The Vernon Vipers grounded the Nanaimo Clippers 4-1 in B.C. Hockey League play before 1,950 fans Saturday night at Kal Tire Place.
Riley Brandt (11th of the year), Nicholas Rasovic (2nd), Anthony Latina (15th) and Texan Thomas Aldworth, with his team-high 36th snipe of the season, into an empty net with 38 seconds remaining, completed the Vernon offence in front of Jarrod Schamerhorn (22-12-1). Vernon outshot Nanaimo 35-22, including a 16-5 margin in the third period.
San Jose Shark draft Jake Jackson converted for Nanaimo 23 seconds into a powerplay at 12:16 of the first period. Jackson has 21 goals on the season. D-man Nick Gushue, who struck the post on an early second-period powerplay, and blue liner Austin Dick drew assists.
The Clippers, who had not suffered back-to-back losses since late November, lost high scoring d-man Yanni Kaldis 3:18 after the national anthem when he was cranked into the side wall by Edmonton Oiler draftee Liam Coughlin. Kaldis stayed down on the ice for at least five minutes as trainers from both teams checked his vitals. He went to hospital for observation.
Coughlin was assessed a major for checking from behind and a game misconduct. He leads Vernon with 20 goals ands 60 points. Kaldis has nine goals and 47 points and normally anchors the Clipper powerplay. Nanaimo killed off all seven Vernon powerplays.
Guillaume Decelles went the distance in the Clipper net. He dropped to 33-12.
The Vipers improved to 34-16-1-3 for third overall in the BCHL. The Clippers are second overall at 36-15-0-3, three points ahead of Vernon.
Vernon has won three straight games and next visit the Trail Smoke Eaters Wednesday night. Nanaimo finishes their Okanagan trek in West Kelowna with a Sunday matinee versus the Warriors.
