Vipers and Clippers at Kal Tire Place North. (Photo credit: Vernon Vipers)

By Pete McIntyre

BCHL

Vernon Vipers head ‘north’ and snare OT win

Mar 17, 2024 | 8:10 AM

It was a packed house at Kal Tire Place North as the Vernon Vipers defeated the Nanaimo Clippers 3-2 in overtime before 615 fans on Saturday night.

The Vipers were playing in the smaller arena for the first of two games due to ice chiller repairs and ice re-installation at their normal home, Kal Tire Place South, which has seating for just over 3,000.

Julian Facchinelli was the hero, scoring at 1:15 of the first overtime to give the Vipers their 29th victory of the BC Hockey League season.

It was also the team’s first game since the announcement earlier in the day that the Vipers had mutually agreed to part ways with head coach and GM Jason McKee who was in his fifth season at the helm of the the club.

“This was a huge win for our team tonight,” Facchinelli, the first star, told vernonvipers.com “It’s a great step in the right direction for this group. Thank you to all the amazing fans who came out to support!”

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Assistant coaches Colton Sparrow and Lukas Lomicky are now running the team.

“The guys fought for 60 plus minutes tonight,” Sparrow said. “I’m very proud of their effort, now the challenge is to do it all again tomorrow. Everyone in the organization should be proud of making that night come together.”

Colin Reay made 42 saves for the win.

Former Viper, Luke Buss, scored one of the goals for the Clippers who are fourth in the Coastal Conference.

The Vipers are now 29-19-1-0 (fourth place) and host the Alberni Valley Bulldogs at 7 p.m. Sunday at Kal Tire Place North.

Kal Tire Place South is expected to be ready for use again by Wednesday, March 20.