Vernon, BC: One of the best rivalries in the BCHL is renewed tonight when the Vernon Vipers travel to the Shaw Centre to take on the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
The Vipers (0-1-0) come into the game after a 4-2 loss last week in Penticton. They scored two powerplay goals in the third period to make it close. Reagan Milburn and Ryan Shostak each had goals, while Cam MacDonald rang up two helpers. Roan Clarke stopped 24 of 28 shots. The Vipers got a good taste of what life on the road will look like and that’s a positive as the team will play 6 of the next 7 away from the friendly confines of KTP.
The Silverbacks (1-0-0) also only had one game last week, a 3-1 win in Merritt. Leading the way for SA was the usual suspects, Simon Tassy and Noah Serdachny. The Vipers got a good look at those two guys who will be heavily relied upon to provide offense. Aidan Lindblad scored his first BCHL goal as well. Owen Say, who impressed in the Pod Season, stopped 22 of 23 in the win.
Both teams penalty kills were strong in their opening games with them each killing off 6 powerplays against.
This rivalry really picked up steam during the pod season as they two teams played to the wire. The Vipers were ultimately able to come out on top, but know that there will be a hostile environment awaiting them.
You can catch all the action starting at 6:45 on Hockey TV or the official radio station of the Vipers, 107.5 Beach Radio. If you’re outside of the listening area, you can stream on VernonMatters.ca
