(Game Preview) Vipers Home Opener: Salmon Arm @ Vernon:

Salmon Arm (0-0) @ Vernon (0-0)

Tonight is opening night and the start of the 50th regular season for the BCHL. Tonight is the Vipers home opener as they face one of their old time arch rivals in a home and home series with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Tonight will be the third straight meeting between both clubs. Vernon defeated Salmon Arm last weekend in a home and home exhibition series. Vernon won five out of seven meetings between these two teams last year. Tonight is going to be very special for all Viper fans and the returning seven players from last years RBC Cup winning team as the team will raise the 2010 RBC Cup Banner along with the other banners the Vipers won during last years long playoff drive. The Vipers are trying to become the first team in history to try and win three straight National Championships. 21 years ago the Vernon Lakers won back to back Centennial Cups but fell short of winning three straight with a loss in the Centennial Cup semi-final.

Let's take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

Vernon finished atop the BCHL standings last season with a record of 51-6-0-3 winning the 2010 Royal Bank Cup. The Vipers have just seven players back from last years championship team. Some Viper fans are calling this a rebuilding season. Vernon has lost some key veterans from last years team, wich will be very hard to replace. Tonight is the first look for Viper fans at their 2010-11 Vipers other then the teams one and only exhibition game last weekend. Vernon is coming off a perfect 4-0 record in exhibition action.

Returning Players:

Bryce Kakoske (90)
David Robinson (90)
Blake Voth (91)
Steve Weinstein (90)
Adam Thompson (90)
Dylan Walchuk (92)
Patrick McGillis (91)

Departing & traded players from last years team:

Connor Jones (90)
Mike Collins (90)
Braden Pimm (89)
Cory Kane (90)
Jonathan Milhouse (89)
Kellen Jones (90)
Rob Short (89)
Cole Ikkala (90)
Dan Nycholat (89)
Kevin Kraus (89)
Curtis Gedig (91)
Garrett Noonan (91)
Sahir Gill (92)
Darrin Robak (91)
Graeme Gordon (89)

KEY RETURNEES: F Dylan Walchuk (19-28-47), Bryce Kakoske (13-28-41), Dave Robinson (15-10-25), D Adam Thompson (5-20-25), D Stevie Weinstein (4-18-22), G Blake Voth (1.79 GAA, 92.90 save percentage).

ROOKIE SENSATIONS: Power forward Aaron Hadley scored at a point-a-game clip, and added 94 penalty minutes, as a 16-year-old with the KIJHL Beaver Valley Nitehawks. F Trevor Fitzgerald surpassed all expectations last season, leading the expansion North Okanagan Knights with 67 points in 49 games. The Vernon product also practised with the Snakes and played in the Royal Bank Cup championships. F Marcus Basara (37-28-65) led the Notre Dame Hounds to their second straight Telus Cup title.

Let's take a look at the Salmon Arm Silverbacks:

Salmon Arm finished the regular season last year with a record of 29-25-3-3 finishing off in 4th place in the Interior Division, but went out in five games in the first round of the playoffs to the Quesnel Millionaires. This led to the firing of head coach Matt Hughes. Over the off season former Vernon Laker & current Silverbacks GM Rylan Ferster left the team and signed on as the new head coach-gm of the KIJHL Revelestoke Grizzlies. The Backs then hired former Trail Smoke Eaters head coach, Tim Kehler as the teams new head coach and gm as well as new assistant coach Dave Erickson. The Backs have thirteen players returning from last years hockey club. Salmon Arm will be looking to compete with some of the top Interior teams this coming season after struggling with basically a 500 hockey team last year. Can the Silverbacks compete in the top four in the Interior Division this year? Salmon Arm has some key veterans returning, that will try and help lead the Silverbacks into a long playoff run. This the Backs third of four straight games vs the defending RBC Cup Champs. Should make for an interesting four games. Salmon Arm is coming off a 1-3 record in exibition play.

Former Vernon Vipers assistant coach, Colin O’Hara will be making his Silverbacks debut after signing on with the hockey club earlier this week as the Backs new associate coach.

