It was a much better effort for the Vernon Vipers against the Penticton Vees, a week after a 6-0 loss at the hands of the division rivals. Despite the effort, the Vipers just couldn’t overcome a 2 goal deficit and fell 4-1.
The Vipers would find themselves shorthanded early as Riley Brandt would be assessed a 2 minute blow to the head penalty and a 10. The Vipers were able to kill it off. The Vees would control the puck for a good portion of the period, but the Vipers kept them to the outside for a good number of it and a relatively uneventful period would end scoreless.
Much like the first period, the second period wouldn’t see any goals, but did see some solid play from both teams. The Vees would get a couple of chances in the period, but Andrew Shortridge was up to the challenge, flashing the leather on Scott Conway and tracking pucks off the end wall and pucks at his feet. The Vipers had a foray in the offensive zone late in the period thanks to a powerplay, but as Shortridge did earlier, Anthony Brodeur was at his best with his team shorthanded.
The Vipers came out hungry in the third period and really matched the Vees stride for stride. The turning point of the game however, occured when Colton McCarthy was assessed a 5 minute major for a blow to the head. The Vipers were able to kill the first couple of minutes before a clearing attempt found Hunter Zandee for a shorthanded break and he ripped it by Anthony Brodeur to give the Snakes a 1-0 lead. That lead dissolved 20 seconds later as Easton Brodzinski tied the game. A minute later Tyson Jost made it 2-1 off a pass from Nick Jones. The Vees would add another one off the stick of Owen Sillinger, before Conway sealed it into an empty net. The Vipers buzzed in the final few minutes, but couldn’t get anything behind Brodeur and the final would finish 4-1.
Five on five the Vipers were very good and generated a number of good scoring chances in the final period and will hope to build on the positives for a game tomorrow night in Merritt.
Scoring Summary:
Period 1
NO SCORING
Period 2
NO SCORING
Period 3
VER – Hunter Zandee (7) – unassisted 3:54 (SH)
PEN – Easton Brodzinski (24) – Jones, Conway 4:14 (PP)
PEN – Tyson Jost (26) – Jones, Brodzinski 4:59 (PP)
PEN – Owen Sillinger (8) – Voltin 10:35
PEN – Scott Conway (38) – Fabbro 18:18 (EN)
Game Stars:
Penticton – Anthony Brodeur – 34 Saves, W
Although not tested early, Anthony Brodeur stood tall when his team truly needed him. The Vipers didn’t just sit back while down 2 goal, they peppered the Vees goaltender with 5 or 6 quality chances, but were thwarted. Key saves at key times allowed the Vees to keep the lead and Brodeur provided those for Penticton.
Vernon – Hunter Zandee – 1G
Hunter Zandee is a very underrated forward, who was in fine form tonight. He blocked shots and killed some big minutes with his team shorthanded. In addition, he scored a big goal to open the scoring tonight.
Final Thoughts
This was a very competitve well played game by both sides. The difference a 5 minute major penalty. I thought the Vipers competed very hard while at even strength and showed a lot of character trying to get the game tied. There should be enough positives to take out of and carry on to Merritt tomorrow night.
