Thursday, February 28, 2013

Capitals Claim Former Viper Volpatti Off Waivers:

The NHL Washington Capitals have claimed former Vernon Vipers forward Aaron Volpatti off waivers from the Vancouver Canucks. Volpatti was in his third season with the Canucks. Volpatti played three seasons in Vernon (2003-2006) In 137 regular season games with the Vipers Volpatti collected (13-24-37). The Canucks signed Volpatti as a free agent on March 22, 2010.

Aaron Volpatti's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=76574

This is posted on the Capitals website:

Capitals Claim Aaron Volpatti Off Waivers from Vancouver

 Thursday, 02.28.2013 / 12:20 PM / News

Washington Capitals

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have claimed left wing Aaron Volpatti (vohl-PA-tee) off of waivers from Vancouver, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today.

Volpatti, 27, has recorded one goal and 28 penalty minutes in 16 games with Vancouver this season. The native of Revelstoke, British Columbia, ranked second on Vancouver in penalty minutes this season and has collected three goals, one assist and 81 penalty minutes in 54 career NHL games with the Canucks.

The 6’0”, 215-pound forward tallied 13 points (three goals, 10 assists) and 91 penalty minutes in 61 career AHL games with Manitoba. He spent four seasons playing for Brown University in the NCAA and was named to the ECAC All-Academic team his first three seasons before being named team captain for his senior season.

Volpatti was originally signed as an un-drafted free agent by Vancouver on March 22, 2010.

Stingrays Sign Former Vernon Viper Brian Elser:

The East Coast Hockey League's (ECHL) South Carolina Stingrays have signed former Vernon Vipers forward Brian Elser.    Elser started the season with the Southern Professional League's (SPHL) Fayetteville FireAntz playing in 22 games collecting (9-8-17) before being called up to the East Coast Hockey League's (ECHL) Gwinnett Gladiators.  The Gladiators signed Elser on January, 15th 2013 to a one game contract before returning Elser to the SPHL Fayetteville FireAntz after playing just one game.  Elser was then signed by the Stingrays, in seven games with South Carolina Elser has (1-1-2).

Mark Ferner scouted Elser who was 18 at the time, at the U.S. Midget championships in Buffalo. Elser attended the 2008-2009 Vipers training camp making the Vipers opening day roster before being traded on September, 12th 2008 to the AJHL Drayton Valley Thunder for future considerations (cash) and a player to be named next year. In two games with the Vipers Elser collected one assist. Rumor was Elser didnt report to the Thunder and his rights were given back to Vernon. On August, 7th 2009 the Vipers traded Elser and future considerations to Victoria for Jonathan Milhouse.

Brian Elser's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=47131

This is posted on the Stingrays website:

Stingrays Sign Forward Brian Elser

February, 6th 2013

By: Joseph Zakrzewski

North Charleston, S.C. – The South Carolina Stingrays, celebrating 20 seasons of hockey in the Lowcountry and proud ECHL affiliate of the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League (NHL), announced today that the team has signed forward Brian Elser. In keeping with club policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Currently in his first professional season, Elser, 23, skated in 29 games with the Fayetteville FireAntz of the Southern Professional Hockey League netting 12 goals and 10 assists for 22 points. The Hopewell Junction, New York, native appeared in one ECHL contest this season with the Gwinnett Gladiators adding no points. Prior to turning pro, the 6-foot, 190-pound forward attended Manhattanville College for two seasons totaling 32 points (19 goals, 13 assists) in 47 games.

The Stingrays return to the North Charleston Coliseum on Friday, February 8 to host the Evansville IceMen for the first time in team history at 7:05 p.m. Friday is Nerd-Con featuring the Carolina Garrison! Characters from the classic move “Star Wars” will be walking the concourse. Grab four tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas and large popcorn for $55 with the Stingrays Family Four Pack at the Coliseum Box Office.

Panthers Recall Former Viper Mike Santorelli:

The NHL Florida Pantehrs have recalled former Vernon Vipers forward Mike Santorelli from the American Hockey League's (AHL) San Antonio Rampage. Santorelli entering his third season with the Panthers played in three games this season before being sent to the Rampage on January, 30th 2013. In 7 games with San Antonio Santorelli collected (2-3-5).  In 60 games last year with the Panthers Santorelli collected (9-2-11). Santorelli was drafted by the Nashville Predators in round 6 178th overall at the 2004 NHL Entry Draft before being traded to the Florida Panthers on August, 5th 2010. Santorelli played one season in Vernon (2003-2004). In 60 regular season games with the Vipers Santorelli collected (43-53-96).

Mike Santorelli's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=76527

Panthers Recall Mike Santorelli

By: San Antonio Rampage Media Relations

02/18/2013

SUNRISE, Fla. – Florida Panthers Executive VP/General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that the club has recalled C Mike Santorelli from the San Antonio Rampage (AHL).

Santorelli, 27, played in three games with Florida this season, before being assigned to San Antonio on Jan. 31. In seven games with the Rampage this year, he has recorded two goals and three assists.

For his career in the National Hockey League, Santorelli, has played in 177 games for both Nashville (2008-2010) and Florida (2010-2013) registering 55 points (31-24-55) and 50 PIM.

Florida hosts the Toronto Maple Leafs this evening in their final game of a four-game home stand at 7:30 p.m. The game can be seen live on FOX Sports Florida and heard on 560 WQAM.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Vipers-Warriors Highlights:

Thanks to Warriors play by play guy Jon Zacks for posting the highlight's from last nights Vipers-Warriors game.  West Kelowna defeated Vernon 2-1 winning the season series 4-3.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=38pExhEg4Vg&list=PLmiM_S3yY_OviqMDSA3GXnPg80VX2C5mh

When The Hockey Gods Say “It’s Not Your Night”

This is posted on the Vipers website:

When The Hockey Gods Say “It’s Not Your Night”
 
Wednesday, February 27, 2013 - Submitted by Don Klepp

“The strangest bounce you’ll ever see” was how Jason Williamson described the spring-loaded puck that led to the West Kelowna’s opening goal in a 2-1 win over the visiting Vipers on Tuesday evening.

Shawn Hochhausen crossed the red line and dumped the puck in. Austin Smith came out of his goal to smother it, but it took a high sideways bounce over Smith’s shoulder for a shocker, 4:37 into the contest.

“When it happened,” said Williamson in his post-game interview on KISS FM, “I looked down the bench to see how the players would react. It’s the kind of thing that can deflate a team that’s been working hard and not getting rewarded. But they buckled down and played a solid game. Even when we got down by two, there was no quit in the guys. I’m proud of their effort.”

The game stats support Williamson’s statement. The Vipers led in shots (35-32), scoring chances (18-14), and hits (35-25). However, they had very little luck around Steven Myland’s net. Myland was solid in his 8thstart of the year, but several times when he was down and vulnerable the Vipers could not get the final touch to finish off their hard-won chances.

Their lone goal came at 13:14 of the second period. At the tail end of a chaotic scramble incited by Ryan Renz and Liam Board, Jason Bird nipped in from the point to slip the disk into a half-open net. It was essentially the only kind bounce the Vipers got all game.

The winning goal, as it turned out, was scored by Devon Hascarl at 11:32 of the first period. His accurate one-timer from the low slot was set up by a precise pass from the back boards by Matt Anholt.

Two third-period incidents took the sheen off a sportsmanlike, well-played game. At 8:32, Geoff Crisfield was assessed a boarding major and a game misconduct for crushing Marcus Basara into the boards at the Warrior bench. Max French jumped in to defend his team mate, which drew a roughing call. Less than a minute later, Shawn Hochhausen took a tripping penalty, so the Vipers had a brief power play and then had to kill off only about three minutes of the major.

The other incident came late in the game. Jason Bird took a Warrior shot in the throat and was taken to Kelowna Hospital as a precaution. He was examined and released, sore but with no long-term effects.

Two other Vipers preceded Bird to the sick bay: Braedan Russell’s shoulder injury and Logan Mick’s flu-like symptoms kept them out of the lineup. Cortlan Proctor, a 96-born forward who plays for the Midget AAAA Okanagan Rockets, played his third game in a Viper uniform and looked comfortable doing so.

The Vipers’ next game is Friday in Prince George. They then go to Merritt on March 6 and finish the regular season with home dates versus Penticton on March 8 and Merritt on March 9.

Vernon Vipers Player Profile With #22 Colton Sparrow:

Hockeytube.net takes time out to talk to 3rd year vet #22 Colton Sparrow from the Vernon Vipers. Talk about the up and down season as well as his future plans with the Junior A hockey team.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDS1mq7ADN0&feature=player_embedded

Vipers' Playoff Push Stalls:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers' playoff push stalls

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: February 27, 2013

Tanner Johnson’s first two B.C. Hockey League goals proved to be big ones for the Langley Rivermen.

A midseason call-up from his hometown KIJHL Castlegar Rebels, Johnson scored once in regulation and added the overtime winner as Langley upended the Vernon Vipers 3-2 Saturday night at Wesbild Centre.

With the Rivermen trailing 2-0 after one period, Johnson leaned into a shot from the top of the circle, ripping it top shelf past Austin Smith. He buried the winner low, just inside the post in the first OT period.

