I was at tonight's BCHL game as Victoria defeated Vernon 4-3 in front of 1,999 fans at the Wesbild Centre.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Kirby Halcrow
Victoria: Garrett Rockafellow
1st Period: Just thirty seconds into the opening period Garrett Rockafellow made a big save in close off Mike Zalewski. On the next shift both teams would get chances at either ends of the rink. First Kirby Halcrow couldnt control-handle the puck losing the puck before Mike Collins collected the loose puck getting off a quick shot from in close but Halcrow recovered making a big save in tight. Off the next faceoff the Vipers got the play back into the Grizzlies zone before Mike Zalewski was stopped for the second time in close after Garrett Rockafellow come out to challenge making a big save. Vernon would then get an early powerplay and capitalize after Brett Corkey with a nice pass through the slot found and setup Vipers assistant captain, Mike Zalewski at the side of the goal who had an empty net giving the Vipers a 1-0 lead at 3:36 Corkey and Max Mowat with the assists. Victoria would pin the Vipers deep in their own end just after the goal as Vernon couldnt clear the zone but the Grizz were unable to create any real scoring chances as Vernon would finally clear the zone and get some fresh bodies out. From here on in it was all Vernon as the Vipers come up with atleast five or six solid scoring opportunities over the next three to four minutes but rookie goaltender, Garrett Rockafellow robbed the Vipers making some huge saves. Defenceman, Turner Lawson who was playing up front tonight was the first Vernon Viper to get robbed in front after Rockafellow made a huge pad save in close. Brett Corkey carried the puck in over the Grizzlies blueline before cutting hard towards the net with a nice move in close Corkey's shot slid through the crease just missing the far corner. Aaron Hadley recieved a nice pass from the side wall but Rockafellow stoned Hadley from the slot on a nice onetimer. Dylan Walchuk then with a great chance from the slot beat Rockafellow but hit the post. Peter McMullen tipped a Vipers point shot but couldnt get the puck past Rockafellow who made a tough save off the McMullen deflection. Colton Sparrow and Adam Tambellini then on a two on one, Tambellini decided to keep and shoot but once again couldnt get the puck past Garrett Rockafellow who was keeping Victoria in tonights game early. Vernon controlled and dominated the first half up 1-0 were outshooting the Grizzlies 10-3 at this point. In the second half Aaron Hadley took an undisaplined misconduct penalty giving Victoria their first powerplay of the night and Hadley's penalty cost the Vipers. Mike Moran couldnt handle leading scorer Wade Murphy's pass as the puck hit-went off of Moran's stick right out front to a wide open and former Vernon Viper forward Jarryd Ten Vaanholt who had an empty cage to hit as Kirby Halcrow was down and out as the Grizz tied the game 1-1 at 11:11 Moran and Murphy collected the helpers. Shortly after Ten Vaanholt would take a knee on knee (I thought it looked like it was from either Aaron Hadley or Ryan Renz) with no call on the play Ten Vaanholt was very slow to get up and needed some help off the ice and to the Grizz dressing room where he did not return. A huge blow for Victoria. The Vipers would get their second powerplay of the night just shortly after and capitalize for the second time. Brett Corkey setup Mike Zalewski who fed Darren Nowick down low who with a nice move in tight beat Garrett Rockafellow at 13:10 giving Vernon a 2-1 lead, Zalewski and Corkey picked up the assists. The Grizzlies just couldnt seem to generate much offence as the Vipers were the better team and carried most of the play. Victoria's last shot on goal was their first goal of the game, it took the Grizzlies just over eight minutes to record their next shot on goal. In the final minute of play Mike Collins who was very good up front for Victoria had a great opportunity to tie the game with just sixteen seconds remaining but Kirby Halcrow made a huge save in close. The Vipers were all over the Grizzlies but Garrett Rockafellow kept Victoria in the game as Vernon was up 2-1 after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers outshot the Grizz 17-7.
2nd Period: The Vipers would get the play in deep off the opening faceoff but couldnt really generate any scoring opportunities. The Grizzlies would come back the other way and get the first real good scoring chance of the 2nd after Wesley Moran's hard shot from the slot caught Halcrow high but the Vipers veteran goaltender stood tall making the save and covering for a whistle. Victoria come out with alot of jump and really took it to the Vipers early and often as it was the Grizzlies who carried most of the play and dominated most of the second period. The Vipers who were caught standing around watching Victoria get some good pressure early. Kirby Halcrow was sharp early making atleast three good saves before the Grizzlies would get their second powerplay of the game. Nolan De Jong's point shot beat Halcrow but hit the post as Victoria come close to tying the hockey game, still moving the puck well Wade Murphy setup Wesley Myron at the side of the net who ripped a hard shot past Halcrow at 8:14 tying the game 2-2. Murphy and De Jong with the assists. The Vipers who were getting outplayed pretty bad with just a single shot in the first nine minutes of the period. Just five minutes later the Grizzlies striked again after Dayne Ellison beat Halcrow at 13:29 giving Victoria a 3-2 lead. Michael Sandor and Nolan De Jong with the helpers. Jason Williamson was forced to call a timeout and try and settle his troops down for the final seven minutes of the period. This timeout seemed to help a little as Vernon would come back with a few good shifts wich led to Brendan Persley's parcial breakaway, Persley who got in close tried making a move in tight but couldnt beat Rockafellow who made the save and then was bumped by Persley wich drew a crowd as some pushing and shoving occured. Mike Collins then come back the other way with another great chance wired a hard shot from the top of the circle but again Kirby Halcrow who played very well for the Vipers tonight made another big save. Halcrow was keeping the Vipers in the game after some real solid stops in the second period. In the final two minutes the Vipers would get a break after Aaron Hadley with some hard work down low banked the puck off the back of Garrett Rockafellow from the side of the net as Vernon tied the game 3-3 at 18:23 Darren Nowick and Mike Zalewski both collected the assists. This line was the Vipers top unit tonight. Victoria who was the better of the two teams dominated the play as the Vipers looked pretty bad but the game was tied 3-3 after 40 minutes of play. The Grizz outshot the Vipers 11-6.
3rd Period: The Vipers come out with lots of jump and energy to start the final frame getting some good chances early. Garrett Rockafellow was sharp making some key saves early. The Vipers thought they took the lead in the first few minutes but Rockafellow somehow reached behind him making a huge save to keep the Vipers off the board. Just shortly after Vernon would get the lone powerplay of the 3rd but for the first time tonight couldnt capitalize after a strong Grizz penalty kill. Just as the penalty expired Dylan Walchuk with a great chance at the side of the goal was robbed by Garrett Rockafellow who made a huge save keeping the game tied. Rockafellow with two game savers in the first seven minutes of the period. The Vipers with some great chances couldnt capitalize as Vernon was the better of the two teams and carried the better of the play in the first half. It was more even in the second half after the Grizz and Vipers went back and forth with not alot of good opportunties. It wasnt until Darren Nowick lost the puck deep in the Victoria zone wich allowed Mike Moran and Alex Hagen who attended the Vipers training camp to break in on a two on one, Hagen waited before dishing off to Moran who beat Kirby Halcrow in close giving the Grizzlies a 4-3 lead at 15:11 Holland and Wesley Myron picked up the assists. The Vipers with time running out couldnt get the play in deep after several attempts as the Grizzlies defence played great down the stretch drive. Aaron Hadley got away with a check from behind on Alex Holland in the final two minutes, Holland seem fine and stayed in the game. A strong Victoria forecheck kept Kirby Halcrow between the pipes as the Vipers had all kinds of troubles getting the puck in deep and the goaltender to the bench. Victoria would get the puck in deep and pin the Vipers deep in their own end killing valuable time off the clock, finally Vernon was able to get the play in deep and get Halcrow to the bench for the extra attacker with just seventeen seconds remaining but Victoria's strong defence shutdown the Vipers coming up with a huge win to start the road trip. Vernon outshot Victoria 10-6.
Top Players: (Vernon)
The line of Aaron Hadley (1 goal), Darren Nowick (1 goal & 1 assist) & Mike Zalewski (1 goal & 2 assists) was the Vipers best unit tonight. All three worked extremley hard, battled and competed all night. Nowick was the Vipers hardest working player tonight, was everywhere working his tail off. A real strong effort from the Vipers #1 line.
Brett Corkey (2 assists) I thought Brett Corkey was Vernon's best d-man this evening. Collected two helpers and played with alot of confidence. Had a solid game on the Vipers blueline.
Kirby Halcrow (29 saves) Played very well between the pipes for the Vipers. Halcrow who has struggled most of the season hasnt looked like the previous goaltender the past two seasons. I thought Halcrow made some key saves early to start the 2nd and during the second period keeping the game tied and giving the Vipers a chance to win when Victoria was really taking it to Vernon.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
Nice to see Max Mowat return to the lineup after being out for a while due to injury. The Vipers with just five wins in their last eighteen games are struggling and now running out of games. A Prince George win over Westside tonight now puts the Vipers six points back of the 3rd place Spruce Kings. Vernon was lucky as Penticton defeated Chilliwack keeping the Chiefs just three points up on Vernon for 4th place. For whatever reason this team just cant seem to play or come up with a full sixty minute performance, for a team that is fighting for their playoff lives you think they would come out guns a blazing but for whatever reason the Vipers decided to take the 2nd period off and it cost them two big points and another loss. I thought Vernon played and looked very good in the opening period, if it wasnt for rookie goaltender, Garrett Rockafellow the Vipers could have easily been up four or five goals after the opening period. The Vipers have been uncosistant all season and it showed again tonight. For a team fighting for a playoff spot I just dont see any desperation out their. Other then the 2nd period I thought this was a very entertaining hockey game with some good chanes at either ends of the rink. Once the word got around more fans were interested in finding-seeing Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman who were both at the game tonight. Rumor was they are skiing and staying up at Silvert Star for a few weeks.
Top Players: (Victoria)
The line of Alex Holland (1 assist), Wesley Myron (1 assist) & Mike Moran (1 goal & 1 assist) was the Grizzlies top unit tonight. All three really played and looked good together, all are quick skaters who are dangerous with the puck. Wesley Myron had a few good chances tonight, Holland who was at the Vipers training camp looked good with and without the puck.
Nolan De Jong (2 assists) Played very well on the Victoria blueline, was the Grizzlies best d-man tonight.
Wade Murphy (2 assists) was also very good, was involved in and around the scoring chances and dangerous with the puck. Really seemed to read the play well.
Mike Collins had atleast three or four good scoring chances but just couldnt beat Kirby Halcrow, played well tonight.
Garrett Rockafellow (30 saves) Played very well tonight, making some huge saves through out the game. made several huge saves in the 1st period giving his team a chance to win. Gave up some fairly big rebounds in the opening period but seemed to settle down and control his rebounds as the game went on.
