TUFTO EARNS 1ST STAR HONOURS
For the second straight night, the Vernon Vipers put on their work boots, but unlike a night ago, they were able to get some favourable bounces, they caused some turnovers that they would be able to convert into goals and received some stellar goal-tending. The second period would prove to be the turning point with 3 goals and the Vipers rode their defense to a 6-3 victory.
The first period had some pace to it with both teams skating hard early. It was the Cents striking first as they would convert on a 3 on 2 rush with Ryan Forbes slapping a rebound home to make it 1-0. The Vipers had a nice response just a shift later as Odeen Tufto would set up Jimmy Lambert on a 2 on 1 to tie the game at 1. The Cents would retake the lead thanks to a Brett Jewell power-play marker off a rebound in the slot. The pace continued back and forth before a great save by Brendan Barry spurred on a chance at the other end as Steven Jandric set up Brett Stapley for his third goal of the season to make it 2-2.
The second period was the best period of the night for the Vipers as they really slowed the Centennial break out down while causing a number of turnovers. One in particular occurred in the first minute of the period as Riley Brandt would glove down an elevated clear, gain the zone and rip a shot five hole on Cole Kehler to give the Vipers a 3-2 lead. A few minutes later, the Vipers were able turn a puck around in the neutral zone and a centering pass would find Hunter Zandee in front and on a second attempt was able to convert to make it 4-2 Vernon. It was the Brendan Barry show in the period as well as he made 4 phenomenal saves with his team up by a pair to stymy the Centennial offense. That was crucial as a power-play was given to the Vipers and Joe Sacco was able to redirect a slap pass from Odeen Tufto to make it 5-2 after 2 periods.
The mindset seemed to change in the third period for the Snakes as they relied on their defense to get to the final buzzer. Some of that defense was forced on them as the Cents really pushed the pace and forced the issue. They would tally on a power-play just before the 7 minute mark and again it was Brett Jewell as he tipped in a Michael Faulkner point shot to make it 5-3. From there Barry was solid and the Vipers were able to add another late on a power-play from Jimmy Lambert buried his second of the night for a 6-3 final score.
Scoring Summary:
Period 1
MER – Ryan Forbes (7) – Fidanza, Ward 4:47
VER – Jimmy Lambert (11) – Brandt, Tufto 5:31
MER – Brett Jewell (7) – Faulkner, Grannary 6:11 (PP)
VER – Brett Stapley (3) – Jandric, Tufto 11:18
Period 2
VER – Riley Brandt (12) – unassisted 0:50
VER – Hunter Zandee (8) – Michalowski, Sacco 6:48
VER – Joe Sacco (7) – Tufto, Lambert 16:46 (PP)
Period 3
MER – Brett Jewell (8) – Faulkner, Gould 6:43 (PP)
VER – Jimmy Lambert (12) – Tufto, Pellah 17:49 (PP)
Game Stars
Vernon – Brendan Barry – 36 Saves, W, 3rd Star
For a young man who hasn’t play a lot of hockey this season, its been a bit of a struggle for Brendan Barry. Saturday night however, Brendan Barry shook off a couple of early goals to tighten up his game and help carry the Vipers to the win. He made a handful of grade A saves most notably in the second period. He competed hard for loose pucks and was spot on with his rebound control.
Merritt – Brett Jewell – 2G, 4 PIM, 2nd Star
Brett Jewell brought it all to the table on Saturday night. Not know for his offensive prowess, he used some good body positioning and a nose for the net to chime in with 2 goals. He brought a physical presence as well and at times found himself in the penalty box because of it. He played with an edge and was well deserving of the games 2nd star.
Final Thoughts
Hard work…in a nutshell this was a hard working game. The Vipers took advantage of turnovers, but they did a good job to force the Cents into making those turnovers. They got some timely saves and some timely goal posts. Lines 1 thru 4 played extremely hard and were rewarded with 6 goals and 2 points heading into another tough week in West Kelowna and Salmon Arm.
(Graham Turnbull – Reporting)
