This is posted on the Vipers website:
Gillam Heroic For Chiefs
Wednesday, March 7, 2012 - Submitted by Don Klepp
Despite being badly outplayed by the visiting Vernon Vipers, the Chilliwack Chiefs knocked the Vipers out of the playoff race with a 4-2 win on Tuesday.
Goaltender Mitch Gillam was the difference as he stopped 47 of 49 shots, 20 in the third period. He held the Chiefs in the game until they got the eventual winner at 5:13 of the third period.
During a yard sale in and around his crease, Kirby Halcrow lost his goal stick and was beaten low stick side by David Thompson’s 30-footer from the slot. The shot found its way through a mass of bodies in front of the Viper goal.
Josh Hansen’s empty netter at 19:42 put the issue out of doubt.
Earlier in the final period, with the score tied, 2-2, Patrick McGillis had fired the puck past Gillam but hit the post. That’s the way the game went for the Vipers, who generated a season-high 27 scoring chances.
The game started the way it ended; the Vipers dominated the first period but could not beat Gillam whose best effort was a right toe save on Sean Robertson’s low drive.
The Chiefs came out a bit stronger in the second period and took a 2-0 lead on broken plays. Alex Perron-Fontaine registered the ice breaker at 3:51 on a power play that looked more like a bee swarm. He swatted in a loose puck from 15 feet in front of Halcrow.
A minute later, a Kit Sitterley pass bounced off the skate of Trevor Hills past Kirby Halcrow who was wrong-footed by the bounce.
The two-goal lead gave the Chiefs energy and they played the Vipers evenly until Shay Laurent took a boarding penalty at 9:41. From that point, the Vipers took over, starting with Adam Tambellini’s power play goal at 10:16. Darren Nowick and Mike Zalewski drew assists.
Nowick and Zalewski then combined on a goal that came one second after Michael Spring’s penalty expired, at 14:06. Nowick accepted Zalewski’s adroit backhand pass and ripped a wrister over Gillam’s glove hand to tie the game.
In the third, the Vipers had several point blank opportunities but couldn’t squeeze the biscuit past Gillam. His positioning was excellent and the Vipers were unable to hit the small areas that he left open.
Five injured players were out of the lineup, so the Vipers started the game with 16 skaters and lost Jedd Soleway in the first period when he was twisted to the ice. His status is unclear for the final two games this weekend versus Salmon Arm.
Riley Hunt, Max Mowat, Luke Juha, and Turner Lawson will likely miss the weekend action, but Colton Sparrow will return after having served a two-game suspension.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Vipers On Brink Of Extinction:
Vernon Vipers on brink of extinction
Published: March 07, 2012
Patrick McGillis is used to being the last man standing.
Over the last three seasons, he has been to the Telus Cup Midget AAA Championships (he helped the Notre Dame Greyhounds hoist the cup in 2009), and back-to-back appearances in Royal Bank Cup finals. In short, the Calgary product has always made it to the big game.
Now, with the Vernon Vipers one point away from being excluded from the B.C. Hockey League playoffs, the Vernon Viper captain finds himself in unfamiliar territory.
“It’s definitely something new for me,” said McGillis, who has missed half of his 20-year-old season to injury.
“The last three years I’ve gone all the way to pretty much the last game. It’s a different situation, but I’m still playing every game as hard as I would, no matter what point of the season it is.”
A weekend split left the 28-26-1-2 Vipers trailing the 30-22-1-3 Chilliwack Chiefs for the fourth and final Interior Conference postseason berth. The teams met Tuesday night at Prospera Centre, and with three regular-season games remaining, all the Chiefs need is a tie, or a Vernon loss, to clinch.
Until that happens (and even if that happens), McGillis says the Vipers will keep battling.
“Mathematically, we’re not eliminated so it’s not over until it’s over,” he said. “We’re going to play for every point we can.”
Vernon ends the 2011-12 campaign with a weekend home-and-home series against the Salmon Arm SilverBacks (16-33-0-8), starting Friday at Wesbild.
After a disappointing 3-1 loss to the host Westside Warriors Saturday night, Vernon head coach Jason Williamson leaned on his veterans Sunday, and they responded in a 7-3 crushing of the Prince George Spruce Kings at Wesbild Centre.
The line of Colton Cyr (3+1), Ben Gamache (1+4) and McGillis (3A) combined for a dozen points, recording first, second and third star respectively.
“We didn’t wave the flag the night before, so we had a goal that every shift we stepped on the ice we made an impact,” said McGillis. “It kind of set the tone for the rest of the team and it was just one of those games where everything was going right for us.”
Cyr clicked on a pair of passes by Ben Gamache from behind the net to peg Vernon to an early 2-0 lead. Gamache, with his eighth of the season, on the powerplay, and singles by Aaron Hadley (16th goal) and Cyr, with his hat trick marker for his 16th of the season, made it 5-0 after just 20 minutes.
Jedd Soleway (13th) and Mike Zalewski, with his team-leading 36th goal, kept Vernon rolling in the second period.
Jarryd Ten Vaan Holt (30th), who started the season as a Viper, but never played a game with them, got the Sprucies (32-20-2-4) on the board with a shorthanded goal 7:46 into the second period. Gerry Fitzgerald (17th), later in the second, and Tyson Witala (8th), with the lone third-period tally, completed the scoring.
Zalewski recorded Vernon’s lone goal against Westside (21-28-2-7), taking a nice feed from Darren Nowick and beating Dwayne Rodrigue on a shorthanded 2-on-1 early in the first period.
The Warriors responded with singles by Connor Morrison (24th), Dru Dempsey (8th) and Brett McKinnon (7th).
Former Viper Marcus Basara picked up an assist, and is second on the Warriors with 15 goals and 25 helpers for 40 points.
“Guys were nervous knowing how huge that game was, it reflected in the first and second period,” said McGillis. “We came out a little flat and just a few mental lapses cost us. It was just a frustrating night for everyone.”
SNAKE BITES: The Vipers’ Turner Lawson and Riley Hunt, who had two assists Sunday, are both out with concussions and were expected to miss Tuesday’s game in Chilliwack. Colton Sparrow also missed the game serving the second of a two-game suspension for hitting Westside forward Devon Hascarl from behind Saturday night...The Penticton Vees extended their league-record win streak to 40 games with a 5-1 win over the Chiefs Saturday night at the South Okanagan Events Centre...Prince George brushed back the host Trail Smoke Eaters 4-3 in overtime Saturday night at Cominco Arena.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Chilliwack 4 Vernon 2
PERIOD 1
No Scoring
PERIOD 2
Chilliwack Chiefs at 3:51 (PP) - Alexandre Perron - Fontaine from David Bondra and Derek Huisman
Chilliwack Chiefs at 4:59 - Trevor Hills from Kit Sitterley and Mathieu Tibbet
Vernon Vipers at 10:16 (PP) - Adam Tambellini from Michael Zalewski and Darren Nowick
Vernon Vipers at 14:06 - Darren Nowick from Brett Corkey and Michael Zalewski
PERIOD 3
Chilliwack Chiefs at 5:13 - David Thompson from Michael Spring
Chilliwack Chiefs at 19:42 - Josh Hansen from Kody Dhaliwal
Vernon outshot Chilliwack 49-25. Mitch Gillam made 47 saves in the win, while Kirby Halcrow made 21 saves in the loss.
With the loss the Vipers were eliminated from the BCHL playoff race and wont be making this years playoffs. With the win the Chiefs clinch the 4th and final playoff spot.
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977774&link=bchl
Vipers-Warriors Highlight's:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX4sCFGdZa4&feature=player_embedded
(Game Preview) Vernon @ Chilliwack:
Tonight is the seventh and final regular season meeting between these two teams
Let's take a look at the season schedule between these two hockey clubs,
Friday, October 7th Chilliwack @ Vernon (Vipers won 4-1)
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977414&link=bchl
Friday, October 14th Vernon @ Chilliwack (Chiefs won 4-1)
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977749&link=bchl
Saturday, November 5th Chilliwack @ Vernon (Chiefs won 5-4)
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977421&link=bchl
Thursday, November 17th Vernon @ Chilliwack (Chiefs won 4-3)
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977755&link=bchl
Sunday, December 18th Chilliwack @ Vernon (Vipers won 6-3)
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977429&link=bchl
Saturday, February 11th Vernon @ Chilliwack (Chiefs won 3-1)
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977768&link=bchl
Last Game Played:
Sunday, March 4th Vernon defeated Prince George 7-3
Saturday, March 3rd Penticton defeated Chilliwack 5-1
Next Game:
Friday, March 9th Salmon Arm @ Vernon
Friday, March 9th Chilliwack @ Coquitlam
With a return to Chilliwack this season, let's see how the Chiefs have done vs Vernon in past years.
Since 2003 Vernon is 6-4-0-2 vs. Chilliwack
Since 2003 Vernon has outscored Chilliwack 44-39
Since 2003 Vernon is 5-1-0-0 at home vs. Chilliwack
Since 2003 Vernon is 1-3-0-2 in Chilliwack
Since 2003 the Vipers are 5-1-0-0 in their last ten games at home vs. the Chiefs
Since 2003 the Vipers are 1-3-0-2 in their last ten games on the road vs. the Chiefs
The Vipers went 5-0-1-0 last season vs Quesnel (Now Chilliwack) in the regular season.
The Vernon Lakers changed their name to the Vernon Vipers to start the 1995-96 season. Here’s a look at the Vipers all-time regular season record
Games Played: 1005
Wins: 639
Losses: 266
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 fourth and final visit of the season to Prospera Centre where they are 0-3 this season. The Vipers who are five points back of the 4th place Chilliwack Chiefs are in another must win situation coming off a 7-3 victory over PG Sunday afternoon. Vernon who is 7-20-0-1 on the road has just one win in their last nineteen road games. The Vipers have just four wins in their last ten games need to win all three of their remaining games and hope the Chiefs lose all four of their remaining games just to grab the final playoff spot.
Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:
Games Played: 57
Wins: 28
Losses: 26
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 21-6-1-1
Road Record: 7-20-0-1
Streak: One game winning streak
Goals For: 192
Goals Against: 185
Standings: 5th Place
Vernon Vipers Returning Players:
Brett Corkey (92)
Aaron Hadley (93)
John Knisley (92)
Patrick McGillis (91)
Max Mowat (93)
Darren Nowick (91)
Ryan Renz (93)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Michael Zalewski (92)
Kirby Halcrow (91)
Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:
Marcus Basara (93)
Dylan Walchuk (92)
David Robinson (90)
Bryce Kakoske (90)
Malcolm Lyles (90)
Trevor Fitzgerald (92)
Adam Thompson (90)
Steven Weinstein (90)
Kyle Murphy (90)
Dane Muench (92)
Philip Patenaude (91)
Zach McPhee (93)
Blake Voth (91)
Vernons Home record vs. Chilliwack this season:
2-1-0-0
Vernons Road record vs. Chilliwack this season:
0-3-0-0
Vernons Powerplay vs. Chilliwack this season:
2-27
Vernons scoring leaders vs. Chilliwack this season:
Jedd Soleway (1-4-5)
Darren Nowick (3-1-4)
Colton Sparrow (3-1-4)
Ryan Renz (0-4-4)
Brett Corkey (0-3-3)
Michael Zalewski (0-3-3)
Adam Tambellini (1-2-3)
Marc Hetnik (0-3-3)
Max Mowat (1-1-2)
John Knisley (1-1-2)
Ben Gamache (1-1-2)
Aaron Hadley (0-1-1)
Luke Juha (0-1-1)
Geoff Crisfield (0-1-1)
Sean Robertson (0-1-1)
Brendan Persley (1-0-1)
Kirby Halcrow (2-4 Record)
Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:
Vernon has the leagues 3rd best powerplay
-The Vipers have the BCHL's 8th best penalty kill
-Mike Zalewski (36-34-70) is the lone Viper in the leagues top twenty in scoring
The Chiefs return home after a two game road trip where they beat Westside 3-1 Friday but fell 5-1 in Penticton Saturday night. The Chiefs need just a single point to eliminate the Vipers from the BCHL playoff race. Chilliwack who is 17-8-1-1 on home ice has won six of their last eight at home. The Chiefs have gone 6-4 in their last ten games.
