Team White blanks Team Blue to capture 2023 Peaches Cup

Photo: Cherie Morgan

The Penticton Vees annual Peaches Cup Intrasquad game was held on Saturday night, and it was Team White topping Team Blue 5-0 in front of a healthy crowd at the SOEC.

Veterans led the way for Team White. Thomas Pichette and Cal Arnott, the only returnees from last season’s championship squad, each scored in the win. Pichette, now sporting 72 on the back of his jersey, finished with three points (1G, 2A).

Billy Renfrew, a 20-year-old veteran out of the NAHL, also had three points (1G, 2A) playing on a line with Arnott and Pichette. Renfrew, who hails from Fairbanks, Alaska, scored a shorthanded goal in Team White’s triumph.

Detroit Red Wings draft pick Larry Keenan (’05) and Swiss import forward Simon Meier (’05) also scored for Team White.

The shutout for White was shared by rookie goaltenders Will Ingemann (’05) and Penticton product Sharky Nowek (’06), who combined to stop all 24 shots from Team Blue.

Ingemann’s body of work punctuated with a big pad save on a Team Blue two-on-oh rush in the first. Nowek was sharp down the stretch for Team White, as he turned back Blue’s third period push.

Andrew Ness (’04) started for Team Blue and was sharp in defeat, only surrendering one goal as he split the crease with Ryan Tamelin (’06).

GAME STATS

Shots: 24-17 Team Blue

Scoring: Cal Arnott (PP), Billy Renfrew (SH), Thomas Pichette, Larry Keenan, Simon Meier.

NEXT UP: The Vees open their 2023 BCHL Exhibition schedule a week from tonight against the Trail Smoke Eaters at the SOEC; puck drop slated for 7:00 pm. Tickets are just $10 for adults, local youth are FREE, courtesy of Peters’ Brothers Construction. Tickets are available at the Valley First box office or online at www.valleyfirsttix.com