Robinson Leads Vipers To Overtime Win:

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Robinson leads Vipers to overtime win

by Don Klepp | Added 2010-10-03

Just back from a family wedding, David Robinson was once again the “best man,” as he scored twice, including the overtime winner, to lead the Vipers past the home town Merritt Centennials on Sunday.

The Viper captain, who had missed the Friday and Saturday games, forced a rebound past Jared Anderson at 4:36 of the first overtime period. Dylan Walchuk started the play at the Merritt blue line as the teams skated four aside. Walchuk fed Steve Weinstein, whose low point shot couldn’t be smothered by Anderson.

Robinson’s other goal tied the game at 2-2 at 10:02 in the second period. On the rush with Dylan Walchuk, he ripped a wrist shot over Anderson’s right shoulder.

His goal was similar to the Vipers’ first goal at 4:28 of the middle frame. Bryce Kakoske cruised over the Cents blue line, made a move to the left to buy shooting space and wristed a 35-foot howitzer over Kakoske’s catching glove.

The two Viper veterans brought their team back from a two-goal deficit.

As has been the case for most of the young season, the Vipers started the first period slowly. The Centennials capitalized with a goal at 2:34, the first time this year that they have opened the scoring in a game.

Following an aggressive forecheck, Regan Soquila stole the puck close to the Viper net and shoveled it past Blake Voth.

Max Vallis doubled the Centennials’ advantage at 3:28 of the third period, from scrambly play in front of Voth. Jeff Jones and Jacob Reichert drew assists on the goal.

After the Vipers tied the score in the second, Max Vallis again put the Centennials ahead again with a fine individual effort at 12:48. He outworked two Vipers along the right boards and zipped a low shot past Voth on the stick side.

In this weekend’s three games, the Vipers got stronger as the games progressed. In Merritt, they allowed just two shots on goal in the third period.

Their territorial advantage paid off with a tying goal at 1:53 of the third. Marcus Basara deflected a Max Mowat shot past Anderson. Playing without their veteran leader, Dustin Johnson, who left in the second period with an apparent injury, the Cents were unable to keep pace with an energized Viper group.

The Centennials were further depleted when Max Vallis was ejected for checking from behind at 12:09. On the ensuing power play, David Robinson, Steve Weinstein, and Bryce Kakoske each rang shots off Anderson’s goal posts, and there was plenty of action in the Merritt crease, but Vernon was unable to convert.

The game progressed without further incident, until Robinson completed the Viper comeback.

Game Notes

• Brandon Pfeil and Dylan Playfair sat out for Merritt.

• The Vipers rested Brett Corkey, Todd Skirving, Darren Nowick, and Taylor Love.

• Patrick McGillis left the contest in the second period after taking a shot on his ankle.

• Max Mowat’s assist on the Basara goal was his first point of the season.