BCHL Team Reports:

This is in the BC Hockey Now Newspaper:

BCHL Team Reports


March 08, 2012

BY BRENT MUTIS /

There may be a bit more jockeying for position amongst the playoff-bound clubs, but as of this writing, seven of the eight teams were known. Vernon had an outside chance as of March 6 but a loss to Chilliwack would have finished them. Here is a look at the teams destined for the BCHL’s second season.

Coastal Conference

Surrey Eagles

With one game remaining on their calendar, Matt Erhart’s crew held a three-point edge over the Powell River Kings but the Kings had two games in hand. It’s conceivable the Eagles might be bumped from the top of the standings but if all remained as it was in the first week of March, Eagles would be preparing for a first-round meeting with the Coquitlam Express. If that were to happen, it would be the second straight year the two clubs meet in the first round but the Express are vastly improved from the team that was swept in four games by the Eagles last season.

Powell River Kings

Finishing up the schedule with three straight road games, the Kings don’t have the easiest of paths to wrap up the regular season. But each of the games is against a team lower than them in the standings including one against the plummeting Victoria Grizzlies who had gone 2-8 in their last 10. The other two contests are against an able Nanaimo Clippers club but back-to-back wins over Surrey recently seems to indicate the Kings are in top form right now. Deadline pickup Teal Burns gives the team a third point-per-game player in addition to Cohen Adair and Evan Richardson.

Cowichan Valley Capitals

The return of team MVP candidate Matt Brown righted things for the Caps in early February and the Duncan-based club has been as hot as anyone in the Coastal Conference with an 8-2 mark in their last 10 games. A first-round meeting with the Kings wouldn’t be ideal as Powell River went 5-1-1 against the Caps in the regular season but Cowichan Valley won the most recent meeting of the two teams, 3-2 on March 2.

Coquitlam Express

As hot as the Express have been, 8-2 in a recent 10-game stretch, they haven’t gained on Cowichan Valley who posted an identical mark over the same time span. Captain Alex Petan has been at his best down the stretch with 16 points in his last eight games. Meeting Surrey in the first round wouldn’t intimidate the Express as they fashioned a 3-2-2 mark against them in the regular season.

interior Conference

Penticton Vees

The story about The Streak is well known by now with the Vees going for their 41st consecutive win March 6 against Trail. The injury to Connor Reilly, who had led the club in scoring much of the year, is a blow but Fred Harbinson knows his team has the depth to compensate for that. No team will be eager to face them in the playoffs but it would be interesting to see the Vees response should someone defeat them once or twice as part of a seven-game series.

Merritt Centennials

It appears destined that the Cents will face the Prince George Spruce Kings in the opening round of the playoffs as the teams were tied with 70 points apiece as of March 6. The only thing to be decided is who would finish second behind Penticton and thereby have home ice advantage in the opening round. The Cents have a favourable finish to the regular season with two games against Trail and one against Salmon Arm.

Prince George Spruce Kings

A 7-3 mark over a recent 10-game span has alA 7-3 mark over a recent 10-game span has allowed them to catch up with Merritt but the Cents have a game in hand on PG. The Spruce Kings only two remaining games are against the Penticton Vees so they shouldn’t count on accumulating many more points in the standings. The Spruce Kings finish up at home though and have an 18-9-0-1 mark at Prince George Coliseum. PG has a 2-4-1 mark against Merritt this season but has not played them since Dec. 9.

*Chilliwack Chiefs

A win over the Vernon Vipers March 6 will have vanquished the Snakes but Vernon came up with a 7-3 win over Prince George on March 4 which was their first win-or-die game of the season. Forward Kody Dhaliwal has done an outstanding job as a fill-in defenceman on Harvey Smyl’s blueline but the preference would be to have captain Tyler Miller back in the lineup to perform his normal role as shut-down specialist.

*Vernon Vipers

The Snakes looked like a good bet to sneak into the playoffs when they acquired veterans Colton Cyr, Sean Robertson and Ben Gamache and got captain Patrick McGillis back from injury in the second half of the season but after a 4-0 start to February, they’ve gone 3-6 since.

*Not guaranteed playoff spots as of March 6

Vipers Finish On High Note:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vipers Finish on High Note

Sunday, March 11, 2012 - Submitted by Don Klepp

Vipers Finish on High Note
Several graduating Vipers went out in style in their final game of the season, bombing the host Salmon Arm Silverbacks 10-1.

John Knisley, on his way to Cornell next year, had two goals among his five points. Three times in the third period he had chances for his first Viper hat trick but zipped the puck just over the net each time.

Captain Patrick McGillis scored on a penalty shot in his last game of Junior hockey and Darren Nowick, who is bound for Northern Michigan next year, had four assists. McGillis said that “It’s been a disappointing year for us, especially on the road, so we wanted to win this one for our coaches and our fans.”

That commitment was evident early in the game as all six Viper 20-year-olds were on the ice for the opening shift. Constant pressure from each of the lines finally resulted in Michael Zalewski’s opening goal at 6:38. Kurt Williams, who was also playing his final BCHL game, was surprised by Zalewski’s quick release from a Nowick setup.

Brendan Persley’s quick backhand at the crease and John Knisley’s first-timed snap shot gave the Vipers a 3-0 lead going into the first intermission.

Early in the period, Brendan Persley notched his second of the evening as he deposited an Adam Tambellini rebound beyond Williams’s reach at 1:39, but then Devin Muller’s floating backhand that sailed over Kirby Halcrow’s shoulder gave the home fans a bit of hope.

The wide open style of play continued for the rest of period without scoring until 14:48 when Patrick McGillis was hauled down as he broke free toward the Salmon Arm net. On the ensuing penalty shot, he faked forehand and then slipped a slick backhand past Williams.

That play seemed to open the floodgates, because the Vipers scored three more times before the end of the period. In their attempts to make things happen, both teams took chances in the neutral zone, but the Vipers made the most of their opportunities.

On odd-man rushes, Aaron Hadley set up his cousin Adam Tambellini and then Darren Nowick did the same for John Knisley. Hadley notched his first BCHL short handed goal when sprung loose by Ben Gamache late in the period and the rout was official.

Colton Sparrow, who was sent into the clear by Brett Corkey’s precise long diagonal pass, made the score 9-1 in the third period. Then, Geoff Crisfield, the only Viper without a goal this season, was given lots of extra ice time by his coaches. That move finally paid off at 11:52 of the final period when Crisfield was set up beautifully by Mike Zalewski for a power play goal.

Lost to some extent in the scoring outburst was Kirby Halcrow's fine goaltending in his last Jr. A game. He made two fine saves during a Salmon Arm power play while the game was still close in the first period and he did the same in each of the two remaining periods.

The Silverbacks, who had only three 20-year-olds at the end of the season, will return most of their players next year while the Vipers expect 12 to 14 players to be back. Underage players Mike Zalewski, John Knisley, Luke Juha, and Marc Hetnik have all committed to U.S. colleges for next season. Kirby Halcrow, Sean Robertson, Darren Nowick, Colton Cyr, Patrick McGillis, and Ben Gamache have used up their Jr. eligibility.

Vipers Ice Salmon Arm SilverBacks In Home Finale:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers ice Salmon Arm SilverBacks in home finale

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: March 11, 2012

It has been a while since the Vernon Vipers played a B.C. Hockey League game that didn’t mean something.

At worst, there was always a meager two points in the standings to be had. At best, it was a Royal Bank Cup national championship game, or a season-deciding Game 7 of some important playoff series.

But with Vernon’s playoff hopes already snuffed out, none of it really mattered in their final regular-season home game Friday night at Wesbild Centre. Instead, the Vipers (or at least some of them) found something to play for – their fans.

Colton Cyr, one of six graduating Viper veterans, sent nearly 2,300 fans home with a smile as he collected the overtime winner with a shot from in close to give the Snakes a 4-3 win over the Salmon Arm SilverBacks at Wesbild Centre.

“We owe it to the fans. At the end of the day, they make everything happen,” said Cyr, brought over from the Nanaimo Clippers at the trade deadline. “And obviously Duncan (Wray, owner) treats us very well. In any hockey game, you can always find something to play for, and definitely the fans and our owner are two supportive reasons.

“It’s been nice coming to Vernon. As my last game as a junior hockey player, it was nice to get that last goal.”

