The first minute or so of each period was pretty good for the Vernon Vipers as they scored a 3-2 overtime win against the Spruce Grove Saints to edge within a win of getting back to the RBC Cup by taking a 3-2 series lead in the Doyle Cup.
Vernon scored 66 seconds into the game with Dylan Walchuk doing the damage though that lead was a short-lived one with the series' leading goalscorer Scott Allen replying for the Saints just 12 seconds later.
The Vipers penalty killing was forced to be sharp in the opening frame as they worked off three man advantages, including one 5-on-3 situation where Vipers goalie Kirby Halcrow had to be alert. Vernon had a chance to go take the lead but Marcus Basara was stopped by Vince Marozzi.
In the second period, there was no scoring with Vernon having a 10-8 edge in shots.
In the third, again the Vipers employed an early attack to regain the lead with Walchuk scoring again 65 seconds in on the power play. The 2-1 lead lasted until the midway point of the third when Spruce Grove's David Glen scored the goal which would force overtime.
In OT, it was another early goal – this one coming before the ice had dried. Bryce Kakoske played hero for the visitors as he beat Vince Marozzi on a rebound from a Max Mowat shot.
Vernon wound up 1-4 on the power play while holding the Saints scoreless in four attempts. The Vipers held a slight edge in shots for the game as well, 25-23.
-Walchuk and Allen are now tied atop the Doyle Cup scoring table. Each has five points though four of Allen's are goals.
-The visiting team has now won four straight games in this series and is 4-1 overall. The only win by a home team was Vernon's 3-1 decision in Game 1.
-Vernon's Patrick McGillis, the current BCHL Player of the Week, missed his second straight game with an undisclosed injury suffered at the end of Game 3.
Vernon now has a chance to end the Saints' season with Game 6 set for Saturday night at 6 p.m. Pacific time.
