(Game Preview) Salmon Arm @ Vernon:

Salmon Arm (0-0-0) @ Vernon (0-0-0)

Tonight is opening night and the start of the 49th regular season for the BCHL. Tonight is the Vipers home opener as they face their arch rivals in a home and home series with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. The last meeting between these two teams was in last year's BCHL's Interior Conference Final's where the Vipers held off the Silverbacks in 6 games to win the 2009 Interior Conference Championship. Tonight is going to be very special for all Viper fans and the returning 13 players from last years RBC Cup winning team as the team will raise the 2009 RBC Cup Banner along with the other banners the Vipers won during last years long playoff drive. The Vipers are trying to become the first team since the 1990-1991 Vernon Lakers to repeat as National Champions. It was 20 years ago that the Vernon Lakers won their first National Championship. The Vipers will now have to remember that everyone no matter what the standings are, are going to do whatever it takes to knock off the defending champs. KEY RETURNEES: (Vipers) F Connor Jones (19-41-60), F Kellen Jones (15-37-52), F Braden Pimm (24-30-54), F Mike Collins (25-25-50), D Adam Thompson (7-15-22), G Graeme Gordon (14-6, 2.92 GAA) and D Kevin Kraus (1-18-19). KEY RETURNEES: (Silverbacks) C Mark Zengerle (31-62-93), F Travis Statchuk (8-15-23), F Bobby Lipsett (11-16-27), F David Killip (8-6-14), G Tony Ierfino (18-6-0-0, 2.57, 4 SO). Zengerle will again centre the top line while Statchuk should provide more offence after playing just 33 games last season, missing time battling a sports hernia. Lipsett wears the “C”, and along with Killip, will provide leadership.

Here’s a look at this years exhibition games between these two teams:

August 29th @ Salmon Arm: Vernon wins 9-2

Vernon would score three in the 1st and four in the 2nd period and never look back going on to the 9-2 victory. Dylan Walchuk lead the way with 2 goals, while veteran Cory Kane scored 1 goal and 2 assists. Graeme Gordon (16 saves) & Blake Voth (6 saves) split the duties between the pipes. Matt Cassidy & Devon Roesler scored the Silverbacks two goals. Adam Harris (14 saves) & Will Frolek (13 saves) each played half a game.

August 30th @ Revelstoke: Vernon wins 6-3

Tonights pre-season game was played in Revelstoke. Josh McKissock, Drew George, Mike Collins, Cole Ikkala, Kellen Jones and Nick Amies handled the Vipers’ attack. Bobby Lipsett, Matt Cassidy and Faiz Khan answered for Salmon Arm.Tyler Steel (13 saves) and Blake Voth (15 saves) shared the win for Vernon.

Heres a look at last year's season series:

September 5th @ Vernon: Vernon wins 4-1

The Vipers & Silverbacks clashed in the Vipers home opener. The Vipers were carried out onto the ice in the teams opening ceremonies in the back of the Vernon RCMP pickup trucks with the lights flashing as they introduced each player. Then a swat team member come shooting down a rope from the rafters, the officer then ran to a RCMP van on the ice and opened the back doors as the Vipers Captain & Assistant Captains jumped out from the back of the van. Salmon Arm opened the scoring just eleven seconds into the period, with a goal from Conor Morrison. This was the one and only goal the Backs would score as Vernon would beat Bryan Gillis four times going on to the 4-1 victory. Steve Tresierra, Cory Kane, Kellen Jones & Adam Thompson led the attack for Vernon. Andrew Hammond picked up his first win of the season making 27 saves.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=573358

September 6th @ Salmon Arm: Salmon Arm wins 5-4 (Overtime)

This was the back of a home and home series between these two Okanagan rivals. Tonight was Salmon Arms home opener and they didn’t let the home town crowd down. Just 1:41 into Overtime, Zac Rasmussen scored the game winner as the Silverbacks record the 5-4 OT win. Mark Zengerle & Conor Morrison collect three points each. Bryan Gillis picks up his first win of the season making 23 saves. John Digness picks up two points in the loss for Vernon.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=573363

September 20th @ Salmon Arm: Salmon Arm wins 7-2

This was an ugly game if you’re a Vernon fan. Salmon Arm destroys Vernon in a big 7-2 victory. The Silverbacks outplayed the Vipers as 1st star, Mark Zengerle collects four points. 2nd star, Keenan Desmet scores two goals and picks up two assists. 3rd star, Conor Morrison picks up (1 & 3). Andrew Hammond was given the hook after giving up four goals on just 17 shots. Backup Mark Segal didn’t do much better, allowing three goals

.http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=573397

November 7th @ Vernon: Salmon Arm wins 4-3

The Backs win there third straight against Vernon, in a 4-3 win. David Killip & Colin Lidster each pick up two points in the win. Bryan Gillis makes 31 saves between the pipes collecting the victory. Kellen Jones leads the way for the Vipers with one goal and one assist. The Silverbacks lead the season series 3-1.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=573532

December 19th @ Vernon: Salmon Arm wins 4-3

Salmon Arm wins there fourth straight against Vernon with a 4-3 victory, there 11th win in a row. Mark Zengerle led the way with a goal and 2 assists. Zengerle was all over the ice. D-man, Ashford McMaster picked up 2 assists in the win, looking very solid. Bryan Gillis was steady, having to make his best saves for last, in the 3rd period, facing 15 Vernon shots. Matt Walters & Zac Rasmussen played a feisty role, getting under the skin of some Vipers. Walters & Rasmussen both played with that in your face style of hockey. The Vipers played about 7-8 minutes of the game, inwich they made a late rally, but it wasn’t enough as they fell to the Silverbacks on the scoreboard and in the standings. Salmon Arm with the win, moves 5 pts up on Vernon for first in the Interior.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=573657

December 20th @ Salmon Arm: Vernon wins 6-4

The Backs jumped out to a early 2-0 lead with goals from, Mark Zengerle and Keenan Desmet before the Vipers scored three straight goals in the 2nd period and went on to the 6-4 victory. Brothers Connor & Kellen Jones lead the way for Vernon with 3 pts each along with Vernon product Bryce Kakoske also putting up 3 pts in the win. Former Silverbacks goaltender, Graeme Gordon makes 21 saves beating his former club, improving his record to 9-0 as a Viper.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=573661

December 29th @ Salmon Arm: Salmon Arm wins 7-3

Vernon got off to a good start, scoring first with a goal by Mike Collins, but on the next rush the Silverbacks would score four quick goals just over the next three minutes jumping ahead 4-1 and in full control. Anytime the Vipers would score to climb back to within two goals, Salmon Arm answered right back within minutes after the Vernon goal, re-taking the three goal lead once again. Former Silverback goaltender Graeme Gordon allowed all seven goals, suffering his first loss as a Viper. Viper killer Mark Zengerle lead the way with a goal & a assist. Jason Beatie added two assists, and Captain Matt Walters pitched in with a goal and some physical play. Vernon played most of the 3rd period shorthanded as tempers flared in the final period. Salmon Arm was the far better team, looking very strong on home ice. Should be a war tonight.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=573669

December 30th @ Vernon: Vernon wins 2-1 (Overtime)

Tonight was the fourth straight meeting between these two hockey teams during the holiday break. Travis Statchuk opened the scoring putting Salmon Arm up 1-0 in the 1st period. Backs goaltender Bryan Gillis stood on his head all night, making some big saves, but couldn’t stop Cory Kane with two minutes remaining as the Vipers tied the game after firing 38 shots on Gillis after three periods of play. The game would head to overtime before Mike Collins beat Gillis 44 seconds into the extra frame giving Vernon the 2-1 OT victory. Gillis would make 39 saves in the loss. Andrew Hammond made 26 saves getting the win before 2,994 fans at the Wesbild Centre.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=573672

January 23rd @ Salmon Arm: Vernon wins 4-2

A big crowd of 1,782 packed the Sunwave Centre to catch the final home meeting between these two clubs. Salmon Arm jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead early in the 1st period with goals from, Justin Cseter & Mark Zengerle but Vernon battled back, scoring four unanswered goals to defeat the Silverbacks 4-2. Cameron Brodie scored his 1st goal as a Viper on a funny bounce inbehind the Backs net. Other Vernon goals come from, Mike Collins (2) & Connor Jones. Andrew Hammond made 22 saves between the pipes for the victory, while Bryan Gillis made 25 saves taking the loss.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=573741

January 31st @ Vernon: Vernon wins 2-0

The biggest corwd of the season packed the Wesbild Centre to watch the Vernon Vipers defeat the Salmon Arm Silverbacks 2-0 in the final meeting of the year. Braden Pimm in the 2nd and Kory Roy in the 3rd lead the scoring attack for the Vipers. Bryan Gillis makes 33 saves in the loss, Andrew Hammond made 37 saves in the win. Vernon goes 0-5 for on the powerplay while Salmon Arm goes 0-5. The Silverbacks outshoot the Vipers 37-35.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=573768


Here's a look at both team's rosters:

Vernon:

#3 Defence Garrett Noonan 91 Norfolk, MA 6'1" 205

#4 Defence Erik Soderlund 90 Carlsbad, CA 6'4" 205

#5 Forward Mike Collins 90 Boston, MA 6'1" 180

#6 Defence Darrin Robak 91 Red Deer, Alb 6'2" 180

#7 Defence Dan Nycholat 89 Calgary, Alb 6'2" 190

#9 Forward Dylan Walchuk 92 McBride, BC 5'9" 170

#10 Forward Connor Jones 90 Montrose, BC 5'10" 170

#11 Forward Cory Kane 90 Irvine, CA 6'3" 198

#12 Forward Cole Ikkala 90 Philadelphia, PA 6'0" 205

#14 Forward Braden Pimm 89 Fort St John, BC 6'0" 190

#15 Forward Kellen Jones 90 Montrose, BC 5'10" 168

#16 Forward Drew George 91 Cupar, SK 6'0" 165

#17 Forward Bredan Persley 93 Kelowna, BC 6'1" 200

#19 Forward Jonathan Milhouse 89 Yorba Linda, CA 5'10" 185

#20 Forward Rob Short 89 Coldstream, BC 6'0" 207

#21 Defence Kevin Kraus 89 Garden Grove, CA 6'2" 200

#22 Forward Sawyer Mick 91 Vernon, BC 6'1" 180

#24 Defence Steve Weinstein 90 Los Angeles, CA 5'9" 175

#25 Defence Nick Amies 92 Enderby, BC 6'2" 190

#27 Forward Bryce Kakoske 90 Vernon, BC 6'0" 205

#28 Defence Adam Thompson 90 Calgary, Alb 6'1" 198

#29 Forward Patrick McGillis 91 Calgary, Alb 5'10" 185

#30 Goaltender Blake Voth 91 Herbert, SK 5'10" 170

#35 Goaltender Graeme Gordon 89 North Vancouver, BC 6'2" 197

Salmon Arm:

Forwards:

F 9 Chris Hoe – Burnaby, BC F

# 12 Tyler Gubb – Markham, Ontario F

# 15 Devon Roeszler – Chatham, Ontario F

# 16 Josh Manson – Prince Albert, Saskatchewan F
# 17 Brett Knowles – Vanderhoof, BC F

# 18 Rick Soo – Tokyo, Japan F

# 19 David Killip – Kelowna, BC F

# 20 Devin Gannon – Kamloops, BC F

# 22 Bobby Lipsett – Salmon Arm, BC F

# 39 Zac Rasmussen – Kamloops, BC F

# 88 Mark Zengerle – Rochester, New York F

# 91 Travis Statchuk – Wadena, Saskatchewan F

# 94 Corey Chakeen – Clarendon Hills, Illinois F

# 98 Matt Cassidy – London, Ontario

Defensemen:

# 4 Mike Puddifant – Salmon Arm, BC D

# 5 Jayson Reardon – Lumby, BC D

# 8 Jagger Dirk – Penticton, BC D

# 10 Greg Noyes – Lucan, Ontario D

# 11 Charlie Vasaaturo – Sewell, New Jersey D

# 14 Justin Krabben – Rocky Mountain House, Alberta D

# 28 Josh Monk – Langley, BC

Goaltenders: G

# 1 Tony Ierfino – Montreal, Quebec G

# 29 Kurt Williams – Rocky Mountain House, Alberta

Kraus Earns Captaincy:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Kraus earns captaincy

Published: September 10, 2009

Getting to Credit Union Place in Dauphin, Man. for the Royal Bank Cup next May.
For elite franchises like the defending Cup champion Vernon Vipers and losing finalist Humboldt Broncos, that is the ultimate vacation destination for next spring.
There are, however, 141 other teams with the same aspirations. The Vipers, who as usual, re-loaded for another marathon playoff dance, are already ranked No. 1 in the CJHL’s pre-season Top-15 poll. Humboldt is second.
Teams get down to business starting tonight with the Vipers hosting the Salmon Arm SilverBacks in their B.C. Hockey League opener. This is the 49th season for the BCHL.


Here’s how Black Press writers around the Interior see teams finishing:

1. VERNON VIPERS

KEY RETURNEES: F Connor Jones (19-41-60), F Kellen Jones (15-37-52), F Braden Pimm (24-30-54), F Mike Collins (25-25-50), D Adam Thompson (7-15-22), G Graeme Gordon (14-6, 2.92 GAA) and D Kevin Kraus (1-18-19).

ROOKIE SENSATIONS: F Dylan Walchuk earned Kootenay International Junior Hockey League rookie-of-the-year with the champion Nelson Leafs. He was the only rookie in top-10 scoring. F Drew George led the Notre Dame Hounds last season with 27-46-73 in 43 games. He helped the Hounds capture the Midget Tier 1 Telus Cup Western Regional Championship.

STRENGTHS: The Vipers have 13 returnees from the team that hoisted the Royal Bank Cup national title last season. With the additions of Walchuk, George and veteran sniper Jonathan Milhouse, the Snakes will once again have four lethal lines up front. Kraus will serve as the Vipers’ captain this year, with the Jones twins and Pimm taking on assistant duties. “These were the guys that came in and took over the leadership role from the start of the season,” said Vipers’ owner Duncan Wray. “It’s nice to see these guys step into the role left by the veterans who left last season.”

COACH’S QUOTE: Mark Ferner: “Having won last year, our expectations are high. We were able to bring back lots of guys that were on that team from last year. We’re ahead of the curve a little bit, but because we have won, every team is going to be ready to play us. Everything has to be surrounded by hard work and accountability.”

2. SALMON ARM SILVERBACKS

KEY RETURNEES: C Mark Zengerle (31-62-93), F Travis Statchuk (8-15-23), F Bobby Lipsett (11-16-27), F David Killip (8-6-14), G Tony Ierfino (18-6-0-0, 2.57, 4 SO). Zengerle will again centre the top line while Statchuk should provide more offence after playing just 33 games last season, missing time battling a sports hernia. Lipsett wears the “C”, and along with Killip, will provide leadership.

ROOKIE SENSATIONS: D Jagger Dirk is just 16 but will play major minutes as coaches hope he’ll be a cornerstone on defence for years ahead. D Charlie Vasaturo is a U.S. prep product and brings size and strength playing a stay-at-home style. F Matt Cassidy should contribute offensively and comes highly recommended from former ’Backs sniper and fellow London, Ont. talent Conor Morrison. F Josh Manson brings speed, size and a leadership pedigree having been a captain on his Prince Albert Midget squad last year.

STRENGTHS: Salmon Arm has improved speed up front and there will be constant competition among forwards to stay in the top-six. Lipsett should thrive being the first Salmon Arm native to be team captain. If Zengerle finds chemistry with new linemates, he and Statchuk will fill the scoresheet.

COACH’S QUOTE: Matt Hughes: “We’re going to put pressure on the puck and force guys to make plays under pressure. We want to utilize our speed and make people play at our pace. We want to be a consistent group that peaks at the right time of the year – the playoffs.”

3. PENTICTON VEES

KEY RETURNEES: F Denver Manderson (15-37-52), F Garrett Milan (25-32-57), F Ryan Viselli (20-32-52), F Logan Johnston (2-3-5), F Joey Holka (3-8-11) D Derik Johnson (0-7-7), D Matt Paltridge (1-15-16) Sean Bonar (11-6-0, 2.45 GAA).

ROOKIE SENSATIONS: F Beau Bennett has NCAA school eyes on him. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound forward scored 25 goals and 58 points in 46 games with the L.A. Midget AAA Under 18 Kings. Alex Szczechura, brother of Paul of the Tampa Bay Lightning, helped the Brantford Junior B Eagles win the Sutherland Cup. He torched goalies for 70 goals and 163 points in 65 playoff and regular-season games. On the blueline, Byron Sorensen, Bo Dolan, Isaac MacLeod, brother of former Vee, Alex, Joseph Laleggia and Luke Curadi join veterans Paltridge and Johnson. MacLeod helped Nelson win KIJHL championship.

STRENGTHS: The Vees have nine returnees who know what coach Fred Harbinson expects. The Vees coach likes the fact that players are grasping system play quickly and are performing without having to think. The forward group is strengthened with Manderson, Trupp, Filiou and Sexton.

COACH'S QUOTE: Fred Harbinson: "We're not just about making flashy plays. We want to use our speed to create turnovers in the offensive zone. We want to pressure teams, finish our checks. Vernon is probably better than they were last year,” adding Salmon Arm, Prince George and Trail have also improved.

4. WESTSIDE WARRIORS

Key Returnees: F Trevor Bailey (20-39-59), C Cam Reid (12-28-40), D Michael Quinn (6-17-23) and G Kevin Jebson (.909 save percentage). Reid was drafted by Nashville in the summer while Bailey should step up his offence in his third and final year with the Warriors. Quinn led the Warriors in playoff scoring and Jebson is a workhorse.

ROOKIE SENSATIONS: F Colton Sissons won’t turn 16 until November but should see considerable time coming out of the Vancouver Giants program. D Izaak Berglund is an offensive blueliner already committed to college while local Max French has made the jump from major midget.

STRENGTHS: As a 20-year-old, Jebson should give the Warriors a chance to win most nights, while a solid group of returning second-year players provides the Warriors with good depth. Reid’s return gives the Warriors a big (6-foot-3), talented centre.

COACH’S QUOTE: Darren Yopyk enters his first year with the Warriors: “I like our depth up front, I think we have four lines we can roll. We have experience on defence and I think our goalie is amongst the best in the league for sure.”

5. TRAIL SMOKE EATERS

Key Returnees: F Travis St. Denis (15-22-37), D Steve Koshey (3-20-23), D Graeme Strukoff (1-11-12), F Riley Loyst (8-7-15), F Nick Sandor (14-28-42).

ROOKIE SENSATIONS: Matt Wilkins’ name has been passed around Trail since word spread he was considering coming to the Smokies. He was the top goal scorer per game in the KIJHL last season with the Kimberley Dynamiters. Sam Mellor is a 17-year-old “goal-scoring playmaker” also from the Dynamiters. He tallied 19-21-40 in 51 games. Devon Murtagh will be a good addition in net. He’s 6-foot-3, 190 pounds and is 14-6-0 career with Westside and Victoria Grizzlies.

STRENGTHS: Returning captain Paul Mailey is a good fit to lead the team, being an all-around player who can score, hit, get back on defence and drop the gloves if needed. Tye Lewis is a good new addition. The 5-foot-10, 175 pounder will bring some fresh energy and experience. Colin Lidster, a 6-foot-4, 224-pound forward, played with the SilverBacks last year.

COACH'S QUOTE: Jim Ingram: “We’ve got some great young kids coming to the team this year and with the experienced veterans to show them the ropes I think we will have a great mix.”

6. QUESNEL MILLIONAIRES

KEY RETURNEES: The Mills moved a fistful of 20 year-olds to make room for new faces, but have retained a solid core of veterans. Trevor Hertz starts his third BCHL season as team captain. The 20-year-old netted 36 goals and 72 points last year, splitting the season between the Mills and Victoria, following a 56-point rookie year with the Mills. Glen Watson, coach of the Mills, is counting on Hertz to provide leadership on and off the ice. Watson will also look to defencemen Eliot Raibl (25 points/40 games) and Sam Higgins (17 points; from Victoria Grizzlies).

ROOKIES: The Millionaires will rely on several rookies to make the adjustment to Junior A. At the top of the list are 18-year-old twins Bond and Brendan Hawryluk, who tallied 68 and 69 points, respectively, with the Peace River Royals of the Alberta Rural Midget AAA league. The brothers previously played for Watson. Homegrown 16-year-old Spencer Graboski, shortlisted for the under-17 Team Pacific team, is sure to be a crowd favourite.