Returning Players:

Greg Noyes (90)
Matt Cassidy (90)
Devin Gannon (91)
Christopher Hoe (90)
David Killip (91)
Brett Knowles (91)
Justin Krabben (91)
Josh Manson (91)
Brandon Mistal (92)
Josh Monk (92)
Jayson Reardon (90)
Matt Ridley (90)
Charlie Vasaturo (90)
Kurt Williams (91)

Departing & traded players from last years team:

Mark Zengerle (89)
Corey Chakeen (89)
Tyler Gubb (89)
Travis Statchuk (90)
Bobby Lipsett (89)
Levi Hantula (90)
Kyle Peden (89)
Tony Ierfino (89)
Rick Soo (91)

KEY RETURNEES: F Dave Killip (32-42-74), F Matt Cassidy (10-10-20), D Charlie Vasaturo (7-19-26), D Jayson Reardon (1-9-10), F Brett Knowles (6-10-16).

ROOKIE SENSATIONS: The SilverBacks plucked the top three scorers from the Prince Albert Mintos Midget AAA program – Taylor Fauchoux, Bryce Gervais and Cody Michelle. The trio combined for 193 points in 129 games. F Morgan Zulinick led the Thompson Blazers (Major Midget) in scoring with a point-per-game production. He is already committed to the NCAA Wisconsin Badgers.

Here’s a look at both exhibition games between both teams from this year:

Friday, September 3rd @ Vernon: Vernon wins 3-0

Saturday, September 4th @ Salmon Arm: Vernon wins 4-3

Heres a look at last year's season series:

Friday, September 11th @ Vernon: Vernon wins 3-2

The Vipers raised the 2009 RBC Cup banner to the rafters in the teams home opener in a 3-2 victory over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Mike Collins (2 goals) & Braden Pimm (2 assists) lead the attack for the Vipers, Cole Ikkala scored the game winner at 17:23 of the 3rd to give Vernon the 3-2 victory. Graeme Gordon defeated his former team making 21 saves between the pipes. Greg Noyes & Charlie Vasaturo scored for Salmon Arm, Tony Ierfino made 39 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712508&link=bchl

Saturday, September 12th @ Salmon Arm: Vernon wins 4-3 Overtime

Vernon took a 2-0 lead into the 3rd period on goals from Mike Collins and Jonathan Milhouse before the Silverbacks scored three goals in the final period sending the game to Overtime. David Killip, Mark Zengerle & Travis Statchuk scored for Salmon Arm. Dylan Walchuk scored Vernons only goal in the 3rd. Vipers d-man Adam Thompson ended the game at 2.37 of the extra period giving the Vipers the 4-3 win to improve to 2-0 on the season. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 32-26 Graeme Gordon made 23 saves for the win, while Tony Ierfino made 28 saves taking the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712515&link=bchl

Tuesday, November 3rd @ Salmon Arm: Vernon wins 4-3

David Killip & Tyler Gubb put Salmon Arm up 2-0 after the 1st period before the Vipers would get 2nd period goals from, Jonathan Milhouse (shorthanded) & Sawyer Mick. Bryce Kakoske & Dylan Walchuk would give Vernon a 4-2 lead in the 3rd scoring four straight goals before Greg Noyes got the Backs within one goal at 15:49 of the 3rd period. Vernon would hang on for the 4-3 victory. Graeme Gordon made 22 saves vs. his former team, while Tony Ierfino made 24 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712673

Friday, December 11th @ Vernon: Vernon wins 3-2

Sawyer Mick put Vernon up 1-0 at 7:18 of the opening period giving the Vipers a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes of play. Braden Pimm put the Vipers up 2-0 at 18:01 of the 2nd period, as Vernon was up 2-0 after 40 minutes of play. Bryce Kakoske just 32 seconds into the 3rd on the powerplay gave Vernon a commanding 3-0 lead. Josh Manson put Salmon Arm on the scoreboard at 2:28 cutting the lead to 3-1. Mark Zengerle got the Backs to within one at 17:55 but Vernon would hang on for the 3-2 victory. The Vipers outshot the Silverbacks 31-14.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712796&link=bchl

Thursday, December 31st @ Salmon Arm: Salmon Arm wins 4-2

Mark Zengerle at 29 seconds & Josh Manson at 1:03 of the opening period put the Backs up 2-0 early. Jonathan Milhouse on a two man advantage gets Vernon on the scored at 14:23 of the 1st period. David Killip on the powerplay with just four seconds remaining in the 2nd period put Salmon Arm up 3-1. Steve Weinsten at 8:05 of the 3rd cuts the lead to 3-2. David Killip unassisted at 19:38 into an empty net gives the Silverbacks the 4-2 victory. Tony Ierfino makes 30 saves for the win, while Graeme Gordon makes 20 saves taking the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712842&link=bchl

