Vipers Christmas Special:

Kiss FM's Rob Abramenko has once again made one of his great Vernon Vipers video's, Abro just finished making a very special video this year, taking a look at some of their favorite Christmas traditions along with favorite Christmas memories. Check it out,

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

Vipers Edge Silverbacks Again:

Vipers edge Silverbacks again

By Don Klepp Added 2009-12-11

A late flurry by the Salmon Arm Silverbacks fell just short as they bowed 3-2 in Vernon Friday night.

Vernon built a 3-0 lead with a goal in each period, but Salmon Arm came back with two third period goals to make the game closer than it deserved to be. Until the last 10 minutes of the game, the Vipers kept the Silverbacks in check, despite determined work by BCHL scoring leader, Mark Zengerle.

Through the first two periods, the ‘Backs managed just 5 shots on Graeme Gordon while the Vipers directed 21 at Tony Ierfino. The Vipers recorded 10 shots and the Silverbacks had 9 in an exciting third period.

Vernon’s fourth line opened the scoring at 7:18 of the first period with a determined and effective forecheck. Darrin Robak and Sawyer Mick went in deep, and they forced an errant pass that Patrick McGillis picked off at the blue line. McGillis put the puck on net, where Robak spun to get a shot on Ierfino. Mick jammed home the rebound.

At that point, teddy bears came raining down on the ice on Teddy Bear Toss Night, a promotion where fans donate teddy bears to the Salvation Army for Christmas gifts and for hospital visits.

The “Backs could not break through the Viper defence in the third. Their only shot came when Graeme Gordon made a key stop on Mark Zengerle’s partial breakaway. At the other end, it looked like Mike Collins had a clear path to Ierfino, but Travis Statchuk’s desperate dive broke up the play just as Collins was about to pull the trigger.

The Vipers did score late in the second. Braden Pimm found himself alone in front of Ierfino and Pimm scored his 15th of the season on nice feeds by Collins and Bryce Kakoske. All game long, Kakoske looked good on this line, shielding the puck well and buying time to allow Pimm and Collins to get free of their checks.

That line struck again early in the third period, with the ‘Backs short handed because of an undisciplined penalty taken by goalie Ierfino at 19:42 of the second.

Although the Silverback penalty kill unit was disciplined and effective on the five Viper power plays in this game, some crisp Viper passing finally broke down the ‘Backs, 32 seconds into the period. All five Vipers touched the puck on the play. At first, it appeared that Kakoske’s one-touch pass set up Pimm at the doorstep, but the goal was awarded to Kakoske, so the pass must have deflected off a defender past Ierfino.

Two minutes later, the Silverbacks were heartened by a Josh Manson goal. Bobby Lipsett dislodged the puck from the last Viper defender at the Viper line, and Manson went in alone. Gordon stacked the pads and almost stopped Manson’s flipped shot, but the puck trickled over the line.
From the point on, the Silverbacks started to exert more and more pressure, which paid off with a Zengerle goal at 17:55. A headmanned pass by Greg Noyes sent Tyler Gubb and Zengerle away on a two-on-one break. Just over the Viper blue line, Gubb’s pass located a streaking Zengerle who beat a sprawling Gordon.

From that point on, it was nail biting time for the majority of the 2691 fans in attendance. With just over a minute remaining, Ierfino was lifted for another attacker. Although Noyes and Chakeen fired several shots from the point, none made their through to Gordon’s goal, and the Vipers escaped with a victory that looked absolutely certain earlier in the period. Final shots were 31-14, in favor of the Vipers.

Game Notes:

• The Vipers have now won all four meetings with Salmon Arm this year, all by one goal.

• As they did last year, Mike Collins and Braden Pimm have been thorns in the side of the Silverbacks, each with five points in the four games.

• Mark Zengerle has also recorded five points in the four games, well below his average against the rest of the league.

• Salmon Arm’s road record dropped to 11 wins and 9 losses, while the Vipers have won all 17 of their road games.

Line-Ups Announced For 2010 BCHL All-Star Game In Nanaimo:

Line-ups announced for 2010 BCHL All-Star Game in Nanaimo

Friday, December 11, 2009 - Submitted by BCHL Media

The British Columbia Hockey League today announced the team of All-Stars that will take on the Vernon Vipers at the 2010 BCHL All-Star Game in Nanaimo on January 13th in Nanaimo. The BCHL All-Star squad includes a starting line-up and two coaches from each conference, Coastal and Interior.

Coastal Conference Starting Line-Up:

Forwards: Colton Beck (Langley Chiefs), Mike Krgovich (Surrey Eagles), Mitch MacMillan (Alberni Valley Bulldogs). Defencemen: Mat Bodie (Powell River Kings), Jordan Heywood (Victoria Grizzlies). Goaltender: Frank Slubowski (Alberni Valley Bulldogs).

Interior Conference Starting Line-Up:

Forwards: Trevor Bailey (Westside Warriors), Denver Manderson (Penticton Vees), Mark Zengerle (Salmon Arm SilverBacks). Defencemen: Brendan Ellis (Westside Warriors), Wes McLeod (Prince George Spruce Kings). Goaltender: Sean Bonar (Penticton Vees).

The complete BCHL All-Star Team line-up includes 12 forwards, 7 defencemen and 3 goaltenders and includes at least on representative from each BCHL team.

Forwards: Trevor Bailey (Westside Warriors), Justin Bardarson (Williams Lake Timberwolves), Colton Beck (Langley Chiefs), Beau Bennett (Penticton Vees), Cody Bremner (Nanaimo Clippers), Dylan Herold (Burnaby Express), Trever Hertz (Quesnel Millionaires), Mike Krgovich (Surrey Eagles), Mitch MacMillan (Alberni Valley Bulldogs), Denver Manderson (Penticton Vees), Andrew Pettitt (Powell River Kings), Mark Zengerle (Salmon Arm SilverBacks).

Defencemen: Mat Bodie (Powell River Kings), Brendan Ellis (Westside Warriors), Jordan Heywood (Victoria Grizzlies), Wes McLeod (Prince George Spruce Kings), Graeme Strukoff (Trail Smoke Eaters), Shayne Taker (Cowichan Valley Capitals), Steve Tresierra (Merritt Centennials).

Goaltenders: Loic Boivin (Nanaimo Clippers), Sean Bonar (Penticton Vees), Frank Slubowski (Alberni Valley Bulldogs).

The league also announced its All-Star Game coaches, who are selected based on team winning percentage as of December 1st. Nolan Graham and Shane Kuss were selected from the Coastal Conference, while Mark Ferner and Fred Harbinson represent the Interior Conference.

Under this season's new All-Star Game format, Harbinson will serve as head coach for the BCHL All-Stars, assisted by Graham and Kuss. Ferner will lead the Vernon Vipers alongside the rest of the Vipers' coaching staff.

The 2010 BCHL All-Star Game takes place on Wednesday, January 13th at the Frank Crane Arena in Nanaimo. For more information on the game, including ticketing and additional All-Star Week events, visit http://www.nanaimoclippers.com/.

Vernon 3 Salmon Arm 2

I was at tonights BCHL game as Vernon defeated Salmon Arm 3-2 in front of 2,691 fans at the Wesbild Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Graeme Gordon
Salmon Arm: Tony Ierfino

1st Period: On the Vipers first rush of the game Cory Kane with a nice move at the blueline ripped a quick shot from the slot that just missed the top corner. The Silverbacks would get the first powerplay of the night just under two minutes into the game, but couldnt generate any offence. Mike Collins just about stole the puck at the blueline twice, but couldnt coral the loose puck or else Collins would have been in all alone for the breakaway. The Vipers killed off the minor not giving up a single shot while on the penalty kill. Graeme Gordon just about got caught out of position before getting back just in time to make the stop. Vernon with some good jump, was playing physical while on the forecheck. Darrin Robak & Sawyer Mick with two big hits each forced a turnover in the Backs zone. Darrin Robak with a big hit inbehind the Salmon Arm net caused a turnover wich setup Vernons first goal of the night. Sawyer Mick beat Tony Ierfino in close putting the Vipers up 1-0 at 7:18 as hundreds of teddy bears hit the ice on teddy bear toss night. Robak & Patrick McGillis collected the assists. After a delay to pick up all the teddy bears, the Silverbacks come close to tying the game as the Backs moved the puck well down low, with Tyler Gubb setup in behind the Vipers goal, the Backs tried going down low with the puck trying to sneak the puck in shortside. Salmon Arm tried this play twice on back to back shifts but couldnt find the back of the net. The Vipers would get their first powerplay of the night but would record just one shot as the Silverbacks penalty kill did a great job at blocking the shooting lanes, not giving the Vipers any time or space to create chances. Salmon Arm would kill off the minor. Bryce Kakoske at the side of the net was stopped by Ierfino. Sawyer Mick with another solid check down low, caused another turnover setting up Patrick McGillis in front who was stopped by Ierfino. Vernon carried the better of the play, really dominating down low. The Vipers would get its second powerplay of the period but again was unable to capitalize. The Backs penalty kill did a great job killing off the minor not giving up a single shot. The Vipers were really working hard tonight, winning most of the races and battles down low. Vernon was driving to the net on several occasions getting some chances in tight. The Vipers outplayed the Silverbacks and were up 1-0 after 20 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 11-4.

