Penticton 3 Vernon 2

I have had season tickets for the past 28 years and been following Junior hockey in Vernon for close to thirty five years. I've missed only three home games since 1998-99 season. 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 3-2 in front of 3,132 fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Anthony Yamnitsky
Penticton: Adam Scheel

Before the game they had a moment of silence for the shootings in Las Vegas and terrorist attacks in Edmonton last weekend.

1st Period: Just 1:21 into the game the Penticton Vees jump on an early powerplay. Moving the puck around, the Vees couldn't generate much for opportunities as the Viper penalty kill didn't give up a single shot as Vernon with a big kill early off the start of the contest. Both teams facing each other for the first time this season, looked like they were each trying to get a feel for one another as the play went back and fourth but with very limited shots and no chances at either end of the rink. The Snakes went six/seven minutes without a shot at one point. Just minutes before the halfway mark Vernon was finally able to generate some zone time. Captain Jagger Williamson lead an odd man rush, ripped a high shot over the net that went into the corner, before a Viper player with a quick shot fired the puck towards the goal, where the looked like it handcuffed Adam Scheel. The Vees actually may have got lucky as if that puck takes a weird bounce off Scheel, Nicky Leivermann was next to the Penticton netminder in the crease. Just past the midway mark the Vees would open the scoring. A Vees player (Didn't see who it was) beat Anthony Yamnitski five hole, the puck looked to cross the goal line before Niko Karamanis cleared the puck off the goal line before his clearing attempt went in and off Anthony Yamnitsky who was down and out. Jack Barnes would get credited with the goal giving Penticton a 1-0 lead at 12:50 Jared Nash & Luke Reid collected the helpers. Just less then a minute later the Snakes would get their first look with the man advantage. The Vees would get into penalty trouble, taking two minors, giving Vernon a two man advantage. Just as the first powerplay expired, Jimmy Lambert found the back of the net on the PP tying the game 1-1 at 15:31 Brett Stapley and Michael Ufberg drew the assists. With two and a half minutes remaining, Luke Reid with a great look-opportunity couldn't solve Anthony Yamnitsky. Less then a minute later Grant Cruikshank beat his defender one on one, cut hard to the goal, tried going shortside just missed the far corner. I thought it missed the goal, but the Vees were credited for a shot. Inside the final minute the Snakes would get a late powerplay. The Vipers couldn't capitalize before the final buzzer. It was 1-1 after 20 minutes of play. Other then the Vees early powerplay to start the game, not much happened in the first half. Both teams looked to be figuring one another out, as both teams didn't get a lot of pucks to the net-created/generate any real scoring chances through out most of the period. A fairly evenly matched opening period. Vernon outshot Penticton 11-8.

2nd Period: The Snakes started the middle frame on the powerplay that was carried over from the 1st period. Penticton Vees starting goaltender Adam Scheel was forced into making a big stop inside the opening minute after a quick shot from the top of the circle. The Vees were able to kill off the penalty. Just as the penalty expired, former Victoria Grizzlies forward Keyvan Mokhtari alone in the high slot was stoned by Scheel who come out to challenge, made a big stop keeping this a tie contest. Vernon would head back to the powerplay, just minutes into the period. This would be the Vipers first of two back to back powerplays. The Snakes struggled with the first PP as Penticton would kill off the minor. Seconds after killing off the penalty, the Vipers sprung Josh Prokop in for the breakaway who was denied by Adam Scheel. Scheel with a large save as Vernon would head back to the man advantage. Shorthanded the Vees went in for the two on one rush, before a Viper defender got back into the play, made a strong defensive play to break up Penticton's odd man rush. Vernon with some good looks, couldn't solve Adam Scheel. The Vees with another solid penalty kill, would kill off the minor. Two big back to back PKs from the Penticton Vees, keeping this game tied at one. Just as the penalty expired, the Vees sprung Jonny Tychonick coming out of the penalty box, Tychonick beat his defender before going in for the parcial breakaway was stopped in close by Vipers starting goaltender Anthony Yamnitsky before Ben Allen on the rebound was denied by Yamnitsky. Two great chances for Penticton, couldn't solve Vernon's goaltender. Just over two minutes later the Vees would get just their second look with the man advantage, but a strong Vernon penalty kill and the Snakes would kill off the minor. Just three minutes later Massimo Rizzo's shot would get redirected by Cassidy Bowes beat Anthony Yamnitsky who had no chance as the puck changed directions, found its way to the back of the net. Rizzo and Jonny Tychonick with the assists. Inside the final five minutes, the Snakes would get their third PP of the frame. Adam Scheel was solid and the Vees with another big penalty kill. It was 2-1 Penticton after 40 minutes of play. Vernon played a lot of the first half on the powerplay. The Snakes with three straight powerplays to start the 2nd period, couldn't capitalize with the man advantage. The Vipers go 0-4 with the PP. Penticton's penalty kill and goaltending was very good. Both teams had some good looks-chances. I would give the Vipers a slight edge in play, due to the fact they had four powerplays. Vernon outshot Penticton 12-6.

3rd Period: A minute into the final frame, Owen Sillinger couldn't beat Anthony Yamnitsky on the wrap around. On the following shift the Vipers would get called for too many men, giving the Vees an early powerplay. Shorthanded Niko Karamanis tried breaking in on the parcial breakaway would get poke checked by Adam Scheel, who made a big stop in close. Penticton struggled with the man advantage, as Vernon killed off the penalty. Minutes later the Vees would head back to the powerplay and again struggle with the man advantage. Shorthanded Jesse Lansdell sprung Niko Karamanis for the breakaway who beat Adam Scheel five hole, tying the game 2-2 at 7:23 Lansdell with the lone helper. But just a minute later and still on the powerplay, the Vees worked the puck around before Jackson Keane the son of former NHLer Mike Keane beat Anthony Yamnitsky from the slot, giving Penticton a 3-2 lead at 8:22 Massimo Rizzo drew the assist. This was a big goal after just giving up the games tying goal shorthanded. The crowd was back into the game and sent some energy/life back into the SOEC. Shortly after the Vees sprung Chris Klack in for the breakaway couldn't beat Anthony Yamnitsky. The Snakes looking a little sluggish couldn't get the puck-play through the neutral zone, as Penticton with a strong forecheck were on top of Vernon, bottling up the neutral zone, not giving the Vipers any time or space. The Snakes struggled getting the puck out of their own end, as the Vees really used their speed and quickness, were able to jump on Vernon, forcing Anthony Yamnitsky into making several key saves, keeping this a one goal game. Yamnitsky made two big glove saves, while being under siege at times from the Vees attack. Penticton slowly started to wind down the clock, were playing a dump and chase game at times. The Snakes would get Anthony Yamnitsky to the bench for the extra attacker with 1:45 remaining. The Vipers having troubles getting pucks to the net, were tied up-forced to hold the puck along the wall. Inside the final minute Vernon would get a late powerplay. Adam Scheel made two big stops inside the final minute. With the clock winding down and the Vipers unable to get the puck to the net, it looked like Vernon may have tied the game at the buzzer. Former Kelowna Rockets forward Tanner Wishnowski's shot from the corner beat Adam Scheel high over his shoulder. The Vipers celebrating looked to tie the game with no time left on the score clock. The goal light didn't come on as it looks like time may have expired. The referee/linesmen gathered near the penalty box for a lengthy discussion, the replay was shown over the jumbo tron at the South Okanagan Events Centre. The puck clearly went into the net, but had time expired before the puck entered the goal? The goal was waived off as the Vees bench erupted onto the ice. The Vipers furious with the call, went straight towards the officials while the Vees were high fiving one another. With the goal horn & music blasting over the speakers, there was no official announcement from the PA announcer why the goal was disallowed. The entire Vipers team was near the penalty box, arguing with the officials, pointing up at the jumbo tron. After arguing with the officials, the Vipers made their way to the dressing room, while Mark Ferner argued for a few minutes with the officials. Ferner clearly upset was really giving the referee/linesmen an earful. I overheard the fans next to me, say that when the final buzzer goes off even if the puck goes into the net, the goal light will not come on even if the goal judge is pushing the button. This is maybe why the goal light did not come on when the Vipers scored. On the replay, they didn't show the clock winding down, just the goal-puck going into the net. In the end the Penticton Vees come away with the 3-2 victory. It was all Vees for most of the final frame. Penticton with a few good looks-opportunities early, really used their speed and quickness to carry most of the play in the 3rd. The Vees with a solid defensive play, clogged up the neutral zone, limiting the Viper attack. The Snakes struggled offensively in the final twenty minutes, couldn't get much of anything going. Other then Niko Karamanis's shorthanded goal, the Vipers didn't see much time in the offensive zone. The Vees were the better of the two teams in the 3rd. Penticton outshot Vernon 14-10.

Top Player's: (Vernon)

Michael Young I thought was one of if not the Vipers best d-man in the loss. Young played very well through out the night.

Josh Prokop I thought battled-played hard most of the game. Was stopped by Adam Scheel on a 2nd period breakaway.

Niko Karamanis (1 goal) Was another Viper forward that played hard, used his speed, created-generated a few opportunities.

