vipersdiehardfan blog

Vernon 5 Nanaimo 1

2012-02-16T22:58:00.000-08:00

I was at tonight's BCHL game as Vernon defeated Nanaimo 5-1 in front of 1,485 fans at the Wesbild Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Kirby Halcrow
Nanaimo: Billy Faust

1st Period: Just fifty two seconds into the opening period the Clippers would get an early powerplay. Nanaimo couldnt generate any pressure as a strong Vernon Viper penalty kill did most of the work keeping the puck out of the Vernon zone before the Vipers would go down two men, giving the Clippers a short two man advantage. Just as the first powerplay come to an end Graeme McCormack's point shot was tipped in front by Luke Gordon who was stopped by Kirby Halcrow who made a nice save off the tipp in front. Nanaimo with just three shots on the two man advantage couldnt capitalize after a very good penalty kill by the Vipers. Vernon come right back just a few seconds later and would open the scoring after Aaron Hadley beat former Penticton Vees goaltender, Billy Faust on the wraparound giving Vernon a 1-0 lead on just their second shot of the night at 5:26. Hadley's goal was unassisted. Just a few shifts later John Knisley with a nice pass on a Vipers rush setup Mike Zalewski in the slot who ripped a quick hard shot from the slot was stopped by Billy Faust who made a nice pad save. Vernon would then get their first powerplay of the night and capitalize after Mike Zalewski setup Adam Tambellini who snipped a quick hard shot that beat Billy Faust at 9:59 giving the Vipers a 2-0 lead, Zalewski and Brett Corkey collected the helpers. Just shortly after Graeme McCormack's point shot was tipped in front by Kyle Kramer but somehow Kirby Halcrow stuck out the right pad making a big pad save keeping the Clippers off the scoreboard. With the Vipers going hard towards the net, Billy Faust made two saves from in tight before Ben Gamache with a shot from the top of the crease couldnt lift the puck up and over Faust who made a nice save with traffic in front. Faust come up with atleast three good saves with bodies in front keeping this a two goal game. The Vipers would get a late powerplay in the final minute that would carry over into the 2nd period. The Vipers with a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes of play. Not alot of action in the opening period as both teams didnt generate alot of scoring chances. A fairly even played period with the Vipers getting a few more scoring chances. Vernon outshot Nanaimo 14-13.

2nd Period: Vernon started the middle frame with the man advantage that was carried over from the 1st period and capitalized early. Just twenty six seconds into the period Mike Zalewski with a nice cross ice pass setup and found Aaron Hadley who beat Faust for his second goal of the game giving the Vipers a 3-0 lead. Zalewski and Darren Nowick with the helpers. But back come the Clippers just under a minute later, Kyle Kramer with a nice setup found a wide open Luke Gordon who beat Kirby Halcrow with a nice goal in close getting Nanaimo on the board. Kramer and former Vernon Vipers forward, Trevor Fitzgerald with the assists. The Clippers would get an early powerplay but again it was the strong penalty kill by the Vipers who did most of the work. Darren Nowick who worked hard and showed lots of hustle all night was very strong on the penalty kill. Nowick stole the puck on several occasions killing off valuable time before going in on a parcial two on one rush, Nowick was held to the outside before going inside-out on one Clippers d-man before getting off a quick shot from in close on a good chance shorthanded. The Vipers would kill off the minor. On the next few shifts the Vipers fed Adam Tambellini in the slot who with a nice move cut hard towards the net and then ripped a hard low shot that was stopped by Billy Faust who kicked out the puck making a huge right pad save. On the next shift former Trail Smoke Eaters forward, Clayton Cheesa on a two on one beat Kirby Halcrow but hit either the post or crossbar on a close call. Just shortly after the Clippers would go back to their second powerplay of the period but again it was the Vipers penalty killers that were the ones that made the difference. Former Nanaimo Clippers captain, Colton Cyr and Mike Zalewski on a two on one break, Cyr shot but was stopped by Faust who kicked out the rebound to a wide open Zalewski who hit the empty cage giving Vernon a 4-1 lead at 10:27 Cyr with the lone assist. The Vipers would kill off the remainder of the powerplay. Things slowly started to get rough as both teams started to take a few liberties at one another during the play. During back to back stopages in play some pushing and shoving occured as tempers slowly started to heat up. Former Vernon Vipers Head Coach & Gm Mike Vandekamp wasnt happy with a few of the officials calls as Vandy was yelling at the referees on a few back to back calls. Just past the midway mark tempers heated up as Turner Lawson and Josh Phillips dropped the gloves deep in the Clippers zone, at the other end of the rink deep in the Vipers zone a small melay broke out as the remainder of players on the ice got together with some pushing and shoving as the odd punch was thrown. Just a minute later Vernon would get a powerplay but unable to capitalize as the Clippers would kill off the minor. From here on in it was all Vipers as Vernon dominated the play. Nanaimo with just a single shot in the final nine minutes of play. At times it looked like the Vipers had the puck on a string being creative with the puck the Vipers created a few chances but didnt really come up with alot of good quality opportunties. Billy Faust was busy making several routine saves slowed down the play at times with lots of stopages in play. Aaron Hadley looking for his third of the night tried his second wrap around of the game but couldnt beat Faust who made the save with twenty nine seconds remaining in the period. Vernon with a 4-1 lead after 40 minutes of play. The Vipers scored two to take a three goal lead into the 3rd were the better of the two teams in the second period. The Clippers who didnt generate much offence were outplayed for most of the period. The Vipers skill really took over and showed in the middle frame. The Vipers outshot the Clippers 11-10.

3rd Period: Just over two and a half minutes into the 3rd Andrew Gladuik with a nice move in close tried beating Halcrow on the first shot was stopped before getting off two more shots but the Vipers goaltender who was down and out somehow kept his right pad down tight against the post making a big save early to start the 3rd. On the play Nanaimo would get an early powerplay but the Vipers would kill off the minor. The Vipers then just taking off as much time off the clock as possible played dump and chase up by three goals. The Clippers come very close to making this a two goal game after Kirby Halcrow coughed up the puck from behind his own net, Halcrow come out to play the puck, throwing it up the middle right on the stick of Josh Phillips who fired for the empty cage but Halcrow was very lucky come sliding back into his crease to make the huge save on a very close call. Not alot of action early on as the Clippers with just three shots in the first half of the period. Vipers captain, Patrick McGillis and Ben Gamache on a two on one, Gamache fed McGillis who didnt get off enough wood couldnt record a shot on goal. Vernon would get a powerplay at the halfway mark but the Clippers with a good penalty kill would kill off the minor before getting a powerplay of their own. Nanaimo with back to back powerplays couldnt capitalize as the Vipers would kill off both penalties. In the final minute of play the Vipers with a good rush towards the goal setup Adam Tambellini who beat Billy Faust but hit the post before Jedd Soleway collected the rebound beat Faust on the second attempt giving Vernon a 5-1 lead at 19:38 Tambellini with the only assist on the play. At the buzzer tempers heated up again as some pushing and shoving occured inside the Nanaimo blueline before the players were broken up as the Vipers would snap a two game losing skid with a 5-1 victory over Nanaimo. Not alot of action in the final frame. The Clippers outshot the Vipers 10-8.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Adam Tambellini (1 goal & 1 assist) Tambellini played very well this evening. I thought was one of the Vipers better forward units. Come up with some good chances, getting shots on goal and creating opportunities. This kid has a wicked shot and can sure snipe goals.

Aaron Hadley (2 goals) Played very well for the Vipers. Scored two goals and had atleast two other opportunities to score maybe two more. Battled hard down low and was a force in and around the Clippers goal.

Mike Zalewski (1 goal & 2 assists) Was also strong for Vernon tonight, good with the puck down low. Really reads the ice well.

Darren Nowick (1 assist) One of if not the hardest working kid on the team was very strong on the Vipers penalty kill. Stole the puck, created and generated scoring chances shorthanded all night. Really worked hard, skated hard and played with lots of hustle and energy. A very strong competator.

Geoff Crisfield played very well on Vernons blueline. Jumped up into the rush on several occasions. Played physical and was steady on the Vipers backend.

Kirby Halcrow (32 saves) Didnt have to make alot of big saves but did come up with atleast three maybe four good saves played well between the pipes. Halcrow who didnt give up alot of rebounds did get lucky coughing up the puck in the 3rd only managing to get back just in time to make a big save off Josh Phillips. Halcrow saw most of the Clipper shots wich makes his job that much more easier.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

After returning home with back to back dissapointing losses in Chilliwack and Merritt I thought the Vipers played very well tonight. This team has been very uncosistant all season and it showed again tonight. After a five game winning streak the team looks terrible in back to back losses vs Chilliwack and Merritt but comes back with a strong performance tonight vs Nanaimo. Its frustrating, why cant this team play like this on a more consistant basis? Not alot of mistakes, made some good passes, and timely plays tonight. Scored some nice goals and played well defensively. The Vipers defence didnt give up alot of second or third opportunties. I also thought the Vipers played very well with the lead. I was very impressed with the penalty kill. The Vipers looked very strong on specialty teams scoring once shorthanded but also getting atleast two good chances down a man. A huge win now puts the Vipers tied with 4th place Chilliwack for the fourth and final playoff spot.

Top Players: (Nanaimo)

Andrew Gladuik had a real good chance in the third period but played more of the agitator role tonight seemed to get under the skin of several Vernon Vipers through out tonight's game.

Luke Gordon (1 goal) I thought Gordon played fairly well tonight. Was one of the Clippers for offensive players.

Clayton Cheesa was another Nanaimo Clipper that got involved in some scoring chances. Had a great chance in the 2nd period on a Clippers odd man rush but hit the post.

Kyle Kramer (1 assist) Was one of the hardest working Clippers this evening. Tipped Graeme McCormack's point shot in the opening period but couldnt beat Halcrow who made a real nice pad save off the Nanaimo forward.

Billy Faust (38 saves) I dont think you can blame Faust for any of the five Vipers goals tonight. The former Penticton Vees backup goaltender made a few big saves tonight but overall played his position well coming out challenging the Viper shooters making several routine saves.

Game Thoughts: (Nanaimo)

The Clippers broke the glass not once but twice during warmup, something I have never seen before. This didnt stop Nanaimo as the team put one net up against the side boards and did their drills going across the rink. Mike Vandekamp faced his former team for the second time in his coaching career but the first visit back to the Wesbild Centre for Vandy. For a Mike Vadekamp team, I wasnt very impressed with the Clippers. Nanaimo seemed to stay with the Vipers in the opening period but as the game went on was outplayed and outhit. The Clippers with not alot of skill up front had troubles generating offence all night. Specialty teams was the difference as Nanaimo went 0-7 with the man advantage and also gave up a shorthanded goal. The Clippers powerplay was terrible. Overall the Clippers just didnt impress me. After watching Mike Vandekamp coach here for three seasons I was expecting alot more out of Nanaimo.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Max Mowat (Injured)
Riley Hunt
Luke Juha (Injured)

Nanaimo:

Ryan Wells
Jared Chinn

Vipers energy player of the game: Brendan Persley

3 Stars:

1st Star: Aaron Hadley (2 goals)
2nd Star: Mike Zalewski (1 goal & 2 assists)
3rd Star: Adam Tambellini (1 goal & 1 assist)

For more on tonight's game visit the boxscore,

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977588&link=bchl

(Game Preview) Nanaimo @ Vernon:

2012-02-16T07:05:00.000-08:00

Nanaimo (22-19-0-9) @ Vernon (25-22-1-2) 7pm start

Tonight is the first and only regular season meeting between these two teams.

Let's take a look at the regular season schedule between these two hockey clubs from last season,

Sunday, December 12th 2010 Vernon @ Nanaimo (Vipers won 3-2)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840250

Wednesday, February 2nd 2011 Nanaimo @ Vernon (Vipers won 2-1)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840027

Last Game Played:

Tuesday, February 14th Merritt defeated Vernon 7-1
Wednesday, February 15th Coquitlam defeated Nanaimo 6-3

Next Game:

Friday, February 16th Vernon @ Penticton
Saturday, February 18th Nanaimo @ Prince George

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 9-4-0-2 vs. Nanaimo

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon has outscored Nanaimo 48-42

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 7-0-0-1 at home vs. Nanaimo

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 2-4-0-1 in Nanaimo

The Vipers are 7-0-0-1 in their last eight games at home vs. the Clippers

The Vipers are 2-4-0-1 in their last seven games on the road vs. the Clippers

The Vipers are 6-2-0-2 in their last ten games vs. Nanaimo

Nanaimo’s last victory in Vernon was a 4-3 double overtime win back on Friday, January 16th 2009

The Vipers went 2-0-0-0 last season vs the Nanaimo Clippers during the regular season.

The Vernon Lakers changed their name to the Vernon Vipers to start the 1995-96 season.

Here’s a look at the Vipers all-time regular season record

Games Played: 999
Wins: 636
Losses: 263
Ties: 16
Overtime Losses: 86

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

The Vipers return home after a two game road trip wich saw them lose 3-1 in Chilliwack Saturday and 7-1 Tuesday in Merritt. The Vipers have won six straight at home where they are 18-6-1-1. Tonight is the first game of three straight for Vernon (Nanaimo, Penticton & Westside) The Vipers sit in 5th place two points back of 4th place Chilliwack with just ten games remaining. Vernon will play six of its final ten games away from home to finish off the regular season.

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

Games Played: 50
Wins: 25
Losses: 22
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 18-6-1-1
Road Record: 7-16-0-1
Goals For: 166
Goals Against: 160
Streak: Two game losing streak
Standings: 5th Place

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Brett Corkey (92)
Aaron Hadley (93)
John Knisley (92)
Patrick McGillis (91)
Max Mowat (93)
Darren Nowick (91)
Ryan Renz (93)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Michael Zalewski (92)
Kirby Halcrow (91)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Marcus Basara (93)
Dylan Walchuk (92)
David Robinson (90)
Bryce Kakoske (90)
Malcolm Lyles (90)
Trevor Fitzgerald (92)
Adam Thompson (90)
Steven Weinstein (90)
Kyle Murphy (90)
Dane Muench (92)
Philip Patenaude (91)
Zach McPhee (93)
Blake Voth (91)

Vernon's Home record vs. Nanaimo last season:

1-0-0-0

Vernon's Road record vs. Nanaimo last season:

1-0-0-0

Vernon’s Powerplay vs. Nanaimo last season:

0-6

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Nanaimo last season:

David Robinson (3-0-3)
Kyle Murphy (0-2-2)
Bryce Kakoske (0-2-2)
Brett Corkey (0-1-1)
Patrick McGillis (0-1-1)
Zach McPhee (1-0-1)
Marcus Basara (0-1-1)
Todd Skirving (0-1-1)
Trevor Fitzgerald (0-1-1)
Malcolm Lyles (1-0-1)

Blake Voth (2-0 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Vernon has the leagues 3rd best powerplay

-The Vipers have the BCHL's 7th best penalty kill

-Mike Zalewski (31-31-62) is the lone Viper in the leagues top twenty in scoring

The Nanaimo Clippers make their first and only visit of the season to the Wesbild Centre where both teams face each other just once this season. Tonight is the Clippers third game of a six game road trip where Nanaimo is 0-2 with losses in Cowichan Valley & Coquitlam. The Clippers are riding a two game losing streak. Tonight is just the Clippers sixth game away from home in their last fifteen games.

Lets take a look at the Nanaimo Clippers:

Games Played: 50
Wins: 22
Losses: 19
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 9
Home Record: 12-9-0-5
Road Record: 10-10-0-4
Goals For: 163
Goals Against: 162
Streak: Two game losing streak
Standings: 5th Place

Nanaimo Clippers Returning Players:

Andrew Gladiuk (91)
Kyle Kramer (92)
Graeme McCormack (91)
Brett Hartskamp (92)

Departing & traded players from last years team:

Ryan Stanimir (90)
Graeme McCormack (91)
Mike Domsodi (90)
Victor Newell (93)
Brayden Jaw (92)
Colton Cyr (91)
Samuel Labrecque (92)
Gerry Fitzgerald (93)
Myles Fitzgerald (93)
Zach Martin (90)
Leo Fitzgerald (93)
Yannick LaFlamme (92)
Danick Malouin (90)
Todd Gebert (90)
Nick Bell (91)
Mike Dopko (90)
Tristan Lowenberger (92)
Charles-Andre Pelletier (91)
Charles-Alexy Premont (92)

At Home last season vs. Vernon:

0-1-0-0

On The Road last season vs. Vernon:

0-1-0-0

Nanaimo's Powerplay vs. Vernon last season:

0-7

Nanaimo's scoring leaders vs. Vernon last season:

Victor Newell (1-1-2)
Myles Fitzgerald (0-2-2)
Leo Fitzgerald (1-0-1)
Brodie Jamieson (0-1-1)
Mike Domsodi (1-0-1)

Charles-Andre Pelletier (0-2 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Nanaimo has the leagues 6th best powerplay

-The Clippers have the BCHL's 3rd best penalty kill

-Former Vernon Vipers forward Trevor Fitzgerald faces his former team

-Former Vernon Vipers Head Coach-GM Mike Vandekamp will face his former team for the second time in his career

-Billy Faust (20-20 Record, 4 Shutouts, 2.83 GAA) is in the league's top ten goaltenders

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon Vipers:

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

Nanaimo Clippers:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224078

BCHL Team Reports:

2012-02-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

This is in the BC Hockey Now newspaper:

BCHL Team Reports

February 10, 2012

Posted in BC Edition, Junior A

BY BRENT MUTIS /

While the Penticton Vees have run away from the the rest of the Interior Conference, there are some real battles unfolding for the remaining playoff positions.

Some teams, however, are having to settle for developing the youngsters now that the postseason is out of reach.

COASTAL CONFERENCE

Alberni Valley Bulldogs

Alberni Valley is always up first thanks to the alphabet but they remain last in the conference with a 16-26-2-1 mark. The team’s youngest player, Evan Tironese, has shown signs lately of being a good piece for the future. They’ve also scored the third most power-play goals in the BCHL.

Coquitlam Express

The Express have opened a nice cushion over fifth-place Nanaimo but would like to keep pushing to get into third. A fourth-place finish could mean a playoff meeting with the Powell River Kings who have won 10 straight. Coquitlam’s power-play is lethal and there could wind up being five 20-goal scorers on the team.

Cowichan Valley Capitals

The Caps have seen the Express creep to within three points recently and Surrey, who leads them by two points, also has a game in hand. The offence went dry at the end of January and a recent five-goal outburst still wound up as an OT loss. Cowichan Valley needs leaders Devin Gannon, Brett Knowles and Matt Brown to pave the way right now.

Langley Rivermen

One of the league’s biggest teams in terms of average height and weight, the Rivermen are also amongst the youngest teams in the BCHL and it’s shown this season. Langley sits seventh but has gotten good production from young players like Bo Pellah and Austin Plevy. Derek Sutliffe’s seven-point night recently against Victoria was a season highlight.

Nanaimo Clippers

The boatmen seem to be paddling in circles and can’t gain on the fourth-place Express. Defencemen Graeme McCormack, Josh Phillips and David Iacono have buoyed the offence but the team hasn’t been able to get much secondary production after Andrew Gladiuk, Kyle Kramer and Trevor Fitzgerald. Goalie Billy Faust remains a bright spot.

Powell River Kings

With the Vees grabbing most of the BCHL headlines for their winning exploits, the Kings have quietly fashioned a 10-game win streak of their own to seize top spot in the conference. Cohen Adair has assumed the team scoring lead after d-man Craig Dalrymple had led most of the season. The loss of goalie Jamie Phillips has not been noticed with Jonah Imoo stepping right in.

Surrey Eagles

Surrey hadn’t lost in regulation in 10 games as of this writing but they did drop four of those decisions in OT. Not a high-scoring team, the Eagles do have nine players with double-digit goals. Andrew Hunt has been the story of Surrey’s season with a .922 save percentage and a BCHL-leading 1,269 saves in 41 games.

Victoria Grizzlies

Avert your eyes. The Grizz have been grisly lately as they’ve been going with a short bench due to trades and injuries to forward Wes Myron and goalie Garrett Rockafellow. They were 0-9-1-0 over a 10-game span recently. Positives would be the production of first-year players Coltyn Hansen and Cam Lawson who had 10 and eight points respectively in their last five games.

INTERIOR CONFERENCE

Chilliwack Chiefs

Don’t look now but the Vernon Vipers have a winning record in their last 10 while Chilliwack doesn’t. The Snakes are gaining ground on fourth-place Chilliwack and an upcoming road trip that includes Prince George and Merritt will be a tester. Recent losses to Westside and Trail have hurt but the Chiefs still have games in hand on the Spruce Kings and Cents.

Merritt Centennials

A five-game stretch at the end of January and start of February brought just four goals scored and included shutouts by Vernon and Penticton. For a team that has not scored a ton this year, it’s a bit alarming though it’s not for a lack of shots. Some finish would be nice from Regan Soquila, Brandon Bruce and Silvan Harper.

Penticton Vees

Having captured win No. 30 on Feb. 7 in Chilliwack, the Vees have just about done it all this season. They’ve scored more goals than anyone, given up fewer, and boast a blue-collar work ethic to boot. It’s a combination that could take the team a long way.

Prince George Spruce Kings

Every game, opponents know they have to contain the line of Michael Colantone, Jujhar Khaira and Paul De Jersey but few seem to be able to do it. The trio have 85 goals and 204 points between them while goalies Kirk Thompson and Ty Swabb each have sub-3.00 goals-against averages and >.900 save percentages.

Salmon Arm SilverBacks

Spinning their wheels lately, the ’Backs came up empty-handed on a trip to Prince George to begin February and have just one regulation win in 2012. Alex Gillies, the team’s youngest player, has been a bright spot but there isn’t much left on offence after Morgan Zulinick and Devin Muller.

Trail Smoke Eaters

The Smokies seem to be relishing the role of spoiler now and have scored wins over Surrey and Chilliwack in the last couple of weeks. Five of the team’s 11 wins have come in their last 10 games and Erik Cooper has gone berserk with 17 points in eight games. Connor Tiechko has 15 points in his last nine while Garrett McMullen has eight in his last five.

Vernon Vipers

The Snakes may slither into the playoffs yet. Michael Zalewski has 11 goals in nine games to crack the 30 mark and goalie Kirby Halcrow is beginning to play like his former self. Vernon’s acquisition of veterans at the deadline means there’s no panic as it gets late in the season.

Westside Warriors

The league’s youngest team (Peter McIntosh is the only 1991-born player) won’t be making the playoffs barring a miracle but have to like the idea of Marcus Basara, Max French and Travis Blanleil coming back for next season. Dwayne Rodrigue has been a star in goal of late and has seen his save percentage rise to .910.

Vernon RBC Cup Bid Moves Ahead:

2012-02-15T23:04:00.000-08:00

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vernon RBC Cup bid moves ahead

By Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star

Published: February 15, 2012

Vernon’s bid for the 2014 RBC Cup Canadian Junior A Hockey Championship has taken another step forward.

Printed and electronic versions of a 102-page bid document have been submitted to B.C. Hockey, which has forwarded the bid to Hockey Canada for consideration. The bid was accompanied by a bid fee of $2,500 and a refundable surety cheque of $5,000.
The Vernon bid committee also has found an organization to underwrite any potential losses incurred by the event. That organization and its CEO prefer to remain anonymous, said Mike Lane, co-chair of the Vernon bid committee.

The British Columbia Hockey League, which has encouraged Vernon’s bid, wrote a letter of support on Dec. 7. Commissioner John Grisdale and the league remain firmly behind Vernon’s application.

“As a six-time national champion, the Vernon Vipers Hockey Club in partnership with the City of Vernon will be the ideal host team and city leading to what I believe will be the most successful RBC Championship ever,” said Grisdale.

Bid committee co-chair Chris Collard is very pleased by the response to the committee’s call for donations toward mounting the bid.

“We’ve received support from close to 300 people,” says Collard.

“Their contributions have allowed us to pay the bid fee and will cover the costs of producing and delivering an oral and multimedia presentation to Hockey Canada.”

The City of Vernon has agreed to cover the $5,000 surety cheque. If Vernon is awarded the 2014 tournament, the bid committee will need to find sponsors for three further surety cheques of $15,000 that will be due this September, next September, and in April 2014.

Stuart Fransbergen, a long-time Viper volunteer, won the draw for the signed Aaron Volpatti jersey.

Draws for Vipers season tickets will be made at Vipers home games on Thursday and Saturday, and the team-signed Vipers jersey draw will happen on March 4.

The bid committee will continue to accept donations at Vipers home games, at Chris Collard’s Sun Life office, and online at https://www.registrationlogic.com/secure/Register.aspx?ID=146

Former Vernon Viper Strachan Scores First Career NHL Goal In Win Over Islanders:

2012-02-15T12:25:00.000-08:00

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman, Tyson Strachan scored his first career NHL goal Sunday in a 4-1 victory over the New York Islanders. Strachan who was recently called up to the Florida Panthers from the AHL San Antonio Rampage back on January, 30th 2012 played in just his eighth game with the Panthers this season. Strachan played just one season in Vernon (2002-03) collecting (6-22-28) in 56 regular season games with the Vipers, before playing four years at Ohio State University. Strachan was drafted by Carolina in the fifth round (137th overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Strachan signed as a free agent with the Florida Panthers back in July after playing the last four seasons with the AHL Peoria Rivermen & the NHL St. Louis Blues.

Tyson Strachan's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=72630

Tyson Strachan's first career NHL goal (Video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKkIyZ8FEu8

This is posted on the Panthers website:

Panthers 4, Islanders 1

Associated Press

UNIONDALE, N.Y. (AP)

For the second consecutive game, the Florida Panthers overcame an early deficit on the road and picked up a key win.

Kris Versteeg, Tomas Fleischmann, Tyson Strachan and Jack Skille scored and the Panthers earned a 4-1 victory over the New York Islanders on Sunday.

Goalie Jose Theodore made 26 saves in his first appearance since Jan. 20 after suffering a knee injury.

The Panthers swept a set of back-to-back games for the first time in nine attempts this season after a come-from-behind win over New Jersey on Saturday.

Florida has its first three-game winning streak since Dec. 8.

"It's been two solid games and it's satisfying when you get rewarded for playing hard," Panthers coach Kevin Dineen said. "It's not fun putting ourselves down a goal early but I think when we got down, it didn't seem to (hamper) us too badly."

The Panthers' quick-strike offense supported Theodore with two goals off faceoffs and four unanswered goals overall to erase a 1-0 deficit.

Frans Nielsen scored the Islanders' goal on the team's first shot at

3:35 of the first.

Theodore then stopped every subsequent shot, including six on New York power-play attempts, in coming back from a three-week layoff.

Fleischmann and Versteeg each finished with two points.

"I was just looking forward to get this game in and I was feeling better as the game went on," Theodore said. "I'll have to work hard in practice to get my game to where it was a couple of months ago."

Strachan notched his first career goal in the first and Fleischmann, Versteeg and Skille scored three goals in a 14:16 span in the second period to turn a tie game into a 4-1 advantage heading into the final period.

Florida remained in first place in the Southeast Division and third place in the conference with 65 points.

New York lost an opportunity to pick up points for the sixth time in seven games and trails Toronto by eight points for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

"It wasn't a good first two periods but we have no excuses," said Islanders center John Tavares, who has one point in his past six games. "We had some breakdowns."

Making his fourth start in six days, Islanders goalie Evgeni Nabokov allowed three goals on six shots in the second and made just 11 saves on 15 shots before being lifted for backup Al Montoya to start the third.

"We passed up a lot of shots," Islanders captain Mark Streit said. "It's painful. We set ourselves up with a big victory yesterday and we couldn't build on it today."

Fleischmann tipped in Versteeg's pass from the left post for his 18th goal to break a 1-all tie 4:17 into the second. The duo are roommates on road trips, helping to build a chemistry on Florida's top line that also includes Stephen Weiss.

"He hit my stick exactly where it needed to be, it was a great pass by him," Fleischmann said. "I was just driving to the net and the pass went right on my tape. I didn't have to do anything. It just hit it and went in the net."

Versteeg tied a career high with his 22nd goal on a right circle wrister on a power-play goal at 11:41.

Tomas Kopecky screened Nabokov as Versteeg's shot beat him on the high glove-side.
The 36-year-old Nabokov entered the game having allowed only five goals on 135 shots in five games since the All-Star break. But he allowed his fourth goal of the game with 1:27 left in the second on Skille's goal off a draw.

"When you give up two faceoff goals and a power-play goal, you're not going to win games," Islanders coach Jack Capuano said. "When you break it down, we had quality chances but I look at the work ethic and the structure, and we didn't execute our breakout in the first period."

New York came out strong when Nielsen converted PA Parenteau's pass for a goal less than four minutes in.

But Strachan's right-point slap shot off Marcel Goc's faceoff win tied it at 14:57. Goc has three assists in his past two games.

Florida gave up a goal in the first four minutes for the fourth time in the past five games, but used it as a rallying point.

"We started slow the last few games and it woke us up and gave us a jump start," Versteeg said. "We've found ways to win."

Notes: Panthers defenseman Jason Garrison did not play after suffering a lower-body injury in Saturday's game at New Jersey. ... Fleischmann's goal marked his 200th career point. ... Brian Campbell added an assist for his 350th career point. ... Islanders defenseman Andrew MacDonald recorded a point in consecutive games for the first time this season. ... Former Islanders and Panthers general manager Bill Torrey was in attendance.

Centennials Trample Vipers:

2012-02-15T07:36:00.000-08:00

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Centennials Trample Vipers

Wednesday, February 15, 2012 - Submitted by Don Klepp

The Merritt Centennials broke out of their slump in a big way in Tuesday’s lone BCHL game, with a 7-1 home victory over the Vernon Vipers.

The Centennials had lost six in a row, including 4-0 and 4-1 defeats in Vernon, but they regained their scoring touch as they cashed in half of their scoring chances. Despite being outshot in the first two periods, they took a 4-0 lead into the second intermission and after surrendering a goal in the third, they rubbed salt in the Vipers’ wounds with three more opportunistic strikes.

Chad Brears and Brandon Bruce led the Merritt attack with two goals apiece. Brears gave the Cents a 2-0 lead in the first period, both in Kirby Halcrow’s crease. At 12:13, as three Cents crashed the crease, the puck bounced off Brears’s leg. The Vipers protested, claiming a kicking motion, but referee Steve Papp upheld his original call.

With four seconds remaining in the opening frame, Viper defenders relaxed in the corner to the right of Halcrow and a trio of Centennials brought the puck to Halcrow’s crease, where Brears banged it in.

Brandon Bruce then took care of the second period scoring. At 1:57, he followed Carter Shinkaruk to the net and popped in a rebound. He then took advantage of sleepy Viper defencemen to take a breakaway pass from Dylan Chanter and slip the disk between Halcrow’s pads at 14:44.

With the weight on their shoulders of shutout losses in their previous two appearances at the Nicola Valley Arena, the Vipers looked like they might be blanked again, but they finally got on the board at 3:38 of the third period. Mike Zalewski swept behind the net and set up John Knisleyfor a one-timer.

In that final frame, the Vipers generated more scoring chances than their hosts, but were limited to the one goal by Lino Chimienti’s solid goaltending and by the Merritt defenders’ ability to clear rebounds.

Merritt’s three remaining goals resulted from a combination of Centennial determination and indifferent Viper defending.

The win moves Merritt one point past idle Prince George in the race for second place in the Interior Division, while the Vipers lost a chance to tie Chilliwack for the last playoff spot in the Interior.

Vernon Vipers Seeking Road-Warrior Moxy:

2012-02-15T07:35:00.000-08:00

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vernon Vipers seeking road-warrior moxy

Published: February 15, 2012

If the Vernon Vipers are serious about becoming B.C. Hockey League playoff contenders, they first need to become road warriors.

While their home record is a respectable 18-6-1-1, they were a woeful 7-15-0-1 away from Wesbild Centre as they headed into Tuesday night’s tilt with the Merritt Centennials at Nicola Valley Arena. With six of their remaining 10 regular-season games on the road, the Snakes simply need to find a way to extract points from opponents’ rinks, said Vipers’ assistant coach Chris Shaw.

