VERNON, B.C. DECEMBER 16th, 2016
The Vernon Vipers hope their red hot play at Kal Tire Place of late will translate to some road success as the Vipers finish the pre Christmas break with two games on the road starting in Merritt Friday night.
The Vipers powerplay was the primary reason they defeated the Salmon Arm Silverbacks 7-3 on Wednesday night. Jimmy Lambert was the main cog on the powerplay wheel as he scored 4 goals all on the PP. The PK was solid when needed, they surrendered to PPGs to the Silverbacks, but both were in the 3rd period when the game was out of hand. The Snakes are playing some consistent hockey of late. They have just 2 regulation losses in their last ten games.
Powering this team offensively has been the line of Brett Stapley, Steven Jandric and Jimmy Lambert. The trio has a combined 22 goals and 21 assists in the last 14 games.
The Merritt Centennials have had a very up and down 10 game segment of their season. They have points in 7 of their last 10 games, but feel like they should have more than just 4 wins in that span. Three overtime losses haves pushed the Cents to have the most OTL’s this season, but in such a tight race in the Interior, points are points and the Cents will take it. Merritt is coming off a 2-1 loss in Langley on Tuesday and will finish the pre Christmas break Saturday against the Riv.
This matchup should have some hostility as the last time these two teams met was the infamous night when a hit from Riley Brandt resulted in a lengthy suspension. Tensions ran high and despite a lengthy gap between games this game is one that should not be missed.
You can catch third meeting between these Interior Divison Rivals on 107.5 KissFM starting at 6:45 or watch on HockeyTV.