Anthony Yamnitsky (25 saves) Wasn't forced into making a ton of big stops, but made the saves when called apon. Played well, gave his team a chance to win. Made two huge saves in close in the 2nd period off Jonny Tychonick and Ben Allen.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

I thought the Snakes played well but not well enough to win. The Vipers top lines had trouble creating/generating chances. Vernon struggled with the man advantage going 1-7 on the night. The Vipers capitalize on the powerplay, and this is maybe a different outcome? The Vipers had some good looks-chances but not enough. I didnt think Vernon had any real quality chances tonight. Adam Scheel was seeing everything with no traffic in front. Scheel made several saves catching the puck in the Vees logo. Scheel a big goaltender, covers a lot of the net. Vernon needs to get traffic in front, go to the grey areas. The Vipers had troubles creating-generating opportunities through out the night. Give the Vipers credit for staying out of the box. The Snakes are the second highest team in penalty minutes, did a good job at controlling their emotions through out the contest. The Vipers held their own against Penticton, minus the 3rd period may still be getting over the flu-being sick. Overall these two teams are very evenly matched. A tough break at the buzzer. The Vipers thought they tied the game, until having the goal disallowed. I think when the goal judge goes to put on the goal light, if the clock hits zero and the final buzzer has gone, the goal light wont turn on. Just my guess. I wasn't actually looking at the clock, I was watching the game-play. I heard the buzzer but cant remember if it went off before or after the goal. Why didn't the referee talk to the goal judge? This is just the Vipers second loss of the season. With the loss, Vernon falls to 7-2-0-1 and still remain 1st in the Interior Division. The Vipers have struggled in Penticton. Since the 2011-12 regular season Vernon has just five wins at the South Okanagan Events Centre in their last 22 games going 5-14-3-1. Going back going back to the 2014-15 regular season the Vipers have lost ten of their last fifteen games to the Penticton Vees. Good to see a small handful of Viper fans in attendance. I have missed just one Vipers game in Penticton since 2009.

Top Player's: (Penticton)

Nicky Leivermann caught my attention. I thought played a strong game on the backend. Carried the puck, was getting pucks to the net, played very well at both ends of the rink.

Luke Reid (1 assist) Was another Vees defenceman that played well. Really liked his game tonight.

Massimo Rizzo (2 assists) Not the biggest kid, but quick on his feet, really sees/reads the ice well. Very shifty with and without the puck.

Jonny Tychonick (1 assist) Returning for a second season with the Vees, once again had a strong night. I really liked this kid last season and he had another strong outing vs the Vipers again tonight. A smooth skater, can handle-move the puck up ice in a hurry, always involved in the play, at both ends of the rink. Created/generated several plays tonight.

Grant Cruikshank Played well at different times through out the game. Created/generated some opportunities, is strong with the puck, hard to defend against one on one. Has a wicked shot.

Owen Sillinger added some speed, was strong up front with and without the puck.

Chris Klack wearing #88 this year looked good at times in the win.

Adam Scheel (31 saves) Improves to 4-0 played well between the pipes for the Vees. A big goaltender, that covers a lot of the net. Dosnt give up many second opportunities, made some big stops in the win. Was seeing everything, most of the evening was solid on the penalty kill.

Game Thought's: (Penticton)

It looked like both teams took the 1st period to feel one another out. The Vees opened the scoring, on a goal mouth scramble and played with the lead most of the night. I thought both teams are very evenly matched and it showed tonight. If it wasn't for all of Vernon's powerplay's both teams were fairly even in the first two periods. I was a little surprised that Penticton took seven penalties, usually Fred Harbinson is very key on penalties. The 3rd period is what I really liked most from Penticton. Up a goal the Vees with a very solid defensive game, basically shutdown the Viper offence most of the final twenty minutes. Penticton really bottled up the neutral zone, then used their speed and skill to create/generate chances and keep the Snakes in the defensive zone. The Vees with a strong forecheck, won several battles along the wall in that 3rd period, really stepped up their play with the lead. Penticton got a bit of a scare at the buzzer, but come away with the win, improving to 6-0 moving into a 3rd place tie with the West Kelowna Warriors. Since the 2011-12 regular season the Vees have dominated the Vipers. Penticton has won thirty of the last fourty one regular season meetings vs Vernon going 30-10-0-1. The Vees have won fifteen of the last twenty regular season games vs the Vipers. The Vees have four games in hand over Vernon. These two teams will meet again tomorrow in Vernon. I think the Vees will be happy they come away with the win, but I also think like the Vipers, both teams need a little work to do. Another great crowd-atmosphere at the South Okanagan Events Centre with close to 3200 in attendance. 50/50 was well over $2000. The best rink to watch a BCHL game in, from the arenas Ive been too. Give full credit out to the Penticton Vees for marketing a strong product on the ice, getting fans out to the games and everyone involved. Everywhere you look, fans are wearing a Vees jersey, t-shirt or hat, young and old. The crowd gets into the game, every play, gets out of their seats when the Vees score. Its a great atmosphere inside & outside. You can really feel the buzz outside before the game. I love the new smoke stacks behind the goal, when the Vees score. Ive said it before, I also love the "ring of honour" a great way to honour past Penticton junior hockey players. This is something I wish the Vipers would do.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Connor Marritt
Adam Panacci
Mitch Andres

Penticton:

Ryan O'Connell
Greg Brydon
Taylor Ward

Energy Player of the Game:

Owen Sillinger

Three Star's:

1st Star: Adam Scheel (31 saves)
2nd Star: Luke Reid (1 assist)
3rd Star: Jackson Keane

Boxscore-Game Summary,

http://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/7919

Penticton Herald Newspaper article,

http://www.pentictonherald.ca/sports/local_sports/article_18cc486a-ab1a-11e7-b7c9-8bc4577fd504.html

Game Report,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/official-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=7919

Text Boxscore,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/text-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=7919

Game Preview: Vernon @ Penticton:

Vernon (7-1-0-1) @ Penticton (5-0-0-0) 7pm

Tonight is the first of six regular season meetings between the Vernon Vipers & Penticton Vees. The Vees & Vipers split last year's regular season series 3-3-0-1

Last Game:

Sunday, October 1st Vernon defeated Surrey 5-4
Friday, September 29th Penticton defeated West Kelowna 2-1

Next Game:

Saturday, October 7th Penticton @ Vernon

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 42-43-3-8 vs Penticton

Since the 2002-03 regular season Penticton has outscored Vernon 284-268

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 21-18-1-2 at home vs. Penticton

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 18-21-2-3 in Penticton

The Vees are 8-2-0-0 in their last ten games in Vernon

The Vipers are 3-5-1-1 in their last ten games in Penticton

The Vipers last regular season win at home vs. Penticton was a 3-1 victory on Friday, January 27th 2017

The Vees last regular season win in Vernon was a 3-1 victory on Saturday, November 12th 2016

The Vipers last regular season win in Penticton was a 4-2 victory on Saturday, January 7th 2017

The Vees last regular season win at home vs. Vernon was a 3-1 victory on Wednesday, December 7th 2016

Here's a look at last year's regular season series vs Penticton

August 25th Exhibition Penticton @ Vernon: Vees won 4-1
August 30th Exhibition Vernon @ Penticton: Vees won 4-2
October 28th Penticton @ Vernon: Vees won 4-2
November 11th Vernon @ Penticton: Vipers won 3-2
November 12th Penticton @ Vernon: Vees won 3-1
December 7th Vernon @ Penticton: Vees won 3-1
January 7th Vernon @ Penticton: Vipers won 3-2
January 25th Vernon @ Penticton: Tie 3-3
January 27th Penticton @ Vernon: Vipers won 3-1

Let's take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The 7-1-0-1 Vernon Vipers make their first of three regular season visits to the South Okanagan Events Centre are coming off a 5-4 victory over the Surrey Eagles Sunday in Surrey. Tonight is the eighth and final game of an eight game road trip. The Vipers started the 2017-18 season playing nine of their first ten games away from home. The Snakes come into tonight having won three straight and have at least a point in four of their last five games. Vernon sits atop the Interior Division are three points up on 3rd place West Kelowna and two points up on 2nd place Trail. The Vipers have struggled in Penticton in previous years. Since the 2011-12 regular season Vernon has just five wins at the South Okanagan Events Centre in their last 21 games going 5-13-3-1. Going back going back to the 2014-15 regular season the Vipers have lost ten of their last fourteen games to the Penticton Vees.

Vernon Vipers Roster:

http://bchl.ca/stats/roster/21

Brett Stapley (6-6-12) leads the team lead in goals with six & in points with twelve.

Vernon Vipers 2017-18 regular season stats:

Games Played: 9
Wins: 7
Losses: 1
Ties: 1
Overtime Wins: 0
Overtime Losses: 0
Home Record: 1-0-0-0
Road Record: 6-1-0-0
Overtime Record: 0-0-1
Record vs Interior Division: 3-0-0-0
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 4-1-0-1
When the Vipers score first: 5-0-0-0
When the opponents score first: 2-1-0-1
Leading after the 1st period: 3-0-0-0
Tied after the 1st period: 2-1-0-1
Trailing after the 1st period: 2-0-0-0
Leading after the 2nd period: 4-0-0-0
Tied after the 2nd period: 3-1-0-0
Trailing after the 2nd period: 0-0-0-1
Out shooting opponents: 5-1-0-1
Out shot by opponents: 2-0-0-0
One goal games: 3-1-0-0
Goals for: 34
Goals against: 19
Standings: 1st Place (Interior Division)
Longest winning streak: Unbeaten in eight games (7 wins-1 tie) (Exhibition & Regular Season)
Longest losing streak: One game losing streak

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Brett Stapley (99)
Jagger Williamson (98)
Jimmy Lambert (97)
Niko Karamanis (98)
Jesse Lansdell (98)
Michael Ufberg (97)
Shane Kelly (97)
Sol Seibel (99)
Chris Jandric (98)
Ty Taylor (99)

New Recruits-Committed Players:

Coleton Bilodeau (00)
Josh Prokop (00)
Connor Marritt (99)
Alex Swetlikoff (01)
Jack Judson (00)

Newly Acquired Players:

Anthony Yamnitsky (97)
Tanner Wishnowski (97)
Keyvan Mokhtari (98)
Jordan Sandhu (99)
Finn Evans (99)

Vernon Vipers departed & traded players from last years team:

Austin Adamson (96)
Riley Brandt (96)
Ryan Brushett (98)
Simon Sagissor (97)
Brody Dale (99)
Hunter Zandee (96)
Luke Gingras (98)
Steven Jandric (97)
Cooper Watson (96)
Cameron Trott (97)
Connor Clouston (96)
Darion Hanson (97)

Vernon's home record vs Penticton last year:

1-2-0-0

Vernon's road record vs Penticton last year:

2-1-0-1

Vernon's scoring leaders vs Penticton last year:

Jagger Williamson (1-5-6)
Niko Karamanis (4-1-5)
Brett Stapley (2-3-5)
Steven Jandric (3-1-4)
Jesse Lansdell (1-3-4)
Cooper Watson (0-3-3)
Jimmy Lambert (1-2-3)
Ryan Brushett (1-2-3)
Shane Kelly (0-2-2)
Michael Ufberg (0-2-2)
Hunter Zandee (0-2-2)
Austin Adamson (2-0-2)
Sol Seibel (0-2-2)
Riley Brandt (0-1-1)
Connor Clouston (0-1-1)
Cameron Trott (0-1-1)
Luke Gingras (0-1-1)

Ty Taylor (2-2 Record)
Darion Hanson (1-1-1 Record

Let's take a look at the Penticton Vees:

The 5-0-0-0 defending Interior Division Champion, League Champion and Royal Bank Cup semi-finalist Penticton Vees are coming off a 2-1 victory over the visiting West Kelowna Warriors Friday in their home opener. Tonight is the first of a home & home series vs the Vipers, with the Vees in Vernon tomorrow night. This is the first of six regular season meetings vs the Snakes after these two teams met last year in the Interior Division Finals with Penticton winning in seven games, to advance to the BCHL league finals. The Vees come into action this evening have won all five of their games, are the lone undefeated team in the league with a 5-0 record. Like the Vipers the Vees have seen most of their season away from home. Penticton has played eight of their first nine games (exhibition & regular season) on the road. Including the pre-season this is just the Vees third home game. Penticton sits 4th in the Division are four points up on Salmon Arm & Merrit but just a single point up on 4th place Wenatchee. The Vees are five points back of 1st place Vernon with four games in hand. Since the 2011-12 regular season the Vees have dominated the Vipers. Penticton has won thirty of the last fourty one regular season meetings vs Vernon going 30-10-0-1. The Vees have won fifteen of the last twenty regular season games vs the Vipers.

Penticton Vees Roster:

http://bchl.ca/stats/roster/12

Owen Sillinger (4-2-6) leads the team in goals with four & in points with six.

Brody Dale played in 25 games with the Vipers last year, is an "AP" affiliated player with the Penticton Vees this season.

Penticton Vees 2017-18 regular season stats:

Games Played: 5
Wins: 5
Losses: 0
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 0
Home Record: 2-0-0-0
Road Record: 3-0-0-0
Goals for: 21
Goals against: 10
Standings: 3rd Place (Interior Division)

Penticton Vees Returning Players:

Jared Nash (98)
Grant Cruikshank (98)
Owen Sillinger (97)
Taylor Ward (98)
Chris Klack (97)
Joseph Leahy (97)
Kenny Johnson (98)
Jonny Tychonick (00)
Greg Brydon (98)
Nolan Hildebrand (98)

New Recruits-Committed Players:

No list is available

Newly Acquired Players:

Penticton Vees departed and traded players from last years team:

Nicholas Jones (96)
Ty Amonte (98)
Duncan Campbell (96)
Ryley Risling (96)
Taylor Sanheim (96)
Matt Gosiewski (98)
Jamie Armstrong (98)
Ty Barnstable (98)
Turner Riplinger (98)
Sam Rossini (98)
Mitch Meek (96)
Griffin Mendel (99)
James Miller (98)
Matthew Robson (96)

Penticton's home record vs Vernon last year:

1-2-0-1

Penticton's road record vs Vernon last year:

2-1-0-0

Penticton Vees scoring leaders vs Vernon last year:

Taylor Ward (3-3-6)
Grant Cruikshank (6-0-6)
Chris Klack (1-5-6)
Nicholas Jones (0-5-5)
Duncan Campbell (1-2-3)
Taylor Sanheim (2-1-3)
Owen Sillinger (0-2-2)
Matt Gosiewski (1-1-2)
James Miller (1-1-2)
Kenny Johnson (0-2-2)
Joseph Leahy (0-1-1)
Ty Amonte (1-0-1)
Jonny Tychonick (0-1-1)
Ryley Risling (1-0-1)
Jamie Armstrong (1-0-1)
Griffin Mendel (0-1-1)

Matthew Robson (3-3-1 Record)

Vipers Versus Vees For A Deuce:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers versus Vees for a deuce

Canada’s No. 1 ranked Penticton Vees meet the No. 12 Vernon Vipers for a pair of BCHL tilts

Kevin Mitchell

Fri Oct 6th, 2017

Now that the B.C. Hockey League has determined only one team will miss the playoffs, the Vernon Vipers and Penticton Vees can feel secure about the post-season.

Like they were ever going to be on the sidelines come March anyways.

Just call the home and home series starting tonight in Penticton the first preview of the Interior Conference final which normally goes seven games each season. The Vipers entertain the Vees Saturday, 6 p.m.

The 5-0 Vees are ranked No. 1 in the 132-team Canadian Junior A League, while the Vipers are No. 12 at 7-1-0-1. The pace in both games will be a sprint. The hate meter will be off the charts.

“They’re very good, obviously,” said Vernon head coach Mark Ferner. “They have a mobile dee for sure and are a good defensive team off the rush. It’s a healthy rivalry with two teams who are very familiar with what each team does.”

The Vipers are still recovering from a flu and cold bug which hit almost the entire roster after a marathon road trip. Ferner will wait until warm-up before setting his lineup.

“We’re not quite there (health wise). We’ll wait and see.”

Penticton has converted six times on 31 powerplay chances, a rate of 19.35 per cent. That sits them at 11th overall in the league, however, they have also played the least amount of games. The Wenatchee Wild sit atop the heap with 13 goals and a 28.9 per cent success rate in six games.

“When you get pucks to the net, good things happen,” said Vees’ alternate captain Chris Klack. “Obviously we have a group here that likes to make nice, silky plays as well. Maybe in the future make it a little more simple on the PP.”

Meanwhile, the BCHL board voted to keep the league’s three-division alignment for the regular season, eliminate the first-round bye in the Interior Division playoffs and have 16 of the 17 teams make the playoffs. The 2018 BC Ford Dealers Road to the Fred Page Cup BCHL Playoffs will adhere to the following structure:

• The top-four teams from both the Island and Mainland Divisions will qualify for the playoffs and will be seeded No. 1 to 4.

• In the Interior Division, which has seven teams now that the Wenatchee Wild have joined, the top-six teams will qualify for the playoffs, seeded No. 1 to 6.

• The last-place team from each division (Island fifth place, Mainland fifth place and Interior seventh place) will be eligible to compete in the Interior Division opening round as the No. 7 or 8 seed.

• The top two of the three last-place teams, determined by regular-season points total, will go into the Interior Division for round one. The Island and/or Mainland team crossing over will be the No. 7 or No. 8 seed if they have a higher points total than the Interior last-place team.

• All playoffs rounds will be a best-of-seven format. The winner of the Island versus Mainland Coastal final will play the winner of the Interior Division in the Fred Page Cup BCHL Finals.

SNAKE BITES: Vernon’s Powell Connor, a sophomore d-man with the Chilliwack Chiefs, has been listed as a C prospect by the NHL in Central Scouting Bureau’s Players to Watch list. Connor, a rugged 6-foot-1, 175-pounder, is projected as a fourth- to sixth-round draft choice next June. Penticton D Johnny Tychonick and Wenatchee D Demin Stanislav are both B prospects, meaning they are expected to go in the second or third rounds. Nanaimo Clipper F Max Crozier and Langley Rivermen F Brendan Budy are C lists…Penticton D Ben Allen has become the 17th player on the Vees’ roster to earn a NCAA Division 1 scholarship. Allen, 20, has committed to the University of Alabama-Huntsville Chargers for next season…Vernon’s Noah Turanski, 19, has three goals and five points in five games with the Kindersley Klippers of the Saskatchewan League. The 6-foot-4, 240-pounder had 2-10-12 in three years with the Coquitlam Express.

BCHL Report:

This is posted on Juniorhockey.ca

DAILY DISH: BCHL REPORT - Junior Hockey News

Published: Tuesday, 3 Oct 2017

By: Stephen Heisler  |  Web site: JuniorHockey.com

The BCHL Report is a weekly look at Canada’s British Columbia Hockey League.

ISLAND

Powell River (5-1-1-0) – Head Coach Kent Lewis’ Kings took care of business at home in their only game of the week, getting past Alberni Valley 4-1. It looks like that offensive production problem is starting to work itself out. Trail and Wenatchee visit this week.

Victoria (5-3-0-0) – Craig Didmon’s Grizzlies rebounded from Friday night’s disappointing loss to Vernon with an overtime win over Langley on Saturday. Cowichan Valley visits the Q on Friday before Victoria travels to Nanaimo Saturday.

Nanaimo (4-3-0-1) – Head Coach Mike Vandekamp’s Clippers dropped both games last week and will likely experience a difficult week of practice as a result. Alberni Valley and Victoria visit this weekend and I’m thinking coach Vandekamp will have the ship turned into the right direction before then. BCHL INSIDER SAYS:

Alberni Valley (3-4-0-1) – Matt Hughes’ Bulldogs DID convert that effort into a pair of big wins last week, downing both Powell River and Langley in the process. The ‘Dogs are in Nanaimo Friday before hosting Trail Saturday.

Cowichan Valley (1-7-0-0) – With just 142 fans in the seast in Coquitlam, the Capitals might not have realized there was an actual BCHL game being played. After getting hammered 7-1 the night before at Merritt, I can understand the lack of inspiration. The good news is, there are plenty of players still out there that won’t have a hard time getting excited about the opportunity to play BCHL hockey.

INTERIOR

Vernon (7-1-0-1) – Don’t look now but, Head Coach Mark Ferner’s Vipers are sitting atop the super-competitive Interior Division of the BCHL. That’s what happens when a team guts out whatever it takes to get the job done, and that’s exactly what’s expected of them from the hard-nosed coach. We get to see big-boy hockey this week when Vernon battles powerhouse Penticton in the home-and-home duo.

Trail (6-1-1-0) – Head Coach Cam Keith’s Smokies continue their winning ways, extending the winning streak to five games after weekend wins over Chilliwack and Salmon Arm. With a three-game road trip set for this weekend, can Trail keep the streak alive? The Smokies visit Powell Rover, Alberni Valley, and Chilliwack Friday to Sunday.

Penticton (5-0-0-0) – Head Coach Fred Harbinson’s Vees remain the league’s only unblemished team with a perfect 5-0 record to start the season. Friday’s home win over West Kelowna drew 3,675 fans to the home opener. The Vees are matched up well with Vernon for this week’s home-and-home set.

West Kelowna (5-3-0-0) – Coach Rylan Ferster’s Warriors rebounded from Friday’s tough loss at Penticton with a sound 6-0 shutout of Chilliwack at home on Saturday. The Warriors visit Coquitlam tomorrow and host Salmon Arm Saturday.

Wenatchee (4-1-0-1) – Wild Head Coach Bliss Littler let his boys run wild in their 11-1 destruction of Cowichan Valley Friday night. Wenatchee visits Chilliwack, Powell Rover, and Cowichan Valley this week.

Salmon Arm (3-5-0-0) – Head Coach Scott Atkinson’s Silverbacks took care of Coquitlam 5-3 on Friday before dropping Saturday’s matchup with Trail. Suddenly smoking Merritt visits Friday before Salmon Arm goes to West Kelowna Saturday.

Merritt (3-6-0-0) – Head Coach Joe Martin’s Cents exceeded our Insider’s expectations; getting a full six-points from their weekend trio of home games. Merritt is at Salmon Arm Friday in their only game of the week.

MAINLAND

Prince George (5-3-0-1) – Head Coach Adam Maglio’s Spruce Kings must be excited to get back to Prince George after dropping two of three road contests over the weekend. Surrey visits this weekend.

Langley (3-1-4-0) – Head Coach Bobby Henderson’s Rivermen lost both of their games over the weekend, both overtime losses. Langley has a home-and-home set lined up with Coquitlam this week.

Surrey (2-5-1-1) – Brandon West’s Eagles beat Prince George 4-1 on Friday before losing to Surrey 5-4 on Saturday. The Spruce Kings will be looking for revenge this week when the Eagles visit Rolling Mix Concrete Arena.

Chilliwack (1-5-1-1) – Head Coach Jason Tatarnic might put his entire team on the trade wire this week. Out gunned 13-3 in their two losses to Trail and West Kelowna, the Chiefs coach is unable to pull any additional hair out of his head. Wenatchee and Trail visit this week.

Coquitlam (1-6-0-1) – Only 142 Coquitlam fans were able to see Barry Wolf’s Express beat Cowichan Valley on Sunday. That’s exactly 683 less than what witnessed the home opening 5-3 loss to Prince George. West Kelowna and Langley visit this week…let’s see how many butts are in the seats for that.

Vernon Vipers Match Game – Ufberg & Kelly

This is posted on Hockeytube.net

Match Game – Ufberg & Kelly

October 2, 2017 HockeyTube

Match Game – Ufberg & Kelly – The BCHL Vernon Vipers are doing a new feature this year called ‘The Match Game’ with their players sponsored by Match Eatery and Public house. Simple concept that is a lot of for the players and fans of the team. Each week the players will see how many questions they agree on.

Fans also get in on the action by trying to predict how many correct matches they will have on the team’s Facebook page. Everyone who correctly guesses will have their name put into a draw for game tickets and other prizes.

This week it’s the American defencemen Mike Ufberg and Shane Kelly who will try to match answers.

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

Vees And Vipers On Collision Course:

This is in the Penticton Herald Newspaper:

Vees and Vipers on collision course

David Crompton/Penticton Herald

Wednesday, October 4th 2017

It’s the team with the most wins and most points against the team with the best winning percentage.

It’s two teams who have been bitter rivals for more than 50 years and have combined for 24 B.C. Hockey League championships.

It’s the Vipers and the Vees clashing for the first time this season and they’ll do it not once, but twice, on the Thanksgiving weekend.

Vernon (7-1-1) and Penticton (5-0-0) meet Friday at 7 p.m. at the South Okanagan Events Centre – their first meeting since the Vees won Game 7 of the Interior Division final this past April at the SOEC.

The two clubs will lock horns again Saturday at 6 p.m. at Kal Tire Place in Vernon.

“It’s a team we’ve knocked out of the playoffs (three years in a row) and there’s no doubt they’ll be coming here with some snarl,” said Vees president, GM and head coach Fred Harbinson. “We talked about it with our guys (Wednesday). We’ve got to have the same kind of mentality.

“That’s a real good, first-place team coming in here. It’s a measuring stick for us.”

Of course, it will be as much - or moreso - a measuring stick for the upstart Vipers. The Vees have won six straight Interior Division pennants and three BCHL titles during that span from 2012 to 2017.

“It’s going to be an exciting weekend with two good teams off to strong starts,” said Harbinson. “There has been a lot built up over the last few years. The fans in both cities will be in for a real treat.”

The numbers are somewhat skewed since the Vees have played four fewer games, but Harbinson agreed both teams have more offensive depth than last season.

“They’ve got four lines and a multitude of guys on the back end who can contribute offensively,” said Harbinson. “We’re similar teams in a lot of ways.”

The Vipers power play has been red-hot, scoring 12 times in 42 chances for a 28.6 per cent clip, second only to the Wenatchee Wild at 28.9 per cent (the Vees are at 19.4 per cent).

“We know what they like to do so we’ve just got to execute when we’re on the kill,” said Harbinson. “You can’t give them 10 power plays like they got (in Nanaimo on Saturday). It’s a recipe for disaster no matter who you play.”

The Vees have 21 healthy bodies available for the weekend, which means one player will be scratched. Veteran forward Taylor Ward, who has missed three games with an upper-body injury, is expected out “a few more weeks,” according to the head coach. Defenceman Greg Brydon also remains out indefinitely with a lower-body ailment.

Harbinson planned to rotate his goaltenders – at least until one grabbed the mantle. It appears rookie Adam Scheel has done just that, as he will start his second game in a row Friday.

“He was outstanding in the (2-1 win) against West Kelowna,” Harbinson said. “He deserves another opportunity. It’s early, but his numbers are staggering.”

The 18-year-old U.S.-born Scheel has a 3-0 record with 1.13 goals-against average and .959 save percentage.