“We’ve been good at home, but have struggled on the road and we can’t put a finger on what the difference is,” said Shaw. “We’ve had a lot of good efforts on the road; we just got the short end of the stick.”

That was the case Saturday night as the Vipers fell 3-1 to the host Chilliwack Chiefs, the team they are chasing for the final Interior Conference playoff spot. Heading into Merritt, the Vipers were in fifth place at 25-21-1-2, two points back of the Chiefs (26-20-1-2).

Vernon entertains Mike Vandekamp’s 22-18-0-9 Nanaimo Clippers Thursday night at Wesbild.

“Just from knowing coach Vandekamp, they’ll be a hard-working team. They’re probably one of the more physical teams in the league and they still have a shot at making the playoffs, so they’ll be playing desperate hockey too,” said Shaw.

In Chilliwack, the Chiefs opened the scoring in the first period when Viper defenceman Brett Corkey was unable to hold the puck at blueline, allowing Malcolm Gould to chase it down and rip a shot past Kirby Halcrow from the top of the circle at 3:37.

David Bondra, the son of former NHL sniper Peter Bondra, made it 2-0 just over five minutes into the second frame when he buried the rebound off Gould’s shot during an odd-man rush.

Jedd Soleway, pouncing on the rebound from Marc Hetnik’s point shot, supplied Vernon’s lone goal 11:14 into the second frame, but Spencer Graboski answered for the Chiefs less than two minutes later to complete the scoring.

“Chilliwack beared down on their chances. We made three mistakes and they scored on every one of them,” said Shaw. “It was just miscues in front of the net and not tying up sticks in front of the net.”

The Vipers will be in tough Friday night when they visit the juggernaut Penticton Vees (44-3-0-2), winners of 32 straight games, at the South Okanagan Events Centre. They will make it three games in as many nights when they host the Westside Warriors (18-26-2-5) Saturday.

Merritt 7 Vernon 1

2012-02-14T22:43:00.000-08:00

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Merritt Centennials at 12:13 - Regan Soquila from Chad Brears and Reece Willcox
Merritt Centennials at 19:56 - Chad Brears from Evan Stack and Regan Soquila

PERIOD 2

Merritt Centennials at 1:57 - Brandon Bruce from Carter Shinkaruk and Richard Sabourin
Merritt Centennials at 14:44 - Brandon Bruce from Richard Sabourin and Dylan Chanter

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 3:38 - John Knisley from Michael Zalewski and Darren Nowick
Merritt Centennials at 7:38 - Regan Soquila from Chad Brears and Evan Stack
Merritt Centennials at 10:58 - Brent Fletcher from Brandon Pfeil
Merritt Centennials at 12:08 - Carter Shinkaruk from Sean Maktaak and Brandon Bruce

Vernon outshot Merritt 37-35. Lino Chimienti made 36 saves in the win, while Kirby Halcrow made 24 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977769&link=bchl

(Game Preview) Vernon @ Merritt:

2012-02-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

Vernon (25-21-1-2) @ Merritt (26-17-2-5) 7pm start

Tonight is the eighth and final regular season meeting between these two teams.

Let's take a look at the regular season schedule between these two hockey clubs,

Saturday, October 8th Vernon @ Merritt (Vipers won 3-2 in double overtime)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977748

Friday, December 2nd Merritt @ Vernon (4-4 Tie)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977547

Saturday, December 3rd Vernon @ Merritt (Centennials won 2-0

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977760&link=bchl

Saturday, January 7th Merritt @ Vernon (Centennials won 3-1)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977553&link=bchl

Friday, January 13th Vernon @ Merritt (Centennials won 3-0)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977764&link=bchl

Friday, February 3rd Merritt @ Vernon (Vipers won 4-0)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977558&link=bchl

Friday, February 10th Merritt @ Vernon (Vipers won 4-1)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977560&link=bchl

Tuesday, February 14th Vernon @ Merritt

Last Game Played:

Saturday, February 11th Chilliwack defeated Vernon 3-1
Friday, February 10th Vernon defeated Merritt 4-1

Next Game:

Thursday, February 16th Nanaimo @ Vernon
Friday, February 17th Merritt @ Coquitlam

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon is 49-9-1-6 vs. Merritt

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon has outscored Merritt 279-148
Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 22-3-1-3 at home vs. Merritt

Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 21-3-0-4 in Merritt

The Vipers are 6-1-1-2 in their last ten games at home vs. the Centennials

The Vipers are 7-2-0-1 in their last ten games on the road vs. the Centennials

The Vipers are 6-1-1-2 in their last ten games vs. Merritt

The Vipers last loss in Merritt was a 3-0 loss back on Friday, January 13th 2012

The Centennials last win in Vernon was a 3-1 victory back on Saturday, January 7th 2012

The Vipers went 3-0-0-3 last season vs the Merritt Centennials during the regular season.

The Vernon Lakers changed their name to the Vernon Vipers to start the 1995-96 season.

Here’s a look at the Vipers all-time regular season record

Games Played: 998
Wins: 636
Losses: 262
Ties: 16
Overtime Losses: 86

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

The Vipers and Centennials meet again for the third time in just over a week. Vernon who comes into tonight's second game of a two game road trip is coming off a 3-1 loss Saturday in Chilliwack. Tonight is the Vipers third game in five nights and the start of four games in their next five nights. Tonight is the final meeting of the season between these two teams. Vernon sits two points back of 4th place Chilliwack and six points back of 3rd place Merritt. The Vipers with just one win in their last fourteen road games.

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

Games Played: 49
Wins: 25
Losses: 21
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 18-6-1-1
Road Record: 7-15-0-1
Goals For: 165
Goals Against: 153
Streak: One game losing streak
Standings: 5th Place

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Brett Corkey (92)
Aaron Hadley (93)
John Knisley (92)
Patrick McGillis (91)
Max Mowat (93)
Darren Nowick (91)
Ryan Renz (93)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Michael Zalewski (92)
Kirby Halcrow (91)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Marcus Basara (93)
Dylan Walchuk (92)
David Robinson (90)
Bryce Kakoske (90)
Malcolm Lyles (90)
Trevor Fitzgerald (92)
Adam Thompson (90)
Steven Weinstein (90)
Kyle Murphy (90)
Dane Muench (92)
Philip Patenaude (91)
Zach McPhee (93)
Blake Voth (91)

Vernon's Home record vs. Merritt this season:

2-1-1-0

Vernon's Road record vs. Merritt this season:

1-2-0-0

Vernon’s Powerplay vs. Merritt this season:

4-28

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Merritt this season:

Darren Nowick (5-3-8)
Michael Zalewski (3-4-7)
Adam Tambellini (2-2-4)
John Knisley (2-2-4)
Brett Corkey (0-3-3)
Aaron Hadley (0-3-3)
Jedd Soleway (1-2-3)
Riley Hunt (1-1-2)
Colton Sparrow (1-1-2)
Luke Juha (0-1-1)
Max Mowat (0-1-1)
Ryan Renz (0-1-1)
Patrick McGillis (0-1-1)
Marc Hetnik (0-1-1)
Ben Gamache (0-1-1)
Brendan Persley (0-1-1)
Geoff Crisfield (0-1-1)

Kirby Halcrow (3-3-1-0 Record-1 Shutout)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Vernon has the leagues 3rd best powerplay

-The Vipers have the BCHL's 8th best penalty kill

-Kirby Halcrow (20-20-1 Record, 1 Shutout, 2.88 GAA) is in the leagues top ten goaltenders

-Mike Zalewski (31-30-61) is the lone Viper in the leagues top twenty in scoring

For more on tonight's game and the Merritt Centennials, please visit Alex Grebenyuk's Cents Central blog,

http://centscentral.blogspot.com/

The Cents are coming off a 4-1 loss in Vernon Friday, will play four of their next five on home ice. Merritt has lost six straight falling into 3rd place sit one point back of 2nd place Prince George. The Centennials have won four of their last five home games.

Lets take a look at the Merritt Centennials:

Games Played: 50
Wins: 26
Losses: 17
Ties: 2
Overtime Losses: 5
Home Record: 14-5-0-4
Road Record: 12-12-2-1
Goals For: 144
Goals Against: 150
Standings: 3rd Place

Merritt Centennials Returning Players:

Chad Brears (91)
Brent Fletcher (92)
Silvan Harper (92)
Sean Maktaak (92)
Billy Marshall (91)
Brandon Pfeil (92)
Jakob Reichert (93)
Regan Soquila (93)
Evan Stack (91)
Reece Willcox (94)
Lino Chimienti (91)
Tyler Steel (93)

Departing & traded players from last years team:

Dustin Lebrun (92)
David Sabey (91)
Richard Sabourin (92)
Stephen Wall (91)
Dylan Playfair (92)
Kameran Crawford (91)
Max Vallis (91)
Jeff Jones (91)
Blaine Bokenfohr (90)
Steve Tresierra (90)
Brett Kolins (92)

At Home this season vs. Vernon:

2-0-0-1

On The Road this season vs. Vernon:

1-2-1-0

Merritt’s Powerplay vs. Vernon this season:

4-34

Merritt’s scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Evan Stack (4-1-5)
Regan Soquila (1-3-4)
Reece Willcox (1-3-4)
Chad Brears (2-2-4)
Sean Maktaak (2-1-3)
Brandon Bruce (0-3-3)
Billy Marshall (0-3-3)
Brent Fletcher (0-1-1)
Payton Schaefer (0-1-1)
Dylan Chanter (1-0-1)
Brendan Lamont (1-0-1)
Carter Shinkaruk (1-0-1)

Lino Chimienti (2-2-1-0 Record)
Tyler Steel (1-1 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Merritt has the leagues 10th best powerplay

-The Cents have the BCHL's 9th best penalty kill

-Former Merritt Centennial and Vernon Vipers forward, Luke Pierce faces his former team

-Goaltender, Tyler Steel faces his former team this season. Steel was cut by the Vipers last year and then signed with the Centennials to start the regular season

-Regan Soquila (13-44-57) is the lone Centennial in the league's top twenty in scoring

-Tyler Steel (12-10-1 Record, 2 Shutouts, 2.76 GAA) is in the league's top ten
goaltenders

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon Vipers:

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

Merritt Centennials:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224100

Former Viper Captain Crowell One Of Six Seawolves Named WCHA Scholar-Athlete:

2012-02-13T07:10:00.000-08:00

Former Vernon Vipers captain Chris Crowell is one of six Alaska Anchorage Seawolves who were among a record 96 men’s and women’s student-athletes that made up the seventh annual group of WCHA Scholar-Athlete Award recipients, announced by the league on Thursday. Crowell played four seasons in Vernon (2005-2009) is in his third season with the Seawolves.

Chris Crowell's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=92086

This is posted on the Seawolves website:

Six 'Wolves named WCHA Scholar-Athletes

February 09, 2012

MADISON, Wis. – Six Alaska Anchorage Seawolves were among a record 96 men’s and women’s student-athletes that made up the seventh annual group of WCHA Scholar-Athlete Award recipients, announced by the league on Thursday.

Joining 45 repeat honorees and leading the Seawolves with his third award was senior goaltender Dusan Sidor (Poprad, Slovakia), while junior forward Chris Crowell (Williams Lake) collected the second honor of his career. Furnishing the accolade for the first time were senior foward Jade Portwood (Victoria, B.C.) and sophomore forwards Matt Bailey (Winnipeg, MB), Brett Cameron (Spruce Grove, AB) and Andrew Pickering (West Vancouver).

Sidor joins former UAA netminder Jon Olthuis as the only Seawolf with three WCHA Student-Athlete honors.

To earn recognition as a WCHA Scholar-Athlete, conference-member student-athletes must have completed at least one year of residency at their present institution prior to the current academic year and must also have a grade-point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.0 scale for the previous two semesters or three quarters, or may qualify if his or her overall GPA is at least 3.50 for all terms at his or her present institution.

The previous record for honorees in one season was 90 in 2010-11.

Vernon Vipers 2011-12 Valentines Day Special Video:

2012-02-13T07:05:00.000-08:00

107.5 Kiss FM sports director, Rob Abramenko sit's down one on one with several Vernon Vipers about best gifts they have given and received on Valentine's Day, what is their idea of the perfect date plus who is the romantic Viper and who has no game whatsoever! Check it out,

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

Former Viper Morgan Practices With Hometown Team:

2012-02-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Nyjer Morgan got the chance to skate-practice with his hometown team the San Jose Sharks on February 1st 2012. Morgan was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 33rd round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft is heading into his second season with the Milwaukee Brewers this coming MLB season. Morgan played one season as an "AP" with the Vipers (1996-1997).

This is posted on the Brewers website:

Skating with Sharks: T-Plush takes to the ice

Hockey player at heart, Morgan practices with hometown team

By Chris Shuttlesworth / MLB.com | 02/01/12

SAN JOSE -- If Nyjer Morgan could choose between being a professional baseball player and a pro hockey player, he'd choose hockey in a heartbeat. After all, he grew up playing youth hockey in San Jose, idolizing his hometown Sharks.

Though he did make it as far as the major junior level in Canada, the two-sport star's talents eventually led him to pursue baseball. But the Brewers outfielder got to live a dream Wednesday when he took to the ice to practice with his hometown team.
"Obviously to be out there to skate with my childhood team and just to be out there with the boys was an unbelievable feeling," said a beaming Morgan, whose black sweater featured his familiar No. 2 and the name "Plush" across the back, a nod to his "Tony Plush" alter ego.
"Ever since they came to the Bay Area in 1990, [with original head coach] George Kingston, I've always been a fan. I've always been a diehard Sharks fan," said Morgan, who cited current Sharks GM Doug Wilson and former captain Owen Nolan as his favorite Sharks growing up.

Morgan has often been seen wearing Sharks gear in TV interviews, prompting the club to invite him to join their practice at Sharks Ice in San Jose.

"We love him," Sharks captain Joe Thornton said. "We love him for [wearing Sharks gear]. ... He wears the Sharks and he's proud to be a Sharks fan, and we're kind of Brewers fans now, I guess."

With a smile that never left his face for the entire practice, Morgan raised his arms triumphantly as he emerged from the Sharks' dressing room, clad in full gear and wearing his "Plush" sweater. He signed autographs and announced "T. Plush does hockey -- Bay Area boy, let's do it!" before taking a seat on the bench.

In deference to his status as the Brewers' sparkplug, Morgan sat out part of the practice, joining a shootout drill and then skating and practicing puck-handling while chatting with players. In the shootout, he missed on his first three shots against backup goalie Thomas Greiss, but buried his final shot between the goalie's legs.

"He just came down with a nice shot and put it in," Greiss said. "He skates really well. He's said he likes to get on his skates and have fun. You could see that. He's a good skater."

Said Morgan: "How many athletes do you know who can just jump on the ice and do what I just did? Exactly. Pretty cool, huh? It's been many moons; it's been a lot of years. And I've still got it, you see that?"

Morgan moved to Canada at age 16 to pursue his hockey career, eventually playing in seven games with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League as a 19-year-old. He scored two goals and racked up 20 penalty minutes before deciding that baseball was a better course, despite his preference for hockey.

Sharks head coach Todd McLellan, who coached for the WHL's Swift Current Broncos that same season, remembered Morgan as having the personality for which he's become known in the Majors.

"His ball characteristics and the way he stirs things up on the ballfield, that's the exact same way he was on the ice surface," McLellan said. "He was a bit of a disturber, got under the skin of some of the other players, and competed hard."

Asked if he'd want Morgan on his team, McLellan replied, "You know what, I've seen his passion and his energy when he gets out on a ballfield, and if that converts into anything on the ice, I absolutely will. But I do know one thing: He wouldn't be going in the shootout."

During practice, Morgan excused himself from a tip drill, in which players fired pucks at a teammate who would attempt to redirect them, hockey's version of pepper. He joked that he had been itching to get a little physical, possibly with hulking Sharks defenseman Douglas Murray.

"Most definitely, but too many cameras, so I couldn't," Morgan said. "I was going to ask Dougie to help me with dropping my mitts. But that wouldn't have been too right."

Thornton said he was surprised by how good Morgan was, saying he'd give him a B-plus.

"He's actually a pretty good skater, believe it or not," Thornton said. "He took a couple of strong strides. Him being an outfielder, I think he can get around pretty good. I'm not sure how sturdy he is on his skates, though. A guy like Dougie Murray, we'll see if he can hit him. We'll see how that part of his game goes."

Morgan got a warm reception from most spectators, despite a run-in with fans at AT&T Park during a game vs. the Giants last season. But Cardinals fan Mike Sizemore showed up wearing a St. Louis jersey and cap and carrying a sign that read, "TPlush, good to see you're trying hockey. Baseball didn't work out. #11 in 11," in reference to the Cardinals defeating the Brewers in the National League Championship Series en route to winning the Redbirds' 11th World Series title.

Morgan took it in stride, waving and smiling at Sizemore until he got a wave back.

Though Morgan said he had no plans to make practicing with the Sharks an annual event, the team enjoyed having him around, and Thornton was especially happy that Morgan predicted the Sharks would win the Stanley Cup this season.

"Hopefully he might be able to come to a playoff game if we make it that far," the captain said. "Maybe come down and do a pregame skate before the Cup. Hopefully, we can do it this year."

Chris Shuttlesworth is an editorial producer for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Riley Hunt Post-Game Interview:

2012-02-12T14:46:00.000-08:00

Vernon Vipers colour commentator, Don Klepp interview's Vernon Vipers forward Riley Hunt who scored his first career BCHL goal Friday night was named 3rd star as the Vipers defeated the visiting Merritt Centennials 4-1.

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

Chiefs Move Ahead Of Vipers:

2012-02-12T07:05:00.000-08:00

This is on the Vipers website:

Chiefs Move Ahead of Vipers

Sunday, February 12, 2012 - Submitted by Don Klepp

In a showdown for fourth place in the BCHL’s Interior Division, Chilliwack’s big guns outplayed Vernon’s big guns as the hometown Chiefs beat the Vernon Vipers 3-1 on Saturday.

Malcolm Gould and David Bondra, Chilliwack’s top two goal scorers, each had a goal in the win while Viper snipers Mike Zalewski, Darren Nowick, and Adam Tambellini were kept off the score sheet by a hungrier and more alert Chilliwack squad.

Mitch Gillam made splendid saves on Nowick and Tambellini during second period and third period power plays to ensure that the Chiefs did not squander a lead that was fashioned by opportunistic play. He was also fortunate that three Viper shots, one in each period, hit iron.

Malcolm Gould opened his account with a splendid individual effort in the first period. He stripped the puck from Brett Corkey at the Chiefs’ blue line, dashed down the left wing and beat Kirby Halcrow with a high shot to the glove side at 3:37.

Although the Chiefs pretty well owned the opening 10 minutes, the Vipers bounced back in the second half of the period and finished with more scoring chances than the Chiefs after 20 minutes.

Chilliwack extended its lead to 2-0 at 5:43 of the second period after dispossessing a Viper defenceman at centre ice. Defenceman Anderson White joined the rush as four Chiefs flooded the Viper zone. Kirby Halcrow made a couple of good saves but David Bondra cashed in the second rebound.

Vernon responded with a Jedd Soleway goal at 11:14. Soleway cruised through the crease to deposit a Marc Hetnik rebound behind Gillam.

However, two minutes later another Viper centre ice miscue gave Spencer Graboski another Chilliwack breakaway, this time on the right wing. Once he got to the faceoff dots, he swerved left. Kirby Halcrow attempted a poke check but fell forward and lost his stick. Graboski, who had been forced very wide, had no difficulty lifting the puck over the sprawled goaltender.

The third period was evenly played, with the Vipers creating six scoring chances and the Chiefs five. Each team had a goal disallowed, although replays showed that the respective coaches had cause to question the referees’ decisions.

With their deserved victory, the Chiefs ease past the Vipers into the fourth and final playoff spot. Meanwhile, Prince George crept closer to second place Merritt with a 4-2 win in Trail. Each of the three contenders for the third and fourth playoff places have 11 games remaining in the regular schedule.

Vernon Vipers Roll Merritt Centennials In Feisty Affair:

2012-02-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vernon Vipers roll Merritt Centennials in feisty affair

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: February 12, 2012

It was a case of two B.C. Hockey League teams going in very different directions Friday night at Wesbild Centre.
The Vernon Vipers got a goal and an assist from first star Darren Nowick for their fifth straight win, a fight-filled 4-1 decision over the Merritt Centennials, losers of six straight.

With no penalties in the first period, and just six in the second, the two teams spiraled into chaos in the final frame, combining for 84 penalty minutes and a trio of scraps. It was due in large part to frustration reaching breaking point for the boisterous Centennials, something they are normally able to induce in other teams.

Vernon head coach Jason Williamson said it was symptomatic of the two teams meeting for the third time in a month. They tangle a fourth time Tuesday at Nicola Valley Arena.
The Vipers had a chance to take over fourth in the Interior Conference when they visited the Chilliwack Chiefs (the teams share identical 25-20-1-2 records) Saturday night at Prospera Centre. They host Mike Vandekamp’s Nanaimo Clippers (22-17-0-9) Thursday at Wesbild.

“You play a team like Merritt as much as we have in the last little bit, pretty soon tempers are going to boil over,” said Williamson. “I’m sure they’re a little bit frustrated with the way things have been going and we’ve been in that spot before too.

“I think we frustrated them by being a little bit more physical than they were. We kind of took a page out of their book and we were frustrating to play against for sure.”

Third star Riley Hunt, with his first-ever BCHL goal, opened the scoring at 7:14 of the first period, igniting 1,750 Wesbild fans by beating netminder Tyler Steel with a bar-down snap shot from the slot.

“I took a little while – 48 games – but it’s a good feeling, even better that we’ve won five straight now,” said the 16-year-old Hunt, who is fast becoming a fan favourite for his feisty play, despite being just 5-foot-5 and 155-pounds.

“At the beginning of the year, it’s getting your feet wet in the league, but now that things are rolling along, I’m starting to feel a little more comfortable out there. We’re getting a lot of bodies back so I’m starting to play with some regular players too.”

Merritt, second in the Interior at 26-17-2-5, equalized on the game’s first man advantage, with Evan Stack (23rd goal) jumping all over a loose puck in the slot at 7:04 of the second period.

The Cents kept pushing, hemming the Vipers in their own end, but it was Vernon that scored, with John Knisley pocketing his seventh of the season. Heading to the net unmarked, he arrived just in time to one-time a heads-up centering feed from Nowick.

“I saw Knisley streaking to the middle and he had a great shot,” said Nowick, adding it will take a few games before he hits top form.

“I made sure I was on the ice skating as hard as I could, and I stayed on the ice after practice skating just to keep my legs going. It’s still a ways to go, but I’m on a good line with Knisley and (Colton) Sparrow, and I feel good.”

The Vipers’ Mike Zalewski (31st) capped a frantic final minute of the second period by dangling around a couple of Merritt defenders before beating Steel with a top-shelf buzzer beater. Seconds earlier, Nowick nearly converted on a breakaway stretch pass from Sparrow, and after crashing into the end boards, stripped a d-man and had another go at net.

“It killed us,” said Merritt head coach Luke Pierce, of Zalewski’s goal with 1.5 seconds on the clock.

“Their second goal was just an unfortunate mistake, and I thought we were really carrying the play at that point. You just have to regroup and get yourself out of the period.

“Vernon was tenacious, they frustrated our team like nobody else has to this point and hopefully our guys learn from that.”

Nowick, who missed the last 10 games with a shoulder injury, gave Vernon some breathing room in the third period when his wraparound attempt deflected off Steel’s stick to complete the scoring.

That spelled the end for Steel, a Vernon native who allowed four goals on 28 shots. Lino Chimienti recorded six saves in relief.

Viper netminder Kirby Halcrow was rock-steady in posting 28 saves for second star.

The Cents' Silvan Harper and Vernon’s Aaron Hadley started the third-period fireworks with a short-lived tilt at 8:48. On the next shift, Merritt’s Sean Maktaak went after Ben Gamache, who landed some quick shots in close. Both Maktaak and Harper earned misconducts for instigating, while Hadley picked up an extra minor for throwing punches while the linesmen were trying to break up his fight.

With 1:20 to play, 6-foot-5 Merritt d-man Billy Marshall and Vernon's Turner Lawson completed the fisticuffs with an entertaining bout.

In other Interior action Friday, the Chiefs outgunned the Westside Warriors 6-4, the Prince George Spruce Kings iced the Trail Smoke Eaters 4-1, and the Penticton Vees trashed the Salmon Arm SilverBacks 10-1.

Chilliwack 3 Vernon 1

2012-02-11T21:22:00.000-08:00

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Chilliwack Chiefs at 3:37 - Malcolm Gould (unassisted)

PERIOD 2

Chilliwack Chiefs at 5:43 - David Bondra from Malcolm Gould and Anderson White
Vernon Vipers at 11:14 - Jedd Soleway from Marc Hetnik
Chilliwack Chiefs at 13:11 - Spencer Graboski (unassisted)

PERIOD 3

No Scoring

Chilliwack outshot Vernon 39-25. Mitch Gillam made 24 saves for the win, while Kirby Halcrow made 36 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977768&link=bchl

(Game Preview) Vernon @ Chilliwack:

2012-02-11T07:05:00.000-08:00

Vernon (25-20-1-2) @ Chilliwack (25-20-1-2) 7pm start

Tonight is the sixth of seven regular season meetings between these two teams

Let's take a look at the season schedule between these two hockey clubs,

Friday, October 7th Chilliwack @ Vernon (Vipers won 4-1)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977414&link=bchl

Friday, October 14th Vernon @ Chilliwack (Chiefs won 4-1)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977749&link=bchl

Saturday, November 5th Chilliwack @ Vernon (Chiefs won 5-4)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977421&link=bchl

Thursday, November 17th Vernon @ Chilliwack (Chiefs won 4-3)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977755&link=bchl

Sunday, December 18th Chilliwack @ Vernon (Vipers won 6-3)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977429&link=bchl

Tuesday, March 6th Vernon @ Chilliwack

Last Game Played:

Friday, February 10th Vernon defeated Merritt 4-1
Friday, February 10th Chilliwack defeated Westside 6-4

Next Game:

Tuesday, February 14th Vernon @ Merritt
Friday, February 17th Chilliwack @ Prince George

With a return to Chilliwack this season, let's see how the Chiefs have done vs Vernon in past years.

Since 2003 Vernon is 6-3-0-2 vs. Chilliwack

Since 2003 Vernon has outscored Chilliwack 43-36

Since 2003 Vernon is 5-1-0-0 at home vs. Chilliwack

Since 2003 Vernon is 1-2-0-2 in Chilliwack

Since 2003 the Vipers are 5-1-0-0 in their last ten games at home vs. the Chiefs

Since 2003 the Vipers are 1-2-0-2 in their last ten games on the road vs. the Chiefs

The Vipers went 5-0-1-0 last season vs Quesnel (Now Chilliwack) in the regular season.

The Vernon Lakers changed their name to the Vernon Vipers to start the 1995-96 season. Here’s a look at the Vipers all-time regular season record

Games Played: 992
Wins: 633
Losses: 259
Ties: 16
Overtime Losses: 86
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
After a 4-1 win over Merritt last night the Vipers come into tonight's game vs Chilliwack riding a five game winning streak. The Vipers and Chiefs are both tied for the 4th and final playoff spot just three points back of 3rd place Chilliwack. Tonight is the first of a two game road trip for Vernon who plays in Merritt Tuesday. The Vipers play four of their next six on the road. Vernon has just one win in their last thirteen road games.

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

Games Played: 48
Wins: 25
Losses: 20
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 18-6-1-1
Road Record: 7-14-0-1
Streak: Five game winning streak
Goals For: 164
Goals Against: 150
Standings: Tied for 4th Place with Chilliwack

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Brett Corkey (92)
Aaron Hadley (93)
John Knisley (92)
Patrick McGillis (91)
Max Mowat (93)
Darren Nowick (91)
Ryan Renz (93)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Michael Zalewski (92)
Kirby Halcrow (91)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Marcus Basara (93)
Dylan Walchuk (92)
David Robinson (90)
Bryce Kakoske (90)
Malcolm Lyles (90)
Trevor Fitzgerald (92)
Adam Thompson (90)
Steven Weinstein (90)
Kyle Murphy (90)
Dane Muench (92)
Philip Patenaude (91)
Zach McPhee (93)
Blake Voth (91)

Vernons Home record vs. Chilliwack this season:

2-1-0-0

Vernons Road record vs. Chilliwack this season:

0-2-0-0

Vernons Powerplay vs. Chilliwack this season:

2-24

Vernons scoring leaders vs. Chilliwack this season:

Darren Nowick (3-1-4)
Colton Sparrow (3-1-4)
Jedd Soleway (0-4-4)
Ryan Renz (0-4-4)
Brett Corkey (0-3-3)
Michael Zalewski (0-3-3)
Adam Tambellini (1-2-3)
Max Mowat (1-1-2)
John Knisley (1-1-2)
Ben Gamache (1-1-2)
Marc Hetnik (0-2-2)
Aaron Hadley (0-1-1)
Luke Juha (0-1-1)
Geoff Crisfield (0-1-1)
Sean Robertson (0-1-1)
Brendan Persley (1-0-1)

Kirby Halcrow (2-3 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

Vernon has the leagues 3rd best powerplay

-The Vipers have the BCHL's 8th best penalty kill

-Mike Zalewski (30-30-60) is the lone Viper in the leagues top twenty in scoring

The Chiefs come into tonight's game riding a one game winning streak after a 6-4 win over Westside last night. Chilliwack has one win in their last four games play their final game of a three game home stand before heading the road for four straight.

Lets take a look at the Chilliwack Chiefs:

Games Played: 48
Wins: 25
Losses: 20
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 15-8-1-1
Road Record: 10-12-0-1
Goals For: 150
Goals Against: 162
Streak: One game winning streak
Standings: Tied for 4th Place with Vernon

Chilliwack Chiefs-Quesnel Millionaires Returning Players:

Malcolm Gould (92)
Spencer Graboski (93)
Derek Huisman (92)
David Thompson (92)
Bryton Udy (93)

Chilliwack Chiefs-Quesnel Millionaires Departing & traded players from last years team:

Chris Blessing (91)
Skyler Smutek (90)
Chris Kerr (92)
Shawn Mueller (92)
Daryl DeVries (92)
Thomas Hardy (91)
Rigby Burgart (90)
Chris Allbee (92)
Anderson White (91)
Bradley Buckingham (92)
Quin Buckellew (92)
Kiefer McNaughton (93)
Chad Roorda (92)
David Ahl (91)
Austin Baecker (92)
Adam Harris (92)
Stefan Gonzales (92)

Chilliwacks Home record vs. Vernon this season:

2-0-0-0
Chilliwacks Road record vs. Vernon this season:
1-2-0-0

Chilliwacks Powerplay vs. Vernon this season:

5-20

Chilliwacks scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Malcolm Gould (4-3-7)
Derek Huisman (1-6-7)
David Bondra (3-3-6)
Tyler Miller (1-4-5)
Kit Sitterley (1-3-4)
Trevor Hills (2-2-4)
Michael Spring (0-2-2)
Spencer Graboski (0-2-2)
Jaret Babych (2-0-2)
Josh Hansen (2-0-2)
Mike Berry (0-2-2)
Shay Laurent (0-1-1)
Jeremy Gossard (0-1-1)
David Thompson (0-1-1)
Josh Hansen (0-1-1)
Alexandre Perron - Fontaine (0-1-1)
Mathieu Tibbet (1-0-1)
Bryton Udy (1-0 Record)
Mitch Gillam (2-2 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Chilliwack has the BCHL's 13th best powerplay

-The Chiefs have the league's 7th best penalty kill

-Former Vernon Vipers goaltender, Bryton Udy faces his former team. Udy was traded to Quesnel last season along with Elliott Richardson for goaltender, Kirby Halcrow.

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon Vipers:

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

Chilliwack Chiefs:
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=305115

Hunt Jump Starts Vipers:

2012-02-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Hunt Jump Starts Vipers

Friday, February 10, 2012 - Submitted by Don Klepp

Riley Hunt’s first BCHL goal gave the Vipers an early lead which they translated into a 4-1 win over Merritt on Friday.
The Vipers fashioned their fourth straight win on home ice largely due to goals by former linemates, Darren Nowick, Mike Zalewski, and John Knisley. Nowick, who had missed the previous 10 games with an upper body injury, also collected an assist. He continued a trend of Viper players scoring in their first game returning from injury. Turner Lawson and John Knisley had accomplished the same feat on the home stand that concluded with this game.

