West Kelowna, B.C., September 17, 2016 – The Vernon Vipers dropped their first game of the season in a feisty affair that saw 15 power plays awarded between the two. The score ended 3-1 but it was a game of missed opportunities and a very competitive opponent.
The Warriors peppered the Vipers net in the first period putting 16 shots at Cole Demers but we’re unable to find the back of the net. The missed opportunities came on a 5 minute major powerplay that they couldn’t capitalize on. Not from a lack of effort but a fantastic job by the Warriors penalty kill who blocked at least 7 Viper shots. The Warriors opened the scoring off the stick of Captain Nick Rutigliano and the home side led 1-0 after 2.
The Vipers powerplay evened things up off the stick of Jagger Williamson but the tie was short-lived as Quin Foreman would steal a puck and give his team a 2-1 lead. They would tack on another a few minutes after as Mitchell Barker scored his first of the season. The Vipers tried to rally late but couldn’t get anything past Xavier Burghardt in the Warriors crease.
The Vipers are now 3-1-0-0 on the season and will make their way to Chilliwack for the BCHL showcase where they face the Nanaimo Clippers on Friday afternoon at 1pm
