The Vernon Vipers main focus coming to the matchup with the West Kelowna Warriors was intensity and effort. Those factors loomed large in a grueling tilt between two division rivals. In the end the difference proved to be two powerplay goals, some key saves and a couple of big block, including one that dislodged some teeth as the Vipers defeated West K 2-1.
The first period saw a ton of end to end rushes with not many whistles. It was a refreshing period that saw both teams control the puck well. Neither team could capitalize on a powerplay and the frame ended scoreless.
The Vipers powerplay kicked off the offense as Brett Stapley snapped home his 8th of the season to make it 1-0. The Vipers found success in the offensive zone in terms of puck possession but couldn’t beat Cole Demers or the goal post. Not to be outdone, Darion Hanson was outstanding in the Viper goal crease through the period. The Viper powerplay would strike again and again it was Stapley as some good body positioning allowed him to be in a perfect spot for a Jimmy Lambert shot that deflected in off the Campbell River product to make it 2-0. The Warriors scored in the final minute of the period as Quin Foreman was sent in on a partial break and snapped a perfect shot over the glove of Hanson to make it 2-1.
The Vipers again had a good period, but continued to face adversity. The Vipers faced a lengthy penalty kill as they were assessed a 4 minute double minor. Despite a flurry of activity in front of the Viper goal, the PK unit was able to kill it off. The Warriors would pull Demers for an extra attacker, but some big blocks from Clouston, Williamson and Shane Kelly, who used his face in the final seconds, allowed the Vipers come away with a 2-1 win.
The Vipers will welcome the Powell River Kings on Saturday.
The Kings make their first and only regular season visit to Kal Tire Place and come in on a bit of a roll. They’ve won 8 in a row including a 5-3 come from behind win in Salmon Arm.
Powell River know how to put the puck in the net. They have 186 goals for, which trails on the Wenatchee Wild.
It should be a tremendous hockey game for Hometown Hockey. Hope to see you there for the 6pm puck drop!!
