Chilliwack, BC: The Penticton Vees (2-2-0) look to go 2-0 at the Bauer BCHL Showcase for the sixth consecutive year Friday afternoon as they take on the Prince George Spruce Kings (4-1-0) at 4:00, who are coming off their first loss of the season.
Thursday morning, David Silye scored twice while Jack LaFontaine made 31 saves in goal to lead the Vees to a 4-1 win over the Surrey Eagles.
Lukas Sillinger and Kenny Johnson also scored for Penticton, while Luke Loheit dropped the gloves in the third period to come to the defence of his teammate Drew Elser who was hit hard into the boards.
Prince George was also in action Thursday. They were on the second ice sheet at Prospera Centre against the West Kelowna Warriors and lost a game for the first game of this year, 4-0 to the West Kelowna Warriors.
After posting a shutout in his first game of the season, Spruce Kings goalie Bradley Cooper lasted 25:48 into Thursday’s game before being pulled after giving up three goals on 12 shots. Logan Neaton took over and made 24 saves the rest of the way.
Mike Hardman led the way for West Kelowna with a pair of goals, while Connor Hopkins stopped all 21 shots he faced.
The Vees went 2-0 against the Spruce Kings last season after a 4-1 win on the road and a 2-1, double overtime victory at home.
On the road, Jonny Tychonick had a goal and three assists to lead the way for Penticton, while Taylor Ward scored the winner just seven seconds into double overtime at home.
Following the game the Vees will get set for next Friday’s game in Merritt before the highly-anticipated home opener against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs Saturday night.
Team Statistics
Leading Scorers
Penticton Vees
David Silye – 3G 5A 4GP
Ryan Sandelin – 2G 2A 4GP
Lukas Sillinger – 2G 2 A 4GP
Prince George Spruce Kings
Ben Brar – 5G 0A 5GP
Patrick Cozzi – 2G 3A 5GP
Dylan Anhorn – 1G 3A 5GP
Special Teams
Penticton Vees
Power play – 14.3 per cent
Penalty kill – 80.0 per cent
Prince George Spruce Kings
Power play – 22.7 per cent
Penalty kill – 80.0 per cent
Season Series
September 21, 2018 – Vees vs Spruce Kings (Showcase)
November 3, 2018 – Vees @ Spruce Kings
January 18, 2019 – Vees vs Spruce Kings