Johnston scores twice as Vipers win Game 1

Declan Johnston scored twice as the Red Deer Vipers scored four times in the first period, propelling them to a 6-4 victory over the Airdrie Thunder in Game 1 of their best-of-seven North Division Final series on Wednesday evening.

Mack Differenz chipped in with a goal and assist, while netminder Branden Bilodeau turned aside a 38-save performance in the Red Deer crease, which included an 18-save second period.

Ben Shushkovsky, Lane Sim and Bailey Lawson rounded out the offence for Red Deer, which saw their 4-1 lead after 20 minutes turn into a 4-3 lead going into the final frame.

Zachary Giroux had two of the goals for the Thunder, while Jack MacCready and Dylan Wenzel had the other two.

Ryan Simpson suffered the loss between the pipes, finishing with 29 saves.

Game 2 of the series goes Friday evening in Airdrie. Puck drop at the Ron Ebbesen Arena is at 8:00pm.

GAME SUMMARY