The Penticton Vees started the new year with a convincing 5-1 win over the Sherwood Park Crusaders at the South Okanagan Events Centre (SOEC) on Friday, Jan. 3.
After a scoreless first period, the Vees' high-powered offence exploded as it was all of a sudden 2-0 within the first two minutes of the second. Anselmo Rego scored his ninth goal of the year, shorthanded, 70 seconds in. It was assisted by Matthew Cataldo and Callum Stone. Just 41 seconds later, Luke Posthumus put home his 15th of the campaign, helped by Louie Wehmann and Nolan Stevenson.
At the 6:23 mark, Michael Fisher scored his first career BCHL goal to make it 3-0. Caton Ryan and Max Heise collected the assists.
Sherwood Park got on the board late in the frame when Lucas Brennan scored his 10th goal of the season.
In the third, Posthumus added his second of the game, 16th of the season, while Ryan scored his fourth goal this year, on the powerplay to make it 5-1.
It was a light night for Vees goaltender Ethan Buenaventura, who made 17 saves in the win.
Penticton remains at the top of the entire BCHL with a record of 24-6-1-0. They welcome the Trail Smoke Eaters (21-8-2-1) to the SOEC on Saturday, Jan. 4. Puck drop is at 6 p.m.