The Penticton bantam Tier 2 Vees closed out a tough Okanagan Mainline Amateur Hockey League regular season with a 9-1 loss to the Vernon Vipers at McLaren Arena.
The Vees finished the season with two wins, 15 losses and one tie. Vees coach Craig Finer said his players worked hard.
“Vernon is a very strong team,” he said. “(They are) big and fast and skilled. They overwhelmed us. We did better against them earlier in the season and we had high hopes for ourselves. We generally have been playing better lately.”
The Vees managed to create strong scoring chances, but the puck just wouldn’t bounce their way. Among the players who created opportunities were Cam Davie and Kieran Mielke. Nicolas Eacott was the Vees’ lone scorer.
“All of our kids I thought gave a good effort,” said Finer. “There was good character in the locker room at the half.”
Knowing they will face Vernon in the playoffs, Finer said the group was trying to set a tone for the post season.
On Saturday, the Vees also lost to Kelowna’s Program of Excellence 7-1. On Jan. 10, they edged Kelowna 6-5 at Memorial Arena.