Game 3 - Vipers Shut Out Cents 1-0

The competition and emotion between two teams were on display in Game 3 of the Interior Division Semi Finals.  This game had a certain edge to it, there was a ton of physicality and as we've come to expect in this series, some fantastic goaltending.  In the end one goal would be all it would take for the Vipers to come away with a 1-0 lead and a stranglehold on the series.

As expected, the Merritt Centennials came out with a ton of energy in front of their home crowd.  They used their speed and forecheck to generate momentum.  The Vipers were able to weather that storm to start, then initiate a system of their own.  It saw them take away time and space a force the Centennials to turn the puck over.  In particular Thomas Aldworth created a great chance at the Centennial blue line and fed TJ Dumonceaux who got a good shot away, but was absolutely robbed by Jonah Imoo.  It was yet another spectacular save from the Merritt goaltender, which is starting to become commonplace.  The flow of the game was slowed due to a number of minor penalties.  Both penalties excelled at the period ended scoreless.

The Viper forecheck continued what they started in the second period as Linden Hora would cause a turnover early in the frame.  Riley Brandt would then take the puck and wrap the puck in.  There was a little hesitation and confusion from the officials, but it was deemed a goal as the Trail product had his first goal of the playoffs.  The Vipers didn't give up much in the second period, getting just one real quality scoring chance in the final minute.  Again Imoo was strong, but the visitors took a 1-0 lead into the dressing room after 2 periods.

The Centennials have been known for saving their best period for the third period and it was no different last night.  They were hard on the forecheck and activating everyone in order to try cause turnovers.  On a few occasions they were successful, but Jarrod Schamerhorn stood tall and turned aside all 11 shots he faced the in third.  A late powerplay for the Vipers wouldn't net a goal, but would cost the Cents on the clock as they ran out of time and the push to tie came up just a bit short.  The Vipers win 1-0 and take a 3-0 series lead.

Here is the official box score from the BCHL website:

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

No Scoring

PERIOD 2

1-0 Vernon Vipers at 2:50 - Riley Brandt (unassisted)

PERIOD 3

No Scoring

STARS OF THE GAME
1st STAR	2nd STAR	3rd STAR
Vernon Vipers Riley Brandt	Merritt Centennials Jonah Imoo	Vernon Vipers Jarrod Schamerhorn

The Vipers will expect to see the best of the Merritt Centennials tonight.  Game 4 in front of their home crowd with their season on the line should bring out a very desperate hockey team.  The Vipers continue not to allow much defensively as they've given up just 3 goals in 3 games.  It's been a tough series for Jonah Imoo who has done everything in his power to give his team a chance to win.  It doesn't feel like this series could end tonight, but the Vipers would love to end this series and get some rest before round two.  They won't look too far ahead though, knowing full well that a series isn't over until there's a handshake.

Here are listening/viewing options for you:

1) Listen with myself and Don Klepp...http://1075kiss.com/
2) Listen with voice of the Cents Dave Ashbaugh...q101.ca
3) Watch on Fasthockey PPV...http://www.fasthockey.com/

Thanks for checking out the blog! You can follow me on Twitter...@GrahamT_Vipers for all your Vipers news.