Skip to content

Vernon Vipers fall in shootout to Prince George Spruce Kings

The loss snaps a three-game Vipers winning streak
30710922_web1_221020-VMS-Vipers-PG-1_2
Vernon Vipers forward Ethan Merner puts the puck on net in a 2-1 shootout loss to the Prince George Spruce Kings Friday night, Oct. 14, 2022. Merner scored his first career BCHL goal in the game. (Lisa Mazurek photo)

Goaltender Roan Clarke stood on his head and Ethan Merner scored his first career B.C. Hockey League goal, but the Vernon Vipers ultimately came up short against the Prince George Spruce Kings.

The Vipers fell 2-1 in a shootout Friday night (Oct. 14) at Kal Tire Place, snapping a three-game win streak.

The Spruce Kings dominated the first 40 minutes, out-shooting the Vipers 24-8. Clarke, who made 34 saves on 35 shots, was terrific in net making a number of big saves, particularly when the team was on the penalty kill.

Prince George opened the scoring midway through the second period on a powerplay, off the stick of Austin Fraser.

The Vipers managed a third-period rally for the second straight game as Merner sniped a shot from a sharp angle to tie the game with his first BCHL goal.

In overtime, the Spruce Kings again controlled the shot clock, out-shooting the Vipers 7-2. Clarke was up to the challenge and got his team into the shootout.

Kilian McGregor scored the only goal of the shootout as Vipers skaters Max Borovinskiy, Luke Pakulak, Merner and Hank Cleaves all missed on their shootout opportunities.

The win pushed Prince George to a 6-1 record while the Vipers are now 3-3-0-1 in the early goings of the season.

The Vipers return to action tonight as they host the Penticton Vees. Puck drops at 6 p.m.

READ MORE: Longtime Vancouver defenceman Kevin Bieksa to sign one-day deal to retire as Canuck

READ MORE: Vernon Vipers sneak past Victoria Grizzlies


Brendan Shykora
Follow us: Facebook | Twitter


Brendan Shykora

About the Author: Brendan Shykora

I started as a carrier at the age of 8. In 2019 graduated from the Master of Journalism program at Carleton University.
Read more