Another year, another Vernon Sun Valley Source For Sports Tigers-Kamloops Venom championship series.
The Tigers held off the stubborn Armstrong Shamrocks 8-7 Monday night at Nor-Val Sports Centre, taking the best-of-five semifinal series 3-1.
Vernon visits the league champion Venom Monday night in Game 1 of the Thompson Okanagan final at Memorial Arena. Game 2 in the best-of-five goes Wednesday, July 19 at Kal Tire Place. Both teams are guaranteed spots in the provincial Junior B tournament, Aug. 4-7 in Vernon.
The Venom swept the South Okanagan Flames, taking the third game by forfeit.
Jake Pelletier scored four times as the Tigers grounded the Shamrocks 11-7 Saturday night at Kal Tire Place.
Pelletier also triggered four goals Monday night as Vernon knocked out the Irish. It was 3-2 Armstrong after one period and 7-5 Vernon after 40 minutes.
Starter Darnell Hauca pulled himself after two periods after taking a shot to the head. Kyle McIntosh was brilliant in a 10-save relief appearance.
“Kyle stepped up and stood on his head for us,” said Tiger head coach Chris Scabar. “We won both games with good defence and good offence. You don’t come back and win without both. These kids are bruised and battered and they’re all playing for one another. The week off will do us good and I’m really looking forward to playing Kamloops.”
Scabar rested veteran Steele Pelletier for both weekend contests, while fellow vet Conor Webb was away Monday night. The Tigers dressed just 16 players in Game 4.
Thomas Landels supplied 2+1 for the Tigers in Game 4, while Midget call-up Jacob Brewer scored his first career goal as a Tiger and Eric Reid also converted. Jordy Barr and Chase Wirth each counted two helpers.
Mason Salway of the Tigers fought Braydon Hoggarth, while Mackenzie Moore of Vernon took on Sam Hanley in the third period.
Hanley supplied 2+2 for the Rocks Monday night. Austin Daumis (2), Tyler Chartier (1+2), Hoggarth and Cam Watson completed the Armstrong offence in front of Connor Senn.
In Vernon, Barr pocketed 3+4, Kolten Kirschner provided 1+3, Eric Reid posted 1+4 and Jarod Reid scored once. Brett Olsen collected four helpers.
Chartier rang up 3+1 for the Shamrocks, while captain Marlon Forrest produced 1+3, Hanley earned 1+2 and Ryan Sadorsky and Cam Watson contributed singles. Vernon held period leads of 3-2 and 5-4.