The Penticton Valley First Vees scored six unanswered goals en route to a 7-2 pasting of the Merritt Centennials, Friday night at the Memorial Arena.
Michael Guzzo was the offensive hero, counting four goals. Zac Dalpe netted a pair, with Austin Smith rounding out the Penticton scoring. Anthony Perdicaro and Kyle McMurphy added three assists apiece. Brett Hextall and Austin Smith each contributed two helpers.
The Valley First Vees were actually down 2-1 at the 14:15 mark of the second period and were hanging on to a mere one goal cushion at 3-2 with less than seven minutes remaining. However, a four goal barrage in a span of just 2:35 more than put things out of reach.
Penticton took nine of the game?s 10 minor penalties and found themselves two men short on a couple of occasions. Both Merritt goals came in the second period, via the powerplay. The Centennials? first marker at 8:26 of the middle period snapped the Valley First Vees? streak of not allowing a goal at 151:35.
The Vees outshot the Centennials 29-20 overall, with netminder Bryan Mountain picking-up his 10th win of the season.
It?ll no doubt be a tougher test for the Penticton Valley First Vees tomorrow night when they host Salmon Arm. The SilverBacks tied Vernon 5-5 on Friday night, leaving the Valley First Vees a comfortable seven points ahead in the race for first in the Interior Conference.
FRIDAY NIGHT vs. MERRITT
FINAL SCORE: PENTICTON – 7, MERRITT – 2
Merritt 0 2 0 = 2
Penticton 1 2 4 = 7
Goals
Merritt: Tyler Martin – 1 (1), Brian Kang – 1 (12)
Penticton: Michael Guzzo – 4 (19, 20, 21, 22), Zac Dalpe – 2 (22/GWG, 23), Austin Smith – 1 (28)
Assists
Merritt: Kyle L?Arrivee – 1, Michael Naito – 1, Cha
