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Photo courtesy of Vernon Vipers
BCHL

Vernon Vipers keep streak going, road win over Bucks

Oct 15, 2023 | 7:45 AM

Make it six straight wins for the Vernon Vipers.

Hank Cleaves scored a goal with two assists and Luke Pakulak added three assists as the Vipers improved to 6-1 on the BC Hockey League season with a 6-3 win over the Cranbrook Bucks Saturday night.

Adam Csabi, Isaac Tremblay, Shea Busch, Erik Pastro and Owen Kim also scored for Vernon before 1,774 fans at Western Financial Place in the East Kootenays.

Colin Reay, a Sherwood Parl, AB product, made 28 saves to get the goaltending victory.

“We found a way to win tonight,” Vipers assistant captain Anthony Cliche said to vernonvipers.com. “Continuing this win streak means a lot to our team and we’re excited to bring this winning energy into next week against West Kelowna.”

Julian Frias, with one goal, was chosen as Cranbrook’s top player as the Bucks fell to 2-5-1.

“We were a little sleepy in the first 20 minutes tonight, but were able to come together after that,” Vipers assistant coach Colton Sparrow commented. “We had some really good offence in the second period and played connected and together. It wasn’t an easy two points, but we’re very proud of the group.

After a 6-3 win over Trail, the Penticton Vees top the BCHL’s Interior Division standings at 6-1-1, two points ahead of the Vipers.

Vernon next plays Wednesday, Oct. 18 at West Kelowna (6-2) against the Warriors at 7 p.m.

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