Vernon, BC: The Vipers rallied from a one goal deficit in the third period, before getting the overtime winner off the stick of Cam MacDonald as they registered their first win of the season in thrilling fashion at Kal Tire Place.
The Vipers got out to a quick start hitting a goal post early on and outshooting the Backs 5-1. They opened the scoring shortly after a powerplay expired as Luke Buss poked home a rebound to make it 1-0. The Backs had a good response following the goal. The Vipers found themselves in penalty trouble and their PK was instrumental in getting to the intermission up by a goal, by killing of a 67 second 5 on 3. Roan Clarke made a key save late in the period to send the Vipers into the dressing room up by a goal.
Still shorthanded, the Viper PK again proved strong, but not without the help of their goaltender as Roan Clarke made a highlight reel save early on. When special teams swung back in the Vipers favour, Ryan Shostak was set up by Griffen Barr making it 2-0. The Backs had a quick response as Noah Serdachny finished off a rebound in front making it 2-1. Lucas Matta evened the game up on a point shot that deflected off a Viper in front and the score was 2-2 after 2 periods.
Simon Tassy gave Salmon Arm their first lead of the night from a sharp angle on a cross ice pass and it was 3-2. The Vipers were the benefactors of a lucky play of their own as Reagan Milburn tied the game up on a shot that hit the goalpost and squeaked across the line making it 3-3. The Vipers were forced into a tough spot when they were assessed a bench minor for Too Many Men on a close play. The PK again was successful as regulation expired in a 3-3 tie.
Overtime lasted just 22 seconds as JoJo Tanaka-Campbell set up Cam MacDonald for the game winner with the final being 4-3.
The Vipers are next in action Saturday night when they take on the Chilliwack Chiefs at the BCHL Showcase.