After Evan Stack had tied the game with a power play goal at 7:04 of the second period, Nowick went to work.

He stole the puck deep in the Merritt zone and spotted John Knisley free in the right faceoff circle. Knisley’s one-timed snap shot beat Tyler Steel on the glove side at 14:51. Then, with 1.5 seconds remaining in the period Mike Zalewski scored a beauty.

Zalewski received Adam Tambellini’s pass at the Merritt blue line, stick handled around two defenders, swerved left and shot against the grain to beat Steel high glove side.

Darren Nowick finished the scoring when he raced behind the Merritt net and swept in a wraparound backhand at 3:51 of the third period. Nowick admitted that he “felt a little rusty at the beginning of the game, but [he] felt more comfortable before the first period was over.”
Jason Williamson, Viper Coach, was pleased to have Nowick back in the lineup. “I think this is the first time we’ve had all 12 regular forwards dressed since the first game of the season. We plugged him into the third line with Johnny [Knisley] and Spares [Colton Sparrow] and they might have been our best unit tonight.”
The crowd of 1753 roared their approval on Hunt’s goal. He started the play in his zone with a deft pass to Jedd Soleway and hustled to follow Soleway into the Centennial zone. Hunt jumped on the rebound of Soleway’s shot and rifled it just under the crossbar.

After the game, Hunt was more interested in talking about playing defence. “I think we’ve given up only four goals in the last four games, so that’s what we’ll need to keep doing in order to grab a playoff spot. Coach wants us to keep the shots against down, at least under 30.”
The Vipers and Centennials are heading in opposite directions: the Cents lost their sixth straight contest while the Vipers have now won five in a row. The Centennials’ frustrations boiled over in the third period as they goaded Viper players into a series of fights. First, Silvan Harper went after Aaron Hadley; then, Sean Maktaak found Ben Gamache to be a willing combatant; finally, Billy Marshall persuaded Turner Lawson to join in a spirited bout.

This coming Tuesday the two teams will renew their rivalry in Merritt.

Meanwhile, the Vipers will travel to Chilliwack on Saturday for a showdown between two teams with identical records of 25-20-1-2.

Vernon 4 Merritt 1

2012-02-10T22:52:00.000-08:00

I was at tonight's BCHL as Vernon defeated Merritt 4-1 in front of 1,753 fans at the Wesbild Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Kirby Halcrow
Merritt: Tyler Steel

1st Period: Both teams got off to a bit of a slow start as not alot of action early with several stopages in play. Merritt then worked hard down low with a strong forecheck really carried the early edge in play. The Cents would get the games first good scoring opportunity five minutes into the opening period, after Billy Marshall's hard shot from the point was stopped by Kirby Halcrow who kicked out a big rebound to Brayden Low who couldnt control or handle the rebound and missed on a great scoring play in close. Just over two minutes later Jedd Soleway was stopped by former Vernon Viper tryout Tyler Steel who kicked out a big rebound to Riley Hunt who shot and beat Steel upstairs for his first career BCHL goal giving Vernon a 1-0 lead at 7:14 Soleway and Brendan Persley with the helpers. The Centennials come right back with that strong forecheck down low winning the battles and keeping the Vipers pinned in their own end for minutes at a time but Merritt was unable to generate any offensive attack. Just past the midway mark Marc Hetnik with a turnover in his own end caused a firedrill with the Cents buzzing in and around the Viper goal with some good pressure come up with two low shots from in close couldnt beat Kirby Halcrow. Vernon with atleast two or three turnovers inside their own blueline. Merritt was down a goal but was the carried the better of the play in the opening twelve minutes or so. With about five and a half minutes remaining Brendan Persley with a quick backhand from in close was stopped by Tyler Steel who made a nice save. Vernon slowly started to generate some offence getting some pressure deep in the Centennials zone. With a minute and a half remaining Turner Lawson with a shot from in tight couldnt beat Steel before Jedd Soleway jumped on the rebound but couldnt get his shot up and over the stick & blocker of Tyler Steel who made two big saves late in the 1st. With twenty five seconds left in the period Geoff Crisfield with a long stretch pass fed Vipers captain, Patrick McGillis for the breakaway but McGillis went blocker side missing the net on a chance to put Vernon up by two. Merritt carried the better of the play in the first half but the Vipers responded with several good chances late in the period. The Vipers were up 1-0 after 20 minutes of play. Merritt outshot Vernon 11-10.

2nd Period: The Cents would get the games first powerplay early and capitalize moving the puck around Reece Wilcox set Centennials captain, Evan Stack in front who beat Kirby Halcrow at 7:04 tying the game 1-1. Wilcox and Chad Brears with the assists. Just under two minutes later Vernon would get its first powerplay moving the puck around well the Cents did a great job at blocking and covering all the shooting lanes as the Vipers couldnt get off any quality shots as Merritt with a strong penalty kill killed off the penalty. Just after the penalty expired the Centennials would get another shot with the man advantage, Evan Stack with two nice moves in the slot got around the Vernon defenceman tried going in for the parcial breakaway but a strong backcheck by the Vipers just lifted up Stack's stick so he couldnt get off a shot from in close. The Vipers would kill off the minor. A minute and a half later the Vipers would get the play in deep, a wide open Darren Nowick setup John Knisley with a long crease pass as Knisley beat Steel upstairs from in close giving Vernon a 2-1 lead at 14:51 Nowick and Ben Gamache with the assists. Not alot of scoring opportunities in tonight's game in a very tight checking contest. With about twenty five seconds remaining Darren Nowick with a good burst of speed won the race for the loose puck going in all alone for the breakaway but was stopped by Steel who made a huge blocker save, Nowick stayed with the play, collected the rebound but was stopped by Steel on the second chance as Steel come up with two big saves towards the end of the period. The Vipers kept the play alive and with time winding down Mike Zalewski cut through the slot before ripping a high shot high and past Tyler Steel with just 1.5 seconds remaining giving the Vipers a 3-1 lead, Adam Tambellini and Aaron Hadley with the assists. The Vipers with a 3-1 lead after 40 minutes of play. A more even played second period with very little scoring chances. Vernon outshot Merritt 14-12.

3rd Period: Darren Nowick with a great chance in the opening minute was stopped by Steel who made a nice save. On the next shift Patrick McGillis setup Colton Cyr in the slot who tipped his shot just wide of the net on a close play. The Vipers would get on the board early after Darren Nowick went around the net and then just through wich looked to be a weak looking backhand towards the goal beat Tyler Steel at 3:51 giving Vernon a 4-1 lead. Nowicks goal was unassisted. This was the end of the night for Steel who was pulled in favor of Lino Chimienti. Steel gave up four goals on twenty eight Vernon shots as both Steel and Luke Pierce exchanged words as Steel was heading to the Cents dressing room. Lino Chimienti didnt have to wait long before making his first save of the night, after making a big blocker save off a Brendan Persley backhand from in close. Shortly after is when the Centennials started to lose their cool as the game got a little chippy. Merritt got away with a boarding penalty deep in the Centennials zone, on the same play three centennials went after Mike Zalewski before Aaron Hadley dropped the mits with Silvan Harper. Harpers night was over after also picking up a ten minute misconduct on the play. On the next play Ben Gamache and Sean Maktaak dropped the gloves as tempers started to heat up in the final period. Just a few minutes later both teams would exchange spots in the penalty box with powerplays going back and forth. With the Cents on the powerplay Darren Nowick won the race for the loose puck going in for the shorthanded breakaway Nowick was stopped by Chimienti on his second breakaway attempt of the night. Vernon would kill off the minor before getting their own man advantage, off the draw Darren Nowick with a nice feed across the ice setup Mike Zalewski who was stopped after Lino Chimienti made a nice save as Merritt would kill off the minor. The Centennials would get a late powerplay after some four on four action, Kirby Halcrow made his biggest save of the evening kicking out the left pad with traffic in front robbing Richard Sabourin's point shot. The Vipers would kill off the minor. Just as the penalty expired John Knisley would get a breakaway with just over two minutes remaining but lose the handle in close on a chance to make it 5-1. On the next shift Turner Lawson and Billy Marshall dropped the mits in a long spirited scrap. On the play Riley Hunt and Richard Sabourin would both get tossed from the game for misconducts. In the end Vernon would knock off Merritt 4-1. The Vipers played very well defensively not giving up alot of shots or offensive chances. The Vipers outshot the Cents 10-6.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Brett Corkey played a steady game on the Vipers blueline.

Colton Cyr come up with atleast two scoring opportunities played with lots of jump and showed good hustle for most of tonight's game.

John Knisley (1 goal) Played very well up front for Vernon. Was really skating hard, battled hard and made some real nice plays tonight.

Darren Nowick (1 goal & 1 assist) Made his return to the Vipers lineup after being out with an injury. Nowick didnt look out of place playing with lots of jump, creating and generating offensive chances on several plays. Was very hard to stop tonight.

Patrick McGillis worked very hard, battled hard and played very well for the Vipers. McGillis with a 1st period breakaway couldnt beat Tyler Steel missed the net.

Geoff Crisfield played a strong game on the Vernon backend. Was very steady all night, was good at both ends of the rink, even jumped up into the play on several occasions.

Turner Lawson who was named 1st star on Tuesday I thought played very well for the Vipers tonight.

Kirby Halcrow (28 saves) Didnt have alot of tough saves to make tonight but played well. Saw most of his shots, didnt give up alot of rebounds.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

For the second time within a week the Vipers defeated the Merritt Centennials and move to within six points of 2nd place Merritt. With a Chilliwack win tonight the Vipers stay tied for 4th place with the Chiefs meaning tomorrow night's game in Chilliwack should be a playoff like game. Not alot of scoring opportunities in a very tight checking game, that got a little chippy in the 3rd. I thought the Vipers played fairly well scoring some timely goals. A few turnovers in the opening period but the Vipers played much better defensively as the game went on and into the 3rd. The Vipers defence did a great job at keeping the Cents to the outside, allowing Kirby Halcrow to see most of his shots with very little traffic in front. Vernon has now won five in a row with it's longest winning streak since starting the season 7-0. Looks like the boys are playing with some confidence right now and finally got on a bit of a streak.

Top Players: (Merritt)

Billy Marshall played a very strong game on the Merritt blueline tonight. Marshall was the Cents best d-man and didnt back down from the rough stuff dropping the gloves in the 3rd with Turner Lawson.

Evan Stack (1 goal) Looked dangerous at times in the offensive zone. Had a great chance on the man advantage in the 2nd but got his stick lifted at the last second.

Tyler Steel (24 saves) I thought Tyler Steel played well between the pipes for the Centennials other then maybe the fourth Vernon goal. Steel come up with a nice breakaway save off Darren Nowick late in the 2nd and made a few nice saves off the Vipers late in the opening period.

Game Thoughts: (Merritt)

The Cents have now lost six straight sit just three points up on 3rd place Prince George. Merritt is a very hard working club that battled hard for atleast two periods but just couldnt generate much offence. The Centennials who won alot of the battles down low, really used a strong forecheck to keep the Vipers pinned in their own zone at times but couldnt get anything towards the goal. Mike Zalewski's late 2nd period goal with just 1.5 seconds remaining was a killer and then giving up an early fourth goal to start the 3rd put the game away as Merritt started to lose their cool. The Cents just didnt have the same jump or compete level as in the first and second periods and seemed to lose their composure in the 3rd getting away from their game plan.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Max Mowat (Injured)
Luke Juha (Injured)
Merritt:

Tyler Martin

3 Stars:

1st Star: Darren Nowick (1 goal & 1 assist)
2nd Star: Kirby Halcrow (28 saves)
3rd Star: Riley Hunt (Scored first career BCHL goal)

For more on tonight's game visit the boxscore,
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977560&link=bchl

Don Klepp Post-Game Interview:

2012-02-10T12:23:00.000-08:00

Vernon Vipers colour commentator, Don Klepp interview's three Viper prospects, Landon Robin, Michael Statchuk and Adam Fauchoux who were in attendance watching the Vipers defeat the visiting Trail Smoke Eaters 3-1 Tuesday night.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKZPY34TkBw&feature=player_embedded

(Game Preview) Merritt @ Vernon:

2012-02-10T07:05:00.000-08:00

Merritt (26-16-2-5) @ Vernon (24-20-1-2) 7pm start

Tonight is the seventh of eight regular season meetings between these two teams.

Let's take a look at the regular season schedule between these two hockey clubs,

Saturday, October 8th Vernon @ Merritt (Vipers won 3-2 in double overtime)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977748

Friday, December 2nd Merritt @ Vernon (4-4 Tie)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977547

Saturday, December 3rd Vernon @ Merritt (Centennials won 2-0

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977760&link=bchl

Saturday, January 7th Merritt @ Vernon (Centennials won 3-1)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977553&link=bchl
Friday, January 13th Vernon @ Merritt (Centennials won 3-0)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977764&link=bchl

Friday, February 3rd Merritt @ Vernon (Vipers won 4-0)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977558&link=bchl

Tuesday, February 14th Vernon @ Merritt
Last Game Played:

Tuesday, February 7th Vernon defeated Trail 3-1
Saturday, February 4th Westside defeated Merritt 3-1
Next Game:

Saturday, February 11th Vernon @ Chilliwack
Tuesday, February 14th Vernon @ Merritt

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon is 48-9-1-6 vs. Merritt

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon has outscored Merritt 275-147

Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 21-3-1-3 at home vs. Merritt

Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 21-3-0-4 in Merritt

The Vipers are 6-1-1-2 in their last ten games at home vs. the Centennials

The Vipers are 7-2-0-1 in their last ten games on the road vs. the Centennials

The Vipers are 5-2-1-2 in their last ten games vs. Merritt

The Vipers last loss in Merritt was a 3-0 loss back on Friday, January 13th 2012

The Centennials last win in Vernon was a 3-1 victory back on Saturday, January 7th 2012

The Vipers went 3-0-0-3 last season vs the Merritt Centennials during the regular season.

The Vernon Lakers changed their name to the Vernon Vipers to start the 1995-96 season.

Here’s a look at the Vipers all-time regular season record

Games Played: 996
Wins: 635
Losses: 261
Ties: 16
Overtime Losses: 86

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

The Vipers come into tonight's game riding a four game winning streak tied with the Chilliwack Chiefs for the 4th and final playoff spot. Vernon also sits eight points back of 2nd place Merritt as both teams face each other for a second time within a week after the Vipers 4-0 victory last Friday over the Centennials. Tonight is the final game of a four game home stand as the Vipers play five of their next eight on the road.

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

Games Played: 47
Wins: 24
Losses: 20
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 17-6-1-1
Road Record: 7-14-0-1
Goals For: 160
Goals Against: 149
Streak: Four game winning streak
Standings: Tied for 4th Place with Chilliwack

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:
Brett Corkey (92)
Aaron Hadley (93)
John Knisley (92)
Patrick McGillis (91)
Max Mowat (93)
Darren Nowick (91)
Ryan Renz (93)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Michael Zalewski (92)
Kirby Halcrow (91)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Marcus Basara (93)
Dylan Walchuk (92)
David Robinson (90)
Bryce Kakoske (90)
Malcolm Lyles (90)
Trevor Fitzgerald (92)
Adam Thompson (90)
Steven Weinstein (90)
Kyle Murphy (90)
Dane Muench (92)
Philip Patenaude (91)
Zach McPhee (93)
Blake Voth (91)
Vernon's Home record vs. Merritt this season:
1-1-1-0

Vernon's Road record vs. Merritt this season:

1-2-0-0

Vernon’s Powerplay vs. Merritt this season:

4-24
Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Merritt this season:

Darren Nowick (4-2-6)
Michael Zalewski (2-4-6)
Adam Tambellini (2-1-3)
Brett Corkey (0-3-3)
John Knisley (1-1-2)
Aaron Hadley (0-2-2)
Jedd Soleway (1-1-2)
Luke Juha (0-1-1)
Max Mowat (0-1-1)
Ryan Renz (0-1-1)
Patrick McGillis (0-1-1)
Colton Sparrow (1-0-1)
Marc Hetnik (0-1-1)
Riley Hunt (0-1-1)
Ben Gamache (0-1-1)
Kirby Halcrow (2-3-1-0 Record-1 Shutout)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Vernon has the leagues 3rd best powerplay

-The Vipers have the BCHL's 8th best penalty kill

-Mike Zalewski (30-30-60) is the lone Viper in the leagues top twenty in scoring

For more on tonight's game and the Merritt Centennials, please visit Alex Grebenyuk's Cents Central blog,

http://centscentral.blogspot.com/

Tonight is the final game of a four game road trip for the Cents after a 3-1 loss in Westside Saturday night. Merritt has lost five straight and just one win in their last seven games. The Cents and Vipers will play each other for the final game of the season Tuesday night with a re-match in Merritt. The Centennials are just four points up on 3rd place Prince George.

Lets take a look at the Merritt Centennials:

Games Played: 49
Wins: 26
Losses: 16
Ties: 2
Overtime Losses: 5
Home Record: 14-5-0-4
Road Record: 12-11-2-1
Goals For: 143
Goals Against: 146
Standings: 2nd Place

Merritt Centennials Returning Players:

Chad Brears (91)
Brent Fletcher (92)
Silvan Harper (92)
Sean Maktaak (92)
Billy Marshall (91)
Brandon Pfeil (92)
Jakob Reichert (93)
Regan Soquila (93)
Evan Stack (91)
Reece Willcox (94)
Lino Chimienti (91)
Tyler Steel (93)

Departing & traded players from last years team:

Dustin Lebrun (92)
David Sabey (91)
Richard Sabourin (92)
Stephen Wall (91)
Dylan Playfair (92)
Kameran Crawford (91)
Max Vallis (91)
Jeff Jones (91)
Blaine Bokenfohr (90)
Steve Tresierra (90)
Brett Kolins (92)

At Home this season vs. Vernon:

2-0-0-1
On The Road this season vs. Vernon:

1-1-1-0

Merritt’s Powerplay vs. Vernon this season:

3-30

Merritt’s scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Regan Soquila (1-3-4)
Evan Stack (3-1-4)
Reece Willcox (1-2-3)
Sean Maktaak (2-1-3)
Chad Brears (2-1-3)
Brandon Bruce (0-3-3)
Billy Marshall (0-3-3)
Brent Fletcher (0-1-1)
Payton Schaefer (0-1-1)
Dylan Chanter (1-0-1)
Brendan Lamont (1-0-1)
Carter Shinkaruk (1-0-1)

Lino Chimienti (2-2-1-0 Record)
Tyler Steel (1-0 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Merritt has the leagues 9th best powerplay

-The Cents have the BCHL's 10th best penalty kill

-Former Merritt Centennial and Vernon Vipers forward, Luke Pierce faces his former team

-Goaltender, Tyler Steel faces his former team this season. Steel was cut by the Vipers last year and then signed with the Centennials to start the regular season

-Regan Soquila (13-44-57) is the lone Centennial in the league's top twenty in scoring

-Tyler Steel (12-9-1 Record, 2 Shutouts, 2.68 GAA) is in the league's top ten goaltenders

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon Vipers:

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

Merritt Centennials:
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224100

Nowick Returns As Vipers Move Into Playoff Contention:

2012-02-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Nowick returns as Vipers move into playoff contention

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: February 10, 2012

For the first time in a while, things seem to be going in Vernon Viper head coach Jason Williamson’s favour.

His team seems to be heating up a month before the B.C. Hockey League playoffs, the opponents they are trying to catch have slipped a little, and he is getting healthy bodies back from the injured reserve.

With sniper Darren Nowick expected to play tonight against the Merritt Centennials at Wesbild Centre, injured defencemen Luke Juha and Max Mowat will be the only Vipers watching from the press box. Vernon visits the Chilliwack Chiefs Saturday at Prospera Centre.

“We’ve had some help in the last few games, even with Trail (Smoke Eaters) beating Chilliwack (5-3 last Saturday),” said Williamson. Now we control our own fate... we’re starting to get some healthy bodies back and it’s showing out there with being able to roll four lines.”

Regarding the playoffs, he added: “We just want to get in, but we want to climb as high as we can get. Second place isn’t even really out of our reach yet.”

A return to the lineup isn’t the only good news for Nowick, who has missed the last 10 games with a shoulder injury. The Long Beach, Calif. product has committed to the NCAA Division 1 Northern Michigan Wildcats for next season.

“I was talking to them over the season, and it seemed like a good fit for me because the coaching staff there is the way I like to play,” said the talented 20-year-old.

Building off a strong second half in his rookie campaign, the product of Long Beach Calif. is enjoying a breakout year in his second season with the Snakes, compiling 25 goals and 42 points in 37 games.

Said Williamson: “He’s arguably been one of our best players here, if not the best. His work ethic is second-to-none when he gets on the ice and when you work like that good things are going to come.”

On Tuesday night, with a little help from the record-setting Penticton Vees, the Vipers found themselves in a tie for the fourth and final Interior Conference playoff spot.

With Penticton’s 7-0 dismantling of the Chiefs for a league record 30th straight win, coupled with Vernon’s 3-1 decision over the Smoke Eaters at Wesbild Centre, the Snakes are tied with the Chiefs, both teams sharing identical 24-20-1-2 records.

“We just strung four wins together here and that’s huge for us,” said Vipers’ rookie Turner Lawson, who collected his first-ever BCHL goal and first star against Trail.

“If we just keep the ball rolling into playoffs, that’s going to lead right into a series too.”

Lawson, in his first game back after missing five with a concussion, opened the scoring 5:49 into the first period. Missing a golden scoring opportunity just seconds before, the 18-year-old Kelowna product pounced on a redirected point shot by Geoff Crisfield, and shovelled the puck past Trail netminder Lynden Stanwood’s glove.

“I don’t even know what happened,” said Lawson. “I was still pretty steamed from the first opportunity I missed from where Spares (Colton Sparrow) threw it out front. I just saw the d-man looking at me and not at the puck and I just jumped around him and whacked at it. And then I got hit, so I didn’t even know it went in.”

Lawson was a little dumbfounded when he was named first star.

“I wasn’t sure what to do. They pushed me out to centre ice and I’ve never gotten a first star in my life, so I just looked at the crowd, got a little face time and waved at them,” he laughed.

Vernon made it 2-0 when Adam Tambellini collected the puck at the sidewall and set up Aaron Hadley (9th goal) for a quick backdoor one-timer at 13:28. Mike Zalewski jumpstarted the play by carrying the puck deep and outworking a few Trail defenders in the corner before dishing off to Tambellini.

The Smokies (11-30-1-4) turned up their intensity in the second period, and cut the lead in half during a 5-on-3 man advantage, with the Vipers’ Riley Hunt (cross-check) and Brett Corkey (hooking) in the box. Veteran d-man Clayton McEwan crept in from the point and squeaked a puck far side past Kirby Halcrow at 8:06.

McEwan is one of two 20-year-olds on Trail’s young roster, and is happy to take on a leadership role.

“It’s fun, it’s exciting, I’m up for the challenge and I think I answer that call when I need to,” said McEwan, who will begin a carpentry apprenticeship once his Junior career ends this spring.

“It’s been fast unfortunately. If I could go back to being 16 and do it all over again, I would. It was a great ride and I’m happy for what hockey has given me.”

Vernon held Trail to five shots in the third period, but had trouble putting the game away until Brendan Persley (7th) took a few whacks at a loose puck in front of Standwood, and ended up pushing both the goalie and the puck across the crease at 5:12.

Said McEwan: “We were right in the battles, it was about 50-50. It could have gone either way and they got the puck luck and the puck’s in the net, and it’s game over pretty much.”

Added Trail assistant coach Bob Dever: “In the second period, I thought we played real well. That powerplay goal was huge for us and it brought the energy back to us. That third goal was just an unlucky goal-mouth scramble.”

Ben Gamache nearly made it 4-1 later in the third when he floated a dump-in that McEwan tried to bat down with his glove, but ended up redirecting it past Standwood. Referee Brandon Liefke waved the goal off because of a delayed offside.

“We really won it with that first (period), and the other two periods were just mediocre so we really have to clean that up,” said Lawson.

SNAKE BITES: John Knisley assisted on Persley’s goal and earned third star...Halcrow recorded 22 stops for his 19th win. Stanwood had 29 stops for the Smokies...The Vipers held a moment of silence for longtime fan Ray Greenwood, who died Saturday night...The Vees’ 30th straight win eclipses the previous record set by the 1989-90 New Westminster Royals.

Nowick To Northern Michigan:

2012-02-09T11:17:00.000-08:00

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Nowick To Northern Michigan

Thursday, February 9, 2012 - Submitted by Vipers Staff

The Vernon Vipers are pleased to announce that 20 year old forward Darren Nowick has committed to the University of Northern Michigan for next season.
The product of Long Beach California is in his second season with the Vipers. Last season Nowick posted 9 goals and 18 assists in 59 games, this season he is enjoying a breakout year with 25 goals and 42 points in 37 games.

Nowick is the 9th player on the Vipers roster to have secured an NCAA Scholarship.

Head Coach and General Manager Jason Williamson is happy for his star forward. “Darren’s game has come a long way during his time in Vernon and I’m very happy to see him getting an opportunity to further his career and education next season. He has been a huge part of our line-up this season and I’m looking forward to getting him back in very soon.”

For more information please contact the Viper office at 250-542-6022

Former Vernon Viper Nyjer Morgan Practices With Sharks:

2012-02-09T07:05:00.000-08:00

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Nyjer Morgan got the chance to skate-practice with his hometown team the San Jose Sharks on February 1st 2012. Morgan was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 33rd round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft is heading into his second season with the Milwaukee Brewers this coming MLB season. Morgan played one season as an "AP" with the Vipers (1996-1997).

This is posted in last week's star.com website:

Milwaukee Brewers’ Tony Plush (Nyger Morgan) puts on his skates with Sharks

Published On Thu Feb 2 2012

Daniel Brown San Jose Mercury News

Wayne Gretzky’s nickname remains safe. Nyjer Morgan was not The Great One.

But considering he has a day job as an outfielder for the Milwaukee Brewers, Morgan was — The Not-Too-Shabby One?

“I’d give him a B-plus to be honest with you,” Sharks centre Joe Thornton said. “I was surprised with how good he was.”

Morgan, a Bay Area native and longtime Sharks fan, lived his dream Wednesday when he got to take part in practice. He even whistled a puck into the net during a breakaway drill, albeit with help from a hospitable goalie.

Wearing a No.2 jersey with the name “Plush” in honor of his alter-ego Tony Plush, Morgan got a chance to experience his alter-career. As a teenager, he set out to make the NHL and advanced as far as major junior hockey in the Western Hockey League, which means he was no slouch.

Morgan, now 31, shook off some rust against the Sharks, wobbling at times on his skates as he took part in a breakaway drill with his left-handed shot. But after three ineffective attempts, he whacked his fourth shot past backup goalkeeper Thomas Greiss (who all but put up a welcome mat in front of the net).

Morgan later beamed in the Sharks dressing room as he peeled off his pads.

“How many athletes do you know who can just jump on the ice and do what I just did?” Morgan said. “Exactly. Pretty cool, huh?

“It’s been many moons. It’s been a lot of years, yeah. And I’ve still got it. You see that?”

Morgan was born in San Francisco and said he was raised in San Jose, at a home near the Eastridge mall, before later attending high school in Mill Valley.

He fell in love with hockey as a 7-year-old while glued to the TV for the 1988 Winter Games from Calgary.

As a kid, Morgan embraced the Sharks right away. “Ever since they came to the Bay Area in 1990 (when San Jose was awarded the franchise),” he said. “George Kingston. I’ve always been a fan. I’ve always been a die-hard Sharks fan. . . . I bleed teal.”

The pesky, trash-talking outfielder acknowledged Wednesday that he would prefer to be a pesky, trash-talking forward. He played for the Regina Pats during the 1999-2000 season. In his debut, against the Moose Jaw Warriors, he scored two goals and was selected as the game’s first star.

Alas, those were the only two goals of Morgan’s time in Regina. He played six more games before being released.
Sharks coach Todd McLellan, who was coaching in Swift Current in the WHL at the time, remembered Morgan as a fledgling hockey player.
“His (baseball) characteristics, and the way he stirs things up on the ball field? That’s the exact same way he was on the ice surface,” McClellan said. “He was a bit of a disturber, got under the skin of some of the other players, and competed hard.”

Morgan described his hockey style this way: “Just excitement. Grind. Make it happen. Exciting player, just like I am on the diamond. Do what I do, crowd favorite.”
Morgan, who hit .304 with four homers, 37 RBIs and 13 stolen bases last season, is as well known for his antics as for his play. Giants fans might remember him as the outfielder who last year taunted fans at AT&T Park or who cursed repeatedly in a KNBR interview. (When the station asked him to ease up on the language, Morgan hung up instead. “T-Plush is out. Thanks for having me.”)

Morgan, who sometimes goes by Tony Plush or T-Plush, also spent last fall antagonizing St. Louis Cardinals fans on Twitter, once writing of Albert Pujols, “Alberta couldn’t see Plush if she had her gloves on!!!”

That explains why a Cardinals fan came to watch Sharks practice Wednesday. Mike Sizemore, 21, of St. Louis held up a sign that read: “Good to see you trying hockey. Baseball didn’t work out.”

“Nyjer Morgan talked a lot of smack this year against the Cardinals,” said Sizemore, a mechanical engineering student at Santa Clara University. “I thought I’d pay him a visit.”
Morgan saw the fan — and good-naturedly fired a puck off the glass right in front of him.

“Ah, that brought back so many memories, just because I love hockey,” Morgan said. “Not too many African-Americans, especially in the (city) of San Jose, can actually relate.

“So I would like to actually encourage people to come out here and try skating. It’s a beautiful game.”

Former Viper Marino Named Oakley CHL First Star For January:

2012-02-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

Former Vernon Vipers forward, Brandon Marino was named Oakley Central Hockey Leagues First Star for the month of January. Marino who played just two games with the 2002-2003 Vernon Vipers is in his third season with the CHL Quad City Mallards.

Brandon Marino's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=93732

This is posted on the Mallards website:

MARINO NAMED OAKLEY CHL FIRST STAR FOR JANUARY

02/03/2012

Quad City Mallards winger Brandon Marino has been named Oakley Central Hockey League First Star for the month of January, the Mallards announced today in conjunction with the CHL.
Marino, 25, took first star honors after scoring nine goals- including a pair of game winners- and totaling 17 points in 13 games in January. The 5’ 9”, 185-pound Riverside, California, native enjoyed five multiple point evenings in January. Marino last Saturday matched his personal career high and the team season high for most points in one game and also equaled the club season high for assists in a game by scoring once and adding three assists in an 8-3 win over the Missouri Mavericks. On January 14, Marino registered a point in a thirteenth straight game- that streak (which began in December) is the second longest in the CHL this season.

Players are awarded five points each time they are named first star of a game, three points for second star recognition and one point for being tabbed third star. Marino was named first star three times in January and finished the month with a total of 20 points via this system.

On the season, Marino leads the CHL in goals (27) and power play goals (10) and is tied for second in shorthanded goals (3). He was named Most Valuable Player of the January 11 CHL All-Star Game after scoring the winning goal and adding three assists in the All-Stars’ 6-4 victory over the host Arizona Sundogs.

Now in his third year of pro hockey, Marino has already eclipsed his previous career highs for goals and points in a season. He scored ten goals and produced 38 points in 58 games last year after notching 13 goals and totaling 44 points two years ago in his first pro campaign.

Before joining the Mallards, Marino helped Cinderella story Bemidji State to a berth in the 2009 NCAA Frozen Four. Marino scored seven goals and notched 19 points in 36 games in 2008-09 and rang up 15 goals and 51 points in 116 games over his four years as a Beaver. He played junior hockey for three seasons in the British Columbia and North American leagues before enrolling at BSU.

Marino is the second Mallard to earn a monthly first star nod this season. Eric Giosa was October’s first star.

The Mallards return to action on home ice tonight at 7:05 p.m. against the Fort Wayne Komets.