“It feels exhilarating. The first goal, I wasn’t expecting that; it was handed to me,” said Johnson, who is thrilled to be playing Junior A.

“It’s the best thing that’s happened to me. It was a little rough at first, but the more games you play the more you get used to it.”

The 17-24-1-9 Vipers’ playoff hopes took a serious hit in Friday night’s 3-2 loss to the 22-23-2-4 Salmon Arm SilverBacks. They are six points back of the Gorillas for the fourth and final Interior Division playoff spot.

The ‘Backs wrap up the regular season with five straight road games, including a Coastal/Vancouver Island swing, and need to win two of their remaining five games to eliminate Vernon from postseason contention.

The Vipers visited the West Kelowna Warriors (25-13-3-9) Tuesday night at Royal LePage Place. They are in Prince George Friday for a date with the Spruce Kings (24-20-1-7) at the Coliseum.

Given Friday’s setback, the Vernon coaching staff was concerned by how the team would respond Saturday. They watched the Snakes get right to work in the first period, out-hustling the Rivermen (22-23-1-5) to earn a 2-0 lead at the break on goals by captain Brett Corkey and Craig Martin.

“That’s a tough loss to the team we’re chasing,” said assistant coach Dave Robinson. “We were pleasantly surprised at how we came out.

“But we let our foot off the gas and put to waste the first period. We had those mental lapses that seem to have killed us all year. You take your foot off the gas for two minutes and it’s in the back of the net.”

Corkey went end-to-end, working a give-and-go with Michael Roberts before wiring his third of the season, post and in past netminder James Barr.

A speedy breakout by TJ Dumonceaux led to Martin’s snipe. Getting the puck deep, Dumonceaux created havoc behind Langley’s net and connected with Martin (7th) in the final minute of the period.

“I just saw the d-man standing still at the blueline and knew if I chipped it wide I could get around him,” said Dumonceaux, who admitted the team was still reeling from the loss to the ‘Backs.

“It’s tough to get up for games like this after last night. I know a lot of us were ready for this, but a couple guys were off tonight.”

Vernon looked sluggish in the second period, and the Rivermen capitalized. After Johnson netted the 2-1 goal, Matt Ustaski batted a rebound out of midair over netminder Austin Smith’s shoulder for the equalizer during a second-period man advantage.

The Vipers pressed to retake the lead with a solid third-period effort, but Barr (32 saves) made a couple timely stops late to send it to OT. He came up with a game saver on Logan Mick, who was all alone on his doorstep with five minutes left in regulation.

Smith had 23 saves for the Snakes.

Langley head coach Bobby Henderson was tossed for arguing with referee Nick Swaine for a slashing call on Ben Butcher midway through the third period.

“It was a critical point of the game and I thought it was a soft call,” said Henderson. “I just wanted to keep him honest.”

The Rivermen are rolling towards the postseason with 14 rookies, yet only four of their players are under six feet tall. Henderson has assembled a roster that will be a handful for most teams. The lineup is highlighted by BCHL scoring leader Mario Puskarich (38-42-80 in 51 games), who had two helpers against Vernon.

Langley forward Evan Campbell is 15th on the scoring list with 16-39-55 in 46 games.

“We like to pay a physical brand, but we’ve got some guys that can scoot,” said Henderson. “We just try to have guys embrace their roles.”

In other Interior action Saturday night, the Warriors grounded the Merritt Centennials 2-1, and the Trail Smoke Eaters outlasted the Penticton Vees 4-3 in OT.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

West Kelowna 2 Vernon 1

For anyone who could not attend or watch tonight’s Vipers game here are my thoughts and views from tonight’s game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own view and opinion on any game we watch. This is my opinion and my thoughts on how I saw tonight’s game. I try to be unbiased and give a fare recap on both sides. Thanks for stopping by & visiting my blog.

I was at tonight's BCHL game as West Kelowna defeated Vernon 2-1 in front of 966 fans at Royal Le Page Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon:  Austin Smith
West Kelowna:  Steven Myland

1st Period:  The Vipers got off to a quick start, just over a minute into the game Mason Blacklock lead Vernon on a three on two, Blacklock kept and shot but was stopped by Warriors backup goaltender Steven Myland who come out to challenge making the save. The Vipers looked good in the opening few minutes before West Kelowna would get a lucky bounce to open the scoring.  Shawn Hochhausen's long dump in shot from center ice took a funny hop off the ice bouncing up and over Vipers starting goaltender Austin Smith giving the Warriors a 1-0 lead at 4:37 on West Kelowna's second shot of the game.  Hochhausen's goal was unassisted.  The Vipers come right back, Andrew Tegeler setup Bryce Eviston who jumped up into the rush on a Vipers two on one but Eviston's shot just whistled wide of the far corner.  A few plays later Tegeler who played a strong game up front for Vernon setup Liam Board in front who was stopped in close by Steven Myland as the Vipers with back to back good scoring opportunities.  Both teams were fairly even in the first half but it was the Vipers with the better scoring chances.  Vernon was outshooting the Warriors 8-4 at the halfway mark.  Just past the midway mark Matt Anholt setup a wide open Devon Hascarl who was left alone in the slot beat Austin Smith high glove side giving West Kelowna a 2-0 lead at 11:32 Hascarl who attended the Vipers training camp & Reid Simmonds collected the assists.  The Vipers come right back with a flurry of chances in and around the net, with some hard working shifts but Vernon couldnt find the back of the net.  Shortly after Marc Hetnik lead the Vipers odd man rush with a two on one with Mitch McAllister, Hetnik shot but was stopped by the quick glove of Steven Myland.  Andrew Tegeler who was all over the ice in the opening period had atleast one or two good chances in and around the net but couldnt get the Vipers on the board.  Vernon would the games first man advantage.  With a late powerplay the Vipers couldnt capitalize.  Again both teams were fairly even but it was the Vipers who once again come up with the better of the scoring chances.  West Kelowna was up 2-0 after 20 minutes of play.  The Vipers outshot the Warriors 15-10.

2nd Period:  The Vipers started the middle frame with the man advantage that was carried over from the 1st period.  A good Warriors penalty kill as West Kelowna would kill off the remainder of the minor.  A few plays after the penalty expired some pushing and shoving occured in and around the West Kelowna goal, before both teams cooled off.  The Warriors would get their first powerplay of the night and come very close to taking a 3-0 lead after Warriors captain Max French with a rocket stepped over the circle beat Austin Smith but hit the post.  West Kelowna with some good pressure was unable to grab a three goal lead as Vernon's penalty kill was good killing off the minor.  Just as the penalty expired Ambrose Firkus with a nice move down low, was robbed by the quick glove hand of Smith who flashed the leather.  Colton Sparrow come back a few shifts later and took a high shot that looked to handcuff Myland as the Warriors goaltender looked to have trouble but made the save off Sparrow.  Not alot of scoring chances in the 2nd as West Kelowna carried the better of the play.  The Warriors with good pressure didnt generate alot of offensive opportunities but had the Vipers in their own end for alot of period.  Just past the midway mark the Vipers would get on the board on a lucky bounce.  It looked like Steven Myland made the original save before the puck popped loose and found it's way into the back of the net cutting the Warriors lead to 2-1.  Viper defenceman Jason Bird was credited with the goal at 13:14 with Laim Board & Ryan Renz picking up the helpers.  In the second half Vernon went atleast three or four minutes without a shot on goal.  The Vipers lone grade A scoring chance came with about five minutes remaining after Mitch McAllister went wide before driving hard towards the goal before being stopped by Steven Myland who played his position well keeping the puck out.  The Vipers would get a late powerplay but struggle getting just a single shot with the man advantage as the Warriors would kill off the minor.  I thought West Kelowna carried the better of the play in a period with very limited scoring chances.  The Warriors were up 2-1 after 40 minutes of play.  West Kelowna outshot Vernon 12-9.

3rd Period:  Off the opening faceoff Max French carried the play deep into the Vernon zone before cutting hard towards the goal was stopped in close by Austin Smith who made a solid save in tight keeping this a one goal game.  The Vipers thought they tied the game just over seven minutes into the final frame after Brett Corkey's point shot was redirected in by a high stick off Liam Board on its way to the net, the goal was waived off immediately.  Not alot of offensive chances at both ends of the rink in the first half.  On the next The play a scary play occured after former Vernon Vipers forward Marcus Basara was hit by Geoff Crisfield in front of the Warriors bench.  Max French jumped in taking Crisfield to the ice as both French and Crisfield were given penalties.  Crisfield would get tossed from the hockey game with Basara down on the ice for several minutes.  Basara would be ok and stay in the hockey game.  The Vipers would get a powerplay after all said and done after the Warriors took a minor penalty with both teams playing four on four.  So with the Vipers on the man advantage they moved the puck around well creating some pressure had several flurries in and around the net before Jason Bird's blast from the point was stopped by the quick glove hand of Steven Myland.  The Vipers with a very good powerplay had their chances but couldnt capitalize.  West Kelowna would get their powerplay right after the Vernon man advantage and come close to taking a two goal lead.  Former Salmon Arm Silverbacks d-man Josh Monk ripped a hard shot from the slot that was stopped by Smith before Smith had to get across the crease to make another big pad save down low before the puck rolled through the crease and out the other side on a goal mouth scramble as Vernon would get lucky before killing off the minor.  Vernon would get a scare after the puck come up hitting Jason Bird in the face-throat area.  Bird would immediately leave the ice and head to the Vipers dressing room where he did not return.  Bryce Eviston would get a great chance late after a hard shot from the point was stopped by Myland who made a big pad save through taffic.  With time winding down the Warriors really put pressure on the Vipers who couldnt get out of their own zone, as West Kelowna was sending a player in deep.  The Vipers couldnt get Smith to the bench for the extra attacker until finally with thirty seconds remaining the Vipers were able to get Smith to the bench.  With the goaltender pulled Vernon with some late pressure couldnt find the back of the goal as West Kelowna would clear the zone killing off the final few seconds held on for the 2-1 victory.  I thought the Vipers had the better of the scoring opportunities and had a slight edge in play.  Vernon outshot West Kelowna 11-10.

