vees:blog

TOP LINE TERRIFIC

Another game, another 6 points from the top line of the Penticton Vees. The Vees top unit has piled up 19 points in the teams last three games and have combined for 34 goals and 55 assists this season through 16 games played (Holy Toledo!). Manderson leads the league in scoring, Bennett sits in third spot, and despite missing three games (suspension for a line brawl, and WJAC evaluation camp) Garrett Milan sits in 17th spot in league scoring (he’s 7th in points per game).

STIFLING DEFENSE

The Vees have been particularly scrooge-like in the month of October. While the club has been filling the net all season, the goals against have plummeted since the turn of the calendar. in seven games in October the Vees have allowed just seven goals. The goal against totals since their 5-4 loss in Merritt in late September: 2, 0 , 1, 2 (OT), 1, 1, 0. That’s airtight defense. Sean Bonar has been especially dialed in as he has allowed just four goals in his last five games, two of which were shutouts.

CLIPPERS VS. VEES

Bill Bestwick’s presence behind the bench for the Clippers is not a given tonight in Nanaimo. The long time GM & Head Coach was less than impressed with the officials in last night’s OT loss to his former assistant Nolan Graham’s Alberni Valley Bulldogs, and threw a waterbottle in an officials direction after the game winner was scored last night. The Clippers were issued a Game Misconduct at the conclusion of the match and Bestwick could be suspended. The Vees early successes aren’t lost on Coach Bestwick as the Nanaimo Bulletin discovered.

“We know they’re real good, we know they’re real deep, we know they’re real skilled… They have excellent puck possession and puck management.”

~ Bill Bestwick

MIDGET GIANTS

The Penticton Vees have in recent years been the Junior home some of the top talent to emerge from the Vancouver Major Midget Giants program. Burnaby Now takes a look at the recent captains of the oxymoronic lower mainland club (how can a Midget be a Giant?!) and their hockey futures.

NANAIMO MEMORIES

The last time the Vees were in Nanaimo, they hoisted the 2008 Fred Page Cup after a clean four game sweep of the Clippers. Just Denver Manderson remains from that championship roster. Fred Harbinson (Head Coach), David Small (Assistant Coach), Murray Maxwell (Asst. Equipment Manager), Al Formo (Broadcaster) , Tom Jones (Bus Driver) and I were there too. It’s incredible how quickly BCHLers move on.

Here’s a look at where the players that comprised that championship club of 2008 are today:

GOALIES:

ALEX EVIN - The Castlegar product is making a push for the starting job with the COLGATE RAIDERS (NCAA - ECAC) as a Sophomore, though a 5-3 loss last night won’t help the cause.

BRYAN MOUNTAIN - An accomplished martial artist, Mountain’s intense focus earned him a spot on the NORTHEASTERN HUSKIES (NCAA - HOCKEY EAST) roster after posting some impressive numbers in the MJHL last season. Mountain is yet step on the ice for the Huskies.

DEFENSE:

JAMES BETTAUER - A raw 16-year-old defender, ‘Bettsy’ didn’t play much in the post-season for the Vees, and elected to play in the WHL with the CHILLIWACK BRUINS (CHL - WHL) last season where he recorded seven points and was minus 25 on one of the weaker teams in Major Junior Hockey. Bettauer has yet to play a game this season after being dropped by the Bruins this off-season and suffering a broken jaw this Fall.

MICHAEL HENGEN - A four year Western League defender before arriving in Penticton Mike is now playing his second season in Germany, this year he’s in the third division with the HERN EV (GERMANY - OBERLIGA) where he is averaging about a point a game. Michael father Tom Hengen is a Lower Mainland scout for the Vees.

ZACK JOSEPHER - A cannon of a shot from the point, Josepher was a mainstay on PP in his two years with the Vees. Zack is a Freshman at MICHIGAN STATE (NCAA - CCHA) where he had 4 points in his first NCAA game two weeks ago.

NIC KNUDSEN - Affectionately know as ‘The Beast’, Nic played last season with the CONCORDIA STINGERS (CIS - OUA) in Montreal. The hulking defender known as much for his heavy hits as ear to ear grin, isn’t listed on the Stingers 09/10 roster.

