The Cranbrook Bucks held off a late push from the Vernon Vipers to earn a 2-1 win during a Sunday matinee affair at Western Financial Place.
It was a tight contest as both teams held each other off the scoreboard in the opening period, trading chances back and forth as the Bucks doubled up the Vipers on the shot clock at 18-9.
The deadlock broke in the second frame, after Jack Silich managed to shovel the puck into the net during a net front scramble that was ruled a good goal following official review from the referees.
Near the halfway mark of the period, Sam Belanger rifled a shot top shelf for his second goal of the season to double up the lead.
Julian Facchinelli answered back for the Vipers on the powerplay in the latter half of the period to put the Snakes on the board.
Both teams battled to a draw in the third period, as Bucks netminder Braedyn McIntosh slammed the door shut with a spectacular glove save while the Vipers poured on the pressure with the extra attacker and an empty net.
The Bucks outshot the Vipers by a whopping 45-28 margin.
Vipers goaltender Colin Reay made 43 saves, while McIntosh turned aside 27 pucks for his fourth win of the season.