Recap: Vees grind out win in Merritt
Photo: Jack Murray
MERRITT, BC. – The Penticton Vees were probably tossing a few ice bags around the dressing room Saturday night, but they are coming home with two points. The Vees grinded out a 3-2 win over the Merritt Centennials at Nicola Valley Memorial Arena.
It was a busy week for Penticton, as they had three games in four nights, but it didn’t seem to faze them, as they came away with all six points. The Vees remain seven points clear atop of the Interior Conference after Saturday’s win.
In true “next man up” mentality, Carson Lesiuk scored his first BCHL goal in just his second game of the season. The 18-year-old rookie opened the scoring 1:59 into the game. Lesiuk was inserted into the lineup, after injuries Friday to Max Heise and Thomas Pichette.
Francesco Dell’Elce and Billy Renfrew also scored for Penticton. Dell’Elce scored a power play goal in the first period, and Renfrew scored the eventual game-winner late in the third.
Will Ingemann picked up his 13th win of the season, as he stopped 28 of 30 shots. He was named the third star. The Plymouth, Minnesota, product was clutch on the Vees’ penalty kill, in particular early in the second period.
The power play produced another goal, as the Vees have now scored a power play goal in each of their last 11 games.
The two teams combined for three goals in the opening period. Lesiuk’s first came two minutes into the game to put the Vees out ahead 1-0 early. After Merritt tied it just past the seven minute mark, Penticton retook the lead just 44 seconds later.
Dell’Elce blasted his point shot past the glove of Merritt’s Andrew Ballantyne for his seventh at 7:48, that put Penticton ahead 2-1.
The Vees carried that 2-1 lead into the third period, before Renfrew scored a critical insurance marker late. Daniel Buchbinder’s shot from the blueline was tipped by Renfrew cutting in front, that made it 3-1 at 15:15. The 20-year-old picking up his third goal in three games.
The Centennials did pull one goal back with their goalie pulled for the extra attacker. Dylan Lavriere scored right off a face-off to make it 3-2 with two and minutes to go.
GAME STATS
Penticton 3 at Merritt 2
Shots: 41-30, Vees
Vees Scoring: Lesiuk, Dell’Elce (PP), Renfrew
Vees Goaltending: Will Ingemann (W) 60:00, 28/30,
Power-Plays
Vees: 1/3
Centennials 0/4
Three Stars:
1) Andrew Ballantyne (MER)
2) Francesco Dell’Elce
3) Will Ingemann
NEXT UP: The Vees’ (18-1-2-2) rematch the Merritt Centennials (9-11-3-1) goes on Wednesday, December 6, at 6:30 pm. Tickets are just $12 for adults and seniors. Tickets are available at the Valley First box office, or online at www.valleyfirsttix.com