After suffering a 2-1 overtime setback in Powell River on Friday, the Vees beat Burnaby 3-1 in the lower mainland on Saturday to sweep their season series with the Express.

Rookie sensation Beau Bennett recorded his first BCHL hat trick, striking twice on the power play in the second period and once into an empty net to ice the game late in the third. Bennett now has 20 goals in just 24 games and trails just 20-year-olds Trevor Bailey (Westside) and Mitch MacMillan (Alberni Valley) in goals scored this season.

Denver Manderson had a pair of assists in the win, and now sits just 3 points back of Mark Zengerle with a game in hand for the BCHL lead in points.

The Vees penalty kill stood tall early in Burnaby as Luke Curadi was given a two-minute and five-minute penalty as well as a ten-minute misconduct for an altercation with former Vees pest Luke Challier in the first period. The Vees were short handed for seven minutes straight including two minutes down two-men when Matt Paltridge took a minor. The Vees ended up surrendering just a single goal on six Burnaby opportunities.

The Vees power play finished 2 for 8 with Bennett notching both goals scored while up a man. Burnaby got their lone goal on the power play in the first period as former Vees defender James Bettauer popped in his first of the season in just his second game of the year.

Joel Rumpel earned his tenth victory of the season on Saturday as he stopped 21 of 22 shots. The rookie net-minder has ten win and just two losses, a 2.01 GAA, and a .922 Save Percentage.

Absent from the line-up for the Vees was Bo Dolan, who will be out until the New Year with a lower body injury, and Sean Bonar who is recovering from the Swine Flu.

Next up for the Vees is a three game weekend that kicks off Friday with the Williams Lake Timberwolves in town. Saturday Prince George makes their first visit to the SOEC this season, and Sunday afternoon the Vees play in Trail in their maiden trip to Cominco Arena this season.

You can catch all the Vees action on Penticton’s Hockey Home EZ Rock AM 800, on MyEZRock.com or at the BCHL.ca Audio Scoreboard.

It’s not a cheap venture to head up to Powell River for a single game, Dave explains why.

Ben Sexton, Jake Johnson and Vees Athletic Therapist Geoff Carter enjoy some ‘deck talk’ on the Island Sky (a new member of the BC Ferries fleet)

Bo Dolan was injured in the OT Loss to Powell River

Alex Szczechura score the game tying goal in the third period, tapping in a puck that Denver Manderson had blasted through Josh Watson, but the Vees could only come up with one point on the night.

Andrew Pettitt’s winner in extra time caromed in off a Powell River skate, but after conferring with his linesman, the referee call the play a goal, which likely indicated no kicking motion, and a legal goal.

Another tough bounce put the Vees down 1-0 late in the second period as Ben Schmidt notched his 7th goal of the season short handed. Denver Manderson won a draw in the offensive zone back to the point, where the puck hopped over the stick of a Vees point-man setting up Schmidt on a short handed break.

While the Vees get a point on the night in an OT loss, their biggest setback may be the loss of Bo Dolan who was taken to hospital after a lower body injury sidelined him in the second period. Dolan is out indefinitely but is in good spirits. His service may be lost for the season.

Josh Watson was spectacular in net for Powell River, setting aside 32 of 33 shots he faced from the Vees. In the crease for the Vees, Joel Rumpel was solid in his second straight start stopping 29 of 31.

Sean Bonar is still out with the swine flu and doesn’t yet have a timetable for a return to the line-up.

Neither team could take advantage of nine power plays on Friday. The Vees finished 0/5 on the man advantage and were a perfect 4/4 on the penalty kill.

Next up for the Vees is a trip to Burnaby to face the Express at Bill Copland Arena on Saturday. Opening faceoff is slated for 7:30 with the pre-game show starting at 7:15 on EZ Rock. The Vees defeated the Express 8-0 in their first meeting of the season in Penticton.

Rain, rain, rain, power outage, rain, power outage, rain, rain.

Welcome to Powell River, ironically located on the ‘Sunshine Coast’ of BC, where candles line the hallways of the Powell River Town Centre Hotel.

The weather report is pretty soggy here. Unlike most places North of the 49th parallel you might trade in a block heater and a snow shovel for an umbrella and a pair of rain boots in the winter.

Getting games played here in Powell River has been a nightmare in the last week. The locals are getting antsy here after the last two home games have been cancelled due to nutso weather. On Sunday high winds suspended ferry sailings that kept the Nanaimo Clippers on Vancouver Island. On Wednesday the Vipers were in town only to have the game cancelled due to a 3.5 hour power outage.