Game Thoughts: (Victoria)
The Grizzlies start their four game road trip with a huge 4-3 victory in Vernon moving them to within six points of 4th place Coquitlam. Victoria who was outplayed for most of the 1st had their goaltender to thank for keeping them in the game. Give credit as the Grizz played a much better second period and really took it to the Vipers. Victoria with two goals in the 2nd couldnt hold onto the lead giving up a late goal but managed to hang on for the 3rd before scoring the game winner with just under five minutes to play. What a gutsy effort in the final four and a half minutes after some solid defensive play and a strong forecheck forced the Vipers back into their own end wich killed off alot of time off the clock. A huge win on the road in a much needed victory to stay alive for the final playoff spot.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Patrick McGillis (Injured)
Luke Juha (Injured)
John Knisley (Injured)
Ben Gamache (Injured)
Victoria:
Cam Lawson
Taylor Pernerowski
3 Stars:
1st Star: Garrett Rockafellow (30 saves)
2nd Star: Mike Zalewski (1 goal & 2 assists)
3rd Star: Wesley Myron (1 assist)
For more on tonight's game visit the boxscore,
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977794&link=bchl
Friday, January 6, 2012
(Game Preview) Victoria @ Vernon:
Tonight is the first and only regular season meetings between these two teams.
Let's take a look at last season's series between these two hockey clubs,
Saturday, October 30th Victoria @ Vernon (Grizzlies won 3-2 in double overtime)
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840301
Friday, December 10th Vernon @ Victoria (Vipers won 4-0)
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840269
Last Game Played:
Wednesday, January 4th Penticton defeated Vernon 6-1
Friday, December 30th Alberni Valley defeated Victoria 2-1
Next Game:
Saturday, January 7th Merritt @ Vernon
Saturday, January 7th Victoria @ Trail
Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 5-3-1-4 vs. Victoria
Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon has outscored Victoria 48-39
Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 4-1-0-2 at home vs. Victoria
Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 1-2-1-2 in Victoria
Vernons last loss in Victoria was a 5-3 loss back on Saturday, January 16th 2010
Vernons last loss at home vs Victoria was a 3-2 double overtime loss back on October 30th 2010
The Vipers went 1-0-0-1 vs Victoria last season
The Vernon Lakers changed their name to the Vernon Vipers to start the 1995-96 season. Here’s a look at the Vipers all-time regular season record
Games Played: 986
Wins: 629
Losses: 257
Ties: 16
Overtime Losses: 86
For more stats & former Vernon Junior Hockey Team rosters & lineups please visit Paul’s Vernon Junior Hockey History website,
http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html
The Vipers return home for their first home game of 2012 after a 6-1 loss in Penticton Wednesday night. Vernon who sits 5th in the Interior Conference three points back of 4th place Chilliwack and four points back of 3rd place Prince George needs wins and in a hurry if they want to make the playoffs. The Vipers who have just five wins in their last seventeen games are without five regulars (Patrick McGillis, Max Mowat, Luke Juha, John Knisley and Ben Gamache) play six of their next eight on home ice.
Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:
Games Played: 34
Wins: 17
Losses: 14
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 11-3-1-1
Road Record: 6-11-0-1
Goals For: 120
Goals Against: 111
Streak: One game losing streak
Standings: 5th Place
Vernon Vipers Returning Players:
Brett Corkey (92)
Aaron Hadley (93)
John Knisley (92)
Patrick McGillis (91)
Max Mowat (93)
Darren Nowick (91)
Ryan Renz (93)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Michael Zalewski (92)
Kirby Halcrow (91)
Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:
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)
Marcus Basara (93)
Vernons Home record vs. Victoria last season:
0-0-0-1
Vernons Road record vs. Victoria last season:
1-0-0-0
Vernons Powerplay vs. Victoria last season:
2-10
Vernons scoring leaders vs. Victoria last season:
Dylan Walchuk (1-4-5)
Michael Zalewski (2-2-4)
John Knisley (0-2-2)
Malcolm Lyles (1-0-1)
Max Mowat (0-1-1)
Brett Corkey (0-1-1)
Marcus Basara (1-0-1)
Trevor Fitzgerald (0-1-1)
Bryce Kakoske (1-0-1)
Blake Voth (1-1 Record-1 Shutout)
Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:
-Vernon has the leagues 3rd best powerplay
-The Vipers have the BCHL's 10th best penalty kill
-Danny Todosychuk (4-1 Record, 2.68 GAA) is in the top ten goaltenders
-Mike Zalewski (18-24-42) is the lone Viper in the leagues top twenty in scoring
-Sean Robertson will face his former team for the first time tonight
The Victoria Grizzlies make their one and only visit of the season to the Wesbild Centre tonight starting the first of a four game road trip. The Grizzlies who sit in 5th place in the Coastal Conference are four points back of 4th place Nanaimo have lost six of their last eight games.
For more on tonight's game and the Victoria Grizzlies, please visit the Grizz Roar Victoria Grizzlies fan blog,
http://grizzroar.blogspot.com/
Lets take a look at the Victoria Grizzlies:
Games Played: 36
Wins: 17
Losses: 19
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 0
Home Record: 9-9-0-0
Road Record: 8-10-0-0
Goals For: 133
Goals Against: 142
Streak: Three game losing streak
Standings: 5th Place
Victoria Grizzlies Returning Players:
Wade Murphy (93)
Wesley Myron (92)
Taylor Pernerowski (91)
Victoria Grizzlies Departing & traded players from last years team:
David Morley (90)
Joel Lowry (91)
Justin Fillion (90)
Madison Dias (92)
Sean Robertson (91)
Evan Richardson (94)
Pearce Eviston (92)
Michael Colantone (91)
Kyle St. Denis (90)
Graeme Strukoff (91)
Gregory Simpson (90)
Nick Buchanan (91)
Mitch Labreche (90)
Bryce Twa (91)
Chase Paylor (92)
Kyle Aschim (90)
Josh Bryan (93)
Matt Ginn (91)
Cam Gorchynski (92)
Victorias Home record vs. Vernon last season:
0-1-0-0
Victorias Road record vs. Vernon last season:
1-0-0-0
Victorias Powerplay vs. Vernon last season:
1-5
Victorias scoring leaders vs. Vernon last season:
Joel Lowry (1-1-2)
David Morley (0-2-2)
Wesley Myron (0-1-1)
Sean Robertson (1-0-1)
Madison Dias (1-0-1)
Pearce Eviston (0-1-1)
Dustin Johnson (0-1-1)
Matt Ginn (1-1 Record)
Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:
-Victoria has the 5th best powerplay
-The Grizzlies have the league's 8th best penalty kill
-Wade Murphy (22-38-60) & Mike Moran (17-27-44) are in the BCHL top twenty in scoring
Here's a look at both teams rosters:
Vernon Vipers:
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224096
Victoria Grizzlies:
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224090
Vees' Powerplay Sinks Vipers:
Vees' powerplay sinks Vipers
Published: January 05, 2012 3:00 PM
PENTICTON – They used to be drama-jammed showdowns between two of the best teams in the B.C. Hockey League.
The Vernon Vipers, however, made things easy this time as the Penticton Vees converted three powerplay goals, held the Vipers to four shots in the first period, and cruised to a 6-1 win Wednesday night before 1,840 fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre.
The Vees – ranked No. 2 in the country – stretched their winning streak to 19 games. They are 31-3-0-2 and a whopping 19 points ahead of the second-place Merritt Centennials in the Interior Conference.
Mike Reilly, one of seven Minnesota products with Penticton, took first star with 2+2. The 98th overall pick by the Columbus Blue Jackets in last year’s NHL entry draft worked a give-and-go with Bryce Gervais as the Vees opened the offence midway through the first period.
Reilly, on a point slapper, and Minnesota Wild draft Mario Lucia, on a scramble, with two seconds left in the period, counted powerplay goals seven minutes apart. Reilly leads all defenceman with 16 goals and 52 points.
Veteran Mike Zalewski, ejected with a misconduct in the third period, said the Vipers simply weren’t prepared for battle.
“They obviously had a lot of time off and maybe that worked to their advantage, but either way we didn’t come out the way we should have so it’s on us,” said Zalewski. “We came back and got a win last week but we weren’t ready to go tonight
“I don’t think it has anything to do with intimidation, it’s all inside our locker room and being more prepared to play night in and night out. We just weren’t ready to go tonight and that is all there is to it.”
Second star Travis St. Denis also had 2+2, while Reilly added a powerplay goal, to make it 6-0 Vees after 40 minutes. Danny Todoyschuk stopped eight third-period shots in relief of Kirby Halcrow.
Aaron Hadley, with his sixth of the year, on a rebound, from Brett Corkey and Dylan Walchuk, on the powerplay, replied for the Vipers midway through the third. Vernon assistant coach Chris Shaw wasn’t using the team’s medical woes as an excuse.
“We have got five guys out, all of whom have previous Junior A experience, so it’s been kind of a common theme for us all year,” said Shaw.
“I don’t think we have had a full lineup since Oct. 7, but no excuses. You don’t have quite as much depth as you would like against a team like Penticton, and Penticton has showed they are the best team in the league, and they are going to be a very strong team throughout the rest of the season and the playoffs.
“You would like to have that depth going into games like that, but at the same time it gives other players opportunities to step up and we just didn’t have it from every guy tonight.”
Shaw said the Vipers will likely keep their roster intact as the Jan. 10 trade deadline nears.
Vees’ head coach/GM Fred Harbinson liked the way his club pressured the Vipers (17-14-1-2).
“I think it was important to get off on the right foot and going into tonight, we only had two more games against Vernon,” he said. “Always against your top competition you want to make sure you stay on top of them and don’t give them confidence and we obviously showed pretty well tonight.”
The Vees are 15-0-1 at home and lead the BCHL in powerplay efficiency at 32.8 per cent.
Forward Bryce Gervais, who was giftwrapped to the Vees earlier this season by the Salmon Arm SilverBacks, says Penticton feels mighty good about themselves these days.
“All of our guys are going and we have so much confidence right now and confidence is really key in a hockey team,” said Gervais. “We are going to keep plugging away and working our butts off.
“It was definitely an important game and we didn’t want to get off to a slow start. We pushed the whole game. We are focused on finishing first and finishing hard and keeping that momentum going into playoffs.”
