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.