Another game - another one goal loss - another injury.

Such is the start to the 2012-2013 BCHL season for the Vernon Vipers.

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet

The Vernon Vipers were unable to come up with equalizer late in a 4-3 loss to Powell River Sunday

Following Saturday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Penticton Vees, the Vipers wound up on the wrong end of a 4-3 score Sunday morning against the Powell River Kings.

The Vipers scored all their goals in a three minute span at the end of the first and carried that slim one goal margin into the final period.

The lead held up until Matt Scarth beat Austin Smith seven minutes into the third to tie it 3-3.

Jarryd Leung scored what proved to be the game winner six minutes later with Logan Mick off for cross-checking.

Unlike Saturday when Adam Tambellini forced overtime with a goal late in regulation, the Vipers were unable to get to the extra period despite several late scoring chances.

Tambellini had the best chance but was unable to jam a loose puck across the goal line.

"Absolutely we have to find a way to bury those but we don't want to leave it up to the last minute," says Vipers head coach Jason Williamson.

"We want to make sure that we're the team protecting the lead late. We have to do the little details better."

Back-up netminder Joe Young got the start against the Kings but lasted just nine minutes after surrendering two goals on four shots, putting the Vipers in an early hole.

Aaron Hadley shorthanded got one back before Tambellini and Mitch Val Teeling scored 21 seconds apart in the final minute to give the Vipers the lead.

"We did some good things, but we let the game get away from us. We have to find a way to win those one goal games," says Williamson.

"I know it's early in the season but we have to learn from our mistakes and get back to work this week."

After losing defenceman Marc Hetnik to a leg injury in overtime against the Vees, forward Mitch McAllister left Sunday's game in the first period with an injury and did not return.

The Vipers will try to get things turned around this coming weekend when they take on the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in a home and home set Friday in Salmon Arm and Saturday in Vernon.