Vernon, BC: The Vernon Vipers look to shake off a tough loss last night and will do so against another team fighting for playoff positioning as they host the West Kelowna Warriors.
The Vipers (28-23-2-1) come into the game following a 5-2 loss in Wenatchee last night. Dawson Holt had a pair of goals and Reilly Herbst stopped 34 of 38. The Vipers had a good first period, but didn’t see any results trailing 2-0. They chipped into the deficit early in the second, but couldn’t keep it close as the Wild took a 4-1 lead after 40 mins. In the third the Vipers put up a valiant effort, but eventually couldn’t get it closer than 4-2 before Wenatchee hit the empty net. The Vipers are 5-5 in their last 10 games as they’ve struggled to find consistency. The Vipers have gone 30 games without registering 30 shots or more. They are 16-4-1-1 when finishing a game with 30-39 shots on goal.
The Warriors (14-31-6-3) have lost their last 4 hockey games and have one point in their last 8. Three of the four have been extremely tight games including an overtime loss in Penticton. Their most recent outing saw them going into the 3rd period in Salmon Arm trailing 3-2, but the final result finished 6-2 in the Backs favour.
The jostling for playoff positioning continues tonight with the Vipers sitting in 5th position 1 point behind Wenatchee and 2 points behind Salmon Arm, but the Backs have a game in hand. The Warriors are in a race of their own trying to track down Prince George for 7th spot in the division. They currently sit 3 points behind the Spruce Kings.
Its the 4th of 7 meetings. The Warriors have won 3 straight against the Vipers dating back to the season opener.
Its Hockey Gives Blood night. Get your tickets HERE
If you can’t make it to the rink you can listen on 107.5 Beach Radio, Vernon Matters or watch on HockeyTV.
