BCHL Final set after two game 7 showdowns
The BC Hockey League’s championship final is set with the Penticton Vees to take on the Surrey Eagles for the Fred Page Cup.
The Vees scored two goals 13 seconds apart in the final 30 seconds of the third period to beat the Salmon Arm Silverbacks 4-3 in game 7 of the Interior Conference Final Tuesday night at the South Okanagan Events Centre..
The Surrey Eagles defeated the Alberni Valley Bulldogs 3-2 in game 7 of the Coastal final. Liam Tanner’s go-ahead goal in the second period held up as the game-winner for the Eagles.
The championship matchup features the top two teams in the regular season with the Eagles on top with 90 points while the Vees had 82.
Schedule:
Game 1: Friday, May 17 – 7:30 p.m. PT at South Surrey Arena (Surrey)
Game 2: Saturday, May 18 – 7 p.m. PT at South Surrey Arena (Surrey)
Game 3: Tuesday, May 21 – 7 p.m. PT at South Okanagan Events Centre (Penticton)
Game 4: Wednesday, May 22 – 7 p.m. PT at South Okanagan Events Centre (Penticton)
Game 5: Friday, May 24 – 7:30 p.m. PT at South Surrey Arena (Surrey)*
Game 6: Sunday, May 26 – 5 p.m. PT at South Okanagan Events Centre (Penticton)*
Game 7: Tuesday, May 28 – 7:15 p.m. PT at South Surrey Arena (Surrey)*
*If necessary
In the Western Hockey League, the Moose Jaw Warriors can win their first ever WHL championship in their 40-year history Wednesday night as they host the Portland Winterhawks in game 4 of the league final.
The Warriors have a commanding 3 games to none lead after a 4-3 win in overtime on Tuesday.
Warriors head coach Mark O’Leary said it’s a great opportunity for his players.
“They’ve earned this,” O’Leary said postgame. “I don’t think you need to shy away from it. I think it just comes back to being in the moment and understanding the opportunity you have. You talk all along, whether it’s with first-year players understanding that regardless of how many minutes you’re playing, you just need to be ready for that moment. It could be the biggest moment of the game or of the season and that’s where we’re at tomorrow. Just come prepared and be ready.”