Manderson pulls a trick on Spruce Kings

Six power play goals were scored as the Penticton Vees doubled the Prince George Spruce Kings 6-3.

While the visiting Spruce Kings gave the Vees a run for their money in front of 1,428 fans, the Vees never looked back after Denver Manderson tied it with his third goal of the game. Twentyy-seven seconds after Manderson was left alone in the slot to beat Kyle Nielsen, the same thing happened to Logan Johnston who buried a Matt Paltridge feed past Nielsen’s glove side. After ringing a shot of the cross bar in the first period, which would have sent toy bears flying onto the ice during Teddy Bear Toss night, the Penticton native made no mistake in collecting his third game-winning goal.

In the third period, Garrett Milan added to the Vees totals with a power play tally, their third, and an empty net goal.

Vees goalie Sean Bonar collected his first win since returning from the World Junior A Challenge and recovering from the Swine Flu. While he allowed three goals on 25 shots, he made some big saves including one on Spruce Kings captain Sammy Muchalla at the side of the net with his paddle. Had the puck gone in, it would have tied the game at four.

“They won the faceoff then got good traffic at the net,” said Bonar. “I was lucky enough he (Muchalla) couldn’t get it upstairs.”

Bonar felt he played a good game, but began feeling more comfortable in the second and third periods.

While the Spruce Kings played hard, they weren’t able to contain the Vees offence, which eventually was unleashed. While Manderson collected four points, defenceman Joey Laleggia had three assists and Beau Bennett had two helpers.

Manderson’s four-point night gave him 64 on the season trailing Salmon Arm’s Mark Zengerle by three, but Manderson has played one less game.

For more Vees coverage, check Wednesdays issue of the Western News.