2nd Period: Vernon was hemmed in their own end in the first few minutes having some trouble coming out of their own end as the Backs with some good early pressure forced the Vipers d-men back in their own end. Braden Pimm and Mike Collins with some strong play in the neutral zone, forced Collins to go in one on one getting a shot off from the circle as Ierfino made the routine save. No real flow in the opening few minutes as both teams seemed to have troubles generating any kind of offence. Just before the midway point Vernon did create some pressure in the Silverbacks zone, but couldnt get any real quality scoring chances as the Backs defence did a great job at shutting down the Vipers offence. Vernon would get its third powerplay of the night around the midway mark, Dan Nycholat with move in from the point and get a good scoring chance but was stopped by Tony Ierfino, who then robbed Cole Ikkala on the rebound who was alone in front. Salmon Arm's penalty kill was very strong killing off the minor. In the second half of the period the play seemed to open up with some back and forth play, but very little scoring chances as both teams were playing a very tight checking period. Rob Short setup Dylan Walchuk at the side of the net but Walchuk couldnt connect on the pass through the crease as the Vipers come close to scoring. Mark Zengerle with a nice move around Curtis Gedig went in two on one with Travis Statchuk, Zengerle kept the puck as Dan Nycholat watched Statchuk. Zengerle was now in close all alone but couldnt beat Graeme Gordon down low, as the Silverbacks would get their first and only shot of the period with just over three minutes remaining in the period. Back come the Vipers and with some hard work in front of Ierfino Braden Pimm would put Vernon up 2-0 at 18:01 Pimms goal was unassisted. In the final minute of play Connor Jones tried getting past Tony Ierfino inbehind the Backs net, Ierfino gave Jones a shot to the head sending the Vipers to their fourth powerplay of the night. Vernon was unable to do any damage with the man advantage as the period come to an end. The Vipers were up 2-0 after 40 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 10-1.

3rd Period: Just 28 seconds into the final period Bryce Kakoske beat Ierfino in close after a scramble in front, wich put Vernon ahead 3-0 on the powerplay. Mike Collins with the lone assist. Salmon Arm didnt quit, just over two minutes later Josh Manson beat Gordon on the breakaway at 2:28 after a Viper breakdown at the blueline. Gordon just about stopped Manson after making the pad save as the puck just snuck inbehind the former Silverbacks goaltender. Backs Captain Bobby Lipsett with the lone assist. Just minutes later Vernon would get its fifth man advantage, as Graeme Gordon was heading to the bench for the extra attacker, Vernon's d-men just about got caught dropping a back pass into their own net, after some sloppy play in the Vipers end. Connor Jones with a quick snap shot from the slot just missed the net. Braden Pimm drove to the net hard but was stopped in close. Salmon Arm killed off the minor. The Silverbacks come very close to making it a one goal game after a mad scramble in front of Graeme Gordon. Gordon was down and out as David Killip couldnt connect in front on the wide open net. The play seemed to open up a little as both teams had chances. Vernon with a parcial three on two couldnt hit the net on a good scoring rush. Braden Pimm with a shot from the circle was stopped by Ierfino, before Bryce Kakoske went to the net, banging away at the rebound but couldnt beat Ierfino down low. Former Trail Smoke Eater Jayson Reardon laid out Salmon Arm's biggest hit of the night on Connor Jones in front of both team's benches. But it was Reardon who got took the better of the check leaving the ice with a leg injury as Reardon headed to the Backs dressing room. Josh Monk would get a parcial breakaway but was stopped by Gordon. Salmon Arm would get a late powerplay but it was the Vipers penalty kill who had the better chances. Braden Pimm with a huge solo individual effort stole and then kept the puck away from two Silverbacks killing off some valuable time off the clock. The Vipers would kill off the minor. Just after some strong penalty kill Vernon got a little too cute thinking offence as the Backs turned the play back the other way, Tyler Gubb fed Mark Zengerle who scored a highlight real goal sliding into the end boards cutting the lead to 3-2 at 17:55 Gubb & Greg Noyes picked up the assists. The Silverbacks didnt quit putting pressure on the Vipers deep in the Vernon zone. Salmon Arm moved the puck well, getting the puck back to the point several times, throwing a shot towards the net with tons of traffic in front. The Backs would pull Tony Ierfino in the final minute and in the final minute of play Greg Noyes with a shot from the point was tipped in front by a Silverback and just missed the net as Salmon Arm come close to tying the hockey game. With time running down Vernon would get the puck in the corner and kill off the final few seconds with a scrum along the boards as the Vipers would defeat the Silverbacks 3-2 snapping their three game winning streak. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 10-9.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Mike Collins (1 assist) Played very well up front for the Vipers. Collins controlled the puck and play well down low. Was very strong on the penalty kill tonight.

Darrin Robak (1 assist) Saw less icetime as the game went on but I was very impressed with his hard work and physical play, especially in the opening period. Robak laid out some big checks in the 1st period, creating turnovers in the Backs zone. Nice to see this young kid get some icetime.

Dan Nycholat played a strong game on the Vernon backend. Nycholat saw alot of icetime on the powerplay.

Braden Pimm (1 goal) Pimm had a very solid game tonight, was by far Vernon's best player. Pimm worked extremely hard all night, was a force down low, very hard to knock off the puck. Was driving towards the net all night. Looked very strong on the penalty kill. I noticed Pimm didnt look or play all that well the last two or three home games, not sure if he had the flu or wasnt feeling well but come to play tonight.

Bryce Kakoske (1 goal) Kakoske has really stepped up his play over the last month or two. Bryce worked very hard most of tonights game, played in the grey area's, was very strong down low, did the little things tonight that took that extra effort to get the job done. Come up with a few nice diving plays to break up a scoring chances or clear the zone.

Adam Thompson played a solid game on the Vipers blueline. Was very strong at both ends of the rink, jumped up into the play on the powerplay. Made a few nice defensive plays to break up or stop a scoring chance. Looked very confident tonight.

Top Players: (Salmon Arm)

Mark Zengerle (1 goal) Zengerle didnt really stand out until late in the 2nd period and the 3rd when he took over. This kid has some quick wheels and can skate, one of the best skaters in the league. Scored an unreal highlight real goal late in the 3rd to make it a one goal game. Saw alot of icetime in the 3rd period.

Chris Hoe I thought played a very hard fought game. How battled hard and competed most of tonights game. Was driving towards the goal, getting the in the blue paint, waiting for a rebound.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

I thought for most of tonights game Vernon was by far the better of the two teams. The Vipers played very well tonight in a game where the score was alot closer then the game. I thought the Vipers outworked, outplayed, and outhit the Silverbacks for most of tonights game. Vernon won alot of the one on one battles down low. Once again Vernon outplayed a team for most of the night but allowed them a chance to battle back and a chance to win or tie the game. The Vipers defence played very well giving up just a single shot in the 2nd period. Vernon who at one point during the season had the leagues best powerplay, but as of late has really struggled with the man advantage. I thought Vernon battled very hard, drove to the net, and wasnt afraid of getting in the grey area's. The Vipers are now 4-0 against the Backs this season, all four games have been one goal games.

Game Thoughts: (Salmon Arm)

Until the 3rd period Salmon Arm didnt have much going for them. The Backs didnt play all that physical, lost most of the battles and races down low, were being outplayed for most of the first two periods. The Silverbacks offence was really no where to be seen until the 3rd, give Vernons defence full credit for shutting down the Backs offence too. Salmon Arm did look very strong on the penalty kill and the draw, winning most of the faceoff's tonight. I was really impressed with the Backs penalty kill. Give credit though, this team didnt quit and was very close to sending this game to overtime.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Eric Soderlund
Kellen Jones (Injured)

Salmon Arm:

Brett Knowles

3 Stars:

1st Star: Braden Pimm (1 goal)
2nd Star: Mike Collins (1 assist)
3rd Star: Dan Nycholat

(Game Preview) Salmon Arm @ Vernon:

Salmon Arm (19-11-2-1) @ Vernon (30-2-0-1)

Last Game Played:

Tuesday December 8th Vernon defeated Merritt 7-1
Saturday December 5th Salmon Arm defeated Penticton 6-1

Tonight is the 4th meeting of the season between the defending Royal Bank Cup Champion Vernon Vipers & the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. The Vipers are riding a two game winning streak, while the Silverbacks are riding a three game winning streak.

Let’s take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The Vipers currently sit #1 overall in Canada & in the league as the BCHL’s best team with a record of 30-2-0-1 seven points up on the Penticton Vees. Vernon has scored a league high 177 goals and given up the least amount of goals with just 56. Vernon is 13-2-0-1 on home ice but have dropped their last two out of three games at the Wesbild Centre. The Vipers have four players in the leagues top 20 in scoring. Mike Collins (23-28-51), Braden Pimm (14-28-42), Connor Jones (22-17-39) & Dylan Walchuk (13-25-38). Graeme Gordon & Blake Voth also lead the league as the BCHL’s top two goaltenders. Gordon with a record of 21-3 with 1 shutout and a GAA of 1.73 Voth has a record of 9-0 with 2 shutouts and a GAA of 1.44

Vernon is 3-0 against Salmon Arm this season, all three games have been one goal games.

The Vipers need to get lots of traffic and get pucks towards Tony Ierfino who has played very well against Vernon this season.

The Vipers need to keep their eye on leading scorer Mark Zengerle & Travis Satchuk who have killed the Vipers over the years. Zengerle & Statchuk are very dangerous and can change the tide of a hockey game on just one shift.

The Vipers will welcome back forward, Dylan Walchuk from the CJHL’s Prospects Game. Walchuk missed Tuesday’s game vs. Merritt.

Kellen Jones is still out of the Vernon lineup with a broken jaw. Jones suffered the injury last weekend in a game vs. Penticton.

Jonathan Milhouse has four points in three games vs. Salmon Arm.

