Duncan, BC: The Vipers fell behind in the first period and couldn’t overcome the deficit as they dropped a 4-1 decision to the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Saturday night.
In the first period, the Vipers jumped to an early shot advantage as they tried to jump on the Caps early. Pierce Diamond was solid making 4 straight saves to keep the game scoreless. Cowichan opened the scoring as Olivier Gauthier snapped a shot on a 2 on 1 to make it 1-0. The Caps added to their lead on the next shift as a loose puck found its way in after Preston Brodziak got a touch on it in front to make it 2-0. The Vipers ad some solid push back after, but their chances were either blocked, stopped or missed the net. The first framed ended in a 2-0 deficit.
In the second, again the Vipers started strong, but it was the Capitals who struck as again Olivier Gauthier kept on a 2 on 1 and made it 3-0 with his 2nd of the game. The Vipers took to trying to get back into the game and had plenty of zone time, but had trouble getting to the front of the net for 2nd and 3rd opportunities. Brendan Kim had a great chance to get on the board, but was robbed by Pierce Diamond to keep it 3-0 after 2 periods.
The Vipers got on the board early in third as Brendan Kim found some open ice and ripped home his 5th of the season. That seemed to spark the team as again they controlled the play. A big penalty kill seemed to keep the momentum going, until a bank shot from Cole Broadhurst found the back of the net to make it 4-1. Things got feisty in the final few moments, but the final buzzer would sound with Caps victorious by a 4-1 score.
Here’s the scoring summary:
1ST PERIOD
CV – Olivier Gauthier (9) – Boo Grist (3) – 11:32
CV – Preston Brodziak (9) -Doug Scott (6), Vincent Millette (10) – 12:18
2ND PERIOD
CV – Olivier Gauthier (10) – unassisted – 2:20
3RD PERIOD
VER – Brendan Kim (5) – Lane Zablocki (2), Elan Bar lev wise (15) – 1:14
CV – Cole Broadhurst (4) – David Melaragni (29) – 10:43
The Vipers finish their island swing Sunday afternoon in Victoria for a 2pm start at the Q Centre.
