BLAZERS SUFFER 7-2 LOSS TO VEES

By Colton Davies – Follow Colton on X

The Kamloops Blazers hosted the Penticton Vees Friday night in the annual Teddy Bear toss game.

The first period got off to a quick start as the Vees struck first, Jiri Kamas fired a shot from the blueline that found its way through traffic, beating goaltender Logan Edmonstone to make it 1-0.

Kamloops responded with a strong push of their own, generating sustained pressure and quality looks. JP Hurlbert and Josh Evaschesen each broke free on breakaways, but Vees netminder Andrew Reyelts turned both aside with sharp saves. The Blazers kept pressing, firing pucks from all angles and establishing momentum, but Reyelts continued to stand tall.

The Blazers opened the second period in style, and it didn’t take long for the bears to pour down. Kayd Ruedig walked in on the blueline, made a quick deke and roofed it on Reyelts for the Teddy Bear toss goal, sending the Sandman Centre into a roar.

With momentum on Kamloops’ back, the Blazers continued to attack, with high-danger chances coming from Cooper Moore and Behm. The Vees would then garner a powerplay of their own, and it was Diego Johnson getting the go ahead goal to make it 2-1. Moments later, they extended it as Calum Stone wired a shot off the post and in, making it 3-1.

Kamloops wouldn’t back down though and it was the dynamic duo of Hurlbert and Nathan Behm putting together some magic, as Hurlbert snapped one home to cut the deficit to 3-2 heading into the third.

The third period opened with action on both ends as Edmonstone turned aside a pair of sharp Penticton looks, while Reyelts continued to hold firm at the other end as the Blazers searched for an equalizer.

The Vees would strike midway through the frame as Tristan Petersen’s shot awkwardly made its way past Edmonstone. Not long after, Jacob Kvasnicka added a highlight-reel marker to make it 5-2. Penticton would tack on two more late, sealing a 7-2 final.

Kamloops will now head to Penticton for a rematch Saturday night.