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After the Buzzer – Vipers Rebound With 5-2 Win Over Merritt

Vernon, BC:  Keigo Hachisuka scored his first BCHL goal and Ryan Shostak pitched in a pair as the Vipers defeated the Merritt Centennials 5-2.

The Vipers ended their scoreless drought in the first minute of the game as Keigo Hachisuka banged home a rebound for his first BCHL goal.  They would increase their lead as Matt Kowalski finished off a 2 on 1 by ripping home a Connor Marritt pass to make it 2-0 by the 6 minute mark.  The Cents responded in the final half of the period.  Rylan Van Unen cut the lead in half on a partial breakaway.  Thomas Manty tied the game up in the last few minutes to make it 2-2 after 1 period.

The Vipers had to make a change in goal as Max Palaga removed from the game and being a bit banged up after a collision in the first period.  Newly acquired goaltender Reilly Herbst came in relief and shut the door the rest of the way.  The Vipers out shot the Cents 20-8 in the period.  They were able to get the lead back as Brett Fudger set up Ryan Shostak for his first of the night and the eventual game winner.  A scramble midway thru the period saw Connor Marritt poke home a loose puck in front to make it 4-2.  The Fudger, Shostak connection reconnected late in the period as Brett Fudger shot from a rebound and it came in the form of Shostak who slammed it home to make it 5-2.

The Vipers didn’t allow much in the third surrendering just 6 shots on goal.  The ones that did get through were stopped by Herbst.  The Vipers did a great job of blocking shots and preventing quality opportunities.  When the horn finally sounded the Vipers skated away with a 5-2 victory.

The Vipers will welcome the Chilliwack Chiefs on Saturday night at 6pm.