“Scheel comes from a very strong program where he played against top U.S. university teams, and he’s committed to a great program at North Dakota,” said Harbinson. “He’s a proven, premier goaltender.”

Harbinson noted with the defence playing so well, Scheel didn’t have to be spectacular in the win over West Kelowna, saving his best for the last 10 minutes when the visitors pushed hard to get back in the game.

“We limited West Kelowna’s play in our end, made real good decisions on exit and our transition game was terrific as a result,” said Harbinson.

The Vees were buoyed by the return of high-scoring forward Grant Cruikshank from injury. Skating on the top line with fellow co-captain Owen Sillinger and assistant Chris Klack, Cruikshank scored what proved to be the winning goal on a third-period breakaway.

“Grant looked great, that line played really hard and could easily have scored two or three more goals,” said Harbinson.

ICE CHIPS: The Vees and Vipers split last year’s season series, with each team winning three times along with one tie. The visiting team each won twice, but in the playoff series the home team won all seven contests… Vernon F Brett Stapley is tied for fifth in BCHL scoring with six goals and 12 points. F Jimmy Lambert is tied for eighth with 11 points.

Vipers Golf Promo Bloopers Video:

This is posted on Hockeytube.net

Viper Golf Promo Bloopers

September 24, 2017 HockeyTube

Vipers Golf Promo Bloopers – The BCHL Vernon Vipers just recently did a promotion video for their game against the Penticton Vees on October 7th, where fans have a chance to win a golf package from Predator Ridge Golf Resort (nice looking course!).

The theme is a put-off contest between their play-by-play voice, team captain and team mascot. Fun video…but we often love to see behind the scenes and blooper/gag reel always provides a chuckle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DIN_qAJE3w

Vipers Weary Following 3-Game Road Trek:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers weary following 3-gamr road trek

Kevin Mitchell

Wed Oct 4th, 2017

No practice Monday or Tuesday. And the Vernon Vipers, a very tight bunch, were even too tired and sick to even text or Facetime one another.

The sickly Snakes were loading up on cold and flu medications after an exhausting road trip which saw them go 3-0 after a 5-4 win over the Surrey Eagles Sunday night.

“The whole group is sick,” said Viper head coach Mark Ferner. “It’s crazy, putting those kids through that; three games in two-and-a-half days in three different cities. It’s stupid. You don’t get a lot in that third game. By the end of it, we were exhausted. They sucked it up and played hard.”

Ferner, nursing a head cold, was going over video of the Penticton Vees Tuesday morning at his office. The Vipers start a home and home series with the Vees Friday night at the South Okanagan Events Centre and play again Saturday, 6 p.m., at Kal Tire Place.

Penticton is ranked No. 1 in the 132-team Canadian Junior A League. The Vipers are rated 12th.

The Vees are the lone perfect team in the B.C. Hockey League at 5-0. Vernon leads the Interior Division at 7-1-0-1.

Jordan Sandhu’s goal with 3:15 remaining proved to be the winner Sunday as Vernon shaded the Eagles before 700 fans.

Rookie defenceman Jack Judson scored the final two goals as the Vipers edged the Nanaimo Clippers 4-3 before 1,190 fans Saturday night at Frank Crane Arena.

Jagger Williamson (3rd of the season), Jesse Lansdell (3rd), Brett Stapley (6th) and Keyvan Mokhtari (2nd) also supplied snipes in Surrey. John Wesley, who rang up 11 goals with the WHL Vancouver Giants last year, scored all four goals for the Eagles (2-5-1-1), his final tally of the night coming with 15 seconds to play. Wesley, a White Rock product, is second in the league with nine goals.

Jimmy Lambert and Tanner Wishnowski each pocketed a pair of assists for the Vipers, who got 20 saves from Ty Taylor.

Williamson and d-man Michael Young (2nd) produced the Viper goals in Nanaimo, where it was scoreless after 20 minutes. Williamson opened the offence at 1:49 of the second period, assisted by Niko Karamanis.

Vincent Millette (3rd) and Cal Babych (2nd) garnered goals six minutes apart to put the Clippers in front before Young equalized on a powerplay with 90 seconds to go in the period, from Lambert and Sandhu.

Tristan Crozier made it 3-2 Nanaimo 20 seconds into the third period with Wishnowski in the box for tripping.

Judson converted from Lansdell on a man advantage at 9:13 of the third period and netted the winner on a powerplay with 35 seconds left. D-man Chris Jandric and Sandhu drew assists.

Anthony Yamnitsky recorded 25 saves for the Snakes. Austin Roden made 22 stops for the Clippers (4-3-0-1), who gave up four powerplay goals on 10 chances.

“A lot of our penalties were stick penalties, which is not penalties we want to take,” said Clipper captain Jamie Collins. “We might take the odd boarding or roughing or something like that, but we’re not looking for lazy penalties with our sticks and reckless sticks and stuff like that. I think we just have to keep our feet moving.”

Ferner wasn’t sure what his lineup was going to look like Friday. Rookie centre Coleton Bilodeau was hit the hardest, missing the last two games with sickness.

“I don’t know. We’ll see what we look like on Friday.”

SNAKE BITES: Stapley is sixth in the league points derby with 6+6. Lambert is 10th with 3+8…Kale Howarth of the Trail Smoke Eaters, taken in the fifth round by Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2017 NHL amateur lottery, tops the loop with 10 snipes. The Red Deer product is the Player of the Week (POW) with 4+2…Howarth’s linemate Ross Armour has 6+11 for the points lead…Prince George Spruce Kings D Ethan de Jong has earned a scholarship with Quinnipiac University Bobcats in Hamden, Conn. for the 2019-20 season.

Vipers Ranked 12th In CJHL Top 20 Weekly Rankings:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

CJHL Weekly Top-20

October 2, 2017

CALGARY, Alta. – The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) has announced its latest Top 20 regular season rankings for the 2017-18 campaign, compiled weekly by an independent scouting service.

Remaining No. 1 in the 132-team CJHL for a second straight week is the Penticton Vees (BCHL) as they remain unbeaten at 5-0 to start the campaign.

BCHL: Along with Penticton at No. 1, the BCHL is also represented in the Top 20 by the Vernon Vipers (12), Trail Smoke Eaters (16) and Powell River Kings (HM).

AJHL: The Okotoks Oilers are 7-0 early on and have moved to No. 3 in the CJHL. The 5-1 Fort McMurray Oil Barons were slotted 11th.

SJHL: Reeling off eight straight wins in SJHL play has the Melfort Mustangs tabbed at No. 2 nationally while defending champ Battlefords is 4-0-1 and ranked eighth.

MJHL: The Virden Oil Capitals were listed 14th in the CJHL and the Steinbach Pistons are 20th. Perennial MJHL power, the Portage Terriers picked up HM status.

SIJHL: Thief River Falls jumped to No. 5 and fellow unbeaten Thunder Bay moved to No. 7. Dryden’s only blemish is a shootout setback and is rated ninth.

NOJHL: Defending NOJHL title holder Powassan moved to No. 19 in the weekly listings.

OJHL: The Georgetown Raiders, winners of the OJHL in 2016-17, are No. 10 nationally while honourable mention went to the Toronto Patriots and Wellington Dukes.

CCHL: Carleton Place climbed to No. 15 and the Fred Page Cup-host Ottawa Jr. ‘A’ Senators picked up Honourable Mention recognition.

LHJAAAQ: Reigning LHJAAAQ Coupe NAPA winners, les Cobras de Terrebonne, are No. 4 in the
CJHL and College Français de Longueuil comes in at No. 17.

MHL: The Edmundston Blizzard has yet to lose in MHL play, going 5-0 to date, having earned a No. 6 national ranking with the Truro Bearcats and Yarmouth Jr. ‘A’ Mariners joining them in the Top 20 at No. 13 and No. 18 respectively.

CJHL 2017-18 TOP 20 (As of Oct. 2/17)
RANK TEAM (LEAGUE) (LAST RANKING)

1. Penticton Vees (BCHL) (1)
2. Melfort Mustangs (SJHL) (3)
3. Okotoks Oilers (AJHL) (4)
4. Cobras de Terrebonne (LHJAAAQ) (10)
5. Thief River Falls Norskies (SIJHL) (17)
6. Edmundston Blizzard (MHL) (16)
7. Thunder Bay North Stars (SIJHL) (NR)
8. Battlefords North Stars  (SJHL) (19)
9. Dryden GM Ice Dogs (SIJHL) (7)
10. Georgetown Raiders (OJHL) (HM)
11. Fort McMurray Oil Barons (AJHL) (2)
12. Vernon Vipers (BCHL) (NR)
13. Truro Bearcats (MHL) (NR)
14. Virden Oil Capitals (MJHL) (13)
15. Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL) (18)
16. Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL) (NR)
17. College Français de Longueuil (LHJAAAQ)
18. Yarmouth Jr. A Mariners (MHL) (6)
19. Powassan Voodoos (NOJHL) (20)
20. Steinbach Pistons (MJHL) (9)

HONOURABLE MENTION: Powell River Kings (BCHL); Portage Terriers (MJHL); Toronto Patriots  (OJHL);, Wellington Dukes (OJHL); Ottawa Jr. A Senators (CCHL)

ABOUT THE CJHL RANKINGS: They are based upon a variety of factors, including winning percentage; win-loss record; point totals; goals-for versus goals-against ratio, etc., and the league they compete in.

