Trail, BC: Zack Tonelli had a goal in regulation and the shootout and Roan Clarke turned aside 35 of 37 as the Vipers downed the Trail Smoke Eaters 3-2 in a shootout.
The Vipers had a good first period jumping out to an early shot advantage. Their powerplay looked good in two chances, but could only find iron. After killing off a Trail powerplay, the Vipers converted on a 3 on 2 as Zack Tonelli went backhand shelf for his 9th of the season. Shots in the period finished 13-7 for Vernon.
The Smoke Eaters rebounded in the second with a lot of jump. On a powerplay Teddy Lagerback poked home a loose puck at the right post to make it 1-1. The teams then went on trading chances but both Roan Clarke and Evan Fradette were spectacular.
Early in the third Corey Cunningham snapped one off the tip of the glove of Clarke to give Trail their first lead of the night. Shortly after Cade McNelly converted on a chance for his first BCHL goal. Again goaltending was stellar to force overtime.
Chances aplenty in OT as the Vipers had two early and Trail had a few late, but again some special goaltending on display.
Zack Tonelli scored in the opening round of the shootout. After two misses by Trail, Teddy Lagerback had to score and snuck one by Clarke. From there, the Viper netminder was perfect. Max Borovinskiy had a chance to win it and snapped a shot over the glove to give the Vipers the extra point and a 3-2 win in the shootout.
The Vipers will next be in action Sunday evening at 5pm when they welcome the Penticton Vees.
