Vernon, BC: In a nail-biter in front of a lively crowd of over 3,000 fans, the Vernon Vipers came up just short in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
Landon MacDonald shone offensively for the Vipers, netting his 11th and 12th goals of the season to solidify his team lead in scoring. Talan Blanck, making a memorable debut, contributed a goal and an assist. Additional helpers came from Corban Almen, Will Schumacher, Edvin Nilsson, and Landon Pappas. Between the pipes, Jari Kykkanen made 19 saves on 23 shots in the tough overtime defeat.
The Silverbacks’ attack was powered by Patrick Raftery and Scott Miner, who each tallied two assists. Payton Nelson, Liam Bursaw, and Cole Cooksey found the back of the net, with Riley Ashe sealing the victory in overtime on a power play. Goaltender Andrew Ballantyne stood tall with 32 saves on 35 shots, earning the win.
Special teams proved decisive in this matchup. Salmon Arm capitalized on three of their four power-play opportunities, including the game-winner, while the Vipers struggled to convert, going 1-for-6 on the man advantage. Their missed opportunity during a full two-minute power play in overtime proved costly.
With the loss, the Vipers conclude their four-game homestand with a 1-2-1 record.
These two teams will renew hostilities Sunday afternoon at Rogers Rink in Salmon Arm, promising another thrilling chapter in this season’s rivalry.
