MICHAEL GUZZO’S OVERTIME MARKER PUTS THE VEES UP THREE GAMES TO ONE

The Penticton Valley First Vees are on the verge of ousting Vernon from the playoffs following a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory over the Vipers, Wednesday night at the Multi-Plex.

Michael Guzzo and Denver Manderson combined at 4:20 of the first sudden death period.  Manderson had left the game in the second period with an injury, but returned in the third.  In overtime, he won a battle deep in the Vernon zone before feeding Guzzo in the slot for the game winner.  Guzzo's first goal of the post season couldn't have come at a better time, beating Vipers? netminder Andrew Hammond over the blocker, vaulting the Valley First Vees into a commanding 3-1 series lead.

Alex Evin was nothing short of spectacular in the Penticton goal, turning aside 34 of 37 shots, including 16 of 17 in the final 20 minutes of regulation.  The Vipers held a 37-28 overall edge in shots on the night.

The Valley First Vees snapped their streak of sixteen straight powerplays without a goal when Austin Smith opened the scoring at 9:06 of the first period.  Kyle McMurphy and Brett Hextall each tallied in their second straight game.

Eric Kroshus, Michael Guzzo, Cory Schneider, Zack Josepher, Zac Dalpe, Austin Smith and Denver Manderson contributed one assist apiece.

Penticton was one for four with the man advantage, but did surrender a short-handed goal.  The penalty kill went six of seven and has now staved off 20 of Vernon?s 22 powerplay opportunities in the series.

The Penticton Valley First Vees look to wrap-up the series with a win on home ice Friday Night in Game Five.  Start time is 7:00 o?clock at the Memorial Arena.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT at VERNON

FINAL SCORE: PENTICTON – 4, VERNON – 3 (OVERTIME)

Penticton     2     1     0     1     =     4

Vernon         1     1     1     0     =     3

Goals
Penticton: Austin Smith – 1 (2) Kyle McMurphy – 1 (2), Brett Hextall – 1 (4), Michael Guzzo – 1/GWG (1)
Vernon: Scott Zurevinski – 1 (4), Conner Jones – 1 (2), Kellen Jones – 1 (4),

Assists
Penticton: Eric Kroshus – 1, Michael Guzzo – 1, Cory Schneider – 1, Zack Josepher -1, Zac Dalpe – 1, Austin Smith – 1, Denver Manderson – 1
Vernon: Hunter Bishop – 2, Scott Zurevinski – 1, Isaac Smeltzer – 1

Power Play
Penticton: 1 for 4
Vernon: 1 for 7

Shorthanded Goals

Vernon: 1