Bryce Kakoske has five goals & seven assists in his last ten games.

Players To Watch:

Mike Collins (23-28-51)
Braden Pimm (14-28-42)
Connor Jones (22-17-39)
Dylan Walchuk (13-25-38)
Kellen Jones (7-29-36)
Jonathan Milhouse (9-24-33)
Cory Kane (13-17-30)
Rob Short (12-17-29)
Bryce Kakoske (9-17-26)
Dan Nycholat (4-20-24)
Cole Ikkala (10-13-23)
Kevin Kraus (3-16-19)
Adam Thompson (3-11-14)
Graeme Gordon (21-3 Record-1 Shutout-1.73 GAA)

Let’s take a look at the Salmon Arm Silverbacks:

The Silverbacks currently sit in 4th place in the Interior Division with a record of 19-11-2-1 nine points back of the Westside Warriors. The Silverbacks have scored 136 goals but have given up 110 goals. Salmon Arm is 8-3-2-1 on home ice but struggles away from home going 11-8-0-0 on the road. The Backs is 6-3-1-0 in their last 10 games. Mark Zengerle leads the league in scoring with (20-54-74) while David Killip is 6th in league scoring with (20-30-50) Mark Zengerle & Corey Chakeen have points in four straight games.

Salmon Arm makes just its second visit to the Wesbild Centre and first since the Vipers home opener.

The Backs are coming off one of their biggest wins of the season Saturday night with a huge 6-1 victory over the Penticton Vees.

Salmon Arm is going to want to get lots of pucks and traffic towards former Silverback, Graeme Gordon who is 3-0 against the Backs this season.

The Silverbacks need to watch all four of Vernon’s lines who have speed, skill and loaded with depth.

With Kellen Jones out of Vernon’s lineup, Mark Ferner has put together another top line with Connor Jones, Jonathan Milhouse & Cole Ikkala. This line put up seven points over the last two games. The Backs will have to try and shutdown this top unit.

Tonight should be a very entertaining hockey game with a great atmosphere as the Vipers are expecting a big crowd with tonight being the teams teddy bear toss.

Specialty teams will be a huge part of tonights game.

Players To Watch:

Mark Zengerle (20-54-74)
David Killip (20-30-50)
Tyler Gubb (16-18-34)
Corey Chakeen (20-13-33)
Greg Noyes (13-20-33)
Travis Statchuk (11-21-32)
Charlie Vasaturo (3-12-15)
Bobby Lipsett (3-7-10)
Christopher Hoe (1-8-9)

Heres a look at the season series between these two teams:

Friday, September 11th @ Vernon: Vernon wins 3-2

The Vipers raised the 2009 RBC Cup banner to the rafters in the teams home opener in a 3-2 victory over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Mike Collins (2 goals) & Braden Pimm (2 assists) lead the attack for the Vipers, Cole Ikkala scored the game winner at 17:23 of the 3rd to give Vernon the 3-2 victory. Graeme Gordon defeated his former team making 21 saves between the pipes. Greg Noyes & Charlie Vasaturo scored for Salmon Arm, Tony Ierfino made 39 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712508&link=bchl

Saturday, September 12th @ Salmon Arm: Vernon wins 4-3 Overtime

Vernon took a 2-0 lead into the 3rd period on goals from Mike Collins and Jonathan Milhouse before the Silverbacks scored three goals in the final period sending the game to Overtime. David Killip, Mark Zengerle & Travis Statchuk scored for Salmon Arm. Dylan Walchuk scored Vernons only goal in the 3rd. Vipers d-man Adam Thompson ended the game at 2.37 of the extra period giving the Vipers the 4-3 win to improve to 2-0 on the season. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 32-26 Graeme Gordon made 23 saves for the win, while Tony Ierfino made 28 saves taking the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712515&link=bchl

Tuesday, November 3rd @ Salmon Arm: Vernon wins 4-3

David Killip & Tyler Gubb put Salmon Arm up 2-0 after the 1st period before the Vipers would get 2nd period goals from, Jonathan Milhouse (shorthanded) & Sawyer Mick. Bryce Kakoske & Dylan Walchuk would give Vernon a 4-2 lead in the 3rd scoring four straight goals before Greg Noyes got the Backs within one goal at 15:49 of the 3rd period. Vernon would hang on for the 4-3 victory. Graeme Gordon made 22 saves vs. his former team, while Tony Ierfino made 24 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712673

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

Vernon:

Nils-Erik Soderlund
Mike Collins
Braden Pimm
Cory Kane
Dylan Walchuk
Jonathan Milhouse
Cole Ikkala
Kevin Kraus
Connor Jones
Dan Nycholat
Adam Thompson
Sawyer Mick
Steven Weinstein
Kellen Jones
Rob Short
Curtis Gedig
Bryce Kakoske
Garrett Noonan
Patrick McGillis
Darrin Robak
Blake Voth
Graeme Gordon

Salmon Arm:

Mark Zengerle
David Killip
Tyler Gubb
Corey Chakeen
Greg Noyes
Travis Statchuk
Charlie Vasaturo
Josh Manson
Devin Gannon
Matt Cassidy
Bobby Lipsett
Matt Ridley
Christopher Hoe
Rick Soo
Josh Monk
Brett Knowles
Jayson Reardon
Brandon Mistal
Justin Krabben
Tony Ierfino
Kurt Williams

Vipers Set For Gorillas:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers set for Gorillas

By Brent Mutis - Vernon Morning Star

Published: December 10, 2009

You could excuse the Vernon Vipers for their below-average showings against Penticton and Trail leading into Tuesday’s game with the Merritt Centennials.

They’d just lost one of their top scorers to a broken jaw and were still adjusting to new forward lines. With Dylan Walchuk absent Tuesday for the CJHL prospects game, there was even more mixing and matching going on.

But a visit from the struggling Cents seems to have allowed the Snakes to get their offensive house back in order with a 7-1 win in front of 1,636 B.C. Hockey League fans at the Wesbild Centre.

Veteran winger Bryce Kakoske notched 1+2 and seems poised to surpass his previous high points total of 40 set with Westside two years ago. The first star liked his second-line assignment alongside Braden Pimm and Mike Collins.

“It’s always nice playing with those two; they work really well together and I just try to find the open spots and they’re pretty good at getting me the puck.”

That’s how it went on the goal that made it 5-1 as Kakoske roofed a shot from the high slot past Keith Hamilton. It was the final shot the netminder would face. Junior B call-up Riley Wall mopped up in the Merritt crease, allowing two goals.

Merritt actually opened the scoring 1:08 into the first after some sloppy play by Vernon in their own end. Dustin Johnson took a feed from behind the net and beat Blake Voth from in close.

“It’s really tough when they score on the first shot but it was a good goal so I just didn’t let it bother me and just focused on the rest of the game,” said Voth, now 9-0 on the campaign.

A highlight-reel effort from Connor Jones tied the game as he danced around a Cents defenceman before going backhand-forehand to beat Hamilton. The eventual game-winner came when Adam Thompson put a nice feed from Sawyer Mick into an open net.

Kakoske said Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner emphasized a focus on systems play in the second intermission.

“Ferns always says it’s not about the score, it’s about the process and we just kinda got reminded about that. It didn’t really matter what the score was then, we just had to go out and work hard in the third and that’s what we needed to do.”

Merritt’s early lead lasted only five minutes.

“We got a great start and even after the opening goal I thought we continued to apply the pressure but against a team like that, that’s very opportunistic, you need to stay the course and can’t take a second off,” said Merritt coach Luke Pierce, a former Viper, now 2-4 since taking the job.

Cole Ikkala, playing on the top line with Jones and Jonathan Milhouse, netted two third-period goals giving him a dozen for the season. Cory Kane and Collins added the other goals for Vernon (30-2-0-1). The Vipers host Salmon Arm SilverBacks tonight (Teddy Bear Toss).

n Walchuk recorded a goal and assist as Team West hammered Team East 8-1 in the opening game of the CJHL Prospects Event Tuesday afternoon in Winkler, Alta. Team East responded with a 2-0 win Wednesday night.

Vipers At The Midway Point:

The Vernon Vipers just past the midway point of the BCHL regular season. In the teams first 30 games of the season, Vernon was the #1 team in Canada with a league best record of 28-1-0-1 In the Vipers first 30 games of the season, Vernon played at home 13 times with a record of 12-1-0-1 while going undefeated on the road with a perfect 16-0-0-0 record. During the teams first 30 games the Vipers played most of the month of November away from home playing 9 out of 13 games on the road. The Vipers also won 21 straight games in a row, from October 4th to November 26th falling one short of the teams record of 22.

Now heading into the second half of the BCHL's regular season the Vipers face a much tougher schedule. Vernon played most of the teams first 30 games against some of the leagues weaker teams.

Lets take a look at who the Vipers played in the first 30 games & their record when they played them.

Vipers first 30 regular season games:

Home Games:

Salmon Arm (0-0-0-0)
Williams Lake (1-2-0-4)
Penticton (8-2-0-0)
Burnaby (5-1-0-2)
Cowichan Valley (4-6-0-1)
Alberni Valley (6-2-1-0)
Merritt (4-8-0-1)
Quesnel (5-9-0-2)
Trail (6-16-1-1)
Trail (6-17-1-1)
Prince George (11-16-1-1)
Westside (19-9-1-0)

Away Games:

Salmon Arm (0-1-0-0)
Trail (0-1-0-0)
Trail (0-2-0-0)
Westside (5-2-0-0)
Penticton (10-2-0-0)
Quesnel (3-7-0-2)
Williams Lake (3-7-0-2)
Prince George (5-9-0-1)
Merritt (6-10-0-1)
Salmon Arm (12-7-1-1)
Prince George (7-12-1-1)
Quesnel (7-12-0-3)
Williams Lake (5-13-1-0)
Merritt (7-13-0-1)
Surrey (18-7-0-3)
Langley (14-11-1-2)
Burnaby (8-16-0-3)

Now lets take a look at who the Vipers will play in the teams final 30 games with their current record. Vernon plays 14 games at home with 14 games remaining on the road.