SNAKE BITES: The Vipers host the Victoria Grizzlies tonight and the Centennials Saturday night...Viper D Geoff Crisfield and Vees’ captain Logan Johnston traded punches in a spirited first-period scrap...Viper F Ben Gamache is out two to three weeks with a knee injury...Shane Hanna scored in double OT as the SilverBacks clipped Trail 5-4 at Cominco Arena...Ex-Viper Alex Hagen scored once as host Surrey Eagles edged Nanaimo Clippers 3-2.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Vipers-Vees Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=3p6FZxxwLnY
Former Viper Brandon Marino Named To CHL All-Star Game:
Brandon Marino's Player Profile:
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=93732
This is posted on the CHL website:
Starters for 2012 All-Star Game Announced
2012 CHL All-Star Team Starters Announced
Squad highlighted by Five First-Time CHL All-Stars
GLENDALE, AZ (December 28, 2011) – The Central Hockey League (CHL) today announced the six players voted to start for the CHL team in the 2012 CHL All-Star Game scheduled for Wednesday, January 11, 2012 in Prescott Valley, Arizona at Tim’s Toyota Center. For the fourth straight season, the game will have a format that will feature the home team (Arizona Sundogs) taking on a team of CHL All-Stars.
The starters were selected via voting done by CHL head coaches, CHL Communication’s Departments and select media members from CHL cities. In all, 53 ballots were cast during the voting process.
The top vote getter in the balloting process was Wichita defenseman Andrew Martens who appeared on 35 ballots, earning one of the two starting defensemen spots. He will be joined on the blue line by Tulsa rookie Jeff Terminesi. The starting forwards are Rapid City’s Jesse Schultz (the top vote-getting forward appearing on 31 ballots), Allen’s Bruce Graham and Quad City’s Brandon Marino. The starting goaltender is Fort Wayne’s Nick Boucher.
2012 CHL All-Star Team Starters
Position- Player (Team, Appearance)
Forward-Jesse Schultz (Rapid City, 1st)
Forward- Bruce Graham (Allen, 3rd)
Forward- Brandon Marino (Quad City, 1st)
Defenseman- Jeff Terminesi (Tulsa, 1st)
Defenseman- Andrew Martens (Wichita, 1st)
Goaltender- Nick Boucher (Fort Wayne, 1st)
Jesse Schultz (F), Rapid City Rush
The second-year Rush forward leads the league in points with 43 and is tied for fourth with 14 goals. When the 29-year-old has it going, the Rush win games as he is averaging more than two points a game in his team’s 14 wins (10 goals, 19 assists).
Bruce Graham (F), Allen Americans
Graham is the only voted-in starter who has played in a CHL All-Star Game before registering an assist in the 2010 game in Laredo. He was selected as a reserve last season but had to skip the game. This season, the 26-year-old is third in the league in scoring with 36 points (14-22=36) and tied for second in the league with six power play goals.
Brandon Marino (F), Quad City Mallards
The 25-year-old Marino is having a breakout season for the Mallards tied for the league lead with 16 goals and sitting tied for fourth with 35 points. The Riverside, California native has already set a career-high with his 16 goals and is just nine points shy of his high point mark.
Andrew Martens (D), Wichita Thunder
The reigning CHL Defenseman of the Year is back at the top leading all defensemen in scoring with 23 points (8-15=23) and sitting first among all skaters with an incredible +20 plus/minus rating. Martens has a huge November with 13 points (5-8=13) in 11 games and a +10 rating.
Jeff Terminesi (D), Tulsa Oilers
The rookie is second among all defensemen in scoring with 22 points (5-17=22) and is leading all blue liners with 11 power play assists. The 24-year-old defenseman also had a huge month of November with 15 points (4-11=15) in 12 games.
Nick Boucher (G), Fort Wayne Komets
The veteran goalie has been on his game all season leading the league with 15 wins, a 2.30 goals against average, a .921 save percentage and three shutouts. Boucher is 13-2-1 since early November allowing just 21 total goals in those 13 victories.
About the CHL
The CHL is currently playing its 20th season with 14 member teams across nine states. The CHL saw close to 2.5 million fans attend games during the 2010-11 season and has regularly led all ‘AA’ hockey leagues in average attendance over the past decade. Last season saw the league celebrate a record 97 sellouts during the regular season and playoffs. For more information about the CHL visit the league’s website at http://www.centralhockeyleague.com/
BCHL Trades From The Month Of December:
01-Dec-11 The Prince George Spruce Kings transfers the playing rights of Stefan Bazar (92)(F) to the St. Albert Steel Hockey Club of the AJHL in exchange for the playing rights of Ty Swabb (92)
01-Dec-11 The Westside Warriors Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Tyler Krause (91)(F) and future considerations to the Okotoks Oilers Hockey Club of the AJHL in exchange for the playing rights of Marcus Basara (93)(F).
01-Dec-11 The Trail Smoke Eaters Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Adam Boytinck (92)(F) and Nicholas Wong (91)(F) to the Nanaimio Clippers Hockey Club in exchange for the playing rights of Tanner Clarkson (93)(F) and future considerations.
01-Dec-11 The Nanaimo Clippers Hockey Club transfers the recently acquired playing rights of Adam Botinck (92)(F) and Nickolas Wong (91)(D) to the Grande Prairie Storm Hockey Club in exchange for the playing rights of Dan Correale and Mike Sones.
04-Dec-11 The Victoria Grizzlies Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Brad Gehl (91)(F) to the North Bay Trappers Hockey Club of the NOJHL in exchange for future considerations.
06-Dec-11 The Trail Smoke Eaters Hockey Club acquire the playing rights of Brendan Santini (93)(F) from the St. Albert Steel Hockey Club of the AJHL in exchange for future considerations.
12-Dec-11 The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Zach McPhee (93)(F) and future considerations to the Victoria Grizzlies Hockey Club in exchange for the playing rights of Sean Robertson (91)(D).
12-Dec-11 The Cowichan Valley Capitals Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Dvid Pope (F)(94) and future considerations to the Westside Warriors Hockey Club in exchange for the playing rights of Richard Vanderhoek (91)(F) and future considerations.
14-Dec-11 The Chilliwack Chiefs Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Jordan Ethier (91)(F) to the Battlefords Stars of the SJHL in exchange for future considerations.
15-Dec-11 The Surrey Eagles Hockey Club acquires the playing rights of Trevor Cameron (92)(F) from the Notre Dme Hounds of the SJHL in exchange for future considerations.
28-Dec-11 The Coquitlam Express Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Taylor Love (92)(D) to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks Hockey Club in exchange for futurre considerations.
30-Dec-11 The Salmon Arm Silverbacks Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Matt Brown (91)(D) to the Calgary Mustangs Hockey Club in exchange for future considerations.
Vipers Bow To Vees:
This is posted on the Vipers website:
Vipers bow to Vees
by Don Klepp | Added 2012-01-05
For 40 minutes, the Penticton Vees were very good and the Vipers looked disinterested. The net result was a Penticton 6-1 win at the South Okanagan Events Centre.
Viper Coach Jason Williamson said after the game, “For the first two periods, we stood around and watched them. They’re a good hockey team, but we gave them too much respect. We have a good team, too, so if we take the game to the Vees we can be successful against them. We had too many guys who looked like they wanted to hide out there. In the third, we took the initiative, outplayed them, and outscored them.”
As usual, the Vees power play led the way, converting their first three man advantages. D-man Mike Reilly scored two of them and drew an assist on Mario Lucia’s goal that came with two seconds remaining in the first period.
“Yes, they have a good power play,” said Williamson, “and they made some good plays, but every one of those goals was preventable if we get more effort from our PK.”
The Vees, whose 32.8% power play efficiency leads the league, were shut out on the next four power plays. Williamson said that “Our penalty kill got better when we gave them less respect. Once we started to bear down, we were OK.”
Travis St. Denis scored twice in the second period on off speed shots and the Vees took a 6-0 lead into the third.
During the second intermission, Williamson told his troops that “We have a big weekend coming up, so let’s play well in the third and build on that.” He added, “We won that period, which reinforces what we need to do against Victoria and Merritt.”
The high-scoring Victoria Grizzlies are in town on Friday night and the defensive-minded Merritt Centennials visit on Saturday.
The Vipers, who dressed just 10 forwards, once again had five core players missing from the lineup: Luke Juha, Ben Gamache, Pat McGillis, Max Mowat, and John Knisley. McGillis and Mowat have resumed skating and may be in the lineup in a couple of weeks, but the other three are looking at returning in February.
On the positive side, Dylan Walchuk registered his fifth point in four games since returning to the Vipers. He assisted on Aaron Hadley’s power play goal in the third period. Brett Corkey also drew an assist, to maintain his recent hot streak. He has had one or more points in five of the last six games.
Mike Reilly had two assists to match his pair of goals. The Columbus Blue Jacket draft pick now has 50 points in 32 games to lead all BCHL defencemen.
Vipers bow to Vees
by Don Klepp | Added 2012-01-05
For 40 minutes, the Penticton Vees were very good and the Vipers looked disinterested. The net result was a Penticton 6-1 win at the South Okanagan Events Centre.
Viper Coach Jason Williamson said after the game, “For the first two periods, we stood around and watched them. They’re a good hockey team, but we gave them too much respect. We have a good team, too, so if we take the game to the Vees we can be successful against them. We had too many guys who looked like they wanted to hide out there. In the third, we took the initiative, outplayed them, and outscored them.”
As usual, the Vees power play led the way, converting their first three man advantages. D-man Mike Reilly scored two of them and drew an assist on Mario Lucia’s goal that came with two seconds remaining in the first period.
“Yes, they have a good power play,” said Williamson, “and they made some good plays, but every one of those goals was preventable if we get more effort from our PK.”
The Vees, whose 32.8% power play efficiency leads the league, were shut out on the next four power plays. Williamson said that “Our penalty kill got better when we gave them less respect. Once we started to bear down, we were OK.”
Travis St. Denis scored twice in the second period on off speed shots and the Vees took a 6-0 lead into the third.
During the second intermission, Williamson told his troops that “We have a big weekend coming up, so let’s play well in the third and build on that.” He added, “We won that period, which reinforces what we need to do against Victoria and Merritt.”
The high-scoring Victoria Grizzlies are in town on Friday night and the defensive-minded Merritt Centennials visit on Saturday.
The Vipers, who dressed just 10 forwards, once again had five core players missing from the lineup: Luke Juha, Ben Gamache, Pat McGillis, Max Mowat, and John Knisley. McGillis and Mowat have resumed skating and may be in the lineup in a couple of weeks, but the other three are looking at returning in February.
On the positive side, Dylan Walchuk registered his fifth point in four games since returning to the Vipers. He assisted on Aaron Hadley’s power play goal in the third period. Brett Corkey also drew an assist, to maintain his recent hot streak. He has had one or more points in five of the last six games.
Mike Reilly had two assists to match his pair of goals. The Columbus Blue Jacket draft pick now has 50 points in 32 games to lead all BCHL defencemen.
