Brooks, AB: The Vipers put together a strong road effort for much of the night, but special teams proved to be the difference in the third period as the Brooks Bandits pulled away for a 4–2 win.
First Period
It was a composed and mature opening frame from Vernon on the road.
Both teams generated chances while staying defensively responsible. Brooks broke through late in the period as Jack Rosensteel scored his 25th of the season from Jack Good with under three minutes remaining.
Vernon was forced to kill a penalty late in the period that carried into the intermission. Shots slightly favoured Brooks 12–11.
Second Period
The Vipers successfully killed off the remainder of the penalty to start the period, but were quickly sent back to the penalty kill again. Once more, the unit came through with a strong effort.
As the period progressed, Vernon found its rhythm and began to generate sustained pressure, testing Zach Zahara.
The breakthrough came off a faceoff as Toms Trockis fired home his 13th of the season to even the game at 1–1.
Shots in the period favoured Vernon 15–11.
Third Period
Vernon grabbed its first lead of the night on the power play, as Connor Dick scored with assists from Dmitrii Kubantsev and Liam Magnuson.
The Vipers then had a prime opportunity to extend the lead on a four-minute power play but were unable to capitalize, eventually taking a penalty that brought play to four-on-four.
Momentum shifted in Brooks’ favour from there.
Dmitrijs Dilevka tied the game on a 4-on-3 advantage, and shortly after, Jack Good scored on the power play to restore the Bandits’ lead. Harry Ahlberg added another power-play goal late to seal the 4–2 result.
Final Shots
Vernon 37 – Brooks 36
Game Stars
- Jack Good (1G, 2A – GWG)
- Zach Zahara (34 saves on 36 shots)
- Oliver Kanat (33 saves on 37 shots)
The Vipers return home for a rematch with the Bandits on Wednesday night at Kal Tire Place.
