Image credit: Vernon Vipers

By Pete McIntyre

BCHL playoffs

Smoke Eaters stay alive against Vipers, game 5 Friday in Vernon

Apr 11, 2024 | 7:15 AM

The Trail Smoke Eaters held off a late rally to defeat the Vernon Vipers 3-2 in game 4 of their BC Hockey League playoff Wednesday night in Trail.

The Smokies built up a 3-0 lead midway through the second period, only to see the Vipers storm back with two goals in the final 8 minutes of the third period.

Luke Bibby, a product of Brantford, Ont., had two goals for the Vipers who had their series lead cut to three games to one with the loss.

Jason Stefanek netted two goals for Trail.

Ethan David faced 41 shots in the Vernon net while the Vipers had 28 shots on Ryan Parker before a crowd of 1,039 at the Comino Arena.

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Game 5 will be at Kal Tire Place in Vernon Friday at 7 p.m.

INTERIOR CONFERENCE SCORES FROM APRIL 10:

#7 Cranbrook Bucks – 4
#2 West Kelowna Warriors – 3
BOXSCORE
West Kelowna leads the series 3-1

#5 Trail Smoke Eaters – 3
#4 Vernon Vipers – 2
BOXSCORE
Vernon leads the series 3-1

#1 Penticton Vees – 3
#8 Prince George Spruce Kings – 2
BOXSCORE
Penticton wins the series 4-0

#6 Merritt Centennials – 5
#3 Salmon Arm Silverbacks – 4
BOXSCORE
Series tied 2-2

GAME NOTES:

• Loke Södergren had a goal and two assists to help Cranbrook erase a two-goal third-period deficit and extend their season
• Trail’s Jason Stefanek scored twice in Game 4, including the game-winner
• Down 2-0 in the third period, Callum Arnott scored two of Penticton’s three consecutive goals to win the game and clinch the series
• Jaxson Murray totaled a goal and two assists in Merritt’s Game 4 victory

COASTAL CONFERENCE SCORES:

#4 Victoria Grizzlies – 3
#5 Nanaimo Clippers – 2
BOXSCORE
Victoria leads the series 3-1

#6 Coquitlam Express – 3
#3 Alberni Valley Bulldogs – 1
BOXSCORE
Series tied 2-2

#1 Surrey Eagles – 4
#8 Cowichan Valley Capitals – 2
BOXSCORE
Surrey leads the series 3-1

GAME NOTES:

• Chase Pirtle scored twice for Victoria, including the game-winner in the third period
• Adam Manji stopped 25 of 26 shots for Coquitlam, while Cole Melady notched a goal and an assist
• Micah Berger had a goal and an assist for Surrey