Langley, BC: Dawson Holt had a shorthanded tally and Matt Kowalski scored for the second straight game as the Vernon Vipers pushed the Langley Rivermen to a shootout, which the Rivermen would ultimately win by a 3-2 score.
The Vipers would face some early challenges as they found themselves shorthanded 3 consecutive times. The Riv struck first seconds after a powerplay expired as Kalen Szeto set up Joseph Musa who deflected the slap pass up and over Reilly Herbst to make it 1-0. While on the third PK, Connor Marritt caused a turnover and set up Dawson Holt who finished off the play with a nice deke to tie the game up at 1. Shortly after a Vipers powerplay expired, Matt Kowalski ripped a quick shot from the right circle that deflected off a Langley defender in front and past Braedon Fleming to make it 2-1 Vipers after 1 period.
The Vipers had a good showing in the second period, but didn’t see the results. They outshot the Rivermen 15-7 in the period. Dawson Holt had a good look on a breakaway that wouldn’t go and Connor Marritt had a great look on a goal mouth scramble but couldn’t hit the back of the net. Langley would get the only goal in the period as Matthew Hubbarde snapped home a centering pass to tie the game at 2.
In the third, both teams had looks to take the lead, but the goaltending was superb. Both Reilly Herbst and Braedon Fleming held strong. Elan Bar-lev-Wise had a great chance in the final minute on an individual effort, but Fleming dragged his leg to keep the puck out.
In overtime, the Vipers had a big opportunity on the powerplay, but again they came a goal post away from getting the victory and the bounces just wouldn’t go their way.
In the shootout, Connor Marritt was the lone Viper to hit the back of the net, but following a big save from Fleming, Kalen Szeto snapped one by Herbst to give the Rivermen the extra point and a 3-2 shootout win.
The Vipers will finish their road swing Saturday night in Coquitlam when they take on the Express.
