The Vernon Home Building Centre Vipers opened up the Salmon Arm Midget Tier 2 hockey tournament with a 3-1 victory Friday over the Castlegar Rebels.
Castlegar opened the scoring before Vernon tied it up with hard-working Connor Johnston banging in the rebound with assists to Logan Imrich and Kyle Sherwood.
The Vipers continued to pressure the Rebels and Carl Main broke through and sniped Vernon’s second goal short-side over the goalie’s shoulder. Reed Cashato and Johnston supplied the helpers. Speedster Stephane Richard finished Vernon’s scoring off with an unassisted breakaway goal. Billy Cawthorn made several key saves to keep Castlegar at bay. Vernon played Prince George and North Delta on Saturday.
