Vipers Weekend Round Up
The Vernon Vipers hit the road this past weekend, hoping to gain some ground in their push for the postseason. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the result they were looking for, as they dropped both games in Northern Alberta.
Friday Night in Blackfalds – Bulldogs 4, Vipers 0
The Vipers made their first-ever trip to Blackfalds on Friday night but left empty-handed after a tough 4-0 loss. The coaching staff, led by Lukas Lomicky, pointed to a lack of effort as the key takeaway from the game.
The first period lacked energy from both sides, with only 11 combined shots, though Blackfalds generated more dangerous chances off the rush. The Bulldogs broke through in the second period when Danny Hussa netted his 4th of the season. Vernon had a chance to respond on a power play shortly after but failed to capitalize.
Luke Dahlen doubled the Bulldogs’ lead right after the media timeout with his 10th of the season. Despite a full two-minute 5-on-3 penalty kill that could have shifted the momentum, a lucky bounce off a Vernon defender gave Blackfalds a 3-0 lead late in the period. Shots were heavily tilted in Blackfalds’ favour, 18-6, in the middle frame.
Trailing by three in the third, the Vipers came out with more energy but couldn’t solve Bulldogs goaltender Lukas Fursten. Luke Norcross sealed the win with a goal midway through the period, making it 4-0. Despite the scoreline, Jari Kykkanen was a bright spot for the Vipers, making 30 saves on 34 shots to keep the game close.
Saturday in Sherwood Park – Crusaders 6, Vipers 2
The Vipers aimed for a bounce-back performance Saturday night against the high-flying Sherwood Park Crusaders — and despite an improved effort, they fell 6-2.
Jari Kykkanen was sharp early, stopping 18 of 19 shots in the first period. Kyren Gronick gave Vernon an early lead with his 10th of the season, assisted by Tyson Zimmer and Ryan Watt. However, the lead was short-lived as BCHL’s top scorer, Jeremy Loranger, tied the game just 27 seconds later.
Sherwood Park’s quick-strike offense took over in the second period. Masun Fleece made it 2-1 with his 9th goal of the season, and Dalton MacGillivray followed with his 15th on a power play just 90 seconds later. Poul Andersen added another five minutes later, extending the lead to 4-1.
The Crusaders put the game away with two goals in 64 seconds early in the third from Alexander Dimitriadis and Lucas Brennan. Eddie Revenig added a late goal for the Vipers, but the deficit was too much to overcome. Kykkanen faced a barrage of shots once again, finishing with 39 saves on 45 attempts.
Looking Ahead
The Vipers will look to regroup on home ice as they host the Penticton Vees on Saturday night. A strong effort in front of the home crowd could be just what the team needs to get back on track in their playoff push.