The Vernon Vipers looked to improve on their current 3 game win streak against the rival Salmon Arm Silverbacks on parents weekend. It was an intense game that saw some tight checking, great goaltending and a very lively crowd of 2402. The Vipers would claw back from an early 2 goal deficit to take the lead early in the third period and hold on for a 3-2 win.
As has become habit in games versus the Silverbacks, the Vipers started out a little slow as the Silverbacks got out to a 4-0 shot advantage in the first handful of minutes. That pressure would result in 2 quick goals as Josh Latta scored his first BCHL goal on a rebound in front of the net and Kodi Schwarz joining the rush to deposit a rebound home and it was 2-0 just under 4 minutes. The Vipers powerplay would chip into the deficit as Mitchell Oliver walked the blue line and let a wrister go through a maze of bodies to make it 2-1. The Vipers really built momentum off that goal as they skated extremely hard and their forecheck remained tenacious. The period would end with the homeside trailing by a goal.
It was a very balanced and even matchup and it was evident through the final 40 minutes. Andrew Shortridge was tested many times, especially late and his play allowed the Vipers to equalize the game off the rush. A puck was just sitting at the side of the Salmon Arm goal and Ben Butcher would grab it and wrap it through the legs of Angus Redmond to tied the game up with 5 minutes to play in the frame. Again the Silverbacks pressed, but the score remained tied after 2.
The Vipers capitalized early on a rush in the offensive zone as Colton McCarthy would fend off a check and fire a pass to Joe Sacco would kicked it to his skate and lifted it off the far post and in to give the Vipers their first lead of the game. That lead would hold up as the Vipers continued to get chances in the offensive zone. When they were on the defensive side, timely saves and crucial shot blocks prevented the Backs from getting the game tied and the final horn sounded to finish off a 3-2 Vipers win.
Scoring Summary:
Period 1
SA – Josh Latta (1) – Mitchell, Turcotte 2:17
SA – Kodi Schwarz (4) – Turcotte 3:39
VER – Mitchell Oliver (3) – Rizzolo 6:40 (PP)
Period 2
VER – Ben Butcher (8) – Finlay, Stapley 14:24
Period 3
VER – Joe Sacco (8) – McCarthy 3:31
Game Stars
Vernon – Joe Sacco – 1st star, 1 G, GWG
Its been a pretty up and down first season for Joe Sacco in terms of scoring goals. His work ethic and hockey IQ have been there, but the points have been elusive at times. In his last 10 games that hard work has found its way to the score sheet. That was demonstrated in his 8th goal of the season, in what was a very impressive skill goal. Goals get recognized, but his work away from the puck was very good Friday night. The Vipers were down 4 regulars and needed everyone to contribute and on this night Sacco elevated his game and was very deserving of the first star.
Salmon Arm – Jared Turcotte – 3rd star, 2 A
The Silverbacks weren’t exactly sporting a full lineup either as the injury bug has nipped the Backs just as it has the Vipers. Jared Turcotte proved his worth to his coaches and teammates tonight as he chimed in with 2 assists and had a number of quality chances getting more responsibility from Brandon West. The 97 birth year was very solid tonight and really stepped up when his team needed it.
Final Thoughts
Weird, a 3rd game that finished 3-2. This is a trend the Vipers won’t shy away from as they’ve been able to win all 3. The Vipers have done just enough to get victories and doing most of that away from the puck. Their forecheck has much improved and so has their defensive zone. Throw in a solid start from Andrew Shortridge and this team has a 4 game win streak. That streak will be tested tomorrow night in front of what should be a raucous sold out crowd in Salmon Arm. Should be fun!!!
