Game Preview: West Kelowna @ Vernon:

West Kelowna (15-9-0-5) @ Vernon (17-8-1-2) 7pm

Tonight is the fifth of seven meetings between the Vernon Vipers & West Kelowna Warriors. The season series is tied 2-2. 

Last Game:

Saturday, December 6th Vernon defeated Trail 9-5
Saturday, December 6th West Kelowna defeated Salmon Arm 7-1

Next Game:

Friday, December 12th Vernon @ Powell River
Friday, December 12th West Kelowna @ Trail

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 415-227-20-19

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 227-94-11-10 at home

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 189-123-9-9 on the road

Since the 2006-07 regular season Vernon is 28-22-3-4 vs. West Kelowna

Since the 2006-07 regular season Vernon has outscored West Kelowna 165-161

Since the 2006-07 regular season Vernon is 16-8-2-2 at home vs. West Kelowna

Since the 2006-07 regular season Vernon is 12-14-1-2 in West Kelowna

The Vipers are 6-2-1-1 in their last ten games vs West Kelowna

The Vipers are 3-6-0-1 vs West Kelowna in their last ten games at Royal Le Page Place

The Vipers are 7-2-1-0 in their last ten games at Kal Tire Place vs West Kelowna

Since the 2010-11 regular season the Warriors have two wins in their last sixteen games at Kal Tire Place (February 9th 2013 & September 27th 2014)

Vernon's last win at home vs West Kelowna was a 3-2 overtime win on Saturday, February 15th 2014

West Kelowna's last regular season victory at Kal Tire Place was a 4-0 win on Saturday, September 27th 2014

Vernon's last win at Royal Le Page Place was a 7-4 win on Saturday, October 18th 2014

West Kelowna's last win at home vs Vernon was a 6-5 double overtime win on Friday, November 21st 2014

The Vipers went 4-2-1-0 last season vs the Warriors

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The defending Interior Division Conference Champion Vernon Vipers are coming off a 9-5 victory in Trail Saturday will begin playing four games in the next five days.  The Vipers sit in 2nd place two points up on West Kelowna and three points up on Merritt.  Vernon has won four of their last five games are 7-2-0-1 in their last ten games.  The Vipers have given up just 77 goals wich is second best in the league.  The Vipers fell 6-5 in double overtime to the Warriors in their last meeting in West Kelowna on November 21st as the season series is tied at 2-2.

Thomas Aldworth (19-7-26) leads the team in goals with nineteen while Liam Coughlin (10-19-29) leads the team in points with twenty nine.

Graham Turnbull's Vernon Vipers Venom Blog

http://vipersvenom1.blogspot.ca/

Vernon Vipers 2014-15 Regular Season Stats:

Games Played: 28
Wins: 17
Losses: 8
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 9-5-1-1
Road Record: 8-3-0-1
Overtime Record: 1-2-1
Record vs Interior Division: 11-7-1-1
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 6-1-0-1
Record in September: 2-2-0-1
Record in October: 5-3-0-0
Record in November 9-2-1-1
Record in December 1-1-0-0
When the Vipers score first: 13-2-1-1
When the opponents score first: 4-6-0-1
Leading after 1st Period: 9-1-1-1
Tied after 1st Period: 4-2-0-0
Trailing after 1st Period: 4-5-0-1
Leading after 2nd Period: 12-1-0-1
Tied after 2nd Period: 4-0-0-0
Trailing after 2nd Period: 1-7-1-1
Out shooting Opponents: 14-4-0-1
Out shot by Opponents: 2-4-1-1
One goal games: 3-3-0-2
Goals For: 102
Goals Against: 77
Place: 2nd Place
Streak: One game winning streak

Vernon has the leagues 14th best powerplay

The Vipers have the leagues 9th best penalty kill

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

TJ Dumonceaux (94)
Danny Todosychuk (94)
Riley Guenther (94)
Kenny Citron (95)
Liam Coughlin (94)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Dexter Dancs (95)
Michael McNicholas (94)
Brett Mulcahy (93)
Demico Hannoun (95)
Jared Wilson (94)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Mason Blacklock (94)
Josh Bryan (93)
Brendan Persley (93)
Logan Mick (96)
Ryan Renz (93)
Michael Statchuk (94)
Tyler Povelofskie (96)
Matty Saharchuk (95)
Austin Smith (93)
Dylan Chanter (95)

Vernon’s Home record vs. West Kelowna this season:

0-1-0-0

Vernon’s Road record vs. West Kelowna this season:

2-0-0-1

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. West Kelowna this season:

Luke Voltin (2-5-7)
Anthony Latina (2-3-5)
Makenzie Bauer (3-1-4)
Trevor Fidler (2-2-4)
Luke Shiplo (0-4-4)
Liam Finlay (1-2-3)
Mitch Meek (0-2-2)
TJ Dumonceaux (2-0-2)
Jagger Williamson (0-2-2)
Liam Coughlin (1-1-2)
Mitchell Oliver (1-0-1)
Jake Emilio (0-1-1)
Riley Guenther (0-1-1)
Johnny Coughlin (0-1-1)
Branden Egli (0-1-1)
Thomas Aldworth (1-0-1)

Danny Todosychuk (2-2 Record)

Lets take a look at the West Kelowna Warriors:

The West Kelowna Warriors are making just their second of three regular season visits to Kal Tire Place.  The Warriors last visit to Vernon was a 4-0 victory over the Vipers on September 27th.  Since the 2010-11 regular season the Warriors have two wins in their last sixteen games at Kal Tire Place (February 9th 2013 & September 27th 2014)West Kelowna is coming off a 7-1 victory Saturday night in Salmon Arm.  Tonight is the second of a three game road trip where the Warriors have won just twice out of their last five road games.  West Kelowna sits in 3rd place one point up on Merritt and just two points back of Vernon.  The Warriors have lost three of their last five games and are 4-4-0-2 in their last ten games.  The Warriors will make their final visit of the season in Vernon on January 16th.

Jonathan Desbiens (17-14-31) leads the Warriors in goals with seventeen while Liam Blackburn (13-33-46) leads the Warriors in points with fourty six.

Warriors Head Coach-GM Rylan Ferster played one season in Vernon (1989-90) with the Centennial Cup Champion Vernon Lakers.

Kyle Anderson's Battle Cries West Kelowna Warriors blog

http://wkwarriors.blogspot.ca/

West Kelowna Warriors 2014-15 Regular Season Stats:

Games Played: 29
Wins: 15
Losses: 9
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 5
Home Record: 6-6-0-1
Road Record: 9-3-0-4
Goals For: 108
Goals Against: 103
Place: 3rd Place
Streak: One game winning streak

West Kelowna has the leagues 9th best powerplay

The Warriors has the league's 8th best penalty kill

West Kelowna Warriors Returning Players:

Liam Blackburn (96)
Jason Cotton (95)
Brett Meanner (96)
Kylar Hope (95)
Mac Ferner (95)
Ryan Ivey (94)
Jordan Masters (94)
Andy Desautels (94)

West Kelowna Warriors Departing & traded players from last years team:

Seb Lloyd (94)
Carl Hesler (94)
David Pope (94)
Matt Anholt (94)
Adam Osczevski (95)
Tyson Dallman (93)
Reid Simmonds (93)
Adam Plant (95)
Taki Pantziris (93)
Braden pears (93)
Ben Tegtmeyer (94)
Nathan Craft (94)
Ryan Fraser-Lee (93)
Cody Porter (97)

West Kelowna's Home record vs. Vernon this season:

1-2-0-0

West Kelowna's Road record vs. Vernon this season:

1-0-0-0

West Kelowna's scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Jason Cotton (3-5-8)
Liam Blackburn (3-4-6)
Michael Buonincontri (1-3-4)
Jordan Masters (3-1-4)
Kristian Blumenschein (0-3-3)
Jonathan Desbiens (1-2-3)
Rylan Yaremko (0-2-2)
Brett Mennear (1-1-2)
Mac Ferner (0-2-2)
Kyle Marino (0-2-2)
Kylar Hope (1-0-1)
Brayden Gelsinger (1-0-1)
Josh Bly (1-0-1)
Hunter Zandee (0-1-1)

Scott Patton (1-0 Record)
Andy Desautels (1-2 Record)

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon Vipers:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224096

West Kelowna:

http://www.vipers.bc.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224092

Caton Makes Most Of Time:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Caton makes most of time

Published: December 10, 2014

Blaine Caton has spent a little time lately watching B.C. Hockey League action from the press box.

The Vernon Vipers’ rookie pivot is making his case for an ice-level view. The 17-year-old Vernon product collected a goal and two assists as the Snakes thumped the host Trail Smoke Eaters 9-5 in a goal-filled affair Saturday night at Cominco Arena.

“Whenever you get put back in the lineup and get the opportunity, you’ve got to show what you can do,” said Caton, who skated between buzzsaw wingers Nicholas Rasovic and Riley Brandt.

Caton’s goal, his second of the season, capped a four-goal barrage in less than three minutes in the first period to give Vernon a 5-1 lead. He batted home a rebound out of midair to chase netminder Adam Todd, who allowed five goals on 16 shots. Brett Clark made 14 saves in relief.

Brandt (3rd goal), who opened the goal spree at 13:26, and Rasovic, with his first as a Viper in the third period, also scored.

“They really came along and were probably our hardest working line that game,” said Vipers’ assistant coach Kevin Kraus.

With Vernon forward Liam Finlay and d-man Luke Shiplo away at the Team Canada West selection camp for the World Junior A Challenge (Dec. 14-20 in Kindersley, Sask.), the second-place Snakes (17-8-1-2) could be without two of their primary powerplay components as they host the West Kelowna Warriors (15-9-0-5) tonight (7:00) at Kal Tire Place.

