Chilliwack, BC: The Vernon Vipers out shot and for the most part out chanced the Chilliwack Chiefs on Wednesday night at the Coliseum, but couldn’t find the back of the net as they dropped a 2-0 decision.
The Vipers penalty kill was a focal point in the first period stymieing a very good powerplay on 3 different occasions. One included a 5 on 3 for over 30 seconds. The short man had key blocks and some key saves. There weren’t many shots in the period, but lots of good free flowing action that ate up a good chunk of the period. Chilliwack had the only goal of the period as a pass from Joey Larson found Nikita Nesterenko in the left circle and he snapped it home. The late penalty kill efforts were successful as the opening period ended 1-0.
In the second, it was the Vipers turn on the powerplay and JoJo Tanaka-Campbell clanked a quick shot off the crossbar. The Vipers forecheck caused a lot of havoc, specifically the line of Fudger, Glen and Shostak. Brett Fudger came a millimetre away from getting his first BCHL goal, but Caron got a toe on it forcing it wide. Kyle Penney gave Chilliwack a 2-0 lead on a shot from the slot against the flow of momentum. The Vipers continued to put pucks at the net, but couldn’t find the second and third chances as the period ended in a 2-0 game.
The Vipers out shot the Chiefs in the third period 8-4, but couldn’t find the back of the net. Some more good chances and good shifts weren’t rewarded and the final buzzer sounded in a 2-0 game.
The Vipers return home for a date with the Merritt Centennials on Friday night at 7pm.