Top Players:  (Vernon)

Bryce Eviston I thought played his best game this season.  Eviston had a few scoring opportunities jumped up into the play on a few occassions looked very good on the Viper backend tonight.

Michael Statchuk played a solid game on the Vipers blueline.

Mitch McAllister who has been one of the Vipers hardest working players all season, played very strong tonight.  McAllister once again competed and battled hard all night.  Dosnt have the size but plays like he does.

Craig Martin who has come on as of late played very well up front for Vernon.  I thought Martin was skating hard, created and generated some offence tonight.

The line of Mason Blacklock, Andrew Tegeler & Liam Board (1 assost) was the Vipers best and most dangerous unit tonight.  Andrew Tegeler played a heck of a game for the Vipers.  Tegeler was very strong up front, hard to knock off the puck and was dangerous all night.  This line has played very well since being put together.

Jason Bird (1 goal)  Played a solid game on the Vernon defence.  Bird who has been a very nice addition to the Vipers lineup since being aquired at the BCHL trade deadline left the game late in the 3rd after catching a puck in the face-throat area.  Lets hope the Viper d-man is ok.

Austin Smith (30 saves)  I dont think Smith had to make alot of tough-big saves but gave the Vipers a chance to win played well making 30 saves.

Game Thoughts:  (Vernon)

After blowing a 2-0 lead Saturday night to the Langley Rivermen I thought Vernon responded well tonight with a solid effort in another tough one goal game.  Three straight losses and six points back of Salmon Arm & Trail for the fourth and final playoff spot almost eliminates the Vipers from the post season for the second year in a row.  The Vipers have lost even straight games at Royal Le Page Place.  Vernon's last win in West Kelowna was a 5-2 win back on Saturday, September 24th 2011.  I thought the Vipers played very well tonight, they battled and competed getting some good chances but just couldnt find the back of the net.  I was impressed with Vernon's penalty kill and their defensive play.  One thing I thought the Vipers needed a little more of was bodies-traffic going to the net.  Nothing against Steven Myland but alot of Vernon's shots were from outside with nobody in front of the net.  The Vipers need to go to the grey area's and make life tough for the other goaltender.  Other then that I thought tonight was a very good game.  The Vipers have lacked scoring the last three seasons in a row now and need to go out and either recruit or aquire some offensive minded goal scorers this off season.  How many one goal losses-games have we seen this year.  The Vipers are the lowest scoring team in the league with 126 goals.  Jason Williamson was mixing up his lines through out tonight's game, especially after the loss of Jason Bird and Geoff Crisfield.  I didnt see Logan Mick play tonight, he wasnt a scratch but never saw him on the bench all night.  Former Vipers Aaron Hadley and Max Mowat were at tonight's game. 

Top Players:  (West Kelowna)

Ambrose Firkus played very well up front for the Warriors.  Was involved in the play and worked hard all night.

Matt Anholt (1 assist)  Was another player who looked pretty strong for West Kelowna.  Worked and competed all night.

Max French saw a ton of icetime, was double shifting early on in the first period played a strong game for his home town team.  French really played well, battled and competed all night.  This guy never stops skating-working.

 Braxton Bilous played a solid game on the Warriors blueline.

Steven Myland (34 saves)  Made his first start against the Vipers this season making 34 saves in the win.  Myland didnt have alot of traffic in front of him, saw most of the Viper shots but still was forced to make a few big saves.  Didnt give up alot of rebounds and played his position well.

Game Thoughts:  (West Kelowna)

With the win West Kelowna takes the season series 4-3 and has now won seven straight against Vernon on home ice going back to 2011.  The Warriors now move to within three points of 2nd place Merritt didnt get alot of scoring chances.  The Warriors took advantage of a lucky bounce before going up 2-0 held on to the 2-1 victory.  We have seen tempers heat up in previous meetings between these two clubs, but tonight was pretty tame compared to games in the past with these two teams.  I thought the Vipers had a slight edge in play and had the better scoring chances in a very good hockey game tonight.  Penticton Vees Head Coach-GM Fred Harbinson and his coaching staff were in tonight's attendance. 

Scratches:

Vernon:

Braeden Russell (Injured)
Dexter Dancs

West Kelowna:

David Pope
Brennan Clark
Dustin Cave

Energy Player Of The Game:

Max French

Three Stars:

1st Star:  Steven Myland (34 saves)
2nd Star:  Devon Hascarl (1 goal)
3rd Star:  Andrew Tegeler

For more on tonight's game visit the BCHL boxscore,

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1103172&link=bchl

For more on tonight's game and the West Kelowna Warriors visit Jon Zack's West Kelowna Warriors blog.

http://thegeneralsreport.wordpress.com/

For more on the West Kelowna Warriors visit Don Richmond's West Kelowna Warriors blog,

http://chaplainstalk.wordpress.com/

(Game Preview) Vernon @ West Kelowna:

Vernon (17-24-1-9) @ West Kelowna (25-13-3-9)7:00pm start

Tonight is the seventh and final meeting of the season between the Vernon Vipers & West Kelowna Warriors. The season series is tied 3-3. You can listen to the pre-game show live with Todd Miller starting at 6:45pm on 107.5 Kiss FM

Last Game:

Saturday, February 23rd Langley defeated Vernon 3-2 in overtime
Saturday, February 23rd West Kelowna defeated Merritt 2-1

Next Game:

Friday, March 1st Vernon @ Prince George
Friday, March 1st Merritt @ West Kelowna

Since the 2006-07 regular seasonVernon is 22-18-2-3 vs. West Kelowna

Since the 2006-07 regular season West Kelowna has outscored Vernon 126-123

Since the 2006-07 regular season Vernon is 13-7-1-2 at home vs. West Kelowna

Since the 2006-07 regular season Vernon is 9-11-1-1 in West Kelowna

The Vipers are 6-4-0-0 in their last ten games vs. the Warriors

The Vipers are 3-6-0-1 in their last ten games at Royal Le Page Place

The Vipers are 7-2-1-0 in their last ten games at Wesbild Centre vs West Kelowna

The Warriors have one win in their last ten games at the Wesbild Centre

The Vipers have lost six straight games at Royal Le Page Place

Vernon's last win at home vs West Kelowna was a 4-3 overtime win back on Saturday, January, 5th 2013

West Kelowna's last regular season victory at the Wesbild Centre was a 5-3 win on Saturday, February 9th 2013

Vernon's last win at Royal Le Page Place was a 5-2 win back on Saturday, September 24th 2011

West Kelowna's last win at home vs Vernon was a 4-2 win back on Friday, December 7th 2012

The Vipers went 5-0-3-0 last season vs the Warriors during the regular season

For more stats & former Vernon Junior Hockey Team rosters & lineups please visit Paul’s Vernon Junior Hockey History website,

http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html









Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The Vernon Vipers begin a three game road trip starting tonight in West Kelowna before finishing the regular season at home with back to back home dates.  The 6th place Vipers sit six points back of the 4th place Trail Smoke Eaters & Salmon Arm Silverbacks who hold down the fourth and final playoff spot.    Trail, Vernon & Salmon Arm are all fighting for the final playoff berth.  The Vipers have lost two straight but have three wins in their last five games.  Vernon is 3-4-1-2 in their last ten games and have lost five straight on the road.

