(Game Preview) Westside @ Vernon:

Westside (4-1-0-0) @ Vernon (4-0-0-0)

Tonight is the fourth meeting of the season between these two teams (Pre-season & regular season). The Vipers won both exibition games in overtime over the Westside Warriors and defeated Westside 5-2 in the Warriors home opener last Friday. The Vipers come into tonights action undefeated with a perfect 4-0 record. This is Vernon's second of three straight games on home ice before hitting the road for a small three game road trip. Westside comes into the Wesbild Centre tied with the Vernon Vipers for 1st place in the Interior Conference. Tonight is the end of a mini two game road trip for the Warriors before playing there next six straight at Royal Le Page Place. Westside has played four of its first five games away from home.

Last Game Played:

Saturday, October 1st Vernon defeated Prince George 5-4 (Overtime)
Saturday, October 1st Westside defeated Merritt 5-4 (Overtime)

Next Game:

Friday, October 7th Chilliwack @ Vernon
Friday, October 7th Merritt @ Westside

Since the Warriors moved to Westside in 2006-07 Vernon is 3-1 vs. Westside during exibition action

Since the Warriors moved to Westside in 2006-07 Vernon is 15-12-2-3 vs. Westside during the regular season

Since the Warriors moved to Westside in 2006-07 Vernon has outscored Westside 92-90 during the regular season

Since the Warriors moved to Westside in 2006-07 Vernon is 6-6-1-2 at home vs. Westside during the regular season

Since the Warriors moved to Westside in 2006-07 Vernon is 9-6-1-1 in Westside during the regular season

Since the 2008-09 season the Vipers are 6-2-1-1 in their last ten games vs. the Warriors on home ice during the regular season

Since the 2008-09 season the Vipers are 7-2-0-1 in their last ten games vs. the Warriors at Royal Le Page Place during the regular season

Westside's last regular season victory at the Wesbild Centre was a 3-1 win on Saturday, January 23rd 2010

The Vipers went 4-0-1-1 last season vs the Warriors in the regular season, before knocking off Westside in six games in the Interior Conference Semi-Finals.

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

Games Played: 964
Wins: 622
Losses: 245
Ties: 15
Overtime Losses: 84

For more stats & former Vernon Junior Hockey Team rosters & lineups please visit Paul’s Vernon Junior Hockey History website,

http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

Games Played: 4
Wins: 4
Losses: 0
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 0
Home Record: 2-0-0-0
Road Record: 2-0-0-0
Goals For: 20
Goals Against: 11
Standings: Tied for 1st Place with Westside

Vernon Vipers Returning Players From Last Year:

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

Vernon Vipers Departing & Traded Players From Last Year:

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

Vernons Home record vs. Westside this season:

0-0-0-0

Vernons Road record vs. Westside this season:

1-0-0-0

Vernons Powerplay vs. Westside this season:

2-6

Vernons scoring leaders vs. Westside this season:

Adam Tambellini (2-2-4)
Marc Hetnik (1-1-2)
Marcus Basara (1-1-2)
Patrick McGillis (0-2-2)
Max Mowat (0-1-1)
Connor Hartley (0-1-1)
Michael Zalewski (1-0-1)

Kirby Halcrow (1-0 Record)

Vernons Home record vs. Westside last season:

2-0-1-0

Vernons Road record vs. Westside last season:

2-0-0-1

Vernons Powerplay vs. Westside last season:

8-33

Vernons scoring leaders vs. Westside last season:

Dylan Walchuk (4-5-8)
Michael Zalewski (3-5-8)
Adam Thompson (2-6-8)
Bryce Kakoske (4-2-6)
Steven Weinstein (1-5-6)
Kyle Murphy (1-4-5)
Patrick McGillis (2-3-5)
David Robinson (2-2-4)
Brett Corkey (0-4-4)
John Knisley (0-3-3)
Darren Nowick (2-1-3)
Malcolm Lyles (1-2-3)
Aaron Hadley (1-1-2)
Marcus Basara (1-1-2)

Blake Voth (2-1-1 Record)
Kirby Halcrow (2-0 Record)

Let's take a look at the trades the Vipers have made so far this season.

27-Jun-11 The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club acquires the CJHL playing rights of Luke Juha (93)(D) from the Burlington Cougars Hockey Club of the OJHL in exchange for future considerations.

02-Aug-11 The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Dane Muench (92)(F), Phillip Patenaude (91)(D) and future considerations to the Kindersley Klippers Hockey Club in exchange for the playing rights of Jarryd Ten Vannholt and Justin Elliot.

19-Sep-11 The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Jarryd Ten Vaanholt (91)(F) to the Victoria Grizzles Hockey Club in exchange for future considerations.

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Kirby Halcrow is 3-4 in his career vs. Westside

-Vernon has the leagues 3rd best powerplay

-The Vipers have the BCHL's 2nd best penalty kill

-Michael Zalewski (5-2-7), Adam Tambellini (4-3-7) & Patrick McGillis (3-3-6) are all in the leagues top twenty in scoring

Lets take a look at the Westside Warriors:

Games Played: 5
Wins: 4
Losses: 1
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 0
Home Record: 0-1-0-0
Road Record: 4-0-0-0
Goals For: 22
Goals Against: 15
Standings: Tied for 1st Place with Vernon

Westside Warriors Returning Players From Last Year:

Izaak Berglund (91)
Travis Blanleil (94)
Max French (92)
Shawn Hochhausen (92)
Michael King (93)
Tyler Krause (91)
Peter MacIntosh (91)
Brett Mckinnon (92)
Dru Morrison (92)
Brett Mulcahy (93)
Brayden Sherbinin (93)

Former Vernon Lakers forward, Rylan Ferster is the new head coach-gm of the Warriors after coming over this summer from the KIJHL Revelestoke Grizzlies.

Westside Warriors Departing & Traded Players From Last Year:

Alex Grieve (90)
Kyle Singleton (90)
Tyler Brickler (91)
Grayson Downing (92)
Tom Kroshus (92)
Quinn Gould (90)
Tyler French (90)
Matthew Maher (90)
Matt Cronin (92)
Stefan Nicholishen (93)
Kevin Boyle (92)
Cole Holowenko (93)

Westsides Home record vs. Vernon this season:

0-1-0-0

Westsides Road record vs. Vernon this season:

0-0-0-0

Westsides Powerplay vs. Vernon this season:

1-7

Westsides scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Travis Blanleil (1-0-1)
Brennan Clark (0-1-1)
Peter MacIntosh (0-1-1)
Max French (1-0-1)
Tyler Krause (0-1-1)

Brandon Lane (0-1 Record)

Westsides Home record vs. Vernon last season:

1-1-0-1

Westsides Road record vs. Vernon last season:

0-2-1

Westsides Powerplay vs. Vernon last season:

6-24

Westsides scoring leaders vs. Vernon last season:

Matthew Maher (1-5-6)
Alex Grieve (2-2-4)
Kyle Singleton (2-2-4)
Tom Kroshus (2-2-4)
Tyler Brickler (0-4-4)
Brayden Sherbinin (2-1-3)
Quinn Gould (2-1-3)
Tyler Krause (1-2-3)
Grayson Downing (1-2-3)
Max French (1-1-2)
Brett Mckinnon (2-0-2)
Michael King (0-1-1)
Brett Mulcahy (0-1-1)
Matt Cronin (0-1-1)
Shawn Hochhausen (1-0-1)
Peter MacIntosh (0-1-1)
Stefan Nicholishen (0-1-1)
Tyler French (0-1-1)

Kevin Boyle (0-2-1 Record)
Cole Holowenko (1-1 Record)

Let's take a look at the trades the Warriors have made this season.

02-Aug-11 The Surrey Eagles Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Richard Vanderhoek (91)(F) to the Westside Warriors Hockey Club in exchange for the playing rights of Matt Cronin (92)(D).

05-Aug-11 The Westside Warriors Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Stefan Nicholishen (93)(F) to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks Hockey Club in exchange for the playing rights of Dustin Cave (94)(D).

05-Oct-11 The Westside Warriors Hockey Club transfer the playing rights of Tyson Witala (93)(F) to the Prince George Spruce Kings Hockey Club in exchange for future considerations.

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Tyler Krause (5-3-8) & Connor Dempsey (4-3-7) are both in the BCHL's top twenty in league scoring

-Westside has the BCHL's best powerplay

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

-Forward Tyler Krause has points in five straight games

For more on the Westside Warriors and tonights game, visit Jon Zacks new Westside Warriors blog (The Generals Report), http://westsidewarriorsblog.wordpress.com/

Here’s a look at the season series between these two teams:

Friday, September 30th @ Westside: Vipers win 5-2

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 18:21 - Michael Zalewski from Connor Hartley
Westside Warriors at 19:00 - Max French from Tyler Krause

PERIOD 2

Vernon Vipers at 6:56 - Marcus Basara from Marc Hetnik and Adam Tambellini

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 5:06 (PP) - Marc Hetnik from Marcus Basara and Adam Tambellini
Vernon Vipers at 5:25 (PP) - Adam Tambellini from Max Mowat and Patrick McGillis
Vernon Vipers at 8:11 - Adam Tambellini from Patrick McGillis
Westside Warriors at 19:32 (PP) - Travis Blanleil from Brennan Clark and Peter MacIntosh

Westside outshot Vernon 49-30. Kirby Halcrow made 47 saves in the win, while Brandon Lane made 14 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977747&link=bchl

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon:

