The Carleton Place Canadians edged the Vernon Vipers 3-2 in round robin play of the Royal Bank Cup Saturday night at Kal Tire Place.
After a month of anticipation and a lengthy opening ceremony, the Vipers’ quest for the Junior A National Championship began.
The teams were scoreless after the first frame with Vernon out shooting the Canadians 9-5.
Vernon native, Colton Sparrow, scored on the penalty kill, unassisted 6:51 into the second.
Kal Tire Place exploded; it was a shock to see the roof still attached afterwards.
Most of the scoring came in the third period. The Canadians tied it as Dylan Gareau scored from Brett D’Andrea 47 seconds in.
The Canadians jumped in front with Adam Lloyd’s first of the postseason from Luke Edwards at 5:57.
The Vipers scored on the penalty kill once again. Demico Hannoun buried a pass from T.J. Dumonceaux on a 2-on-1 rush.
Vinny Post iced the game for the Canadians, from Owen Stewart and Luke Edwards with four and a half minutes remaining.
Carleton will take on the Dauphin Kings (1-0) Sunday night.
The Vipers will play the Yorkton Terriers Monday night.
More Vipers game results to follow.
