Vipers Brush Back BCHL’s Best:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers brush back BCHL’s best

Published: January 14, 2010

NANAIMO – Defenceman Kevin Kraus tossed a couple of heavy hits. His teammates backchecked, blocked shots and rushed the crease on offence.

It wasn’t your typical all-star classic, but it’s what the B.C. Hockey League governors wanted Wednesday night before 2,000 fans at Frank Crane Arena.

Kraus and the defending league champion Vipers stuffed the All-Stars 7-2 in the 41st affair, displaying their high-tempo style all night.

“Change is always good and obviously tonight was a little more of an intense game,” said Vernon head coach Mark Ferner. “We just needed to be simple; we needed to let the puck do the work. We knew we were playing a very, very talented hockey team.”

Mike Collins beat All-Star starter Frank Slubowski (Alberni Valley Bulldogs) just 5:48 into the game. Bryce Kakoske converted a Braden Pimm feed in tight 21 seconds later to make it 2-0.

Kellen Jones, who played with a full facial visor to protect a healing broken jaw, combined with his twin brother Connor to set up Collins. Kellen finished with three assists to earn MVP honours.

Connor Jones and Sawyer Mick scored 16 seconds apart midway through the second period to make it 4-0 Vernon. Kellen drew assists on both goals, while Connor had an assist on Mick’s tally.

Mitch MacMillan of the Bulldogs, who is shooting for 50 goals in 50 games (at 46), responded for the All-Stars two minutes later when he beat Blake Voth on a breakaway.

Pimm, at 16:08, and Mark Zengerle (Salmon Arm SilverBacks) for the All-Stars swapped goals late in the second period. MacMillan and Mike Krgovich of the Surrey Eagles assisted on Zengerle’s goal. Zengerle, who set up MacMillan’s goal, earned MVP for the All-Stars.

Collins and Rob Short completed the Vipers’ offence in the third period. Sahir Gill, playing his first game for the Vipers since leaving last summer for the USHL Chicago Steel, assisted on Short’s goal. Vernon outshot the All-Stars 29-26.

Graeme Gordon pitched a shutout in the first half for the Vipers. Loic Boivin of the Nanaimo Clippers and Sean Bonar of the Penticton Vees followed Slubowski in the All-Stars’ net.

Viper d-man Garrett Noonan said it was tough to design a game-plan: “I don’t think you can game plan for all those stars,” said the Boston product. “We just kept it simple and tried to do our job. I liked it (new format). I think it kept it pretty competitive and all the guys were happy to be a part of this.”

Said Penticton’s Beau Bennett, who is ranked 48th by Central Scouting among North American skaters, on playing Vernon: “They have all the right pieces. They’ve got the grinders and they’ve got the skilled guys and they put it together every night, just like tonight.”

Added d-man Shayne Taker of the Cowichan Valley Capitals: “Their puck possession in the offensive zone, you can’t match it. D zone, you have to be so active; they’re always moving. It’s tough to contain.”

SNAKE BITES: Kakoske and Connor Jones each finished with 1+2...Ex-Viper Steve Tresierra represented the Merritt Centennials on the All-Star squad...The Cents have added 19-year-old forward Lucas Dauost to their roster. He had 11 goals and 22 points with the Nipawin Hawks of the Manitoba Junior League last year...The Vipers play the Clippers tonight before meeting the Grizzlies Saturday night in Victoria, the Caps Sunday afternoon in Duncan and the Dawgs Tuesday night in Port Alberni. The Vipers meet the Westside Warriors next Friday and Saturday nights at home...Derek Huisman of the Sicamous Eagles scored twice in the Eddie Mountain Division’s 11-3 loss to the Neil Murdoch Division in the KIJHL All-Star Game Tuesday night before 300 fans at the Beaver Valley Arena. Vernon’s Trevor Fitzgerald (North Okanagan Knights) and future Viper Brendan Persley (Penticton Lakers) played for the Mountain All-Stars.