Rivermen signal turning tide
Vees’ schedule gets a lot tougher starting tonight against visiting Langley
The Penticton Vees get one key veteran forward back but lose another as they take on the Langley Rivermen in the first “Wicked Wednesday” game of the season tonight at the South Okanagan Events Centre.
Taylor Ward returns after missing seven games with an upper-body injury, but Chris Klack will likely miss all three games this week with an undisclosed injury.
Vees GM and head coach Fred Harbinson said it was unfortunate timing for Klack, who was coming off his best game of the season in a 4-2 home-win over Victoria, Saturday.
“Chris is in some pain, so we’re just trying to rule out different things,” said Harbinson. “I don’t get the sense it’s anything major, but we won’t have him at least for this week.”
Also returning is defenceman Greg Brydon, who suited up but didn’t play on Saturday after missing seven games with a lower-body ailment. Defenceman Joe Leahy remains out indefinitely with a head injury.
“Brydon is ready to play a regular shift so we’ll have 12 forwards and six D-men available,” said Harbinson.
The Vees released forward Henry Enebak, 19, to Brookings of the North American Hockey League. Enebak managed an assist in seven games with the Vees.
“He wasn’t going to get enough ice time so we sat down with him and we both agreed it was best for him to go to the NAHL,” said Harbinson. “Henry is a great young man. He totally understood the situation here.”
Adam Scheel once again gets the start in goal for the Vees, with Harbinson noting Nolan Hildebrand will start against Merritt here on Friday or Saturday in Wenatchee.
Harbinson said the team is looking forward to getting in a rhythm with the busier schedule in the coming weeks. Penticton (8-0-0-1) has played at least three fewer games than every team in the BCHL. Interior Division leaders Vernon Vipers have played five more games than Penticton.
The Vees remain the lone undefeated team in the league and they’ll be looking to make it 10 in a row without a loss tonight.
“We know how tough it’s going to be to win this division, so when you can pocket as many points as you can early, it keeps you right in contention,” said Harbinson, whose team has won six straight Interior pennants. “We know we’re not going to win every game, but, for sure, you like to keep the run going as long as you can.”
Langley (5-2-6) played Tuesday in West Kelowna. Harbinson planned on attending the game.
“We’ll want to jump on them right away,” said Harbinson. “It’s our first three-game week and a chance for us to start it off on the right foot.”
Langley plays a lot of close games; 11 of their 13 contests have been decided by one goal. They’ve gone to overtime on seven occasions, losing the first six before beating Prince George at home on Saturday.
“They score a lot of goals, but they’ve given up quite a few and they’ve had some struggles on special teams,” said Harbinson. “It’s something we’ll look to try to exploit.”
Langley is led offensively by Brendan Budy, who is third in the BCHL in scoring with six goals and 18 points. Nicholas Ponak leads the team with eight goals, while former Vernon and Salmon Arm defenceman Carter Stephenson has fit in nicely and accumulated 10 points.
“They’ve got some dangerous guys,” said Harbinson. “Budy is one the very best 2000-born players in our league.”
ICE CHIPS: The Vees have one roster spot open, though Harbinson is in no rush to make a move. “Maybe we bring in another depth defenceman,” he said. “I like where we are with our forwards.” … Admission for all “Wicked Wednesday” games is $5, while there will also be beverage specials and entertainment.