The Penticton Vees played a smart and skilled hockey game on Friday night to earn their 24th consecutive victory, and shut out the Westside Warriors.
Final shots counted 49-17 in favour of the home side, and the Vees also got impressive special-teams performances, going 3/7 on the powerplay and denying Westside on all 5 of the Warriors’ opportunities.
Travis St. Denis’ PPG midway through the first period would hold up as the winner, while Connor Reilly, Mario Lucia, and Joey Benik also tallied for Penticton. Mike Garteig earned his third shutout of the season in goal, while Dwayne Rodrigue was Westside’s best player in the loss.
After the game, Westside forward David Pope admitted some holes in his team’s performance, while also crediting Penticton’s speed and skill. “We were caught running around” he said of the team’s defensive play.
In terms of Westside’s offensive showing, the 17 year-old was more analytical, suggesting that the Warriors “couldn’t seem to get the puck into their zone, and establish a cycle.”
A grueling week continues for the Warriors when they host the Vernon Vipers on Saturday at Royal LePage Place. On Sunday, Westside will climb back on the bus for an afternoon matchup in Chilliwack.
Visit The General’s Report for in-depth coverage of the Westside Warriors. Also visit the Warriors’ facebook page to join in the conversation.
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