Chilliwack, BC: The Penticton Vees (2-0-0-0) are on the road once again this weekend, but in today’s game they’ll be taking on an opponent at a neutral site. The Bauer BCHL Showcase at Prospera Centre in Chilliwack began Wednesday and runs through Saturday night, and the Vees play the Alberni Valley Bulldogs (1-2-1-0) today at 4:00 p.m.
Last Friday the Vees jumped out to a 5-0 lead after the first period and held on for the 6-2 win over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Owen Sillinger scored twice and the Vees also got goals from Lukas Sillinger, Joseph Leahy, Ryan Sandelin and Jared Nash. Adam Scheel made 30 saves in net for his first career BCHL win.
The Bulldogs, meanwhile, kicked off their Showcase schedule with a game against the Vernon Vipers last night. Goaltending was the story of that game as John Hawthorne finished with 43 saves for the Bulldogs in the 1-1 tie.
Starting in 2012, every BCHL club has gone to Chilliwack to play to regular-season games and showcase players for scouts from the college and professional ranks. Prospera Centre’s ample space and availability of dressing rooms along with Chilliwack’s relative proximity to many other franchises is why it is held there every year.
Since it’s inception, the Penticton Vees have never lost at the Showcase playing to a perfect 10-0-0-0 record.
The Vees split their season series against Alberni last year, losing 2-1 in Port Alberni September 17 before rebounding with a 6-0 win at home January 14.
Tune in to the broadcast beginning at 3:40 for the pre-game show on EZ Rock Am 800, or online by clicking this link.
The game can also be watched online at www.hockeytv.com.