Home Games:

Salmon Arm (19-11-2-1)
Victoria (17-11-2-3)
Nanaimo (15-10-1-6)
Salmon Arm (19-11-2-1)
Merritt (10-22-0-2)
Williams Lake (8-21-1-0)
Westside (24-9-1-1)
Westside (24-9-1-1)
Powell River (19-10-1-5)
Langley (15-15-1-2)
Merritt (10-22-0-2)
Penticton (26-5-0-2)
Prince George (12-19-1-2)
Surrey (22-11-0-3)

Away Games:

Trail (10-21-1-1)
Penticton (26-5-0-2)
Trail (10-22-1-2)
Salmon Arm (19-11-2-1)
Westside (24-9-1-1)
Nanaimo (15-10-1-6)
Victoria (17-11-2-3)
Cowichan Valley (10-22-0-1)
Powell River (19-10-1-5)
Alberni Valley (22-10-1-2)
Merritt (10-22-0-2)
Penticton (26-5-0-2)
Salmon Arm (19-11-2-1)
Westside (24-9-1-1)

Former Viper Segal Collects 1st Career WHL Shutout:

Vancouver Giants goaltender, Mark Segal stopped all 17 shots he faced for his first WHL shutout last night in a 5-0 victory over Chilliwack in just his sixth WHL game. Segal improves to 4-2 with a 3.01 GAA

Vipers Player Profile With Cory Kane:

Kiss FM's Rob Abramenko has once again made one of his great Vernon Vipers video's, Abro just finished player profile with Vipers forward, Cory Kane. Check it out,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNvsjMN8Rl0

Team East Records Shut Out Win Over Team West In CJHL Prospects Game Rematch:

Team East Records Shut Out Win Over Team West in CJHL Prospects Game Rematch

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Team East was victorious over Team West with a 2-0 shutout in the second game of a two-game total goal series between the 2009 CJHL Prospects. Team West recorded an 8-1 victory over Team East in the first game of the series on Tuesday afternoon in Winkler, Manitoba.

Goaltender Joel Vienneau (OJAHL) recorded the shutout and captured the Player of the Game Award for Team East. Vienneau turned away 34 shots, while netminder Sean Bonar (BCHL) faced 26 shots and was awarded the Team West Player of the Game honour.

After a high scoring game on Tuesday afternoon, the game remained scoreless through the first 37 minutes of Wednesday's game. At 17:01 of the second period Matt Peca (CJHL) recorded a powerplay goal to open the scoring. Maxime Dumond (CJHL) scored an empty net goal to finish the game at 19:22 of the third period.

The Top Goalie of the 2009 CJHL Prospects Event was Joel Vienneau (OJAHL). The Top Forward of the tournament was Beau Bennett (BCHL) and the Top Defenceman was Joey Laleggia, both from the Penticton Vees of the BCHL.

The CJHL Prospects Game was created to showcase the top 40 NHL draft eligible players in the Canadian Junior Hockey League. Player selection is a joint initiative of the CJHL and NHL Central Scouting. The event has now developed into two consecutive games between Team East and Team West, which is well attended by scouts from the NHL and Canadian and American colleges and universities.
The CJHL Prospects Game features players from the CJHL's five Western leagues compete against the best players from the CJHL'S Eastern leagues. Team East and Team West playoff for the President's Cup, which is awarded to the winning team at the CJHL Prospects Event:

2008 - Team East defeated Team West 6-3 in Summerside, PEI
2007 - Team East defeated Team West 5-3 in Winkler, Manitoba
2006 - Team West defeated Team East 6-2 in Vernon, British Columbia
2005 - Team West defeated Team East 5-4 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan

Visit http://www.cjhlhockey.com/ for more information on the 2009 CJHL Prospects Event.

Vipers Holding Charity Auction To Benefit Local Hockey Player:

Vipers holding charity auction to benefit local hockey player

Wednesday, December 9, 2009 - Submitted by Vernon Vipers

The Vernon Vipers will be auctioning off some very big items in the next week to help raise money for the Stair family. Just over a week ago, Bruin Stair, a 14-year old Vernon Minor Hockey player, was diagnosed with cancer and taken to B.C. Children’s hospital in Vancouver where he has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

The Vernon Vipers made a few phone calls and were able to get an autographed Wayne Gretzky Edmonton Oilers Jersey donated by the Gretzky family along with two autographed framed photos, one of “The Goal”, Bobby Orr’s Stanley Cup game-winning goal in 1970 and the other of Jordan Eberle at the 2009 World Junior Hockey Championship.

The bids for these items and others will open at the Vipers home game this Friday night and will close on Saturday, December 19th at 10pm PST.

Bids can be made during the game or by email at heidi@vipers.bc.ca and bids will be updated regularly on the Vernon Vipers website. For further information or to make a donation please contact the Vipers Office at 250-542-6022.

Vipers Rub Out Cents:

This is on the Morning Star website:

Vipers rub out Cents

By Brent Mutis - Vernon Morning Star

Published: December 09, 2009

You could excuse the Vernon Vipers for their below-average showings against Penticton and Trail leading into Tuesday’s game with the Merritt Centennials.

They’d just lost one of their top scorers to a broken jaw and were still adjusting to new forward lines. With Dylan Walchuk absent Tuesday for the CJHL prospects game, there was even more mixing and matching going on.

But a visit from the struggling Cents seems to have allowed the Snakes to get their offensive house back in order in front of 1,636 B.C. Hockey League fans at the Wesbild Centre.

Four third-period goals by Vernon buried the visitors, who are still searching for their first road win this season.

Veteran winger Bryce Kakoske notched 1+2 and seems poised to surpass his previous high points total of 40 set with Westside two years ago. The first star liked his second-line assignment alongside Braden Pimm and Mike Collins.

“It’s always nice playing with those two; they work really well together and I just try to find the open spots and they’re pretty good at getting me the puck.”

That’s how it went on the goal that made it 5-1 as Kakoske roofed a shot from the high slot past Keith Hamilton. It was the final shot the netminder would face. Junior B call-up Riley Wall mopped up in the Merritt crease, allowing two goals.

Merritt actually opened the scoring 1:08 into the first after some sloppy play by Vernon in their own end. Dustin Johnson took a feed from behind the net and beat Blake Voth from in close.

“It’s really tough when they score on the first shot but it was a good goal so I just didn’t let it bother me and just focused on the rest of the game,” said Voth, now 9-0 on the campaign.

A highlight-reel effort from Connor Jones tied the game as he danced around a Cents defenceman before going backhand-forehand to beat Hamilton. The eventual game-winner came when Adam Thompson put a nice feed from Sawyer Mick into an open net.

The outcome was still in question going into the third as the teams skated through a second period lull, producing no goals. Kakoske said Mark Ferner emphasized a focus on systems play in the second intermission.

“Ferns always says it’s not about the score, it’s about the process and we just kinda got reminded about that. It didn’t really matter what the score was then, we just had to go out and work hard in the third and that’s what we needed to do.”

Merritt’s early lead last only five minutes and they were never able to build on the good first shift they opened with.

“We got a great start and even after the opening goal I though we continued to apply the pressure but against a team like that that’s very opportunistic you need to stay the course and can’t take a second off,” said Merritt coach Luke Pierce, a former Viper, now 2-4 since taking the Cents’ job. “We just had a couple lapses and every time we did that they managed to capitalize and score.

“We’ll learn from it and we’ll be a better team the next time we come back.”

Colton Sobchak looked dangerous at times and earned an assist on the evening but said Vernon is a team that can’t be handed opportunities.

“I think it’s mostly the one-on-one battles. Odd man rushes, they can capitalize; you can’t give a team like that chances (or) they’ll score.”

Cole Ikkala, playing on the top line with Jones and Jonathan Milhouse, netted two third-period goals giving him a dozen for the season. Cory Kane and Mike Collins added the other tallies for Vernon.

A skirmish broke out after the final horn sounded and five players were given roughing penalties. Pimm dropped the mitts with Jordan Soquila late in the game but is expected to be available Friday when Vernon hosts the Salmon Arm SilverBacks.

It’s Teddy Bear Toss Night with fans urged to litter the ice with stuffies for kids in need.

The Silence Is Deafening On The Drew George Front:

This is posted on Greg Harders Slap Shots Blog:

The silence is deafening on the Drew George front.

The Pats have pulled out all the stops to convince him to play for them, but it’s clear he has other priorities. Still no word on a potential trade between the Cowichan Capitals and Weyburn Red Wings (there are rumours of a snag regarding Cowichan’s asking price, which is an obvious conclusion based on the fact that George's fate was expected to be determined quickly). If he is indeed being held for ransom, that’s the risk you take by not reporting to a team.
Regardless, the signs suggest that George doesn’t have a strong desire to play for the Pats and won’t do so unless his junior A options vanish.
Time will tell.

