Vernon, BC: It wasn’t the return home the Vipers were hoping for following a successful Showcase as they dropped an 8-0 decision to the Prince George Spruce Kings on Saturday night.
The Vipers had a ton of jump in the first 10 minutes of the period as they had a number of good chances at the Spruce Kings goal. Jordan Fairlie was exceptional including a big save off of Luke Pakulak in the first few minutes. After a successful penalty kill, Prince George opened the scoring as Charlie Banquier was able to get around a defender and snap a hard low shot past Roan Clarke. Late in the period the Vipers had a costly turnover and John Herrington made them pay making it 2-0 after 1 period.
The Spruce Kings won a ton of faceoffs in the middle period and took a 3-0 lead after a faceoff win, a point shot and a deflection by Ty Gagno. From their the PG powerplay rattled off two before the end of the period off the stick of Linden Makow, which was a nice passing play, and then John Herrington again with just 7 seconds remaining.
The Vipers had a nice surge in the third period, but hit three goal posts, which ultimately summed up how the night would finish. John Herrington would score his hat trick goal. Two minutes later Luke Eurig scored, which would spell the end of the night for Roan Clarke. Jack Stockfish added a powerplay goal late in the game to make the final 8-0.
The Vipers will look to regroup when they host the Cranbrook Bucks next weekend.
