The Trail Smoke Eaters meet the Vipers for the first time this season Friday night in Vernon.
The Smokies ended a four game slide in impressive fashion last Saturday with a 7-3 crushing of Cowichan Valley at Comino Arena.
They fired a season-high 54 shots on goal in a game where the Stefanek brothers stole the show.
Jason and Chase each had a goal and an assist and both goals were momentum stoppers.
Jason’s tally in the final minute of the second period restored a three-goal lead at 4-1 after the Capitals were gaining traction following their second period goal.
Chase deflected home a point shot shortly after Cowichan cut Trail’s lead to 4-2 in the opening minute of the final frame. They were the game’s 1st and 2nd stars and both now have 11 points.
Mathieu Cobetto-Roy skillfully swatted a saucer pass out of the air and into the net in the first period and assisted on a goal late in the third period to complete a five-point weekend, earning 2nd Star of the Week honours in the BCHL.
The Vipers recorded road wins last weekend in Salmon Arm and Merritt and have victories in four of their last five games.
Vernon is second in the Interior Conference with a 14-5 record, trailing the league-leading Penticton Vees by five points, while the Smoke Eaters are fifth at 8-8-4.
The Vipers’ high-octane offense, which has produced 86 goals, is bolstered by a power play that is at 28.4% overall and at 33.3% at home.
Owen Kim is the Vipers’ points leader with 21, including 16 assists, while Adam Csabi has a team-leading 12 goals.
The Smoke Eaters will have to face the potent Vernon attack without top-four defenseman, Patrick Reilly. He is still recovering from a concussion suffered almost two weeks ago in Cranbrook. Forwards Ethan Mann and Judah Makway also remain on the injured list.
Topping the Trail points parade is Max Potvin with 18, including 12 assists. Ridge Dawson, who is one point back, is tied for the team lead in goals with eight, along with Adam Marshall.
This is also the opener of a three game road swing that includes games Saturday in Merritt and next Wednesday in Penticton.
