Calgary, AB: A night after being officially eliminated from postseason contention, opportunity becomes the focus for the Vernon Vipers as they head into Brooks to take on the high-powered Bandits.
While the playoff picture has closed, there is still plenty to play for—pride, development, and the chance to impact the Interior East race against one of the league’s top teams.
Last Game – Vernon
The Vipers showed plenty of push and resilience Friday night in Blackfalds, nearly completing a remarkable comeback before falling 6-3 to the Bulldogs.
Trailing 4-0 at one point, Vernon stormed back to cut the deficit to two goals—twice—but ultimately couldn’t get over the hump, with a late penalty shot and empty netter sealing the game.
Toms Trockis, named the game’s third star, got the Vipers on the board, while Connor Dick and Dario Lass also found the back of the net.
Lane Maarhuis made 18 saves on 21 shots before Jesse Sanche came in relief, stopping 20 of 22. Vernon went 0-for-1 on the powerplay, while the penalty kill was perfect.
Last Game – Brooks
The Bandits continue to roll and look every bit like a contender for the Interior East crown.
Brooks exploded offensively Friday night, putting up nine goals in a dominant win over the Okotoks Oilers.
Liam Fitzpatrick led the charge with a five-point night (2G, 3A), while Dmitrijs Dilevka added five points of his own (1G, 4A). Lincoln Molind picked up the win, making 18 saves on 20 shots.
The Bandits’ powerplay was lethal, converting three times on four opportunities, while their penalty kill went 3-for-4.
By the Numbers
Vernon Vipers
Record: 14-29-7-0
Away: 8-15-2-0
Streak: L2
Last 10: 4-6-0-0
Powerplay: 18.0% (18th)
Penalty Kill: 77.6% (10th)
Goals For: 157
Goals Against: 204
Goal Differential: -47
Brooks Bandits
Record: 34-11-5-0
Home: 16-6-4-0
Streak: W7
Last 10: 9-0-1-0
Powerplay: 32.4% (1st)
Penalty Kill: 79.6% (4th)
Goals For: 233
Goals Against: 165
Goal Differential: +68
Scoring Leaders
Vernon
Dmitrii Kubantsev — 14G, 35A, 49 Pts
Deagan McMillan — 20G, 18A, 38 Pts
Christian Maro — 17G, 20A, 37 Pts
Brooks
Jack Good — 19G, 44A, 63 Pts
Liam Fitzpatrick — 32G, 22A, 54 Pts
Goaltending Matchup
Vernon
Oliver Kanat — 24 GP | 5-12-5-0 | 3.57 GAA | .889 SV%
Lane Maarhuis — 10 GP | 4-4-0-0 | 3.70 GAA | .899 SV%
Jesse Sanche — 6 GP | 0-4-0-0 | 4.30 GAA | .861 SV%
Brooks
Zach Zahara — 40 GP | 27-9-3-0 | 3.21 GAA | .887 SV% | 3 SHO
Lincoln Molind — 9 GP | 6-1-2-0 | 2.85 GAA | .888 SV%
Head-to-Head
Tonight is the third of four meetings between the two teams and the first of a home-and-home set.
The Bandits have taken both matchups so far this season:
- November 15 — Brooks 6, Vernon 4
- December 10 — Brooks 7, Vernon 4
What’s at Stake
Vernon
With the playoffs now out of reach, the focus shifts to opportunity.
This is a chance for players to continue developing, compete hard down the stretch, and potentially play spoiler against teams fighting for positioning. Expect the Vipers to finish the season with purpose and pride.
Brooks
This is a massive game for the Bandits.
Despite their current seven-game win streak, Brooks finds itself tied with Blackfalds for top spot in the Interior East. The Bandits hold a game in hand—making every opportunity to bank points crucial in the race for first.
Broadcast Information
🕖 Puck Drop: 7:00 PM MT (6:00 PM PT)
🕡 Pregame: 6:45 PM MT (5:45 PM PT)
📻 107.5 Beach Radio
🎧 Vernon Matters (audio stream)
📺 FloHockey
