The Vernon Vipers carried a modest two game winning streak into arguably the most important hockey game of the season in Trail on Saturday night. It was a goaltenders duel for a good chunk of the evening and a penalty filled affair through 40 minutes. Both teams gave it everything they had for 67 minutes, but in the end the Vipers were able to get the game winner from Odeen Tufto to take the game 3-2 in double overtime.
The Vipers had a pretty good first period as they were solid defensively and really seemed to shake their bus legs pretty early. The Smokies however, were able to take advantage of an unfortunate bounce as a clearing attempt bounced off a Viper resulting in a 3 on 1 down low where Max Newton had a tap in to make it 1-0. The period meandered along thanks to a number of stick infractions by both sides. 7 minor penalties in total with neither team able to take advantage with the man advantage.
In the second it was a bit more of the same. A good period with back and forth action and outstanding goaltending. Again the Smoke Eaters would take advantage of an unfortunate play in the Viper zone as a clearing attempt went right to the stick of Kale Howarth and he snapped it past Shortridge to make it 2-0. On the 7th powerplay of the night the Vipers were able to strike as a point shot missed the net, but bounced to Liam Finlay and he beat MacBurnie to make it 2-1. Less than 2 minutes later, off a faceoff, Colton McCarthy left it for Riley Brandt and he let go with a wicked wrister beating a surprised MacBurnie to tie the game. Both penalty kills were air tight the rest of the way and it looked liek fans at Cominco were in store for a nailbiter.
No scoring in the third, but not from a lack of effort as both goaltenders had to stand on their head. Bailey MacBurnie robbed Riley Brandt after a toe drag from the Trail product, before Shortridge had to make a handful of saves in tight as the Smokies pushed for the win. Nothing would be solved through 60.
The Smokies had the edge in the first overtime, but could solve Shortridge. The Vipers had the edge in the second as Liam Finlay would drop for Tufto and with a screen was able to find a shot through MacBurnie giving the visitors a 3-2 win and the extra point.
Scoring Summary:
Period 1
TRL – Max Newton (10 ) – Halloran, Howarth 4:10
Period 2
TRL – Kale Howarth (9) – unassisted 9:59
VER – Liam Finlay (14) – Tufto, Butcher 13:58 (PP)
VER – Riley Brandt (14) – McCarthy 15:17
Period 3
NO SCORING
Overtime 1
NO SCORING
Overtime 2
VER – Odeen Tufto (21) – Finlay, Oliver 2:57
Game Stars
Trail – Bailey MacBurnie – 1st star, 49 saves
This game could’ve gone either way. The big reason it was that close was the play of both goaltenders. Bailey MacBurnie made some higlight reel saves when his team needed them the most. Its hard to argue against the fact that the Beverly, Mass product has been the Smokie MVP.
Vernon – Andrew Shortridge – 3rd star, 52 saves
Credit to the goalies on this night. Andrew Shortridge was phenomenal after the Smokies got up 2 nothing. It appeared that his mindset was that nothing else was getting behind him and that proved true. A number of big saves late including 21 in the 3rd period. Full marks to Shorty on this night.
Final Thoughts
This was a gutsy win tonight. Trail is not an easy place to play and they work hard. Both teams deserved a point and probably the extra. It was a hard working game and both teams fought through a penalty filled 40 mins to play an entertaining third. The Smokies should hold their heads up for a great effort and the Vipers confidence continues to grow after their 3rd consecutive win over an Interior Division opponent.