Pats Make Offer To Former Viper George:

This is posted on Greg Harders Slap Shot Blog:

Pats make offer to George

By Greg Harder Sun, Dec 6 2009

If the Regina Pats had their way, Drew George would have been in uniform tonight against the Prince Albert Raiders.
The Pats have formally presented the 18-year-old Regina product with a contract that includes four years of free post-secondary education in Canada if he plays in the WHL until he’s 20 (there's a provision in the league's education policy which allows teams to offer four years even if the player will only be around for three. Brandon Davidson has the same deal).
All George has to do is sign on the dotted line.
“As of right now we’re still talking,” GM Brent Parker said after Saturday’s 6-4 loss to the Brandon Wheat Kings. “I’ll be talking to him again (today). We’ll see where it goes, just keep chatting. With any luck, you never know, maybe we’ll find a way to get him in the lineup (tonight). That’s our goal. He has a contract in hand. This is where he belongs. After watching the performance of some of our guys (Saturday against Brandon), it’s pretty obvious he can step into the lineup and it’ll be pretty easy to find some guys to come out.”
George has made it clear he still wants to pursue an NCAA scholarship, so he’s keeping his options open. His junior A rights are owned by the Cowichan Valley Capitals, who acquired him last week in a trade with the Vernon Vipers. George doesn’t want to play for Cowichan, so he returned home and has been skating with the Pats.
There’s plenty of interest in George from other junior A teams. There’s talk of Cowichan working out a trade with an SJHL team (the Weyburn Red Wings appear to be the most likely destination) but until that happens the Pats will continue to do everything they can to convince him to stay. Either way, it sounds like a resolution is coming very soon. If an SJHL deal to his liking doesn't happen in short order, the Pats will look to have him in the lineup Wednesday against the Kelowna Rockets.

Rockets Lose Former Viper St. Denis To A Concussion:

This is posted in todays Kelowna Daily Courier Newspaper:

The Kelowna Rockets may have lost RW Kyle St. Denis to a possible concussion after getting hit in the second period of last nights 3-2 victory over Swift Current. The 5-foot-7 winger from Trail was just coming off a concussion, and the team said he wasn‘t feeling great and that he‘ll be re-evaluated today. He had missed Kelowna‘s last four games. In 26 games this season, St. Denis has 13 goals, 9 assists and 22 points.

Team West Captures Win In Game One Of CJHL Prospects Game Double Header:

This is posted on the CJHL website:

Team West Captures Win in Game One of CJHL Prospects Game Double Header

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Team West recorded an 8-1 victory over Team East at the 2009 CJHL Top Prospects Game in Winkler, Manitoba on Tuesday afternoon. The CJHL Prospects Teams will play a two-game total goal series with the second game taking place on Wednesday at 7:30PM.

Team West took a 3-0 lead in the first period with goals from Clarke Breitkreuz (SJHL), Trevor Cameron (SJHL) and Daniel Carr (AJHL). The West squad continued to dominate with two more unanswered goals in the second period from Brendan O'Donnell (MJHL) and Carson Cooper (AJHL). Team West would go on to score two third period goals, including Trevor Cameron's second of the game and a goal from Beau Bennett (BCHL), before Nick Quinn (CCHL) would answer for Team East. Dylan Walchuk (BCHL) scored the final marker of the game to finalize an 8-1 victory.

The eight Team West goals came from seven different goal scorers. Brendan O'Donnell amassed 4 assists and 1 goal in Tuesday's victory. Trevor Cameron recorded an assist and two goals, including the eventual game winning goal. Beau Bennett also recorded three points, while Daniel Carr, Jordan Neduzak (MJHL) and Dylan Walchuk skated away with two points apiece.

Goaltender Sam Brittain (AJHL) recorded the victory for Team West. Brittain and netminder Wyatt Galley (CJHL) each faced 30 shots in this afternoon's match-up.

The player of the game for Team West was Brendan O'Donnell of the Winnipeg South Blues (MJHL). OJAHL Forward Colin Campbell of the Vaughan Vipers was awarded the Player of the Game for Team East.

The CJHL Prospects Game was created to showcase the top 40 NHL draft eligible players in the Canadian Junior Hockey League. Player selection is a joint initiative of the CJHL and NHL Central Scouting. The event has now developed into two consecutive games between Team East and Team West, which is well attended by scouts from the NHL and Canadian and American colleges and universities.

The CJHL Prospects Game features players from the CJHL's five Western leagues, the British Columbia Hockey League, the Alberta Junior Hockey League, the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, the Manitoba Hockey League and the Superior International Hockey League compete against the best players from the CJHL'S Eastern leagues, the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League, the Ontario Junior A Hockey League, the Central Canadian Hockey League, Central Junior Hockey League, the Ligue de Hockey Junior AAA du Quebec and the Maritime Junior A Hockey League.

Team East and Team West will playoff for the President's Cup, which is awarded to the winning team at the CJHL Prospects Event:
2008 - Team East defeated Team West 6-3 in Summerside, PEI
2007 - Team East defeated Team West 5-3 in Winkler, Manitoba
2006 - Team West defeated Team East 6-2 in Vernon, British Columbia
2005 - Team West defeated Team East 5-4 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan

CJHL Prospects Game #2 will be played on Wednesday, December 9th at 7:30 PM at the Winkler Arena. Tickets are available for only $10.00.

Drew George Situation Continues:

This is posted on Rod Perdersens Blog:

As far as the Drew George situation goes, it's become very interesting.

It may not mean much to you, but it's become a much-debated topic in Regina hockey circles.

The 18-year old Reginan, who won a Telus Cup with the Notre Dame Hounds last year, refused to report to Cowichan Valley of the BCHL 10 days ago after he was traded from Vernon.

That raised the eyebrows of NCAA schools who had George on their radar. Refusing to report to a team is not something you want on your hockey resume.

The Pats BADLY want George to sign a WHL contract and suit up with them. So far, he's turned them down twice.

For those who don't know of Drew, well, in a Pats uniform at practice last week he, Jordan Eberle and Jordan Weal looked like a set of triplets.

The Weyburn Red Wings are trying to work out a deal with Cowichan Valley but if they don't, the rumour is he could be headed to the La Ronge Ice Wolves via a trade.

He doesn't want to ruin his NCAA elligibility by playing in the WHL but remember, he doesn't even have a scholarship offer yet. By signing with the Pats now, he could get four years of post-secondary school paid for if he plays for three seasons.

George's uncle is my colour commentator Al Dumba, who's a former Pats player and coach. He said on the pregame show the other night "if Drew plays for the Pats, I'd be real happy. But in the end he has to do what he wants to do."

And as one Pats staffer told me on the weekend, "if he tries the SJHL and it doesn't work out, we'll still be on our knees waiting for him."

Four Third-Period Viper Goals:

Four third-period Viper goals

by Contributed

Dec 9, 2009

The Merritt Centennials started well in Vernon on Tuesday, but were unable to maintain their early pressure. Four third-period Viper goals confirmed a 7-1 Viper win.

From the opening face off, the Centennials set up shop in the Viper zone. All three Centennial forwards fore checked hard. That early pressure did not allow the Vipers to change lines, while Merritt players came off the bench. Dustin Johnson culminated the early Merritt dominance with a snap shot that zipped by Blake Voth at 1:08.

Feeding off their success, the Cents were able to carry the play for another minute or so, but then the Vipers worked their way back into the game. In their past three games, the league’s top scoring team had had trouble finding the net, but Connor Jones kick started the Viper attack with a superb goal at 6:28. Veering to his left in the Viper zone, Curtis Gedig spotted Connor on the right wing. Connor picked up Gedig’s long precise pass in full stride and swooped across Keith Hamilton’s goal crease. Hamilton stayed with Connor, but the wily Viper tucked the puck inside the right goal post.

Adam Thompson followed with another fine goal at 8:36, in the wake of good checking by Sawyer Mick. Bryce Kakoske, the game’s first star, found Thompson who had slipped into the left face off circle from his right point position. Thompson’s one-timer gave Hamilton no chance.

In the only Viper power play of the night, Mike Collins made the score 3-1. Kakoske was again involved. He collected the puck in the right corner and passed quickly to Collins, who worked his way left into the high slot where he snapped a high shot past Hamilton’s catching glove.

The second period was a bit of a yawner, with plenty of neutral zone checking and few scoring chances. The Centennials directed 9 shots at Voth, but only one was a legitimate scoring chance. Screened by Silvan Harper, Voth somehow saw and caught a hard point shot by Matt Mazzarolo. At the other end, Rob Short beat Hamilton, but rang a one-timer off the right goal post.

The Vipers exploded for four scintillating goals in the third period. On the second shift of the period, Cole Ikkala took a pass from Connor Jones at the Merritt blue line and fired a laser from 12 feet. The shot beat Hamliton over his right shoulder on the short side at 1:08. Bryce Kakoske’s goal then drove Hamilton from the net at 3:02. Trailing the play, Kakoske was noticed by Braden Pimm. Kakoske calmly took his time and snapped the puck past Hamilton’s glove.

Substitute Riley Wall fared little better, allowing two goals on seven shots. Both were beauties. First, from a scrum at centre ice Rob Short spotted Cory Kane who was unmarked on the left wing. On a clear cut breakaway, Kane roared in to wrist a low shot past Wall’s stick.
The scoring was capped by a slick three-way passing play. Cole Ikkala, the trigger man, was set up by crisp passes by Connor Jones and Jonathan Milhouse.

For the most part, the game was a gentlemanly affair, but two incidents occurred in the third period. After Braden Pimm rocked Silvan Harper with a stiff check behind the Viper net, Jordan Soquila challenged Pimm, but the two did more dancing than punching. At the final whistle, Dustin Johnson objected to Cory Kane’s vigorous play and he started a melee that resulted in several roughing penalties. (Johnson was not penalized.)