Hopefully tonight we’ll see hockey in PR.

The song getting love on my iPod is appropriately named ‘The Rain’ by Calvin Harris.

KINGS NOTES

As for the hockey here - the Kings are on a bit of a skid after leading the Coastal Conference for the lion’s share of September and October. With just 2 wins in their last 12 games the Kings have slid to fourth in the Coastal Conference.

The King’s strength is from the net out as the tandem of Josh Watson and Michael Garteig have kept opponents well under 3 goals a game.The Powell River defense has four returning cogs that played a bunch in last season’s run to a Coastal Conference Championship.

The glaring weakness for this club is their lack of skilled players upfront. The Kings used all six 20-year-olds slots on forwards last season, which leaves them without most of their firepower from last season.

Lebreche in Training Camp

Mitch Lebreche will play his first game against his former club tonight. Lebreche was part of the 07/08 Fred Page Champion Vees and was moved from Penticton in the pre-season. Mitch is enjoying his most productive season of his BCHL career as he sits on career highs in goals, assists, and points as a 19-year-old.

Last season, the Vees were shellacked in Powell River in Jordan White’s first game of the season. The much older Kings dismantled the Vees as league leading scorer Darcy Oakes buried a pair of goals including one on the first shot of the game. The Kings would win 8-4 with ease.

The Kings have been very solid on home ice this year (like last year) having lost just 2 games in regulation in eleven games at the Rec Centre.

Here’s more from a Vees perspective courtesy Emanuel Sequiera of the Penticton Western News.

TRAVEL ITINERARY

It took the Vees 10 hours to get to Powell River yesterday. Two ferries and a lot of time on the bus was need to finally arrive in the isolated community.

The Queen of Surrey

The Vees were on the bus at 10 AM, at Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) by 2:30, On the Queen of Surrey at 3:30, back on the bus to drive from Langdale to Earl’s Cove, onto the Island Sky at 6:30, and finally pulled into to Powell River at 8PM. That’s a long way for a single hockey game (you could get to Calgary with less hassle, lower cost, and in less time).

Tomorrow the Vees will need two ferries to get back to Burnaby for their 7:30 game with the struggling Express.

Denver - in his 3rd year with the Vees - has been in the spotlight after a sensational start to his 20-year-old season. The captain is on pace for 129 points and is in the thick of the scoring race with Salmon Arm’s Mark Zengerle.

Ben Sexton was back in the Vees line-up on Wednesday

Eric Filiou and Beau Bennett each had a goal and two assists and Joel Rumpel allowed just a single goal on 21 shots as the Vees recorded their 21st win in their 26th game.

Alex Szczechura scored the only goal in the opening period and then spurred a strong second frame for the Vees that saw them head to the locker room up 5-0 after 40 minutes. After the Silverbacks lone goal in the third period Jake Johnson netted the final goal of the game beating netminder Kurt Williams who played the third period in relief of Tony Ierfino.

Other Vees with multi-point nights were Denver Manderson, Joey Holka and Matt Paltridge. Holka’s 13th of the season was a sight to see as it hit the crossbar, the back of the Silverback net-minder Tony Ierfino and then into the net.

The Vees netted a pair of power play goals in eight opportunities and killed off each of the two minors they were assessed.

Ben Sexton made his return to the line-up in front of 1,500 fans and was deployed as a pivot for Joey Holka and Garrett Milan. Sexton had been out of action since getting injured on the 25th of October in Port Alberni.

Sean Bonar was not with the team on Wednesday as he has caught the swine flu and is in Vancouver recovering away from the team.

The Vees hit the road on Thursday morning to travel up the Sunshine coast to face the Powell River Kings on Friday Night. Saturday the club will face the Burnaby Express before returning back to Penticton early Sunday morning.

You can catch all the upcoming Vees action live on EZ Rock AM 800 in Penticton and on MyEZRock.com with our pre-game show starting at 7:15 on Friday and Saturday.

The Vees line-up will reflect a few changes from sick-bay. Bonar is out with SWINE FLU while Ben Sexton will return to the line-up tonight after getting injured on October 25th in Port Alberni.

These are turbulent times!

Let’s wish Sean Bonar the speediest of recoveries from the swine flu, and hope that nobody else (he billets with Logan Johnston’s family) catches the extra vicious bug.

I caught up with Fred Harbinson prior to Wednesday’s morning skate to discuss the news and the ramifications on the team for the remainder of the week.

