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Preview: Vees, Vipers renew long-standing rivalry

Penticton, BC: The Penticton Vees (4-3-0) and Vernon Vipers (3-3-2) have arguably the best rivalry in Junior ‘A’ hockey, and the first instalment of the 2018-19 chapter begins Friday night when Vernon visits the South Okanagan Events Centre.

The Vees are coming off a pair of wins last weekend, 6-3 on the road against Merritt and 2-0 over Alberni in the home opener. Friday night, newcomer Brendan Harrogate made a good first impression with two goals and an assist in his first game as a Vee to lead the way.

Saturday, Jack LaFontaine stopped all 23 shots thrown his way to record his first BCHL shutout in front of 3,410 fans at the SOEC. Andre Ghantous and David Silye provided the offence.

The Vipers also played a pair of games last weekend, coming out with a split. Friday the Vipers hosted the defending BCHL champion Wenatchee Wild and held them off the scoresheet with a 2-0 win. Aidan Porter turned aside 34 shots to record his first shutout of the season.

The following night Vernon was on home ice again, this time surrendering four third-period goals as the Merritt Centennials left Kal Tire Place with a 5-2 win. Bradley Cocca led the attack with a goal and two assists.

Last season the Vees played to two wins, two losses and two ties against the Vipers in the season series. 2017-18 also marked the first time since 2012-13 the two teams did not meet in the Fred Page Cup playoffs.

Over the past five regular seasons, the Vees have a combined record of 21-9-0-3 against their biggest rivals. The two teams will meet again in Vernon Saturday night at 6:00.

Team Statistics

Leading Scorers

Penticton Vees

David Silye – 5G 8A 7GP

Eric Linell – 5G 6A 9GP

Ryan Sandelin – 3G 4A 7GP

Vernon Vipers

Jack Judson – 3G 3A 8GP

Josh Latta – 3G 3A 8GP

Elan Bar-Lev-Wise – 0G 5A 8GP

Special Teams

Penticton Vees

Power play – 15.2 per cent (12th in BCHL)

Penalty kill – 84.6 per cent (7th in BCHL)

Vernon Vipers

Power play – 16.1 per cent (7th in BCHL)

Penalty kill – 78.3 per cent (12th in BCHL)

Season Series

October 5, 2018 – Vees vs Vipers

October 6, 2018 – Vees @ Vipers

November 7, 2018 – Vees @ Vipers

December 19, 2018 – Vees vs Vipers

February 8, 2019 – Vees vs Vipers

February 9, 2019 – Vees @ Vipers