vees:blog

Denver Manderson’s four-point night and Garrett Milan’s hat trick helped the Vees blow out Merritt 9-1 on Saturday night in Penticton. The Vees earned their 10th win of the year and a slight measure of revenge on the Centennials, who beat the Vees in their only previous meeting of the season.

Beau Bennett had a goal and two helpers and Matt Paltrigdge, Joey LaLeggia, Eric Filiou and Jake Johnson each had two point nights as the Vees offense had an explosive outing in front of 1200 delighted fans.

It was 5-0 Vees after a single period, there were four fights in the second frame and Merritt Centennial Derek Hills finally spoiled Joel Rumpel’s shutout bid in the third period on a breakaway deke.

The shot clock was also tilted the Vees way on this night as the home side mustered 52 shots as compared to the Cents 24. 17-year-old net-minder Keith Hamilton was yanked from the game 7:22 into the first period as he surrendered three goals on ten shots. Next in net for the Cents was Penticton product Cole Holowenko who stopped 36 of 42 guided his way.

Joel Rumpel’s 23 saves got him his third win in four games this year. The only loss Rumpel has suffered was against the Centennials in Merritt.

The Vees went 2/6 on the power play and killed of the lone minor they were assessed.

Manderson and Bennett are now sitting 1-2 in league scoring with the pair each having double digit goal and assist totals just 14 games into the season. Garrett Milan now sits 6th in league scoring with 17 points in just 11 games.

The Vees are now (6-0-0-1) on home ice, and sit atop the Interior Conference with the Vernon Vipers holding 3 games in hand while sitting 3 points back.

The Vees now have 10 days without a game and will break for two days before resuming practice. October 21st the Vees hit the ice again as they open an island road swing with a game in Bear Mountain Arena against the Victoria Grizzlies.