Penticton, BC: Jagger Williamson had 2 assists including setting up the tying goal late in regulation and the OT winner as the Vernon Vipers defeated the Penticton Vees 3-2 in extra time on Friday night.
It was a pretty even keel first period that saw some good defense, some good chances and 28 combined shots. Both Aidan Porter and Jack LaFontaine were solid when called upon. The Vees opened the scoring as a point shot from Peter Muzyka bounced off a body to Eric Linell and he put home his 26th of the year to make it 1-0 after 1.
In the second period, the Vipers powerplay was a focal point, but had its share of difficulties as they couldn’t convert on 3 powerplays totaling 9 minutes and a full 5 minute major. They had trouble generating opportunities and remained in a one goal deficit. The Vees would get a powerplay in the final five minutes of the period and a lucky bounce off a centering pass from Mason Snell would trickle across the line to make it 2-0 Penticton after 2 periods.
In the third, the Vipers powerplay found pay dirt as Jack Judson ripped home a shot from the left circle. The Vipers began the slow climb back into the game as momentum swayed in favour of the visitors. In the final minute of the period, with the goalie pulled, Lane Zablocki found a loose puck in the right circle and snapped home the tying goal with just 17 seconds left in regulation.
In overtime, there were plenty of chances as Aidan Porter robbed a Vee in front early on. Connor Marritt had a great chance to end it, but after a nice move, hit the goal post. Jagger Williamson found Zablocki in alone who deked out LaFontaine scoring his 2nd of the night and give the Vipers the come from behind win.
Here’s the scoring summary:
1ST PERIOD
PEN – Eric Linell (26) – Peter Muzyka (3), Carson Kosobud (8) – 14:05
2ND PERIOD
PEN – Mason Snell (5) – Massimo Rizzo (23), Evan McIntyre (2) – 16:54 – PPG
3RD PERIOD
VER – Jack Judson (5) – Jagger Williamson (15) – 4:30 – PPG
VER – Lane Zablocki (6) – Josh Latta (20), Jesse Lansdell (12) – 19:42
OVERTIME
VER – Lane Zablocki (7) – Jagger Williamson – 3:56
The Vipers return home for the back half of the home and home set with the Vees starting at 6pm at Kal Tire Place
