The Vernon Vipers and Westside Warriors both picked up where they left off prior to the holiday break, picking up wins on Tuesday evening in a pair of Interior Conference match-ups.
In Salmon Arm, a Kyle Singleton hat trick and a three-point effort from Cam Reid led Westside to a 7-3 triumph over the SilverBacks.
Following a scoreless first period, Singleton hit the scoreboard three times in the middle frame while Alex Grieve also tallied on a Warriors' power-play. Cam Reid, Dru Morrison and Trevor Bailey rounded out the scoring in the third period for the visitors, while Tyler Gubb, Travis Statchuk and Greg Noyes provided the offensive push for Salmon Arm.
Kevin Jebson stopped 30 shots in the victory for the Warriors, while Tony Ierfino collected 28 saves in a losing cause.
In Trail, the Smoke Eaters weathered the initial storm from a talented Vipers squad but ultimately fell by a 4-1 score.
After falling behind on goals by Sawyer Mick and Connor Jones, Trail's Thomas Abenante struck late in the second period to draw his team within one despite having been outshot by a 26-13 margin. The Vipers pushed back in the final frame, however, as third period goals from Braden Pimm and Cory Kane closed out the game.
Graeme Gordon made 25 saves in the victory, while Garrett Beckwith saw 40 shots in defeat.
The Smoke Eaters won't have to wait long for the opportunity to jump back into the win cloumn, as the Merritt Centennials visit on Wednesday in the lone Interior Conference contest on the BCHL schedule.
