BCHL Friday: Vees open home sched with win

The Penticton Vees had to wait longer than any other team to drop the puck on their home schedule this season, but the defending Fred Page Cup champions made up quickly for lost time on Friday night.

Defenceman Devon Krogh led the way with an unassisted power-play goal and a helper on Nathan Westover's third period insurance marker in the win, while Brent Vandenberg and Mitch Labreche added the other Vees tallies. Netminder Sean Bonar stopped 25 shots to record the win. Meanwhile, Mark Zengerle continued his torris offensive pace for the Silverbacks with assists on goals by Keenan Desmet and Conor Morrison.

Elsewhere in Interior Conference buildings:

Westside Warriors goaltender Kevin Jebson posted just the second shutout of the young season, turning aside 24 shots in his team's 1-0 win in Merritt. Garrett Watson scored the lone Warriors marker in the victory.
In the BCHL Game of the Week, Trail held the Spruce Kings to one goal on 22 shots in a 3-1 win. JF Boisvert paced the Smoke Eaters offensively with a pair of assists while Marco Raimondo picked up the win between the pipes.

In the Mainland, the Langley Chiefs extended their unbeaten streak to seven games, rebounding from a 2-0 first period deficit to draw 3-3 on home ice with Vernon. Forward Milos Gordic picked up the hat trick for the Chiefs while league scoring leader Derek Grant posted assists on all the Gordic tallies. Netminder Andrew Walsh picked up his BCHL-high fifth win for Langley, stopping 25 shots. Mike Collins, Cory Kane and Connor Jones replied for the Vipers.

In other Coastal Conference arenas:

The Burnaby Express continued their string of recent dominance over the Surrey, beating the Eagles for the third time in eight days. Brodie Reid made his return from injury a memorable one for Burnaby, recording two goals and an assist in the 6-2 win.
Evan Pighin scored his first goal as a Victoria Grizzlies player in the team's 3-1 win over Quesnel. Mills netminder Jeff Malcolm was strong between the pipes, turning aside 36 shots while Victoria goaltender stopped 21 shots in the win.
The Capitals and Kings combined for 14 goals in Powell River's 8-6 win in Cowichan Valley. A pair of goals by Erik Vos helped break a 4-4 second period deadloack for the visitors.

In Nanaimo, a foursome of third period goals by the Clippers were the key in a 6-2 win over Alberni Valley. Carson Schell and Tyler Pistone each contributed two points in the win.

All 16 teams are in action again on Saturday night, including: