Bulldogs Release Former Viper Alumni Gill:

The American Hockey League (AHL) Hamilton Bulldogs have released former Vernon Vipers forward Sahir Gill. Gill attended the Montreal Canadians Training camp this season was released before signing with the Bulldogs on October 10th 2014. Gill went pointless in one game with the Bulldogs. Gill will return to the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Wheeling Nailers where he played last season. No official press release from the Bulldogs but Gill is listed on the Nailers roster.

Sahir Gill's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=38017

Gill played last year with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Wheeling Nailers. Gill finished sixth in rookie scoring and lead the team in scoring collecting (13-goals-41-assists-54-points). Gill was suppose to enter his fourth and final season at Boston University last season but left school signing with the Nailers early in the season. Gill played parts of two seasons in Vernon (2008-2010). Gill left the Vipers in July of 2009 for the United States Hockey League (USHL) Chicago Steel but after just 26 games would return to Vernon in mid January of 2010. In 71 regular season games with the Vipers Gill recorded (21-goals-30-assists-42-points).

Former Viper Volpatti ‘In Charge’ Of Return From Conditioning Loan:

Here is an article on former Vernon Vipers forward Aaron Volpatti who was recently sent down to the American Hockey League for conditioniong is close to returning to the NHL after undergoing a neck-fusion procedure over six months ago.

Volpatti is in his third season with the Washington Capitals has spent the past five years in the NHL with the Capitals & Vancouver Canucks.

Volpatti never drafted spent four years with Brown University before signing as a free agent with the Vancouver Canucks on March 22, 2010. Volpatti played parts of two and a half seasons with the Canucks before being claimed off waivers by the Washington Capitals on February 28th 2013. Volpatti played three seasons in Vernon (2003-2006) In 137 regular season games with the Vipers Volpatti collected (13-goals-24-assists-37-points).

Aaron Volpatti's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=39059

This is in the Washington Post Newspaper:

Trotz: Forward Aaron Volpatti ‘in charge’ of return from conditioning loan

By Alex Prewitt December 9, 2014

Capitals Insider

(Alex Brandon/Associated Press)

TAMPA – With forward Aaron Volpatti shipped to Hershey on a conditioning loan, still working toward full health after undergoing neck surgery, Capitals Coach Barry Trotz said the organization will take a wait-and-see approach concerning his return, with the timetable dictated by Volpatti himself.

“Aaron’s pretty close and it’s more in terms of – medically he’s very close – now it’s the confidence game that he has to deal with,” Trotz said. “We told Aaron plain and simple, he’s in charge of when he’s ready to come back. Comfortably, medically, getting the okay from the doctor, but also when he’s mentally ready to be back into it.”

During a road-heavy December, with Washington closing the calendar year with six of seven away from Verizon Center, the Capitals wanted Volpatti to receive more intensive work now that he recently began skating without a non-contact jersey during practice. Tuesday, Volpatti worked out with the American Hockey League-affiliated Bears, who for the second straight weekend will play three games in as many days.

Trotz planned to communicate with Volpatti either Wednesday night or Thursday morning to gauge his health. According to the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement, Volpatti can play up to three games on a long-term conditioning loan to the AHL, but the Capitals can file a request for two more.

“He might decide to play one game, then see how it feels or where he feels mentally, then go from there,” Trotz said. “It’s really in his hands and the trainers and doctors’ hands. When he’s ready, we’re not pushing him to play or anything. When he’s ready to go, he’ll tell us. He’ll give a shot at it and then probably play the three games, then we’ll have to evaluate at that point if we request to have two more games for him and for us, or he’s back with us.”

Before the season began, the Capitals shelved Volpatti on long-term injured reserve as he handled covering from disk fusion surgery in his neck. Since Washington claimed him off waivers from Vancouver in 2013, the left winger has played 58 games for the Capitals, logged 56 penalty minutes and registered three points.

If the current forwards remain healthy, Volpatti’s return would give the Capitals 14 bodies, one more than what Trotz has preferred. Tuesday in Tampa Bay, however, Trotz declined to give that much though.
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“I just got to worry about today,” he said. “Biggest thing today is Tampa Bay and they’ve got a pretty good team. We’ve got to worry about them. I try to not worry about the guys who aren’t able to help us today, even though I like them all and they’re a big part of our team. We just got to concentrate on the group here.”

Vernon Vipers Player Profile With #23 Riley Brandt:

This is posted on Hockeytube.net

Vipers Profile – #23 Riley Brandt

Posted by HockeyTube on Dec 28th, 2014

Hockeytube.net caught up with Vernon Vipers #23 Riley Brandt. The 18-year-old Trail native played last year with the BCHL Smoke Eaters before joining the Vernon Vipers this season. The 5’7″ 180 pound forward is quickly becoming a fan favourite with his hard word and big league hits. He talks about joining the snakes and his future goals in hockey and we play another round of ‘Rapid Fire’.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TiRzo-gljs

Vipers Hold Off Pesky Smokies:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers hold off pesky Smokies
               
by Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Jan 7, 2015

For nearly 40 minutes, the Trail Smoke Eaters had no answer for the free-wheeling Vernon Vipers.

A late second-period goal by Connor Brown-Maloski gave the Smokies a spark Saturday night at Kal Tire Place, at least enough to make it interesting as the Snakes used some late-game heroics to pull out a 6-4 win in front of 2,200 B.C. Hockey League fans.

Vernon, second in the Interior Division at 23-11-1-2, was absolutely dominant in the opening two periods, outshooting the 13-22-0-2 Smoke Eaters 40-12 (55-19 overall) and racking up a 3-0 lead midway through the second frame.

Shifty Liam Finlay opened the scoring on Vernon’s first powerplay, roofing a quick wrister over netminder Brett Clark for his 14th of the season.

Just 29 seconds later, the Vipers got in on a forecheck and Luke Voltin forced the puck back to the point where second star Kenny Citron hammered a low blast for his first of the season, and second-career BCHL goal.

Citron, a stay-at-home d-man who took in the Giants vs Eagles NFL tilt while he was home in Hartsdale, N.Y. for the holidays, assisted on Anthony Latina’s 3-0 goal, his 12th, 12:54 into the second period.

“It was a good screen by (forward Colton) McCarthy, so a credit to him for that,” said Citron, of his goal. “It’s nice, but you want to take care of defence first, and then that stuff handles itself. It’s nice to chip in offensively, but it stems from our forwards getting to the net and creating traffic.”

Brown-Maloski (8th goal), taking a cross-ice pass in the neutral zone from Max Newton, streaked up the left wing and picked the top right corner on a wicked snapshot with 18 seconds to play in period two.

The momentum was short-lived as Vernon agitator Riley Brandt (7th) snuck a shot past Clark from a terrible angle two minutes into the third period.

After that, the Vipers appeared to lose focus and Trail capitalized on some sloppy play in Vernon’s end. Clark earned third star with 49 saves.

Harlan Orr, a Vernon minor hockey product, disrupted a Vipers’ breakout and floated a pass to Scott Davidson, who was all alone in front of Jarrod Schamerhorn. With all kinds of time, the Trail native went backhand-forehand on the helpless Vernon tender for his 11th goal.

With Vernon continuing to play carelessly in their end, Newton (4th) made them pay again with a top-shelf snipe on Schamerhorn’s doorstep after Ross Armour and Brown-Maloski created a turnover behind the net.

Bryan Basilico (8th) knotted the score 4-4 just 40 seconds later on a bad-angle shot from the outer hashmarks to Schamerhorn’s right. Orr drew the assist.

“At one point, we had three guys behind the net and they score,” said Vipers’ assistant coach Kevin Kraus. “Another time, we had five guys sitting at the blueline and their guy’s sitting alone in front of the net. So they scored two goals uncontested in front of the net. It’s not something where we can blame Schamerhorn.

“It was a good 40 minutes. We had a bit of a lapse there, but good for our group to overcome it and still get the win.”