Penticton 6 Vernon 1
I was at tonight's BCHL game as Penticton defeated Vernon 6-1 in front of 1,840 fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Kirby Halcrow
Penticton: Michael Garteig
1st Period: The Vipers would get the games first powerplay just 1:30 into the opening period. Adam Tambellini with a wicked shot from the top of the circle just missed the top corner on a great chance as Vernon with just a single shot on the man advantage couldnt generate any real offence after a strong Penticton Vees penalty kill. The Vipers would carry the better of the play after the powerplay for a good four or five minutes but couldnt generate any offence. The Vees would their first chance of the night early after Kirby Halcrow was down and out of position the Vees couldnt find a man in the slot after a good defensive play by the Vipers breaking up the pass and clearing the zone. Just over five minutes into the game Geoff Crisfield and Penticton captain, Logan Johnston dropped the gloves. Penticton would slowly come on and get a handfull of chances as Kirby Halcrow had to be sharp making some big saves. Halcrow stopped Ryan Reilly from the slot making a big pad save and then the Vees had a great chance after Joey Benik missed the top corner on a odd man rush, Benik stayed with the play, collected the rebound come back out front before Halcrow come up with a huge glove save just before the midway mark as the Vees were outshooting the Vipers 5-2. On the next play Bryce Gervais, Mike Reilly and Joey Benik on a three on two with some nice passing setup former Salmon Arm Silverback forward, Bryce Gervais who beat Kirby Halcrow low giving Penticton a 1-0 lead at 10:39 Reilly and Benik with the helpers. Just over a minute later Penticton would get its first powerplay of the night but it was Darren Nowick who got a shorthanded breakaway had Michael Garteig beat but missed the net with a backhand on a great opportunity, back come the Vees on the same play getting across the Vernon blueline Mario Lucia setup Mike Reilly whos point shot beat Halcrow at 12:32 giving the Vees a 2-0 lead, Lucia and Travis St. Denis collected the assists. The Vees kept coming and controlled the better of the play for the remainder of the 1st period. Curtis Loik with a chance from the slot couldnt beat Kirby Halcrow from in close. Vernon who didnt look too bad early was down two goals and couldnt get any offensive chances as the Vees defence played very good boxing the Vipers out and keeping the Vernon shooters to the outside. The Vipers would take a late penalty and it would cost them after some nice passing Travis St. Denis setup Mario Lucia who beat Halcrow with 1.4 seconds remaining giving Penticton a 3-0 lead and basically putting this game away just after one period of play. St. Denis and Joey Benik with the assists. Penticton looked very strong going two for two with the man advantage and was up 3-0 after 20 minutes of play. The Vees outshot the Vipers 18-4.
2nd Period: Vernon would get an early powerplay just eight seconds into the middle frame but it was a very solid Vees penalty kill that didnt allow the Vipers to record a single shot on the man advantage. Travis St. Denis was very good on the penalty kill as the Vees would kill off the minor. Just as the penalty expired the Vees who move the puck so well worked their magic with some nice passing as Travis St. Denis beat Halcrow at the side of the goal giving Penticton a 4-0 lead at 2:17 Mike Reilly and Logan Johnston with the helpers. The Vees really poured on the pressure early and often as the Vipers were held in their own end for most of the 2nd period. Kirby Halcrow come up with a huge glove save (his second of the night) off Joey Benik and then Steven Fogarty beat Halcrow but hit the post as Penticton was really firing offence all night. Penticton would get an early powerplay and make the Vipers pay for a third time. Troy Stetcher and Steven Fogarty with some passing at the blueline found Mike Reilly at the side of the goal who beat Halcrow at 4:39 giving the Vees a 5-0 lead and full control of tonights contest. Both Stetcher and Fogarty with the assists. On the next shift the Vipers would get their second powerplay of the period but for the second straight time the Vees with a very solid penalty kill wouldnt give up a single shot as Penticton would easily kill off the minor. For the second straight period the Vipers had troubles creating and generating any kind of offence as it took Vernon twelve minutes to record their first shot of the period. Penticton would get its second powerplay of the period and for the first time tonight the Vipers would kill off a penalty. Tempers heated up between these two rivals late in the period after a scrum occured in front of the Vees goal and Michael Garteig with several players pushing and shoving. Late in the period Travis St. Denis with his second of the evening opened the flood gates putting Penticton up 6-0 at 18:28 Nick Buchanan and Zach Urban collected the assists. On the next shift the Vees would get a late powerplay that they couldnt capitalize on that would carry on into the 3rd period. At the buzzer Ryan Renz and Kyle Beaulieu exchanged a shot at one another with Renz trying to get away from the linesman and go after Beaulieu. This period was all Penticton as the Vees dominated the play and the scoreboard scoring three times taking a 6-0 lead into the 3rd. The Vees outshot the Vipers 10-7.
3rd Period: Vernon product, Danny Todosychuk started the 3rd after Kirby Halcrow gave up six goals on twenty eight Vees shots after two periods of play. The Vees started the 3rd with just a handfull of seconds remaining on a powerplay that was carried over from the 2nd period. The Vipers would kill off the remaining few seconds before heading right back to the penalty box giving the Vees an early man advantage. But it was Dylan Walchuk shorthanded that made a few nice moves cutting across the Vees blueline before stepping into a hard slapshot from the slot but Michael Garteig come way out to challenge getting down stopping Walchuks shot. Vernon would kill off the minor. The Vees who were up by six goals took their foot off the gas for most of the final period as the Vipers come out hitting playing with a bit of energy. Vernon who was outshooting the Vees 4-1 early to start the 3rd played a fairly physical period and created and generated their most offence all night. Michael Garteig who didnt see alot of action in the first two periods had to be alert early and often to start the 3rd making two or three nice pad saves. A fairly chippy 3rd with both teams giving the odd shot or punch to someone after a stopage in play. Dylan Walchuk who saw a ton of icetime in the 3rd was the Vipers best forward getting a few real good chances. Garteig had to come up big with a nice glove save off Walchuk. The Vipers would lose Brendan Persley just before the midway mark after recieving a checking to the head penalty, this was the end of Persleys night as he headed for the showers. The Vees couldnt capitalize with the man advantage before giving Vernon a powerplay just after the midway mark. The Vipers would finally get on the board after Michael Garteig stopped Brett Corkeys point shot but couldnt handle Aaron Hadley who beat Garteig on the rebound cutting the Penticton lead to five goals at 11:21 Corkey and Dylan Walchuk with the helpers. At the other end Danny Todosychuk wasnt overly busy but had atleast two tough saves with traffic in front. Mike Reilly come close to getting his third of the night after beating Todosychuk down low but hit either the base or the outside of the post. The Vipers would lose Mike Zalewski late in the game after taking a ten minute misconduct. The Vees really got under the skin of Zalewski who was being pestered by several Penticton Vees all night. Zalewski hit the showers with just over three minutes remaining. The Vees who sat back for most of the period saw the Vipers with their most offensive chances all night played fairly well but it was too little too late for Vernon as Penticton would win its 19th straight with a pretty convincing 6-1 victory. Vernon outshot Penticton 10-8.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Geoff Crisfield played a very physical-spirited game. Dropped the mits with Vees captain, Logan Johnston.
Ryan Renz who has been playing some of his best hockey of the season the past few games was very solid on the Vernon blueline tonight. Renz who also played physical was very steady defensively.
Dylan Walchuk (1 assist) Saw alot of icetime in the 3rd and was by far the Vipers best forward tonight. Walchuk with atleast three or four chances in the 3rd was really skating and creating offensive opportunities.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
Vernon who has lost nine straight on the road has just one win in six games vs Penticton this season. The Vipers who are without five key players (Max Mowat, Patrick McGillis, Luke Juha, Ben Gamache & John Knisley) were no contest for the Penticton Vees who completely dominated tonights game. I thought the Vipers got off to a good start (other then a not so good early powerplay) I thought Vernon played well the first five or so minutes before the Vees took over. My turning point of tonights game was a Darren Nowick shorthanded breakaway, Nowick who missed the net scores here and the games tied 1-1 Nowick dosnt score, the Vees come back on the same shift score on the powerplay and get out to a 2-0 lead and never look back. Giving up a late powerplay goal with just 1.4 seconds in the 1st was also a big blow and hard to take. Overall the Vipers just cant compete vs the Vees. If Vernon thinks or wants to beat Penticton your going to have to generate much more then just four shots on goal in the opening period and then get alot more shots and scoring chances overall. It took the Vipers the first twelve minutes of the 2nd period to record their first shot on goal and that was with two powerplays. Your not going to win hockey games like that no matter who your playing. The Vipers who had a game in hand tonight are still two points back of 4th place Prince George.
Top Players: (Penticton)
Mike Reilly (2 goals & 2 assists) Has played very well vs Vernon this season and did it again tonight. A very smooth skating d-man really sees and reads the ice well, is very shifty and always seems to know where to go or where to be at just the right time. The Vipers need to try and slow this kid down, play physical against him and cant give him the time and space he gets.
Ryan Reilly played well up front for the Vees, had a few good scoring chances tonight.
Joey Benik (2 assists) Was very good for the Vees tonight, Benik who also plays very well against the Vipers was dangerous on several opportunities.
Logan Johnston (1 assist) I thought played very well on the Penticton backend, played well defensively and physical.
Travis St. Denis (2 goals & 2 assists) Also played very well up front for the Penticton Vees. St. Denis was very good at both ends of the rink as well on specialty teams.
Kyle Beaulieu really got under the skin of several Vernon Vipers, played and used that agitator roll to his advantage.
Bryce Gervais (1 goal) Was very good for the Vees tonight. Showed alot of hustle most of the night, was skating hard and working hard.
