The Salmon Arm SilverBacks overcame a three-goal deficit in Game 6 of the BCHL Interior Conference finals, but it just wasn't enough.
Behind 3-1 after the first period, and 4-1 in the second, the Gorillas battled back in front of a home crowd to within one goal of a five-all tie in regulation time. Goaltender Kris Moore sat on the bench during the final minute, but the Vipers weren't to be overcome. The score remained 5-4.
Despite beginning the series with a 2 game lead, the SilverBacks succumbed to the Vipers who came back with a vengeance, taking four straight.
The Vernon Vipers will now meet the Powell River Kings in the league final, the third year for this match-up. Powell River defeated the Surrey Eagles in the Coastal Conference.
For more details and a season wrap-up, see Wednesdays print edition of the Observer.
* After Game 5, the Salmon Arm SilverBacks found themselves in the uncomfortable position of being behind in the series after Vernon captured victory in overtime.
Thursday night at Wesbild Centre, Vipers forward Aaron Hadley netted the winner 5:43 into the first OT period as he pounced on a loose puck behind netminder Kris Moore to give the Snakes a 3-2 win over the SilverBacks in front of 2,300 fans.
It was the first home win by either team in the best-of-seven series.