STRENGTHS: After a tough last season, the signing of Watson in the offseason can be viewed as somewhat of a coup for Quesnel. Watson brings a ton of playoff experience, including the finals of the Royal Bank Cup, Allan Cup, as well as MJHL and SJHL championships.

COACH'S QUOTE: Glen Watson: “We're in a tough division with Vernon and Penticton. We want to make it into the pack behind them, get ourselves into a playoff spot. The team's starting to look like the way we want it to look, we have to change our identity as a team.”

7. PRINCE GEORGE SPRUCE KINGS

KEY RETURNEES: F Sammy Muchalla (21-32-53), F Andrew Pickering (12-19-31), F Joe Morgan (22-17-39), D Wes McLeod (6-24-30) and D Justin Fillion (5-16-21)

ROOKIE SENSATIONS: F Jeff Earnest joins the Spruce Kings from the highly-touted San Jose Junior Sharks hockey program. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound native of Whittier, Alaska put up some impressive numbers with the Midget U18 AAA Sharks team last season. In 58 games, he collected 17 goals, 31 assists and 76 penalty minutes. Murrieta, Calif. native Kyle Manlow spent last year with the San Diego Gulls of the Tier 3 Junior A Western States League. Manlow was second in Gulls scoring with 36-26-62 in 51 games.

STRENGTHS: Before McLeod elected to stay with the Spruce Kings one more season, the team’s defence appeared average. His decision to put the start of his Division 1 career with the University of Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves on hold, turns the Spruce Kings’ defence into one of its strengths. McLeod’s supporting cast on the blueline includes three returnees – Justin Fillion, Josh Pineiro and Geoff Morgan. The Spruce Kings solidified their goaltending when they acquired 20-year-old Evan Smith. Veteran F Brooks Robinson came over from the Grande Prairie Storm.

COACH’S QUOTE: Ed Dempsey: “Last year’s team was a very good team. Obviously, we started with a lot of young guys at the beginning of last year, and by the end of the year we had developed into an excellent hockey club. The way of the world for us here in Prince George (is that) lots of times we have high turnover...”

8. Merritt Centennials

Key Returnees: F Dustin Johnson (23-12-35), F Alex Valenti (22-15-37), F Colton Sobchak (11-18-29), D Steve Tresierra (5-19-24), D Brad Bourke (5-17-22)
Rookie Sensations: F Daniel Chang (Valencia, Calif.), F Silvan Harper (Vancouver), G Norbert Bizczsak (North Delta)

Strengths: The Forsythe brothers – head coach Dylan and general manager Tyler – bring a new look and feel to the Centennials after an eight-year Al Glendinning era. On paper, the Cents should be a lot stingier on defence with seven blueliners with BCHL experience. Offseason acquisitions include F Thomas Hardy (Burnaby Express), D Derek Hills and Ryne Bodger (Powell River Kings), D Jeff Zmurchyk (Trail Smoke Eaters).

Coach’s Quote: Tyler Forsythe: “Our aim is to compete each and every night, to be disciplined, to play responsibly and with controlled aggression, and to make the playoffs.”

9. WILLIAMS LAKE TIMBERWOLVES

KEY RETURNEES: Despite rejoining the BCHL after a two-year absence, the Timberwolves will be looking to establish themselves as a factor in the league's Interior Conference immediately.

ROOKIE SENSATIONS: F Trent Murdoch has the hands and skill set to make an immediate impact in the BCHL. The son of Timberwolves' GM Geoff Murdoch, Trent was second in VIJHL scoring (27-38-65) with the Comox Valley Glacier Kings. Joining him from the Glacier Kings is G Kirk Croswell, who led all VIJHL netminders with a 91.85 save percentage.

STRENGTHS: Perhaps the Timberwolves' strengths will pour from their biggest weakness – inexperience. Head coach Dave Dupas is in the unique position of having the ability to mold the squad into roles and play-styles he sees will most benefit the club.

COACH'S QUOTE: Dave Dupas: "My style is all about puck pursuit. It's pressure pucks all over the ice – d-zone, offensive zone, neutral zone – we're going to try to force teams into mistakes...The work ethic is non-negotiable."

Vernon Vipers 2009-10 Roster:

#3 Defence Garrett Noonan 91 Norfolk, MA 6'1" 205
#4 Defence Erik Soderlund 90 Carlsbad, CA 6'4" 205
#5 Forward Mike Collins 90 Boston, MA 6'1" 180
#6 Defence Darrin Robak 91 Red Deer, Alb 6'2" 180
#7 Defence Dan Nycholat 89 Calgary, Alb 6'2" 190
#9 Forward Dylan Walchuk 92 McBride, BC 5'9" 170
#10 Forward Connor Jones 90 Montrose, BC 5'10" 170
#11 Forward Cory Kane 90 Irvine, CA 6'3" 198
#12 Forward Cole Ikkala 90 Philadelphia, PA 6'0" 205
#14 Forward Braden Pimm 89 Fort St John, BC 6'0" 190
#15 Forward Kellen Jones 90 Montrose, BC 5'10" 168
#16 Forward Drew George 91 Cupar, SK 6'0" 165
#17 Forward Bredan Persley 93 Kelowna, BC 6'1" 200
#19 Forward Jonathan Milhouse 89 Yorba Linda, CA 5'10" 185
#20 Forward Rob Short 89 Coldstream, BC 6'0" 207
#21 Defence Kevin Kraus 89 Garden Grove, CA 6'2" 200
#22 Forward Sawyer Mick 91 Vernon, BC 6'1" 180
#24 Defence Steve Weinstein 90 Los Angeles, CA 5'9" 175
#25 Defence Nick Amies 92 Enderby, BC 6'2" 190
#27 Forward Bryce Kakoske 90 Vernon, BC 6'0" 205
#28 Defence Adam Thompson 90 Calgary, Alb 6'1" 198
#29 Forward Patrick McGillis 91 Calgary, Alb 5'10" 185
#30 Goaltender Blake Voth 91 Herbert, SK 5'10" 170
#35 Goaltender Graeme Gordon 89 North Vancouver, BC 6'2" 197

Vipers Name Kraus Captain:

The Vernon Vipers have named defenceman, Kevin Kraus this years Captain with forwards, Braden Pimm, & Connor & Kellen Jones named Assistant Captains.

Kevin Kraus Action Figure:

Check out Vipers defenceman, Kevin Kraus who now has his own action figure. I come across this website last night,

http://board.spawn.com/forums/showthread.php?t=519352

For more info on these action figures, check out hockey custom's website,

http://www.hockeycustoms.com/

The Vernon Vipers should try and get a hold of this site and start selling these figures at the home games.

Riddle Traded To Bulldogs:

Defenceman, Frank Riddle (90), who was released by the Vernon Vipers late last week, was traded to the BCHL's Alberni Valley Bulldogs today. Here's the trade wich was posted on the BCHL website.

09-Sep-09 The Alberni Valley Bulldogs Hockey Club acquires the playing rights of Frank Riddle (D)(90) from the Burlington Cougars Hockey Club of the OJHL in exchange for future considerations.

Vipers Lead The Way In CJHL's Preseason Rankings:

Vipers lead the way in CJHL's Preseason Rankings

Wednesday, September 9, 2009 - Submitted by CJHL Network

The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) announced today its Pre-Season Top 15 rankings for the 2009-2010 season. Last year’s final rankings and the leagues in which the teams belong to are in parenthesis.

The CJHL Pre-Season Top 15 as of Tuesday, September 8th:

1. (4) Vernon Vipers (BCHL)

2. (2) Humboldt Broncos (SJHL)

3. (8) Grand Prairie Storm (AJHL)

4. (1) Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL)

5. (3) Winnipeg Saints (MJHL)

6. (9) Pembroke Lumber Kings (CJHL)

7. (NR) Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL)

8. (NR) Kingston Voyageurs (OJHL)

9. (5) Couchiching Terriers (OJHL)

10. (10) Brooks Bandits (AJHL)

11. (6) Georgetown Raiders (OJHL)

12. (NR) Truro Bearcats (MJAHL)

13. (14) North Bay Skyhawks (NOJHL)

14. (13) Fort William North Stars (SIJHL)

15. (15) Les Cougars du College Champlain - Sherbrooke (LHJAAA)

Honorable mention goes to the Penticton Vees (BCHL), Weyburn Red Wings (SJHL), Portage Terriers (MJHL), Dauphin Kings (MJHL), Oakville Blades (OJHL), Lindsay Muskies (OJHL), and the Wellington Dukes (OJHL).

The pre-season rankings are based upon a variety of factors which includes the league in which the teams belong to, last season’s results in regular season and playoffs as well as initial recruiting efforts for the upcoming season.

The CJHL is an amalgamation of ten Junior A hockey leagues from across Canada. More information on the CJHL can be found by clicking on the league website. http://www.cjhlhockey.com/

Vernon Vipers 2009-10 Regular Season Schedule:

Vernon Vipers 2009-10 Regular Season Schedule:

2009-09-11 vs Salmon Arm Silverbacks 7:00pm

2009-09-12 at Salmon Arm Silverbacks 7:30pm

2009-09-18 at Trail Smoke Eaters 7:30pm

2009-09-19 vs Trail Smoke Eaters 7:00pm

2009-09-25 vs Quesnel Millionaires 7:00pm

2009-09-26 vs Williams Lake Timberwolves 7:00pm

2009-10-02 at Westside Warriors 7:00pm

2009-10-03 vs Penticton Vees 7:00pm

2009-10-04 vs Burnaby Express 2:00pm

2009-10-09 at Penticton Vees 7:00pm

2009-10-10 vs Cowichan Valley Capitals 7:00pm

2009-10-11 vs Alberni Valley Billdogs 2:00pm

2009-10-15 at Quesnel Millionaires 7:30pm

2009-10-16 at Williams Lake Timberwolves 7:30pm

2009-10-18 at Prince George Spruce Kings 3:00pm

2009-10-21 vs Merritt Centennials 7:00pm

2009-10-24 vs Quesnel Millionaires 7:00pm

2009-10-30 at Merritt Centennials 7:00pm

2009-11-03 at Salmon Arm Silverbacks 7:30pm

2009-11-06 at Prince George Spruce Kings 7:00pm

2009-11-07 at Quesnel Millionaires 7:30pm

2009-11-08 at Williams Lake Timberwolves 4:00pm

2009-11-10 at Merritt Centennials 7:00pm

2009-11-13 vs Trail Smoke Eaters 7:00pm

2009-11-14 vs Trail Smoke Eaters 7:00pm

2009-11-18 at Powell River Kings 7:30pm

2009-11-20 at Surrey Eagles 7:00pm

2009-11-21 at Langley Chiefs 7:00pm

2009-11-22 at Burnaby Express 2:30pm

2009-11-26 vs Prince George Spruce Kings 7:00pm

2009-11-27 vs Westside Warriors 7:00pm

2009-12-04 vs Penticton Vees 7:00pm

2009-12-05 at Trail Smoke Eaters 7:30pm

2009-12-08 vs Merritt Centennials 7:00pm

2009-12-11 vs Salmon Arm Silverbacks 7:00pm

2009-12-12 at Penticton Vees 7:00pm

2009-12-18 vs Victoria Grizzlies 7:00pm

2009-12-19 vs Nanaimo Clippers 7:00pm

2009-12-29 at Trail Smoke Eaters 7:00pm

2009-12-31 at Salmon Arm Silverbacks 7:30pm

2010-01-02 vs Salmon Arm Silverbacks 7:00pm

2010-01-05 vs Merritt Centennials 7:00pm

2010-01-08 at Westside Warriors 7:00pm

2010-01-09 vs Williams Lake Timberwolves 7:00pm

2010-01-15 at Nanaimo Clippers 7:30pm

2010-01-16 at Victoria Grizzlies 7:00pm

2010-01-17 at Cowichan Valley Capitals 2:00pm

2010-01-19 at Alberni Valley Billdogs 7:00pm

2010-01-22 vs Westside Warriors 7:00pm

2010-01-23 vs Westside Warriors 7:00pm

2010-01-29 vs Powell River Kings 7:00pm

2010-01-30 vs Langley Chiefs 7:00pm

2010-02-05 at Merritt Centennials 7:00pm

2010-02-09 vs Merritt Centennials 7:00pm

2010-02-12 vs Penticton Vees 7:00pm

2010-02-13 vs Prince George Spruce Kings 7:00pm

2010-02-17 at Penticton Vees 7:00pm

2010-02-19 at Salmon Arm Silverbacks 7:30pm

2010-02-20 at Westside Warriors 7:00pm

Rockets Ice Blazers:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Rockets ice Blazers

Published: September 08, 2009

The Kelowna Rockets got an injection of Viper venom as they grounded the Kamloops Blazers 3-2 in Western Hockey League exhibition play Saturday night at Prospera Place.
Short bodies, Rockets GM Bruce Hamilton placed a call to Vipers’ GM/head coach Mark Ferner asking if he could spare some players for the game. Viper defenceman Kevin Kraus (former Tri-City American) and forward Jonathan Milhouse (former Portland Winter Hawk) suited up.
“They had 12 guys at NHL prospects camps, plus a few banged up bodies,” said Vipers’ assistant coach Jason Williamson. “Bruce Hamilton and Ferner have pretty good relations, so he phoned him up asking for a favour.”
Even with Kraus and Milhouse, the Rockets were still only able to ice 15 players.
Kraus collected an assist on Brett Bulmer’s winner early in the third period.
“Kraus was probably one of the best defencemen out there,” smiled Williamson, who went down with some of the Vipers to watch their teammates play. “(Milhouse) was skating well, too – he looked pretty smooth out there.”
Meanwhile, the Vipers have yet to make the final cut to trim their roster to 23 players. It is expected they will cut one of their eight remaining defencemen before Friday’s home opener against the Salmon Arm SilverBacks.

St. Denis Stopped In 2-1 Shoot-Out Loss:

Former Vernon Vipers forward, Kyle St. Denis is attending the NHL Dallas Stars camp on a free agent tryout. Last night St. Denis was stopped by Minnesota goalie Darcy Kuemper in a shoot-out as Minnesota defeated Dallas 2-1 in the shoot-out.

This is posted on the Dallas Stars website:

Stars Drop Game Two in a Shootout

Minnesota wins a tight defensive game, 2-1

Monday, 09.07.2009 / 10:45 PM / News

By Dallas Stars Staff

The Stars prospects made some significant adjustments Monday, and played much better in Game 2 of the NHL Prospects Tournament at Centre Ice Arena in Traverse City, Mich.

Dallas lost a 2-1 game to the Minnesota prospects in a shootout, but that was a significant improvement over a 9-6 loss to St. Louis in Game 1 on Sunday.

"I thought that was way better than the other night," said Glen Gulutzan, the new head coach of the Texas Stars, who is coaching the prospects. "We went from 23 scoring chances against to 10. That was a big improvement."

The Stars received a strong performance in net from Tyler Beskorowany, who allowed one goal on 30 shots and then was beat just once in the shootout. Beskorowany, the 59th overall pick in the 2008 NHL entry draft, has been traded from Owen Sound to Kingston this year, and expects to get the chance to be a No. 1 goalie at the major junior level. He appeared ready to face that challenge in his first game.

"He was confident, he moved the puck well, he looked really good," Gulutzan said. "If your goalie looks confident, it transfers to the box and your players are confident. It makes a difference."

Gultzan made some changes in the lineup, as he scratched defensemen Trevor Ludwig and Zak Stebner, as well as forward Tyler Shelast. In their places, he inserted defensemen Hubert Laurie and Brad Miller, as well as forward Kyle St. Denis. He also shuffled the lines, playing Tristan King with Jamie Benn and Tomas Vincour, as well as St. Denis with Michael Neal.

Neal, the younger brother of Stars forward James Neal, scored the only Stars goal when he got lucky and was able to bat in a puck that was misplayed at the net. However, Neal made a concerted effort to get to the net on several occasions.

"You go to the net, and good things happen," Gulutzan said. "That’s good to see."

The Stars were unable to score in the shootout, as Benn, St. Denis, Scott Glennie, Sergei Korostin and Tomas Vincour were stopped by Minnesota goalie Darcy Kuemper. Beskorowany was beat on a nifty move across the crease by Kristopher Foucault.

The Stars, 0-1-1, will not be able to defend their tournament championship. They will take Tuesday off, end pool play on Wednesday against Columbus and then play a placement game on Thursday.

"This is about moving forward and learning about each other," Gulutzan said. "And I think we’re doing that."

BCHL Grads Highlight Freshman Class At Anchorage:

BCHL grads highlight freshman class at Anchorage

Friday, September 4, 2009 - Submitted by UAA Athletics/BCHL Media

Alaska Anchorage head hockey coach Dave Shyiak has finalized the incoming freshman class for the 2009-10 season, and it includes a half dozen British Columbia Hockey League graduates.

Signing National Letters of Intent for the Seawolves were Vernon Vipers captain Chris Crowell, Cowichan Valley Capitals forwards Alex Gellert and Mickey Spencer, and Victoria Grizzlies blueliner Lee Baldwin. Alaska Anchorage also announced that transfers Brad Gorham and Scott Warner have committed to join the team.

Baldwin, a 6-4, 203-pounder from Victoria, B.C., tallied 13 goals and 54 points in 56 games last season and helped lead the Grizzlies to an RBC Cup appearance. The 21-year old, who will sport No. 7 at UAA, played for the Burnaby Express during the 2007/08 and 2006/07 seasons, posting a total of 40 points.

"Lee worked very hard this summer to become a complete player", said former Grizzlies general manager Jackson Penney, "He's a great skater for his size and has both good shooting and passing abilities. Lee is very good in the locker room and leads by example."

Crowell, a 6-2, 205-pounder from Williams Lake, B.C., joins the Seawolf team after suiting up for the Vipers for four seasons. Crowell, who will be wearing No. 17, registered 57 points in his career, including 26 goals, in 172 games.

Vipers assistant coach Jason Williamson added that Crowell "is a great teammate and will do what it takes to win. Crowell is a strong skater with good size and plays a punishing role. He can also chip in offensively."

Gellert, from Kelowna, B.C., stands in at 6-1 and weighs 170. He suited up for the Capitals for two seasons under head coach Scott Robinson. In 115 games, Gellert recorded 33 goals and 38 assists for 71 points, including nine power-play goals and 10 game-winning tallies. Gellert will take the ice with the Seawolves wearing No. 20.

"Gellert is a very dynamic player who moves the puck well," says Robinson, "He has great feet and a lot of potential."

Spencer joins UAA after a two-year stint with the Capitals where he was a teammate of Gellert. A native of Gibbons, Alberta, Spencer stands at 6-0 and weighs in at 189 pounds. He produced 93 points, including 58 goals, in 113 regular season games with the Capitals.

"Spencer is a pure finisher with a great shot and release, who will score when he has the opportunity," stated Robinson. "He is a great kid to have on your team. Both Spencer and Gellert are very well liked and will have a positive impact on UAA."

Gorham, who suited up for the Williams Lake Timberwolves and Alberni Valley Bulldogs suring his two BCHL seasons, has transferred to UAA from Ohio State. Gorham originally joined the team halfway through last season but will sit out until January in accordance with NCAA bylaws.

Warner suited up for the Trail Smoke Eaters for two seasons before attending Army as a college freshman for the 2008/09 campaign. Now a sophomore at UAA, he joins his hometown team and will sit out a season in accordance with NCAA rules.

"I think this class addresses a lot of our needs and will give us depth at every position," stated UAA head coach Dave Shyiak. "We've brought in a good blend of size, skill and speed. The transition to college hockey is a big step and we will need our new players to contribute to our success this year. Our staff and players are excited to get things started and feel we are ready to move ahead in the WCHA."

The incoming class will join the rest of the Seawolves as UAA takes on SAIT Polytechnic in an exhibition game on Oct. 2nd. The regular season will get under way on Oct. 9 with the Kendall Hockey Classic at the Sullivan Arena.

Vipers Get New Look:

The Vernon Vipers will be wearing new jerseys this coming BCHL season, the team will still carry the same colours but just with a different look to them. The Vipers will once again be wearing the NHL Atlanta Thrashers jerseys. The Vipers will be wearing the white jerseys at home, the baby blue jerseys (last years third set) on the road and will debut a new third set jersey this season. The third jerseys are navy blue & white with the word Vipers across the front, like the New York Rangers jerseys. I dont have a picture of them.

Vernon Vipers 2009-10 Roster:

The Vernon Vipers have their 2009-10 roster posted on their website:

The Vipers have yet to make the final cut to trim their roster to 23 players. It is expected they will cut one of their eight remaining defencemen before Friday’s home opener against the Salmon Arm SilverBacks.

