Vipers Back On Playoff Bubble After Loss In Merritt:

This was in yesterdays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers back on playoff bubble after loss in Merritt

Published: February 17, 2012

All the equipment and players made it on the bus to Merritt Tuesday night, but it appears the Vernon Vipers forgot their sense of urgency at home.

The Snakes allowed four unanswered goals en route to a lacklustre 7-1 loss to the host Centennials, who were relieved to snap a six-game B.C. Hockey League losing streak in front of 550 fans at Nicola Valley Arena.

For a team that should be bloodthirsty for wins – the 25-22-1-2 Vipers are chasing the 26-20-1-2 Chilliwack Chiefs for the final Interior Conference berth – Vernon head coach Jason Williamson said his team looked almost fragile against the second-place Cents (27-17-2-5).

“It was there in spurts, but then we had some brain cramps and lost coverage in our own end,” said the rookie bench boss. “There were times where we took over the game, and there were times where, whatever they got, we kind of just gave it to them.

“They stretched the zone and our dee have got to go with them. You can’t just leave them alone.”

The Vipers looked to regroup as they entertained the Nanaimo Clippers (22-18-0-9) Thursday night at Wesbild Centre. They are on the road tonight against the league-leading Penticton Vees (44-3-0-2) tonight at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

Rylan Ferster’s 18-26-2-5 Westside Warriors visit Wesbild Centre Saturday night.

Healthy for the first time in months, the Vipers know they have no excuses to fall back on if they can’t string together some wins, especially on the road, where they haven’t won a game in regulation since Nov. 4 (4-2 win over the Trail Smoke Eaters). They have three OT road wins over Trail, Salmon Arm and Prince George since then.

“We know we can do it, as we did a little bit here to climb back in the race, but that’s not good enough,” said Williamson. “We’ve got to bottle up whatever it is we do at home and do it on the road. We tried to change certain aspects of our game for the road, just to simplify things.”

Tuesday night, Merritt’s Brandon Bruce and Regan Soquila, named first and second star respectively, paced the Cents with two goals and an assist each. Chad Brears added a goal and two helpers, singles coming from Carter Shinkaruk and Brent Fletcher.

“A lot of the goals they scored early were like football scrums, which we said we had to be like, with guys going to the net,” said Williamson. “They did a good job of that and we didn’t pick up bodies and they were more determined in those tough areas.”

Going into Tuesday’s tilt, the Cents had scored only five goals in their last six games. Asked the reason for their turnaround, Brears told Black Press: “I think that everybody was really focused. Also, we got back to relaxing almost, and keeping a positive attitude on the ice and in the room.”

Vernon’s goal came on a dump-in, with Mike Zalewski winning a race to the puck and feeding John Knisley a back-door pass for his eighth of the season.

Williamson credited Cents’ netminder Lino Chimienti for his third star, 34-save performance, but said the Vipers needed to test him more on rebounds.

Kirby Halcrow, who was pulled in the third period, didn’t get a lot of help in making 24 saves for the Vipers, said Williamson. Backup tender Danny Todosychuk stopped five shots in nearly eight minutes of relief work.

SNAKE BITES: Vernon d-man Sean Robertson scrapped Merritt’s Brendan Lamont late in the third period after Lamont hit the Vipers’ Ryan Renz from behind...The Vees are undefeated in regulation at home this season, going 23-0-0-1 at South Okanagan Events Centre. The Vipers are the last team to stop Penticton in regulation, hammering them 7-1 on Nov. 2. The Trail Smoke Eaters and Chiefs are the only other teams to record regulation wins against the Vees...The Vipers’ powerplay is third in the league at 22.80 per cent...Nanaimo fell 6-3 to the Coquitlam Express Wednesday night at the Poirier Sports & Leisure Centre. In the other Wednesday nighter, former Salmon Arm SilverBack Devin Gannon collected the OT winner as the Cowichan Valley Capitals grounded the host Alberni Valley Bulldogs 5-4 at Weyerhaeuser Arena.

