Vernon, BC: The Vernon Vipers look to build on a big win on Saturday as they host the Merritt Centennials on Family Day.
The Vipers (29-23-2-1) come into the game after a 4-2 win over West Kelowna on Saturday night. Dawson Holt had a pair of goals including an empty netter to seal the victory. Matt Kowalski is currently riding a 6 game point streak he has 2 goals and 5 assists during that stretch. He has points in 14 of his last 16 games. Dawson Holt has been on fire since his return to the lineup. He has 4 goals and 5 assists in his last 5 games. Not to be outdone, the Viper captain Connor Marritt has points in 5 of his last 7 games with 4 goals and 5 assists during that time.
The Centennials (13-38-1-3) come in having won 2 straight games and have won 3 of their last 4. They’re at the end of a 3 game in 3 day stretch which saw them knock off Salmon Arm Saturday, 4-2, and Alberni Valley last night, 7-4. Although the Centennials have been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs a week ago, they’ve been playing some pretty inspired hockey with some close losses mixed in with their wins. Its been a full team effort as the team has been shorthanded due to injuries. Most nights they ice a team with just 3 lines and 5 defencemen.
The race for 3rd place has continued to intensify. Coming into the final week of the regular season, the Wenatchee Wild currently sit 3 points ahead of Vernon and Salmon Arm, but the trailing teams have a game in hand. As it stands the Vipers sit tied with the Backs for 4th with the Vipers having the current tiebreaker in wins. Both teams have 3 games remaining.
Its the 6th and final meeting of the regular season with the Vipers coming away with 5 wins so far.
You can catch all the action in person by buying your tickets HERE
You can also listen live on 107.5 Beach Radio, Vernon Matters or watch on HockeyTV.
