SilverBacks shade Vipers
Sep 7, 2014
The Salmon Arm SilverBacks’ third-period push was too much to handle as they iced the Vernon Vipers 3-2 in B.C. Hockey League exhibition play Friday night at the Shaw Centre.
“They put the pedal down in the third and separated from us and we made mistakes. Our younger dee struggled a bit and that is something we will work on,” said Vipers’ GM/head coach Jason Williamson.
The Vipers (1-1) carried a lead into the final frame on goals from Hartsdale, N.Y. native Kenny Citron and Texan Thomas Aldworth.
Keller, Tx. isn’t normally a breeding ground for BCHL hockey players, but Aldworth was spotted while at the same prep school as Liam Coughlin out East.
Coughlin finally arrived at Vipers’ camp Thursday afternoon.
The South Boston product saw some ice time, but there was evident rust on his skates after missing the first half of camp.
“Coughlin needs to be better,” said Williamson.
Last year’s Rookie of the Year earned 18 goals and 45 points for the Snakes last season.
Despite being eligible to return to the Vipers this year, Michael McNicholas will be attending the University of New Hampshire instead.
Williamson has been aiming to finalize his roster this weekend, but some of the bubble players are making the decision a difficult one.
“Some of those guys played really well last night and some didn’t. This is going to be tough,” said Williamson.
New netminder Jarrod Schamerhorn played all 60 minutes and has logged time in the WHL and BCHL over the past two years. He played in 14 games last season with the Portland Winterhawks and Lethbridge Hurricanes with a .849 save percentage. He has also played in 10 games over the past two years with the Nanaimo Clippers and Merritt Centennials.
The Vipers and SilverBacks danced again Saturday night at Kal Tire Place, one day after new assistant coach Kevin Kraus’ 25th birthday.
The Vipers have a final home and home exhibition series with the Prince George Spruce Kings starting Friday at Kal Tire Place before the games count for real. The Vipers open their season Sept. 19 against the Cowichan Valley Capitals in Chilliwack at the BCHL Showcase.
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