Vernon Vipers coach Mark Ferner said the Penticton Vees find ways to win.
That happened Friday night at the South Okanagan Events Centre as the Vees bested the Vipers 3-0 in front of a crowd of 2,341, despite being outshot 30-23 in total and 22-14 after two periods.
The opening period was scoreless, though Ferner watched as Colton McCarthy drilled a shot past Hunter Miska, but rang it off the bar.
In the second period, former Viper Demico Hannoun snuck the winner past Danny Todosychuk, who finished with 20 saves. Vees co-captain Cody DePourcq forced a turnover near the corner, then fed Hannoun, whose 17th goal of the season was his fourth against Vernon this year.
Steen Cooper gave the Vees a 2-0 cushion five minutes into the third period when he redirected a Gabe Bast point shot as their power play expired.
The Vipers other great scoring chance came from Riley Brandt, who was stuffed by a Miska double-pad stack.
“I like adding a little style in the games there,” said Miska, smiling as he turned aside 30 shots for his fourth shut out and 20th win in 27 games. “I thought that was the right time and it worked out.”
The Vees then put the dagger into the Vipers when Miska setup Bast for an empty net goal that was fired from the neutral zone. After the puck crossed the line, Miska had his arms raised.
“Oh yeah, I was cellying,” said Miska, the game’s first star, of his first helper this season.
Miska, who credited Vees fans with the win said the group entered the game with confidence and “good energy going into this game.”
“It was the first game of 2015, we were all pretty fired up,” said Miska, who posted a Tweet before the game.
Game day!! First game of 2015 #PackTheSOEC
— Hunter Miska (@miska_35) January 2, 2015
The Vees goalie said the Vipers had some good chances, but he was focused on controlling his rebounds and not giving many second opportunities.
Ferner liked the way his team played for the most part, but added the SOEC is a tough building to come into, especially not having the final change. The Vees are now 15-2-1-0 at home.
“I thought Fred got away from his changes early because of our start,” said Ferner of the Vees coach. “Once they get that first goal, it’s tough to get back. We had our opportunities and they get their second. We had to shorten our bench up a little bit. After the break your conditioning is not where it should be. We tried to play four lines as much as possible. They are a good team. We just need to play with some more urgency.”
The Vees wrap up their weekend tomorrow in Salmon Arm as they visit the Silverbacks, who crushed the West Kelowna Warriors 7-1 Friday. The Vipers.
