Vernon, BC: Two teams searching for offence and their first wins of the season square off tonight, as the Vernon Vipers travel southeast to take on the Trail Smoke Eaters at Cominco Arena.
The Vipers opened the 2026-27 BCHL regular season Friday night in Salmon Arm, showing flashes of what they’re capable of, but costly turnovers proved to be the difference in a 4-1 loss to the Silverbacks.
Van Martin provided the Vernon offence, scoring his first BCHL goal on the power play with Mykolas Skadauskas picking up the assist.
Sammy DiBlasi was the busier of the two goaltenders, turning aside 27 of 31 shots in his regular-season debut with the Vipers. Vernon’s penalty kill was also a bright spot, finishing a perfect 4-for-4.
The Smoke Eaters are also looking to bounce back after dropping their season opener 2-1 to the Langley Rivermen on Friday night at Cominco Arena.
Trail controlled much of the opening 40 minutes, outshooting Langley 20-10 and carrying a 1-0 lead into the third period thanks to Caden Stoltz’s first goal of the season.
The game turned quickly in the final frame, however, as the Rivermen struck twice in a span of just 66 seconds to grab a lead they wouldn’t surrender.
Newcomer Marek Schlenker made 15 saves on 17 shots for the Smoke Eaters.
Tonight’s matchup comes just one week after Vernon and Trail met in their final preseason tune-up. The Vipers put together their most complete performance of the exhibition schedule that night, earning a 6-0 victory.
The regular season brings a clean slate, however, as tonight marks the first of seven head-to-head meetings between the Vipers and Smoke Eaters this season.
Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. at Cominco Arena.
Fans can watch live on FloHockey, listen on the official radio station of the Vernon Vipers, 107.5 Beach Radio, or stream the broadcast on VernonMatters.ca.
The pregame show begins at 6:45 p.m., followed by play-by-play at 7:00 p.m.
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