Vernon, BC: The Vernon Vipers fell just short in a hard-fought 4-3 loss to the Penticton Vees on Saturday night in front of a packed house of over 2,200 fans at Kal Tire Place.
Shea Busch led the Vipers’ offense, contributing a goal and an assist. Koji Gibson notched his first-ever BCHL goal, while Carson McGinley added his first goal of the season on a power play. The Vipers received additional assists from Erik Pastro, Charlie Kresl, Will Schumacher, and Cooper Cleaves.
Colin Reay was solid between the pipes for Vernon, stopping 29 of 33 shots.
The Vipers held the lead for the majority of the game, but a lapse in the third period, where they allowed three goals in just over two minutes, handed the Vees a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Vernon’s penalty kill was a bright spot, successfully killing off two of three penalties, including a 5-minute major. Their powerplay also clicked, converting on their only opportunity of the night.
For Penticton, Anselmo Rego, Max Heise, Ryden Evers, and Matthew Cataldo each found the back of the net, while goaltender Will Ingemann made 31 saves to secure the win.
The Vipers will look to bounce back as they wrap up their brief two-game homestand on Friday, hosting the West Kelowna Warriors.
