Image credit: Vernon Vipers

By Pete McIntyre

BCHL playoffs

Vipers fall to Vees in OT series opener

Apr 20, 2024 | 7:30 AM

The Vernon Vipers came within two minutes of pulling off a big upset in the opening game of their BC Hockey League series with the Penticton Vees.

The Vipers were leading 3-2 when Callum Arnott scored for the Vees at 17:58 of the third period to force overtime.

Anselmo Rego won it for Penticton, scoring 1:40 into the extra frame with a short handed marker before 2,321 fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre Friday night.

Vernon, which led 3-1 at one point, got goals from Owen Kim (5), Carson McGinley (3) and Noah Dorey with his first of the playoffs.

Ethan David took the loss in net despite making 31 saves.

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Game 2 is Saturday in Penticton. Listen for the Abby Dental broadcast on 107.5 Beach Radio with Graham Turnbull starting at 6:45 p.m.

The series will head north to Vernon for games 3 and 4 Tuesday and Wednesday, both starting at 8:15 p.m. due to the Esso Cup tournament at Kal Tire Place.

Here are all the BCHL results from April 19:

INTERIOR CONFERENCE SCORES:

#1 Penticton Vees – 4
#4 Vernon Vipers – 3 (OT)
BOXSCORE
Penticton leads the series 1-0

#3 Salmon Arm Silverbacks – 6
#2 West Kelowna Warriors – 1
BOXSCORE
Salmon Arm leads the series 1-0

GAME NOTES:

• Anselmo Rego scored shorthanded, his second of the game, 1:40 into overtime to give Penticton the win
• Six different Salmon Arm players recorded two-point nights in their Game 1 win

COASTAL CONFERENCE SCORES:

#4 Victoria Grizzlies – 2
#1 Surrey Eagles – 1 (OT)
BOXSCORE
Victoria leads the series 1-0

#3 Alberni Valley Bulldogs – 3
#2 Chilliwack Chiefs – 1
BOXSCORE
Alberni Valley leads the series 1-0

GAME NOTES:

• Oliver Genest potted his first of the playoffs midway through overtime to clinch the victory for Victoria
• Grayson Badger assisted on all three Alberni Valley goals, while Callum Tung stopped 29 of 30 shots