Thomas Pichette scored two goals, and 11 others recorded at least one point as the Penticton Vees cruised to an 8-1 victory against the Prince George Spruce Kings to kick off parents’ weekend at the South Okanagan Events Centre on Friday night, Nov. 17.
Conyr Hellyer and Attila Lippai joined the Vees’ co-captain in finding the back of the net twice, with many of the players’ parents in attendance to take in the first half of the team’s two-game weekend homestand.
Penticton’s home win streak is now at 49 games. The historic run dates back to March 2022, when the team dropped its first game of that year’s playoffs against the Trail Smoke Eaters.
Simon Meier and Zack Stringer also scored for Penticton (14-1-2-1) on Friday.
Andrew Ness made 21 saves and picked up his fourth win of the campaign.
Penticton scored three times in the game’s first 15 minutes, using goals from Meier, Hellyer and Stringer.
After a scoreless middle frame, the Vees erupted for five more goals. Pitchette and Lippai combined for four markers, while Hellyer picked up his second of the night.
Penticton threw a whopping 47 shots on Spruce Kings’ net, aiding its season-high effort of eight goals in a single game.
Prince George (5-9-3-0) forward Kilian McGregor-Bennett spoiled Ness’ shutout at 5:48 of the third period.
The Vees return to the ice on Saturday, Nov. 18, to host the Victoria Grizzlies (13-6-0-0).
Prior to the 6 p.m. puck drop, the team will honour the 1973 Penticton Broncos’ championship team.