The Penticton Vees have claimed the BCHL regular season crown by winning the Ron Boileau Memorial Trophy. They secured this title with a solid 5-2 victory over the Cranbrook Bucks at the South Okanagan Events Centre on Friday night.
This win marks the Vees’ 13th consecutive Interior Conference regular season championship, solidifying their position as the top seed for the upcoming 2025 BCHL Fred Page Cup Playoffs.
Rookie sensation Eli McKamey stood out with two goals in the game. His teammate Luke Posthumus also made waves, contributing a goal and two assists. Max Heise and Ben Merrill rounded out the score with goals of their own, making it a celebrated night for the Vees, who have now won seven straight games and extended their point streak to 13 games (11 wins, 2 overtime losses).
The match didn’t start in the Vees’ favor as they fell behind 1-0 early on. However, they rallied quickly. Posthumus scored to tie the game at 1-1, followed by Heise’s power-play goal which gave the Vees their first lead at 2-1.
The Bucks fought back with a power play goal from Bryce Sookro, evening the score at 2-2. But the Vees weren’t deterred. McKamey took charge, netting two goals in a short span, and quickly put the Vees ahead 4-2. His first goal was a precise shot from a drop pass by Posthumus, and he followed up with a sneaky backhander, solidifying his team’s lead. Merrill capped off a strong second period with another goal, bringing the score to 5-2.
Game notes reveal that both Posthumus and McKamey are finding their groove, showcasing impressive scoring skills. McKamey has now scored four goals in his last five games, while Posthumus tallied his first three-point game of the season.
The Vees displayed strong teamwork with their power play, going 1-for-2, and their defense succeeded in stopping the Bucks’ power plays effectively. Notably, they improved their home record to an impressive 20 wins, 1 loss, and 5 ties.
For fans keeping track of statistics, the team’s shooting accuracy was noteworthy, with the Vees registering 36 shots compared to the Bucks’ 25. The performance of goaltender Will Ingemann was also commendable, as he saved 19 out of 21 shots during his time on the ice.
Looking ahead, the Vees will face the Salmon Arm Silverbacks on Saturday, March 29, at 6:00 PM. Their strong performance in the regular season has many fans eager to see how they will fare in the playoffs.
As the BCHL playoff season approaches, this powerful finish to the regular season adds to the excitement. Fan engagement on social media has surged, with many expressing their enthusiasm for the team’s playoff potential. According to recent surveys, over 70% of fans believe the Vees have a strong chance of taking home the Fred Page Cup this year.
For more insights into BCHL schedules and statistics, check out the BCHL official website.
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