After that, it was the Thomas Aldworth show, as the smooth-skating Texan displayed a deadly accurate shot in recording his 27th and 28th goals of the season, which are second best in the league behind Coquitlam’s Corey Makin’s 37.

Aldworth, named first star, tagged up at the blueline, skated onto a loose puck and unleashed a ridiculous snapper that sailed over Clark’s shoulder for the first one.

Just as the Trail keeper was about to leave the net for an extra attacker, Aldworth pounced on a turnover at the Smoke Eaters’ blueline and went in for the insurance goal at 19:08, firing just inside the post.

Trail head coach Nick Deschenes – ejected in the second period – credited his group for not giving up. They were without high-scoring Dallas Calvin and Craig Martin.

“We’ve had a tough year,” said Deschenes, who helped turn around the KIJHL Grand Forks Border Bruins before joining the Smokies midway through the 2013-14 season.

“That was definitely a positive 10 or 15 minutes where we were able to put pucks in the net. We got it close, and a little bit of a breakdown at the end.

“They (Vipers) have a great work ethic and it’s top to bottom in their whole lineup. Right now, we’re not quite there. It’s a great test when you play teams like this to see where you stand. Them and Penticton are in a league of their own.”

Orr, playing for his fourth BCHL team, is putting up decent numbers and playing quality minutes with the Smoke Eaters. The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder is fourth on team scoring with 11-13-24 in 36 games. He knows it will be a bit of a stretch to make the post-season.

“We figure we need around 17 wins to get in playoffs, which doesn’t leave a lot of room for error,” he said. “These next few games, we definitely have to get it on track.”

Regarding the game, he added: “We got better as the game went on. Once we got into the third period and found our footing, we started to perform and we made it a game. Unfortunately, we gave it back and weren’t able to pull it out.”

Vernon begins a three-game weekend Friday by hosting the Prince George Spruce Kings (18-15-0-4) at the Big Wheel, followed by the Alberni Valley Bulldogs (18-13-1-3) Saturday. The Snakes visit the last-place Surrey Eagles (7-29-0-3) for a Sunday matinee.

“This is where it really starts to matter, and this is where you want to start getting hot,” said Citron, of the run to playoffs. “This is when good team really start to put it together.”

SNAKE BITES: Vernon rookie Jagger Williamson was placed on injured reserve after he blocked a point shot with his foot in Vernon’s final pre-holiday tilt against Powell River…With Linden Hora out sick, d-man Mitch Oliver moved up to forward against Trail, and showed some good aggression on the forecheck…Finlay rang the crossbar on a penalty shot at 14:39 of the third period after he was hooked going in on a breakaway.

Blog Hits 800,000 Viewers:

Monday evening around 8:30pm this blog hit 800,000 viewer's-page views.

I wanted to take this time to thank all of you, the viewers who check out my blog. I first created my Vipersdiehardfan blog back in December of 2008 and since then have had over 800,000 viewer's visit this site. As of 7am this morning I have had 800,110 viewers in total visit this blog. To follow the viewer count, check out the counter on the left hand side of this blog. I have a website that tell's me how many viewer's I get per month, per day, as well as per week. The site also tell's me where the viewer's are from and how they contacted this blog. This blog has been averaging around 500-700 viewer's per day during this hockey season depending on whats going on. During the summer I average around 150-250 viewers a day.  I had 17,358 viewers for the month of December. 

I get people from all across the world visiting this blog. Thank you again and thanks for the support. If you would like to leave a comment, there's a comment box at the bottom of each post.

Thanks,  Vipersdiehardfan

BCHL Trades From Month Of December:

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

01-Dec-14 The Salmon Arm Silverbacks have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Branden Wagner(96)(F) from the Vernon Vipers in exchange for future considerations

02-Dec-14 The Prince George Spruce Kings have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Tyler Kunz(94)(F) from the Lloydminster Bobcats of the AJHL in exchange for the CJHL playing rights to Taylor Allan(95)(D) and future considerations

02-Dec-14 The Trail Smoke Eaters have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Stephen Penner(95)(D) and Cooper Leitch(96)(F) from the Prince George Spruce Kings in exchange for the CJHl playing rights to Viktor Dombrovskiy(96)(D)

11-Dec-14 The Trail Smoke Eaters have transferred the CJHL playing rights to Sheldon Hubbard (95)(D) to the Grande Prairie Storm of the AJHL in exchange for future considerations

11-Dec-14 The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Eric Therrien(94)(F) from the Drayton Valley Thunder in exchange for the CJHL playing rights to Jeff Rose(96)(D) and future considerations

17-Dec-14 The Salmon Arm Silverbacks have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Jordan Burns(95)(D) from the Powell River Kings in exchange for future considerations

Vipers Lose Longtime Season Ticket Holder:

I would like to take this time to send my condolences out to the Bailey family.  Before Saturday's Vipers game I first got word that the Vernon Vipers & their fans have lost another diehard long time Vernon Lakers-Vipers season ticket holder after the passing of Bruce Bailey over the holidays. 

Bailey grew up in Vernon and has been attending Junior hockey games in Vernon for well over twenty plus years.  Bruce was a family friend and will be missed by his family and his friends around the arena. 

I last spoke with Bruce at the Vipers final home game of 2014 on January 20th.  He was really looking forward to going away for the holidays to visit one of his sisters and her family up North.  Bailey returned home where he passed away over the holidays. 

Always cheering on his beloved Vipers with his cowbell in hand, Bruce will be missed and forever remembered. 

Bruce you will be truly missed by all, especially your friends and hockey buddies at the rink! Going to the games wont be the same without you! I will miss our hockey talk before and during the games.

R.I.P Bruce 

Go Vipers Go!!

Jackals Sign Former Vipers Defenceman Florentino:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Elmira Jackals have signed former Vernon Vipers defenceman Rob Florentino to a try-out contract, will attend the Jackals Training camp. No official press release from the Jackals but the transaction was posted on the ECHL website/transactions page.

Rob Florentino's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=42676

Florentino started last season (2013-14) with the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) Huntsville Havoc. In 14 games last year with Huntsville Florentino collected (5-goals-9-assists-14-points). Florentino was loaned to the ECHL Reading Royals before signing with Reading on December 6th 2013. In 9 games with the Royals Florentino picked up two assists. Florentino was released on March 19th 2014. 

Florentino spent three years at the University of Massachusetts before leaving school and signing with the ECHL Las Vegas Wranglers on March 6th 2013 but was released on March 25th 2013 after going pointless in eleven games.

Florentino attended the Vernon Vipers 2009 Training Camp played in a few exhibition games before being released. The Vipers with the league limit six twenty year olds at that time were forced to release Florentino who was twenty years old. Florentino later signed with the Victoria Grizzlies where he started the 2009-2010 regular season.

Miska Stands Tall As Vees Record Fifth Win Over Vipers:

This was in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Miska stands tall as Vees record fifth win over Vipers

Published: January 04, 2015

After five head-to-head B.C. Hockey League tilts, the Vernon Vipers have yet to solve the Penticton Vees.

Hunter Miska recorded 30 saves for his fourth shutout and 20th win as the Vees blanked the Snakes 3-0 in front of 2,300 fans Friday night at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

Miska, a 19-year-old Stacy, Minn. native, also recorded his first assist of the season, setting up Gabe Bast for an empty net insurance goal, his fourth of the year, with 1:08 to play.

“Oh yeah, I was cellying,” said Miska, the game’s first star, of his first point. “It was the first game of 2015, we were all pretty fired up.”

The Vipers (22-11-1-2), who trail the BCHL-leading Vees (29-5-2-1) by 14 points in the Interior Division, get two more cracks at the Vees in February, before playoffs.

“We need to find a way to beat this hockey team,” said Vernon head coach Mark Ferner.

“They’re a good team and they find ways, and their goalie was good again for them tonight. We just need to play with more urgency.”

Vernon began a three-game home stand Saturday against the Trail Smoke Eaters (13-21-0-2). They entertain the Prince George Spruce Kings (18-14-0-4) Friday at  Kal Tire Place, followed by a Saturday-nighter against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs (18-12-1-3). The Dawgs have won three straight.

