Image credit: Vernon Vipers

By Pete McIntyre

BCHL playoffs

Vipers snuff-out Smokies in tight series opener

Apr 6, 2024 | 8:30 AM

The Vernon Vipers scored two goals in the final 3 minutes of the third period to defeat the Trail Smoke Eaters 2-0 to open the BC Hockey League playoffs Friday night at Kal Tire Place.

Owen Kim snapped a scoreless tie with a short-handed marker at 17:04 of the third period which was followed by a goal from Julian Facchinelli 90 seconds later before a crowd of 1,972 in Vernon.

Ethan David was named the game’s first star, making 30 saves for his 13th career shutout while Smoke Eaters goalie Teagan Kendrick made 25 stops.

“I really liked our third period,” Vipers Assistant Coach Colton Sparrow told vernonvipers.com. “Our goalie was great and our penalty kill was outstanding. We’re going to have to find ways to win games like that. I liked our patience to stay with it.”

The Vipers lead the best of 7 series 1 game to none with game 2 Saturday at 7 p.m. at Kal Tire Place. You can hear the game with Graham Turnbull on 107.5 Beach Radio and Vernon Matters.

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INTERIOR CONFERENCE SCORES:

#1 Penticton Vees – 3
#8 Prince George Spruce Kings – 1
BOXSCORE

#2 West Kelowna Warriors – 8
#7 Cranbrook Bucks – 2
BOXSCORE

#3 Salmon Arm Silverbacks – 3
#6 Merritt Centennials – 2 (OT)
BOXSCORE

#4 Vernon Vipers – 2
#5 Trail Smoke Eaters – 0
BOXSCORE

COASTAL CONFERENCE SCORES:

#1 Surrey Eagles – 4
#8 Cowichan Valley Capitals – 2
BOXSCORE

#2 Chilliwack Chiefs – 5
#7 Langley Rivermen – 4 (OT)
BOXSCORE

#3 Alberni Valley Bulldogs – 5
#6 Coquitlam Express – 4 (OT)
BOXSCORE

#4 Victoria Grizzlies – 4
#5 Nanaimo Clippers – 2
BOXSCORE