Vernon swarmed the 'Backs for much of the first period, unleashing on netminder Kurt Williams from all angles. John Knisley and Pat McGillis narrowly missed on long one-timer passes, Brendan Persley and Ben Gamache were stymied point-blank by Williams, and Cyr rang a slapper off the Salmon Arm tender’s mask from the top of the faceoff dot.

The Vipers (29-27-1-2) were rewarded with 20 seconds left in the frame when Adam Tambellini (26th goal) put one by Williams (30 saves) after a barrage of shots by linemates Persley and Hadley.

“We started the game real well, and to be honest, we could have had a couple goals early,” said Vipers’ head coach Jason Williamson. “They got some Grade A chances, but they didn’t bear down.

Williamson noted a clear distinction between his players that were going hard, and others that were just going through the motions.

“Some guys were great. You can single a guy out like Aaron Hadley, and yeah, he was great. And it shows on the scoresheet – he gets two assists and made some big-time plays. And good for Colton Cyr to get the game-winner, because he plays the game the right way most of the time too.”

After a scoreless second period, the SilverBacks surprised the Vipers with a pair of powerplay goals, one courtesy of second star Myles McAuley (13th), the other by Travis Stephens (15th), who hoisted a puck behind goalie Danny Todosychuk (25 saves) at the side of the net.

Vernon equalized midway through the period on a patient pass from Hadley in the corner, spotting Marc Hetnik cruising in from the point. The ever-improving Brookline, Mass. product picked the top corner through a maze of bodies for this third tally of the season.

Mike Zalewski (37th), knocking down a shot by John Knisley and tucking the puck behind Williams, looked to have things sewn up with just over a minute to play, but McAuley (14th) forced OT with Salmon Arm's third man-advantage goal with 21 second remaining in regulation.

The 2011-12 campaign was pretty much a write-off for the young Salmon Arm squad, who lost a lot of talent through trades, both in the offseason and throughout the year. Making matters worse, it seems like every player they dealt had a breakout season with their new teams. Paul De Jersey (Prince George Spruce Kings) is tied for the scoring lead with 94 points, and Devin Gannon (Cowichan Valley Capital, 74 points) and Bryce Gervais (Penticton Vees, 73 points) are in the top 15.

“We made the decision in December to go young and build for the future,” said rookie BCHL head coach Colin O’Hara. “We took our lumps, but we felt the opportunity we could give our young guys to play in key situations is going to pay off for us next year. We felt that setting the table for next year was more of a reality than making a playoff push.”

Regarding Friday night’s outcome, O’Hara added: “That’s the ninth or 10th overtime loss this year, and that’s a huge amount of games and points when you look at it.

“But we continue to make good on our opportunities, and that’s three of our last four games where we’ve really felt we played well and have been on the wrong end.”

One of the main beneficiaries of the Salmon Arm youth movement has been rookie forward Alex Gillies, a Vernon product who was carded as the team’s mandatory 16-year-old. Heading into their final regular-season game of the season against Vernon Saturday night in Salmon Arm, Gillies had racked up 10 goals and eight assists for 18 points in 49 games. He also collected the team’s Top Rookie and Most Improved Player awards.

Said O’Hara: “He scored double-digit goals for us as a 16-year-old, and at this level, to do that, it’s pretty rare. He started the year on the fourth line and lately he’s been playing top-six minutes.”

The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder played Quad Midget with the Okanagan Rockets last season and is thriving on the competition.

“I had to learn to adapt at the start of the year,” said Gillies, whose brother Chris was the top scoring d-man with the KIJHL North Okanagan Knights this season. “Everybody’s a bit bigger, but I think I’ve adapted to it, and the speed. I had to put on weight and keep my feet moving.”

While the loss of players like Gervais and captain Brett Knowles, who was traded to Cowichan in early January, initially rocked the remaining SilverBacks, Gillies says they have learned through adversity and will be a stronger team next year for having gone through it.

“At the end of it, we’re all happy to play together,” he said. “We’ve got a good group of guys and we started to play pretty well lately and keeping games a lot closer. I think if we had more time with this group we would have gotten a bit further.

“I think we’re going to have a top-end team next year.”

SNAKE BITES: Before Friday’s game, Colton Sparrow was awarded the Wayne Buck Memorial Award, given to the player who exemplifies work ethic and unselfish play...Forwards Ben Gamache, McGillis, Darren Nowick, defenceman Sean Robertson and netminder Kirby Halcrow join Cyr as graduating players. Zalewski (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute), Knisley (Cornell University), Luke Juha (Penn State) are expected to head to college next season...McAuley, James Friedel and Williams are the graduating SilverBacks.

Vernon 10 Salmon Arm 1

I was at tonight's BCHL game as Vernon defeated Salmon Arm 10-1 in front of 1,448 fans at the Shaw Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Kirby Halcrow
Salmon Arm: Kurt Williams

1st Period: In the opening minute Brett Corkey with a nice long pass found a streaking Marc Hetnik who went in on the parcial breakaway but missed the net on a great chance for the Vipers to open the scoring. Just a few minutes later Garrett Hendrickson with a great chance at the side of the net just missed the far corner on a great chance for the Silverbacks to open the scoring. Colton Cyr with a shot from the slot beat Kurt Williams but hit the post. Darren Nowick saved a goal early in tonight's game after a screened shot from the point got through traffic and Kirby Halcrow, Nowick was quick to clear the loose puck from the crease out of harms way. Just shortly after Vernon would open the scoring after Darren Nowick setup Mike Zalewski from the circle who went post and in beating Kurt Willaims at 6:38 giving the Vipers the early 1-0 lead. Nowick and John Knisley with the assists. Back come the Silverbacks, off the draw Salmon Arm got the play in deep setting up Sean Flanagan at the side of the net but Kirby Halcrow come up with a big save. Salmon Arm would then get the games first powerplay, moving the puck well the Vipers did a great job at blocking the shooting lanes not giving any room for quality shots as Salmon Arm was unable to really get pucks towards the net. The Silverbacks did get one real good scoring chance after Sean Flanagan's point shot got through traffic in front, Kirby Halcrow come out to challenge making the save but the puck snuck through his pads coming out the other end before Ryan Renz cleared the puck from the crease up into the netting behind the glass as Vernon would kill off the minor. I thought Salmon Arm carried the better of the play in the first half but the Vipers were up 1-0. In the second half Vernon stepped up their play and slowly started to come along. Ryan Renz with a shot from the slot would beat Williams but ring off the post. Aaron Hadley then setup Colton Cyr on a parcial two on one but Cyr couldnt beat Kurt Williams who made a nice pad save at the side of the crease. The Vipers would get their first powerplay of the night but couldnt capitalize. Just after the powerplay John Knisley setup Brendan Persley who beat Williams at 16:53 giving Vernon a 2-0 lead. Knisley and Darren Nowick with the helpers. The Backs would get a late powerplay before Salmon Arm would take a penalty wich made for some four on four hockey before the Vipers would get a late powerplay. Adam Tambellini setup John Knisley in front who put Vernon up 3-0 at 19:53, Tambellini and Colton Sparrow with the assists on the play. At the buzzer Colton Sparrow dropped the gloves with Graham McBain. The Vipers come back with a solid effort in the second half and were the better of the two teams scoring twice. Shots were even 8-8 at the midway mark as Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 10-1 in the second half. The Vipers with a 3-0 lead after 20 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 18-9.

2nd Period: Just 1:39 into the middle frame Brendan Persley with his second of the night put Vernon up 4-0 with the assists going to, Adam Tambellini and Aaron Hadley. The Silverbacks come right back just a minute and a half later after Devin Muller with a nice move inside the Vipers blueline, walked in and beat Halcrow on a shot that looked to have been deflected on it's way towards the net, but Muller would get the goal at 2:54 getting the Backs on the scoreboard. Sean Flanagan and Morgan Zulinick with the assists. Salmon Arm kept coming and carried the early edge in play but Kirby Halcrow who played one of his better games of the season come up with some big saves looking very confident between the pipes. Salmon Arm would get an early powerplay, Morgan Zulinick would get robbed at the side of the net after Halcrow come across making a huge pad save as the Vipers would kill off the minor. The Silverbacks carried the better of the play in the first half as the Vipers just couldnt get into the Backs zone. Just past the midway mark Vipers captain, Patrick McGillis was hauled down on a breakaway giving the 20 yr old forward a penalty shot in his final Junior hockey game. McGillis with a nice move would beat Williams giving Vernon a 5-1 lead at 14:18. This seemed to get the Vipers going as Vernon who was outplayed at times in the 2nd dominated the final five minutes. Just under a minute later Aaron Hadley setup Adam Tambellini who gave the Vipers a 6-1 lead. Hadley and Brett Corkey with the helpers. Just over a minute later Darren Nowick setup John Knisley who come down the wing and roofed his shot high and over Kurt Williams giving the Vipers a 7-1 lead at 16:20, Nowick with the only assist on the goal. Jeff Kennedy would get a great chance down low but again Kirby Halcrow robbed Kennedy at the side of the net making a big pad save. With the Silverbacks on the man advantage Ben Gamache setup Aaron Hadley who put Vernon up 8-1 19:36 Gamache with the only assist on the goal. At the buzzer tempers heated up as former Vipers d-man, Bennett Hambrook and Colton Sparrow exchanged shots with one another as a little scrum occured. Salmon Arm would get a penalty as both teams would start the 3rd four on four before Vernon would get a late powerplay. The Vipers looked very good in the final five or so minutes and burried their chances. The Vipers with a 8-1 lead after 40 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 17-12.

3rd Period: Both teams started the final period four on four before the Vipers would get a late powerplay. Salmon Arm would kill off the penalty. It looked as if Salmon Arm just wanted to end the game and wrap up the season as the Vipers carried the play and controlled the entire period. The Vipers would get several good chances through out the 3rd period. Aaron Hadley, Adam Tambellini and John Knisley all with real good scoring opportunities. Salmon Arm with not alot of offensive chances did get several odd man rushes but it was the solid defensive play by Vernon who would get back in time to break up any opportunity before the Backs could setup for a scoring chance. Colton Sparrow one on one with a Silverbacks d-man just got around his man before ripping a hard high shot that beat Kurt Williams who didnt even move on Sparrow's shot giving Vernon a 9-1 lead at 7:26 Brett Corkey and Darren Nowick with the assists. Just past the halfway mark Vernon would get a shot with the man advantage, Geoff Crisfield who was moved up front had a great chance to get his first BCHL goal but was robbed by Kurt Williams who made a huge save down low. Crisfield would get the last laugh after scoring his first career BCHL goal on the next shift giving the Vipers a 10-1 lead as the Vipers bench erupted. Mike Zalewski and John Knisley with the helpers. Just two minutes later tempers heated up once again after a big hit in the corner deep in the Vipers zone, Brett Corkey dropped the gloves with Derek Hendrickson. Corkey and Hendrickson would both get tossed from the game. Aaron Hadley on a wrap around just about made it 11-1 Vernon as the Vipers dominated the 3rd outplaying the Silverbacks in all areas. In the end the Vipers would win their final game of the regular season 10-1 and take the home and home series vs Salmon Arm over the weekend. The Vipers would win the season series 5-3. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 16-6.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Brett Corkey (2 assists) Corkey played a real strong game on the Vipers backend tonight. Played well at both ends of the rink, was jumping up into the play. Made some real smart heds up passes and plays tonight. Made atleast three strong defensive plays too.

Adam Tambellini (1 goal & 2 assists) Played very good up front for Vernon. Tambellini who has really come along the last few months was dangerous with the puck tonight. Looking for alot from him next season.

Colton Cyr I thought played very well in the opening period but didnt really notice him as much in the 2nd and 3rd periods. Had a great chance to open the scoring early in the 1st but hit the post.

John Knisley (2 goals & 3 assists) Probally played or had (points wise) one of his best games as a Viper in his final game as a Vernon Viper. It seemed what ever Knisley shot on net went in. Was really flying all game.

Aaron Hadley (1 goal & 2 assists) Was also very strong for the Vipers tonight. Hadley who dissapointed me early in the season has really come along ways and played his best hockey of the season the last few months. Is very hard to knock off the puck, was in and around the net all night tonight.

Darren Nowick (4 assists) Nowick played a little defence tonight but really read the ice well tonight setting up four goals. Nowick will really be missed next season, one of the hardest working kids to wear a Vipers jersey.

Colton Sparrow (1 goal & 1 assist) Played with alot of energy, and got involved in the after the whistle activity. Sparrow who was a target for the Silverbacks in both games this weekend, seemed to really get under the skin of several Salmon Arm players in the home and home series. Scored a real nice goal in the 3rd.

Brendan Persley (2 goals) Played a hard nosed strong game up front for the Vipers. Persley who was a big addition to the Vipers lineup this season also seems to get under the skin of several players on a nightly basis.

Kirby Halcrow (26 saves) Played his final Junior game tonight and was one of his better-stronger games of the season. Halcrow who hasnt been as strong-solid as he was in past seasons looked to have alot of confidence tonight. Didnt give up alot of rebounds and made some big saves through out tonights game.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

Well the 2011-12 Vernon Vipers season comes to an end with a 10-1 victory over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. For the first time in all my years watching Junior hockey in Vernon, watching these last two games that ment nothing was a first for me. I have never watched a game that was a mean nothing game. It was very hard to really get excited about last night's and tonight's games when they didnt mean anything. It was nice to see the Vipers come up with a big 4-3 overtime win last night and pull out a win in the teams final home game of the season and then to come out tonight and win 10-1 in front of a fair amount of Viper fans who made the trip up to Salmon Arm. Tonight was just Vernon's second win on the road since mid November. The Vipers with just two wins in their last twenty road games. I thought in the first two periods the Vipers got off to a bit of a slow start as Salmon Arm carried the better of the play but as both periods went on, Vernon was the better of the two teams in the second half. In the 3rd it was all Vipers as they dominated. I thought the Vipers defence played very well tonight, broke up alot of Silverback odd man rushes. The Vipers also scored on their chances and come up with some nice goals. After missing the BCHL playoffs for the first time since the 2000-2001 season I would have to say this year was very dissapointing. With a pretty big group of players returning from last year I was expecting a much different finish to the regular season. I know the Vipers wont and arnt going to win the RBC Cup every year but I thought they would have done alot better with the team they had and the players returning. Yes this year we saw alot of injuries but I didnt think the team improved as the season went on, the Vipers also struggled on the road and all season the team was very uncosistant. Other then a 7-0 start to the season, the Vipers just couldnt pull together a decent winning streak. That eleven game winless streak back in November-December also didnt help this team when they were basically fighting for a final playoff spot all season.   After going to three straight RBC Cups, winning two Viper fans have been very spoiled the past three years as well as overall winning six National Championships.  Viper fans expect nothing less then a National Chmapionship year after year, and that puts alot of pressure on Duncan Wray, the coaches, the scouts, and the players.  I myself went and followed the Vipers to the last three Royal Bank Cups so with the Vipers season all but over in early March, it's going to take some time to get use too.  With no playoffs this season, it's going to be one long summer.  Id like to take this time to thank and wish all of the Vipers graduating players who wont be returning next season.  Thank you all for being a Vernon Viper and sharing some great memories.  I wish you all nothing but the best in your hockey career or life journey.  & to the players returning, I hope you can look back at this season and see everything that went wrong, and take that bitter taste from your mouth and come back ready and roaring to start next season and show us Viper fans what your made of.   

Here is a look at the possible players that could return for next season,

Adam Tambellini
Aaron Hadley
Brett Corkey
Colton Sparrow
Jedd Soleway
Ryan Renz
Marc Hetnik
Brendan Persley
Geoff Crisfield
Max Mowat
Riley Hunt
Turner Lawson
Danny Todosychuk

Top Players: (Salmon Arm)

Sean Flanagan (1 assist) I thought the Backs d-man was the only real Salmon Arm player that stood out for me. Flanagan played well on the blueline and come up with a few real good opportunities in the opening period.

Game Thoughts: (Salmon Arm)

I thought the Backs played well to start the 1st and 2nd periods but like I said previously the Vipers really got going and played better in the second half of both periods. Kurt Williams didnt look like the same goaltender from last night. I have no idea why they would leave him in for ten goals in his final Junior hockey game. I wasnt expecting a final score like this in a game where their was basically no hitting. A pretty good crowd on hand for the final home game of the season. The Silverbacks didnt look like the same team from last night.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Max Mowat (Injured)
Luke Juha (Injured)
Riley Hunt (Injured)
Turner Lawson (Injured)
Jedd Soleway

Salmon Arm:

Taylor Love

3 Stars:

1st Star: John Knisley (2 goals & 3 assists)
2nd Star: Adam Tambellini (1 goal & 2 assists)
3rd Star: Myles McCauley

For more on tonight's game visit the boxscore,

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977775&link=bchl

Former Viper Voth & The Millionaires Advance To Conference Finals:

Former Vernon Vipers goaltender, Blake Voth and the SJHL Melville Millionaires are moving onto the Conference Finals vs the Weyburn Red Wings. The Finals start next weekend. Voth is 4-1 in this years SJHL Playoffs with a 3.52 GAA Voth played two seasons in Vernon (2009-2011).

Blake Voth's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=124979

This is posted on the SJHL website:

MILLIONAIRES ADVANCE TO CONFERENCE FINAL

Friday, March 09, 2012

The Melville Millionaires are heading to the Sherwood Conference Final, after a 7-3 victory in Yorkton Friday night, as they got past their Highway 10 rivals in 5 games.

The Millionaires were led offensively by their top line of Ian McNulty, Jesse Mireau and Russell Trudeau, who combined for a total of 5 goals and 11 points.

Coach Jamie Fiesel feels his team's coming together at the first time.

"We didn't accomplish what we wanted to in the regular season, but if there's ever a time to come together and play your best hockey, it's now."

"If you want to win the championship, it's about the journey, and we took our first step today."

The Millionaires now have a date with the first place Weyburn Red Wings in the Sherwood Final. The two clubs split the 6 meetings they had in the regular season.

"We matched up well with Weyburn in the regular season, they're a first place team with a great coach who's been there before but we feel we can play with those guys," said Fiesel.

Brent Struble scored twice for the Terriers in his last game in the SJHL.

The Conference Finals will get started next weekend.

(Game Preview) Vernon @ Salmon Arm:

Vernon (29-27-1-2) @ Salmon Arm (16-34-0-9) 7pm start

Tonight is the eigth and final regular season meeting between these two teams.

Let's take a look at the regular season schedule between these two hockey clubs,

Friday, September 23rd Salmon Arm @ Vernon (Vipers win 5-1)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977656

Saturday, September 24th Vernon @ Salmon Arm (Vipers win 5-4 in overtime)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977746

Friday, November 25th Salmon Arm @ Vernon (Silverbacks win 3-2 in Overtime)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977666&link=bchl

Saturday, November 26th Vernon @ Salmon Arm

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977758&link=bchl

Thursday, December 29th Vernon @ Salmon Arm

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977762&link=bchl

Friday, December 30th Salmon Arm @ Vernon (Vipers won 6-4)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977671&link=bchl

Friday, March 9th Salmon Arm @ Vernon (Vipers won 4-3 in overtime)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977685&link=bchl

Last Game Played:

Friday, March 9th Vernon defeated Salmon Arm 4-3 in overtime

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 39-25-3-6 vs. Salmon Arm

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Salmon Arm 259-248

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 16-12-0-3 at home vs. Salmon Arm

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 17-10-2-4 in Salmon Arm

Vernon is 5-4-0-1 in its last 10 regular season visits at the Sunwave Centre

Vernon is 5-2-0-3 in its last 10 regular season games vs. Salmon Arm

The Vipers last regular season win vs Salmon Arm at the Wesbild Centre was a 4-3 overtime victory on Friday, March 9th 2012

The Vipers last regular season win at the Sunwave Centre was a 5-4 overtime victory on Saturday, September 24th 2011

The Vipers went 1-5-0-1 vs Salmon Arm last season

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

Games Played: 1007
Wins: 640
Losses: 267
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 will finish the BCHL regular season tonight making their fourth and last visit of the season to the Sunwave Centre. Vernon is coming off a 4-3 overtime win over Salmon Arm last night in Vernon has won four of it's last ten games. The Vipers will finish the season on the road where they have just one win in their last twenty games away from home.

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

Games Played: 59
Wins: 29
Losses: 27
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 22-6-1-1
Road Record: 7-21-0-1
Goals For: 198
Goals Against: 192
Streak: One game winning streak
Standings: 5th Place

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

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

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Dylan Walchuk (92)
Marcus Basara (93)
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)

Vernon’s Home record vs. Salmon Arm:

3-0-0-1

Vernon’s Road record vs. Salmon Arm:

1-1-0-1

Vernon’s Powerplay vs. Salmon Arm:

12-28

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Salmon Arm:

Darren Nowick (7-4-11)
Michael Zalewski (5-5-10)
Adam Tambellini (6-3-9)
Brett Corkey (1-6-7)
Marc Hetnik (1-4-5)
Colton Sparrow (1-4-5)
John Knisley (1-3-4)
Aaron Hadley (1-3-4)
Brendan Persley (1-2-3)
Jedd Soleway (1-1-2)
Ben Gamache (1-1-2)
Patrick McGillis (1-0-1)
Geoff Crisfield (0-1-1)
Sean Robertson (0-1-1)
Ryan Renz (0-1-1)
Colton Cyr (1-0-1)

Danny Todosychuk (1-0 Record)
Kirby Halcrow (3-3 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Vernon has the leagues 3rd best powerplay

-The Vipers have the BCHL's 9th best penalty kill

For more on tonight's game and the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, please visit Scott Campbells Salmon Arm Silverbacks blog,

http://silverbacksmack.blogspot.com/

The Silverbacks return home from a four game road trip where they finished 0-4. The Backs will finish the season at home vs the Vipers, Salmon Arm has won lost seven straight and four straight at home. The Silverbacks have just three wins in their last twenty games.

Lets take a look at the Salmon Arm Silverbacks:

Games Played: 59
Wins: 16
Losses: 34
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 9
Home Record: 8-15-0-6
Road Record: 8-19-0-3
Goals For: 175
Goals Against: 262
Streak: Seven game losing streak
Standings: 6th Place

Salmon Arm Silverbacks Returning Players:

James Friedel (91)
Devin Muller (92)
Morgan Zulinick (94)
Kurt Williams (91)

Salmon Arm Silverbacks Departing & traded players from last years team:

Brett Knowles (91)
Mike Hammond (90)
David Killip (91)
Brad Reid (90)
Devin Gannon (91)
Jarryd Ten Vaanholt (91)
Clinton Atkinson (91)
Josh Manson (91)
Cody Michelle (92)
Jayson Reardon (90)
Charlie Vasaturo (90)
Brandon Mistal (92)
Paul De Jersey (92)
Kevin Mills (90)
Josh McKissock (92)
Dustin Cave (94)
Justin Elliott (92)
Kris Moore (90)
Bryce Gervais (92)

Salmon Arm’s Home record vs. Vernon:

2-0-0-1

Salmon Arm’s Road record vs. Vernon:

1-2-0-1

Salmon Arms Powerplay vs. Vernon:

8-36

Salmon Arm’s scoring leaders vs. Vernon:

Morgan Zulinick (3-7-9)
Devin Muller (2-5-7)
Myles McCauley (4-3-7)
Sean Flanagan (3-4-7)
Shane Hanna (1-5-6)
Brendan Kennedy (1-4-5)
Kody Dhaliwal (1-4-5)
Garrett Hendrickson (0-3-3)
Alex Gillies (3-0-3)
Bennett Hambrook (1-1-2)
Jeff Kennedy (1-1-2)
Mak Barden (0-1-1)
Bradley Robinson (0-1-1)
James Friedel (0-1-1)
Travis Stephens (1-0-1)

Kurt Williams (3-4 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Salmon Arm has the BCHL's 14th best powerplay

-The Silverbacks have the league's 16th 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

Salmon Arm Silverbacks:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224097

Cyr Pots OT Winner:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Cyr Pots OT Winner

Friday, March 9, 2012 - Submitted by Don Klepp

It definitely was not a classic game, but late third period heroics and a Colton Cyr overtime winner gave the Vipers a dramatic 4-3 decision over Salmon Arm on Friday.

In the second last game of the season for both teams, the Vipers and Silverbacks took turns looking disinterested. In the first period, Salmon Arm goalie Kurt Williams was left to his own devices by his teammates who were unable to stop the Vipers from freewheeling for most of the period.

The Vipers play well at home, especially early in games and they dominated the opening 20 minutes, creating 11 scoring chances. Fortunately for the visitors, Williams was very sharp, even heroic at times, as he robbed Ben Gamache and Darren Nowick, among others. Also, the Vipers missed the net at least 10 times when they had Williams at their mercy.

They finally did get a goal with 20 seconds remaining in the period. On one of his several dynamic rushes, Brett Corkey lugged the puck from his own end and got a shot on net. Brendan Persley then snapped the rebound on goal and a scramble ensued in front of Williams. On the third chance, Adam Tambellini swooped in flick the puck over a frantic Williams.

Not much happened in the second period, not even on a Salmon Arm two-man advantage, but the dam broke loose in the third.

Carrying over their power play from the second period, the ‘Backs tied the game on a pretty three-way passing play that was capped off by Myles McCauley going hard to the net at 1:08. Then they forged ahead on another power play marker exactly five minutes later. This time, Travis Stephens placed a backhand past Danny Todosychuk from a tight angle.

The Stephens goal seemed to wake up the Vipers, who started to press the issue. A hustling play by Aaron Hadley resulted in a Marc Hetnik goal at 9:42. Hetnik’s whistling wrister from the high slot was the first tally by a Viper defenceman since January 21.

After nine minutes of defensive stalemate, Mike Zalewski looked he had potted the winning goal at 18:42 after a really strong shift by the Zalewski/Nowick/Knisley line.

The Vipers then attempted to go into clampdown mode, harassing the ‘Backs in the Salmon Arm zone. However, John Knisley overdid it when he took an ill-advised high sticking penalty 150 feet from his net at 19:06. Colin O’Hara lifted his goalie for a 6thattacker and the move paid off when Myles McCauley ripped a shot through traffic with 21 seconds remaining in regulation.

Before overtime began, the Silverbacks seemed energized and the Vipers looked disconsolate, but surprisingly the Vipers took control. Despite Viper pressure, however, the Silverbacks allowed only two shots to get to their net.

At 3:35 of the first overtime session, shots by Marc Hetnik and Ben Gamache were blocked, but Colton Cyr jumped on a loose puck and roofed it from 10 feet.

The Vipers have now won six of eight overtime games, with their only two OT losses coming at the hands of the Silverbacks.

The two teams will conclude their season Saturday evening in Salmon Arm.

Vernon 4 Salmon Arm 3 (Overtime)

I was at tonight's BCHL game as Vernon defeated Salmon Arm 4-3 in overtime in front of 2,274 fans at the Wesbild Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Danny Todosychuk
Salmon Arm: Kurt Williams

1st Period: In the first minute of play the Vipers with a great chance to open the scoring, John Knisley fed Darren Nowick at the side of the goal with a wide open cage but Nowick couldnt connect on the pass. Vernon would get the games first powerplay just 1:39 into the 1st period. With some good pressure deep in the Silverbacks zone the Vipers didnt get alot of chances and couldnt record a single shot with the man advantage. The Vipers with one solid chance but Colton Sparrow ripped his shot from the slot high and over the net as Salmon Arm would kill off the penalty. The Vipers kept coming with tons of pressure really taking it to the Backs early and often. Kurt Williams come across the crease to rob John Knisley at the side of the net making his biggest save of the night. Brendan Persley with a chance at the side of the net was stopped by Williams. The Vipers carried the better of the play and were outshooting the Silverbacks 7-1 at this point. Aaron Hadley and Ryan Renz with a two on one, but Williams come out to challenge making the big stop off Renz. Williams kept Salmon Arm in the game for the opening period otherwise the Vipers could have easily had a 4 or 5-0 lead. The Vipers fired everything towards the net missing the goal on atleast six or seven chances. The Silverbacks with no pressure couldnt get the puck out of their own end to generate any offence but would get their first scoring opportunity of the night just before the midway mark after Devin Muller tried banging away a loose puck in the crease. Just past the midway mark the Backs would get their first powerplay of the night. Mike Berry's point shot with traffic in front got through as Danny Todosychuk made a tough save as the Silverbacks only managed the lone scoring chance as Vernon would kill off the minor. Salmon Arm would slowly get some action down in the Vernon zone but didnt get any real good scoring chances. In the final minute of play the Vipers would get the play in deep, with a flurry around the Backs net Brendan Persley beat Kurt Williams but hit the post before Adam Tambellini jumped on the rebound beating Williams at 19:40 giving Vernon the 1-0 lead. Persley and Brett Corkey collected the assists. At the buzzer Colton Sparrow and three Silverbacks exchanged words before the linesmen broke up the little scrum. The Vipers were by far the better of the two teams outplaying the Silverbacks for most of the period getting lots of good scoring chances. Vernon with a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers outshot the Silverbacks 16-9.

2nd Period: The Vipers come out flying to start the middle frame getting the play in deep and really getting some pressure deep in the Salmon Arm zone but didnt generate any real scoring chances. Just shortly after tempers slowly started to heat up after a stopage in play as some pushing and shoving started before a few punches were thrown. The Silverbacks slowly started to get their game going, Morgan Zulinick's shot from behind the goal line hit Sean Robertson in front of the Vipers net as the puck went off Robertson and bounced towards the crease on a close call. The Backs carried the better of the play in the first half before Vernon would get a powerplay at the midway mark. The Vipers with some good pressure setup Adam Tambellini at the side of the net, with an open cage Tambellini hit the outside side of the netting missing on a great scoring opportunity as Salmon Arm would kill off the penalty. This was the Vipers only real good scoring chance of the entire period. Just shortly after Ryan Renz with a nice move at the Backs blueline carried the puck into the Silverbacks zone, nobody went back to cover Renz and on a turnover allowed the Morgan Zulinick and Sean Flanagan a two on one, Zulinick setup Flanagan who was stopped by Danny Todosychuk. Just a few shifts later Todosychuk was forced to make another save off Jeff Kennedy. Salmon Arm would get a late two man advantage that would carry into the 3rd period. The Vipers got off to a good start but Salmon Arm carried most of the play in the middle frame in a period where there wasnt alot of scoring chances. The Vipers were up 1-0 after 40 minutes of play. Shots were even 11-11.

3rd Period: The Silverbacks started the period with a very short two man advantage, with just a few seconds remaining in the first penalty the Vipers couldnt hold off the Backs as Salmon Arm got the play in deep off the opening draw, Morgan Zulinick setup Myles McCauley who beat Todosychuk at 1:08 tying the game 1-1. Zulinick and Devin Muller with the helpers. Just three minutes later the Silverbacks would get another powerplay and once again capitalize after Travis Stephens beat Todosychuk at 6:28 giving Salmon Arm their first lead of the night. Shane Hanna and Sean Flanagan with the assists. The Silverbacks kept coming with some good pressure as the Vipers couldnt get much going with just one shot in the first nine minutes of play. Salmon Arm carried the play early but didnt really generate any good scoring chances. Vernon would finally get through the neutral zone and come up with a great chance. Ben Gamache come down the right wing setting up Geoff Crisfield who walked in from the slot and wired a hard high shot that missed the goal. The Vipers kept coming and with some hard work Aaron Hadley setup Marc Hetnik who walked in and ripped his shot just under the crossbar beating wich looked to be a screened Kurt Williams at 9:42 tying the game 2-2 on just the Vipers second shot of the period. Hadley and Adam Tambellini with the assists. The play then really slowed down with not alot of action at either ends of the rink. With five minutes remaining tempers heated up again as Geoff Crisfield and James Friedel got tangled up before both players got into a pushing and shoving match, as both players were given ten minute misconducts and had an early shower. Not alot of action or scoring opportunities at both ends of the rink as both teams looked sluggish at times in a game where both teams wont be in this years playoffs. Aaron Hadley then with a great chance to win the contest went hard towards the goal but couldnt jam the puck past Williams. With under two minutes remaining John Knisley setup Mike Zalewski in front who undressed Kurt Williams giving Vernon a 3-2 lead at 18:27, Knisley and Darren Nowick picked up the assists. Salmon Arm would call a timeout and in the final minute of play get a late powerplay. With Williams on the bench for the extra attacker the Vipers couldnt clear the zone, Morgan Zulinick setup Myles McCauley who walked into the slot and blasted home the game tying goal at 19:39 sending the game to overtime. Zulinick with the lone assist. The Backs looked good early and carried the better of the play for most of the first half but neither team looked all that good in the second half. It was tied 3-3 after 60 minutes of play. Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 7-5.

Overtime: Mike Zalewski carried the puck in over the blueline off the opening faceoff and with a wrist shot from the top of the circle Zalewski's harmless looking shot took a funny bounce and got by Kurt Williams just missing the far corner by inches. No real scoring opportunities as both teams couldnt get much going before Ben Gamache setup Colton Cyr for the game winner at 3:35 as the Vipers poured onto the ice in their final home game of the season winning 4-3 in overtime. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 2-1.

Top Players: (Vernon)

The line of Aaron Hadley (1 assist), Brendan Persley (1 assist) & Adam Tambellini (1 goal & 1 assist) was the Vipers best line tonight. This line played with alot of energy, hustled and battled hard all game. Persley played very physical all night, Hadley was really flying, creating and generating offensive chances as well Tambellini who was in and around the net often.

Marc Hetnik (1 goal & 1 assist) Played very well on the Vernon backend. Hetnik played well at both ends of the rink.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

The Vipers who played their final home game of 2011-12 won their 10th straight at home. The Vipers looked very good in the opening period, really took it to the Silverbacks and outplayed Salmon Arm for most of the entire period. If it wasnt for Kurt Williams the Vipers could have easily had a 4 or 5-0 lead after 20 minutes of play. Vernon come out flying to start the 2nd period but after a few minutes didnt really have that same jump or intensity. The Vipers wernt the same club after the 1st period not nearly getting as many chances and shots as compared to the opening period. The Vipers had troubles defensively and on the penalty kill most of the night. Not one of the most exciting games but it was nice to see the boys pull out a win for the fans in the final home game of the season. In all my years watching Junior hockey in Vernon (22 years with season tickets) this is the first time ever I have gone to a Vipers game where the game has ment nothing.

Top Players: (Salmon Arm)

Mike Berry I thought played very well on the Silverbacks blueline.

Morgan Zulinick (2 assists) Was the Backs best player tonight. Was very good with and without the puck. A very smooth skating forward who was dangerous anytime with the puck. Really created and generated alot of chances for Salmon Arm.

Travis Stephens (1 goal) A bigger kid used his size and body in and around the net. Played fairly well most of the night.

Myles McCauley (2 goals) Was also strong up front for the Silverbacks. McCauley scored twice as also dangerous with the puck. Seems to play the Vipers well all season.

Kurt Williams (30 saves) Kurt Williams gave Salmon Arm a chance to win after the 1st period making several big saves keeping his team in the game. Williams played very well but didnt see alot of action after the opening period.

Game Thoughts: (Salmon Arm)

The Silverbacks who have now lost seven straight didnt look good in the opening period but seemed to play a little better as the game went along. The Backs went 3-5 with the man advantage and played well on specialty teams. The Silverbacks didnt get alot of scoring chances but were the better of the two teams in the 2nd and 3rd periods. This season series has been played tight between both teams all season as Vernon now leads the season series 4-3 with a re-match tomorrow night in Salmon Arm.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Max Mowat (Injured)
Luke Juha (Injured)
Turner Lawson (Injured)
Riley Hunt (Injured)

Salmon Arm:

3 Stars:

1st Star: Colton Cyr (Overtime Winner)
2nd Star: Myles McCauley (2 goals)
3rd Star: Adam Tambellini (1 goal & 1 assist)

For more on tonight's game visit the boxscore,

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977685&link=bchl

(Game Preview) Salmon Arm @ Vernon:

Salmon Arm (16-34-0-8) @ Vernon (28-27-1-2) 7pm start

Tonight is the seventh of eight regular season meetings between these two teams.

Let's take a look at the regular season schedule between these two hockey clubs,

Friday, September 23rd Salmon Arm @ Vernon (Vipers win 5-1)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977656

Saturday, September 24th Vernon @ Salmon Arm (Vipers win 5-4 in overtime)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977746

Friday, November 25th Salmon Arm @ Vernon (Silverbacks win 3-2 in Overtime)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977666&link=bchl

Saturday, November 26th Vernon @ Salmon Arm

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977758&link=bchl

Thursday, December 29th Vernon @ Salmon Arm

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977762&link=bchl

Friday, December 30th Salmon Arm @ Vernon (Vipers won 6-4)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977671&link=bchl

Friday, March 9th Salmon Arm @ Vernon
Saturday, March 10th Vernon @ Salmon Arm

Last Game Played:

Tuesday, March 6th Chilliwack defeated Vernon 4-2
Tuesday, March 6th Merritt defeated Salmon Arm 5-2

Next Game:

Saturday, March 10th Vernon @ Salmon Arm

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 38-25-3-6 vs. Salmon Arm

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Salmon Arm 255-245

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 15-12-0-3 at home vs. Salmon Arm

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 17-10-2-4 in Salmon Arm

Vernon is 5-4-0-1 in its last 10 regular season visits at the Sunwave Centre

Vernon is 4-2-0-3 in its last 10 regular season games vs. Salmon Arm

The Vipers last regular season win vs Salmon Arm at the Wesbild Centre was a 6-4 victory on Saturday, December 30th 2011

The Vipers last regular season win at the Sunwave Centre was a 5-4 overtime victory on Saturday, September 24th 2011

The Vipers went 1-5-0-1 vs Salmon Arm last season

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

Games Played: 1006
Wins: 639
Losses: 267
Ties: 16
Overtime Losses: 86

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

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

The Vipers return home after a 4-2 loss in Chilliwack Tuesday wich put an end to their run for the BCHL playoffs. The Vipers will finish the regular season with a home and home series vs Salmon Arm. The Vipers who are 21-6-1-1 have won nine straight at the Wesbild Centre. Vernon who will be playing for pride tonight has won three out of their last ten games will finish 5th in the Interior Conference this season.

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

Games Played: 58
Wins: 28
Losses: 27
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 21-6-1-1
Road Record: 7-21-0-1
Goals For: 194
Goals Against: 189
Streak: One game losing streak
Standings: 5th Place

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

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

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Dylan Walchuk (92)
Marcus Basara (93)
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)

Vernon’s Home record vs. Salmon Arm:

2-0-0-1

Vernon’s Road record vs. Salmon Arm:

1-1-0-1

Vernon’s Powerplay vs. Salmon Arm:

12-26

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Salmon Arm:

Darren Nowick (7-3-10)
Michael Zalewski (4-5-9)
Adam Tambellini (5-2-7)
Brett Corkey (1-5-6)
Colton Sparrow (1-4-5)
John Knisley (1-2-3)
Marc Hetnik (0-3-3)
Aaron Hadley (1-2-3)
Jedd Soleway (1-1-2)
Brendan Persley (1-1-2)
Patrick McGillis (1-0-1)
Geoff Crisfield (0-1-1)
Ben Gamache (1-0-1)
Sean Robertson (0-1-1)
Ryan Renz (0-1-1)

Kirby Halcrow (3-3 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

For more on tonight's game and the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, please visit Scott Campbells Salmon Arm Silverbacks blog,

http://silverbacksmack.blogspot.com/

The Silverbacks who also wont be in this years BCHL playoffs will make their fourth and final visit of the season to the Wesbild Centre have lost six straight. The Backs who are 8-19-0-2 have lost three straight away from home will finish their four game road trip tonight in Vernon.

Lets take a look at the Salmon Arm Silverbacks:

Games Played: 58
Wins: 16
Losses: 34
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 8
Home Record: 8-15-0-6
Road Record: 8-19-0-2
Goals For: 172
Goals Against: 258
Streak: Six game losing streak
Standings: 6th Place

Salmon Arm Silverbacks Returning Players:

James Friedel (91)
Devin Muller (92)
Morgan Zulinick (94)
Kurt Williams (91)

Salmon Arm Silverbacks Departing & traded players from last years team:

Brett Knowles (91)
Mike Hammond (90)
David Killip (91)
Brad Reid (90)
Devin Gannon (91)
Jarryd Ten Vaanholt (91)
Clinton Atkinson (91)
Josh Manson (91)
Cody Michelle (92)
Jayson Reardon (90)
Charlie Vasaturo (90)
Brandon Mistal (92)
Paul De Jersey (92)
Kevin Mills (90)
Josh McKissock (92)
Dustin Cave (94)
Justin Elliott (92)
Kris Moore (90)
Bryce Gervais (92)

Salmon Arm’s Home record vs. Vernon:

2-0-0-1

Salmon Arm’s Road record vs. Vernon:

1-2-0-0

Salmon Arms Powerplay vs. Vernon:

5-31

Salmon Arm’s scoring leaders vs. Vernon:

Morgan Zulinick (3-5-7)
Devin Muller (2-4-6)
Brendan Kennedy (1-4-5)
Sean Flanagan (3-3-6)
Kody Dhaliwal (1-4-5)
Shane Hanna (1-4-5)
Myles McCauley (2-3-5)
Garrett Hendrickson (0-3-3)
Alex Gillies (3-0-3)
Bennett Hambrook (1-1-2)
Jeff Kennedy (1-1-2)
Mak Barden (0-1-1)
Bradley Robinson (0-1-1)
James Friedel (0-1-1)

Kurt Williams (3-3 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Salmon Arm has the BCHL's 16th best powerplay

-The Silverbacks have the league's 16th 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

Salmon Arm Silverbacks:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224097

Chiefs Chase Vipers From Playoffs:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Chiefs chase Vipers from playoffs

Published: March 09, 2012

It took a long time for the Vernon Vipers to clear out of Prospera Centre and board the bus home from Chilliwack Tuesday night.

Part of it was shear exhaustion from doing as head coach Jason Williamson requested, which was to play like their season depended on it. The other part was the numbing combination of disbelief and dismay at having officially missed the B.C. Hockey League playoffs after falling 4-2 to the host Chiefs, despite being the better team on the night.

“It was one of those ones where, after the game, I didn’t know what to say to them,” said Williamson. “I don’t think you can outplay a team like that and still not win.”

It is the first time since the 2000-01 season that Vernon will not be in the postseason. In a bitter twist of fate, Williamson was team captain that year, and it still stings.

“It was tough. It was a transition year that year too, but we definitely rebounded going to a league final next year,” said Williamson, who urged his players to learn from the disappointment. “The guys that are moving on have to take that and learn from it. The guys that are coming back have to let it sting all summer long and come back prepared to change that.”

All Chilliwack (31-22-1-3) needed Tuesday night was a single point to clinch the fourth and final Interior Conference berth ahead of Vernon (28-27-1-2), and netminder Mitch Gillam made sure they got it, recording 47 saves to earn first star before 1,700 fans.

After Chilliwack was outshot 12-6 in the opening period, Alexandre Perron put the Chiefs on the board 3:51 into the second frame with a powerplay goal. The Quebec native snuck in from the point and punched a loose puck past netminder Kirby Halcrow.

Trevor Hills made it 2-0 just over a minute later when Kit Sitterley threw a sharp-angle shot on net that redirected in off Hill’s skate.

Vernon capitalized on a string of Chilliwack penalties later in the second. With Shay Laurent serving a boarding call, Viper rookie Adam Tambellini popped a rebound past Gillam for his 24th goal.

The Snakes tied the game just as a charging penalty to Michael Spring had expired. Michael Zalewski set Darren Nowick up with a drop pass, and Nowick went top shelf over Gillam’s glove for his team-leading 27th goal.

David Thompson, one-timing a point shot through traffic, recorded the winner early in the third period. Josh Hansen added an empty-netter with 18 seconds to play.

There were a number of factors that contributed to Vernon’s demise, some controllable, others not. Every team felt the effect of having two fewer playoff berths and reduced roster sizes. The latter was particularly felt by the Vipers, who lost close to 200 man-games to injury, and called up 56 affiliate players.

“Not one single game did I have to healthy scratch someone this year,” said Williamson. (Defenceman) Luke Juha played 10 games. (Captain) Pat McGillis missed half a season.”

Nowick, John Knisley, Ben Gamache, Max Mowat and Colton Sparrow also missed significant time to injury.

Another glaring statistic is the Vipers home and away records. They have the third most home wins (21) of any team, but they also hold the third-worst road record (7-21-0-1).

“That’s the difference right there,” said Williamson. “I don’t even know how to explain it. You look at last night’s game where we were the better team but we still didn’t win the game on the road.”

Vernon ends the regular season with a home-and-home series against the Salmon Arm SilverBacks (16-34-0-8), starting Friday night at Wesbild Centre.

The playoffs are no longer a reality, but Williamson expects his team to play for pride.

“It comes down to 20-year-olds going out on a high,” he said. “It’s your last home game here in front of your fans, so go play for each other,” he said. “For the guys coming back, the year didn’t go like they wanted it to, so they have something to prove.”

The Vipers will lose McGillis, Nowick, Knisley, Zalewski, Colton Cyr, Gamache, Sean Robertson and Halcrow to either NCAA scholarships or graduation.

SNAKE BITES: Chilliwack bench boss Harvey Smyl has never missed the playoffs in 16 years as a head coach in the BCHL... The Penticton Vees established another BCHL record with their 53rd win after they hammered the Trail Smoke Eaters 10-0 Tuesday night. They broke the record held by the 1989-90 New Westminster Royals and by the 1998-99 Vipers. The win was also their 41st consecutive victory, breaking a mark set by the 1989-90 Sudbury Wolves and now-defunct Rayside-Balfour Sabrecats in 1999-00.

Former Vipers Captain Mike Ullrich Named Finalist For CHL Rookie Of The Year:

Former Vernon Vipers Captain, Mike Ullrich is a finalist for the CHL Rookie of the Year award. Ullrich is in his first season with the CHL Tulsa Oilers. Ullrich played two years in Vernon (2005-2007).

Mike Ullrich's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=82968

This is posted on the Oilers website:

Ullrich Named Finalist For CHL Rookie of the Year

03/07/2012

GLENDALE, AZ – The Central Hockey League announced today that Oilers forward Mike Ullrich is a finalist for the CHL Rookie of the Year award.

Ullrich is on the final ballot with Jared Brown (F-Quad City), Andrew Courtney (F-Missouri), Bryan Gillis (G-Evansville), and Mark Guggenberger (G-Texas).

Serving as the Oilers top-line center all season, Ullrich has tallied 25 goals and 28 assists to lead the team in points. Ullrich’s goal total is not only tops on the Tulsa roster, but first among all CHL rookies.

Since training camp, Ullrich has played between wingers Dylan Clarke and Ryan Cramer and the trio has combined to produce 138 points, more than a quarter of the Oilers total offense. The 25-year old out of Banff, Alberta has recorded two hat-tricks and 12 multiple-point games this season.

Ullrich is one of only six players to appear in all 56 of the Oilers contests this season. He is tied for the team lead with seven powerplay goals and boasts the highest shooting percentage (.166) of any player on the active roster.

Tulsa is one point back of Rio Grande Valley for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Berry Conference. The Oilers return to the ice Friday night at 7:35 p.m. when they play host to the Quad City Mallards.

Former Vipers Defenceman Genoway Come Close To Making NHL Debut:

The University of North Dakota (UND Blog) reported yesterday that The Minnesota Wild thought they might have to make an emergency call-up on defense because of back issues with Kurtis Foster. Former Vernon Vipers defenceman, Chay Genoway would have been a candidate to be called up, but Foster practiced yesterday, the Wild will leave (Genoway) their top-scoring defenseman in the AHL.

Genoway played one season with the Vipers (2005-2006) was signed by the Minnesota Wild as a free agent, April 12, 2011. In 55 regular season games with the AHL Houston Aeros Genoway leads all Aeros defencemen with (6-17-23).

Chay Genoway's Player Profile:
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=92084

Former Vipers D-Man Garrett Noonan Ranked Second In Team With Goals:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman, Garrett Noonan ranks second on Boston University with 14 goals, which ranks second nationally amongst defenseman and is tied for the fourth-highest single-season goal ever total by a Terriers blueliner. Noonan played one season in Vernon (2009-2010). Noonan was selected by the Nashville Predators in round 4 #112 overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

Garrett Noonan's Player Profile:

http://www.goterriers.com/sports/m-hockey/mtt/noonan_garrett00.html

Panthers Recall Former Viper Tyson Strachan From AHL:

The Florida Panthers have recalled former Vernon Vipers defenceman, Tyson Strachan from the AHL San Antonio Rampage over the weekend. Strachan played just one season in Vernon (2002-03) collecting (6-22-28) in 56 regular season games with the Vipers, before playing four years at Ohio State University. Strachan was drafted by Carolina in the fifth round (137th overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Strachan signed as a free agent with the Florida Panthers back in July after playing the last four seasons with the AHL Peoria Rivermen & the NHL St. Louis Blues.

Tyson Strachan's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=72630

This is posted on the Panthers website:

Panthers Recall Tyson Strachan from San Antonio (AHL)

Saturday, 03.03.2012

Florida Panthers Executive Vice President & General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that the club has recalled D Tyson Strachan from San Antonio (AHL).

Strachan, 27, earns his third recall to Florida this season. He made his Florida Panthers debut on Jan. 24 vs. Philadelphia and registered his first Panthers point, an assist, on Feb. 1 vs. Washington. He scored his first National Hockey League goal on Feb. 12, in Florida’s 4-1 victory against the New York Islanders. He has appeared in 12 games for the Panthers this season registering three points (1-2-3) and five PIM.

For his career in the NHL, Strachan has appeared in 79 games with St. Louis (2008-11) and Florida (2012), scoring one goal with eight assists and 87 PIM. He was drafted by Carolina in the fifth round (137th overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He has played in 35 games with San Antonio (AHL) registering 12 points (3-9-12) and 31 PIM.

The Southeast Division-leading Florida Panthers host the Nashville Predators tonight at 7:30 p.m. The game can be seen on live on FOX Sports Florida and heard on 560 WQAM.

Sunrise Sports & Entertainment is the premier company of its kind in South Florida. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Home to more than 200 events annually and the Florida Panthers hockey club, the Broward County-owned BankAtlantic Center welcomes more than two million guests each year.

Vees Break Vernon Vipers Record Of 52 Regular Season Wins:

Vees establish new BCHL mark for wins in a season

Wednesday, March 7, 2012 - Submitted by BCHL Media

The Penticton Vees have established a new BCHL mark for wins in a season after they defeated the Trail Smoke Eaters 10-0 on March 6. With 53 victories on the campaign, they broke the record held by the 1989-90 New Westminster Royals and by the 1998-99 Vernon Vipers.

The win was also their 41st consecutive victory and broke a mark set by the 1989-90 Sudbury Wolves and the now-defunct Rayside-Balfour Sabrecats in 1999-00.

The Vees have played .931 hockey this year. Their record is 53-3-0-2. They lead the BCHL in goals scored with 324. They lead the BCHL with the fewest goals against at 123. They have not lost in regulation at home. They have been the #1 ranked team in Junior A hockey for the last three months. With one more point in the standings, they'll set another new BCHL mark for points in a season.

Interestingly, Dean Millard of the popular Junior hockey program The Pipeline Show, posted THIS STORY http://thepipelineshow.blogspot.com/2012/03/not-so-fast-penticton-vees.html?spref=tw  on his blog the night of the Vees win over Trail.

With Junior A records being spotty once you go back 25 or more years, not many people knew of the record that Millard referenced.

The Vees visit the Prince George Spruce Kings for two games this weekend. A pair of wins would give them 43 straight to close the campaign which would push them past any Junior A consecutive wins records referenced to this point.

Former Vernon Viper Marino Named MVP Award Finalist:

Former Vernon Vipers forward, Brandon Marino has been named one of five finalists for the Central Hockey League Most Valuable Player award. Marino, 25, leads the league in goals (36) and power play goals (12), ranks second in points (79), is tied for second in shorthanded goals (3) and ranks fourth in assists (43). Marino 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' MARINO NAMED M.V.P. AWARD FINALIST

03/07/2012

Quad City Mallards forward Brandon Marino has been named one of five finalists for the Central Hockey League Most Valuable Player award while teammate Jared Brown has been named a finalist for Rookie of the Year award and Mallards captain Darren McMillan has been selected as a candidate for the Most Outstanding Defenseman award, the Mallards announced today in conjunction with the CHL.

“I’m very proud to have these guys as part of our hockey team and all three are very deserving of this recognition,” said Mallards coach and general manager David Bell.

Marino, 25, leads the league in goals (36) and power play goals (12), ranks second in points (79), is tied for second in shorthanded goals (3) and ranks fourth in assists (43). The 5’ 9”, 185-pound Riverside, California native is currently in the midst of a six-game point scoring streaking during which he has produced seven goals and piled up a dozen points. Marino was selected to start in January’s CHL All-Star Game and was named M.V.P. of the mid-season classic after scoring the winning goal and collecting three assists as the All-Stars defeated the host Arizona Sundogs.

Now in his third professional season- all spent with the Mallards- Marino has long since eclipsed his previous career highs for goals, assists and points in a season. He scored ten goals and produced 38 points in 58 games last year after totaling 13 goals and 44 points in his first pro campaign.

Before joining the Mallards, Marino helped Cinderella story Bemidji State to a berth in the 2009 NCAA Frozen Four. Marino scored seven goals and notched 19 points in 36 games in 2008-09 and rang up 15 goals and 51 points in 116 games over his four years as a Beaver. He played junior hockey for three seasons in the British Columbia and North American leagues before enrolling at BSU.

The other M.V.P. candidates are Allen’s Bruce Graham, Rapid City’s Shawn Limpright, Wichita’s Matt Robinson and Evansville’s Todd Robinson.

Brown, who turned 26 last month, leads CHL rookies in points (60) and assists (38) and is tied for third among first year players in goals (22). The Gardner, Kansas, native is also tied for seventh overall in assists and tied for eighth overall in points.

The 5’ 10”, 195-pound Brown first joined the Mallards last spring immediately after completing his collegiate career at Northern Michigan. He scored twice and added an assist in five games with Quad City at the tail end of last season. Over four years at NMU, Brown scored 32 goals and recorded 82 points in 155 games. His junior year saw Brown produce nine goals and 23 points in 41 games while helping NMU to the school’s first NCAA tournament bid in a decade.

The other Rookie of the Year finalists are Missouri’s Andrew Courtney, Evansville’s Bryan Gillis, Texas’s Mark Guggenberger and Tulsa’s Mike Ullrich.

McMillan, 31, leads the Mallards and is tied for sixth among CHL defensemen in plus/minus rating (+15). Now in his second season as team captain, the Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, product has scored three goals and registered 20 points this year. The ever-reliable McMillan has played in each of the Mallards 123 games over the last two seasons.

Last season the 6’ 0”, 210-pound McMillan scored four goals and totaled 21 points and represented the Mallards at the CHL All-Star Game. McMillan, who first played for the Mallards early in the 2009-10 season before finishing that campaign in Germany, has suited up for the CHL’s Wichita Thunder, Klostersee EHC of the German Oberliga, and the ECHL‘s Ontario Reign- as well as the Mallards- over the course of his seven-year career. He has skated in 393 games since turning pro during which he has notched 26 goals and 154 points.

McMillan will compete against Fort Wayne’s Frankie DeAngelis, Evansville’s Matt Gens, Missouri’s Dave Pszenyczny and Rapid City’s Riley Weselowski for Most Outstanding Defenseman honors.

Finalists were determined by the CHL office after nominations were submitted by CHL clubs. Awards will be voted upon by CHL head coaches, team communications departments and select media members.

The Mallards return to action on the road tomorrow night against the Allen Americans. The Mallards next play at home Saturday evening at 7:05 p.m. against the Tulsa Oilers. The Mallards will welcome area church and youth groups to the i wireless Center for Faith Night next Saturday evening. Also on Saturday, the Mallards will team with Quad Cities firefighters for “Hockey for Hailey”. “Hockey for Hailey” will raise funds for Rock Island second grader Hailey Briggs, who is suffering from a rare form of brain cancer. A benefit hockey game between Quad Cities firefighters and Chicago firefighters at 3:00 p.m. will precede the Mallards’ match-up with Tulsa. Tickets to the Quad City-Chicago firefighters’ game also include a seat for the Mallards’ game later in the evening and are available for just $14. “Hockey for Hailey” tickets can be purchased before 5:00 p.m. Friday by calling the Mallards at 309-277-1392. Tickets will also be available at the door of the firefighters’ game Saturday.

Single game tickets for all Mallards regular season home contests- including Saturday night’s game- are available. Fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 or tickets@myqcmallards.com for more information about tickets.

Former Vipers Gill & Noonan Named Hockey East Weekly Top Performers:

Two former Vernon Vipers were two of twenty players named in this week's (March, 5th 2012) Hockey East weekly top performers.

Sahir Gill who was named Hockey East weekly top performer last week, was once again named this week's Hockey East weekly top performer.  Gill recorded a goal and two assists in the Terriers' home-and-home with Northeastern. Gill played two seasons with the Vipers (2008-2010).

Garrett Noonan Tallied three goals, an assist and +2 rating in weekend series with NU. Noonan played one season in Vernon (2009-2010).