FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, September 7th, 2012
CHILLIWACK, BC– Wade Murphy was up to his old tricks, scoring the winning goal in the dying seconds, as the Penticton Vees downed the Chilliwack Chiefs 2-1 in their season opener Friday.
The Vees got off to a good start, drawing to early power-play chances in the first period but were unable to capitalize. The Vees were stymied by Mitch Gillam, who made 18 first period saves, preserving a scoreless tie. The best chance belonged to Mellor in the period, as he hit the post from the slot, after Gillam got a piece of the puck with his arm.
It was much of the same story in the second, as it was in the first. Cam Amantea had arguably the best opportunity to open the scoring when he intercepted an errant Chiefs pass. Amantea deked to his back-hand but Gillam lunged out with his glove to deny him of his first BCHL goal. The Vees pressured the Chiefs throughout the first two periods, peppering Gillam with 36 shots.
Brad McClure broke the deadlock early in the third period, after he walked out of the corner and put a well-placed shot over the left shoulder of Gillam at 2:18. The lead lasted six and half minutes before the Chiefs drew even. On a five-on-three power-play, Austin Plevy had his pass bank of a Vees skate and past Chad Katunar at 8:44.
Wade Murphy scored the winning goal with just 58 seconds left in the game sealing the two points for the Vees. Alex Jewell centered a pass to Murphy in the left-circle who put a shot under the arm of Gillam at 19:02.
FINAL SCORE:2-1 Vees
Shots: 48-27 Vees
Power-Plays: Vees 0/7 Chiefs 1/5
The Vees wrap-up their BCHL Showcase weekend, when they battle Interior Division rival Vernon Vipers; Saturday September 8th at 3:30pm.
CONTACT: FRASER RODGERS
Director of Broadcasting & Media Relations
Penticton Vees Hockey Club
FraserRodgers@gmail.com (250) 809-1390