Michael Zalewski (5-2-7)
Adam Tambellini (4-3-7)
Patrick McGillis (3-3-6)
Darren Nowick (2-3-5)
Marc Hetnik (1-3-4)
Aaron Hadley (1-3-4)
Marcus Basara (0-3-3)
John Knisley (1-1-2)
Colton Sparrow (1-1-2)
Brett Corkey (0-2-2)
Geoff Crisfield (0-1-1)
Jedd Soleway (1-0-1)
Max Mowat (0-1-1)
Ryan Renz (0-1-1)
Connor Hartley (0-1-1)
Alex Hagen (0-0-0)
Turner Lawson (0-0-0)
Riley Hunt (0-0-0)
Luke Juha (0-0-0)

Kirby Halcrow (3-0 Record, 2.28 GAA)
Danny Todosychuk (1-0 Record, 3.90 GAA)

Westside:

Tyler Krause (5-3-8)
Connor Dempsey (4-3-7)
Peter MacIntosh (0-5-5)
Michael King (0-5-5)
Richard Vanderhoek (1-3-4)
Dru Morrison (1-3-4)
Seb Lloyd (1-3-4)
Brett Mckinnon (1-2-3)
Travis Blanleil (2-1-3)
Brennan Clark (1-2-3)
Ben Betker (0-2-2)
Tyson Witala (1-1-2)
Max French (2-0-2)
Brayden Sherbinin (1-0-1)
Izaak Berglund (0-1-1)
Shawn Hochhausen (1-0-1)
Garrett Skrbich (0-1-1)
Mitchell Steinke (0-0-0)
Scott MacDonald (0-0-0)

Steven Racine (4-0 Record, 2.62 GAA)
Brandon Lane (0-1 Record, 5.45 GAA)

Vipers Rally Big For Win:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers rally big for win

By Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star

Published: October 05, 2011

Prince George star Paul DeJersey resembled a player trying to dissect a Game 7 loss as he sat, in full equipment, outside the Spruce Kings’ dressing room Saturday night at Wesbild Centre.

About 15 minutes had passed since the big winger’s hat trick went for naught as he witnessed one of the most dramatic comebacks in Vernon Vipers’ history. Vernon (4-0) hosts the 4-1 Westside Warriors tonight.

The Vipers reeled off three gorgeous snipes in 86 seconds late in the third period, and then got a superb goal from Adam Tambellini, 1:46 into overtime, in a 5-4 win before just 1,400 fans, most of whom were thinking about asking for their money back before the unbelievable rally.

“We’re a young team so I think we gotta learn how to clutch up,” said the classy DeJersey, who leads the BCHL with 7-2-9 playing alongside 17-year-old superstar Jujhar Khaira.

“I had a feeling they weren’t going to go away, obviously because they’ve been champs three years in a row and they know how to come back. We’re a young team so we’ve gotta take notes and just know this can’t ever happen again because you can’t afford to lose games like that.”

The 19-year-old DeJersey, who scored some big goals here with the Salmon Arm SilverBacks, wasn’t considering the single point worthy of much.

“It feels like we just got knocked out of the playoffs or something. I don’t even think about it as we got a point. We should have got two or otherwise it’s nothing.

“We played better than last night (9-3 loss in Penticton). I don’t mean to sound negative but I’m not taking any positives from this game. I don’t care if we played good the whole game, 65 minutes, we gotta learn how to close teams out.”

The Vipers, meanwhile, lulled the crowd to sleep as they got outworked by the smooth-skating Kings for most of the tilt. Prince George got solid netminding from rookie Marcus Beesley and actually held a 22-10 shot advantage midway through the game until the Vipers racked up seven shots on a failed powerplay.

With the Kings up 4-1 and 2:27 left to play, captain Patrick McGillis beat Beesley with a backhander after a beautiful passing play started on the side wall by Colton Sparrow to Marcus Basara in the high slot. It was McGillis’ second of the night.

Just 30 seconds later, Aaron Hadley finished a bing-bang-boom play involving Mike Zalewski and Darren Nowick. The Vipers equalized 56 seconds later when Hadley took a feed from d-man Brett Corkey and fed Zalewski backdoor.

Tambellini picked off a poor two-foot Kings pass at the blueline, cruised in alone and went roof daddy, left side, sending his teammates and fans into a frenzy.

“It wasn’t our best effort tonight, obviously,” said McGillis. “We weren’t the team we wanted to be for the first two periods but credit to the guys battling back in the third and the last five minutes in the third, we really poured it on and beared down on our chances.

“Their goalie played really well. He was getting all the bounces for the first two-and-a-half periods and then right there at the end of the third, we started getting the bounces our way and they started going in.”

Vernon (4-0) received a solid 28-save showing from local product Danny Todosychuk in his BCHL debut. The Vipers blew coverage on three of the goals with one slipping through the five-hole.

“He looked a little nervous at the start but he definitely was calm and smooth throughout the game and he’s definitely gonna be a good goalie this year and the next years to come in this league,” said McGillis of the 17-year-old net detective.

Tododsychuk, who played Midget Tier 1 in Vernon last year, was especially active in the first period as the Sprucies outshot the Vipers 15-8.

“It was a bit of a back-and-forth game,” said Tododsychuk. “We kind of came out a little slower than we would have liked, but at the end we got it done.”

Asked if he had some butterflies in his first start, he replied: “Yah, starting in front of the hometown crowd, there were obviously a couple. But after the first shot, the nerves kind of go away and you just kind of go from there.

“I let in a couple of questionable goals, but the guys kept battling the whole game and they pulled it off and it only took us five minutes. It feels good to get the first win out of the way.”

Meanwhile, the Vipers chose Logan Mick and Steve Alldridge, both of the Pursuit of Excellent Midgets in Kelowna, in the BCHL’s first affiliate draft Monday. Both players remain Viper property for this season only.

BCHL AP Draft Final Results:

BCHL AP Draft Final Results:

Submitted by BCHL Media

On Monday, Oct. 3, BCHL governor and league officials will convene in Richmond for the first governors meetings of the new season.

Amongst other things, an affiliate draft will be held which will give teams the chance to select 15-year-old players for the purpose of affiliating them for the season and introduce them to their team culture and to Junior A hockey. The players rights will not be retained at the end of the season.

"It will give each team a season to build a relationship with the young player," said BCHL executive director Dave Sales. "Perhaps more importantly for the league as a whole, even if a player doesn't stay with the team that drafted them, they may sign with another BCHL team because of their exposure to the league and we will have been successful as a group in keeping players versus them choosing other options."

The idea for the affiliate draft was approved by governors after the end of last season from a motion by the the steering committe of the board of directors. As ever, the BCHL is exploring new ideas as a way of staying relevant to developing hockey players and as a way of setting the pace for Junior A hockey in Canada.

Teams will have the option of selecting a player in each of the two rounds but are not required to do so because the draft is optional. Teams select based on reverse order of finish in the 2010-11 standings. The draft order is as follows:

1. Prince George - Kenny Nordstorm
2. Chilliwack - Matthew Revel
3. Cowichan Valley - Mitchell Meek
4. Merritt - Rhett Willcox
5. Coquitlam - Victor Dombrowsky
6. Alberni Valley - Chase Lang
7. Nanaimo - Nicolais Gomerich
8. Trail - Mitchell Foyle
9. Victoria - Ryan Kelm
10. Langley - Ryan Simpson
11. Westside - Brett Mennear
12. Surrey - Ryan Gropp
13. Salmon Arm - Spencer Hewson
14. Penticton - Riley Stadel
15. Vernon - Steven Alldridge
16. Powell River - PASS
17. Prince George - Tyler Povelofskie
18. Chilliwack - Mitchell Skapski
19. Cowichan Valley - PASS
20. Merritt - Zachary Sanderson
21. Coquitlam - Tyler Sandhu
22. Alberni Valley - Alec Dillon
23. Nanaimo - Liam Shaw
24. Trail - Jeff Rayman
25. Victoria - Austin Scanks
26. Langley - Dalton Yorke
27. Westside - Gen Bryshun
28. Surrey - Mitchell Friesen
29, Salmon Arm - Joe Hicketts
30. Penticton - Graham Millar
31. Vernon - Logan Mick
32. Powell River - PASS

Adam Tambellini Post Game Interview:

Vernon Vipers colour commentator, Don Klepp interviews Vernon Vipers forward, Adam Tambellini after the Vipers huge come from behind 5-4 overtime victory over the visiting Prince George Spruce Kings Saturday night. Tambellini scored the overtime winner and added one assist, bening named first star.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6RtqrncJ2A

Minnesota Wild Re-Assign Former Viper Defenceman Genoway To AHL:

The Minnesota Wild have reassigned former Vernon Vipers defenceman, Chay Genoway to the AHL Houston Aeros. Genoway attended the Minnesota Wilds 2011 development camp this past July. Genoway signed an entry level contract with the Wild back on April, 12th 2011. Genoway played just one season in Vernon (2005-06) before attending the University of North Dakota.

Chay Genoway's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=92084

This is posted on the Wild website:

Wild trim roster

09/27/2011

By Staff Reports

Minnesota moves 17 players

St. Paul, Mn-The Minnesota Wild trimmed, no they shaved their roster from 45 players to 28 on Sunday in an effort to focus in on their every day lineup. It was a move designed to give the remaining three pre-season games to the presumed regulars on the roster.

Five players from the remaining 28 will need to be cut from the current roster. The Wild are 3-1 in the pre-season and the top line of Mikko Koivu, Dany Heatley, and Devin Setoguchi have only appeared in one of the team's four pre-season contests.

Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher announced on Sunday that his club reassigned 9 players to the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey Leauge (AHL). They were forwards Kris Foucault, David McIntyre, Carson McMillan, Jarod Palmer, and Chad Rau. Defensemen moved to Houston included Tyler Cuma, Chay Genoway.

Clearing way in the crease, the Wild sent a pair of goalies to their AHL club as Matt Hackett and Darcy Kuemper were reassigned. The moved gives Wild goalies Niklas Backstrom and Josh Harding plenty of time to play the rest of the way for the pre-season as they prepare for the season opener on Saturday, October 8th at the Xcel energy Center.

