Vernon, BC: Ayden Third had the game winning goal midway through the third period as the Vipers resisted a Salmon Arm comeback to earn a 6-5 win at Kal Tire Place.
Isaac Lambert opened the scoring in the first period, but the Vipers powerplay equalized as Luke Pakulak’s big body deflected home a centering pass from Lee Parks making it 1-1 after 1.
The powerplay got back on the board as Luke Lavery popped in a loose puck that squeaked through the body of Carter Richardson. Kurt Gurkan scored his first BCHL on a rush down the left wing as he snapped it home. Minutes later, another first BCHL goal, as David Brandes jumped on a puck in the slot to make it 4-1. The Backs responded a few minutes later as Isaac Lambert set up Owen Beckner making it 4-2. Late in the period Lambert again factored in on the offense as he deflected home a point shot and it was a one goal game heading to the third.
The Vipers scored their 3rd powerplay goal of the game as Reagan Milburn drove the net and slid it through the wickets of the goaltender. Hayden Stavroff got it back within a goal as he converted on his own rebound, knocking it out of mid air. Ayden Third restored the two goal lead with a seeing eye point shot. Nathan Mackie scored with the goalie pulled in the dying minutes, but that’s as close as the comeback would get.
“I liked our resolve,” says Head Coach and GM of the Vipers Jason McKee. “It wasn’t perfect, but to score six was good for our group and we did a lot of good things on the offensive side. There are things to work on from a defensive standpoint, but overall it was nice to get the win.”
The Vipers will welcome the Victoria Grizzlies Saturday night at 6pm