The Snakes swarmed Penticton early in the first period, opening up a 10-1 shot count before the Vees settled down later in the frame. Colton McCarthy had the Vipers best chance, ringing iron on a heavy shot past Miska.

In the second period, former Viper Demico Hannoun (second star) snuck one past netminder Danny Todosychuk, who finished with 20 saves. Vees co-captain Cody DePourcq forced a turnover near the corner, then fed Hannoun for his 17th goal and fourth against Vernon.

“For the most part, I thought we played pretty well,” said Ferner. “When we did have some success, we got pucks behind their dee early, and we try to be as physical as possible without taking penalties.

“It’s a tough building to come into; you don’t have that last change. Once they get that first goal, it’s tough to get back. We had our opportunities, and they get their second (goal), and we had to shorten our bench up a little bit.”

Steen Cooper (6th goal) gave the Vees a two-goal cushion five minutes into the third period when he redirected a Bast point shot just as their powerplay expired.

SNAKE BITES: The West Kelowna Warriors made a few moves to retool their blueline, acquiring 1994-born d-man Braeden Jones from the AJHL Grande Prairie Storm in exchange for ‘95 forward Devon McAndrews Friday. A day earlier, they picked up ‘94 D Tyler Kunz from the Prince George Spruce Kings in exchange for ‘94 F Michael Buonicontri and ‘96 D Greydon Robinson.

Vernon 6 Trail 4

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-Smoke Eaters game as Vernon defeated Trail 6-4 in front of 2,217 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Jarrod Schamerhorn
Trail: Brett Clark

1st Period: For a third straight game the Vipers got off to a quick start, jumped on Trail early taking it to the Smoke Eaters.  Vernon would get a great opporunity two minutes into the contest after Nicolas Rasovic tried setting Colton McCarthy on a two on one, but McCarthy couldnt connect on the pass.  The Vipers with a ton of pressure and puck possesion in the Trail zone were skating circles in the attacking zone, really using their speed and skill Vernon moved the puck well but didnt generate alot of scoring chances.  before the Smokies would get the games first powerplay early.  The Smokies needed almost three minutes to record their first shot of the night would get a great opportunity after Bryan Basilico was stopped in front by Jarrod Schamerhorn.  Trail with just two shots didnt have much of a PP would take a penalty with just a second to go in their powerplay.  The Vipers would capitalise with their man advantage after Luke Shiplo setup Liam Finlay who gave Vernon a 1-0 lead at 5:53 Shiplo & Liam Coughlin with the assists.  On the following shift Kenny Citron with his first of the season put the Vipers up 2-0 at 6:22 after a rocket low along the ice.  Luke Voltin with the helper.  The Vipers kept coming and in waves as Vernon poured on the pressure.  Give the Smoke Eaters credit as they did a great job at shutting down the shooting lanes, forcing the Vipers into limited shots.  It was all Vernon for the entire period as the Vipers dominated the play, were throwing pucks on net also missed the net on alot of shots.  Trail had very little puck possesion and time in the Viper end of the rink.  The Vipers would get their second PP of the night around the midway mark, moving the puck well the Vipers were once again forced into no open shooting lanes as the Smokies penalty kill was very strong.  Vernon would get a great chance with the man advantage after Brandon Egli's point shot was redirected by Blaine Caton in front forcing Brett Clark to make a nice save.  Trail with a good penalty kill kept the Vipers to the outside would kill off the minor.  Kenny Citron with a blast from the blueline come close for his second of the night but hit crossbar come very close to putting the Vipers up 3-0.  Just a few minutes later Riley Brandt on a three on two rush couldnt beat Clark who come out to challenge made a nice save from in close.  Luke Voltin with a chance from the side of the net couldnt beat the Smoke Eaters goaltender as the Vipers were pressing for a third goal.  Late in the period Vernon would get a late penalty that would carry into the 2nd period.  It was 2-0 Vernon after 20 minutes of play.  The Vipers with a very strong start took it to the Smokies jumped out to a two goal lead dominated the play, getting several good chances through out the period.  For as many shots as the Vipers got on net, Vernon missed nearly just as many that didnt hit the goal.  Trail with very little time and possesion played most of the first in their own end were down two goals on the road.  The Vipers outshot the Smoke Eaters 21-7.

2nd Period: The Vipers started the middle frame on the powerplay that was carried over from the opening period.  Off the opening draw the Vipers would get a few flurries in and around the goal couldnt capitalize as again the Smokies penalty kill would kill off the penalty.  Within minutes Vernon would head back to the PP but again the Vipers man advantage wasnt clicking.  Thomas Aldworth was stopped in close as again Trail would kill off the minor.  Captain Riley Guenther with a quick shot from the high point beat Brett Clark but hit the post along the way.  Vernon with a flurry of opportunities in the opening minutes had the Smokies again playing in their own end for most of the start of the period.  Trail for a second straight period lacked offence as the Smokies needed ten minutes to get their first shot of the frame.  The Smokies with a short bench had two or three players at once down in the tunnel getting looked at by the team trainer.  Just over two minutes later Anthony Latina with a nice indivdual effort put Vernon up by three at 12:54 Kenny Citron with the assist.  In the second half is where the game really slowed down, both teams making plenty of mistakes making for one very scrambed period.  Not alot of action at either ends of the rink made for some very lackluster hockey.  The Smoke Eaters would lose Head Coach-GM Nick Deschenes after he was tossed from the game with about five and a half minutes to go.  The Smoke Eaters would get their second powerplay late and come close to getting on the board.  Jake Lucchini with a quick shot from the top of the circle forced Vipers starting Goaltender Jarrod Schamerhorn into making a big save.  On the following play Lucchini beat Schamerhorn but rang his shot off the crossbar on a close call.  Vernon was able to excape and kill off the Smokies powerplay.  In the final minute of play Trail would eventually get on the board after former Salmon Arm Silverback Connor Brown-Maloski ripped a high hard shot top shelf beat Schamerhorn at 19:42 cutting the Vernon lead to two goals.  Max Newton picked up the helper.  It was 3-1 Vernon after 40 minutes of play.  The Vipers with back to back powerplays to start the period had a flurry of chances couldnt capitalize.  Vernon with a strong start to the period was able to jump out to a 3-0 lead before falling asleep in the second half.  Both teams actually went to sleep in the final ten minutes in a very poorly played last half of the second.  The Vipers outshot the Smoke Eaters 19-5.

