The Penticton Vees fired three unanswered powerplay goals to rally past the Vernon Vipers 4-2 in B.C. Hockey League play Friday night at Kal Tire Place.
Vernon had raced out to a 2-0 lead, the first goal coming just 16 seconds in when Luke Voltin pounced on a turnover in Penticton’s zone. He surprised netminder Hunter Miska high gloveside. Anthony Latina capped a shorthanded breakaway with a nice deke for the Vipers’ other goal 6:40 into period two.
First star Riley Alferd danced into the high slot and fired a quick snapper on a powerplay to put the Vees on the board late in the second period. With Viper forward Trevor Fidler serving a double minor for highsticking Cam Amantea early in the final frame, Penticton scored twice in a minute on the man advantage. Ex-Viper Demico Hannoun one-timed a cross-ice feed from Patrick Newell for the first one. Jack Ramsay tipped Gabe Bast’s pointshot for the other snipe.
Vees’ veteran Matt Serratore fired an empty netter after some good hustle on the forecheck to seal the win with 35 seconds to play.
Hunter Miska, named third star for his 30-save effort, denied Voltin with two huge glove saves to keep his team alive. Workhorse Jarrod Schamerhorn earned second star for his steady 42-save showing.
The Vipers, now 11-7-1-1, host the Victoria Grizzlies Sunday, 2 p.m., at the Big Wheel. The Grizz (8-7-0-3) were shelled 10-4 by the host Trail Smoke Eaters Friday at Cominco Arena. Vernon product Harlan Orr led the Smokies with three goals, while former Viper Craig Martin had 1+2.
The Vees (18-3-0-1) snapped a two-game skid and have a seven-point lead over the Nanaimo Clippers (15-6) for the BCHL penthouse.
Check out Sunday sports in the Morning Star for a full rundown of Friday’s action.
