NANAIMO, B.C. SEPTEMBER 30th, 2017
The Vernon Vipers scored 4 straight powerplay goals, including a lasst minute tally from Jack Judson as the Vipers would outlast the Nanaimo Clippers by a 4-3 score. The Vipers man advantage sputtered early going 0 for 6 in the first period, before going 2 for 2 in the 2nd and 2 for 2 in the 3rd period to give the Snakes their 6th win of the season.
The Vipers had plenty of opportunities to score on the powerplay in the first period with a whopping 6 chances to get a lead. They weren’t able to convert on those as the Clipper penalty kill really did a nice job of minimizing the good chances. The shots were relatively even through the first period, with the best chance coming to Shane Kelly who hit to goal posts with one shot. The first would end in a scoreless draw.
It was the 7th powerplay that was the charm as Jagger Williamson finished off a beautiful play from Niko Karamanis. The goal was initially waved off, but on further conversation was called a good goal. Vincent Millette would respond for Nanaimo three minutes later tallying his 3rd of the year. The Clippers started to get a few powerplays of their own and after a hot shot from Collin Heinold, a rebound went to Cal Babych and he slapped in his 2nd of the year to give Nanaimo their first lead of the night. After a couple of crucial kills for the Snakes, Michael Young scored his second of the season on a late powerplay, set up by Jimmy Lambert to tie it up at two after 40 minutes.
LISTEN TO THE POST GAME SHOW HERE
The Clippers powerplay would strike early in the third as Tristan Crozier ripped home a shot, glove side on Yamnitsky and Nanaimo re-took the lead 3-2. The Vipers responded around the middle of the period as Jack Judson jumped up into a scramble at the side of the Clipper goal and chopped home his 3rd goal of the season to equalize. The flow of the game returned as things were solved 5 on 5, but in the last minute, the Vipers would find themselves on a powerplay. Mark Ferner would call a time out and after some nice puck movement, Jack Judson would snap home his 2nd of the night and 4th of the season to give the Vipers a 4-3 lead with just 25 seconds left on the clock.
By no means was it a masterpiece, but perserverance paid off as the Vipers look to end their weekend on a positive note as they head to Surrey for a Sunday afternoon date with the Eagles.
Catch all the action starting at 3:45 from the South Surrey Arena.
