Cooper Watson and Riley Brandt each scored twice as the Vernon Vipers stuffed the Trail Smoke Eaters 6-2 in B.C. Hockey League action before 1,878 fans Saturday night at Kal Tire Place.
Watson, a defenceman, pocketed a pair of powerplay snipes as the Snakes improved to 16-13-3-1. The Smokies dipped to 16-16-2, two points behind the second-place Vipers in the Interior Division.
Jagger Williamson and d-man Connor Clouston supplied singles for the Vipers, who held period leads of 3-1 and 3-2.
Kale Howarth and Ryan Moore replied for the Smokies, who were outshot 38-28. Darion Hanson took the win, Zach Dyment the loss.
The West Kelowna Warriors upended the Merritt Centennials 4-2 in other play.
Vernon entertains the Salmon Arm Silverbacks Wednesday night.
