Vernon, BC: It wasn’t the effort or the result the Vipers were looking for Wednesday night, as the Brooks Bandits built an early lead and went on to a 7–2 win at Kal Tire Place.
First Period
Vernon generated several quality chances early, but Zach Zahara came up with key stops to keep the game scoreless.
Brooks opened the scoring when former Viper Leon Bussmann redirected a pass in the slot for his seventh of the season. Just two minutes later, Frantisek Albrecht extended the lead, finishing a play set up by Jack Rosensteel and Elias Sorensen.
The Bandits capitalized again off a defensive-zone turnover, with Jack Good finding a loose puck and tucking it home for his 21st of the season.
Despite the scoreline, Jesse Sanche was sharp in goal, making several key saves, including a highlight-reel glove stop on a breakaway. Shots favoured Brooks 17–9.
Second Period
The Vipers tightened things up defensively in the middle frame, but offensive chances were harder to come by. Vernon did generate a few looks, including a crossbar from Davids Livsics, but couldn’t find the back of the net.
Brooks added to its lead on the power play as Dmitrijs Dilevka scored his 13th of the season. Later in the period, Rylan Hue capitalized on another turnover for his first BCHL goal.
Tempers flared late in the period, with Hue and Garin Ludwig dropping the gloves. The Vipers were handed a full two-minute 5-on-3 opportunity but were unable to convert.
Shots in the second were 11–3 Brooks.
Third Period
Vernon had early power-play chances in the third and controlled possession but couldn’t break through.
Dmitrii Kubantsev eventually ended Zahara’s shutout bid, finishing a breakaway after being set up by Deagan McMillan. Kubantsev made a slick move for his 15th of the season.
Brooks quickly responded, with Dane Sorensen restoring momentum before Isaac Johnson added a power-play goal for the Bandits’ seventh of the night.
More physical play followed, including a fight between Cole Bieksa and Frantisek Albrecht.
Toms Trockis scored late with six seconds remaining, finishing a play from Thomas Duhamel and Kubantsev to round out the scoring.
Final Shots
Brooks 37 – Vernon 22
Game Stars
- Isaac Johnson (1G, 1A)
- Leon Bussmann (1G, 1A)
- Dane Sorensen (1G, 1A)
FortisBC Energy Player of the Game: Dmitrii Kubantsev
The Vipers wrap up their home schedule Friday night when they host the Trail Smoke Eaters at Kal Tire Place.
