I was at tonights Vipers Blue & White game as Team Blue won the second and final meeting between these two teams with a 7-5 come from behind win.
Team Blue looked strong for most parts of the opening period but it was Team Red who opened the scoring. Zach Station who got the start between the pipes for Team Blue wasnt all that busy. Tyler Steel who got the start for Team Red had to be sharp early making several key saves in a matter of a few minutes to keep his team in the game. Although Team Blue was the better of the two teams, Team Red took a 2-1 lead heading into the 2nd period.
Team Red jumped out to a 3-1 lead early into the 2nd before a fairly even played middle frame. A much fore physical-fiesty game as both teams were laying the body. Bryton Udy took over the nets midway through the middle frame after Zach Station gave up three goals. On the other side, Tyler Steel gave up just the lone goal as Blake Voth took over duties for Team Red. Team Red took a 4-3 lead heading into the 3rd.
Early into the final period Team Red scored shorthanded going up 5-3 before the wheels fell off. Team Blue mounted a strong comeback with two quick goals (one on the powerplay) to tie the game 5-5 and then took a 6-5 lead before adding an empty netter with just seven seconds remaining. Both teams really stepped up their play in the 3rd. Some good checks were laid out as well as some heated moments between players took place in a very fiesty 3rd period.
Here's a look at the players that I thought stood out,
Tyler Steel once again stood out for myself, as the young goaltender looked very good in the opening period making some key saves keeping his team in the game, when Team Blue had some good presure.
Malcolm Lyles played well, but saw very limited icetime in the 3rd period. Lyles who can skate well, also carries the puck well and reads the ice well.
Phillip Patenaude didnt really stand out in my mind last night, but as I watched him tonight I was fairly impressed. This kid has some size, moves the puck well and looked alright on the backend.
Todd Skirving didnt show me much last night, but I was impressed with the Viper recruit tonight. Everytime I looked up, Skirving either had the puck or dished it off making some nice heads up plays through out tonights contest. Stole the puck at the blueline shorthanded, making a nice pass over to Viper Trevor Fitsgerald for Team Reds 5th goal.
Patrick McGillis (2 goals) Looked very solid tonight. McGillis looks like hes ready to play on a regular shift this season, showed lots of hustle tonight & last night.
Marley Keca played a fairly steady game on Team Reds blueline tonight. I think heres a kid who has a good chance at cracking the Vipers lineup this coming season.
Bryton Udy who played fairly well last night, didnt look out of place tonight. Udy gave up just two goals tonight, but made some good saves in the 3rd to give his team a chance to make the big comeback. Plays his position well, a bigger kid who covers alot of the net, dosnt give up any rebounds and looked confident between the pipes.
Mike Zalewski didnt stand out as much as he did in last nights game, but I did notice him at times through out tonights game. Like I mentioned last night, he has some good size, has some good hands and can skate. I think he has a good chance at making the Vipers.
Gus Correale who impressed me at times last night, come to play tonight and I thought was Team Blues best player. Correale looked like a veteran out on the ice, carried the puck several times, made some real nice smart plays, showed good hustle, and played very well at both ends of the rink. Scored a real nice goal in the 2nd period, has some soft hands in and around the net, really showed his play making ability tonight. Took a slapshot off his arm late in the 3rd but seemed to be alright and finished the game.
Aaron Hadley I didnt see much from the Viper recruit last night and again tonight, until the 3rd when he really stepped up his game and played a strong 3rd period. Come out hitting, with two or three real big checks to start the 3rd. Looked good with the puck in and around the net. Lets hope he keeps this up in the pre season.
Marcus Basara I didnt see much in this Viper recruit last night, but was very impressed with his play in the first two periods of tonights game. Basara really showed off his speed and skill in the first two periods, looked very good.
Bryce Kakoske has lost alot of weight, looks very slim and in shape.
Logan Hawgood is the son of former NHLer Greg Hawgood. Both Hawgood and Jarome Iginla, two former Kamloops Blazers were spot seen at the Vipers camp today.
Word is the Vipers will now make a few cuts either tonight or sometime tomorrow before the team jumps on the bus for tomorrow nights game in Chase vs Trail.
After watching both Blue & White games, I was very impressed with the amount of talent, speed and skill at this years Vipers camp. I didnt really know what to expect going in. A very strong camp with lots of good players. Mark Ferner and Jason Williamson have some very tough choices to make.
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