Vernon, BC: Matt Kowalski had a 5 point night including a hat trick as the Vipers offense exploded for 8 goals as they defeated the Merritt Centennials 8-3.
The Vipers jumped out to an early shot advantage of 4-1 and some good opportunities in the first handful of minutes but couldn’t find the back of the net. The Cents would capitalize on a Viper mistake as Payton Matsui set up Christian Buono for his 3rd of the year giving Merritt a 1-0 lead. Late in the period, some nice work along the boards by Logan Cash set up the first Viper goal as Cash’s centering pass to Tanaka-Campbell was stopped, but Matt Kowalski was there to finish off the rebound to make it 1-1 after 1.
Another good start to a period for the Vipers and again it was some good board work that saw the Vipers get their first lead of the night. Cam MacDonald knocked down a clearing attempt, kicked it over to Brett Fudger who found Ben Helgeson in the left circle and he let a rocket go off the cross bar and in to make it 2-1. Landon Fuller increased the Viper lead with a point shot that squeaked through Tanner Marshall to give the Vipers a 3-1 lead. The Cents while on a powerplay would chip into the deficit as Hunor Torszok swept home a loose puck in front to make it 3-2. Not long after it was Kowalski again who finished off a set up from Dawson Holt making it 4-2. The Viper powerplay finally broke the slump late in the 2nd as Dawson Holt potted home a rebound giving the home team a 5-2 lead after 2.
In the first minute of the third, JoJo Tanaka-Campbell tipped home a Landon Fuller point shot to make it 6-2 Vernon. Things would get chippy as Brett Fudger tangled with Brayden Clark in a spirited scrap. Merritt made it 6-3 as Thomas Manty scored far post and in. The Viper powerplay wasn’t done as Logan Cash would put home a rebound making it 7-3. In the final minute of the 3rd Matt Kowalski was sprung on a breakaway and sealed the game with a hat trick goal making it 8-3.
The Vipers will welcome the Wenatchee Wild Saturday night for Teddy Bear Toss Night at 6pm at Kal Tire Place!