Vernon took advantage of their game in hand over Penticton to move seven points ahead of the Vees. The two teams will meet in Penticton Saturday night.

Game Notes:

•Blake Voth won his ninth game in nine starts for the Vipers. In the process, he lowered his league leading goals against average to 1.44.

•Kellen Jones missed the game with a broken jaw suffered against Penticton last Friday. Also, Dylan Walchuk was at the Jr. “A” Prospects game in Winkler, Manitoba, so AP Brendan Persley and reserve defenceman Nils-Erik Soderlund played on a line with Patrick McGillis.

•The Centennials were without injured 20-year olds Ryne Bodger and Alex Valenti. AP Riley Wall substituted for Cole Holowenko, who is with the Chilliwack Bruins while ex-Viper Lucas Gore is out of the lineup with an injury.

•The Centennials surrendered seven or more goals in a game for the 14th time this season.

•The Vipers scored at least seven goals for the 11th time this season.

•Centennial coach Luke Pierce suffered his fourth successive loss after opening his head coaching career with two wins.

Robinson Leaves Bruin Den:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Robinson leaves Bruin den

Published: December 08, 2009

CHILLIWACK – One night after helping his team to one of the most memorable wins in franchise history, David Robinson is walking away from the Chilliwack Bruins.

The 19-year-old forward informed the team of his decision Monday morning, less than 24 hours after helping the Bruins to an impressive 4-0 win over the visiting Vancouver Giants.

After that game, the gritty veteran spoke with enthusiasm about seeing the team turning the corner and shedding its image as a perennial Western Hockey League doormat.

After spending 169 games in a Bruins uniform, second only to Matt Meropoulis (179), it was reasonable to think Robinson would want to stick around to see the team continue to blossom.

But in the end, the Vernon native decided his heart just wasn’t in it any more.

“I’ve been having this feeling for a while, going back to last year,” said Robinson. “I’ve always been the guy who found it easy to work hard. When I started to find myself having to get up for games, it might not have looked like I lost my fire, but it just wasn’t fun for me anymore.”

Robinson struggles to pinpoint a specific moment when his passion for the game diminished. His Bruins career was played on teams that lost a lot of games, and that wears on a player.

“I’ve always had troubles with self confidence, and I really get down on myself,” he admitted. “Last year didn’t pan out the way I wanted it to. We’ve got a good squad this year, but my feelings just carried over. I wanted to succeed, but I can’t keep battling myself.”

Dominant offensively in his midget days, Robinson was unable to translate that to the major junior level. He notched just 23 goals and 43 points in his 169 games, never quite fullfilling the promise that former Chilliwack GM Darrell May thought he possessed.

“I wasn’t expecting to put up 50 goals or anything in my first year, but as I got an increased role, I had bigger expectations for myself that I didn’t meet,” he said. “In the end, I thought I was letting the team down. I was working hard, but my heart wasn’t there.”

He ended his Chilliwack tenure with 265 career penalty minutes, a record.

Avid followers of the team would point to that as proof that his contributions went well beyond goals and assists.

“The penalty minute record is kind of cool, I guess,” he said with a grin.

Robinson came to the arena Monday afternoon to say his goodbyes, minutes before an optional practice.

“We’re together every day for eight months of the year,” he said. “You see guys get traded, like Freezy (Mark Friesen) last week, and it’s tough. I’m sure I’ll keep in touch with them. Every bond is a unique one, and there’s nothing quite like a hockey team’s dressing room.”

The BCHL Vipers are interested in Robinson, but he has also spent a lot of time pondering becoming a firefighter.

“I’m going to go home and figure things out,” he said. “Hockey could be an option down the road. I don’t know. I just need this change in my life right now.”

Jaw Surgery Sidelines Jones:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Jaw surgery sidelines Jones


Published: December 08, 2009

Kellen Jones will begrudgingly start his Christmas break a few weeks earlier than his Vernon Viper teammates. With his jaw wired and plated after taking a Dan Nycholat point shot to the face in the Snakes’ 4-1 loss the Penticton Vees Friday night at Wesbild, Jones will likely be out of B.C. Hockey League action until at least January.

“People complain about these two (Kellen and twin brother Connor) diving all the time,” said Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner. “Here’s a kid who just took a slap shot to the face, knows he’s got a broken jaw, but still bounces up and skates to the bench.”

Jones pulled out his mouthguard and threw it across the ice in frustration as he skated to the bench, realizing he’d miss games as a result of his injury.

Ferner says Kellen, 19, could be back on the ice practising sooner than expected.

“The doctor said he could probably start skating next week. It’s going to be more of an issue for me to keep him off the ice. Hopefully next month he’ll be good to go, but you never want to rush these things.”

Meanwhile, David Robinson, who played on a clutch playoff line with the Jones twins as a 16-year-old, announced his decision to leave the Western Hockey League’s Chilliwack Bruins Monday at practice. The 19-year-old Vernon product toiled for three years with the Bruins, compiling 43 points in 169 games.

Robinson, who owns the Bruins’ penalty minute record with 265, is returning to Vernon to ponder his future.

“We own his (BCHL) rights, but we’ll have to see where he’s at...but certainly we’d be interested, no question,” said Ferner.

Despite the adversity of playing without Kellen, and having lost back-to-back games for the first time all season, the Vipers rebounded Saturday night by shading the Trail Smoke Eaters 3-2 in overtime at Cominco Arena.

“I thought we competed a lot harder than we did the night before (against Penticton),” said Ferner. “It was a tough night going into Trail after what wasn’t a great effort.”

First star netminder Garrett Beckwith kept Trail (10-21-1-2) competitive with a 39-save showing, while Blake Voth made 23 stops for the win.

Scott Jacklin (11th goal) gave the Smokies an early lead with a first-period powerplay, but Vernon (29-2-0-1) equalized in the second frame when Mike Collins recovered a puck from the corner and fed it back to Kevin Kraus on the powerplay. The Viper captain (3rd) fired a rising shot through traffic, beating Beckwith gloveside.

Kellen Jones will begrudgingly start his Christmas break a few weeks earlier than his Vernon Viper teammates. With his jaw wired and plated after taking a Dan Nycholat point shot to the face in the Snakes’ 4-1 loss the Penticton Vees Friday night at Wesbild, Jones will likely be out of B.C. Hockey League action until at least January.

“People complain about these two (Kellen and twin brother Connor) diving all the time,” said Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner. “Here’s a kid who just took a slap shot to the face, knows he’s got a broken jaw, but still bounces up and skates to the bench.”

Jones pulled out his mouthguard and threw it across the ice in frustration as he skated to the bench, realizing he’d miss games as a result of his injury.

Ferner says Kellen, 19, could be back on the ice practising sooner than expected.

“The doctor said he could probably start skating next week. It’s going to be more of an issue for me to keep him off the ice. Hopefully next month he’ll be good to go, but you never want to rush these things.”

Meanwhile, David Robinson, who played on a clutch playoff line with the Jones twins as a 16-year-old, announced his decision to leave the Western Hockey League’s Chilliwack Bruins Monday at practice. The 19-year-old Vernon product toiled for three years with the Bruins, compiling 43 points in 169 games.

Robinson, who owns the Bruins’ penalty minute record with 265, is returning to Vernon to ponder his future.

“We own his (BCHL) rights, but we’ll have to see where he’s at...but certainly we’d be interested, no question,” said Ferner.

Despite the adversity of playing without Kellen, and having lost back-to-back games for the first time all season, the Vipers rebounded Saturday night by shading the Trail Smoke Eaters 3-2 in overtime at Cominco Arena.

“I thought we competed a lot harder than we did the night before (against Penticton),” said Ferner. “It was a tough night going into Trail after what wasn’t a great effort.”

First star netminder Garrett Beckwith kept Trail (10-21-1-2) competitive with a 39-save showing, while Blake Voth made 23 stops for the win.

Scott Jacklin (11th goal) gave the Smokies an early lead with a first-period powerplay, but Vernon (29-2-0-1) equalized in the second frame when Mike Collins recovered a puck from the corner and fed it back to Kevin Kraus on the powerplay. The Viper captain (3rd) fired a rising shot through traffic, beating Beckwith gloveside.

Bryce Kakoske (8th) gave the Vipers the lead at 17:45 of the second when Collins collected a loose puck in a scramble and fed Kakoske for a one-timer from the slot.

Matt Wilkins (2nd) pulled Trail even 18 seconds later to force OT.

In the first OT period, the Vipers’ Robbie Short set up the winner with some hustle in the corner, sending the puck around the boards to Connor. The Montrose product (21st) was stopped on his wraparound attempt, but buried the rebound.

Throughout the game, Ferner tinkered with his lines, trying to find combinations that might work in Kellen’s absence. He started by putting Jonathan Milhouse on a line with Connor and Cory Kane, and bumping up Kakoske to skate with Collins and Braden Pimm.

“It gives us an opportunity to put some of our other guys in different situations and see how they respond. The main thing is I want to see them compete,” said Ferner.