Game Thoughts: (Penticton)
The Vees are now just ten wins away from tying the BCHL record for the longest winning streak. Penticton who was off for seventeen days until playing tonight didnt look rusty at all. Penticton was tested early, having to kill off a early Viper powerplay before slowly taking over the edge in play getting several good chances in the first half before scoring two quick goals to jump out to the two goal lead and basically never looking back. The Vees who have basically dominated the Vipers all season are going to be very hard to beat come playoffs. This team has a ton of firepower up front, very solid defensively and has one of the leagues best goaltenders. I thought the Vees played very well defensively, really shutdown the Vipers offence especially in the first two periods. Penticton controlled the better of the play and was the better team for most of the night. This game wasnt even close. I was impressed with Pentictons penalty kill and early powerplay. The Vees with some very nice passing, looked like they had the puck on a string at times tonight. Nice to see a pretty big crowd on hand for tonights game.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Max Mowat (Injured)
Patrick McGillis (Injured)
Luke Juha (Injured)
Ben Gamache (Injured)
John Knisley (Injured)
Penticton:
Mark McLellan
3 Stars:
1st Star: Mike Reilly (2 goals & 2 assists)
2nd Star: Travis St. Denis (2 goals & 2 assists)
3rd Star: Joey Benik (2 assists)
For more on tonights game visit the boxscore,
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977763&link=bchl
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Kirby Halcrow
Penticton: Michael Garteig
1st Period: The Vipers would get the games first powerplay just 1:30 into the opening period. Adam Tambellini with a wicked shot from the top of the circle just missed the top corner on a great chance as Vernon with just a single shot on the man advantage couldnt generate any real offence after a strong Penticton Vees penalty kill. The Vipers would carry the better of the play after the powerplay for a good four or five minutes but couldnt generate any offence. The Vees would their first chance of the night early after Kirby Halcrow was down and out of position the Vees couldnt find a man in the slot after a good defensive play by the Vipers breaking up the pass and clearing the zone. Just over five minutes into the game Geoff Crisfield and Penticton captain, Logan Johnston dropped the gloves. Penticton would slowly come on and get a handfull of chances as Kirby Halcrow had to be sharp making some big saves. Halcrow stopped Ryan Reilly from the slot making a big pad save and then the Vees had a great chance after Joey Benik missed the top corner on a odd man rush, Benik stayed with the play, collected the rebound come back out front before Halcrow come up with a huge glove save just before the midway mark as the Vees were outshooting the Vipers 5-2. On the next play Bryce Gervais, Mike Reilly and Joey Benik on a three on two with some nice passing setup former Salmon Arm Silverback forward, Bryce Gervais who beat Kirby Halcrow low giving Penticton a 1-0 lead at 10:39 Reilly and Benik with the helpers. Just over a minute later Penticton would get its first powerplay of the night but it was Darren Nowick who got a shorthanded breakaway had Michael Garteig beat but missed the net with a backhand on a great opportunity, back come the Vees on the same play getting across the Vernon blueline Mario Lucia setup Mike Reilly whos point shot beat Halcrow at 12:32 giving the Vees a 2-0 lead, Lucia and Travis St. Denis collected the assists. The Vees kept coming and controlled the better of the play for the remainder of the 1st period. Curtis Loik with a chance from the slot couldnt beat Kirby Halcrow from in close. Vernon who didnt look too bad early was down two goals and couldnt get any offensive chances as the Vees defence played very good boxing the Vipers out and keeping the Vernon shooters to the outside. The Vipers would take a late penalty and it would cost them after some nice passing Travis St. Denis setup Mario Lucia who beat Halcrow with 1.4 seconds remaining giving Penticton a 3-0 lead and basically putting this game away just after one period of play. St. Denis and Joey Benik with the assists. Penticton looked very strong going two for two with the man advantage and was up 3-0 after 20 minutes of play. The Vees outshot the Vipers 18-4.
2nd Period: Vernon would get an early powerplay just eight seconds into the middle frame but it was a very solid Vees penalty kill that didnt allow the Vipers to record a single shot on the man advantage. Travis St. Denis was very good on the penalty kill as the Vees would kill off the minor. Just as the penalty expired the Vees who move the puck so well worked their magic with some nice passing as Travis St. Denis beat Halcrow at the side of the goal giving Penticton a 4-0 lead at 2:17 Mike Reilly and Logan Johnston with the helpers. The Vees really poured on the pressure early and often as the Vipers were held in their own end for most of the 2nd period. Kirby Halcrow come up with a huge glove save (his second of the night) off Joey Benik and then Steven Fogarty beat Halcrow but hit the post as Penticton was really firing offence all night. Penticton would get an early powerplay and make the Vipers pay for a third time. Troy Stetcher and Steven Fogarty with some passing at the blueline found Mike Reilly at the side of the goal who beat Halcrow at 4:39 giving the Vees a 5-0 lead and full control of tonights contest. Both Stetcher and Fogarty with the assists. On the next shift the Vipers would get their second powerplay of the period but for the second straight time the Vees with a very solid penalty kill wouldnt give up a single shot as Penticton would easily kill off the minor. For the second straight period the Vipers had troubles creating and generating any kind of offence as it took Vernon twelve minutes to record their first shot of the period. Penticton would get its second powerplay of the period and for the first time tonight the Vipers would kill off a penalty. Tempers heated up between these two rivals late in the period after a scrum occured in front of the Vees goal and Michael Garteig with several players pushing and shoving. Late in the period Travis St. Denis with his second of the evening opened the flood gates putting Penticton up 6-0 at 18:28 Nick Buchanan and Zach Urban collected the assists. On the next shift the Vees would get a late powerplay that they couldnt capitalize on that would carry on into the 3rd period. At the buzzer Ryan Renz and Kyle Beaulieu exchanged a shot at one another with Renz trying to get away from the linesman and go after Beaulieu. This period was all Penticton as the Vees dominated the play and the scoreboard scoring three times taking a 6-0 lead into the 3rd. The Vees outshot the Vipers 10-7.
3rd Period: Vernon product, Danny Todosychuk started the 3rd after Kirby Halcrow gave up six goals on twenty eight Vees shots after two periods of play. The Vees started the 3rd with just a handfull of seconds remaining on a powerplay that was carried over from the 2nd period. The Vipers would kill off the remaining few seconds before heading right back to the penalty box giving the Vees an early man advantage. But it was Dylan Walchuk shorthanded that made a few nice moves cutting across the Vees blueline before stepping into a hard slapshot from the slot but Michael Garteig come way out to challenge getting down stopping Walchuks shot. Vernon would kill off the minor. The Vees who were up by six goals took their foot off the gas for most of the final period as the Vipers come out hitting playing with a bit of energy. Vernon who was outshooting the Vees 4-1 early to start the 3rd played a fairly physical period and created and generated their most offence all night. Michael Garteig who didnt see alot of action in the first two periods had to be alert early and often to start the 3rd making two or three nice pad saves. A fairly chippy 3rd with both teams giving the odd shot or punch to someone after a stopage in play. Dylan Walchuk who saw a ton of icetime in the 3rd was the Vipers best forward getting a few real good chances. Garteig had to come up big with a nice glove save off Walchuk. The Vipers would lose Brendan Persley just before the midway mark after recieving a checking to the head penalty, this was the end of Persleys night as he headed for the showers. The Vees couldnt capitalize with the man advantage before giving Vernon a powerplay just after the midway mark. The Vipers would finally get on the board after Michael Garteig stopped Brett Corkeys point shot but couldnt handle Aaron Hadley who beat Garteig on the rebound cutting the Penticton lead to five goals at 11:21 Corkey and Dylan Walchuk with the helpers. At the other end Danny Todosychuk wasnt overly busy but had atleast two tough saves with traffic in front. Mike Reilly come close to getting his third of the night after beating Todosychuk down low but hit either the base or the outside of the post. The Vipers would lose Mike Zalewski late in the game after taking a ten minute misconduct. The Vees really got under the skin of Zalewski who was being pestered by several Penticton Vees all night. Zalewski hit the showers with just over three minutes remaining. The Vees who sat back for most of the period saw the Vipers with their most offensive chances all night played fairly well but it was too little too late for Vernon as Penticton would win its 19th straight with a pretty convincing 6-1 victory. Vernon outshot Penticton 10-8.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Geoff Crisfield played a very physical-spirited game. Dropped the mits with Vees captain, Logan Johnston.
Ryan Renz who has been playing some of his best hockey of the season the past few games was very solid on the Vernon blueline tonight. Renz who also played physical was very steady defensively.
Dylan Walchuk (1 assist) Saw alot of icetime in the 3rd and was by far the Vipers best forward tonight. Walchuk with atleast three or four chances in the 3rd was really skating and creating offensive opportunities.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
Vernon who has lost nine straight on the road has just one win in six games vs Penticton this season. The Vipers who are without five key players (Max Mowat, Patrick McGillis, Luke Juha, Ben Gamache & John Knisley) were no contest for the Penticton Vees who completely dominated tonights game. I thought the Vipers got off to a good start (other then a not so good early powerplay) I thought Vernon played well the first five or so minutes before the Vees took over. My turning point of tonights game was a Darren Nowick shorthanded breakaway, Nowick who missed the net scores here and the games tied 1-1 Nowick dosnt score, the Vees come back on the same shift score on the powerplay and get out to a 2-0 lead and never look back. Giving up a late powerplay goal with just 1.4 seconds in the 1st was also a big blow and hard to take. Overall the Vipers just cant compete vs the Vees. If Vernon thinks or wants to beat Penticton your going to have to generate much more then just four shots on goal in the opening period and then get alot more shots and scoring chances overall. It took the Vipers the first twelve minutes of the 2nd period to record their first shot on goal and that was with two powerplays. Your not going to win hockey games like that no matter who your playing. The Vipers who had a game in hand tonight are still two points back of 4th place Prince George.
Top Players: (Penticton)
Mike Reilly (2 goals & 2 assists) Has played very well vs Vernon this season and did it again tonight. A very smooth skating d-man really sees and reads the ice well, is very shifty and always seems to know where to go or where to be at just the right time. The Vipers need to try and slow this kid down, play physical against him and cant give him the time and space he gets.
Ryan Reilly played well up front for the Vees, had a few good scoring chances tonight.
Joey Benik (2 assists) Was very good for the Vees tonight, Benik who also plays very well against the Vipers was dangerous on several opportunities.
Logan Johnston (1 assist) I thought played very well on the Penticton backend, played well defensively and physical.
Travis St. Denis (2 goals & 2 assists) Also played very well up front for the Penticton Vees. St. Denis was very good at both ends of the rink as well on specialty teams.
Kyle Beaulieu really got under the skin of several Vernon Vipers, played and used that agitator roll to his advantage.
Bryce Gervais (1 goal) Was very good for the Vees tonight. Showed alot of hustle most of the night, was skating hard and working hard.
Game Thoughts: (Penticton)
The Vees are now just ten wins away from tying the BCHL record for the longest winning streak. Penticton who was off for seventeen days until playing tonight didnt look rusty at all. Penticton was tested early, having to kill off a early Viper powerplay before slowly taking over the edge in play getting several good chances in the first half before scoring two quick goals to jump out to the two goal lead and basically never looking back. The Vees who have basically dominated the Vipers all season are going to be very hard to beat come playoffs. This team has a ton of firepower up front, very solid defensively and has one of the leagues best goaltenders. I thought the Vees played very well defensively, really shutdown the Vipers offence especially in the first two periods. Penticton controlled the better of the play and was the better team for most of the night. This game wasnt even close. I was impressed with Pentictons penalty kill and early powerplay. The Vees with some very nice passing, looked like they had the puck on a string at times tonight. Nice to see a pretty big crowd on hand for tonights game.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Max Mowat (Injured)
Patrick McGillis (Injured)
Luke Juha (Injured)
Ben Gamache (Injured)
John Knisley (Injured)
Penticton:
Mark McLellan
3 Stars:
1st Star: Mike Reilly (2 goals & 2 assists)
2nd Star: Travis St. Denis (2 goals & 2 assists)
3rd Star: Joey Benik (2 assists)
For more on tonights game visit the boxscore,
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977763&link=bchl
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
(Game Preview) Vernon @ Penticton:
Tonight is the sixth of seven regular season meetings between these two teams.