DEVON KROGH - Devon Krogh is now a freshamn for OHIO STATE BUCKEYES (NCAA - CCHA) and has a single assist in the early going. Krogh was known for his ‘flow’ (hockey hair), and his presence in the community with the SPCA dog walks and his role with the Read to Succeed program.

RYAN WAGNER - Ryan had all sorts of offers to continue to further his hockey career South of the border but the 20-year-old defender returned to Saskatchewan to work on the farm. Quiet, dependable, sturdy… he was voted the Vees top D-man in 2008.

NATHAN WESTOVER - ‘Westy’ was a well rounded defender with a knack for scoring against his former clubs (of which there were a few) and a love of blue sweat pants on the bus! Nathan spent most of the 08/09 season with the Burnaby Express. Much like his Junior eligibility, Westover’s hockey career appears to be over.

FORWARDS:

ZAC DALPE - MVP of the WJAC gold medal game, Dalpe was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes and is a current member of the OHIO STATE BUCKEYES (NCAA - CCHA). As a Sophomore ‘Z-D’ has 2 points in 3 games this season.

ELI GROSSMANN - Eli’s Junior career ended on a sour note (just YouTube ‘Grossmann loses it’) with the Grande Prairie Storm, as they got swept by the Vernon Vipers in the Doyle Cup, but his adventurous spirit lives on. The Alaskan suited up in the AIHL (Australian Ice Hockey League) this summer (their Winter), and at last check was still enjoying life down-under.

MICHAEL GUZZO - One of Al Formo’s all-time penalty killers through the years, Guzzo is playing with CURRY COLLEGE COLONELS (NCAA DIV III - ECAC NORTHEAST) who still haven’t started their 09/10 season. Michael had 23 points in 27 games as a Freshman.

BRETT HEXTALL - One of the greatest captains I’ve seen lead a team, Hextall was drafted by Phoenix and now plays for the NORTH DAKOTA FIGHTING SIOUX (NCAA - WCHA) where he has 2 points in 4 games as a Sophomore on the 2nd ranked team in the nation.

ERIC KROSHUS - A great hockey player and a better student (that’s saying something!) Kroshus is a Sophomore with the HARVARD CRIMSON (NCAA - ECAC) who have yet to start their season. Kroshus was selected an ECAC Hockey All Academic last season.

MITCH LEBRECHE - Traded after training camp this season (there was a glut of centres) Mitch is now playing for the POWELL RIVER KINGS who are off to a great start of the season. Mitch has 5 goals and 5 assists in 19 games with his new club.

DENVER MANDERSON - The lone member that remains from the 2008 squad, Denver is a reminder of how quickly BCHL rosters turnover. Head to the top of this post for more on Denver.

CURTIS McKENZIE - C-Mac is having a sensational start to his freshman season with the MIAMI REDHAWKS (NCAA - CCHA) as he recorded 5 points in his first two weekends. Just 16 in 2008 Curtis was in a fourth line role with the club and threw his fists and checks with surprising success for a rook.

KYLE McMURPHY - A special teams wizard for the 2008 club, ‘McPowerPlay’ scored 13 of his 22 goals on the man-advantage. Kyle was playing poker in Vancouver at last check, and hung up the blades after the 2008 Championship.

VINNY MUCHALLA - A trade deadline pick up, Vinny was a physical force on the 4th line, who is taking business classes at UNBC and at last check was mulling over the option of suiting up for the FORT ST. JOHN FLYERS (SR. ‘AAA’ - NPHL) who will host the Allan Cup this Spring (Canadian National Sr. AAA Championship).

TREVOR NILL - Trevor is playing hockey in his home state for the MiCHIGAN STATE SPARTANS (NCAA - CCHA). Nill has 8 PIM and 0 points in 4 games. Nill was used in a checking role on the 08 Championship squad.

ANTHONY PERDICARO - Fresh off his 4 game stint in the AHL, Perdicaro will be back in the line-up of the COWICHAN VALLEY CAPITALS on Sunday when the Caps host the Warriors. Peridicaro was given a Gross Misconduct in his first game back with the Caps.

