West Kelowna, BC: The Vipers had a two goal performance from Luke Buss and singles from Jack Glen and Cam MacDonald, but they would find themselves on the wrong side of a 5-4 score against the Warriors.
In a penalty filled first period, the Vipers were able to use the PK to spring them into some momentum as Reagan Milburn set up Luke Buss for his second goal of the preseason around the 5 minute mark. The parade to the penalty box continued with neither man advantage having anything to show for it. Moments after a Viper powerplay concluded, Luke Buss scored his second of the night on a pinball shot from the right side that bounced off the goaltender, the defenceman, then trickled just across the line to make it 2-0. The Warriors were finally able to get on the board on their 4th powerplay of the period as Felix Trudeau rifled a one-timer home from the right circle to make it a one goal game after 1 period.
The Vipers were assessed a double minor at the end of the first and West Kelowna took full advantage as Felix Trudeau scored his second of the night from nearly the identical spot as his first, this one just 28 seconds into the period. The Warriors took their first lead of the night 90 seconds later as Tyler Cristall scored to make it 3-2. Both teams seemed to settle down through most of the second period as both teams were able to get some even strength play. A late miscue defensively allowed the Warriors to end the period up by 2 after John Evans converted for his first goal of the preseason.
Marcus Joughin scored early in the third period making it 5-2. From there the Vipers would valiantly push for a comeback. Ryan Shostak set up Jack Glen for a quick response making it 5-3. The Vipers powerplay struck pay dirt midway through the period as a Nick Kent point shot was tipped by Cam MacDonald making it 5-4. From there the teams traded chances and the Vipers had a look with the goalie pulled, but the final horn would sound keeping the Vipers a goal behind.
The Vipers will look to end the preseason on a high note Saturday when they host the Warriors at 6pm.
Photo Credit - Tami Quan Photography
