Vernon, BC: The Vernon Vipers kick off the final week of the regular season tonight as they return home to Kal Tire Place to host the Brooks Bandits.
With just a handful of games remaining, the focus shifts toward strong finishes, individual opportunity, and measuring up against one of the BCHL’s elite teams.
Last Game – Vernon
The Vipers put together a strong effort last Saturday in Brooks, pushing the Bandits the distance before falling 4-2 at Centennial Regional Arena.
Toms Trockis and Connor Dick provided the offense for Vernon, while Oliver Kanat was solid in goal, turning aside 33 of 37 shots.
Special teams played a major role in the outcome. Vernon went 1-for-5 on the powerplay, but the penalty kill ran into trouble against the league’s top unit, allowing three goals on six opportunities.
Last Game – Brooks
It wasn’t an easy night for the Bandits either, as they needed a big third period push to secure the win over Vernon.
Three powerplay goals in the final frame proved to be the difference, with Jack Rosensteel, Dmitrijs Dilevka, Jack Good, and Harry Ahlberg all finding the back of the net.
Zach Zahara was a key piece once again, making 34 saves on 36 shots to give Brooks the chance to mount the comeback.
By the Numbers
Vernon Vipers
Record: 14-30-7-0
Home: 6-14-5-0
Streak: L3
Last 10: 3-7-0-0
Powerplay: 18.0% (18th)
Penalty Kill: 76.7% (11th)
Goals For: 159
Goals Against: 208
Goal Differential: -49
Brooks Bandits
Record: 35-11-5-0
Away: 18-5-1-0
Streak: W8
Last 10: 9-0-1-0
Powerplay: 33.0% (1st)
Penalty Kill: 79.6% (6th)
Goals For: 237
Goals Against: 167
Goal Differential: +70
Scoring Leaders
Vernon
Dmitrii Kubantsev — 14G, 36A, 50 Pts
Deagan McMillan — 20G, 19A, 39 Pts
Christian Maro — 17G, 20A, 37 Pts
Brooks
Jack Good — 20G, 47A, 67 Pts
Liam Fitzpatrick — 32G, 22A, 54 Pts
Goaltending Matchup
Vernon
Oliver Kanat — 25 GP | 5-13-5-0 | 3.59 GAA | .889 SV%
Lane Maarhuis — 10 GP | 4-4-0-0 | 3.70 GAA | .899 SV%
Jesse Sanche — 6 GP | 0-4-0-0 | 4.30 GAA | .861 SV%
Brooks
Zach Zahara — 41 GP | 28-9-3-0 | 3.18 GAA | .889 SV% | 3 SHO
Lincoln Molind — 9 GP | 6-1-2-0 | 2.85 GAA | .888 SV%
Head-to-Head
Tonight marks the fourth and final meeting between the Vipers and Bandits this season.
Brooks has won all three previous matchups, though each game has been tightly contested, with all results decided by three goals or fewer.
What’s at Stake
Vernon
With the playoffs out of reach, the focus turns to opportunity.
For the outgoing 20-year-olds, it’s a final chance to showcase their abilities, while returning players look to solidify their roles and make an impression heading into next season.
Brooks
There’s plenty on the line for the Bandits.
This game represents the game in hand they hold on the Blackfalds Bulldogs for top spot in the Interior East Division. With the race incredibly tight, Brooks controls its own destiny and will be looking to secure home ice advantage through the opening rounds of the playoffs.
Broadcast Information
🕖 Puck Drop: 7:00 PM
🕡 Pregame: 6:45 PM
📻 107.5 Beach Radio
🎧 Vernon Matters (audio stream)
📺 FloHockey
