BY MICHAEL DAVID

The Sun Valley Suns spent too much time in the penalty box Saturday night against the Breckenridge Vipers.

The last of those penalties cost them dearly, as the Vipers scored a power-play in overtime to take the victory by a score of 3-2.

It was the Suns’ first loss of the season, as the teams split the two-game set with the Suns dominating on Friday night at the Campion Ice House by a score of 6-1.

On Saturday, 17 minutes into a defensive first period, the Suns took a 1-0 lead on a goal by Chad O’Brien, with assists going to Robbie Murden and Doug Yates. But the Vipers bounced back and tied the game 2:45 into the second period. 

The Suns managed to kill two penalties following the Breckenridge score, but the Vipers scored with 3:28 remaining in the period to take a 2-1 lead into the final intermission.

Both defenses stiffened in the third period until the Suns broke through on a goal by Justin Taylor to tie the game at two goals apiece.  Sun Valley again killed two more penalties to force the overtime period.

The Suns had chances early in overtime, but were thwarted by the Viper goalkeeper.  A penalty by the home team gave the visitors a one skater advantage, and Breckenridge took full advantage, scoring late to snare the victory and the series split.

The Suns now have three wins and one loss on the season.

Next up for the Suns is a road trip to Jackson to take on the Moose: Friday and Saturday, Dec. 15-16.

Next home game for the Suns is Saturday, Dec. 23, as they take on the Future Suns. Puck drops at 7 p.m. at Campion Ice House.