Other moves included placing 5 players on waivers with the intention to reassign them to Houston on Tuesday September 27th should they clear waivers. Forwards Jon DiSalvatore, Warren Peters, Jed Ortmeyer and Jeff Taffe were joined by defenseman Jeff Penner and goalie Dennis Endras.

A pair of players on tryouts with the Wild were released in defenseman Jordan Hendry and Kris Fredheim.

Minnesota is back in action Tuesday night, September 27th, at the Xcel Energy Center as they play host to the St. Louis Blues. The Wild shutout the Blues 1-0 in their previous exhibition game last week in St. Louis.

Vipers Ranked 6th In CJHL Standings:

Kings and Vipers in top six, Eagles get honourable mention

Monday, October 3, 2011 - Submitted by BCHL Media

The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) announced today its Weekly Top 20 rankings in conjunction with NHL Central Scouting. The 2011 - 2012 Pre-Season rankings and the leagues in which the teams belong to are in parenthesis.

The CJHL Weekly Top 20 as of Monday, October 3, 2011

1. (7) Cornwall Colts (CCHL)
2. (NR) Trenton Golden Hawks (OJHL)
3. (5) Powell River Kings (BCHL)
4. (17) Winkler Flyers (MJHL)
5. (10) Woodstock Slammers (MHL)
6. (2) Vernon Vipers (BCHL)
7. (NR) Les Cougars du College Champlain - Sherbrooke (LHJAAAQ)
8. (NR) Brooks Bandits (AJHL)
9. (HM) Soo Eagles (NOJHL)
10. (NR) St. Michael’s Buzzers (OJHL)
11. (NR) Dauphin Kings (MJHL)
12. (8) Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL)
13. (NR) Nipawin Hawks (SJHL)
14. (13) Wisconsin Wilderness (SIJHL)
15. (11) Newmarket Hurricanes (OHHL)
16. (18) Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL)
17. (4) Fort McMurray Oil Barons (AJHL)
18. (NR) Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL)
19. (NR) Stouffville Spirit (OJHL)
20. (NR) College Francais de Longueuil (LHJAAAQ)

Honorable mention goes to the Surrey Eagles (BCHL), Bonnyville Pontiacs (AJHL), Sherwood Park Crusaders (AJHL), Flin Flon Bombers (MJHL), and the Amherst Ramblers (MHL).

The rankings are based upon a variety of factors which includes the league in which the teams belong to, their winning percentage, their win-loss record, total points accumulated, their goals-for versus goals-against ratio, amongst other factors.

The CJHL is an amalgamation of the 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/

Former Vipers Defenceman Morgan Named High-Energy Player Of Year:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman, Nyjer Morgan was named "We Energies High-Energy Player of the Year." Morgan played with the Vipers as an "AP" during the 1996-97 season. Morgan was drafted by the Pirates in the 33rd round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft.

Nyjer Morgans Player Profile:

http://brewers.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=460579

This is posted on the Brewers website:

Morgan named High-Energy Player of Year

By Adam McCalvy and Jordan Schelling / MLB.com | 09/23/11

MILWAUKEE -- Fan favorite Nyjer Morgan is the "We Energies High-Energy Player of the Year," the Brewers and We Energies announced before Friday's game against the Marlins.

Morgan, whose on-field performance and off-field personality have made him incredibly popular in his first year with the Brewers, received 61 percent of the vote.

Voted on by the fans, media and We Energies staff, the "We Energies High-Energy Player of the Year" award is given each year to the player who best personifies the characteristics of hard work and an aggressive approach to playing the game.

Former Viper Volpatti Cracks Canucks Fourth Line:

Former Vernon Vipers forward, Aaron Volpatti has
earned a starting job on the fourth line of the Vancouver Canucks this season. Volpatti who played three years in Vernon (2003-2006) played in 15 games with the Vancouver Canucks last year in his first year in the NHL.

Aaron Volpatti's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=76574

This was in Fridays Vancouver Sun Newspaper:

Volpatti, Oreskovich grab fourth-line wing spots

Hodgson looks set to start regular season on second line

By BRAD ZIEMER,

Vancouver Sun September 30, 2011

Aaron Volpatti and Victor Oreskovich have earned starting jobs on the fourth line of the Vancouver Canucks.

Now comes the hard part. Keeping them.

When the Canucks make their final dress rehearsal prior to the regular season tonight at Rogers Arena against the Edmonton Oilers, Volpatti and Oreskovich will be skating alongside centre Maxim Lapierre.

But coach Alain Vigneault made it clear that it will be up to both players -- who are each on a two-way contract -- to play well enough to hang onto those jobs. Vigneault did not exactly give Oreskovich a ringing endorsement, almost suggesting that had Steve Pinizzotto not separated his shoulder on Sunday night against San Jose, Oreskovich might have been heading to the Chicago Wolves.

"In Victor's case, with Steve Pinizzotto getting hurt, he is the guy we have there right now," Vigneault said after Friday's practice. "I thought he played a little bit better in the last couple of games and I'm expecting him to continue to improve."

For the past couple of seasons, the fourth line of the Canucks has been in an almost constant state of flux and this year could be no different.

Volpatti beat out the likes of Mike Duco and Todd Fedoruk for the left wing spot. He helped his cause with his gritty performance in Thursday night's pre-season game in San Jose, where he bowled over Sharks' defenceman Jason Demers and later knocked down winger Brad Winchester with one punch (although video evidence suggests a knee to the groin might have been a contributing factor).

Volpatti had four hits, four blocked shots and logged nearly five minutes on the penalty-kill Thursday night.

"That hit that he threw on Demers is why they (the Sharks) were upset," Vigneault said. "If he wants to play at this level and stay here, that's what he brings. He'll never be a top-six forward. Unfortunately, not everyone has that skill set, but he can be an effective third- or fourth-line player if he improves in killing penalties, in tracking better so that he can finish checks better, stay within the rules of the NHL.

"This is the second year we have been able to see this young man and I see real good improvement there. It's only going to get harder as we move forward. Every team improves, every team gets better and our players have to get better the same way. He is one of those guys who we are hoping can do more."

The Canucks basically had their season-opening roster on display at Friday's practice. Cody Hodgson will start the season on the second line with Mikael Samuelsson and Marco Sturm. Manny Malhotra will centre Jannik Hansen and Chris Higgins on the third line and, of course, the Sedin twins and Alex Burrows remain together on the first line. Andrew Ebbett will remain on the roster as an extra forward.

On defence, the top three pairs look to be Kevin Bieksa with Dan Hamhuis, Sami Salo and Alex Edler and Keith Ballard with rookie Chris Tanev. Andrew Alberts and Alexander Sulzer were the extra defencemen on Friday.

Volpatti, a 26-year-old graduate of Brown University who is just beginning his second full year as a pro, logged 15 games with the Canucks last season. The Revelstoke native thinks that experience helped him in camp this year.

"I had a little more confidence," he said. "I wouldn't say I approached it differently, but I definitely had a little more confidence with the puck especially."

Volpatti brings a strong physical presence to the line, but the Canucks hope he also has more to give offensively. He managed just a goal and an assist with the Canucks last season and only had 11 points in 53 games with the Manitoba Moose.

"If you are going to those tough areas, you are going to the front of the net, you should be able to find a way to contribute a bit offensively," Vigneault said of Volpatti. "I like his progression, I think he really wants this, you can tell in his face and his demeanor. He has earned the opportunity to start with us. Now he has to keep it and stay with us."

Volpatti said he understands that.

"Last year I got a taste of it so that was pretty surreal and now I am trying to become a full-time member and being from B.C., it's definitely pretty cool," he said.

Oreskovich also realizes that he has no guarantees of full-time employment with the Canucks. The 25-year-old recorded three assists in 16 games with Vancouver last season.

"I am excited to be here, but obviously it is just the start of the season," he said. "So I am going to have to play well and perform to try and keep my spot. I know what I have to do, I have to be real physical, get in there and get involved."

Hodgson beat out Ebbett for the temporary second-line centre spot that is vacant due to Ryan Kesler's injury.

"I don't think Cody's situation is any different than any other player on our team," Vigneault said. "You've got to contribute. The evaluation, not just for Cody but for all out players, is done on a daily basis and depending on how you contribute, depending on how you perform, you get ice time and you get dressed. It's as simple as that."

Vipers-Spruce Kings Highlights:

107.5 Kiss FM's, Rob Abramenko has put together some highlights from last night's game after the Vernon Vipers trailed the visiting Prince George Spruce Kings 4-1 with only 2:30 left in the third period. The Vipers would tie the game and then win it in overtime for one of the greatest comebacks in Vipers history!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXYyR-rhPzA

Vipers Complete Amazing Comeback:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vipers complete amazing comeback

by Don Klepp | Added 2011-10-02

In a comeback that was as improbable as it was dramatic, the Vernon Vipers defeated the visiting Prince George Spruce Kings 5-4 in overtime on Saturday.

Adam Tambellini scored the winner 1:46 into overtime. He recalls Aaron Hadley’s contribution to the goal this way: “Hads had all kinds of energy at the end and he was all over their D-men at their blue line, so I sneaked in and stole the puck. The goalie gave me a little room up on his glove side, so I tried to go there and it went in.”

Tambellini, who had drawn an assist on Patrick McGillis’s first period power play goal, was named the game’s first star.

Late in the third period, trailing 4-1, the Viper cause looked hopeless because the Viper offence had been listless through the first two periods. In the third, the Vipers created a lot more chances, but they either missed the net or were stymied by goaltender Marcus Beesley, who robbed Marcus Basara, Colton Sparrow, and Luke Juha near the midway point of the period.

