Blacklock scores 2, as Vipers Clip Eagles 4-1.

It wasn't the prettiest game of the season for the Vernon Vipers, but it was effective as they would defeat the Surrey Eagles by a score of 4-1. With the win, Vernon wins the season series from the defending BCHL Champions.


The game got going in the right direction for Vernon as just 93 seconds into the game, Mark Hamilton would fire a wrist shot from the point that eluded everyone including Victor Adamo. The main story in the opening frame was the play of Austin Smith as he made a handful of big saves, none bigger than a sliding glove save off of Matt Dawson sneaking in the back door. What made those saves crucial was the timing. If those go in, who knows how the rest of the game plays out.


In the second, it was a very balanced period for the Vipers. Defensively was where they impressed. They didn't give up many opportunities and looked to be getting comfortable on the large ice surface. Vernon started to get a few chances on the powerplay, but it was later in the period where it finally converted as Dexter Dancs would knock home a rebound off a point shot and the Vipers would head into the intermission up by two.


Surrey had trouble getting much going in the early portions of the third as the Vipers had the puck hemmed in the Surrey zone. But that quickly changed off a broken play in front of the Vernon goal as Brett Mulcahy would get the Eagles within one, knocking home a rebound. Just like the other night against Penticton, instead of playing on their heels, Vernon went back on the offensive as Mason Blacklock would streak down the right wing and with a well placed wrist shot beat Victor Adamo to give the Snakes a two goal cushion. A late penalty nearly gave the Eagles life, but with the goalie pulled, a good effort once again from Mason Blacklock would seal it for Vernon as he would score his second of the game and period into an empty net.


My 3 Key Thoughts

1. It sure wasn't pretty, but thats exactly how teams on the road draw up victories. After a few adjustments, the team played with a steady confidence and the game never really seemed out of reach.
   
2. The team has quickly turned into a defence first team. Two goals against in two games will help that. Tonight was impressive because the Vipers only rolled five defenseman.
   
3. Special Teams were special. Its all about small victories. For a powerplay that has struggled so much, to get one tonight was a relief. The penalty kill also has impressed all year and continued its success against a top ranked powerplay unit, shutting the Eagles down and killing off all four penalties.
   

Overall, lots of positives heading into the back half of the home and home with Surrey. If you can't make it to Kal Tire Place, Village Green Hotel Vipers Hockey will take the KISSFM air waves at 6:45 with the pre game show. Play by play starts at 7.