The Vernon Vipers came out on the losing end of their 2010 RBC Cup opener on Saturday night, dropping a 6-5 overtime decision to the host Kings at Credit Union Place in Dauphin, MB.
Kellen Jones and Braden Pimm put the Vipers out to a two-goal lead with back-to-back tallies in the first period, but Colton Graf brought Dauphin back within one before intermission. Cody Esposito squared the score early in the second, but Vernon quickly re-established their advantage with Jones's second of the night and a marker from Mike Collins.
The Kings refused to quit in the third period, however, as the back-and-forth contest was drawn even once more on goals from Troy Hunter and Esposito. David Robinson replied for the Vipers, but the Fred Page and Doyle Cup champs lost hold of the lead for a final time when Zeanan Ziemer forced overtime with 5:40 remaining in regulation.
Dauphin wasted little time in the extra frame, as Mathew Backhouse netted the game winner just 42 seconds after puck drop. Joe Caligiuri picked up the win for the host team with a 28-save effort, while Graeme Gordon faced 35 shots in the loss.
Vernon will look to draw their tournament record even at 1-1 when they face the SJHL champion La Ronge Ice Wolves on Sunday evening. Faceoff is set for 5:00 PM Pacific time.