Even if they don’t make the squad, it was unknown at The Morning Star’s press time whether Finlay or Shiplo would return in time to play.

“It’s a big statement game for us,” said Kraus. “They’re two points behind. They either keep it close or we start to make some room in the standings.”

Since Finlay joined the Vipers in early November, the Snakes’ powerplay has clicked at an impressive 24.59 per cent (15-of-61). Vernon’s man advantage has clicked in each of its last four games, including snipes by Thomas Aldworth (18th) and TJ Dumonceaux (10th), in the first and third period, respectively, against the last-place Smokies (12-15-0-1) Saturday.

“When we picked up Finlay (from the Penticton Vees), he and Shiplo are running it up top, and Liam Coughlin down low, he’s so good with puck,” said Caton. “TJ has most of the goals though.”

Aldworth’s powerplay goal opened the scoring 8:34 into the first period before Charlie Zuccarini (17th) replied for Trail. Aldworth (19th) and Jagger Williamson (3rd), with a wicked snapshot from the blueline, tallied 18 seconds apart after Brandt had started the first-period goal frenzy.

Jake Lucchini (13th) got one back for Trail with 11 seconds to play in the first period, and Paulsen Lautard (2nd) made it 5-3 early in period two.

“Defensively, there were a lot of missed coverages,” said Kraus. “We just need to be committed to the defensive zone every night, every shift.”

Second-period singles by Mitch Meek (6th) and Trevor Fidler (7th) restored Vernon’s four-goal cushion, but Trail responded with a powerplay goal by Conner Wynne (1st) in the third. Connor Brown-Maloski (4th) completed the offence with 1:31 to play.

Ex-Viper Dallas Calvin recorded three assists for Trail. Shiplo had four helpers for Vernon.

After a promising start, the Smoke Eaters are 4-5-0-1 in their last 10. Vernon is 7-2-0-1.

“For our group, it’s time to hopefully just re-energize here and understand where we’re at in our division and where we need to get to,” said Trail Smoke Eater assistant coach Craig Clare. “We’re not out of this thing by any point, but we need to turn it around quickly to give ourselves an opportunity to get back in the playoff picture.”

SNAKE BITES: Jarrod Schamerhorn is expected to start tonight as Danny Todosychuk is back on injured reserve. Captain Riley Guenther has been cleared to practise after missing two weeks with a lower-body injury. He is doubtful for Wednesday...Forward Linden Hora was a healthy scratch in Trail.

Vernon Vipers Teddy Bear Toss Video:

GoPro Highlight Goal - Vipers Teddy Bear Toss

Published by Hockeytube.net

December 6, 2014

The Vernon Vipers held their annual Teddy Bear Toss game Friday against the Penticton Vees. The Viper's #19 Thomas Aldworth would score the big goal just over six minutes into the first period.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pr7401tN_vo

Larry Black Memorial Video:

This is posted on the Hockeytube website:

Larry Black Memorial Video

Posted by HockeyTube on Dec 5th, 2014

This past week the Vernon Vipers, the BCHL and the Vernon Hockey Community lost a cherished colleague and friend, Larry Black.

Larry Black ( or Blackie as he was known to friends and colleagues) started his hockey career as the GM of the KIJHL Revelstoke Grizzlies in the ‘90s. He ran the program for 6 years. During his tenure there they won three Divisional Championships. The Grizzlies were affiliated with the Merritt Centennials at the time who were being coached by Mike Vandekamp. When Vandekamp became the head coach of the Vipers in 2001-2002 he brought Black on as a regional scout.

Larry was a regional scout for 5 years and in 2007 became head scout and director of scouting for the Vipers. He was instrumental in bringing such players as Aaron Volpatti, Chris Crowell, Connor and Kellen Jones, Hunter Bishop, Kyle Bigos and Adam Tambellini on to the Viper team. That’s the talent that won the Vipers back-to-back Royal Bank Cup Championships in 2009 and 2010 and runner up in 2011. That also includes winning the Fred page Cup 3 times, the Doyle Cup 3 times and 3 BCHL Championships.

Duncan Wray, President of the Vernon Vipers stated, “Larry was a fixture around many arenas in B.C. and Alberta. He was an excellent recruiter, and cared deeply about his players. He was an integral part of our RBC cup teams, having fit so many pieces into that puzzle. He will be greatly missed.”

In 2013 Larry joined the Salmon Arm Silverbacks as the Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Personnel.

Larry was known for his wicked sense of humor, lending an ear to chew and advice for anyone lucky enough to call him a friend. Heaven’s hockey team just picked up another fantastic scout and even better man.

The Vernon Vipers will honor Larry’s memory with his initials on their helmets for the rest of this season.

Larry is survived by his wife Gay, 3 grown children and 5 grandchildren.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nQsrMJr9ng

Former Viper Twins Record Seven Points In Loss To Thunder:

Former Vernon Vipers forwards Connor and Kellen
collected seven points in a 7-4 loss to Stockton on November 22nd.  Kellen collected 2 goals & 2 assists while Connor picked up 1 goal & 2 assists. 

Connor leads the team in scoring with (8-goals-16-assists-24-points) while Kellen is third in team scoring with (6-goals-16-assists-22-points). 

Connor & Kellen both played four years in Vernon (2006-2010) are in their first season with the East Coast Hockey League's Bakersfield Condors.  The Jones Twins signed their first pro contract with the American Hockey League Oklahoma City Barons on April 3rd 2014.  The Barons assigned the Jones Twins to Bakersfield after Training camp this season.

In 163 regular season games with the Vipers. Connor collected (80-goals-118-assists-198-points) Connor also is the Vipers all-time franchise points leader (regular season & playoffs) with 228 & all-time franchise goals leader (regular season & playoffs) with 95.

Kellen played in 154 regular season games with the Vipers collecting (39-goals-134-assists-173-points). Kellen is also the all-time franchise assists leader (regular season & playoffs) with 150. Kellen was drafted in Round 7 of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft #202 overall by the Edmonton Oilers.

Connor Jones Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=113610

Kellen Jones Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=113607 

This is posted on the Condors website:

Joneses combine for seven points in loss

November 22, 2014 by condors

STOCKTON, Calif. – The Bakersfield Condors (8-7-1-1, 18pts), owned by the Edmonton Oilers, could not overcome an early deficit and fell, 7-4, to the Stockton Thunder (6-10-0-0, 12pts) on Saturday night at Stockton Arena.

Box Score, http://www.echl.com/stats/official-game-report.php?game_id=11691

LW Kellen Jones (2g-2a) and C Connor Jones (1g-2a) combined for seven points in the loss.

FIRST PERIOD

THUNDER GOAL: D Austin Levi (2) shot from the left circle. Assists: Maxwell, Sivak; Time of goal: 36 seconds; STK leads, 1-0
THUNDER GOAL: F J.T. Barnett (1) shot from the left circle. Assists: Sutter, Phillips; Time of goal: 2:04; STK leads, 2-0
CONDORS GOAL: LW Kellen Jones (4) shot from the left circle on the power play. Assist: Winquist; Time of goal: 2:22; STK leads, 2-1
THUNDER GOAL: F Jack MacLellan (3) deflected a point shot from the top of the crease. Assists: Boutin, Maxwell; Time of goal: 7:43; STK leads, 3-1
THUNDER GOAL: F Lukas Sutter (2) tipped a shot from the left point. Assists: Stebner, Barnett; Time of goal: 11:46; STK leads, 4-1
G Frans Tuohimaa replaced G Ty Rimmer after the fourth goal and played the final 8:14 of the first period

Shots: BAK – 8 | STK – 12

SECOND PERIOD

THUNDER GOAL: F Tyler Maxwell (4) snapped a shot from the slot after an extended offensive zone possession. Assists:Phillips, Sivak; STK leads, 5-1
CONDORS GOAL: C Connor Jones (5) on the power play stuffed home his own rebound; Assists: K. Jones, Brooks; Time of goal: 12:19; STK leads, 5-2
THUNDER GOAL: Maxwell (5) got his second of the night from the top of the right circle despite the Condors contending the puck had gone out of play just prior. Assist: MacLellan; STK leads, 6-2
Shots: BAK – 14 | STK – 10

THIRD PERIOD

CONDORS GOAL: K. Jones (5) with his second of the night off a feed in front from the left-wing corner. Assist: C. Jones. Time of goal: 10:49; STK leads, 6-3
CONDORS GOAL: LW Chase Schaber (5) poked home a loose puck in the crease on the power play. Assists: C. Jones, K. Jones; Time of goal: 17:44; STK leads, 6-4
THUNDER GOAL: RW Peter Sivak (4) empty-net goal. Assist: MacLellan; Time of goal: 18:28; STK leads, 7-4
Shots: BAK – 9 | STK – 2

GOALTENDERS

BAK: Rimmer (ND, 11:46; 12/8) // Tuohimaa (L; 47:07; 11/9; 1-3-1)
STK: Simpson (31/27; 2-3-0)

CONDORS DROPPINGS:

Three Stars: 1. Maxwell (STK) 2. Barnett (STK) 3. Simpson (STK)

Final shots: BAK – 31 | STK – 24

Power Plays: BAK – 3/8  | STK – 1/3

RW Brendan Brooks earned an assist for his first Condors point

LW Kellen Jones (2g-2a) had his fourth multi-point game for Bakersfield and his four-point night is a team-high

C Connor Jones (5g), LW Chase Schaber (5g) and K. Jones are now tied for the team lead in goals scored

Scratches: RW Francis Verreault-Paul, D Jonathan Narbonne, F Jim McKenzie

Vipers Receive Honourable Mention In CJHL Weekly Standings:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

Vees sixth, Clips back in at 17th, mention for Chiefs in weekly top-20

Monday, December 1, 2014 - Submitted by CJHL Media

CALGARY, Alberta (December 1, 2014) – With a 14-game winning streak under their belt and no end in sight to their superb play, the Portage Terriers of the MJHL, remain on top of the Pointstreak CJHL Top 20 Weekly Rankings. Elsewhere in the country, some teams are getting hot and some teams and hitting mini-slumps, resulting in numerous changes to this week’s rankings.

The Penticton Vees are still on top in the BCHL Interior Division, and the Nanaimo Clippers have gotten back to their winning ways. The Chilliwack Chiefs and the Vernon Vipers are also starting to roll and the BCHL remains ultra-competitive. In Alberta, the Camrose Kodiaks and the Spruce Grove Saints are virtually tied for the overall lead in points, but the Okotoks Oilers and Brooks Bandits are close behind.

In Saskatchewan, the Melfort Mustangs stumbled and are still trailing the Kindersley Klippers by four points, while the Flin Flon Bombers continue to pursue with each game.  The Portage Terriers remain comfortably atop the overall MJHL standings, while the Winkler Flyers continue to stay ahead of the Winnipeg Blues. In the SIJHL, the Fort Frances Lakers are tied at the top of the standings with the Thunder Bay North Stars, but have two games in hand. In the NOJHL, the Soo Thunderbirds have remained ahead of the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners for NOJHL superiority, but the Elliot Lake Wildcats are starting to make a statement as well.

The Aurora Tigers of the OJHL have pulled ahead of the Trenton Golden Hawks for the overall lead in the standings, and the Georgetown Raiders are making it a three team race for the overall lead in the OJHL. The Carleton Place Canadians and the Ottawa Jr. ‘A’ Senators continue to dominate the CCHL.

The Titan de Princeville share top spot in the standings of the LHJQ, with the Cougars de Sherbrooke, but the Titan hold a game in hand. The Woodstock Slammers are clearly one of the top teams in the CJHL, and have an eleven point lead over second place Miramichi Timberwolves and are starting to run away from the rest of the MHL.

Top 20 Rankings

1.       Portage Terriers (MJHL) (1)
2.       Woodstock Slammers (MHL) (4)
3.       Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL) (2)
4.       Aurora Tigers (OJHL) (5)
5.       Camrose Kodiaks (AHL) (6)
6.       Penticton Vees (BCHL) (3)
7.       Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL) (7)
8.       Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL) (9)
9.       Kindersley Klippers (SJHL) (12)
10.   Brooks Bandits (AJHL) (17)
11.   Kirkland Lake Gold Miners (SIJHL) (14)
12.   Trenton Golden Hawks (OJHL) (8)
13.   Melfort Mustangs (SJHL) (10)
14.   Winkler Flyers (MJHL) (11)
15.   Ottawa Jr. ‘A’ Senators (CCHL) (15)
16.   Fort Frances Lakers (SIJHL) (13)
17.   Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL) (HM)
18.   Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL) (HM)
19.   Les Titan de Princeville (LHJQ) (16)
20.   Miramichi Timberwolves (MHL) (18)    

Honourable Mention: Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL), Vernon Vipers (BCHL), Okotoks Oilers (AJHL), Winnipeg Blues (MJHL), Georgetown Raiders (OJHL)

About the Pointstreak CJHL Top 20 Rankings - The Pointstreak CJHL Top 20 weekly rankings are produced in conjunction with International Scouting Services (ISS) and are based upon a variety of factors, including the league in which the team plays, winning percentage, win-loss record, total points accumulated, goals-for versus goals-against ratio, etc.

About the CJHL - The Canadian Junior Hockey League is a national organization comprised of all 10 Junior A hockey leagues in Canada.  The CJHL represents more than 120 teams and 2,500 players and has over 2,800 former players furthering their hockey careers at the professional, major junior and college level across North America.  For latest CJHL news and features, visit www.cjhlhockey.com and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/cjhlhockey or @cjhlhockey

Vees Up Season Series To 4-0

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vees up season series to 4-0
                      
by  Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star

 posted Dec 7, 2014

Cody DePourcq can’t get enough of the B.C. Hockey League, or the Vernon Vipers for that matter.

The 19-year-old scored once in his 200th game, all with Penticton, as the Vees held off the Vernon Vipers 4-3 in Interior Division play before 1,950 fans Friday night at Kal Tire Place.

The 5-foot-5, 160-pound dynamo has probably faced the Vipers close to 40 times since breaking in with the Vees as a 16-year-old buzzsaw.

“It’s special and unique to play that many games in this league,” smiled DePourcq. “It’s a tough league and I’ve been fortunate to not have many injuries throughout my career, and play with so many great players and teams over the last three years. I love playing against Vernon. We bring out the best in one another and the games are always a lot of fun.”

DePourcq, who is eligble for a fifth season next year, quickly listed his most memorable game but couldn’t remember who it was against.

“The Royal Bank Cup (final),” he beamed. “Just watching the seconds tick down on the clock was a great feeling. I’m not even sure who we played.”

The Vees clipped the Woodstock Slammers of Ontario 4-3 in the 2011 RBC championship in Humboldt, Sask. DePourcq’s father, John, won a national title with the Penticton Knights in 1986.

Vees’ head coach Fred Harbinson, noting that DePourcq was talking to a fan in the hallway rather than heading upstairs for a run, joked: “So, you play your 200th game, you don’t have to do the cool down?”

Harbinson has enjoyed the ride with the Penticton product.

“He’s fun to coach. He’s a great kid. The frustrations of coaching a lot of times is trying to motivate guys and trying to get guys going and you never have to motivate that kid. Every day he comes with a smile on his face to the rink and wants to work and his worth ethic is as high it goes. It’s been a pleasure coaching him.”

Patrick Newell, Mitch Newsome and Lewis Zerter-Gossage also supplied goals for the Vees, who have won all four meetings with Vernon this season.

There wasn’t as much flow as past Vees-Vipers tilts, but it was still superior hockey you never tire of watching.

“I think both teams get each other up. It’s pretty rare for either of our teams to take the other team lightly,” said Harbinson, whose Vees are ranked No. 6 in Canada. “We knew it was gonna be tough, especially after winning the first two in this building. It lived up to it. They scored first and we pushed back and it was tight at the end.”

Texan Thomas Aldworth pulled the hat trick for the Vipers, his last tally coming with goalie Jarrod Schamerhorn on the bench for a sixth attacker, with 30 seconds to play.

Aldworth netted his 15th snipe of the season 6:23 into the game, triggering an onset of more than 400 hundred stuffies on the annual charity Teddy Bear Toss Night.  A lack of volunteers on hand to retrieve the toys caused a 10-minute delay. Aldworth was the beneficiary of a wild rebound after TJ Dumonceaux’s shot went high off goalie Hunter Miska to the left hash mark.

Newell equalized with 1:44 remaining in the first period when rookie d-man Mitchell Oliver stick handled through his own crease, forcing a shocked Schamerhorn to make a save. Newell buried the rebound on the goal-line for an early Christmas gift.

“It happens to the best of us,” said Vernon alternate captain Kenny Citron. “It doesn’t fall on one guy. It’s a team effort and that’s the thing about this team, we all have each other’s backs. If one guy’s not playing great, somebody else is picking up the slack for him. That’s how it works which is part about what makes it special.”

Newsome and DePourcq rang up goals in 85 seconds midway through the second period to put Penticton up 3-1. Newsome , from the back door, went blocker side after d-man Patrick Sexton made a smart play using his knee to keep the puck inside the zone before dishing a gorgeous pass.

DePourcq completed a bang-bang play with blueliner Dante Fabbro. Chicago Blackhawk draft Jack Ramsey earned the secondary assist.

Aldworth pulled the Snakes within a goal with a minute left in the same period, 58 seconds into a Connor Chartier minor.

The Vees restored a two-goal cushion at 8:30 of the third when Zerter-Gossage buried a high wrister from the ringette line. It was the first goal in nine games for the high-scoring Montreal product.

“We matched their tempo most of the game,” said Aldworth. “They took it to us and outworked us in the second period and in order to beat these guys, we have to outwork them for 60 minutes and we just haven’t been able to that.”

The Vees moved to 25-4-0-1 atop the Interior Division. Vernon is second, 16 points back at 16-8-1-2. Vernon faced the Smoke Eaters Saturday night in Trail.

Forward Nick Rasovic, released by the defending Fred Page Cup champion Coquitlam Express, made his Viper debut. He had one goal and seven points with Coquitlam.

“We could use a bigger body up front, kind of an energy spark kind of guy,” said Citron. “We’ve liked what we’ve seen so far in practice. on and off the ice. He’s a hard-working guy so far, so it’s definitely an advantage picking him up.”

The Vipers showed a video tribute to longtime head scout Larry Black before the game. Black lost a year-long battle with cancer last Sunday. He was 66.

Vernon 9 Trail 5

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 8:34 (PP) - Thomas Aldworth from Liam Coughlin and Liam Finlay 
Trail Smoke Eaters at 12:01 - Charlie Zuccarini from Dallas Calvin and Jake Lucchini 
Vernon Vipers at 13:26 - Riley Brandt from Mitch Meek and Luke Shiplo 
Vernon Vipers at 14:41 - Thomas Aldworth from TJ Dumonceaux and Liam Coughlin 
Vernon Vipers at 14:59 - Jagger Williamson from Ken Citron and Luke Voltin 
Vernon Vipers at 16:06 - Blaine Caton from Luke Shiplo 
Trail Smoke Eaters at 19:50 - Jake Lucchini from Charlie Zuccarini and Dallas Calvin
 
PERIOD 2

Trail Smoke Eaters at 2:32 - Paulsen Lautard from Connor Brown-Maloski 
Vernon Vipers at 6:01 - Mitch Meek from Blaine Caton 
Vernon Vipers at 7:38 - Trevor Fidler from Anthony Latina and Colton McCarthy
 
PERIOD 3

Trail Smoke Eaters at 11:39 - Conner Wynne from Jake Lucchini and Dallas Calvin 
Vernon Vipers at 16:07 - Nicholas Rasovic from Riley Brandt and Blaine Caton 
Vernon Vipers at 16:53 (PP) - TJ Dumonceaux from Luke Shiplo and Blaine Caton 
Trail Smoke Eaters at 18:29 - Connor Brown-Maloski from Sheldon Hubbard and Paulsen Lautard 

Vernon outshot Trail 34-23 Jarrod Schamerhorn made 18 saves for the win, while Brett Clark & Adam Todd split the duties making 34 saves between the two in the loss.

BCHL Boxscore,

http://www.vipers.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1358310&link=bchl

Game Preview: Vernon @ Trail:

Vernon (16-8-1-2) @ Trail (12-13-0-1) 7:30pm

Tonight is the fourth game of seven regular season meetings between the Vernon Vipers and Trail Smoke Eaters. Vernon leads the season series 3-0. You can listen to tonight's game live with Graham Turnbull starting with the pre-game show at 7:15pm on 107.5 Kiss FM

Last Game:

Friday, December 5th Penticton defeated Vernon 4-3
Wednesday, December 3rd Penticton defeated Trail 3-1

Next Game:

Wednesday, December 10th West Kelowna @ Vernon
Sunday, December 7th Powell Rover @ Trail

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 414-227-20-19

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 227-94-11-10 at home

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 188-123-9-9 on the road

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 61-16-1-3 vs. Trail

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Trail 337-186

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 31-5-0-2 at home vs. Trail

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 23-9-1-1 in Trail

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

The Vipers are 7-3-0-0 in their last ten games In Trail

The Vipers are 8-2-0-0 in their last ten games vs. Trail

Vernon's last win in Trail was a 3-0 victory on Sunday, November 9th 2014

Trail's last win at home vs Vernon was a 6-5 win on Wednesday, February 26th 2014

Trails last win in Vernon was a 5-4 win on Wednesday, January 9th 2013

Vernon's last win at home vs Trail was a 5-2 win on Saturday, November 29th 2014

The Vipers went 6-2-0-0 vs Trail last season

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The defending Interior Division Champion Vernon Vipers make their second of three visits to the Cominco Arena are coming off a 4-3 loss to the visiting Penticton Vees last night snapped a four game winning streak.  The Vipers have won four of their last five games are 7-2-0-1 in their last ten.  Vernon sits in 2nd place two points up on West Kelowna and four points up on Merritt.  The Vipers have won four of their last five games away from home have the second least goals against in the league with just seventy two.  The Vipers will finish the month of December with five of their final eight games on the road.  The Vipers are 8-2 in their last ten games vs the Smoke Eaters.   

Thomas Aldworth (17-7-24) leads the team in goals with seventeen while Liam Coughlin (10-17-27) leads the team in points with twenty seven.

Riley Brandt played in 36 games with the Smokies the past two seasons (4-goals-7-assists-11-points) before joining the Vipers this season.

Graham Turnbull's Vernon Vipers Venom Blog

http://vipersvenom1.blogspot.ca/

Vernon Vipers 2014-15 Regular Season Stats:

Games Played: 27
Wins: 16
Losses: 8
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 9-5-1-1
Road Record: 7-3-0-1
Overtime Record: 1-2-1
Record vs Interior Division: 10-7-1-1
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 6-1-0-1
Record in September: 2-2-0-1
Record in October: 5-3-0-0
Record in November 9-2-1-1
Record in December 0-1-0-0
When the Vipers score first: 12-2-1-1
When the opponents score first: 4-6-0-1
Leading after 1st Period: 8-1-1-1
Tied after 1st Period: 4-2-0-0
Trailing after 1st Period: 4-5-0-1
Leading after 2nd Period: 11-1-0-1
Tied after 2nd Period: 4-0-0-0
Trailing after 2nd Period: 1-7-1-1
Out shooting Opponents: 13-4-0-1
Out shot by Opponents: 2-4-1-1
One goal games: 3-3-0-2
Goals For: 93
Goals Against: 72
Place: 2nd Place
Streak: One game losing streak

-Vernon has the leagues 14th best powerplay

-The Vipers have the leagues 9th best penalty kill

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

TJ Dumonceaux (94)
Danny Todosychuk (94)
Riley Guenther (94)
Kenny Citron (95)
Liam Coughlin (94)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Dexter Dancs (95)
Michael McNicholas (94)
Brett Mulcahy (93)
Demico Hannoun (95)
Jared Wilson (94)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Mason Blacklock (94)
Josh Bryan (93)
Brendan Persley (93)
Logan Mick (96)
Ryan Renz (93)
Michael Statchuk (94)
Tyler Povelofskie (96)
Matty Saharchuk (95)
Austin Smith (93)
Dylan Chanter (95)

Vernon’s Home record vs. Trail this season:

2-0-0-0

Vernon’s Road record vs. Trail this season:

1-0-0-0

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Trail this season:

Liam Coughlin (2-4-6)
TJ Dumonceaux (3-1-4)
Luke Voltin (3-0-4)
Jagger Williamson (0-4-4)
Anthony Latina (2-0-2)
Liam Finlay (1-2-3)
Trevor Fidler (1-1-2)
Brandon Egli (0-2-2)
Luke Shiplo (0-2-2)
Mitchell Oliver (0-1-1)
Mitch Meek (1-0-1)
Linden Hora (0-1-1)

Jarrod Schamerhorn (2-0 Record)
Danny Todosychuk (1-0 Record-1 Shutout)

Lets take a look at the Trail Smoke Eaters:

The Trail Smoke Eaters return home from a two game road trip with losses in Vernon & Penticton.  The Smokies are coming off a 5-2 loss in Vernon last weekend and a 3-1 loss in Penticton Wednesday.  Trail sits in 6th place two points back of Salmon Arm and six points back of Merritt.  The Smoke Eaters have just one win in their last five games are 4-5-0-1 in their last ten.  The Smokies have yet to pick up a win over Vernon are 0-3 vs the Vipers this season.  Tonight is the first game of a current four game home stand where the Smokies have won three straight.  Trail has just nine wins at home over Vernon since the 2003-04 season.

Charlie Zuccarini (16-15-31) leads the team in goals with sixteen and in points with thirty one.

-Craig Martin played in 46 games (10-goals-13-assists-23-points) with the Vipers (2012-2014) before being traded to Alberni Valley last season

-Dallas Calvin played in 11 games with the Vipers last season (2-goals-6-assists-8-points) before leaving the team for personal reasons

Trail Smoke Eaters 2014-15 Regular Season Stats:

Games Played: 26
Wins: 12
Losses: 13
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 1
Home Record: 8-5-0-0
Road Record: 4-8-0-1
Overtime Record: 0-1
Goals For: 91
Goals Against: 91
Streak: Two game losing streak
Standings: 6th Place

-Trail has the BCHL's 2nd best powerplay

-The Smoke Eaters have the league's 4th best penalty kill

Trail Smoke Eaters Returning Players:

Jake Lucchini (95)
Bryan Basilico (95)
Scott Davidson (95)
Brandon Volpe (95)
Adam Todd (94)

Trail Smoke Eaters Departing & traded players from last years team:

Jesse Knowler (94)
Zane Schartz (94)
Joel Webb (95)
Dylan Bowen (95)
Mitch Ball (94)
Sean Davies (95)
Greyson Reitmeier (96)
Adam Wheeldon (94)
Nathan Browne (94)
Jakson Elynuik (95)
Sheldon Brett (96)
Braeden Cross (96)
Taylor Armbruster (96)
Dylan Mascarin (95)
Riley Ostoforoff (95)
Dustin Nikkel (93)

Trail's Home record vs. Vernon this season:

0-1-0-0

Trail's Road record vs. Vernon this season:

0-2-0-0

Trail's scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Harlan Orr (2-0-2)
Scott Davidson (0-2-2)
Kienan Scott (1-0-1)
Griffyn Martin (0-1-1)
Bryan Basilico (0-1-1)

Brett Clark (0-3 Record)

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon Vipers:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224096

Trail Smoke Eaters:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224099

Penticton 4 Vernon 3

For anyone who could not attend or watch tonight’s Vipers game here are my thoughts and views from tonight’s game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own view and opinion on any game we watch. This is my opinion and my thoughts on how I saw tonight’s game. I try to be unbiased and give a fare recap on both sides. Thanks for stopping by & visiting my blog.

I was at tonight's Vipers-Vees game as Penticton defeated Vernon 4-3 in front of 1,923 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Jarrod Schamerhorn
Penticton: Hunter Miska

Before the game the Vipers had a special tribute & video on former Vernon Vipers scout Larry Black who lost his life earlier this week to cancer.

