Vernon, BC: A successful road trip is in the books. Now, it’s time to bring Vipers hockey home.
After earning two wins and four of a possible six points away from home, the Vernon Vipers return for their much-anticipated home opener Saturday night, hosting the West Kelowna Warriors at 6 p.m.
Both teams enter with identical 2-1-0-0 records as they prepare for the first of seven head-to-head meetings this season. Vernon will look to extend its winning streak to three games, while West Kelowna aims to rebound from a difficult night in Prince George.
Last Game: Vernon
The Vipers received goals from five different players in a 5-1 victory over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks Friday night at Rogers Rink.
Ryan Fairbairn and Toms Trockis led the offence with a goal and an assist apiece. Mason Kim, Tommy Karmiris and Luca Pura also scored, while Kason Kobelka turned aside 35 of 36 shots to earn his first BCHL victory in his first start.
Vernon finished 1-for-4 on the power play and killed all three Salmon Arm opportunities.
Last Game: West Kelowna
The Warriors opened their weekend with an 8-3 loss in Prince George Friday night.
Brock Fairbanks, Emmanuel Chan and Max Dinneen scored for West Kelowna. Ethan Sawyer allowed four goals on 11 shots before Austin Ball took over, finishing with 10 saves on 14 shots.
The Warriors scored twice on six power-play opportunities, but surrendered four goals on six Prince George advantages.
By the Numbers
Vernon
Record: 2-1-0-0
Goals For: 10
Goals Against: 5
Goal Differential: +5
Powerplay: 3 for 10 – 30.0%
Penalty Kill: 9 for 9 – 100.0%
West Kelowna
Record: 2-1-0-0
Goals For: 12
Goals Against: 12
Goal Differential: 0
Powerplay: 3 for 13 – 23.1%
Penalty Kill: 9 of 14 – 64.3%
What to Watch
Special teams have been a strength for Vernon through three games. The Vipers have scored a power-play goal in every outing and have yet to surrender one while shorthanded. They’ll look to continue that momentum against a Warriors penalty kill coming off a challenging night.
Vernon has also allowed just one goal over its last two games, with strong performances in net helping turn consecutive road appearances into victories. Keeping that defensive standard against a West Kelowna team averaging four goals per game will be a key to a successful home debut.
The road trip provided a promising start. Saturday brings the opportunity to build on it in front of the home crowd.
Puck drop is at 6 p.m. Get your home opener tickets at vernonvipers.com.
New Era. Same Venom.
