vees:blog

*********

Appologies. Podbean.com was suffering from concussion like symptoms today and I wasn’t able to post this recap until now… BAH!

*********

With just three lines of forwards and one returning player from the 08/09 season, the Penticton Vees rolled into Merritt last night for their biggest challenge of the pre-season.

Early on the green Vees squad captained by 19-year-old Mitch Lebreche looked competitive, but by the end of the night the age, size, and experience of the Cents proved far superior as the Vees fell 5-1 - their first loss of the 09/10 campaign.

16-year-old forward Stephan Nicholishin had roller coaster of a night as he potted his first BCHL goal, but was seen looking up at the lights after multiple heavy collisions with Merritt defenders. Welcome to Junior Hockey!

Hayden Trupp had a similar evening, showcasing his playmaking skills and scrappy edge until he left the game due to injury. The good news for the Vees is that Hayden won’t miss any time, after getting sandwiched between a pair of Centennials.

18-year-old net-minder Joel Rumpel made several big stops early but had to face nearly 50 shots on the night and was on the hook for 5 goals against.

Joey LaLeggia (’92) and Bo Dolan (’91) looked particularly strong on the blue-line. LaLeggia - who is committed to New Hampshire - had success rushing the puck and seemed to flourish in the extra ice-time. Dolan who suited up in the USHL last season showcased an all around game with physical play, good puck movement, and a fight in defense of a teammate.

In front of the largest crowd I’ve seen in Merritt my thee seasons covering the BCHL, the Cents looked especially strong in the final 40 minutes of play as they dictated the physical tone in the cramped confines of the Nicola Valley Arena. Their is a new swagger to the Cents as fans and players alike seem to be infected with optimism after a regime change fueled by a meager 26 wins in the past two seasons.

How good the Centennials are at this point is tough to gauge, as just a handful of the young Vees charges from last night will likely play for the club this year. Underlying that thought is the fact that the Vees locker-room was surrounded by over a half dozen NCAA scouts following the match, unlike the host’s doorway. That being said, thing are looking better on the ice in Merritt than they have in recent memory.

Though the Vees lost badly, (for the first time this pre-season) Head Coach and GM Fred Harbinson certainly got a good look at the young kids trying to make the team. Monday night represented the most ice-time any of the players have had all pre-season.

Look for personnel changes come Wednesday Night in Penticton as puck drops for the rematch, with the closest thing to an opening night line-up we’ve seen on display.