1st Period: The Vees got off to a strong start, jumping on Vernon early and often as Penticton was really buzzing off the opening draw.  Jarrod Schamerhorn was forced to make a big save in the opening few minutes off Connor Chartier from the slot.  Steen Cooper couldnt land the pass on a two on one missed opportunity as Penticton was outshooting the Vipers 5-0 in the first five minutes.  The Vipers looked flat footed with not much energy were basically chasing the Vees in their own end.  The Vees with a strong attack were hard to slow down and contain all night.  Vernon needed almost five and a half minutes to record their first shot of the night before a turnover at the blueline allowed Liam Coughlin to steal the puck setup TJ Dumonceaux on a Viper odd man rush, Dumonceaux beat Hunter Miska high but hit the crossbar before Thomas Aldworth burried the rebound giving Vernon the 1-0 lead at 6:23 as the stuffed toy animals hit the ice on the Vipers annual teddy bear toss.  Coughlin & Dumonceaux collected the assists.  On the following play Vernon would get the games first powerplay, getting some good puck movement the Vipers worked the puck around didnt generate any real quality chances as Penticton would kill off the minor.  The Vees come right back with a strong attack, Johnny Coughlin made a huge defensive play breaking up Dante Fabbro who joined the rush on a Vees attack.  Penticton would then get their first look with the man advantage but a strong Viper penalty kill didnt give up a single shot as the Vees couldnt tie the game with the man advantage.  Both teams didnt generate alot of great opportunities but the Vees looked to have the puck on a string, carried and dominated the opening period.  Late in the period Mitchell Oliver with a terrible turnover inside his own blueline coughed the puck up in front of his own net went in and off Jarrod Schamerhorn tied the game 1-1 at 18:16 Patrick Newell was credited with the unassisted goal.  This was a huge goal to finish the period for Penticton.  It was tied 1-1 after 20 minutes of play.  The Vipers didnt get off to a great start, Veernon looked flat, didnt show or play with any energy or jump for most of the period.  The Vees on the other hand got off to a quick start, jumped on the Vipers early and often were all over Vernon for most of this period.  The Vipers may have opened the scoring but a huge goal late on a turnover tied the game.  Penticton was really flying, come at the Viper defence with a strong forecheck, were winning the battles, coming out of the corner with the puck and putting all kinds of pressure inside the Viper blueline.  Vernon had all kinds of trouble with the Vees forecheck and attack, couldnt get through the neutral zone had only a few minutes of zone time in the Vees zone were lucky to be tied after twenty minutes of play.  Penticton outshot Vernon 13-9.

2nd Period: Just thirty two seconds into the second period the Vees would get an early powerplay.  Another strong penalty kill by the Vipers didnt give Penticton much time or space kept the Vees to the outside were able to kill off the minor.  Vernon responded and would get a great opportunity early after Liam Coughlin and TJ Dumonceaux went in on the two on one, Coughlin waited too long before not getting a shot off on a strong defensive play by the Vees defence.  The Vipers with a much better start were finally able to generate some zone time in the Penticton side of the blueline.  Both teams were going back and fourth with some good pace to the game.  Tyson Jost with a quick shot from the circle looked to handcuff Vipers starting goaltender Jarrod Schamerhorn who looked to have a little difficultiy making the save.  Vernon did a much better job at containing the Vees offence held Penticton to just two shots early were skating and playing with a little more energy in their game.  Both teams were fairly even for most of the first half before the Vees would break the deadlock.  Mitch Newsome put the Vees up 2-1 at 10:44 Lewis Zerter-Gossage and Patrick Sexton picked up the helpers.  Just twenty five seconds later Cody DePourcq playing in his 200th career game gave the Vees a 3-1 lead at 12:09 Dante Fabbro & Jack Ramsay with the assists.  Just over a minute later the Vees would get their second PP of the period after an undisaplined penalty by Vernon.  But once again another solid penalty kill and the Vipers would kill off the minor.  Two quick back to back goals by Penticton seemed to give the Vees a little jolt as back they come with a strong push back.  The Vees once again buzzing in the Vipers zone looked to have the puck on a string.  The Vipers defence having all kinds of trouble containing the Penticton forwards.  The Vees getting lots of pucks to the net really took over the shot clock department fired everything towards Jarrod Schamerhorn.  For the second straight period neither team with alot of great opportunities.  After both teams were fairly even in the first half Penticton was running away with the edge in play in the second half as it was all Vees.  The game started to get a little chippy in the second frame as both teams were laying the lumber to one another as tempers heated up through out the period.  Vernon would slowly get going late in the period, started to come on strong would get rewarded with their hard work would get a late powerplay.  The Vipers would make the Vees pay after Thomas Aldworth's quick release from the circle beat Vees starting goaltender Hunter Miska fivehole getting to within a goal at 19:00 TJ Dumonceaux and Liam Coughlin picked up the assists.  Fred Harbinson looked to have some choice words with Connor Chartier once he returned to the bench from serving the last penalty.  Harbinson did not look too happy.  Penticton held a 3-2 lead after 40 minutes of play.  Vernon got off to a much better start this period and played very well in the first half.  I thought the Vipers did a much better job at containing the Vees attack, limited their shots and chances.  The Vipers also got into the Vees zone, had some pressure of their own at times just couldnt generate any real good chances.  The second half was a bit of a different story as the Vees took over the play and once again carried the play, dominating Vernon in their own end.  The Vees for a second straight period were strong on the forecheck, won most of the battles, had lots of time and space to create room didnt generate alot of great looks but capitalized on their chances scoring twice twenty five seconds apart.  Penticton outshot Vernon 15-12.

3rd Period: The Vipers with another good start were able to stay even with the Vees would get a great opportunity early.  Luke Voltin going hard to the net four minutes into the final frame couldnt beat Miska down low made a big pad save kicked out a big rebound but no Viper was in front looking for the rebound.  Vernon carried a bit of the play early did a great job at containing the Penticton offence but couldnt generate much of an attack.  The Vipers stepped up the physical play early were the more physical of the two teams tonight.  Luke Shiplo took a big elbow to the head would get unnoticed from both officials would later lead to a Penticton goal within minutes.  Lewis Zerter-Gossage was able to walk into the slot let go a quick release from the high slot caught Jarrod Schamerhorn deep in his crease gave the Vees a 4-2 lead at 8:30 Miles Gendron with the lone helper.  I dont think Schamerhorn was ready for the shot on a goal he may want back.  This drew Mark Ferner to go nuts over the missed call on Shiplo as the Vipers bench was steaming, as the Vipers coaching staff was really giving the officials an earfull.  Just less then two minutes later Vernon would get their first look with the man advantage of the period.  The Vipers struggled coughing up the puck, several turnovers couldnt get anything going as Penticton with a fairly easy penalty kill.  Just minutes later tempers heated up once again as former Vipers forward Demico Hannoun and Riley Brandt exchanged in some pushing and shoving in front of the Viper bench.  Brandt would head off the penalty box giving Penticton a late powerplay.  The Vernon penalty kill wich looked so good tonight would once again kill off another minor.  Just as the penalty expired the Vipers would get another crack with the PP.  Having troubles getting pucks to the net the Vipers had a chance to get Schamerhorn to the bench for the extra attacker but didnt, as the Vees would once again kill off another penalty.  The Vipers would get Schamerhorn to the bench late with fourty seven seconds to go before calling a late timeout Vernon would get to within one after Thomas Aldworth's point shot beat wich looked to be a screened Hunter Miska at 19:30 Luke Shiplo & TJ Dumonceaux collected the helpers.  Vernon with one last gasp got the play in deep had a few looks at the net but couldnt get any real quality chances as the Vees would hang on for the 4-3 victory.  Again another good start to the period by the Vipers but all night incosistancy showed as Vernon played in spurts and not a full sixty minutes.  The Vipers didnt generate alot of chances had troubles getting pucks and bodies to the net.  Penticton with a solid defensive game all around did a great job on sitting on a one and two goal lead limited the Viper opportunities.  Vernon outshot Penticton 9-8.

Top Player's: (Vernon)

Nicholas Rasovic made his Vipers debut after joining the Vipers on Monday.  Rasovic played the past two seasons with the Coquitlam Express also played two games with the Penticton Vees added some grit and a bit of spark to the Vernon lineup.  Finished his checks was physical at times didnt see alot of ice but when out there I thought made an impact.  Wasnt afraid to mix it up and get involved in the play.

Thomas Aldworth (3 goals) I didnt think stood out much tonight but when you score three goals you must have done something right.  Aldworth didnt look to be his regular self tonight, wasnt skating hard, competing hard for loose pucks-one on one battles managed to record the hat trick in a losing cause.

Johnny Coughlin I thought was one of Vernon's lone bright spots on the Viper backend.  Coughlin made a big defensive play to break up a Vees odd man rush in the opening period played well on the blueline.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

I wasnt too impressed with the Vipers effort and performance this evening.  I didnt think Vernon played one of their better games of the season in another loss to Penticton.  Like the game a few weeks back in West Kelowna (6-5 double overtime loss) the Vipers looked flat, didnt show or play with alot of energy.  Didnt have much jump were outskated, outworked and outplayed for most of tonight's game.  The Vipers defence was having all kinds of trouble containing the Vees attack.  Vernon gave the Vees way too much time and space to create and generate chances.  The Vipers looked sloppy at times, coughed up the puck, made way to many turnovers inside their own end, didnt generate much zone time had troubles getting pucks to the net and creating opportunities.  If the Vipers want to beat Penticton and Hunter Miska they are going to need alot more traffic to the net, getting more pucks to the net and go looking for the rebounds.  Miska had a pretty easy night in goal tonight.  Vernon with several rebounds off Hunter Miska had nobody going to the net looking for those rebounds, missed on some good opportunities.  I thought the Vipers played good shifts in spurts were no where near as good as they have to be to be able to compete with the Vees.  Vernon has to be better.  I didnt see that compete level tonight, Mark Ferner has been talking about since returning as Head Coach this season.  I really liked the Viper physical play at times and the Viper penalty kill, I thought Vernon did a good job at keeping the Vees to the outside, didnt give them much time or space.  Overall the Vipers and their coaching staff wont be too happy with tonight's effort and result.

