Vipers Double Smokies:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers double Smokies

Published: September 18, 2011

It was their first game at full strength and the Vernon Vipers didn’t disappoint in their final B.C. Hockey League exhibition tilt Friday night at Wesbild Centre.

The Snakes got two assists each from Darren Nowick and Alex Hagen as they brushed back the Trail Smoke Eaters 4-2.

Hagen, a Bronxville, NY native, set up Jedd Soleway, who opened the scoring early by firing low glove side.

Hagen was also in on the Vipers’ second goal after some hard work by Nowick to create a turnover at Trail’s blueline. Hagen dropped a pass to Adam Tambellini, who buried a shot low blocker side from his off-wing.

“It was a good start, but not such a great end. We ran out of gas a little bit and we were lacking a little cohesion because the guys haven’t practised together all week,” said Vipers’ head coach Jason Williamson.

After a scoreless second period, the Smoke Eaters got on the board after the Vipers failed to clear the zone.

Marcus Basara, assisted by Connor Hartley and Riley Hunt on the powerplay, made it 3-1 Vernon. Nowick dished a saucer pass to Mike Zalewski, who converted on a 2-on-1 to complete the scoring.

Kirby Halcrow, who will be backed up by Vernon product Danny Todosychuk this season, was solid in earning the win.

Vernon opens the 2011-12 season against the Salmon Arm SilverBacks Friday night at Wesbild.