It’s opening night at Cominco Arena.
The Trail Smoke Eaters begin their quest for a BCHL championship against the team that eliminated them from last year’s playoffs.
It’s also a chance to avenge last Friday’s 6-5 loss in Vernon to close out the preseason.
The Smokies came back from a 5-2 second period deficit to tie the game early in the third period. One of those goals was a highlight reel solo effort from newcomer Evan Sundar, who had two on the night.
The 19-year-old acquired in an off-season trade with Spruce Grove had four points in two games after returning from an injury that kept him out of training camp.
However, the Vipers won it late in the third period on a crazily bouncing puck that found its way over the goal line.
Sophomore winger Callas Pierce led the BCHL in preseason goals with six and combined with line mates Dylan Lariviere and Jack Ziliotto for 17 points.
Drew Anastasio led all BCHL rookies and defensemen with seven points, one more than first-year team mate Cash Carter.
Among other newcomers on defense is 16-year-old Owen McCarthy. The Trail teen not only made the team, he secured an NCAA commitment with the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.
It appears Teagan Kendrick has emerged from a five-way training camp battle as Trail’s number one puck stopper.
The 20-year-old goalie was razor sharp in a peak performance against Penticton, giving up just one goal in the first half of that game and surrendered a pair of breakaway goals while going the distance against Cranbrook in a 5-2 Cominco Arena victory.
Trail was 3-2 in preseason with two impressive home-ice wins over Cranbrook and that 7-4 victory over the Vees.
Both setbacks on the road were one goal games in which the Smoke Eaters outshot their opponents including a 34-15 margin in Salmon Arm.
Head Coach and GM Tim Fragle added to the already potent group of forwards with this week’s trade for of Alex Hebblethwaite. The Toronto area native was picked up from Victoria for the rights to former defenseman Brady Smith.
Hebblethwaite had 28 goals and 55 points in 41 games last season with Niagara Falls of the OJHL. The 19-year-old had a goal and three assists in four preseason games with the Grizzlies.
Ridge Dawson is the new captain, while Trail’s Judah Makway, Jason Stefanek, Jack Kennedy and Isaac Fecteau are the assistants.
Opening face off against the Vipers is set for 7 p.m.
Trail hosts West Kelowna on Saturday night and good seats are still available for both games at Tickets.TrailSmokeEaters.com.
