Vernon Viper netminder Austim Smith made 34 saves as the Vipers edged the Victoria Grizzlies 5-4 in the opening game of the BCHL semifinal, round robin playoff series.
Image Credit: BCHL
March 29, 2014 - 10:29 AM
VICTORIA – It was definitely a team effort as five different Vernon Vipers scored, all in the second period, to edge the Grizzlies 5-4 in Victoria Friday night.
The home side got on the board first with Jacob Kearley's power-play tally but Austin Smith kept the Vipers in it making 12 saves in the opening frame as they were outshot 13-3.
Brett Mulcahy got the Vipers back on even terms 1:06 into the second and Logan Mick followed less than two minutes later. Then Dexter Dancs, on the man advantage, and Demico Hannoun scored 22 seconds apart to chase Alec Dillon from the Victoria crease. Mason Blacklock drifted one past replacement Nic Renyard at 13:07 of the second and it proved to be the winner.
The Grizzlies ran the third period, pouring 21 more shots on Smith with Jesse Schwartz, Rory McGuire and Kearley scoring to bring them within a goal but they couldn't find the equalizer.
Smith wound up making 34 saves for the win and was named the games 3rd Star. Kearley took 1st Star for his three-point night.
The next game of the new round robin, playoff format is in Vernon as the Vipers host the Coquitlam Express Saturday at 5 p.m. at Kal Tire Place.
News from © iNFOnews, 2014