The Snakes hosted the Merritt Centennials (10-21-0-2) Tuesday night at Wesbild. They entertain the Salmon Arm SilverBacks (19-11-2-1) Friday night for Teddy Bear Night, and then visit the Vees (26-5-0-2) Saturday at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

Vernon 7 Merritt 1

Was at tonights BCHL game as Vernon defeated Merritt 7-1 in front of 1,636 fans at the Wesbild Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Blake Voth
Merritt: Keith Hamilton

1st Period: The Cents got the puck in deep off the opening draw, really taking the physical play to the Vipers. Merritt kept the puck in deep attacking the Vernon defence, wich caused a turnover in the Vipers zone, with the play still alive Derek Hills setup Dustin Johnson at 1:08 beating Blake Voth on the Centennials first shot on goal, putting Merritt up 1-0 early. Johnson & Colton Sobchak collected the assists. The Cetennials with some good early pressure forced the play deep in the Vipers zone creating chances. Merritt with some good early physical play had some early jump up 3-0 in shots. Vernon looked a little tense, playing deep in their own end. Merritt would get the games first powerplay of the night but couldnt take advantage as the Vipers killed off the minor. It took the Vipers the first five minutes to get going, Connor Jones with an unreal highlight real goal went through three Centennials before beating Keith Hamilton at 6:28 tying the game 1-1. Curtis Gedig picked up the lone assist. This seemed to give the Vipers some life as just over two minutes later Sawyer Mick setup a wide open Adam Thompson with a nice crease pass, Thompson who had a wide open net put Vernon up 2-1 at 8:31 Mick & Bryce Kakoske with the assists. A very physical 1st period with both teams taking the body, but it was the Cents who had the bigger of the checks in the opening period. Some back and forth action at both ends of the rink as the play seemed to open up a little as the period went along. The Cents with a two on one couldnt beat Voth who made the nice pad save. Cole Ikkala and Jonathan Milhouse with a two on one couldnt beat Hamilton in close. Jeff Jones with a quick shot from the slot was stopped by Voth in close after having trouble with the rebound. Voth who likes to come out of his net to play the puck just about got caught two or three times on a clearing play but was able to recover and get back into his net on time. Connor Jones, Cole Ikkala and Jonathan Milhouse with a three on two couldnt beat Hamilton who made a nice save down low. Vernon had the better of the scoring chances. Late in the period with the Vipers on their first man advantage of the night, Mike Collins walked into the slot and then roofed his shot past Keith Hamilton at 18:25 putting Vernon up 3-1. Bryce Kakoske & Braden Pimm with the assists. Pimm and Kakoske did all the work down low and in behind the goal to setup Collins goal. A fairly entertaining opening period saw Vernon up 3-1 after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers outshot the Centennials 13-6.

2nd Period: Off the opening draw Connor Jones went hard into the end boards but managed to get up and shake it off after the Vipers got a bit of a scare. Both teams looked a little unorganized at times with some scrambly play coming at both ends of the rink. A very tight checking period with very linited scoring chances as both clubs played one another very defensively. The Centennials best scoring chance came after a three on one, Colton Sobchak, Dustin Johnson & Derek Hills went in but couldnt connect on the final shot. Merritt would get its second powerplay of the night, Derek Hills with a blast from the point was robbed by the glove of Blake Voth. Just as the powerplay come to an end Rob Short with some hustle ripped a low shot just over the blueline that beat Hamilton but hit the post as the Vipers come close to going up 4-1. This was the fifth time Vernon has hit the post in their last three games. Shortly after the Centennials would get another chance with the man advantage but once again some strong penalty kill by Vernon and the Vipers would kill off the minor. A very non-entertaining 2nd period with no real action at either ends of the rink. Merritt thought they scored their second goal of the night at 4:06 but the goal was waived off due to a highstick. It was scoreless after 40 minutes of play, as Vernon was up 3-1. The Cents outshot the Vipers 9-5.

3rd Period: Just 1:08 into the 3rd Connor Jones setup Cole Ikkala who went hard to the net and then beat Hamilton down low putting Vernon up 4-1. Jones with the lone assist. On the next shift Ikkala drove to the net hard going for his 2nd goal of the night but couldnt beat Hamilton who made a nice save down low. Just under two minutes later Bryce Kakoske from the slot beat Keith Hamilton at 3:02 putting Vernon up 5-1 and in full control. Braden Pimm & Mike Collins with the assists. This was the end of the night for Cents goaltender, Keith Hamilton who was yanked in favor of Riley Wall. Hamilton gave up five goals on twenty Vernon shots. The Vipers seemed to turn it up in the final period and really take it to the Cents. Rob Short & Sawyer Mick went in two on one but couldnt beat Wall. Connor Jones with a nice move was also stopped by Wall in close. Merritt with very few scoring chances couldnt seem to slow down to stop the speedy Vipers. Rob Short was sandwiched between two Centennials at the blueline before making a nice pass to Cory Kane who went in all alone beating Wall on the breakaway as the Vipers went up 6-1 at 6:40 of the 3rd. Short & Dan Nycholat with the assists. Stephen Wall with a quick shot from the circle was stopped by Blake Voth who made a nice pad save. The Vipers who were by far the better of the two teams outplayed Merritt for most of the 3rd. Some nice three way passing from Cole Ikkala, Connor Jones & Jonathan Milhouse setup Ikkala who scored his 2nd of the night at 13:35 putting Vernon up 7-1, Jones & Milhouse collected the assists. Late in the 3rd Braden Pimm with a high hit deep in the Vipers zone, caused Captain Jordan Soquila to run in and drop the mits with Pimm. Just under two minutes left in the game Silvan Harper was stopped down low after Voth made a nice pad save keeping the puck out, the puck would come back out front just seconds later as former Vernon Viper d-man, Steve Tresierra was also robbed by Voth who made another big pad save in close. At the buzzer a srum took place deep in the Vernon zone, everyone gathered as some pushing and shoving took place. Sawyer Mick started pushing and shoving with a Merritt player, before Mick got off a few shots. Then Matt Mazzarolo started pushing Rob Short, Mazzarolo was trying to get Short to drop the gloves, as Short tried skating away. The ref and linesmen got between the two breaking up any fight that may have started. Both teams seemed to settle their differences with no real fights starting. Vernon would win its second straight game after defeating Merritt 7-1. The Vipers outshot the Centennials 9-8.

Top Players: (Vernon)

The Vipers top line of Connor Jones (1 goal & 2 assists), Cole Ikkala (2 goals) and Jonathan Milhouse (1 assist) played very well up front. This line was clicking all night, Jones and Ikkala were really flying all night, skating hard. Jones & Ikkala with some real soft hands down low looked very good. Milhouse had a few chances also looking good on the Vipers #1 line.

Bryce Kakoske (1 goal & 2 assists) Has really stepped up his play over the last month playing his best hockey of the season. Kakoske looked very good up front. Worked hard down low and in and around the net.

Blake Voth (22 saves) Improved to 9-0 as a Viper. Voth didnt have to make any real huge saves but did make some timely saves at key times in tonights game. This kid really likes to come out and play the puck, just about got caught two or three times in tonights game, but managed to get back into his crease on time. Nice to see this kid get back to back starts vs some of the Interiors weaker teams.

Top Players: (Merritt)

Jeff Zmurchyk played well on the Cents blueline. Made some nice defensive plays in the first two periods.

Dustin Johnson (1 goal) Was one of the better Merritt forwards. Seemed to always be involved in the play, created some chances.

Silvan Harper looked fairly good up front for Merritt. This young kid had some good chances, drove to the net getting his rebounds and working hard all night.

Mitch Jones played well on the Centennials backend. A solid d-man who looked good in the first two periods. Played physical.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

Vernon didnt get off to a good start but once they got going they seemed to play better as the game went along. The Vipers got off to a bit of a slow start but seemed to get things going as the 1st period went on, in the end the Vipers had the better chances in the opening period. Both teams played a very tight checking game in the 2nd with very little scoring chances. Vernon really took it too Merritt in the 3rd opening up the play. The Vipers were no match for the Cents in the final period outplaying and outskating the Centennials for most of the 3rd. Tonight was the smallest crowd of the season on hand to watch tonights game. (1,636) Nice to see the Auzzies back in town, this pretty large group made a ton of noise making for a good atmosphere.

Game Thoughts: (Merritt)

I thought the Cents come out hard really taking it to the Vipers but as the game went on Merritt couldnt seem to keep up with the Vipers speed and skill. The Cents opened the scoring but then couldnt seem to get that 2nd goal that may have put the Vipers back a step. Merritt played physical in the first two periods but got away from the physical presence in the 3rd. I thought Merritt played well for the first two periods but couldnt compete with Vernon in the 3rd. The Centennials need to play a full 60 minutes in order to knock off the Vipers. Specialty teams was the difference as the Cents went 0-4 on the powerplay while Vernon went 1-1.

Gary & Ty Davidson were at tonights game, with notebooks and labtops in hand.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Darrin Robak
Kellen Jones (Injured)
Dylan Walchuk

Merritt:

Ryne Bodger
Alex Valenti

3 Stars:

1st Star: Bryce Kakoske (1 goal & 2 assists)
2nd Star: Connor Jones (1 goal & 2 assists)
3rd Star: Cole Ikkala (2 goals)

(Game Preview) Merritt @ Vernon:

Merritt (10-21-0-2) @ Vernon (29-2-0-1)

Last Game Played:

Saturday December 5th Vernon defeated Trail 3-2 Overtime
Sunday December 6th Prince George defeated Merritt 6-5 Overtime

Tonight is the 4th meeting of the season between the defending Royal Bank Cup Champion Vernon Vipers & the Merritt Centennials. The Vipers are riding a one game winning streak, while the Centennials are riding a three game losing streak.

