West Kelowna, BC: Cam MacDonald had a pair of goals and Roan Clarke turned aside 24 shots as the Vernon Vipers downed the West Kelowna Warriors in Game 1 of the best of 7 series at Royal LePage Place.
The Vipers jumped out to an early lead as Cam MacDonald jumped on a Warrior turnover and ripped a shot low to the glove side making it 1-0. The Warriors drew even on a powerplay as a point shot from Charles-Alexis Legault deflected off a body in front and past Clarke. Shortly after the media timeout, Ayden Third jumped on another Warrior turnover and snapped it off the post and in for his first of the playoffs making it 2-1 after 1. The Vipers led in the shot department 10-7.
In the second both teams had some good looks. Matt Culling had the best look on a chance in front but Johnny Derrick robbed him with the right pad. Tyler Cristall nearly tied the game, but cranked one off the iron.
In the third, the Vipers powerplay converted as Zack Tonelli jammed home his own rebound making it 3-1. Shortly after, Reagan Milburn was sprung on a breakaway and made a nice move to make it 4-1. Chase Dafoe made it 4-2, but that’s as close as West K would get as Cam MacDonald hit the empty net making the final score, 5-2.
Game 2 of the series goes Saturday night at 7pm at Royal LePage Place.