(Game Preview) Westside @ Vernon:

Westside (19-26-2-5) @ Vernon (26-23-1-2) 7pm start

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

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

Friday, September 30th Vernon @ Westside: Vipers win 5-2

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977747  

Wednesday, October 5th Westside @ Vernon: Vipers win 2-0

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977810

Tuesday, November 8th Westside @ Vernon: Vipers won 2-1

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977814&link=bchl

Friday, December 9th Vernon @ Westside: Warriors won 5-2

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977761&link=bchl

Saturday, January 21st Vernon @ Westside: Warriors won 3-1

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977765&link=bchl

Friday, January 27th Westside @ Vernon: Vipers won 4-1

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977828&link=bchl

Saturday, March 3rd Vernon @ Westside:

Last Game Played:

Friday, February 17th Penticton defeated Vernon 6-4
February, 16th Westside defeated Trail 4-1

Next Game:

Friday, February 24th Vernon @ Cowichan Valley
Sunday, February 19th Chilliwack @ Westside

Since the Warriors moved to Westside in 2006-07 Vernon is 3-1 vs. Westside during exibition action

Since the Warriors moved to Westside in 2006-07 Vernon is 18-14-2-3 vs. Westside during the regular season

Since the Warriors moved to Westside in 2006-07 Vernon has outscored Westside 103-100 during the regular season

Since the Warriors moved to Westside in 2006-07 Vernon is 9-6-1-2 at home vs. Westside during the regular season

Since the Warriors moved to Westside in 2006-07 Vernon is 9-8-1-1 in Westside during the regular season

Since the 2008-09 season the Vipers are 7-1-1-1 in their last ten games vs. the Warriors on home ice during the regular season
Since the 2008-09 season the Vipers are 5-4-0-1 in their last ten games vs. the Warriors at Royal Le Page Place during the regular season

Westside's last regular season victory at the Wesbild Centre was a 3-1 win on Saturday, January 23rd 2010

Vernon's last loss in Westside was a 3-1 loss back on Saturday, January 21st 2012

The Vipers went 4-0-1-1 last season vs the Warriors in the regular season, before knocking off Westside in six games in the Interior Conference Semi-Finals.

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: 1001
Wins: 637
Losses: 264
Ties: 16
Overtime Losses: 86

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

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

The Vipers return home after a 6-4 loss in Penticton last night. Tonight is the Vipers third game in three nights and fourth game in five nights. Vernon has just one win in their last four games but has won seven straight on home ice. The Vipers will hit the road for three straight after tonight, sit one point back of the 4th place Chilliwack Chiefs.

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

Games Played: 52
Wins: 26
Losses: 23
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 19-6-1-1
Road Record: 7-17-0-1
Streak: One game losing streak
Goals For: 175
Goals Against: 167
Standings: 5th Place

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

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

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Marcus Basara (93)
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)

Vernons Home record vs. Westside this season:

3-0-0-0

Vernons Road record vs. Westside this season:

1-2-0-0

Vernons Powerplay vs. Westside this season:

5-26

Vernons scoring leaders vs. Westside this season:

Adam Tambellini (3-2-5)
Michael Zalewski (4-1-5)
Patrick McGillis (1-3-4)
Marc Hetnik (2-1-3)
Jedd Soleway (2-1-3)
Darren Nowick (1-1-2)
Colton Cyr (2-0-2)
Aaron Hadley (0-2-2)
Max Mowat (0-1-1)
Ryan Renz (0-1-1)
John Knisley (0-1-1)
Brett Corkey (0-1-1)
Turner Lawson (0-1-1)
Geoff Crisfield (0-1-1)

Danny Todosychuk (1-1 Record, 1 Shutout)
Kirby Halcrow (3-2 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

Vernon has the leagues 3rd best powerplay

-The Vipers have the BCHL's 6th best penalty kill

-Mike Zalewski (32-34-66) is the lone Viper in the leagues top twenty in scoring

Westside makes its fourth and final visit of the season to the Wesbild Centre tonight are coming off a 4-1 win in Trail Thursday. Tonight is the Warriors fourth and final game of a four game road trip where they are 1-2. Westside will come home for five straight before finishing the season with two road games. The Warriors who have struggled away from home have just one win in their last ten road games.

