West Kelowna, BC: JoJo Tanaka-Campbell scored the game winner midway through the first period and Koen MacInnes was perfect turning aside all 31 shots he faced as the Vernon Vipers shutout the West Kelowna Warriors by a 2-0 score to propel themselves to the Okanagan Cup Finals.
JoJo Tanaka-Campbell struck first as he capitalized on some indecision between the goalie Johnny Derrick and his defenseman. Tanaka-Campbell pounced on the loose puck to tally his 4th goal of the exhibition tournament.
From there it was a strong defensive performance. The penalty kill was stellar for the third straight hockey game killing off all 5 penalties. The PK wasn't without chances of their own as they had a couple of odd man rushes, while keeping the Warriors at bay.
In the third, the Vipers continued a stifling defensive game and used some good goaltending to get the game to the final minutes. Cam MacDonald snapped home an empty net goal to make it 2-0 and give the Vipers a little insurance.
Things got heated in the final few seconds, but cooler heads prevailed as did the Vipers as they celebrated a big 2-0 win.
The Vipers will now play the Penticton Vees for a chance to become the inaugural Okanagan Cup Tournament Champion.
That game goes 6pm Saturday night at the SOEC.
Photo Credit - Tami Quan Photography
