The Penticton Vees lost 5-2 for the opening game of the 2018-19 BCHL season in Langley against the Rivermen on Sept. 7.
The Vees had a strong start with James Miller scoring a goal just 32 seconds into the game. His wrist shot from the right point deflected off an opposition and passed Braeden Fleming in net.
The Rivermen came back to tie the game 11 minutes later when Mark Gallant intercepted a pass at the Penticton blue line and came in on a breakaway, beating Jack LaFontaine over the blocker.
Four minutes later, Gallant scored again off a rebound shot by Ethan Leyh. This left the score 2-1 for the Rivermen heading into the intermission.
Luke Loheit scored his first career BCHL goal to tie the game five minutes into the second period. A heavy hit inside the Langley zone pulled him out of the game, returning in the third period.
🚨Loheit🚨@LLoheit pulls the Vees even with Langley at 2-2 early in the 2nd. First career @GoBCHL for the @Senators draft pick! #veesnation
— Penticton Vees (@PentictonVees) September 8, 2018
The Rivermen once again took the lead in the third period thanks to Andrew Lucas and his drive from the blue line. Trevor Ayre was able to chip the rebound shot in for his first goal of the year, making the score 3-2.
Penalty trouble for the Vees allowed the Rivermen to establish their lead. First, Gallant finished his hat trick by banking the puck off LaFontaine and into the net from below the goal line.
Then, Brian Scoville let a one-timer go which hit a Vees stick and landed in the top corner making the game final 5-2.
Your final tonight from the Lodge in Langley. #veesnation pic.twitter.com/mDuQlYzPOQ
— Penticton Vees (@PentictonVees) September 8, 2018
The Vees will face off next week on Vancouver Island against the Cowichan Valley Capitals and the Victoria Grizzlies.
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