The Vernon Vipers put in a well-rounded effort against the Cowichan Valley Capitals Friday night, winning 4-1 at home at Kal Tire Place.
The Vipers’ offense got some help from trade deadline acquisition Walker Erickson. The 20-year-old was acquired from the Merritt Centennials for future considerations Jan. 10, and had a goal and an assist in Friday night’s game, his debut with the Vipers.
A crowd of 2,510 fans was in attendance to watch the home team win its second game in a row.
Max Borovinskiy opened the scoring with his third of the season halfway through the first period, assisted by Connor Elliott and Seiya Tanaka-Campbell.
Early in the middle frame, Ayden Third also scored his third of the season, jumping on a rebound in front of the Capitals crease to give the home team a 2-0 lead.
The Vipers penalty kill, which was perfect on the night, erased a five-minute Capitals powerplay in the second after Luke Pakulak was assessed a major penalty for checking from behind.
Then, the Vipers’ powerplay got to work extending the lead as Lee Parks scored his 13th goal of the season, assisted by Hank Cleaves and Erickson.
The Capitals got on the board just past the 13 minute mark of the third period as William Elias scored his fourth of the season.
Then in the final minutes, Erickson scored a highlight reel unassisted goal to make it 4-1 and put the game out of reach for the Capitals.
With the win, the Vipers leapfrogged the Wenatchee Wild in the standings and sit in sixth place in the BC Hockey League Interior division standings with 36 points in 34 games.
The Vipers are off Saturday and will travel to Cranbrook to take on the Bucks Sunday, Jan. 15, at 4 p.m.
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