Vipers crush Merritt 8-3

Matt Kowalski had a 5 point night including a hat trick as the Vipers offense exploded for 8 goals as they defeated the Merritt Centennials 8-3.

Late in the open period, some nice work along the boards by Logan Cash set up the first Viper goal as Cash’s centering pass to Tanaka-Campbell was stopped, but Matt Kowalski was there to finish off the rebound to make it 1-1 after 1.

Another good start to a period for the Vipers and again it was some good board work that saw the Vipers get their first lead of the night. Ben Helgeson let a rocket go off the cross bar and in to make it 2-1. Landon Fuller increased the Viper lead with a point shot that squeaked through Tanner Marshall to give the Vipers a 3-1 lead.

Not long after it was Kowalski again who finished off a set up from Dawson Holt making it 4-2. The Viper powerplay finally broke the slump late in the 2nd as Dawson Holt potted home a rebound giving the home team a 5-2 lead after 2.

In the first minute of the third, JoJo Tanaka-Campbell tipped home a Landon Fuller point shot to make it 6-2 Vernon. Things would get chippy as Brett Fudger tangled with Brayden Clark in a spirited scrap. Merritt made it 6-3 as Thomas Manty scored far post and in

In the final minute of the 3rd Matt Kowalski was sprung on a breakaway and sealed the game with a hat trick goal making it 8-3.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE LAKE CITY CASINO GOAL OF THE GAME

The Vipers will welcome the Wenatchee Wild Saturday night for Teddy Bear Toss Night at 6pm at Kal Tire Place!