Mason Blacklock (17-15-32) leads the Vipers in goals with seventeen and in points with thirty two

Games Played: 51
Wins: 17
Losses: 24
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 9
Home Record: 10-11-0-5
Road Record: 7-13-1-4
Goals For: 125
Goals Against: 159
Streak: One game losing streak
Standings: 6th Place

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Brett Corkey (92)
Marc Hetnik (92)
Geoff Crisfield (93)
Danny Todosychuk (94)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Ryan Renz (93)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Michael Zalewski (92)
Brendan Persley (93)
Aaron Hadley (93)
Darren Nowick (91)
Adam Tambellini (94)
Riley Hunt (95)
John Knisley (92)
Jedd Soleway (94)
Colton Cyr (91)
Patrick McGillis (91)
Sean Robertson (91)
Ben Gamache (91)
Max Mowat (93)
Turner Lawson (94)
Kirby Halcrow (91)

Vernons Home record vs. West Kelowna this season:

3-1-0-0

Vernons Road record vs. West Kelowna this season:

0-2-0-0

Vernons Powerplay vs. West Kelowna this season:

4-24

Vernons scoring leaders vs. West Kelowna this season:

Colton Sparrow (1-2-3)
Dexter Damcs (0-5-5)
Ryan Renz (1-3-4)
Logan Mick (2-0-2)
Liam Board (1-1-2)
Mason Blacklock (1-1-2)
Michael Statchuk (0-1-1)
Braeden Russell (1-0-1)
Michael Roberts (0-1-1)
Mitch McAllister (0-1-1)
Brett Corkey (0-1-1)
TJ Dumonceaux (0-1-1)
Marc Hetnik (1-0-1)
Jason Bird (0-1-1)
Brendan Persley (0-1-1)

Austin Smith (2-1 Record)
Danny Todosychuk (1-2 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Vernon has the leagues 13th best powerplay

-The Vipers have the BCHL's 16th best penalty kill















Lets take a look at the West Kelowna Warriors:

The West Kelowna Warriors return home after a four game road trip where they went 2-2.  The Warriors sit in 3rd place sit five points back of the 2nd place Merritt Centennials.  West Kelowna plays their next two games at home before finishing the regular season with a four game road trip.  The Warriors have won three of their last fuve games and are 7-2-0-1 in their last ten games.  The Warriors have won six straight over Vernon at home. 

Marcus Basara (30-35-65) leads the Warriors in goals with thirty and in points with sixty five

For more on the West Kelowna Warriors visit Jon Zacks West Kelowna Warriors Blog, http://thegeneralsreport.wordpress.com/

Regular Season:

Games Played: 50
Wins: 25
Losses: 13
Ties: 3
Overtime Losses: 9
Home Record: 14-7-2-3
Road Record: 11-6-1-6
Goals For: 183
Goals Against: 137
Streak: One game winning streak
Standings: 3rd Place

West Kelowna Warriors Returning Players:

Marcus Basara (93)
Dustin Cave (94)
Brennan Clark (95)
Max French (92)
Devon Hascarl (93)
Shawn Hochhausen (92)
Seb Lloyd (94)
Brett McKinnon (92)
Josh Monk (92)
David Pope (94)
Reid Simmonds (93)

West Kelowna Warriors Departing & traded players from last years team:

Connor Dempsey (92)
Travis Blanleil (94)
Dru Morrison (92)
Peter MacIntosh (91)
Ben Betker (94)
Garrett Skrbich (93)
Curtis Toneff (93)
Matthew Berry-Lamontagna (93)
Dwayne Rodrigue (91)
James Leonard (93)

West Kelowna's Home record vs. Vernon this season:

2-0-0-0

West Kelowna's Road record vs. Vernon this season:

1-1-0-2

West Kelowna's Powerplay vs. Vernon this season:

9-25

West Kelowna's scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Seb Lloyd (7-2-9)
David Pope (3-6-9)
Shawn Hochhausen (2-4-6)
Max French (2-3-5)
Josh Monk (1-3-4)
Adam Plant (1-2-3)
Ambrose Firkus (2-1-3)
Brett Zarazun (0-3-3)
Marcus Basara (0-3-3)
Brennan Clark (1-2-3)
Matt Anholt (1-2-3)
Matthew Berry-Lamontagna (0-1-1)
Braxton Bilous (1-0-1)
Daniel Gayle (1-0-1)
Reid Simmonds (0-1-1)

Tyler Briggs (3-3 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Former Vernon Lakers forward, Rylan Ferster is the Head Coach-GM of the Warriors

-Forward Marcus Basara faces his former team

-West Kelowna has the BCHL's 3rd best powerplay

-The Warriors have the league's 4th best penalty kill

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon Vipers:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224096

West Kelowna Warriors:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224092

Monday, February 25, 2013

Former Vipers Defenceman Smeltzer Suspended:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) has suspended and fined former Vernon Vipers defenceman Isaac Smeltzer. Smeltzer is in his second season with the ECHL Colorado Eagles.  Smeltzer signed a amateur tryout contract with the Eagles last year (March.14th 2012) after completing his fourth season at Brock University before re-signing with the Eagles this season. In 46 games this year with Colorado Smeltzer has (2-5-7).  Smeltzer played his first three and a half seasons in the BCHL with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs before being traded to Vernon in his final season of Junior hockey (2007-2008). Alberni Valley traded Smeltzer to Vernon on November, 29th 2007 for forward, Evan Witt and defenceman, Eliot Raibl. Smeltzer collected (6-17-23) in 29 regular season games with the Vipers.

Isaac Smeltzer's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=80371
This is posted on the ECHL website:

ECHL announces fines, suspensions

February 23, 2013

PRINCETON, N.J. – The ECHL on Saturday announced the following fines and suspensions.

Colorado’s Smeltzer fined, suspended

Colorado’s Isaac Smeltzer has been suspended for two games and fined an undisclosed amount as a result of his actions in ECHL Game #630, Utah at Colorado, on Feb. 22.

Smetlzer was assessed a match penalty for illegal check to the head under Rule #48.5 at 8:37 of the third period. He is fined and suspended under Rule #28 – Supplementary Discipline.

Smetlzer will miss Colorado’s games vs. Utah on Feb. 23 and Feb. 24.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association, player fines collected by the ECHL are given to the PHPA for its ECHL Player’s Hardship Fund.

Vernon Vipers Profile With #1 Danny Todosychuk:

Hockeytube.net chats with Vernon hockey product Danny Todosychuk. The netminder is in his second year with the six time National Champion Vernon Vipers. Todosychuk talks about his rookie season with the Vipers and the circumstances this year of playing Junior B at the beginning of the year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BBomHDFnSQ&feature=player_embedded

BCHL Announce Chilliwack As Host For 2013 Showcase:

Chiefs, BCHL announce Chilliwack as host for 2013 Showcase
 
Wednesday, February 20, 2013 - Submitted by BCHL Media/Chilliwack Chiefs

The spectacular success of last September’s first ever BCHL Showcase – held in Chilliwack’s Prospera Centre and Hosted by the Chilliwack Chiefs – has earned the city and team the right to host the event again in 2013.

BCHL Commissioner John Grisdale joined Showcase Co-Chairman Glen Ringdal, President of the Chiefs, and legendary Head Coach Harvey Smyl in making the announcement at a Prospera Centre Wednesday morning news conference. Co-Chairman Clint Hames missed the announcement due to a business commitment.  however, he sent a message saying, “The inaugural BCHL Showcase was a spectacular success by every measure. The City, the Chiefs and the hockey fans of Chilliwack earned the complete respect of the BCHL and the hockey scouts of North America last September and I am very pleased that the Showcase will return to our City.”
The event will see all 16 BCHL teams return to Chilliwack over the weekend of September 6-8 playing two games each – games that count toward season points.

Commissioner Grisdale said, “The inaugural Showcase surpassed our most optimistic expectations and the response we received from players, coaches and scouts was overwhelmingly positive.  Fans, scouts and media are now familiar with the event so it makes perfect sense to bring it back to Prospera Centre in 2013.”

The 2012 Showcase attracted over 200 scouts from every NHL team and most of the major universities and colleges of US and Canada.  At least a half dozen players received offers of University scholarships on the spot and dozens more offers have followed throughout the season from some of the finest schools in North America. 

Grisdale said, “The BCHL is a developmental league – one that prepares young men for post-secondary education with hockey, or even a professional hockey career.  The Showcase gives all players in our League a chance to be seen by the top scouts for not only the best schools in North America, but also from the NHL and other professional leagues.”

Ted Donato, Head Coach of the Harvard University Crimson said, “It’s definitely high on our priority list to come out again for the BCHL Showcase. We have a lot of respect for the League and we’re confident we’ll find more players we want to bring into our program at this year’s event”. (Seven current BCHLers - Luke Esposito, Phil Zielonka, Alex Kerfoot, Kevin Guiltinan, Adam Plant, Riley Hunt and Seb Lloyd are all heading for Harvard after their Junior A careers).

Meanwhile Vancouver Canucks Scout Thomas Gradin said, “The BCHL has a rich history of preparing players for college scholarships and the potential of a professional hockey career.  To see all of the players in the same place at one time is a great opportunity for not only fans in Chilliwack, but also for scouts and hockey administrators.”

Philadelphia Flyers Scout Jack McIlhargey added, “I was glad to hear the BCHL Showcase is back in Chilliwack.  It is a great way for both pro and college scouts to see all the talent on one weekend at a first-class facility.”

Co-Chairman Ringdal said, “We are so very proud that the BCHL Commissioner and Board of Governors have shown such confidence in our Chiefs organization as well as the City of Chilliwack, our civic partners such as the Chamber of commerce and Tourism Chilliwack, our volunteer corps and the hockey fans of Chilliwack.  We will ask those same partners to join us again this year as we strive to provide an even better event for both fans and participants.”
“We learned some valuable lessons from our first Showcase that will only benefit the experience of fans, teams and scouts this September,” he said.

In his comments, Clint Hames recalled the Financial Impact Report prepared after the 2012 event that showed a total economic impact of between $540,000 and $750,000 in benefits to the City of Chilliwack.  Spending in local hotels and restaurants alone, he said, amounted to $170,000 over the three days.

