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Vernon Hosts Victoria Tonight

The Vernon Vipers (28-17-4-5) hope 6 full days between games will help them get refocused on the final 4 games on the regular season as they take on the Island Division leading Victoria Grizzlies (35-11-4-3) on Friday night at KTP.

The Vipers took 2 of 6 points last week, but were able to grind out a 3-1 win against West Kelowna in their most recent game. The Vipers are 5-3-1-1 in their last 10 games and have clinched 2nd spot and a first round bye in the BCHL playoffs starting in March. One thing the Vipers may want to get back on track is their PP.

The Vipers haven’t scored a PPG in 3 games going 0 for 14 in that stretch. On the positive side of the special teams ledger is their PK. The PK has surrendered just 3 goals against in their last 7 games, killing off 30 of 33. Austin Adamson is red hot with points in 7 of 8 totalling 7 goals and 2 assists. In other news, Brett Stapley will look to continue his solid play after securing a scholarship to Denver University. The 17 year old from Campbell River has nearly quadrupled his point total in his second full season in the BCHL.

The Victoria Grizzlies come to town for the only time this regular season on quite the roll. They have a modest 2 game win streak and are 8-2-0-0 in their last 10 games. They have given up the third fewest goals against (132) while cracking the 200 goals for plateau. The Grizzlies have owned their division in head to head matchups 22-5-2-1 with 4 of those losses coming against Powell River. The Grizz are led offensively by veteran forward Cole Pickup. He has 25G and 37A in 48 GP. In goal, Matthew Galajda leads the way with 23 wins and 3 shutouts. He also backstopped Team Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge in Bonnyville.

This is the second and final regular season meeting between these two teams. The Grizz have a victory in their only matchup so far, a 3-0 Victoria win at the Q Centre.
Tickets available at the Viper Box Office. If you can’t make it to the rink you can listen live on mixlr.com/vernon-vipers or watch on HockeyTV.