#3 Defence Garrett Noonan 91 Norfolk, MA 6'1" 205
#4 Defence Erik Soderlund 90 Carlsbad, CA 6'4" 205
#5 Forward Mike Collins 90 Boston, MA 6'1" 180
#6 Defence Darrin Robak 91 Red Deer, Alb 6'2" 180
#7 Defence Dan Nycholat 89 Calgary, Alb 6'2" 190
#9 Forward Dylan Walchuk 92 McBride, BC 5'9" 170
#10 Forward Connor Jones 90 Montrose, BC 5'10" 170
#11 Forward Cory Kane 90 Irvine, CA 6'3" 198
#12 Forward Cole Ikkala 90 Philadelphia, PA 6'0" 205
#14 Forward Braden Pimm 89 Fort St John, BC 6'0" 190
#15 Forward Kellen Jones 90 Montrose, BC 5'10" 168
#16 Forward Drew George 91 Cupar, SK 6'0" 165
#17 Forward Bredan Persley 93 Kelowna, BC 6'1" 200
#19 Forward Jonathan Milhouse 89 Yorba Linda, CA 5'10" 185
#20 Forward Rob Short 89 Coldstream, BC 6'0" 207
#21 Defence Kevin Kraus 89 Garden Grove, CA 6'2" 200
#22 Forward Sawyer Mick 91 Vernon, BC 6'1" 180
#24 Defence Steve Weinstein 90 Los Angeles, CA 5'9" 175
#25 Defence Nick Amies 92 Enderby, BC 6'2" 190
#27 Forward Bryce Kakoske 90 Vernon, BC 6'0" 205
#28 Defence Adam Thompson 90 Calgary, Alb 6'1" 198
#29 Forward Patrick McGillis 91 Calgary, Alb 5'10" 185
#30 Goaltender Blake Voth 91 Herbert, SK 5'10" 170
#35 Goaltender Graeme Gordon 89 North Vancouver, BC 6'2" 197

Kraus & Milhouse Make Rockets Debut:

Vipers defenceman Kevin Kraus & forward Jonathan Milhouse made their Kelowna Rockets debut tonight in an exibition game vs the Kamloops Blazers. Kelowna defeated Kamloops 3-2. Kraus collected one assist on the Rockets 3rd goal of the game.

Kraus played very well, looking very solid defensivly. Kraus had his best scoring chance in the first period but was stopped in close. Kraus showed some good hustle coming back to break up a scoring play.

Jason Williamson & a good 10 or more Vernon Vipers were also in attendance at tonights game.

BCHL Interior Conference Preview:

BCHL Interior Conference preview

Wednesday, September 2, 2009 - Submitted by Westside Warriors

From BC Hockey Now

With training camps and exhibition games in full swing teams in a new look, nine team B.C. Hockey League Interior Conference are getting set for another run at a championship banner.Along with the new team in Williams Lake, five new head coaches will be behind Interior Conference benches when the regular season begins Sept. 1 with Ed Dempsey in Prince George as the longest serving bench boss.

Here’s a look at the teams in order of the final 2008-09 regular season standings along with the team’s record.

1. Vernon Vipers (42-14-1-3)

The Vipers went all the way to win the RBC Royal Bank Cup last year and return a deep talent pool that features Connor and Kellen Jones in what the hard-working twins final BCHL season. The Vipers did lose net-minder Andrew Hammond and top defenseman Kyle Bigos along with captain Chris Crowell but had 15 players eligible to return, according to bchl.bc.ca.“When you come back from a season like we had, all that stuff goes out the window,” head coach Mark Ferner told the Vernon Morning Star. “You can’t rest on your laurels – it’s a new year.”The Vipers are the returning champs of what should be another competitive year as nine Interior teams fight for seven playoff spots.

2. Salmon Arm (40-17-1-2)

The off season saw the Silverbacks shuffle the coaching deck as Rylan Ferster handed over the coach’s role to assistant Matt Hughes to concentrate full time as the ’Backs general manager.Hughes steps to the bench after 40 wins last season in Salmon Arm and will be looking to remain a contender in the Interior. Mark Zengerle posted a second-best 93 points in his rookie BCHL season and is back as a 20-year-old to lead the offense.In goal Tony Ierfino was very good last year when he posted a .915 save percentagein going 18-6 largely as a backup and will start the year as the man to beat.

3. Westside (37-18-1-4)

The Mark Howell era in Westside ended after three years with the former head coach moving on to the University of Calgary and Merrimack assistant Darren Yopyk taking over. The Warriors will return 13 players including 20-year-old goalie Kevin Jebson and his 27 wins and .909 save percentage. Trevor Bailey is the highest returning scorer and the return of Cam Reid, drafted by Nashville in the NHL Entry Draft in the summer, will bolster the club’s offense.

4. Penticton (36-17-0-7)

The Vees expect a healthy Denver Manderson to lead the way offensively while the diminutive Garrett Milan has a year under his belt after putting up a nearly a point per game in playing all 60 last year as a rookie. Twenty-year-old Eric Filiou was acquired in an off-season trade with Nanaimo where he was a point a game player in two seasons. In goal Sean Bonnor won 11 games as a rookie backup, posting .908 save percentage.

5. Prince George Spruce Kings (26-25-3-6)

A three way deal in early August gave Prince George a top flight offensive player in Brooks Robinson and a partner for returning Sam Muchalla. Robinson went to Alberta before being acquired by the Kings. Muchalla had a career year ended by injury and scored 53 points in 43 games. Coach Ed Dempsey and general manager Mike Hawes signed two year contract extensions in the summer.

6. Trail Smoke Eaters (25-31-2-2)

A rookie-laden team last year, the Smoke Eaters will be better for just the experience gained in an up and down season. Forty point man Paul Mailey was named captain in the off season while newcomer Colin Lidster will bring size to the equation. Devon Murtagh, acquired from Westside, and Paul Barclay will battle for minutes in goal.

7. Quesnel Millionaires (16-40-0-4)

Most of the news surrounding the Quesnel Millionaires was off ice this summer. Glen Watson was hired as the new head coach after Tom Bohmer departed near the end of last season. A new ownership group purchased the club and is working on a new arena deal. On the ice Trevor Hertz is the top returning ofensive player while Taylor Holst was acquired in a late summer deal. Twenty-year-old Eliot Raibl will be counted on to anchor the defense.

8. Merritt Centennials (13-44-0-3)

Another tumultuous year for Merritt last season saw longtime coach Al Glendinning out after the season. When hired-coach Joey Bouchard left the Cents just weeks before training camp brothers Dylan and Tyler Forsythe brought Alberta and Manitoba junior A expereince to try and right the ship as the team’s head coach and general manager respectively. On the ice the Cents should be better with plenty of players returning from its team last year and from plenty of future consideration deals down the stretch last year.

9. Williams Lake Timberwolves (dormant)

Not much is known of the newest team in the BCHL Interior Conference. After a one year hiatus to find new owners the Timberwolves return to the league’s northern loop under the helm of coach Dave Dupas who was hired from the B.C. Major Midget League. The T-Wolves are looking for community support and a respectable record back in the league after missing a season.

Title Defence Begins:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Title defence begins

Published: September 03, 2009

It doesn’t seem all that long ago that I watched Chris Crowell hoist the Royal Bank Cup at Bear Mountain Arena after the Vernon Vipers claimed their record-setting fifth national Junior A title. That was a mere 117 days ago. In hockey speak, this offseason has been about as fast as an Adam Thompson point shot. I’ve had longer waits in the lineup to get a plastic cup of beer during intermission at a Vipers home game. I guess that’s what happens when you get to cover a perennial powerhouse such as the Vipers – going deep into the playoffs is always a distinct possibility. I certainly can’t complain. I got to go on the road with the team to Grande Prairie for the Doyle Cup, and then again to Victoria for the RBC in May. Mind you, I didn’t get to stay at the Westin at Bear Mountain with the Vipers, but my brother’s place in Vic has a big-screen TV and just about every video game console you can think of, so it wasn’t too difficult to take. Looking at that team that won the national crown, it had all the key ingredients – stellar goaltending, hard-nosed leadership, a bruising blueline and a host of versatile forwards who could score goals, mix it up and help out in their own end. Can they do it again? Ask me that after the trade deadline. A lot can happen over the course of a 60-game B.C. Hockey League regular season. What I can tell you is Vipers’ head coach/GM Mark Ferner and head scout Larry Black have assembled some of the best talent available to compete for the vacancies left by Vernon’s graduating players. When it comes to persuading players to try out for the team, having a fresh national pennant hanging from the rafters in Wesbild Centre certainly never hurts. With the offseason signings of Dylan Walchuk (KIJHL’s rookie-of-the-year), Drew George (Notre Dame Hounds sniper) and veteran Jon Milhouse, the Snakes’ forward corps is scary good. The opposition simply won’t be able to key in on any one line and think that will shut down Vernon’s offence. In other words, the four-line tsunami is back. The Jones twins, Connor and Kellen, are back for one more year. It’ll be interesting to see who earns the plum assignment of playing on their wing, a position left vacant by Sahir Gill’s departure for the USHL’s Chicago Steel. Veterans Braden Pimm and Mike Collins developed some solid chemistry towards the end of last season, and someone like Robbie Short would slot in nicely on the wing. The one area I had concerns with coming into the season was defence, but the Vipers seems to have addressed that as well. I only got to watch Dan Nycholat skate in the Vipers’ preseason tilt against the Westside Warriors on Tuesday, but he looked like a smooth skater who can make the heads-up play. Throw in the veteran presence of Kevin Kraus and Thompson, along with some newfound toughness in Garrett Noonan, and there is the makings of a steady blueline. Of all the returning players, the ones who impressed me the most are those who had the smallest roles last season. Forward Cole Ikkala and defencemen Stevie Weinstein and Nick Amies spent their share of time in the press box as healthy scratches last season. They put in some serious work this summer to make sure that doesn’t happen again. Each one has gotten bigger, stronger and faster. Weinstein hired a personal trainer and packed on at least 10 pounds of muscle to his 5-foot-9 frame. The kid should be doing commercials for Bowflex.

