The Centennials are back in the win column and find a measure of revenge against the Vernon Vipers as they even the season series 1-1 with a 5-2 win.
The first frame saw both teams skating well despite a depleted line up for the Vipers which saw them dress a lineup that was two short of a full compliment. The Centennials got an early powerplay opportunity and an early powerplay goal a night after they went 0/7. A shot from Matt Kopperud deflected off a defender and ended up on Nick Granowicz’s stick at the back door to put the Cents up 1 early. The Vipers were able to counter on their first powerplay opportunity as Jack Judson found the top corner from the blue line with a healthy screen in front.
The second period saw the whistle blown time after time in the Cents favour, but the Centennials couldn’t match their early success on the powerplay, and despite 4 opportunities with the extra man, couldn’t find the back of the net. The Vipers, however, would, and it was Teddy Wooding with the teams skating four-on-four who beat Vincent Duplessis on the third attempt after two huge saves by the Cents goalie. The Vipers would carry a 2-1 lead into the third.
After a sorry second, The Cents came out like a team possessed in the third and put themselves in the drivers seat early with a goal on the powerplay. Just under two minutes in Brad Cocca was able to wrist one far-side blocker on Aiden Porter to tie the game at 2. Within a minute, Daniel Tkac extended regained the lead with a beautiful individual effort. Cutting across the offensive blue line from right to left, he was given space by the Vipers D, and he walked in on the left side and roofed one blocker side on Porter to give the Cents the 3-2 lead. The Cents didn’t look back as Mathieu Gosselin added another on the powerplay, and Brendan Schneider iced the game with an empty netter to beat the Vipers 5-2.
The Cents had their best powerplay game of the season after a rocky start, and the offense continued to roll. The team will look to start up a streak as they head on an Island road swing next weekend with the first stop against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
