Vernon, BC: For the second straight night, the Vipers erased a multi-goal deficit and rallied to win in regulation. This time, it was Christian Maro playing the hero, scoring twice — including the late game-winner — to send more than 2,800 fans home happy in a 5–3 victory over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
First Period
Vernon generated a couple of strong early looks, but Daniel Dirracolo was sharp from the outset. Salmon Arm opened the scoring when Booker Toninato jammed home a rebound after multiple whacks at the crease.
The Vipers responded with two key penalty kills, limiting the Silverbacks’ power play to the perimeter and keeping the game within reach.
Vernon capitalized on its own opportunity with the man advantage. Just 21 seconds into the power play, Dmitrii Kubantsev and Deagan McMillan set up Davids Livsics for his 10th of the season to tie the game 1–1.
Salmon Arm regained the lead in the final minute, as Landon Mackie found a loose puck with 54 seconds left to make it 2–1 after one.
Second Period
The Vipers had a prime opportunity to even the score with an extended 5-on-3, but the Silverbacks’ penalty kill held firm. Salmon Arm then seized the momentum, with Mackie finishing an odd-man rush to extend the lead to 3–1.
Vernon pushed back.
Oliver Czaja capped off a strong offensive-zone shift to pull the Vipers within one, with Kubantsev and Maro collecting assists. Shortly after, Aaron Zulinick found Maro in the slot, and he buried his 16th of the season to tie the game 3–3. Czaja added the secondary assist.
Shots in the period favoured Vernon 14–9.
Third Period
The final frame tightened up defensively, with both teams emphasizing structure and limiting risks. Lane Maarhuis was steady when called upon, stopping all 14 shots he faced in the third period.
The breakthrough came late in regulation. Vernon forced a turnover at the Salmon Arm blue line, and the puck found Maro, who ripped a shot over the shoulder of Dirracolo, off the back bar and out, to give the Vipers a 4–3 lead. Czaja and Kubantsev assisted on the winner.
Livsics sealed the comeback with his second of the night into an empty net to make it 5–3.
Final Shots
Salmon Arm 35 – Vernon 31
Special Teams
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Power Play: 1-for-4
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Penalty Kill: 2-for-2
Game Stars
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Christian Maro (2G, 1A – GWG)
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Landon Mackie (2G, 1A)
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Oliver Czaja (1G, 2A)
FortisBC Energy Player of the Game: Davids Livsics (2G – 1 PPG, 1 EN)
The Vipers now look to build momentum heading into a pivotal weekend as they travel to Cranbrook for a twin bill at Western Financial Place against the team they’re chasing for the final playoff spot.