Top Players: (Penticton)

Dante Fabbro (1 assist) Was very solid on the Vees backend.  Joined the rush, was hard to beat one on one played very well tonight.

Patrick Newell (1 goal) I thought played with alot of jump in his game, really competed and worked hard all night.

Steen Cooper was another kid who I thought competed and worked hard for most of the night, had two good opportunities played well.

The line of Cody DePourcq (1 goal), Dakota Conroy and Connor Chartier was Penticton's top unit.  These three were very hard to contain, dangerous all night with and without the puck.  DePourcq playing in career game #200 has been a thron in the Viper side each year, was really skating, always moving his feet won several battles along the wall, was hard to stop.

Lewis Zerter-Gossage (1 goal & 1 assist)  A bigger body is another player hard to contain, has a quick release-shot collected two points tonight was good up front for the Vees.

Riley Alferd I liked his game tonight, seems to play well against Vernon.  A good skater, can move the puck, has some skill is also dangerous.

Patrick Sexton (1 assist) Was another Penticton d-man that played very well on the backend.

Game Thought's: (Penticton)

The Penticton Vees made their third and final visit of the season to Kal Tire Place improve to 4-0 against Vernon this season.  Out of the four games I have watched between these two teams tonight's game is the lone game where the Vees really dominated and showed how good of a team they really are.  No disrespect to the Vees but in the three previous meetings with Vernon I thought the games were alot closer and more evenly matched compared to tonight.  Penticton with a great start jumped on the Vipers who looked flat footed and not ready for tonight's games.  The Vees on the other hand come ready to play and looked hungry for the win.  Penticton is by far the best team I have seen play this season but also can be beat but the opposition has to play a nearby perfect game and a full sixty minutes.  The Vees have a very aggresive and strong forecheck that wins alot of puck battles, battles along the wall and come out of top with the puck.  The Vees are very quick, can move the puck in a hurry and hard to contain when on the fly.  Both teams didnt generate alot of chances but the Vees capitalized on their chances.  Penticton with several odd man rushes carried the play, won the battles, outskated and outworked Vernon most of the night.  The Vees are very slick moving the puck, have some very smooth passers look like they have the puck on a string at times.  Penticton with a very good effort, performance come away with a 4-3 win.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Danny Todosychuk
Riley Guenther (Injured)
Mackenzie Bauer (Injured)
Blaine Caton

Penticton:

Connor Russell
Matt Serratore

Energy player of the game:

Announced at the game-TJ Dumonceaux  (League website says Demico Hannoun)

Three Stars:

1st Star: Thomas Aldworth (3 goals)
2nd Star: Lewis Zerter-Gossage (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Cody DePourcq (1 goal)

BCHL Boxscore,

http://www.vipers.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1358303&link=bchl

Fraser Rodgers Penticton Vees blog,

http://pentictonvees.wordpress.com/

Game Preview: Penticton @ Vernon:

Penticton (24-4-0-1) @ Vernon (16-7-1-2) 7pm

Tonight is the fourth of seven regular season meetings between the Vernon Vipers & Penticton Vees. Penticton leads the season series 3-0.

Last Game:

Saturday, November 29th Vernon defeated Trail 5-2
Wednesday, December 3rd Penticton defeated Trail 3-1

Next Game:

Saturday, December 6th Vernon @ Trail
Saturday, December 6th Powell River @ Penticton

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 414-226-20-19

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 227-93-11-10 at home

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 188-123-9-9 on the road

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 38-33-2-6 vs. Penticton

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Penticton 234-230

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 20-13-1-1 at home vs. Penticton

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 15-16-1-2 in Penticton

Vernon is 2-7-0-1 in their last ten visits to Penticton

Penticton is 6-4-0-0 in their last ten visits to Vernon

The Vipers are 3-6-0-1 in their last ten games vs. Penticton

Vernon's last win at home vs Penticton was a 4-3 victory on Saturday, February 22nd 2014

Penticton's last win at the Kal Tire Place was a 4-2 victory on Friday, November 14th 2014

Vernon's last win at the South Okanagan Events Centre was a 2-1 victory on Friday, February 14th 2014

Penticton's last win at home vs Vernon was a 1-0 victory on Saturday, October 25th 2014

The Vipers went 3-3-0-1 vs Penticton last season

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The defending Interior Division Champion Vernon Vipers are coming off a 5-2 win over the visiting Trail Smoke Eaters Saturday.  The Vipers have won four straight sit in 2nd place fourteen points back of Penticton.  Vernon is two points up on West Kelowna and six points up on Merritt.  The Vipers have won four of their last five are 7-1-1-1 in their last ten.  The Vipers have won six of their last eight home games face the Vees three more times all in Penticton.  Vernon has just three wins in their last ten games vs Penticton.  The Vees have outscored the Vipers 8-3 in the three games so far this season.  

Thomas Aldworth (14-7-21) leads the team in goals with fourteen while Liam Coughlin (10-15-25) leads the team in points with twenty five.

Liam Finlay played in 13 games with the Vees (2013-2014) before being traded to Vernon on October 28th

Graham Turnbull's Vernon Vipers Venom Blog,

http://vipersvenom1.blogspot.ca/

Vernon Vipers 2014-15 Regular Season Stats:

Games Played: 26
Wins: 16
Losses: 7
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 9-4-1-1
Road Record: 7-3-0-1
Overtime Record: 1-2-1
Record vs Interior Division: 10-6-1-1
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 6-1-0-1
Record in September: 2-2-0-1
Record in October: 5-3-0-0
Record in November 9-2-1-1
When the Vipers score first: 12-1-1-1
When the opponents score first: 4-6-0-1
Leading after 1st Period: 8-1-1-1
Tied after 1st Period: 4-1-0-0
Trailing after 1st Period: 4-5-0-1
Leading after 2nd Period: 11-1-0-1
Tied after 2nd Period: 4-0-0-0
Trailing after 2nd Period: 1-6-1-1
Out shooting Opponents: 13-4-0-1
Out shot by Opponents: 2-3-1-1
One goal games: 3-2-0-2
Goals For: 90
Goals Against: 68
Place: 2nd Place
Streak: Four game winning streak

Vernon has the leagues 14th best powerplay

The Vipers have the leagues 10th best penalty kill

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

TJ Dumonceaux (94)
Danny Todosychuk (94)
Riley Guenther (94)
Kenny Citron (95)
Liam Coughlin (94)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Dexter Dancs (95)
Michael McNicholas (94)
Brett Mulcahy (93)
Demico Hannoun (95)
Jared Wilson (94)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Mason Blacklock (94)
Josh Bryan (93)
Brendan Persley (93)
Logan Mick (96)
Ryan Renz (93)
Michael Statchuk (94)
Tyler Povelofskie (96)
Matty Saharchuk (95)
Austin Smith (93)
Dylan Chanter (95)

Vernon’s Home record vs Penticton this season:

0-2-0-0

Vernon’s Road record vs Penticton this season:

0-1-0-0

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs Penticton this season:

Liam Coughlin (0-1-1)
TJ Dumonceaux (0-1-1)
Thomas Aldworth (1-0-1)
Mitch Meek (0-1-1)
Anthony Latina (1-0-1)
Luke Shiplo (0-1-1)
Luke Voltin (1-0-1)

Jarrod Schamerhorn (0-3 Record)

Lets take a look at the Penticton Vees:

The defending Interior Division Pennant Winning Penticton Vees make their third and final regular season visit to Kal Tire Place.  The Vees are coming off a 3-1 victory over the visiting Trail Smoke Eaters Wednesday.  Penticton sits atop the BCHL standings with a 24-4-0-1 record have lost just three times away from home.  The Vees have won four of their last five games are 7-2-0-1 in their last ten games.  Penticton has scored a league high 120 goals while have given up a league low 54 goals against.  The Vees are 3-0 vs Vernon this year won their last game vs the Vipers after a 4-2 win in Vernon on November 14th.  The Vees have won six of their last seven games since that 4-2 win in Vernon.  The Vees have won six of their last ten games in Vernon host the Vipers on January 2nd. 

Riley Alferd (17-17-34) leads the team in goals with seventeen and in points with thirty four.

Demico Hannoun played 47 games in Vernon last season collecting (15-29-44) in his only season with the Vipers before being traded to Surrey in the off season. Hannoun is third in team scoring with ten points (8-5-13)

Fraser Rodgers Three Vees blog,

http://pentictonvees.wordpress.com/

Penticton Vees 2014-15 Regular Season Stats:

Games Played: 29
Wins: 24
Losses: 4
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 1
Home Record: 12-2-0-0
Road Record: 12-2-0-1
Goals For: 120
Goals Against: 54
Place: 1st Place (Overall)
Streak: One game winning streak

Penticton has the leagues 7th best powerplay

The Vees have the leagues 2nd best penalty kill

Penticton Vees Returning Players:

Riley Alferd (95)
Steen Cooper (95)
Cody DePourcq (95)
Jarod Hilderman (97)
Jack Ramsey (95)
Matthew Serratore (94)
Patrick Sexton (94)
Hunter Miska (95)

Penticton Vees Departing & traded players from last years team:

Brad McClure (93)
Brett Beauvais (94)
Nicolas Pierog (93)
Ben Dalpe (94)
Max Coatta (94)
Travis Blanleil (94)
Erik Benoit (93)
Paul Stoykewych (95)
Cam Amantea (94)
Alexandre Coulombe (95)
Shane McColgan (93)
Christopher Rygus (93)
Josh Blanchard (96)
Olivier Mantha (93)

Penticton’s Home record vs. Vernon this season:

1-0-0-0

Penticton’s Road record vs. Vernon this season:

2-0-0-0

Penticton’s scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Demico Hannoun (3-1-4)
Dante Fabbro (1-2-3)
Riley Alfred (1-2-3)
Matthew Serratore (2-1-3)
Tyson Jost (0-3-3)
Gabe Bast (0-2-2)
Patrick Newell (0-2-2)
Lewis-Zerter Gossage (0-1-1)
Jack Ramsay (1-0-1)

Hunter Miska (3-0 Record-1 Shutout)

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon Vipers:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224096

Penticton Vees:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224101

Vipers To Honour 'Blackie' Tonight:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers to honour 'Blackie' tonight

by  Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star

Dec 5, 2014

The Vernon Vipers will show a video tribute to former head scout Larry Black tonight at Kal Tire Place.

