Vipers Run Puts Them In Heat Of Interior Division Race:

This was in the BCHL Insider Newsletter:

Vipers run puts them in heat of Interior Division race

October 24 2013

Labouring just under the .500 mark entering the month of October, the 2014 RBC Cup host Vernon Vipers rattled off six wins in their seven games from Oct. 5 to 20. Now 7-3 in their past 10, the Snakes can take over top spot in the air-tight Interior Division Friday night if they can topple the Penticton Vees and other Interior clubs stumble. There are just four points separating first from fourth and players know what's at stake.

"We've definitely used it as motivation that any weekend, you can jump from fifth to first," said Vernon head coach Jason Williamson. "It's easy to say, 'Hey guys, you have to be ready to play.'"

Even more so now. Vernon goes into Penticton Friday night minus top scorer Mason Blacklock who has a lower-body injury. Injuries to others, including captain Ryan Renz, have put young players into the spotlight and Williamson likes the maturation he's seen from his club already this season.

"That's kind of the silver lining to this whole thing," said Williamson. "Renz is probable for this weekend; it's been a huge hole to fill so it'll be good to have that veteran presence back there. The D corps is the strength of our hockey club; with Renz, hopefully it just gets better."

Williamson has also had to find help in net with Austin Smith sidelined. Former Victoria Grizzlies netminder Michael Stiliadis, who shut out the Vipers in his only action against them last year, is now in Vernon colours and has a win since joining the club.

"When Austin went down, I had to make sure I patched that hole," said Williamson. "With that one game we saw and what we've seen in practice, we know we can feel good about (Stiliadis)."

 Other encouraging signs are the elevation of Michael McNicholas's game in Blacklock's absence and the production from the back end of Jason Bird, who was BCHL Player of the Week last week. Acquiring Jared Wilson from Alberni Valley also adds a dynamic blueline presence.

As for Friday's game in Penticton, Williamson doesn't need to rev his guys up.

"We've had a pretty good week (at practice)," said Williamson. "Guys are usually up for Penticton."