The West Kelowna Warriors could not find an equalizer late, as Andrew Shortridge made 37 saves to lead his Vernon Vipers to a 3-2 win on Friday night, which included a feisty finish.
It was the Vipers that opened the scoring and got the home crowd on their feet, as Riley Brandt snaked one past the outstretched glove of Matthew Greenfield.
The Warriors faithful always travel well, and they were able to cheer just a couple of minutes later, as Nick Rutigliano’s shot off the rush beat Andrew Shortridge on the glove side. Brett Mennear had the great pass to set up the goal.
The Vipers would be denied multiple times in the middle frame as Greenfield did his best work with some acrobatic saves during a couple of scrambles in front of the net.
Vernon thought they had taken the lead on a mid-period power play, but the goal was waved off as there was contact on the Warriors netminder.
West Kelowna couldn’t capitalize on a short power play opportunity with just under five minutes to go in the second, and Jagger Williamson made them pay after the penalty expired, as his slap shot beat Greenfield five-hole to give the Snakes a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes.
The Vipers and Warriors would spend a lot of time on special teams to begin the third period, and Liam Finlay gave the Vipers a two-goal lead with a beautiful goal stickhandling through the Warriors zone and going upstairs on Greenfield.
Rylan Yaremko got the Warriors to within one, but could not find the equalizer with the net empty in the final minute, as the Vipers blocked shots and Shortridge made a pair of saves in tight.
At the buzzer, Shortridge was knocked to the ice after celebrating in front of Kyle Marino, which drew a crowd and multiple instances of pushing and shoving. 48 minutes in penalties were handed out, but nothing that will carry over to Saturday.
The Warriors entertain the Chilliwack Chiefs on Saturday night, where one lucky fan will get the chance to win during the second intermission, in the T-Rex 10 Grand Shoot to Win. Tickets available at the box office starting at 6 PM.