Grisdale said ticket prices and other information including games schedules will be released at a later date.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Johnson Nets Langley OT Winner:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Johnson Nets Langley OT Winner
 
Sunday, February 24, 2013 - Submitted by Don Klepp

In a meeting of Castlegar-trained defencemen wearing number 29, Langley's Tanner Johnson got the better of Vernon's Ryan Renz in Langley's 3-2 overtime win at the Wesbild Centre.

Renz is a three-year BCHL veteran while the 17-year-old Johnson was playing in his 26th game after being plucked from the Castlegar Rebels of the KIJHL in late November.

Johnson played solid defence and scored twice, including the winner at 1:55 of the first overtime period. After three Vipers were unable to convert a chance in the Langley zone, the Rivermen quickly turned over the puck and Matt Ustaski moved into the Viper zone. Ryan Renz couldn't quite get back in time to defend against Johnson, who swept a low shot past Austin Smith in the Viper net after Ustaski's pass bounced off a Viper shin guard to Johnson.

Ironically, Ustaski scored the overtime winner against the Vipers in Langley on October 20 when he batted a puck out of mid air after it had bounced off the back boards.

He also scored a tying goal for the Rivermen in this game, batting a puck past Austin Smith on another strange bounce at 16:36 of the second period. During a Langley power play, Mario Puskarich's shot hit the shaft of Brett Corkey's stick and flipped in the air. Ustaski was able to bat a fluttering puck into the Viper net.

Ustaski's goal followed Tanner Johnson's first BCHL goal, which brought Langley back into the game at 5:34 of the second period. The Rivermen were much better than the Vipers in the second period after having been clearly outplayed by the Vipers in the first period.

That first period dominance gave the Vipers a first period 2-0 lead on goals by Brett Corkey and Craig Martin.

Corkey's third goal of the season culminated a high speed series of give-and-go passes with Mike Roberts as the duo came through centre ice and into the Langley zone. Corkey scored from the slot on a pinpoint shot just inside James Barr's right goal post, at 7:34.

At 19:05, TJ Dumonceaux and Craig Martin created a turnover deep in the Langley end, and Martin finished the play by coming from behind the net and stuffing the puck past Barr.

Then, for 30 minutes the Rivermen basically outworked the Vipers. Still, the home team had chances and with any puck luck at all would have taken the lead after Langley tied the contest. They had several chances where the puck consistently bounced just out of the reach of Viper sticks.

Also, James Barr played his part. In the second period, he stretched across to take a sure goal away from Mason Blacklock and then in the third period he absolutely robbed Logan Mick, who had been set up at the goal crease.

During the pre-game warm up, Tanner Johnson and Ryan Renz had exchanged a warm Castlegar welcome and a chuckle at centre ice, but the younger Johnson had the last laugh in a game that the Vipers dearly needed to win. 

SilverBacks Bank Pivotal Win:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

SilverBacks bank pivotal win

Published: February 24, 2013

The Vernon Vipers came agonizingly close to propelling themselves back into B.C. Hockey League playoff contention Friday night at the Shaw Centre.

Standing in their way was netminder Adam Clark, who recorded a 28-save, first-star performance as the host Salmon Arm SilverBacks hung on for a 3-2 win in front of 1,500 fans.

It is the third time in seven regular-season matchups that the towering tender from Sherwood Park, Alta. has come away with a game star.

“Clark was real good again,” said Vipers’ head coach Jason Williamson. “We had lots of chances but he made some big stops on 2-on-1s.

“We had our chances late, some good chances in tight with the goalie pulled, but he found a way to stop us.”

Vernon (17-24-1-8) is seven points back of the fourth-place SilverBacks (22-23-2-4) for the final Interior Division playoff spot.

The Gorillas are on the road for their five remaining regular-season tilts. The Vipers, who have a game in hand, hosted the Langley Rivermen (21-23-1-5) Saturday night at Wesbild Centre. They are in West Kelowna on Tuesday for a date with the 24-13-3-9 Warriors at Royal LePage Place.

Mitch McAllister (3rd goal) walked out from the corner to beat Clark for the opening goal late in the first period. D-man Ryan Renz pinched at the point to keep the play alive.

Renz jumpstarted the game with a great scrap against Blake Box after the Salmon Arm blueliner ran over Mason Blacklock.

Alex Gillies, with his team-leading 19th goal, earned the equalizer with 2:05 to go before the intermission.

After a scoreless second period, Gillies set up fellow Vernon product Harlan Orr to give the ‘Backs an early third-period lead on the powerplay.

Ryan Scwalbe beat Danny Todosychuk (33 saves) for the winner less than a minute later.

“It was a big game for both teams,” said Williamson. “A couple breakdowns end up in our net. After that, we didn’t give them anything.”

D-man Jason Bird (2nd) pulled Vernon within one midway through the period as the Vipers crashed Clark’s doorstep.

Williamson noted the solid Vernon fan support in enemy territory.

“Even at the end of the game, the fans were cheering,” he said. “I’ve got to give them credit for sticking behind us.”

SNAKE BITES: SilverBacks captain Brandon Mistal reached the 200-game milestone Friday night. He has split four Junior A seasons between the ‘Backs and Cowichan Valley...Ex-Viper Adam Tambellini pocketed four goals for the Surrey Eagles as they iced the host Powell River Kings 5-4 in OT Friday night.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Langley 3 Vernon 2 (Overtime)

For anyone who could not attend or watch tonight’s Vipers game here are my thoughts and views from tonight’s game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own view and opinion on any game we watch. This is my opinion and my thoughts on how I saw tonight’s game. I try to be unbiased and give a fare recap on both sides. Thanks for stopping by & visiting my blog.

I was at tonight's BCHL game as Langley defeated Vernon 3-2 in overtime in front of 1,752 fans at the Wesbild Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon:  Austin Smith
Langley:  James Barr

1st Period:  Off the opening faceoff Mason Blacklock setup Liam Board on a nice crease pass but Board was stoned in front by James Barr who come across the crease to make a huge right pad save just twenty seconds into the contest. The Vipers come out with lots of jump and energy and looked very good in the opening few minutes before the Rivermen bounced back after a bit of a slow start pushing back with a few good hard working shifts of their own.  It took Langley almost four minutes to record their first shot on goal as Vernon was outshooting Langley 4-1 early.  The Rivermen would get the games first powerplay but with only one shot the Vipers penalty kill was good killing off the minor.  Just after the penalty expired the Vipers would open the scoring after Michael Roberts setup Viper captain Brett Corkey who beat James Barr giving Vernon a 1-0 lead at 7:34 Roberts with the only assist on the play.  The Vipers slowly started to take over the edge in play were outshooting the Rivermen 7-4 at the halfway mark.  Just under two minutes later Vernon would get their first powerplay but just like Langley one shot before the Rivermen killed off the minor.  Just as the penalty expired TJ Dumonceaux on an odd man rush setup Mason Blacklock who went in all alone for the parcial breakaway but shot way high up and way over the net missing on aexcellent opportunity.  On the next shift Vernon would get their second man advantage but again just managed one shot as Langley would kill off the powerplay.  The Vipers would jump ahead by two after Craig Martin beat Barr late giving Vernon a 2-0 lead at 19:05 TJ Dumonceaux with the lone helper.  The Vipers looked good in the opening period were the better of the two teams were up 2-0 after 20 minutes of play.  Vernon outshot Langley 13-9.

2nd Period:  Just two minutes into the period TJ Dumonceaux come down the right wing snapping a quick low shot from the circle that forced James Barr to stick out the right pad at the last second making a huge pad save.  Just a few seconds later the Rivermen would get an early powerplay, Austin Smith made a big save off the BCHL's leading scorer Mario Puskarich after a quick shot from the slot got through traffic but somehow Smith managed to get his pad on the shot making the big save.  Vernon with another good penalty kill would kill off the minor.  The Rivermen didnt quit as Smith was forced to come up with another big save this time robbing Derek Sutliffe from the slot.  The Rivermen would cut the Vernon lead to within a goal just after the powerplay expired.  Mario Puskarich setup Tanner Johnson whos point shot beat Austin Smith at 5:34 Puskarich & James Robinson collected the assists.  Just a few minutes later Mario Puskarich wired a hard shot from the top of the circle beating Smith but hitting the crossbar as Langley come very close to tying the game.  The Vipers who didnt look like the same team after the 1st period were being outplayed and outworked for most of the second frame.  Langley really stepped up their play and was really working hard.  The Vipers would get a powerplay just past the midway mark but couldnt capitalize as the Rivermen with a good penalty kill would kill off the man advantage.  Just two minutes later Langley would get a late powerplay and capitalize.  Mario Puskarich's pass looked to get redirected or hit a stick along the way going up in the air before Matt Ustaski tapped in the rebound past Austin Smith at 16:36 tying the game 2-2.  Puskarich and Mark Whiteley picked up the helpers.  Not an overly physical game but Brendan Persley was exchanging words with Mario Puskarich and Trevor Cope in between stopages.  The Rivermen with a very strong second period battled back with two goals this period tied the game after outplaying the Vipers who didnt manage much offence.  It was tied 2-2 after 40 minutes of play.  Vernon outshot Langley 10-7.

