The Vernon Vipers started their road trip on the right foot, thumping the Coquitlam Express 7-1 on Wednesday, Nov. 27.
Vernon would score the first six goals of the game, all within a 27 minute span in the opening two periods.
Jakub Galnor scored twice, as Keeghan Dunn, Erik Pastro, Will Schumacher and Luke Bibby also tallied markers as the Vipers were up 6-0 at the end of the second, with 29 total shots on net.
The Express would wrangle one back midway through the third, with Thomas Zocco's seventh of the season. Four minutes later, Shea Busch's team-leading 12th of the season would restore the six-goal lead, as the Vipers would win, 7-1.
Former Kelowna Rockets goaltender Jari Kykkanen was solid in net once again, making 27 saves for his second win of the season in as many games. Express' Andrew Ness (former Penticton Vees goalie) was bludgeoned with 33 shots, stopping 26 as he took his second loss of the year.
Pastro added two assists for a three-point night, while Noah Grolnic chipped in with two helpers.
The Vipers (8-10-4) now move to the Island, to battle the Nanaimo Clippers on Friday night. They then move to Powell River to duel with the Kings on Saturday.
In roster news, the Vipers announced the signing of forward Dennis Lominac. The Michigan native has played a season in the OHL with the Sarnia Sting, accumulating five points in 58 games.
This year, the 18-year-old split his time between the Saint John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL and the Summerside Western Capitals of the Maritime Junior Hockey League.
“Dennis is an interesting player as he has a high-end offensive toolset, but also brings grit and a willingness to play on the edge," said Vipers head coach Lukas Lomicky. "We’re looking forward to having Dennis in our lineup to help offensively, and we know he’ll be the right fit for what we’re looking for.”
Lominac expressed his eagerness to join the Vipers, and said that with the NCAA rule change he "hopes to earn a scholarship."