Single game tickets for all Mallards regular season home contests- including tonight’s game- are now available. Fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 or tickets@myqcmallards.com for more information about tickets.

Former Vipers Defenceman Morgan Skates With Hometown Sharks:

2012-02-08T12:39:00.000-08:00

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Nyjer Morgan traded his baseball bat for a hockey stick and had his "dream come true" Wednesday , February 1st 2012 when he practiced with his hometown team the San Jose Sharks. Morgan was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 33rd round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft. On September 1, 2007, Morgan made his major league debut for the Pirates against the Milwaukee Brewers as a late-season call-up. In 2009 Morgan was traded to the Washington Nationals before getting traded to the Milwaukee Brewers last March. Morgan played one season (1996-1997) as an "AP" with the Vipers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sewOzYoH0_k

Viper Grinders Lead the Way:

2012-02-08T12:12:00.001-08:00

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Viper Grinders Lead the Way

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - Submitted by Don Klepp

Jason Williamson didn’t award style points for his team’s 3-1 win over Trail on Tuesday, but he was more than satisfied with the two points.

“The name of the game is winning when you’re in a playoff race,” said the Viper Head Coach. “The main thing is that we’re now tied with Chilliwack for that last playoff spot and just three points back of Prince George. We have big games on the horizon with both those teams, so it’s going to be interesting.”

Meanwhile, Bill Birks had to be pleased with his team’s effort as his squad kept pace with the Vipers for much of the game. Final shots (34-25) and scoring chances (17-14) favoured the Vipers, but the Smoke Eaters battled right to the end.

Turner Lawson, Aaron Hadley, and Brendan Persley, who are noted for their energy but not their scoring, notched the Viper goals.

Turner Lawson’s first BCHL goal got the ball rolling at 5:49 of the first period. He fought through a check to get to the net and fire in a rebound of a Geoff Crisfield shot. The Vipers then went up by two goals when Aaron Hadley, who was camped to the right of Lyndon Stanwood’s crease, cashed in a laser pass delivered by Adam Tambellini from the far corner at 13:28.

Trail rebounded in the second period, skating hard and creating chances right from the re-start. The Smoke Eaters capitalized during a two-man advantage when Clayton McEwan’s shot went through Ryan Renz’s legs and then through Kirby Halcrow’s pads.

There were 13 scoring chances in the period, 7 by the Vipers, but both goalies played very well and each team had a shot skim off the cross bar. The biggest save of the period saw Halcrow get his blocker on Brent Baltus’s high shot when Baltus was left alone in the slot.

Halcrow displayed his top form again in the third period when he stopped prolific 16-year-old Craig Martin during a Trail power play. By that point, however, the Vipers were in control because Brendan Persley had given the Vipers an insurance goal at 5:12 when he shovelled the puck (and the goaltender) into the net.

The win pushes the Viper record to 24-20-1-2, exactly the same as Chilliwack, who will host Vernon on Saturday night. In the meantime, Vernon will be at home to Merritt on Friday and Chilliwack will welcome Westside to Prospera Centre.

Vernon Vipers Push BCHL Win Streak To Three:

2012-02-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vernon Vipers push BCHL win streak to three

By Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star

Published: February 08, 2012

Count the Vernon Vipers among those hoping the Penticton Vees keep winning and breaking records in the B.C. Hockey League.

You see, the more the Vees beat teams like the Chilliwack Chiefs and Prince George Spruce Kings, the better the Vipers’ playoff picture looks.

The Vipers entertained the Interior Conference last-place Trail Smoke Eaters Tuesday night, fully expecting the Vees to defeat host Chilliwack and set a record with their 30th straight victory on the same night. The Smokies upset Chilliwack 5-3 Saturday night.

If the Vipers and Vees both won, Vernon would have woke up this morning tied with Chilliwack in the fourth and final playoff spot, three points back of Prince George.

The Chiefs play the 41-3-0-2 Vees once more in Penticton, while Prince George has the Vees three times, including a season-ending twinbill up north on the final weekend. Vernon gets Penticton once, a road date Friday, Feb. 17.

The Vipers (23-20-1-2) face a tough two-game road swing to Powell River and Cowichan Valley at the end of February, but end March with a home-and-home series with the free-falling Salmon Arm SilverBacks.

Mike Zalewski has pretty much ignited the Vipers’ three-game win streak, scoring gigantic goals 10 days ago in Prince George to jumpstart the injury-riddled team’s fragile mind-set.

The 19-year-old power winger out of New York was in prime-time mode again Saturday night, scoring goals 1:50 apart in the third period as the Vipers held off the stubborn and shortstaffed Alberni Valley Bulldogs 5-2.

“I think last weekend’s win in Prince George really turned things around for us,” said Zalewski, who hasn’t lost a step without clutch linemate Darren Nowick on injured reserve. “We only got one point over them in that game, but for the team morale, it was huge.”
Zalewski, who hit the 30-goal mark with a pair of beauties, earned first star ahead of linemate Adam Tambellini (1+2) and Alberni Valley defenceman Walker Hyland, who put the Dawgs up 1-0 after one period on a powerplay point shot. Alberni captain Trent Dorais, a Vernon product, and ex-Viper, drew the secondary assist.

“I think we kind of underestimated them and we came out with a pretty sloppy effort in the first,” said Zalewski, who went roof daddy from in tight for the winner, on a great feed by Johnny Knisley, and showed cool patience on his insurance tally.

“We didn’t really expect them to come out that hard which is bad on our part, but we battled back really hard and got some good bounces.”

The Dawgs, last in the Coastal Conference, showed plenty of grit and hustle despite dressing just eight forwards due to injuries and suspensions. They had 10 rookies in their lineup before 1,600 fans at the Wesbild Centre.

Ben Gamache banked a shot from the sidewall off Alberni winger Tryg Strand to even the score 95 seconds into the second period. Tambellini fooled goalie Max Fenkell from the high slot five seconds into a high sticking penalty to Hyland.

Hunter Stewart tipped a shot by Marlon Sabo past Kirby Halcrow during a powerplay late in the second.
“We had something to prove tonight and we came out with a mind-set of outworking them, being physical and keeping it simple,” said Dorais, the Dawgs’ 20-year-old captain in his final BCHL game in his home rink before playing at SAIT next year. “It worked for the most part, but fatigue kicked in, in the end there.”

Tambellini fed Aaron Hadley for an empty-netter with 14 seconds remaining.

Vernon 3 Trail 1

2012-02-07T22:49:00.000-08:00

I was at tonight's BCHL game as Vernon defeated Trail 3-1 in front of 1,550 fans at the Wesbild Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Kirby Halcrow
Trail: Lyndon Stanwood

1st Period: Some fairly even play to start tonight's game as both teams carried the play back and forth in the opening few minutes with no scoring chances before Mike Zalewski with a shot from the slot was stopped by Lyndon Stanwood. On the next play Erik Cooper walked into the slot with traffic going hard towards the goal was stopped by Kirby Halcrow. Two real good scoring opportunities at both ends of the rink early. About two minutes later Turner Lawson who made his return to the Vipers lineup after being injured with a good chance in front was stopped by Lyndon Stanwood, Lawson stayed with the play, battled hard down low got back in front of the net beat Stanwood from the top of the crease at 5:49 giving Vernon a 1-0 lead. Geoff Crisfield with the only assist on the goal. This goal seemed to give the Vipers a little life and momentum as Vernon slowly started to take over the edge in play and come up with some real good scoring chances. Brendan Persley was stopped from the slot, Mike Zalewski with a hard low shot from the top of the circle was stopped by Lyndon Stanwood who made a big pad save and then on the same shift had to come up with another huge pad save off Adam Tambellini from the other side. Stanwood with several big saves keeping the Smokies in the hockey game. The Vipers were giving Stanwood all kinds of trouble going hard to the net, getting bodies in front and getting lots of traffic in and around the Trail goal. Just before the midway mark the Vipers got sloppy in their own end with a few turnovers deep in their zone, Ryan Renz coughed up the puck to Riley McDougall who couldnt beat Halcrow who somehow made the tough save with a pile of players at the top of the Vipers crease. Trail capitalized on Vernon's mistakes and come back with two or three hard working shifts deep in the Vipers zone but only able to generate the one real good scoring chance. Just past the halfway mark Vernon captain, Patrick McGillis with a hard shot from the top of the circle couldnt beat Stanwood who made a big blocker save. Brett Corkey with some good hustle kept the puck in at the Trail blueline ripping a hard shot from the point that was deflected in front by Mike Zalewski but Lyndon Stanwood just got a peice of the it to keep the puck out. Vernon would grab a two goal lead after Adam Tambellni made a nice crease pass setting up a wide open Aaron Hadley who was at the side of the Smoke Eaters net just had to tap the puck into the open cage giving the Vipers a 2-0 lead at 13:28 Tambellini and Mike Zalewski with the helpers. Just shortly after Colton Sparrow on a two on one tried putting Vernon ahead by three but Marley Keca made a huge diving defensive play to break up Sparrow's pass after trying to go across to Riley Hunt on the Vipers odd man rush. Trail would come back with a hard working shift. Late in the 1st Patrick McGillis fed Ben Gamache on a two on one, Gamache got in close getting inbehind the Smoke Eaters defence put a nice move on Stanwood who come up with a huge save keeping this a two goal game. Just before the last minute Connor Tiechko looked to have no room to go as Brett Corkey did a great job defensively keeping the former Prince George Spruce King along the boards before Tiechko got off a high shot from the corner wich beat Halcrow but went off the post or crossbar as the Smokies come very close to making this a one goal game. Vernon was up 2-0 after 20 minutes of play. Trail with a few good shifts didnt generate alot of offence as the Vipers carried the better of the play coming up with lots of good scoring opportunities. Lyndon Stanwood made some big saves keeping the Smoke Eaters in the contest. The Vipers outshot the Smokies 14-11.

2nd Period: The Smoke Eaters come out with lots of jump putting alot of pressure on the Vipers early with a good forecheck. Trail was really attacking the Vipers breakout wich was forcing Vernon into several turnovers. The Vipers couldnt seem to get much going early having some troubles with the Smoke Eaters forecheck. Trail would get an early powerplay and off the draw Adam Fares all alone in front beat Kirby Halcrow going high but rang the crossbar on a very close call. The Smokies would get a two man advantage, moving the puck around Vernon's penalty killers did a great job at keeping Trail to the outside giving up no shooting lanes before Erik Cooper found Clayton McEwan who wired his low shot past Halcrow at 8:06 cutting the lead to within a goal. The Vipers come back with a strong penalty kill and would kill off the remainder of the second man advantage. Just past the midway mark Brent Baltus all alone in front ripped a high shot that caught Kirby Halcrow up high in the neck-mask area, Halcrow was ok making the tough save as Trail was close to tying the hockey game. Just shortly after the Vipers would get their first powerplay of the night, Brett Corkey's hard shot from the point was stopped by Lyndon Stanwood who made a quick glove save. The Vipers moved the puck around but unable to really get any good qualitly shots through as the Smoke Eaters would kill off the minor. Just shortly after Luke Bertolucci and Brent Baltus on a two on one, Bertolucci kept and shot but missed going high over the net. Tempers heated up a little after a little scrum in and around the Smokies crease with both teams pushing and shoving. The Vipers would get two real good chances to jump ahead by two after Brandon Persley and Jedd Soleway were both left all alone in front, Persley's shot missed the entire net before Soleway collected the rebound and got off a shot from the side of the Trail goal but hit the far post on a close call. Ben Gamache late had a real good chance in close couldnt beat Stanwood. In the final few minutes Adam Tambellini with a nice move in close missed the goal on a backhand from in close before a mad scramble in front the Vipers couldnt jam the puck past or through Lyndon Stanwood who made two nice saves with traffic in front. Vernon was up 2-1 after 40 minutes of play. The Smokies got off to a good start and come up with some good scoring chances, played a little more physical, really forechecked Vernon hard all period and worked hard carrying the better of the play. Trail was the better team in the middle frame. The Vipers outshot the Smoke Eaters 12-9.

3rd Period: Off the opening faceoff Erik Cooper with a great chance on the first play of the 3rd couldnt beat Kirby Halcrow who made a big save early. Not alot of action in the final period as both teams didnt generate alot of offence in a very sloppy 3rd period. Both teams with poor passes and several turnovers made for a fairly dull period. John Knisley battled hard down low before throwing the puck out front, the puck got caught up between Lyndon Stanwood, with Brendan Persley going to the net hard, a Trail D-man pusked Persley and the puck into Stanwood as the puck, Persley and Stanwood all ended up in the back of the net giving Vernon a 3-1 lead at 5:12 Knisley and Colton Cyr collected the helpers on a goal where Stanwood wasnt too happy with his defenceman. Both teams then got a little chippy as Colton Sparrow and Marley Keca exchanged words before Sparrow gave a crosscheck to Keca trying to drop the mits with the former Vipers tryout. Sparrow then was exchanging words with the Trail bench. Brandon Egli took a pretty big check in front of the Smoke Eaters bench and was slow to get up, Egli looked to have injured his arm-shoulder as he headed to the bench. After several minutes getting looked at by the clubs trainer Egli went to the Smokies dressing room and didnt return. Jedd Soleway battled hard inbehind the Trail goal didnt have anyone open in front to feed it too. The play went back and forth at times with no real flow to the game as both teams didnt record alot of shots on goal. Adam Fares with a good chance in close couldnt beat Halcrow. With just under four minutes remaining the Smokies would get a late powerplay but a big Vernon penalty kill would kill off the penalty. The Smoke Eaters who had several opportunities to pull Stanwood for the extra attacker down by two goals didnt and would run out of time. With 1:01 remaining Vernon thought they had gone ahead by three after scoring on a strange play-funny bounce on a long shot from before the Smokies blueline but the goal was waived off as a Viper player was offside. In the end the Vipers would win their fourth straight with a 3-1 victory over Trail. The Vipers would win the season series 7-0. Vernon outshot Trail 8-5.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Adam Tambellini (1 assist) I thought had a strong game up front for the Vipers. Tambellini who has really come along since joining the Vipers #1 line has played his best hockey of the season latley and looked good up front tonight. Played with alot of jump, had lots of speed and come up with several good scoring chances. Made a real nice crease pass to Aaron hadley for Vernon's 2nd goal of the game.

Aaron Hadley (1 goal) I thought played fairly well up front for the Vipers. Hadley battled and competed for most of the night.

Ben Gamache had atleast three good scoring chances and made two real nice crisp tape to tape passes.
Colton Sparrow played with alot of jump and energy especially in the opening period working hard also battled and competed all night.

Brendan Persley (1 goal) Had atleast two or three scoring opportunities played well for the Vipers up front.

Geoff Crisfield (1 assist) Played a very steady-physical game on Vernons backend.

Turner Lawson (1 goal) Returned to the Vipers lineup tonight after being out with an injury saw action up front and played well. Battled and competed, was in and around the net at times working hard down low.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

Vernon played a very good 1st period, carried most of the play and come up with several good scoring chances got off to a two goal lead. In the 2nd I thought the Vipers had troubles adjusting to the Smokies forecheck and physical play, the Vipers didnt get as nearly as much pressure or scoring opportunities as they managed in the opening period. I thought the did pretty good on the penalty kill, giving up just the lone goal on the two man advantage. Wasnt much of a 3rd on either sides with some sloppy play and very little offensive chances. Tonight was a must win vs the leagues bottom feeder, with a loss to Penticton the Vipers are now tied with Chilliwack for the 4th and final playoff spot. Nice to see this team finally get on a bit of a roll with a four game winning streak. With a so so game tonight and one of the worst games Saturday night vs Alberni Valley the Vipers have to be ready this weekend with Merritt here Friday and the Vipers in Chilliwack Saturday, Vernon is going to have to tighten up and play much better hockey in both games if they want to compete and win vs two teams they are chasing.

Top Players: (Trail)

Clayton McEwan (1 goal) I thought was the Smoke Eaters best d-man tonight. Really showed and played with that veteran experience making very little if any mistakes playing a strong game on the Trail blueline.

Marley Keca who has played well vs Vernon this season played a fairly steady game on the blueline tonight.

Adam Fares played with lots of jump was going hard to the net most of the net, come up with atleast two good scoring chances for the Smokies.

Erik Cooper (1 assist) Also played well up front for the Smoke Eaters. Cooper with a few good scoring chances battled hard and was one of the more offensive Smokies tonight.

Lyndon Stanwood (31 saves) Played very well between the pipes for Trail. Made some big saves in the opening period keeping the Smokies in the contest early.

Game Thoughts: (Trail)

Trail didnt generate alot of offence in the 1st period having just a few good shifts but really turned around their game in the middle frame with a much better effort and performance. The Smoke Eaters really forechecked the Vipers hard all period, played physical and generate some good scoring chances. In the 3rd neither team looked very good making several mistakes. I was surprised Trail didnt pull the goaltender late with the man advantage or even in the final minute and a half with the puck deep in the Vipers zone.

Scratches:
Vernon:
Max Mowat (Injured)
Darren Nowick (Injured)
Luke Juha (Injured)

Trail:
Shane Poulsen
Adam Wheeldon

Vipers energy player of the game: Colton Sparrow

3 Stars:

1st Star: Turner Lawson (1 goal)
2nd Star: Brendan Persley (1 goal)
3rd Star: John Knisley (1 assist)

For more on tonight's game visit the boxscore,
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977739&link=bchl

Troy Cherwinski Vernon Vipers Jersey For Sale On Ebay:

2012-02-07T17:00:00.000-08:00

Ebay currently has a game worn Vernon Vipers Troy Cherwinski away jersey for sale. With three days left the jersey is starting at $139.99 Cherwinski played two seasons in Vernon (2004-2006) after being aquired in a trade from the Victoria Salsa.

Troy Cherwinski's Player Profile:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=41837&playerID=68774

To bid on the jersey,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GAME-WORN-BCHL-VERNON-VIPERS-HOCKEY-JERSEY-FIGHTER-JERSEY-BEAUTIFUL-WOW-/170776831282?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item27c317a532

(Game Preview) Trail @ Vernon:

2012-02-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

Trail (11-29-1-4) @ Vernon (23-20-1-2) 7:00pm Start

Tonight is the seventh & final meeting of the regular season meetings between these two teams.

Let's take a look at the season schedule between these two hockey clubs,

Saturday, October 22nd Vernon @ Trail (Vipers won 6-3)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977751

Friday, November 4th Vernon @ Trail (Vipers won 4-2)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977753

Saturday, November 12th Vernon @ Trail (Vipers won 2-1 in double overtime)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977754&link=bchl

Thursday, December 8th Trail @ Vernon (Vipers won 8-3)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977729&link=bchl

Friday, December 16th Trail @ Vernon (Vipers won 10-1)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977732

Friday, January 20th Trail @ Vernon (Vipers won 5-3)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977734&link=bchl

Last Game Played:

Saturday, February 4th Vernon defeated Alberni Valley 5-2
Saturday, February 4th Trail defeated Chilliwack 5-3

Next Game:

Friday, February 10th Merritt @ Vernon
Friday, February 10th Prince George @ Trail

Since the 2003-04 pre season Vernon is 3-0 vs Trail

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 48-12-1-0 vs. Trail

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Trail 256-140

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 23-4-0-0 at home vs. Trail

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 18-6-1-1 in Trail

The Vipers are 10-0-0-0 in their last ten games at home vs. the Smoke Eaters

The Vipers are 8-1-0-1 in their last ten games on the road vs. the Smoke Eaters

The Vipers are 8-1-0-1 in their last ten games vs. Trail

Vernon's last regular season loss in Trail was a 3-2 loss back on Friday, October 15th 2010
Trails last win in Vernon was a 5-2 victory back on Saturday, October 4th 2008

The Vipers went 4-1-0-1 vs Trail last season

The Vernon Lakers changed their name to the Vernon Vipers to start the 1995-96 season. Here’s a look at the Vipers all-time regular season record

Games Played: 990
Wins: 631
Losses: 259
Ties: 16
Overtime Losses: 86

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

The Vipers are coming off a 5-2 win over the Alberni Valley Bulldogs Saturday night giving them three straight wins and only two points back of 4th place Chilliwack for the final playoff spot. Vernon has won five of its last seven games.

Let's take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

Games Played: 46
Wins: 23
Losses: 20
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 16-6-1-1
Road Record: 7-14-0-1
Streak: Three game winning streak
Goals For: 157
Goals Against: 148
Standings: 5th Place

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Brett Corkey (92)
Aaron Hadley (93)
John Knisley (92)
Patrick McGillis (91)
Max Mowat (93)
Darren Nowick (91)
Ryan Renz (93)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Michael Zalewski (92)
Kirby Halcrow (91)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Marcus Basara (93)
Dylan Walchuk (92)
David Robinson (90)
Bryce Kakoske (90)
Malcolm Lyles (90)
Trevor Fitzgerald (92)
Adam Thompson (90)
Steven Weinstein (90)
Kyle Murphy (90)
Dane Muench (92)
Philip Patenaude (91)
Zach McPhee (93)
Blake Voth (91)

Vernon’s home record vs. Trail this season:

3-0-0-0

Vernon’s road record vs. Trail this season:

3-0-0-0

Vernon’s Powerplay vs. Trail this season:

6-22

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Trail this season:

Michael Zalewski (7-6-13)
Adam Tambellini (6-6-12)
Darren Nowick (5-5-10)
John Knisley (2-6-8)
Ben Gamache (2-6-8)
Colton Sparrow (2-3-5)
Jedd Soleway (4-1-5)
Aaron Hadley (1-4-5)
Brett Corkey (1-2-3)
Ryan Renz (0-3-3)
Patrick McGillis (2-0-2)
Brendan Persley (1-1-2)
Max Mowat (0-1-1)
Geoff Crisfield (0-1-1)
Sean Robertson (0-1-1)
Colton Cyr (0-1-1)

Kirby Halcrow (4-0 Record)
Danny Todosychuk (2-0 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Vernon has the leagues 3rd best powerplay
-The Vipers have the BCHL's 8th best penalty kill
-Mike Zalewski (30-29-59) is the lone Viper in the league's top twenty in scoring

The Smoke Eaters make their fourth and final visit of the season to the Wesbild Centre after coming off a 5-3 victory vs Chilliwack Saturday night. Trail is 0-6 vs the Vipers this season. The Smokies are 3-1 in their last four games.
For more on the Trail Smoke Eaters and tonights game, visit Chris Wahls new Trail Smoke Eaters-KIJHL blog,

http://off-the-wahl.blogspot.com/

Let's take a look at the Trail Smoke Eaters:

Games Played: 45
Wins: 11
Losses: 29
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 4
Home Record: 7-12-1-2
Road Record: 4-17-0-2
Streak: One game winning streak
Goals For: 121
Goals Against: 218
Standings: 8th Place
Trail Smoke Eaters Returning Players:

Erik Cooper (91)
Clayton McEwan (91)

Former Vernon Lakers defenceman and Vernon Vipers assistant coach, Bob Dever is the new assistant coach of the Smokies after joining the club this summer.

Defenceman, Marley Keca who attended the Vipers training camps back in 2009 and 2010 will face his former club
Trail Smoke Eaters Departing & traded players from last years team:

Logan Proulx (91)
Beau Blanaru (92)
Rajan Sidhu (91)
Matt Larose (92)
Adam Boytinck (92)
Sam Mellor (92)
Scott Jacklin (90)
Travis St. Denis (92)
Rajan Sidhu (91)
Matt Larose (92)
Nic DeSousa (90)
Cullen Bradshaw (90)
Jake Baker(91)
Paul Mailey (90)
Ben Matthews (91)
Joey Baker (93)
Dylan Tappe (92)
Curtis Tonello (90)
Jordan Bauer (91)
Eric Walker (93)
Ryan Luiten (92)
Ryan Dixon (94)
Kiefer Smiley (90)

Trails Home record vs. Vernon this season:

0-2-0-1

Trails Road record vs. Vernon this season:

0-3-0-0

Trails Powerplay vs. Vernon this season:

6-35

Trails scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Marley Keca (2-3-5)
Brandon Long (2-3-5)
Garrett McMullen (2-1-3)
Luke Bertolucci (1-2-3)
Erik Cooper (0-3-3)
Tim Coish (0-2-2)
Adam Boytinck (1-1-2)
Tanner Clarkson (1-1-2)
JJ Beitel (0-1-1)
Josh Roberts (0-1-1)
Tanner Hicks (0-1-1)
Shane Poulsen (1-0-1)
Joren Johnson (0-1-1)
Brent Baltus (1-0-1)
Riley McDougall (0-1-1)
Connor Tiechko (1-0-1)

James D'Andrea (0-4 Record)
Lyndon Stanwood (0-1 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Trail has the BCHL's 7th best powerplay

-The Smoke Eaters have the league's 17th best penalty kill

-The Smoke Eaters sit in last place in the BCHL with just eleven wins

Here's a look at both teams rosters:
Vernon Vipers:

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

Trail Smoke Eaters:
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224099

John Knisley Post-Game Interview:

2012-02-06T07:05:00.000-08:00

Vernon Vipers colour commentator, Don Klepp interviews Vernon Vipers forward, John Knisley after the Vipers 5-2 victory over the visiting Alberni Valley Bulldogs Saturday night,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjJI2YAkIDc&feature=player_embedded

Aaron Volpatti Interview:

2012-02-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

hockeytube.net chats with Vancouver Canucks forward, Aaron Volpatti about playing with the Vernon Vipers, making it to the NHL and his recent shoulder surgery. Volpatti played three seasons in Vernon (2003-2006). Volpatti was in Vernon last weekend vs the Westside Warriors to drop the puck before the game in a ceremony puck drop.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taSxYjU-dLs&feature=player_embedded

Kirby Halcrow Post-Game Interview:

2012-02-05T13:40:00.000-08:00

Vernon Vipers colour commentator Don Klepp interview's Vernon Vipers goaltender Kirby Halcrow after the Vipers 4-0 victory over the visiting Merritt Centennials Friday night. Halcrow made 41 saves for the shutout earning 1st star.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LRZ_GjC31g&feature=player_embedded

Zalewski Silences Bulldogs:

2012-02-05T07:05:00.000-08:00

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Zalewski Silences Bulldogs

Sunday, February 5, 2012 - Submitted by Don Klepp

Michael Zalewski’s pair of third period tallies led the host Vernon Vipers to a 5-2 victory over an understaffed Alberni Valley squad on Saturday.

True to their name, the Bulldogs added some bite to their bark as they outworked the Vipers in the first period and took a 1-0 lead into the second period. Playing with just 12 skaters, they were the aggressors right from the opening faceoff, which paid off in an early power play.

Defenceman Walker Hyland ripped a point shot through traffic at 1:51, just 10 seconds after Colton Sparrow was assessed an interference penalty.

The Bulldogs continued to take the play to the Vipers, limiting the home team to three shots in the first period. That trend was reversed after the break as the Vipers awoke from their moribund state to take a 2-1 lead.

At the edge of Max Fenkell’s crease, Ben Gamache converted Patrick McGillis’s crisp feed at 1:35 to get the Vipers on the board. And at 17:49, Adam Tambellini one-timed Mike Zalewski’s cross-ice pass to beat Fenkell on the power play.

Continuing the pattern of early goals, Alberni Valley tied the game on another power play marker at 1:12 of the third period. Hunter Stewart deflected Marlon Sabo’s point shot past Kirby Halcrow.

Then Mike Zalewski went to work. Adam Tambellini pressured a Bulldog into a cross ice pass at the Bulldog blue line. John Knisley picked it off and found Zalewski in front of Fenkell, where Zalewski stick handled to freeze the diminutive goaltender before roofing the puck at 6:48.

Two minutes later, Zalewski displayed another slick move to make the score 4-2. Set up by a cross-ice pass from Colton Cyr, Zalewski faked Fenkell to the ice and deftly swerved to deposit the puck in the open cage.

Aaron Hadley added an empty net goal after being unselfishly set up by his cousin, Adam Tambellini.

Viper GM and Coach, Jason Williamson, admitted that “it wasn’t our best effort tonight. Give the Bulldogs credit; they outworked us for about half the game. But I think we’ve turned the corner. We’re now finding ways to win games when we don’t play a full 60 minutes.”

The win brought the Vipers to within two points of the fourth place Chilliwack Chiefs, who lost 5-3 in Trail. It sets up a showdown in Chilliwack next Saturday.

Two minutes later, Zalewski displayed another slick move to make the score 4-2. Set up by a cross-ice pass from Colton Cyr, Zalewski faked Fenkell to the ice and deftly swerved to deposit the puck in the open cage.

Aaron Hadley added an empty net goal after being unselfishly set up by his cousin, Adam Tambellini.

Viper GM and Coach, Jason Williamson, admitted that “it wasn’t our best effort tonight. Give the Bulldogs credit; they outworked us for about half the game. But I think we’ve turned the corner. We’re now finding ways to win games when we don’t play a full 60 minutes.”

The win brought the Vipers to within two points of the fourth place Chilliwack Chiefs, who lost 5-3 in Trail. It sets up a showdown in Chilliwack next Saturday.

Halcrow Backstops Vernon Vipers With First Shutout:

2012-02-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Halcrow backstops Vernon Vipers with first shutout

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: February 05, 2012

The Vernon Vipers finally have something they’ve been missing since before Christmas – a win streak.

In 13 B.C. Hockey League games since the break, the Vipers have not managed back-to-back wins. That is until netminder Kirby Halcrow backstopped his team with a 41-save, first star performance, lifting Vernon to a 4-0 win over the Merritt Centennials Friday night at Wesbild Centre. It was Halcrow’s first shutout of the season.

“Definitely it felt good, but first and foremost it was a good team win,” said the 20-year-old keeper. “We owed those guys from our last couple games. We came out strong and put a good 60 together and ended out on top.”

Aside from a few desperation saves, Halcrow made it look easy, eclipsing the net with his 6-foot-2, 218-pound frame and gobbling up any shots that came his way.

“There were a couple where I had to really move but most of the shots were right at me, so that helps a lot,” he said.

The win improves the Vipers to 22-20-1-2, fifth in the Interior Conference. They trail the Chilliwack Chiefs (24-18-1-2) by four points for the final playoff spot. Chilliwack fell 5-1 to the league-leading Penticton Vees Friday night at a packed (3,885 fans) South Okanagan Events Centre.

Those two teams meet again Tuesday in Chilliwack, with the Vees (41-3-0-2) looking to rewrite the BCHL history books with a record 30 consecutive wins.

Vernon’s John Knisley (6th goal) made an instant impact in his return to the lineup Friday after missing the last 13 games with a shoulder injury. After batting a puck out of midair at Merritt netminder Lino Chimienti, the Pittsford, N.Y. product lofted the rebound over the Chimienti (24 saves) for the opening goal at 6:45 of the first period. Ben Gamache and Marc Hetnik drew assists.

“Kind of nervous before the game, and the first shift I just wanted to get out there and skate around and get in the game,” said Knisley. “The next shift, I got a lucky bounce there and put it in the net.”

Vernon took a 2-0 lead to the first intermission after power forward Aaron Hadley redirected third star defenceman Brett Corkey’s powerplay point shot, and Adam Tambellini (21st) was on the doorstep to bury the rebound into the open net.

Merritt tried to push back in the second frame, outshooting Vernon 13-9, but Halcrow stood tall. He came up with a pair of outstanding stops during a Merritt man advantage midway through the period, first diving cross-crease to deny Evan Stack in close and, without his stick, recovering to block a quick shot by Regan Soquila from the faceoff dot.

Knisley said Halcrow was the difference Friday night.

“Kirby played his best game of the season. He was seeing everything and there was a lot of traffic in front of the net.
“He wasn’t giving up any rebounds, and he was gobbling that puck up. He was working hard all night, and a couple smart plays by him to slow the game down and get the whistle.”

Merritt head coach Luke Pierce couldn’t fault his team’s effort, but felt Vernon was just a little more hungry for the win.
“When you’re working that hard, and we’ve seen it from our end, putting in that much effort most nights, you’re going to get some bounces. I didn’t mind our effort tonight, but it’s that little bit extra you need to do to create a bounce here and there, and we didn’t get that,” said Pierce.

