Vernon, BC: Reagan Milburn had a goal and an assist, Seiya Tanaka-Campbell had a pair of assists and Ethan David made 21 saves as the Vernon Vipers downed the Salmon Arm Silverbacks by a 5-2 score.
Milburn got the scoring started just 4 minutes into the period. The Kamloops product now has goals in back to back games. He’s had a great stretch lately with 8 points in his last 5 games (2 goals and 6 assists.). He was also named the games first star.
Parks scored a couple of minutes later after a nice set up from Hank Cleaves. Parks had gone two games without a point before tonight, the last time that happened was the first week of January, a span of 3 months.
Julian Facchinelli also registered a two point night including the game winner, a beautiful breakaway goal after being in the penalty box. The Woodbridge, ON product has points in three straight games. The goal was his 4th game winner of the season.
Luke Pakulak also scored his second goal in as many games on the powerplay. The rocket of a one-timer restored a two-goal lead a minute after Salmon Arm had cut the game to 3-2.
Walker Erickson hit the empty net to seal the victory.
Ethan David made 21 saves on 23 shots for his second straight win in his second straight start.
Ryan Gillespie and Isaac Lambert had goals for Salmon Arm, who lost for just the first time in regulation since February 19th.
Matthew Tovell made 23 saves on 27 shots.
The Vipers won the special teams battle going 1 for 2 on the powerplay and a perfect 3 for 3 on the PK.
Vernon was very stingy defensively in the last 40 minutes, allowing just 12 combined shots.
With the win, the Vipers stay 1 point behind Wenatchee and 3 points behind Prince George. They’re just 4 points behind Salmon Arm and 5 points behind West Kelowna.
The crowd was the second largest of the season with 2875 in attendance.
The Vipers homestand continues Saturday night when they host the Prince George Spruce Kings.
