By Vernon Matters Staff/Vernon Vipers

Vipers off to winning start

Sep 7, 2019 | 7:08 AM

The new B.C. Hockey League season got underway Friday night and the Vernon Vipers, under new head coach Jason McKee, got off to a winning start.

Here’s a recap of their 4-2 win over the West Kelowna Warriors at Royal Lepage Place from vernonvipers.com:

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Landon Fuller had a goal which stood as the game winner and Max Palaga stopped 24 shots as the Vipers doubled up the West Kelowna Warriors 4-2.

The first period was full of pace but as is the case early in the season, both teams were guilty of mistakes. It also happened to be the period with most of the offense as Cameron MacDonald scored his first BCHL just over 8 minutes in. It was fantastic effort from the young Surrey product as he walked through a pair of Warrior players before rifling a puck off the post and in. The lead wouldn’t last too long as the Warrior equalized moments after a powerplay expired. Levi Stauber ripped home a shot just under the bar from the left circle to make it 1-1. Less than a minute later, Ryan Upson would steal a puck and beat Palaga on a breakaway to make it 2-1 West Kelowna. The Vipers rallied on the next shift as Christian Felton set up Ben Helgeson in the left circle and it was 2-2 after 1 period.

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The second period was a bit more tepid in its pace. It was more of a methodical pace, but it didn’t net any offense. The Vipers hit a crossbar but that was the only real note worthy segment despite the combined 24 shots. Many of those on both goaltenders were from outside.

In the third, the Vipers picked up the pace and really brought the play to the Warriors. The best chance of the period however, came to the Warriors as Max Palaga made a phenomenal save on an odd man rush to keep it 2-2. Logan Cash would make his presence felt and he steamrolled Jake Harrison then dropped the gloves with Lucas Cullen. Momentum continued to stay in the Vipers favour late in the period. Following a Viper timeout, Landon Fuller found himself with a good look from the left circle and snapped it past the glove side of Brock Baier. Connor Marritt hit the empty net with just seconds remaining to give the Vipers the 4-2 win.

The Vipers will now get some much needed practice time in preparation for two games in Wenatchee next weekend.

by Vernon Matters Staff/Vernon Vipers

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