Mick Earns Second Shot In Den:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Mick earns second shot in den

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: September 03, 2009

Sawyer Mick and the Vernon Vipers have a chance for a do-over. Recently released from the Western Hockey League’s Portland Winter Hawks, the 17-year-old Vernon product needed a place to play. The defending Royal Bank Cup champion Vipers were at the top of his list.
Mick was a late cut from Viper camp last year, so it would have been understandable if had he chosen to play elsewhere. He did play a few B.C. Hockey League games as an affiliate with the Salmon Arm SilverBacks.
However, Mick just shrugs when asked about the turmoil he has endured this week.
“Everything happens for a reason. Of all the choices, Vernon just felt the best to me.
“In Portland, I had a very good camp, but over the summer they did a whole lot of recruiting and they had to release me.”
Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner is thrilled to have another go-around with Mick. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound forward will certainly add some size to the Vipers.
“He said he doesn’t want to play in the B.C. Hockey League – he wants to play for the Vernon Vipers,” said Ferner. “When you hear those types of things, then you know you’ve got a special kid.
“He’s exactly what we want in the organization. We told him to look at this as an opportunity, and what you do with it is completely up to you.
“He has potential to be not only a very good player in this league, but if things continue to work out and develop, that pro option is certainly going to be there.”
Mick started last season with the Chase Chiefs of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League, posting 12-9-21 and 38 penalty minutes in 18 games. He then got the call to join the Winter Hawks where he collected another 13 points and 13 PIMs in 48 games.
He and Jonathan Milhouse played together for a stint with the Winter Hawks before Milhouse departed for the Victoria Grizzles.
“He was one of the first guys I got to know on the team,” said Milhouse.
“He’s always been a hard worker and works as hard as he can every shift. He’ll go out there and throw the body around and just do the little things to help out.”
Added the Vipers’ Bryce Kakoske, who played minor hockey with Mick: “He’s always been a good player, and he’s just been getting better and better these last few years. I think he’s grown in the last few years too.
“It’s always nice to get another hometown kid, especially when he’s coming back from the Dub. He’ll be a great addition to our team.”
Mick will be sporting No. 22 for the Vipers, the same number worn by his brother Troy when he set all kinds of scoring records with the Winter Hawks in the ‘80s.
“I was pretty pumped about that,” smiled Mick, who also wore No. 22 in Portland.
Added Ferner: “He deserves that, but he’s probably going to have to take Drew George (rookie who had No. 22) out for lunch for that, but he’s fine with that too.”
Despite missing all but the Vipers final preseason game, Mick doesn’t expect it will be much of an adjustment getting in sync with his teammates. He knows most of them already.
“I know all the guys, I’ve been through the system since I was 15, and I kind of know what (Ferner) and the other coaching staff want out of me and other players.
“It’s just a matter of getting into the team, working hard every day and helping the team again.”
“I like to take the body, and put the puck in the net once in a while. I’m not scared to go in the dirty areas and make plays.”
Like his teammates, Mick already has the thought of returning to the RBC, but knows it’s still a long way off.
“The thing I’m looking forward to is going for a national championship again. It’s sort of in the back of their minds now and it’s what they’re working towards.
“We’re going to have an obvious challenge day in and day out because we are the champions, but I think our team can rise to that fairly easily because we’re hard working.”

Vipers Poised For National Title Defence:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers poised for national title defence

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: September 03, 2009

The Vernon Vipers are one cut away from the 23-man roster that will be charged with defending their Royal Bank Cup national junior A hockey title.
Following a pair of B.C. Hockey League exhibition play wins over the Westside Warriors, the Vipers trimmed their list to 24 Thursday morning. The Snakes stuffed the Warriors 6-3 Tuesday night at Wesbild Centre, and 4-3 Wednesday night at Royal LePage Place.
With such a talented core of returning players, there were some definite no-brainers for Vipers’ GM/head coach Mark Ferner. As always, it was the final cuts that proved the most difficult.
The Snakes are currently carrying 14 forwards, eight defencemen and two goalies. They have until Sept. 11, when they open the BCHL regular season against the Salmon Arm SilverBacks at Wesbild, to decide on the final roster.
Forwards: Mike Collins, Dylan Walchuk, Cory Kane, Sawyer Mick, Cole Ikkala, Braden Pimm, Bryce Kakoske, Brendan Persley, Drew George, Pat McGillis, Connor Jones, Kellen Jones, Jonathan Milhouse, Rob Short.
Defencemen: Kevin Kraus, Adam Thompson, Garrett Noonan, Steve Weinstein, Nick Amies, Dan Nycholat, Darrin Robak, Eric Soderlund.
Goaltenders: Graeme Gordon is primed for the starting role, while Blake Voth will assume backup duties.
“We were fortunate to win last year, and when you win when you’re pretty young you’re going to get lots of guys back,” said Ferner. “We feel like our core group is coming back as far as forwards are concerned. We know that we lost a lot on the back end with our veterans there, but there are some players that have come in and made impressions.”
Ferner says the additions of Dan Nycholat and Garrett Noonan have helped shore up the blueline. Overall, he thinks the Vipers are well equipped to make another title run.
“Are we that far off? I don’t think so, but only time will tell.
“One thing with that hockey team last year, they certainly like each other, they like being around each other, and the effort right from day one was second to none.
we’re on the right track. We have a lot of guys returning who know the expectations.
“We like our start, but realistically we don’t have to pick our team until Jan. 10.”
Braden Pimm fired a pair of goals, including the winner, in the Vipers’ Wednesday night win. Vernon led 4-1 after 40 minutes and needed a solid effort from Gordon to shut down Westside in the third period.
Warriors’ netminder Chris Kingdon, a Vernon product, recorded 26 saves in the loss. He is vying for the backup role behind returning starter Kevin Jebson.
On Tuesday, the Vipers got third-period goals from Jesse Halikas, Conner Jones, Drew George and Dylan Walchuk to brush back Westside.
Walchuk was a standout for Vernon during camp and seems to have settled in nicely with the Snakes.
“Coming into camp it’s a bit of pressure, but it makes me want to work harder and show ‘em who I am. It gives me that motivation to work harder and be that player I think I am.
“We’re definitely getting some chemistry out there, learning how each other plays and where to go.
Kevin Kraus, who played his first exhibition Tuesday, sees a lot of potential with the new recruits.
“They’re doing an unbelievable job right now. The last three games we’ve played a lot of them and they’ve just been fitting in nicely.
“There’s not even a guy at camp right now that we could choose that’s not doing well right now. From top to bottom, they’re playing unreal.”
The Garden Grove, Calif. product knows how much work it takes to hunt down a national championship. He also knows the Vipers have to prove themselves all over again.
“That was last year. It’s a totally different team this year, every team in the league is different.
“We’ve just got to come in and have the same attitude that we had last year. We’re going to beat everyone, everyone is against us, and we’re just going to go out there and fight.”
“A couple guys like myself were a little rusty like myself. It was my first game of the preseason and I think everyone’s just getting the jitters out.
“But I think we’re gelling as a team, we’ve got good forwards and d-men, the goalies look good, we’re putting the puck in the net.”
“There’s no question we’re going to compete with the best of them.”
Darren Yopyk
“I thought the guys battled hard, but they were scrambling a bit. They’ve only had two practices, so guys are still figuring out what we’re doing.”
“We had a lot of young guys out there
35 players, five games in six nights
10 returning players
“This conference is a real skilled conference.
“I like our nucleus, and I like some of the young guys who are coming up as well.”
“I’m looking for another evaluation, for some of the guys to get the rust out a bit, I’m looking for guys to compete hard. We’ve got a lot of stuff to work on, and it was more scrambly than I’d like it to be, but our goal here is to get better every day.”
Krause
“Our team was working hard, we just fell short in the third.”
three veterans in the lineup
“We’ve just got to keep working, and as soon as we learn to play the style of the league we’ll be doing better.”
“For a lot of them it was their first game playing at the junior level. They did well, they got the puck deep, battled hard, but there’s some things to learn definitely.”
“We’ve got a great core, a lot of good guys coming back from last year. As long as we get the team going off to a good start, we’ll be great.”
four exhibition games in five nights
35 guys
Warriors camp started a week ago.
“There’s a lot of new faces in the dressing room and no one really knows who anyone is, so you’ve got to make sure you’re communicating out there on the ice.”

Sabey Joins Centennials Pre Season Roster:

This is posted on Brian Wiebe's Merritt Centennials Blog:

Forward, David Sabey (91), who was released by the Vernon Vipers late last week, is trying to crack the Merritt Centennials lineup after joining the Cents this week. Sabey played Last Season With The KIJHL Columbia Valley Rockies.

Former Viper Genoway Named UND Captain:

BCHL alum Chay Genoway named captain at North Dakota

Wednesday, September 2, 2009 - Submitted by UND Athletics

University of North Dakota head men’s hockey coach Dave Hakstol announced today that senior defenseman Chay Genoway has been named team captain for the 2009-10 season. Hakstol also announced that senior forwards Chris VandeVelde and Darcy Zajac have been named assistant captains.

“We have a high-impact, quality senior class,” said Hakstol. “Those three will be our captains, they will be our leaders and they will be the ones pointing the team in the right direction.”

Genoway was an American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) second-team All-American last season after scoring three goals and 29 assists for 32 points in 42 games. The Morden, Manitoba, native was named the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Defensive Player of the Year and earned All-WCHA first team honors. Genoway was also named to his second straight All-College Hockey News second team and was an ESPN the Magazine Academic All-America third team honoree, joining Karl Goehring as the only Academic All-Americans in program history.

Zajac is UND’s active leader in career games played with 125 and the Sioux are 13-0-2 all-time when the Winnipeg, Manitoba, native scores a goal. Last season Zajac played in all 43 games and reached career highs in points (17) and assists (12). He was also named to his second consecutive All-WCHA Academic team.

The Sioux open the 2009-10 season with an exhibition game on Oct. 4 against Manitoba at Ralph Engelstad Arena. The regular season gets underway with a non-conference home series against Merrimack Oct. 9-10.

