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Offensive shortage for bantam Vees

The Penticton bantam Vees bounced back from a slow start for stronger second half
Bantam Vees Hockey Tournament
BEN HOEFLER of the Penticton bantam Tier 2 Vees catches Spokane Chief Jeremy Headley going in the wrong direction during tournament action at Memorial Arena on Nov. 7.

A sluggish start hurt the Penticton bantam Tier 2 Vees, who finished sixth in their tournament on Nov. 8.

Coach Craig Finer felt that when his team found out they were playing for fifth, disappointment set in. The Vees finished the round robin with two wins in three games. Facing the Trail Smoke Eaters, the Vees got down 3-0 early in the first period.

“I think that probably affected our jump. It can’t help but affect when you’re thinking you’ve done a good job and really turn the season around,” said Finer, whose team is 1-7-0 in the Okanagan Mainline Amateur Hockey Association. “You’re hoping to come out and fight for a medal.”

The Vees turned things around in the second half and won the play in Finer’s eyes.

“We just couldn’t get the biscuit in the basket. Had chances. Did a good job of re-establishing focus and pressing the play,” he said.

Carson Shortreed scored the only goal in a 3-1 final.

The Vees opened the tournament with a 3-0 loss to the Semiahmoo Ravens, whose third tally was scored in an empty net. Against the Port Coquitlam Pirates, the Vees earned a 4-2 win. Reid Bateman scored twice, while Matt Olsen and Nic Eacott scored the other goals. The Vees ended the round robin with a 3-1 win over the Spokane Chiefs. Eacott scored twice, while Kieran Mielke scored the other goal.

Nate Schofield and Caleb Rousseau shared the goaltending duties.

The Calgary Wranglers defeated Campbell River Tyees for the tournament win.

Ice Dragons snatch victory

The Penticton Atom Ice Dragons won their first tournament in Merritt over the weekend and coach Andy Oakes said it was exciting for the group.

“A majority of the girls went through a season last year where they only won the one game,” said Oakes. “To have the complete opposite experience right at the beginning of this year was pretty special for them.”

Oakes received strong performances from all of his players and said at separate times, different girls shined.

“One of the most important things is learning how to be good teammates, they were very good with each other,” said Oakes. “Being positive with each other. Those sorts of lessons that hockey teaches these kids were prevalent over the weekend.”

Victory for Sherwood Trophies

The Penticton Sherwood Trophies Pee Wee Tier 2 Vees claimed a hockey tournament in Kelowna.

The Vees faced Boise and won 7-3. Levi Carter put the Vees on the scoreboard early in the first period with a shorthanded goal assisted by Brennan Nelson. Jacob Obuck gave the Vees a 2-0 lead after being set up by Nelson and Chris Schulting. In the second period, Carter struck again with two more goals, one assisted by Nelson and Schulting and the other unassisted. In the third period, Carter scored a fourth goal assisted by Nelson and Ben Lefranc. Other third period goals were scored by Carter White, Obuck and Lefranc. Penticton worked hard and consistently played as a team to go 5-0.