Vernon, BC: The Vernon Vipers’ homestand continues tonight at Kal Tire Place as they open a big weekend against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
The Vernon Vipers’ homestand continues tonight at Kal Tire Place as they open a big weekend against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
Vernon enters riding a three-game winning streak following a thrilling 7-3 victory over West Kelowna in last Saturday’s home opener. The Vipers scored four shorthanded goals in that win and will look to carry that momentum into another meeting with a very familiar opponent.
Salmon Arm got back in the win column Friday night with a dominating 6-0 victory over the Blackfalds Bulldogs. Cash Olson had a goal and three assists to lead the way. Noah Mavin made 23 saves for the shutout victory.
This marks the third consecutive weekend the Vipers and Silverbacks have faced each other, with another home-and-home set looming in two weeks.
Head to Head
The teams have split the first two games of their seven-game season series. Salmon Arm took the opening-night matchup 4-1, before Vernon returned serve at Rogers Rink last Friday with a 5-1 victory.
The Vipers are 2-for-8 on the power play against the Silverbacks, while their penalty kill has been perfect, killing all seven Salmon Arm opportunities.
Six different Vipers have scored in the season series. Ryan Fairbairn and Toms Trockis lead Vernon with two points apiece, each recording a goal and an assist. Sammy DiBlasi and Kason Kobelka have each made one start, with Kobelka stopping 35 of 36 shots in last Friday’s win.
Salmon Arm has received goals from five different players, with Cash Olson, Alexis Beaulieu and Quinn Kipfer each collecting multiple points. Noah Mavin has started both meetings, posting a 1-1 record with 46 saves on 51 shots over 118 minutes.
By the Numbers
| Vernon | Salmon Arm | |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 3-1 — 2nd in Interior West | 3-2 – 3rd in Interior West |
| Home Record | 1-0 | 3-1 |
| Away Record | 2-1 | 0-1 |
| Goals For | 17 — 4th in BCHL | 17 – 10th in BCHL |
| Goals Against | 8 — 4th in BCHL | 12 – 6th in BCHL |
| Power Play | 4-for-14 — 28.6% (6th) | 6 for 18 – 33.3% (4th) |
| Penalty Kill | 14-for-14 — 100.0% (1st) | 12 for 14 – 85.7% (6th) |
Next Up
The Vipers face a quick turnaround, hosting the road-weary Blackfalds Bulldogs on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m.
Salmon Arm heads to Sherwood Park to face the Crusaders on Friday, October 9, before playing two games at the BCHL Showcase in Nisku.
Tune In
Coverage begins at 5:45 p.m. Watch on FloHockey, listen on 107.5 Beach Radio, or stream the broadcast through the Vernon Matters app.