CORY SCHNEIDER - Cory Schneider suffered a mid-season injury with the OHIO STATE BUCKEYES (NCAA - CCHA) last year and had a tough time cracking the line-up on his return to full health. This year Schneider has played 4 of 5 games in his Sophomore season.

AUSTIN SMITH - Smitty and his patented glass diving were at their finest during the Fred Page Cup Finals in 2008, where he scored the first goal of each of the 4 game sweep of the Clippers. Smith is a Dallas Stars draft pick playing his Sophomore season for the COLGATE RAIDERS (NCAA - ECAC). Austin had 31 points in 37 games as a Freshman.

Made in Penticton but residing in Duncan, the Vees will see the world’s largest hockey stick tonight

* The Vees wrap up their 2-game season series with the Cowichan Valley Capitals today in Duncan. Penticton pumped Cowichan 6-1 on October the 7th as captain Denver Manderson record 3 assists.

The Caps are (2-0-0-0) under new head coach and former NHL tough-guy Dale Purinton, and have got Anthony Perdicaro back from the East Coast Hockey League. Perdicaro received a Gross Misconduct in his first game back and will not be in the Cowichan line-up tonight.

* In NCAA action this weekend Curtis McKenzie’s hot start with the top ranked Miami Redhawks will see the freshman forward face two former teammates at Michigan State. Zack Joesepher and Trevor Nill currently play for the Spartans and both played with Curtis during the 2008 BCHL Championship season. Here’s a preview of the Division I clash.

* It appears the Clippers and Grizzlies have swung a deal. Hammer tells us the deal sees D - Jake Baker (91) go to Victoria for F - Teal Burns (92) and D - Todd Gebert (90). That’s the third team for Jake Baker and we are just at the quarter poll of the season.

* The Merritt Centennials have added a few bodies to their roster as F - Andrew MacMillan (90) is over his mono and Cameron Dagg is yanked up from Columbia Valley of the KIJHL (Jr. B). No idea why the Cents want another young goalie (they allready have two)… Nevermind one who is (1-7-0) in Jr. B.

* The Vipers have given D - Nils-Erik Soderlund (90) a full time roster spot… DieHardVipersFan has more.

The fallout from Saturday’s line-brawl in Prince George is still affecting the Vees and Spruce Kings.

Milan (St. Cloud State)

Both teams had three players suspended following the 9-2 Vees victory in PG, and each player was suspended for a pair of games by the BCHL for dropping their mittens after the original scrap had gotten underway on the ice.

Szczechura (Ohio State)

The Vees will be without the service of F - Ben Sexton (91), F - Alex Szczechura (90), and F - Garrett Milan (91) all of whom are committed to NCAA programs. Meanwhile the Prince Spruce Kings wil be without captain and Northern Michigan committed F - Sam Muchalla (90), F - Jeff Earnest (91), and D - Josh Pineiro (89) who will miss their second game on Friday against the Centennials in Merritt.

Sexton (Clarkson)

The BCHL has made it clear they do not endorse line brawls, and having multiple players miss two games certainly drives home a point. The Vees survived a short bench in Quesnel on Sunday to win 4-3 and will hope to do the same in Westside on Friday, while the Spruce Kings haven’t been so fortunate and now find themselves in the Interior basement at (0-3-0-0) after losing to Quesnel on Wednesday.

The Penticton Vees wrapped up a three game weekend in the Caribou with a 4-3 win over the Quesnel Millionaires on Sunday afternoon.

The Caribou was Kind to the Vees

The win leaves the Vees alone atop the BCHL standings with an undefeated record through three games. All this despite a suspension shortened bench on Sunday that saw three college committed forwards Garrett Milan, Alex Szczechura and Ben Sexton watching from the stands following a line brawl in Prince George on Saturday.

Trailing 2-0 after the first period of play the Vees played their best hockey in the second period scoring three goals and outshooting the Mills 21-5. After taking a 4-2 lead in the third the Vees took 4 consecutive minor penalties and had to play short-handed down the stretch to close out the victory.

Joel Rumpel earned the win in the first start of his Junior career as he turned aside 17 of 20 shots, while the Vees Power Play continued to deliver going 2 for 5 in the afternoon affair. Through the first three games of the year the Vees are now 10 for 19 with the man advantage.

