Vipers avoid collapse with shootout win

Dec 8, 2019 | 7:32 PM

It wasn’t pretty — but they got the two points.

That sums up the Vernon Vipers’ 8-7 shootout win over the Merritt Centennials Sunday afternoon before 515 fans at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena.

Vernon built up a 6-0 lead by late in the second period, only to see the Centennials come roaring back with five goals in the final period to tie it.

Vernon won it by outscoring the Cents 2-1 in the shootout, upping their record to 18-12-1-1, in sole possession of fourth place in the BCHL’s Interior Division.

Connor Marritt led the snakes with a hat trick, giving him 12 goals on the season, while Matt Kowalski netted two goals to give the Vernon product 19 for the campaign.