Goals 1:08 apart midway through the first period gave the Vernon Vipers a firm grasp on their meeting with the Portage Terriers Monday on their way to a 5-2 triumph.
David Robinson opened the scoring as the Vipers capitalized on a 5-on-3 power play at 11:52. Still a man up, Ryan Renz scored his first goal of the postseason to make it 2-0 Vernon.
Dylan added a goal at 17:15 of the first to give the Snakes a commanding 3-0 lead after 20 minutes in which Vernon dominated Portage to the tune of a 14-1 margin in shots on goal.
The only goal of the second belonged to Vernon as well with Walchuk again doing the damage.
Early in the third, the Terriers showed some bite as they got a goal from Tanner Waldvogel at 1:47 and Stephane Pattyn brought Portage within two goals on a tally at 8:42.
But John Knisley scored his second of the tournament just past the midway point of the third to restore a three-goal lead and make for the 5-2 final score.
Walchuk was named Player of the Game for Vernon and wound up with two goals and an assist. He is now tied with teammates Darren Nowick, John Knisley and Michael Zalewski for the tournament scoring lead with three points.
Vernon's next game is Wednesday, May 4 at 2:30 p.m. when they take on former Viper Elliott Richardson and the Wellington Dukes.
More RBC Cup coverage at Hockey Canada's official tournament page HERE
