The Vernon Vipers kick off the post Christmas part of the schedule and drop right back into a heated rivalry. The Vipers and Silverbacks will play for the 5th time this season and 3rd time in 15 days to kick off a home and home set to wrap up 2016. The last matchup between these two teams featured a pair of fights, a handful misconducts and an eventual 7-3 win for the Vipers. No doubt the Backs remember that outcome and will come out hungry.
The Vipers have had a very road heavy portion of the schedule to date and that will continue with 3 of their next 4 on the road. The bright spot is the Vipers have been extremely good at home sporting a 10-3-0-1 record in the 14 games at KTP. Their last game was down in Trail where the beleaguered Vipers held onto a 3-2 win.
The Viper blueline has really helped this team offensively in the last 5 games, with Michael Ufberg and Cooper Watson riding 5 and 6 point streaks respectively. The Viper Powerplay continues to roll along with goals in 5 straight. To go a step further, the man advantage is 11 for 29 in that span.
The Silverbacks are coming in on a high note since dropping the 7-3 decision to the Vipers earlier this month. They defeated Penticton at the Shaw Centre just before the break and look to build off that momentum. The Backs continue to lean on their leaders for offense as Elijiah Barriga, Carson Bolduc and Mitch Skapski lead offensively. In goal, Nic Tallarico has started the last 6 and has yet to suffer a loss.
Its Five Hole For Food Challenge night at KTP and you are encouraged to bring non-perishables for the local food bank so the Vipers can repeat as champions.
Puck drop is 7pm at KTP.
