Vernon comes out strong in third period to win 4-1

The Vernon Vipers and Merritt Centennials continued the season series on Wednesday night at the NVMA for the first time since the Snakes blew out Merritt 9-0 two weeks ago.

It was a wide open first 20 minutes of play with both teams getting a chance on the powerplay but not finding the back of the net.

In the final minutes of the frame, Ben Ward sped down the left-wing before cutting strong to the net and beating Roan Clarke to open the scoring. Ward also putting his own body and Clarke’s body into the net as went in strong for his 15^th of the year.

Jackson Baker would get the start for the injured John Hicks, stopping all 9 he would see.

Early in the middle stanza the Vipers would find an equalizer with Luke Buss going off the post and in past Baker.

Both teams would continue to earn powerplay chances throughout the period but both teams held off the scoresheet with the special teams.

Baker stopped 19/20 after 40 minutes.

The Snakes would take over the contest in the third. Just over 3-minutes in, a Davide Patella would lead to a Tyler Chan goal, assists to Luke Lavery and Copeland Fricker.

The Cents would earn a late powerplay chance, but it would be a Viper shorty icing the game with Casey McDonald beating Baker. Vernon would add one into the empty cage to win 4-1.

Cents are back in action for their final home game of the season Friday night versus West Kelowna.