Vipers Lose Another Close Game:

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Vipers Lose Another Close Game
 
Sunday, September 9, 2012 - Submitted by Don Klepp

The Powell River Kings struck early and late en route to a 4-3 win over the Vipers at the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack on Sunday.

Jarryd Leung’s power play marker at 12:36 of the third period stood up as the winner, even though the Vipers mounted a late challenge. Kings’ goalie Jonah Imoo thwarted excellent opportunities by Aaron Hadley, Pierce Eviston, and Adam Tambellini to preserve the win.

Luke Nogard’s attempt to shovel the puck in front bounced off goalie Joe Young’s skate at 1:43 of the first period to Boston rookie’s BCHL debut. The intensely physical Kings doubled their lead at 8:10 when Matthew Dupont’s shot changed direction off a Viper stick. Shortly thereafter, Jason Williamson replaced Young with Austin Smith in an attempt to shake up his team.

Williamson’s ploy worked, as the Vipers responded with a redoubled effort. That effort paid dividends when the Vipers notched three goals in three minutes.

Aaron Hadley started the charge with a shorthanded goal at 16:43. He stole the puck from Jordan Burns at centre ice and beat Imoo stick side.

Hadley was involved in the next goal as well. Following Geoff Crisfield’s spirited rush, Hadley and Adam Tambellini created a scramble in the Powell River crease. Tambellini slipped Hadley’s rebound past Imoo.

On the next shift, Mitch VanTeeling registered his first BCHL goal on a long shot that beat Imoo over the right shoulder.

The Vipers were unable to maintain that momentum in the second period as the Kings re-established their physical play. Their hustle was especially evident on the penalty kill when they created two excellent shorthanded scoring chances. However, Austin Smith’s clutch saves helped the Vipers take their 3-2 lead into the third period.

In the final frame, Matt Scarth tied the game at 6:55. Hiss his wrist shot was wide of the mark, but deflected off a Viper and past Smith. Encouraged, the Kings maintained constant forecheck pressure, which eventually led to Leung’s winner.

The Leung goal came a minute after Kevin Guiltinan tangled in a heavyweight bout with Powell River’s Luke Ripley. In an effort to fire up his team, Guiltinan landed several heavy blows, but Ripley gamely fought back. Ripley’s gutsy defence seemed to inspire his team mates, who played with increasing emotion.

After going down 4-3, the Vipers played some of their best hockey of the weekend, but were unable to convert the scoring chances they created.