Lets take a look at the Chilliwack Chiefs:
Games Played: 56
Wins: 30
Losses: 22
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 3
Home Record: 17-8-1-1
Road Record: 13-14-0-2
Goals For: 174
Goals Against: 184
Streak: One game losing streak
Standings: 4th Place
Chilliwack Chiefs-Quesnel Millionaires Returning Players:
Malcolm Gould (92)
Spencer Graboski (93)
Derek Huisman (92)
David Thompson (92)
Bryton Udy (93)
Chilliwack Chiefs-Quesnel Millionaires Departing & traded players from last years team:
Chris Blessing (91)
Skyler Smutek (90)
Chris Kerr (92)
Shawn Mueller (92)
Daryl DeVries (92)
Thomas Hardy (91)
Rigby Burgart (90)
Chris Allbee (92)
Anderson White (91)
Bradley Buckingham (92)
Quin Buckellew (92)
Kiefer McNaughton (93)
Chad Roorda (92)
David Ahl (91)
Austin Baecker (92)
Adam Harris (92)
Stefan Gonzales (92)
Chilliwacks Home record vs. Vernon this season:
3-0-0-0
Chilliwacks Road record vs. Vernon this season:
1-2-0-0
Chilliwacks Powerplay vs. Vernon this season:
5-24
Chilliwacks scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:
Malcolm Gould (5-4-9)
Derek Huisman (1-6-7)
David Bondra (4-3-7)
Tyler Miller (1-4-5)
Kit Sitterley (1-4-5)
Trevor Hills (2-2-4)
Spencer Graboski (1-2-3)
Josh Hansen (2-1-3)
Jaret Babych (2-0-2)
Michael Spring (0-2-2)
Mike Berry (0-2-2)
Jeremy Gossard (0-2-2)
Shay Laurent (0-1-1)
David Thompson (0-1-1)
Josh Hansen (0-1-1)
Alexandre Perron - Fontaine (0-1-1)
Mathieu Tibbet (1-0-1)
Anderson White (0-1-1)
Garrett Forster (0-1-1)
Bryton Udy (1-0 Record)
Mitch Gillam (3-2 Record)
Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:
-Chilliwack has the BCHL's 13th best powerplay
-The Chiefs have the league's 7th best penalty kill
-Former Vernon Vipers goaltender, Bryton Udy faces his former team. Udy was traded to Quesnel last season along with Elliott Richardson for goaltender, Kirby Halcrow.
Here's a look at both teams rosters:
Vernon Vipers:
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224096
Chilliwack Chiefs:
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=305115
Monday, March 5, 2012
2012 BCHL Playoff Schedule Announced:
Monday, February 27, 2012 - Submitted by BCHL Media
The British Columbia Hockey League has released the dates for the 2012 playoffs.
With just four teams making the playoffs in each conference this season, there will be no byes and just three rounds needed to determine a champion. All series are a best-of-seven format.
The dates are subject to change based on rink availability but are scheduled as follows:
Rd. #1 (conference semis)
Gm. 1 – Fri. March 16
Gm. 2 – Sat. March 17
Gm. 3 – Mon. March 19
Gm. 4 – Tues. March 20
Gm. 5 – Thu. March 22
Gm. 6 – Fri. March 23
Gm. 7 – Sat. March 24
Rd. #2 (conference finals)
Gm. 1 – Tues. March 27
Gm. 2 – Wed. March 28
Gm. 3 – Fri. March 30
Gm. 4 – Sat. March 31
Gm. 5 – Mon. April 2
Gm. 6 – Tues. April 3
Gm. 7 – Thu. April 5
Rd. #3 (BCHL finals)
Gm. 1 – Fri. April 6*
Gm. 1 – Sat. April 7**
Gm. 2 – Sat. April 7*
Gm. 2 – Sun. April 8**
Gm. 3 – Tues. April 10
Gm. 4 – Wed. April 11
Gm. 5 – Fri. April 13
Gm. 6 – Sat. April 14
Gm. 7 – Mon. April 16
*If conference finals completed in 6 games
**If any conference final goes to 7 games
Higher-seeded teams host Games 1, 2, 5 and 7.
Gamache Leads Vipers To Big Win:
This is posted on the Vipers website:
Gamache Leads Vipers to Big Win
Sunday, March 4, 2012 - Submitted by Don Klepp
Jason Williamson reunited 20-year-olds Ben Gamache, Patrick McGillis, and Colton Cyr and told them to lead the charge against the visiting Prince George Spruce Kings on Sunday afternoon. That's exactly what they did.
The trio led the Vipers to a five-goal first period en route to a 7-3 win.
The home team pressed the issue from the opening draw but it took 3:49 for the opening goal, the first of three by Colton Cyr in the period. Marc Hetnik started the play, hustling after his own shoot-in. Ben Gamache won a puck battle behind the net and fed Cyr for a one-timer from 15 feet.
Goalie Ty Swabb had no chance on the next goal when the puck came off the back boards to Gamache, whose quick backhand pass found Cyr lurking for another one-timer. Gamache then notched one of his own, as he flicked in a knee-high bounce that came straight back off the back boards from Patrick McGillis’s shot on the power play.
Following the game, Coach Jason Williamson wondered “Why can’t we get bounces like that on the road? All our breaks seem to happen on home ice.”
The answer to that question is that teams make their luck by working hard and driving to the net, as in the next Viper goal. During a persistent forecheck, Jedd Soleway intercepted a clearing pass and found Riley Hunt in the slot. Swabb stopped Hunt’s shot but Aaron Hadley hustled to the net and slid in the rebound.
Another fine setup by Ben Gamache created the fifth goal of the opening period, 20 seconds after the Hadley marker. From the left wing, Gamache went tape to tape to Colton Cyr for a backhand deflection over the shoulder of Kirk Thompson on the first shot he faced after replacing Swabb.
The score could have been 7-0 after 20 minutes. Short-handed, Mike Zalewski rang a shot off the cross bar. Later, Jedd Soleway hit the exact spot with a rocket.
The rest of the game was essentially anti-climactic, as the Vipers focused on defence for the remaining 40 minutes. They held the potent Prince George attack to 18 shots in the contest. The Spruce Kings did manage a short handed goal by Jarryd Ten Vaanholt. They also got power play strikes by Gerry Fitzgerald and Tyson Witala, both on tips of Ben Woodley point shots.
Those goals were offset by Jedd Soleway’s determined rebound goal and a breakaway beauty by Mike Zalewski that brought many of the 2098 fans out of their seats. As he exited the penalty box, Zalewski accepted a long pass from Ben Gamache and made several moves before slipping the disk between Thompson’s pads one-handed as he swept by the net.
As the game wound down, Sean Landrey went after Ryan Renz and the two fought to a draw in a heavyweight bout.
The Spruce Kings head home to close their schedule with two games against Penticton next weekend while the Vipers try to keep their slim playoff hopes alive with a game in Chilliwack on Tuesday and a home-and-home series vs. Salmon Arm on the weekend.
Gamache Leads Vipers to Big Win
Sunday, March 4, 2012 - Submitted by Don Klepp
Jason Williamson reunited 20-year-olds Ben Gamache, Patrick McGillis, and Colton Cyr and told them to lead the charge against the visiting Prince George Spruce Kings on Sunday afternoon. That's exactly what they did.
The trio led the Vipers to a five-goal first period en route to a 7-3 win.
The home team pressed the issue from the opening draw but it took 3:49 for the opening goal, the first of three by Colton Cyr in the period. Marc Hetnik started the play, hustling after his own shoot-in. Ben Gamache won a puck battle behind the net and fed Cyr for a one-timer from 15 feet.
Goalie Ty Swabb had no chance on the next goal when the puck came off the back boards to Gamache, whose quick backhand pass found Cyr lurking for another one-timer. Gamache then notched one of his own, as he flicked in a knee-high bounce that came straight back off the back boards from Patrick McGillis’s shot on the power play.
Following the game, Coach Jason Williamson wondered “Why can’t we get bounces like that on the road? All our breaks seem to happen on home ice.”
The answer to that question is that teams make their luck by working hard and driving to the net, as in the next Viper goal. During a persistent forecheck, Jedd Soleway intercepted a clearing pass and found Riley Hunt in the slot. Swabb stopped Hunt’s shot but Aaron Hadley hustled to the net and slid in the rebound.
Another fine setup by Ben Gamache created the fifth goal of the opening period, 20 seconds after the Hadley marker. From the left wing, Gamache went tape to tape to Colton Cyr for a backhand deflection over the shoulder of Kirk Thompson on the first shot he faced after replacing Swabb.
The score could have been 7-0 after 20 minutes. Short-handed, Mike Zalewski rang a shot off the cross bar. Later, Jedd Soleway hit the exact spot with a rocket.
The rest of the game was essentially anti-climactic, as the Vipers focused on defence for the remaining 40 minutes. They held the potent Prince George attack to 18 shots in the contest. The Spruce Kings did manage a short handed goal by Jarryd Ten Vaanholt. They also got power play strikes by Gerry Fitzgerald and Tyson Witala, both on tips of Ben Woodley point shots.
Those goals were offset by Jedd Soleway’s determined rebound goal and a breakaway beauty by Mike Zalewski that brought many of the 2098 fans out of their seats. As he exited the penalty box, Zalewski accepted a long pass from Ben Gamache and made several moves before slipping the disk between Thompson’s pads one-handed as he swept by the net.
As the game wound down, Sean Landrey went after Ryan Renz and the two fought to a draw in a heavyweight bout.
The Spruce Kings head home to close their schedule with two games against Penticton next weekend while the Vipers try to keep their slim playoff hopes alive with a game in Chilliwack on Tuesday and a home-and-home series vs. Salmon Arm on the weekend.
