The Vernon Vipers grounded the Trail Smoke Eaters 4-1 in B.C. Hockey League action Wednesday night before 1,600 fans at Kal Tire Place.
The Vipers got goals from all three top lines and added an empty-netter to move into sole possession of third place in the super tight Interior Division, one point ahead of the Merritt Centennials, 5-1 losers to the host Langley Rivermen.
Luke Voltin, T.J. Dumonceaux, Anthony Latina and Liam Coughlin scored for the Vipers (9-5-0-1), while Kienan Scott replied for the Smokies (8-7). Trail and the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, who fell 5-4 to the Coquitlam Express Wednesday night, share last place in the division.
Vernon outshot Trail 39-26 with Jarrod Schamerhorn improving to 6-5. Rookie Brett Clark was solid in his third outing, falling to 1-2.
There was no scoring in a sloppy first period with the Vipers going in front 2-1 after 40 minutes.
The West Kelowna Warriors stopped the Penticton Vees' win streak at 13 games with a 3-2 victory in front of 2,500 fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre. West Kelowna is second at 10-5-0-2. The Vees, who are without leading scorer Tyson Jost and d-man Dante Fabbro (at the World Under 17 Challenge in Sarnia, Ont.), are 16-2, 20 points ahead of the Warriors.
Please see Friday's Morning Star for further Viper coverage.