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Vipers Fall in Nail Biter to Chilliwack

Vernon, BC:  The Vernon Vipers peppered the Chilliwack Chiefs with 45 shots on goal, but ran into a hot goaltender as they fell a little short against the leagues best, 3-2 at Kal Tire Place on Wednesday night.

There were plenty of chances for both teams in the first period as great goaltending and good or bad luck were on display.  The Vipers hit a pair of goal posts and a cross bar, while the Chiefs hit a post of their own.  The Vipers opened the scoring as Lane Zablocki was able to get in behind the defense on a breakaway and find the five-hole on Daniel Chenard to make it 1-0.  The Chiefs drew even as a point shot from Nathan Kelly bounced to Carter Wilkie at the side of the net and he potted home the rebound to make it 1-1 after 1.

The Vipers again had their share of chances in the second period.  Early in the frame, Ben Sanderson ripped home his 4th of the year off the faceoff to make it 2-1 for the home side.  More chances, but more of the same as Daniel Chenard continued to keep his team in the game.  While the Vipers were on a powerplay, the Chiefs had a couple of breakaway chances, with the best chance being stopped by Aidan Porters glove hand.

In the third, while on a powerplay, Kevin Wall was set up in the right circle and with ton of bodies in front found the back of the net to tie the game up at 2.   The Vipers failed to clear the zone a few minutes later and former Viper Mitch Andres found the back of the net for his 3rd goal of the year.  The Vipers pushed for the equalizer and even killed off a late penalty to give themselves a chances, but the puck luck wasn’t going their way as the final horn sounded with a 3-2 Chilliwack win.

Here’s the scoring summary:

1ST PERIOD

VER – Lane Zablocki (5) – unassisted – 6:45

CHW – Carter Wilkie (11) – Nathan Kelly (13) – 10:51

2ND PERIOD

VER – Ben Sanderson (4) – Jesse Lansdell (11) – 2:23

3RD PERIOD

CHW – Jacques Bouquot (9) – Harrison Blaisdell (24) – 7:11 (PPG)

CHW – Mitch Andres (3) – Jacques Bouquot (17), Carter Wilkie (23) – 11:31

The Vipers will hit the road to face the Penticton Vees Friday night at the SOEC.