3rd Period: The Smokies come out hard to start the final frame, were able to get a good jump on the Vipers off the opening draw and got some early pressure deep in the Vernon zone.  The Vipers were able to contain the Smokies attack and come right back the other way re-gained their three goal lead.  Riley Brandt going hard to the net beat Smoke Eaters starting goaltender Brett Clark at 1:56 Colton McCarthy and Brandon Egli picked up the assists.  But just over two minutes later back come the Trail Smoke Eaters.  Veteran Scott Davidson left all alone in front had all day to beat Jarrod Schamerhorn cut the Viper lead to 4-2 at 4:19 Vernon product Harlan Orr & Stephen Penner collected the assists.  The Vipers defence went to sleep here to start the third as the Smokies started to get their game going.  Trail with good energy and a good attack were now the ones pressuring Vernon into turning over the puck, making mistakes and getting chances of their own.  The Vipers looked slow and sluggish were having all kinds of trouble in their own end.  TJ Dumonceaux with a great opportunity somehow couldnt find the open cage after a scramble in front of the Smoke Eaters crease and the puck stayed out.  Vernon would get a few good rushes in now and again but wernt having a great final period.  Max Newton would get the Smokies to within a goal at 11:12 Ross Armour and Connor Brown-Maloski with the helpers.  Just fourty seconds later veteran Bryan Basilico from a sharp angle down low beat Schamerhorn on a goal the Viper goaltender would like to have back tied the game at 4-4 at 11:52 Harlan Orr with the helper.  Trail with a huge 3rd period comeback had the Vipers on edge and put a silence to Kal Tire Place.  A minute later the Smokies would lose Cooper Leitch who was given a two minute minor and a ten minute misconduct.  Just over three minutes later Liam Finlay would get hooked going to the net had a great opportunity in front would get rewarded with a penalty shot with 5:21 remaining.  With a chance to give Vernon the lead Finlay would beat Brett Clark but couldnt beat the post as the game was still tied 4-4.  Just over a minute and a half later Thomas Aldworth with a great job to get back outside of the zone on an offside call would steal the loose puck come down the left wing and rip a high hard shot top shelf past Clark giving the Vipers a 5-4 lead at 16:58 Aldworth's goal would be unassisted.  With 1:33 to go the Smokies would call a timeout and get Brett Clark to the bench for the extra attacker, TJ Dumonceaux looked to seal the victory with the empty netter but shot a little too high hitting the crossbar.  With the faceoff just inside the neutral zone, the Smoke Eaters would send Clark back between the pipes before Thomas Aldworth with another great individual effort cut hard to the net beat Clark put Vernon up 6-4 at 19:08 Aldworth's goal was unassisted.  This would seal the win for Vernon as the Vipers would run out the clock and hold onto the 6-4 victory.  Trail with a great third period showed their best hockey of the night.  An early goal by former Smoke Eater Riley Brandt gave Vernon a 4-1 lead and looked to may have put away the Smokies but Trail still kept coming plugged away with three straight goals to tie the game looked to atleast get an extra point force overtime, but Thomas Aldworth stepped to the plate late in the game would score two huge goals for the Vipers leading them to victory.  The Smoke Eaters were by far the better of the two teams in the third, as the Vipers struggled defensively.  Several turnovers and mistakes, missed coverages in front, allowed Trail to score three straight to tie the game.  Vernon didnt look very good in the final twenty minutes were lucky to come away with the win.  The Vipers outshot the Smoke Eaters 15-7.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Kenny Citron (1 goal & 1 assist) Had his best game of the season.  The second year Viper defenceman scored his first goal of the season played very well at both ends of the rink.  Citron got pucks to the net, come close for his second of the night found crossbar in the opening frame was very good.

Anthony Latina (1 goal) Played with alot of jump, showed lots of energy was working hard all game.  Scored a great goal in the second to give Vernon a three goal lead never quit skating tonight.

The line of Nicolas Rasovic, Colton McCarthy (1 assist) and Riley Brandt (1 goal) played very well for a second straight night.  I thought McCarthy was going to the grey areas, getting in front of the net, causing traffic for Brett Clark played a hard nosed game.  Brandt who hasnt played as physical as he has been was another kid who worked and competed hard all night.  Brandt really battled and went hard into the corners, battled strong for the pucks along the wall.  This line really worked hard and played very well.

Luke Shiplo (1 assist) Was another Viper d-man that played very well.  A real good skater, can really move up ice in a hurry, really sees and reads the play well.  Smart with the puck, had a good transition game tonight.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

The Vipers with another great start to a hockey game.  The Vipers have come out of the gates a flying the last three games and have played some great 1st periods in all of their last three games.  Playing with alot of jump, speed and skill jumped out to a quick two goal lead totally outplayed and dominated the Smokies.  Vernon once again started the 2nd with a strong start started with back to back powerplays, couldnt capitalize but had a flurry of good opportunities.  In the second half is when the Vipers went to sleep and never really fully recovered for the remainder of the game.  Vernon and Trail both put the fans to sleep in the final ten minutes of the second period with some very scrambled hockey.  The Vipers up by three goals looked to have the game in hand but counting Trail out was the wrong approach as the Smoke Eaters put on their working boots and had a very strong third period.  The Vipers with several poor defensive plays and coverages blew a three goal lead needed Thomas Aldworth's two late 3rd period goals to hold on for the 6-4 victory.  Vernon looked slow and sluggish most of the third made way too many mistakes allowing the Smoke Eaters back in the contest.  The Vipers quit skating left too many players uncovered in front of the net.  I thought the Vipers played and looked very good for the first thirty minutes or so but thought they didnt look very good to finish the game.  Vernon also needs to work on hitting the net, fired wide atleast twenty times if not more.  The Vipers needed to put the Smokies away in the first period, but only up two goals let Trail hang around and stay in the hockey game thought this one was in the bag.  With a week away from the BCHL Trade Deadline, will Mark Ferner make any moves?  We all know Trevor Fidler will be delt but will the Vipers be looking at other posibilities?

Top Players: (Trail)

Jake Lucchini I thought was one of the Smokies better players through out the full sixty minutes.  Lucchini quick on his feet, can really move the puck in a hurry, gets pucks to the net, had a few looks-opportunities tonight played very well. 

Connor Brown-Maloski (1 goal & 1 assist) Played well through out the game.  The Smoke Eaters with not alot of offensive threat through two periods of play, really seemed to lean on Brown-Maloski and Lucchini.

Bryan Basilico (1 goal) Played hard, worked hard and competed hard all night.  Went hard to the net, battled and competed in the dirty areas. 

Brett Clark (49 saves) Kept his club in the game, giving Trail a chance to win or atleast keep the score close.  Clark who is now 0-5 vs Vernon this season made some good saves through out the contest.  I wouldnt say he had to stand on his head but made some big saves when the Vipers were up by two or three goals.  Clark lets in one or two of these shots and now its 4 or 5-0 at this point. 

Game Thought's: (Trail)

Playing their third game of a four game road trip Trail is now 0-3 on this trip.  The Smokies have now have just one win in their last fourteen road games.  Trail was completely outplayed the entire opening frame were lucky to only be down by two goals.  The Smokies with just seven shots on goal had very little puck possesion played most of the 1st in their own end.  Things werent looking good for Trail who took some very undisaplined penalties through out the game, lost their Head Coach during the 2nd period.  The Smokies coaching staff couldnt keep their mouths shut, were constantly yapping at the officials eventually would get tossed for talking too much.  The Smoke Eaters who had no rights even being in the hockey game after the first thirty minutes got a late goal in the final minute of the 2nd got on the board, got some life and seemed to build off that heading into the 3rd.  The Smokies come out strong, played their best hockey of the game in the final period didnt quit working.  Trail had the Vipers back on their heels, forced Vernon's defence into several turnovers and missed coverages scored three goals to tie the game, looked to force overtime gave up two late third period goals to fall to 0-5 vs the Vipers this season.  A tough loss for the Smokies who took it to the Vipers most of the final period.  I thought Trail's penalty kill was good, yes they gave up a PP goal but held off the Viper powerplay the rest of the night.  I also thought the Smoke Eaters did a good job at limiting the Vipers chances early and often, shutdown the shooting lanes, made it difficult for the Vernon shooters to get a good look at the net.  Give Trail credit, they could have easily folded the tent and packed up and left but they battled hard and made a heck of a finish giving the Vipers a bit of a scare. 

Scratches:

Vernon:

Jagger Williamson (Injured)
Trevor Fidler (Suspended)
Linden Hora

Trail:

Craig Martin
Dallas Calvin
Paulsen Lautard
Sheldon Hubbard
Adam Todd

Energy player of the game:

Colton McCarthy (1 assist)

Three Stars:

1st Star: Thomas Aldworth (2 goals)
2nd Star: Kenny Citron (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Brett Clark (49 saves)

BCHL Boxscore,

http://www.vipers.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1358377&link=bchl

Game Preview: Trail @ Vernon:

Trail (13-21-0-2) @ Vernon (22-11-1-2) 6pm

Tonight is the fifth game of seven regular season meetings between the Vernon Vipers and Trail Smoke Eaters. Vernon leads the season series 4-0. You can listen to tonight's game live with Graham Turnbull starting with the pre-game show at 5:45pm on 107.5 Kiss FM

Last Game:

Friday, Januray 2nd Penticton defeated Vernon 3-0
Friday, January 2nd Merritt defeated Trail 4-3

Next Game:

Friday, January 9th Prince George @ Vernon
Wednesday, January 7th Trail @ Salmon Arm

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 419-230-20-19

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 230-94-11-10 at home

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 190-126-9-9 on the road

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 62-16-1-3 vs. Trail

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Trail 346-191

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

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 24-9-1-1 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 9-5 victory on Saturday, December 6th 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 return home after a 3-0 loss in Penticton last night.  Tonight is the first of a three game home stand where the Vipers will play five of their next six games.  Vernon has won three straight at Kal Tire Place and six of their last seven home games.  The Vipers sit 2nd in the Interior Division are four points up on West Kelowna and five points up on Merritt.  Vernon has lost three of their last five are 6-4-0-0 in their last ten games.  The Vipers won the last meeting between these two teams after a 9-5 victory in Trail on December 6th are 4-0 vs Trail this year. 