For more coverage on the Westside Warriors, please visit Jon Zacks "The Generals report (Westside Warriors blog)

http://westsidewarriorsblog.wordpress.com/

Lets take a look at the Westside Warriors:

Games Played: 52
Wins: 19
Losses: 26
Ties: 2
Overtime Losses: 5
Home Record: 12-9-1-3
Road Record: 7-17-1-2
Streak: One game winning streak
Goals For: 169
Goals Against: 182
Standings: 6th Place

Westside Warriors Returning Players From Last Year:

Travis Blanleil (94)
Max French (92)
Shawn Hochhausen (92)
Michael King (93)
Peter MacIntosh (91)
Brett Mckinnon (92)
Dru Morrison (92)

Former Vernon Lakers forward, Rylan Ferster is the new head coach-gm of the Warriors after coming over this summer from the KIJHL Revelestoke Grizzlies.

Westside Warriors Departing & Traded Players From Last Year:

Izaak Berglund (91)
Brett Mulcahy (93)
Brayden Sherbinin (93)
Tyler Krause (91)
Alex Grieve (90)
Kyle Singleton (90)
Tyler Brickler (91)
Grayson Downing (92)
Tom Kroshus (92)
Quinn Gould (90)
Tyler French (90)
Matthew Maher (90)
Matt Cronin (92)
Stefan Nicholishen (93)
Kevin Boyle (92)
Cole Holowenko (93)

Westsides Home record vs. Vernon this season:

2-1-0-0

Westsides Road record vs. Vernon this season:

0-3-0-0

Westsides Powerplay vs. Vernon this season:

5-28

Westsides scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Reid Simmonds (3-1-4)
Peter MacIntosh (0-4-4)
Travis Blanleil (1-2-3)
Max French (2-1-3)
Connor Dempsey (2-0-2)
Dru Morrison (0-2-2)
Brennan Clark (0-2-2)
Ben Betker (0-2-2)
David Pope (1-1-2)
Seb Lloyd (1-1-2)
Shawn Hochhausen (0-1-1)
Brett Mckinnon (0-1-1)
Devon Hascarl (1-0-1)

Dwayne Rodrigue (2-1 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-The Warriors have the 12th best powerplay

-Westside has the leagues 14th best penalty kill

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon Vipers:

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

Westside Warriors:

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

Vees’ Comeback Sinks Vipers:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vees’ Comeback Sinks Vipers

Saturday, February 18, 2012 - Submitted by Don Klepp

The Vipers had a great chance to stop the Penticton Vee win streak, but four unanswered goals in the third period gave the Vees a 6-4 win at home.

Mike Reilly’s winner came at 11:26 when he went behind the Viper net and came out to jam the puck past Kirby Halcrow, who unluckily had been pushed into his net by a falling team mate.

That’s the kind of period it was for the Vipers, who had been the better team for 45 minutes. Leading 4-2, they paid a price for failing to clear the zone. Zach Urban’s hopeful wrist shot went through a forest of legs and beat Halcrow on the short side at 5:10.

Urban was involved in the tying goal as well. He hit Geoff Crisfield along the wall, dislodging Crisfield’s stick in the process. The puck came loose to Bryce Gervais, who buried his 37thof the season.

Joey Benik put the nail in the coffin with his empty netter at 19:22.

The loss was a bitter pill for the Vipers who fashioned leads of 1-0, 3-1, and 4-2. Along the way, they played spirited hockey, skating and moving the puck as well as they have all year. Although out shot 26-19, they matched the Vees’ scoring chances and pummelled them with 52 hits, a season high.

The Vipers played Russian Roulette with the Vee power play, which operates at nearly 40% at home. However, resolute penalty killers restricted the Vees to two goals in seven opportunities.

It seemed that the Vees had scored on their first try early in the first period but referee Grant Tyson ruled that Kirby Halcrow had stopped Wade Murphy’s back door attempt from crossing the line.

The Vipers did capitalize in their first power play, at 13:14 of an exciting first period. A pinpoint Darren Nowick pass found an unmarked Aaron Hadley at the edge of Michael Garteig’s crease.

That 1-0 lead held up until 4:22 of an even more exciting second period when Connor Reilly’s pass from behind the net found Logan Johnston for his first power play goal of the season.

The goals kept coming. A determined effort by Brendan Persley saw him win a puck battle to Garteig’s left and shovel the puck in front for Jedd Soleway to put the Vipers ahead. Then a burst of brilliance by John Knisley gave his team a 3-1 lead. He dispossessed Mike Reilly at the Viper line and steamed down the right wing. His rocket wrister beat Garteig high on the glove side.

