Trail Smoke Eaters lost a chance to gain on the fourth place Vernon Vipers dropping a 7-1 decision to the Penticton Vees on Tuesday night at the Cominco Arena. Fifth place Merritt Centennials defeated Vernon on the same night leap frogging Trail into fifth spot. Vernon holds down the final playofff spot with Trail having 3 games in hand on both Vernon and Merritt. The Smokies sit in last place, one point behind Merritt and 5 points behind Vernon.
On Tuesday night the Vees took an early 3-0 lead scoring three goals in the first 7 minutes chasing last week’s BCHL player of the week, Bailey MacBurnie, from the net. Linden Marshall finished in net for Trail facing 26 shots. For the Vees, first period goals were scored by Domenic Maselis, Chris Gerrie and Demico Hannoun. Trail narrowed the lead to 3-1 when Max Newton scored at 19:28. Assists went to Jake Kauppila, and Harlan Orr. The Smokies outshot Penticton in the first period 12-6 but couldn’t solve Zachary Driscoll in net for the Vees.
The second period was scoreless and shots were even at 9 apiece.
Easton Brodzinski scored his first of two goals on the night for the Vees at 4:11 of the third period to make it 4-1. The Vees rounded out the scoring with three power play goals by Eason Brodzinski, Tyson Jost and Desi Burgart.
The game was reminiscent of the last game against the Vees when Trail outshot them 49 – 30. In both games Trail held their own for 90% of the game against the 20 and 1 Vees but were unable to capitalize on numerous chances. In both games the scores were not indicative of Trail’s play. In Tuesday night’s tilt the Vees last three goals were power play goals resulting from questionable penalty calls.
Scott Conway of the Vees was named first star of the game with 4 assists on the night. Second star was Luke Voltin of the Vees and third star honours went to Trail’s Evan MacEachern. Fortis Energy Player of the Game went to Kale Howarth of the Smokies.
Trail will be holding it’s annual parent weekend this weekend and face the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Friday night at the Cominco Arena and Victoria on Sunday afternoon. The game on Friday is at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 3:00 PM. Saturday night will see the Smokies holding their annual $1000 draw dinner & dance at the Colombo Lodge. The function is sold out.
