Season Opener: Vernon 5 Salmon Arm 1

For the 22nd straight year I was at the Vernon Vipers home opener as Vernon defeated Salmon Arm 5-1 at the Wesbild Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Kirby Halcrow
Salmon Arm: Kurt Williams

1st Period: Off the opening faceoff Salmon Arm would get the puck in deep, Backs captain Brett Knowles laid out a huge check on Vipers assistant captain, Brett Corkey in the corner, allowing the Vipers to come back the other way on an odd man rush. Corkey fed Vipers assistant captain, Mike Zalewski who on the two on one setup Darren Nowick who beat Kurt Williams on Vernons first shot on goal just thirty seconds into the Vipers home opener giving Vernon an early 1-0 lead. Zalewski and Corkey collected the helpers. Off the next faceoff the Silverbacks got the puck in deep setting up veteran, Bryce Gervais in front who was robbed by Kirby Halcrow who made a big save keeping the Backs off the scoreboard. Some good flow to start the season opener with the play going back and forth before two and a half minutes in, Marcus Basara tried setting up rookie, Alex Hagen on a two on one but Hagen couldnt connect on Basaras pass on a great scoring chance. Just over three minutes into the period Salmon Arm would get the games first powerplay. The Silverbacks with some good puck movement couldnt get pucks through as the Vipers penalty kill was good early. Before the man advantage ended the Silverbacks would take a minor penalty giving both teams a little four on four action before the Vipers would get a late powerplay. Ryan Renz would turn over the puck at the Salmon Arm blueline giving the Silverbacks a parcial two on one, but Renz stuck with the play and broke up the play as the Backs couldnt capitalize on a good shorthanded chance. Salmon Arm would kill off the minor. Just three and a half minutes later Salmon Arm would get another shot with the man advantage but once again controlling most of the play deep in the Vernon zone, the Silverbacks couldnt get pucks through as Vernon's penalty was very solid all night. The Backs controlled the puck well but had troubles getting pucks through to the front of the net. Just before the penalty expired Mike Zalewski somehow was spotted wide open in the slot but couldnt get the puck past Kurt Williams on a great shorthanded scoring opportunity as Vernon would kill off the minor. Just seconds after a big penalty kill Vernon would get its second powerplay of the evening and took advantage. Darren Nowick with a slick pass through the slot setup Mike Zalewski who ripped his shot far side past Kurt Williams at 14:09 giving Vernon a 2-0 lead. Nowick and John Knisley with the assists. The Vipers then took over and carried the better of the play for the remainder of the 1st period. Vernon's speed and forecheck down low gave the Silverbacks trouble most of the period. Vipers captain, Patrick McGillis with a great chance, ripped a hard low shot from the circle that was stopped by Williams who made a nice glove save on the play. Williams had troubles with the puck several times in the period, had troubles controlling the puck as well as giving up some big rebounds. Vernon was outshooting Salmon Arm at this point 10-5. The Silverbacks having all kinds of trouble in their own end couldnt get much offence going in the opening period. Both teams got a little sloppy in the final two minutes as Vernon had a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers were the better team and had the better chances in the opening period. The Vipers outshot the Backs 15-8.

2nd Period: Off the opening faceoff the Vipers defence had troubles clearing the zone, a turnover just outside the Vipers blueline allowed Morgan Zulinick an odd man rush, Zulinick kept and shot beating Kirby Halcrow shortside just twenty seconds into the middle frame cutting the Vernon lead to just a single goal. Former Vernon Vipers defenceman, Bennett Hambrook with the lone assist. Off the next facoff Aaron Hadley with a great effort carried the play deep into the Backs zone, went around the goal before dishing off to Adam Tambellini who fed the puck back to Hadley in the slot who was stopped by Williams. Brett Knowles went after Brett Corkey on a play inbehind the Vipers goal, both players went to the ice before Devin Muller jumped into the play wich gave Vernon an early powerplay. Both Corkey and Knowles exchanged words on the way to the penalty box. Just over a minute into the powerplay, Patrick McGillis with a low shot along the ice beat Kurt Williams fivehole at 5:57 giving Vernon a 3-1 lead. Marcus Basara with the lone assist on the goal. A very sloppy start to the 2nd period, as both teams looked a little disorganized at times. The Vipers had troubles in their own end at times as well as making that first pass out of their own zone. The puck was also taking some weird bounces. The Silverbacks would a powerplay just before the midway mark but it would be the Vipers speed and skill on the penalty kill that forced a turnover just outside the Vernon blueline. Rookie d-man, Geoff Crisfield and Alex Hagen on a shorthanded odd man rush, Crisfield decided to shoot but was stopped by Williams who made a nice save on the two on one. Once again the Vipers penalty kill was very sharp killing off the minor. Just minutes later Salmon Arm would head back on another man advantage and this time Halcrow had to be sharp making a few tough saves from in close. Max Mowat turned over the puck behind the net as the Backs setup Graham McBain who was all alone in front but Kirby Halcrow made a nice save in close. Vipers captain, Patrick McGillis late on the penalty kill with a great chance couldnt beat the quick glove of Williams. The Backs with a little pressure on this man advantage couldnt beat Halcrow as Vernon killed off the minor. The play seemed to open up a little in the second half of the period as both teams had some decent chances. Late in the 2nd Salmon Arm with a three on two couldnt beat Halcrow on a good scoring opportunity. Kirby Halcrow then had to make a nice glove save off Stefan Nicholishen with fourteen seconds remaining. At the buzzer Vipers assistant captain, Aaron Hadley and Bennett Hambrook exchanged words before throwing a few punches at each other as both players were given minors to start the 3rd period. Both teams didnt look all that great in the first half of the period but both played much better in the second half in a fairly even period. Vernon with a 3-1 lead after 40 minutes of play. Shots were even 11-11.

3rd Period: The Vipers got into penalty trouble just seconds into the period giving the Backs a great opportunity to climb back into the hockey game. Salmon Arm couldnt do much offensively as Vernon killed off the minor. Just a minute and a half later Kyle Schwartz had a parcial breakaway before Brett Corkey with a strong defensive play hustled back breaking up Schwartz's parcial breakaway. On the play Corkey was given a penalty wich gave Salmon Arm another early man advantage. Kirby Halcrow was tested making a few good saves down low and come up with a nice glove save as the Vipers killed off the minor. Just after the penalty kill Marcus Basara setup Vernon product, Colton Sparrow who beat Kurt Williams with a nice goal from the slot giving the Vipers a 4-1 lead at 6:34, Basara with the only assist on the goal. This was a heartbreaker for the Silverbacks, two back to back powerplays and no goal before giving up a goal at the other end to put your team down by three goals. The Vipers then got a bit of energy and come up with a flurry of chances in and around the Silverbacks goal. John Knisley was robbed in front after Williams made a huge save off the second year Viper. Patrick McGillis was stopped in front on a great scoring play. The Vipers with some good chances couldnt beat Williams. Salmon Arm would then get their third straight powerplay to start the 3rd and again Kirby Halcrow was the difference coming up with some good saves keeping the Backs off the scoreboard. Vernon would once again kill off the minor. Salmon Arm would carry the better of the play in the first half, due to three straight powerplays as the Silverbacks caught up in shots in a hurry. Just past the midway mark the Vipers would get their only man advantage of the 3rd but on the powerplay it was the Silverbacks penalty kill who was dangerous. Graham McBain stole the puck from Max Mowat sending McBain and Kody Dhaliwal in on the shorthanded two on one, McBain kept and shot but couldnt beat Halcrow. Rookie, Connor Hartley come back the other way, making a nice move at the Salmon Arm blueline before cutting hard towards the net slid the puck through the crease where Williams smade a huge save stopping the puck at the goal line. On the same powerplay Morgan Zulinick setup a wide open James Friedel on a two on one, Friedel had Halcrow down and out but shot high and over the goal on a missed opportunity. Salmon Arm's penalty looked very strong getting two great chances but the Backs couldnt capitalize. From here on in the play really opened up at both ends as both teams with some great chances. Bryce Gervais and Devin Muller on a two on one, Gervais was stopped by Halcrow on the first shot, before Gervais was robbed by Halcrow on the second shot somehow coming across making a huge blocker save on the play, back come the Vipers on the same play as John Knisley beat Kurt Williams with a lazer of a shot shortside giving Vernon a 5-1 lead at 18:24. Marc Hetnik and Kirby Halcrow collected the helpers. This was the Silverbacks night, two big scoring opportunities at one end before back come Vernon, one shot and a goal at the other end. The Backs just wernt getting the bounces tonight. In the end the Vipers would knock off the Silverbacks 5-1 in the season opener giving Jason Williamson his first BCHL win as a head coach. Salmon Arm carried the better of the play for most of the 3rd but both teams with some great chances. The Silverbacks outshot the Vipers 13-8.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Brett Corkey (1 assist) Played very well on Vernon's blueline.

John Knisley (1 goal & 1 assist) Played very well up front for the Vipers. Knisley's speed and skill gave the Silverbacks troubles all night.

Mike Zalewski (1 goal & 1 assist) Also played very well for the Vipers. Zalewski was very strong with the puck, had to knock off the puck and dangerous on the penalty kill getting some chances.

Darren Nowick (1 goal & 1 assist) Played very well for Vernon this evening. Nowick skated well, really reads and sees the ice well, made some real smart heads up plays tonight.

Marcus Basara (2 assists) I was very impressed with the hustle, speed and overall play of Basara. Looked very strong up front for the Vipers. Was skating hard, really carried the play lots, setup some nice plays all game.