The Vees bounced back with another power play marker, an absolute screamer by Wade Murphy that found the top corner at 14:42.

The Viper power play struck again at 1:27 of the third period – Adam Tambellini’s big league shot from the slot gave the Vipers a 4-2 lead and, based on the way they were playing, it looked like they would derail the Penticton express train. However, the puck did not bounce the Vipers’ way from that point on.

Jason Williamson was “proud of the team’s effort tonight. We were better than the Vees for two periods and deserved a better fate. Our guys left everything on the ice tonight. I hope we have something left for tomorrow night against Westside.”

The Warriors will come to the Wesbild Centre for a 7 pm game, a must win contest for the Vipers.

Game Notes:

Ben Gamache, who has been playing despite a painful injury, suffered another injury when he blocked a first period shot. He did not return to action.

Riley Hunt missed his second successive game with illness and defencemen Luke Juha and Max Mowat are still on the sidelines with long term injuries.

Penticton’s Cody DePourcq was crushed by Ryan Renz in the first period and missed the rest of the game. He joined Kyle Beaulieu (fractured forearm) on the injured list.

Penticton 6 Vernon 4

I was at tonight's BCHL game as Penticton defeated Vernon 6-4 in front of 2,757 fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Kirby Halcrow
Penticton: Michael Garteig

1st Period: A long dump in by the Vipers handcuffed Vees starting goaltender, Michael Garteig who was forced to make a tough save just a minute into the opening period. Penticton carried the early edge in play before getting the games first powerplay of the night. The Vees moved the puck around before setting up a wide open Steven Fogarty who thought he had opened the scoring as the Vees celebrated like they scored with the man advantage but as the Vees were celebrating Kirby Halcrow got up with the puck making a huge save while down and out keeping the puck out. Still with the man advantage the Vees won the draw back to the point Mike Reilly's point shot was stopped by Kirby Halcrow before Halcrow had to make a second pad save keeping the Vipers in the game early. Still on the powerplay Ben Gamache come up with a huge shot block that caught him in the wrist-arm area. Gamache seemed to favor his wrist-hand but stayed in the game. Former Salmon Arm Silverback, Bryce Gervais with a quick shot from the slot was stopped by Halcrow and just before the powerplay come to an end Travis St. Denis couldnt connect on a pass through the slot missing a wide open cage as Kirby Halcrow come up with a few big saves as the Vipers killed off the minor. Just past the midway mark the Vipers would get their first powerplay and capitalize. Darren Nowick fed Mike Zalewski down low before Zalewski went across the crease to find Aaron Hadley who beat Michael Garteig at the side of the net to open the scoring at 13:14 giving Vernon a 1-0 lead. Zalewski and Nowick collected the helpers. Both teams carried the play at different times but not for very long in a fairly even played period. Mario Lucia in the slot with three and a half minutes remaining was stopped by Halcrow. Halcrow then had to stop Connor Reilly a minute later as the Vees with two good chances late. Penticton with a ton of pressure in the final few minutes. In the final minute of play the Vipers defence tried twice clearing the zone but couldnt as the Vees with some good pressure down low but couldnt get any pucks towards the goal as Vernon was hemmened in their own end until the buzzer. The Vipers with a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes of play. Vernon didnt get alot of good scoring chances as Penticton had the better scoring opportunities and carried the edge in play at times. The Vees outshot the Vipers 10-7.