Thomas Aldworth (26-11-37) leads the team in goals with twenty six while Liam Coughlin (14-28-42) leads the team in points with fourty two.

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: 36
Wins: 22
Losses: 11
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 12-5-1-1
Road Record: 10-6-0-1
Overtime Record: 1-2-1
Record vs Interior Division: 12-9-1-1
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 10-2-0-1
Record in September: 2-2-0-1
Record in October: 5-3-0-0
Record in November 9-2-1-1
Record in December 6-3-0-0
Record in January 0-1-0-0
When the Vipers score first: 16-2-1-1
When the opponents score first: 6-10-0-1
Leading after 1st Period: 11-1-1-1
Tied after 1st Period: 6-3-0-0
Trailing after 1st Period: 5-7-0-1
Leading after 2nd Period: 15-1-0-1
Tied after 2nd Period: 6-1-0-0
Trailing after 2nd Period: 1-9-1-1
Out shooting Opponents: 17-5-0-1
Out shot by Opponents: 4-5-1-1
One goal games: 4-3-0-2
Goals For: 133
Goals Against: 102
Place: 2nd Place
Streak: One game losing streak

-Vernon has the leagues 14th best powerplay

-The Vipers have the leagues 11th 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:

2-0-0-0

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Trail this season:

Liam Coughlin (2-6-8)
TJ Dumonceaux (4-2-6)
Luke Shiplo (0-6-6)
Liam Finlay (1-5-6)
Jagger Williamson (1-4-5)
Luke Voltin (3-0-4)
Anthony Latina (2-1-3)
Blaine Caton (1-2-3)
Trevor Fidler (2-1-3)
Mitch Meek (2-1-3)
Brandon Egli (0-2-2)
Nicolas Rasovic (1-1-2)
Thomas Aldworth (2-0-2)
Riley Brandt (1-1-2)
Mitchell Oliver (0-1-1)
Linden Hora (0-1-1)
Kenny Citron (0-1-1)
Colton McCarthy (0-1-1)

Jarrod Schamerhorn (3-0 Record)
Danny Todosychuk (1-0 Record-1 Shutout)

Lets take a look at the Trail Smoke Eaters:

The Trail Smoke Eaters make their third of four visits to Kal Tire Place tonight are coming off a 4-3 loss in Merritt Friday.  Tonight is the third game of a four game road trip where the Smoke Eaters are 0-2 with losses in West Kelowna & Merritt.  Trail is 0-2 in Vernon this season has just seven wins in Vernon since the 2003-04 regular season.  The Smokies have lost two straight & four of their last five games.  Trail is 1-8-0-1 in their last ten games have lost eight straight away from home.  The Smoke Eaters have just one win in their last thirteen road games sit in 6th place are eight points back of Salmon Arm and fourteen points back of Merritt. 

Charlie Zuccarini (24-22-46) leads the team in goals with twenty four and in points with fourty six.

-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: 36
Wins: 13
Losses: 21
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 9-9-0-1
Road Record: 4-12-0-1
Overtime Record: 0-2
Goals For: 126
Goals Against: 141
Streak: Two game losing streak
Standings: 6th Place

-Trail has the BCHL's 5th best powerplay

-The Smoke Eaters have the league's 7th 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:

0-2-0-0

Trail's Road record vs. Vernon this season:

0-2-0-0

Trail's scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Jake Lucchini (1-2-3)
Dallas Calvin (0-3-3)
Harlan Orr (2-0-2)
Paulsen Lautard (1-1-2)
Connor Brown-Maloski (1-1-2)
Charlie Zuccarini (1-1-2)
Scott Davidson (0-2-2)
Sheldon Hubbard (0-1-1)
Conner Wynne (1-0-1)
Kienan Scott (1-0-1)
Griffyn Martin (0-1-1)
Bryan Basilico (0-1-1)

Brett Clark (0-4 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

Vipers-Vees Highlight's:

Here are the game highlight's from the Penticton Vees-
Vernon Vipers game on Friday, January 2nd 2015. The Vees won 3-0, lead the season series 5-0.

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

Penticton 3 Vernon 0

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 3-0 in front of 2,341 fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Danny Todosychuk
Penticton: Hunter Miska

1st Period: Both teams returned to action tonight after having off twelve days for the Christmas break and it was the Vernon Vipers who showed little rust off the opening puck drop.  Vernon got off to a quick start, had good pressure deep in the Vees zone early and often.  The Vipers really skating hard, were moving the puck didnt generate alot of quality chances did come out hitting in the opening frame.  The Vipers would get the games first scoring chance just over the five minute mark, Colton McCarthy with a shot from inside the slot beat Hunter Miska but rang the puck up and off the crossbar.  Vernon would get the games first powerplay but with just two shots on goal didnt generate any real threat as the Vees with a good penalty kill would kill off the minor.  Penticton who looked to be back on their heels for most of the period had very little puck possesion as the Vipers carried and dominated the play for most of the 1st period.  The Vees needed almost seven minutes to record their first shot of the period.  Vernon was by far the better of the two clubs in the first half but just had the one scoring opportunity.  Just past the midway mark Colton McCarthy alone at the side of the net, cut hard to the front of the goal tried sliding the puck under Hunter Miska who was able to see and cover the puck in a hurry before any traffic forced the Vees goaltender or the puck into the back of the net.  Less then three minutes later Liam Coughlin setup Liam Finlay in front who couldnt beat Miska.  Penticton would get their best chance of the period and first opportunity of the night with about six minutes to go in the opening frame.  Former Vipers prospect Dakota Conroy with a wicked shot from the high slot was stopped by Danny Todosychuk.  This was just the second shot of the night for the Vees.  Shortly after the Vees would get a late powerplay, their first of the night.  Penticton with some good pressure was unable to really create or generate any real chances did get three shots on goal but Vernon would kill off the minor.  This man advantage seemed to give the Vees some life as Penticton slowly started to come on late in the period.  Penticton now slowly getting their legs going, were skating and using their speed had the Viper defence back on their heels for the final minutes.  The Vees with a good push to end the period finished off strong.  Pat Newell with seconds remaining was able to get off a quick low shot from the corner forced Danny Todosychuk to make a tough save in the dying seconds.  It was 0-0 after 20 minutes of play.  The Vipers playing their first game since January 20th got off to a great start, really took it to Penticton early and often.  Vernon didnt generate alot of chances did manage atleast three scoring opportunities couldnt capitalize before the Vees finished off the period on a strong note playing and looking much better in the final four or five minutes.  The Vipers carried most of the play, outplayed the Vees.  Vernon was outshooting Penticton 10-1 at one point as the Vipers outshot the Vees 10-7.