Vernon Vipers Player Profile With #10 Riley Hunt:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BBQlMBqmoEY
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Vernon 7 Prince George 3
I was at today's game as Vernon defeated Prince George 7-2 in front of 2,098 fans at the Wesbild Centre.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Kirby Halcrow
Prince George: Ty Swabb
1st Period: Kirby Halcrow had to be sharp early as the Spruce Kings would get two shots from from a sharp angle from the side wall as Halcrow was forced to make two saves within the first two minutes before the Vipers come right back, Marc Hetnik fed Ben Gamache who from behind the PG net setup Colton Cyr who beat Ty Swabb at 3:49 giving Vernon the 1-0 lead. Hetnik & Gamache picked up the helpers. Just a few seconds after the goal on the next shift Prince George would get the games first powerplay but it was the Vipers penalty kill that did the damage. Darren Nowick and Mike Zalewski on a parcial two on one, Nowick setup Zalewski who beat Swabb but hit the post. The Spruce Kings with just two shots didnt get much going with the man advantage. Just as the penalty expired Jedd Soleway cut through the PG blueline, ripping a hard shot that beat Ty Swabb but hit the post. Two minutes later Ben Gamache setup Colton Cyr for his second of the afternoon at 8:34 giving the Vipers a 2-0 lead. Gamache and Patrick McGillis with the assists. A minute later Vernon would get their first powerplay of the afternoon, Kirby Halcrow with a long lead pass found Colton Cyr who cut across the PG blueline on an odd man rush, ripped a hard shot that missed the net but Ben Gamache gobbled up the rebound and put the puck past Ty Swabb giving the Vipers a 3-0 lead at 10:09 Cyr and Halcrow collected the assists. Just a few shifts later John Knisley and Brendan Persley on a two on one, Knisley kept and shot but missed the net on a good scoring opportunity. Just a few shifts later on a scramble in and around the PG net, Aaron Hadley banged home the loose puck giving the Vipers a 4-0 lead at 12:50 Riley Hunt and Jedd Soleway with the helpers. This was the end of the night for Ty Swabb as Kirk Thompson came in for relief. The Vipers wernt done just yet, facing Vernon's first shot Thompson couldnt stop Colton Cyr who picked up his third goal of the game giving the Vipers a 5-0 lead at 13:10 Ben Gamache and Patrick McGillis picked up the assists. Vernon really opened up the flood gates and was scoring on just about every shot they put towards the net. Just three minutes later the Spruce Kings would get their second powerplay of the day, former Vernon Viper Jarryd Ten Vaanholt would get stopped in close by Kirby Halcrow, this was the only real chance of the man advantage as the Vipers would kill off the minor. Vernon would get a late powerplay that would carry over into the 2nd period. The Vipers carried the better of the play and were by far the better team outchancing the Spruce Kings up 5-0 after 20 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Prince George 12-5.
2nd Period: The Vipers started the period with the man advantage that was carried over from the end of the opening period. Vernon would get the play in deep, a Viper shot hit a PG d-man in front wich forced Kirk Thompson to come across the crease going the other direction before Thompson could change direction Patrick McGillis picked up the loose puck but fired his backhand just wide of the open cage on a close call. The Vipers couldnt get much going with the powerplay as the Spruce Kings would kill off the penalty. The Vipers would then get their second powerplay of the period but it was a turnover that got the Spruce Kings on the board. Marc Hetnik coughed up the puck at the PG blueline wich allowed Jarryd Ten Vaanholt to go in for the breakaway beating Halcrow shorthanded at 7:46 making this a four goal game. Tyson Witala with the lone helper on the shorthanded goal. The Vipers couldnt do much with the remainder of the powerplay as the Spruce Kings would kill off the minor. Just as the penalty expired John Knisley with a quick shot from the slot was robbed by Kirk Thompson who made a quick glove save. On the same play Jedd Soleway fought his way to the front of the net before beating Thompson at 10:42 giving Vernon a 6-1 lead. Thompson was down and out and looked to have asked the referee for goaltender interference but the goal stood. Sean Robertson with the lone assist. PG would then get a powerplay & only need four seconds to find the back of the net. PG won the draw deep in the Vipers zone, Ben Woodley's point shot was tipped in front by Gerry Fitzgerald at 11:40 making it 6-2. Woodley with the lone helper. Just a few minutes later the Spruce Kings would get another shot with the man advantage. Brett Corkey couldnt clear the zone wich allowed a turnover inside the blueline, a quick shot from the point forced Kirby Halcrow to make a tough save with bodies in front, Halcrow then down and out somehow managed to come across to make a big save off Myles Fitzgerald as Vernon would get lucky and kill off the penalty. Just as the minor expired Ben Gamache fed a wide open Mike Zalewski who was just coming out of the penalty box, Zalewski a mile away from everyone went in put a nice forehand, backhand move on Thompson as the puck just slide across the goal line as the Vipers were up 7-2 at 15:19 Gamache with the only assist on the goal. In the dying seconds Riley Hunt went racing for the loose puck as Kirk Thompson come way out of his crease to get the puck, Hunt snuck by Thompson along the side wall as Thompson checked Hunt into the boards at the buzzer as both players exchanged words with nothing major coming out of the check. The Vipers took their foot off the gas in the 2nd period and PG just didnt have much going for them all afternoon as the Spruce Kings couldnt get much offence going all game. Vernon was up 7-2 after 40 minutes of play. Shots were even 8-8.
3rd Period: PG would get an early powerplay just two minutes into the final frame but again no real pressure as the Vipers would kill off the minor. Both teams really slowed the pace of the game down early as the play got to be very scrambly at times wich made for a long slow boring period. With eight minutes remaining PG with the lone shot of the period as both teams were having troubles getting pucks towards the net. Prince George with another shot with the man advantage just past the midway mark capitalized after a quick lazer from Tyson Witila beat Halcrow at 14:21 making it 7-3, Ben Woodley and Jarryd Ten Vaanholt with the assists. Vernon would get a bit of a scare after Trevor Esau levelled Mike Zalewski in the neutral zone, Zalewski was slow to get up and was looked at by team trainers before staying in the hockey game. Just a few minutes later Riley Hunt with a energy shift laid out three checks before slowly going to the Vipers dressing room and didnt return to the game. In the final minute of play Ryan Renz and Sean Landrey dropped the gloves with twenty seven seconds remaining as Vernon would stay alive for atleast another game with a 7-3 victory over PG. Prince George outshot Vernon 5-3 in a very dull-non entertaining period.
Top Players: (Vernon)
The line of Colton Cyr (3 goals & 1 assist), Patrick McGillis (1 assist) & Ben Gamache (1 goal & 4 assists) was the Vipers best line. Cyr who looked good in a few games when first coming over in a trade with Nanaimo hasnt really done much the last few weeks but scored three today in a must win. Ben Gamache who has been injured for most of his stay in Vernon also looked good when first coming over in a trade with Okatoks but hasnt done much latley. Rumors are he is playing hurt-injured but really stepped up his play this afternoon picking up five points. Really read and saw the ice and play well today. Seem to really know where his linemates were and was very good in and around the net. Patrick McGillis worked very hard and battled hard for most of the afternoon. made a few huge defensive plays to get the puck out of the zone on the penalty kill.
Brendan Persley didnt do much offensively but played physical and laid the body on almost every shift, wearing players down.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
In a must win situation the Vipers won their ninth straight game on home ice in a big 7-3 vicroty over PG. The Vipers exploded for five 1st period goals before laying off the gas and coasting to a 7-3 win. I thought the Vipers passing-breakout was very good early to start the game and as the score became one sided the Vipers did end up making a few turnovers in their own end. Once up by five goals in the 2nd the Vipers took their foot off the gas and coasted to the win. Vernon is now five points back of the 4th place Chiefs visit Chilliwack Tuesday night in the biggest game of the season in another must win situation. The Vipers need to win their final three games and hope Chilliwack losses their final three games just to get into the playoffs. I have talked about it all season and it showed last night and again today, this Viper team is very uncosistant and has been all season. In a game where they didnt look good or play great last night come back with a solid win today over 2nd place Prince George. The Vipers who are also very strong on home ice, dont seem to play the same away from home where they have struggled.
Top Players: (Prince George)
I didnt think anyone on PG was very good today.
Game Thoughts: (Prince George)
For the first time this season I wasnt impressed with the Spruce Kings. Coming off a 4-3 win in overtime over Trail last night PG was finishing up a six game road trip where other then specialty teams the Spruce Kings didnt look very good at all. PG looked slow-slugish with very little offensive chances and didnt give any help to either of the teams goaltenders. For being one of the bigger teams in the league, very little physical play and really gave Vernon way too much time and space. The Vipers were allowed to walk in from almost anywhere and get a shot off or scoring chance. PG gave Vernon way too much space to create and generate offensive scoring chances.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Max Mowat (Injured)
Luke Juha (Injured)
Colton Sparrow
Turner Lawson
Prince George:
Cody Bardock
Vipers energy player of the game: Riley Hunt
3 Stars:
1st Star: Colton Cyr (3 goals & 1 assist)
2nd Star: Ben Gamache (1 goal & 4 assists)
3rd Star: Patrick McGillis (1 assist)
For more on today's game visit the boxscore,
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977655&link=bchl
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Kirby Halcrow
Prince George: Ty Swabb
1st Period: Kirby Halcrow had to be sharp early as the Spruce Kings would get two shots from from a sharp angle from the side wall as Halcrow was forced to make two saves within the first two minutes before the Vipers come right back, Marc Hetnik fed Ben Gamache who from behind the PG net setup Colton Cyr who beat Ty Swabb at 3:49 giving Vernon the 1-0 lead. Hetnik & Gamache picked up the helpers. Just a few seconds after the goal on the next shift Prince George would get the games first powerplay but it was the Vipers penalty kill that did the damage. Darren Nowick and Mike Zalewski on a parcial two on one, Nowick setup Zalewski who beat Swabb but hit the post. The Spruce Kings with just two shots didnt get much going with the man advantage. Just as the penalty expired Jedd Soleway cut through the PG blueline, ripping a hard shot that beat Ty Swabb but hit the post. Two minutes later Ben Gamache setup Colton Cyr for his second of the afternoon at 8:34 giving the Vipers a 2-0 lead. Gamache and Patrick McGillis with the assists. A minute later Vernon would get their first powerplay of the afternoon, Kirby Halcrow with a long lead pass found Colton Cyr who cut across the PG blueline on an odd man rush, ripped a hard shot that missed the net but Ben Gamache gobbled up the rebound and put the puck past Ty Swabb giving the Vipers a 3-0 lead at 10:09 Cyr and Halcrow collected the assists. Just a few shifts later John Knisley and Brendan Persley on a two on one, Knisley kept and shot but missed the net on a good scoring opportunity. Just a few shifts later on a scramble in and around the PG net, Aaron Hadley banged home the loose puck giving the Vipers a 4-0 lead at 12:50 Riley Hunt and Jedd Soleway with the helpers. This was the end of the night for Ty Swabb as Kirk Thompson came in for relief. The Vipers wernt done just yet, facing Vernon's first shot Thompson couldnt stop Colton Cyr who picked up his third goal of the game giving the Vipers a 5-0 lead at 13:10 Ben Gamache and Patrick McGillis picked up the assists. Vernon really opened up the flood gates and was scoring on just about every shot they put towards the net. Just three minutes later the Spruce Kings would get their second powerplay of the day, former Vernon Viper Jarryd Ten Vaanholt would get stopped in close by Kirby Halcrow, this was the only real chance of the man advantage as the Vipers would kill off the minor. Vernon would get a late powerplay that would carry over into the 2nd period. The Vipers carried the better of the play and were by far the better team outchancing the Spruce Kings up 5-0 after 20 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Prince George 12-5.
