2009 RBC Cup

VIPERS INTO CHAMPIONSHIP GAME AFTER WIN OVER VOYAGEURS

VICTORIA, B.C. – Just how dominating were the Vernon Vipers during the first two periods of their 6-3 win over the Kingston Voyageurs in Friday’s first semifinal at the 2009 RBC Cup?

2009 RBC Cup Photo Gallery Post-game audio: PAC - Mark Ferner | CEN - Evan Robinson

Through 40 minutes, the Vipers had almost as many goals (five) as the Voyageurs had shots (seven).

Bryce Kakoske scored twice and added two assists to lead the offence as the Vipers advanced to the national championship game for the first time since 1999. They’ll have a chance on Sunday night to become the first team to win five National Junior A Championships.

Cameron Brodie added a pair of goals and Mike Collins and Cory Kane had one apiece as the Pacific Region champions overwhelmed Kingston in the first two periods, outshooting it 26-7 and taking a 5-0 lead into the dressing room.

The Voyageurs got goals from Justin Levac, Ben Power and Jeff Blackburn in the third period as they made the final score respectable. Kingston finished its season with back-to-back losses to Vernon, having dropped an 8-5 decision on Thursday in the round-robin finale.

Vernon’s back-to-back victories over the Voyageurs give them 24 wins all-time at the National Junior A Championship, more than any team in tournament history. They’ll go for 25 on Sunday (4:30 p.m. PT) when they face the winner of Friday’s late semifinal between Humboldt and Victoria.