2nd Period: The Vees would get their second powerplay of the game just 1:14 into the middle frame. Mario Lucia got through the Vernon defence before going in all alone on the breakaway but couldnt beat Kirby Halcrow. The Vees with some good pressure crashed the net late in the powerplay as a shot from in close beat Halcrow but hit the post. With traffic in front the Vees were unable to get the puck through a scramble of players in and around Kirby Halcrow as the Vipers excaped killing off the minor. A minute after the powerplay Connor Reilly did all the work getting the puck deep into the Vernon zone before setting up Travis St. Denis who fed Vees captain, Logan Johnston who's quick shot from the circle beat Halcrow at 4:22 tying the game 1-1. Reilly and St. Denis with the assists. The Vipers come right back and just under two minutes later Brendan Persley with a nice pass setup Jedd Soleway who beat Michael Garteig on the Vipers first shot of the 2nd, giving Vernon a 2-1 lead at the 6:00 minute mark. Persley and Colton Cyr with the assists. This goal seemed to give Vernon some life as the Vipers come back with several good shifts picking up the physical play the Vipers were really punishing the Vees down low hemming Penticton in their own end. The Vipers with some good pressure had a few good chances in close but missed the net. John Knisley and Mike Zalewski would get a two on one, as Knisley would keep and wire a shot top shelf just under the crossbar beating Garteig at 12:46 giving Vernon a 3-1 lead. Knisley's goal was unassisted. The Vipers got some bad news as Ben Gamache left the game just past the midway mark and didnt return. Just seconds after Knisley's goal the Vees would get a powerplay and capitalize. Mike Reilly setup Wade Murphy who beat Kirby Halcrow fivehole at 14:42 to cut the lead to within a goal. Reilly with the lone helper. Patrick McGillis come down the left wing and ripped a hard high shot that Michael Garteig just got a peice of with the knob of his goal stick. Penticton would get a late powerplay that would carry over into the 3rd and final period. Vernon was up 3-2 after 40 minutes of play. A very entertaining period with both teams playing hard in a fairly even played period with not alot of scoring opportunities. The Vees outshot the Vipers 9-8.

3rd Period: Penticton started the 3rd with the man advantage that was carried over from the end of the second period. The Vees moving the puck around setup Joey Benik from the high circle that ripped a hard shot that Kirby Halcrow just got a peice of with his shoulder as the puck rolled through the crease. The Vipers would kill off the remainder of the penalty before getting an early powerplay just over a minute into the period. It didnt take the Vipers long to re-gain their two goal lead after Colton Cyr setup Adam Tambellini who beat Michael Garteig at 1:27 giving Vernon a 4-2 lead. Cyr and Patrick McGillis with the assists. Penticton would come right back and really take it too the Vipers. The Vees with so much firepower exploded with three quick goals in just over six minutes to take their first lead of the night. Bryce Gervais setup Zach Urban who beat Kirby Halcrow at 5:10 cutting the lead to within a goal. Gervais with the lone helper. Just over two minutes later Zach Urban setup Bryce Gervais at 7:16 to tie the game as the crowd erupted at the South Okanagan Events Centre. Urban with the only assist. The Vipers couldnt get any offence going as it was all Vees early and often as Penticton with some good pressure just kept pouring it on. Bryce Gervais with a quick shot from the slot was stopped by Kirby Halcrow. Just past the midway mark Mike Reilly with a nice move cut towards the Vernon goal before going around the net and beat Halcrow on the wrap around giving Penticton a 5-4 lead at 11:36. Reilly's goal was unassisted. The Vees with a huge 3rd period comeback with their first lead of the night. Just shortly after the Vipers setup Adam Tambellini who was open at the side of the net but Michael Garteig come across the crease to make a huge pad save off Tambellini. Just shortly after Brett Corkey collected the puck from his own end and went end to end making some nice moves cutting in and around a few Penticton players before getting off a shot from in close but couldnt beat Garteig. Shortly after Bryce Gervais would get hauled down on a parcial breakaway as Gervais and Marc Hetnik both went into Kirby Halcrow and the Vipers net as Penticton was rewarded a powerplay on the play. Vernon with a very good penalty kill would kill off the penalty. The Vipers running out of time couldnt get the puck through the neutral zone as the Vees with a solid defensive effort in the final two minutes didnt allow Kirby Halcrow a chance to get to the bench for the extra attacker. The Vipers would finally get the play in deep this allowing Halcrow to get to the bench for the extra man with fourty five seconds remaining but Vernon couldnt control the puck as Mike Zalewski couldnt hold off Joey Benik who got around Zalewski for the breakaway hit the empty cage at 19:22 giving the Vees a 6-4 lead and the victory. In the end the Vees were just to strong for the Vipers as Penticton carried most of the play as the Vipers couldnt get much offence going. Penticton outshot Vernon 7-4.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Aaron Hadley (1 goal) Battled and competed very hard for the second straight night. Hadley who has really come on latley played very well up front for the Vipers.

