The Vernon Watkin Motors Mustangs started strong, played strong, and finished strong in the opening game of the 51st Vernon Winter Carnival Coca Cola Classic Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament Thursday morning, Feb. 8, at Kal Tire Place North.
The host Mustangs scored three times in the game’s opening six minutes and added six markers in the final frame, cruising to an 11-0 romp over the Okotoks (Alta.) Oilers.
Lucas Gosselin recorded the shutout for the Mustangs while Harrison Sharman helped lead the offence with a goal and four assists. Jake Black and Thompson Podollan added two goals and an assist each, and single markers went to Jaxon Marchischuk, Kingston Prenioslo, Reed Witham, Nathan Sluggett, Trent Keenan and Rowan McGrath.
Vernon plays the California Goldrush of Lake Forest, Cal. in the tournament’s feature game of opening day at 5:45 p.m. The tournament’s official opening ceremonies are at 5:30 p.m.
The Goldrush defeated the Calgary Royals 4-2 in their opening game of the Coca Cola Division. Karim Eldereiny’s second goal at 16:27 of the third period snapped a 2-2 tie. Tyler Spano added the insurance for the Americans with 24 seconds remaining.
The Sun Valley Division is made up of the defending tournament champion St. Albert (Alta.) Raiders, Penticton Knights, Coquitlam Chiefs, and East Kootenay Avalanche.
Mason Tymkow and Brody Meunier each scored twice as the Raiders held on to beat Coquitlam 6-4 Thursday afternoon. Christopher Lesage had two goals for the Chiefs.
The Avalanche took on the Knights prior to the opening ceremonies.
A weekend tournament pass is only $10.
The event’s four finals will be played Sunday, Feb. 11.
All games are at Kal Tire Place North.
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