Where: SOEC
When: 6pm
Who: Vees vs. Chilliwack Chiefs
The Penticton Vees (16-7-1-3) will look to shake off defensive miscues, mental gaffs and a disappointing loss Friday, when they host another Mainland Division foe in the Chilliwack Chiefs (7-17-1-2) tonight at the SOEC. This is the first of two regular season meetings between these two non-divisional opponents, as they wrap up the season series on December 13th in Chilliwack.
Friday the Vees erased a two-goal first period deficit, came back down a goal three times but still ended dropping a 5-4 decision to the Langley Rivermen. Captain Brad McClure tried everything he could to will his team to victory, as he scored twice and finished with a game high four points in the loss. Langley struck twice in a thirty second span in the first period to grab two-goal lead after twenty minutes. Ben Dalpe and McClure brought the Vees back even in the second before the Rivermen went ahead again early in the third period. Brett Beauvais drew the Vees level, again, shortly thereafter on the power-play, setting the stage for McClure. The Vees Captain scored his team-leading twentieth of the season eight minutes into the third to grab the Vees their first lead. However, the Riv’ responded with two goals in a minute and a half to come back and steal the two points.
The Vees will make a couple changes on the blue-line, as Jarod Hilderman will draw back in and the Vees will dress seven defensemen for warm-up; final scratch prior to puck-drop. They will will dress twelve forwards, after just eleven last night, as Jake Ahlgren slides back onto the wing with Riley Alferd and Jack Ramsey. Hunter Miska gets the start between the pipes, his third straight start dating back to last Saturday.
The Chiefs are coming off an 8-5 loss at home to the Powell River Kings on Friday, a game in which they led 3-1 after the first period. Six different Chiefs picked up a pair of points, led by Carter Cochrane, who had two goals in the loss. Chilliwack’s struggles have been well documented, as they’ve won just three of their 10 games but are 2-2 in their last four games. The Vees have struggled against the Mainland Division this season (1-3-1-1) but so too has the Chiefs against the Interior (1-4-1-1). The Chiefs only win against the Interior came in their last game against an Interior team; 6-3 in West Kelowna on November 22nd.