Beau Bennett and Denver Manderson are yet to cool off after their quick starts, as they combined for five points on Sunday. Bennett scored a goal and added an assist, to push his season total to 3 goals and 6 assists for 9 points in three games. Manderson, meanwhile has had the game winner and two helpers for a total of 4 goals and 6 assists over the three game weekend.

Bo Dolan and Ryan Viselli notched their first goals of the season for the Vees while Millionaires captain Trevor Hertz was his productive self with a pair of goals and an assist in the losing cause. Erik Hansen had the Mills first goal of the night, Talyor Holst had two assists while Sam Higgins, and Spencer Graboski each set up a goal.

Other Vees recording points were Joey LaLeggia who added two assists to an already impressive debut weekend, and hulking rear-guard Luke Curadi who’s point shot was tipped in for the Vees first of the night.

The Millionaires and new Head Coach and GM Doug Watson will look for their first win of the season on Wednesday when they play Prince George after suffering back to back 4-3 losses this weekend.

The Vees have Monday off before focusing on a home-and-home with the Westside Warriors starting this Friday Night at Royal LePage Place in West Kelowna.

Fred Harbinson is live in studio following some controversial comments on the weekend, an update on Denver Manderson, weekend highlights, Interior Conference Power Rankings, a conversation with ’shutdown’ pairing Derik Johnson and Matt Paltridge, the upcoming Vees Party at Boston Pizza and More!

Boston Pizza Vees This Week airs Mondays from 6-7 on EZ Rock AM 800, @ myEZRock.com, and in the BCHL’s fanzone.

Listen Now:

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Fred Harbinson joins Boston Pizza Vees This Week live in-studio tonights, so we chatted with Assistant Coach David Small before practice today.

Tune in tonight for the Head Coach and GM from 6-7PM on EZ Rock AM 800, MyEZRock.com and in the BCHL’s Fanzone.

Coach’s thoughts are always brought to you by Ironman City Subaru in Penticton.

Listen Now:

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The Vees and Warriors meet tonight in Westside for the 10th and final meeting of the season. The Vees come in short handed as a result of the Quesnel/Penticton Wrestlemania Event at the SOEC last night (see below).

Stakes are high as the Warriors lead the Vees by a single point in the race for 3rd spot in the Interior. The Vees have played one fewer game!

Here’s a look a the tale of the tape!

Season Series Team Stats

Record: Vees (6-2-0-1) Warriors (3-4-0-2)

Power Play: Vees (8/59) 13.6% Warriors (4/36) 11.1%

Shots For: Vees (262) 29.1/Game Warriors (270) 30.0/Game

LEADING SCORERS

WS F - Jordan Gagne 9GP (7-2-9)

PEN F Curtis McKenzie 8GP (5-3-8)

WS D - Justin Schultz 8GP (1-6-7)

WS F - Garrett Watson 9GP (1-6-7)

PEN F - Garrett Milan 9GP (3-3-6)

WS F - Trevor Bailey 9GP (2-4-6)

PEN D - Devon Krogh 9GP (0-6-6)

PEN F - Ryan Viselli 8GP (3-2-5)

WS D - Brad Plumpton 9GP (1-4-5)

PEN D - Zack Josepher 9GP (1-4-5)

PEN F - Denver Manderson 5GP (1-3-4)

LEADING GOALIES

PEN - Jordan White (3-3-0) 2.26 GAA, 408:41 TOI

WS - Kevin Jebson (3-5-0) 2.65 GAA, 497:56 TOI

WS - Devon Murtagh (0-1-0) 4.04 GAA, .833 S%, 59:23 TOI

Five members of the Vees have been handed single game suspensions as a result of last night’s line brawl in Penticton.

Gone for tonight’s final regular season game with the Westside Warriors are D - Derek Johnson, D - Matt Paltridge, F - Joey Holka, F - Ryan Johansen, and Head Coach and GM Fred Harbinson.

Also missing due to injury are Vees Captain Denver Manderson (see posting below), Centreman Mitch Lebreche (lower body), and Rearguard Matt Ridley (upper body).

Zack Josepher returns to the line-up tonight after being given Friday’s affair off, he’ll be leaned on tonight with the Vees top defensive pairing watching from the stands (Paltridge & Johnson).