For a third straight game the Vernon Vipers found themselves behind after 20 minutes, but for the third straight game the Vipers found themselves coming out on top of a tough divisional opponent. Its not a trend they would like to continue, but three come from behind victories sure help morale.
The Silverbacks are playing for their playoff lives and it sure showed early in the first as the Backs were swarming in the offensive zone. They made the Vipers look slow and disjointed at times and it would work to their benefit as they would open the scoring as Alex Gillies would find an open spot in the slot and rifle a shot past Austin Smith. There were a few chances for Vernon in the period, but once again it seemed as if the momentum owned by Salmon Arm. They continued to pressure after a sloppy clearing attempt from the Vipers didn't work, Landon Smith would put home a rebound from a point shot and the Backs were rolling. Jason Williamson clearly unhappy with his teams performance through 11 and a half minutes called his time out and was quite animated during the time out. Whatever he said seemed to work as it sparked the team as Colton Sparrow would poke home his 11th to make it 2-1 Salmon Arm after 1.
The second period was a much different story as it was primarily owned by the Vipers. They seemed to wake up and skate and hit with much more enthusiasm and energy. Also there seemed to be more emphasis on the forecheck and causing turnovers in the neutral zone. That directly led to the tying goal as Dexter Dancs would leave a drop pass for Josh Bryan and he made no mistake to make it 2-2 after 2.
With both teams having eyes for the two points that were up for grabs we saw a much tighter, more defensive game. The teams traded a few chances but overall, it was a well played period with solid goaltending.
In the first overtime the Vipers would capitalize on a chance as Angus Redmond would make the initial save but apparently couldn't find the rebound that was sitting between his pad and poked home by TJ Dumonceaux to give the extra point to the home team.
My 3 Key Thoughts
1) - Turning Point - This can be traced back to the first period as the Vipers would being outskated, out hit and out played in all three zones. They were down 2-0 and Jason Williamson called a time out to hit the refresh button for his club. It immediately paid dividends just 38 seconds later. It was the perfect time to call the timeout and credit to Williamson for using it early to get his team refocused and they repaid him with the two points.
2) - Controversy - I don't know if controversy is the right word, I guess it depends who you talk to, but it sure looked like the Silverbacks had a beef with the overtime winning goal. It appeared from where I was situated that Angus Redmond had the puck covered, the whistle didn't blow and the puck ended up in the net. The Backs didn't like it and the Vipers will take it, but if the shoe was on the other foot there's no question there would be some unhappy Vipers. This is a game of bounces and there no powerplays awarded to Vernon despite a few times where there could have been some and I'm sure the Vipers would much rather have that break go their way than a few powerplays.
3) - Long Awaited Clinch - With one point the Vernon Vipers have punched their ticket to the BCHL Playoffs. Its been a long wait for the players, staff and fans and clinching with three games left makes it quite satisfying. They are a long way from their goal of the RBC Cup, but getting back to the post season is a big step in the right direction.
Next up for the Vipers is their final home game of the regular season Saturday night against Penticton. You can hear all the action starting at 6:45 pm on 107.5 KissFM.
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