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Win at home gives Vees chance to eliminate Chiefs in Chilliwack

Curtis Loik nets winner to give 3-2 series lead for Vees against Chilliwack Chiefs
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Penticton Vees forward Bryce Gervais attempts to deflect this shot past Chilliwack Chiefs netminder Mitch Gillam during Thursday's BCHL playoff game at the South Okanagan Events Centre. The Vees doubled the visitors to take a 3-2 lead in the series. The next game is Friday in Chilliwack and if necessary back in Penticton Saturday.

Curtis Loik's goal six minutes into the third period proved to be the winner as the Penticton Vees defeated the Chilliwack Chiefs 4-2 on Thursday night.

The victory in front of a crowd of 2,622 in the South Okanagan Events Centre gave the Vees a 3-2 series lead. Joey Benik opened the scoring midway through the first period on a play setup by Mike Reilly and Troy Stecher. Wade Murphy then made it 2-0.

Anderson White scored the lone goal in the second period cutting into the Vees lead. White's goal was the only one the Chiefs had on six power play chances. The Vees meanwhile were 0-for-3.

After Loik's goal setup by Ryan Reilly and Cody DePourcq, Matthew Hutchinson cut the lead to 3-2 then Mario Lucia scored an empty-net goal to seal the win. Mitch Gillam made 34 saves on the night, while Chad Katunar turned aside 28 for the win. Bryce Gervais and Garrett Forster each received game misconducts for their fight with one second remaining. Gervais recieved an extra two minutes for instigating.

Game 6 will be in Chilliwack on Friday. If necessary, Game 7 will return to the South Okanagan Events Centre on Saturday.