Recap: Littler scores his first, Vees edge Centennials
Photo: Cherie Morgan
PENTICTON, BC. – The Penticton Vees extended their win streak to four games with their 2-1 win over the Merritt Centennials, Wednesday night at the SOEC.
Wednesday’s win stretched the Vees’ lead atop of the Interior Conference to nine points. Penticton also improved to 11-0-0-0 at the SOEC and their consecutive home win streak is now at 53 games and counting.
It’s also two wins in five days for the Vees against Merritt. Penticton won 3-2 over the Cents on the road last Saturday. The Vees now lead the season series 5-0.
Cade Littler scored his first goal with his new team, as the Calgary Flames’ prospect scored the game-winner midway through the second period. He now has five points (1-4-5) since joining the Vees on November 21st.
And oh, what a goal it was! @BCHockeyLeague | @NHLFlames | @UNDmhockey pic.twitter.com/bhlBQJgOZq
— – Penticton Vees (@PentictonVees) December 7, 2023
Ryan MacPherson opened the scoring two and a half minutes into the game and finished with two points. His brother Connor chipped in with a pair of assists.
Goaltender Andrew Ness improved his record to 6-1-0-0 with his 16-save outing. He has allowed just two goals in his last three starts and has stopped 65 of the last 67 shots he has faced.
Wednesday marked the first game Penticton did not score a power play goal since October 25th. A streak of 11-straight games.
Jaxson Murray scored the lone goal for Merritt, who have now lost 25 in a row to the Vees. The Centennials last beat Penticton on February 15, 2019.
Wednesday was a defensive struggle to say the least, as the Vees recorded a season-low three shots in the third period.
GAME STATS
Merritt 1 at Penticton 2
Shots: 29-17, Vees
Vees Scoring: R. MacPherson, Littler
Vees Goaltending: Andrew Ness (W) 60:00, 16/17
Power-Plays
Vees: 0/3
Centennials 1/2
Three Stars:
1) Cade Littler
2) Ryan MacPherson
3) Jaxson Murray (MER)
NEXT UP: The Vees (19-1-2-2) face-off against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (14-7-0-1) for a weekend doubleheader, which begins Friday at the Shaw Centre; puck drop 7:00 pm. Fans can listen to the game on Bounce 800 AM and watch on Flo Hockey TV.