After the Buzzer – Vipers Finish Regular Season Strong with Win Over Cents

Merritt, BC:  Thomas Tien registered a career high 7 points, 5 goals and 2 assists and the Vipers peppered the goal with 66 shots as the Vipers downed the Merritt Centennials 14-1 on Saturday night.

Tien, the Richmond product, jumped back in the lineup in a major way.  He scored the eventual game winner on a rebound in front.  Then broke a water bottle by snapping one over the shoulder of Conor Sullivan.  He would assist on five other Viper goals, including Anthony Cliche’s first of the season.

For Cliche he waited until the last game of the season to score his first of the season.  It was a wrist shot from the right point after a face off win.

Ethan Merner scored his 3rd goal of the season and first since the Showcase in October.

All but two Vipers had at least one point and nine Vipers had multi point games.

Ethan David made 20 saves on 21 shots.

Diego Johnson scored the only goal for Merritt, who’s season comes to a conclusion.

Conor Sullivan made 52 saves on 66 shots.

The victory places the Vipers in 6th in the Interior Conference as they await their opponent.  It will either be Salmon Arm or West Kelowna and the series will start on the road on Friday March 31st.