Despite being outshot by a wide margin in the last 17 minutes of the third, the Spruce Kings scored the only goal, the third of the game for Paul De Jersey. He took advantage of lax Viper defending and came off the left sidewall to surprise Viper goalie Danny Todosychuk at 8:44.

Patrick McGillis’s second goal of the game started the Viper comeback at 17:33. A strong forecheck by Colton Sparrow and Marcus Basara resulted in a one-on-one at the PG goalmouth. McGillis went forehand-backhand to slip the disk past Beesley.

Energized by the McGillis strike, the Vipers poured into the Spruce King zone after a Darren Nowick faceoff win. Mike Zalewski streaked behind the net and fed Aaron Hadley in front for a powerful finish at 18:03.

Now, the Vipers were in full flight and they tied the game on Zalewski’s hard snap shot at 18:59. Hadley was in on that goal as well. He replaced John Knisley on the right wing for the Vipers’ late burst.

Up until the Vipers’ late blitzkrieg, Prince George had the game well in hand, thanks to well-travelled Paul DeJersey. His hat trick propelled him into the BCHL goal scoring lead, with seven in four games.

He opened the scoring at 14:59 of the first period after the Vipers gave the puck away twice in their zone. He added a second that squeaked through Todosychuk’s pads after Jujhar Khaira had stripped a Viper defender along the left boards.

Earlier in the second period, Sean Landrey had given the Spruce Kings a 2-1 lead on an odd man rush that resulted when a Viper defender tripped and fell while trying to cover Connor Tiechko.

Game Notes:

• Prince George was without injured players Ben Waterfield, Jared Crossan, Cody Bardock, and Jeff Earnest.

• Vernon played without injured players Alex Hagen and Max Mowat. Ryan Renz returned to the lineup. Affiliated player Tom Swales, who toils for the North Okanagan Knights, saw his first BCHL action on right wing and on defence.

• De Jersey leads the BCHL scoring race with 9 points. Mike Zalewski and Adam Tambellini now have 7 points each.

Tambellini Paces Snakes With Four-Point Night:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Tambellini paces Snakes with four-point night

Published: October 02, 2011

Someone’s undefeated season had to go. Rookie Adam Tambellini made sure it wasn’t the Vernon Vipers’.

The 1994-born Edmonton native and son of Oilers’ GM Steve Tambellini pocketed two goals and two assists as the Vipers grounded the host Westside Warriors 5-2 in B.C. Hockey League action Friday night at Royal LePage Place.

The Vipers were 3-0 heading into their Saturday night tilt against the 1-2 Prince George Spruce Kings at Wesbild Centre.

With Vernon leading 2-1 after two periods, Tambellini collected back-to-back goals to cap a three-goal spree in a three-minute span to break the game open in front of nearly 1,200 fans early in the third period.

“From his first shift you could see he was getting chances and you just hoped it was going to be one of those night. Once guys like that get comfortable, he can be dangerous every time he steps on the ice,” said Vipers’ head coach Jason Williamson.

The 3-1 Warriors came out flying, throwing everything at the net, said Williamson, who credited Vipers’ netminder Kirby Halcrow (47 saves) for standing tall early.

After Vipers’ power forward Mike Zalewksi, with his team-leading fourth goal, and Warriors’ veteran Max French traded singles in the first period, Vernon jumped in front when Marcus Basara used his game-breaking speed to create in on a 2-on-1 and sneak a puck past Westside starter Steve Racine.

Racine (11 saves) was replaced by Brandon Lane (14 saves) after Basara’s goal, his first of the season.

Marc Hetnik, who played with Catholic Memorial in a Massachusetts prep school league last season, collected his first BCHL goal on a 5-on-3 at 5:06 of the third period. The smooth-skating blueliner teed one up in the middle and ripped his shot high gloveside past Lane.

Williamson was thrilled to see his rookies get in on the scoring, but knows it will take a while for them to feel fully comfortable in the league.

“You know it’s going to come; it’s only three games in. They’ll get better each and every night,” he said.

The game got chippy in the second and third periods, with Viper d-man Turner Lawson more than holding his own in a third-period scrap with Ben Betker.

Worried about consequences of further altercations due to the Junior A Supplement (BCHL disciplinary guidelines), Williamson instructed his players to walk away from any scraps. He credited rookie d-man Geoff Crisfield for doing just that when Westside’s Brett Mckinnon started swinging at him with five seconds to play.

Mckinnon earned a fighting major, instigator and misconduct, while Crisfield took a roughing minor.

SNAKE BITES: Defenceman Luke Juha made his debut for the Vipers Friday night after missing all of main camp and the preseason due to injury...With injuries to blueliners Ryan Renz and Max Mowat, Williamson called up Thomas Swales from the KIJHL North Okanagan Knights for Saturday’s game...Westside captain Izaak Berglund had to be taken off the ice on a stretcher Friday night with a suspected leg injury after he and Jedd Soleway accidentally collided behind the play in the third period.

Vernon 5 Prince George 4 (Overtime)

I was at tonight's BCHL game as Vernon defeated Prince George 5-4 in overtime in front of 1,437 fans at the Wesbild Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Danny Todosychuk
Prince George: Marcus Beesley

1st Period: The Vipers looked slow and a little scrambly at times early to start the opening period. Prince George who was making their first visit to the Wesbild Centre this year were coming off a 9-2 loss last night in Penticton, but the Spruce Kings come ready to play the defending BCHL champion Vipers. PG with some good early jump, were moving their legs, getting the play in deep and jumping on a disorganized Vipers hockey team. Prince George would get an early powerplay but couldnt capitalize. Just after the Vipers penalty kill Geoff Crisfield with a terrible giveaway in his own end sent Sean Landrey away with the puck, Landrey didnt get a good shot off as Vernon product, Danny Todosychuk making his Vipers-BCHL debut made the routine save. Ryan Renz with a screened shot from the point just missed the far corner as Marcus Beesley didnt even move as Vernon come close to opening the scoring. PG showing some good hustle had the Vipers on their heels at times as the Spruce Kings were outshooting Vernon 6-0 early. Spruce Kings captain, Juhar Khaira with a quick shot from the far circle was stopped by Todosychuk who sent the puck into the corner. Vernon would finally get their first shot on goal nine minutes into the hockey game after Aaron Hadley's weak shot fooled Beesley who had troubles controlling the puck after it took a few bounces before bouncing over the top of the goal. The line of Paul De Jersey, Michael Colantone & Juhar Khaira were all over the Vipers. Vernon who looked flat, slow and very disorganized coughed up the puck several times in the neutral zone. Prince George was outshooting Vernon 13-3 at one point in the contest. The Spruce Kings would open the scoring after former Salmon Arm Silverback, Paul De Jersey beat Danny Todosychuk at 14:59 giving PG the 1-0 lead. Trevor Esau and Kujhar Khaira would collect the assists. The Vipers would get a late powerplay and capitalize after Ryan Renz fed captain, Patrick McGillis who ripped a hard shot from the high slot beating Marcus Beesley at 18:55 tying the game 1-1. Renz and Adam Tambellini picked up the helpers. The Spruce Kings looked very good in the opening period, carried the better of the play, created some chances, played physical and were by far the better of the two teams. The Vipers didnt look good at all and were caught standing around several times. Vernon with very little offence, maybe thought they had this game in the bag before the opening faceoff. The game was tied 1-1 after 20 minutes of play. Prince George outshot Vernon 15-8.

2nd Period: The Vipers come out with a little jump and had two good earl shifts before PG would get an early powerplay, and take away any momentum Vernon had going. Leo Fitzgerald with a great chance in front couldnt get off a shot after Luke Juha with a solid defensive play broke up the scoring chance in close as the Vipers would kill off the minor. Geoff Crisfield would lose an edge allowing Sean Landrey and Connor Tiechko an odd man rush. Tiechko with a nice feed in front setup Landrey who beat Todosychuk driving hard towards the net giving PG a 2-1 lead at 4:41, Tiechko and former Trail Smoke Eater Dylan Tappe with the assists. The Spruce Kings would get a second powerplay just shortly after taking a 2-1 lead. A pretty good Vernon penalty kill would keep this a one goal game after killing off the minor. The Vipers would finally get a few good quality scoring opportunities after Brett Corkey's shot from the point was deflected in front just missed the net. John Knisley used his wheels, cut in hard and ripped a hard high shot from the slot that went high and over the goal. A very dull period with not alot of action as again the Vipers didnt look very good. Vernon managed to generate more shots this period but most shots were from the outside with no traffic in front as Beesley was forced to make the routine saves. PG gave up more shots in the 2nd period but played a pretty solid road game. The Spruce Kings carried the better of the play for the second straight period but didnt get alot of real good scoring chances in the middle frame. PG was going with just two lines for most of the 2nd period. Paul De Jersey with a nice rush from his blueline couldnt get through the Vernon defence. Marcus Basara went down in the neutral zone before slowly getting off the ice. Basara looked to be in some pain and favoring his leg-ankle but stayed in the game. Michael Colantone would setup a wide open Paul De Jersey who beat Todosychuk in front low to the ice giving PG a 3-1 lead at 19:08, Colantone and Jujhar Khaira picked up the helpers. Prince George with a 3-1 lead after 40 minutes of play. The Vipers outshot the Spruce Kings 14-12.

3rd Period: Just like last night in Westside the Vipers were outplayed for the first two periods before stepping up their game in the 3rd and coming away with a 5-2 victory. Well tonight for the second straight game the Vipers come ready to play in the 3rd. Darren Nowick with a wrap around off the opening faceoff couldnt stuff the puck through Marcus Beesley's fivehole. On the next play the Vipers fed John Knisley in front who was stonned by Beesley who made a nice pad save in close. PG would get called for too many men on the ice within the opening minute giving the Vipers an early powerplay, but it was the Spruce Kings penalty kill that was very good not giving Vernon any time or space to create or setup as PG would kill off the minor. Vernon would get another man advantage and this time move the puck around well getting some good chances in close. The Vipers with a much better powerplay couldnt get one past Marcus Beesley who was forced to make atleast two big saves. Just as the minor expired Leo Fitzgerald setup Paul De Jersey in the slot who beat Danny Todosychuk at 8:44 giving Prince George a 4-1 lead as some fans started heading for the exits. Fitzgerald with the lone assist. The Vipers looked a little better in the first half of the period and seemed to get better as the period went along but gave up a goal to put them down by three. Prince George would get a powerplay just before the midway mark. No real chances with the man advantage as Vernon would kill off the minor. Just as the Vipers penalty expired Vernon would get another shot with the man advantage. Colton Sparrow was robbed in front after Beesley made a huge pad save in close. Beesley who wasnt tested at all in the first two periods was forced to make his biggest saves of the night in the final frame. Connor Hartley with a great chance at the side of the net couldnt beat Beesley who played very well in the 3rd. Vernon with some great chances couldnt capitalize as PG killed off the minor.   The Vipers with some good pressure and quality scoring opportunities looked very strong in the second half of the 3rd.  The Spruce Kings would get a late powerplay but once again couldnt capitalize as both teams traded away some good chances to either put this game away or climb back into it and make a game of it. With two and half minutes remaining Marcus Basara setup Patrick McGillis in front who put a nice move on Marcus Beesley and then beat the PG backup goaltender between the legs cutting the lead to within two goals at 17:33, Basara and Colton Sparrow picked up the assists. Prince George head coach-gm Dave Dupas would call a timeout. Off the next faceoff the Vipers would get the puck in deep before Mike Zalewski setup Aaron Hadley in front who beat Beesley at 18:03 making this a one goal game. Zalewski and Darren Nowick picked up the helpers. Vernon would get Danny Todosychuk to the bench for the extra attacker, the Vipers would get the play in deep again before Luke Juha fed Mike Zalewski in front who tied the game at 18:59 sending the Vipers bench and the small crowd into a frenzy. Juha and Brett Corkey with the assists on the game tying goal. The Vipers wernt done yet, Brett Corkey just about beat Beesley in the dying seconds to win the hockey game but just missed the far corner as the buzzer sounded sending this game to overtime. The Vipers who looked all but done after two periods of play stepped up their play and were the better of the two teams, really carried the better of the play and had several good scoring chances. The Vipers outshot the Spruce Kings 16-5.

Overtime: Off the opening faceoff Brett Corkey turned the puck over inside the neutral zone allowing Kujhar Khaira who stole the loose puck and then couldnt get off a real good quality shot. In the opening minute Leo Fitzgerald then tried going in and around Marc Hetnik but couldnt get passed the Viper rookie d-man who played Fitzgerald well. At 1:46 Adam Tambellini stole the puck at the PG blueline going in for the breakaway beating Marcus Beesley with a high shot over the glove hand giving the Vipers one of the biggest comebacks on home ice in several years as the Vipers bench poured onto the ice as Vernon improves to 4-0 while Prince George falls to 1-3 on the season. The Vipers outshot the Spruce Kings 2-0 in the extra frame.

Top Players: (Vernon)

John Knisley was one of two Vernon Vipers that played with alot of jump and competed all night. Knisley really used his speed and smaller frame to buzz in and around the PG goal getting several good scoring chances.

Marcus Basara (1 assist) Was the second Viper who was skating hard, showing lots of hustle and didnt quit playing all night. Basara also used his speed to create chances. Not exactlly what happened in the 2nd period but Marcus went down in the neutral zone, getting off very slow and in some pain but stayed in the game and played a heck of a hockey game tonight.

Patrick McGillis (2 goals) The Vipers captain, showed why he is wearing the "C" and so far has come to play this season in all four games. McGillis didnt get alot of chances but battled and competed hard all game. Scored a real nice goal to start the 3rd period comeback.

Luke Juha (1 assist) Playing in just his 2nd BCHL game played and looked very strong on the Vipers backend. Juha played with alot of confidence and jumped up into the play at times. Really see's and reads the ice well.  Looks very calm with and without the puck.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

Just like last night in Westside the Vipers were outplayed for most of the first two periods before stepping up their play in the 3rd and dominating the final period. The Vipers looked very scrambly and dissorganized at times through out the first two periods. Vernon was caught standing around watching the Spruce Kings on several occasions. The Vipers didnt look or play very good in the first fourty minutes coughing up the puck, giving up several turnovers in their own end and not clicking at either ends of the rink. Some very poor passing, as nobody seemed to be on the same page. The Vipers just didnt seem to have any jump, no energy or physical play in both the first two periods.  The Vipers with very little offensive chances in the first two periods didnt generate alot of offence.  Most of Vernon's shots in the first two periods were from outside with no traffic in front of Marcus Beesley.  It wasnt until the 3rd when Vernon seemed to pick up their game, get their legs going and played like a team. The Vipers really took it too PG coming up with their best opportunities of the night. The Vipers have now scored five goals in all four games this season.  Again I was impressed with the Vipers penalty kill.  This team so far can somehow score goals in a hurry and has showed that a few times already this season, I know its early, but they are reminding me of the Vipers 1999 RBC Cup team, that Vipers team was a team that could score goals in a hurry and comeback late in games. What a finish to tonights game, in one of the more dull-boring games in a long time the Vipers turned this contest into one of the greatest comebacks of all-time. A wild-very exciting finish!

Top Players: (Prince George)

The line of Paul De Jersey (3 goals), Jujhar Khaira (2 assists) and Michael Colantone (1 assist) was the Spruce Kings top and most effective line. These three gave the Vipers trouble all game. Very dangerous with and without the puck.

Ben Woodley who played very well against the Vipers last season, played very steady on PG's blueline tonight.

Leo Fitzgerald (1 assist) Was the only triplett of the three brothers who was the most effecttive. Leo with a few good chances, was good with the puck in close.

Ben Matthews played very well on the Spruce Kings blueline. Played physical and was very good defensively.

Marcus Beesley (35 saves) Wasnt tested much at all in the first two periods but played well making his biggest saves of the night in the 3rd. Beesley couldnt be faulted on any of the Vipers five goals was under fire in the final frame.

Game Thoughts: (Prince George)

PG got off to a good start, played a simple road game. The Spruce Kings were flying early, creating and generating chances, playing physical and forcing the Vipers into making mistakes in their own end. The Spruce Kings played the Vipers to sleep at times making this a very dull-boring hockey game, keeping things simple. PG played a very greasy road game and should have went home with a victory. Prince George who has a bigger club looked very good in the first two periods but like the Warriors last night couldnt pick up the win. I thought for sure the Spruce Kings had this one in the bag after going ahead by three goals. The Vipers really stepped up their play and really took it too PG in the final period. You have to wonder how do you blow a three goal lead with two and a half minutes left in the hockey game?

Scratches:

Vernon:

Max Mowat (Injured)
Alex Hagen (Injured)

Prince George:

Jared Crossan
Cody Bardock
Jeff Earnest
Sam Waterfield

3 Stars:

1st Star: Adam Tambellini (1 goal & 1 assist)
2nd Star: Paul De Jersey (3 goals)
3rd Star: Patrick McGillis (2 goals)

For more on tonight's game check out the boxscore,

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977627&link=bchl

Vipers-Warriors Highlights:

Here are the highlights from the Westside Warriors home opener last night. Vernon defeated Westside 5-2.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFv_WS-cXoM&feature=uploademail

(Game Preview) Prince George @ Vernon:

Prince George (1-2-0-0) @ Vernon (3-0-0-0)

Tonight the Prince George Spruce Kings come into town finishing up a mini two game road trip.  PG started the first game of the road trip with a 0-2 loss in Penticton last night.  The Spruce Kings will head home after tonight and play five of their next six on home ice.  Vernon comes home after a mini two game road trip with a 5-4 overtime win in Salmon Arm last weekend and then a 5-2 victory last night in Westside.  Tonight is the Vipers first of three straight on home ice. 

Last Game Played:

Friday, September 30th Vernon defeated Westside 5-2
Friday, September 30th Penticton defeated Prince George 9-2

Next Game:

Wednesday, October 5th Westside @ Vernon
Friday, October 7th Penticton @ Prince George

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon is 32-14-1-4 vs. Prince George

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon has outscored Prince George 208-130

Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 11-3-1-4 at home vs. Prince George

Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 13-8-0-1 in Prince George

The Vipers are 7-1-0-2 in their last ten games at home vs. the Spruce Kings

The Vipers are 7-3-0-0 in their last ten games on the road vs. the Spruce Kings

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

Prince George's last win at the Wesbild Centre was a 3-2 overtime victory on Sunday, October 24th 2010

The Vipers went 4-1-0-1 vs Prince George last season during the regular season.

For more stats & former Vernon Junior Hockey Team rosters & lineups please visit Paul’s Vernon Junior Hockey History website,

http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

Games Played: 3
Wins: 3
Losses: 0
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 0
Home Record: 1-0-0-0
Road Record: 2-0-0-0
Goals For: 15
Goals Against: 7
Standings: Tied with Westside for 1st Place

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

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

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

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

Vernons Home record vs. Prince George last season:

2-0-0-1

Vernons Road record vs. Prince George last season:

2-1-0-0

Vernons Powerplay vs. Prince George last season:

3-25

Vernons scoring leaders vs. Prince George last season:

John Knisley (2-5-7)
Marcus Basara (2-4-6)
David Robinson (3-1-4)
Bryce Kakoske (0-4-4)
Aaron Hadley (1-3-4)
Malcolm Lyles (1-2-3)
Trevor Fitzgerald (2-1-3)
Darren Nowick (0-3-3)
Kyle Murphy (1-2-3)
Steven Weinstein (1-2-3)
Patrick McGillis (2-1-3)
Brett Corkey (0-3-3)
Dylan Walchuk (2-0-2)
Michael Zalewski (0-2-2)
Adam Thompson (0-2-2)
Colton Sparrow (0-1-1)

Blake Voth (2-1 Record)
Kirby Halcrow (1-0 Record)

Let's take a look at the trades the Vipers have made so far this season.