Vipers Beat Warriors To Stay Perfect:

Vipers beat Warriors to stay perfect

by Wayne Moore Sep 3, 2009

The Vernon Vipers scored three times on the power-play in propelling themselves to a 4-3 victory over the Westside Warriors Wednesday in BCHL pre-season play. The Vipers, who opened training camp four days earlier than the Warriors, were the sharper team, especially on special teams. "We haven't worked on ours at all and it kind of showed," says Warriors coach Darren Yopyk. "We gave up a few chances there when we didn't know what we were doing quite yet, but that's part of training camp and that's part of the exhibition season so those will get ironed out." After falling behind 4-1 after 40 minutes the Warriors battled back to make it interesting in the third. Veterans Grayson Downing and Quinn Gould pulled the Warriors to within a goal by the 6:41 mark of the final period. It appeared Downing may have tied it later in the period, however, his shot from a sharp angle went through the crease, hit the far post and slid away. Despite the slow start, Yopyk was pleased with how the team battled and got better as the game wore on. "The first period was our worst period, the second period I thought we played well five-on-five and the third period I thought was our best of the six periods we have played so far. It's all about getting better and I was pleased with our effort." Braden Pimm scored twice for the Vipers with Dylan Walchuk and former Warrior Bryce Kakoske adding singles. Chris Kingdom went the distance in the Warriors net, stopping 26 of 30 shots fired his way. The Vipers finished the night 3-5 on the power-play while the Warriors were 0-6. The Warriors will practice again Thursday before playing three games in three nights to conclude the pre-season schedule. "I think we'll work on our penalty killing." Yopyk expects to trim the roster to 29 or 30 before the next exhibition game Friday in Penticton. The Warriors host Penticton Saturday then Merritt Sunday afternoon before opening the regular season September 11 in Prince George.

Mick Joins Vipers:

Vernon product, Sawyer Mick was in the Vipers lineup tonight vs Westside.

This was in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

After being released by the Portland Winter Hawks, Vernon’s Sawyer Mick is at camp with the Kelowna Rockets. In 48 games with the Winter Hawks last season, Mick recorded seven goals for 13 points and 13 penalty minutes.

Vernon 4 Westside 3 (Exibition)

Was at tonights BCHL exibition game as Vernon defeated Westside 4-3 at Royal Le Page Place. (Attendance wasnt announced)

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Graeme Gordon
Westside: Chris Kingdom

1st Period: Both teams got off to a bit of a slow start, the Vipers got a few early shots on Chris Kingdom but no real good scoring chances. Westside would get the first powerplay of the night early into the opening period, but some strong penalty kill by Vernon and the Vipers would kill off the minor. The Vipers first solid scoring chance came about five minutes into the game when Mike Collins worked hard down low, made a nice pass from the corner to the top of the circle where Kevin Kraus wired a quick shot but Kingdom stood tall making the save. It took a while before the play really opened up, as both teams couldnt seem to get much going in the first half. Vernon was hitting almost everything in site, playing a physical 1st period. The Vipers would get their first powerplay of the night and didnt waste anytime, just ten seconds into the man advantage, newcomer and Vernon product, Sawyer Mick in his first game as a Viper would make a nice pass to the slot where Dylan Walchuk wired his shot shortside past Kingdom putting Vernon up 1-0 on the PP at 10:00. Shortly after the Vipers would get another powerplay, with some good puck movement Vernon had some chances but couldnt find the back of the net. The Warriors would kill off the minor. Vernon seemed to finally start rolling, carrying the edge in play in the 2nd half of the period, Braden Pimm wiffed on his shot after a glorious scoring chance as Pimm & Jonathan Milhouse went in two on one. Pimm would get his revenge after the Vipers with some nice passing down low, Pimm would beat Kingdom at 14:33 putting Vernon up 2-0. Mike Collins & Jonathan Milhouse with the assists. The Vipers were really skating hard, moving the puck very well, with some real nice setups down low. Vernon looked very good down low in the Westside zone with some crisp passing, creating some good chances. The Warriors didnt generate much of an offensive attack, but looked much better compared to last nights 6-3 loss in Vernon. Rob Short, Mike Collins & Braden Pimm looked very good for the Vipers in the first period, all three kids worked very hard, winning most of the one on one battles down low. Vernon had the better of the play and chances, as the Vipers were up 2-0 after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers outshot the Warriors 11-8.

2nd Period: Mike Collins & Jonathan Milhouse with a two on one early into the 2nd period, Kingdom come up with a big save off Collins. The Warriors couldnt clear the zone as the Vipers peppered Kingdom with a good four or five straight shots, as Kingdom had to be sharp making some key saves early on keeping the Warriors in the game. Westside seemed to settle down as both teams with some back and forth play before Vernon took over once again, the Vipers really stepped up the physical play in the first half of the period laying out some big checks. Trevor Bailey seemed to give the Warriors some spark with a few solid checks, really battling hard down low. Bailey with two solid shifts, snuck inbehind the Vernon defence, put a nice move on Graeme Gordon and then roofed his shot over Gordon putting Westside on the board at 7:46, cutting the lead to 2-1. Cam Reid with the lone assist. This goal seemed to light a fire under Westside as the Warriors kept up some good presure, Bailey would get another great scoring chance, missing on an open net. Westside would get into penalty trouble and it would cost them. With the Warriors down two men, the Vipers would get two powerplay goals in just under two minutes. Former Warrior Bryce Kakoske beat Kingdom at 11:50 with Dan Nycholat picking up the lone assist and then Braden Pimm with his 2nd goal of the night at 12:26 put Vernon up 4-1 as Mike Collins collected the only assist. Both powerplay goals seemed to sink Westside as the Vipers took over posetion for the remainder of the period. Vernon was up 4-1 after 40 minutes of play, as the Vipers outshot the Warriors 15-7.

3rd Period: With the Vipers on the powerplay wich was carried over from the 2nd period, it was the Warriors who had the best scoring chance, off the draw Trevor Bailey & Cam Reid went in two on one shorthanded, Bailey made a nice pass over to Reid who was robbed by Gordon who come across the crease to make the huge toe save. Westside would kill off the minor. Westside with lots of jump early on poured on the presure, Grayson Downing just through the puck towards the goal and somehow it found its way to the back of the net, beating wich looked to be a screened Graeme Gordon as the Warriors cut the lead to 4-2 just 1:43 into the 3rd. Izaak Berglund with the assist. This goal seemed to turn the tables as the Warriors didnt quit and on the next rush Cam Reid & Jacob Perich went in two on one as Reid was stopped by Gordon. Westside come very close to making it a one goal game after, Matt Maher through the puck towards the net with a screened shot from the point, but somehow Gordon made the save with lots of traffic in front. James Werner with a nice move over the blueline was stopped by Gordon who made a nice glove save. Jacob Perich made a soft pass up the middle to catch Quinn Gould who snuck inbehind the Vipers defence, putting a nice move on Gordon, going fivehole at 6:41 cutting the lead to 4-3 with lots of time left. The Vipers who played a solid defensive game in the first two periods were now having all kinds of trouble in the 3rd containing the Warriors speed. Westside was really moving the puck well, creating all kinds of chances down low, the Warriors were now the ones who started throwing around their weight, laying out some solid hits. Tempers started to flare up as Cory Kane & Alex Grieve started pushing and shoving in front of the Vipers bench, both players fell into the bench where a scrum started in front of the Vernon bench. Words were now being exchanged between both benches. Westside had a great chance to tie the game as Grayson Downing was stoned by Gordon in close. Gordon played very well and had his most action all game in the 3rd. Dylan Walchuk with a breakaway with just under five minutes remaining couldnt get the puck up and over Kingdom before running out of space, Walchuk managed to get the puck back out front but Kingdom was quick to cover up and stop the play. This was Vernons best and only real solid scoring chance in the final 20 minutes, as Westside carried the better of the play. The Warriors would get a late powerplay with just under four minutes left but couldnt capitalise on the man advantage as the Vipers killed off the minor. Westside would pull Kingdom for the extra attacker but couldnt seem to get the puck in deep, for a chance to tie the game. As the buzzer sounded players gathered in the corner in the Vernon zone as some pushing and shoving started. Joel Woznikowski was very upset, trying to get at a Viper, Woznikiwski looked as if he may have shoved one of the linesmen as they were trying to get him back to the benches. Kevin Kraus was also involved in the scrum at the buzzer, yapping back and forth with the five other Warriors on the ice. After the dust settled the Vipers would hang on for the 4-3 victory finishing the pre season at 4-0 as the Warriors fall to 0-2 with still three exibition games remaining. Westside outshot Vernon 9-4.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Rob Short worked very hard all night, was really hustling, battling hard in the corners and in front of the net. Was a true work horse tonight for the Vipers.

Mike Collins (2 assists) Played very well all night. Collins setup two real nice goals, was very dominate down low in the 1st and 2nd periods. Collins was hard to knock off the puck down low and in and around the goal.

Braden Pimm (2 goals) Looked very solid tonight. Pimm had many chances all night, fanned on a two on one with Milhouse in the 1st period. Was very good with the puck, had some good chances.

Dan Nycholat (1 assist) Played in just his 2nd game as a Viper and looked very solid on the blueline. Made some real heads up plays at both ends of the rink, was solid defensively, broke up a few scoring chances.

Jonathan Milhouse (1 assist) I thought had his best performance since coming to Vernon (training camp and pre season) Milhouse looked very good and dangerous with the puck. Very smooth skater who has some soft hands.

Garrett Noonan played well on the backend. Im very impressed with this young fellow so far. Dylan Walchuk (1 goal) This kid is going to be a treat to watch, the moves this kid has and can do is incredible. Played very well again tonight.

Graeme Gordon (21 saves) Played his best game as a Viper this pre season, Gordon wasnt overall busy in the first two periods but had to be sharp and good in the 3rd making some key saves getting the Vipers the win.

Top Players: (Westside)

Trevor Bailey (1 goal) Was the Warriors best player, Bailey who is knowen for his superpest role stuck to hockey tonight and was dangerous with the puck at all times. Looked very good up front.

Grayson Downing (1 goal) Looked very strong for the Warriors, had some good chances.

Cam Reid (1 assit) Was another solid player for Westside tonight, looked very good up front playing along side Trevor Bailey. Was robbed by Graeme Gordon after making the huge two on one save.

Chris Kingdom (26 saves) Played well between the pipes for Westside. The Vernon product who was called up as an "AP" to be the backup goaltender for the Vipers a few years back, made some key saves at key times to keep the Wariors in the game. Dosnt give up much if any big rebounds. James Werner played well.

Jacob Perich had some good chances, played well most of the night.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

The Vipers looked and played very good in the first two periods, laid out some good checks, looked very good with the puck down low, some very nice crisp passes, and was very solid defensively. Up 2-1 heading into the 3rd the wheels seemed to come off and the team had to hang on to the 4-3 victory. Vernon who shutdown the Warriors offence for most of the first two periods, gave them too much time and space in the final period giving up two goals and many quality scoring chances. Tonights game was by far the toughest of the four exibition games the team played in. With the pre season coming to an end, Vernon finishes at 4-0 looking fairly impressive. I was very surprised to see former Portland Winterhawk, Sawyer Mick in tonights lineup. Todays Morning Star Newspaper noted he had been cut by the Winterhawks and was joining the Kelowna Rockets. Im not too sure what the deal on Mick is? Mick made a real nice pass to setup Dylan Walchuk on Vernons first goal of the night, and then didnt see a single shift in the 2nd period, but did look fairly good in the 3rd, played physical and saw a regular shift.