Here are former rivals Hunter Bishop and Zac Dalpe and Hunter Bishop (Vernon) talking about a big 4-point Buckeye weekend

Brennan Barker D (SR, Alabama-Huntsville) - 10GP 0-3-3 10PIM

Anthony Borelli G (FR, Brown) - Has Not Played

Steve Cameron F (JR, Mercyhurst) - 12GP 7-3-10 6PIM

Cody Collins F (SR, Mercyhurst) - 12GP 4-2-6 0PIM

Deron Cousens D (JR, Michigan Tech) - 10GP 1-1-2 6PIM

Zac Dalpe F (SO, Ohio State) - 11GP 5-6-11 0PIM

Alex Evin G (SO, Colgate) - 5GP (1-1-2) 3.45 .883

Brett Hextall F (SO, North Dakota) - 9GP 2-0-2 28PIM

Tanner House F (JR, Maine) - 6GP 2-1-3 4PIM

Zack Josepher D (FR, Michigan State) - 11GP 2-2-4 12PIM

Devon Krogh D (FR, Ohio State) - 9GP 0-2-2 2PIM

Eric Kroshus F (SO, Harvard) - 2GP 1-0-1 0PIM

Justin Krueger D (SR, Cornell) - 5GP 0-0-0 4PIM

Brian Lebler F (SR, Michigan) - 9GP 1-3-4 10PIM

Alex MacLeod F (SO, Michigan Tech) - 9GP 2-2-4 12PIM

Bryant Molle D (JR, Alaska-Fairbanks) - 10GP 0-1-1 6PIM

Curtis McKenzie F (FR, Miami-Ohio) - 12GP 4-5-9 26PIM

Cory Milan G (JR, Union) - 8GP (3-2-3) 2.63 .903

TJ Miller D (SR, Northern Michigan) - 8GP 0-1-1 6PIM

Bryan Mountain G (FR, Northeastern) - 1GP (0-0-0) 0.00 1.000

Trevor Nill F (SO, Michigan State) - 6GP 0-0-0 8PIM

Kaare Odegard D (FR, Alaska-Fairbanks) - 8GP 0-2-2 2PIM

Travis Ouellette F (FR, Ferris State) - 11GP 5-2-7 4PIM

Cory Schneider F (SO, Ohio State)- 10GP 1-2-3 0PIM

Austin Smith F (SO, Colgate) - 11GP 7-8-15 8PIM

Evan Trupp F (JR, North Dakota) - 10GP 4-5-9 2PIM

Brent Vandenberg F (FR, Niagara) - 8GP 2-2-4 2PIM

Baseball enthusiast and Salmon Arm Silverback voice Patrick Haas helps us tee up Wednesday’s tilt between the Vees and ‘backs, and pumps the tires of Jason Bay.

Also on the program we hear from Westside Warriors Prez/GM/Managing Partner (read: CZAR) Gary Gelinas on desparity between rich and poor in the BCHL, a new chapter in the history of the Warriors, and the growing South Okanagan rivalry.

The staples (Interior Conference Power Rankings, Murray’s Answering Machine & Highlights) are also in the mix, as well as some great news for Joey Holka and Logan Johnston and the usual tomfoolery.

It’s our last show for a couple weeks, so get your fill of Vees chatter before a brief hiatus.

Greyson Downing

For the first time since being eliminated in the playoffs by the Vernon Vipers last Spring, the Vees have lost two games in a row. The weekend skid comes on the heels of a ten game winning streak that was the second longest in the BCHL this season.

Sean Bonar struggled and was replaced by Joel Rumpel in the third while Warriors 17-year-old forward Greyson Downing was a force notching a pair goals – including one shorthanded – and an assist.

Kyle Singleton had three assists and Cole Wilson had two snipes as the Warriors showcased their secondary scoring. Trevor Bailey got his fifth goal of the weekend in the third period (he had four on Friday), and Alex Grieve and Tyler Kraus also bulged the twine much to the delight of the 1408 fans at the Royal LePage Place.

Veteran net-minder Kevin Jebson was solid for the Warriors as he set aside 31 of 34 shots for his fifteenth victory of the season and second in two nights against the Vees. Sean Bonar stopped 18 of 23 shots in the first two periods, before being spelled by Joel Rumpel who made 5 saves on 7 shots in the third.

Matt Paltridge, Alex Szczechura and Ryan Viselli scored for the Vees in the loss, while Denver Manderson’s league leading point streak was halted at 11 games.

The Vees got beaten badly on special teams on Saturday surrendering a short-handed goal and allowing a pair of power play goals against. The Vees finshed 2/4 on the penalty kill and 0/5 on the power play.

