The Vernon Vipers' grip on first place in the Interior Conference grew tighter on Friday evening, as the defending RBC Cup champs skated to a 5-3 decision over the visiting Penticton Vees.
Kellen Jones opened the scoring for Vernon just 3:52 into regulation on a play set up by brother Connor and team captain Kevin Kraus. The home side then took control in the second period, as back-to-back power play markers in the span of 1:59 widened the lead to three goals. The Vees did pull within a goal midway through the final frame, but Braden Pimm put the game away on a Vernon man advantage with 33 seconds remaining.
Connor Jones led the way offensively for the Vipers, scoring once and adding a pair of assists. Dan Nycholat and Kellen Jones each finished the night with two points. With the victory, Vernon extended their lead over Penticton to four points with four regular season games remaining for both clubs. The Vees will have the opportunity to make up some ground on Wednesday when they host a rematch at the South Okanagan Events Centre.
In other Interior Conference action:
- The Merritt Centennials scored three times in the span of 1:43 early in the third period and held on for a 4-3 victory on the road in Salmon Arm. Alex Valenti scored twice in the final 20 minutes for the Cents, including the game winner with just seven seconds remaining in regulation.
- Sean Nugent broke a 2-2 third period deadlock and Justin Brown added the insurance as the Trail Smoke Eaters picked up a crucial 4-2 home ice win over the Westside Warriors. Kyle Singleton and Max French replied for the visitors, while Trail's Nick Sandor and Michael Betz each finished the game with two assists.