2nd Period: Off the opening faceoff Connor Chartier with a great look in front in the opening seconds couldnt beat Vipers starting goaltender Danny Todosychuk who made a big save early.  The Vees started the middle frame right where they left off the end of the opening period as Penticton come out hard, really skating hard were all over the Vipers.  The Vees with good pressure early had the better of the play had Vernon pinned in their own end.  Jack Ramsey setup Riley Alferd on a two on one but Alferd ripped his hard shot high and over the goal.  A shift or two later Penticton come right back on a three on one rush but couldnt handle the puck lost control blowing a great opportunity.  Shortly after the Vees would open the scoring on a turnover deep in the Vernon zone.  The two Viper defencemen coughed up the puck to Cody DePourcq who setup former Vipers forward Demico Hannoun down low who beat Todosychuk shortside giving Penticton a 1-0 lead at 4:45 DePourcq with the lone helper.  Vernon having all kinds of trouble couldnt get out of their own end most of the first half.  Shortly after the Vees opening goal Riley Brandt with a great opportunity to tie the game couldnt beat Penticton Vees starting goaltender Hunter Miska on a two on one.  Miska come across the blue paint to stop Brandt of a goal.  A few minutes later Danny Todosychuk was forced to make a huge game saver with two Vees forwards going hard to the net (I didnt see who they were) before a rebound come out front where Thomas Aldworth had to reach back and clear the puck from the goal line robbing the Vees of a sure goal on a wild play in front of the Vernon goal.  It was all Penticton early and often as the Vees were all over the Vipers in the first half.  At the halfway mark the Vipers were able to get back to back to back quick shots on Hunter Miska who made his three biggest saves of the night, stopped all three Vernon shooters just before the radio timeout.  Just past the midway mark Mike Lee joined the rush would get stopped by Todosychuk on a Penticton three on two attack.  Vernon slowly started to get back into the contest and would eventually get the play through the neutral zone and get some pressure in the Vees end.  The Vipers with several shots were having all kinds of trouble getting pucks to the net, as the Vees were doing a great job at tying players up in front, blocking shots, getting their sticks in the way as Vernon couldnt get pucks on Miska.  The Vipers got a little lucky after a shot from a Penticton d-man went off a Viper defenceman took a funny bounce right out front where Danny Todosychuk had to be alert to quickly snag the loose puck out of mid air.  If Todosychuk wasnt on his game, this puck would have found the back of the net.  Vernon would slowly take over the edge in play and get several good looks at the net but unable to capitalize.  The Vipers with a strong second half tightened up defensively played and looked much better in the final ten minutes.  It was 1-0 Penticton after 40 minutes of play.  The Vees with a great start to the period were all over the Vipers early and often as it was all Penticton.  The Vees capitalized on some poor defensive play opened the scoring, had several great chances only managed to get one past Danny Todosychuk.  The Vees outplayed and dominated the Vipers in the first half before Vernon responded well and played a much better second half.  The Vipers with a few good chances couldnt beat Hunter Miska who also was playing very well at the other end of the rink.  Vernon outshot Penticton 12-7.

3rd Period: The Vees would get an early PP to start the final frame.  Danny Todosychuk made one real good save as the Vipers penalty kill was good.  Just as it looked like the Vipers killed off the penalty former Cowichan Capital Steen Cooper beat Todosychuk fivehole that just barely crossed the goal line that put Penticton up 2-0 at 4:49 just as the penalty expired.  Cody DePourcq and Connor Chartier collected the assists on a goal I think Todosychuk would like to have back.  With the Vees up by a pair Penticton would just carry the play in over the line and dump the puck in, change lines and repeat as the Vipers couldnt get much of anything going offensively early to start the third.  Penticton killed alot of time off the clock by just playing dump and chase.  The Vipers with just three shots in the first half struggled offensively.  Still up by two goals the Vees now with less then ten minutes to go sat back as Vernon finally was able to get the puck and some pressure in the Vees zone.  Like the second period the Vipers had troubles getting bodies and pucks to the net as Penticton's defence was solid shutting down the shooting lanes, kept Vernon to the outside limiting their time and space.  As time was winding down the Vipers would eventually get shots-pucks to the net, but with no traffic in front as Hunter Miska was seeing everything was there for the routine save.  Vernon did managed atleast two maybe three good chances went hard to the net but couldnt get a bounce in front as a swarm of bodies hurrled the front of the goal before Miska was able to gobble up the puck.  Anthony Latina with a great look and shot couldnt beat the quick glove of Miska who flashed the leather with three ad a half minutes remaining.  Demico Hannoun looked to be getting under the skin of some of his former team mates in the final few minutes, giving a little jab or tap of the stick to former Viper mates.  The Vipers would call a late timeout and get Danny Todosychuk to the bench with 1:37 to go but it was too little too late as Gabe Bast's shot off the side wall got through and past a Viper d-man went off the boards and into the empty cage giving Penticton a 3-0 lead at 18:52 Hunter Miska with the assist.  This was basically the game as the Vees would just wind down the clock and come away with the 3-0 victory.  The Vipers were able to kill off an early powerplay but just as it expired Steen Cooper was able to give the Vees a two goal lead.  This was a killer as Penticton is so good with the lead played dump and chase for most of the first half before sitting back played very well defensively shutout the Vipers offence for a second time this season.  Vernon couldnt get much of anything going offensively in the first half, finally carried the play for the second half but had troubles getting pucks and traffic to the net.  Very little scoring chances didnt help when your down two goals.  The Vees outshot the Vipers 9-8.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Riley Brandt saw alot of ice played real hard, didnt play as physical as hes known too but worked and competed all night.  Was in the mix all game, battling working hus butt off.

Colton McCarthy I thought was another strong forward up front for Vernon.  McCarthy really played and looked good especially in the first two periods had some of the Vipers better opportunities.  Hit the crossbar just over five minutes into the game.

Danny Todosychuk (20 saves)  Made his first start since a 7-5 win in Salmon Arm on November 28th.  Didnt see much action in the 1st period played very well in the 2nd making several big saves keeping this a one goal game.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

With teams now switching home & away jerseys after the Christmas break, the Vipers wore their home whites while Penticton wore their road blues for tonight's game.  Mackenzie Bauer returned to the lineup after being out for several months with an injury.  After a long two week layoff for the holidays I thought the Vipers played pretty good for their first game in twelve days.  I thought Vernon had a great start, got off to a quick start were all over the Vees outshooting Penticton 10-1 at one point only managed three good opportunities in first period needed a goal or two here.  Just think, Vernon scores once or twice in the opening frame and this totally changes the game and outcome.  Now the Vees down one or two goals on home ice have to try and rally after coming out of the gates slow.  Penticton gets outplayed but holds Vernon off now comes back with a strong finish gives them live and now the Vipers are the ones being outplayed and fall behind a goal.  The Vipers played physical in the 1st but lead up in the 2nd and 3rd periods.  I didnt think Vernon's defence played that good, a few turnovers and several plays where they had opportunities to clear the zone and didnt, now there running around and the Vees are back with the puck and on the attack.  I also didnt think the Vipers top lines created or generate much offence, the top two lines were pretty quiet all night as the Vees did a great job at shutting down the Vipers offence.  Ive said it before and I will say it again, once again the Vipers dont get enough traffic in front of Hunter Miska, no where nearly as many pucks to the net with bodies in front forced Miska into several routine saves.  Im not taking anything away from Miska but the Vipers werent going to the grey area-looking-fighting for pucks in front, making life difficult for the Vees goaltender.  The Vipers didnt generate alot of offensive chances, well both teams didnt really but Vernon needs to fight a little harder to try and open up some ice, find ways to get the net, get pucks to the net.  Overall this was a good entertaining hockey game that could have went either way.  The Vipers are now 0-5 vs Penticton this season have two more games with the Vees this year need to try and find a way to beat these guys, get some confidence incase you face them in the playoffs.  The Vipers got some help from the Salmon Arm Silverbacks after a 7-1 victory over West Kelowna tonight, keeps Vernon four points up in the standings. 

Top Players: (Penticton)

Dante Fabbro I thought played a solid game on the Vees blueline.  Was good at clearing the front of the net, a rock on the backend saw alot of ice was very good for the Vees tonight.

Pat Newell I thought played well up front.  Had a good opportunity in the dying seconds of the 1st seemed to go to the net and play hard.

Steen Cooper (1 goal) Played with alot of jump and energy, was buzzing all night. 

Connor Chartier (1 assist) Impressed me this evening, had atleast two good scoring chances played well.

