The Vernon Vipers have one more chance to make the B.C. Hockey League post-season.
The Vipers squandered an opportunity to clinch a playoff berth Friday, getting bombed 8-1 by the Wenatchee Wild in the Snakes’ final regular season home game.
The Vipers, tied for the final playoff spot with the Merritt Centennials, play in Trail Saturday, with the Smoke Eaters one point back of both teams.
The Centennials kept their playoff hopes alive Friday, scoring five unanswered goals in an 11-minute stretch in the third period to stun the Penticton Vees 5-3 at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena.
The Centennials host Wenatchee Saturday.
A Vernon win gives them the final playoff spot even if the Centennials knock off the Wild as the Vipers hold the tie-breaker over Merritt.
The Wild scored twice Friday in the first six minutes, stretched the lead to 5-0 after one and led 8-0 after two.
Colton McCarthy spoiled the shutout bid in the third period for the Vipers, who handed out their team awards after the contest.
Goalie Andrew Shortridge was named the team’s MVP.
The full list of winners plus details of Friday’s game can be found in Sunday’s Morning Star.