Former Nelson Junior Leafs sniper Dylan Walchuk has helped propel the Vernon Vipers into the BCHL’s Fred Page Cup.
With an incredible four-goal performance last Friday, Walchuk and the Vipers defeated the Salmon Arm Silverbacks 5-4 to take the Junior A league’s semi-final series 4-2. Walchuk’s goal scoring rampage included the game winner in the third period.
Walchuk played for the Nelson Leafs during their KIJHL championship run in the 2008-09 season. After his season here Walchuk, a native of McBride, made the Vernon team that won the Fred Page Cup in 2010 and lost a 4-3 Doyle Cup series to the Spruce Grove Saints last spring.
In the series against Salmon Arm, the Vipers dropped the first two games before storming back to win four straight. Walchuk was named first star in two of the last four games. He has registered eight goals and five assists so far in the playoffs.
The league championship matches the Vipers against the Powell River Kings, who won their series against Surrey. The series begins tonight in Powell River.
Last season the 19-year-old committed to Northern Michigan University where he will eventually begin his NCAA Division I career.