The line of Mike Zalewski (1 assist), Darren Nowick (1 assist) & John Knisley (1 goal) played well for the Vipers. I thought Zalewski and Nowick played well together at times. Nowick was again good on the penalty kill.

Patrick McGillis had atleast two scoring opportunities and come up with a few big plays through out tonight's contest to break up a Vees rush or clear the zone after making that extra effort to dive and clear the puck out of the zone. McGillis worked hard most of the night.

Ryan Renz I thought played very well on the Vernon blueline. Was very steady tonight.

Kirby Halcrow (21 saves) Made some big saves in the opening period keeping his club in the game.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

I really wanted to watch tonight's game due to the fact that if Vernon get's into the playoffs this will be the first round matchup. Give the Vipers credit they battled and played hard for most of the night but just couldnt hold onto the lead in the 3rd period.  Tonight was a very entertaining and playoff like atposphere game.  The Vipers battled hard and gave the Vees a good run for the first two periods.  The Vipers opened the scoring before having two two goal leads but just couldnt hold off the Penticton Vees in the final frame. I thought Vernon played very well in the first two periods but just couldnt get the offence going in the 3rd. Not alot of scoring chances for both teams but the Vipers only managed two in the 3rd. The Vipers need to stay a little more dicaplined against a team like Penticton. The Vipers continue to struggle away from home with just one win on the road since November, 12th 2011. With the loss and a Chiefs loss in overtime to PG the Vipers fall back into 5th place one point back of Chilliwack.

Top Players: (Penticton)

Mike Reilly (1 goal & 1 assist) Again I was very impressed with Mike Reilly who has played very well against the Vipers all season. Reilly made a nice play to score the game winner.

Zach Urban (1 goal & 1 assist) Played very well on the Vees backend.

Connor Reilly (1 assist) Had atleast two or three good chances tonight, is very quick, a smooth skater and very dangerous in and around the net.

Logan Johnston (1 goal) Also played very well on the Vees blueline.

Mario Lucia was stopped on a breakaway come up with a few chances tonight. Another Vees forward who is dangerous with and without the puck.

Bryce Gervais (1 goal & 1 assist) I thought played very well up front for the Vees. Another player who is dangerous in and around the net, come up with a few nice scoring plays but also setup a few nice plays as well.

Game Thoughts: (Penticton)

Congratulations to the Penticton Vees for winning their 33rd straight game. This is just amazing and you have to wonder if anyone will be able to beat them let alone knock them off come playoff time? The Vees who carried the edge in play in the 1st period had some good chances but couldnt beat Kirby Halcrow. The Vipers really took the physical play to the Vees in the 2nd and Penticton seemed to have troubles as Vernon ended up with some good pressure and really took it too Penticton for a while. Give Penticton credit they seemed to change their game plan a little in the 3rd and took it to the Vipers really forcing the Vipers with a strong forecheck. Penticton's defence played very well in the 3rd giving up just four shots and not allowing the Vipers anywhere really near the Vees goal. Penticton's defence really shutdown Vernon's offence most of the third period. This team has so much firepower and it showed tonight as the Vees down by two goals scored three quick goals just over six minutes part to take their first lead of the night in the 3rd. This team is so good and so strong you really have to play a perfect game against them in order to win. One mistake or one shift off and the pucks in the back of your net.

Scratches:

Vernon:

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

Penticton:
None

3 Stars:

1st Star: Wade Murphy (1 goal)
2nd Star: Zach Urban (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Aaron Hadley (1 goal)

For more on tonight's game visit the boxscore,

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977770&link=bchl

(Game Preview) Vernon @ Penticton:

Vernon (26-22-1-2) @ Penticton (44-3-0-2) 7pm start

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

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

Saturday, October 15th Vernon @ Penticton (Vees won 6-2)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977750&link=bchl

Friday, October 21st Penticton @ Vernon (Vees won 6-2)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977600&link=bchl  

Wednesday, November 2nd Penticton @ Vernon (Vipers won 7-1)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977601&link=bchl

Wednesday, November 23rd Penticton @ Vernon (Vees won 6-1)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977606&link=bchl

Wednesday, November 30th Vernon @ Penticton (Vees won 3-2)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977759&link=bchl