27-Jun-11 The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club acquires the CJHL playing rights of Luke Juha (93)(D) from the Burlington Cougars Hockey Club of the OJHL in exchange for future considerations.

02-Aug-11 The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Dane Muench (92)(F), Phillip Patenaude (91)(D) and future considerations to the Kindersley Klippers Hockey Club in exchange for the playing rights of Jarryd Ten Vannholt and Justin Elliot.

19-Sep-11 The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Jarryd Ten Vaanholt (91)(F) to the Victoria Grizzles Hockey Club in exchange for future considerations.

Lets take a look at the Prince George Spruce Kings:

Games Played: 3
Wins: 1
Losses: 2
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 0
Home Record: 1-1-0-0
Road Record: 0-1-0-0
Goals For: 11
Goals Against: 16
Standings: Tied for 4th place with Chilliwack

Prince George Spruce Kings Returning Players:

Jujhar Khaira (94)
Ben Woodley (91)
Jeff Earnest (91)
Trevor Esau (92)
Connor Tiechko (92)
Chase Golightly (92)
Sam Waterfield (91)
Kirk Thompson (92)

Prince George Spruce Kings Departing & traded players from last years team:

Faiz Khan (90)
Trent Murdoch (91)
Kyle Manlow (91)
Todd Skirving (92)
Stephen Ryan (94)
Dustin Beairsto (92)
Brandon Watson (92)
Bennett Hambrook (92)
Isaac Davies (93)
Cameron Large (92)

Prince George's Home record vs. Vernon last season:

1-2-0-0

Prince George's Road record vs. Vernon last season:

1-1-0-1

Prince George's Powerplay vs. Vernon last season:

5-21

Prince George's scoring leaders vs. Vernon last season:

Jujhar Khaira (0-4-4)
Ben Woodley (2-1-3)
Chris Bodo (2-0-2)
Trent Murdoch (0-2-2)
Chase Golightly (1-1-2)
Dustin Beairsto (1-1-2)
Kyle Manlow (0-1-1)
Connor Tiechko (1-0-1)
Jeff Earnest (0-1-1)
Trevor Esau(0-1-1)
Alex Milhouse (0-1-1)
Todd Skirving (0-1-1)

Kirk Thompson (1-2 Record)
Cameron Large (0-1 Record)

Let's take a look at the trades the Spruce Kings have made this season.

18-Jul-11 The Prince George Spruce Kings Hockey Club transfers the CJHL playing rights of Dustin Beairsto (92)(F) to the Woodstock Slammers of the Maritime Hockey League in exchange for the CJHL playing rights of Nick Huard (91) and future considerations.

18-Jul-11 The Prince George Spruce Kings Hockey Club transfers the CJHL playing rights of Bennett Hambrook (92)(D) to the Woodstock Slammers Hockey Club of the MHL in exchange for future considerations.

11-Aug-11 The Prince George Spruce Kings Hockey Club acquire the playing rights of Paul DeJersey (92)(F) from the Drumheller Dragons Hockey Club in exchange for future considerations.

12-Aug-11 The Prince George Spruce Kings Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Todd Skirving (92)(F) plus future considerations to the Trail Smoke Eaters Hockey Club in exchange for the playing rights of Ben Matthews (91)(D).

12-Aug-11 The Prince George Spruce Kings Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Trevor Fitzgerald (92)(F), Josh Bryan (93)(D) and Scott Milnthorp (92)(D) to the Nanaimo Clippers Hockey Club in exchange for the playing rights of Leo Fitzgerald (93)(F), Myles Fitzgerald (93)(F), Gerry Fitzgerald (93(F) and Jesse Urcic (93)(D).

22-Aug-11 The Prince George Spruce Kings Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Kyle Manlow (91) to the Dauphin Kings Hockey Club of the MJHL in exchange for future considerations.

For more on the Prince George Spruce Kings and tonights game, visit Ron Gallo's Prince George Spruce Kings blog, http://sprucekingscrusader.blogspot.com/

Here’s a look at last years season series between these two teams:

Friday, September 24th @ Prince George: Prince George wins 3-1

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Prince George Spruce Kings at 10:13 (PP) - Chris Bodo from Jujhar Khaira
Prince George Spruce Kings at 17:08 (PP) - Chris Bodo from Jujhar Khaira and RJay
Berra

PERIOD 2

No Scoring

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 12:52 - Elliot Richardson from Marcus Basara and Bryce Kakoske
Prince George Spruce Kings at 14:58 - Justin Fillion from Kyle Manlow

Vernon outshot Prince George 45-15. Ryan Bentiez made 44 saves for the win, while Blake Voth made 10 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840255&link=bchl

Sunday, September 26th @ Prince George: Vernon wins 6-0

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 0:31 - Malcolm Lyles from Aaron Hadley and John Knisley

PERIOD 2

Vernon Vipers at 6:38 - Trevor Fitzgerald (unassisted)
Vernon Vipers at 15:24 - Todd Skirving (unassisted)
Vernon Vipers at 17:48 - Dylan Walchuk from Darren Nowick and Bryce Kakoske

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 13:07 (SH) - Trevor Fitzgerald (unassisted)
Vernon Vipers at 16:54 - Kyle Murphy from Marcus Basara

Vernon outshot Prince George 40-16. Blake Voth made 16 saves for his first shutout of the season, while Kirk Thompson made 34 saves taking the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840256&link=bchl

Sunday, October 24th Prince George @ Vernon: Prince George wins 3-2 in overtime

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

No Scoring

PERIOD 2

Vernon Vipers at 10:16 - Aaron Hadley from John Knisley and Michael Zalewski
Vernon Vipers at 12:39 - Dylan Walchuk from Marcus Basara and Malcolm Lyles
Prince George Spruce Kings at 15:22 - RJay Berra from Zac Ashdown and Justin Fillion
Prince George Spruce Kings at 18:59 (PP) - Justin Fillion from Trent Murdoch and Zac Ashdown

PERIOD 3

No Scoring

OVERTIME PERIOD 1

Prince George Spruce Kings at 1:25 (PP) - Zac Ashdown from RJay Berra and Chris Bodo

Vernon outshot Prince George 41-32. Kirk Thompson made 39 saves picking up the win, while Bryton Udy made 29 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840116&link=bchl

Saturday, November 6th Prince George @ Vernon: Vernon wins 3-1

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

No Scoring

PERIOD 2

Prince George Spruce Kings at 6:28 - RJay Berra from Nic DeSousa and Zac Ashdown
Vernon Vipers at 12:28 (PP) - Aaron Hadley from John Knisley

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 1:13 - Aaron Hadley from John Knisley and Brett Corkey
Vernon Vipers at 6:00 - Marcus Basara from Michael Zalewski

Vernon outshot Prince George 34-16. Bryton Udy made 15 saves for his first career BCHL win. Alex Wright made 31 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840117&link=bchl

Saturday, January 15th @ Prince George: Vernon wins 4-1

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 3:51 - Marcus Basara from Kyle Murphy and Adam Thompson
Prince George Spruce Kings at 11:43 (PP) - Connor Tiechko from Jeff Earnest and Chase Golightly
Vernon Vipers at 13:30 (PP) - David Robinson from Marcus Basara and Steven Weinstein

PERIOD 2

Vernon Vipers at 3:23 - Patrick McGillis from Steven Weinstein and Trevor Fitzgerald

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 19:23 (EN) - David Robinson from Darren Nowick

Vernon outshot Prince George 28-26. Kirby Halcrow made 25 saves in the victory, while Cameron Large made 24 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840257

Friday, January 28th @ Vernon: Vernon wins 5-4 (Overtime)

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 5:17 - Patrick McGillis from Aaron Hadley and John Knisley
Vernon Vipers at 6:11 - David Robinson from Kyle Murphy and Bryce Kakoske
Vernon Vipers at 8:08 - John Knisley from Patrick McGillis and Aaron Hadley

PERIOD 2

Prince George Spruce Kings at 5:35 - Ben Woodley from Alex Milhouse and Trent Murdoch
Prince George Spruce Kings at 6:45 - Dustin Beairsto from Todd Skirving and Jujhar Khaira

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 6:51 (PP) - Steven Weinstein from Darren Nowick
Prince George Spruce Kings at 14:56 - Ben Woodley from Jujhar Khaira and Trevor Esau
Prince George Spruce Kings at 19:06 - Chase Golightly from Ben Woodley and Dustin Beairsto

OVERTIME PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 1:45 - John Knisley from Brett Corkey

Vernon outshot Prince George 39-20. Blake Voth made 16 saves in the victory, while Kirk Thompson made 34 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840118&link=bchl

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon:

Michael Zalewski (4-1-5)
Marcus Basara (1-4-5)
Adam Tambellini (3-2-5)
Darren Nowick (2-2-4)
Patrick McGillis (1-3-4)
Marc Hetnik (1-3-4)
John Knisley (1-1-2)
Colton Sparrow (1-0-1)
Brett Corkey (0-1-1)
Geoff Crisfield (0-1-1)
Aaron Hadley (0-1-1)
Jedd Soleway (1-0-1)
Max Mowat (0-1-1)
Alex Hagen (0-0-0)
Connor Hartley (0-0-0)
Turner Lawson (0-0-0)
Ryan Renz (0-0-0)
Riley Hunt (0-0-0)
Luke Juha (0-0-0)

Kirby Halcrow (3-0 Record, 2.28 GAA)
Danny Todosychuk (0-0 Record)

Prince George:

Paul De Jersey (4-2-6)
Leo Fitzgerald (3-1-4)
Gerry Fitzgerald (2-2-4)
Jujhar Khaira (2-2-4)
Myles Fitzgerald (0-4-4)
Michael Colantone (0-3-3)
Ben Woodley (0-3-3)
Skylar Pacheco (0-2-2)
Michael Klonarakis (0-1-1)
Scott McHaffie (0-1-1)
Jeff Earnest (0-0-0)
Trevor Esau (0-0-0)
Sean Landrey (0-0-0)
Ben Matthews (0-0-0)
Spencer McHaffie (0-0-0)
Dylan Tappe (0-0-0)
Connor Tiechko (0-0-0)
Cody Bardock (0-0-0)
Jared Crossan (0-0-0)
Chase Golightly (0-0-0)
Sam Waterfield (0-0-0)

Kirk Thompson (1-2 Record, 4.83 GAA)
Marcus Beesley (0-0 Record)

Halcrow Holds The Fort:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Halcrow holds the fort

by Don Klepp | Added 2011-10-01

Sensational goaltending by Kirby Halcrow kept the Vernon Vipers afloat against a hard charging Westside Warrior squad and his team responded with three third period goals to produce a 5-2 win in West Kelowna.

