Denver Manderson?s goal with only 4:04 remaining in regulation time gave the Penticton Valley First Vees a 4-3 victory over the Nanaimo Clippers in the opening game of the BCHL Final, Friday night at the Memorial Arena.
Anthony Perdicaro?s tally, 5:46 into the third, drew the Valley First Vees even at 3-3, paving the way for Manderson?s late game heroics.
The teams were tied 1-1 following one period of play. However, the Clippers took a 3-2 lead into the final period, prior to Penticton?s come-from-behind effort over the last 20 minutes.
Austin Smith and Nic Knudsen, with his first career marker as a Vee, rounded out the Penticton scoring. Manderson, Knudsen and Smith all had two point nights by adding an assist apiece.
Alex Evin recorded his fifth straight victory and ninth of the post season in the Valley First Vees? net as the teams finished the game even in shots with 32 each. Penticton was dominated on the shot clock in period two by a margin of 21-11, but managed to respond by holding a decisive 10-4 shot edge in the third.
Game Two in the Best-of-Seven BCHL Championship Series goes Saturday night at 7:00 at the Memorial Arena. Mind you, fans are encouraged to show up any time after 4:00 for a ?Tail Gate Party,? which will feature a fundraising barbecue, hockey shoot, draws, face painting and more.
FRIDAY NIGHT vs. NANAIMO
FINAL SCORE: PENTICTON – 4, NANAIMO – 3
Nanaimo 1 2 0 = 3
Penticton 1 1 2 = 4
Goals
Nanaimo: AJ Gale – 1 (7), Andrew Cherniwchan – 1 (8), Mikael Bedard – 1 (8)
Penticton: Austin Smith – 1 (6), Nic Knudsen – 1 (1), Anthony Perdicaro – 1 (3), Denver Manderson – 1 (6/GWG)
Assists
Nanaimo: Michael Boivin – 1, Mikael Bedard – 1, Tyler Pistone – 1, AJ Gale – 1
Penticton: Denver Manderson – 1, Zac Dalpe – 1, Nic Knudsen – 1, Michael Guzzo – 1, Austin Smith
