Vipers 7 Smoke Eaters 2

Vernon got two-goal performances from three different forwards to dispatch the Smokies 7-2 at Wesbild Centre Saturday.

Adam Tambellini, Jedd Soleway and Colton Sparrow each scored twice while Brendan Persley added three points in his return to Vernon as the Vipers secured their first win on home ice this season.

Vernon opened the scoring on an awkward bounce 1:14 into the game. A Tambellini point shot deflected off a Trail defenseman's glove and past a prone Lyndon Stanwood.

The two teams traded chances until the 5 minute mark of the second, when Soleway fired home a wrister from the left circle. 1:46 later, Sparrow opened his 2012-13 account after a rebound bounced him in the low slot.

Tyler Berkholtz would score his first as a Smoke Eater with just under 5 minutes left in the middle frame, as a turnover found its way to him in the left circle.

Soleway would score Vernon's fourth goal shortly thereafter on a sharp cross-crease feed from Persley.

Berkholtz started the third on the right foot for Trail, converting a pick-pocket job by Jesse Knowler 1:12 into the final frame, but Vernon's special teams would kick into high gear from then on.

Sparrow and Persley would score power-play goals, before a Tambellini short-handed marker rounded out the scoring with 6:45 left.

Stanwood made 34 saves in the Trail goal, while Austin Smith stopped 20 shots for his second BCHL win.

The Smokies battled hard before frustration set in through the latter part of the third and to me, deserved a better fate. 3 power-play goals against were the result of quick puck movement and puck possession by Vernon, who looked full of energy after a week-long layoff.

My 3 Stars:
1. Jedd Soleway, Vernon
2. Adam Tambellini, Vernon
3. Colton Sparrow, Vernon

Up Next: Trail will travel to West Kelowna for a rematch with the Warriors next Friday. That game marks the front end of a busy, three-in-three weekend that sees the Smokies welcome Vernon and Powell River next Saturday and Sunday.

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