Game Thoughts: (Westside)

This was a much better performance and effort tonight compared to last nights 6-3 loss in Vernon. The Warriors had some chances but still were outplayed in the first two periods, but didnt quit and battled back in the 3rd to make a very exciting finish. The Warriors went with a few more veterans tonight. With veteran goaltender, Kevin Jebson returning as the teams #1 tender, both Chris Kingdom and Michael Smith have both played extremly well putting in dibs on the backup job. I was fairly impressed with the attendance tonight, for it being a Wednesday night game and still the pre season, I was a little surprised at tonights attendance. In all the Vernon-Westside games I have attended the Warriors dont seem to draw very well.

Vernons Lineup:

Bryce Kakoske 90
Dylan Walchuk 92
Sawyer Mick 91
Mike Collins 90
Braden Pimm 89
Jonathan Milhouse 89
Patrick McGillis 91
Jesse Halikas 91
Drew George 91
Brendan Persley 93
Cory Kane 90
Rob Short 89
Kevin Kraus 89
Darrin Robak 91
Dan Nycholat 89
Nick Amies 89
Adam Thompson 89
Garrett Noonan 91
Graeme Gordon 89
Blake Voth 91

Westside Lineup:

Trevor Bailey 89
Cam Reid 91
Alex Grieve
James Werner 90
Grayson Downing 92
Quinn Gould 90
Andrew Wiebe 91
Shawn Hochhausen 92
Chris Volonino 89
Jacob Perich 91
Max French 92
Jamie Russell 92
Joel Woznikowski 89
Izaak Berglund 91
John Petrash 91
Kelsey Vonk 92
Matt Maher 90
Caylen Walls 91
Michael Smith 91
Chris Kingdom 90

(Game Preview) Vernon @ Westside: (Exibition)

Vernon (3-0-0) @ Westside (0-1-0)

Tonight is the end of a home and home exibition series between the Vernon Vipers & Westside Warriors. Last night the Vipers defeated the Warriors 6-3 on home ice. Tonight is the fourth and final game of the exibition season for Vernon, as the Warriors are playing their second of five games in six nights. Vernon is looking to go 4-0 in the pre season, as Westside is going for its first win of the exibition season. Vernon is loaded up front offensively scoring 21 goals in its first three exibition games, while giving up just 8 goals. The Vipers have lots of depth and speed up front with some strong goaltending in returning veteran goaltender, Graeme Gordon. The Vipers have just four returning d-men from last years RBC Cup winning team but have improved on the backend with adding veteran d-man Dan Nycholat and new recruit, Garrett Noonan who looks to be filling in nicely. Westside has 13 players returning from last years club (Trevor Bailey, Grayson Downing, Brendan Ellis, Quinn Gould, Alex, Grieve, Tyler Krause, Vince Mihalek, Michael Quinn, Cam Reid, Justin Schultz, Kyle Singleton, Joel Woznikozski, & Kevin Jebson)

Here's a look at last night's game:

The Warriors had leads of 1-0 and 2-1 but couldnt hold on as the Vipers opened the scoring in the 3rd pocketing three goals in just over three minutes going onto the 6-3 victory. Kellen Jones, Cole Ikkala, Jesse Halikas, Connor Jones, Drew George & Dylan Walchuk scored for Vernon. Tyler Krause, Anthony Fadel & Chris Volonino scored for Westside. Graeme Gordon & Tyler Steel split the goaltending duties for the Vipers picking up the win, while Michael Smith played very well keeping the Warriors in the hockey game, but ended up suffering the loss making 37 saves.

Vipers Pre Season Roster Update:

The Vipers made five more cuts following weekend play – Kale Hildebaugh, Marley Keca, Josh McKissock, Terrence Limbert and Nick Kerr – leaving them with 14 forwards, 10 defencemen and three goalies. Assistant coach Jason Williamson says they will get down to their 23-man roster following tonight’s game against the Warriors. Here's a look at the Vipers current pre season roster.

Defence:

Frank Riddle 90
Garrett Noonan 91
Eric Soderlund 90
Rob Florentino 89
Nick Amies 90
Kevin Kraus 89
Dan Nycholat 89
Adam Thompson 90
Steve Weinstein 90
Darrin Robak 91

Forwards:

Dylan Walchuk 92
Cory Kane 90
Cole Ikkala 90
Brendan Persley 93
Patrick McGillis 91
Rob Short 89
Drew George 91
Jesse Halikas 91
Bryce Kakoske 90
Mike Collins 90
Connor Jones 90
Kellen Jones 90
Jonathan Milhouse 89
Braden Pimm 89

Goaltenders:

Blake Voth 91
Graeme Gordon 89
Tyler Steel 93

Vipers Storm Warriors:

Vipers storm Warriors

by Don Klepp - Sep 2, 2009

Outside the Wesbild Centre on Tuesday night, a lightning storm entertained fans who were coming to see an exhibition game between the Vernon Vipers and the Westside Warriors. Inside, the Vipers saved their strikes for the third period when they scored four times en route to a 6-3 win. The game’s opening face-off was delayed about 15 minutes when the main lights went out, apparently the result of a lightning strike. When the game did begin, the Vipers seized the initiative, out skating and out shooting a rookie-laden Warrior squad. However, Westside’s Tyler Krause opened the scoring on a power play. The Vipers equalized when Kellen Jones converted a feed from brother Connor. In the opening stanza, the Vipers out shot the visitors, 14-3. In the opening stages of the second period, Westside had its best flurry of the game, matching the Vipers shot for shot. The Warriors once again grabbed the lead on a close-in goal by Chris Volonino after some determined work by Michael Spring. By the midway point of the period, the Vipers were once again in control as they out shot Westside by 11 to 1 after the Volonino goal. Still, they were able to score just once, a nice Cole Ikkala goal that was set up by Dan Nycholat and Rob Short. A three-goal Viper outburst early in the third sealed the Warriors’ fate. First, Jesse Halikas fired a one-timer past Michael Smith. His goal was followed by Connor Jones’s fine individual effort and by a quick shot by Drew George, who was assisted by Kevin Kraus and Jesse Halikas. Dylan Walchuk scored a late marker when fed by Drew George from behind the net. Finally, Westside defenceman Anthony Fadel banged in a loose puck late in the game to complete the scoring. In this game, Westside did not dress veterans Cam Reid, Trevor Bailey, Alex Grieve, Grayson Downing, Michael Quinn, Brendan Ellis, and Vince Mihalek. The Vipers rested Braden Pimm, Bryce Kakoske, Mike Collins, and Adam Thompson. Also, Jon Milhouse was tossed in the first period for a hit from behind, and defenceman Rob Florentino was ejected in the second period for being the instigator in a fight with Kyle Singleton. That bout was fairly even until Florentino decked Singleton with a right to the jaw. Singleton and Tyler Krause were the best Warriors on the night, while four-year vet, Joel Woznikoski attempted to get under the skin of the Viper forwards. For the Vipers, young Brendan Persley (’93 birth year) played a spirited game and fellow rookies Dylan Walchuk and Drew George showed why the Vipers recruited them. Connor Jones, Cole Ikkala, Drew George, and Jesse Halikas led the Viper scoring, each with a goal and an assist. Following a pattern established in two weekend games against Salmon Arm, the Vipers out shot the Warriors 43-16. Vernon has now scored 21 times in three pre-season games, leading to speculation that the defending RBC champions will ice a high scoring team this year. The Warriors and Vipers play the back end of a home and home exhibition series Wednesday night at 7 at Royal LePage Place.

Vipers Bounce ‘Backs:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers bounce ‘Backs

Published: September 01, 2009

The Vernon Vipers started the B.C. Hockey League exhibition season the same way they ended their last season – perfect.
The Vipers recorded a pair of wins over the Salmon Arm SilverBacks, grounding them 9-2 Saturday night at the Sunwave Centre, and doubling them 6-3 Sunday at the Revelstoke Forum.
Vernon faces the Westside Warriors tonight at Royal LePage Place in the second game of a home-and-home to conclude the preseason.
The Vipers made five more cuts following weekend play – Kale Hildebaugh, Marley Keca, Josh McKissock, Terrence Limbert and Nick Kerr – leaving them with 14 forwards, 10 defencemen and three goalies. Assistant coach Jason Williamson says they will get down to their 23-man roster following tonight’s game against the Warriors.
The Snakes begin their Fred Page Cup title defence with a home-and-home with the SilverBacks, starting Friday, Sept. 11 at Wesbild Centre. They visit the ‘Backs Sept. 12 at Sunwave.
Josh McKissock, Drew George, Mike Collins, Cole Ikkala, Kellen Jones and Nick Amies handled the Vipers’ attack Sunday. Bobby Lipsett, Matt Cassidy and Faiz Khan answered for Salmon Arm.
Tyler Steel (13 saves) and Blake Voth (15 saves) shared the win.
“Our veterans have been everything we wanted,” said Williamson, of the exhibition series. “The veterans have been good in that this is how we play and everyone has been jumping on board... our new players have come in and started to produce, too.
Of the recruits, Williamson says prospects Dylan Walchuk and Drew George continue to impress, as has defenceman Garrett Noonan. Of the cuts made, he sees a lot of potential for the future.
“There hasn’t been many jobs, but they’ve opened our eyes for years to come.”
Despite the setbacks, newly-appointed Salmon Arm head coach Matt Hughes said he got what he wanted to see from the fresh-faced players.
“We were just focusing on a couple things we’d worked on on the weekend,” said Hughes of Saturday’s loss in front of 600 fans at Sunwave Centre. “We just wanted to see the compete level of the kids. All the young guys showed well.”
Once the Vipers pare down to their final roster, Williamson says he and head coach Mark Ferner will begin drilling the team on systems to prepare for the regular season.
“We’re going to get a good seven or eight practices to work on our systems. We haven’t done much of that at camp so far.”
SNAKE BITES: After being released by the Portland Winter Hawks, Vernon’s Sawyer Mick is at camp with the Kelowna Rockets. In 48 games with the Winter Hawks last season, Mick recorded seven goals for 13 points and 13 penalty minutes.