Vernon, BC: In what was one of their most complete performances of the young season, the Vernon Vipers battled hard but came up just short, falling 4-3 in overtime to the Sherwood Park Crusaders on Saturday night.
The Vipers built a two-goal lead early, saw it slip away, and even trailed late before mounting a comeback to force extra time. In overtime, Vernon earned a powerplay opportunity but couldn’t convert — and the Crusaders capitalized shorthanded to steal the extra point.
Michael Munroe opened the scoring with his team-leading fifth goal of the season, while Brendan Russell added his second. Evan Sundar tied the game late in regulation with a highlight-reel finish, his third of the year. Brendan Gee made 23 saves on 27 shots, while Deagan McMillan, Sam Charko, and London Taylor — who earned his first BCHL point — chipped in with assists.
Despite not finding the back of the net, the Vipers’ powerplay looked dangerous throughout the night, generating quality chances each time out.
For Sherwood Park, Maxime Ly was the difference-maker, scoring twice — including the shorthanded overtime winner, the Crusaders’ third shorthanded goal of the season. Gage Brandon notched his first BCHL goal, and Gleb Semenko rounded out the scoring. Goalie Jack Scali was busy in the crease, stopping 30 of 33 shots and even picking up an assist for his third win.
With the overtime loss, the Vipers move to 1-4-2, while Sherwood Park remains one of the BCHL’s few unbeaten teams at 5-0-0.
The Vipers now embark on a four-week road swing, beginning Thanksgiving weekend at the BCHL Showcase in Abbotsford. They’ll take on the Coquitlam Express Sunday night at 7 PM.
The next home game at Kal Tire Place is Friday, November 7, when the Vipers host the Spruce Grove Saints.
🎟️ Tickets available at vernonvipers.com
#TimeToStrike
