Vernon, BC: Tyler Carpendale and Reagan Milburn had goals and James Porter Jr. was outstanding in goal stopping 37 of 38 as the Vernon Vipers secured top spot in the Vernon pod thanks to a 3-1 win over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
The Vipers had some early pressure, but Owen Say was solid keeping the game scoreless. The Vipers killed off a Salmon Arm powerplay a few minutes later. Logan Shaw opened the scoring for the Silverbacks as he deposited home a rebound making it 1-0. The Vipers then had to kill a lengthy 5 on 3 but were able to do so with some timely saves and shot blocks. Late in the period, a Seth Bafaro point shot was deflected by Tyler Carpendale to even up the game with just 15 seconds left in the period.
The Vipers struck early in the second on a beautiful set up that saw Hunter Donohoe spot Reagan Milburn open to make it 2-1. Salmon Arm had another powerplay but again couldn’t solve the PK or Porter Jr. The goalies put on a show the rest of the way as both Porter Jr. and Say stymied a number of good looks from each team.
In the third, it was more of the same, the Vipers played a solid final 20 with the help of great goaltending. Ryan Shostak hit the empty net with just under 90 seconds left to seal the win.
With the win the Vipers have secured themselves as the top team in the Vernon pod.
The Vipers will finish the pod season on Sunday afternoon at 4pm when they take on the West Kelowna Warriors.
