Salmon Arm, BC: Despite being heavily outshot, especially in the second period, the Vernon Vipers capped off a perfect weekend by shutting out the Salmon Arm Silverbacks 4-0 at the Shaw Centre.
“We didn’t have our best game against Salmon Arm last week and we wanted to respond with a better performance,” said Assistant Coach of the Vipers Lukas Lomicky. “We set ourselves up for success managing the puck better and good execution on special teams, which had a big impact on the game. It was great to see the guys playing as a team with a shorter bench, supported by unbelievable play from Ethan David.”
Ethan David, who earned his second shut out of the season, made 41 saves. The busiest period was the second as he stopped all 17 shots he faced, a number of which were fantastic.
“We put out a great effort tonight and got the result we deserved,” said David. “It’s always great to beat the Silverbacks in their arena and our group is tremendously excited for the upcoming homestand.”
Isaac Tremblay scored the game winner early in the first period, his 10th of the season.
George Stavrianeas got an insurance marker early in the third on a deflection on a Connor Elliott point shot. Elliott also assisted on Tremblay’s goal in the first.
Adam Csabi netted his 12th goal of the season a few minutes later assisted by Payton Struck and Erik Pastro.
Pastro tallied his 10th of the season into the empty net.
Just like a night ago, the Vipers special teams were a difference maker. In minimal opportunities, the Vipers went 1 for 2 on the powerplay and had 4 crucial penalty kills including 2 in the 3rd period.
Eli Pulver has 25 saves on 28 shots.
The Vipers kick off a 4-game homestand starting Friday night when the Trail Smoke Eaters come to town.
