The Vernon Vipers were tough to beat at the end of the 2008/09 season, winning 12 consecutive games on their Fred Page, Doyle and RBC Cup run. And while a single game won't tell the big-picture story when it comes to what the 09/10 campaign has in store, all signs point to another strong year for the Interior Conference champions.
Facing off against the Salmon Arm SilverBacks — who they toppled en route to the League Championship series in the spring — the Vipers received a pair of goals from Mike Collins through two periods and picked up a late winner from Cole Ikkala in a 3-2 home ice win.
Greg Noyes and Charlie Vasaturo picked up the SilverBacks' markers, while netminder Tony Ierfino shone in turning aside 39 of 42 Vipers shots. Second-year forward Christopher Hoe picked up a pair of assists in the losing cause.
The SilverBacks won't have long to wait when it comes to having an opportunity for payback against their Interior rivals, as the team's will hook up again on Saturday night in Salmon Arn.
Westside 8 @ Prince George 3
The Westside Warriors spoiled what was shaping up to be a perfectly good home opener for the Spruce Kings, going behind 2-1 through 20 minutes but replying with seven goals en route to a commanding win.
Warriors forward Cam Reid, who put off his scholarship to the University of New Hampshire until 2010 to suit up for one more season in junior, made an immediate impact with points on his team's first four goals. The Nashville Predators draft pick scored once and set up goals by Scott MacDonald, Brendan Ellis and Trevor Bailey.
Brooks Robinson tallied in his first game back in the league since a deadline deal sent him to the AJHL's Grand Prairie Storm in January, while recently-named Prince George assistant captain Nick DeSousa opened the scoring 5:08 into the game on a power-play marker.
The Warriors now travel to Quesnel to open the Millionaires' season on Saturday while Prince George hopes for a better home result tomorrow when they host the Penticton Vees.
Trail 2 @ Merritt 4
One game does not a season make, but the Merritt Centennials will be pleased nonetheless following a solid opening night effort that produced a solid victory over the Smoke Eaters.
With new head coach Dylan Forsythe behind the bench, the Cents took an early lead on a Ryne Bodger power-play marker. Trail bounced back quickly on tallies from Tye Lewis and Steve Koshey, but couldn't beat Merritt netminder Norbert Biszczak after the 7:24 mark of the first period.
Meanwhile, the Centennials re-took the lead in the middle frame on Bodger's second of the game and a Thomas Hardy effort. Derek Hills' power-play goal three minutes into the third period iced the win.
The Smokies will now return home with a week to prepare for a shot at the Vernon Vipers next weekend, while Merritt continues a brief three-game homestand on September 18th when the Prince George Spruce Kings visit.
Penticton @ Williams Lake
Re-cap to follow.