Three players were ejected for hitting from behind on Saturday as Eric Filiou and Logan Johnston got the early shower for the Vees, Spencer Humphries got the boot for the Warriors.

Up next for the Vees (20-4-0-1) are the Salmon Arm Silverbacks who visit the South Okanagan Events Centre on Wednesday night. Thursday morning the Vees head up the Coast to Powell River for a Friday game. On Saturday the Vees will make their only visit to Burnaby.

Wednesday’s home game starts at 7:05, while the road games this weekend begin at 7:30. Catch the pregame show on Wednesday at 6:45 and tune in at 7:15 on the weekend. You can catch every single Vees game on EZ Rock in the South Okanagan and Similkameen and at BCHL.ca.

After suffering just their 3rd regulation loss of the season, the Penticton Vees won’t have any issues identifying why they ended up losing 5-4 last night in Penticton. On the flip-side of the coin, the blue, black and white know exactly where they’ll need to be better if they want a road win tonight.

1) A Slow Start: The Vees had just 3 shots in the first period last night and while they did have possession in the Westside end, they did not make an emphasis of putting the puck on net in the first period. When the Vees were getting pucks to the net later in the game, they were great. In the final 40 minutes they out-shot the 34 to 18 and looked like a hungrier hockey team than they did in the first.

2) The Goaltending Battle: No doubt that Kevin Jebson was the better ‘tender last night at the SOEC. Sean Bonar’s 2009/2010 season has been dazzling, but he’d be the first to tell you last night he wasn’t sharp. Sean’s status as the Vees #1 and a candidate for Top Goalie in the BCHL haven’t changed since last night’s game, and I expect Fred Harbinson to go right back with ‘Bones’ tonight. If the Bonar can out-duel Jebson, it’s tough to see the Vees losing this game.

3) Top Line Battle: As good as the Vees top line was at time last night they were outscored 4-1 at even strength. Shutdown Bailey’s line and the Vees are in good shape. They couldn’t do it last night at home with last change. Can they do it tonight with Darren Yopyk getting to match lines?

HOLKA ON (ST.) CLOUD 9

19-year-old forward Joey Holka has committed to St. Cloud State for the 2011/2012 season. File this under ‘win-win-win situtation’ Joey gets a scholly to a fantastic NCAA hockey program in a state that lives and breathes hockey (Minnesota), the Vees get to keep Joey for next season where he’ll be a monster in the BCHL as a 20-year-old power forward, and St. Cloud State gets a player they now will be ready for the WCHA when he arrives (they also know the coach fairly well).

Heading into training camp I had no idea what Joey’s role would be withe the club. After a fantastic off-season in Phoenix he’s without question the most improved Vees player from last season. Congrats to Joey.

LOCAL LOGAN

The man who smiles when he fights has been given a letter by the Vees. Pentictonite Logan Johnston was named ‘A’lternate Captain of the Vees on Wednesday immediately after Adam Zamec’s departure.

Logan is a character guy who has always been tough and defended team-mates, but is now an integral part of the team’s success. A PK specialist, shutdown forward, and a bone-rattling power forward; Logan has also added an offensive touch this season (7-9-16).

Johnston (the 2nd) is a great choice for an alternate captain, and a player the city of Penticton should be very proud of.

In a game that saw the Vees erase a pair of two-goal deficits, but never lead, the Warriors handed the Vees their first regulation loss on home ice of the season. Nashville draft pick Cam Reid was especially crafty on this night as he set of three of Bailey’s four scores.

Quinn Gould scored the winner at 11:43 of the third and Kevin Jebson was spectacular in the final forty minutes when the Vees started to pepper the Westside net with shots.

Through twenty minutes of play the Vees trailed 12-4 on the shot clock, but ended up outshooting the Warriors 37-30 on the night.

Beau Bennett had his second consecutive two-goal night and now has 16 goals on the season, while Denver Manderson extended his point streak to 11 games with a three-assist performance. Matt Paltridge potted his 6th from the right point and Logan Johnston netted his 7th on a good second effort at the side of the net.

Sean Bonar was uncharacteristically ordinary in net for Penticton as he allowed 5 goals on 30 shots, while Kevin Jebson again proved he can be one of the BCHL’s best when he is on. Jebson set aside 34 of 37 Vees shots for his 14th win of the season.

The Vees top ranked power play was especially effective on Friday as the home side scored on two of four opportunities, while the penalty kill was tested just once and didn’t allow a shot.

With the loss the Vees drop to 20-3-0-1 on the season and now are 5 points behind the Vernon Vipers in the race for first place in the Interior.