ABOUT THE CJHL

The Canadian Junior Hockey League is made up of the 10 Junior ‘A’ leagues across Canada.

Representing 132 teams and over 3,000 players, the CJHL also boast over 2,800 alumni furthering their hockey careers at the professional, major junior and college level across North America.

Vees Add Former Vipers Forward Dale To Roster:

The Penticton Vees have added former Vernon Vipers forward Brody Dale to their roster. Dale is listed as an affiliated player "AP" with the Vees.

Dale has yet to play with the Vees is currently playing with the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League Kelowna Chiefs. In four games this season with the Chiefs, Dale leads the team in scoring with (5-goals-7-assists-12-points).

Dale started last season in Kelowna, played in 26 games with the Chiefs collected (15-goals-24-assists-39-points) was also an "AP" affiliated player with the Vipers last year before signing with the Vipers January 10th 2017. Brody finished last year with the Vipers,  went pointless in 25 games, was one of thirteen players returning from last year's team, was cut-released after training camp.

Brody Dale's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=392317

Vipers-Eagles Highlight's:

Here are the game highlight's from the South
Surrey Arena Sunday afternoon in Surrey. The Vipers playing their third game in three days, fell behind 3-1 before tying the game 3-3 heading into the 3rd. Keyvan Mokhtari and Jordan Sandhu scored in the 3rd as Vernon hung on for the 5-4 victory. John Wesley scored all four Surrey goals in the loss. Ty Taylor made 20 saves in the win. The Vipers improve to 7-1-0-1 and sit 1st in the Interior Division.

https://twitter.com/twitter/statuses/914727394937851907

BCHL News & Trades:

I found these press releases off team websites, twitter accounts, blogs or online. All Vipers news-trades are posted on this blog as soon as released-announced.

BCHL News & Trades:

Maglio Ready To Go As Spruce Kings New Bench Boss:

With great power comes great responsibility. That is the case for first year head coach Adam Maglio who will guide the Prince George Spruce Kings into the 2017-18 BCHL season against the arch-rival Chilliwack Chiefs Friday and Saturday at 7 pm from the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena. Maglio took over the job during the spring after Chad van Diemen stepped down for personal reasons following the team’s hard fought first round series against the Wenatchee Wild where they fell in six games. He and the players are anxious to finally lift the curtain on home ice. “We are excited and I think our team as a group is prepared, we’re ready but now we just want to play hockey. I think for our guys it’s using that excitement and controlling their emotions and coming out with a competitive fire because Chilliwack is a big divisional rival for us.” The Spruce Kings went 2-4-1-0 against the high-flying Chiefs last season only getting outscored by a 28-22 margin in those seven games. Those results include a 3-2 victory in Chilliwack along with a 4-1 victory and a 6-5 double overtime loss on home ice. Maglio feels the gap closed considerably last season when both teams hit the ice. “We broke some barriers last year against Chilliwack. I know our team in the past didn’t have the success they wanted to but I think last year we would have wanted a little bit of a better record but I think we are confident playing them.” “Beating them at home was a big boost for our guys but it’s a new year and a new team so we are going to have build our own identity starting tomorrow (Friday),” Maglio says. Prince George will also enter the season with a new leadership group that includes 19-year old forward Kyle Johnson who will be wearing the “C”. Johnson says the gradual rise since his rookie season two years ago has helped him come full circle. “Year one was a rebuilding and young team so obviously the roles weren’t very static as they changed all the time but in year two it was kind of nice being a supporting role player and play under Brett Mennear as the second line centre and kind of watch him and the way he approached things. I feel like myself and the core guys that have been here for a couple of seasons believe it is our turn to lead the way and were all really excited about it because it is a new challenge.” The opening weekend games will also mark the return of Prince George native and former Spruce King Bryan Allbee who was dealt to the Chiefs in August. Prince George begins the season with a four game home stand that will continue September 15 and 16 against the Surrey Eagles.

Bulldogs Coach's Update #4

Bulldogs Head Coach and GM, Matt Hughes, talks about the rest of the preseason, his game plan for the first regular season game, and his roster.

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

Trail Smoke Eaters New Bus:

Eagles Name Roberts Captain:

Captain – Jordan Robert
Assistant – Jackson Ross
Assistant – Johnny Wesley
Assistant – Domenic Masellis

Jordan Robert will be returning as captain for his second season with the Surrey Eagles. He received the captaincy in the final half of last season from Paul McAvoy, who has since left for Colgate University. Robert, 19, is a Clarkson University commit – which is located in his hometown of Massena, New York. A heart and soul type of player, Robert is a natural leader for the Eagles heading forward. Jackson Ross joined the Eagles last season after spending time with the Kamloops Storm of the KIJHL. The Centennial, Colorado native is a key defensive cog on the back end, and is another leader by example. He received the team’s Most Improved Player award last season after notching 10 points in 50 games. Johnny Wesley returns to the Eagles for his 20-year-old season, and will look to take a leadership role both on and off the ice. Praised for his upbeat attitude, Wesley backs it up on the ice with both speed and skill. The White Rock native could be a deadly force on the first line for the Eagles as the season progresses. Domenic Masellis was acquired at the trade deadline last season from the Coquitlam Express. He quickly became a fan favourite, and a leader in the dressing room. Masselis, who is in his final year of junior hockey, should be another key defensive player for the Eagles this season.

Penicton Vees TV:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=65&v=PNhBpG1_9Is

Alberni Valley-Bonnyville Trade:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce the acquisition of 1997-born defenceman Mitchell Oliver from the Bonnyville Pontiacs of the Alberta Junior Hockey League in return for 1999-born forward Lucas Thorne. Oliver is a Kelowna, BC product who split the 2016/17 season between the BCHL’s Vernon Vipers and the AJHL’s Pontiacs. He combined to score 11 goals and 33 points in 58 regular season games while adding four points in nine playoff games in Bonnyville. “Mitchell is an experienced veteran defenceman who will give us an immediate boost on the blueline,” says Bulldogs head coach Matt Hughes. “He’s a skilled puck-mover with a hard shot and good size who will contribute positively in all three zones. We’re very happy to add a player of Mitchell’s ability to our defence corps.” Oliver’s Junior A career began in Vernon in 2014 and he went on to play 117 games in a Vipers uniform over the next two-plus seasons, collecting 39 points. Prior to making the jump to the BCHL, he was part of the Okanagan Rockets major midget squad that represented BC at the Telus Cup. Oliver will make his Bulldogs’ debut tonight when Alberni Valley hosts the Victoria Grizzlies at 7:00 PM. Admission is $7.00.

Chiefs Gear Up To Host 2018 RBC Cup:

The Chilliwack Chiefs have had their share of recent successes advancing to the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) finals in each of the past two years. The Chiefs are also guaranteed to have a lengthy 2017-18 campaign. That’s because regardless of how the Chilliwack franchise fares in its regular season and playoff action, the squad will still be playing next May. As hosts, the Chiefs are guaranteed a berth in the five-team national RBC Cup tournament which will be staged at the Prospera Centre from May 12 to 20, 2018. Jason Tatarnic, who is heading into his fourth season as the Chiefs’ head coach/GM, said it’s a good feeling being the only squad in the entire Canadian Junior Hockey League that has secured an appearance at the 2018 national tourney. “It’s nice to know that,” he said. “But we’re not going to put any added pressure on our guys. Our mindset is just going to be to keep developing throughout the year and be ready for the RBC Cup.” The Chiefs, who kick off their BCHL regular season schedule on Sept. 8, are expected to have just five returnees (three forwards and two defencemen) on their roster this season. “Our turnover is pretty high every year,” Tatarnic said. “We usually lose 10 to 15 kids to scholarships.” Tatarnic, however, is confident his squad will once again be near the top of the league standings this coming season. “We like our recruits,” he said. “We’re really happy with all of them.” One of the newcomers is 18-year-old forward Skyler Brind’Amour, whose father Rod is a former NHL star and currently an assistant coach with the Carolina Hurricanes. The younger Brind’Amour was selected in the sixth round of the NHL Entry Draft this past June by the Edmonton Oilers. He’s also committed to attend Michigan State but not until the 2019-20 season. Meanwhile, it’s not only the Chiefs’ organization that is preparing for the national tournament. Those who were presenting partners for the bid include officials from the City of Chilliwack, Chilliwack Tourism and the Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe. Barry Douglas, the Chiefs’ director of marketing and sales, is one of the key figures on the 2018 RBC Cup organizing committee. He said quite a bit of interest for next May’s event has already been generated. Chiefs’ season ticket holders have already scooped up about 500 ticket packages. Other members of the public will also soon be able to buy their packages. “Our goal is to break the all-time RBC Cup attendance record,” Douglas said. “We’ll need to average 2,800 tickets (per game) to get the record.” Helping to spread the word are six volunteers who are part of the RBC Cup Street Team launched in June. These volunteers have been and will continue to be rather visible at numerous events in the city. Douglas added there was no shortage of others looking to help out as well. “We’ll need about 150 people to help out with our game day operations,” he said. It was announced back in June of 2016 that Chilliwack had been awarded the 2018 RBC Cup. Shortly afterwards, more than enough people indicated they would be willing to serve as volunteers. “But we are taking some new applications still,” Douglas said. While the Chiefs will make their first appearance at the RBC Cup tournament next year, Tatarnic will have an inkling of what to expect. He was the bench boss of the New Brunswick-based Woodstock Slammers, members of the Maritime Hockey League, who competed at the 2012 RBC Cup in Humboldt, Sask.

Salmon Arm Silverbacks 2017-18 Intro:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_OTAY7Dfq8

Big Changes At Cominco Arena:

Action on the ice will be enhanced by a lot of action off the ice, as the Trail Smoke Eaters new era begins tonight. The Smokies open the 56th BCHL season against the West Kelowna Warriors at the Cominco Arena, but tonight’s match up is the first opening-season game for the new Smoke Eaters staff and owners Annie and Rich Murphy, who have been working overtime to make it a memorable and activity-packed evening. “Things are going great,” said Allison McCarthy, corporate sales and events manager. “We are just putting the finishing touches on the season-opener details, but overall things are going really well.” And while the puck drops at 7 p.m., the opening night festivities kick off well before that. “We have a lot planned for this evening. It’s going to start with a Kids Tailgate Party in the parking lot under the mural at 5:30 p.m.” The Kids Tailgate Party, courtesy of Teck, includes a variety of hockey-themed kids games and pizza from Rustic Crust with all proceeds going to KidSport-Trail from 5:30-6:30 p.m. In addition, fans are encouraged to show up early as the state-of-the-art video wall will be unveiled at 6:45 p.m., and Smokies’ media guru Geoff Fontes has compiled footage for what should be an explosive Trail Smoke Eater entrance. “We are going off of the theme, ‘The legacy lives on,’” explained McCarthy. “So, not to give too much away, but it’s going to highlight our incredible hockey history and how it transitions into current day.” With close to $2 million invested in the team and comprehensive renovations to the Trail Memorial Centre, the Smoke Eater game experience will be unlike any before it with upgrades to the Spud and Suds Shacks, the addition of the Trail Beer Refinery kiosk, and the video wall where Trail fans and their sponsors will be treated to instant replay, corporate partnership ads, commercials, and entertaining clips. “It is really going to tie the whole element of entertainment together with the addition of this video wall, so we’re all super excited to see this in action.” Following a live rendition of the national anthem, representatives from Sanctuary will be on hand for the ceremonial puck drop. Game night sponsor, Teck, donated the Smokies Fan Box to Sanctuary, a safe and nurturing community centre for pre-teens. The first intermission features a fun Smokies X’s and O’s game with the winner receiving a $100 Royal Theatre gift pack, and the second intermission highlights a paper-airplane toss, which, similar to the puck toss, will award a prize to the plane that is closest to the centre-ice dot. Smoke Eater souvenirs will also be available with a new line up of hats, T-shirts and sweatshirts, hockey-glove foam fingers, and of course – baby onesies. Following the Murphy’s acquisition of the team on Nov. 1, 2016, the owners quickly hired local staff to direct hockey and off-ice operations to improve ticket sales and energize the game-night experience. The result: a much-improved Smoke Eaters team, along with new events and promotions that boosted attendance last season, culminating in an average of almost 2,000 per game during the Smokies first playoff appearance in eight years. The Smoke Eaters hope to kick off this season with the same success. “All of the current staff started on this adventure last November and December so this is our first time opening the season together,” added McCarthy. “But everything is running smoothly, and we are ready for a great season.” Doors open at 6 p.m. with the puck drop at 7 p.m. Smoke Signals: The game-night experience requires a robust group of volunteers and while many have been recruited and are returning from last year, the Smoke Eaters can still use more hands to help out in the concession and Spud Shack.

Penticton Vees TV:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfWGtjUB3HE

Bulldogs Name Steele Captain:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce that 20-year old forward Ryan Steele has been named team captain for the 2017/18 British Columbia Hockey League season. Forward Cole Poliziani and defencemen Connor Welsh and Mitch Oliver have been named as alternate captains. Steele is entering his second season as a Bulldog following a 29-point campaign as a BCHL rookie last season. “Ryan is an outstanding young man who sets a great example for his teammates of what it takes to prepare and play at a consistently high level,” says Bulldogs head coach Matt Hughes. “He has the respect of everybody in our dressing room and he leads every day with tremendous work ethic and character.” Welsh is also back for his sophomore season in the Alberni Valley, while Poliziani and Oliver were acquired in offseason trades. “Connor, Cole and Mitch are all positive, vocal guys who have earned this opportunity,” says Hughes. Steele and the Bulldogs open the 2017/18 season tonight in Nanaimo with a revamped roster that includes five returning players, four summer trade acquisitions and 14 rookies. “It’s an honour to be named captain of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs and to have the support of my teammates and coaches,” says Steele. “I’m looking forward to this being a great season we can all be proud of, both on the ice and in the community.”

Bochen Commits To Spruce Kings For 2018-19 Season:

The Prince George Spruce Kings are pleased to announce the commitment of 16-year-old defenceman Nick Bochen to the team beginning in the 2018-19 season. Nick was with the team recently in training camp and throughout the exhibition season and proved that he will be a great player in the BCHL in the years to come. He will be an affiliate player with the team this season and will spend some time with the team as his schedule allows and when the team needs to fill a roster spot due to injuries. This season Nick will play for the Burnaby Winter Club Academy Midget Prep Team. This program has produced some tremendous players for the Spruce Kings over the past several seasons. “We are pleased and excited to have Nick Bochen committed to the Prince George Spruce Kings for the 2018/2019 Season. Nick exemplifies the type of defensemen that our program values on and off the ice. His ability to transition fast, his on ice awareness and his offensive prowess will allow him to be an elite contributor at the Junior A level. Nick comes from a program that promotes a team culture that aligns with our core values which will make for an easy transition into our organization. We look forward to seeing Nick in a Spruce King’s jersey next season,” said Spruce Kings Head Coach Adam Maglio.

Atkinson Talks Silverbacks Leadership Group:

The Salmon Arm Silverbacks started the 2017-18 BCHL season with a new head coach and GM and a brand new leadership group. Scott Atkinson says they wanted their leadership to reflect the way they want to play on the ice.  They want to place hard, fast and big and the players selected bring that grit to the game. Grayson Constable will wear the ‘C’ this season and will be supported by Marcus Mitchell, Josh Latta along with Mitch Stapley, Rhett Kingston, and Logan Mostat. They’ll all serve as assistant captains on a rotating basis.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm0QH03XMyk

Vernon 5 Surrey 4

Scoring Summary:

1st Period:

6:19 SUR John Wesley (6) ASST: Ty Westgard (6), Caige Sterzer (1)

2nd Period:

4:13 VER Jagger Williamson (3) ASST: Tanner Wishnowski (5)

7:33 SUR John Wesley (7) ASST: None (SH)

11:25 SUR John Wesley (8) ASST: Desi Burgart (2), Ty Westgard (7)

13:26 VER Jesse Lansdell (3) ASST: Michael Young (2), Jagger Williamson (3) (PP)

18:56 VER Brett Stapley (6) ASST: Jimmy Lambert (7), Jack Judson (2) (PP)

3rd Period:

16:01 VER Keyvan Mokhtari (2) ASST: Tanner Wishnowski (6), Michael Ufberg (4)

16:45 VER Jordan Sandhu (2) ASST: Jimmy Lambert (8)

19:45 SUR John Wesley (9) ASST: Ty Westgard (8), Jeffrey Stewart (4) (PP)

Vernon outshoots Surrey 37-24 Ty Taylor makes 20 saves in the win, while Alex Horawski made 32 saves in the loss.

Boxscore,

http://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/7915

Game Report,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/official-game-report.php?client_code=bchl&game_id=7915

Text Boxscore,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/text-game-report.php?client_code=bchl&game_id=7915

Game Preview: Vernon @ Surrey:

Vernon (6-1-0-1) @ Surrey (2-4-1-1) 4pm

Today is the first of two regular season meetings between the Vernon Vipers & Surrey Eagles. The Eagles swept the Vipers in last year's regular season series 2-0

Last Game:

Saturday, September 30th Vernon defeated Nanaimo 4-3
Friday, September 29th Surrey defeated Prince George 4-1

Next Game:

Friday, October 6th Vernon @ Penticton
Friday, October 6th Surrey @ Prince George

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 19-7-1-0 vs Surrey

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon has outscored Surrey 105-79

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 8-3-1-0 at home vs Surrey

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 10-4-0-0 in Surrey

The Vipers last regular season win in Surrey was a 4-3 victory on Sunday, November 8th 2015

The Eagles last regular season win at home vs Vernon was a 8-4 victory on Sunday, November 6th 2016

Surrey's last regular season win in Vernon was a 3-2 overtime victory on Friday, October 7th 2016

The Vipers last regular season win at home vs Surrey was a 3-2 double overtime victory on Tuesday, February 23rd 2016

Let's take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The 6-1-0-1 Vernon Vipers make their first and only regular season visit to the South Surrey Arena are coming off a 4-3 victory in Nanaimo Saturday. Vernon has won ten of their last fourteen games in Surrey. Today's the seventh game of an eight game road trip. The Snakes started the season playing nine of their first ten games on the road. Vernon has won two straight and have just one regulation loss in their first eight games. The Vipers sit 2nd in the Interior Division are tied in points with 1st place Trail are three points up on West Kelowna & Penticton.

Vernon Vipers Roster:

http://bchl.ca/stats/roster/21

Brett Stapley (5-6-11) leads the team lead in goals with five, while Stapley & Jimmy Lambert are tied in points with eleven each.

Vernon Vipers 2017-18 regular season stats:

Games Played: 8
Wins: 6
Losses: 1
Ties: 1
Overtime Wins: 0
Overtime Losses: 0
Home Record: 1-0-0-0
Road Record: 5-1-0-0
Overtime Record: 0-0-1
Record vs Interior Division: 3-0-0-0
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 3-1-0-1
When the Vipers score first: 5-0-0-0
When the opponents score first: 1-1-0-1
Leading after the 1st period: 3-0-0-0
Tied after the 1st period: 2-1-0-1
Trailing after the 1st period: 1-0-0-0
Leading after the 2nd period: 4-0-0-0
Tied after the 2nd period: 2-1-0-0
Trailing after the 2nd period: 0-0-0-1
Out shooting opponents: 4-1-0-1
Out shot by opponents: 2-0-0-0
One goal games: 2-1-0-0
Goals for: 29
Goals against: 15
Standings: 1st Place (Interior Division)
Longest winning streak: Unbeaten in eight games (7 wins-1 tie) (Exhibition & Regular Season)
Longest losing streak: One game losing streak

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Brett Stapley (99)
Jagger Williamson (98)
Jimmy Lambert (97)
Niko Karamanis (98)
Jesse Lansdell (98)
Michael Ufberg (97)
Shane Kelly (97)
Sol Seibel (99)
Chris Jandric (98)
Ty Taylor (99)

New Recruits-Committed Players:

Coleton Bilodeau (00)
Josh Prokop (00)
Connor Marritt (99)
Alex Swetlikoff (01)
Jack Judson (00)

Newly Acquired Players:

Anthony Yamnitsky (97)
Tanner Wishnowski (97)
Keyvan Mokhtari (98)
Jordan Sandhu (99)
Finn Evans (99)

Vernon Vipers departed & traded players from last years team:

Austin Adamson (96)
Riley Brandt (96)
Ryan Brushett (98)
Simon Sagissor (97)
Brody Dale (99)
Hunter Zandee (96)
Luke Gingras (98)
Steven Jandric (97)
Cooper Watson (96)
Cameron Trott (97)
Connor Clouston (96)
Darion Hanson (97)

Vernon's home record vs Surrey last year:

0-0-1-0

Vernon's road record vs Surrey last year:

0-1-0-0

Vernon's scoring leaders vs Surrey last year:

Brett Stapley (0-3-3)
Jagger Williamson (0-3-3)
Hunter Zandee (2-0-2)
Steven Jandric (1-1-2)
Ryan Brushett (0-1-1)
Niko Karamanis (1-0-1)
Jesse Lansdell (0-1-1)

Ty Taylor (0-1 Record)

Let's take a look at the Surrey Eagles:

The 2-4-1-1 Surrey Eagles are coming off a 4-1 win over the visiting Prince George Spruce Kings Friday in Surrey. The Eagles have lost three of their last five games sit 3rd in the Mainland Division are two points up on Chilliwack and two points back of Langley. Surrey will play four of their next six games on the road. Surrey won both games over the Vipers last season, will be in Vernon October 21st for their final meeting of the season.

Surrey Eagles Roster:

http://bchl.ca/stats/roster/11

John Wesley (5-2-7) leads the team in goals with five & shares the team lead in points with Owen Norton (0-7-7) with seven points each.

Ryan Brushett Played last season with the Vipers before being traded to Surrey September 6th 2017

Surrey Eagles 2017-18 regular season stats:

Games Played: 8
Wins: 2
Losses: 4
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 1
Home Record: 2-1-0-1
Road Record: 0-3-1-0
Goals for: 17
Goals against: 28
Standings: 3rd Place (Mainland Division)

Surrey Eagles Returning Players:

Desi Burgart (98)
Jeffery Stewart (98)
Jordan Robert (98)
Dario Piva (98)
Nick Fea (97)
Jesse Nelson (99)
John Wesley (97)
Ty Westgard (98)
Jackson Ross (97)
Domenic Masellis (97)
Daniel Davidson (98)

New Recruits-Committed Players:

No list is available

Newly Acquired Players:

Surrey Eagles departed and traded players from last years team:

Paul McAvoy (96)
Mike Sauer (96)
Mitchell Williams (98)
Ashton Calder (98)
Logan Mostat (97)
Tyler Paterson (97)
Andrew Kemp (99)
Joshua Bruce (98)
Darius Davidson (96)
Cole Williams (97)
Matthew Brown (98)
Landon Fuller (99)
Cory Babichuk (98)
Colton Gerlib (99)
Jacob Dupont (97)

Surrey's home record vs Vernon last year:

1-0-0-0

Surrey's road record vs Vernon last year:

1-0-0-0

Surrey Eagles scoring leaders vs Vernon last year:

Darious Davidson (3-3-6)
Ashton Calder (1-3-4)
Jeffrey Stewart (3-1-4)
Desi Burgart (2-2-4)
Cory Babichuk (0-3-3)
Nick Minerva (1-2-3)
Robert Johnson (0-2-2)
Paul McAvoy (0-1-1)
Cole Williams (0-1-1)
Logan Mostat (0-1-1)
Andrew Kemp (1-0-1)
Jacob Dupont (0-1-1)

Michael Botiz (2-0 Record)

Vipers Juggle Way Past Grizzlies:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers juggle way past Grizzlies

Kevin Mitchell

Sunday October 1st, 2017

They tweaked their forward lines and the moves worked wonders for the Vernon Vipers Friday night in Victoria.

Three lines made the stats page as the Snakes dispatched the Grizzlies 5-2 in B.C. Hockey League play before 1,035 fans at the Q Centre. It was Victoria’s home opener and they raised their Island Division banner from last year.

“We’re fortunate we can flip flop guys and still win hockey games,” said Viper assistant coach Kevin Kraus. “Their seemed to be more chemistry and creativity with all four lines. Just having a different look changed the dynamics for everybody.”

Jordan Sandhu replaced Tanner Wishnowski on the first line with Jimmy Lambert and Brett Stapley and Sandhu responded with his first snipe as a Viper. Stapley drew the assist on the game’s opening goal, at 8:29 of the first period.

Wishnowski moved over to a unit with Keyvan Mokhtari and Alex Swetlikoff and earned second star with 1+1.

Captain Jagger Williamson played with Jesse Lansdell and Josh Prokop, while Coleton Bilodeau went up the middle with Finn Evans and Niko Karamanis.

“I thought we controlled the play for the majority of the game,” said Kraus. “They scored on a couple of chances to keep it close at the time. We were finally able to capitalize on our chances which we didn’t do at the Showcase. Considering the travel days, we had good pace and our discipline was much better.”

D-man Chris Jandric, Prokop and d-man Michael Young rounded out the Vernon offence. Stapley finished with three helpers in support of Ty Taylor (22 saves). The Vipers went 2-for-5 on the powerplay.

Justin Michaelian and Timothy Friedmann replied for the 4-3 Grizzlies, who got 29 saves from Zachary Rose.

The Vipers improved to 5-1-0-1 for a share of first place in the Interior Division with the Trail Smoke Eaters. Vernon take on the Nanaimo Clippers tonight at Frank Crane Arena and face the Surrey Eagles Sunday, 4 p.m.

Forwards Adam Panacci and Connor Marritt, along with D Mitch Andres, were healthy scratches for Vernon.

Meanwhile, the Penticton Vees remained the only undefeated team in the BCHL with a 2-1 win over the West Kelowna Warriors before 3,675 fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre. Penticton (5-0) hosts the Vipers Friday and the teams play again Saturday night at Kal Tire Place.

Kale Howarth, a Columbus Blue Jacket draft, pulled the hat trick as the Smoke Eaters ambushed the Chilliwack Chiefs 7-3 before 1,753 fans at Cominco Arena.

The Salmon Arm Silverbacks upended the Coquitlam Express 5-3 before 845 supporters at the Shaw Centre, the Alberni Valley Bulldogs clipped the visiting Clippers 5-4 in front of 1,111 fans at Weyerhaeuser Arena and Surrey grounded the Prince George Spruce Kings 4-1 before 946 fans at Surrey Arena.

In Wenatchee, Jasper Weatherby supplied 3+2 as the Wild torched the Cowichan Valley Capitals 11-1 before 2,493 fans at the Town Toyota Center.