Geoff Crisfield played very well in his first BCHL game tonight. A bigger kid that isnt easy to knock off the puck, played very well in his own end. Very good defensively.

Cole Sanford "AP" Isnt the biggest kid but played very well for an "AP". Has some quick wheels, isnt afraid of getting in the corners and digging for the loose puck. Worked hard all night.

Kirby Halcrow (31 saves) Was very strong tonight, made some nice saves in the 2nd and 3rd periods. Had his glove working tonight, making several nice glove saves. if the Vipers want to go far, this is the kind of goaltending Halcrow has to provide.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

From day one at the Vipers training camp and through out the inter-squad games-pre-season games I really like the makeup of this team. I thought the Vipers played very well in the season opener considering this was the first time everyone has played together as a team and with just a weeks practise. The Vipers have alot of skill and talent up front with lots of speed, a very strong penalty kill and some good puck moving defencemen on the backend. The veterans from last year really stepped up there play tonight, and showed the younger kids the way. They need some work in different areas but this will only take sometime. The Vipers need to work on passing and in their own end. Jason Williamson was right when he said on the post-game show tonight, the Vipers defence was trying to make the big play in their own end, rather then just keeping it simple and chipping the puck out and off the glass. For the first game of the season, I was very impressed from what I saw. The Vipers seemed to have gone away from their regular Vipers logo on their home jerseys and have switched to having the teams second logo on the front of their home uniforms. Atleast they did tonight.

Top Players: (Salmon Arm)

James Friedel was one of the better Silverbacks defenceman tonight. Played very well on the Backs blueline.

Morgan Zulinick (1 goal) Was by far the Silverbacks most dangerous and deadly threat. Zulinick played and looked very solid up front for Salmon Arm. This kid has some wheels and can shoot.

Klay Kachur who played last season with the Powell River Kings played very well on the backend. Saw alot of icetime.

Bryce Gervais started off slow but seemed to play better as the game went on getting a few scoring chances. Gervais thought he had a sure goal late in the 3rd after getting robbed by a huge blocker save off Kirby Halcrow.

Game Thoughts: (Salmon Arm)

I wasnt overlly impressed with the Silverbacks on opening night. Salmon Arm who usally has alot of skill and talent up front didnt have that scoring threat they have showed the Viper fans over the past few seasons. Didnt really notice much from any of the returning veterans or the new recruits. It's only the first game of a long season but the Backs just didnt look very good. Salmon Arm had troubles with Vernon's speed and skill down low, as well as the Vipers penalty kill. Specialty teams and goaltending was the difference. The Silverbacks also didnt get any of the bounces tonight. If the Backs want to make a long run in the playoffs, I dont think Kurt Williams is the kid to get the job done between the pipes. Time will tell. Its a long season and maybe Salmon Arm will play much better tomorrow night, will see. The Silverbacks will have their home opener tomorrow night vs Vernon.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Riley Hunt (Injured)
Luke Juha (Injured)

Salmon Arm:

Mak Barden

3 Stars:

1st Star: Darren Nowick (1 goal & 1 assist)
2nd Star: Mike Zalewski (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Marcus Basara (2 assists)

Vipers Player Of The Game: John Knisley (1 goal & 1 assist)

For more on tonight's game check out the boxscore,

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

(Game Preview) Season Opener: Salmon Arm @ Vernon:

Salmon Arm (0-0-0-0) @ Vernon (0-0-0-0)

Tonight is opening night of the 50th BCHL regular season with seven games on tap tonight.  Tonight will be my 22nd straight Vernon Lakers-Vipers home opener as this is my 22nd straight season with season tickets.  The Salmon Arm Silverbacks visit the Vernon Vipers in the first meeting since the Vipers knocked off the Silverbacks in six games in last years Interior Conference Finals. This is the fourth straight year these two teams have met on opening night of the regular season. The Backs are coming off a 6-3 loss Saturday night to the visiting Westside Warriors in pre-season play. Salmon Arm finished the pre-season with a 0-3 record. The Vipers are coming off a 4-2 victory over the visiting Trail Smoke Eaters last Friday night in exibition action, and finished the pre-season with a 3-1 record. You can listen to tonight’s game live with Todd Miller and Don Klepp starting with the pre-game show at 6:45pm on 107.5 Kiss FM

Last Game Played:

Friday, September 16th Vernon defeated Trail 4-2
Saturday, September 17th Westside defeated Salmon Arm 6-3

Next Game:

Saturday, September 24th Vernon @ Salmon Arm

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers: (Last Year-Regular Season)

Games Played: 60
Wins: 36
Losses: 11
Ties: 4
Overtime Losses: 9
Home Record: 18-5-2-5
Road Record: 18-6-2-4
Goals For: 197
Goals Against: 141
Standings: 1st Place

2011 Vernon Vipers Playoff Run:

1st Round Bye
Second Round: Defeated Weside 4-2
Interior Conference Finals: Defeated Salmon Arm 4-2
Fred Page Cup: (BCHL Finals) Defeated Powell River 4-0
Doyle Cup: Defeated Spruce Grove 4-3
Royal Bank Cup (Went 4-0 In Round Robin)
Lost 2-0 To Pembroke In Final

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers: (2011-12 Pre-Season)

Games Played: 4
Wins: 3
Losses: 1
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 0
Home Record: 2-0-0-0
Road Record: 1-1-0-0
Streak: Two game winning streak
Goals For: 13
Goals Against: 10
Standings: 3rd Place

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 35-24-3-4 vs. Salmon Arm

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Salmon Arm 231-223

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 13-12-0-2 at home vs. Salmon Arm

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 16-9-2-3 in Salmon Arm

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

Vernon is 2-7-0-1 in its last 10 regular season games vs. Salmon Arm

The Vipers last regular season win vs Salmon Arm at the Wesbild Centre was a 3-2 victory on Friday, December 11th 2009

The Silverbacks have won five straight regular season games at the Wesbild Centre

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

Games Played: 960
Wins: 619
Losses: 245
Ties: 15
Overtime Losses: 84

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

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

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

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

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Dylan Walchuk (92)
David Robinson (90)
Bryce Kakoske (90)
Malcolm Lyles (90)
Trevor Fitzgerald (92)
Adam Thompson (90)
Steven Weinstein (90)
Kyle Murphy (90)
Dane Muench (92)
Philip Patenaude (91)
Zach McPhee (93)
Blake Voth (91)

Vernon’s Home record vs. Salmon Arm last season:

0-3-0-1

Vernon’s Road record vs. Salmon Arm last season:

1-3-0-0

Vernon’s Powerplay vs. Salmon Arm last season:

4-44

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Salmon Arm last season:

Kyle Murphy (3-6-9)
Bryce Kakoske (2-3-5)
Max Mowat (1-4-5)
Aaron Hadley (4-0-4)
Dylan Walchuk (2-2-4)
David Robinson (2-1-3)
Marcus Basara (1-2-3)
John Knisley (1-1-2)
Michael Zalewski (0-2-2)
Patrick McGillis (1-1-2)
Darren Nowick (0-2-2)
Malcolm Lyles (1-0-1)
Adam Thompson (0-1-1)

Blake Voth (0-3 Record)
Kirby Halcrow (1-2 Record)

-Patrick McGillis has (1-3-4) in 11 career games vs the Backs

-Kirby Halcrow is 2-7 in his career vs. Salmon Arm

Big news out of Vernon over the off season, as Head Coach-GM, Mark Ferner left the club, taking the head coaching job with the WHL Everett Silvertips. Former assistant coach and former Vipers captain, Jason Williamson is the Vipers new Head Coach-GM. Vernon then hired former Nelson Leafs Head Coach-GM, Chris Shaw as the clubs new assistant coach.

Let's take a look at the trades the Vipers have made so far this season.

27-Jun-11 The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club acquires the CJHL playing rights of Luke Juha (93)(D) from the Burlington Cougars Hockey Club of the OJHL in exchange for future considerations.

02-Aug-11 The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Dane Muench (92)(F), Phillip Patenaude (91)(D) and future considerations to the Kindersley Klippers Hockey Club in exchange for the playing rights of Jarryd Ten Vannholt and Justin Elliot.

19-Sep-11 The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Jarryd Ten Vaanholt (91)(F) to the Victoria Grizzles Hockey Club in exchange for future considerations.

