BCHL Saturday: Warriors rally past Vees

A trio of unanswered third period goals — including a late game-winner from Garrett Watson — pushed the Westside Warriors past Penticton on Saturday and helped solidify their grasp on third place in the Interior Conference.

Watson's goal capped a crazy third period after the Vees had jumped out to a two-goal lead with a pair of goals just 1:47 into the frame. But Warriors forward Kyle Singleton drew his team within one before Trevor Bailey evened the game on a power play midway through the period. Kevin Jebson picked up the win in nets for Westside, turning aside 33 shots.

In other Interior Conference action:

Andrew Hammond pitched a shutout and earned first star honours in Vernon's 2-0 home ice win over Salmon Arm. Braden Pimm tallied the game winner on a second period effort while Kory Roy added the insurance marker in the third.
The Merritt Centennials picked up back-to-back wins, exploding for seven third period goals in a 9-3 win over Quesnel. Colton Sobchak notched the hat trick and added an assist for the Cents while Gary Rai, Kevin Philp and Michael Nardi all picked up three-point nights.
A pair of goals from Vinny Muchalla lifted Prince George to a 3-2 road win in Trail. Travis St. Denis replied with a goal and an assist for the Smokies, who could put just two of 22 pucks past Spruce Kings starter Kevin Genoe.

Meanwhile, Tommy Tartaglione put forth one of the season's top goaltending efforts with a 50-save shutout win against Alberni Valley. Mike Henderson, Chris Santiago and Brennan Strang all tallied for the Eagles in the victory, while Colin Rundell stopped 21 shots in net for the Bulldogs.

In other Coastal Conference action:

A pair of third period goals scored 12 seconds apart were the difference in a Victoria Grizzlies 5-4 home ice win over Langley. Shawn Stuart and Justin Courtnall each tallied a pair for the Grizzlies, while Colton Beck had a four-point night for the Chiefs.
Taylor Holst and Tyler Pistone traded goals in a 1-1 deadlock between the Clippers and Capitals in Cowichan Valley. Holst opened the scoring early in the second period while Pistone answered 6 minutes into the third on an unassisted effort.

The BCHL is idle Sunday, but bursts back into action with a pair of games: