Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Vipers Knock Off Vee's 3-1:


This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Cory Kane (13th goal) scored the winner on an unbelievable backdoor pass from Kevin Kraus midway through the second period as the Vernon Vipers upended the host Penticton Vees 3-1 Saturday night at the South Okanagan Events Centre.
“Our guys were pretty focussed and stuck to their game plan and didn’t give up too many opportunities,” said Vipers’ assistant coach Jason Williamson. “Our guys went in there with a lot of confidence, and (netminder Andrew) Hammond was really good.
“We’ve got a pretty good tandem back there (with Graeme Gordon) – the two-headed monster is what (Vipers’ head coach Mark) Ferner likes to call it.”
Hammond recorded 24 saves to earn first star.
After a scoreless first frame, Rob Short (eighth) opened the scoring at 2:35 of the second when Sahir Gill made a nice play to keep the puck in the Vees’ end. He dished to Cole Ikkala, who fed Short with a clever cross-crease pass for the easy tap in.
“They get a goal from their energy line, and we responded with a pp goal, but there was portions of that game where we didn’t get much offence created,” said Vees’ head coach Fred Harbinson.
“I thought we played with a little more desperation when it was 3-1, but there was only seven minutes to go. We had our best chances, but that’s too late.
“Vernon’s probably one of the best teams in the league. That’s our measuring stick.”
Vipers’ d-man Steve Tresierra picked up an instigator penalty for scrapping Ryan Viselli after he delivered a high hit on Kraus.
“We’ll take that anytime,” said Williamson, of Tresierra’s fight. “Whenever the guys are standing up for one another, it’s always a good thing.”
On the ensuing powerplay, Curtis McKenzie (15th) replied for Penticton (17-10-0-4) on a Vernon turnover.
The Snakes’ Chris Crowell (seventh) iced the game at 11:07 of the third when he tipped Bryce Kakoske’s point shot past Jordan White (22 saves).
The Vipers (21-7-1-2), who went 1-for-3 on the powerplay, are 8-2 in their last 10 games to remain a point behind the Salmon Arm SilverBacks in the Interior Conference.
The Snakes look to extend their win streak to seven when they entertain the Vees Friday night at Wesbild.
The Vipers will host the ever-popular Teddy Bear Toss, with funds going to Salvation Army to support local families and children in need.

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