VIPERS LOSE GAME FOUR HEARTBREAKER

VIPERS LOSE GAME FOUR HEARTBREAKER

Nick Glackin scores twice in Red Deer’s Game Four 4-3 defeat to Airdrie; series tied 2-2.

For Immediate Release

Saturday, February 20, 2016

Red Deer, AB – Saturday night at the Red Deer Arena saw the Red Deer Vipers host the Airdrie Thunder in Game Four of their Heritage Junior Hockey League North Division Semi-Final. Looking for the 3-1 series lead, the Vipers started Cole Sears between the pipes, while the Thunder countered with Kade Taplin.

Much like the last game in Red Deer, Airdrie took an early lead as Kody Mcmanus put a puck past Sears off a faceoff 66 seconds into the game for the 1-0 lead. The Thunder would then strike for their second of the night as Clay Murray broke in alone on Sears and fired a shot over the glove of the Vipers’ netminder. Airdrie would take a 2-0 lead into the first intermission.

The Thunder struck again early into the middle period as Mark Kunitz roofed a backhand deke past Sears after a Vipers defensive miscue to give the visitors the 3-0 lead. Airdrie continued to hold a huge edge in play, which was highlighted by a parade to the penalty box by the home side. Despite the numerous powerplays, including an extended five-on-three man advantage, the Thunder could not put another one past Sears, as Red Deer’s goaltender made several point blank stops to keep his team within striking distance. The second period ended with Airdrie leading 3-0.

The Vipers opened the final period with an early powerplay and made no mistake tallying their first of the night. After a point shot was thrown on net, forward Nick Glackin corralled the rebound and slotted it past Taplin to cut the Thunder lead to 3-1. The goal sparked the home side as they continued to pressure Airdrie and were rewarded their second goal with seven minutes to play. From the left side Matt Krusky toe dragged around a defender and then fed a pass to Glackin who tapped in his second of the night. Red Deer then completed the three goal comeback with 2:42 left on the clock as Avery Weenink broke in alone on Taplin and threw the puck five-hole to tie the game 3-3. Despite the three goal comeback, the Vipers would give a heart breaking game winning tally to Thunder player Parker Georgsen, who put a shot past the blocker of Sears with 27 seconds remaining to give the visitors the win. Thunder 4 Vipers 3.

The best-of-seven series is now tied 2-2.

Game Five will take place Tuesday, February 23^rd in Airdrie, with Game Six taking place on Wednesday, February 24^th at the Red Deer Arena. Puck drop is to be determined.

The Red Deer Vipers are proud to host the 2016 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships taking place March 31^st – April 3^rd, 2016. Head over to the Vipers website at www.reddeervipers.com for more information.