Vernon, BC: Cam MacDonald scored his 10th goal of the season on the powerplay and James Porter Jr. Stopped 31 of 34 as the Vernon Vipers dropped a 4-1 decision to the Trail Smoke Eaters.
The Smoke Eaters had an early shot advantage in a period that had some feeling out to it. It took a few minutes before it appeared each team found their legs. James Porter Jr. was dialed in early stopping the first 4 shots of the game. The Vipers penalty kill killed off an early Trail man advantage and for the moment it seemed to spark the team. The Vipers first powerplay of the game had a positive result as Cam MacDonald was set up in the slot and he ripped home a shot to the glove side to make it 1-0. Shots in the period finished 12-6 in Trails favour.
Trail equalized the game early in the period as a Jaden Senkoe shot got through off a faceoff tying the game at 1. Forty seconds later while on a powerplay, Kent Johnson danced through some bodies before backhanding a puck home to make it 2-1 Trail. The Smokies would add another one as Braden Costello found a rebound in front of the Viper goal making it 3-1. The Vipers had a couple of chances to cut the deficit, but a puck that was centered would roll along the line and out the other side.
In the third, the Vipers had a bit more jump, but again couldn’t find the back of the net. Dawson Holt just missed on a deflection at the side of the goal. Matt Kowalski was stoned by Terness, then Connor Marritt had a glorious chance that was blocked on its way to the net. Philippe Lapointe would hit the empty net in the final minute finishing the game at 4-1.
The Vipers will now get a well deserved Christmas break before returning home to play the Salmon Arm Silverbacks on December 28th at Kal Tire Place.
