Vernon, BC: The Vipers offense broke out in a big way on Wednesday, as Jack Judson and Carver Watson each registered three point nights and Jesse Lansdell scored 2 goals, but it wouldn’t be enough as the Eagles rallied late to win 6-5 in overtime.
Michael Young opened the scoring in the first minute of the game as he let go a slapper from the neutral zone that beat Kyle Dumba blocker side to give the Vipers a 1-0 lead. The Vipers had a number of good chances in the period, but Dumba, in his second start of the season, stopped 16 of 17 Viper shots. The Eagles equalized the game as Max Mohagen picked up a rebound and wrapped around for his first of the year. Despite the shots favouring the Vipers 17-7, the period ended 1-1.
More chances, more opportunities, but more frustration as the Vipers continued to press the Eagles defense and generate quality opportunities. However, against the flow of play, Austin Herron’s shot from the side boards struck a Viper skate and deflected past Aidan Porter to give Surrey a 2-1 lead. The Vipers had a good shift right after the goal and were able to draw a penalty. The powerplay capitalized as Jesse Lansdell deflected a Carver Watson shot to tie the game up at 2. Just over a minute later, while on another powerplay, Alex Swetlikoff set up Lansdell for his second goal of the game to give the Vipers a 3-2 lead after 2 periods.
In the third, Matthew McKim tied the hockey game with a shot from the slot that deflected off a body. Just over a minute later it was the Eagles powerplay that gave them a lead as Ty Westgard ripped home his 5th of the year to make it 4-3 for the visitors. The powerplay theme continued as the Vipers drew even as Teddy Wooding tipped in a shot for his 2nd of the year to make it 4-4. With just over a minute to play, Josh Latta was set up on a rush to give the home side a 5-4 lead. With the goalie pulled, Holden Katzalay wired home his 2nd of the year to make it 5-5 with just 15 seconds left on the clock.
In overtime, the Vipers found themselves shorthanded and it was Riley Hayles who ended it with a powerplay goal to give Surrey the extra point and a 6-5 win.
The Vipers will hit the road for a Sunday matinee in Chilliwack to take on the Chiefs. You can catch all the action on Beach Radio and HockeyTV starting at 2pm.
