Penticton Vees (5-1-0-0 10 points 2nd Interior Division)
Merritt Centennials (5-1-0-0 10 points 1st Interior Division)
Game Time: 7pm
Venue: SOEC
Listen: EZ Rock AM 800
Wactch: Fasthockey
We’re Going Streaking: Both teams are on a roll heading into Wednesday’s first place showdown. The Vees have are looking for their third straight win after sweeping Salmon Arm last weekend, and the Centennials have won four in a row since losing to Chilliwack on September 21st. The winner of tonight’s contest will grab sole possession of top spot in the Interior Division. Though both teams are tied on points and sport identical 5-1-0 records, the Cents’ hold the tiebreaker after beating the Vees on September 27th.
Stingy Visitors: Merritt’s defense has been nearly air tight this season. Through six games they lead the BCHL is goals against with a measly eight allowed. In fact, they’ve only allowed three goals in their last four games have shutout their opponents twice during that stretch. Statistically speaking, the Cents’ have the two top rated goaltenders in the BCHL. Anthony Pupplo has a miniscule 1.29 goals-against average and an impressive .956 save percentage. His partner, veteran Jonah Imoo owns a tidy 1.38 goal-against average a sparking .961 save percentage. I wouldn’t bet on seeing big numbers on the scoreboard tonight; at least not an eight spot.
Trying to Turn the Tables: The Vees haven’t forgotten about the 5-0 loss that was handed to them by the Cents’ in the first meeting back on September 27th. Co-Captain Cody DePourcq said that loss was more about what they didn’t do opposed to what Merritt did, “We’ve got to push the tempo…when we’re playing well, we’re playing fast. We’ve have to be more consistent and avoid the letdowns.”
Oh Captain, My Captain: It appears the Vees will miss Co-Captain Patrick Sexton for a third consecutive game, as he battles an undisclosed injury. The Vees are 2-0 without the veteran blue-liner but that’s no indictment of his play; he’s a rock on the backend. One thing Sexton helps with is discipline and the Vees will need that tonight, as the Cents’ own the league’s fourth-best power-play at a shade under 30 percent.
Happy Birthday, Demico! Happy belated 19th birthday to Vees forward Demico Hannoun. He scored the game-winning goal on a penalty shot in double-overtime last Saturday in Salmon Arm on his 19th birthday. Hannoun is a finisher, as he has four points through five games; all goals.
