The Vernon Vipers ended their BCHL preseason schedule with a thrilling victory over the Trail Smoke Eaters Friday, Sept. 13.
Keeghan Dunn scored with just over two minutes left in the third period to break a 5-5 tie and allow the Vipers to end the preseason on a winning note.
The Vipers had five power play opportunities and scored on three of them. The first power play tally was the game's first goal, when Erik Pastro scored 12:53 into the first period.
Less than a minute later, Dunn scored his first goal of the game, also on the power play, to make the lead 2-0.
Deacon Drummond got the Smoke Eaters on the board in the last minute of the first period, making it a 2-1 game.
Early in the second frame, Carter Streek scored back-to-back power play goals to give the Vipers a commanding 4-1 lead. However, the Smoke Eaters power play went to work as Jason Stefanek scored with the man advantage. The teams then traded goals late in the period to make the score 5-3 heading into the third.
The Smoke Eaters got the two goals they needed midway through the final frame, but Dunn scored his second of the night 17:47 into the third to put the Smoke Eaters' comeback attempt to bed.
“There were lots of ups and downs during the game,” said Vipers head coach Lukas Lomicky. “We had moments where we executed the game plan and had some opportunities from it. On the other hand, there are still things we need to clean up to be more consistent throughout the game.”
Vipers goaltender Colin Reay made 33 saves on 38 shots.
The two teams will meet again to kick off the regular season Friday, Sept. 20, at Trail's Cominco Arena. Puck drops at 7 p.m.
