Vernon, BC: Luke Buss had a powerplay marker, Roan Clarke was stellar, and the Vipers struck twice in the skills competition as they downed the Trail Smoke Eaters 2-1 in a shootout.
The Vipers looked a little sluggish in the opening 20. Roan Clarke made 14 saves in the period and the Viper penalty kill had a strong showing.
The Vipers powerplay got them on the board as Luke Buss snapped a one time through Evan Fradette. A few minutes later Trail converted on a transition play and it was Jordan Hendry snapping one over the shoulder of Roan Clarke. The Vipers outshot the Smokies in the period 12-10.
Both teams were good defensively in the final period. The Vipers had a good chance on the powerplay but could find pay dirt. As regulation wound down, the Vipers had to kill a penalty which spilled into overtime.
The Vipers PK was able to get the key kill, before getting a powerplay of their own late in OT. They weren't able to convert, so a shootout was required.
In the shootout, Zack Tonelli scored five-hole. Teddy Lagerback was stopped by Clarke with a nice blocker save. Luke Buss had a great chance, but the puck rolled off his stick. Brady Hunter was next and again it was the blocker of Clarke with a big save. Cam MacDonald would ice the game with a nice move from the right side giving the Vipers the 2-1 win in a shootout.
The Vipers are next in action Friday night as they conclude their 3 game homestand against Salmon Arm.
