Vipers Continue To Roll At Home and Win 3-1

The Vernon Vipers continued their home dominance with a very determined 3-1 effort over the West Kelowna Warriors.  Both teams were very solid defensively and it was a matter of capitalizing on a chance and powerplay goal that made the difference for the Vipers.  Austin Smith was outstanding and for the second time this season was just 30 seconds away from a shutout.

The first period was a very entertaining, back and forth affair with both teams getting chances, getting key saves and playing smart defensive hockey.  There was no scoring in the opening frame with the shots being 12-10 after 1.

It was more of the same in the second although I thought it was more defensive than the first.  Both teams were very smart and disciplined.  Effective neutral zone play was a big piece of the period and it was looking like the first mistake would be the difference in the game.  That fact proved true as the Vipers would get an odd man rush midway through the period and beautiful effort from Demico Hannoun got the Snakes on the board and it was 1-0 after 2.

The Vipers knew they needed to have a solid effort in the third period knowing the Warriors were going to push to get the game tied.  The Vipers would receive a powerplay early in the period and were able to take advantage as Mason Blacklock tipped in a point shot to make it 2-0.  Michael McNicholas would score an empty netter to make it 3-0.  A late powerplay marker from Jason Cotton would make the final score 3-1 ending the shut out bid with just 30 seconds left.

My 3 Key Thoughts

1) 60 Minute Effort - You could look at the box score and see 38 shots against and think the Warriors controlled the play, but that wouldn't be accurate.  The Vipers were strong in all three zones all night long and minimized the quality chances.  It was nearly mistake free hockey from Vernon and another effort like that will be needed Saturday.

2) Austin Smith - There are times in a game when you need your goaltender to make a key save.  Tonight, Austin Smith made a few stellar saves combined with the saves he usually makes.  He was 30 seconds away from his second shut out and made the whole night look easy.  The Warriors have a ton of offensive talent and Smith was most deserving of tonights first star selection.

3) Home Ice Advantage - This team continues to roll on home ice.  Out of 18 home games this season, the Vipers have only been defeated twice in regulation.  That means they have at least one point in 16 of 18, that is a phenomenal statistic.  The team continues to treat fans to impressive performances and the fans continue to reward the players as the attendance begins to climb.  Kal Tire Place is quickly becoming a place teams don't want to play at and that bodes well for the club heading into 2014.

The Vernon Vipers will end 2013 on Saturday as they play host to the Powell River Kings.  It should be a fantastic game and if you can't make it to Kal Tire Place in person, you can hear all the action on 107.5 KissFM starting at 6:45.