After a scoreless second period, Mike Zalewski (28th) collected Vernon’s second powerplay goal 2:14 into the third period, ripping a top-shelf wrister past Chimienti’s glove.

Jedd Soleway (9th) roofed a backhander from in close after a nice setup by Eric Chore, who was called from the KIJHL North Okanagan Knights, from behind the net to complete the scoring.
Vernon head coach Jason Williamson predicted a few weeks ago his team would start playing with a little more desperation, and so far they have proved him right.

“That’s what we need this time of year. We’ve had some good efforts lately, and tonight we got a great effort from our goalie,” said Williamson. “There is a sense of urgency out there and guys are starting to pay more attention to the details, and that’s contagious.”

Tempers flared in a big way when Riley Hunt, the smallest player on the ice, hammered a Merritt defender into the sidewall, causing an instant 10-man skirmish around him. With Soleway already being flagged for tripping earlier on the play, and Hunt earning a charging minor from referee Eric Dasti, the Vipers had to kill a full two-minute 5-on-3. The Cents’ Soquila and Stack and Vipers’ Gamache and Geoff Crisfield earned misconducts in the melee.

Vernon tangled with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs (16-25-2-1) Saturday at Wesbild. They continue their four-game home stand Tuesday against the last-place Trail Smoke Eaters (10-29-1-4), and end it Friday with a rematch against the Cents.

“The next three games are at home and we’d like to add to that and get on a little roll here,” said Knisley. “Once it gets down to the last couple games, it’s going to be crunch time.”

Added Halcrow: “I might only have 15 games left in my junior career, so we’re definitely going to have to give it a good push to make the playoffs.”

Vernon 5 Alberni Valley 2

2012-02-04T22:29:00.000-08:00

I was at tonight's BCHL game as Vernon defeated Alberni Valley 5-2 in front of 1,590 fans at the Wesbild Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Kirby Halcrow
Alberni Valley: Max Fenkell

1st Period: The Bulldogs come ready to play and played with lots of jump early really taking it to the Vipers. In the opening minute Hunter Stewart with a shot from the slot was stopped by Kirby Halcrow who was forced to make a nice quick glove hand save early. Alberni Valley would get an early powerplay and capitalize just second into the man advantage. The Dogs won the draw back to the point, Josh Mitchell setup Walker Hyland whos point shot beat Kirby Halcrow at 1:51 giving Alberni Valley the early 1-0 lead. Mitchell and former Vernon Viper Trent Dorais collected the assists. The Bulldogs kept coming with some good pressure carried the play for the entire period dominating Vernon in all area's. The Vipers who looked slow, out of sink, out of position and just not in tonight's contest couldnt get out of their own end for most of the 1st. Nick Tupper walked in from the point and wired a hard shot where Halcrow had to come out to make a big save. The Bulldogs would get their second powerplay of the game but only manage one shot as Vernon would kill off the minor. The Vipers would head right back to the box as the Bulldogs would get a shortend powerplay before taking their first penalty of the night wich put both teams four on four. It took the Vipers almost twelve minutes to record their first shot on goal and that was a long shot from centre ice shorthanded on a dump in. Alberni Valley was outshooting Vernon 6-1 at this point. Vernon would get two late back to back powerplays. Patrick McGillis and Ben Gamache on a parcial two on one couldnt beat Max Fenkell who got across to make a big save. The Vipers with just two shots couldnt capitalize as the Bulldogs killed off both minors. Alberni Valley was up 1-0 after 20 minutes of play. An ugly opening period for the Vipers as the Bulldogs dominated the entire period outworking, outskating and outhustling the Vipers in all areas of the rink. The Bulldogs outshot the Vipers 8-3.

2nd Period: Vernon seemed to play a little better to start the middle frame and would capitalize early after Ben Gamache beat Max Fenkell at 1:35 from in close tying the game 1-1. Patrick McGillis and Marc Hetnik picked up the helpers. The Vipers who finally seemed to get their legs going a little bit carried the play at times for the first six or seven minutes getting some chances as the Bulldogs couldnt get much going after a terrific opening period. With a scramble in front of the Alberni Valley net Ben Gamache tried banging away a loose puck but couldnt get the puck through the traffic or Fenkell. Shortly after Mike Zalewski with a nice feed from in close setup Adam Tambellini who put two slick moves in close going around two defenders before getting stopped in close by Max Fenkell. Just past the midway mark the Bulldogs would get a powerplay, with some real good pressure deep in the Vernon zone Alberni Valley was unable to get pucks towards the net not getting a single shot as Vernon would kill off the minor. The Dogs didnt quit and kept battling coming back with some solid shifts after the man advantage. The Vipers once again back on their heels as Alberni Valley looked to have the puck on a string on one shift skating circles in and around the Vipers zone as Vernon was having all kinds of troubles clearing the zone. Again the Dogs with a ton of pressure but no real good scoring chances. The Vipers would get back to back powerplays with a few opportunities in close Vernon couldnt bang home a rebound in front with traffic in and around the net. On the second powerplay the Vipers would finally capitalize after Brett Corkey setup Adam Tambellini whos shot beat Max Fenkell who would like this goal back as Vernon grabbed a 2-1 lead at 17:49 Corkey and Mike Zalewski with the helpers. At the buzzer the Vipers would take a late penalty giving the Bulldogs a powerplay to start the 3rd. Vernon was up 2-1 after 40 minutes of play. A decent start to the period as the Vipers scored early and created some chances but the Bulldogs come right back and really took it to the Vipers at times. Vernon outshot Alberni Valley 10-5.

3rd Period: With the Bulldogs on the man advantage Marlon Sabo's point shot was tipped in front by Hunter Stewart who tied the game 2-2 at 1:12 Sabo and Ryan Lough picked up the assists. The Bulldogs kept coming with some good pressure come right back with back to back scoring opportunities. Artsiom Kalashnikov and Yan Kalashnikov with a parcial two on one couldnt beat Halcrow who made a nice save. Vernon again getting outplayed and outworked early with just one shot in the first six and a half minutes. John Knisley with a nice pass through the middle setup Mike Zalewski for the late breakaway, Zalewski waited before going upstairs on Fenkell giving Vernon a 3-2 lead at 6:48 Knisley and Adam Tambellini with the assists on just the Vipers second shot of the period. Just two minutes later Colton Cyr fed Mike Zalewski for his second of the night and 30th of the season giving the Vipers a 4-2 lead at 8:38 Cyr and Aaron Hadley with the helpers. Off the next play the Bulldogs come right back with a hard working shift, with some good pressure moving the puck around the Dogs setup Brandon Halls point shot that got through traffic but hit the crossbar on a close call. Alberni Valley kept battling and outplayed Vernon for most of the period in one of the ugliest periods-games in many many years. The Vipers who looked like they didnt want to play tonight were coughing up the puck, leaving guys wide open, missing passes and giving up several odd man rushes in a brutal 3rd period. Walker Hyland's point shot that got through traffic was stopped by Kirby Halcrow who played very well in the final frame making some big saves. Josh Mitchell who was flying all night, really skating circles around the Vipers was also getting under the Vipers skin giving out the odd shot to thehead or jab here and their wich started a minor melay in front of Kirby Halcrow with everyone pushing and shoving before both teams settled down. In the final few minutes Ben Gamache setup Patrick McGillis on a two on one but Max Fenkell made a nice save off the Viper captain. With just over two minutes remaining the Bulldogs called a timeout and then would get Fenkell to the bench for the extra attacker with some good pressure deep in the Vernon zone the Dogs were unable to keep the puck in as Aaron Hadley would eventually hit the empty cage giving Vernon a 5-2 lead at 19:46 Adam Tambellini with the lone assist on the play. The Vipers with three goals would excape a very ugly period defeating the Bulldogs 5-2. Alberni Valley outshot Vernon 9-8.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Mike Zalewski (2 goals) I didnt think Zalewski played a full sixty minutes but did come to play in the 3rd scoring twice to help give the Vipers a must win over one of the leagues bottom feeders. Zalewski who has soft hands score two real nice goals to give Vernon a lead and the win.

Adam Tambellini (1 goal & 2 assists) Was the best Viper on the ice this evening. Was one of the only Vipers who looked like they came to play. Tambellini had atleast two good scoring opportunities as well as setup a few nice scoring chances. Played very well tonight.
Kirby Halcrow (20 saves) Halcrow who played his best game of the season in last nights 4-0 win over Merritt looked a little shaky at times in the opening period but seemed to settle down as the game went on. I thought Kirby was at his best in the 3rd making some key-big saves with traffic in front.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

This was one of the ugliest Vipers games I have seen in many many years. After a huge hard fought emotional 4-0 win over the Centennials last night the Vipers didnt show up tonight in game that they barley won. In a game where they needed to win to keep pace with Prince George and Chilliwack for the final playoff race the Vipers were awful most of the night. Tons of turnovers, giveaways, poor passes, guys just standing around, and a team that looked like they didnt even want to play. The Vipers were outworked, outhustled, outskated and outchanced vs a Alberni Valley team that couldnt even dress three full lines. Vernon looked out of sink and out of position all night, lots of Vipers with terrible games just didnt even show up. This was real ugly, Ive seen better pre-season games over tonight. With a Chilliwack loss to Trail tonight, the Vipers are just two points back of 4th place Chilliwack.

Top Players: (Alberni Valley)

Artsiom Kalashnikov looked pretty impressive tonight. A slick skater that can handle the puck and was very good down low. Really reads and see's the ice well.

Brandon Halls played a pretty steady game on the Dogs blueline.
Josh Mitchell (1 assist) Was Alberni Valley's best player tonight, this kid was all over the ice skating circles around the Vipers. One shift in the 2nd period he was dangling in and out of several Vipers looking like he had the puck on a string. Had some good scoring opportunities but also got under the skin of the Vipers getting involved after the whistles with some pushing and shoving, exchanging words etc.
Walker Hyland (1 goal) Also played a strong game on the Bulldogs backend. Really reads the ice well, had a few good shots from the point.

Trent Dorais (1 assist) The former Vipers forward worked hard most of the night.

Game Thoughts: (Alberni Valley)

For a team that sits in last place in the Coastal Conference and couldnt even dress three lines never quit, battled and competed all night like they were the team chasing down the final playoff spot. The Bulldogs dominated tonight's game from start to finish other then a few good shifts by the Vipers Alberni Valley outworked, outhustled and outchanced the Vipers all night. This team worked hard and gave the Vipers a good push but with a short bench and their third game in three nights they just ran out of gas. This team deserves a pat on the back for coming to play and playing for pride even if they wont be making the playoffs.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Max Mowat (Injured)
Darren Nowick (Injured)
Luke Juha (Injured)
Turner Lawson (Injured)

Alberni Valley:

Brandon Adams
Lars Hepso
Tyler Berkholtz
Justin Morello
Turner Popoff

Vipers energy player of the game: Marc Hetnik

3 Stars:

1st Star: Mike Zalewski (2 goals)
2nd Star: Adam Tambellini (1 goal & 2 assists)
3rd Star: Walker Hyland (1 goal)
For more on tonight's game visit the boxscore,
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977407&link=bchl

(Game Preview) Alberni Valley @ Vernon:

2012-02-04T07:05:00.000-08:00

Alberni Valley (16-25-2-1) @ Vernon (22-20-1-2) 7pm start

Tonight is the only game of the season between these two teams.

Let's take a look at last years regular season schedule between these two hockey clubs,
Saturday, December 11th 2010 Vernon @ Alberni Valley (1-1 tie)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840243

Friday, February 4th 2011 Alberni Valley @ Vernon (Vipers won 4-1)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=839877

Last Game Played:

Friday, February 3rd Vernon defeated Merritt 4-0
Friday, February 3rd Alberni Valley defeated Westside 4-2

Next Game:
Tuesday, February 7th Trail @ Vernon
Tuesday, February 7th Cowichan Valley @ Alberni Valley

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 10-3-1-2 vs. Alberni Valley

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon has outscored Alberni Valley 64-41

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

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 5-1-1-0 in Alberni Valley

Alberni Valley’s last win in Vernon was a 4-2 victory back on Friday, November 10th 2006

The Vipers are 5-1-0-2 in their last eight games at home vs. the Bulldogs

The Vipers are 5-1-1-0 in their last seven games on the road vs. the Bulldogs
The Vipers are 7-1-1-1 in their last ten games vs. Alberni Valley

The Vipers went 1-0-1-0 last season vs the Alberni Valley Bulldogs during the regular season.

The Vernon Lakers changed their name to the Vernon Vipers to start the 1995-96 season. Here’s a look at the Vipers all-time regular season record

Games Played: 989
Wins: 630
Losses: 259
Ties: 16
Overtime Losses: 86
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

The Vipers come into tonight's game riding a two game winning streak after a 4-0 victory over the visiting Merritt Centennials last night. Vernon has won four out of their last six games now are just four points back of 4th place Chilliwack and five points back of 3rd place Prince George. Tonight is the second game of a four game home stand for the Vipers.

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

Games Played: 45
Wins: 22
Losses: 20
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 15-6-1-1
Road Record: 7-14-0-1
Goals For: 152
Goals Against: 146
Streak: Two game winning streak
Standings: 5th Place

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Brett Corkey (92)
Aaron Hadley (93)
John Knisley (92)
Patrick McGillis (91)
Max Mowat (93)
Darren Nowick (91)
Ryan Renz (93)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Michael Zalewski (92)
Kirby Halcrow (91)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Marcus Basara (93)
Dylan Walchuk (92)
David Robinson (90)
Bryce Kakoske (90)
Malcolm Lyles (90)
Trevor Fitzgerald (92)
Adam Thompson (90)
Steven Weinstein (90)
Kyle Murphy (90)
Dane Muench (92)
Philip Patenaude (91)
Zach McPhee (93)
Blake Voth (91)

Vernon's Home record vs. Alberni Valley last season:

1-0-0-0

Vernon's Road record vs. Alberni Valley last season:

0-0-1-0

Vernon’s Powerplay vs. Alberni Valley last season:

1-12

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Alberni Valley last season:

Darren Nowick (2-1-3)
Adam Thompson (0-2-2)
Malcolm Lyles (0-1-1)
Dylan Walchuk (1-0-1)
David Robinson (1-0-1)
Kyle Murphy (1-0-1)
Steven Weinstein (0-1-1)
Bryce Kakoske (0-1-1)
Trevor Fitzgerald (0-1-1)

Kirby Halcrow (1-0-1 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Vernon has the leagues 3rd best powerplay

-The Vipers have the BCHL's 8th best penalty kill

-Mike Zalewski (28-28-56) is the lone Viper in the leagues top twenty in scoring

For more on tonight's game and the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, please visit Hammer's Bulldogs Blog,

http://www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com/

The Bulldogs make their one and only visit of the season to the Wesbild Centre tonight face the Vipers for the only time this season. Tonight is the Dogs fifth game of a current five game road trip. Alberni Valley is coming off a 4-2 win in Westside last night has just one win in their last five games. The Bulldogs sit 8th in the Coastal Conference one point back of 7th place Langley and two points back of 6th place Victoria.

Lets take a look at the Alberni Valley Bulldogs:

Games Played: 44
Wins: 16
Losses: 25
Ties: 2
Overtime Losses: 1
Home Record: 9-11-1-0
Road Record: 7-14-1-1
Goals For: 135
Goals Against: 168
Standings: 8th Place

Alberni Valley Bulldogs Returning Players:
Josh Mitchell (91)
Justin Morello (92)
Tyler Berkholtz (92)
Lars Hepso (92)
Brandon Adams (92)
Trent Dorais (91)

Departing & traded players from last years team:

Casey Bailey (91)
Sam Mitchell (90)
Kenney Morrison (92)
Connor Varley (92)
Dylan Nowakowski (91)
Brandon Adams (92)
Colton Sobchak (90)
Sawyer Mick (91)
Mike Puddifant (91)
Tanner Hicks (92)
Marley Keca (93)
Liam Darragh (90)
Oliver McCluskey (92)
Frank Riddle (90)
Konrad Litke(92)
Kyle Weber (90)
Frank Slubowski (90)
Kiefer Giroux (94)

At Home last season vs. Vernon:

0-0-1-0
On The Road last season vs. Vernon:

0-1-0-0

Alberni Valley's Powerplay vs. Vernon last season:

1-5

Alberni Valley's scoring leaders vs. Vernon last season:
Casey Bailey (1-1-2)
Brandon Adams (0-1-1)
Kenney Morrison (0-1-1)
Josh Mitchell (1-0-1)
Dylan Nowakowski (0-1-1)

Frank Slubowski (0-1-1 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Alberni Valley has the leagues 7th best powerplay
-The Bulldogs have the BCHL's 13th best penalty kill

-Former Vernon Viper Trent Dorais faces his former team for the final time in his career
Here's a look at both teams rosters:
Vernon Vipers:

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

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224088

Halcrow Shuts the Door:

2012-02-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Halcrow Shuts the Door

Saturday, February 4, 2012 - Submitted by Don Klepp

A 41-save performance by Kirby Halcrow led the Vipers to a 4-0 whitewash of the Merritt Centennials on Friday in Vernon.

The Vipers reversed the tables on the Centennials, who had allowed just one goal in the three previous meetings between the two teams. Halcrow had a lot to do with that reversal, as he was spectacular at times.

Halcrow’s highlight reel included a toe save on Brandon Pfeil’s low point shot in the first period and two remarkable saves on Evan Stack shots in the second period, one of them with the paddle of his stick when it seemed that he was down and out.

Many of his 16 third-period saves came on shots from well out, but three times he sprawled to thwart Centennial chances in the crease. Also, as time was running down, he made a lightning fast right pad save on a deflected Dylan Chanter drive.

Meanwhile, Lino Chimienti made some big saves of his own, especially on a Patrick McGillis short handed breakaway when the score was still 1-0.

He had a little or no chance to stop any of the Viper goals. The first came from the stick of John Knisley, who returned to the lineup after missing 13 games with an upper body injury.

Knisley’s hand/eye coordination was showcased when he took a waist high wrist shot, knocked it forward, and then batted it out of the air past a handcuffed Chimienti at 6:45 of the first period.

Adam Tambellini made it 2-0 when he pumped in a rebound on the power play at 11:38. Brett Corkey had threaded a low point shot through to the goal, where Aaron Hadley occupied two defenders and allowed Tambellini to swoop in for the kill.

There was no scoring in the middle frame, although the Vipers had five excellent scoring chances and the Cents had three, two while killing a penalty. The highlight of the period was a scuffle in the Merritt goal crease between buddies Lino Chimienti and Ben Gamache.

As Gamache tells it, “we played summer hockey in Boston last summer and became good friends, but somebody pushed me into Lino and I ended up on top of him. We both speak three languages – English, French and hockey profanity. It was the last of the three that was spoken at the bottom of the dog pile!”

The Vipers increased their lead to four goals early in the third period. They notched another power play goal at 2:14 when Mike Zalewski hammered a high shot past Chimienti. Then at 6:21, Jedd Soleway lifted a backhand over Chimienti’s left shoulder after affiliated player Eric Chore had won a battle behind the Merritt nat.

The Centennials had a golden chance to reduce the Viper lead when they had a full two minutes of a 5-on-3 power play starting at 11:14. However, strong penalty killing prevented the Cents from getting a shot on goal until the last 15 seconds of the power play, and then Kirby Halcrow was sharp.

After the game, Halcrow said that he thinks “Sunday’s comeback win in Prince George has really brought this team together. I think we’re ready to take a run at a playoff spot. Pretty soon, we’ll have most of our players back, and we’ll be tough down the stretch.”

Vernon 4 Merritt 0

2012-02-03T23:01:00.000-08:00

I was at tonight's BCHL game as Vernon defeated Merritt 4-0 at the Wesbild centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Kirby Halcrow
Merritt: Lino Chimienti

1st Period: The Centennials would ice the puck off the opening faceoff wich gave the Vipers a faceoff deep in the Merritt zone just ten seconds into the 1st. Vernon won the draw setting up Adam Tambellini whos quick wrist shot from the circle was stopped by Lino Chimienti who made a nice glove save. The Vipers would get an early powerplay, with some good pressure deep in the Cents zone Vernon moved the puck around well. The Vipers with three quick passes setup Mike Zalewski in the slot who was stopped by Lino Chimienti on the Vipers lone scoring chance. A real good powerplay but Vernon couldnt capitalize as Merritt would kill off the minor. Just after the powerplay expired John Knisley on a rebound in front beat Chimienti at 6:45 giving Vernon a 1-0 lead, Ben Gamache and Marc Hetnik with the helpers. Two and a half minutes later the Centennials would get their first powerplay of the night, Evan Stack alone in the slot somehow missed the far open corner shooting high and over the far corner on a great scoring opportunity. The powerplay wouldnt last long as Merritt would take a penalty as both teams played a little four on four before the Vipers would get a late powerplay. Aaron Hadley's shot was stopped by Lino Chimienti but Adam Tambellini was their for the rebound to give Vernon a 2-0 lead at 11:38 Hadley and Brett Corkey picked up the assists. Just four minutes later The Centennials would get their second powerplay of the night but it was Vipers captain, Patrick McGillis who would get a shorthanded breakaway but Chimienti shut the door keeping this a two goal game. A very strong penalty kill by the Vernon Vipers as Merritt couldnt seem to get much going as the Vipers would kill off the minor. Vernon would get a late powerplay but unable to do anything the Vipers would finish the opening period still on the man advantage. A fairly even played period with the Vipers getting the better of the scoring chances were up 2-0 after 20 minutes of play. Merritt outshot Vernon 12-11.

2nd Period. The Vipers started the 2nd period on the man advantage that was carried over from the end of the first period. A minute and ten seconds into the second Patrick McGillis come down the right wing snapping a quick shot from just inside the circle that was stopped by Lino Chimienti who just got his stick or blocker on the shot. The Vipers were unable to capitalize with an early powerplay. Merritt would get an early powerplay just over four minutes into the middle frame, Dylan Chanter's shot from the corner maybe caught Kirby Halcrow off gaurd as Halcrow was forced to make a awkward save as the Centennials were unable to capitalize before Marc Hetnik and Brandon Bruce got involved in a wrestling match deep in the Vipers zone just as the penalty expired. A minute later the Cents would head back to the powerplay with their second man advantage of the period. The Centennials with some good pressure come up with some good chances. Kirby Halcrow made a huge pad save of Evan Stack losing his stick on the save Halcrow then made another huge pad save off Regan Soquila. Two big stops by the Viper goaltender and Vernon would kill off the minor. Merritt really started to carry the better of the play and were the better team for most of the period. The Vipers only managaed a few shots on goal in the first half of the 2nd period. The Vipers would get a late powerplay but it was the Cents penalty kill who stepped up with back to back shorthanded scoring opportunities. Sean Maktaak with a breakaway couldnt beat Halcrow who made a nice save, and on the next play Brent Fletcher and Evan Stack come in on a two on one but again Kirby Halcrow bailed out his team making a big save shorthanded as the Vipers struggled with the man advantage. A very solid penalty kill by the Cents would kill off the minor. With a minute remaining John Knisley with a chance in close beat Lino Chimienti who couldnt squeeze the puck tight enough as it rolled into the crease but on the play Ben Gamache and Chimienti started exchanging punches so the play was blown dead as Vernon missed out on a loose puck in the crease. In the final thirty seconds the Vipers with some nice three way passing on an late three on two setup Colton Cyr who was stopped by Chimienti who made a huge save late in the period to keep this a two goal game. Vernon was up 2-0 after 40 minutes of play. The Centennials who carried most of the play and had several great scoring chances couldnt beat Kirby Halcrow outplayed the Vipers in the second period. Merritt outshot Vernon 13-9.

3rd Period: A minute and ten seconds into the period Patrick McGillis come down the right wing and ripped a hard shot from just inside the circle that was stopped by the stick or blocker of Lino Chimienti who made a nice save to just get a peice of the puck from going in. On the same shift the Vipers would get an early powerplay and capitalize. Mike Zalewski's shot from the circle beat a screened Chimienti giving Vernon a early 3-0 lead at 2:04 Brett Corkey and Adam Tambellini collected the assists. Just a minute later Patrick McGillis's hard shot beat Lino Chimienti as the Cents goaltender couldnt hold onto the puck as it rolled inbehind him laying in the crease before the Cents cleared the puck on a very close call. Just a minute later Mike Zalewski lead a Vipers two on one setup Aaron Hadley who was stopped by Chimienti who come up with the big save. The Vipers with back to back good chances looked very good to start the 3rd period. The Vipers with all kinds of pressure kept coming and the hard work paid off after Eric Chore's shot was stopped by Lino Chimienti before Jedd Soleway banged home the rebound giving Vernon a 4-0 lead at 6:21 Chore and Riley Hunt with the assists. Just a minute and a half later Jakob Reichert from the side of the net missed on a great scoring opportunity after it looked like he fanned on his shot getting off a weak shot that rolled underneath Kirby Halcrow who was able to stay down and stop the play. With the Vipers getting a penalty Riley Hunt come flying into the corner levelling a Merritt player into the boards wich then started a huge line brawl as both teams were pushing and shoving, throwing punches and exchanging words deep in the Centennials zone. Merritt would come out on top getting a two man advantage. On the play the Vipers would lose Ben Gamache and Geoff Crisfield while the Centennials would lose Evan Stack and Regan Soquila as all four players were given an early shower with ten minute misconducts. The Cents with a two man advantage couldnt get much pressure as a very strong Viper penalty kill was great killing off the powerplay as Brent Fletcher and Brayden Low were both jamming away at the loose puck in the dying seconds of the man advantage but couldnt get the puck past Kirby Halcrow who was down but somehow kept the puck out. Several whistles over the next few minutes really slowed the game down before the Vipers would kill off some valuable time in the final few minutes. In the final minute of play the Vipers would get a late powerplay but with no real pressure the Vipers would just let the clock wind down picking up back to back wins with a 4-0 victory over the Merritt Centennials. The Vipers started out strong getting a handfull of good chances, scoring twice before the game got ugly with a linebrawl before a strong Viper penalty kill kept the Cents off the board. Both teams with some good chances. The Centennials outshot the Vipers 16-8.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Brett Corkey (2 assists) Played a very steady game on the Vipers blueline.

Marc Hetnik (1 assist) Also played very well on the Vipers backend. Hetnik wasnt afraid to get involved after the whistle getting involved in several pushing and shoving matches.
The line of Mike Zalewski (1 goal), Adam Tamebellini (1 goal & 1 assist) and Aaron Hadley (1 assist) played a strong game up front for Vernon. Zalewski was very good with the puck down low, while Hadley played with lots of energy, showing good hustle and working hard all night. Tamebellini who also saw some action on the Vipers fourth line (seemed to be double shifting at times) was also very good with the puck low.

Colton Cry worked hard and battled hard in and around the net, had atleast one maybe two scoring chances tonight.

John Knisley (1 goal) Returned to the Vipers lineup after missing several weeks with an injury. Knisley who dosnt put up the big numbers is very valuable on the penalty kill. Knisley who dosnt get alot of credit on most nights does alot of little things most people dont see. Played a very strong game at both ends of the rink tonight.

Patrick McGillis with atleast two maybe three good chances tonight played very well up front. The Viper captain worked and played hard all night.

Jedd Soleway (1 goal) I thought battled and competed hard all night, was another player that was in and around the net alot.
Riley Hunt (1 assist) Seemed to have alot on jump and energy in his game tonight, started a linebrawl midway through the final frame.

Kirby Halcrow (41 saves-Shutout) Hasnt been the same goaltender that Viper fans have watched the past two seasons with Quesnel and Vernon. Halcrow who has been average most of the season played his best game of the year tonight. Halcrow who was very solid between the pipes also got very lucky on several shots-saves. The veteran goaltender didnt give up any rebounds playing his position well. Looked and played with alot of confidence. Lets hope this win-game gives Halcrow some confidence to help the Vipers get into the playoffs with some strong goaltending down the stretch drive.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

With a Prince George win and a Chilliwack loss the Vipers move to within four points of 4th place Chilliwack. Tonight was a huge win over a Merritt team that had the Vipers number this season (3-1-1). Vernon has now won four of their last six games. This was a very exciting-fiesty game with both teams giving out a few cheap shots through out the game. I thought the Vipers played well and showed lots of jump-energy for most of tonights game. A little letdown in the second period but overall Vernon played well getting some good chances and capitalized on some of their chances. I really liked the Vipers breakout coming out of their own end, their passing was much better tonight and they were going to the net, looking for rebounds-loose pucks. The guys really battled hard tonight and deserved the victory. I also thought the Vipers penalty kill was very good. Vernon now hosts Alberni Valley and Trail Saturday and Tuesday in two must wins if they want to stay in the playoff hunt.

Top Players: (Merritt)

Reece Wilcox played a steady game for the Centennials tonight.
Dylan Chanter also played very well on the Merritt blueline.

Evan Stack who had a few scoring opportunities played well up front before getting a ten minute misconduct in the 3rd and missed the second half of the final frame.

Brent Fletcher battled and competed hard, had atleast two scoring chances. Didnt back down from the rough stuff and was always in and around the net.

Richard Sabourin played a physical game on the Cents blueline, and played well on the backend.

Game Thoughts: (Merritt)

After winning seven straight the Centennials have now lost four straight and have just one win in their last six games. The Cents just couldnt buy a goal tonight. Merritt with a ton of good chances couldnt get the puck past Kirby Halcrow. The Centennials were the more physical team but also played fiesty. The second period was where they needed atleast a goal to try and get some momentum going. A shorthanded breakaway and then a two on one shorthanded chance may have changed the swing of the game? I thought Merritt also played very well, but just didnt get the bounces or puck luck in order to find the back of the net. The Centennials need to re-group and try and get back on track heading into the stretch drive.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Max Mowat (Injured)
Darren Nowick (Injured)
Turner Lawson (Injured)
Luke Juha (Injured)
Brendan Persley (Suspended)

Merritt:
Ross Mancuso

Vipers energy player of the game: John Knisley

3 Stars:

1st Star: Kirby Halcrow (41 saves)
2nd Star: Adam Tambellini (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Brett Corkey (2 assists)

For more on tonight's game visit the boxscore,

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977558&link=bchl

(Game Preview) Merritt @ Vernon:

2012-02-03T07:05:00.000-08:00

Merritt (26-14-2-5) @ Vernon (21-20-1-2) 7pm start

Tonight is the sixth of eight regular season meetings between these two teams.

Let's take a look at the regular season schedule between these two hockey clubs,

Saturday, October 8th Vernon @ Merritt (Vipers won 3-2 in double overtime)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977748

Friday, December 2nd Merritt @ Vernon (4-4 Tie)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977547

Saturday, December 3rd Vernon @ Merritt (Centennials won 2-0

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977760&link=bchl

Saturday, January 7th Merritt @ Vernon (Centennials won 3-1)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977553&link=bchl

Friday, January 13th Vernon @ Merritt (Centennials won 3-0)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977764&link=bchl

Friday, February 3rd Merritt @ Vernon
Friday, February 10th Merritt @ Vernon
Tuesday, February 14th Vernon @ Merritt

Last Game Played:

Sunday, January 29th Vernon defeated Prince George 5-4 in overtime
Friday, January 27th Chilliwack defeated Merritt 4-1

Next Game:

Saturday, February 4th Alberni Valley @ Vernon
Saturday, February 4th Merritt @ Westside
Since the 2002-03 season Vernon is 47-9-1-6 vs. Merritt

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon has outscored Merritt 271-147
Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 20-3-1-3 at home vs. Merritt

Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 21-3-0-4 in Merritt
The Vipers are 6-1-1-2 in their last ten games at home vs. the Centennials

The Vipers are 7-2-0-1 in their last ten games on the road vs. the Centennials

The Vipers are 4-3-1-2 in their last ten games vs. Merritt

The Vipers are 19-3-1-2 in their last 25 games vs Merritt

The Vipers last loss in Merritt was a 3-0 loss back on Friday, January 13th 2012

The Centennials last win in Vernon was a 3-1 victory back on Saturday, January 7th 2012

The Vipers went 3-0-0-3 last season vs the Merritt Centennials during the regular season.