3rd Period:  Just fifty five seconds into the final frame Langley would get an early powerplay but with a very good penalty kill by Vernon the Vipers would excape killing off the minor.  Just as the penalty expired Viktor Dombrovskiy was robbed by Smith come across the crease to make a huge pad save off Dombrovskiy.  Both teams were fairly even early on before Mason Blacklock and Logan Mick would get a two on one six minutes into the third.  Blacklock tried setting up Mick but Tanner Johnson made a huge defensive play breaking up the pass.  You could see the Vipers were running out of gas as Vernon just didnt seem to have that jump-energy and were looking sluggish at times.  Both teams looked to be playing very cautiously waiting for the other team to make the first mistake.  Vernon would get a powerplay just past the halfway mark, on the penalty Langley would lose one of their coaching staff members as one of the Rivermen coaches was tossed from the game after picking up a misconduct.  I dont know what coach was thrown out as the PA announcer didnt make the announcement.  The Vipers struggled with the man advantage looking very disorganized before Langley would kill off the minor.  Just after the powerplay the Rivermen with two back to back good opportunities.  Langley setup Mitch McLain who was all alone in front got off a backhand forcing Austin Smith to make a huge save in front, on the next shift Evan Campbell was stopped in front after Smith made a nice save with traffic in front.  The Vipers really stepped up their play in the second half and carried the better of the play as the Rivermen went atleast five minutes without getting a shot on goal.  Mason Blacklock lead the charge with a three on two but the Vipers couldnt connect missing a good opportunity.  Logan Mick with six minutes left had a great chance in front, went hard towards the goal but James Barr come up with a huge save in tight keeping this game tied.  The Vipers with several goal mouth scrambles in the final minutes had several good opportunities but couldnt capitalize.  I thought both teams looked to be fairly even in the first half before Vernon managed to dig out some late energy and carry the edge in play in the second half, getting some chances but couldnt beat Barr.  It was tied 2-2 after 60 minutes of play.  Vernon outshot Langley 10-8.

Overtime:  The Rivermen with the first chance of the extra period come close to winning it in the opening minute after Mario Puskarich setup Evan Campbell in front who was stopped by Austin Smith, Campbell stayed with the play gobbled up the rebound going in for his second opportunity but couldnt hit the net.  It didnt take long before Langley would pull out the victory after James Robinson setup Tanner Johnson who's low shot beat Smith at 1:55 giving the Rivermen a 3-2 OT win.  Langley carried the edge in play outshooting Vernon 2-1.

Top Players:  (Vernon)

Marc Hetnik I thought was one of Vernon's better d-men tonight.  Hetnik didnt make any real flashy plays or put up any numbers but played very solid on the Viper backend. 

TJ Dumonceaux (1 assist) Played with alot of energy and showed alot of hustle tonight.  Dumonceaux generated and created a few good scoring opportunities.

Logan Mick didnt see alot of icetime but I thought for the second straight game Mick played very well for the Vipers.  Had a great chance to pull out the win with six minutes remaining but was stoned in front by James Barr.

Brendan Persley who has been fairly quiet latley wasnt involved in the play much but I thought was one of the Vipers hardest working players tonight.  Battled and competed hard all game.

Austin Smith (23 saves)  Played well between the pipes.  Made some big saves for the Vipers through out tonight's contest.

Game Thoughts:  (Vernon)

After a very tough 3-2 loss in Salmon Arm last night the Vipers played well tonight but not good enough for the win in another tough loss this time ending in overtime.  Like most of the season, the Vipers come out ready to play and look very good in the opening period but for whatever reason seem to take the second period off and it cost them tonight.  Giving up two second period goals the Vipers blew a two goal lead before falling in overtime.  Vernon who I think emptied the tank in last night's loss to Salmon Arm ran out of gas-energy tonight.  As the game went on the Vipers just didnt seem to have the jump or energy to finish off tonight's game.  Like Vipers Assistant Coach Dave Robinson talked about in the pre-game show the Vipers seem to sit back at times and make that one little mistake or turnover and it costs them hockey games.  This team has been very incosistant all season and has had troubles playing a full sixty minutes. 

Top Players:  (Langley)

Jakub Reichert played a solid game up front for the Rivermen.  Reichert laid out a few big checks battled and competed all night, seemed to be involved in the play most of the night.

Mario Puskarich (2 assists)  Is very quick, a very good skater and has soft hands.  I thought played and looked his best in the second period and into overtime.  Really sees and reads the ice well.

Tanner Johnson (2 goals)  Played a very solid game on the Rivermen blueline, this kid was very impressive and looked good all night.  Made a solid defensive play in the third as well jumped up into the play on several occassions.

James Barr (32 saves)  Played very well making 32 saves.  A bigger goaltender dosnt give up alot of rebounds kept the Rivermen in the game at times.  Made some big saves in the first and third periods.

Game Thoughts:  (Langley)

The Rivermen made their first ever appearance to the Wesbild centre tonight.  The last time Langley was in town (two years ago) they were known as the Langley Chiefs.  The Rivermen dont have a very skilled team but a very big club with everyone over 6 feet except four players.  Langley really moves the puck well and is a very hard working team, that dosnr quit.  I think the Rivermen got off to a bit of a slow start but give them credit, they battled back in the middle frame, getting two goals tying the game and didnt give up.  Both teams were very good on the penalty kill in a game that didnt have alot of excitement or emotion too. 

Scratches:

Vernon:

Braeden Russell (Injured)

Langley:

Austen Bietenbeck
Derek Sutliffe
Marco Romano
Aaron Dolby

Energy Player Of The Game:

TJ Dumonceaux (1 assist)

Three Stars:

1st Star:  Tanner Johnson (2 goals)
2nd Star:  Brett Corkey (1 goal)
3rd Star:  Mario Puskarich (2 assists)

For more on tonight's game visit the BCHL boxscores,

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1103169&link=bchl

For more on tonight's game and the Langley Rivermen visit Brandon Astle's Langley Rivermen blog,

http://langleyrivermen.wordpress.com/

(Game Preview) Langley @ Vernon:

Langley (21-23-1-5) @ Vernon (17-24-1-8) 7pm start

Tonight is the second and final meeting of the season between the Vipers & Rivermen.  Langley leads the season series 1-0.  You can listen to tonight's game live with Todd Miller starting with the pre-game show starting at 6:45pm on 107.5 Kiss FM.

Last Game:

Friday, February 22md Salmon Arm defeated Vernon 3-2
Friday, February 22nd Langley defeated Chilliwack 5-1

Next Game:

Tuesday, February 26th Vernon @ West Kelowna
Friday, March 1st Chilliwack @ Langley

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 10-5-1-2 vs. Langley

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon has outscored Langley 64-50

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 5-2-0-0 at home vs. Langley

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 4-3-1-2 in Langley

Vernon's last win in Langley was a 6-2 victory back on Saturday, November 21st 2009

Langley's last win at home over Vernon was a 2-1 overtime loss on Saturday, October 20th 2012

Vernon's last win at home vs Langley was a 5-1 victory back on Saturday, January 30th 2010

Langleys last win in Vernon was a 3-2 victory back on Thursday, January 6th 2011

Langley has won four straight over Vernon

The Vipers went 0-1-0-0 last season vs Langley

For more stats & former Vernon Junior Hockey Team rosters & lineups please visit Paul’s Vernon Junior Hockey History website,

http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html



Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The Vernon Vipers return home after a tough 3-2 loss in Salmon Arm last night fell seven points back of the 4th place Salmon Arm Silverbacks who hold down the fourth and final playoff spot.  The Vipers with just six games remaining have just three home games remaining this season.  The Vipers come into tonight's game having won just twice in their last five games and are 3-5-1-1 in their last ten games. 

Mason Blacklock (17-15-32) leads the Vipers in goals with seventeen and in points with thirty two

Games Played:  50
Wins: 17
Losses: 24
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 8
Home Record: 10-11-0-4
Road Record: 7-13-1-4
Goals For: 123
Goals Against: 156
Streak: One game losing streak
Standings: 6th Place

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Brett Corkey (92)
Marc Hetnik (92)
Geoff Crisfield (93)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Danny Todosychuk (94)
Ryan Renz (93)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Michael Zalewski (92)
Brendan Persley (93)
Darren Nowick (91)
Adam Tambellini (94)
Aaron Hadley (93)
Jedd Soleway (94)
Riley Hunt (95)
John Knisley (92)
Colton Cyr (91)
Patrick McGillis (91)
Sean Robertson (91)
Ben Gamache (91)
Max Mowat (93)
Turner Lawson (94)
Kirby Halcrow (91)

Vernon’s Home record vs. Langley  this season:

0-0-0-0

Vernon’s Road record vs. Langley this season:

0-0-0-1

Vernon’s Powerplay vs. Langley this season:

0-4

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Langley this  season:

Ryan Renz (1-0-1)

Austin Smith (0-1 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Vernon has the leagues 12th best powerplay

-The Vipers have the BCHL's 15th best penalty kill






Lets take a look at the Langley Rivermen:

The Langley Rivermen make their first ever appearance to the Wesbild Centre.  The last Langley Junior hockey team that visited Vernon was the Langley Chiefs back in January 2011 when the Chiefs come away with a 3-2 victory.  Langley comes into Vernon tonight snapping a two game losing streak after a 5-1 victory over the visiting Chilliwack Chiefs last night.  Mario Puskarich (38-40-78) leads the league in scoring has the 4th place Rivermen holding onto the fourth and final playoff spot sit just five points up on the 5th place Coquitlam Express.  Langley has won just two of their last six games and has just one win on the road in their last seven games.  The Rivermen are 4-6-0-0 in their last ten games.

