The Smoke Eaters head to Vernon for their final test of the regular season against the Vipers, looking to end the season on the right note ahead of playoffs.
Season series versus Vernon
Dec. 3 Trail 3 at Vernon 5 Final
Dec. 10 Vernon 2 at Trail 3 Final SL OT
Jan. 19 Trail 1 at Vernon 2 Final SL OT
Feb. 2 Vernon 3 at Trail 2 Final
Feb. 25 Vernon 3 at Trail 2 Final SL OT
Mar. 23 Trail at Vernon 7:00 pm PDT
The Smoke Eaters will look to head into the playoffs on a high note as they head into the final week of the season. With their first round matchup now set in stone against the Penticton Vees, it’s all about putting their best foot forward and perfecting details of their game ahead of the playoffs. While the three games won’t impact the standings for either team, the Smoke Eaters can use these games to build a bit of momentum after falling to the Wenatchee Wild during their three game road trip last week. The Smoke Eaters and Vipers have played four very tight games, with three of the five this season needing a shootout to be decided. As both sides look to shore up their details ahead of the post season it’s likely we’ll see another one goal game.
Smoke Eaters leading scorers
Hunter (21-35-56)
Michaelis (26-22-48)
Lagerback (24-24-48)
Disher (12-25-37)
Bushy (6-26-32)
The Vipers have won three of their last four games, with wins against Cranbrook and two against Merritt before losing this past weekend to their first round opponents the West Kelowna Warriors 6-1. The Vipers have been one of the hottest teams in the second half of the season going 19-6-1 to leap frog both the Smoke Eaters and Wild to finish in the 6th seed in the Interior Conference. Roan Clarke has been a big part of that run, along with the Vipers getting healthy in the back half of the season. The Vipers ability to win one goal games in the second half has also been part of their rise up the standings. It’s something that’s sure to benefit them come the post season. The Vipers have won the last three meeting against the Smoke Eaters, with all of them being decided by just one goal.
Vipers leading scorers
Buss (16-19-35)
Milburn (15-17-32)
MacDonald (13-17-30)
Tanaka-Campbell (9-21-30)
Shostak (11-18-29)
Smoke Eaters and Vipers for the final time this season, puck drop is set for 7PM from Kal Tire Place. Catch all the action on BCHLTV or listen on Mixlr starting at 6:50pm.
