The Vernon Vipers had 7 days off after their huge come from behind win over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks to get back to practice and prepare for the red hot West Kelowna Warriors. The preparation and hard work was evident through 60 minutes and thanks to some timely goals, some timely saves and a powerplay goal the Vipers will able to defeat the Warriors 3-2 in front of over 2000 fans.
It was a good start to the period with both teams moving the puck well. Some early physicality from the forechecks kept everyone on their toes. The forecheck led to a turnover at the West Kelowna blue line and the Vipers were able to turn it in transition as Riley Brandt was able to pick the far corner to make it 1-0. The Warriors were able to respond a few minutes later as Nick Rutigliano stepped into a shot from the top of right circle that found its way through Shortridge to tie it up. Both teams had some good chances, but none better than Ben Butcher who was set up beautifully by Liam Finlay, but Matthew Greenfield made a huge left pad save to keep it tied. Played slowed down in the latter stages of the period and would end 1-1 after 1.
The second was a back and forth affair with the Vipers having the edge in terms of quality scoring chances. Matthew Greenfield was stellar making a number of fine grade A saves off Ben Butcher and Riley Brandt. The Vipers had a chance on a powerplay with a point shot stopped and rebound put in by McCarthy or Brandt. The goal was waived off immediately due to contact with the goaltender and the game stayed tied. The Vipers were able to take the lead late in the second thanks to a great path from Carter Stephenson to Jagger Williamson and he would rifle a puck five hole to make it 2-1 after 2.
It was all Warriors in the third as they pushed to get the game equalized. The period however started with a parade to the penalty box as it seemed both teams were a little slow off the draw. A number of stick infractions were called, but when needed both teams penalty kill units were up to the challenge and killed them off. The Warriors put a lot of shots on Andrew Shortridge and had 2 quality chances, but Bryan Basilico was stopped and a centering pass from Kyle Marino bounced off a Viper to the goal line, but again Shortridge was there. The Vipers would take advantage of their 7th powerplay as Liam Finlay danced into the offensive zone and rifled a shot upstairs on Greenfield to make it 3-1. The Warriors continued to push and Rylan Yaremko was able to make it 3-2, but that was as close as it would come as tempers would flare after the final buzzer with the final being 3-2.
Scoring Summary:
Period 1
VER – Riley Brandt (13) – Sacco 4:55
WK – Nick Rutigliano (4) – Mennear 7:07
Period 2
VER – Jagger Williamson (6) – Stephenson, Pellah 17:24
Period 3
VER – Liam Finlay (13) – Tufto, Pellah 15:23
WK – Rylan Yaremko (11) – K. Marino 18:10
Game Stars
West Kelowna – Nick Rutigliano – 1 G, 3rd star
Nick Rutigliano played a ton of minutes for Rylan Ferster and the West Kelowna Warriors on Friday night. He scored a nice goal, but it was what he did in the defensive zone that makes him valuable. The Warriors rely on his veteran presence and I thought he had a very solid game.
Vernon – Carter Stephenson – 1 A
In just his third game as a Vernon Viper AP he continues to impress. Its knowledge that he has committed to the Vipers for next season and after watching him play Friday night, the Vipers have a very impressive defenseman cracking their lineup. His passing was superb and his simplicity in the defensive zone kept the Warriors forecheck at bay.
Final Thoughts
The Vipers now have wins over two teams that have controlled the season series. This was an important game where the Vipers played well defenively, got timely scoring, big saves and when it mattered the most, desperation and a willingness to block shots when it truly mattered. This team at times has had trouble finishing games like these off, this was another example of a team building in the right direction. Also, hats off to the fans tonight, not only were they treated to a great game, but came out in droves, over 2000 fans to see a great game of hockey.
