Vernon, BC: Ryan Shostak had his first career multi-goal game and Reilly Herbst was solid in goal as the Vernon Vipers won their 30th game of the season, downing Merritt 5-1.
The Vipers jumped on the Centennials in the first minute as Matt Kowalski knocked down a puck and centered for Ryan Shostak who potted home his 6th goal of the season at the 53 second mark to make it 1-0. The game settled down a bit, but the chances for the Vipers didn’t wane. Tanner Marshall made a couple of big saves off Connor Sleeth, Hunter Donohoe and Connor Marritt in the period. The Vipers added another marker near the 14 minute mark as the Vipers came in on an odd man rush as Kowalski and Caller combined to set up Shostak again at the left circle to make it 2-0 on his 2nd of the game.
The Centennials scored early in the 2nd period as a Brophy Dunne point shot got through to make it 2-1. Less than two minutes later the Vipers found themselves on a 2 on 1 and Jack Glen kept on a 2 on 1 and snapped one by the glove side of Tanner Marshall to make it 3-1. After that it was the goalie show as Reilly Herbst made an enormous save while his team was shorthanded. Tanner Marshall also made a number of big saves to keep the score 3-1 after 2 periods.
The Vipers widened the gap in the third period as the forecheck caused a turnover and Max Bulawka poked home a loose puck to make it 4-1. Shortly after that while on a powerplay, Jackson Caller unleashed a howitzer from the centre point for his 5th of the season to make it 5-1. From there, the Vipers were extremely strong defensively allowing just 3 shots in the period finishing the game by the 5-1 score.
The Vipers will finish up the home stand on Friday for their final home game of the regular season when they welcome West Kelowna.
