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Vernon Kia Game Day! – Vipers Finish Pre Christmas vs Smokies

Vernon, BC:  The Vernon Vipers will look to head into the Christmas Break on a winning note when they host the Trail Smoke Eaters tonight at Kal Tire Place.

The Vipers (19-13-1-1) come into the game following a weekend split with the Penticton Vees.  The Vipers won 2-0 on the Friday, then lost 4-1 on the Saturday.  The Vipers were quite banged up last weekend with 8 regulars out of the lineup.  That number looks to have dwindled heading into the game tonight.  The Vipers are 6-4 in their last 10 games.   Matt Kowalski continues to lead the way offensively with 19 goals and 17 assists.  His 12 game point streak concluded Saturday night.

The Smoke Eaters (21-13-2-1-1) come in following a 7-4 loss in Salmon Arm on Sunday afternoon.  The Smokies are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games.  This will be their second game with the returning players from the WJAC.  Kent Johnson, Owen Ozar, Philippe Lapointe and Powell Connor were all away with Team Canada West.  Johnson leads the way offensively for the team and the league with 24 goals and 41 assists for 65 points.  Captain of the Smokies Philippe Lapointe is averaging 2 pts per game since returning from injury.  Logan Terness has been the the load carrier for the Smokies getting into 27 games this season.

This is the 4th of 6 meetings this season with the Smoke Eaters holding the advantage at 2 games to 1.

You can catch all the action on 107.5 Beach Radio, Vernon Matters and HockeyTV starting at 6:45.