The Penticton Vees were minutes away from a weekend sweep, but had to settle for a single point Saturday, in their 3-2 shootout to the Powell River Kings at Hap Parker Arena.
Powell River’s Noah Eyre tied it with two minutes left in regulation. Christian Maro was the only player on either side to score in the three-round shootout, as the Kings (1-2-0-0) posted their first win of the season.
Ryan MacPherson scored both of the Vees’ goals in regulation, as he scored on the power play and shorthanded. His twin brother Connor had a pair of assists.
Will Ingemann was very good in defeat, as he stopped 30 of 32 shots in 70 minutes of work. Ingemann was named the third star.
It was a special teams battle on Saturday, as all four goals in regulation were scored either on the power play or shorthanded.
Penticton trailed two minutes into the game after a power play goal by Kings’ Captain Anthony Lucarelli.
MacPherson responded with his first of two on the night midway through the opening period. His power play goal at 9:30 had the Vees tied with the Kings 1-1 after 20 minutes.
After a scoreless second period, it was the Vees grabbing their first lead on the night in the final frame of regulation. Shorthanded, Connor MacPherson set up his brother Ryan on a breakaway and he tucked through the goalie’s pads, for his team-leading fifth goal.
The Kings tied it with their second power play goal of the game coming at 18:02. Eyre took a cross ice pass from Anthony Yu and buried the puck into an open net.
Francesco Dell’Elce scored his first career goal in overtime on Friday, Sept. 29, capping off a three-goal Penticton Vees comeback over the Nanaimo Clippers on Vancouver Island Friday night.
NEXT UP: The Vees (2-1-0-1) head home to face the Trail Smoke Eaters in their home opener on Friday, October 6th; puck drop is 7:00 pm. The home opener is sponsored by Bannister Chevrolet. Fans can get their tickets at the Valley First box office, or online at www.valleyfirsttix.com