First it was Louie Nanne, now it’s Brock Balson.
It’s the second week in a row that the Penticton Vees have a player chosen for the British Columbia Hockey League’s Gongshow Player of the Week honour.
Balson had the spotlight for the week ending April 7.
Last week, Balson potted a pair of overtime winners including the series-clincher in Game 5 as the Vees eliminated the West Kelowna Warriors in the Interior Conference final. Balson kick-started a third-period rally in Game 3 with his first of two goals in the game. Balson’s second was the game-winner midway through double-overtime.
Balson’s series clincher in Game 5 was the result of following instinct.
“Us as forwards just put our sticks there,” said Balson, who was parked at the side of the Warriors net during the play. “They (defenceman) do the best they can to put it there. We just try to give them a target with our sticks. They do a good job of hitting it most of the time.
“It was kind of a nice little bonus,” continued Balson, on his honour, which he found out about from Vees broadcaster Fraser Rodgers through Twitter. “I guess it’s good for the team to get two in a row. After not having one all year, it’s kind of nice to get them in the playoffs when it really counts.”
While the goal was initially announced as James de Haas’, Balson knew it was his.
“Fred kind of asked me after,” said Balson. “He saw the video and said it looked like it hit my stick. Everyone thought it was Jimmy. That’s all right. I don’t really care who scores it. It was nice to get the series over with. Not have to go back to West Kelowna play a game. We were all pretty tired, that being the third overtime game.”
The Kamloops native had three goals and four points in the series. In nine playoff games, he has four goals and seven points. In 47 regular season games split between Penticton and Salmon Arm, Balson netted six goals and 25 points.
Now Balson wants to continue his play and help the Vees defeat the Surrey Eagles to advance to the first Western Canada Cup.
De Haas was given an honourable mention for POW, as he had three assists in as many games. The game can be heard on EZ Rock AM 800, www.penticton.myezrock.com, or you can watch online at www.fasthockey.com.