After the Buzzer – Vipers Rally Late and Strike in Shootout
Port Alberni, BC: Cam MacDonald scored in the final minute of regulation and again in the shootout as the Vernon Vipers pushed their win streak to 7 games following a 4-3 shootout win over the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
The Vipers wanted to get out to a good start, despite doing so, they found themselves behind in the first couple of minutes as Austin Spiridakis scored his 7th goal of the season to make it 1-0. The Vipers pushed the pace and directed 19 shots at the Alberni Valley goal in the period. Luke Pearson was challenged many times on quality opportunities. The only one to get by him was a centering pass from Brett Fudger that was tapped home by Dawson Holt to make it 1-1 late in the period.
In the second, the Vipers took their first lead of the night as Connor Marritt deflected home a Cam MacDonald shot to make it 2-1. That lead was shortlived as Josh Zary equalized on the powerplay for his 3rd of the season. Again the Vipers continued to build and keep the Bulldogs on their heels. The Vipers allowed just 5 shots on goal in the period thanks in large part to a commitment to blocking shots and using active sticks. The frame would end 2-2.
In the third it was a bit more back and forth with the Vipers having the edge in quality scoring chances. Again, Luke Pearson was stellar keeping the game tied. Not to be outdone, AP goaltender Cole Steinke made a handful of good saves in the period. Alberni took their second lead of the night late in regulation as Austin Spiridakis was set on a 2 on 1 and he made no mistake to make it 3-2. With the goaltender pulled, the Vipers drew even as Christian Felton set up Cam MacDonald in front of the net with just under 90 seconds left in regulation.
Overtime would solve nothing with just one shot put up from the Vipers.
The shootout was a different story as the goalies were at the mercy of the shooters. First up for Alberni was Dawson Tritt and he ripped home a goal. Dawson Holt was next for Vernon and was stopped. Tommy Bannister was then stopped by Steinke. Connor Marritt buried his chance and it was even at 1 after 2 rounds. In the third round Ryan Doolin would snipe one home, followed by a goal from Cam MacDonald and it was even at 2 after 3 rounds. Mitch Deelstra struck for one only to be followed up by a goal from Kowalski making it 3-3 after 4 rounds. In the fifth round, Jackson Doucet was stopped and Nick Kent would win it for the Vipers with a hot shot to the glove side giving his team the 4-3 win.
The Vipers will finish up the weekend with a matinee in Nanaimo at 2pm from the Frank Crane Arena
Photo Credit – Kaicee Trott (K*Photography)