After the Buzzer – Vipers Snap Up OT Win in Exhibition Tilt

Vernon, BC:  As expected it was a back and forth affair between two rookie laden rosters on Sunday afternoon at Kal Tire Place, however it was the home team who found the winning goal early in overtime to give the Vipers a 5-4 win over the Trail Smoke Eaters.

“I thought the boys had a good showing today,” said Assistant Coach of the Vipers Colton Sparrow.  “They showed good team speed and worked hard.”  Sparrow and other assistant coach Lukas Lomicky ran the bench today while Jason McKee observed from the stands.  “Theirs lots to work on, but a lot to be excited about with this group.” says Sparrow.

Bronson Ross led the way offensively for the Vipers with a pair of goals.  The rookie out of Winnipeg, had a number of strong offensive chances on a line with George Stavrianeas and Erik Pastro.  Their line finished the day with a combined seven points.  Stavrianeas with a trio of assists and Pastro with a pair.

“For the first game of the preseason I though the boys really came together in a tight game,” says Vernon product Erik Pastro.  “It’s nice to get the win and I feel like this showed what we can be capable of.”

Owen King, Jiri Duda and Adam Csabi all pitched in with singles.  Kings came off a nice rush down the left wing, Duda on the powerplay and Csabi with a brilliant finish to net the OT winner.

“It was a good game,” says Csabi.  “I think we played well.  We made some mistakes, but that’s hockey and we need to keep getting better and better.  It was a special moment to get the overtime winner and I really loved the atmosphere.”

Dylan Adams and Colin Reay split the goaltending duties with Adams stopping 18 of 21 and Reay making 9 of 10.

The Vipers were 2 for 2 on the penalty kill, while their powerplay was 1 for 2 with the Duda marker.

Jack DesRuisseaux sniped a pair of goals for the Trail Smoke Eaters to lead them offensively.  Both of his goals were set up by Callas Pierce.  Both players stood out for the Smokies.

Despite surrendering 5 goals against, Ryan Parker was very solid in the Trail goal crease making 36 saves on 41 shots.

The Vipers preseason schedule continues on Friday night, when they travel to Salmon Arm to face the Silverbacks for the first of a home and home set.