Where: SOEC
When: 6pm
Listen: EZ ROCK AM 800
Watch: FASTHOCKEY
Twenty-two days is long enough. The Vees (14-4-1-2) return home to the SOEC for their first home game since October 25th, when the host the Nanaimo Clippers (12-10-0-1) at 6pm. The Vees have since played five games away from the SOEC, compiling a 3-1-0-1 record, including a 6-3 win in West Kelowna on Friday. The Clippers opened their three-game Interior Division road trip with a 3-2 loss in Trail one night ago. This is the second and final meeting between these two teams in the regular season; the Clips came-from-behind to down the Vees 3-2 in overtime last Saturday back on Vancouver Island.
One night ago the Vees used a strong second period to double up their rivals to the north. After taking a one-goal lead into the middle frame, the Vees scored three times courtesy of Max Coatta, Cam Amantea and Anthony Conti; Coatta and Amantea bulging the twine forty-seven seconds apart to build up a 3-0 lead. The Warriors twice cut into two three-goal deficits, as Penticton settled for a 4-2 lead after two. The Tribe made it a one-goal game early in the third but the Vees held off long enough for Captain Brad McClure to burry an insurance marker with ninety seconds left; newcomer Brendan Lamont added an empty-net goal for good measure. Hunter Miska was terrific in goal, stopping thirty-four of thirty-seven shots and was named the game’s first star. The Vees went 1-3 on the power-play and held the Warriors at bay on their only man-advantage.
The boatmen have won four of their last six coming into tonight’s contest, including that 3-2 overtime win over Penticton one week ago. Last night the Clips didn’t start their Interior trip like they wanted to, dropping a 3-2 decision to the Trail Smoke Eaters in the West Kootenays. Trail built up a 2-0 lead midway through the second and again grabbed another two-goal lead (3-1) midway through the third period. Bo Brauer and Austin Dick scored for the Clippers in the loss, and Jayson Argue was saddled with the “L” in goal, stopping twenty-seven of thirty shots.
These two teams split the two-game season series last season, with both teams winning on home ice; the Vees 5-2 winners on December 15th, 2012. After tonight, the Vees are off until Wednesday when they host the Vernon Vipers; the Clippers pay a visit to Merritt tomorrow afternoon.
Tonight’s game-night sponsor is Save on Foods, as fans will have a chance to win prizes by spinning the Save on Foods wheel. The Vees would also like to welcome Carmi Elementary to tonight’s game.
