Vipers, Warriors undefeated in exhibition play

It was a low-scoring affair as the Vernon Vipers edged the Penticton Vees in a 2-1 shootout win this past weekend in clubs’ first exhibition tilt of the B.C. Hockey League exhibition season.

Max Borovinskiy sealed the win for the Vipers as the only one of the three players per side to score in the shootout in front of approximately 1,800 fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

Newly arrived goaltender Luca Di Pasquo was sharp in his first appearance for the Vees, turning aside 25 of 26 shots en route to being named the game’s first star.

Ethan David, who served as the Vipers’ back-up netminder last season, stopped 40 of 451 shots to pick up the win.

Griffen Barr scored the Vipers only goal in regulation, a five-on-three power play tally early in the second period. Aydar Suniev replied for the Vees about five minutes into the third period to knot the score at 1-1.

The clubs do battle again this coming Friday, Sept. 16, at Kal Tire Place in Vernon. The Vees close out the exhibition season with a match against the Chilliwack Chiefs this coming Saturday, at 2 p.m. at the SOEC as a showcase game during the Vancouver Canucks Young Stars tournament.

West Kelowna 9, Chilliwack Chiefs 7

Jake Bernadet, Ben MacDonald and Luke Devlin each scored twice as the West Kelowna Warriors prevailed by a 9-7 mark in a wild exhibition game Sept. 9 against the Chilliwack Chiefs.

The teams combined for nine goals in the first period and started the third frame tied 6-6.

Angelo Zol picked up the win in net for the Warriors, stopping 18 of 25 shots, while Austin McNicholas blocked 18 of 26 shots in taking the loss for the Chiefs

Vernon 5, West Kelowna 2

Fresh off a shootout win the previous night, the Vernon Vipers picked up right where they left off, scoring five consecutive goals on their way to a 5-2 win over the West Kelowna Warriors on Sept. 10.

Barr, Regan Milburn, Isaac Tremblay, Ludovik Tardif and Ethan Merner all lit the lamp for the Vipers, while Kailus Green and Brennan Nelson replied for the Warriors.

Veteran netminder Roan Clarke blocked 40 of 42 shots for the win over Warriors counterpart Justin Katz, who stopped 24 of 29 shots directed his way.

The Warrors return to action this Wednesday, Sept. 14, when they visit the Vipers at Kal Tire Place at 7 p.m.

To Okanagan Newspaper Group CHERIE MORGAN PHOTOGRAPHY/Special Vernon Vipers forward Regan Milburn tries to stuff a puck past Penticton Vees netminder Luca Di Pasquo during BCHL exhibition action on Sept. 9 at the South Okanagan Events Centre.