Bryce Kakoske and Connor Jones each had a goal and two assists while Cole Ikkala scored twice for Vernon as the Vipers beat the Merritt Centennials 7-1 in BC Hockey League play Tuesday night.
Mike Collins and Braden Pimm each had two point nights for Vernon (30-2-0-1), while Corey Kane and Adam Thompson also scored.
Dustin Johnson, with his 20th of the season, replied for Merritt (10-22-0-2). Derek Hills and Colton Sobchak got the assists.
Blake Voth made 22 saves to pick up the win for the Vipers. Keith Hamilton stopped 15 shots to take the loss for the Centennials. He was replaced at the 3:02 mark of the third period by affiliate netminder Riley Wall, who allowed two goals on seven Vernon shots.
Merritt went 0-for-4 with the man advantage while Vernon was 1-for-1 on their power play.
The Centennials continue a stretch of five straight road games Friday in Trail while the Vipers are back on home ice Friday for a game against Salmon Arm.
News & Notes: The Cents have surrendered seven goals or more in 14 of 34 games this season…Derek Hills first period assist extended his point streak to six games (3g, 9a)…Alex Valenti was scratched with an undisclosed lower body injury…Ryne Bodger remains at home in Duncan due to illness…Cole Holowenko missed his second straight game as he's still with the WHL's Chilliwack Bruins…The Cents remain winless on the road, with a 0-15-0-2 record.
