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After the Buzzer – Vipers Take Shootout Win Over Bucks

Vernon, BC:  Cam MacDonald had a goal in regulation and a goal in the shootout in his return from a 7-week absence as the Vipers outlasted the Bucks 3-2 on Sunday afternoon.

The Vipers struck early on a powerplay as Cam MacDonald ripped home a hot shot from the right wing making it 1-0.  The Vipers had a number of key shot blocks and saves during a 5 on 3 advantage for the Bucks thwarting the visitors chances to send it to the dressing room 1-0 after 1 in favour of Vernon.

The Bucks equalized on a powerplay of their own as Noah Quinn released a laser from the right circle under the blocker of Roan Clarke to make it 1-1.  The Vipers generated their second goal in the dying seconds of the period as a Talon Zakall point shot was stopped by Nathan Airey and Reagan Milburn potted home the rebound with just 9 seconds remaining to send the Vipers to the dressing room up 2-1.

A rare defensive miscue led to the tying goal from Cranbrook as the Vipers failed to clear the zone and Rhys Bentham spotted Noah Quinn in behind and he’d make no mistake for his second of the day making it 2-2.  Both teams had some good looks the rest of the way but for the third time these two teams would head to overtime.  In OT the Bucks tested Roan Clarke 6 times but the Vipers netminder continued to stand tall to push the game to a shootout.

The Vipers continued their stellar play in the skills competition.  Zack Tonelli shot first but misfired.  Liam Hansson shot next for Cranbrook and picked the top corner to give the Bucks a lead after round 1.  Cam MacDonald shot next for Vernon and made no mistake, post and in.  Noah Quinn shot next, made a nice deke, but Clarke extended with the left pad to keep it out.  JoJo Tanaka-Campbell shot third for Vernon and lifted a soft one over the shoulder of Nathan Airey to give Vernon the advantage.  Tyson Dyck had to score to extend the shootout, but Clarke again made a big save to give the Vipers the extra point and the victory.

The Vipers will next be in action Wednesday night when they head to Merritt to take on the Centennials.