The Vernon Vipers are on the brink.
In a must win game three of the BCHL conference semifinal series against the vaunted Penticton Vees, the Vipers were shut out, 4-0, to go down three games to zero in the best-of-seven series.
Played in Vernon’s Kal Tire Place beginning at 8:15 p.m., the late start seemed to awaken the Vees. Thomas Pichette scored his first of the playoffs six minuted into the game, while Callum Arnott and Simon Meier tripled the lead in the second.
Conyer Helllyer’s power player marker in the third wrapped up what was an easy victory for Penticton, who’s winning streak is now seven in the postseason.
Vernon mustered just 14 total shots, including a combined five in periods two and three.
Will Ingemann’s 14 save shutout was his second of the playoffs, and fourth victory while Vipers goaltender Ethan David took his third loss, stopping 31 of 35.
“Honestly, that was probably the most complete game we have played in these playoffs,” said Vees assistant coach Matt Vanden Berg. “Special teams were good, as the penalty kill was great, and the power play got the job done. We were backtracking hard; we didn’t give them anything in the neutral zone.”
Game four, and the chance to eliminate the Vipers from the postseason, is Wednesday, April 24, with puck drop at 8:15 p.m. from Kal Tire Place.
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