The Vernon Lakers changed their name to the Vernon Vipers to start the 1995-96 season. Here’s a look at the Vipers all-time regular season record
Games Played: 993
Wins: 632
Losses: 261
Ties: 16
Overtime Losses: 86

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
The Vipers return home after a two game road trip up North where they went 1-1 vs the Prince George Spruce Kings. Vernon has won three of their last four home games host the Merritt centennials in the first game of a four game home stand. The Vipers sit in 5th place five points back of 4th place Prince George and six points back of 3rd place Chilliwack. Vernon has won three out of their last five games.

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

Games Played: 44
Wins: 21
Losses: 20
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 14-6-1-1
Road Record: 7-14-0-1
Goals For: 148
Goals Against: 146
Streak: One game winning streak
Standings: 5th Place

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:
Brett Corkey (92)
Aaron Hadley (93)
John Knisley (92)
Patrick McGillis (91)
Max Mowat (93)
Darren Nowick (91)
Ryan Renz (93)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Michael Zalewski (92)
Kirby Halcrow (91)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Marcus Basara (93)
Dylan Walchuk (92)
David Robinson (90)
Bryce Kakoske (90)
Malcolm Lyles (90)
Trevor Fitzgerald (92)
Adam Thompson (90)
Steven Weinstein (90)
Kyle Murphy (90)
Dane Muench (92)
Philip Patenaude (91)
Zach McPhee (93)
Blake Voth (91)

Vernon's Home record vs. Merritt this season:

0-1-1-0

Vernon's Road record vs. Merritt this season:

1-2-0-0
Vernon’s Powerplay vs. Merritt this season:

2-18

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Merritt this season:

Darren Nowick (4-2-6)
Michael Zalewski (1-4-5)
John Knisley (0-1-1)
Luke Juha (0-1-1)
Jedd Soleway (0-1-1)
Brett Corkey (0-1-1)
Max Mowat (0-1-1)
Adam Tambellini (1-0-1)
Aaron Hadley (0-1-1)
Ryan Renz (0-1-1)
Patrick McGillis (0-1-1)
Colton Sparrow (1-0-1)

Kirby Halcrow (1-3-1-0 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Vernon has the leagues 3rd best powerplay

-The Vipers have the BCHL's 9th best penalty kill

-Mike Zalewski (27-28-55) is the lone Viper in the leagues top twenty in scoring

For more on tonight's game and the Merritt Centennials, please visit Alex Grebenyuk's Cents Central blog,

http://centscentral.blogspot.com/

The Centennials make their third visit of the season to the Wesbild Centre tonight playing their second game of a current three game road trip. After riding a seven game winning streak, Merritt has just one win in its last five games. The Cents come into tonight's game riding a three game losing streak sit eight points up on 3rd place Chilliwack.

Lets take a look at the Merritt Centennials:

Games Played: 47
Wins: 26
Losses: 14
Ties: 2
Overtime Losses: 5
Home Record: 14-5-0-4
Road Record: 12-9-2-1
Goals For: 142
Goals Against: 139
Standings: 2nd Place

Merritt Centennials Returning Players:

Chad Brears (91)
Brent Fletcher (92)
Silvan Harper (92)
Sean Maktaak (92)
Billy Marshall (91)
Brandon Pfeil (92)
Jakob Reichert (93)
Regan Soquila (93)
Evan Stack (91)
Reece Willcox (94)
Lino Chimienti (91)
Tyler Steel (93)
Departing & traded players from last years team:

Dustin Lebrun (92)
David Sabey (91)
Richard Sabourin (92)
Stephen Wall (91)
Dylan Playfair (92)
Kameran Crawford (91)
Max Vallis (91)
Jeff Jones (91)
Blaine Bokenfohr (90)
Steve Tresierra (90)
Brett Kolins (92)

At Home this season vs. Vernon:

2-0-0-1

On The Road this season vs. Vernon:

1-0-1-0

Merritt’s Powerplay vs. Vernon this season:

3-23

Merritt’s scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Sean Maktaak (2-1-3)
Regan Soquila (1-3-4)
Evan Stack (3-1-4)
Reece Willcox (1-2-3)
Chad Brears (2-1-3)
Brandon Bruce (0-3-3)
Billy Marshall (0-3-3)
Brent Fletcher (0-1-1)
Payton Schaefer (0-1-1)
Dylan Chanter (1-0-1)
Brendan Lamont (1-0-1)
Carter Shinkaruk (1-0-1)

Lino Chimienti (2-1-1-0 Record)
Tyler Steel (1-0 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Merritt has the leagues 8th best powerplay

-The Cents have the BCHL's 10th best penalty kill

-Former Merritt Centennial and Vernon Vipers forward, Luke Pierce faces his former team

-Goaltender, Tyler Steel faces his former team this season. Steel was cut by the Vipers last year and then signed with the Centennials to start the regular season
-Regan Soquila (13-43-56) is the lone Centennial in the league's top twenty in scoring

-Tyler Steel (12-8-1 Record, 2 Shutouts, 2.66 GAA) is in the league's top ten goaltenders

Here's a look at both teams rosters:
Vernon Vipers:

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

Merritt Centennials:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224100

NHL Culture Boosts Vernon Viper Rookie Adam Tambellini:

2012-02-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

NHL culture boosts Vernon Viper rookie Adam Tambellini

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: February 03, 2012

Adam Tambellini was pretty much a rink rat as a kid.

It’s kind of hard to blame him when those so-called rinks are GM Place (now Rogers Arena) and Rexall Place, and the players he hung around with were NHLers.

One of the best things about the gig was the free hockey sticks. Another bonus was sound hockey advice from true professionals.
Whether it came from his dad, Steve, GM of the Edmonton Oilers, brother, Jeff, who played last season with the Vancouver Canucks, or the myriad of NHLers, Tambellini must have been listening. The lanky 17-year-old is well on his way to carving out a pro career of his own.

Tambellini, a rookie centreman with the Vernon Vipers, took a step towards that goal by committing to the NCAA Division 1 North Dakota Fighting Sioux earlier this week. He and Vernon d-man Geoff Crisfield, who committed to the Sioux earlier in the season, will play another year in the B.C. Hockey League before heading to North Dakota in 2013-14.

“Hockey’s always been the favourite sport since I was a young guy,” said the soft-spoken Tambellini. “Seeing my brother go through the ranks, through junior (Chilliwack Chiefs) and through college (Michigan Wolverines), it was good to see what he did to make his way to the NHL.”

Jeff, a first-round selection of the Los Angeles Kings in 2003, is playing in Europe this year with the ZSC Lions of Zurich in the Swiss A League. He leads the team with 20-19-39 in 43 games, good enough for sixth overall in league scoring.

“He’s doing very well. I’m happy for him,” said Tambellini, who went on a flydown to UND’s Grand Forks campus in mid-January.

“Saw a game against the (Minnesota) Gophers and it was a pretty good environment there. Seeing the facilities and coaching staff, it was kind of a no-brainer so I called in the other day to commit.

“They have a lot of guys that move onto the NHL or AHL, so that definitely attracted me to the program.”

Tambellini would always tag along with Steve (then the assistant GM in Vancouver) to watch the Canucks, and later the Oilers, do their morning skates and then hang around the locker room.

“When I was in Vancouver, Trevor Linden was an idol of mine that I looked up to a lot, and I got to spend lots of time around him,” said Tambellini.

“And in Edmonton, it was Andrew Cogliano (now with Anaheim Ducks) who I would talk to all the time and talk about hockey and stuff.

“They’re (pros) always thinking about the right things, always doing the right things. Just being consistent, that’s a big thing I’m trying to work on this year and just doing everything I can every night.”

An endless run of injuries have caused Vernon head coach Jason Williamson to juggle his lines this season, and Tambellini has capitalized by earning minutes with first-liners Mike Zalewski and Darren Nowick.

“It’s not that often you see guys his age doing what he does,” said Zalewski. “The poise he plays with is pretty awesome for the age he is right now.

“He plays with lots of confidence and I’m not surprised to see him already commit to a school this early because he’s a heckuva player for his age.”

And while Tambellini does a lot of things right, what the 6-foot-2, 170-pounder does best is shoot. If he gets the puck on his stick anywhere near the slot, chances are a faceoff at centre ice is soon to follow. He is third in team scoring with 20 goals and 18 assists for 38 points in 41 games.

“Once he grows into his body, look out, because that release point is great, his shot is great,” said Williamson. “He puts himself in areas where, when he gets the puck, it’s dangerous. That’s one of the things you can’t teach as a coach.

“He’s been around the game his whole life so he knows what it takes. Consistency is huge, you’ve got to bring it each and every night. Sometimes it’s a learning curve, and it has been with him, but he’s definitely taken off in the second half here.”

The Vipers, fifth in the Interior Conference at 21-20-1-2, open a four-game home stand tonight at Wesbild Centre against the Merritt Centennials (26-14-2-5), followed by a Saturday date with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs (15-24-2-1). The last-place Trail Smoke Eaters (9-29-1-4) are in town Tuesday night.

SNAKE BITES: Vernon minor hockey products Trevor Pickett and Cody Hendrickson were called up to the KIJHL Revelstoke Grizzlies, who iced the Chase Heat 7-2 Wednesday night. Riley Spraggs and Cole Sanford, also Vernon natives, each fired a goal and an assist for the Grizz, who got an assist from Michael Roberts and 29 saves from Conrad McMillan...The Penticton Vees have a chance to break the league record of 29 consecutive wins set by the 1989-90 New Westminster Royals. If they stop the Chilliwack Chiefs tonight at the South Okanagan Events Centre, they can rewrite history Tuesday in Chilliwack. Chiefs’ head coach Harvey Smyl was an assistant coach with the Royals the year they established the record.

Americans Trade Former Vernon Viper Mark Sibbald To Gems:

2012-02-02T07:10:00.000-08:00

The CHL Allen Americans have traded former Vernon Vipers goaltender, Mark Sibbald to the CHL Dayton Gems for future considerations on January, 18th 2012. The Americans recently signed Sibbald back on January, 11th 2012. Sibbald spent the past three seasons with the SPHL Huntsville Havoc before being suspended and then released back on December, 8th 2011. Sibbald signed with the CHL Bloomington Blaze on December, 10th 2011 before being waived on December, 30th 2011.

Sibbald is joining his fourth team this season (Huntsville, Bloomington, Allen & now Dayton) Sibbald played two years in Vernon (2003-2005) going 35-16-3 in 59 regular season games with the Vipers.

Mark Sibbald's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=76538

This is posted on the Gems website:

Gems Trade Hogan To Wichita & Acquire Sibbald From Allen

Posted on January 26, 2012 by daytongemshockey

Dayton, OH – The Dayton Gems professional hockey team, proud members of the “AA” Central Hockey League, announced that goaltender Bryan Hogan has been traded to the Wichita Thunder in exchange for future considerations and that the Gems have acquired goaltender Mark Sibbald from the Allen Americans.
Sibbald, a 27 year old native of Ridgeway, Ontario, comes to the Gems in a trade with the CHL’s Allen Americans in exchange for future considerations. Most recently appearing in two games with the Bloomington Blaze this season, Sibbald boasts prior experience in the CHL with Mississippi and Laredo as well as three seasons with the Huntsville Havoc of the Southern Professional Hockey League where he was named the SPHL Goaltender of the Year for 2010-2011. Before turning professional in 2009, Sibbald completed four seasons with Brown University.

Hogan appeared in 23 games this season for the Gems in his rookie campaign. The former Michigan Wolverine finished in Dayton with a 7-11-5 record between the pipes.
Sibbald will be in a Gems sweater when Dayton travels to Evansville on Thursday night to battle the IceMen. The Gems return home on Friday, January 27 at 7pm when they host the Rapid City Rush on Cassano’s Italian Ice.

Tickets to the Gems Friday and Saturday night home games inside the historic Hara Arena are now available by calling the Gems ticket office at 275-7777 or by visiting www.DaytonGems.com. Discounted tickets are also available for groups of ten or more, and include special group perks.

Former Vipers Defenceman Noonan Third In Nation With Nine Goals:

2012-02-02T07:05:00.000-08:00

Boston Terriers Sophomore defenceman, Garrett Noonan (Former Vernon Viper) is third in the nation amongst defensemen in goals scored with nine. Noonan played one season in Vernon (2009-2010) collecting (2-16-18) in 58 regular season games with the Vipers.

Garrett Noonan's Player Profile:

http://www.goterriers.com/sports/m-hockey/mtt/noonan_garrett00.html

Panthers Recall Former Vipers Defenceman Tyson Strachan:

2012-02-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

The Florida Panthers have recalled former Vernon Vipers defenceman, Tyson Strachan from the AHL San Antonio Rampage Monday. Strachan getting just his second callup of the season made his Florida Panthers debut on Jan. 24 2012 vs Philadelphia. Strachan played just one season in Vernon (2002-03) collecting (6-22-28) in 56 regular season games with the Vipers, before playing four years at Ohio State University. Strachan was drafted by Carolina in the fifth round (137th overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Strachan signed as a free agent with the Panthers back in July after playing the last four seasons with the AHL Peoria Rivermen & the NHL St. Louis Blues.

Tyson Strachan's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=72630

This is posted on the Panthers website:

Panthers Recall D Tyson Strachan

Monday, 01.30.2012

SUNRISE, Fla. Florida Panthers Executive Vice President & General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that the club has recalled D Tyson Strachan.

Strachan, 27, earns his second call-up of the season to Florida. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound defenseman made his Panthers debut on Jan. 24 in Florida’s 3-2 shootout loss against Philadelphia. Prior to playing with Florida, Strachan appeared in 67 National Hockey League contests, all with St. Louis (2008-11), registering six assists and 82 PIM. He has played in 32 games for San Antonio this season recording 12 points (3-9-12) and 31 PIM.

The Melfort, Sask. native was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the fifth round (137th overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Florida (22-15-11) hosts the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. The game can be seen on Fox Sports Florida and heard on 560 WQAM.

Sunrise Sports & Entertainment is the premier company of its kind in South Florida. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Home to more than 200 events annually and the Florida Panthers hockey club, the Broward County-owned BankAtlantic Center welcomes more than two million guests each year.

Former Viper Pimm Named Hockey East Weekly Top Performer:

2012-02-01T07:05:00.000-08:00

Former Vernon Vipers forward, Braden Pimm is one of twenty three players named in this week's (January 30th 2012) Hockey East weekly top performers. Registered his first-career three assist game in the 8-3 victory at Vermont on Friday. Pimm in his second season with the Huskies, played three years in Vernon from (2007-2010).

This was posted on the Hockey East website:

Hockey East Team Notes: (Northeastern Huskies)

Northeastern: Northeastern swept its first Hockey East opponent of the season in Burlington, taking care of the Catamounts in 8-3 and 4-2 counts, respectively, in Gutterson Fieldhouse. Northeastern matched a program-best with its fourth-consecutive victory against Vermont on Jan. 28. On Friday, Northeastern scored three power play goals for a season high in 2011-12. Cody Ferriero's hat trick was the first for Northeastern since Ryan Ginand recorded one against Providence on Jan. 24, 2009. The Essex, Mass. native is also the first Husky to tally four points in a game this season since Ludwig Karlsson did it against Notre Dame on Dec. 2 (0-4-4). Ferriero now has three multi-point games this season. Braden Pimm and Mike McLaughlin turned in backto- back playmakers on Friday and Saturday. Robbie Vrolyk scored his first goal of the season and first since netting one at Boston College on Feb. 18, 2011. The goal curbed a 31-game goal scoring draught for the Boylston, Mass. native. Vrolyk also added an assist, marking his second career multi-point game and first since a pair of goals at UMass on Feb. 13, 2010.

Late Deuce Boosts Vipers:

2012-02-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Late deuce boosts Vipers

Published: February 01, 2012

An empty-net goal is normally supposed to spell victory for the team that scores it.

Not so for the host Prince George Spruce Kings, who watched in disbelief as they were upended 5-4 by the Vernon Vipers in a B.C. Hockey League overtime thriller before 937 fans Sunday afternoon at the Coliseum.

The Snakes, who fell 7-2 to the Sprucies a night earlier, and were fighting for their playoff lives, forced OT with a two-goal surge in the final minute of regulation, the first coming on a penalty shot rewarded by referee Grant Tyson after forward Colton Sparrow was hauled down by defenceman Ben Woodley on a breakaway. Injured on the play, Sparrow was unable to take the shot, so head coach Jason Williamson called on Colton Cyr (13th goal), who made no mistake converting.
Mike Zalewski (26th and 27th) ensured the Vipers gained at least a point by scoring with 20 seconds to play, and made it two points by slipping the puck five-hole on Prince George netminder Ty Swabb just 22 seconds into the extra frame.

“It was a pretty crazy finish there,” Zalewski told Black Press after the game. “I think everybody just kind of realized the importance of this game today, especially after losing last night, and we just stayed up on the bench.”

Sunday’s OT win wasn’t the first time Vernon has stunned Prince George with late-game heroics. In the first meeting between the two teams on Oct. 1, the Vipers scored three times in a 1:26 span to brush back the Sprucies by the same 5-4 OT scoreline.

“Jason did a real strong job of letting us know we can’t quit and things can happen,” said Zalewski, named first star for his hat-trick performance. “We’ve come back against that team before late in the game so we just tried to stay up. Everybody battled hard on our team, we really dug deep and it was a great win.

“I think it means a lot winning that game as far as us moving forward. I think we go into this next week with some confidence, and get back to work.”

The 21-20-1-2 Vipers trail the 22-17-2-4 Spruce Kings by five points for the final Interior Conference playoff spot, with a game in hand. Vernon begins a five-game home stand at Wesbild Centre Friday night against the Merritt Centennials (26-14-2-5). Trent Dorais’ Alberni Valley Bulldogs are in town Saturday night.

Sunday’s loss was a tough one to swallow for Spruce Kings’ head coach Dave Dupas.

“That was a three-point swing in the last 50 seconds,” he said. “Instead of us being up eight (points) on them, we’re up five on them. That’s three points in the standings in a 50-second span and it’s just, I’d like to say it’s unfortunate, but it really isn’t unfortunate because we did it to ourselves and it’s unacceptable.

“We get caught standing around and they get a breakaway for a penalty shot, which should never ever happen, and after that we had a chance to get the puck out a couple of times. We tried to flip it out, we didn’t get it out.”

Goals by Sparrow (10th, powerplay) and Zalewski (25th), and the Spruce Kings’ Zack Rassell (2nd) made it 2-1 Vernon after 40 minutes.

Paul De Jersey, with his BCHL-leading 37th goal, fired the first of three unanswered Spruce King snipes in a four-minute span in the third period. Leo Fitzgerald (10th and 11th) had the other two, including the empty-netter at 18:49.

Kirby Halcrow made 20 stops for the win, while Swabb recorded 25 saves for the Sprucies.

Viper rookie Adam Tambellini had an assist and was named third star. The 17-year-old committed to the NCAA Division 1 North Dakota Fighting Sioux Tuesday morning.

“He’s a pretty talented kid going to a high-end school,” said Williamson. “He’s got a great career ahead of him. He comes to play every night and he just wants to get better, he wants to be a pro.”

Saturday night, Prince George’s Jujhar Khaira pocketed a pair of goals and second star, De Jersey supplied 1+2 and Gerry Fitzgerald had a goal and an assist.

Tied 1-1 after the first period, the Spruce Kings poured on the offence with four unanswered goals in the second period.

“Three goals on about four shifts, it just kind of snowballed on us,” said Williamson.

Captain Pat McGillis, scoring his eighth goal on a first-period powerplay, and linemate Ben Gamache (6th), adding a consolation goal late in the third period, handled Vernon’s offence.

SNAKE BITES: Viper forward Brendan Persley missed Sunday’s encounter serving the first of an automatic two-game suspension he earned for incurring a major for a blow to the head on the Spruce Kings’ Trevor Esau Saturday night. With Vernon d-man Max Mowat injured, the Vipers rolled with just 10 forwards and five dee...Vipers’ assistant coach Chris Shaw also missed Sunday’s game to be with girlfriend Kristi Shields for the birth of their daughter, Paisley, who weighed in at six pounds, 12 ounces. Viper grad Bryce Kakoske filled in admirably behind the bench. Joked Williamson: “He was pretty quiet, pretty nervous, but he did well. We might have got him addicted after a comeback like that.”...Williamson said injured forwards John Knisley and Darren Nowick are questionable for weekend action.

Tambellini Commits To North Dakota:

2012-01-31T12:38:00.000-08:00

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Tambellini Commits to North Dakota

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - Submitted by Vipers Staff

The Vernon Vipers are pleased to announce that rookie forward Adam Tambellini has committed to the University of North Dakota for 2013.

The 17 year old is the second Viper to commit to North Dakota this season as he will join teammate Geoff Crisfield on the Fighting Sioux roster for the 2013-2014 season.
This season Tambellini has recorded 20 goals and 18 assists for 38 points.

Head Coach and GM Jason Williamson is happy for his rookie sensation. “I know this was a very difficult decision for Adam and his family however I’m very happy that he has secured his future and I look forward to having him back as a Viper next season and watching him further his career. Adam is a first class kid and a huge part of our team.”

Vipers, Chiefs & Spruce Kings All Battling For Final Playoff Spot:

2012-01-31T07:05:00.000-08:00

The Vernon Vipers, Chilliwack Chiefs and Prince George Spruce Kings are all battling it out for the final playoff spot in the Interior Conference standings. Two of these three teams will finish in 3rd and 4th place getting into the BCHL playoffs while one of these three teams will miss the BCHL playoffs. Lets take a closer look at all three teams remaining games and who they play.

Vernon Vipers (21-20-1-2) 5th Place

Remaining home games: (8)

February 3rd Merritt @ Vernon
February 4th Alberni Valley @ Vernon
February 7th Trail @ Vernon
February 10th Merritt @ Vernon
February 16th Nanaimo @ Vernon
February 18th Westside @ Vernon
March 4th Prince George @ Vernon
March 9th Salmon Arm @ Vernon

Remaining away games: (8)

February 11th Vernon @ Chilliwack
February 14th Vernon @ Merritt
February 17th Vernon @ Penticton
February 24th Vernon @ Cowichan Valley
February 25th Vernon @ Powell River
March 3rd Vernon @ Westside
March 6th Vernon @ Chilliwack
March 10th Vernon @ Salmon Arm

Chilliwack Chiefs (24-17-1-2) 3rd Place

Remaining home games: (7)

February 7th Penticton @ Chilliwack
February 10th Westside @ Chilliwack
February 11th Vernon @ Chilliwack
February 28th Salmon Arm @ Chilliwack
March 6th Vernon @ Chilliwack
March 10th Westside @ Chilliwack
March 11th Trail @ Chilliwack

Remaining away games: (9)

February 3rd Chilliwack @ Penticton
February 4th Chilliwack @ Trail
February 17th Chilliwack @ Prince George
February 18th Chilliwack @ Merritt
February 19th Chilliwack @ Westside
February 22nd Chilliwack @ Salmon Arm
March 2nd Chilliwack @ Westside
March 3rd Chilliwack @ Penticton
March 9th Chilliwack @ Coquitlam

Prince George Spruce Kings (22-17-2-4) 4th Place

Remaining home games: (6)

February 3rd Salmon Arm @ Prince George
February 4th Salmon Arm @ Prince George
February 17th Chilliwack @ Prince George
February 18th Nanaimo @ Prince George
March 9th Penticton @ Prince George
March 10th Penticton @ Prince George

Remaining away games: (9)

February 10th Prince George @ Trail
February 11th Prince George @ Trail
February 12th Prince George @ Salmon Arm
February 24th Prince George @ Westside
February 25th Prince George @ Salmon Arm
February 26th Prince George @ Penticton
March 2nd Prince George @ Trail
March 3rd Prince George @ Trail
March 4th Prince George @ Vernon

Former Viper Goaltender Hammond Named Papa Johns Athlete Of The Week:

2012-01-31T07:00:00.000-08:00

Former Vernon Vipers goaltender, Andrew Hammond has been named Papa John's Athlete Of The Week. Hammond played two years in Vernon (2007-2009) after coming over in a trade with the Surrey Eagles. Hammond is in his third season with Bowling Green University.

Andrew Hammond's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=113948

This is posted on the Falcons website:

Hammond, Slagle Named Papa John's Athletes Of The Week

1/30/2012

Each week, the Bowling Green State University Athletic Department names the Papa John's Athletes of the Week, as selected by the athletic communications department based on their athletic performances from the previous week. This week's winners are hockey player Andrew Hammond and women's basketball player Jessica Slagle.

Male Athlete of the Week

Andrew Hammond, a junior from Surrey, British Columbia, went 1-1-0 this weekend against No. 13 Western Michigan. He made 57 saves in two games, posting a 2.01 goals against average with a .934 save percentage. He recorded his career-best eighth win of the season Saturday night in a 2-1 victory over the Broncos.

Darren Nowick & John Knisley Post-Game Interview:

2012-01-30T07:10:00.000-08:00

Vernon Vipers colour commentator, Don Klepp interviews injured Vernon Vipers forwards, John Knisley & Darren Nowick after the Vipers 4-1 victory over the visiting Westside Warriors Friday night.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiAN5-8AAlI&feature=player_embedded

Americans Sign Former Vernon Viper Mark Sibbald:

2012-01-30T07:05:00.000-08:00

The CHL Allen Americans have signed former Vernon Vipers goaltender, Mark Sibbald back on January, 11th 2012. No official press release other then the signing has been posted on the CHL transactions webpage. Sibbald who was recently waived by the CHL Bloomington Blaze back on December 30th 2011 is joining his third team this season (Huntsville, Bloomington & now Allen)

Sibbald played two years in Vernon (2003-2005) went 35-16-3 in 59 regular season games with the Vipers.

Mark Sibbald's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=76538

Zalewski Leads Vipers to Gutsy Win:

2012-01-30T07:00:00.000-08:00

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Zalewski Leads Vipers to Gutsy Win

Sunday, January 29, 2012 - Submitted by Don Klepp

Mike Zalewski’s third goal of the game gave the Vernon Vipers a dramatic 5-4 overtime win in Prince George.

Playing their third game in three days, the understaffed Vipers tried to get an early lead and play a defensive game the rest of the way. That strategy worked for most of the game as they took a 1-0 lead in the first period and frustrated the Spruce Kings with close checking for the first 55 minutes of the contest. Then things got a little crazy.

With the Vipers clinging to a 2-1 lead and not attempting offensive forays, the BCHL’s top scorer, Paul De Jersey, threaded a shot through a crowd to tie the game at 14:55 of the third period. At 16:14, Leo Fitzgerald’s long shot eluded Kirby Halcrow to give the Spruce Kings their first lead of the game. Leo added an empty netter at 18:49 and it looked like the Spruce Kings were home and dry, even though they had been out shot and outplayed for most of the game.

Then the Vipers were thrown a life line. Colton Sparrow was hauled down on a partial breakaway by Ben Woodley at 19:15 and referee Grant Tyson awarded a penalty shot. Sparrow was injured on the play as he crashed into the Prince George net, so another player had to take the shot.

Sparrow’s line mate, Colton Cyr, persuaded his coach that he could beat goalie Ty Swabb low to the stick side and that’s exactly what he did.

During the next shift, the Vipers worked their way into the Spruce King zone where Patrick McGillis won a battle and fed Ryan Renz for a point shot that missed and came off the back boards. Mike Zalewski was there to rifle the puck past Swabb and, improbably, the game was tied, 4-4.

As the teams lined up for four-on-four overtime, Zalewski came out again and again the Vipers worked the puck deep into the Spruce King zone. The big winger outworked two defenders in the left corner, came out in front and stuffed the puck past Swabb just 22 seconds into overtime.

For the Spruce Kings and Vipers it was, to quote Yogi Berra, “Déjà vu, all over again.” On October 1 in Vernon, the Spruce Kings had a 4-1 lead with 2:27 left to play. The Vipers tied that game with three goals in a minute and half and then won it early in overtime. Mike Zalewski had the late tying goal in that comeback as well.

In this game, Colton Sparrow’s power play goal opened the scoring at 3:35 of the first period. The Spruce Kings equalized at 6:02 of the second period, but Mike Zalewski restored the Viper lead at 14:05.

The pattern of tight checking punctuated by occasional sudden scoring chances continued well into the third until De Jersey’s seeing-eye shot opened the floodgates. Prior to that point, each team had hit iron a couple of times and each goalie had made some excellent saves to maintain the low score.

Viper Coach Jason Williamson was surprised by the wild finish. “We were short of players and we’ve had a gruelling weekend, so I was worried that PG might wear us down and get a late tying goal. But nobody could have predicted that finish!”

He went on, “Basically, we were running on fumes, but we gutted it out. Today, I challenged our top players to be better than PG’s top players and that’s what transpired. Mike [Zalewski] was pretty special today.”

Vernon 5 Prince George 4 (Overtime)

2012-01-29T18:06:00.000-08:00

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 3:35 (PP) - Colton Sparrow from Colton Cyr and Ryan Renz

PERIOD 2

Prince George Spruce Kings at 6:02 - Zack Rassell from Jarryd Ten Vaanholt and Ben Matthews
Vernon Vipers at 14:05 - Michael Zalewski from Aaron Hadley and Adam Tambellini

PERIOD 3

Prince George Spruce Kings at 14:55 - Paul De Jersey (unassisted)
Prince George Spruce Kings at 16:14 - Leo Fitzgerald from Myles Fitzgerald
Prince George Spruce Kings at 18:49 (EN)- Leo Fitzgerald (unassisted)
Vernon Vipers at 19:15 (PS) - Colton Cyr (unassisted)
Vernon Vipers at 19:40 - Michael Zalewski from Ryan Renz and Patrick McGillis

OVERTIME PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 0:22 - Michael Zalewski (unassisted)

Vernon outshot Prince George 30-24 Kirby Halcrow made 20 saves in the win, while Ty Swabb made 25 saves in the loss.

For more on today's game visit the boscore,

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977767&link=bchl

(Game Preview) Vernon @ Prince George:

2012-01-29T07:10:00.000-08:00

Vernon (20-20-1-2) @ Prince George (22-17-2-3) 3pm Start

Today is the sixth of seven regular season meetings between these two teams.

Let's take a look at the season schedule between these two hockey clubs,

Saturday, October 1st Prince George @ Vernon (Vipers won 5-4 overtime)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977627

Sunday, October 23rd Prince George @ Vernon (Vipers won 4-3)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977630

Friday, October 28th Vernon @ Prince George (Spruce Kings won 3-2)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977752

Sunday, January 15th Prince George @ Vernon (Spruce Kings won 5-1)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977645

Saturday, January 28th Vernon @ Prince Geirge (Spruce Kings won 7-2)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977766&link=bchl

Sunday, January 29th Vernon @ Prince George
Sunday, March 4th Prince George @ Vernon
Last Game Played:

Saturday, January 28th Prince George defeated Vernon 7-2

Next Game:
Friday, February 3rd Merritt @ Vernon
Friday, February 3rd Salmon Arm @ Prince George

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon is 34-17-1-4 vs. Prince George

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon has outscored Prince George 222-152

Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 13-4-1-4 at home vs. Prince George

Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 13-10-0-1 in Prince George

The Vipers are 6-2-0-2 in their last ten games at home vs. the Spruce Kings

The Vipers are 5-5-0-0 in their last ten games on the road vs. the Spruce Kings

The Vipers are 4-4-1-1 in their last ten games vs. Prince George

The Vipers last loss in Prince George was a 7-2 loss back on Friday, January 28th 2012

The Vipers last loss at home to Prince George was a 5-1 loss on Sunday, January 15th 2012

The Vipers went 4-1-0-1 vs Prince George last season during the regular season.

The Vernon Lakers changed their name to the Vernon Vipers to start the 1995-96 season. Here’s a look at the Vipers all-time regular season record

Games Played: 992
Wins: 631
Losses: 261
Ties: 16
Overtime Losses: 86

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

The Vipers are coming off a 7-2 loss last night in Prince George make thier third visit to PG this season facing the Spruce Kings for the second of back to back games. Vernon sits six points back of 4th place Prince George. The Vipers have lost twelve straight away from home getting their last win on the road way back on November, 12th in a 2-1 double overtime win over the Trail Smoke Eaters.

