WEEKEND RECAP: Silvertips extend winning streak, take both games in Okanagan

KELOWNA, B.C. — Everett’s winning streak reached seven games this weekend, grabbing victories in both legs of a tour of the Okanagan. The Silvertips topped the Penticton Vees in their first ever game against the newest expansion team in the WHL Friday night, while earning a tight 3-2 comeback win the following night in Kelowna against the Rockets.

Rylan Pearce opened the scoring 5:53 into the first period on Friday, sneaking a low shot from the blueline past Vees netminder Jesse Sanche for his second goal of the season. Shea Busch rifled home his ninth of the year at 19:05 for a 2-0 Tips lead after one.

Pearce netted his second of the game with a shot from the corner 1:19 into the second. A Carter Bear powerplay tally 14:13 into the second period extended the Tips’ lead to 4-0 through two periods.

Nolan Chastko rounded out the Everett scoring at 7:22 into the third. Brittan Alstead and Diego Johnson contributed goals for Penticton.

Raiden LeGall earned First Star honors by stopping 25 of 27 in the win.

Everett found themselves trailing 2-0 on Saturday in Kelowna, as Daniel Pekar and Will Sharpe both found the back of the net for the Rockets. The Silvertips finally broke through netminder Josh Banini 16:51 into the second period, as Jesse Heslop pushed a backhander in with assists to Zackary Shantz and Bear. Julius Miettinen tied the game with a powerplay one-timer with nine seconds remaining in the frame.

Rhys Jamieson’s first career WHL goal proved to be a game-winner 37 seconds into the third, converting a Miettinen sauce from the corner to seal a 3-2 victory. Everett’s penalty kill finished 6-for-7 on the night.

Anders Miller stopped 35 of 37 for the win in his first start as a Silvertip. Kelowna’s Banini finished 28 for 31.