In one of the most crucial games of the season the Smokies came up short, losing in double overtime to the Vernon Vipers, 3-2. In what was described by Smokie’s Coach/GM, Nick Deschenes, as a goaltender’s dual proved to be one of the most entertaining games of the year. “It was a good crowd and great atmosphere,” said Deschenes and, “we definitely had our chances to win.” Despite the loss which has put Vernon 3 points ahead of the fifth place Smokies Deschenes is still optimistic going forward. “We need to make sure, the last game of the year, when we play Vernon next, means something.”
In the game played at the Cominco Arena last night, Trail, pictured above, opened the scoring at 4:09 of the first when Max Newton scored his 10th goal of the season with Nick Halloran and Kale Howarth assisting on the play.
The Smokies made it 2-0 at 9:59 of the second period when Kale Howarth scored his 9th goal of the season unassisted. Liam Finlay of the Vipers made it 2-1 at 13:58 of the period and Riley Brandt tied the game at 2 at 15:17.
The teams skated to a scoreless third period and first overtime period before Odeem Tufto of the Vipers scored at 2:57 of the second overtime to seal the win for the Vipers.
Bailey MacBurnie of the Smokies was named first star of the game making 49 saves on 52 shots while Andrew Shortridge of the Vipers was named third star with 52 saves on 54 shots. Odeem Tufto of the Vipers with 1 goal and 1 assist was named second star of the game. His goal was the winning goal in the second O/T period. Kale Howarth, of the Smokies, was named the Fortis Energy Player of the game.
Special teams played an important role in the game as the Smokies were 0 for 7 on the power play while the Vipers went 1 for 8.
The Smokies now find themselves 3 points behind Vernon for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Interior Division. Both teams have 12 games remaining with the Smokies having 7 home games to 5 away games.
The Smokies travel to West Kelowna on Tuesday and then visit the Penticton Vees on Friday in the first game of a home and home series. Penticton travels to Trail on Saturday night. Game time is 7:30 PM at the Cominco Arena.
