VEES ELIMINATE THE WARRIORS, MOVE ON TO THE BCHL FINAL

On the heels of a grueling Seven Game Series against the Vernon Vipers, the Penticton Valley First Vees made quick work of the Westside Warriors, completing a Four Game Sweep with Wednesday night?s 5-2 decision at Royal LePage Place.

By winning the Interior Conference Title, the Valley First Vees claim the Ryan Hatfield Memorial Trophy and are headed to the Fred Page Cup for the first time since 2006.

Similar to the night before in Game Three, Penticton led 2-0 after one, before building a comfortable 3-0 advantage following 40 minutes of play.  The Warriors did put a bit of a scare into the visitors by scoring twice in the third in a span of just 3:35 to pull to within one at 3-2.  However, the Valley First Vees responded late in the game, quashing any further hopes of a Westside comeback.

Brett Hextall had a pair of goals to increase his playoff total to 10, Austin Smith tallied a powerplay marker from his knees, Denver Manderson roofed his fifth and Eric Kroshus put the icing on the cake with an empty netter.

Zac Dalpe had two assists, with Nathan Westover, Zack Josepher, Manderson, Smith and Michael Guzzo each adding single helpers.

Alex Evin picked up his eighth victory of the post season, stopping 26 of the 28 shots he faced.  Evin has started every playoff game for Penticton, holding the opposition to two goals or less in seven of the 11 games played.

The Valley First Vees had two goals on seven powerplay opportunities, while the penalty kill allowed one tally on four attempts.

The Penticton Valley First Vees now face the winner of the Coastal Conference Final between Nanaimo and Langley.  The Clippers and Chiefs are currently tied at Two Games apiece, with the scene switching back to Nanaimo for Game Five on Friday night.

Game One in the Best-of-Seven BCHL Championship Final (Fred Page Cup) is Friday, April 4th, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Memorial Area.  The Second Game goes the following night, also in Penticton.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT at WESTSIDE

FINAL SCORE: PENTICTON – 5, WESTSIDE – 2

Penticton     2     1     2     =     5    

Westside      0     0     2     =     2

Goals
Penticton: Brett Hextall – 2 (9, 10/GWG), Austin Smith – 1 (5), Denver Manderson – 1 (5), Eric Kroshus – 1 (2/ENG)
Westside: Justin Schultz – 1 (3), David Arduin – 1 (2)

Assists
Penticton: Zac Dalpe – 2, Nathan Westover – 1, Zack Josepher – 1, Denver Manderson – 1, Austin Smith – 1, Michael Guzzo – 1

Westside: Cory Pritz – 2, Trevor Bailey – 1, Bryce Kakoske – 1

Powerplays
Penticton: 2 for 7
Westside: 1 for 4