Lets take a look at the Salmon Arm Silverbacks: (Last Year-Regular Season)

Games Played: 60
Wins: 38
Losses: 19
Ties: 2
Overtime Losses: 1
Home Record: 22-7-1-0
Road Record: 16-12-1-1
Goals For: 239
Goals Against: 205
Standings: 3rd Place

2011 Salmon Arm Silverbacks Playoff Run:

1st Round: Defeated Merritt 4-0
Second Round: Defeated Penticton 4-1
Interior Conference Finals: Lost to Vernon 4-2

Let's take a look at the Salmon Arm Silverbacks: (2011-12 Pre-Season)

Games Played: 3
Wins: 0
Losses: 3
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 0
Home Record: 0-2-0-0
Road Record: 0-1-0-0
Streak: Three game losing streak
Goals For: 7
Goals Against: 14
Standings: 6th Place

Salmon Arm Silverbacks Returning Players:

James Friedel (91)
Bryce Gervais (92)
Brett Knowles (91)
Devin Muller (92)
Morgan Zulinick (94)
Kurt Williams (91)

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

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

Salmon Arm’s Home record vs. Vernon last season:

3-1-0-0

Salmon Arm’s Road record vs. Vernon last season:

4-0-0-0

Salmon Arms Powerplay vs. Vernon last season:

8-37

Salmon Arm’s scoring leaders vs. Vernon last season:

Brett Knowles (5-5-10)
Jarryd Ten Vaanholt (5-2-7)
David Killip (3-4-7)
Devin Gannon (4-2-6)
Bryce Gervais (3-2-5)
Jayson Reardon (2-3-5)
Josh Manson (2-3-5)
Charlie Vasaturo (0-4-4)
Brandon Mistal (0-3-3)
Taylor Fauchoux (1-1-2)
Justin Krabben (0-2-2)
Clinton Atkinson(0-2-2)
Kevin Mills (1-1-2)
Brad Reid (2-0-2)
Mike Hammond (0-2-2)
Cody Michelle (1-1-2)
Devin Muller (1-0-1)
Paul De Jersey (1-0-1)

Kris Moore (5-1 Record)

-Brett Knowles has (5-6-11) in 14 career games vs. Vernon

Big news out of Salmon Arm over the summer months as former Head Coach-GM Tim Kehler left the hockey club after just one season with the Backs. Former Vernon Vipers assistant coach, Colin O'Hara who was the Silverbacks assistant coach last season has taken over the Backs Head Coach-GM role. Salmon Arm has brought in Dan Cioffi as the clubs new assistant coach.

Defenceman Bennett Hambrook faces his former team for a second time but the first as a member of the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Hambrook started last season with Vernon before getting traded early into the new season to Prince George. The Spruce Kings then traded the former Viper over the off season to the Woodstock Slammers before the Backs aquired the second year d-man in late August.

Let's take a look at the trades the Silverbacks have made so far this season.

27-Jun-11 The Salmon Arm Silverbacks Hockey Club transfer the playing rights of Jarryd Ten Vaanholt (91)(F), Josh McKissock (92)(F) and Justin Elliot (92)(D) to the Kindersley Klippers Hockey Club of the SJHL in exchange for the playing rights of Sean Flannagan (92)(D).

19-Jul-11 The Langley Rivermen Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Kody Dhaliwal (91)(F) to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks Hockey Club in exchange for future considerations.

05-Aug-11 The Westside Warriors Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Stefan Nicholishen (93)(F) to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks Hockey Club in exchange for the playing rights of Dustin Cave (94)(D).

10-Aug-11 The Surrey Eagles Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Doug Wedel (92)(D) to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks Hockey Club in exchange for future considerations.

11-Aug-11 The Salmon Arm Silverbacks Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Paul DeJersey (92)(F) to the Drumheller Dragons Hockey Club of the AJHL in exchange for the playing rights of Matt Brown (91)(D).

11-Aug-11 The Salmon Arm Silverbacks Hockey Club acquires the playing rights of Michael Betz from the Drumheller Dragons Hockey Club of the AJHL in exchange for future considerations.

22-Aug-11 The Salmon Arm Silverbacks Hockey Club acquires the playing rights of Bennett Hambrook from the Woodstock Slammers Hockey Club of the MJHL in exchange for future considerations.

06-Sep-11 The Salmon Arm Silverbacks Hockey Club transfered the CJHL playing rights of John Stechyshyn (93) and future considerations to the Melville Millionaires Hockey Club of the SJHL in exchange for the CJHL playing rights of Klay Kachur (91).

For more on the Salmon Arm Silverbacks and tonights game, please visit Scott Campbells new Welcome To The Jungle Salmon Arm Silverbacks Blog,

http://silverbacksmack.blogspot.com/

Here’s a look at the season series between these two teams:

Friday, September 10th @ Vernon: Salmon Arm wins 4-1

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 12:55 (PP) - Dylan Walchuk from David Robinson
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 13:45 - Devin Muller from Taylor Fauchoux
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 16:51 - Brett Knowles from David Killip and Jayson Reardon

PERIOD 2

No Scoring

PERIOD 3

Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 7:01 (PP) - Jarryd Ten Vaanholt from Jayson Reardon and Charlie Vasaturo
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 8:06 - Taylor Fauchoux from Brandon Mistal and Justin Krabben

Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 29-27. Kris Moore made 26 saves in the win, while Blake Voth made 25 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840175&link=bchl

Saturday, September 11th @ Salmon Arm: Salmon Arm wins 4-1

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 1:39 (PP) - David Killip from Brett Knowles and Jarryd Ten Vaanholt
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 2:03 - Bryce Gervais (unassisted)

PERIOD 2

Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 2:30 - Josh Manson from Bryce Gervais

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 7:43 - Aaron Hadley from Bryce Kakoske
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 17:40 - Cody Michelle from Matt Cassidy and Devin Gannon

Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 34-13. Kris Moore made 33 saves picking up the win, while Blake Voth made 9 saves taking the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840261&link=bchl

Friday, November 12th @ Vernon: Salmon Arm wins 3-2

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 0:21 - Devin Gannon from Clinton Atkinson and Matt Cassidy
Vernon Vipers at 18:09 - Aaron Hadley from Michael Zalewski and Max Mowat
Vernon Vipers at 18:18 - Aaron Hadley from John Knisley and Max Mowat

PERIOD 2

Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 11:47 - Paul De Jersey (unassisted)
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 13:43 (PP) - Devin Gannon from Matt Cassidy

PERIOD 3

No Scoring

Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 28-18. Chase Martin made 26 saves picking up the victory, while Blake Voth made 6 saves taking the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840176&link=bchl

Saturday, November 13th @ Salmon Arm: Salmon Arm wins 4-3

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

No Scoring

PERIOD 2

Vernon Vipers at 8:03 - David Robinson from Kyle Murphy and Bryce Kakoske
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 18:21 - Devin Gannon from Charlie Vasaturo and Matt Cassidy

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 2:40 (SH) - Bryce Kakoske (unassisted)
Vernon Vipers at 5:10 (PP) - David Robinson from Kyle Murphy
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 8:13 (PP) - Jarryd Ten Vaanholt from Brett Knowles and David Killip
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 8:34 (PP) - Josh Manson from Justin Krabben and Devin Gannon
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 10:14 (SH) - Brett Knowles from Josh Manson and David Killip

Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 43-28. Chase Martin made 40 saves in the win, while Bryton Udy made 24 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840262&link=bchl

Wednesday, December 29th @ Salmon Arm: Vernon wins 6-3

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 3:28 (PP) - Brett Knowles from Bryce Gervais
Vernon Vipers at 15:47 (PP) - John Knisley from Dylan Walchuk and Michael Zalewski
Vernon Vipers at 16:15 - Todd Skirving (unassisted)

PERIOD 2

Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 2:06 - Kevin Mills (unassisted)
Vernon Vipers at 4:31 - Bryce Kakoske from Kyle Murphy
Vernon Vipers at 6:32 - Patrick McGillis from Darren Nowick
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 16:15 (PP) - Jarryd Ten Vaanholt from Charlie Vasaturo

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 5:33 - Kyle Murphy from Patrick McGillis
Vernon Vipers at 19:50 (SH) (EN) - Kyle Murphy from Dylan Walchuk

Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 30-19. Kirby Halcrow made 16 saves in the win, while Kris Moore made 24 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840263&link=bchl

Thursday, December 30th @ Vernon: Salmon Arm wins 3-2 in double overtime

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 10:01 - Aaron Hadley from Darren Nowick and Max Mowat
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 17:36 - Bryce Gervais from Jarryd Ten Vaanholt and Jayson Reardon

PERIOD 2

Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 1:22 - Jarryd Ten Vaanholt from Brandon Mistal
Vernon Vipers at 13:23 - Marcus Basara from Bryce Kakoske and Kyle Murphy

PERIOD 3

No Scoring

OVERTIME PERIOD 2

Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 2:53 - David Killip from Brett Knowles and Jayson Reardon

Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 38-31. Kris Moore made 36 saves in the win, while Kirby Halcrow made 28 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840177&link=bchl

Tuesday, Januray 25th @ Vernon: Salmon Arm wins 3-0

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 11:51 - Brett Knowles from Kevin Mills

PERIOD 2

Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 7:18 - David Killip from Brett Knowles and Charlie Vasaturo
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 11:14 - Jarryd Ten Vaanholt from Clinton Atkinson

PERIOD 3

No Scoring

Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 45-30, Kris Moore made 45 saves for the shutout-win, while Kirby Halcrow made 27 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840178&link=bchl

Wednesday, February 9th @ Salmon Arm: Salmon Arm wins 5-4

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 3:55 - Brett Knowles from Josh Manson
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 18:28 - Brad Reid from Mike Hammond and Josh Manson

PERIOD 2

Vernon Vipers at 0:35 - Kyle Murphy (unassisted)
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 4:31 - Devin Gannon from David Killip and Brett Knowles
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 6:10 - Bryce Gervais from Cody Michelle and Brandon Mistal
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 19:15 (PP) - Brad Reid from Mike Hammond and Jayson Reardon

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 9:33 (PP) - Dylan Walchuk from Max Mowat and Adam Thompson
Vernon Vipers at 12:42 - Malcolm Lyles from Kyle Murphy and Marcus Basara
Vernon Vipers at 16:33 - Max Mowat from Marcus Basara and Kyle Murphy

Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 31-29. Kris Moore made 25 saves in the win, while Kirby Halcrow made 21 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840264

Here's a look at last years playoff series between these two teams:

Friday, March 18th Interior Conference Finals-Game 1 @ Vernon: Salmon Arm wins 5-3

