Through two games at the RBC Cup, the 2009 Fred Page and Doyle Cup champions have continued to prove what numerous opponents already discovered: It's a Vernon Vipers world and the rest of us are just living in it.
Facing the defending National Champion Humboldt Broncos, the Vipers struck early and often, cruising to a 7-1 victory.
Seven different players hot the scoresheet for Vernon, with Rob Short's game opening tally followed by efforts from Ryan Santana, Cole Ikkala, Mike Collins, Kellen Jones, Chris Crowell and Sahir Gill.
Short, along with Braden Pimm and Kyle Bigos, each posted three-point evenings. Joel Belair, meanwhile, notched the lone Broncos marker midway through the second period.
Vipers netminder Andrew Hammond was once again solid between the pipes, though he was rarely busy on a night where he faced just 20 shots. Humboldt counterparts Mathieu Larochelle and Andrew Bodnarchuk, conversely, were shelled for seven goals on 30 shots.
The Vipers now hold a 2-0 record and seem likely to have already secured one of four spots in Friday's semi-finals. They Pacific champs are unlikely to be satisfied, however, as an all-BCHL clash with the Victoria Grizzlies looms on Tuesday evening. Face off is at 7:00 PM from the Bear Mountain Arena.
