Merritt, BC: JoJo Tanaka-Campbell and Cam MacDonald had multi-point nights and Tyler Chan scored the game winner early in the third as they Vipers defeated the Merritt Centennials 4-1.
The Vipers took a few too many penalties in the opening period and found themselves shorthanded three times. From a defensive standpoint they were solid minimizing many Merritt chances, but couldn’t seem to find the offensive gear they were looking for. Merritt scored the only goal of the period as Ben Ward tallied his 15th of the season.
Early in the second the Vipers forecheck caused a turnover and it was Luke Buss ripping a shot by Jackson Baker to make it 1-1. JoJo Tanaka-Campbell drew the lone assist. The Vipers man advantage had three straight looks, but couldn’t find the back of the net.
The forecheck was directly responsible for the go head goal early in period 3 as Luke Lavery and Copeland Fricker converged on a puck and set up Tyler Chan in front who snapped it glove side on Baker making it 2-1. The Vipers peppered the Merritt goal, but couldn’t increase the lead. While shorthanded, they were able to get the lead extended as Cam MacDonald kept on a 2 on 1 and fired through Baker to make it 3-1. Reagan Milburn hit the empty net to give the Vipers the 4-1 win.
The Vipers are back at home Saturday when they host the Merritt Centennials.