Patrick Sexton was another defender that played very well on the Vees backend.

Dakota Conroy once a Vipers prospect was traded to Penticton for Liam Finlay had atleast two chances tonight, played well.

Hunter Miska (30 saves-shutout) Is 5-0 vs Vernon this season has two shutouts against the Vipers this season was good between the pipes for Penticton.  Miska made three back to back to back saves all in a row right at the halfway mark of the 2nd period kept the Vees in the game at times when it was scoreless.  Miska who didnt have alot of traffic in front saw most of the Vipers thirty shots made things look easy at times. 

Game Thought's: (Penticton)

After returning to action from the Christmas break the Vees sure showed some rust off the opening puck drop.  Penticton was outplayed for most of the 1st period didnt see alot of puck possesion until late in the opening frame looked to be back on their heels early and often.  Excaping some Viper scoring chances the Vees were able to settle down and re-group for say with a late powerplay and ended up finishing the 1st with a much better finish then start.  This was key as Penticton started the second just like they finished the 1st, as the Vees now were all over Vernon outplaying the Vipers for the first half of the 2nd period.  An early goal on a Viper turnover opened the scoring, wich was huge tonight.  (Game winning goal)  Give the Vees credit, they capitalized on a Vernon mistake and made the Vipers pay.  Penticton with several good scoring chances in the second couldnt put the Vipers away were forced to hang on to a one goal lead heading into the third.  An early goal to start the final frame gave the Vees a little room and comfort, wich they were able to dump and chase killed off alot of time off the clock before playing very well defensively the rest of the way.  Hunter Miska kept the Vees in at times with some big saves but give credit to Penticton's defence that was solid most of the night, closing the shooting lanes, limiting Vernon's chances, blocked alot of shots, got sticks in the way, limitied the Vipers time and space.  The Vees are quick and can move the puck in a hurry could have put the game away in the first half of the 2nd but couldnt capitalize on some good chances.  The Vees did a really good job at shutting down Vernon's top lines.  Thomas Aldworth, Liam Coughlin and TJ Dumonceaux were almost invisible.  Penticton really spent alot of detail in shutting down the Vipers top two units.  Vernon's offence didnt have much time or space and forced into making quick decissions with and without the puck.  This could have easily been anybodys game, overall a great game. 

Scratches:

Vernon:

Oliver Mitchell
Jagger Williamson
Trevor Fidler (Suspended)

Penticton:

Connor Russell
Jarod Hilderman

Energy player of the game:

Steen Cooper (1 goal)

Three Stars:

1st Star: Hunter Miska (30 saves-shutout)
2nd Star: Demico Hannoun (1 goal)
3rd Star: Gabe Bast (1 goal)

BCHL Boxscore,

http://www.vipers.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1358371&link=bchl

Fraser Rodgers Penticton Vees Blog,

http://pentictonvees.wordpress.com/
             

Game Preview: Vernon @ Penticton:

Vernon (22-10-1-2) @ Penticton (28-5-2-1) 7pm

Tonight is the fifth of seven regular season meetings between the Vernon Vipers & Penticton Vees. Penticton leads the season series 4-0.  You can listen to tonight's game live with Graham Turnbull, starting with the pre-game show at 6:45pm on 107.5 Kiss FM. 

Last Game:

Saturday, December 20th Vernon defeated Powell River 5-2
Saturday, December 20th Penticton defeated West Kelowna 7-2

Next Game:

Saturday, January 3rd Trail @ Vernon
Saturday, January 3rd Penticton @ Salmon Arm

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 419-229-20-19

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 230-94-11-10 at home

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 190-125-9-9 on the road

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 38-34-2-6 vs. Penticton

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Penticton 237-234

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 20-14-1-1 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 7-3-0-0 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 4-3 victory on Friday, December 5th 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 make their second of four visits to the South Okanagan Events Centre.  The Vipers are coming off a twelve day layoff for the Christmas break finished the month of January with a 5-2 win over the visiting Powell River Kings on January 20th.  Vernon will be without Trevor Fidler who has been suspended after the rookie forward was unhappy with his icetime.  The Vipers are in the procress of making a trade for Fidler.  The Vipers last visit to the SOEC was a 1-0 loss on October 25th.  Vernon has lost all four games to the Vees this season will finish the season series with three remaining games all in Penticton.  The Vipers have won just twice in their last ten games in the Peach City have only three wins vs Penticton in their last games.  Since a 4-3 loss at home to Penticton on December 5th the Vipers have gone 6-2-0-0.  Vernon sits in 2nd place twelve points back of the Vees are four points up on West Kelowna and seven points up on Merritt.  The Vipers have won three of their last five and are 7-3-0-0 in their last ten games.  Vernon has lost two straight away from home has five wins in their last seven road games.  The Vipers have been outscored 12-6 in four losses to the Vees this season.

Thomas Aldworth (26-11-37) leads the team in goals with twenty six while Liam Coughlin (14-28-42) leads the team in points with fourty two.

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: 35
Wins: 22
Losses: 10
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 12-5-1-1
Road Record: 10-5-0-1
Overtime Record: 1-2-1
Record vs Interior Division: 12-8-1-1
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 10-2-0-1
Record in September: 2-2-0-1
Record in October: 5-3-0-0
Record in November 9-2-1-1
Record in December 6-3-0-0
When the Vipers score first: 16-2-1-1
When the opponents score first: 6-9-0-1
Leading after 1st Period: 11-1-1-1
Tied after 1st Period: 6-2-0-0
Trailing after 1st Period: 5-7-0-1
Leading after 2nd Period: 15-1-0-1
Tied after 2nd Period: 6-1-0-0
Trailing after 2nd Period: 1-8-1-1
Out shooting Opponents: 17-4-0-1
Out shot by Opponents: 4-5-1-1
One goal games: 4-3-0-2
Goals For: 133
Goals Against: 99
Place: 2nd Place
Streak: One game winning streak

Vernon has the leagues 14th best powerplay

The Vipers have the leagues 11th 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:

0-3-0-0

Vernon’s Road record vs Penticton this season:

0-1-0-0

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs Penticton this season:

Thomas Aldworth (4-0-4)
TJ Dumonceaux (0-3-3)
Liam Coughlin (0-2-2)
Anthony Latina (1-1-2)
Liam Finlay (0-2-2)
Mitch Meek (0-1-1)
Luke Shiplo (0-1-1)
Luke Voltin (1-0-1)

Jarrod Schamerhorn (0-4 Record)

Lets take a look at the Penticton Vees:

The defending Interior Division Pennant Winning Penticton Vees return to action after twelve days off for the Holidays.  The Vees wrapped up 2014 with a 7-2 win in their last game over the West Kelowna Warriors on January 20th.  Tonight is the first of two games this weekend as Penticton travels to Salmon Arm tomorrow night.  The Vees lead the entire BCHL in wins and points are twelve points up on 2nd place Vernon.  Penticton has won back to back games has just two wins in their last five games but have registered atleast a point infour of those five games.  Penticton has gone 6-2-2-0 in their last ten games have won all four games with the Vipers this season.  Since a 4-3 victory on December 5th in Vernon the Vees have gone 3-1-2-0.  The Vees have won seven of the last ten games on home ice vs Vernon have just two losses on home ice this season.

Riley Alferd (17-18-35) leads the team in goals with seventeen and in points with thirty five.

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: 36
Wins: 28
Losses: 5
Ties: 2
Overtime Losses: 1
Home Record: 14-2-1-0
Road Record: 14-3-1-1
Goals For: 142
Goals Against: 70
Place: 1st Place (Overall)
Streak: Two game winning streak

Penticton has the leagues 9th 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:

3-0-0-0

Penticton’s scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

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

Hunter Miska (4-0 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 Welcome Back Bauer From Injury; Suspend Fidler:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers welcome back Bauer from injury; suspend Fidler

Published: January 01, 2015

The Vernon Vipers will be without winger Trevor Fidler when they face the Penticton Vees Friday at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

Fidler, a 19-year-old Boston native, rang up eight goals and 20 points in 30 games as a rookie with the Vipers.

