Submitted by Fraser Rodgers
Sam Mellor broke out of a scoring slump and the Penticton Vees scored three third period goals en route to a 4-2 win in Game 2 Saturday in the South Okanagan Events Centre.
The Vees now have a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven Interior Division semifinal, with game three in Salmon Arm Monday.
The Vees recorded just their fourth win this season when trailing after two periods as they were faced with a 2-1 deficit heading into the second intermission. The Vees opened the scoring 1:32 into the game on a goal by Brad McClure.
Mellor started and ended the third period rally scoring a pair of goals in the final 20 minutes snapping a nine-game drought. Mellor’s first of the series was clutch on the power play as he let a shot go from the blue line picking the corner on the far-side.
Mellor’s tally seemed to spark the Vees as they reclaimed the lead three minutes later on another shot from the blue line. Thomas Nitsche had his wrist-shot redirected in front by John Siemer and over Angus Redmond. Mellor put the finishing touches on the win with an empty net goal inside the final minute of play.
Scoring for the SilverBacks was Harlan Orr on the power play and Shane Hanna.
Vees goalie Chad Katunar finished with 21 saves in front of a crowd of 1,212.
The series will now shift to Salmon Arm for Games 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. The Vees are organizing a fan bus for Game 4 on March 19. Fans are encouraged to call the Vees office at 250-493-VEES to reserve their seat.