Vernon, BC: Special teams and some timely even strength goals were just what the doctor ordered as the Vernon Vipers knocked off the Salmon Arm Silverbacks for their first win of the Okanagan Cup Tournament.
The PP kicked into high gear early on as JoJo Tanaka-Campbell knocked in his first goal of the tournament inside the first 3 minutes of the game. Six minutes later on a similar play from down low it would be Cam MacDonald converting to make it 2-0. The PK and goaltending was perfect in the frame to keep it by that score.
The teams traded goals in the second, but it was all Vipers in terms of momentum and scoring chances. Jeremy Rainville set up Ethan Mercer for his first goal even strength to make it 3-0 at the seven minute mark. Salmon Arm cut the deficit on a powerplay tally from Nathan Morgan. Shots finished 15-6 in favour of the home side in the frame.
Early in the third the Vipers extended their lead as Mercer returned the favour by setting up Rainville for his first goal of the tournament 90 seconds in. Simon Tassy made it 4-2 on a PPG for Salmon Arm. The Vipers PK had a big kill to keep it 4-2 before Cam MacDonald struck again on the powerplay for his 2nd of the night.
Roan Clarke finished the game with 23 saves on 25 shots for his first win.
The Vipers and Silverbacks will do it again tomorrow night at the Shaw Centre. Puck drop is 6:30, but you can catch the entirety of the pregame show starting at 6:15.
