Vernon, BC: The Vipers pushed all night and generated plenty of chances, but a one-goal margin stood in the way in a 4–3 loss to Okotoks.
Both teams brought pace and energy in a scoreless first period. Dario Lass provided an early highlight with a strong individual effort, but Eric Young came up with a key stop to keep the game even. The Vipers found themselves shorthanded three times in the opening frame, but the penalty kill remained sharp, turning aside all three Okotoks power plays. Jesse Sanche was excellent, stopping all 10 shots he faced to keep the game scoreless after one.
Okotoks struck quickly to open the second period, scoring twice in just nine seconds. Holden Pajor opened the scoring from Gugino and Hikida, followed shortly after by Hunter Sawka, assisted by Kowalski and Simpson, to give the Oilers a 2–0 lead.
Vernon responded a few minutes later as Dario Lass set up Cole Bieksa for his 5th goal of the season, with Garin Ludwig picking up the second assist. The Vipers continued to push and had a prime 2-on-0 opportunity with Dmitrii Kubantsev and Toms Trockis but were unable to convert.
That duo would connect later in the period, as Kubantsev found Trockis in the slot, and Trockis buried his 10th of the season to tie the game at two. Vernon controlled play in the middle frame, outshooting Okotoks 14–6 in the period and 22–16 through forty minutes.
The Oilers regained the lead early in the third when Brady Engelkes banked home a loose puck to make it 3–2. The Vipers answered quickly, evening the score less than a minute later as Christian Maro found the back of the net, with assists from Connor Dick and Davids Livsics.
Vernon generated several quality chances to take the lead, including Maro ringing a shot off the post, but the missed opportunity proved costly. Jamie Hikida, returning from injury, scored the eventual game-winner with just over five minutes remaining. The Vipers pressed late for the tying goal, but Young and the Okotoks defence held firm to secure a 4–3 Oilers win.
Vernon finished the night with a 41–23 advantage in shots.
FortisBC Energy Player of the Game: Artyom Khaydarov
Three Stars
⭐ 1st – Jamie Hikida (1G, 1A)
⭐ 2nd – Christian Maro (1G)
⭐ 3rd – Brady Engelkes (1G)
The Vipers will look to get back in the win column as they begin a three-game Northern Alberta road swing, starting Wednesday night in Spruce Grove.
#TimeToStrike
