Bank Cup berth, there aren’t many returning faces on the Chiefs from last year. In fact, just four players from last year’s Chiefs team remain on the roster this season. The Vees have 11 players on the roster who played in last year’s final.
Special teams have played big roles for both of these teams so far this season, but for opposite reasons. The Vees have killed off 16 of 17 penalties so far this year, while the Chiefs power play sits at just nine and a half per cent, third last in the league.
Tonight’s game is the final game before the Vees return home to the South Okanagan Events Centre for their home opener next Friday against the West Kelowna Warriors.
Get your tickets to the game, included in our Rival Pack, by contacting Laura Carleton at the Vees office. She can be reached at 250-493-8337 ext. 4.
