Morning Star Staff
The Vernon Fix Auto Vipers lost 8-7 to the Kamloops Blazers in Game 1 of the Okanagan Mainline Bantam Tier 3 Hockey League semifinal playoff series Friday night at McArthur Island Sports Centre’s NHL rink.
Tied 2-2 after the first period on goals from Jacob Green and Jacob Brewer, the Vipers came out playing hard. Vernon started the third period with a 6-5 lead on goals from AP Kaden Doughty, Cory Lazar, Gavin Fleck and Brewer.
Kamloops outscored Vernon 3-1 in the third to take the first game in the best -of-three series.
Cole Boyarski finished off the Viper scoring in front of goalie Aiden Spraggs. The two teams squared off in game two Saturday at the Priest Valley Arena. Game 3, if required goes tonight in Kamloops.
The Valley Wood Remanufacturing Vipers and West Kelowna Warriors picked up where they left off last weekend in the opening game of the Chilliwack Atom A tourney by tying 9-9 Friday.
Erik Pastro (5), Cosmo Wilson (2+1), Logan Killingbeck and JJ Milne led the Vipers, who tied the Warriors 8-8 last weekend. Deagan McMillan had two assists in front of Austin Seibel.
Later Friday, Vipers fell 7-6 to the Nanaimo Clippers. McMillan (3+1), Pastro (1+2) Zack Milne and Taryk Filipuzzi led the Vipers. JJ Milne, Brady Kuziw, Bryson Helmer and Cosmo Wilson added assists. Josh Donison took the loss. The Vipers faced the Chilliwack Bruins in their final round-robin game Saturday.