Vernon, BC: The Vernon Vipers look to bounce back tonight as they close out a five-game homestand at Kal Tire Place against the Cranbrook Bucks.
The Vipers (8-17-5-0) enter the matchup looking to respond after a pair of disappointing results last weekend. Most recently, Vernon dropped a 6-3 decision to the Okotoks Oilers. Christian Maro, Sam Charko, and Dmitrii Kubantsev provided the offense for the Vipers, but Vernon was unable to gain traction after falling behind early.
The Bucks (7-20-3-1) were last in action on Saturday night, suffering a 7-3 loss to the Nanaimo Clippers. Samuel Lyne, Shane Tronoski, and Konstantin Hutzinger found the back of the net for Cranbrook. Jason Tremblay started the game and allowed five goals on 20 shots, while Josh Scully came on in relief, stopping eight of ten shots.
Offensive Leaders
Vernon:
Christian Maro (10G, 17A)
Dmitrii Kubantsev (9G, 18A)
Cranbrook:
Adam Csabi (12G, 15A)
Nikolaj Rupi (11G, 11A)
Goaltenders
Vernon:
Oliver Kanat (3-9-3-0, 3.53 GAA, .887 SV%)
Colton Jugnauth (4-4-0-0, 4.07 GAA, .881 SV%)
Cranbrook:
Jason Tremblay (3-8-0-1, 4.32 GAA, .861 SV%)
Josh Scully (2-3-0-0, 3.94 GAA, .860 SV%, 1 shutout)
Special Teams
Vernon Powerplay: 22-for-127 (17.3%, 19th BCHL)
Vernon Penalty Kill: 88-for-115 (76.5%, 12th BCHL)
Cranbrook Powerplay: 26-for-130 (20.0%, 15th BCHL)
Cranbrook Penalty Kill: 83-for-120 (69.2%, 20th BCHL)
Head-to-Head
This marks the fifth of seven meetings between the two Interior West Division rivals this season, with Vernon holding a 3-1 advantage in the series. Cranbrook claimed the opening matchup in September by a 6-1 score, but the Vipers have responded by outscoring the Bucks 18-7 over three consecutive victories.
The season series will conclude with a two-game set in Cranbrook on March 6 and 7 at Western Financial Place.
Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM at Kal Tire Place.
#TimeToStrike