The night gets even tougher afterwards as the Snakes tackle the high-powered Penticton Vees in B.C. Hockey League action. Fans are urged to bring a stuffie as it’s the annual Teddy Bear Toss.

The No. 6-ranked Vees toppled the Trail Smoke Eaters 3-1 Wednesday night and are now 24-4-0-1, 14 points clear of second place Vernon (16-7-1-2). Penticton is 14-3 against the Interior Division.

Vernon gave up two late powerplay goals and an empty netter in a 4-2 loss to the Vees three weeks ago at The Big Wheel. The Vees earlier posted 3-1 and 1-0 wins over the Vipers.

“I think we have to prepare like we do for any other team, but realize that Penticton are a lot more dangerous on the powerplay,” said Viper assistant coach Kevin Kraus.

“We have to be discplined, but if we do get in the box, our penalty kill has to be solid. The guys know they can compete with Penticton. We have to play a full 60 minutes and not take any shifts off.”

The Vipers hope to get even more offence from red-hot Luke Voltin tonight.

Voltin picked up nine points in three wins to earn the BCHL Player of the Week. The Blaine, Minn. product has 8-12-20, surpassing his previous career goal output of seven, two years ago with the USHL Des Moines Buccaneers. He scored three times last year with the Lincoln Stars.

“It was nice to see him score some nice goals,” said Kraus. “He had a tough time adjusting to the new league, but since we put him with (Liam) Finlay and (Jagger) Williamson, he’s been working hard for the whole shift and getting results.”

Penticton will have two former Western Leaguers in the lineup tonight. Right winger Dakota Conroy has four goals in five games since leaving the Prince Albert Raiders. The Edmonton product rang up 30 goals and 61 points playing alongside Leon Draisaitl (first-round Oiler draft) last season.

Right winger Connor Chartier has 2+4 in six games with the Vees. He amassed 14 goals and 32 points with the Spokane Chiefs last season.

Jordy Bellerive, 15, and veteran Jack Ramsey scored in the opening 1:47 before 2,150 fans Wednesday night at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

Bellerive, summoned from the Okanagan Hockey Academy in Penticton, was chosen second overall by the Lethbridge Hurricanes in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft. He posted 129 goals and 242 points in two Bantam seasons with North Shore Winter Club.

Hunter Miska recorded 22 saves for the win, going to 16-5. The Minnesota product was rated sixth among CJAHL players in NHL Central Scouting’s November Players to Watch List.

Ramsey, a 10-goal man drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks last season, is stoked about visiting Vernon.

“We like playing in their barn,” said the son of former Miracle on Ice d-man Mike Ramsey. “They have a really good crowd just like we do. We get fans out there too.It’s always fun, especially since they beat us last year. We always feel something every time we play them; that we owe something to the guys last year.

“Last year’s loss is not forgotten; that never really leaves your mind. the guys that came back from last year. they hurt pretty bad obviously. We thought we had the team.”

Meanwhile, Black will best be remembered for recruiting Connor and Kellen Jones.

The Kootenay twins boosted the B.C. Hockey League Vipers to a pair of Royal Bank Cups, joining others like Kyle Bigos and Chris Crowell, who were also prospects signed by Black.

Black died in Kelowna General Hospital Sunday after a nearly year-long battle with cancer. The father of three was 66.

“It’s a very sad day,” said Kraus on Monday. “He always tried to push me to do my best; he was a big part of my hockey life. He was like a father figure and helped me out last year in Salmon Arm (Kraus was an assistant coach).”

As head scout for the Vipers for the last six years (he was a regional scout for five years before that), Black helped source the talent that won the Snakes back-to-back Royal Bank Cup titles in 2009-10, plus a runner-up showing in ‘11.

Unable to come to a new contract agreement with the Vipers in May, 2013, Black, joined the Salmon Arm Silverbacks as their new assistant GM and director of player personnel.

Black lived in Vernon with wife Gay (he has three grown children and five grandchildren all living in the area), and has worked with six Vernon head coaches in 11 years – Mike Vandekamp, Troy Mick, Bernie Pimm, Mark Holick, Mark Ferner and Jason Williamson.

“The hockey world lost a great man last night but we all know Blackie fought ‘til the final horn. I have never seen a more passionate man for the well being of the players in all of my life, and his eye for talent was second to none,” said Mick, the Salmon Arm GM/president.

The Silverbacks will run the same video tribute at their Saturday home game.

Silverbacks Release Former Vernon Viper Jospehs:

Brian Wiebe tweeted Monday that the Salmon Arm Silverbacks have
released former Vernon Viper forward Nick Josephs.  The KIJHL Kelowna Chiefs tweeted Monday that Josephs will re-join the Chiefs. 

Josephs attended the 2012-13 Vernon Vipers Training camp playing in two BCHL pre-season games with the Vipers picked up one goal before being released. Josephs signed with the Nanaimo Clippers but didnt play with Nanaimo before joining the AJHL Okotoks Oilers.  Jospehs played in five games before joining the KIJHL Kelowna Chiefs where he would finish the 2012-13 season. In 41 games with the Chiefs that season Josephs collected (33-goals-43-assists-76-points).  The Salmon Arm Silverbacks signed Josephs last season on January 9th 2014 after playing in 33 games with the Chiefs. Josephs had (37-goals-38-assists-75-points) with Kelowna before joining the Silverbacks.  In 11 games with Salmon Arm this year Josephs had (1-goal-3-assists-4-points).

Nick Josephs Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=145472

BCHL Trades From Month Of November:

Here's a look at trades that happened in the month of November, these have been posted on the BCHL League web site.

03-Nov-14 The Nanaimo Clippers have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Jordan Low(96)(D) from the Prince George Spruce Kings in exchange for the CJHL playing rights to Ryan Fritz(96)(D)

03-Nov-14 The West Kelowna Warriors have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Brayden Gelsinger(95)(F) from the Cowichan Valley Capitals in exchange for the CJHL playing rights to Adam Oczevski(95)(F) and Kade Kehoe(96)(F)

07-Nov-14 The Coquitlam Express have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Brendan Gulka(94)(F) from the Cowichan Capitals in exchange for future considerations

10-Nov-14 The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Drew Weich(95)(D) from the Okotokes Oilers of the AJHL in exchange for the CJHL playing rights to Darian Henry(94)(D)

11-Nov-14 The Powell River Kings have transferred the CJHL playing rights to Wes St Amand(95)(F) to the Wellington Dukes of the OJHL in exchange for future considerations

11-Nov-14 The Powell River Kings have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Adam Tracey(95)(F) from the Merritt Centennials in exchange for future considerations.

12-Nov-14 The Chilliwack Chiefs have transferred the CJHL playing rights to Mitchell Datz(95)(G) to the Brockville Braves of the CCHL in exchange for future considerations

14-Nov-14 The Salmon Arm Silverbacks have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Josh Laframboise(96)(F) from the Penticton Vees in exchange for the BCHL-CHL list rights to Connor Chartier(94)(F)

19-Nov-14 The Chilliwack Chiefs have acquired the CJHL playing rights to David Poirier(95)(G) from the Brockville Braves of the CCHL in exchange for future considerations

23-Nov-14 The Surrey Eagles have transferred the CJHL playing rights to Chase McMurphy(94)(F) and future considerations to the Calgary Canucks of the AJHL in exchange for the CJHL playing rights to Owen Johnson(95)(D) and Jordan Wiest(95)(D)

26-Nov-14 The Chilliwack Chiefs have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Bennett Morrison(96)(D) from the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in exchange for future considerations

29-Nov-14 The Prince George Spruce Kings have transferred the CJHL playing rights to Valik Chichkin(94)(D) to the Camrose Kodiaks of the AJHL in exchange for future considerations

29-Nov-14 The Prince George Spruce Kings have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Daniel Nachbaur(95)(F) from the Merritt Centennials in exchange for future considerations

Dumonceaux Delivers The Goods:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Dumonceaux delivers the goods

By Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star

Published: December 02, 2014

Let’s see, what was the highlight of Saturday night’s 5-2 B.C. Hockey League victory at home over the Trail Smoke Eaters for Vernon Vipers veteran forward TJ Dumonceaux?

Scoring two highlight reel goals? Two big divisional points as the team extended its winning streak to four games? Being named the game’s first star? Or surprising his dad, Perry, in a special pre-game ceremony when Perry thought he was going to be presenting his son with an honour?

“It was all pretty surreal, it’s still sinking in,” said Dumonceaux, 20, after the game. “The best part was probably seeing  my dad’s face when I said this isn’t what you think it is.”

Perry Dumonceaux, 57, was escorted to centre ice prior to the game under the guise of presenting his son with a special community service award.

It was son who turned the tables on dad, as TJ announced to the crowd of 1,700 that he had grown a moustache for Movember to help raise money for prostate cancer awareness after Perry was diagnosed with the disease a year ago.

TJ’s goal was to raise $3,000. Thanks to help from his teammates, billets and fans, Dumonceaux raised $5,641 and presented his dad with the cheque, a huge hug and a framed Dumonceaux Vipers’ third jersey to the delight of the fans and both teams, who banged their sticks on the boards in approval.

“He was shocked and in awe. He couldn’t believe it. It was pretty cool,” said Dumonceaux, who plans to keep his wispy ‘stache for awhile. “He had no idea I was doing this all month. I kept it secret from him.”

Dumonceaux opened the scoring at 12:32 of the first period. He stepped out of the penalty box (slashing minor), slipped in behind the defence and took a great stretch pass from Brandon Egli to go in alone and beat Trail goalie Brett Clark top-shelf.

The Vipers extended the lead early in the second when Liam Coughlin finished off a pretty three-way passing play from Liam Finlay and Luke Shiplo at 3:53 on a powerplay. Luke Voltin scored 14 seconds later, off the ensuing faceoff, and the Snakes enjoyed a 3-0 cushion.

Vernon Minor Hockey product Harlan Orr got Trail on the board off a Vipers turnover in their own end at 6:03, putting a shot past Jarrod Schamerhorn.

Dumounceaux scored the goal of the night with nine seconds left in the frame.

Coughlin took the puck down the right wing, fought off a defender, spun and fired a perfect pass to Dumonceaux at the left slot. Dumonceaux one-timed a rocket past Clark.

Voltin ended the Vernon scoring at 6:55 of the third with his second of the night. Orr added his second for the Smokies on a late powerplay at 18:27.

“Every game’s a four-point game,” said a disappointed Orr before greeting family and friends outside the Smokies’ dressing room.

“If you lose, they’re further ahead, we’re further behind. If we win, we close the gap. From here on out, every game is huge because it’s a tight division and only four teams make the playoffs.”

The Smoke Eaters had been coming off an emotional 3-1 home ice win Friday over the West Kelowna Warriors, and played with three AP players Saturday as several regulars either missed the game with sickness or injury, or played under the weather.

“They challenged us early and our team didn’t respond,” said Trail assistant coach Craig Clare. “This was a big game for us to get back in the mix...We’ve had APs up for the last six or seven games. They’re not the problem. They’ve been helping us get points. Our top guys weren’t our top guys and we hung our goalie out to dry. We’ve played Vernon three times and still haven’t played our best game.”

The game marked the return behind the Vernon bench of head coach Mark Ferner, who missed a couple of games mourning the death of his brother. Dumounceaux said Saturday’s win was for the coach.

“We didn’t want to bring it up, but just go out and play for him,” said Dumonceaux. “We didn’t have to talk about it with him. We may say our condolences after the game but that was a big one for us and for him as well.”

The Vipers begin the week alone in second place in the Interior Division at 16-7-1-2 for 35 points, two ahead of the West Kelowna Warriors (14-8-0-5), and 12 behind the league-leading Penticton Vees (23-4-0-1). The annual Teddy Bear Toss goes Friday with the Vees in town.

SNAKE BITES: Larry Black, who spent 11 years as a head or regional scout with the Vipers, died Sunday night in Kelowna General Hospital, after a year’s battle with cancer. The father of three was 66. Blackie was named assistant GM and director of player personnel with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in May, 2013...The Vipers dealt F Brandon Wagner to the Silverbacks Monday for future considerations. Wagner, 18, had three goals and one assist in 24 games with Vernon...Salmon Arm also released F Nick Josephs to the KIJHL Kelowna Chiefs. The 19-year-old rang up 75 points in 33 games with Kelowna last year before joining the Silverbacks. He had one goal and three assists in 11 games this year...Vernon’s Colton Thibault netted his sixth of the season as the Silverbacks iced host Merritt 5-2 Saturday night.

Former Vipers Scout Black Loses Fight With Cancer:

Former Vernon Vipers Scout Larry Black lost his life with cancer Monday.  Black spent 11 years in Vernon (2001-2012) as regional and head scout before joining the Salmon Arm Silverbacks last season.

This is posted on the Silverbacks website:

ASSISTANT GM/HEAD SCOUT LARRY BLACK LOSES FIGHT TO CANCER

Tuesday, December 2, 2014 - Submitted by Melanie Hart, Director of Communications

Salmon Arm, BC – It is with great sadness that The Salmon Arm Silverbacks Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club announces that our Assistant GM & Head Scout Larry Black passed away yesterday at the Kelowna General Hospital after a valiant fight with cancer.

“The hockey world lost a great man last night but we all know “Blackie” fought ‘til the final horn. I have never seen a more passionate man for the well being of the players in all of my life and his eye for talent was second to none,” stated Troy Mick, GM/President.

Mick was extremely close to Larry and his family after working with him for many years in junior hockey.

Mick continued, “Larry Black has been one of my closest friends ever since I got into junior hockey. Words cannot describe how much Larry meant to me, our organization, and how he touched the player’s lives and the game of hockey. As much as Larry was a hockey guy, he was like my second father and was always there for me, or any of the players, to discuss hockey and life questions. Blackie was a family man through and through and somebody I will always look up too. He was a role model for us all and will be truly missed. We will love you Blackie forever! No more pain my friend,” said Mick.

The team will honor his memory and his tireless efforts to the game of hockey this weekend on our helmets and in observing a moment of silence at our game vs. the West Kelowna Warriors on Saturday, December 6.

Our sincere condolences go out to Larry’s family during this difficult time.

For more information, contact Troy Mick, GM/President at the Silverbacks Hockey Operations office at 250-832-3856 ext 111.

Voltin Named Player Of The Week:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

Vipers' Voltin key to three-win week, earns POW honours

Monday, December 1, 2014 - Submitted by BCHL Media

Vernon Vipers forward Luke Voltin has been named the BCHL Player of the Week for the week ending Nov. 30, the league announced Monday.

Voltin led his team to a perfect 3-0 week and produced four goals and four assists in the process. The Blaine, Minn. native had two goals and a helper for 1st Star in a 7-3 home win over Merritt and followed that with three assists in a 7-5 win in Salmon Arm. The 6-foot, 195-pound forward rounded out his week with two goals, including the game-winner, and 2nd Star in a 5-2 win over visiting Trail.

Honourable mentions this week:

Nanaimo Clippers F Anthony Rinald: 3G, 2A, 1st Star, 3rd Star

Nanaimo Clippers F Jacob Hanlon: 2G, 2A, 2nd Star, 3rd Star, GWG

Cowichan Valley Capitals F Rylan Bechtel: 2G, 1st Star, GWG

Chilliwack Chiefs F Jake Hand: 3G, 1A, 2nd Star, GWG

Powell River Kings F JJ Coleshaw: 2G, 2A, 1st Star

Prince George Spruce Kings F Jake LeBrun: 3G, 2A, 2nd Star, GWG

Prince George Spruce Kings F Braiden Epp: 3G, 2A, 1st Star, GWG

Vipers Acquire Former Express Rasovic:

The Vernon Vipers have acquired former Coquitlam Express 18 year old forward Nicholas Rasovic.  No official press release from either team but Rasovic is listed on the Vipers roster.  Rasovic is listed at 5'11 175 lbs.  In 17 games this season with Coquitlam Rasovic collected (1-goal-6-assists-7-points).  In 66 career BCHL games with Penticton & Coquitlam Rasovic has (4-goals-12-assists-16-points).

Nicholas Rasovic's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=153255

Here is an article from the Tri-Cities Now (November 14th 2013) on Rasovic in his rookie season with the Express last season.

http://www.thenownews.com/sports/coquitlam-rookie-making-strides-1.696914

 

Vernon-Salmon Arm Trade:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vipers Make Deal

Monday, December 1, 2014 - Submitted by Viper Staff

The Vernon Vipers have traded forward Branden Wagner(96) to
the Salmon Arm Silverbacks for future considerations.In 24 games this season Wagner recorded 3 goals and1 assist. This is the second trade completed between the Vipers and Silverbacks this season as Vernon earlier sent Ryley Booth to the Silverbacks also for future consideration.For more information please contact the Viper office at 250-542-6022.

Branden Wagner's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=102531

BCHL December 1st Roster Deadline Rules:

This is posted on Brian Wiebe's BCHL Blog:

BCHL December 1st Roster Deadline:

Sunday, November 30, 2014

The December 1st Hockey Canada roster deadline of the season arrives tomorrow and it's one that's seen BCHL teams be traditionally busy.

I sent an email to the league office to clarify the details on the December 1st deadline, but didn't receive a response. However, a coach within the BCHL was able to confirm how it shakes down.

Basically, BCHL teams started with 35 cards on June 1st, then on October 1st that was reduced to 30. At that point, teams which had 22 players signed, were left with only eight cards to sign any players acquired.

As of December 1st, the number is cut to 25 cards or less, which includes carded players plus available unused cards. The norm is for teams to end up with a 22 player roster and 3 cards, but occasionally teams will go with less than 22 players and then have more cards available for use leading up to the January 10th roster deadline.

For example, if a team has 28 cards remaining of the 35 they started with on June 1st, (including the 22 players on their roster) and it reduces to 25 on Monday night, it makes sense to trade now, rather than after December 1st. The idea being that the team uses cards 23 through 28 instead of losing them. This is assuming the team wants to make some changes.

Last season, there were 12 trades in the week leading up to the deadline, including three on December 1st. In 2012, eight trades were made, while in 2011, seven trades were made. In 2010, there were 16 trades and in 2009, there were also 16 deals.

The other aspect of the deadline is that teams within the BCHL have until 7 pm Pacific time to make any deals with each other while they have until 6 pm Pacific time to make deals with CJHL teams outside of BC.