Saturday, January 2nd @ Vernon: Salmon Arm wins 3-1

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 1:16 - Josh Manson from Devin Gannon and Josh Monk
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 4:19 - Levi Hantula from Matt Cassidy and Brett Knowles
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 10:37 - Mark Zengerle from Tyler Gubb

PERIOD 2

No Scoring

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 9:38 - Jonathan Milhouse from Rob Short

Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 40-22 Tony Ierfino made 21 saves picking up the win, while Graeme Gordon made just 2 saves taking the loss. Gordon was pulled in favor of Blake Voth who made 32 saves in relief.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712849&link=bchl

Friday, February 19th @ Salmon Arm: Vernon wins 4-1

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 4:43 - Mark Zengerle from Corey Chakeen
Vernon Vipers at 6:34 - Dan Nycholat from Cory Kane and Rob Short
Vernon Vipers at 13:15 (PP) - Mike Collins from Cole Ikkala and Braden Pimm
Vernon Vipers at 17:55 - Rob Short from Patrick McGillis and Cory Kane

PERIOD 2

Vernon Vipers at 3:40 (PP) - David Robinson from Kellen Jones and Connor Jones

PERIOD 3

No Scoring

Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 34-25. Tony Ierfino made 30 saves taking the loss, while Blake Voth made 24 saves picking up the win.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712999&link=bchl

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon:

Defence:

Malcolm Lyles 1990 Miami, FL 5'10 179lbs
Brett Corkey 1992 Calgary, AB 5'11 175lbs
Bennett Hambrook 1992 Kimberley, BC 5'11 186lbs
Elliott Richardson 1991 Hanmer, ONT 6' 195 lbs
Philip Patenaude 1991 Denver, COL 6'2 196lbs
Steve Weinstein 1990 Los Angeles, CA 5'9 180lbs
Adam Thompson 1990 Calgary, AB 6'1 200lbs

Forwards:

Dylan Walchuk 1992 McBride, BC 5'9 173lbs
David Robinson 1990 Vernon, BC 5'10 185lbs
John Knisley 1992 Pittsford, NY 5'8 160lbs
Aaron Hadley 1993 Castlegar, BC 6'2 190lbs
Michael Zalewski 1992 New Hartford, NY 6'2 200lbs
Darren Nowick 1991 Long Beach, CA 5'10 168lbs
Marcus Basara 1993 Coquitlam, BC 5'11 180lbs
Kyle Murphy 1990 Fair Haven, NJ 5'9 170lbs
Patrick McGillis 1991 Calgary, AB 5'10 185lbs
Todd Skirving 1992 Thunder Bay, ONT 6'2 170lbs
Colton Sparrow 1993 Vernon, BC 5'11 175lbs
Gus Correale 1993 Prince George, BC 5'9 170lbs
Trevor Fitzgerald 1992 Vernon, BC 6' 190lbs
Bryce Kakoske 1990 Vernon, BC 6' 194lbs

Goaltenders:

Bryton Udy 1993 Calgary, AB 6'3 160lbs
Blake Voth 1991 Herbert, Sask 5'10 170lbs

Salmon Arm:

Defense #4 Dustin Cave - Tappen, BC
Defense #5 Jayson Reardon - Lumby, BC
Defense #7 Clinton Atkinson - New Westminster, BC
Defense #8 Matt Ridley - Kelowna, BC
Defense #11 Charlie Vasaturo - Sewell, New Jersey, USA
Defense #14 Justin Krabben - Rocky Mountain House, AB
Defense #28 Josh Monk - Langley, BC
Forward #9 Chris How - Burnaby, BC
Forward #10 Spencer Samuel - Drumheller, AB
Forward #12 Jarryd Tenvaanholt - West Vancouver, BC
Forward #15 Morgan Zulinick - Kamloops, BC
Forward #16 Josh Manson - Prince Albert, SK
Forward #17 Brett Knowles - Vanderhoof, BC
Forward #19 David Killip - Kelowna, BC
Forward #20 Devin Gannon - Kamloops, BC
Forward #22 Josh McKissock - Vancouver, BC
Forward #24 Brandon Mistal - Kamloops, BC
Forward #71 Bryce Gervais - Battleford, SK
Forward #83 Taylor Fauchoux - Prince Albert, SK
Forward #89 Cody Michelle - Prince Albert, SK
Forward #91 Devin Muler - Zug, Switzerland
Forward #94 Matt Cassidy - London, Ontario

Goal #1 Kris Moore - Calgary, AB
Goal #29 Kurt Williams - Rocky Mountain House, AB