Vernon, BC: Walker Erickson and Luke Pakulak had goals in front of the largest crowd of the year, but the Vipers fell a goal short in an overtime loss to the Trail Smoke Eaters on Monday.
Erickson tallied his fourth goal with the Vipers late in the first period on a powerplay after a nice set up from Lee Parks.
With that assist, Parks now has points in 6 straight hockey games and has registered at least a point in 7 of his last 8.
Luke Pakulak scored a goal early in the third period for his 11th of the season. It was the first shorthanded goal of the season for the Vipers.
Brady Hunter led the way for the Smoke Eaters with a goal and an assist. He assisted on a Josh Schenk goal in the first period, then tied it up with a goal of his own midway through the 3rd period.
Adam Marshall scored the game winner two minutes into overtime.
Ethan David made 26 saves, while Teagan Kendrick stopped 36 in the victory.
The Vipers were 1 for 4 on the powerplay and a perfect 2 for 2 on the penalty kill including a shorthanded goal.
Vernon, despite the loss, has registered at least one point in four straight hockey games.
The crowd was the largest of the season at 2973.
The Vipers go back on the road for a weekend set in the Kootenay’s starting Friday night in Cranbrook.