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 3:20 (PP) - Bryce Gervais from Brett Knowles and David Killip
Vernon Vipers at 18:51 - John Knisley from Darren Nowick and Michael Zalewski

PERIOD 2

Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 6:44 - Josh Manson from Brett Knowles and James Friedel

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 9:28 - Patrick McGillis from Dylan Walchuk
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 13:32 - Paul De Jersey from Charlie Vasaturo
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 15:34 - Mike Hammond from Paul De Jersey
Vernon Vipers at 17:34 (PP) - Kyle Murphy from David Robinson and Malcolm Lyles
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 19:25 (EN) - Jayson Reardon from Kris Moore

Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 41-30. Kris Moore made 38 saves in the win, while Kirby Halcrow made 25 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=935591&link=bchl

Saturday, March 19th Interior Conference Finals-Game 2 @ Vernon: Salmon Arm wins 6-0

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 7:30 - Brad Reid from Brett Knowles and Mike Hammond
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 11:09 - Clinton Atkinson from Brad Reid
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 17:29 (PP) - Brett Knowles from Josh Manson and Jayson Reardon
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 19:30 (PP) - Jarryd Ten Vaanholt from Morgan Zulinick and Mike Hammond
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 19:55 - Brett Knowles from Charlie Vasaturo and Devin Gannon

PERIOD 2

Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 9:31 (PP) - Jarryd Ten Vaanholt from Mike Hammond and Jayson Reardon

PERIOD 3

No Scoring

Vernon outshoots Salmon Arm 34-17. Kris Moore makes 34 saves picking up the shutout, while Kirby Halcrow made 4 saves taking the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=935592&link=bchl

Monday, March 21st Interior Conference Finals-Game 3 @ Salmon Arm: Vernon wins 5-1

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 11:46 - David Robinson from Malcolm Lyles
Vernon Vipers at 14:29 - Bryce Kakoske from Ryan Renz
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 15:32 (PP) - Brett Knowles from Clinton Atkinson and Bryce Gervais

PERIOD 2

Vernon Vipers at 15:15 - Michael Zalewski from Darren Nowick and John Knisley

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 6:18 (PP) - Patrick McGillis from Marcus Basara and David Robinson
Vernon Vipers at 9:07 - Dylan Walchuk from Marcus Basara and Patrick McGillis

Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 35-17. Kirby Halcrow made 16 saves for the win, while Kris Moore made 30 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=935593&link=bchl

Tuesday, March 22nd Interior Conference Finals-Game 4 @ Salmon Arm: Vernon wins 3-2

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 5:28 - Marcus Basara from Patrick McGillis

PERIOD 2

Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 11:25 - Bryce Gervais from James Friedel and Cody Michelle
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 16:07 - Bryce Gervais from Charlie Vasaturo
Vernon Vipers at 18:39 - Malcolm Lyles from Bryce Kakoske and David Robinson
Vernon Vipers at 19:05 - Trevor Fitzgerald from Michael Zalewski and Darren Nowick

PERIOD 3

No Scoring

Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 29-21. Kirby Halcrow made 19 saves in the win, while Kris Moore made 26 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=935594&link=bchl

Thursday, March 24th Interior Conference Finals-Game 5 @ Vernon: Vernon wins 3-2 in overtime

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 12:06 (PP) - Darren Nowick from Ryan Renz and Adam Thompson

PERIOD 2

Vernon Vipers at 5:06 (PP) - Dylan Walchuk from David Robinson and Steven Weinstein
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 19:20 (SH) - Morgan Zulinick from Mike Hammond and Josh Manson

PERIOD 3

Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 10:12 - Clinton Atkinson from Devin Gannon and Brett Knowles

OVERTIME PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 5:43 - Aaron Hadley from Steven Weinstein and Trevor Fitzgerald

Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 35-26. Kirby Halcrow made 24 saves in the win, while Kris Moore made 32 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=935595&link=bchl

Friday, March 25th Interior Conference Finals-Game 6 @ Salmon Arm: Vernon wins 5-4 and wins the the series in six games

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 4:18 - Dylan Walchuk from Marcus Basara and Patrick McGillis
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 10:20 - David Killip from Jayson Reardon and Devin Gannon
Vernon Vipers at 19:38 - Bryce Kakoske from Patrick McGillis
Vernon Vipers at 19:51 - Dylan Walchuk (unassisted)

PERIOD 2

Vernon Vipers at 5:57 - Dylan Walchuk from Ryan Renz
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 13:02 - Brett Knowles (unassisted)
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 19:02 (PP) - Jayson Reardon from David Killip and Devin Gannon

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 6:05 - Dylan Walchuk from Patrick McGillis and Marcus Basara
Salmon Arm Silverbacks at 10:53 - James Friedel from Brett Knowles

Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 28-21. Kirby Halcrow made 17 saves in the win, while Kris Moore made 23 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=935596

Here is a look at both teams 2011-12 regular season rosters:

Vernon:

Defence:

Brett Corkey "92" (Returning From Last Year)
Geoff Crisfield "93" (Recruited-Committed)
Marc Hetnik "92" (Recruited-Committed)
Luke Juha "93" (Aquired In Trade With Burlington)
Turner Lawson "94" (Played As An "AP" With The Vipers Last Year)
Max Mowat "93" (Returning From Last Year)
Ryan Renz "93" (Returning From Last Year)

Forwards:

Marcus Basara "93" (Returning From Last Year)
Aaron Hadley "93" (Returning From Last Year)
Alex Hagen "92" (Recruited-Committed)
Connor Hartley "93" (Recruited-Committed)
Riley Hunt "95" (Recruited-Committed)
Jon Knisley "92" (Returning From Last Year)
Patrick McGillis "91" (Returning From Last Year)
Darren Nowick "91" (Returning From Last Year)
Jedd Soleway "94" (Recruited-Committed)
Colton Sparrow "93" (Returning From Last Year)
Adam Tambellini "94" (Recruited-Committed)
Mike Zalewski "92" (Returning From Last Year)

Goaltenders:

Kirby Halcrow "91" (Returning From Last Year)
Danny Todosychuk "94"

For a complete look at the Vipers roster click the link below,

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

Salmon Arm:

Defence:

Matt Brown "91"
Sean Flanagan "92"
James Friedel "91"
Bennett Hambrook "92"
Klay Kachur "91"
Brendan Kennedy "94"
Joel Kipp "93"

Forwards:

Brock Balson "93"
Michael Betz "92"
Kody Dhaliwal "91"
Bryce Gervais "92"
Alex Gillies "95"
Jeff Kennedy "94"
Brett Knowles "91"
Graham McBain "93"
Devin Muller "92"
Stefan Nicholishen "93"
Kyle Oleniuk "93"
Kyle Schwartz "92"
Morgan Zulinick "94"

Goaltenders:

Adam Clark "93"
Kurt Williams "91"

For a complete look at the Silverbacks roster click the link below,

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

BCHL Champs Top Preseason Poll:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

BCHL champs top preseason poll

Published: September 23, 2011

Sticks which used to cost 50 cents apiece now go for $2,000 a dozen. Coaches, who used to hold down normal full-time jobs and get paid gas money by team owners, now earn a decent living.

The arenas are luxurious in several centres and the attendance has risen higher than the HST.

Entering its 50th year, the B.C. Hockey League is alive and well and getting stronger by the minute. Out are the Quesnel Millionaires. In are the Chilliwack Chiefs, whose head coach Harvey Smyl joins Kent Lewis of the Powell River Kings as the league’s longest-serving bench bosses.

Black Press writers from around the Interior Conference have compiled previews for the 50th campaign. Here’s how the eight teams should finish come early spring:

1. VERNON VIPERS

Key Returnees: F Patrick McGillis (13-12-25), Mike Zalewski (12-17-29), John Knisley (10-25-35), D Brett Corkey (1-23-24), G Kirby Halcrow (3.03 goals against average, .901 save percentage).

Rookie Sensations: As the son of Edmonton Oilers’ GM Steve Tambellini and brother of former Vancouver Canuck Jeff, hockey runs in Adam Tambellini’s bloodlines. The lanky forward pocketed 54 points and 113 penalty minutes in 34 games last season with Edmonton’s South Side Athletic Club. Marc Hetnik Jr. will have a shot at earning top-four minutes on the Viper blueline this season. Hetnik comes from the same Catholic Memorial high school program that brought Mike Collins and Garrett Noonan to the Viper den. Geoff Crisfield, a Calgary native, was a highly sought after defenceman prospect before he signed with Vernon in spring. Riley Hunt, a small but feisty playmaking forward, will be Vernon’s mandatory 16-year-old.

Strengths: With seven of their 11 returning players being forwards, Vernon’s strength will be up front. This is an organization that has reached the national finals three straight years, meaning the vets know what it takes to succeed and, in turn, they can teach their talented crop of newcomers what it takes to be one of the top junior A clubs in Canada. First-year head coach Jason Williamson, a former Viper captain, was mentored by one of the best in Mark Ferner.

Coach’s Quote: Williamson: “We definitely have some good speed. We’re going to try to push the pace on some teams and be real aggressive on the forecheck. All our dee are fairly mobile, so we’ve got a good corps back there. When we turn pucks over, we’re going to get it and go with some pace.”

2. PENTICTON VEES

Key Returnees: F Logan Johnston (11-21-32), F Joey Benik (30-26-56), F Curtis Loik (10-16-26) D Troy Stecher (5-15-20), F Travis St. Denis (27-27-54) acquired through trade, G Michael Garteig (36-8-3, seven shutouts, 1.69 GAA, .934 save percentage) acquired through trade.

Rookie Sensations: Minnesota Wild draft pick Mario Lucia scored 30 goals in 27 games with Wayzata High School and added 24 assists. The son of Minnesota Golden Gophers coach Don Lucia, Marco was chosen 60th overall in the 2011 NHL Draft. Mike Reilly, featured in the Prospects report in The Hockey News on Sept. 19, was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the fourth round in the 2011 draft. In 2010-11, Reilly led Shattuck’s St. Mary’s defence in scoring with 13 goals and 43 points and helped them capture the Under-18 Tier 1 National Championship. Steven Fogarty, a 2011 pick of the New York Rangers, racked up 23 goals and 40 points in 24 games with the Edina Hornets in Minnesota. Local Cody DePourcq scored 23 goals and 47 points in 43 games with the Okanagan Hockey Academy. Grant Nicholson played with OHA’s Penticton Lakers and brought a physical presence while pocketing 12 goals and 21 points.

Strengths: Speed and size will be the key ingredient for the Vees success. Coach Fred Harbinson has assembled a big team that will move the puck up and down the ice and use its quickness to create offence.

Coach’s quote: Harbinson: “You can say a lot of things about our team. I don’t think you’re going to say we’re boring. We have a fun group to watch. We need people to come out and support the team. Our guys are going to play hard for them.”

3. WESTSIDE WARRIORS

Key Returnees: F Tyler Krause (11-31-42), F Dru Morrison (14-17-31), F Brett McKinnon (10-13-23) D Michael King (5-18-23), D Izaak Berglund (2-12-14), D Peter MacIntosh (0-11-11), D Brayden Sherbinin (4-8-12).

New Acquisition: Winger Richard Vanderhoek, 20, will be looked upon to provide offence and leadership. The Langley native was acquired from Surrey in the off-season and is coming off a 71-point season (26-45-71) last year with the Eagles. He spent some time, mid-season, with the WHL Vancouver Giants.

Rookie Sensations: A pair of Warriors rookies from the B.C. Major Midget League will look to make the jump to junior. Forward Seb Lloyd had 17 goals and 37 assists in 30 games with the Cariboo Cougars in the BCMML while D Ben Betker had 13 points with the Kootenay Ice.

Strengths: The Warriors’ strength will likely come from the blueline with its top four returning blueliners, including Berglund, who was named the Warriors captain. New coach Rylan Ferster is preaching defence and work ethic as he takes over from the departed Darren Yopyk.

Coach’s Quote: “I think we’re going to be a good defensive team,” said Ferster. “Guys are buying into that which is good. I don’t think we’re going to be a run-and-gun team. We’re going to have to be good defensively and have a really good work ethic.”

4. MERRITT CENTENNIALS

Key Returnees: F Regan Soquila (20-25-45), F Evan Stack (13-19-32), F Chad Brears (4-17-21), F Jacob Reichert (7-11-18), D Brandon Pfeil (6-10-16), D Billy Marshall (4-12-16), D Reece Willcox (5-9-14), G Lino Chimienti (3.11 GAA), G Tyler Steel (3.49 GAA). The Cents start the season with no fewer than 15 returning veterans from a team that, despite finishing sixth out of eight teams in the Interior, had an impressive 5-1-0 record against the Westside Warriors and evenly split their six games with the league champion Vipers.

Rookie Sensations: Eighteen-year-old Brandon Bruce was a late arrival at Cents’ training camp, but the former Swift Current Bronco (WHL) has made an immediate impact. The feisty 5-foot-10 centre plays with an edge, and has a ton of talent to back up his style. Local Payton Schaefer, 18, has cracked the lineup after putting up respectable numbers last season with the Kamloops Storm (KIJHL). On the back end, look for Texan Ross Mancuso (KIJHL champion Osoyoos Coyotes), Tyler Martin (NE Chiefs major midget) and 16-year-old Dylan Chanter of Armstrong (POE midget prep) to round out an experienced defensive corps.

Strengths: Head coach and GM Luke Pierce begins his second full season behind the bench – a year older and undoubtedly a year wiser. His new assistant, Joe Martin, brings a wealth of experience to the Cents’ coaching staff, most recently as head coach and GM of the Creston Valley Thunder Cats (KIJHL). In Chimenti and Steel, the Cents have two proven netminders with a full BCHL season behind them. Both sparkled through the pre-season, where Merritt went 5-1 and allowed just 12 goals. Stack, Soquila and Bruce, if teamed up together, could be one of the most potent forward lines in the league. Reichert has already shown signs in the early going that he’s ready for a banner sophomore year. A sleeper could be second-year winger Dustin Lebrun, who notched a natural hat trick in a 3-1 win over Simon Fraser University. The Cents’ returnees on the blueline – Pfeil, Marshall, Willcox and Richard Sabourin – will be the keys to a successful season.

Coach’s Quote: Luke Pierce: “This is a group that will further expand on the core values of Centennials’ hockey. We will work as a group both to defend and create offence using the work ethic we have become recognized for. We will challenge our large core of veterans to continue striving to improve on their previous seasons. Our mix of new additions will provide some additional energy and offensive punch to our lineup.”

5. SALMON ARM SILVERBACKS

Key Returnees: F Brett Knowles (30-28-58), Morgan Zulinick (12-17-29), Bryce Gervais (29-22-51), Devin Muller (12-16-28), D James Friedel (1-5-6)

Rookie Sensations: Defenceman Brendan Kennedy, who played last season with Okanagan Hockey Academy, and forward Kyle Oleniuk of Moose Jaw (Saskatchewan Midget AAA) were rookie standouts in Salmon Arm’s main camp and look poised to earn quality minutes in the regular season. Vernon minor hockey product Alex Gillies, the SilverBacks’ 16-year-old, has the size and grit to handle the more physical junior style.

Strengths: The SilverBacks boast a solid top-six forward corps that can put the puck in the net at any given time. With just one returning d-man (Friedel), Salmon Arm head coach/GM Colin O’Hara acquired veteran blueliners Klay Kachur (Powell River), Bennett Hambrook (Prince George/Vernon), Matt Brown (AJHL Drumheller Dragons) and Sean Flannagan (SJHL Kindersley Dragons) in the offseason.

Coach’s Quote: “We’ve acquired some veteran defencemen to shore up our back end and we feel our six that will play on a nightly basis are as good as any in the league. Kurt (Williams, starting netminder) is prepared to step it up and put it on the line every night this year. The strength is our dee corps, but we also have some dynamic game-breakers up front.”

6. Prince George Spruce Kings

Key Returnees: F Jujhar Khaira (10-32-42), F Connor Tiechko (13-13-26), F Jeff Earnest (6-16-22), D Ben Woodley (6-11-17), G Kirk Thompson (3.91 GAA, 88.76 save percentage).

Rookie Sensations: On a team that also has triplets, the McHaffie twins (Scott and Spencer) garnered attention during the Spruce Kings spring prospect camp. The 1994-born forwards from Surrey committed to the Spruce Kings after winning a provincial Midget Tier 1 title with the Surrey Thunder. At 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, 18-year-old Lethbridge product Cody Bardock will bring size to the blueline, while 16-year-old Kitimat native Michael Klonarakis joins the team from Kelowna’s Pursuit of Excellence hockey academy in Kelowna.

Strengths: Once Dave Dupas took over head coaching duties from Ed Dempsey last November, the Spruce Kings turned their focus to learning a more disciplined defensive game. While they ultimately missed the playoffs, the less entertaining brand helped the team climb back to respectability by the end of the season. The Spruce Kings may not impress anybody with highlight-reel goals, but they won’t get pushed around easily either, with the likes of Woodley (6-foot-6) and D Trevor Esau (6-foot-4, 110 penalty minutes) on their back end. If there’s one offensive game-breaker on the Spruce Kings, it’s Khaira, who’s committed to play NCAA Division 1 at Michigan Tech for the 2012-13. The Fitzgerald triplets (Gerry, Leo and Myles), who joined the team from the Nanaimo Clippers in an offseason deal, will be fun to watch.

Coach’s Quote: Dupas: “We can’t throw our hands in the air and say ‘Now that Quesnel isn’t here, we’re finished’, because we’re absolutely not. We got a bunch of guys in here that we believe are going to compete hard for the Spruce Kings and want to win games. The difficulty is in the road trips and stuff like that, but you just have to do it. It’s what it is at this point and we’ll spend a lot of time on the bus. We’ll have to make sure that we’re eating properly, we’re getting a lot of rest and that’ll take care of itself.”

7. CHILLIWACK CHIEFS

Key Returnees: F Spencer Graboski (15-21-36), Malcolm Gould (14-17-31), Derek Huisman (14-14-28), Chris Blessing (10-16-26), D Ty Miller (4-15-19), Stefan Gonzales (1-8-9)

Rookie Sensations: Goaltender Mitch Gillam will be a busy man in the Chilliwack goal crease. The Peterborough native was drafted by the OHL’s Peterborough Petes, but spent last season playing at Berkshire School in Sheffield, Mass. Chiefs’ bench boss Harvey Smyl is noted for picking one goaltender and running with him, and Gillam should get the lion’s share of starts. Forward David Bondra is the son of ex-NHLer Peter Bondra, who scored 503 goals in 1,081 big league games. David spent last season with the USHL’s Chicago Steel, popping four goals and nine points in 58 games. Now 18 years old, he could become a top-sixer for Chilliwack.

Strengths: A Smyl team’s work ethic will always be its strength, but until this team plays some meaningful games, it’s hard to say what else they may offer. Last season, as the Quesnel Millionaires, they struggled to score and struggled defensively en-route to a 13-38-3-6 record and first round playoff exit. Gillam may be a solution in goal, but there are still far more questions than answers.

Coach’s Quote: Smyl: “This is a whole new scenario with a whole new group of guys, whole new coaching staff, new city and new building. Everything is new to them and it’s going to take some time for them to become a team, know what the coaches want and feel comfortable here.”

8. TRAIL SMOKE EATERS

Key Returnees: F Eric Cooper (11-15-26), F Logan Proux (3-8-11), F Adam Boytnick (3-12-15), Rajan Sidhu (1-22-23), G Matt Larose (2.67 GAA, 92.4 save percentage).

Rookie Sensations: Vancouver Chiefs F Matthew Bissett finished fourth in scoring in the Major Midget League last year; 16-year-old forward Luke Bertolucci netted a point a game for the Major Midget Kootenay Ice (15-19-34) as well as won a gold medal at the Canada Winter Games with Team B.Ç. and Dallas Calvin played for the KIJHL Beaver Valley Nitehawks, counting 40 points in 40 games as a 16-year-old. The 6-foot-3 forward will provide speed and size up front. Other rookie notables include D Brandon Egli, F Brandon Long and D Daniel Delbianco, all from Major Midget.

Strengths: The Smoke Eaters will be a young team with approximately 12 rookies. Depending on how they develop, offence may be a concern but the team should be strong defensively with goalie Matt Larose backstopping a solid defensive core of veterans led by Sidhu, Clayton McEwan and recent acquisition Nicholas Wong from Cowichan Valley.

Coach’s Quote: Bill Birks: “We’re going to be a hard-working, lunch-bucket type team, a good mix of solid veterans with some high-end kids that will take a bit to get into it but they’re progressing very nicely.”

Vipers Name Corkey, Zalewski & Hadley Assistant Captains:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vipers name assistant captains

by viper staff | Added 2011-09-22

September 22, 2011

(Vernon)—The Vernon Vipers are pleased name their assistant captains for the 2011-2012 season.

The players selected by the coaching staff who will join Captain Patrick McGillis this season are as follows:

Brett Corkey: The product of Calgary is in second season with the Vipers. Fresh off an appearance at the Canada West evaluation camp the 5’11 185 pound defenceman is expected to be one of the major contributors on the back end this season.

Mike Zalewski: Entering his second season with the Vipers, Mike is expected to be one of the leaders both on and off the ice. In his first season in the BCHL Zaleweski had 29 pts in 46 Games.

Aaron Hadley: Another Viper entering his sophomore season, Hadley (Castlegar BC) is one of 10 BC products on the Vernon roster and one of 11 returnees. Selected by the coaching staff for his on ice and off ice leadership is expected to be a big part of the club this season.

The defending BCHL Champions open the regular season Friday September 23rd vs the Salmon Arm Silverbacks 7pm at Wesbild Center.

The Vipers would like to remind fans to be in attendance early on Friday night for the pre-game festivities prior to home opener 2011.

Follow Your Favorite BCHL Team Blog:

With a new BCHL season getting underway this coming weekend, the league will see some new bloggers following there favorite BCHL teams. Fraser Rodger has left the Powell River Kings and is the new play by play man for the Penticton Vees, Jon Zacks has left the Trail Smoke Eaters and is the new play by play man for the Westside Warriors, Scott Campbell replaces Patrick Haas as the new voice of the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, Alex Rawnsley is the new play by play guy in Powell River, Chris Wahl is the new voice of the Trail Smoke Eaters & Brandon Astle is the new voice of the Langley Rivermen.  All of these young men have made a blog wich allows fans, players and parents a chance to follow their team.  If you would like to follow your favorite team or follow the BCHL please visit one of the following blogs.

Brian Wiebe's Making Cents Merritt Centennials Blog, http://merrittcentennials.blogspot.com/

Fraser Rodger's Three Vees Penticton Vees Blog, http://pentictonvees.wordpress.com/

Jon Zacks The Generals Report Westside Warriors Blog, http://westsidewarriorsblog.wordpress.com/

Scott Campbells Welcome To The Jungle Salmon Arm Silverbacks Blog, http://silverbacksmack.blogspot.com/

Alex Rawnsley's Kings Of The Castle Powell River Kings Blog, http://alexrawnsley.wordpress.com/

Ron Gallo's Spruce Kings Crusader Prince George Spruce Kings Blog, http://sprucekingscrusader.blogspot.com/

Hammer's The Hammer Alberni Valley Bulldogs Blog, http://www.hammersdogs.blogspot.com/

Chris Wahl's The Wahl Trail Smoke Eaters Blog, http://off-the-wahl.blogspot.com/

Brandon Astle's Langley Rivermen Blog, http://langleyrivermen.wordpress.com/

Colin Tiggelaar's Eagles Nest Surrey Eagles Blog, http://surreyeagles.blogspot.com/

Eddie Gregory's Coquitlam Expressions Coquitlam Express Blog, http://expressvoice.blogspot.com/

Victoria Grizzlies Grizz Roar Fan Blog, http://grizzroar.blogspot.com/

Vernon Vipers Die Hard Fan Vipersdiehardfan Blog, http://vipersdiehardfan.blogspot.com/

Former Viper McPhee Cracks Silvertips Roster:

The WHL Everett Silvertips announced their 2011-12 regular season roster Wednesday and former Vernon Vipers forward, Zach McPhee has made the hockey club. McPhee who played in 24 regular season games with the Vipers last season collected (3-1-4) also played in 8 regular season games with the WHL Tri-City Americans and 4 regular season games with

the Silvertips.

Here is a look at the Silvertips 2011-12 regular season roster:

http://www.everettsilvertips.com/roster/index/team/39

Juha Patiently Waits:

This is posted on Vernon Centrals website:

Editor’s Note: this article is part of a 10-part series about this year’s crop of new Vernon Viper players.

Juha Patiently Waits

Viper Vault

Don Klepp Sep 15-2011

Luke Juha will have to wait awhile to pull on a Viper uniform.

The 18-year-old Mississauga native is recovering from a head injury caused by an errant puck while he was working at a hockey camp shortly before leaving for Vernon. In the meantime, he’s very happy with his decision to move from Ontario Jr. “A” hockey to the BCHL.

While playing two seasons with the Burlington Cougars, Luke committed to Clarkson University for this fall. But, as he explains, “Clarkson fired their coaches so I changed my plans and committed to Penn State for their hockey team’s inaugural season in 2012-13. To prepare for the NCAA, I thought I could get the best development in the BCHL. I checked out a few BCHL teams, but the Vipers had the best atmosphere and a winning tradition, and Penn State helped to contact the Vipers.”

He’s delighted with what he’s seen so far. “The guys have been great and there are a lot of really talented players on the Vipers. Our depth is going to be outrageous – we have arguably seven top-four defencemen, a really good goalie, and a strong group of forwards.”

He’s really happy with his billets: “Janice and Carl Lucas are the salt of the earth. They make Renzy (Viper vet Ryan Renz) and me feel right at home. I’ve been here just a week or so, but already I can tell that it’s going to be a great year. And the scenery around here is just gorgeous. The lakes, the rolling hills, you don’t get that in Toronto! I just wake up every morning entranced by the beauty of this valley.”

When he’s well enough to return to the ice, he will be fun to watch. The ScoutingReport.org describes him as “a defenceman with tremendous upside, [who] will not over-complicate the game.” The report also says that Luke “always makes the smart pass” and makes passes “that other players his age would not attempt.”

His numbers support that assessment. In 73 games with Burlington, he scored 15 goals and 64 assists for 79 points.

He agrees that he’s “been known as an offensive defenceman. I like joining the rush after making that good first pass out of the zone. Hopefully, I’ll continue to support the guys on offence without being a defensive liability.” He continues, “The way the game is changing, it’s important to be mobile and to pass quickly and accurately. That’s what I see in the Viper drills and breakout plays, and I love it.”

In his 17-year-old season, Luke was an Ontario Jr. “A” all-star and a member of Team Canada East, which won silver at the 2010 World Jr. “A” Challenge. That experience will help the Vipers compensate for the graduation of such offensive D-men as Steve Weinstein and Malcolm Lyles.

He says he was in great shape before being hit by a puck that flew off a dasher and caught him just below the eye. When he’s able to return to action, he’ll take some time to regain that fitness level, so he will likely miss the opening games of the season. In the meantime, he is busy with classes at Okanagan College.

Ten Vaanholt Headed To Grizz:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Ten Vaanholt headed to Grizz

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: September 21, 2011

Jarryd TenVaanholt was a victim of a numbers game as much as anything.

With B.C. Hockey League rosters trimmed from 23 to 21 players for the coming season, the 1991-born West Vancouver product was the odd man out as Vernon Vipers’ head coach/GM Jason Williamson made the final cut in selecting his 12-man forward corps for the league’s 50th season.

Acquired in a four-player, offseason deal that sent forward Dane Muench and d-man Phillip Patenaude to the SJHL Kindersley Klippers, TenVaanholt was stunned to learn he was being shipped to the Victoria Grizzlies in exchange for the playing rights to Pearce Eviston (WHL Portland Winterhawks).

“We all knew there was one roster spot that had to be taken away, but I never expected it would be me,” said TenVaanholt, as he was driving off the B.C. Ferry in Schwartz Bay to join his new team.

TenVaanholt, who played last season with the Salmon Arm SilverBacks, had his calendar circled for the Vipers’ season opener against his former club Friday night at Wesbild Centre. Vernon visits the ‘Backs Saturday at Sunwave Centre.