Captain Patrick McGillis, whose own fine game was acknowledged with a second star nod, paid tribute to his fellow 20-year-old: “We figure that Kirby is the best goalie in the league, and he showed that again tonight. He just never quits on a play.”

Halcrow was at his best during a spate of Viper penalties in the first period, as he fought Warriors for pucks in the crease and threw himself around to smother rebounds. He left Connor Dempsey, Tyler Krause, and Brett McKinnon shaking their heads after diving to get open rebounds that looked like sure Westside goals.

Westside employed a simple strategy of shooting from all angles and charging the net to punch in rebounds. Also, they created chances by cutting off passing lanes in the neutral zone.

The Vipers’ characteristic strategy of quick puck movement resulted in the game’s opening score at 18:29. Fresh off the bench on a change, Connor Hartley gathered a loose puck at centre ice and promptly found Mike Zalewski on the right wing.

Zalewski blew by a Westside defender in the right faceoff circle and went hard to the net. His rising snap shot beat Steve Racine over the goalie’s right shoulder and just inside the post.

Westside responded on the very next shift. On the right wing, Tyler Krause fired a hard low shot that Halcrow kicked out with his right pad. Max French beat a Viper to the rebound and snapped it over a sprawled Halcrow.

Westside outshot Vernon 19-8 in the first period and 18-10 in the second, en route to a total of 49-30. Still, the Vipers took a 2-1 lead into the third period, courtesy of a Marcus Basara goal that rolled in off Steve Racine’s chest.

Westside Coach, Rylan Ferster, then put Brandon Lane in goal. He stopped all five Viper shots in the remainder of the period, but surrendered three goals in the third.

Adam Tambellini was involved in the last four Viper strikes, starting with an assist on the Basara tally. At 5:06, he scored a one-timer on a nice setup by Marcus Basara during a Viper two-man advantage. Then, 19 seconds later, on the tail end of the ensuing five-on-four, he fed Marc Hetnik for a big slap shot that zipped into the top corner before Lane could move.

Tambellini capped the Viper scoring with a slick bit of skill. Fed by Patrick McGillis on the right wing, Tambellini snapped a high shot that caught Lane’s shoulder on the short side. The puck dropped to Lane’s feet, where Tambellini sped in to make one move and scoop it over the goalie.

On a Westside two-man advantage late in the game, Travis Blanleil popped in a consolation goal for Westside during a wild scramble in Halcrow’s crease. It was the first goal the Vipers have surrendered during 18 opposition power plays in Vernon’s three games.

Tempers flared late in the game, particularly during a spirited bout in which Turner Lawson won a decision over Ben Betker.

Game Notes:

• Luke Juha and Riley Hunt, returning from injury, played their first BCHL games. However, they lost Max Mowat to an upper body injury in the third period. Ryan Renz and Alex Hagen did not dress because of injury.

• Warrior rookie Reid Simmonds absorbed a heavy check in the second period and did not return to action.

• In the third period, Warrior Captain, Izaak Berglund, injured his head or neck when he got tangled with Jedd Soleway. Berglund was placed on a backboard and taken way in an ambulance.

• Despite their injury problems, compounded by the current 21-player rosters, both teams will have a quick turnaround. On Saturday, Vernon will host Prince George while Westside travels to Merritt

BCHL To Hold First-Ever Affiliate Draft:

BCHL to hold first-ever affiliate draft of 15-year-old players

Friday, September 30, 2011 - Submitted by BCHL Media

On Monday, Oct. 3, BCHL governor and league officials will convene in Richmond for the first governors meetings of the new season.

Amongst other things, an affiliate draft will be held which will give teams the chance to select 15-year-old players for the purpose of affiliating them for the season and introduce them to their team culture and to Junior A hockey. The players rights will not be retained at the end of the season.

"It will give each team a season to build a relationship with the young player," said BCHL executive director Dave Sales. "Perhaps more importantly for the league as a whole, even if a player doesn't stay with the team that drafted them, they may sign with another BCHL team because of their exposure to the league and we will have been successful as a group in keeping players versus them choosing other options."

The idea for the affiliate draft was approved by governors after the end of last season from a motion by the the steering committe of the board of directors. As ever, the BCHL is exploring new ideas as a way of staying relevant to developing hockey players and as a way of setting the pace for Junior A hockey in Canada.

Teams will have the option of selecting a player in each of the two rounds but are not required to do so because the draft is optional. Teams select based on reverse order of finish in the 2010-11 standings. The draft order is as follows:

1. Prince George
2. Chilliwack
3. Cowichan Valley
4. Merritt
5. Coquitlam
6. Alberni Valley
7. Nanaimo
8. Trail
9. Victoria
10. Langley
11. Westside
12. Surrey
13. Salmon Arm
14. Penticton
15. Vernon
16. Powell River

Vernon 5 Westside 2

I was at tonight's Westside Warriors home opener after Vernon defeated Westside 5-2 in front of 1,186 fans at Royal Le Page Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Kirby Halcrow
Westside: Steven Racine

1st Period: The Warriors returned home after starting the BCHL regular season on a three game road trip coming home 3-0 facing the defending BCHL Champion Vernon Vipers and looked good early. It was Westside that carried the edge in play early and often as the Warriors were firing everything on goal or towards Kirby Halcrow who was sporting his new equipment tonight. But it was the Vipers with the best scoring chance after rookie, Adam Tambellini with a wicked shot from the circle just under five minutes into the 1st, beat Steven Racine but graized the crossbar as Vernon come close to opening the scoring. Shortly after Connor Dempsey alone in front would get robbed by Kirby Halcrow who stood tall making a huge save in close and then with a scramble in front, Halcrow who was on his stomach made another big save in tight keeping the Warriors off the scoreboard. Westside was outshooting Vernon at this point 5-2. Just over a minute later Westside would get the games first powerplay but it was the Vipers penalty kill who was very sharp. Viper captain, Patrick McGillis with some hard work along the end wall kept the puck tight against the boards fighting off four Warriors killing off some valuable time off the clock as Westside was unable to generate any offence. The Vipers actually outshot the Warriors 2-1 on the penalty kill killing off the minor. Just two and a half minutes later Westside would get another shot with the man advantage, moving the puck around the Warriors got the puck in close, with a mad scramble in and around the Vernon goal, Halcrow was down and out but again made three big saves keeping the Warriors off the board. Halcrow was sharp as the Vipers killed off the minor. Just seconds later the Vipers would head back to the penalty kill giving the Warriors their third man advantage of the night, but the powerplay didnt last long as Westside would take a penalty as both teams played a little four on four before Vernon would get a late powerplay. The Vipers tried feeding Darren Nowick in the slot who was unable to connect on the pass as the Vipers were unable to capitalize but just after the powerplay expired Mike Zalewski with a nice move around the Warriors d-man inside the blueline cut hard towards the net and beat Steven Racine high over the shouler at 18:29 giving Vernon a 1-0 lead. Connor Hartley collected the assist. The Viper lead didnt last long as off the next faceoff veteran, Tyler Krause on an odd man rush wired a shot from the circle that was stopped by Halcrow, before superpest Max French jumped on the rebound beating Kirby Halcrow at 19:00 tying the game 1-1. Krause with the only helper on the goal. Westside was by far the better team carrying the better of the play and getting more scoring opportunities. The Vipers with no sustained pressure were getting caught on the pinch as well as giving up several odd man rushes. The game was tied 1-1 after 20 minutes of play. The Warriors outshot the Vipers 19-8.

