Smith And McAllister Shoot Down Vees:

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Smith and McAllister Shoot Down Vees
 
Saturday, March 9, 2013 - Submitted by Don Klepp

Once again, Austin Smith's goaltending and Mitch McAllister's offence proved to be the difference as the Vipers maintained their winning streak with a dramatic 3-2 decision over the visiting Penticton Vees.

Although the Vees are 25 points ahead of the Vipers in the standings, the Vipers were the better squad in the early going as they jumped out to a 2-0 first period lead thanks to a pair of fine strikes by Mitch McAllister.

McAllister's first goal came at 4:48. Brendan Persley choked off an attempted clearance at the Vee blue line and nudged the puck to Mike Roberts along the left boards. Roberts found McAllister in the right faceoff circle and McAllister promptly roofed it over Chad Katunar's catching glove.

 McAllister, who is starting to earn the nickname of "FlashMac," struck again at 7:33. Craig Martin raced into the left corner in the Vee zone to retrieve a shoot-in and fed FlashMac for a low one-timer that beat Katunar low, stick side.

Stung by the Viper challenge, the Vees surged back to show the offensive flair that has made them the BCHL's second highest scoring team. Before the first period was done, they cut into the Viper lead with a Brad McClure rising shot from the high slot at 18:10.

After a scoreless second period that saw the Vees push hard at the beginning and end while the Vipers were stronger in the middle 10 minutes, the Vees eventually tied the game at 11:23 of the third period.

John Siemer's sliding backhand from a scramble around the Viper crease finally dented Smith's armour after he had made several excellent saves on point blank Vee shots in the second and third periods.

The teams traded chances in an exciting last eight minutes, but both goalies held the fort.  TJ Dumonceaux had an excellent chance to put the Vipers ahead with about five minutes remaining, but his hard wrist shot just went over the net.

Just when it looked like the game was destined for overtime, Brendan Persley made another play at the Vee blue line.  This time, he went in on the right wing while Colton Sparrow busted to the Vee goal. Sparrow converted Persley's goal mouth pass at 19:33 to send the 2011 Wesbild Centre fans into a controlled frenzy.

Mitch McAllister also collected an assist on the winning goal, his fifth point in two games this week. As in Merritt on Wednesday, he was named the game's first star.

Strangely, Austin Smith was not included in the three-star selection, even though his assured play prevented at least three Penticton goals.

Once again, the Vipers were able to dress only nine forwards because Braedan Russell and Dexter Dancs are injured and Logan Mick is ill.

The Vipers conclude their season with Saturday's hosting of the Merritt Centennials, who are tied with the West Kelowna Warriors for second place in the Interior.