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

Games Played: 43
Wins: 20
Losses: 20
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 14-6-1-1
Road Record: 6-14-0-1
Goals For: 143
Goals Against: 142
Streak: One game losing streak
Standings: 5th Place

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Brett Corkey (92)
Aaron Hadley (93)
John Knisley (92)
Patrick McGillis (91)
Max Mowat (93)
Darren Nowick (91)
Ryan Renz (93)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Michael Zalewski (92)
Kirby Halcrow (91)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Marcus Basara (93)
Dylan Walchuk (92)
David Robinson (90)
Bryce Kakoske (90)
Malcolm Lyles (90)
Trevor Fitzgerald (92)
Adam Thompson (90)
Steven Weinstein (90)
Kyle Murphy (90)
Dane Muench (92)
Philip Patenaude (91)
Zach McPhee (93)
Blake Voth (91)

Vernons Home record vs. Prince George this season:

2-1-0-0

Vernons Road record vs. Prince George this season:

0-2-0-0

Vernons Powerplay vs. Prince George this season:

5-21

Vernons scoring leaders vs. Prince George this season:

Michael Zalewski (2-3-5)
Aaron Hadley (1-3-4)
Patrick McGillis (4-0-4)
Adam Tambellini (1-2-3)
Darren Nowick (2-1-3)
Ryan Renz (0-3-3)
John Knisley (1-1-2)
Max Mowat (0-2-2)
Colton Sparrow (1-1-2)
Brett Corkey (0-2-2)
Colton Cyr (0-1-1)
Ben Gamache (1-0-1)
Jedd Soleway (0-1-1)

Danny Todosychuk (1-2 Record)
Kirby Halcrow (1-1 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Michael Zalewski (24-28-52) is in the league's top twenty in scoring

-Vernon has the leagues 3rd best powerplay

-The Vipers have the BCHL's 9th best penalty kill

-Kirby Halcrow is 5-4 in his career vs Prince George

Tonight is the second game of a four game home stand for the Spruce Kings who are coming off a 7-2 over Vernon last night. Prince George sits six points up on the 5th place Vipers are just two points back of the 3rd place Chilliwack Chiefs.

For more on the Prince George Spruce Kings and tonights game, visit Ron Gallo's Prince George Spruce Kings blog,

http://sprucekingscrusader.blogspot.com/

Lets take a look at the Prince George Spruce Kings:

Games Played: 44
Wins: 22
Losses: 17
Ties: 2
Overtime Losses: 3
Home Record: 15-8-0-0
Road Record: 7-9-2-3
Goals For: 150
Goals Against: 135
Standings: 4th Place
Prince George Spruce Kings Returning Players:

Jujhar Khaira (94)
Jeff Earnest (91)
Ben Woodley (91)
Trevor Esau (92)
Chase Golightly (92)
Kirk Thompson (92)

Prince George Spruce Kings Departing & traded players from last years team:

Sam Waterfield (91)
Connor Tiechko (92)
Faiz Khan (90)
Trent Murdoch (91)
Kyle Manlow (91)
Todd Skirving (92)
Stephen Ryan (94)
Dustin Beairsto (92)
Brandon Watson (92)
Bennett Hambrook (92)
Isaac Davies (93)
Cameron Large (92)

Prince George's Home record vs. Vernon this season:

2-0-0-0

Prince George's Road record vs. Vernon this season:

1-1-0-1

Prince George's Powerplay vs. Vernon this season:

3-23

Prince George's scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Paul De Jersey (6-7-13)
Jujhar Khaira (4-5-9)
Ben Woodley (0-4-4)
Trevor Esau (0-4-4)
Chase Golightly (0-4-4)
Michael Colantone (3-0-3)
Sean Landrey (3-0-3)
Gerry Fitzgerald (2-1-3)
Zack Rassell (1-2-3)
Jarryd Ten Vaanholt (1-1-2)
Leo Fitzgerald (0-1-1)
Dylan Tappe (0-1-1)
Skylar Pacheco (0-1-1)
Josh Gray (1-0-1)
Ben Matthews (0-1-1)
Patrick Chore (0-1-1)
Latrell Charleson (0-1-1)
Cody Bardock (0-1-1)
Myles Fitzgerald (0-1-1)
Tyson Witala (0-1-1)
Kirk Thompson (1-1 Record)
Ty Swabb (1-0 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Kirk Thompson (11-12-1 Record, 1 Shutout & 2.72 GAA) & Ty Swabb (5-3-1 Record, 2.62 GAA are both in the leagues top ten goaltenders

-Former Viper Jarryd Ten Vaanholt will be facing his former team for the third time within a week after coming in a trade with Victoria at the BCHL trade deadline

-Prince George has the leagues 15th best powerplay

-The Spruce Kings have the BCHL's 5th best penalty kill

-Paul De Jersey (36-41-77), Jujhar Khaira (21-36-57) & Michael Colantone (23-31-54) are all in the leagues top twenty in scoring

-Kirk Thompson is 2-3 lifetime vs the Vernon Vipers

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon Vipers:

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

Prince George Spruce Kings:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224095

New-Look Spruce Kings Bury Vipers:

2012-01-29T07:05:00.000-08:00

This is posted on the Vipers website:

New-Look Spruce Kings Bury Vipers

Saturday, January 28, 2012 - Submitted by Don Klepp

A four-goal second period fuelled a 7-2 victory by the hometown Prince George Spruce Kings over an inconsistent Viper squad.

Dave Dupas mixed up his line combinations, taking Paul De Jersey off the powerful line that has led the Spruce Kings this year. De Jersey played with Gerry Fitzgerald and Jarryd TenVaanholt. Each of the new linemates scored, making Dupas look like a genius.

Meanwhile, Jujhar Khaira and Michael Colantone stayed together, mostly playing with Myles Fitzgerald. That move paid off, too, as Khaira scored twice, even though Colantone was largely invisible in this contest.

As Viper coach Jason Williamson noted after the game, the Vipers played with some intensity in the first and second periods, but fell asleep in the second. “We played an excellent defensive game last night against Westside, but tonight we just didn’t pay attention to detail, especially in the second.”

After PG’s Tyson Witala and Vernon’s Patrick McGillis traded goals in the opening 20 minutes, the Spruce Kings came out with a purpose in the middle frame, Jujhar Khaira tipped in a Chase Golightly point shot 39 seconds after the re-start.

Jarryd Ten Vaanholt (at 2:03) and Paul De Jersey (at 5:54) added to the lead as the two former Silverbacks set each other up. Late in the period, Danny Todosychuk, who could not be faulted on the previous goals, failed to hold a high shot on his chest and Zack Rassell swooped in to tuck it in.

Todosychuk had another bad moment early in the third when he lost sight of De Jersey’s clear-in. The puck bounced off the back boards through Todosychuk’s pads and Gerry Fitzgerald had an easy tap-in.

Ben Gamache made the score 6-2 with a shot from the right wing but, with four seconds remaining in the contest Jujhar Khaira out hustled a Viper defender to backhand a rebound past Todosychuk.

Prince George thus kept pace with Chilliwack, whose comeback victory versus Trail gave them 51 points. PG now has 49 points, while the Vipers are stuck at 43 points, which means that a victory in Sunday afternoon’s game in Prince George is critical for their playoff hopes.

Again, the Vipers were short staffed, as they started the game with 11 forwards and 5 defencemen and then lost Brendan Persley after he was assessed a major penalty and a game misconduct for a check to the head of Trevor Esau at 6:09 of the second period. Persley will be suspended for the next two Viper games.

Vipers Get Payback On Warriors:

2012-01-29T07:00:00.000-08:00

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers get payback on Warriors

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: January 29, 2012

With two points and a solid effort to start a three-game weekend, the midnight express to Prince George probably felt almost bearable for the Vernon Vipers Friday night.

The Snakes hopped right on the bus after they parlayed two-goal performances from Colton Cyr and Mike Zalewski into an entertaining 4-1 B.C. Hockey League win over the visiting Westside Warriors at Wesbild Centre.

The Vipers, fifth in the Interior Conference at 20-19-1-2, faced the fourth-place Spruce Kings (21-17-2-3) Saturday night at the Coliseum. The two teams tangle again today in a 3 p.m. matinee.

“It’s huge. It’s a big weekend for us and if we win a couple games up there we’re right back in it,” said Vipers’ head coach Jason Williamson, who, despite some inconsistent results, likes the way the team is playing.

“It’s coming. We’re getting into stages of playing the right way.”

Even with a couple powerplays to work with, Westside, who grounded Vernon 3-1 in their last encounter a week earlier, didn’t generate much in the first period, mustering just two shots on Kirby Halcrow (20 saves).

Said Westside coach Rylan Ferster: “They came out pretty desperate in the first period and that’s pretty indicative of the game – they played with more desperation than us.

“We had some really good chances in the second period to not only tie it up, but to maybe go ahead.”

At the other end, Vernon looked snake-bitten in the first frame as Colton Sparrow and Cyr both missed open-net one-timers minutes apart.

“Unfortunate not to be up by a couple after the first, but our guys stuck to it and were rewarded later,” said Williamson.

The Warriors pushed back early in the second frame, sparked by some solid offensive pressure from former Viper Marcus Basara, Connor Dempsey and David Pope, who caused havoc in Vernon’s zone.

Basara, returning to Vernon for the first time since being traded in late November, said it was surreal walking into Wesbild.

“I’ve never experienced it until today, but coming back to a place where you’ve played a lot of games, it’s a little different, but you just try to go out there and focus and play your game,” said the Coquitlam product.

“The Vipers are always a hard-working team and I think we are too. It was a pretty hard-fought game but the bounces went their way tonight.”

Zalewski (23rd goal, third star) ignited the nearly 2,000 fans in the second period as he circled from behind the net, then turned and fired a gorgeous top-shelf snipe.

The Vipers took complete control on a pair of early goals in the third period by second star Cyr (11th and 12th), the first coming after he knocked down a point shot by third star d-man Ryan Renz and tucked it behind Dwayne Rodrigue (28 saves).

Cyr's second tally came on the powerplay with the Warriors' Brett McKinnon sitting for a knee-on-knee hit to Brendan Persley. Cyr, brought in from Nanaimo at the trade deadline, deftly deflected an absolute rocket point shot by captain Patrick McGillis.

“It was hard,” smiled Cyr. “I thought it broke my stick to be completely honest. I heard something crack, but we’ll see (Saturday). Hopefully it doesn’t break in warmup.”

Cyr, who hammered the Warriors’ Pete MacIntosh in front of the penalty box on the game’s first shift, says a few wins would do wonders for the Vipers’ confidence.

“Winning is huge for the morale to continue on. We’ll just get our rest and get back at it. We’re playing another team that we’ve got to get back at that beat us last time, and a team we’re trying to catch.”

Zalewski (24th) completed the Vernon attack after he stripped Westside d-man Ben Betker and waltzed in alone to rip a shot past Rodrigue with 27 seconds to play.

The Warriors' lone goal came on a 5-on-3 in the third period, with Seb Lloyd (3rd) beating Halcrow after the Vernon tender made two quick saves in close.

SNAKE BITES: There was a huge ovation for former Viper Aaron Volpatti, now with the Vancouver Canucks, who attended the game to help Vernon promote its 2014 RBC Cup bid...Forward Ben Gamache returned to action for the first time since taking a knee-on-knee hit in a Dec. 30 game against the Salmon Arm SilverBacks.

Prince George 7 Vernon 2

2012-01-28T21:57:00.000-08:00

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Prince George Spruce Kings at 5:35 - Tyson Witala from Cody Bardock
Vernon Vipers at 11:24 (PP) - Patrick McGillis from Ryan Renz

PERIOD 2

Prince George Spruce Kings at 0:39 - Jujhar Khaira from Chase Golightly and Trevor Esau
Prince George Spruce Kings at 2:03 - Jarryd Ten Vaanholt from Paul De Jersey and Latrell Charleson
Prince George Spruce Kings at 5:54 - Paul De Jersey from Gerry Fitzgerald and Jarryd Ten Vaanholt
Prince George Spruce Kings at 16:26 - Zack Rassell (unassisted)

PERIOD 3

Prince George Spruce Kings at 11:16 - Gerry Fitzgerald from Paul De Jersey
Vernon Vipers at 16:25 - Ben Gamache from Jedd Soleway and Brett Corkey
Prince George Spruce Kings at 19:55 - Jujhar Khaira from Myles Fitzgerald

Prince George outshot Vernon 38-35 Ty Swabb made 33 saves in the win, while Danny Todosychuk made 31 saves in the loss.

For more on tonight's game visit the boxscore,
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977766&link=bchl

(Game Preview) Vernon @ Prince George:

2012-01-28T07:05:00.000-08:00

Vernon (20-19-1-2) @ Prince George (21-17-2-3) 7pm Start

Tonight is the fifth of seven regular season meetings between these two teams.

Let's take a look at the season schedule between these two hockey clubs,

Saturday, October 1st Prince George @ Vernon (Vipers won 5-4 overtime)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977627

Sunday, October 23rd Prince George @ Vernon (Vipers won 4-3)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977630

Friday, October 28th Vernon @ Prince George (Spruce Kings won 3-2)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977752

Sunday, January 15th Prince George @ Vernon (Spruce Kings won 5-1)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977645

Saturday, January 28th Vernon @ Prince Geirge
Sunday, January 29th Vernon @ Prince George
Sunday, March 4th Prince George @ Vernon

Last Game Played:

Friday, January 27th Vernon defeated Westside 4-1
Sunday, January 22nd Penticton defeated Prince George 3-1

Next Game:

Sunday, January 29th Vernon @ Prince George

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon is 34-16-1-4 vs. Prince George

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon has outscored Prince George 220-145

Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 13-4-1-4 at home vs. Prince George

Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 13-9-0-1 in Prince George

The Vipers are 6-2-0-2 in their last ten games at home vs. the Spruce Kings

The Vipers are 6-4-0-0 in their last ten games on the road vs. the Spruce Kings
The Vipers are 5-3-1-1 in their last ten games vs. Prince George

The Vipers last loss in Prince George was a 3-2 loss back on Friday, October 28th 2011

The Vipers last loss at home to Prince George was a 5-1 loss on Sunday, January 15th 2012

The Vipers went 4-1-0-1 vs Prince George last season during the regular season.

The Vernon Lakers changed their name to the Vernon Vipers to start the 1995-96 season. Here’s a look at the Vipers all-time regular season record

Games Played: 991
Wins: 631
Losses: 260
Ties: 16
Overtime Losses: 86

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

The Vipers are coming off a huge 4-1 victory over the visiting Westside Warriors last night, make just their second visit to PG this season facing the Spruce Kings in back to back games. Vernon sits four points up on 6th place Westside while just four points back of 4th place Prince George. The Vipers have lost eleven straight away from home getting their last win on the road way back on November, 12th in a 2-1 double overtime win over the Trail Smoke Eaters.

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

Games Played: 42
Wins: 20
Losses: 19
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 14-6-1-1
Road Record: 6-13-0-1
Goals For: 141
Goals Against: 135
Streak: One game winning streak
Standings: 5th Place

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Brett Corkey (92)
Aaron Hadley (93)
John Knisley (92)
Patrick McGillis (91)
Max Mowat (93)
Darren Nowick (91)
Ryan Renz (93)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Michael Zalewski (92)
Kirby Halcrow (91)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Marcus Basara (93)
Dylan Walchuk (92)
David Robinson (90)
Bryce Kakoske (90)
Malcolm Lyles (90)
Trevor Fitzgerald (92)
Adam Thompson (90)
Steven Weinstein (90)
Kyle Murphy (90)
Dane Muench (92)
Philip Patenaude (91)
Zach McPhee (93)
Blake Voth (91)

Vernons Home record vs. Prince George this season:

2-1-0-0

Vernons Road record vs. Prince George this season:

0-1-0-0

Vernons Powerplay vs. Prince George this season:

4-19

Vernons scoring leaders vs. Prince George this season:

Michael Zalewski (2-3-5)
Aaron Hadley (1-3-4)
Adam Tambellini (1-2-3)
Darren Nowick (2-1-3)
Patrick McGillis (3-0-3)
John Knisley (1-1-2)
Max Mowat (0-2-2)
Colton Sparrow (1-1-2)
Ryan Renz (0-2-2)
Brett Corkey (0-1-1)
Colton Cyr (0-1-1)

Danny Todosychuk (1-1 Record)
Kirby Halcrow (1-1 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Michael Zalewski (24-28-52) is in the league's top twenty in scoring

-Vernon has the leagues 3rd best powerplay

-The Vipers have the BCHL's 9th best penalty kill

-Danny Todosychuk (5-2 Record, 2.86 GAA) is ranked in the leagues top ten goaltenders

-Kirby Halcrow is 5-4 in his career vs Prince George

The Spruce Kings return home after a 3-1 loss in Penticton Sunday. PG has lost back to back games heading into this weekends action vs Vernon. Tonight is the first game of a four game home stand. Prince George sits four points up on the 5th place Vipers are just two points back of the 3rd place Chilliwack Chiefs.

For more on the Prince George Spruce Kings and tonights game, visit Ron Gallo's Prince George Spruce Kings blog,

http://sprucekingscrusader.blogspot.com/

Lets take a look at the Prince George Spruce Kings:

Games Played: 43
Wins: 21
Losses: 17
Ties: 2
Overtime Losses: 3
Home Record: 14-8-0-0
Road Record: 7-9-2-3
Goals For: 143
Goals Against: 133
Standings: 4th Place

Prince George Spruce Kings Returning Players:

Jujhar Khaira (94)
Jeff Earnest (91)
Ben Woodley (91)
Trevor Esau (92)
Chase Golightly (92)
Kirk Thompson (92)

Prince George Spruce Kings Departing & traded players from last years team:

Sam Waterfield (91)
Connor Tiechko (92)
Faiz Khan (90)
Trent Murdoch (91)
Kyle Manlow (91)
Todd Skirving (92)
Stephen Ryan (94)
Dustin Beairsto (92)
Brandon Watson (92)
Bennett Hambrook (92)
Isaac Davies (93)
Cameron Large (92)

Prince George's Home record vs. Vernon this season:

1-0-0-0

Prince George's Road record vs. Vernon this season:

1-1-0-1

Prince George's Powerplay vs. Vernon this season:

3-22

Prince George's scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Paul De Jersey (5-5-10)
Jujhar Khaira (2-5-7)
Ben Woodley (0-4-4)
Michael Colantone (3-0-3)
Chase Golightly (0-3-3)
Sean Landrey (3-0-3)
Trevor Esau (0-3-3)
Zack Rassell (0-2-2)
Leo Fitzgerald (0-1-1)
Dylan Tappe (0-1-1)
Skylar Pacheco (0-1-1)
Josh Gray (1-0-1)
Ben Matthews (0-1-1)
Patrick Chore (0-1-1)
Gerry Fitzgerald (1-0-1)

Kirk Thompson (1-1 Record)
Marcus Beesley (1-1 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Kirk Thompson (11-12-1 Record, 1 Shutout & 2.72 GAA) & Ty Swabb (4-3-1 Record, 2.69 GAA are both in the leagues top ten goaltenders

-Former Viper Jarryd Ten Vaanholt will be facing his former team for the third time within a week after coming in a trade with Victoria at the BCHL trade deadline

-Prince George has the leagues 15th best powerplay

-The Spruce Kings have the BCHL's 5th best penalty kill

-Paul De Jersey (35-39-74), Jujhar Khaira (19-36-55) & Michael Colantone (23-31-54) are all in the leagues top twenty in scoring

-Kirk Thompson is 2-3 lifetime vs the Vernon Vipers

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon Vipers:

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

Prince George Spruce Kings:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224095

Vipers Finally Solve Rodrigue:

2012-01-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vipers Finally Solve Rodrigue

Friday, January 27, 2012 - Submitted by Don Klepp

Colton Cyr and Mike Zalewski each scored twice as the Vipers defeated the Westside Warriors 4-1 in Vernon on Friday.

Carrying on from last Saturday when the Vipers bombarded the Warriors with 24 third-period shots but were unable to score, Vernon outshot Westside 12-2 in the first period but could not solve Dwayne Rodrigue’s goaltending. His best saves were point blank on Colton Cyr and a quick glove on a Ryan Renz blast.

Responding to Rylan Ferster’s urging, the Warriors came out strong in the second period, hemming in the home team and leading in shots 7-1 for the first seven minutes. But then a Viper line rush resulted in a Mike Zalewski snipe at 7:16 and the Vipers took over from that point on.

Stifling defence and frequent shot blocking by the Viper defencemen made life relatively easy for Kirby Halcrow, who stopped 20 of 21 shots. Still, he was very good on a couple of golden Warrior chances early in the second period.

Halcrow’s bid for his first shutout of the season was lost at 13:01 of the third period, during a Warrior two-man advantage. He stopped Ben Betker’s point shot and three attempts by Seb Lloyd at the doorstep, but Lloyd banged in his fourth attempt.

By then, however, the game was on ice because of two Colton Cyr goals earlier in the period. His first, at 2:57, came when he knocked down a Ryan Renz point shot with the shaft of his stick and wheeled to put a backhand past Rodrigue.

The second came at 5:17. Again he got the shaft of his stick on a shot, a one-timed hard slap shot by Patrick McGillis. It was Cyr’s third goal in his sixth game as a Viper.

Mike Zalewski capped the scoring late in the game when he stole the puck from Ben Betker at the Westside blue line and went in to beat Rodrigue with a low shot to the stick side.

Ryan Renz was named the first star for his two assists, his shot blocking, and his solid physical play. He believes that the Vipers played “one of [their] better games of the year. Westside can be hard to play against if you let them get a forecheck going in your end, but they had only that one good spell at the beginning of the second, and we shut them down after that.”

Ben Gamache’s return to the lineup seemed to give the Vipers a lift. Darren Nowick, another Viper who’s been out with a long-term injury, said “When you see a guy like Ben giving it everything he has when he’s not 100 percent physically, that makes the other guys work that much harder.”

Vipe Snipes:

Playing without the suspended Matt Berry, the Warriors moved Dru Morrison back to defence, where he had a solid game.
The Vipers dressed 17-year-old Matti Jmaeff, an affiliated player from the Nelson Leafs and 15-year-old Logan Mick, who plays for the Pursuit Of Excellence program in Kelowna. Mick is the son of former Viper coach, Troy Mick.
Aaron Volpatti, a crowd favourite when he played for the Vipers, was on hand for a ceremonial faceoff and to present his signed Vancouver Canuck jersey to the winner of a raffle sponsored by the committee that’s bidding to bring the 2014 RBC Cup to Vernon.

Vernon 4 Westside 1

2012-01-27T23:20:00.000-08:00

I was at tonight's BCHL game as Vernon defeated Westside 4-1 in front of 1,976 fans at the Wesbild Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Kirby Halcrow
Westside: Dwayne Rodrigue

1st Period: Former Vernon Viper and current Vancouver Canucks forward, Aaron Volpatti dropped the puck before tonight's game. Not a whole lot of action in the opening few minutes before the Warriors would get the games first powerplay. It was the Vipers penalty kill that really stood out in tonight's game after Mike Zalewski would get a good opportunity early on the Westside powerplay, Zalewski's shot from the circle handcuffed Dwayne Rodrigue who made a tough looking save putting the puck into the corner before the Vipers would come right back with Mike Zalewski and Colton Cyr on a shorthanded two on one but Cyr missed the net as the Vipers with some good penalty kill didnt allow a single shot killing off the minor. Just after the powerplay expired Vernon would get its first powerplay of the night. The Vipers with some good pressure come up with a few good chances. Captain Patrick McGillis with a nice feed through the slot got the puck through traffic seeting up a wide open Colton Cyr that somehow missed an empty net. The Vipers with a ton of pressure down low couldnt capitalize as Dwayne Rodrigue made a quick glove save off Ryan Renz as the penalty come to an end. Just after the powerplay expired Jedd Soleway with a quick lot shot from the slot was stopped by Rodrigue. The Vipers were outshooting the Warriors 6-1 at this point. A minute and a half later Westside would get its second man advantage of the evening but for the second straight powerplay the Vipers penalty kill was the difference. Patrick McGillis and Brett Corkey on a parcial two on one but McGillis couldnt beat Dwayne Rodrigue from the slot. Vernon with another strong penalty kill didnt give up a shot on the man advantage. In the dying seconds with an odd man rush Brennan Clark with a shot from in close beat Kirby Halcrow but hit the bottom of the post as the Warriors were 0-2 early with the powerplay. The Vipers would get a late powerplay, with some good pressure couldnt capitalize. The Warriors with just a single shot the entire opening period would get its second shot of the period in the dying seconds after a two on one setup former Vipers forward, Marcus Basara who couldnt get the puck up and over the left pad of Kirby Halcrow who made a nice save keeping the game scoreless. Vernon carried most of the play and was by far the better of the two teams but it was 0-0 after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers outshot the Warriors 12-2.

2nd Period: Westside got off to a quick jump, off the opening faceoff Devon Hascarl who attended the Vipers training camp collected the puck off a Sean Robertson turnover deep in the Vipers zone. Hascarl with a great chance beat Halcrow in tight as the puck went through the crease before Reid Simmonds tried putting the puck past Halcrow who somehow made a huge save as the puck was bouncing in and around the crease but the Warriors couldnt capitalize. The Vipers defence was just standing around early as the Warriors were buzzing in and around the Vernon zone. Marcus Basara with a quick shot from in close couldnt beat Kirby Halcrow. Westside with some good pressure early had the Vipers back on their heels but couldnt find the back of the net. Just a few minutes later Mike Zalewski on a three on two walked into the slot and ripped a quick shot that was stopped by Dwayne Rodrigue. Westside dominated the early edge in play before Vernon would open the scoring on just their third shot of the period. Mike Zalewski who played very well tonight ripped a high shot from the circle that beat Rodrigue at 7:16 giving Vernon a 1-0 lead. Aaron Hadley and Geoff Crisfield picked up the assists. The Warriors come back with a two on one after Marc Hetnik got caught on a pinch allowing Max French and Seb Lloyd in on the odd man rush, Lloyd went hard towards the goal running into Kirby Halcrow who kept the puck out on a great opportunity. The Vipers seemed to settle down and regroup in the second half playing much better. Westside would get its third powerplay of the night and again the Vipers strong penalty kill didnt give up a single shot as the Warriors couldnt capitalize. Westside didnt record a single shot on goal for the final seven or eight minutes. With about five minutes remaining Shawn Hochhausen and Brett McKinnon went in on a two on one after another pinch by Marc Hetnik gave the Warriors their second odd man rush of the period but Hochhausen who kept and shot fired high and over Kirby Halcrow. Aaron Hadley with a good chance in front couldnt beat Dwayne Rodrigue who just got the left pad down at the last second to make a huge pad save in close. Late in the period Ben Gamache who returned to the Vipers lineup tonight went off the ice slowly on one skate putting very little pressure on his one leg-knee. Gamache would get looked over by the trainer stayed on the bench but didnt see another shift for the remainder of the second period. Gamache would stay in the game and see a regular shift in the third. Westside come out with a ton of pressure early and dominated the first seven minutes before Vernon seemed to turn things around and played much better in the second half. The Vipers with a 1-0 lead after 40 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Westside 11-9.

3rd Period:
The Vipers come out with lots of jump early and often and really took it to the Warriors. Patrick McGillis with some good hustle carried the play into the Westside zone, before dishing off back to the point where Ryan Renz's shot was stopped by Dwayne Rodrigue but Colton Cyr in front collected the rebound and beat Rodrigue on the second chance giving Vernon a 2-0 lead at 2:57 Renz with the lone assist. Just two minutes later the Vipers would get an early powerplay and capitalize early after a faceoff win in the Warriors zone Patrick McGillis's point shot looked to be tipped-deflected in front by Colton Cyr but they gave the goal to McGillis giving Vernon a 3-0 lead at 5:17 Ryan Renz and Colton Cyr with the helpers. The Warriors couldnt seem to get the offence going as the Vipers with lots of pressure carried most of the play most of the third. Colton Sparrow on a parcial two on one couldnt connect on the pass on a good opportunity in front. Just past the midway mark tempers heated up with some pushing and shoving deep in the Warriors zone. Both Ben Gamache and Josh Monk would get ten minute misconducts, both headed to the dressing rooms for an early shower. With seven and a half minute remaining Westside would get a long two man advantage. The Warriors would waist little time winning the draw Westside got the puck on goal getting atleast two or three shots on Kirby Halcrow before Seb Lloyd beat Halcrow at 13:01 cutting the lead to two. David Pope and Ben Betker with the assists. The Vipers penalty kill would do a great job killing off the second minor. The Warriors would come right back with a few hard shifts but Vernon played very well just getting the puck in deep taking time off the clock. With three and a half minutes left Vernon would get a late powerplay but would struggle after a strong Westside penalty kill. The Vipers couldnt get much of anything going but did manage to take two minutes off the clock. The Warriors would get the play in deep with about a minute and a half remaining but for some reason Westside didnt pull Dwayne Rodrigue for the extra attacker right away. The Warriors with some good pressure deep in the Vernon zone tried banging away at a few loose pucks in close but Kirby Halcrow stood tall keeping the puck out. The Warriors who couldnt get Rodrigue to the bench gave up a late two on one in the final minute as Aaron Hadley and Adam Tambellini with an odd man rush missed the net. On the same shift the Vipers kept the play deep in the Westside zone before Mike Zalewski beat Dwayne Rodrigue from the right wing giving Vernon a 4-1 lead at 19:33 Zalewski's goal was unassisted. In the end the Vipers would defeat Westside 4-1 improving to 4-2 vs the Warriors this season. Westside outshot Vernon 10-9.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Brett Corkey played a very strong game on the Vipers blueline. Corkey looked very confident and very steady on the backend making very little if any mistakes tonight.

The line of Mike Zalewski (2 goals), Aaron Hadley (1 assist) & Adam Tambellini played and looked very strong tonight. Since this line was put together a few weeks ago it has been one of if not the Vipers strongest unit. Zalewski who scored twice played a very strong game, battled hard, played well at both ends, come back to forecheck, had several good scoring chances.

The line of Patrick McGillis (1 goal), Colton Cyr (1 goal & 1 assist) and Colton Sparrow also played well and has been one of Vernon's better lines over the last handfull of games. McGillis battled and competed hard, looked very good in the opening period creating some chances. Sparrow who always plays hard and battles hard played another one of his strong games. Cyr who has looked very good since coming over from Nanaimo at the trade deadline was very good up front for the Vipers. Missed a wide open net in the 1st period and had a few good scoring chances tonight. Was in and around the net most of the net looking for opportunities.

Jedd Soleway I thought played a rugged-in your face style of game tonight. Didnt really do much offensively other then getting off a good chance from the slot just as a powerplay expired played more with an edge. Worked and competed hard most of the night.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

The Vipers come up with a huge win over a Westside team that beat them 3-1 Saturday in Westside. Vernon now moves four points up on the Warriors and moves to within four points of the 4th place Prince George Spruce Kings. I thought other then the first half of the 2nd period the Vipers were the better team and carried the better of the play for most of the night. The Vipers with alot more scoring chances played very well in all positions. Kirby Halcrow wasnt tested alot and a very strong penalty kill kept the Warriors off the board early wich could have turned the outcome of the game. A few turnovers in the middle frame but other then that a very well played game by the Vipers who now travel over night to face PG in back to back games Saturday and Sunday. These will be two huge games in a team they are chasing for the final play spot.

Top Players: (Westside)

Seb Lloyd (1 goal) Was one of the Warriors more consistant players tonight. Lloyd played and showed lots of hustle, really battling hard most of the night. Tried creating chances and getting involved in the play was very strong up front for Westside.

Brennan Clark I thought didnt see alot of icetime but really noticed him in the 1st period. When out on the ice played well, seemed to really see and read the ice well. Didnt make alot of mistakes and come up with the Warriors only chance of the opening period but hit the bottom of the post.

Peter MacIntosh played a solid game on Westside's blueline.

Devon Hascarl who attended the Vipers training camp played fairly well tonight. Come up with a few good chances early and often to start the 2nd period.

Josh Monk played the role of the agitator tonight, really seemed to get under the skin of several Vernon Vipers tonight. Was yapping back and forth inbetween whistles as well as going off for a line change. Was doing his best at getting under the Vipers skin and getting them off their game.

