Vernon, BC: Cam MacDonald bookended the scoring with two goals and the Vipers rallied with three goals in the third period to defeat the Trail Smoke Eaters 5-3 on Friday night.
The Vipers opened the scoring for the fourth straight game as Cam MacDonald scored his first since returning from injury to make it 1-0. The Vipers powerplay gave them a 2-goal lead as Reagan Milburn went post and in midway through the period. The Vipers outshot the Smokies 16-9 after 20.
The Vipers had some looks to extend their lead, but the Smokies had a quick turn as Brady Hunter scored two goals in 31 seconds to even the game up at 2 after 2.
Trail took their first lead of the night on a shorthanded goal from Quinn Disher. A scary moment later on as Jason McKee was struck by an errant puck and had to leave the game for a few minutes. He returned just in time as Nick Kent tied the game up at three with a seeing eye wrist shot from the point. With four minutes remaining Luke Pakulak wrapped home a loose puck to give the Vipers the lead back. The Vipers then wouldn't let the Smokies through the neutral zone and Cam MacDonald capped the game off with a pretty goal to make the final 5-3.
The Vipers are back in action Saturday night for Teddy Bear Toss as Cranbrook makes their first ever visit to Kal Tire Place.
