Vernon, BC: A night after an entertaining 4-3 setback to Cranbrook in their preseason opener, the Vernon Vipers head to West Kelowna for their lone road test of the exhibition schedule. It’s the second of four preseason games for the Snakes, who continue to mix youth and experience while evaluating the roster.
As it was last night, tonight’s lineup will feature some new faces, a sprinkle of veteran presence, and a second opportunity for players from the opener to impress. Despite the narrow defeat, the coaching staff saw plenty of positives to build on.
“The quick turnaround into tonight’s game gives us another valuable look at our group,” says Assistant Coach Mike Sommer. “With new faces adding fresh energy, it’s a chance to keep shaping our identity and evaluate how players can impact the style we want to be known for.”
The opponent is the West Kelowna Warriors, who opened their preseason in Salmon Arm last night. The Warriors erased a third-period deficit to force overtime before Blake Matheson netted the game-winner early in the extra frame. Corwith Simmers and Jack Sadowski also found the back of the net, while goaltender Tyson Adams — a former Vipers AP — stopped 16 of 18 shots.
Special teams factored into West Kelowna’s opener as well, with the power play converting once on four chances and the penalty kill finishing 2-for-3. In a rare twist, the game also featured two penalty shots, including one in the final minute, though neither was successful.
Fans can catch all of tonight’s preseason action from West Kelowna live on FloHockey, with coverage starting at 6:50pm.