Let's take a look at the regular season schedule between these two hockey clubs,
Saturday, October 15th Vernon @ Penticton (Vees won 6-2)
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977750&link=bchl
Friday, October 21st Penticton @ Vernon (Vees won 6-2)
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977600&link=bchl
Wednesday, November 2nd Penticton @ Vernon (Vipers won 7-1)
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977601&link=bchl
Wednesday, November 23rd Penticton @ Vernon
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977606&link=bchl
Wednesday, November 30th Vernon @ Penticton
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977759&link=bchl
Wednesday, January 4th Vernon @ Penticton
Friday, February 17th Vernon @ Penticton
Last Game Played:
Friday, December 30th Vernon defeated Salmon Arm 6-4
Saturday, December 17th Penticton defeated Powell River 7-2
Next Game:
Friday, January 6th Victoria @ Vernon
Friday, January 6th Penticton @ Chilliwack
Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 33-21-2-3 vs. Penticton
Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Penticton 196-167
Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 17-7-1-1 at home vs. Penticton
Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 13-10-1-1 in Penticton
Vernon are 4-4-1-1 in their last ten visits to Penticton
Penticton is 3-6-0-1 in their last ten visits to Vernon
The Vipers are 6-3-1-0 in their last ten games vs. Penticton
Penticton's last win at the Wesbild Centre was a 6-2 victory on Friday, October 21st 2011
Vernon's last win at the South Okanagan Events Centre was a 5-0 victory back on Friday, October 22nd 2010
The Vipers went 5-0-1-0 vs Penticton last season
The Vernon Lakers changed their name to the Vernon Vipers to start the 1995-96 season. Here’s a look at the Vipers all-time regular season record
Games Played: 985
Wins: 629
Losses: 256
Ties: 16
Overtime Losses: 86
For more stats & former Vernon Junior Hockey Team rosters & lineups please visit Paul’s Vernon Junior Hockey History website,
http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html
The Vipers make their third visit of the season to the South Okanagan Events Centre riding a eight game road losing streak. Vernon's last win on the road was a 2-1 overtime victory over Trail back on November 12th. Tonight is a huge game for the Vipers as they sit just two points back of 4th place Prince George and are just three points back of 3rd place Chilliwack.
Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:
Games Played: 33
Wins: 17
Losses: 13
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 11-3-1-1
Road Record: 6-10-0-1
Goals For: 119
Goals Against: 105
Streak: One game winning streak
Standings: 5th Place
Vernon Vipers Returning Players:
Brett Corkey (92)
Aaron Hadley (93)
John Knisley (92)
Patrick McGillis (91)
Max Mowat (93)
Darren Nowick (91)
Ryan Renz (93)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Michael Zalewski (92)
Kirby Halcrow (91)
Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:
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)
Marcus Basara (93)
Vernons Home record vs. Penticton this season:
1-2-0-0
Vernons Road record vs. Penticton this season:
0-2-0-0
Vernons Powerplay vs. Penticton this season:
3-16
Vernons scoring leaders vs. Penticton this season:
Michael Zalewski (4-0-4)
Darren Nowick (1-2-3)
Adam Tambellini (2-1-3)
John Knisley (0-3-3)
Brett Corkey (0-3-3)
Colton Sparrow (1-1-2)
Ryan Renz (0-2-2)
Max Mowat (0-2-2)
Aaron Hadley (1-0-1)
Riley Hunt (0-1-1)
Geoff Crisfield (0-1-1)
Jedd Soleway (1-0-1)
Marc Hetnik (0-1-1)
Peter McMullen (1-0-1)
Ben Gamache (1-0-1)
Kirby Halcrow (1-4 Record)
Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:
-Vernon has the leagues 3rd best powerplay
-The Vipers have the BCHL's 9th best penalty kill
-Danny Todosychuk (4-1 Record, 2.81 GAA) is in the top ten goaltenders
-Mike Zalewski (18-24-42) & Darren Nowick (24-16-40) are the two lone Vipers in the leagues top twenty in scoring
-The Vipers have lost eight straight on the road
The league leading Penticton Vees come into tonight's game riding a team record eighteen game winning streak facing the Vipers for a sixth time this season. Tonight is just the Vees third home game in their last eight games. Penticton plays five of its next seven on home ice.
For more on tonight's game and the Penticton Vees, please visit Fraser Rodger's Penticton Vees blog,
http://pentictonvees.wordpress.com/
Lets take a look at the Penticton Vees:
Games Played: 35
Wins: 30
Losses: 3
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 14-0-0-1
Road Record: 16-3-0-1
Goals For: 187
Goals Against: 90
Streak: Eighteen game winning streak
Standings: 1st Place
Penticton Vees Returning Players:
Joey Benik (92)
Grant Nicholson (93)
Troy Stecher (94)
Curtis Loik (93)
Kyle Beaulieu (91)
Chad Bannor (92)
Logan Johnston (91)
Penticton Vees Departing & traded players from last years team:
Joey Laleggia (92)
Brendan O'Donnell (92)
Mark MacMillan (92)
Joey Holka (90)
Garrett Milan (91)
Kyle Mountain (90)
James Polk (92)
Tyler Hlookoff (90)
Myles McCauley (91)
Steven Iacobellis (93)
Mark Hall (90)
Derik Johnson (90)
Michael Betz (92)
Paul Bezzo (90)
Joel Rumpel (91)
Billy Faust (91)
Pentictons Home record vs. Vernon this season:
2-0-0-0
Pentictons Road record vs. Vernon this season:
2-1-0-0
Pentictons Powerplay vs. Vernon this season:
8-30
Pentictons scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:
Mario Lucia (3-5-8)
Connor Reilly (3-4-7)
Steven Fogarty (2-4-6)
Joey Benik (2-4-6)
Mike Reilly (2-3-5)
Travis St. Denis (1-4-5)
Troy Stecher (1-3-4)
Curtis Loik (3-0-3)
Mark McLellan (0-2-2)
Bryce Gervais (2-0-2)
Ryan Reilly (1-1-2)
Zach Urban (1-0-1)
Grant Nicholson (1-0-1)
Logan Johnston (0-1-1)
Michael Garteig (4-1 Record)
Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:
-Penticton has the BCHL's best powerplay
-The Vees have the league's 2nd best penalty kill
-Travis St. Denis (21-31-52), Mario Lucia (26-34-60), Connor Reilly (26-35-61), Joey Benik (12-38-50), Steven Fogarty (15-19-34), Bryce Gervais (30-16-46), Ryan Reilly (21-22-43) & Mike Reilly (14-34-48) are all in the BCHL top twenty in scoring
-The Vees lead the league scoring 187 goals this season
-Michael Garteig (25-4 Record, 1 Shutout, 2.29 GAA) is in the leagues top ten goaltenders
Here's a look at both teams rosters:
Vernon Vipers:
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224096
Penticton Vees:
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224101
Gamache Latest Vipers’ Casualty:
Gamache latest Vipers’ casualty
By Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star
Published: January 04, 2012
Jason Williamson never studied a medical dictionary in four years at Niagara University in New York.
Too bad because learning the difference from a MCL and an ACL or a high-ankle sprain and a concussion would have come in handy.
“Five top core guys out now,” sighed Wiliamson, after the Vernon Vipers’ practice Tuesday at Wesbild Centre. “We’ve never seen this many injuries.”
Latest casualty is Ben Gamache, who had five goals and 12 points in nine games before taking a knee-on-knee hit from one-time Viper Taylor Love in Friday’s 6-4 win over the Salmon Arm SilverBacks.
“He’s seeing a specialist today and it looks bad,” said Williamson, of Gamache, who was on crutches after the game.
Williamson has sent B.C. Hockey League officials video of the hit – Love was a given a minor penalty – but as of Tuesday, 2 p.m., had not heard back from the league. Love and Gamache were Midget teammates with the Notre Dame Hounds in Wilcox, Sask.
The Vipers visit the league-leading Penticton Vees tonight before hosting the Victoria Grizzlies (Friday) and Merritt Centennials (Saturday).
“There is a light at the end of the tunnel,” said Williamson. “We had Patty (captain Patrick McGillis) on the ice today and he looked OK. We just have to convince the guys we are a good team with these five guys out, and realize how much better we will be when they come back.”
D-man Luke Hildebrand of the Revelstoke Grizzlies will be called up tonight with either Turner Lawson or Marc Hetnik moving up to the wing from the back end.
McGillis is still a week away from playing. The captain had 4-3-7 in six games before going down with an ankle injury.
Rookie d-man Luke Juha has been out with a concussion and then a broken hand since the World Junior A Hockey Challenge in November. Forward John Knisley and d-man Max Mowat are also on the shelf.
Leading scorer Darren Nowick (24 snipes) says the Vipers will be serious contenders once the wounded players return.
“It shouldn’t take too much longer,” said Nowick, after scoring twice Friday night. “(Dylan) Walchuk, Jedd (Soleway) and Gamache are a great line, and hopefully, Gamache gets better. Once Patty, Mowy and Juha get back, we’ll be back on track.”
The SilverBacks, meanwhile, traded their second-leading scorer, Brett Knowles ,to Cowichan Valley for Travis Stephens and future considerations.
Knowles, 20, has 10 goals and 37 points in 34 games up front, while Stephens, 18, has eight goals and 19 points in 34 games.
Salmon Arm also dealt the playing rights of D Matt Brown (91) to the AJHL Calgary Mustangs in exchange for future considerations.
The Vipers ended 2011 by spotting the SilverBacks three goals before battling back hard for the win before 2,153 fans.
Vernon holds fifth spot in the Interior Division at 17-13-1-2, four points back of the Prince George Spruce Kings. Salmon Arm dropped to 12-17-0-6.
“We’re never happy with a loss, but it’s good to come back from that loss and pretty much take it to them in our barn,” said Nowick, who took three stitches to his lip courtesy of a high stick by Devin Muller.
“We’re not satisfied, but we’re happy to get the two points we got tonight.”