“I was definitely looking forward to this home-and-home against Salmon Arm. Now it’s just going to be the same mentality and doing my best playing with Victoria when they face teams like Cowichan Valley (Capitals),” said the classy TenVaanholt.

In Victoria, he will be reunited with former linemate Dante Godinho, who he played with at Hollyburn.

As the Vipers showed last season, they aren’t afraid to roll with a younger roster. TenVaanholt’s departure leaves Vernon with just three 20-year-olds (they are allowed up to six) in the lineup – netminder Kirby Halcrow, and forwards Pat McGillis and Darren Nowick.

“We had younger guys that came in here and really impressed (at main camp). With the roster sizes, it made for a tough decision,” said Williamson, who noted there is no guarantee Eviston will ever leave Portland.

“We’re getting a coveted player we’ve been after for while, but it’s a chance. He’s a highly touted player in this league.”

With WHL teams getting ready to trim their rosters, there are some 20s available should Williamson decide he needs some experience, but he said it would have to be something exceptional.

“There’s some guys we have our eye on in that league, but I like our group. Unless it’s a no-brainer, we’ll stand pat and see how things go here.”

SNAKE BITES: Vernon will open the regular season with forwards McGillis, Nowick, Mike Zalewski, John Knisley, Colton Sparrow, Marcus Basara, Aaron Hadley, Alex Hagen, Jedd Soleway, Connor Hartley, Adam Tambellini and Riley Hunt, defencemen Brett Corkey, Max Mowat, Ryan Renz, Geoff Crisfield, Marc Hetnik, Turner Lawson and Luke Juha, and netminder Halcrow and Danny Todosychuk.

Vernon Vipers 2011-12 Roster:

Here is a look at the 2011-12 Vernon Vipers Roster that is now posted on the BCHL website:

Defence:

Brett Corkey "92" (Returning From Last Year)
Geoff Crisfield "93" (Recruited-Committed)
Marc Hetnik "92" (Recruited-Committed)
Luke Juha "93" (Aquired In Trade With Burlington)
Turner Lawson "94" (Played As An "AP" With The Vipers Last Year)
Max Mowat "93" (Returning From Last Year)
Ryan Renz "93" (Returning From Last Year)

Forwards:

Marcus Basara "93" (Returning From Last Year)
Aaron Hadley "93" (Returning From Last Year)
Alex Hagen "92" (Recruited-Committed)
Connor Hartley "93" (Recruited-Committed)
Riley Hunt "95" (Recruited-Committed)
Jon Knisley "92" (Returning From Last Year)
Patrick McGillis "91" (Returning From Last Year)
Darren Nowick "91" (Returning From Last Year)
Jedd Soleway "94" (Recruited-Committed)
Colton Sparrow "93" (Returning From Last Year)
Adam Tambellini "94" (Recruited-Committed)
Mike Zalewski "92" (Returning From Last Year)

Goaltenders:

Kirby Halcrow "91" (Returning From Last Year)
Danny Todosychuk "94"

For a complete look at the Vipers roster click the link below,

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

Former Vipers Head Coach-GM Mark Ferner Live Tonight On Silvertips Hockey Show:

Former Vernon Vipers head coach-gm, Mark Ferner will be live on air tonight from Sporty's beef and brew starting at 6pm. Ferner spent the last four seasons with the Vipers (2007-2010) before joining the Silvertips this summer.

This is posted on the Silvertips website:

Silvertips Hockey Show

September 20: Mark Ferner & Brennan Yadlowski

The Silvertips Radio Show is held from 6:00 -7:00 PM Tuesday evenings at Sporty's Beef and Brew - your home for Sound Transit Everett Silvertips Hockey!

The show is hosted by the Silvertips broadcaster Travis Huntington and features players, coaches, and other figures involved with club. Make sure to bring a camera and some paraphernalia for the players to sign – this is a prime autograph and photo session!

The Radio Show also takes live callers and encourages fans to send in questions on Facebook (Everett Silvertips Hockey Club) and Twitter (@WHLsilvertips).

As always, the Silvertips Radio Show coincides with Sporty's Taco Tuesday with the 'Tips, where tacos will be on sale for just a buck! Feed the family on the cheap with some delicious food in a family atmosphere Tuesdays at Sporty's Beef and Brew!

And remember - when the Silvertips are away, Sporty's is your home! Catch all 36 road games live on their large, drop-down projection screen with the camaraderie of fellow 'Tips fans. Bring the little ones - Sporty's is kid-friendly!

Sporty's Beef and Brew is located at 6503 Evergreen Way in Everett. If you can’t make it out to Sporty’s, you ’ll be able to listen in live on the all-new Fox Sports 1380 AM, streaming online worldwide at http://www.everettsilvertips.com/  and http://www.krko.com/

Vipers Down To Three Twenty Year Olds-Fill 21 Man Roster:

After the Vipers had troubles scoring goals last year, Vipers new head coach-gm Jason Williamson went out and added some scoring aquiring former Salmon Arm Silverbacks 50 pt man, Jarryd Ten Vaanholt over the summer along with defenceman, Justin Elliot from the SJHL Kindersley Klippers giving up forward, Dane Muench, defenceman, Phillip Patenaude & future considerations. Today the Vipers dont have either Ten Vaanholt or Justin Elliott. I was shocked yesterday when I noticed Ten Vaanholt wasnt on the Vipers roster, and then heard about the trade this morning.

Going into training camp the Vipers only needed a backup goaltender, due to the players returning from last year and this years new recruits. I would have never expected to see a kid like Jarryd Ten Vaanholt traded. My guess is that Williamson had some very tough choices to make regaurding his 21 man roster, and went with youth over a veteran 20 year old goal scorer. I noticed alot of skill-talent and kids that can put the puck in the net at this years Vipers training camp-pre season games, so maybe Williamson figured he has lots of younger kids with some skill and talent that can do just as good as Ten Vaanholt and still play more then one season with the Vipers, so they could afford to deal the 20 yr old. The Vipers now have just three twenty year olds (Patrick McGillis, Kirby Halcrow and Darren Nowick). The Vipers aquired forward, Pearce Eviston from the Victoria Grizzlies for Ten Vaanholt, but Eviston is currently with the WHL Portland Winterhawks. The question now, is Eviston a garauntee to make the Winterhawks lineup? If Portland cuts-releases him, who do the Vipers then release-trade to make room for Eviston?  I just looked and Eviston isnt even listed on the Winterhawks roster.

Going with just three twenty year olds and a younger club, how will the Vipers do as the season goes on? How will a younger team with just three twenty year olds do come playoff time? Usally a time when a more veteran-experienced team does very well over the younger teams.  Will the Vipers add anymore twenty year olds?  For now I dont think so.  I think the Vipers coaching staff really likes the make of this years club and will give the kids atleast ten or so games to prove themselves.  As the season goes on and if things arnt going well, maybe they will try and aquire a veteran 20 yr old but for now I think this is the team-group of kids the team is going with.

After picking up Ten Vaanholt I was thrilled to see the former Silverback in a Vipers jersey this coming season. For one, some much needed scoring and two adding a veteran 20 yr old never hurts. Ten Vaanholt was a Viper killer last season, playing and doing very well against Vernon all season. Ten Vaanholt will add some scoring and skill to the Grizzlies. Let's hope that some of the Vipers younger recruits that looked so good during training camp and the pre-season can play and do just as well come the regular season-playoffs.

Vernon-Victoria Trade:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vipers aquire Pearce Eviston

by viper staff | Added 2011-09-20

VIPERS PRESS RELEASE

Vernon, BC, Tuesday, Sept.20th, 2011

The Vernon Vipers organization would like to announce they have traded Jarryd TenVaanholt ’92 Fwd to the Victoria Grizzles of the BCHL for the playing rights to Pearce Eviston ’92 Fwd.

Jarryd joined the Vipers in the off season with a trade with the Kindersley Klippers of the SJHL. Last season Jarryd posted 22 goals 28 assists in 58 games with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the BCHL.

Currently with the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL Eviston is a 6’1 195lbs power forward who played with the Victoria Grizzles last season registering 18 goals 20 assists in 44 games.

The Vipers organization would like to wish Jarryd all the best in his future endeavors

Vernon-Victoria Trade:

I just heard about 40 minutes ago that the Vernon Vipers have traded 20 year old forward, Jarryd Ten Vaanholt to the Victoria Grizzlies for future considerations.

This now leaves the Vipers with just three twenty year olds to start the regular season. (Kirby Halcrow, Patrick McGillis and Darren Nowick)

In 58 regular season games last year with Salmon Arm Ten Vaanholt collected (22-28-50) before getting traded on June 27th along with forward, Josh McKissock & defenceman, Justin Elliot to the SJHL Kindersley Klippers for defenceman, Sean Flannagan. The Klippers then traded Ten Vaanholt to the Vipers along with defenceman, Justin Elliot for forward, Dane Muench, defenceman, Phillip Patenaude & future considerations.

Ten Vaanholt got injured at the Vipers training camp before playing in two exibition games with Vernon collecting (1-2-3).

Jarryd Ten Vaanholts Player Profile:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=305106&playerID=688455

Vernon-Victoria Trade:

No official word as of yet but Vernon Vipers forward, Jarryd Ten Vaanholt is now listed on the Victoria Grizzlies roster. Ten Vaanholt who played last season with Salmon Arm was aquired by the Vipers over the summer from the SJHL Kindersley Klippers. Once I hear something I will post it asap.

