Vets Propel Vipers To RBC Final:

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Vets propel Vipers to rbc final

by Don Klepp | Added 2010-05-08

Veterans Connor and Kellen Jones scored the critical third-period goals that gave the Vipers a 2-0 win over the Brockville Braves in the first of two semifinals at the RBC championships in Dauphin.

Their efforts provided the finishing touches in a game where Graeme Gordon earned his shutout with some superb saves on sniper Scott Arnold, who was named the tournament’s top forward on Friday.

The veteran defensive corps led by three-year vet Kevin Kraus limited the high scoring Braves to 20 shots in the contest and the experienced Viper forwards remained defensively responsible while frequently testing Justin Gilbert, who was named the tournament’s top netminder. In the game, the Vipers generated 22 scoring chances, nine more than the Braves.

The first two periods were scoreless, although Dylan Walchuk had two great chances from about 15 feet when he was set up, first by Jonathan Milhouse and then by Patrick McGillis. Each time, Gilbert’s quickness robbed Walchuk, whose shots seemed destined to go in.

Each goalie had the crowd buzzing in the second period. Gilbert made several sensational saves during three Viper power plays, as the Vipers outshot the Braves 15-5 in the period.

The biggest save of the period, however, came when penalty killer Scott Arnold took advantage of some confusion at the Braves’ blue line and raced down the ice unimpeded. The speedy sniper tried to beat Graeme Gordon high on the glove side, but Gordon’s quick glove saved the day.

So, for the second straight game Gilbert and the Braves had shut out the Vipers for the first two periods. And for the second straight game the Vipers experience showed in the third period. On Thursday, the defending national champs score four straight goals, while today they popped in two beauties.

Returning from a 12-day layoff due to an undisclosed injury, Connor Jones sparked his team, as he opened the scoring in a game for the 11th time this season.

He and Kellen won a puck battle in the neutral zone just outside their blue line and Kellen got the puck to Connor at the red line. Connor was ready to start a two on two with Kellen, but Kellen was knocked off stride, so Connor took on the Braves by himself. He beat one defender at the Brockville blue line and used a gorgeous inside-out move to fool the remaining Brave. He then used his patented backhand through the five-hole to undress Gilbert at 9:41.

The twins added an insurance goal at 15:51. Sahir Gill quickly got the puck to Connor to set up a two on one. Connor veered left as he crossed the Brockville line and then zipped a 20-foot pass to Kellen who ripped a one-timer just inside Gilbert’s left post. The precision play, which was executed at high speed, gave Gilbert no chance.