The Vernon Vipers looked to Jagger Williamson for a pair of late powerplays as they salvaged a 3-3 double overtime tie with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks Friday night at Kal Tire Place.
The Vipers stretched their B.C. Hockey League undefeated streak to six games while improving to 22-13-3-1. The Silverbacks, who used four Major Midget affiliates due to injuries and suspensions to key players, went to 16-21-2-1. Vernon won the season series 5-1-1.
Austin Adamson deflected a Michael Ufberg point shot past Silverback goalie Nic Tallarico at 8:41 of the first period to open the offence before 2,125 fans. Shane Kelly earned the secondary assist on Adamson’s eighth of the season.
First star Josh Latta equalized eight minutes later on a gorgeous top-cheddar wrister from the left hashmarks, a shot that zoomed in and out of the top netting in a hurry. Second star Justin Wilson and newly-acquired Trevor Ayre pocketed assists.
After a scoreless middle frame, Wilson, a North Vancouver product, buried a wrister from the low slot at 8:13 after a nice feed from behind the net by Latta. Wilson has 10 goals on the year.
Just 10 seconds later, Latta connected from the mid slot with Jared Turcotte and Wilson drawing helpers. Latta, a West Vancouver native, has six snipes this season.
Williamson converted roof daddy from the right hashmarks at 13:14 with ex-Silverback d-man Cameron Trott and forward Hunter Zandee counting assists.
Williamson, an alternate captain, brought the house down by going top shelf with a six-foot backhander 1:29 later. Trott got the helper.
Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 34-30 in regulation. Ryan Brushett of the Vipers misfired into a wide open net on a 2-on-1 with Zandee with two minutes and change remaining in the second overtime (3-on-3).
In other Friday night games, the Merritt Centennials clipped the visiting Penticton Vees 3-2, the West Kelowna Warriors grounded the Surrey Eagles 5-2 and the Langley Rivermen toppled the Trail Smoke Eaters 6-3.
Vernon entertains Merritt Saturday at 6 p.m.
