The standings have become a lot tighter at the Western Canada Cup in Penticton, B.C.
The Chilliwack Chiefs earned their first win of the tournament Monday evening at the South Okanangan Events Centre, as the British Columbia Hockey League club edged out the Portage Terriers of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League by a 2-1 score.
Thanks to their victory, which improved their record to 1-1, the Chiefs are now tied with Terriers and the tournament host Penticton Vees for second place in the standings on three points.
The Alberta Junior Hockey League's Brooks Bandits lead the way with a 2-0 record and five points, while the Battlefords North Stars of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League sit at the bottom of the five-team field with a 0-1-1 mark and a single point.
Jordan Kawaguchi scored the game-winning goal late in the second period for the Chiefs Monday, as he converted a feed from forward Will Calverley during a penalty kill.
Tommy Lee also found the back of the net in the victory while goaltender Mark Sinclair made 27 saves.
James McIsaac had the only goal of the night for the Terriers, who also have a 1-1 record at the event.
Kurtis Chapman turned aside 17 shots in the loss.
There will be two games taking place Tuesday, as the North Stars will look to earn their first win of the week against the Bandits at 3 p.m. Saskatchewan time
Rounding out the double-header will be an all BCHL affair as the Chiefs face the Vees for the 10th time this year at 8 p.m. Saskatchewan time.
The two sides squared off in a seven-game battle for the Fred Page Cup, which the Vees won in Chilliwack last Tuesday night with an 1-0 overtime triumph.