For more on the Langley Rivermen visit Brandon Astles Langley Rivermen blog,

http://langleyrivermen.wordpress.com/

Mario Puskarich (38-40-78) leads the Rivermen in goals with thirty eight and in points with seventy eight.

Games Played: 50
Wins: 21
Losses: 23
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 5
Home Record: 15-8-1-2
Road Record: 6-15-0-3
Goals For: 175
Goals Against:  181
Streak: One game winning streak
Standings: 4th Place

Langley Rivermen's Returning Players:

Mario Puskarich (92)
Evan Campbell (93)
Derek Sutliffe (92)
Mark Whiteley (93)
James Barr (93)

Langley Rivermen's Departing & traded players from last years team:

Darnell Dyck (91)
Mike Tebbutt (92)
Scott Moyer (92)
Bo Pellah (95)
Thomas Nitsche (92)
Austin Plevy (94)
Chris Tracy (92)
Ben Greniner (93)
Valik Chichkin (94)
Jackson Playfair (94)
Ryan Bakken (91)
Peter McMullen (93)
Sebastien Pare (93)
Danny Vlanich (93)
Raymond Bell (93)
Richard Coyne (91)
Nickolas Gushue (94)
Jim Kruger (92)

Langley's Home record vs. Vernon last season:

1-0-0-0

Langley's Road record vs. Vernon last season:

0-0-0-0

Langley's Powerplay vs. Vernon last season:

0-3

Langley's scoring leaders vs. Vernon last season:

Austin Azurdia (0-1-1)
Aaron Dolby (1-0-1)
Matt Ustaski (1-0-1)

James Barr (1-0 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Langley has the BCHL's 4th best powerplay

-The Rivermen have the league's 11th best penalty kill

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon Vipers:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224096

Langley Rivermen:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=305110

Clark Steals Another Game For Salmon Arm:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Clark Steals Another Game For Salmon Arm
 
Friday, February 22, 2013 - Submitted by Don Klepp

Big Adam Clark has made a habit of thwarting the Vipers this season and he did it again as the Silverbacks beat the Vipers 3-2 in Salmon Arm’s last home game of the season.

Clark stopped 28 of 30 shots, many from in close as the Vipers did their level best to make things difficult for the 6'5" netminder. He kept his team in the game and then the ‘Backs broke a 1-1 tie with two goals in 37 seconds in the third period.

Harlan Orr’s power play marker at 4:55 gave the ‘Backs their first lead of the game. The Vernon minor hockey product powered a shot past Danny Todosychuk from the left faceoff circle after he came off the side wall. Then, with the Vipers reeling slightly and the Silverbacks sensing a chance to drive a nail in the Viper coffin, a concerted forecheck resulted in Ryan Schwalbe converting a rebound chance at 5:32.

The two quick strikes culminated fierce Salmon Arm pressure at the beginning of the third period, a bounce back from the second period when the Vipers were all over their hosts. In that second frame, they generated 10 scoring chances but were unable to get the puck past Clark, who was particularly adept at sprawling and lunging to smother second and third chance shots.

After the Silverback pair of goals in the third, the Vipers rebounded with a determined effort, so Clark once again was forced to make a series of desperation saves while on his back or on his side.

The Vipers did break through at 12:25 when Jason Bird joined a raiding party at the Salmon Arm crease and banged in a rebound, but the desperate Vipers could not breach the Clark wall a third time.

This game began with a display of exciting end-to-end action. The Silverbacks outshot the Vipers 12-5 in the opening 20 minutes, largely due to a strategy of shooting from any position at any opportunity. By contrast, Vernon’s strategy was to send players hard to the net for rebounds and attempted tap-ins.

Salmon Arm’s defence did a good job of blocking shots in the opening period, but a Viper forecheck led by Craig Martin created a turnover that resulted in Ryan Renz getting off a shot that was blocked. Mitch McAllister vacuumed up the bouncing disk and fired a high shot that was only partially blocked by Clark.

The Viper elation lasted only 32 seconds because Alex Gillies scored with a rocket following a turnover at centre and a crisp cross-ice pass by Steven Iacobellis to the wide-open Gillies on the left wing.

One of the larger Salmon Arm crowds of the year, including a busload of Viper fans, was treated to an intense, hard-hitting affair that saw the Vipers dish out 46 hits while the ‘Backs responded with 32.   

The Silverback win, their sixth in seven games with the Vipers this season, restores their seven-point lead over Vernon for the last playoff spot in the Interior. However, the Vipers still have a game in hand and the Silverbacks will finish their season with five road games, so that fourth place finish is still possible for the Vipers. Meanwhile, the Vipers have three home games remaining, including the February 23 tilt with Langley.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Salmon Arm 3 Vernon 2

For anyone who could not attend or watch tonight’s Vipers game here are my thoughts and views from tonight’s game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own view and opinion on any game we watch. This is my opinion and my thoughts on how I saw tonight’s game. I try to be unbiased and give a fare recap on both sides. Thanks for stopping by & visiting my blog.

I was at tonight's BCHL game as Salmon Arm defeated Vernon 3-2 in front of 1,531 fans at the Shaw Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon:  Danny Todosychuk
Salmon Arm:  Adam Clark

1st Period:  Both teams come ready to play tonight as the play went back and fourth early with very little scoring chances at either ends of the rink.  Four and a half minutes into the game Ryan Renz dropped the gloves with Blake Box in the lone tilt of the game.  The Silverbacks were firing everything at Danny Todosychuk early while it took the Vipers almost seven minutes to record their first shot on goal as Salmon Arm was outshooting Vernon 6-1 at one point.  Just past the midway mark of the opening period the Backs would get the games first real good chance of the game after going for a wrap around the puck come back out to the point where Brett Fagerheim's blast from the blueline was stopped by the quick glove of Todosychuk.  With a whistle-stopage in play off the next faceoff Blake Box's point shot got through traffic as Vipers starting goaltender Danny Todosychuk was forced to make another big save this time coming up with a quick right pad save as Salmon Arm with two back to back opportunities.  Even though the Silverbacks were outshooting the Vipers the play was fairly even atleast in the first half before Salmon Arm slowly started to carry an edge in play in the final ten minutes.  A very quick period with very little whistles and at one point both teams went atleast three or four minutes without getting a shot on goal.  The Backs really forechecking the Vipers, were sending a player in deep on almost every play as the Vipers couldnt handle the pressure.  With no real scoring chances Vernon would open the scoring after Mitch McAllister's shot hit Adam Clark, going in off the Backs goaltenders shoulder and into the back of the net giving the Vipers a 1-0 lead at 17:33 Ryan Renz and Craig Martin collected the helpers.  But just thirty two seconds later off the following faceoff the Vipers left Vernon product Alex Gillies all alone at the side of the net, Gillies roofed his shot going off the crossbar and in past Todosychuk tying the game 1-1 at 18:05 Steven Iacobellis & Brandon Mistal picked up the assists.  A fairly even played first ten minutes with no real good scoring opportunities, changed as the Silverbacks come back hard in the second half carrying the better of the play.  It was 1-1 after 20 minutes of play.  Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 12-5.

2nd Period:  The Backs come out strong to start the middle frame once again forechecking the Vipers early as Vernon was back on there heels just about coughed up the puck atleast two or three times in their own end in the opening few minutes.  But it would be the Vipers who would get a great chance just two minutes into the period after Craig Martin setup Colton Sparrow on a Vernon odd man rush, Sparrow with a quick low shot couldnt beat Silverbacks starting goaltender Adam Clark who made a quick right pad save.  Just a few minutes later the Vipers setup a wide open Mason Blacklock who come in for the parcial breakaway but Adam Clark just got his glove on the puck before having to lay down and cover the puck.  The puck wasnt totally covered as Vernon with a scramble in and around the Backs goal couldnt bang the puck home past Clark on a close call and a great opportunity.  Vernon with a ton of jump was playing very well and really taking it too the Silverbacks for most of the 2nd period.  Mason Blacklock setup Dexter Dancs in front on a Viper odd man rush but once again Clark come across the crease to make a huge right pad save off Dancs in front who was robbed in close.  Vernon would get the games first powerplay, with traffic in front the Vipers would tee up two big shots from the point but Adam Clark who somehow saw the puck through traffic made two big saves early before the Vipers iced the puck and then couldnt generate any further shots with the man advantage as Salmon Arm would kill off the minor.  Just as the penalty expired Mitch McAllister with a great chance in front tried banging home the loose puck but Adam Clark who was down and out somehow managed to cover the puck and play keeping this game tied.  The Vipers didnt get off to a good start but took over the play and dominated the 2nd period.  The Backs come very close to taking the lead after Ryan Renz coughed up the puck to Silverback captain Brandon Mistal who went in for the parcial breakaway was stopped by Danny Todosychuk before crashing into the Vernon netminder.  The following faceoff Steven Iacobellis come very close to giving the Silverbacks the lead as his shot went through the crease after Danny Todosychuk and a Viper defenceman got mixed up behind the goal.  Anthony Croston with a nice dangle in close couldnt beat Todosychuk with three minutes remaining.  The Silverbacks with a strong forecheck late had the Vipers pinned deep in their own end in the final twenty-thirty seconds, with a mad scramble in and around the Vernon goal Salmon Arm with a flurry of chances couldnt find the back of the net.  The Vipers didnt get off to a strong start but it didnt take them long to get going and come up with some solid chances.  Adam Clark kept his team in the game as Vernon outplayed Salmon Arm.  It was tied 1-1 after 40 minutes of play.  The Vipers outshot the Backs 15-8.

