The Vernon Vipers stopped the Nanaimo Clippers 6-3 in a B.C. Hockey League Bauer Showcase Friday matinee in Chilliwack
Winger Steven Jandric supplied 2+1, while rookie defenceman Carter Stephenson also scored twice for the Vipers (4-1) to earn first star at Prospera Centre. Stephenson was second star.
"They (Nanaimo) were a little chippy and our powerplay took advantage (twice)," said Viper head coach Mark Ferner. "We used three lines on the powerplay and the guys are still learning the 1-3-1."
Stephenson and Jandric recorded power play snipes as Vernon enjoyed period leads of 2-1 and 5-3.
Newcomer Ryan Brushett, an 18-year-old Quebec product, and rookie d-man Michael Ufberg provided the other Viper goal in front of Ty Taylor. Vernon outshot Nanaimo 36-33.
"The new guy (Brushett) is pretty smart and pretty slick on the puck; he distributed it real well," said Ferner. "The goal he scored was real nice. He got the puck in traffic and beat a couple of guys
Vernon product Matt Kowalski, Ben Solin and third star Adam Pilotte replied for Nanaimo.
Centre Niko Karamanis chipped in with two assists for the Snakes, who face the Wenatchee Wild Saturday night at the Showcase.
Captain Riley Brandt took the Fortis Energy Player of the Game. The Vipers went to Chilliwack's finest Italian restaurant – Bozzini's – for a post-game dinner.
Vernon will welcome 20-year-old bruising Madison, Wisc. native Cooper Watson to their hotel tonight but he will not play against the Wild, who lost 5-4 in overtime to the Powell River Kings in other Friday play.
"Wenatchee will be our toughest test so far," said Ferner. "They're quick and they come at you fast. They were unfortunate not to beat Powell River; they outshot the, 50-24."
All 17 teams will play twice at the fifth Showcase, attended by more than 75 NCAA, CIS and NHL scouts.
The Cowichan Valley Capitals grounded the Merritt Centennials 4-2 late Friday afternoon. Vernon's Brett Jewell, captain of the Cents, had one goal.
Cowichan clipped the Surrey Eagles 3-2, while the Prince George Kings mauled Merritt 7-2 in other Thursday action. Jewell also scored once and got in a scrap with Ben Verrell with 2:28 left in the game.