The Vipers opened defense of their EHF Invitational Championship with a strong effort but came up just short dropping a 4-3 decision to the talented Kings. Both teams exchanged a couple of scoring chances in the exciting first period but the score would stand at 0-0 after both goalies came up with some key stops for their team. The Vipers finally broke through on the PP with 6 minutes left in the second period as JT Chamberlain one-timed home the rebound of a nice shot by Steven Tettoni, Patrick McCarthy also picking up a helper on the play, and that is how the second period would end. It took the Kings exactly one minute to flex their muscle and tie the score at 1. A minute and a half later Kyle Lynch(0-2-2) would jump on a Kings turnover at their blueline who would push the puck to Dante Maribito who would push the puck to Kyle Hentosh (1-1-2) and they would go on a 2v0, Henny would slide it back over to Maribito who would bury the go ahead goal to go up 2-1. Just 17 seconds later the Kings would charge back and tie the game at 2. A little over a minute later the Kings would grab their first lead at 3-2, but just 26 seconds later Christian Kukas would take a pass from Lynchy and take a blast from the point that Kyle Hentosh would do a good job of redirecting past the helpless Kings goaler. The Kings would then strike back for good 2 minutes later with the game winner coming on the power play. The Vipers would get what appeared to be the equalizer again but the official blew the whistle before the puck crawled over the line. SO if you are keeping track at home thats 6 goals in 6 minutes between both teams to start the exciting third period between these 2 evenly matched teams. The Vipers are back at it tomorrow afternoon against the Rochester Monarchs.