The Penticton Vees open their BCHL pre-season schedule tonight at the SOEC against their rivals from up the lake, the West Kelowna Warriors; face-off is 7 pm. This is the first meeting between the two long-time rivals since last spring’s Interior Division Final playoff matchup, thought tempers maybe cooled, given the circumstance.
Tickets for tonight’s game and all Vees’ pre-season games at home are $5.
Both teams are expected to ice a younger, less experienced squad for tonight’s game, with the majority of returnees on either side not playing. The Vees’ line-up tonight will consist largely of prospects and a few players from the Anaheim Junior Ducks. There will be a couple familiar faces sprinkled into the Vees’ line-up, including both goalies, as Mat Robson and Nolan Hildebrand will dress for Penticton.
West Kelowna’s has eight players back from last year’s RBC Cup national championship squad but it remains to be seen how many of the eight play in tonight’s game. Back from last year’s squad is Quin Foreman, Reed Gunville, Lane Gillis, Jared Marino, Connor Sodergren, Jake Harrison, Nick Rutigliano and goalie Keelan Williams. Vees’ fans likely will have a chance to see these names on August 31st, when the Vees face the Warriors in West-K.
Last night was the second of four intrasquad games at the Vees camp and again it was Team White getting the better of Team Blue. Above is a shot from the game, as defenceman Cory Babichuk (Blue) gets tangled up with a Team White player in the crease. Intrasquad action resumes on Friday and concludes Saturday with the annual Peaches Cup game.
After tonight the Vees are right back at it tomorrow, as they head to Vernon to the face the Vipers in pre-season action. Penticton is expected to ice a line-up that will have a more veteran presence. The Vees will have two pre-season games on Fasthockey, starting August 30th, when they host the Vipers. They will also be broadcasting their game against Trail on September 2nd.
