It was a wild game between divisional opponents from the South Okanagan, in which the Vernon Vipers would tie the game up late, have great chances in overtime, but in the end fall a tad short as they lose 6-5 in double overtime.
The Vernon Vipers had a great opening shift, hemming the Vees in their own zone. After that the period was primarily controlled by Penticton. They'd draw a penalty and make the Vipers pay as Max Coatta would score off a rebound. The Vees continued to pepper Danny Todosychuk, but to the Vipers credit the few chances they had in the period resulted in goals as Dexter Dancs would re-direct a point shot to get the game tied. Then late in the period TJ Dumonceaux would score and the Vipers led 2-1 after 1.
The second period was also controlled by the Vees from a shots on goal perspective. Lots of those shots were from the outside, but the one that wasn't ended up in the back of the Vipers goal as Cody DePourcq would tie it up. Both teams played well defensively in the middle frame and the game was deadlocked heading to the final period.
To say the third period was wild and crazy would be an understatement. The Vees started the period on the powerplay and a nice wrist shot from Brad McClure would give the Vees the lead with their second powerplay marker. Just under 2 minutes later Jason Bird would tie it up on a shot I'm sure Olivier Mantha would want back. 3 minutes after that Cody DePourcq would score on a 3 on 2 rush to give the Vees a lead once again. 20 seconds after that Max Coatta would give Penticton a 2 goal lead with his second of the night. Cue the turnaround as the Vipers continued to weather a bit of an offensive storm from the Vees and Jared Wilson would score his first as a Viper to get the Snakes within one. With 2:33 to go in regulation the Vipers would be called for a penalty. The Vipes would kill it off and get a chance to set up with just 33 seconds to play in regulation. With the clock down to 20 seconds Riley Guenther would let a slap shot go though traffic, eluding Mantha and tying the game up.
Overtime 1 solved nothing, so skip ahead to OT number 2. The Vipers came alive in the extra frames outchancing the Vees. Liam Coughlin and Demico Hannoun both had glorious chances to end it, but it wasn't to be. A penalty in the second OT would lead to a penalty shot for Brett Beauvais and after a nice move would end the game and give Penticton the extra point. Final score, 6-5 Vees.
My 3 Key Thoughts
1) Entertainment Value - Wow! These two teams put on a heck of a show for the fans at the SOEC. The Vees played a very solid home game, and the Vipers played a greasy road game. It was the third period and overtime that really showed what these teams can do. I am very excited to see how the rest of this season series plays out.
2) Digging Deep - The Vipers could have easily rolled over after the penalty call late in regulation. Credit has to go to the team for keeping their heads up and not quitting. Getting this game to OT had to be a huge confidence booster and even though they lost in overtime, they gave it their all and should be very proud of that.
3) Rivalry Grows - Each team now holds a victory over the other on home ice. Both games have been well played games with excitement and emotion. Tonights game will make the Vees happy, although they'll be unhappy they let a lead slip away. The Vipers contrarily will be happy with the comeback, but disappointed that they couldn't finish it. These two teams will play each other 5 more times before the end of the regular season. If you're a fan of hockey, these are games you won't want to miss.
The Vernon Vipers will now host the Merritt Centennials Saturday Night. Its Breast Cancer Awareness Night and you're encouraged to wear pink to support the cause. If you can't make it to Kal Tire Place all of the action will be on Village Green Hotel Vipers Hockey on 1075 KissFM starting at 6:45 with the pregame show!
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