PHOTO: Cherie Morgan/Cherie Morgan Photography
The Penticton Vees are back on home ice for the first of three-preseason home games this week, beginning with a matchup against the West Kelowna Warriors on Wednesday night at the South Okanagan Events Centre.
PRESEASON SCHEDULE
Wednesday, August 21st @ West Kelowna Warriors (2-1 Vees)
Friday, August 23rd vs. Merritt Centennials (3-1 Vees)
Saturday, August 24th @ Merritt Centennials (5-2 Vees)
Wednesday, August 28th vs. West Kelowna Warriors (6:30 PM)
Friday, August 30th vs. Brooks Bandits (7:00 PM)
Saturday, August 31st vs. Brooks Bandits (6:00 PM)
REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE vs. WEST KELOWNA
Friday, September 27th @ South Okanagan Events Centre (7:00 PM)
Saturday, September 28th @ Royal LePage Place (6:00 PM)
Friday, December 6th @ South Okanagan Events Centre (7:00 PM)
Saturday, December 7th @ Royal LePage Place (6:00 PM)
Tuesday, January 21st @ Royal LePage Place (7:00 PM)
Sunday, February 9th @ South Okanagan Events Centre (2:00 PM)
The Vees come into Wednesday night’s exhibition contest with a perfect 3-0 preseason record after a 5-2 victory over the Merritt Centennials on Saturday night at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena. Alex DiPaolo scored twice in the game while Jack Barnes, Evan McIntyre and Vincent Nardone added singles in the Vees win. Yaniv Perets made his exhibition debut for Penticton, turning aside 31 of the 33 shots thrown his way for the win in between the pipes.
This is the second of two exhibition meetings between the Vees and Warriors with the teams opening the preseason with a matchup a week ago in the Central Okanagan. In a game that featured a large chunk of prospects on both sides, Marek Pocherewny and Cameron Milewski stole the show in net for the Vees, stopping a combined 35 of 36 shots in a 2-1 victory. Logan Gallaher tallied a first period goal before Thomas Stift scored the game winner with just over five minutes remaining in regulation.
Into the final week of preseason play, the Vees will ice a roster that will be consistent with one that they will begin the season with. That means the likes of Alex DiPaolo, who scored twice in Merritt on Saturday, will draw in for Penticton. The Oakville, Ontario native produced 16 goals and 32 assists for 48 points a season ago in 53 games played with the Coquitlam Express and has points in back-to-back games with the Vees during the exhibition.
One of the four rookies slated to play with the Vees this season has made an immediate impact on the scoresheet. Edina, Minnesota native Liam Malmquist tallied three assists in Saturday’s 5-2 victory over the Centennials and also has points in back-to-back preseason contests. Malmquist scored 23 goals and 52 points in just 23 games with Edina High School last season.
The West Kelowna Warriors enter tonight’s game after completing a weekend home-and-home set against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. The Warriors fell to the ‘Backs by a 2-1 score on Friday night at Royal LePage Place before the scene shifted to the Shuswap and West Kelowna earned a 6-5 overtime victory at the Shaw Centre.
Mason Richey’s second game of the night was good for the overtime winner while Cole Wyatt also added a pair of goals in the game. Brandon Dent and Lucas Cullen also tallied in the win while it was a split night in goal with Brock Baier opening the game and Evan Fraudette coming in to finish the night off and pick up the win in overtime.
Puck drop is slated for 6:30 PM tonight as the Vees take on the Warriors with tickets available for just $5.00 at the SOEC Box Office. If you can’t make it to the rink, the game will be broadcasted on HockeyTV.com with the Voice of the Vees, Trevor Miller.
Season tickets are on sale now and the regular season just two weeks away with Penticton travelling to Trail to take on the Smoke Eaters on Friday, September 6th. The Vees home opener is slated for Friday, September 27th against the West Kelowna Warriors. Contact Director of Ticketing & Merchandise Laura Carleton for more information on season tickets and watching the Vees live this season.
