Blackfalds, AB: A slow start put the Vipers in an early hole, and despite a strong third-period push, they couldn’t complete the comeback in a 6–3 loss to the Blackfalds Bulldogs.
First Period
It was a difficult start for the visitors, who had to weather an early surge from Blackfalds.
The Bulldogs opened the scoring just 69 seconds in as Magnuss Avotins netted his fifth of the season. Vernon had a strong opportunity to respond, but Davids Livsics was turned aside by Oliver Kiraly.
Moments later, Antoine Gauthier was awarded a penalty shot after being disrupted on a breakaway and converted to make it 2–0 midway through the period.
The pace settled slightly from there, but the Vipers trailed 2–0 after 20 minutes while being outshot 19–8.
Second Period
The second period didn’t start any better for Vernon. Just 29 seconds in, Thomas Neu finished an odd-man rush to extend the lead to 3–0.
Lane Maarhuis was replaced by Jesse Sanche following the goal.
Special teams provided some momentum for the Vipers, particularly on the penalty kill, which did an excellent job limiting a dangerous Bulldogs power play. Vernon also had a power-play opportunity and moved the puck well but couldn’t solve Kiraly.
Blackfalds added another late in the period as Luke Dahlen scored to make it 4–0.
Third Period
The Vipers finally broke through 13 minutes into the third — and quickly built some momentum.
Toms Trockis made it 4–1 with his 12th of the season, assisted by Dmitrii Kubantsev and Oscar Bjork. Just 10 seconds later, Connor Dick banked a puck off a defender and in to cut the deficit to 4–2.
Blackfalds responded with another penalty-shot goal, this time from Nick DiPaolo, restoring the three-goal cushion.
Vernon continued to push, as Dario Lass scored on a rebound from Christian Maro and Shawn Leary to make it 5–3. The Vipers pulled the goaltender late but couldn’t get any closer, and the Bulldogs sealed the game with an empty-net goal.
Final Shots
Blackfalds 43 – Vernon 28
Special Teams
- Power Play: 0-for-1
- Penalty Kill: 1-for-1
Game Stars
- Oliver Kiraly (25 saves on 28 shots)
- Luke Dahlen (1G, 1A – GWG)
- Toms Trockis (1G)
FortisBC Energy Player of the Game: Antoine Gauthier
The Vipers wrap up their road trip tomorrow night in Brooks.
