Vernon, BC: Julian Facchinelli scored a pair of goals including the game winner late in regulation as the Vernon Vipers defeated the Salmon Arm Silverbacks 5-2, in a game that felt very playoff like.
“It was a hard fought playoff style game,” says Assistant Coach of the Vernon Vipers Lukas Lomicky. “All the players did their part and chipped in for a great win in front of an unbelievable crowd.”
Luke Pakulak got the scoring started with his 10th goal of the season 12 minutes into the game. Julian Facchinelli added to that lead 2 minutes later with a powerplay marker.
It was a back and forth affair as the Silverbacks rallied for two goals in 10 seconds to draw even after 1.
Filip Krajcik scored his first BCHL goal to give the Vipers the lead back only for Cole Cooksey to respond on the powerplay with his second of the game. Connor Elliott responded for the 3rd Viper lead of the night with his 6th of the season. The Backs scored a buzzer beater late in the frame to make it 4-4 with just 1 second left on the clock.
Both teams had powerplays in the final period, but neither could solve the deadlock. Shortly after the Viper man advantage, Julian Facchinelli popped out into the right circle and ripped home his second goal of the game just 44 seconds on the clock. The Backs had a late flurry, but couldn’t draw even.
“What an amazing atmosphere tonight,” says first star of the game Julian Facchinelli. “We never gave up tonight and we’re happy to come away with the two points.”
Luke Bibby had 3 assists, Anthony Cliche had 2. Luke Pakulak had a goal and an assist.
Ethan David had 27 saves on 31 shots in the victory. The Vipers powerplay was 1 for 2 and so was their PK.
Cole Cooksey led the way offensively for Salmon Arm with a pair of goals. Maddux Martin had a pair of assists. Ryan Grout was the busier of the two goalies making 35 saves on 40 shots.
The win pulls the Vipers within 1 point of the Backs in the Interior Conference standings.
The Vipers will finish the weekend with a Family Day matinee against Cranbrook on Monday.
