The Vernon Vipers scored four answered goals to end the game and ruined a fine performance from Trail forward Travis St. Denis on Friday, topping the Smoke Eaters by an 8-4 score at the Wesbild Centre.
The teams traded a flurry of goals through the first half of the game, with St. Denis leading the charge for the visitors. The diminutive forward answered an early Cole Ikkala goal to tie the game, and scored back-to-back on second period power-plays to tie the game at 4-4.
The Interior Conference leaders took over in the second half on the game, however, as Connor Jones put the Vipers back in front with five minutes remaining in the middle frame. Goals from Dan Nycholat, Rob Short and Kellen Jones in the third period iced the victory.
Kiefer Smiley held Trail in the game through two periods with 32 saves, and faced a total of 50 shots on the evening. Graeme Gordon was less busy at the other end of the ice, making 17 saves in the victory.
The teams are set to meet again on Saturday in the second of back-to-back games at the Wesbild Centre.
