Vernon, BC: Tyler Carpendale had a pair of goals including a highlight reel tally, but it was the West Kelowna Warriors who would leave Kal Tire Place with two points thanks to a 4-2 win.
The Vipers had some jump early on, but Zach Bennett was able to keep the game scoreless. Tyler Carpendale opened the scoring with his first of the season midway through. A late goal from Marcus Joughin evened the game up at 1 after 1.
The second period really lacked a lot of flow. There were a ton of stoppages and neither team looked in sync. Tyler Cristall would buck that trend scoring to make it 2-1 West K. Tyler Carpendale then scored a fantastic goal to even it up at 2. Tyson Jugnauth gave his team the lead again with a later powerplay goal.
The Vipers killed off the remaining parts of a penalty in the early going, but West Kelowna would tack onto their lead as Carter Wilkie finished off a nice passing play in front. The Vipers picked up the pace in the second half of the period but couldn’t solve Zach Bennett. The Vipers had a great chance to get it within a goal, but Cam MacDonald was stopped on penalty shot after a brilliant save by Bennett. On the play the Vipers were also assessed a penalty and the team would finish regulation shorthanded.
It’s the first loss for the Vipers this season while the Warriors are now 2-1-1.
The Vipers are back at it Saturday night as they play host to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.