The Vernon Vipers’ B.C. Hockey League-leading sixth shorthanded goal was the difference as they rallied past the Merritt Centennials 4-2 Friday night at Kal Tire Place.
Trevor Fidler, going in on a shorthanded 2-on-1 with Anthony Latina, wired a top-shelf backhander to beat Anthony Pupplo for the 3-2 goal 7:22 into the third period, helping Vernon come back from an early two-goal deficit.
Thomas Aldworth, once on a tremendous solo effort and again with an empty netter, and Blaine Caton, with his first goal as a Viper, completed Vernon’s offence in front Jarrod Schamerhorn (37 saves).
Pupplo had 29 stops for Merritt, who got first-period singles from John Schiavo and James Neil.
Vernon (7-4-0-1) visits the league-leading Penticton Vees (11-1) Saturday night at the South Okanagan Events Centre. The Cents slipped to 7-5.
The Vees outlasted the host Prince George Spruce Kings 3-2 in overtime Thursday night at the Coliseum.
Check out Sunday’s sports section in the Morning Star for a complete rundown of Friday’s action.