2nd Period: The Vipers started the period with the man advantage that was carried over from the end of the opening period. Vernon would get the play in deep, a Viper shot hit a PG d-man in front wich forced Kirk Thompson to come across the crease going the other direction before Thompson could change direction Patrick McGillis picked up the loose puck but fired his backhand just wide of the open cage on a close call. The Vipers couldnt get much going with the powerplay as the Spruce Kings would kill off the penalty. The Vipers would then get their second powerplay of the period but it was a turnover that got the Spruce Kings on the board. Marc Hetnik coughed up the puck at the PG blueline wich allowed Jarryd Ten Vaanholt to go in for the breakaway beating Halcrow shorthanded at 7:46 making this a four goal game. Tyson Witala with the lone helper on the shorthanded goal. The Vipers couldnt do much with the remainder of the powerplay as the Spruce Kings would kill off the minor. Just as the penalty expired John Knisley with a quick shot from the slot was robbed by Kirk Thompson who made a quick glove save. On the same play Jedd Soleway fought his way to the front of the net before beating Thompson at 10:42 giving Vernon a 6-1 lead. Thompson was down and out and looked to have asked the referee for goaltender interference but the goal stood. Sean Robertson with the lone assist. PG would then get a powerplay & only need four seconds to find the back of the net. PG won the draw deep in the Vipers zone, Ben Woodley's point shot was tipped in front by Gerry Fitzgerald at 11:40 making it 6-2. Woodley with the lone helper. Just a few minutes later the Spruce Kings would get another shot with the man advantage. Brett Corkey couldnt clear the zone wich allowed a turnover inside the blueline, a quick shot from the point forced Kirby Halcrow to make a tough save with bodies in front, Halcrow then down and out somehow managed to come across to make a big save off Myles Fitzgerald as Vernon would get lucky and kill off the penalty. Just as the minor expired Ben Gamache fed a wide open Mike Zalewski who was just coming out of the penalty box, Zalewski a mile away from everyone went in put a nice forehand, backhand move on Thompson as the puck just slide across the goal line as the Vipers were up 7-2 at 15:19 Gamache with the only assist on the goal. In the dying seconds Riley Hunt went racing for the loose puck as Kirk Thompson come way out of his crease to get the puck, Hunt snuck by Thompson along the side wall as Thompson checked Hunt into the boards at the buzzer as both players exchanged words with nothing major coming out of the check. The Vipers took their foot off the gas in the 2nd period and PG just didnt have much going for them all afternoon as the Spruce Kings couldnt get much offence going all game. Vernon was up 7-2 after 40 minutes of play. Shots were even 8-8.
3rd Period: PG would get an early powerplay just two minutes into the final frame but again no real pressure as the Vipers would kill off the minor. Both teams really slowed the pace of the game down early as the play got to be very scrambly at times wich made for a long slow boring period. With eight minutes remaining PG with the lone shot of the period as both teams were having troubles getting pucks towards the net. Prince George with another shot with the man advantage just past the midway mark capitalized after a quick lazer from Tyson Witila beat Halcrow at 14:21 making it 7-3, Ben Woodley and Jarryd Ten Vaanholt with the assists. Vernon would get a bit of a scare after Trevor Esau levelled Mike Zalewski in the neutral zone, Zalewski was slow to get up and was looked at by team trainers before staying in the hockey game. Just a few minutes later Riley Hunt with a energy shift laid out three checks before slowly going to the Vipers dressing room and didnt return to the game. In the final minute of play Ryan Renz and Sean Landrey dropped the gloves with twenty seven seconds remaining as Vernon would stay alive for atleast another game with a 7-3 victory over PG. Prince George outshot Vernon 5-3 in a very dull-non entertaining period.
Top Players: (Vernon)
The line of Colton Cyr (3 goals & 1 assist), Patrick McGillis (1 assist) & Ben Gamache (1 goal & 4 assists) was the Vipers best line. Cyr who looked good in a few games when first coming over in a trade with Nanaimo hasnt really done much the last few weeks but scored three today in a must win. Ben Gamache who has been injured for most of his stay in Vernon also looked good when first coming over in a trade with Okatoks but hasnt done much latley. Rumors are he is playing hurt-injured but really stepped up his play this afternoon picking up five points. Really read and saw the ice and play well today. Seem to really know where his linemates were and was very good in and around the net. Patrick McGillis worked very hard and battled hard for most of the afternoon. made a few huge defensive plays to get the puck out of the zone on the penalty kill.
Brendan Persley didnt do much offensively but played physical and laid the body on almost every shift, wearing players down.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
In a must win situation the Vipers won their ninth straight game on home ice in a big 7-3 vicroty over PG. The Vipers exploded for five 1st period goals before laying off the gas and coasting to a 7-3 win. I thought the Vipers passing-breakout was very good early to start the game and as the score became one sided the Vipers did end up making a few turnovers in their own end. Once up by five goals in the 2nd the Vipers took their foot off the gas and coasted to the win. Vernon is now five points back of the 4th place Chiefs visit Chilliwack Tuesday night in the biggest game of the season in another must win situation. The Vipers need to win their final three games and hope Chilliwack losses their final three games just to get into the playoffs. I have talked about it all season and it showed last night and again today, this Viper team is very uncosistant and has been all season. In a game where they didnt look good or play great last night come back with a solid win today over 2nd place Prince George. The Vipers who are also very strong on home ice, dont seem to play the same away from home where they have struggled.
Top Players: (Prince George)
I didnt think anyone on PG was very good today.
Game Thoughts: (Prince George)
For the first time this season I wasnt impressed with the Spruce Kings. Coming off a 4-3 win in overtime over Trail last night PG was finishing up a six game road trip where other then specialty teams the Spruce Kings didnt look very good at all. PG looked slow-slugish with very little offensive chances and didnt give any help to either of the teams goaltenders. For being one of the bigger teams in the league, very little physical play and really gave Vernon way too much time and space. The Vipers were allowed to walk in from almost anywhere and get a shot off or scoring chance. PG gave Vernon way too much space to create and generate offensive scoring chances.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Max Mowat (Injured)
Luke Juha (Injured)
Colton Sparrow
Turner Lawson
Prince George:
Cody Bardock
Vipers energy player of the game: Riley Hunt
3 Stars:
1st Star: Colton Cyr (3 goals & 1 assist)
2nd Star: Ben Gamache (1 goal & 4 assists)
3rd Star: Patrick McGillis (1 assist)
For more on today's game visit the boxscore,
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977655&link=bchl
(Game Preview) Prince George @ Vernon:
Today is the seventh and final regular season meeting between these two teams.
Let's take a look at the season schedule between these two hockey clubs,
Saturday, October 1st Prince George @ Vernon (Vipers won 5-4 overtime)
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977627
Sunday, October 23rd Prince George @ Vernon (Vipers won 4-3)
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977630
Friday, October 28th Vernon @ Prince George (Spruce Kings won 3-2)
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977752
Sunday, January 15th Prince George @ Vernon (Spruce Kings won 5-1)
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977645
Saturday, January 28th Vernon @ Prince Geirge (Spruce Kings won 7-2)
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977766&link=bchl
Sunday, January 29th Vernon @ Prince George Vipers won 5-4 in overtime
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977767&link=bchl
Last Game Played:
Saturday, March 3rd Westside defeated Vernon 3-1
Saturday, February 3rd Prince George defeated Trail 4-3 in overtime
Next Game:
Tuesday, March 6th Vernon @ Chilliwack
Friday, February 9th Penticton @ Prince George
Since the 2002-03 season Vernon is 35-17-1-4 vs. Prince George
Since the 2002-03 season Vernon has outscored Prince George 227-156
Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 13-4-1-4 at home vs. Prince George
Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 14-10-0-1 in Prince George
The Vipers are 6-2-0-2 in their last ten games at home vs. the Spruce Kings
The Vipers are 5-5-0-0 in their last ten games on the road vs. the Spruce Kings
The Vipers are 4-4-1-1 in their last ten games vs. Prince George
The Vipers last loss in Prince George was a 7-2 loss back on Friday, January 28th 2012
The Vipers last loss at home to Prince George was a 5-1 loss on Sunday, January 15th 2012
The Vipers went 4-1-0-1 vs Prince George last season during the regular season.
The Vernon Lakers changed their name to the Vernon Vipers to start the 1995-96 season. Here’s a look at the Vipers all-time regular season record
Games Played: 1004
Wins: 638
Losses: 266
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 finished a three game road trip with a 3-1 loss in Westside last night. The Vipers have lost three straight but won eight straight at home. A loss today and the Vipers playoff run-season will come to an end. The Vipers sit seven points back of the 4th place Chilliwack Chiefs.
Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:
Games Played: 56
Wins: 27
Losses: 26
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 20-6-1-1
Road Record: 7-20-0-1
Goals For: 185
Goals Against: 182
Streak: Three game losing streak
Standings: 5th Place
Vernon Vipers Returning Players:
Brett Corkey (92)
Aaron Hadley (93)
John Knisley (92)
Patrick McGillis (91)
Max Mowat (93)
Darren Nowick (91)
Ryan Renz (93)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Michael Zalewski (92)
Kirby Halcrow (91)
Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:
Marcus Basara (93)
Dylan Walchuk (92)
David Robinson (90)
Bryce Kakoske (90)
Malcolm Lyles (90)
Trevor Fitzgerald (92)
Adam Thompson (90)
Steven Weinstein (90)
Kyle Murphy (90)
Dane Muench (92)
Philip Patenaude (91)
Zach McPhee (93)
Blake Voth (91)
Vernons Home record vs. Prince George this season:
2-1-0-0
Vernons Road record vs. Prince George this season:
1-2-0-0
Vernons Powerplay vs. Prince George this season:
6-23
Vernons scoring leaders vs. Prince George this season:
Michael Zalewski (5-3-8)
Aaron Hadley (1-4-5)
Ryan Renz (0-5-5)
Patrick McGillis (4-1-5)
Adam Tambellini (1-3-4)
Darren Nowick (2-1-3)
Colton Sparrow (2-1-3)
Colton Cyr (1-2-3)
John Knisley (1-1-2)
Max Mowat (0-2-2)
Brett Corkey (0-2-2)
Ben Gamache (1-0-1)
Jedd Soleway (0-1-1)
Danny Todosychuk (1-2 Record)
Kirby Halcrow (2-1 Record)
Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:
-Michael Zalewski (35-34-69) is in the league's top twenty in scoring
-Vernon has the leagues 3rd best powerplay
-The Vipers have the BCHL's 7th best penalty kill
-Kirby Halcrow is 6-4 in his career vs Prince George
The Spruce Kings will finish a six game road trip today in Vernon after a 4-3 ot win in Trail last night. The Spruce Kings have won four of their last five games. PG sits tied for 2nd place with Merritt.
For more on the Prince George Spruce Kings and tonights game, visit Ron Gallo's Prince George Spruce Kings blog,
http://sprucekingscrusader.blogspot.com/
Lets take a look at the Prince George Spruce Kings:
Games Played: 57
Wins: 32
Losses: 19
Ties: 2
Overtime Losses: 4
Home Record: 18-9-0-1
Road Record: 14-10-2-3
Goals For: 205
Goals Against: 168
Standings: Tied for 2nd Place with Merritt
Prince George Spruce Kings Returning Players:
Jujhar Khaira (94)
Jeff Earnest (91)
Ben Woodley (91)
Trevor Esau (92)
Chase Golightly (92)
Kirk Thompson (92)
Prince George Spruce Kings Departing & traded players from last years team:
Sam Waterfield (91)
Connor Tiechko (92)
Faiz Khan (90)
Trent Murdoch (91)
Kyle Manlow (91)
Todd Skirving (92)
Stephen Ryan (94)
Dustin Beairsto (92)
Brandon Watson (92)
Bennett Hambrook (92)
Isaac Davies (93)
Cameron Large (92)
Prince George's Home record vs. Vernon this season:
2-0-0-1
Prince George's Road record vs. Vernon this season:
1-1-0-1
Prince George's Powerplay vs. Vernon this season:
3-25
Prince George's scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:
Paul De Jersey (7-7-14)
Jujhar Khaira (4-5-9)
Chase Golightly (0-5-5)
Trevor Esau (0-5-5)
Ben Woodley (0-4-4)
Michael Colantone (3-1-4)
Gerry Fitzgerald (2-2-4)
Zack Rassell (2-2-4)
Sean Landrey (3-0-3)
Jarryd Ten Vaanholt (1-2-3)
Ben Matthews (0-2-2)
Myles Fitzgerald (0-2-2)
Leo Fitzgerald (0-1-1)
Dylan Tappe (0-1-1)
Skylar Pacheco (0-1-1)
Josh Gray (1-0-1)
Patrick Chore (0-1-1)
Latrell Charleson (0-1-1)
Cody Bardock (0-1-1)
Tyson Witala (0-1-1)
Kirk Thompson (1-1 Record)
Ty Swabb (1-1 Record)
Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:
-Kirk Thompson (11-12-1 Record, 1 Shutout & 2.72 GAA) & Ty Swabb (5-3-1 Record, 2.62 GAA are both in the leagues top ten goaltenders
-Former Viper Jarryd Ten Vaanholt will be facing his former team
-Prince George has the leagues 11th best powerplay
-The Spruce Kings have the BCHL's 4th best penalty kill
-Paul De Jersey (40-54-94), Jujhar Khaira (29-47-76), Jarryd Ten Vaanholt (29-35-64) & Michael Colantone (29-39-68) are all in the leagues top twenty in scoring
-Kirk Thompson is 2-3 lifetime vs the Vernon Vipers
Here's a look at both teams rosters:
Vernon Vipers:
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224096
Prince George Spruce Kings:
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224095
Vipers Lose In Westside:
This is posted on the Vipers website:
Vipers Lose In Westside
Sunday, March 4, 2012 - Submitted by Don Klepp
The Vipers’ tenuous playoff hopes took a major hit with a 3-1 loss in West Kelowna on Saturday.
The game’s key play was Goalie Dwayne Rodrigue’s stop on Adam Tambellini in the second period. At 12:28, Tambellini stepped out of the penalty box and accepted a breakaway pass from Brett Corkey. He faked forehand and nearly slipped a backhand under Rodrigue, but the diminutive goalie got the puck under his left pad.
That save seemed to ignite the Warriors, who pressed for the remainder of the middle period. Kirby Halcrow was the main reason the Warriors didn’t add to their 2-1 lead. He robbed Connor Dempsey and Marcus Basara with his glove and made several good stops with his stick and blocker.
In the third period, a desperate Viper squad outshot Westside 12-4, but Rodrigue was superb. With the score still 2-1, he slid across to commit grade “A” larceny on John Knisley’s one-timer.
Against the run of play, Brett Mckinnon scored for Westside. The best Warrior on the night, he skated past a Viper defender to deflect Sean Hochhausen’s pass into the far corner at 13:40.
In the third, the Vipers had difficulty getting passes through Westside’s neutral zone trap, so they tried to skate the puck through the Warriors. Time and time again, spirited rushes by such players as Ryan Renz and Brett Corkey did indeed get the puck into the Westside zone, but then the Warriors collapsed to the net. Still, the Vipers generated several good scoring chances only to be denied by Rodrigue.
It was a disappointing evening for the Vipers who started the game brightly when Darren Nowick and Mike Zalewski combined for a short handed goal at 3:17. Nowick stole the puck from Reid Simmonds who was manning the left point.
Nowick found Zalewski who was steaming down the left wing and the big winger faked a shot before beating Rodrigue high glove side.
The Warriors equalized at 17:03, courtesy of a fine play by Marcus Basara. The ex-Viper hustled into the Viper zone and from the left faceoff circle zipped a pass that Connor Dempsey tipped in.
Dru Morrison scored the winner in the second, with a wrist shot that eluded Halcrow.
And so the Vipers slipped to 7-20-0-1 on the road this season, following a familiar pattern in which they fail to capitalize on their chances. Still, credit is due to the Warriors who were tenacious on defence and opportunistic on offence.
Although Peter MacIntosh, Travis Blanleil, and Dru Morrison were picked as the three stars of the contest, Dwayne Rodrigue, Brett Mackinnon, Marcus Basara, and Max French were the best Warriors and the Vipers’ Brett Corkey also deserved recognition.
Both teams were short-staffed. The Warriors started with 14 skaters and lost Devon Hascarl who was taken out by a Colton Sparrow hit in the second period. Sparrow was assessed a five-minute major and game misconduct for the check and will be suspended for two games.
The loss puts the Vipers in jeopardy. One more Viper loss or Chilliwack win will eliminate Vernon from the playoffs.
Vipers Lose In Westside
Sunday, March 4, 2012 - Submitted by Don Klepp
The Vipers’ tenuous playoff hopes took a major hit with a 3-1 loss in West Kelowna on Saturday.
The game’s key play was Goalie Dwayne Rodrigue’s stop on Adam Tambellini in the second period. At 12:28, Tambellini stepped out of the penalty box and accepted a breakaway pass from Brett Corkey. He faked forehand and nearly slipped a backhand under Rodrigue, but the diminutive goalie got the puck under his left pad.
That save seemed to ignite the Warriors, who pressed for the remainder of the middle period. Kirby Halcrow was the main reason the Warriors didn’t add to their 2-1 lead. He robbed Connor Dempsey and Marcus Basara with his glove and made several good stops with his stick and blocker.
In the third period, a desperate Viper squad outshot Westside 12-4, but Rodrigue was superb. With the score still 2-1, he slid across to commit grade “A” larceny on John Knisley’s one-timer.
Against the run of play, Brett Mckinnon scored for Westside. The best Warrior on the night, he skated past a Viper defender to deflect Sean Hochhausen’s pass into the far corner at 13:40.
In the third, the Vipers had difficulty getting passes through Westside’s neutral zone trap, so they tried to skate the puck through the Warriors. Time and time again, spirited rushes by such players as Ryan Renz and Brett Corkey did indeed get the puck into the Westside zone, but then the Warriors collapsed to the net. Still, the Vipers generated several good scoring chances only to be denied by Rodrigue.
It was a disappointing evening for the Vipers who started the game brightly when Darren Nowick and Mike Zalewski combined for a short handed goal at 3:17. Nowick stole the puck from Reid Simmonds who was manning the left point.
Nowick found Zalewski who was steaming down the left wing and the big winger faked a shot before beating Rodrigue high glove side.
The Warriors equalized at 17:03, courtesy of a fine play by Marcus Basara. The ex-Viper hustled into the Viper zone and from the left faceoff circle zipped a pass that Connor Dempsey tipped in.
Dru Morrison scored the winner in the second, with a wrist shot that eluded Halcrow.
And so the Vipers slipped to 7-20-0-1 on the road this season, following a familiar pattern in which they fail to capitalize on their chances. Still, credit is due to the Warriors who were tenacious on defence and opportunistic on offence.
Although Peter MacIntosh, Travis Blanleil, and Dru Morrison were picked as the three stars of the contest, Dwayne Rodrigue, Brett Mackinnon, Marcus Basara, and Max French were the best Warriors and the Vipers’ Brett Corkey also deserved recognition.
Both teams were short-staffed. The Warriors started with 14 skaters and lost Devon Hascarl who was taken out by a Colton Sparrow hit in the second period. Sparrow was assessed a five-minute major and game misconduct for the check and will be suspended for two games.
The loss puts the Vipers in jeopardy. One more Viper loss or Chilliwack win will eliminate Vernon from the playoffs.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Westside 3 Vernon 1
I was at tonight's BCHL game as Westside defeated Vernon 3-1 in front of 1,090 fans at Royal Le Page Place.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Kirby Halcrow
Westside: Dwayne Rodrigue
1st Period: The Warriors would get an early powerplay just over two minutes into the opening period and come very close to opening the scoring after Brett McKinnon tried putting the loose puck that was laying in the crease but couldnt get the puck up and over Kirby Halcrow who was down and out. On the same play Darren Nowick and Mike Zalewski would breakout shorthanded on a two on one, Nowick who carried the puck in over the Westside blueline dropped the puck back to Zalewski who forced Dwayne Rodrigue to come way out to the top of the crease, made the first move before Zalewski hit the empty net giving Vernon the 1-0 lead at 3:17 on the Vipers first shot on goal. Nowick with the lone assist. The Vipers with a good penalty kill didnt give up a single shot killed off the penalty. Just seconds after killing off the minor, Adam Tambellini would get hit from behind, with no call on the play Turner Lawson dropped the gloves with Dustin Cave. Just over a minute later Vernon would get it's first powerplay of the night and the Vipers moving the puck well setup a few good chances but the Vipers couldnt handle the puck or hold onto the puck on several occasions before Colton Sparrow towards the end of the powerplay beat Rodrigue hitting the post. In the final few seconds of the Viper man advantage a point shot was stopped by Dwayne Rodrigue who kicked out a rebound to Brendan Persley who couldnt connect on the rebound at the side of the net as Westside would kill off the minor. The Vipers carried the better of the play and had the better scoring chances in the first half of the 1st before the Warriors come back with a strong effort in the second half. Just past the midway mark Brennan Clark all alone in the slot ripped a hard shot from in close but missed the net on a great scoring opportunity. Just a few shifts later Shawn Hochhausen with a great chance from the slot beat Kirby Halcrow who was down and out but the puck went under Halcrow out the other side but went through the crease and into the corner. Tempers heated up after one whistle with both teams getting involved in some pushing and shoving as words were exchanged with nothing major coming out of the scrum. Late in the period with the Warriors on an odd man rush, former Vernon Vipers forward Marcus Basara setup Connor Dempsey who went low along the ice beating Halcrow at 17:03 tying the game 1-1. Basara and Curtis Toneff collected the assists. Vernon was the better of the two teams in the first half before the Warriors come back to tie the game and were the better of the two teams in the second half. It was tied 1-1 after 20 minutes of play. Westside outshot Vernon 8-6.
2nd Period: Both teams got off to a bit of a slow start with not alot of action early before the Warriors took the lead after Dru Morrison stepped in over the Vipers blueline and wired a hard shot that beat Kirby Halcrow post and in giving Westside a 2-1 lead at 5:31 Max French and Peter MacIntosh picked up the helpers on really the first scoring chance of the period. Just under two minutes later Colton Sparrow levelled Devon Hascarl with a check to the head along the side wall near centre ice. Hascarl was very slow to get up and needed help off the ice as the Warriors forward didnt return to tonight's game. Sparrow was given five minutes for checking to the head and tossed from the hockey game. The Warriors would take an early penalty allowing both teams to play a little four on four for the next two minutes before Westside would get a late-shortended powerplay. While both teams were four on four Dru Morrison cut wide along the boards before beating the Vernon defenceman and then cut hard towards the front of the goal where Halcrow was forced to make a tough pad save, Halcrow would fire the puck up as the Vipers quickly moved the puck up to Mike Zalewski on the same play allowing Zalewski to come down the left wing and snap a quick hard shot from the circler where Dwayne Rodrigue come up with a quick glove save keeping this game tied. The Warriors would eventually get a short three minute powerplay but it was the Vipers penalty kill that was sharp killing off the minor as Westside was unable to generate any real offence getting just two shots with the man advantage as Vernon would kill off the five minute major. Darren Nowick who was the Vipers best player tonight made a huge defensive play to breakup a Warriors scoring chance late on the man advantage. Just as the penalty expired the Vipers found Adam Tambellini coming out of the penalty box, sending the Vipers rookie in for the breakaway, Tambellini with a nice move in close couldnt beat Rodrigue who stayed with the Vipers forward making a nice save shutting the fivehole at the last second. From here on in it was all Warriors as Westside picked up momentum and carried the better of the play for the remainder of the 2nd period. Marcus Basara lead the way with a three on one but Basara's shot hit something along the way going up and into the mesh above the end glass. Westside would get the play in deep and get lots of pressure inside the Vernon blueline. Moving the puck well the Warriors generated some good chances as the Vipers were hemmened in their own end for several minutes. Kirby Halcrow had to be sharp and was making several big saves keeping this a one goal game. Connor Dempsey with a great chance from the slot was stopped by Halcrow who made a nice save, on the same shift Dempsey was robbed again by Halcrow who made a quick glove save from in close. Halcrow was also lucky at times as the Warriors buzzing in and around the net tried stuffing the puck in shortside, but somehow with traffic in and around the Vernon net Halcrow stood tall keeping the puck out. Warriors captain Max French with a tip in front couldnt beat Halcrow who made another nice pad save on a shot I dont think he saw. The Vipers who had troubles most of the period getting out of their own end didnt register a single shot for atleast ten minutes before getting a shot on goal in the final two and a half minutes. Westside dominated the play and really took it too the Vipers but could only manage one goal. The Warriors with a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes of play. Westside outshot Vernon 21-11.
3rd Period: Off the opening faceoff Brett Corkey come up with a huge defensive play to breakup Brett McKinnon from going in on a parcial breakaway. The Vipers with good energy to start the 3rd put on all kinds of pressure early and often as Vernon carried the better of the play for most of the final period. The Vipers deep in the Westside zone really worked hard down low, moving the puck well but couldnt get alot of pucks through or towards the goal as the Warriors defence played very strong this evening. John Knisley was robbed about seven minutes into the period after Dwayne Rodrigue come across the crease making a huge save with his right pad keeping this a one goal game. The Vipers come up with a few good chances but couldnt beat Rodrigue who made several good saves. Vernon was outshooting Westside 6-2 at this point before on an odd man rush Shawn Hochhausen setup Brett McKinnon who beat Halcrow low at 13:40 giving the Warriors a 3-1 lead. Hochhausen and Ben Betker picked up the assists on just the Warriors third shot of the period. Vernon would come right back with a few hard shifts, Ben Gamache with a chance from the slot ripped his shot high and over the net, Darren Nowick with two shots from in close fired and high and wide. The Vipers with atleast four or five chances from in close missed the net. Any other shots fired towards the net Dwayne Rodrigue was solid coming out to challenge making the save not giving out any rebounds. The Vipers would get Kirby Halcrow to the bench for the extra attacker with 1:40 remaining before Vernon would take a late penalty giving the Warriors a powerplay for the remainder of the contest. This would put the game away as Vernon would fall 3-1 in another loss away from home. The Vipers were the better team and carried the better of the play but fell short. The Vipers outshot the Warriors 12-4.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Brett Corkey played very well on the Vipers blueline, made atleast two defensive plays to breakup a Warriors scoring opportunity.
Mike Zalewski (1 goal) Played fairly well tonight opening the scoring shorthanded. Zalewski saw a ton of icetime was very good down low with Darren Nowick.
Darren Nowick (1 assist) Nowick was by far the Vipers best and most hardest working player tonight. Nowick with a ton of energy played very well at both ends of the rink. Was buzzing in and around the Warriors zone all night.
Geoff Crisfield also played well on Vernon's backend.
Ryan Renz played very well for the Vipers. I thought Renz had one of his better games in the last few weeks with a solid effort on the blueline.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
Another loss away from home, this team just cant win on the road have just one win in their last nineteen road games. With the Vees knocking off the Chilliwack Chiefs tonight, this was a great opportunity for the Vipers to climb within five points of 4th place Chilliwack. One loss or a Chilliwack win and the Vipers playoff run-season will all come to an end with just four games remaining. At times the Vipers looked good but then at times also didnt look very good. This team has been very uncosistant all season and it showed again tonight. I thought the Vipers penalty kill was good. The Vipers were making life easy for Dwayne Rodrigue who saw most of his shots, not alot of traffic or bodies going hard towards the net making life misserable for the Warriors goaltender. Alot of Vernon's shots were from well outside with no traffic in front. I really liked Jason Williamson's post game interview, and thought this was due about 25 games ago. It's about time someone called out his team and make them accountable. I think its a little too late for a speach like this, this late in the season. The Vipers now have to re group quickly and get ready to take on PG tomorrow afternoon.
Top Players: (Westside)
Connor Dempsey (1 goal) Was very good up front for Westside tonight. Dempsey come up with several scoring opportunities in the 2nd period but couldnt beat Kirby Halcrow.
Brett McKinnon (1 goal) Was the Warriors best player tonight. McKinnon showed alot of energy and hustle and was really skating hard all night.
Dru Morrison (1 goal) also played well for the Warriors and was one of their better players tonight. Played with alot of jump and had lots of energy all night.
Peter MacIntosh (1 assist) Played very well on the Westside blueline.
Ben Betker also played very well on the Warriors backend.
Dwayne Rodrigue (28 saves) Didnt have alot of tough saves to make but did make the big saves when needed. Saved his best save of the night for the third period after coming across the crease making a huge pad save off John Knisley.
Game Thoughts: (Westside)
The Warriors have battled the Vipers hard all season, each team has done better at home but give the Warriors full credit for playing hard especially the last two meetings vs Vernon. Westside fell behind early giving up the shorthanded goal but didnt quit, come back with a solid effort in the second half of the opening period to tie the game and then played very well in the 2nd period to take the lead. Westside's defence was very strong, especially in the 3rd not giving Vernon alot of shooting lanes and breaking up the Vipers offence not giving up alot of scoring opportunities.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Max Mowat (Injured)
Luke Juha (Injured)
Westside:
Matthew Berry-Lamontagna
David Pope
Seb Lloyd
Garrett Skrbich
Josh Monk
3 Stars:
1st Star: Dru Morrison (1 goal)
2nd Star: Travis Blanleil
3rd Star: Peter MacIntosh (1 assist)
For more on tonight's game visit the boxscore,
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977773&link=bchl
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Kirby Halcrow
Westside: Dwayne Rodrigue
1st Period: The Warriors would get an early powerplay just over two minutes into the opening period and come very close to opening the scoring after Brett McKinnon tried putting the loose puck that was laying in the crease but couldnt get the puck up and over Kirby Halcrow who was down and out. On the same play Darren Nowick and Mike Zalewski would breakout shorthanded on a two on one, Nowick who carried the puck in over the Westside blueline dropped the puck back to Zalewski who forced Dwayne Rodrigue to come way out to the top of the crease, made the first move before Zalewski hit the empty net giving Vernon the 1-0 lead at 3:17 on the Vipers first shot on goal. Nowick with the lone assist. The Vipers with a good penalty kill didnt give up a single shot killed off the penalty. Just seconds after killing off the minor, Adam Tambellini would get hit from behind, with no call on the play Turner Lawson dropped the gloves with Dustin Cave. Just over a minute later Vernon would get it's first powerplay of the night and the Vipers moving the puck well setup a few good chances but the Vipers couldnt handle the puck or hold onto the puck on several occasions before Colton Sparrow towards the end of the powerplay beat Rodrigue hitting the post. In the final few seconds of the Viper man advantage a point shot was stopped by Dwayne Rodrigue who kicked out a rebound to Brendan Persley who couldnt connect on the rebound at the side of the net as Westside would kill off the minor. The Vipers carried the better of the play and had the better scoring chances in the first half of the 1st before the Warriors come back with a strong effort in the second half. Just past the midway mark Brennan Clark all alone in the slot ripped a hard shot from in close but missed the net on a great scoring opportunity. Just a few shifts later Shawn Hochhausen with a great chance from the slot beat Kirby Halcrow who was down and out but the puck went under Halcrow out the other side but went through the crease and into the corner. Tempers heated up after one whistle with both teams getting involved in some pushing and shoving as words were exchanged with nothing major coming out of the scrum. Late in the period with the Warriors on an odd man rush, former Vernon Vipers forward Marcus Basara setup Connor Dempsey who went low along the ice beating Halcrow at 17:03 tying the game 1-1. Basara and Curtis Toneff collected the assists. Vernon was the better of the two teams in the first half before the Warriors come back to tie the game and were the better of the two teams in the second half. It was tied 1-1 after 20 minutes of play. Westside outshot Vernon 8-6.
2nd Period: Both teams got off to a bit of a slow start with not alot of action early before the Warriors took the lead after Dru Morrison stepped in over the Vipers blueline and wired a hard shot that beat Kirby Halcrow post and in giving Westside a 2-1 lead at 5:31 Max French and Peter MacIntosh picked up the helpers on really the first scoring chance of the period. Just under two minutes later Colton Sparrow levelled Devon Hascarl with a check to the head along the side wall near centre ice. Hascarl was very slow to get up and needed help off the ice as the Warriors forward didnt return to tonight's game. Sparrow was given five minutes for checking to the head and tossed from the hockey game. The Warriors would take an early penalty allowing both teams to play a little four on four for the next two minutes before Westside would get a late-shortended powerplay. While both teams were four on four Dru Morrison cut wide along the boards before beating the Vernon defenceman and then cut hard towards the front of the goal where Halcrow was forced to make a tough pad save, Halcrow would fire the puck up as the Vipers quickly moved the puck up to Mike Zalewski on the same play allowing Zalewski to come down the left wing and snap a quick hard shot from the circler where Dwayne Rodrigue come up with a quick glove save keeping this game tied. The Warriors would eventually get a short three minute powerplay but it was the Vipers penalty kill that was sharp killing off the minor as Westside was unable to generate any real offence getting just two shots with the man advantage as Vernon would kill off the five minute major. Darren Nowick who was the Vipers best player tonight made a huge defensive play to breakup a Warriors scoring chance late on the man advantage. Just as the penalty expired the Vipers found Adam Tambellini coming out of the penalty box, sending the Vipers rookie in for the breakaway, Tambellini with a nice move in close couldnt beat Rodrigue who stayed with the Vipers forward making a nice save shutting the fivehole at the last second. From here on in it was all Warriors as Westside picked up momentum and carried the better of the play for the remainder of the 2nd period. Marcus Basara lead the way with a three on one but Basara's shot hit something along the way going up and into the mesh above the end glass. Westside would get the play in deep and get lots of pressure inside the Vernon blueline. Moving the puck well the Warriors generated some good chances as the Vipers were hemmened in their own end for several minutes. Kirby Halcrow had to be sharp and was making several big saves keeping this a one goal game. Connor Dempsey with a great chance from the slot was stopped by Halcrow who made a nice save, on the same shift Dempsey was robbed again by Halcrow who made a quick glove save from in close. Halcrow was also lucky at times as the Warriors buzzing in and around the net tried stuffing the puck in shortside, but somehow with traffic in and around the Vernon net Halcrow stood tall keeping the puck out. Warriors captain Max French with a tip in front couldnt beat Halcrow who made another nice pad save on a shot I dont think he saw. The Vipers who had troubles most of the period getting out of their own end didnt register a single shot for atleast ten minutes before getting a shot on goal in the final two and a half minutes. Westside dominated the play and really took it too the Vipers but could only manage one goal. The Warriors with a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes of play. Westside outshot Vernon 21-11.
3rd Period: Off the opening faceoff Brett Corkey come up with a huge defensive play to breakup Brett McKinnon from going in on a parcial breakaway. The Vipers with good energy to start the 3rd put on all kinds of pressure early and often as Vernon carried the better of the play for most of the final period. The Vipers deep in the Westside zone really worked hard down low, moving the puck well but couldnt get alot of pucks through or towards the goal as the Warriors defence played very strong this evening. John Knisley was robbed about seven minutes into the period after Dwayne Rodrigue come across the crease making a huge save with his right pad keeping this a one goal game. The Vipers come up with a few good chances but couldnt beat Rodrigue who made several good saves. Vernon was outshooting Westside 6-2 at this point before on an odd man rush Shawn Hochhausen setup Brett McKinnon who beat Halcrow low at 13:40 giving the Warriors a 3-1 lead. Hochhausen and Ben Betker picked up the assists on just the Warriors third shot of the period. Vernon would come right back with a few hard shifts, Ben Gamache with a chance from the slot ripped his shot high and over the net, Darren Nowick with two shots from in close fired and high and wide. The Vipers with atleast four or five chances from in close missed the net. Any other shots fired towards the net Dwayne Rodrigue was solid coming out to challenge making the save not giving out any rebounds. The Vipers would get Kirby Halcrow to the bench for the extra attacker with 1:40 remaining before Vernon would take a late penalty giving the Warriors a powerplay for the remainder of the contest. This would put the game away as Vernon would fall 3-1 in another loss away from home. The Vipers were the better team and carried the better of the play but fell short. The Vipers outshot the Warriors 12-4.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Brett Corkey played very well on the Vipers blueline, made atleast two defensive plays to breakup a Warriors scoring opportunity.
Mike Zalewski (1 goal) Played fairly well tonight opening the scoring shorthanded. Zalewski saw a ton of icetime was very good down low with Darren Nowick.
Darren Nowick (1 assist) Nowick was by far the Vipers best and most hardest working player tonight. Nowick with a ton of energy played very well at both ends of the rink. Was buzzing in and around the Warriors zone all night.
Geoff Crisfield also played well on Vernon's backend.
Ryan Renz played very well for the Vipers. I thought Renz had one of his better games in the last few weeks with a solid effort on the blueline.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
Another loss away from home, this team just cant win on the road have just one win in their last nineteen road games. With the Vees knocking off the Chilliwack Chiefs tonight, this was a great opportunity for the Vipers to climb within five points of 4th place Chilliwack. One loss or a Chilliwack win and the Vipers playoff run-season will all come to an end with just four games remaining. At times the Vipers looked good but then at times also didnt look very good. This team has been very uncosistant all season and it showed again tonight. I thought the Vipers penalty kill was good. The Vipers were making life easy for Dwayne Rodrigue who saw most of his shots, not alot of traffic or bodies going hard towards the net making life misserable for the Warriors goaltender. Alot of Vernon's shots were from well outside with no traffic in front. I really liked Jason Williamson's post game interview, and thought this was due about 25 games ago. It's about time someone called out his team and make them accountable. I think its a little too late for a speach like this, this late in the season. The Vipers now have to re group quickly and get ready to take on PG tomorrow afternoon.
Top Players: (Westside)
Connor Dempsey (1 goal) Was very good up front for Westside tonight. Dempsey come up with several scoring opportunities in the 2nd period but couldnt beat Kirby Halcrow.
Brett McKinnon (1 goal) Was the Warriors best player tonight. McKinnon showed alot of energy and hustle and was really skating hard all night.
Dru Morrison (1 goal) also played well for the Warriors and was one of their better players tonight. Played with alot of jump and had lots of energy all night.
Peter MacIntosh (1 assist) Played very well on the Westside blueline.
Ben Betker also played very well on the Warriors backend.
Dwayne Rodrigue (28 saves) Didnt have alot of tough saves to make but did make the big saves when needed. Saved his best save of the night for the third period after coming across the crease making a huge pad save off John Knisley.
Game Thoughts: (Westside)
The Warriors have battled the Vipers hard all season, each team has done better at home but give the Warriors full credit for playing hard especially the last two meetings vs Vernon. Westside fell behind early giving up the shorthanded goal but didnt quit, come back with a solid effort in the second half of the opening period to tie the game and then played very well in the 2nd period to take the lead. Westside's defence was very strong, especially in the 3rd not giving Vernon alot of shooting lanes and breaking up the Vipers offence not giving up alot of scoring opportunities.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Max Mowat (Injured)
Luke Juha (Injured)
Westside:
Matthew Berry-Lamontagna
David Pope
Seb Lloyd
Garrett Skrbich
Josh Monk
3 Stars:
1st Star: Dru Morrison (1 goal)
2nd Star: Travis Blanleil
3rd Star: Peter MacIntosh (1 assist)
For more on tonight's game visit the boxscore,
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977773&link=bchl
(Game Preview) Vernon @ Westside:
Tonight is the eighth and final regular season meeting between these two teams
Let's take a look at the season schedule between these two hockey clubs,
Friday, September 30th Vernon @ Westside: Vipers win 5-2
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977747
Wednesday, October 5th Westside @ Vernon: Vipers win 2-0
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977810
Tuesday, November 8th Westside @ Vernon: Vipers won 2-1
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977814&link=bchl
Friday, December 9th Vernon @ Westside: Warriors won 5-2
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977761&link=bchl
Saturday, January 21st Vernon @ Westside: Warriors won 3-1
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977765&link=bchl
Friday, January 27th Westside @ Vernon: Vipers won 4-1
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977828&link=bchl
Saturday, February 18th Westside @ Vernon: Vipers won 3-2 in double overtime
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977833&link=bchl
Last Game Played:
Saturday, February 25th Powell River defeated Vernon 4-2
Friday, March 2nd Chilliwack defeated Westside 3-1
Next Game:
Sunday, March 4th Prince George @ Vernon
Friday, March 9th Westside @ Surrey
Since the Warriors moved to Westside in 2006-07 Vernon is 3-1 vs. Westside during exibition action
Since the Warriors moved to Westside in 2006-07 Vernon is 19-14-2-3 vs. Westside during the regular season
Since the Warriors moved to Westside in 2006-07 Vernon has outscored Westside 106-102 during the regular season
Since the Warriors moved to Westside in 2006-07 Vernon is 10-6-1-2 at home vs. Westside during the regular season
Since the Warriors moved to Westside in 2006-07 Vernon is 9-8-1-1 in Westside during the regular season
Since the 2008-09 season the Vipers are 7-1-1-1 in their last ten games vs. the Warriors on home ice during the regular season
Since the 2008-09 season the Vipers are 5-4-0-1 in their last ten games vs. the Warriors at Royal Le Page Place during the regular season
Westside's last regular season victory at the Wesbild Centre was a 3-1 win on Saturday, January 23rd 2010
Vernon's last loss in Westside was a 3-1 loss back on Saturday, January 21st 2012
The Vipers went 4-0-1-1 last season vs the Warriors in the regular season, before knocking off Westside in six games in the Interior Conference Semi-Finals.
The Vernon Lakers changed their name to the Vernon Vipers to start the 1995-96 season. Here’s a look at the Vipers all-time regular season record
Games Played: 1004
Wins: 638
Losses: 266
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 finish a three game road trip make their fourth and final visit of the regular season to Royal Le Page Place after back to back losses to Cowichan Valley and Powell River last weekend. Tonight is the first of back to back games for Vernon who host the visiting Prince George Spruce Kings tomorrow afternoon. The Vipers come into action tonight sit 5th place now seven points behind 4th place Chilliwack after a Chiefs 3-1 win last night in Westside. Vernon has just one win away from home in their last eighteen road games. The Vipers have just two wins in their last seven games.
Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:
Games Played: 55
Wins: 27
Losses: 25
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 20-6-1-1
Road Record: 7-19-0-1
Streak: Two game losing streak
Goals For: 184
Goals Against: 179
Standings: 5th Place
Vernon Vipers Returning Players:
Brett Corkey (92)
Aaron Hadley (93)
John Knisley (92)
Patrick McGillis (91)
Max Mowat (93)
Darren Nowick (91)
Ryan Renz (93)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Michael Zalewski (92)
Kirby Halcrow (91)
Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:
Marcus Basara (93)
Dylan Walchuk (92)
David Robinson (90)
Bryce Kakoske (90)
Malcolm Lyles (90)
Trevor Fitzgerald (92)
Adam Thompson (90)
Steven Weinstein (90)
Kyle Murphy (90)
Dane Muench (92)
Philip Patenaude (91)
Zach McPhee (93)
Blake Voth (91)
Vernons Home record vs. Westside this season:
4-0-0-0
Vernons Road record vs. Westside this season:
1-2-0-0
Vernons Powerplay vs. Westside this season:
7-34
Vernons scoring leaders vs. Westside this season:
Adam Tambellini (3-3-6)
Michael Zalewski (5-1-6)
Patrick McGillis (2-3-5)
Darren Nowick (1-3-4)
Marc Hetnik (2-1-3)
Jedd Soleway (2-1-3)
Brett Corkey (0-3-3)
Aaron Hadley (1-2-3)
Colton Cyr (2-0-2)
Max Mowat (0-1-1)
Ryan Renz (0-1-1)
John Knisley (0-1-1)
Turner Lawson (0-1-1)
Geoff Crisfield (0-1-1)
Danny Todosychuk (1-1 Record, 1 Shutout)
Kirby Halcrow (4-2 Record)
Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:
Vernon has the leagues 3rd best powerplay
-The Vipers have the BCHL's 67h best penalty kill
-Mike Zalewski (34-34-68) is the lone Viper in the leagues top twenty in scoring
Tonight is the Warriors final home game of the regular season before finishing the 2011-12 season on the road in their final two games. Westside wont be in this years BCHL playoffs have just two wins in their last eight games. The Warriors are finishing up a five game home stand where they have one win in four attempts.
