Salmon Arm, BC: The Vipers had 5 different goal scorers, including Connor Sleeth’s game winner 19 seconds into overtime to help them to their first victory of the preseason, 5-4.
The Silverbacks jumped out to an early lead during 4 on 4 play as Drew Bennett re-directed a point shot from Akito Hirose that beat Max Palaga to the blocker side to make it 1-0. Trey Taylor tied the game up after he and Elan Bar-Lev-Wise kept a puck onside at the blueline before Taylor rifled one from the slot to make it 1-1 on a 5 on 3 powerplay. Curtis Hammond gave the Vipers a 2-1 lead as he was led by Connor Marritt and Hammond was able to poke it through the wickets of Ethan Langenegger after some nice transition through the neutral zone. The Backs had a chance to equalize on a penalty shot, but Palaga was up to the challenge stopping Antonio Andreozzi. 2-1 was the way the period would finish.
Colby Feist scored his first goal of the preseason after a re-direction of a Landon Fuller point shot to make it 3-1. Just 29 seconds later Nick Cherkowski had a couple of wacks at a loose puck in front of the Salmon Arm goal to make it 4-1. Akito Hirose assisted on his second of the night at 11:31 on a powerplay as he set up Sam Schofield for a one timer on the right circle to make it 4-2 after 2 periods.
In the third, the Silverbacks mounted a comeback greeting new netminder Dawson Pelletier. Antonio Andreozzi and Trevor Adams chipped into the Viper lead to make it 4-4 at the 4:08 and 14 minute mark to force overtime.
In the extra frame while on a powerplay, Connor Sleeth ended the game as he picked the glove side from in tight to make it a 5-4 win just 19 seconds into OT.
“The game had its up and downs as expected, but it was a good challenge for our group as we continue in the next step of the process,” says Head Coach and GM of the Vipers Jason McKee. “We were probably guilty of trying to do too much individually at times.” McKee says its an area that needs to be cleaned up before Friday.
Speaking of Friday the Vipers will welcome the Silverbacks to town for the back half of the home and home series. Puck drop is 7pm and tickets are just 5 bucks. You can also watch on HockeyTV.
Photo Credit – Pure Life Photography