Vernon Vipers 2011-12 Regular Season Schedule:

Here is the Vernon Vipers 2011-12 Regular Season Schedule

September:

Friday, September 23rd vs Salmon Arm
Saturday, September 24th @ Salmon Arm
Friday, September 30th @ Westside

October:

Saturday, October 1st vs Prince George
Wednesday, October 5th vs Westside
Friday, October 7th vs Chilliwack
Saturday, October 8th @ Merritt
Friday, October 14th @ Chilliwack
Saturday, October 15th @ Penticton
Friday, October 21st vs Penticton
Saturday, October 22nd @ Trail
Sunday, October 23rd vs Prince George
Friday, October 28th @ Prince George

November:

Wednesday, November 2nd vs Penticton
Friday, November 4th @ Trail
Saturday, November 5th vs Chilliwack
Tuesday, November 8th vs Westside
Saturday, November 12th @ Trail
Thursday, November 17th vs Chilliwack
Friday, November 18th @ Surrey
Saturday, November 19th @ Langley
Wednesday, November 23rd vs Penticton
Friday, November 25th vs Salmon Arm
Saturday, November 26th @ Salmon Arm
Wednesday, November 30th @ Penticton

December:

Friday, December 2nd vs Merritt
Saturday, December 3rd @ Merritt
Thursday, December 8th vs Trail
Friday, December 9th @ Westside
Friday, December 16th vs Trail
Sunday, December 18th vs Chilliwack
Thursday, December 29th @ Salmon Arm
Friday, December 30th vs Salmon Arm

January:

Wednesday, January 4th @ Penticton
Friday, January 6th vs Victoria
Saturday, January 7th vs Merritt
Friday, January 13th @ Merritt
Saturday, January 14th vs Coquitlam
Sunday, January 15th vs Prince George
Friday, January 20th vs Trail
Saturday, January 21st @ Westside
Friday, January 27th vs Westside
Saturday, January 28th @ Prince George
Sunday, January 29th @ Prince George

February:

Friday, February 3rd vs Merritt
Saturday, February 4th vs Alberni Valley
Tuesday, February 7th vs Trail
Friday, February 10th vs Merritt
Saturday, February 11th @ Chilliwack
Tuesday, February 14th @ Merritt
Thursday, February 16th vs Nanaimo
Friday, February 17th @ Penticton
Saturday, February 18th vs Westside
Friday, February 24th @ Cowichan Valley
Saturday, February 25th @ Powell River

March:

Saturday, March 3rd @ Westside
Sunday, March 4th vs Prince George
Tuesday, March 6th @ Chilliwack
Friday, March 9th vs Salmon Arm
Saturday, March 10th @ Salmon Arm

Former Vipers Head Coach-GM Ferner Not Happy With Silvertips:

Former Vernon Vipers head coach-gm, Mark Ferner isnt satisfied with where his team stands as the Silvertips pre-season ended over the weekend. Everett finished the pre-season with a 4-1 win over Seattle Saturday and a 3-4 exibition record. Ferner spent the last four seasons with the Vipers (2007-2010) before joining the Silvertips this summer.

This was in Fridays Everett Herald Newspaper:

Ferner not happy with Silvertips

Published: Friday, September 16, 2011

By Nick Patterson, Herald Writer

EVERETT -- Less than a week remains until the opening of the 2011-12 Western Hockey League season, and Everett Silvertips coach Mark Ferner is not satisfied with where his team stands.

The Vancouver Giants were all over Everett early and late in Friday night's preseason game, eventually defeating the Tips 4-2 at Comcast Arena.

Vancouver dominated play during the first and third periods, finishing with a 36-19 shot advantage. Now Everett has just one preseason contest, tonight's game in Kent against Seattle, to try to right things.

"They came in here and flat out outworked us, and that is unacceptable," Ferner said. "They were committed to the things that are important, the details. We tried to play a perimeter game, tried to be fancy and be something that we're not."

Dalton Sward scored twice, including the tie-breaking goal with 5 minutes, 18 seconds remaining in regulation to lead Vancouver (3-0-2-0). Jackson Houck and Jordan Martinook also found the net for the Giants. Brenden Jensen earned the win in goal with 17 saves.

Jesse Mychan and Nick Walters scored for Everett (2-4-0-0). Luke Siemens stopped 32 shots in net for the Tips.

"We came out hitting and sticking to our game plan, but we tend to get away from that and that's got to change," Mychan said. "We're a hard-working hockey club and we've got to finish each and every period."

Both teams played with depleted lineups as each team's top players were unavailable because of NHL training camps. In addition, the Tips rested their captain, defenseman Ryan Murray.

It was rough going for Everett early as the Tips hardly touched the puck during the first 16 minutes. Still, the Tips escaped the first period tied 1-1, and it was 2-2 going into the third.

However, the Giants took control again in the third, out-shooting the Tips 17-4. Everett was able to hold out for 14 minutes, but at 14:42 a missed swipe at the puck at the blue line by Tips defender Ryan Chynoweth gave the Giants a 3-on-1. Sward deflected the puck past Siemens to give Vancouver the lead.

Now Everett has just one opportunity to recover before the games begin for real next Friday at Portland.

"We need to see a better effort," Ferner said. "We had 19 turnovers in the first period. Give Vancouver credit for that, they took time and space away. But at the same time we had opportunities to move the puck and we didn't. We had opportunities to move our feet and didn't. To be quite honest I'm not sure what we were thinking as far as our compete level. We're not nearly where we need to be to compete at this level."

The Giants took the lead at the 6:12 mark of the first period, Sward backhanding a loose puck over Siemens' shoulder from in close.

The Giants eventually built their shot advantage to 12-1, but Everett found a way to tie the game at 16:53. Good pressure in the neutral zone presented the Tips with an attack, and Jari Erricson found Mychan open in the far slot to knot it 1-1.

The second period was played almost exclusively on special teams, and the teams traded what were essentially power-play goals. Everett took a 2-1 lead at 3:55 when Walters carried the puck in deep and his tight-angle shot deflected off Jensen, off a defender and into the net. Vancouver tied it at 10:37 just after a power play expired, Houck tipping James Henry's shot around Siemens.

After Sward's second goal broke the tie, the air was taken out of the endgame when Walters was given a major penalty for checking to the head less than a minute later, with fellow d-man Dominik Bittner called for slashing on the same play. Martinook banged in a rebound during the five-on-three at 15:45, and the Giants salted away the rest of the game on the power play.

Eagles Sign Former Vernon Viper Patrick Cey:

The ECHL Colorado Eagles have signed former Vernon Vipers forward, Patrick Cey. Cey played two years in Vernon (2005-07) collecting (31-35-66) in 73 regular season games with the Vipers before playing four years at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

Patrick Ceys Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=92087

This is posted on the Eagles website:

Brotherly Love; Eagles Ink Two Brothers of Former Players

08/26/2011

WINDSOR, Colo. - The Colorado Eagles announced today the signing of rookie forwards Nic Polaski and Patrick Cey, each of whom is a younger brother of a former Eagles player. Polaski, the younger brother of former Eagle Scott Polaski, is the second player from Colorado Springs, Colo. signed by the team this week (following former teammate Patrick Knowlton). Cey is the younger brother of former Eagles netminder Morgan Cey.

Polaski, 6-foot-1-inch & 190-pounds, has spent the past four seasons playing at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, acting as team captain last year. In his collegiate career, Polaski registered 28 points (16-12-28) and 104 penalty minutes in 93 games.

Cey, 6-foot-1-inch & 183-pounds, has spent the past four seasons playing at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell. In his collegiate career, Cey registered 42 points (18-24-42) and 58 penalty minutes in 127 games.

"Both of these players are coming off strong collegiate careers, and we're excited to welcome them to our camp," said Eagles head coach & general manager Chris Stewart. "The fact that their brothers thought highly enough of their time in our organization to recommend the Colorado Eagles to them speaks volumes about what we've created here in Northern Colorado."

The Eagles will begin their preseason camp on Friday, Sept. 30. They will then travel to Alaska for preseason games on Oct. 4 & 5 before playing their only preseason game at the Budweiser Events Center on Friday, Oct. 7 against the Las Vegas Wranglers.

The 2011-12 ECHL regular season begins on Friday, Oct. 14, with the Eagles' home-opener taking place on Friday, Oct. 21. A complete schedule can be found at www.ColoradoEagles.com.

Individual tickets for all Eagles home games will go on sale in September, and can be purchased at www.ComcastTix.com, the BEC box office, or by calling 1-877-544-TIXX (8499) or 970-686-SHOT (7468). Stay tuned to www.ColoradoEagles.com for soon-to-be-announced ticket information, including new pricing plans and a $16 single-game ticket.

Want to secure tickets for the 2011-12 season now?!?! Group tickets (parties of 15 or more) are currently available for pre-sale by calling our Group Sales Manager, Curtis Sullivan, at (970) 686-SHOT (7468). Group leaders are eligible for additional benefits as well; check out the "Group Tickets" page at http://www.coloradoeagles.com/  for more information.

2011-12 Signings To-Date

Patrick Cey (F)
Adam Chorneyko (F)
Jack Combs (F)
Chad Costello (F)
A.J. Hau (F)
Kyle Jones (G)
Patrick Knowlton (F)
Anthony Maiani (F)
Riley Nelson (F)*
Alex Penner (F)
Kyle Peto (D)
Nic Polaski (F)
Aaron Schneekloth (D)*

* - Indicates Veteran Status (260+ games)