Trail, BC: The Viper powerplay struck twice and Roan Clarke put on a heroic performance in goal as the Vipers were able to extend their win streak to 7 games thanks to a 3-2 win over the Trail Smoke Eaters.
The Vipers ended up undermanned early after Luke Pakulak was ejected for a check from behind penalty. The Vipers PK was stellar killing off the whole sequence without surrendering a goal. Shortly after it expired, Reagan Milburn won a race, then set up Luke Buss to make it 1-0. The PK was tested again later in the period, 5 on 3, the Smoke Eaters were finally able to secure a goal as Connor Michaud one-timed a puck that just got across the line. The Vipers powerplay had a look late and Reagan Milburn ripped home a goal with just 11 seconds left in the period to make it 2-1 Vipers after 1.
In a word, or a name, the second period was the Roan Clarke Show. He stopped all 21 shots he faced. The Vipers committed to the shot blocking and even though were hemmed in their own zone, kept the high quality to a minimum. When there were Grade A’s Clarke was there keeping it 2-1 after 2.
The Vipers had another powerplay early in the third and JoJo Tanaka-Campbell tipped home a Talon Zakall point shot to make it 3-1. The Smokies pushed for the equalizer, funneling more pucks at the Vipers goal. Trail had another powerplay late in the period, but again couldn’t find the twine even with the goalie on the bench. They were able to finally score with 45 seconds left as Brady Hunter scored, but that’s as close as it would get.
The Vipers will head to Cranbrook as they prepare for a weekend set with the Bucks.
