Vernon, BC: It was the Roan Clarke show on Friday night in Penticton as he turned away 51 of 54 shots in a 3-1 loss to the Vees.
The Vees scored twice in a three minute window as Luke Vardy's point shot and a one timer from Fin Williams gave the home side the lead. A young Viper roster continued to bend but not break despite long stretches in their own zone. The Vipers cut the deficit after Ethan Mercer caused a turnover before rifling home his first goal of the pre season to make it 2-1.
Early in the second period Grayson Arnott scored to make it 3-1. The Vees outshot the Vipers 18-5, but again it was Roan Clarke shutting the door.
It was more of the same in the third period, but the Vipers were able to keep the Grade A chances to a minimum and when they did, Clarke was there.
It was a good learning lesson for this group as they prepare for the rematch Saturday night.