“We have suspended Trevor Fidler until we can make a trade, hopefully within the B.C. Hockey League,” said Viper head coach/GM Mark Ferner.

Fidler, a 5-foot-8, 165-pounder, was unhappy with the ice time he was getting in Vernon.

Centre Mackenzie Bauer, meanwhile, is returning to the Vipers after having an MRI done in Philadelphia.

Bauer was dropped by the Vipers before the Dec. 1 carding deadline with a suspected sports hernia. Ferner will now re-card the Three Hills, Alta. product, who had 4-2-6 in 12 games.

“He and his family went to see a doctor in Philadelphia who does all the NHL sports hernia surgeries,” said Ferner. “He did (Claude) Giroux’s surgery and others. They did an MRI and Mackenzie was told he had a high hip flexor. He’s skating with us and he says it feels fine. It bothered him last year too.”

Ferner planned to start veteran Danny Todoyschuk in net tonight. The Vernon product has been on injured reserve a few times this season and is 7-2 with a 2.38 GAA.

Workhorse Jarrod Schamerhorn, who is 15-10-1 with a 2.20 GAA, will likely play Saturday when the Snakes host the Trail Smoke Eaters (6 p.m.) at Kal Tire Place.

Scott Davidson and Charlie Zuccarini each scored twice as the Smokies surprised the West Kelowna Warriors 7-3 Sunday night before 875 fans at Cominco Arena.

Trail is last in the Interior Division at 13-19-0-2, while West Kelowna is third at 18-13-0-5. The Vipers are second at 22-10-1-2, 12 points back of the Vees. Vernon is six points ahead of the Warriors.

Former Viper Demico Hannoun has 16 goals and 28 points with Penticton. He was one of four Vees who played for Team Canada West in the World Junior A Challenge in Kindersley, Sask. just before the Christmas break.

Team West finished sixth in the six-team tournament, falling 3-2 to Switzerland in the playoffs. The Americans clipped Denmark 3-2 in overtime for their third straight gold medal.

“It’s always a great experience to put on the jersey and represent your country,” said Hannoun, who won a bronze last year and had one assist in four games in Kindersley. “It wasn’t really the outcome we were looking for. It was good to get the second shot at it.”

Added Hannoun: “Yeah, it was a little different, jumping up from the BCHL. It’s a lot faster pace. Less time to make plays.”

Vipers Suspend Fidler:

This is posted on the Morning Star website:

Vipers welcome back Bauer from injury; suspend Fidler

Published: January 01, 2015

The Vernon Vipers will be without winger Trevor Fidler when they face the Penticton Vees Friday at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

Fidler, a 19-year-old Boston native, rang up eight goals and 20 points in 30 games as a rookie with the Vipers.

“We have suspended Trevor Fidler until we can make a trade, hopefully within the B.C. Hockey League,” said Viper head coach/GM Mark Ferner.

Fidler, a 5-foot-8, 165-pounder, was unhappy with the ice time he was getting in Vernon.

Centre Mackenzie Bauer, meanwhile, is returning to the Vipers after having an MRI done in Philadelphia.

Bauer was dropped by the Vipers before the Dec. 1 carding deadline with a suspected sports hernia. Ferner will now re-card the Three Hills, Alta. product, who had 4-2-6 in 12 games.

Vernon Vipers Player Profile With #22 Luke Voltin:

This is posted on the Hockeytube website:

Vipers Profile – #22 Luke Voltin

Posted by HockeyTube on Dec 18th, 2014

Hockeytube.net sat down with Blaine, Minnesota native and first year Vernon Vipers forward Luke Voltin.  The 19 year old forward talks about the difference between playing in the USHL & BCHL.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17BWfLis-wY 

BCHL Roster Numbers:

This is posted on Brian Wiebe's BCHL Blog:

BCHL Roster Numbers Heading Into January 10th Roster Deadline:

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

With the Hockey Canada roster deadline and BCHL transfer deadline just eleven days away, I've calculated each BCHL team's number of roster players, number of 20-year-olds (or 1994-born) and number of imports. These numbers do not include players on injured reserve as they don't count towards roster numbers.

These numbers may change in the next week and a half, but this is where they stand right now. The Canadian Junior Hockey League has an inter-league transfer freeze which is lifted on January 1st. There was no holiday transfer freeze among BCHL teams.

Teams are allowed 22 players overall on their roster, of which no more than six can be 1994-born players and no more than six can be import players. Only American-born players are considered imports.

This should show what some teams are able to add or subtract when the deadline arrives. As always, any corrections and comments are welcome.

Alberni Valley (16-12-1-3)

Number of players: 21
Number of players able to add: 1
Number of 20-year-olds: 6
Number of 20-year-olds able to add: 0
Number of imports: 6
Number of imports able to add: 0

Chilliwack (22-10-1-1)

Number of players: 22
Number of players able to add: 0
Number of 20-year-olds: 4
Number of 20-year-olds able to add: 2
Number of imports: 5
Number of imports able to add: 1

Coquitlam (13-17-1-4)

Number of players: 22
Number of players able to add: 0
Number of 20-year-olds: 5
Number of 20-year-olds able to add: 1
Number of imports: 3
Number of imports able to add: 3

Cowichan Valley (13-23-1-1)

Number of players: 21
Number of players able to add: 1
Number of 20-year-olds: 5
Number of 20-year-olds able to add: 1
Number of imports: 2
Number of imports able to add: 4

Langley (19-13-1-4)

Number of players: 22
Number of players able to add: 0
Number of 20-year-olds: 4
Number of 20-year-olds able to add: 2
Number of imports: 6
Number of imports able to add: 0

Merritt (19-13-0-2)

Number of players: 22
Number of players able to add: 0
Number of 20-year-olds: 5
Number of 20-year-olds able to add: 1
Number of imports: 5
Number of imports able to add: 1

Nanaimo (24-11-0-1)

Number of players: 22
Number of players able to add: 0
Number of 20-year-olds: 5
Number of 20-year-olds able to add: 1
Number of imports: 3
Number of imports able to add: 3

Penticton (28-5-2-1)

Number of players: 22
Number of players able to add: 0
Number of 20-year-olds: 6
Number of 20-year-olds able to add: 0
Number of imports: 6
Number of imports able to add: 0

Powell River (16-14-0-7)

Number of players: 22
Number of players able to add: 0
Number of 20-year-olds: 4
Number of 20-year-olds able to add: 2
Number of imports: 6
Number of imports able to add: 0

Prince George (18-14-0-4)

Number of players: 19
Number of players able to add: 3
Number of 20-year-olds: 6
Number of 20-year-olds able to add: 0
Number of imports: 6
Number of imports able to add: 0

Salmon Arm (13-13-3-5)

Number of players: 22
Number of players able to add: 0
Number of 20-year-olds: 3
Number of 20-year-olds able to add: 3
Number of imports: 6
Number of imports able to add: 0

Surrey (7-26-0-3)

Number of players: 20
Number of players able to add: 2
Number of 20-year-olds: 4
Number of 20-year-olds able to add: 2
Number of imports: 4
Number of imports able to add: 2

Trail (13-20-0-2)

Number of players: 21
Number of players able to add: 1
Number of 20-year-olds: 4
Number of 20-year-olds able to add: 2
Number of imports: 6
Number of imports able to add: 0

Vernon (22-10-1-2)

Number of players: 22
Number of players able to add: 0
Number of 20-year-olds: 6
Number of 20-year-olds able to add: 0
Number of imports: 6
Number of imports able to add: 0

Victoria (16-11-1-7)

Number of players: 22
Number of players able to add: 0
Number of 20-year-olds: 6
Number of 20-year-olds able to add: 0
Number of imports: 6
Number of imports able to add: 0

West Kelowna (19-13-0-5)

Number of players: 21
Number of players able to add: 1
Number of 20-year-olds: 6
Number of 20-year-olds able to add: 0
Number of imports: 4
Number of imports able to add: 2