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UPDATE: Vernon Vipers sweep BCHL Showcase games

Vipers finish the two-game event with 3-0 shutout over Alberni Valley Bulldogs
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Vernon Vipers forward Reagan Milburn celebrates his second-period goal Saturday, Oct. 23, in the Snakes’ 4-1 BCHL Showcase Event win over the hometown Chilliwack Chiefs. Milburn now has bragging rights on older and younger brothers Connor and Brady who play for Chilliwack. (Darren Henry photo)

Ethan David made 25 saves for his first B.C. Hockey League shutout Sunday, Oct. 24, as the Vernon Vipers swept their two games at the league’s Showcase Tournament in Chilliwack, finishing things with a 3-0 victory over the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.

Vernon has now won three games in a row.

After a scoreless first period in a game that began at 11 a.m., Vernon opened the scoring nine seconds after the ice clean for the second period on a marker from Reagan Milburn, his second goal in as many weekend games.

Cameron MacDonald had the other two goals as Vernon took a 2-0 lead into the final period. MacDonald also scored Saturday as the Vipers beat the hometown Chilliwack Chiefs 4-1.

Middle brother got bragging rights on older and younger brother in the contest as Reagan Milburn, 18, and the Vipers held the hometown Chiefs and 20-year-old Connor Milburn, and Brady Milburn, 16, to just three shots on goal in the final 20 minutes.

Two of the three Milburn brothers scored in the game.

Reagan’s marker midway through the second period made it 3-1 Vernon. Connor’s goal came 57 seconds after MacDonald opened the scoring for the Vipers in the opening frame.

Luke Buss scored what proved to be the game-winner early in the second period, and Zack Tonelli made it 4-1 Vernon in the final minute of the middle frame.

There was no scoring in the third.

Roan Clarke finished with 22 saves for Vernon (2-2) while starter Cole Savage and backup Grant Riley combined for 30 saves for Chilliwack (3-3).

Vernon and the Bulldogs will meet for the second time in less than a week on Saturday, Oct. 30, in Port Alberni, the Vipers’ second game of a three-game Island Division swing.

The Snakes’ first stop will be Victoria on Thursday, Oct. 28, against the Grizzlies, and the trip will finish Halloween Sunday afternoon, Oct. 31, in Duncan against the Cowichan Valley Capitals.

Next home game for Vernon is Friday, Nov. 5, against the Wenatchee Wild, 7 p.m., at Kal Tire Place.

• MacDonald’s Showcase play earned him the league’s First Star honours. He had five points in the two games. Through five contests, MacDonald has 10 points, tying him for third in league scoring.

Adam Jeffery of the Cowichan Valley Capitals was Second Star, and Johnny Johnson of the expansion Cranbrook Bucks was selected as the Third Star.

Vipers goalie Ethan David, who blanked Alberni Valley in his only game of the weekend, was an honourable mention.

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Vernon Vipers forward Kjell Kjemhus (right) tangles with Brady Milburn of the Chlliwack Chiefs during the B.C. Hockey League’s Showcase Tournament Saturday, Oct. 23, in Chilliwack. The three-Milburn game Reagan Milburn and the Vipers defeat Brady, Connor Milburn and the Chiefs 4-1. (Twitter/@Chiefs_Hockey photo)