The Vees will have revenge on their minds Saturday night in West Kelowna when these two clubs finish their second home-and-home series of the season. The game begins at 7:00 with the pre-game show kicking off at 6:45 live from Royal LePage Place.

More on the Adam Zamec trade, the Vees winning streak reaching 10 games, and the Vees new alternate captain tonight at the Kettle Valley Station Pub as Fred Harbinson gathers with the local media from 6 ’til 7. Also we’ll talk about the Westside Warriors club the Vees will play twice this weekend and the 5 members of the Vees and Warriors that were on Team Canada West at the World Junior ‘A’ Challenge.

A pair of tickets for Friday’s game with the Warrriors is on the line to the best question from the audience.

SOEC PROMOTIONS… CHEAP BEER & MORE!

The folks at the SOEC have put together all the ingredients for a zany night come November 27th. All that’s left is to fill the building. On that brave Friday night the Vees face the lowly Williams Lake Timberwolves who are on to their third coach prior to the midway point of their reincarnation. The T-wolves have won just 5 games this season and have allowed 31 goals in 5 blowout losses in November.

Time to practice that goal dance.

The Vees and their potent offensive skills should make for lots to cheer about at the SOEC on the 27th… and if that isn’t enough to entice you to the rink, well… Then there is the $2 BEER.

Yes, you read that right. $2 BEER. WOW. We may have to cancel the broadcast.

Like Unicorns and the ‘pot of gold’ at the end of the rainbow, $2 Beer is talked about often, but is believed to be a mythical entity. Not on the night of the 27th my friends… See you there!

Other special offers at the SOEC this month include…

NOV 13 vs. WESTSIDE - Seniors Night - $6 tix, $1 coffee. No need to hang out at A&W and Timmy’s all day.

NOV 18 vs. SALMON ARM - $1 Hot dogs & Season Ticket Exchange - Redeem unused season tix for a $6 ticket then gorge yourself on dollar dogs.

NOV 28 vs. PRINCE GEORGE - Teddy Bear Toss & Toonie Night at the Concession. Lots more on this as the date approaches.

BEAU NEEDS A HANDLE

Beau Bennett had a pair of goals and Joey LaLeggia had two assists in their return from the World Junior ‘A’ Challenge. Ryan Viselli, Eric Filiou, Garrett Milan and Denver Manderson also had two point nights as the Vees scored 5 straight after the Grizzlies opened the scoring.

Captain Manderson now has 50 points on the season and has recorded a point in each of his last 10 games. Denver is four points behind Salmon Arm Silverback Mark Zengerle in the BCHL scoring race, with two games in hand.

Americans Luke Curadi and Joey Holka also scored for the Vees who haven’t lost since the 9th of October when Vernon beat them at home in overtime. The Vees remain 3 points back of the Vipers for top spot in the league.

1600 fans saw rookie Joel Rumpel earn his eighth win of the season stopping 26 of 28 shots, as Sean Bonar got a night off after being named the MVP of the World Jr. ‘A’ Challenge on Sunday. At the other end of the ice Colin Fernandes faced 39 shots and suffered the loss.

The Grizzlies got goals from Gregory Simpson and Nick Buchanan in a losing cause with Alex Allan, Dustin Mowrey, Brad Pawlowski and Joel Lowry adding assists.

The Vees power play went 2/4 with all four man-advantages coming in the third period. In the second the Vees took their only two penalties, and killed them both.

Earlier in the day Adam Zamec was traded to the Wellington Dukes of the CCHL in Ontario for future considerations. Pentictonite Logan Johnston has been named an alternate captain of the club with his departure.

Next action for the blue, black and white is a home-and-home series with the Westside Warriors, which kicks off on Friday night at the SOEC in Penticton. Both games start at 7:00 PM with the pre-game show starting at 6:45 on EZ Rock.

Vees Head Coach and General Manager Fred Harbinson has traded Adam Zamec to the Wellington Dukes of the CCHL (Central Canadian Hockey League) for future considerations.

The second year, 20-year-old forward had a goal and two assists in 11 games this season after a late start due to off season surgery. Named an alternate captain last year, Zamec’s best year of junior was in ‘07/’08 when he scored 17 goals for the Ottawa 67’s of the OHL after being traded from Kitchener.

TRUPP TERIFFIC

Evan Trupp has been named a WCHA Player of the Week after recording three goals in two weekend games.

SMITH NAMED TOP RAIDER

Austin Smith was named the Colgate Raiders Male Athlete of the Week after a three goal weekend. Smith was a member of the ‘07/’08 BCHL Champions, and is the only Dallas born hockey player to be drafted by the Stars.