Nowick netted two beauties, first making it 4-3 Vipers in the second period when he re-directed a powerplay slap pass from d-man Brett Corkey. Nowick scooped a loose puck near centre and with Knowles hard in pursuit, beat Kurt Williams with a backhander, roof daddy, to bring the house down in celebration of his shorthanded goal.
Vernon’s line of Adam Tambellini (2+1), Brendan Persley (1+1) and Colton Sparrow (3A) had a fabulous night, combining for eight points and enjoying a few other scoring chances while working the puck well down low.
Corkey, with a wrister from the point which slid past Williams off the left post, completed the Viper offence.
Myles McCauley, who once skated on a line with Tyler Seguin (Boston Bruins) with the major junior Plymouth Whalers, beat starting Vernon goalie Danny Todoyschuk on a wrister from the right slot 95 seconds into the game. McCauley went top shelf from the mid-slot eight minutes later on a powerplay.
Vernon product Alex Gillies fooled Todosychuk with a high wrister from the left wing to make it 3-0 SilverBacks 1:23 later, chasing Todosychuk, who the night before had replaced starter Kirby Halcrow.
“Obviously, we would have liked the four points, but tonight was a good effort by all the guys,” said Walchuk, robbed in tight by a Williams’ glove save in the final minutes. ‘“We came out with a bit of a slow start and kind of let Danny hang out to dry there for a couple. Luckily, we came back and regrouped from the first period and played a solid 40 minutes and were able to score some goals. The crowd was loud and gave us more energy and got the guys excited.”
The SilverBacks, who closed to within one when Morgan Zulinick finished off a bang-bang play with 8:57 left, took a too many men penalty a few minutes later, and Tambellini converted with 22 seconds left in the minor.
‘“This is a tough pill to swallow because if we win this one, we’re three points back of them so we didn’t make any ground up on the weekend,’’ said Salmon Arm 21-year-old assistant coach Jayson Reardon, of Lumby. “We have a really good team in there and it’s a matter of finding the pieces and guys finding their roles. It’s a tough loss because we’re a young team.”
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Former Viper Pimm Named Hockey East Weekly Top Performer:
This was posted on the Hockey East website:
Hockey East Team of The Week: (Northeastern Huskies)
The Huskies went 1-0-1 on the week en route to the Mariucci Classic title, which included a 3-3 tie vs. Princeton on Friday night and a 3-2 victory on Saturday night vs. No. 2 ranked Minnesota.
Former Viper Beller Signs With Cottonmouths:
Greg Beller's Player Profile:
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=87902
This is posted on the Cottonmouths website:
Friday, Dec. 30, 2011
Columbus Cottonmouths: After return of Greg Beller, John Sullivan now on shelf
By KATHY GIERER
Columbus Cottonmouths center Greg Beller returned to action on Monday after spending weeks watching his teammates play.
Right winger John Sullivan might have the same fate in store.
Both players suffered serious injuries, but that’s where the similarity ends. Beller’s ghastly incident involved a collision between a puck and his jaw. Sullivan’s was more subtle, a concussion on a routine play in practice.
Beller had been a Cottonmouth for 21 minutes when he was lost to the team for six weeks. He’d yet to play a home game, joining the Snakes on the road in Knoxville on Saturday, Nov. 12.
“The guy was 10 feet from me,” Beller said. “He whipped around and shot it. I went down to the ice and covered my face. I knew there had to be some damage. I ran my tongue over my teeth to check for missing teeth. I didn’t lose any, but I found out that there was about an inch difference between the teeth in the two parts of my jaw. I knew the jaw was probably broken, so I skated off the ice quickly.”
At first, there was a lot of blood and not too much pain. When the bone broke, it severed an artery and blood was gushing out of the wound. Snakes trainer Hannah Peterson and the Knoxville team doctors assessed the damage.
“Hannah and the doctor were trying to see, but it kept filling up with blood,” Beller said. “They were poking around in there and that really hurt. That was the least fun part of the whole experience.”
After surgery Sunday, Beller and Peterson returned Monday to Columbus. The hockey community and team rallied around Beller.
“We hated to leave Knoxville without him,” Sullivan said. “We were glad Hannah stayed with him. We hated that he had to go through that by himself.”
The first two weeks, Beller couldn’t open his mouth at all. He had bands on his teeth similar to braces and his jaw was clenched shut. In the early morning of the following Friday, Beller loosened the bands himself just enough to down two mashed up boiled eggs. The doctor put the bands back on for another four days. After two weeks, they were loosened and Beller could finally open his mouth. Only a week ago could he actually chew.
Beller’s menu for four weeks was porridge for breakfast, boiled eggs for lunch and macaroni and cheese for dinner. His first real meal was last Sunday at Olive Garden.
Beller lost 15 pounds during the ordeal. After an initial period when he could do nothing, he skated on his own after three weeks, then did other drills supervised by assistant coach Brad Prefontaine.
Sullivan was injured in practice Dec. 14 doing a simple two-on-two drill. A teammate pushed him into the padded turnbuckle.
“It was the way I hit it,” Sullivan said. “I was fine at first and kept playing. About 20 minutes later, my vision started getting blurred. My eyes wouldn’t focus and I was nauseous. Since then I’ve had bad headaches, dizzy spells and I’ve had trouble focusing.”
Peterson, in conjunction with team doctors, is closely monitoring Sullivan’s progress. “I need to go three days without symptoms before I can do anything,” Sullivan said. “On Christmas Day, I got on the bike. After 10 minutes, I had a headache and was nauseous.”
So, Sullivan began the three-day count again. He felt good Wednesday and looks forward to trying the bike again Saturday. If he remains symptom free, he can start working out, but it will be non-contact.
There is no timetable for Sullivan’s return.
“The frustrating part is that a concussion is a tricky thing. It’s not like you have a separated shoulder, which has a set timetable,” Sullivan said. “It could be one week to six weeks. The longer I’m out, the longer it’ll take me to get back into game shape.
Express Trade Former Viper Defenceman Love To Silverbacks:
Love was at the Vipers training camp last year and played in three games with Vernon as an "AP" but was traded to the Victoria Grizzlies in early October due to the import rule. Love was then released by Victoria at last years BCHL trade deadline finishing the season with the KIJHL Beaver Valley Nighthawks. Love then committed to the Coquitlam Express on May 30th 2011 where in 20 regular season games with the Express he collected (1-7-8).
Taylor Love's Player Profile:
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=305114&playerID=695146
Monday, January 2, 2012
Former Viper Pimm Named Mariucci Classic Tournament MVP:
Braden Pimm post-game interview:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T95nVsyXt24
This is posted on the Huskies website:
Huskies skate into 2012 as Mariucci Classic champions!
12/31/2011
Northeastern skates into the New Year as Mariucci Classic Tournament champions after a 3-2 triumph over No. 2 Minnesota on New Years Eve at Mariucci Arena. The Huskies preserved their undefeated mark on New Year's Eve and moved to 4-0-0 on that day and extended their unbeaten to eight games; the second-best streak in the country.
The Huskies have won the Mariucci Classic tournament twice in program history with the first coming over the host (Minnesota) on Dec. 28, 1997. Northeastern moves to 4-1-1 in the Mariucci Classic and has now knocked off the No. 2 team in the country, on the road, on three separate occasions (Notre Dame, Dec. 2 & 3 and Minnesota, Dec 31).
Northeastern's eight-game unbeaten streak (7-0-1) is the third longest in program history. It is the program's longest stretch since NU went 8-0-1 in 1985-86. The Northeastern benchmark is 12 games as the 1980-81 squad won the first 12 games of the season.
Sophomore Braden Pimm came away as the Mariucci Classic Tournament MVP while junior Vinny Saponari (Forward), sophomore Anthony Bitetto (defense) and junior Chris Rawlings (goaltender) earned All-Tournament Team honors.
Minnesota committed 12 penalties and bestowed the Huskies with three two-man advantages in which NU cashed in on two of them. The junior trio of Steve Quailer, Garrett Vermeersch and Saponari acted as NU's goal scorers with Vermeersch's counting as the game-winner. Saponari and Vermeersch attacked with the two-man advantage. Quailer stretched out his point streak to a whopping nine games (6-8-14) with the even strength goal.
Despite a scoreless first stanza, the opening period looked to be all Minnesota with the shot total favoring the Golden Gophers, 12-4. The Huskies scratched back and outshot UM, 26-21, in the remaining to frames.
Rawlings has been Northeastern's rock in net, stopping 31-of-33 shots in his seventh victory in eight games. Minnesota netminder Kent Patterson turned away 27 shots in the loss.
The first opportunity of the game arrived for Minnesota at the 1:48 mark of the first stanza when Northeastern was whistled for too many men, but was negated when Tyler Matson took a tripping call at 3:14. The Golden Gophers were the only team to get a shot off during the respective extra-man opportunities in the early goings.
Both teams traded near misses as sophomore Anthony Bitetto crafted some fancy stick work through Minnesota's zone and nearly connected with Quailer on the far post, but it sailed just wide. The Gophers responded with three grade-A chances on the ensuing exchange, but UM was denied on a couple wide-open looks.
Senior Mike McLaughlin was called for interference in the offensive zone at 12:15 but did not inflict any damage as the Huskies' penalty kill did a sound job of protecting around the net. Minnesota gained a faceoff in Northeastern territory after the penalty expired and Joe Miller nearly tallied even strength after ringing a wraparound shot off the left pipe.
Northeastern closed out the first with a couple strong opportunities after a Mark Alt high-sticking call at 17:10, but both teams skated into the locker rooms after the first period scoreless.
Scoring erupted in special teams' fashion to initiate the second stanza with Minnesota striking first on a short-handed tally from Nate Condon at 00:55. Seth Helgeson was assessed a cross-checking call at 00:27, but Condon's pressure at the blue line gave way to the under-manned strike. Condon stripped rookie Ludwig Karlsson and charged on Rawlings alone, beating him with a hard wrister, blocker side, to take the 1-0 lead.
The Huskies were still on the power play and Erik Haula helped NU out even more with a hooking call at 1:57 to give Northeastern 30 seconds of 5-on-3. Northeastern wasted no time taking advantage after junior Justin Daniels cleanly won a draw out to Saponari waiting in the seam. Saponari blasted the one-timer through traffic and tied the game at the 2:00 mark with the power play tally, 1-1.
Quailer bestowed the Huskies with their first lead of the game at 5:38 of the second after Pimm induced a turnover in Minnesota's zone and zipped it behind to Quailer in front. Quailer corralled the loose puck carted it out in front of Patterson, threw a quick head fake, and slipped the backhand through the five-hole for the 2-1 NU advantage.
