It was a physical battle on Friday night as the Smoke Eaters returned to the South Okanagan Event Centre to take on the Vees.
The start might of had Smoke Eaters fans worried they were in for a long night as the Vees scored 2:28 in on a goal from Stephan Bottini. But after a short span the Smoke Eaters found their footing and began to push back. They’d get their first equalizer of the night nine minutes into the game as Teddy Lagerback continued his hot start with another goal. Lagerback took a sharp angle shot from the left wall that he snuck through Lane that made it a 1-1 game.
The Vees re took the lead as Bradley Nedeau beat Fradette on the blocker side 7 minutes later, giving the Vees a 2-1 lead after the first period.
In the second the rivalry took off, a pile up in front of Fradette lead to Smoke Eaters captain taking matters into his own hands and clear the crowd WWE style. Once the crowd was disbanded and play resumed after a lengthy delay to discuss the penalties, Joel Barton and Casey McDonald dropped the gloves for a spirited tilt at the Vees blue line.
The Smoke Eaters got level through Garrett Valk’s first BCHL goal as he jumped up in the rush during a section of 4-on-4 play, stayed at the near post and lifted it over Kaden Lane to make it 2-2.
In the third the Smoke Eaters continued to battle and arguably out work the Vees. They got rewarded for their efforts five minutes in as another one of the Smoke Eaters newcomers in Zach Michaelis extended his goal streak to four games, giving Trail the 3-2 advantage.
Shortly after the the Vees would get a run of powerplays to help build momentum, as they tied the game at the midway point of the third. With the Vees already putting 50 shots on Fradette, who earned tonight’s second star, pushed this game to overtime. The Smoke Eaters started with a powerplay that carried over from the third but failed to capitalize on the opportunity. Then just prior to the final horn and this game needing a shootout, Luc Wilson scored on the Vees 54th shot to take the 4-3 win.
The Smoke Eaters return home to face the Wenatchee Wild at Cominco on Saturday night. Puck drop is at
