The Penticton Vees struck first and early against the Vernon Vipers Friday, but it was the Vipers who came out victorious, 2-1 at the South Okanagan Events Centre.
Patrick Sexton gave the Vees a 1-0 lead 17 seconds into the game when his shot from the point found its way past Austin Smith. The Vipers evened things up midway through the second period on a goal by Michael McNicholas, setup by Liam Coughlin and Dexter Dancs.
Dancs, a former Vee named the game's first star, put the nail in the coffin as he beat Vees goalie Olivier Mantha on a penalty shot 6:48 in the third period.
Special teams was a non factor as the Vipers went 0-for-4, while the Vees were 0-for-6.
Smith made 28 saves for the win, while Mantha turned aside 28, facing seven shots in the third.
The Vees will host the Victoria Grizzlies at the SOEC Saturday at 6 p.m.