2nd Period: Off the opening faceoff, Brett McKinnon ripped a low shot from the circle that was stopped by Kirby Halcrow, Shawn Hochhausen jumped on the rebound but couldnt hit the empty cage missing the goal on a great chance to give the Warriors the lead. Vernon would come right back on their next rush, Patrick McGillis tried feeding Adam Tambellini on a two on one but Tambellini couldnt connect on the McGillis pass. The Warriors would then get an early powerplay, but once again Halcrow was Vernon's best penalty killer making some big saves as the Vipers would kill off the minor. Just over a minute later Marcus Basara from a weird angle looked to have thrown the puck towards the goal, it looked like the puck hit and then somehow snuck inbehind Steven Racine just sneaking in past the Warriors goaltender giving Vernon a 2-1 lead at 6:56, Marc Hetik and Adam Tambellini with the assists. This was the end of the night for Racine who was yanked from the game in favor of Brandon Lane. Racine allowed two goals on thirteen Viper shots. This goal seemed to give Vernon a little life as the Vipers come back with a few good shifts finally getting some pressure deep in the Westside Warriors zone. The play really started to open up as the Vipers were finally creating some opportunities. Both teams really started to get going as the play went end to end with some good flow at both ends of the rink before the Warriors slowly started to take over the play once again. Westside started throwing their weight around with some big checks in the Viper end as the Vipers had troubles clearing the zone. The Warriors who had the Vipers pinned in their own end created a few small flurries but Kirby Halcrow made atleast two key saves. "AP" Reid Simmonds with a quick hard shot from the circle couldnt get the puck past Halcrow after making a quick glove save. On the next play Halcrow was forced to make another good save this time off, Dru Morrison from the high slot. Veteran Brett McKinnon one on one with Luke Juha who was making his Vernon Vipers debut tonight, tried going around Juha but Juha with a solid defensive play forced McKinnon to the outside. Warriors captain, Izaak Berglund took a slash late in the period that went undetected, Berglund looked a little shaken up but stayed in the game. "AP" Reid Simmonds then went down inside the Vernon blueline wich drew a scrum, before Simmonds went off slowly and didnt return to the contest. Seb Lloyd would somehow get inbehind the Vernon defence going in for the breakaway with just two minutes remaining but Halcrow shut the fivehole closed making a huge save late in the 2nd. Westside would then crash the crease at the buzzer before Geoff Crisfield threw a few punches, before everyone was involed as punches and words were being exchanged as tempers heated up. The Warriors for the second straight period were the better of the two teams, Vernon did play a little better and generated a little more offensive chances. But give credit to Westside who carried the better of the play, was matching lines, really using their speed, and forcing the Vipers all night. The Vipers with a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes of play. Westside outshot Vernon 18-10.

3rd Period: The Warriors would start the final frame with a man advantage. Once again the Vipers penalty kill was deadly only giving up one shot as Vernon would kill off the minor. Just 47 seconds later Vernon would get its first full powerplay of the night. The Warriors would get a little aggresive and get into some penalty trouble as the Vipers would get back to back two man advantages. The Vipers would capitalize and change the outcome of tonights game with three quick goals. Marcus Basara with a nice pass to Marc Hetnik who walked into the slot and blasted his shot past Brandon Lane giving the Vipers a 3-1 lead at 5:06, Basara and Adam Tambellini drew the assists. Just nineteen seconds later with Vernon still on the powerplay, Max Mowat through the puck out front where Adam Tambellini looked to have been stopped by Lane but the puck just snuck past the goal line giving Vernon a 4-1 lead at 5:25, Mowat and Patrick McGillis with the helpers. The Vipers didnt quit and poured on the offence and took over the play for the remainder of the period from here on in. Off the next faceoff Vernon would get the play in deep, moving the puck around John Knisley with a quick shot from in close was stopped by Brandon Lane. Darren Nowick with a chance in front just missed the net before Adam Tambellini picked up the loose puck, went hard towards the goal and ripped a quick shot from in close, Lane made the first save but couldnt handle the rebound as Tambellini scored on his second shot giving the Vipers a 5-1 lead at 8:11, Patrick McGillis with the only assist on the play. After the Warriors outplayed the Vipers after fourty minutes of play, it was now Vernon who was in complete control of the 3rd period blowing the game wide open. Just before the midway mark Westside thought they made it 5-2, with a mad scramble in front of Kirby Halcrow who was down and out the play was blown dead after a quick whistle. The Warriors had put the puck past Halcrow but the whistle had already blown the play down as the Vipers were lucky. Just shortly after d-man, Izaak Berglund would get hit by a Viper player inside the Warriors zone, Berglund would get spun around before colliding with Jedd Soleway as the play was heading back up ice. Berglund was down and out cold as the play was stopped for several minutes. The Warriors captain was helped off the ice on a stretcher and didnt return. Tempers once again heated up after the Warriors got in close on Kirby Halcrow after a stopage in play. Turner Lawson and Ben Betker would drop the gloves in the games lone scrap. Seb Lloyd would get a great chance in close but was stopped by Halcrow. The Vipers on a oddman rush setup Vernon product, Jedd Soleway who was stoned by Lane who made his biggest and best save of the night coming up with a huge pad save off the rush. The Vipers would get into some penalty trouble in the final three minutes, giving the Warriors a late two man advantage. Westside would move the puck around well but unable to get pucks through Vernon's penalty killers. The Vipers would kill off the first minor before Travis Blanleil would beat Halcrow at the side of the net after getting checked from behind by Mike Zalewski cutting the lead to within three goals at 19:32, Brennan Clark and Peter MacIntosh would pick up the assists. Before the final buzzer tempers would heat up once again deep in the Vipers zone after Brett McKinnon dropped his gloves and tried going after Geoff Crisfield. McKinnon would get tossed from the game a long delay took several minutes to wind down the final four seconds. In the end the Vipers would improve to 3-0 with a 5-2 victory dropping the Warriors to 3-1. The Vipers with their best period of the evening were the better team, carrying most of the play to finish the game. Shots were even 12-12.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Brett Corkey played a very steady game for Vernon on the blueline tonight.

Max Mowat (1 assist) Also looked very strong on the Vipers blueline. Mowat took to have got hit or took a puck to his arm-elbow but shook it off and stayed in the game.

The line of Adam Tambellini (2 goals & 2 assists), Patrick McGillis (2 assists) & Aaron Hadley was the Vipers best unit tonight. Tambellini who I wasnt very impressed with at the Vipers training camp-inter-squad games has played and looked very well in his first three BCHL games. This kids a sniper and knows what to do with the puck. Very dangerous in close. Patrick McGillis (Vipers captain) has shown why hes the Vipers leader this season, playing and looking very good in Vernon's first three games of the young season.

Mike Zalewski (1 goal) Scored a highlight reel goal towards the end of the opening period and was also very strong up front for the Vipers.

Luke Juha made his Vipers debut tonight after getting injured before the Vipers training camp. Juha who still wears a full face shield looked fairly steady on the blueline tonight.

Geoff Crisfield also was steady on the Vipers backend, didnt back down from the physical play, and wasnt afraid to get involved after the whistle.

Kirby Halcrow (47 saves) This was the same Kirby Halcrow Vernon fans were use to seeing two and three years ago with the visiting Quesnel Millionaires. Halcrow made some incredible saves through out tonights game and was by far the Vipers best player tonight. The Vipers 20 yr old goaltender gave his team a chance to win.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

Like Jason Williamson said on the post-game show tonight, this wasnt the prettiest game but he and the Vipers will take the win. Vernon was outplayed in the first two periods and relied on Kirby Halcrow to bail them out with some huge saves. The Vipers just couldnt seem to slow down or stop the speedy & aggresive Westside Warriors who were firing everything on net or towards Halcrow. Westside was really forcing Vernon on each rush. The Vipers were getting caught on the pinch and d-men jumping up into the play, giving up several odd man rushes. After a huge penalty kill to start the 3rd it was like someone switched a switch and the Vipers turned the game around and played one heck of a 3rd period. Two quick back to back powerplay goals and then an even strength goal just two and a half minutes later really changed the outcome of tonights game. The Vipers penalty kill was very strong, as its been in all four games so far. The Vipers with very little sustained pressure most of the night, capitalized and scored on their chances in the 3rd.  Vernon has now scored five goals in all three games and have had two big back to back wins on the road. Give the Vipers credit they didnt quit really stepping up their play in the 3rd period. Riley Hunt & Luke Juha both made their Viper-BCHL debuts tonight.

Top Players: (Westside)

Seb Lloyd looked very strong up front for the Warriors. Was always involved in the play, had several good scoring chances, none better then a late breakaway in the 2nd period.

Connor Dempsey I thought was the Warriors best player this evening. Had some real good chances, was another kid who was always involved in the play, seemed to be buzzing in and around the goal.

Shawn Hochhausen played very well for Westside. Had a great chance off the opening draw to start the 2nd period but just couldnt keep his shot low enough going high and over the goal on a nice odd man rush.

Brett McKinnon looked dangerous with the puck tonight, another Warriors forward who had some good opportunities but couldnt find the back of the net.

Michael King was very steady on the Warriors blueline.

Izaak Berglund was another Westside Warriors defenceman who played well before leaving the ice in the 3rd on a stretcher. Let's hope Izaak is ok and he returns to the Warriors lineup asap. This could be a big loss for Westside.

Game Thoughts: (Westside)

I really like the looks and make of this years Westside Warriors. Rylan Ferster has these kids playing hockey and looking very strong early in the season. Ferster was really matching lines tonight and did a great job coaching. Westside has some decent size, a quick team with speed up front and several veteran players who add in some good mix with a bunch of young rookies. I think the Warriors need to upgrade in goal, I know its early but both goaltenders didnt impress me tonight. Maybe the two had off nights, will see down the road. I thought Westside played a heck of a game tonight, really looked good and outplayed the Vipers in the games first two periods but got into penalty trouble early to start the 3rd and it cost them. Westside with several chances of their own, had several powerplays to capitalize on and put away Vernon early but couldnt beat Kirby Halcrow.  Westside couldnt capitalize on their chances, an early powerplay goal on any of the three powerplays could have changed this game.  Even a powerplay goal to start the 3rd and we have a tied game.  Both teams played with a bit of an edge at times and neither team backed down from one another. Specialty teams and goaltending was the difference tonight. This wasnt a 5-2 score.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Alex Hagen (Injured)
Ryan Renz

Westside:

Tyson Witala

3 Stars:

1st Star: Kirby Halcrow (47 saves)
2nd Star: Adam Tambellini (2 goals & 2 assists)
3rd Star: Max French (1 goal)

For more on tonight's game check out the boxscore,

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977747&link=bchl