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Record-setting night boosted by fans

Cheers burst from Lavern Duncan’s Vees fan bus when the fans learned the team chose them and others as the hardest working Vees.
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Chilliwack Chiefs forward David Bondra tries to knock Penticton Vees goalie Michael Garteig off his game. The tactic didn’t work as the Vees whipped the Chiefs 7-0 on Feb. 7 to set a BCHL record with 30 consecutive wins. The Vees had 175 fans with them.

Cheers burst from Lavern Duncan’s Penticton Vees fan bus when the 45 fans learned the team chose them and others as the hardest working Vees.

That award normally goes to a Vees player following each game.

After clobbering the Chilliwack Chiefs 7-0 on Feb. 7 to set a new BCHL record with 30 consecutive wins, the 175 fans who travelled on three busses and vehicles swarmed the back entrance of Prospera Centre waiting for the Vees players.

Vees captain Logan Johnston was ecstatic in what they achieved, especially because of the fan support.

“We had more fans then they did,” said Johnston.

Vees assistant captain Joey Benik said the support was huge.

“I was pretty excited,” said Benik, who hugged Thomas Ludwig, one of the fans who travelled on the bus.

“I told him that he had a great game,” Ludwig said of Benik, who finished with a goal and three points.

Ludwig was thrilled to be amongst the large crowd supporting the No. 1 ranked junior A team in Canada. Heather Jurgens was excited by the final result. Jurgens was in section P that held signs that read “Go Vees Go” and “30”.

“It was worth the trip,” said Jurgens, adding that the Vees played better on Tuesday than on Feb. 3 when they tied the record. She then said Penticton is doing an awesome job of supporting the team.

“It’s a shame more people don’t come out,” said Jurgens.

While watching the action unfold, Larry Pidperyhora said the Vees played with passion and confidence. To him that was evident from Wade Murphy’s opening goal.

“You could tell they were feeding off the fans,” he said. “That’s got to feel good.”

Pidperyhora said the fans did a good job cheering and ringing the cowbells.

“Can’t you tell by the raspy voices,” he joked. “That is an incredible accomplishment. This is a pinnacle. It’s something we won’t forget. We were here to watch this piece of history.”

Pidperyhora’s wife Laura said people were still pumped after the game.

“It was nice that they (the players) came out,” she said, adding that the atmosphere was electrifying.

As for what this group of players has accomplished, Elizabeth Marion, also riding along in Duncan’s bus, said it’s hard not to be impressed by what the Vees accomplished.

“It was awesome,” said Marion. “Everybody was in spirit letting them know they did a great job. I’m glad I came out.”

When it came to taking the record for themselves, Vees coach-GM Fred Harbinson said they were striving for a good finish.

“My parents always said I wasn’t much for sharing things,” said Harbinson, who was impressed with the fan support received.

Vees goalie Michael Garteig, who turned aside 20 shots to earn his fifth shutout said what they have done is special.

“Half the season ran in one go so it’s pretty cool,” said Garteig, who was mobbed by teammates. “Thirty games is something else. We have been on a roll. Hard to stop a moving train. “Words really can’t describe what this mean not just to myself but the guys,” he continued. “We have enjoyed this run and want to keep it going.”

As for the love their fans are showing, Garteig said it’s just a sign of how great they are.

“It’s cool when a town rallies around you,” he said. “It’s easier to play when you have more fans. Gives incentive to win. “Imagine, when hopefully we win a championship, how the town will be buzzing then,” he continued. “The town is rallying which is awesome.”

Vees notes:

Penticton Vees fans showed their generosity and community spirit the game on Feb. 3 by donating one tonne of food to Valley First’s Feed the Valley program.

Fans were encouraged to support Feed the Valley by bringing a food donation to the Valley First-sponsored game against Chilliwack. In total, the crowd of 3,800 donated just short of one tonne of food on a night in which the Vees clinched first place in the Interior Conference.

“This is the second year we have partnered with the Penticton Vees to help Feed the Valley,” said Valley First’s Christa Phillips.  “The result on the ice was equally matched by our off-ice collection efforts. It’s really heartening to see so many Pentictonites share Valley First’s commitment to supporting and strengthening the community.”

To complement the good win for the Vees, there was also a sweetener for those supporters who made donations.  Three generous fans walked away with gift certificates and the knowledge they have made a small difference in their community.