Vernon, BC: The Vernon Vipers continued their strong play in the preseason on Saturday night as they shutout the Salmon Arm Silverbacks for the second time in as many nights, this time by a 3-0 score.
“The group stuck to it tonight,” said Head Coach and GM of the Vipers Jason McKee. “There were some inconsistencies at time, but again lots of positives to build from. Ethan David was excellent and I think our group fed off some of the big saves he made to bring our energy level up. The group fought hard in the end to preserve the shutout.”
Ethan David, in his first start of the preseason, made a number of big saves in the first period, finishing with 31 saves.
“The boys played with urgency and hunger for most of the night and had the will and want to win back to back games against close rivals like Salmon Arm,” said Vipers goaltender Ethan David. “I felt I played with a lot of poise tonight. Getting a preseason game under my belt or a scrimmage, grabbing a shutout is always a reminder that the grind pays off.”
Julian Facchinelli scored his first of the preseason on a breakaway, finding the five-hole on Backs goaltender Ryan Tamelin. Liam Payne notched his first as well on a powerplay and Erik Pastro finished off the Vipers scoring in the 3rd period.
Ryan Tamelin made 18 saves on 21 shots in his first start of the preseason.
The Vipers powerplay was 1 for 4, they’ve scored a goal in each of the first three games. Their penalty kill was 2 for 2 and has yet to surrender a powerplay goal against.
Vernon finishes off their exhibition schedule Friday and Saturday with a home and home set against West Kelowna, starting at Royal LePage Place on Friday.
