vees:blog

Hard to believe, but the BCHL playoffs begin in just a single, solitary week! While the Penticton Valley First Vees won’t be taking part in the first round, having clinched a bye, the club does still have a lot on the line this weekend against Vernon. The Vees need a single point or a Westside loss or tie to clinch home ice for the post season, and the way the Warriors and Vipers have played in the new year, that isn’t a given.

This weekend’s home-and-home rematch of last years Interior Conference final has certainly caught the interest of the hockey fans in Vernon. Tonight’s attendance at the Vernon Multiplex should be close to 3000, as the Vipers had sold 2500 tickets mid-way through the week. Vees fans would be wise to get tickets for tomorrow’s back end of the home-and-home, as the two clubs will be sending messages to each other, knowing they could meet in the playoffs for what would be a very physical series.

Vipers fans have had a lot to cheer about in the New Year with the arrival of re-enforcements after the team suffered 3 defections in the Fall. Andrew Hammond now patrols the Vipers crease as the number one goalie, while Kevin Kraus and Justin Palazzo have beefed up the blue-line, and Greg Beller’s big body has added depth up front.

The Vees have had Vernon’s number this season, posting 3 wins and a loss in 4 games, but the Vees haven’t seen the new look Vipers since adding all the parts mentioned above. Should the Vees earn a point or two tonight, it will be interesting to see what kind of roster Fred Harbinson puts on the ice tomorrow. One could justify a night off for many of the Vees best, but with the Vees first playoff game slated for the 7th of March, Coach Harbinson may not see any value in an extra day of rest.

As mentioned, the Vees will open their 2008 post-season play on March 7th and 8th with back-to-back home games. Playoff tickets are now available at the Vees office in Memorial Arena (493-8337). A wise man once said ‘the sooner you buy your playoff tickets, the better the view’… Or, did I just make that up? Either way, I’m sure it’s true! For info see the teams website.

The Vees are relatively healthy moving into the post-season. Anthony Perdicaro and Denver Manderson we’re both scratched in last weekend’s monster win in Surrey, but will have the bye to heal their ‘bumps and bruises’. The two centers are less than 100%, but will likely play in the post-season opener, but are doubtful for this weekend’s action against Vernon.

Next week on ‘Boston Pizza Vees This Week’ Chad Campbell and I catch up with soon to be drafted rookie Zac Dalpe and super sixteen-year-old wrecking ball Curtis Mackenzie as they sign autographs at Boston Pizza. Also, we’ll take a close look at the four first round match-ups in the BCHL playoffs and make our fearless prognostications. That’s all Monday night, 6:00 ‘til 7:00 on EZ Rock AM 800