Vernon, BC: The Vernon Vipers hold their fate in their own hands tonight as they head to West Kelowna to finish off the regular season against the Warriors. The Vipers can clinch home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs with a victory.
The Vipers (30-24-2-1) come in following a disappointing 6-4 loss last night against the Warriors. The Vipers came back from two separate deficits, but couldn’t regain the lead. Ryan Shostak has 3 goals in his last two games since joining Logan Cash and Matt Kowalski’s line. The Vipers powerplay, although it didn’t score last night, is 3 for its last 17. The PK was strong but forced into action too often killing of 4 of 5 including a lengthy double minor.
The Warriors (15-33-6-3) ended a 6 game slide with the win last night. John Evans continues to light the lamp against Vernon with his 5th goal. He had a hat trick including the empty netter late in the game. The Warriors know they will face the Vees in the first round of the playoffs on Thursday at the SOEC and look to build off a good win last night.
The Vipers remain tied for 4th place with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, one point behind Wenatchee for 3rd. All three teams have one game remaining. Wenatchee is in Penticton tonight, while Salmon Arm faces Merritt on Sunday. All 3 teams in the race for third lost last night.
The Warriors hold the season series 4 games to 2 with this being the final meeting.
You can catch all the action starting at 5:45 with the puck drop at 6pm on 107.5 Beach Radio, Vernon Matters or HockeyTV.