Dwayne Rodrigue (28 saves) Didnt have to stand on his head and keep his team in the hockey game like the 3-1 win over the Vipers Saturday night but played fairly well tonight gave his team a chance to win especially after the opening period. Made a few nice quick glove hand saves.

Game Thoughts: (Westside)

Westside who previously defeated the Vipers in their last two games were outplayed and didnt really generate much offence only really showed any real threat was the start to the 2nd period. The Warriors with just two shots all 1st had troubles generating offence and getting their powerplay going. A great start to the middle frame but they just couldnt keep it up for a full twenty minutes. Down by one to start the 3rd gave up two early goals wich put the game away. Getting no shots on your first three powerplays hurts as well as not getting a single shot on goal in the final seven to eight minutes of the 2nd wont win you any hockey games. Overall a very intense-playoff like game.

Scratches:
Vernon:

John Knisley (Injured)
Darren Nowick (Injured)
Luke Juha (Injured)
Turner Lawson (Injured)

Westside:

Mitchell Steinke
Matthew Berry Lamontagna

Vipers energy player of the game: Ben Gamache

3 Stars:

1st Star: Ryan Renz (2 assists)
2nd Star: Colton Cyr (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Mike Zalewski (2 goals)

For more on tonight's game visit the boxscore,

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977828&link=bchl

(Game Preview) Westside @ Vernon:

2012-01-27T07:05:00.000-08:00

Westside (6-21-2-5) @ Vernon (19-19-1-2) 7pm start

Tonight is the sixth of eight regular season meetings between these two teams
Let's take a look at the season schedule between these two hockey clubs,

Friday, September 30th Vernon @ Westside: Vipers win 5-2

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977747

Wednesday, October 5th Westside @ Vernon: Vipers win 2-0

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977810
Tuesday, November 8th Westside @ Vernon:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977814&link=bchl

Friday, December 9th Vernon @ Westside: Warriors won 5-2

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977761&link=bchl

Saturday, January 21st Vernon @ Westside: Warriors won 3-1

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977765&link=bchl

Friday, January 27th Westside @ Vernon:
Saturday, February 18th Westside @ Vernon:
Saturday, March 3rd Vernon @ Westside:

Last Game Played:

Saturday, January 21st Westside defeated Vernon 3-1
Wednesday, January 25th Westside defeated Chilliwack 5-2

Next Game:

Saturday, January 28th Vernon @ Prince George
Wednesday, February 1st Westside @ Salmon Arm

Since the Warriors moved to Westside in 2006-07 Vernon is 3-1 vs. Westside during exibition action

Since the Warriors moved to Westside in 2006-07 Vernon is 17-14-2-3 vs. Westside during the regular season

Since the Warriors moved to Westside in 2006-07 Vernon has outscored Westside 99-99 during the regular season

Since the Warriors moved to Westside in 2006-07 Vernon is 8-6-1-2 at home vs. Westside during the regular season

Since the Warriors moved to Westside in 2006-07 Vernon is 9-8-1-1 in Westside during the regular season

Since the 2008-09 season the Vipers are 7-1-1-1 in their last ten games vs. the Warriors on home ice during the regular season

Since the 2008-09 season the Vipers are 5-4-0-1 in their last ten games vs. the Warriors at Royal Le Page Place during the regular season

Westside's last regular season victory at the Wesbild Centre was a 3-1 win on Saturday, January 23rd 2010

Vernon's last loss in Westside was a 3-1 loss back on Saturday, January 21st 2012

The Vipers went 4-0-1-1 last season vs the Warriors in the regular season, before knocking off Westside in six games in the Interior Conference Semi-Finals.

The Vernon Lakers changed their name to the Vernon Vipers to start the 1995-96 season. Here’s a look at the Vipers all-time regular season record

Games Played: 991
Wins: 631
Losses: 260
Ties: 16
Overtime Losses: 86

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

Tonight is the second of back to back games vs the Westside Warriors after a 3-1 loss in Westside Saturday night. Tonight is the first of three straight for the Vipers as they sit six points back of the Chilliwack Chiefs and Prince George Spruce Kings who both are tied for 3rd in the Interior Conference. Vernon has just six wins in their last twenty three games.

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

Games Played: 41
Wins: 19
Losses: 19
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 13-6-1-1
Road Record: 6-13-0-1
Streak: One game losing streak
Goals For: 137
Goals Against: 134
Standings: 4th Place

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Brett Corkey (92)
Aaron Hadley (93)
John Knisley (92)
Patrick McGillis (91)
Max Mowat (93)
Darren Nowick (91)
Ryan Renz (93)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Michael Zalewski (92)
Kirby Halcrow (91)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Marcus Basara (93)
Dylan Walchuk (92)
David Robinson (90)
Bryce Kakoske (90)
Malcolm Lyles (90)
Trevor Fitzgerald (92)
Adam Thompson (90)
Steven Weinstein (90)
Kyle Murphy (90)
Dane Muench (92)
Philip Patenaude (91)
Zach McPhee (93)
Blake Voth (91)

Vernons Home record vs. Westside this season:

2-0-0-0

Vernons Road record vs. Westside this season:

1-2-0-0

Vernons Powerplay vs. Westside this season:

4-22

Vernons scoring leaders vs. Westside this season:

Adam Tambellini (3-2-5)
Patrick McGillis (1-2-3)
Michael Zalewski (2-1-3)
Marc Hetnik (2-1-3)
Jedd Soleway (2-1-3)
Darren Nowick (1-1-2)
Max Mowat (0-1-1)
Ryan Renz (0-1-1)
John Knisley (0-1-1)
Brett Corkey (0-1-1)
Aaron Hadley (0-1-1)
Turner Lawson (0-1-1)

Danny Todosychuk (1-1 Record, 1 Shutout)
Kirby Halcrow (2-2 Record)
Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

Vernon has the leagues 3rd best powerplay

-The Vipers have the BCHL's 9th best penalty kill

-Danny Todosychuk (5-2 Record, 2.86 GAA) is in the leagues top ten goaltenders

-Mike Zalewski (22-28-50) is the lone Viper in the leagues top twenty in scoring

Westside makes its third visit of the season to the Wesbild Centre are coming off a 5-2 win over Chilliwack Wednesday. The Warriors have moved to within two points of the Vernon Vipers. The Warriors have just eight wins in their last twenty games.

For more coverage on the Westside Warriors, please visit Jon Zacks "The Generals report (Westside Warriors blog)

http://westsidewarriorsblog.wordpress.com/

Lets take a look at the Westside Warriors:

Games Played: 44
Wins: 16
Losses: 21
Ties: 2
Overtime Losses: 5
Home Record: 10-8-1-3
Road Record: 6-13-1-2
Streak: Two game winning streak
Goals For: 141
Goals Against: 152
Standings: 5th Place

Westside Warriors Returning Players From Last Year:

Travis Blanleil (94)
Max French (92)
Shawn Hochhausen (92)
Michael King (93)
Peter MacIntosh (91)
Brett Mckinnon (92)
Dru Morrison (92)
Former Vernon Lakers forward, Rylan Ferster is the new head coach-gm of the Warriors after coming over this summer from the KIJHL Revelestoke Grizzlies.

Westside Warriors Departing & Traded Players From Last Year:
Izaak Berglund (91)
Brett Mulcahy (93)
Brayden Sherbinin (93)
Tyler Krause (91)
Alex Grieve (90)
Kyle Singleton (90)
Tyler Brickler (91)
Grayson Downing (92)
Tom Kroshus (92)
Quinn Gould (90)
Tyler French (90)
Matthew Maher (90)
Matt Cronin (92)
Stefan Nicholishen (93)
Kevin Boyle (92)
Cole Holowenko (93)

Westsides Home record vs. Vernon this season:

2-1-0-0

Westsides Road record vs. Vernon this season:

0-2-0-0

Westsides Powerplay vs. Vernon this season:

4-23

Westsides scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:
Reid Simmonds (3-1-4)
Peter MacIntosh (0-4-4)
Travis Blanleil (1-2-3)
Max French (2-1-3)
Connor Dempsey (2-0-2)
Dru Morrison (0-2-2)
Brennan Clark (0-2-2)
Shawn Hochhausen (0-1-1)
Brett Mckinnon (0-1-1)
Devon Hascarl (1-0-1)
Ben Betker (0-1-1)
David Pope (1-0-1)
Seb Lloyd (0-1-1)
Dwayne Rodrigue (2-0 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-The Warriors have the 13th best powerplay

-Westside has the leagues 14th 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

Westside Warriors:

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

Volpatti Backing Vernon Cup Bid:

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Volpatti backing Vernon cup bid

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: January 27, 2012

Aaron Volpatti’s return to Wesbild Centre tonight will be bittersweet for the Vancouver Canucks’ rookie left winger.

In the midst of a lengthy recovery from shoulder surgery, the former Viper is making the most of an unfortunate situation by throwing his name behind the team’s bid to host the 2014 Royal Bank Cup national Junior A hockey tournament.

The 26-year-old Volpatti, who is back in Vernon to rehab the injury, will drop the puck as the Snakes (19-19-1-2) entertain the Westside Warriors (16-21-2-5) in a B.C. Hockey League tilt. He will also be signing autographs and greeting fans in the first, and part of the second, intermission.

Volpatti, a punishing power forward who amassed 37 points and 279 penalty minutes in 135 career BCHL games (between 2003-06), all with Vernon, says it will be strange to revisit his old Junior A home.

“It’s definitely a surreal feeling. It doesn’t seem like that long ago that I was playing there, but it has been; it’s been six or seven years.”

People who have signed up to support Vernon’s bid for the RBC Cup have had their names entered into a draw to win a signed Volpatti Canucks jersey, which the gritty forward will present in the second intermission. People can still sign up (and be entered for the draw) at tonight’s game.

Anyone who wants to help bring the RBC Cup to Vernon can also contribute at Chris Collard’s Sun Life office, at 209-2411 Highway 6, just behind the Tim Hortons location.

Donors can also contribute (and be eligible to win Volpatti’s jersey, a Vipers signed jersey, or Viper season tickets) online at https://www.registrationlogic.com/secure/Register.aspx?ID=146

Todd Miller, Vernon’s assistant GM and radio play by play announcer, had originally approached Volpatti asking him to donate a signed jersey to promote the cup bid. When an MRI in early December revealed a torn labrum that required surgery, followed by a four-to-six month recovery period, Volpatti agreed to be there in person to present it.

“It just happened that I was back in Vernon for a while to rehab. Now they’re trying to make a night out of it, so it’s nice,” said the Revelstoke product.

“It’s kinda tough to be here, but at the same time, I left to do some rehab because you’d drive yourself crazy being at the rink (Rogers Arena in Vancouver) every day, and being in the way of the guys that are playing.”

Volpatti, who signed with the Canucks as a free agent out of Brown University in March 2010, has always maintained an interest in the Vipers, and even attended a game between Vernon and the Eagles at South Surrey Arena earlier in the season. The visit stirred up some emotions for the hard-hitting winger, whose team fell to the Eagles in the 2005 Fred Page Cup final.
“Surrey’s kind of a special place. We lost there in the finals, so it brings back memories, both bad and good,” he said.

Volpatti said the Vipers were blessed with talent that year, playing with the likes of Mike Santorelli (Florida Panthers), Mark Nelson, Dean Strong and Matt Watkins.

“We only had nine losses all year, so we were definitely the favourites, but Surrey was the favourite in that division.”

Volpatti hopes to begin skating again sometime in March, but isn’t about to rush his return.

“It’s not something you can rush back from for precautionary reasons. Come March I’m going to feel close to 100 per cent, but I might not be,” he said.

In 38 games with Vancouver, Volpatti has two goals and an assist to go along with 53 penalty minutes. After a strong main camp, he was just starting to carve out an identity as a reliable energy player.

“Obviously, it’s frustrating. It was bad timing because I was just trying to get my feet under me,” he said.

Shortly after the injury was revealed, Vancouver head coach Alain Vignault told Canadian Press: “He was a real disappointed young man. He was finding his rhythm in this league and on our team. (He) was well appreciated in his role by his teammates and his coaches.”
SNAKE BITES: Following tonight’s game, the Vipers will jump on the bus for two weekend games against the Prince George Spruce Kings (21-17-2-3)...Former Viper and Vernon minor hockey product Trent Dorais, now captain of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, has committed to the SAIT Trojans of Calgary...Wade Murphy collected the hat trick as the league-leading Penticton Vees pummelled the host Merritt Centennials 9-0 Wednesday night at Nicola Valley Arena. The Vees (38-3-0-2) have posted 26 straight wins...The Warriors helped Vernon’s playoff hopes by grounding the Chilliwack Chiefs 5-2 Wednesday at Royal LePage Place. Former Viper Marcus Basara recorded a goal and second star for Westside.

Former Vipers Noonan & Gill Both Named Hockey East Weekly Top Performers:

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

Former Vernon Vipers forward, Sahir Gill along side former Vernon Vipers defenceman are two of twenty two players that have been named Hockey East weekly top performers.

Gill who played two years with the Vipers (2008-2010) Scored three goals and was a plus-3 rating in BU's weekend sweep of Providence.

Noonan who played one season in Vernon (2009-2010) Recorded two goals and two assists in the Terriers' weekend sweep of Providence.

Blaze Waive Former Viper Goaltender Sibbald:

2012-01-25T18:28:00.000-08:00

The CHL Bloomington Blaze have waived former Vernon Vipers goaltender, Mark Sibbald on Friday, December 30th 2011. Sibbald played 54 minutes in a total of two games with the Blaze after signing back on December, 10th 2011. Sibbald played two years in Vernon (2003-2005) went 35-16-3 in 59 regular season games with the Vipers was previously suspended-released by the SPHL Huntsville Havoc on Wednesday, December 7th 2011 after spending the last three years with the Havoc.

Mark Sibbald's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=76538

This was posted on Pantagraph.com

Blaze activate new goalie, waive another

By Mike Egenes | megenes@pantagraph.com

Friday, December 30, 2011

BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington Blaze waived goaltender Mark Sibbald before Friday night’s game against the Missouri Mavericks.

Sibbald came to the Blaze three weeks ago after being released by the Huntsville Havoc, where he was the reigning goaltender of the year in the Southern Professional Hockey League.

Sibbald became expendable when the Blaze acquired Brian Mahoney-Wilson in a trade for future considerations with the Missouri Mavericks.

“I have heard nothing but good things about Brian,” Blaze coach Paul Gardner said.

Sibbald was signed on Dec. 10 and played in just two games. He allowed one goal over a combined 53 minutes in net.

Mahoney-Wilson is a first-year pro out of Lake Superior State. He played four games with Allen and five with Missouri, going 5-3-0 with a 2.78 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage.

Mahoney-Wilson is the sixth goaltender to suit up this season for Bloomington.

Weekend Holds Big Playoff Implications For Vipers:

2012-01-25T07:32:00.000-08:00

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Weekend holds big playoff implications for Vipers

Published: January 25, 2012

A six-point deficit, two games in hand and one playoff spot – it’s officially crunch time for the Vernon Vipers, who are trying to avoid becoming the franchise’s first team to miss the post-season since 2000-01.

The Snakes’ B.C. Hockey League playoff aspirations boil down to 19 remaining games and two teams they have a realistic shot at catching to secure the fourth and final Interior Conference playoff spot.

Following Saturday night’s 3-1 loss to the Westside Warriors at Royal LePage Place, the Vipers are fifth in the Interior at 19-19-1-2, six points behind both the Chilliwack Chiefs (22-16-1-2) and Prince George Spruce Kings (21-17-2-3).

With three more head-to-heads against the Sprucies – including a double-header Saturday and Sunday at the Prince George Coliseum – and two with Chilliwack, the Vipers control their fate.

“We’ve got to get a win on Friday (against Warriors at Wesbild Centre) and then drive to PG all through the night for two big games,” said Vipers’ head coach Jason Williamson. “We put a good weekend together and we’re right back in it.

“Not a time to panic quite yet, but at the same time we have to start winning hockey games. We need urgency in our game, every game.”

Despite Saturday’s loss, Williamson liked what he saw against Westside (15-21-2-5), calling it “probably one of our most complete efforts of the season. It was high energy, high tempo – a good game.”

Defenceman Marc Hetnik, with his second of the season, supplied Vernon’s lone goal 11:45 into the first period. The Brookline, Mass. product walked the blueline before beating netminder Dwayne Rodrigue with a wrister through a screen at 11:45. Jedd Soleway and Turner Lawson drew assists after starting the play with a good forecheck.

Lawson left the game later in the first period after getting rocked by a hard hit, and did not return.

Williamson credited Westside netminder Dwayne Rodrigue, a former P.E.I. Rocket (Quebec Major Junior), for being the difference in the game. Rodrigue, acquired by Westside from the AJHL Grande Prairie Storm in November, recorded 41 stops for first star.

“He was very good. By far one of the better goaltending performances I’ve seen in the league all year,” said Williamson.

“But you can’t let one player beat you; you’ve got to find a way, whether it’s more traffic or just finding a little bit more in your game.”

Second star Reid Simmonds (8th and 9th) secured the winner at 16:35 of the third period and added an empty-netter with 30 seconds to play.

David Pope (5th), chipping a rebound over Vernon netminder Kirby Halcrow (31 saves) during a second-period powerplay, accounted for the Warriors’ other goal.

In other BCHL weekend action, Vernon’s Tyler Steel recorded 27 saves for third star as Merritt caged the host Victoria Grizzlies 4-1 Saturday at Bear Mountain Arena. Armstrong’s Dylan Chanter, a 16-year-old d-man with the Cents, drew an assist on Chad Brears’ winner in the second period.

Merritt bowed 3-2 to the Nanaimo Clippers Sunday.

Alex Gillies, another 16-year-old, recorded an assist and second star as the host Salmon Arm SilverBacks fell 5-4 to the Trail Smoke Eaters at the Shaw Centre.

SNAKE BITES: Viper blueliner Brett Corkey earned third star against Westside...Williamson said injured forwards Darren Nowick and John Knisley might be ready to return to the lineup in a week. Forward Ben Gamache and d-man Luke Juha are out indefinitely...Former Viper Aaron Volpatti, now with the Vancouver Canucks, will be at Wesbild Centre Friday night to present his signed NHL jersey to a lucky winner as part of the Vipers’ RBC Cup bid promotional fundraiser event.

Vipers-Warriors Highlights:

2012-01-24T07:05:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Warriors play by play man, Jon Zacks here are the highlights from the Vipers-Warriors game Saturday night. Westside defeated Vernon 3-1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-npT8xRIiA&feature=player_embedded

Vernon Vipers Player Profile With #12 John Knisley:

2012-01-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

107.5 Kiss FM sports director, Rob Abramenko sit's down one on one with second year Vernon Vipers forward, John Knisley in a series of rapid fire questions. Check it out,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWPwsH-b05Q&feature=player_embedded

Mike Zalewski Post-Game Interview:

2012-01-23T10:51:00.000-08:00

Vernon Vipers colour commentaor, Don Klepp interviews Vernon Vipers forward, Mike Zalewski after the Vipers 5-3 win over the visiting Trail Smoke Eaters Friday night. Zalewski collected two goals & one assist being named first star.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-FJclimRGE&feature=player_embedded

Former Viper Dorais Has Committed To Southern Alberta Institute Of Technology:

2012-01-23T10:33:00.000-08:00

Former Vernon Vipers forward, Trent Dorais has committed to Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. Dorais played two seasons in Vernon (2007-2009).

Trent Dorais's Player Profile:

http://bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=305104&playerID=331623

'Dogs captain Dorais will play for Trojans

Friday, January 20, 2012 - Submitted by BCHL/Alberni Valley Bulldogs

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are very proud to announce team captain Trent Dorais has committed to a hockey scholarship at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. The SAIT Trojans play in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference.

SAIT, located in Calgary, Alberta, is one of Canada’s leading polytechnics. The school provides relevant, skilloriented education to more than 71,000 registrants each year. The Trojans play in The Trojans Arena at SAIT
that features an NHL-size surface.

“We are very excited for Trent,” said Alberni Valley Bulldogs’ head coach Kevin Willison. “Trent has been working very hard this season both on and off the ice so that he could reach the goals he set for himself. For the short time that I’ve known him, Trent has displayed character and strong leadership abilities making him a great fit for the SAIT Trojans hockey progarm.”

Dorais will be joinging fellow Alberni Valley Bulldogs alum Sam Mitchell (2008-2011) at SAIT for the 2012/13 season.

“We are very excited that Trent has committed to a hockey scholarship at SAIT,” said SAIT Men’s Hockey Coach Ken Babey. “He is a very good player with strong leadership skills, physical play, speed and work ethic. These attributes will fit nicely into our team’s style of play. We expect Trent to have a positive impact on our team.”

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to play next season for such a well respected hockey program,” Dorais. “I look forward to reunite with my old
teammate and line mate Sam Mitchell. I would like to take this opportunity to
thank my coaches, the entire Alberni Valley Bulldogs organization, Tom McEvay, my billet parents Wade and Tammi Nicklin and everyone in the community for helping me reach my goals.”

Vipers Fight Hard But Lose In Westside:

2012-01-22T07:10:00.000-08:00

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vipers Fight Hard But Lose In Westside

Saturday, January 21, 2012 - Submitted by Don Klepp

Despite a furious third period onslaught that saw the Vipers outshoot Westside 24-8, a pair of Reid Simmonds goals gave the Warriors a 3-1 win.

Goalie Dwayne Rodrigue had much to do with that result as he stopped everything in the final period and 41 of 42 overall. He had help from his defenders and forwards who fell back to pack the crease when the Vipers stormed the Westside net.

Time after time the Vipers poured into the Westside zone with numbers. Not surprisingly, the Vipers earned a pair of penalties in the final 20 minutes and they very nearly capitalized. One of their best chances fell to Aaron Hadley who was about to swat in a loose puck when a desperate Warrior stick knocked Hadley’s stick aside.

The onslaught continued as the Vipers were determined to unlock a 1-1 third period tie. Shots whistled by Rodrigue’s posts and one of them, a howitzer by Colton Cyr, skimmed off the crossbar.

The first period was perhaps a harbinger of things to come because although the Vipers had the bulk of the scoring chances and went ahead on Marc Hetnik’s point shot, they were able to solve Rodrigue just once.

The Viper charge in the first 20 minutes was abetted to some extent by having four power plays compared to just one by the Warriors.

That pattern was reversed in the second period as the Warriors came out with more jump and were the beneficiaries of four power plays of their own. They used one of them to tie the game when David Pope eased in a rebound of Connor Dempsey’s backhand.

Referee Ron Dietterle may have intruded too much into this game as he did in Vernon the previous evening, but the Vipers failed to convert one of their seven power plays. Westside managed one in five tries, a big factor in the contest.

The first two periods had a playoff feel, but the final frame saw wide open hockey with the Vipers dominating. Still, the Warriors made the Vipers rue their missed chances when Reid Simmonds swept in a Max French rebound at 16:35. Simmonds added an empty netter at 19:30.

Turner Lawson became the latest Viper to join the walking wounded when he was rocked in the first period. He did not return, which led to frequent Viper line juggling. He joins four other Vipers in the sick bay.

For the second straight night, 1995-born affiliate players Mike Roberts and Cole Sanford played well for Vernon.

League Changes Make Cents:

2012-01-22T07:05:00.000-08:00

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

League changes make cents

By Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star

Published: January 22, 2012

No more Tuesday night yawners. A smaller schedule. Realignment of teams. Back to larger player rosters.

The B.C. Hockey League passed a number of significant motions Thursday at the league’s semi-annual governors meeting in Richmond. The changes will take effect next season.

Vernon Viper owner Duncan Wray – who was against the reduced schedule – said the governors want all games on weekends to increase sagging fan numbers.

“Attendance has gone down everywhere in the league, and I heard it was down as much as 50 per cent in Nanaimo,” said Wray.

Vernon is third in attendance at 1,614 a game, and Wray would love to see that number hit 2,500.

“Winning isn’t the answer because we’ve been winning for years,” said Wray, who realizes cash-strapped fans can’t take in three home games on a weekend.

The Chilliwack Chiefs, with a gorgeous rink, are No. 1 at 2,057 fans a game. The Penticton Vees, also blessed with a stunning facility, are second at 1,669.

Winning, for a change, seems to be bumping up numbers in Merritt, where their old, yet cozy sandbox is drawing 600 spectators a game.

The league is also reverting back to its early September opening, but with a twist. A showcase event, primarily for U.S. college scouts, will go Sept. 7-9 with games counting in the regular-season standings.

Each team will play two games at the event meaning all teams, except the host of the showcase, will then have 27 home dates. Any revenues from the showcase will be split up amongst the league’s 16 clubs.

“We can’t hold it here because you need a twin sheet so it will likely be held in Chilliwack or Westside,” said Wray.

As for the alignment of the conferences, there will be now be 10 teams in the Coastal Conference and it will be split into two groups called the Island Division and Mainland Division. The Island Division will include Victoria, Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Alberni Valley and Powell River.

The Mainland Division will include Coquitlam, Surrey, Langley, Chilliwack and Prince George.

Prince George will be given the option to return to the Interior Conference after the conclusion of the 2013 playoffs.

Wray said Prince George officials had no problem switching divisions, simply turning right at the Cache Creek junction rather than left. Spruce Kings’ captain Ben Matthews told me last Sunday the players get used to the extensive travel rather quickly. However, it seems rather unfair that the Spruce Kings’ closest rival, in Merritt, gets to stay in the Interior.

The new Interior Conference will also include the Vipers, Trail, Penticton, Salmon Arm and Westside. The only Junior A team in B.C. putting on more miles are the Dawson Creek Rage of the 28-team North American Hockey League. The Rage, however, fly everywhere.

Wray said there are two motions on the table regarding rosters, one being the old 23-man list – favoured by Wray – and a 22-man lineup.

The 21-player roster deeply hurt the league’s credibility this season. Sapped by early injuries, the Trail Smoke Eaters basically were a Junior B fill-in team. The Victoria Grizzlies, after trading several key players, are playing with 14 players these days.

And of course the defending champion Vipers, suffering a string of injuries never witnessed before in their history, have summoned Junior B players almost every game.

Wray said the governors seem to like the 16-year-old rule which forces teams to carry one each. That rule will be easier for teams with unseasoned 16s to manage if the 23-man roster returns.

Who knows what kind of playoff format fans will see next year? Teams have been asked to submit new playoff ideas by Feb. 1.

As long as they don’t go to any zany round-robin schedule – which has happened in the past – or a best-of-nine series, as suggested by one governor the other day, things should fairly even out.

Make changes and you of course get reaction. There were 37 posts on the BCHL fan zone forum (network54.com/Forum/146929/) Friday morning, and many were well thought out.

From rinkratz: “I think you will find this will ease the cost of travelling considerably by going to the three divisions. I for one hope they go back to the 23-man roster. By going to 21 this year that means they put 32 hockey players who could be playing Junior A hockey back to Junior B. Take a good look around at the teams who can’t for some reason get an AP for a particular game. Teams have played with 15 or even less players in too many games this season.”

From albernidog: “So now teams struggling financally they will lose four homes, two regular season and two playoff games. With all the changes the BCHL has made in the last number of years, it’s no wonder teams are having a problem drawing crowds.”

From Windstorm 99: “Can’t say I like any of the changes...I prefer 60 games over 56. I think the showcase event should be exhibition, and I wouldn’t have put PG in the Mainland Division. Why not Merritt? I guess the powerhouse Interior teams complained about travelling there or something.”

Snakes Sneak Past Smoke Eaters:

2012-01-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Snakes sneak past Smoke Eaters

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: January 22, 2012

It was a B.C. Hockey League game only a mother could love.

Fortunately for the Vernon Vipers, whose playoff hopes are creeping perilously close to thin-ice status, style points don’t count for much at this point.

The Snakes were desperate to scrounge two points from the cellar-dwelling Trail Smoke Eaters, and second star Adam Tambellini made sure they got them. After assisting on first star linemate Mike Zalewski’s opening two goals, the 17-year-old Port Moody product sniped the winner with a gorgeous bar-down wrister right off a faceoff with 91 seconds to play, helping the Vipers outlast the Smokies 5-3 Friday night at Wesbild Centre.

“We saved it till the last minute which isn’t always good, but we got it done which is a good thing,” said Tambellini, the son of Edmonton Oilers’ GM Steve Tambellini, and younger brother of former Vancouver Canuck Jeff Tambellini.

“He (Zalewski) wanted to take the draw. He’s pretty good on the faceoff and he won it right back to me and I was lucky to get it by the d-man.”

With leading scorer Darren Nowick on the shelf with a shoulder injury, Vipers’ head coach Jason Williamson liked how the rookie pivot clicked on a line with Zalewski and Aaron Hadley.

“He’s a special player and if you give him time and space he’s gonna make you pay. It was a good job by Zee (Zalewski) winning that draw. I think we’ve got a good line there.”

Other than that, there wasn’t much for the 1,600 fans (or the Vernon coaching staff) to get excited about as the 19-18-1-2 Vipers, who outshot Trail 40-17, continually allowed the 7-27-1-4 Smokies back in the game with turnovers and untimely penalties.

“Not a great start, not a great 40 (minutes), then in the third we don’t give them a lot,” said Williamson. “They get four shots on goal, two are from the other end of the ice, but we’re in a tie game with 1:30 to play. It’s leaving it up to chance and we can’t take our opponent lightly.”

Zalewski (21st goal) opened the scoring with a billiards-like circus shot midway through the first period, firing a dump-in off the end boards and banking it into the net off the back of netminder James D’Andrea’s leg.

Trail equalized at 14:46 when Vernon defenceman Marc Hetnik bobbled a puck at centre ice, allowing forward Brandon Long to go in alone on a breakaway. The Calgary product turned Vernon netminder Kirby Halcrow inside out, burying the puck low glove side for his third goal.

The Smokies’ Riley McDougall, a former teammate of injured Viper forward Ben Gamache on the AJHL Okotoks Oilers (he joined Trail from the AJHL Calgary Canucks on Jan. 6), assisted on the play.

“We stuck pretty well with Vernon, but we’ve still got some work to do,” said McDougall. “We just needed to bear down when they tied it up (in the third period).”

McDougall, who caught up with Gamache after the game, is loving the prime ice time he’s getting in Trail and is happy to be part of the rebuilding process.

“We’re playing for pride right now. We’re trying to become a better team and trying to develop,” he said.

Halcrow wasn’t exactly burdened with a heavy workload, but one of his 14 saves turned out to be a game changer. Shortly after he made a stellar second-effort stop on Trail’s Erik Cooper at the side of the net, Vernon went on the counterattack, with Tambellini dishing a slick pass down low to Zalewski (22nd), who beat D’Andrea (35 saves) blocker side.

A second Vernon giveaway, this time by defenceman Ryan Renz right in front of the Viper net, led to a gimme for Connor Teichko (7th) with six minutes to play in the second.

“I told our guys to be hard on pucks and those were two soft plays,” said Williamson of Trail’s goals. “They should learn their lesson from the season they’ve had, but that’s Junior hockey sometimes.”

Captain Patrick McGillis (7th) restored Vernon’s lead with a wrister from the slot, assisted by Colton Cyr and Sean Robertson on the powerplay midway through the third period. But with Renz serving a questionable charging penalty with two minutes to play, the Smoke Eaters went to work with the man advantage. Winning the draw, the visitors worked the puck back to Brent Baltus (7th), whose point blast redirected through traffic.

Said Trail head coach Bill Birks: “To tie it up with two minutes left was pretty big for this young group. We had a young guy in the faceoff dot and our goalie wasn’t ready and that’s the game. It’s frustrating, but it’s the game.

“Since Christmas we’ve played pretty good hockey. We were doing a lot of good things tonight and I don’t think the shot clock was indicative of the play by any means. It’s frustrating for these kids to work hard and not get rewarded for it.”

McGillis (third star) capped a two-goal night with an empty-netter from just over centre ice to put Trail away for good.

The Vipers visited the Westside Warriors (14-21-1-5) Saturday night at Royal LePage Place. They entertain the Warriors Friday at Wesbild.

SNAKE BITES: Viper forward Jedd Soleway missed Friday’s encounter serving the last of a two-game suspension he earned in Vernon’s 6-2 win over the Coquitlam Express last Saturday.