The Penticton Vees are Doyle Cup champions.

In front of a crowd of 4,708, the Vees dumped the Brooks Bandits 6-2 to win the Doyle Cup in five games. Joey Benik netted a hattrick for the Vees, with his second of the game being the game-winner. Benik, who led the championship with five goals, opened the scoring five minutes into the first period. Then Benik’s linemate Steven Fogarty, who finished with two goals on the night, gave the Vees a 2-0 lead when he scored a power play goal on a rebound that came to him a near the corner. Benik’s eventual winner came with four minutes remaining int the first period and gave the Vees a 3-0 lead. The Vees led 5-1 after the second on goals by Benik, who also collected two assists, and Fogarty. Colton Semenok put the Bandits on the scoresheet in the second with a power play goal. In the final period, teams traded goals as Bryce Gervais tallied the Vees sixth goal then Chris Muscoby one-time a shot past Vees goalie Michael Garteig, who finished with 31 saves on the night. With the win, the Vees have advanced to the Royal Bank Cup in Humboldt, Sask. May 5 to 13.

For full coverage of the Vees Doyle Cup championship win, check Wednesday’s issue of the Penticton Western News.