Vipers Defeat Warriors In Overtime:

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Vipers defeat Warriors in overtime

by Don Klepp | Added 2010-02-21

Mike Collins once again showed his flair for the dramatic, scoring 26 seconds into the second overtime to defeat the host Westside Warriors, 3-2.

In the first meeting of the year between these teams, in Westside on October 2, Collins scored in virtually the same fashion, coming down the left side before cutting across in front of Kevin Jebson and lifting a backhand over the combative Westside goalie.

Both goalies were brilliant in this game, especially in the scoreless third period when each team had five excellent scoring chances. Blake Voth absolutely robbed Grayson Downing twice and lunged to thwart Cam Reid on another occasion. Reid also fired a rocket that Voth deflected with his shoulder, off the crossbar.

Voth’s best save came when he denied Alex Grieve by stacking the pads while sliding to his left with 30 seconds remaining and the Warriors on a power play. Despite his heroics, he wasn’t included in the three stars by the local selection committee.

Kevin Jebson did get a star for his 35-save performance, including an all-world arm save on Rob Short’s powerful slap shot late in the third period. The other stars were awarded to hard-hitting Warrior D-man Spencer Humphries (1st) and slick Viper Dan Nycholat (2nd).

Voth’s play not only led the Vipers to victory; he cemented his chances of setting a new BCHL goals against average. The record of 1.98 was set by Simon Nolet of Nanaimo in 2004-05. Blake’s mark in 24 games is 1.79.

The two pucks that slipped by Voth in the first period bounced crazily in the Viper crease. Bailey’s opening goal at 12:48 came from the corner and hit a Viper skate or stick. The second, at 17:12, changed direction off Alex Grieve’s leg.

Sandwiched between the two Westside markers, David Robinson scored a beauty at 15:55. Cory Kane exited the penalty box after a successful Viper penalty kill and scooped a loose puck at centre before moving to the left wing. His speed earned a two-on-one with Robinson on the right side. Waiting for a pass, Robinson almost went past the net because Kane had to veer left in order to beat the lone Warrior defender. However, Robinson twisted his body to reach back for the pass and in the same motion roofed the puck over Jebson’s right shoulder.

The spirited action continued in the second and third periods, but just one goal was scored. Sahir Gill joined linemates Rob Short and Cory Kane in an aggressive forecheck that led them to the Westside crease. There, the three forwards each had a whack at the puck; Gill banged in the third rebound to tie the game at 4:58 of the second period.

In the absence of Connor Jones, Kellen Jones, and Kevin Kraus, who were given a rest, Patrick McGillis and AP Trevor Fitzgerald played on a very effective line with Dylan Walchuk, while Darren Robak paired with Garrett Noonan for the second night in a row.

The Vipers finish the regular season Sunday afternoon against the Surrey Eagles, who lost to Salmon Arm 4-1 on Saturday after downing the Trail Smoke Eaters 3-2 on Friday.