Let’s take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The Vipers currently sit #1 overall in Canada & in the league as the BCHL’s best team with a record of 29-2-0-1 five points up on the Penticton Vees. Vernon has scored 170 goals and given up the least amount of goals with just 55. The Vipers are coming off a 3-2 OT victory in Trail improving to 17-0-0-0 on the road, wich ties the 1989-90 New Westminster Royals BCHL record for most consecutive wins on the road. Vernon is 12-2-0-1 on home ice but have dropped their last two games at the Wesbild Centre. The Vipers have four players in the leagues top 20 in scoring. Mike Collins (22-27-49), Braden Pimm (14-26-40), Dylan Walchuk (13-25-38), & Connor Jones (21-15-36). Graeme Gordon & Blake Voth also lead the league as the BCHL’s top two goaltenders. Gordon with a record of 21-3 with 1 shutout and a GAA of 1.73 Voth has a record of 8-0 with 2 shutouts and a GAA of 1.49

Keys To Tonights Game:

The Vipers need to get off to a quick start and jump on a Merritt Centennials hockey club that is playing on just one days rest. The Cents come into Vernon on a five game road trip, after playing three games in three nights up North over the weekend.

How many times have we seen the Vipers play oh so well in the opening period but yet are either tied or trailing after one period of play, the team needs to burry a couple of goals and put away Merritt early.

The Vipers need to get their powerplay going, after having the leagues best powerplay the team has struggled as of late with the man advantage going 5-36 in their last 7 games.

After scoring five or more goals in 10 straight games, the Vipers havnt scored more then 3 goals in their last three games. Vernon needs to shoot more and get guys in front of the net, start paying the price in front of the goal. The Vipers have been trying to get a little too cute with their passes and plays lately.

Merritt maybe 2nd last in the Interior Division but do have a few kids that can put the puck in the net. The Vipers need to watch, Dustin Johnson (19-11-30), Jordan Soquila (12-17-29), Colton Sobchak (10-19-29), Derek Hills (11-17-28), Andrew Pickering (6-20-26) & Jeff Jones (13-12-25)

Players To Watch:

Mike Collins (22-27-49)
Braden Pimm (14-26-40)
Dylan Walchuk (13-25-38)
Kellen Jones (7-29-36)
Connor Jones (21-15-36)
Jonathan Milhouse (9-23-32)
Cory Kane (12-17-29)
Rob Short (12-16-28)
Dan Nycholat (4-19-23)
Cole Ikkala (10-13-23)
Bryce Kakoske (8-15-23)
Kevin Kraus (3-16-19)
Adam Thompson (2-11-13)
Graeme Gordon (21-3 Record-1 Shutout-1.73 GAA)

Let’s take a look at the Merritt Centennials:

The Centennials currently sit in 8th place in the Interior Division with a record of 10-21-0-2 one point back of the Trail Smoke Eaters. The Cents have scored 116 goals but have troubles keeping the puck out of their net giving up 193 goals. Merritt is 10-7-0-0 on home ice but struggles away from home having yet to win a game going 0-14-0-2 on the road. Merritt is 2-7-0-1 in their last 10 games. Derek Hills has points in five straight games. Tonight is the fourth game of a current five game road trip for the Centennials who dropped all three games up North over the weekend. Next stop after facing the Vipers is a date with the Trail Smoke Eaters in Trail. The Cents are 0-3 against the Vipers this season and have been outscored 23-7. Defenceman, Steve Tresierra and Cents head coach, Luke Pierce will once again face their former team. Jeff Jones & David Sabey who both were cut by the Vipers during training camp-pre season will want to play well against Vernon to prove Mark Ferner wrong. Cents goaltener Cole Holowenko backed up Braden Gamble in the Chilliwack Bruins 4-0 WHL shutout of the Vancouver Giants. Holowenko was called up by the Bruins after Saturday's Cents game in Quesnel. With Bruins number-one goaltender & former Vernon Viper Lucas Gore out with a shoulder injury, it remains to be seen if Holowenko will stay in Chilliwack or if he'll be on his way back to Merritt. The Cents added Lucas Blinkhorn (89) & defenceman Caleb Roy (89) both affiliate players from the KIJHL's Revelstoke Grizzlies for this past weekends games up North. Blinkhorn is the Grizzlies Captain. No word if Blinkhorn will play tonight in Vernon. Blinkhorn is fourth in KIJHL scoring with 16 goals and 24 assists in 27 games for Revelstoke. He spent some time with the Vernon Vipers last season as an AP, but didn't get into any games with the Vipers. Roy, who leads all Grizzlies defenceman in scoring with 31 points in 27 games, was an affiliate with the Vernon Vipers in 2005-06. He is second in scoring among blueliners in the KIJHL. For more info, stats and great game coverage check out Brian Wiebe’s Merritt Centennials Blog, http://merrittcentennials.blogspot.com/

Keys To Tonights Game:

After dropping the first three games of this road trip up North, how will the Cents do against a Vipers team that has owned them over the last few seasons. Merritt needs to try and slow down a speedy Vipers team that is loaded with depth.

The Cents need to play physical against a smaller Vernon team, try and wear them down and do all the little things to pull out the teams first road win of the year.

The Cents will have to get solid goaltending in order to try and stop the Vipers.

Merritt needs to get lots of traffic and pucks towards either Graeme Gordon or Blake Voth, two of the leagues top goaltenders.

The Cents are 7-32-0-2 in the last six seasons against Vernon

The Centennials are on a 17 game winless skid (0-16-0-1) against the Vipers.

The last time Merritt defeated Vernon was on January 14, 2007 by a final score of 3-2Wade MacLeod scored the winner while Casey Fratkin and Tyler Halliday also scored for the Centennials. Nick Stermer, Mike Naito, Nick Kang, Casey Pierro-Zabotel, Jason Wright and Cody Butcher each had an assist in the win. Brad McInnis made 45 saves in goal for the Cents.

Players To Watch:

Dustin Johnson (19-11-30)
Jordan Soquila (12-17-29)
Colton Sobchak (10-19-29)
Derek Hills (11-17-28)
Andrew Pickering (6-20-26)
Jeff Jones (13-12-25)
Alex Valenti (9-8-17)
Steve Tresierra (1-15-16)
David Sabey (7-7-14)


Heres a look at the season series between these two teams:

Wednesday, October 21st @ Vernon: Vernon wins 7-2

Merritt held a 2-1 lead heading into the 3rd period but couldn’t hold on for the win, as Vernon exploded for six goals in the final 30 minutes. Connor Jones (2), Kellen Jones, Jonathan Milhouse, Rob Short, Steven Weinstein, & Bryce Kakoske scored for the Vipers. Derek Hills & Dustin Johnson scored for the Centennials. Graeme Gordon made 14 saves for the win. Cole Holowencko made 40 saves in the loss. Vernon outshot Merritt 47-16.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712631&link=bchl

Friday, October 30th @ Merritt: Vernon wins 10-4

Dylan Walchuk & Cole Ikkala with two goals each put Vernon up 4-0 after the 1st period. Cory kane & Dustin Johnson scored in the 2nd as the Vipers were up 5-1 after 40 minutes of play. Vernon would score five goals in the 3rd (Mike Collins with two, Rob Short, Darrin Robak & Nick Amies) to blow the game wide open. Rob Short, Jonathan Milhouse, Cole Ikkala, Cory Kane & Dylan Walchuk all had three point nights. Mike Collins lead the way with four points. Vernon outshot Merritt 39-31 Blake Voth made 27 saves getting the win, while Cameron Dagg made 29 saves taking the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712655&link=bchl

Tuesday, November 10th @ Merritt: Vernon wins 6-1

Silvan Harper put the Centennials on the scoreboard at 16:48 of the 1st period. This was all the scoring the Cents would get as Vernon would score six straight goals going on to the 6-1 victory. Dan Nycholat, Patrick McGillis with two, Cory Kane, Adam Thompson, & Rob Short scored for the Vipers. Cole Holowenko made 37 saves in the loss, while Graeme Gordon made 28 saves picking up the win. Vernon outshot Merritt 43-29.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712694

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

Vernon:

Nils-Erik Soderlund
Mike Collins
Braden Pimm
Cory Kane
Dylan Walchuk
Jonathan Milhouse
Cole Ikkala
Kevin Kraus
Connor Jones
Dan Nycholat
Adam Thompson
Sawyer Mick
Steven Weinstein
Kellen Jones
Rob Short
Curtis Gedig
Bryce Kakoske
Garrett Noonan
Patrick McGillis
Darrin Robak
Blake Voth
Graeme Gordon

Merritt:

Dustin Johnson
Jordan Soquila
Colton Sobchak
Derek Hills
Andrew Pickering
Jeff Jones
Alex Valenti
Steve Tresierra
David Sabey
Mitch Jones
Jeff Zmurchyk
Ryne Bodger
Matt Mazzarolo
Silvan Harper
Stephen Wall
Alexander MacMillan
Daniel Chang
Kameran Crawford
Austin Baecker
Cole Holowenko
Keith Hamilton

Former Viper Robinson Leaves Bruins:

This is posted on the Chilliwack website:

Robinson Leaves Team

December 7th , 2009

The Chilliwack Bruins announced today that 19 year old forward David Robinson has left the team. Robinson who was in his third season with the club cited a lack of passion for the game as the reason for his decision.

“It was an extremely difficult decision to make,” said Robinson. “Everyone in the Bruins organization has been so good to me and I would like to thank everyone for everything they have done for me. I’m really going to miss everyone here. This is a team on the rise and that made my decision that much more difficult.”

Robinson is the Bruins all time leader in penalty minutes (265) and ranks second in games played (169).

Robinson played four games with the BCHL's Vernon Vipers as an "AP" during the 2005-06 regular season. Then joined the team during the playoffs joining and making the Vipers #1 line of David Robsinson, Connor Jones & Kellen Jones, a line that would take over in the playoffs and endup upsetting the Penticton Vees in just five games.