WEST KELOWNA, B.C. OCTOBER 8th, 2016 – A great tempo to start this game as both teams battled hard for every opportunity. A handful of big hits got everyone into it early. The Warriors were the recipients of three powerplays in the first period, but it was the Viper penalty kill that stood tall in the first two chances.
The Vipers turned the puck down the ice after a penalty expired and Austin Adamson ripped home his first goal of the season to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. The Warriors third powerplay worked to perfection as a point shot was tipped by Braiden Epp, through the legs of Cole Demers and the Warriors tied it up at 1 on Epps 2nd of the season.
It was a very good, well balanced, back and forth 2nd period as both teams had chances to score, both teams needed outstanding goaltending and there was plenty of physicality to go around. The Vipers had a few opportunities on odd man rushes, but Burghardt made a couple of nice saves to keep it 2-1. The Vipers had one look on a powerplay in the period, but despite some good looks, couldn’t capitalize. The second stanza would end the same way the first did, with the Vipers leading 2-1.
The Vipers were able to get a quick start in the third as Austin Adamson stepped in for a loose puck after a faceoff and flip a puck past Burghardt to give the Vipers a crucial 2 goal lead. That goal was huge for the Vipers as just after a Warrior powerplay expired, Braiden Epp was able to slip a rebound home to quickly cut the Viper lead to just 1. The Vipers played a very solid defensive period and kept the number of quality scoring chances to a minimum and were able to hold on to an important 3-2 road victory.
The Vipers have now won 2 straight on the road and have points in 4 straight games. They will look to continue the road success on Wednesday as the visit the Merritt Centennials. You can hear all the action on 107.5 KISS FM starting at 6:45 with the pregame show.
