Vernon, BC: The Vipers scored a powerplay goal for the fourth time in five games at a crucial time to tie the game, but in the end it was two goals from Silverbacks veteran Sullivan Mack including the OT winner that gave the Backs a 2-1 win in extra time.
There was no scoring in the first forty minutes but it was a tale of two periods for the Vipers who were on their heels through part of the first period despite a very effective penalty kill. The Silverbacks hit two goal posts and Porter Jr. made a number of good saves to keep it scoreless.
The second was a much different story as the Vipers didn’t allow much defensively and had more sustained efforts in the offensive zone. Owen Say was up to the challenge and the game remained scoreless after 2.
Sullivan Mack scored early in the third period to give Salmon Arm a 1-0 lead. The Viper powerplay responded just under three minutes later as Ryan Shostak ripped home a one timer from Tyler Carpendale. Hunter Donohoe had the best chance to take the lead, but hammered a puck off the goal post. From there overtime was required.
The Vipers had a great chance early in the OT, before Sullivan Mack was spotted for a breakaway to give the Backs the extra point.
The Vipers are back in action Monday at 1pm against the West Kelowna Warriors.
