After looking human in a season-ending loss, the Penticton Vees looked determined to dominate the postseason with a 6-1 victory over the Chilliwack Chiefs.
The Vees jumped on the Chiefs in the first period, starting with a goal by Troy Stecher, followed by Steven Fogarty then Wade Murphy. The Chiefs never recovered, eventually Chilliwack was able to get on the scoreboard with a power play goal by Spencer Graboski.
The Vees allowed just one goal despite the absence of goalie Michael Garteig. Chad Katunar started in his place and stopped 16 of 17 shots, garnering 1st Star honours at the end of the game.
Chilliwack looks to regroup as they face the Vees in Game 2 tonight.
In a series expected to be a nail-biter throughout the Surrey Eagles struck first, defeating the Cowichan Valley Capitols 4-3 in Game 1.
The game was a back-and-forth affair all evening, as Brett Knowles of Cowichan Valley was able to tie the game at three with just over three minutes remaining. However, just a minute later Matt Cronin was able to clinch Game 1 with a game-winning goal assisted by Beau Orser and Robert Lindores.
With their struggles versus the Coquitlam Express during the regular season the Powell River Kings proved that things would be different in the playoffs in Game 1, defeating the Express 4-2.
Unlike most of the regular season the Kings were able to capitalize on the power play. Powell River opened the contest with an early power play goal by Daniel Schuler, then took a 2-0 lead with a second-period score by Teal Burns. Getting a 2-0 lead on their arch-rival seemed to give the Kings the confidence they lacked in the regular season, as the Express were never able to recover.
After a promising finish to their season the Prince George Spruce Kings got a wakeup call from the Merritt Centennials Friday night, losing to the No. 2 seed 4-1.
Things fell apart in the second period. The Spruce Kings were able to strike first with a goal by Michael Betz, however the next three scores were by Merriit, including back-to-back scores by Brandon Pfell. Goaltender Lino Chimienti ensured the Centennials’ lead was insurmountable, stopping 32 of 33 shots.
Spruce Kings forward Paul De Jersey, fresh off of an MVP season was shut down by the Centennials. He and Prince George have a chance to even the series on tonight at 7 p.m.