For more coverage on the Westside Warriors, please visit Jon Zacks "The Generals report (Westside Warriors blog)
http://westsidewarriorsblog.wordpress.com/
Lets take a look at the Westside Warriors:
Games Played: 57
Wins: 20
Losses: 28
Ties: 2
Overtime Losses: 7
Home Record: 13-11-1-4
Road Record: 7-17-1-3
Streak: One game losing streak
Goals For: 181
Goals Against: 200
Standings: 6th Place
Westside Warriors Returning Players From Last Year:
Travis Blanleil (94)
Max French (92)
Shawn Hochhausen (92)
Michael King (93)
Peter MacIntosh (91)
Brett Mckinnon (92)
Dru Morrison (92)
Former Vernon Lakers forward, Rylan Ferster is the new head coach-gm of the Warriors after coming over this summer from the KIJHL Revelestoke Grizzlies.
Westside Warriors Departing & Traded Players From Last Year:
Izaak Berglund (91)
Brett Mulcahy (93)
Brayden Sherbinin (93)
Tyler Krause (91)
Alex Grieve (90)
Kyle Singleton (90)
Tyler Brickler (91)
Grayson Downing (92)
Tom Kroshus (92)
Quinn Gould (90)
Tyler French (90)
Matthew Maher (90)
Matt Cronin (92)
Stefan Nicholishen (93)
Kevin Boyle (92)
Cole Holowenko (93)
Westsides Home record vs. Vernon this season:
2-1-0-0
Westsides Road record vs. Vernon this season:
0-3-0-1
Westsides Powerplay vs. Vernon this season:
5-36
Westsides scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:
Reid Simmonds (3-1-4)
Peter MacIntosh (0-4-4)
Travis Blanleil (2-2-4)
Max French (3-1-4)
Dru Morrison (0-3-3)
Ben Betker (0-3-3)
Connor Dempsey (2-0-2)
Brennan Clark (0-2-2)
David Pope (1-1-2)
Seb Lloyd (1-1-2)
Shawn Hochhausen (0-1-1)
Brett Mckinnon (0-1-1)
Devon Hascarl (1-0-1)
Marcus Basara (0-1-1)
Dwayne Rodrigue (2-2 Record)
Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:
-The Warriors have the 14th best powerplay
-Westside has the leagues 14th best penalty kill
Here's a look at both teams rosters:
Vernon Vipers:
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224096
Westside Warriors:
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224092
Friday, March 2, 2012
Former Viper Marino Takes Over League Lead With Two Goals In Win Over Bloomington:
Marino who played just two games with the 2002-2003 Vernon Vipers is in his third season with the CHL Quad City Mallards.
Brandon Marino's Player Profile:
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=93732
This is posted on the Mallards website:
MALLARDS ROLL IN BLOOMINGTON 5-1
03/01/2012
Brandon Marino provided two goals and an assist, Mickey Lang collected three assists and David McKee made 37 saves as the Quad City Mallards rolled past the host Bloomington Blaze 5-1 Thursday night. The win- the Mallards’ thirtieth of the season- lifted fifth place Quad City (30-22-2, 62 points) within three points of the fourth place Missouri Mavericks and the final Turner Conference playoff spot.
By scoring twice Marino finished the night with 34 goals- two more than Evansville’s Brian Bicek, with whom Marino entered the evening tied for the league lead.
The Mallards never looked back after jumping out to a 3-0 first period lead. Justin Chwedoruk scored the first goal of the evening from the left wing circle just under three minutes into the game. At 8:39 of the first, Obi Aduba doubled the Quad City lead with a drive from the right wing circle. Marino capped off the first period outburst by one-timing Lang’s centering pass to finish off a 2-on-1 rush at 15:22.
After a scoreless second period, Jared Brown blasted another Lang centering feed home to stretch the Mallard lead to 4-0 at 8:23 of the third period. The Blaze would get on scoreboard for the first time when Vladimir Nikiforov wristed the puck past McKee from the slot just 36 seconds later. Marino responded by scoring his second goal and the Mallards’ fifth on a wraparound at 16:50 of the third.
The Mallards return to action on home ice tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. against the Fort Wayne Komets. Tomorrow evening is Report Card Night- students who earn an "A" or an equivalent on their report cards or present a letter from a teacher or administrator indicating academic success, can get a free ticket to that game. Students can get their free ticket at the Mallards' front office or from the i wireless Center box office. Students in grades K through 12 are eligible for this offer. One free ticket is available per student.
Single game tickets for all Mallards regular season home contests- including tomorrow night’s game- are now available. Fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 or tickets@myqcmallards.com for more information about tickets.
Single game tickets are also available at the i wireless Center box office, at Ticketmaster outlets, through www.ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free. The box office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period. Individual game tickets are available for $12 in the upper level and $17 in the lower level and $25 for the first row along the glass for adults. Tickets for kids 12 and under are available for $5 off adult rates. In addition, tickets are available to military personnel for $2 off the regular adult rate.
Havoc Activate Former Vernon Viper Mark Sibbald Off Suspension:
Sibbald spent the past three seasons with the Havoc before being suspended and then released back on December, 8th 2011. Sibbald then signed with the CHL Bloomington Blaze on December, 10th 2011 before being waived on December, 30th 2011. The CHL Allen Americans signed Sibbald back on January, 11th before trading the veteran goaltender to the CHL Dayton Gems for future considerations on January, 18th 2012. Sibbald has played for three out of the four teams this season (Huntsville, Bloomington, Allen & Dayton).
Sibbald played two years in Vernon (2003-2005) going 35-16-3 in 59 regular season games with the Vipers.
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=76538
This is posted on the Havoc website:
SIBBALD ACTIVATED FROM SUSPENSION
Date: Feb 13, 2012
HUNTSVILLE, AL – Huntsville Havoc head coach, Randy Murphy, announced today that the team has activated goaltender Mark Sibbald from the team suspension list and placed goaltender Matt Hache on waivers.
“We are extremely excited to have Mark back,” Murphy said. “We are hoping he will pick up right where he left off and we expect he and (Kevin) Beech to bring some stability to our play in net.”
Sibbald played in 10 games earlier this season for the Havoc and went 4-4-2 with a 2.67 goals against average and 91.6 save percentage. He has played in 63 games for the Havoc over the past three seasons, going 33-16-5 with a 2.65 goals against average and 91.3 save percentage.
“I am glad to be heading back to Huntsville where I am very comfortable playing,” Sibbald said. “It has been a great two and half years playing there. The fans are fantastic and I just want to come in and contribute any way that I can.”
Sibbald was named the 2010-11 SPHL Goaltender of the Year. Since leaving the Havoc, he has hopped around the Central Hockey League with the Allen Americans, Dayton Gems and Bloomington Blaze.
The Havoc travel to Southaven, Mississippi tomorrow night to battle the RiverKings before heading to Fayetteville and Knoxville over the weekend. They return home to Breland Homes Ice on Tuesday, February 21st to take on the Knoxville.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Stars Sign Former Vipers Defenceman Cameron Brodie:
Cameron Brodie's Player Profile:
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=81370
Stars Sign Defenseman Brodie
02/23/2012
STARS SIGN DEFENSEMAN BRODIE
Texas Welcomes Rival Houston Friday and Saturday
Cedar Park, TX - The Texas Stars announced on Thursday that the team has signed defenseman Cameron Brodie to a PTO (professional tryout agreement).
Brodie is a second-year pro who spent the first 43 games of the year with Stockton of the ECHL. In his time with the Thunder, Brodie totaled five points (all assists) and 54 penlaty minutes. He also spent his rookie season with Stockton in 2010-11, scoring two goals and totaling 12 points in 60 games played. Prior to turning pro, the 23-year old played junior hockey in the BCHL from 2004-09 and one year at the University of British Columbia in 2009-10. Brodie will look to make his AHL debut this weekend when the Stars host the Houston Aeros.
The Stars return to Cedar Park Center for a two-game home stand against the Houston Aeros. Friday’s game is set for a 7:30 p.m. faceoff and it is presented by Community Impact Newspapers. Friday is also a 3-2-1 night, featuring $3 domestic drafts, $2 sodas and $1 hot dogs. The first 2,500 fans to Friday’s game will receive a player magnet courtesy of Time Warner Cable. Texas faces off against Houston at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 25th. Saturday features the State Farm Family Four Pack, consisting of four tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas, starting at $48. The first 2,500 fans to Saturday’s game will also receive a Texas Stars gym bag courtesy of Living Direct.
Individual tickets for all games are on sale now. Tickets are available online at www.TexasStarsHockey.com or by calling 512.GO.STARS (467.8277).
2011-12 season seat packages are on sale now. For more information on Texas Stars season tickets call (512) GO-STARS (467-8277) or visit www.TexasStarsHockey.com. Anyone interested in purchasing season tickets, suites, group tickets or mini-plans may call the Texas Stars front office.
Phoenix Coyotes Assign Former Vernon Viper Matt Watkins To AHL:
Matt Watkins Player Profile:
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=74941
Coyotes Assign Watkins to AHL
Thursday, 02.23.2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, February 23, 2012
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have reassigned forward Matt Watkins to the Portland Pirates, the Coyotes American Hockey League affiliate (AHL).
The 5-foot-10, 185 pound Watkins made his NHL debut with the Coyotes on Tuesday versus the Los Angeles Kings, skating in 6:37 of ice time. In 48 games with the Pirates this season, he has recorded 9-18-27 and 30 PIM.
Watkins was originally drafted by the Dallas Stars in the fifth round (160th overall) in the 2005 Entry Draft.
Phoenix is currently in the midst of a two-game road swing through the province of Alberta. The Coyotes will face-off against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome tonight. Puck drop is slated for 7 p.m. Fans can tune into FOX Sports Arizona PLUS beginning at 6:30 p.m. Check your local listings.
Florida Panthers Send Former Viper D-Man Tyson Strachan To AHL:
Tyson Strachan's Player Profile:
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=72630
Panthers return Strachan to Rampage
By: www.sarampage.com
Florida Panthers Executive Vice President & General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that the club has reassigned defenseman Tyson Strachan to the San Antonio Rampage (AHL).
Strachan, 27, earned his second call-up of the season to Florida on Jan. 20 and signed a one-year contract extension on Feb. 15. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound defenseman made his Panthers debut on Jan. 24 in Florida’s 3-2 shootout loss against Philadelphia. He scored his first NHL goal on Feb. 12 and has appeared in 11 games with Florida since his recall, collecting one goal and two assists with a plus-2 rating and an average 14:35 time on ice. Strachan has played in 78 career NHL games tallying eight assists and a plus-3 rating with St. Louis (2008-11) and Florida (2011-12).
Strachan has recorded 12 points (3 goals, 9 assists), 31 penalty minutes and a plus-5 rating in 32 games with the Rampage this season. He has appeared in 174 career AHL games totaling 11 goals and 43 assists with Peoria (2007-11) and San Antonio (2011-12).
The Melfort, Saskatchewan native was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the fifth round (137th overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.
The Rampage play the first game of a back-to-back series with the Peoria Rivermen tonight at 7 p.m. at Carver Arena. The team will round out their 10th annual Rodeo road trip with stops in Milwaukee on Sunday and Chicago on Wednesday. Follow the Rampage’s road trip on sarampage.com.
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