The Vernon Vipers stopped the Penticton Vees 3-1 in B.C. Hockey League play Friday night before 2,235 fans at Kal Tire Place.

First star Steven Jandric supplied his 20th and 21st goals of the season as the Vipers improved to 24-15-4-4. The Interior Division leading Vees dipped to 32-11-1-1. Vernon has two wins and a tie against the Vees in the last three weeks.

Former Western Leaguer Austin Adamson produced his 10th snipe of the year for the Vipers, who held period leads of 1-0 and 3-0 while playing a smothering defensive system on the dangerous Vees.

Grant Cruikshank ruined second star Darion Hanson’s shutout bid with 2:37 left to play on a screened wrister from the left point. Cruikshank’s team-high 28th goal came with 53 seconds remaining in Viper centre Brett Stapley’s holding minor. Stapley took third star with two assists.

Each team counted 34 shots with Hanson going to 10-2. Mat Robson of the Vees is 27-10.

Scratches for the Vipers were forwards Riley Brandt and Hunter Zandee. The Vees were without D Gabe Bast, D Greg Brydon, D James Miller and F Ryley Risling. Zandee suffered a serious knee injury when hit by the Vees’ Taylor Ward in a 3-3 double overtime tie Wednesday night at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

Penticton – ranked 12th in the nation – visit the Trail Smoke Eaters Saturday night, while the Snakes entertain the Nanaimo Clippers.

Lucas Finner scored at 49 seconds of the first overtime as the Clippers trimmed the Salmon Arm Silverbacks 4-3 before 1,050 fans at the Shaw Centre.

In other action the Prince George Spruce Kings upended the Merritt Centennials 3-1, while the Victoria Grizzlies shelled the West Kelowna Warriors 7-2.

 

 

 

 

 

Vernon Morning Star