During a Game 2 loss in their Interior Conference semi-final series, the Vernon Vipers poured the shots on Millionaires netminder Kirby Halcrow but struggled to find the back of the net. That problem was remedied early and often on Friday, as the defending Fred Page Cup champions took back the series lead with an 8-4 victory in Quesnel.
Connor Jones opened the scoring for the Vipers at the 4:14 mark of the first period off a set-up from brother Kellen, and Sahir Gill doubled the lead before intermission. But it was midway through the second when Vernon took command, as Adam Thompson and Kellen Jones scored just 20 seconds apart to expand the lead to four goals.
Rylan Stanyer and Cole Ikkala then traded goals before the Millionaires scored back-to-back power-play markers to draw within a pair early in the third. But the Vipers refused to give any more ground, replying with goals from Connor Jones, Jonathan Milhouse and Gill to close out the victory.
Blake Voth saw his first action of the series in net for the visitors and made 33 saves in the win. Halcrow, who was the backbone of a Mills split in Vernon, allowed seven goals on 25 shots before being relieved by Luke Siemens late in the contest.
Quesnel will look to draw back even with the Interior's top seed when they face off on Saturday evening at the Quesnel Twin Arenas.
Meanwhile, the Westside Warriors avoided falling down three games to the Penticton Vees, scoring three times in the third period of a 4-1 home ice victory at Royal LePage Place.
Following a scoreless first period, Warriors regular season scoring leader Trevor Bailey put the home side on the board 1:07 into the middle frame. But it took little time for the Vees to reply, as Logan Johnston beat third star Kevin Jebson four minutes later to set up a tense final 20 minutes.
Westside came through under pressure in the third, however, as an early goal from Cole Wilson was supported by further tallies from Spencer Humphries and Quinn Gould. Bailey picked up a pair of third period assists and finished with three points on the night.
Vees netminder Sean Bonar came into the game with league-leading postseason number, but he was bested on the night by Jebson. The 20-year old Warriors starter made 37 saves, including 13 as his teammates found their offensive groove in the final period.
Westside now has the opportunity to draw even at two games apiece with the Vees when the teams meet in Game 4 on Saturday at 7:00 PM.
