Morning Star Staff
They were just six seconds away from earning at least one point against the West Kelowna Warriors Friday night at Royal LePage Place.
Instead, the Vipers left with zilch as the Warriors used a lucky bounce for a 5-4 win in B.C. Hockey League action before 1,378 fans.
The Vipers faced the Mainland Division-leading Chiefs Saturday night in Chilliwack. Vernon remained two points ahead of the Merritt Centennials for the fourth and final Interior Division playoff spot since the last-place Trail Smoke Eaters iced the visiting Cents 6-4 before 925 fans. Trail is one digit behind Merritt.
“That was a tough one to swallow,” said veteran Viper d-man Mac Ferner. “They (Garrett Forster) took a half slapper and it hit something (Viper forward Liam Finlay’s stick) in front. We just have to stay positive and try to win the next one.”
Jonathan Desbiens earned first star for the second straight game against the Vipers, sniping his 43rd and 44th goals of the season.
Kylar Hope (27th), d-man Jake Harrison (7th) and Forster with the killer winner (25th), rounded out the West Kelowna offence.
Forster set up Harrison’s 4-4 equalizer early in the third period with Viper captain Colton McCarthy off for high sticking.
Joe Sacco (9th), second star Odeen Tufto (23rd) and Ben Butcher (13th) gave the Snakes a 3-1 lead after 20 minutes.
“We were pretty much all over them, but they got a tip and two powerplay goals,” added Ferner. “We were solid for the full 60 minutes.”
Blueliner Latrell Charleson pocketed his sixth of the season to put Vernon up 4-3 with 3:35 left in the second period.
The second-place Warriors outshot the Vipers 42-30. Vernon dipped to 22-29-0-3.
GAMES REMAINING:
VERNON (4): Home: Surrey, Wenatchee; AWAY: Chilliwack, Trail.
MERRITT (3): Home: Alberni Valley, Penticton, Wenatchee.
TRAIL (3): Home: Salmon Arm, Vernon; AWAY: Salmon Arm.