3rd Period:  Salmon Arm come out of the gates strong, taking it to Vernon early and often.  The Silverbacks would get their first powerplay early into the final frame and capitalize early after Vernon product Harlon Orr snapped a quick low shot from the circle that beat Danny Todosychuk fivehole giving Salmon Arm their first lead of the night 2-1 at 4:55 Alex Gillies and Shane Hanna with the assists.  Just thirty seven seconds later the Backs grabbed a two goal lead after a quick play developed down low resulting in Ryan Schwalbe scoring at 5:32 Jordan Levesque & Sebastian Barrette picked up the helpers.  Jason Williamson would call a timeout to try and settle his group down.  With the Vipers back on their heels the Silverbacks were pouring on the offensive attack.  Just a few minutes later Harlon Orr on a two on one beat Danny Todosychuk but hit the crossbar coming close to giving the Backs a 4-1 lead.  Just shortly after Anthony Croston with a nice indivdual effort in close put a nice dangle in the slot had Todosychuk beat but lost control of the puck missing a wide open cage.  Salmon Arm all over Vernon was outshooting the Vipers 11-3 just six minutes into the third.  Just past the midway mark Adam Clark made a huge save off Mason Blacklock but couldnt handle the rebound before Jason Bird hit the empty cage making this a one goal game at 12:35 Mason Blacklock and Dexter Dancs with the assists.  This goal seemed to give Vernon some life as the Vipers played and looked much better from here on in.  The momentum slowly changed as it was now the Vipers who were coming on and the Silverbacks a bit back on their heels.  Vernon with a few flurry of chances couldnt beat Adam Clark who was solid all night.  The Backs who were now turning over the puck and making a few mistakes had troubles with Vernon's forecheck.  Late in the contest Andrew Tegeler looked to have Clark beat but the Backs goaltender got his left pad out at the last second to rob Tegeler at the side of the net with 1:32 remaining.  The Vipers would pull Danny Todosychuk with 1:03 remaining getting the extra attacker out but were forced to put the goaltender back between the pipes before getting him back to the bench with just twelve seconds remaining. In the dying seconds a mad scramble in and around the Salmon Arm goal Mitch McAllister missed the open cage firing wide before a melay of punches were being thrown with several players pushing and shoving after the whistle as tempers heated up.  Both teams were exchanging words.  Mason Blacklock and Brendan Persley would get tossed from the game with just 4.7 seconds remaining while a fairly long stopage in play as both teams and the referee were trying to sort everything out.  Jason Williamson was very fired up before the final faceoff really giving it too referee Brandon Liefke.  The Vipers and the Vernon bench was very upset with something that happened on the final play of the game.  The Silverbacks would win the final faceoff and kill off the final 4.7 seconds before more pushing and shoving took place deep in the Backs zone.  Mitch McAllister and Colton Sparrpw picked up misconducts at the buzzer as Salmon Arm would come away with a huge 3-2 victory and take the season series 6-1.  The Silverbacks outshot the Vipers 16-10.

Top Players:  (Vernon)

Brett Corkey who I havnt thought has played very well the last month or so really stepped up his game tonight and played one of his better games in a long time.  I thought the Vipers captain carried the play on several occassions as well as jumped up into the play on several occassions.  Corkey was really skating and played very well at both ends of the rink.

Mitch McAllister (1 goal)  Played a heck of a hockey game tonight.  McAllister who has been one of the Vipers spark plugs all season once again played with a ton of jump and energy and was really working hard-playing with alot of heart looked very strong.  Had a few good opportunties scoring once.

Mason Blacklock (1 assist)  What can you say about Mason Blacklock, since coming to the Vipers from the Surrey Eagles at the BCHL trade deadline Blacklock has been the Vipers best player on most nights and he showed that again tonight.  Blacklock seeing a ton of icetime was double shifting at times was very strong-persistant all night.  Very skilled and hard to knock off the puck created and generated alot of Vernon's offence tonight.

Logan Mick didnt see alot of icetime after the first period but in the shifts I did see the youngster play I thought he played very well.

Jason Bird (1 goal)  Played very well on the Vipers backend tonight.

Dexter Dancs (1 assist)  Had some chances, played hard, competed and generated some offence in and around the net. 

Danny Todosychuk (33 saves)  Didnt have to make alot of big saves tonight but played very well this evening.  It looks like the Vipers have been rotating goaltenders on and off the last month or so.

Game Thoughts:  (Vernon)

Well tonight was a game the Vipers despertly needed and wanted to try and close the gap to within three points of the Silverbacks for the fourth and final playoff spot.  A very entertaining and exciting hockey game but in the end a very tough yet dissapointing loss for the Vipers.  The Vipers struggled against Salmon Arm this year and you have to wonder if a couple of wins vs the Silverbacks earlier in the season this could maybe have the Vipers ahead in the standings?  There were atleast two maybe three games earlier in the year the Vipers had the lead, gave up the lead late in the game and then lost in overtime.  I have said this before and will say this again.  Something happened to this team after the BCHL trade deadline.  After shipping out Aaron Hadley, Adam Tambellini and Pearce Eviston this team has been playing much better, more consistant hockey and much better hockey.  The team has shown more energy, jump and excitement in their play and the boys on the ice seem to be playing more as a team since the big trade deadline.  I know some fans will jump all over me and say yes but the team is still losing, ok your right.  But they have won more games since the trade deadline then in previous months.  They have been more consistant and in most of these games, having a chance to win right to the end.  You have to wonder why?  If these boys played like this from the start of the season who knows what place in the standings they would be in compared to now.  All I have to say is after watching tonight's game these boys emptied the tank, they left everything on the ice until the final buzzer, in a heard fought game.  Even though they lost I thought this was a great game and enjoyed it.  These are the type of games where even though they lost, I saw a full team effort and wasnt dissapointed after the game with the loss.  In previous games going back to September, October, November and December you went home pretty dissapointed with the style of hockey, the sloppyness and overall just how the team played and looked. Lets hope the Vipers can keep playing this well or even better for the remainder of the season.  I know myself there is a little excitement back with the team chasing down Salmon Arm for the final playoff spot.  It makes going to the games interesting and exciting again. 

Top Players:  (Salmon Arm)

Blake Box played a steady game on the Backs blueline.

Brandon Mistal (1 assist)  Was one of if not the Silverbacks best player tonight.  I thought the Salmon Arm captain played a very strong game.  Played with alot of jump, worked hard and was always in and around the net.  Showed alot of toughness and didnt back down after getting hit.

Brayden Sherbinin also played very well on the backend.

Alex Gillies (1 goal & 1 assist)  I thought played very well for Salmon Arm.  Was skating hard, involved in the play and created and generated some chances.

Anthony Croston had a strong game, played with alot of jump-energy.  Had two great scoring plays in the second and third periods. 

Steven Iacobellis (1 assist)  One of if not the hardest working Silverback tonight.  Iacobellis played very strong tonight, always involved in the play.

Adam Clark (28 saves)  Improved to 6-0 against Vernon this season after making 28 saves tonight.  Clark who has played the Vipers very well this season once again gave his team a chance to win and kept his team in the game, especially in the 2nd period coming up with some huge saves when the Backs were being outplayed. 

Game Thoughts:  (Salmon Arm)

Great to see one of the biggest crowds tonight!!  Atleast the biggest crowd for a Vernon-Salmon Arm game this season.  A great atmosphere and a great playoff like atmosphere on the ice in a very entertaining hockey game tonight.  Both teams played very well in a hard fought game.  Give credit to the Backs for coming right back to tie the game late in the opening period after Vernon opened the scoring and for hanging on in the 2nd period when the Vipers were all over the Silverbacks.  Two quick back to back goals early into the third was the difference in a very quick paced game that went back and fourth.  Salmon Arm now moves seven points up on Vernon for the fourth and final playoff spot have just five games remaining while the Vipers have six.  The Silverbacks will finish the regular season on the road for their remaining five games. 

Scratches:

Vernon:

Braeden Russell (Injured)

Salmon Arm:

Alex Jewell
Evan Anderson

Energy Player Of The Game:

Bryden Marsh

Three Stars:

1st Star:  Adam Clark (28 saves)
2nd Star:  Mason Blacklock (1 assist)
3rd Star:  Anthony Croston

For more on tonight's game visit the BCHL boxscore,

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1103161&link=bchl