Haula took another interference call at 10:47 of the second to give the Huskies a chance to break it open, but the Gophers' persistent kill managed to rattle off more shots than the Huskies in the two-minute window. Rookie Josh Manson's hold at 14:03 of the second session returned the favor and gave UM its third power play of the evening, but Minnesota could not capitalize.
The Huskies took their lead into the second intermission thanks to Karlsson sweeping away that was centimeters from crossing the goal line with 30 seconds remaining. A one-timer squirted through Rawlings' pads, but Karlsson crashed the net and paddled the disc away to maintain the 2-1 lead.
The Huskies power play unit took the ice early once again to start the third period after a Larson trip at 1:25. Northeastern sent a flurry of one-timers Patterson's way, but it was Rawlings who stole the show on the power play after making an amazing acrobatic save after a Taylor Matson breakaway at 2:00.
After an Adam Reid kneeing penalty subsided, Hegelson and Ben Marshall both took holding calls at 7:38 and 9:04, respectively, to put Northeastern back on the 5-on-3 for 34 seconds. Unfortunately, the Huskies could not reciprocate their last two-man advantage and the opportunity waned.
Minnesota continued to play undisciplined and offered the Huskies their third 5-on-3 opportunity at 12:53 of the third period, this time for 1:31. Northeastern capitalized on its second power play goal of the night after working the puck around meticulously with all the open real estate. Karlsson started it up by punching it out to junior Drew Daniels up top. D. Daniels connected with Vermeersch for the one-timer and sent an absolute missile past Patterson for the 3-1 cushion at 14:23.
The Gophers added an extra attacker goal (short-handed) after Tyler Matson crashed the far post and snuck the puck by Rawlings at 19:42 to keep Northeastern in check, but the Huskies played keep away and ran out regulation as tournament champions.
Northeastern hits the ice for the first time in 2012 in scrimmage fashion. The Huskies welcome the U-18 National Team Development Program based out of Ann Arbor, Mich. on Saturday, Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. Hockey East play resumes when Northeastern collides with arch-rival Boston University for the first time this season. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on the New England Sports Network (NESN). Following the BU game, the Huskies will skate next door to play Boston College at Fenway Park on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 6 p.m.
Mariucci Classic 2011 All-Tournament Team
MVP: Braden Pimm (Northeastern)
Forward: Braden Pimm (Northeastern)
Forward: Jake Hansen (Minnesota)
Forward: Vinny Saponari (Northeastern)
Defense: Nate Schmidt (Minnesota)
Defense: Anthony Bitetto (Northeastern)
Goaltender: Chris Rawlings (Northeastern)
Game Notes
• Northeastern is in the midst of the third-longest unbeaten streak in program history. The Huskies went 8-0-1 from Dec. 4, 1985 to Jan. 11, 1986 as the second longest run. The Northeastern standard is 12 games (12-0-0) as the Huskies won their first 12 games of the 1980-81 season under Ferny Flaman.
• The last time Northeastern took on a team from the WCHA was when the Huskies opened the 2009-10 season at Colorado College on Oct. 9-10, 2009. The Huskies split with the Tigers, 2-4 and 4-3.
• Northeastern's overall record against foes from the WCHA is 30-56-3 (354) after the victory over the Gophers. Northeastern has never skated against WCHA constituents Bemidji State, Minnesota State and Nebraska Omaha. Saturday's championship showdown with Minnesota was the 11th meeting in the series history as Minnesota still owns the slight edge, 6-5-0. Hockey East teams are 7-5-3 against the WCHA this season.
• Northeastern's record at the Mariucci Classic is 4-1-1 and 2-1-0 against the host, Minnesota. The Huskies captured their second Mariucci Classic tournament victory with the first coming on Dec. 28, 1997 (4-2).
• The New Year's Eve game against Minnesota marked Northeastern's fourth road contest against the No. 2 team in the country. The Huskies lost to Boston College (2-1) on Nov. 11 at Conte Forum before sweeping No. 2-ranked Notre Dame on Dec. 2 and 3 (9-2 and 2-1). Northeastern has faced 10 nationally ranked opponents this season and accumulated a 6-5-1 record in 12 games (NU played Merrimack and Notre Dame back-to-back as nationally-ranked foes).
• Northeastern maintained its perfect record in games occurring on New Year's Eve.
The Huskies are 4-0-0 on Dec. 31. Northeastern's first NYE game was a 6-5 win against Minnesota-Duluth at Jeno's Tournament on Dec 31, 1981. The second game was a 3-2 win over Dartmouth at the Auld Lang Syne Tournament (now the National Ledyard Bank Classic) on Dec. 31, 1988. Before tonight, the last time NU played on New Year's Eve was a 4-3 win against UMass Lowell at the aforementioned tournament on Dec. 31, 1996.
• Tonight's game for junior Vinny Saponari was not just special because he scored a goal in consecutive games for the first time as a Husky, but it also marked his 100th career collegiate game. The Powder Spring, Ga. native has accounted for 23 goals and 37 assists (23-37-60) in 100-career contests. He has scored 13 points (3-10-13) at Northeastern while the other points were accrued while a member of Boston University's team.
• Steve Quailer keeps on rolling and extended his point streak to NINE games, accounting for six goals and eight assists (6-8-14) amidst his torrent pace. It is the longest career point streak of any current Husky. Heading into Saturday night's game, Quailer was the 30th most prolific scorer in the country, averaging 1.13 points per game.
• The starting line of Steve Quailer – Braden Pimm - Cody Ferriero have been unstoppable as of late, scoring at least a point of more in the last 10 games. The trio accounted for a goal and an assist against Minnesota, pushing their production to 17 goals and 15 assists (17-15-32) in the last 10 games with a plus/minus rating of +33
• Garrett Vermeersch's first power play goal of the season, fifth of his career, stood as his first-career game-winning goal.
• Chris Rawlings has been included in the All-Tournament Team in the two holiday tournaments he's taken part in at Northeastern. The North Delta, B.C. native was the Tournament MVP at the National Ledyard Bank Classic before earning all-tournament honors (goaltender) on Dec. 31 at the Mariucci Classic.
Former Viper Voth Named SJHL Goaltender Of The Week:
Blake Voth's Player Profile:
http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=48223
This is posted on the SJHL website:
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK (Jan 1)
Monday, January 02, 2012
SJHL GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK
Blake Voth, Melville Millionaires
1991 G Blake Voth (Herbert SK) won both of his starts against the Yorkton Terriers, turning away 92-of-95 shots and posting a 1.44-GAA as the Mils were outshot in both encounters with Yorkton. For the season, Voth is now 9-and-5, 2.78, .925.
Honorable Mention: Davis Jones, Nipawin; Mitch Kilgore, Weyburn; Warren Shymko, Yorkton.
Former Viper Short Returns To IceGators:
five season's in Vernon (2006-2010) and is the only player in franchise history to have his number retired. No offcial press release but the SPHL website has posted the transaction on its website. Short is in his second season with the IceGators and third season playing in the SPHL.
Rob Short's Player Profile:
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=102383
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Brendan Persley's Post-Game Interview:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrnb9H-FqFc&feature=player_embedded
Grizzlies Send Former Viper Tryout Hascarl To Warriors:
Hascarl who attended the Vernon Vipers training camp started the season with the Grizzlies playing as an "AP" with the Warriors before signing with Westside. In twenty one games with the Grizzlies Hascarl collected (3-22-25) in fifteen games with the Warriors Has carl has (3-6-9)
Devon Hascarl's Player Profile:
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=305108&playerID=688541
Vipers Rally Past SilverBacks:
Vipers rally past SilverBacks
By Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star
Published: December 30, 2011
They took turns blowing leads and making defensive miscues in their own rinks. And two games and 24 hours later, the Vernon Vipers and Salmon Arm SilverBacks were right where they started the holiday break, separated by five points in the BCHL’s Interior Conference.
The Vipers spotted the SilverBacks three goals Friday night at Wesbild Centre before battling back hard in a 6-4 victory before 2,153 fans. Vernon went up 2-0 the night before at the Shaw Centre and then collapsed defensively in a 7-4 loss before 1,425 fans.
Vernon holds fifth spot at 17-13-1-2, four points back of the Prince George Spruce Kings, 5-2 winners over the Trail Smoke Eaters Friday night. Salmon Arm dropped to 12-17-0-6. Only the top-four teams make the playoffs.
“We’re never happy with a loss, but it’s good to come back from that loss and pretty much take it to them in our barn,” said Viper sniper Darren Nowick, who pocketed his 17th and 18th goals of the season and took three stitches to his lip courtesy of a high stick by Devin Muller.
“We’re not satisfied, but we’re happy to get the two points we got tonight.”
Nowick netted two beauties, first making it 4-3 Vipers in the second period when he re-directed a powerplay slap pass from d-man Brett Corkey. Nowick scooped a loose puck near centre and with Brett Knowles hard in pursuit, beat Kurt Williams with a backhander, roof daddy, to bring the house down in celebration of his shorthanded goal.
Vernon’s line of Adam Tambellini (2+1), Brendan Persley (1+1) and Colton Sparrow (3A) had a fabulous night, combining for eight points and enjoying a few other scoring chances while working the puck well down low.
Corkey, with a wrister from the point which slid past Williams off the left post, completed the Viper offence.
Myles McCauley, who once skated on a line with Tyler Seguin (Boston Bruins) with the major junior Plymouth Whalers, beat starting Vernon goalie Danny Todoyschuk on a wrister from the right slot 95 seconds into the game. McCauley went top shelf from the mid slot eight minutes later on a powerplay.
Vernon product Alex Gillies fooled Todosychuk with a high wrister from the left wing, to make it 3-0 SilverBacks 1:23 later, chasing Todosychuk, who the night before had replaced starter Kirby Halcrow.
”Öbviously, we would have liked the four points,but tonight was a good effort by all the guys,” said Viper centre Dylan Walchuk, robbed in tight by a Williams’glove save in the final minutes. ‘’We came out with a bit of a slow start and kind of let Danny hang out to dry there for a couple. Luckily, we came back and regrouped from the first period and played a solid 40 minutes and were able to score some goals. The crowd was loud and gave us more energy and got the guys excited.”
The SilverBacks, who closed to within one when Morgan Zulinick finished off a bang-bang play with 8;57 left, took a too many men penalty a few minutes later and Tambellini converted with 22 seconds left in the minor.
‘’This is a tough pill to swallow because if we win this one, we’re three points back of them so we didn’t make any ground up on the weekend,’’ said Salmon Arm 21-year-old assistant coach Jayson Reardon, of Lumby. ‘’We have a really good team in there and it’s a matter of finding the pieces and guys finding their roles. It’s a tough loss because we’re a young team.”
The Vipers lost centre Ben Gamache after he went down after a knee-on-knee hit by Taylor Love in the second period. Gamache did not return.
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