Cents equalize late, but Vernon takes the shootout win

Former Centennial and Merritt local Talon Zakall made his return to the NVMA on Tuesday night for the first time in his BCHL career as the visitor with the Vernon Vipers.

The Vipers would strike first with a shot from Anthony Cliche through a screen from the point found its way past John Hicks.

Later in the period a solid shift that included multiple holds at the blueline and won battles in deep, the puck would find its way to Ryan Mulrenin backdoor to tie the game. Assists on the play to Levi Carter and Connor Farren.

Hicks would stop 22/23 in the opening period.

Merritt would get their first lead of the contest in the middle stanza as a shot from Anton Sorensen would deflect off a Vernon player in front and beat Ethan David, 2-1 Cents.

Merritt would be able to hold off the Vipers the rest of the way in the frame, including a 4-on-3 powerplay chance. Hicks continued to star in net stopping 39/40 through 40 minutes.

Vernon would strike quickly in the third to retake the lead with Luke Buss and Ayden Third scoring just 17 seconds apart to make it 3-1.

The Cents wouldn’t crumble at the pressure and on a late powerplay Mulrenin netted his second of the night to level it 3-3.

Overtime would solve nothing and in the shootout, Vernon would score twice to win 4-3.

Cents are back in action Wednesday night in Salmon Arm, puck drop 7pm.