Vernon, BC: Owen Kim scored the game winner, with less than three minutes left and Ethan David made 30 saves for his 3rd career playoff shutout as the Vipers took game 1 of their best of seven series with the Trail Smoke Eaters by a 2-0 score.
As expected, between two teams that are evenly matched, the teams went back and forth. For a game that only had one goal with a goalie in the net, it certainly didn’t lack entertainment.
“I really liked our 3rd period,” says Assistant Coach of the Vipers Colton Sparrow. “Our goalie was great and our penalty kill was outstanding. We’re going to have to find ways to win games like that. I liked our patience to stay with it.”
Owen Kim scored the game winner late in regulation time while the Vipers were shorthanded. Luke Pakulak and Lukas McCloskey assisted on it.
Julian Facchinelli provided the insurance marker into the empty net.
Ethan David picked up his 13th career shutout (3rd in the playoffs) making 30 saves including a number of big ones in the second period when the Vipers were outshot 14-8.
Vernon didn’t get a powerplay opportunity, but won the special teams battle as the penalty kill shut down a very good Trail man advantage.
Teagan Kendrick was excellent in the Trail goal crease making 25 saves on 26 shots.
Game 2 goes Saturday night at Kal Tire Place at 7pm.
