Cents comeback falls just short in 5-3 loss to Vees

It was the Penticton Vees opening the scoring on Friday night at the NVMA. Just after a penalty to Ben Ward expired, the Vees kept the puck in the offensive zone and worked the puck to Luc Wilson who beat Jackson Baker.

The Cents would step their game up following the goal against, and at the 14:03 mark captain Davide Patella would score unassisted to level the score. Just a minute later, Ben Ward would work the give and go with Jackson Krill to give the Cents a lead 2-1.

But just a minute later, Luc Wilson would score his second of the night to level the score once more.

Jackson Baker stood tall in the first stopping 22/24 directed his way.

The second period featured a lot of penalties but only one goal. At the 12:07 mark, Casey McDonald would cut into the middle and fire through a heavy screen to beat Baker.

Both teams would fail to convert on multiple powerplays in the frame and long stretches of 4-on-4 hockey.

Baker continued to be busy in the blue paint, stopping 39/42 through 40 minutes.

Penticton would come out strong in the opening minutes of the third scoring twice to balloon their lead to 5-2 thanks to Jackson Nieuwendyk and Adam Eisele.

Jackson Krill would respond for Merritt to make it 5-3, but that’s as close as they would get.

Baker stopped 50/55 in his best showing as a Cent.

Merritt is back in action Saturday at the NVMA versus Prince George, puck drop 7pm.