Wednesday, January 4th Vernon @ Penticton (Vees won 6-1)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977763&link=bchl

Last Game Played:

Thursday, February 16th Vernon defeated Nanaimo 5-1
Saturday, February 11th Penticton defeated Westside 7-5

Next Game:

Saturday, February 18th Westside @ Vernon
Saturday, February 18th Penticton @ Salmon Arm

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 33-22-2-3 vs. Penticton

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Penticton 197-173

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 17-7-1-1 at home vs. Penticton

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 13-11-1-1 in Penticton

Vernon are 3-5-1-1 in their last ten visits to Penticton

Penticton is 3-6-0-1 in their last ten visits to Vernon

The Vipers are 5-4-1-0 in their last ten games vs. Penticton

Penticton's last win at the Wesbild Centre was a 6-2 victory on Friday, October 21st 2011

Vernon's last win at the South Okanagan Events Centre was a 5-0 victory back on Friday, October 22nd 2010

The Vipers went 5-0-1-0 vs Penticton last season

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

Games Played: 1000
Wins: 637
Losses: 263
Ties: 16
Overtime Losses: 86

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

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

The Vipers make their fourth and final visit of the regular season to the South Okanagan Events Centre tonight playing their third game in four nights. Vernon is coming off a 5-1 victory over the visiting Nanaimo Clippers last night. With the win the Vipers are tied for 4th place with the Chilliwack Chiefs. The Vipers have won eight of their last twelve games but have struggled away from home with just one win since November, 12th 2011

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

Games Played: 51
Wins: 26
Losses: 22
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 19-6-1-1
Road Record: 7-16-0-1
Goals For: 171
Goals Against: 161
Streak: One game winning streak
Standings: Tied with Chilliwack for 4th Place

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

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

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Dylan Walchuk (92)
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)
Marcus Basara (93)

Vernons Home record vs. Penticton this season:

1-2-0-0

Vernons Road record vs. Penticton this season:

0-3-0-0

Vernons Powerplay vs. Penticton this season:

4-21

Vernons scoring leaders vs. Penticton this season:

Michael Zalewski (4-0-4)
Brett Corkey (0-4-4)
Darren Nowick (1-2-3)
Adam Tambellini (2-1-3)
John Knisley (0-3-3)
Colton Sparrow (1-1-2)
Ryan Renz (0-2-2)
Max Mowat (0-2-2)
Aaron Hadley (2-0-2)
Riley Hunt (0-1-1)
Geoff Crisfield (0-1-1)
Jedd Soleway (1-0-1)
Marc Hetnik (0-1-1)
Ben Gamache (1-0-1)

Kirby Halcrow (1-5 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Vernon has the leagues 3rd best powerplay

-The Vipers have the BCHL's 6th best penalty kill

-Mike Zalewski (32-33-65) is the lone Viper in the leagues top twenty in scoring

The league leading Penticton Vees come into tonight's game riding a league record thirty two game winning streak. Penticton who has just one loss at home this season has dominated the league in all records and stats. The Vees only loss at home was a 3-2 overtime loss to Merritt back on November 5th 2011.

For more on tonight's game and the Penticton Vees, please visit Fraser Rodger's Penticton Vees blog,

http://pentictonvees.wordpress.com/

Lets take a look at the Penticton Vees:

Games Played: 49
Wins: 44
Losses: 3
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 23-0-0-1
Road Record: 21-3-0-1
Goals For: 280
Goals Against: 107
Streak: Thirty three game winning streak
Standings: 1st Place

Penticton Vees Returning Players:

Joey Benik (92)
Grant Nicholson (93)
Troy Stecher (94)
Curtis Loik (93)
Kyle Beaulieu (91)
Chad Bannor (92)
Logan Johnston (91)

Penticton Vees Departing & traded players from last years team:

Joey Laleggia (92)
Brendan O'Donnell (92)
Mark MacMillan (92)
Joey Holka (90)
Garrett Milan (91)
Kyle Mountain (90)
James Polk (92)
Tyler Hlookoff (90)
Myles McCauley (91)
Steven Iacobellis (93)
Mark Hall (90)
Derik Johnson (90)
Michael Betz (92)
Paul Bezzo (90)
Joel Rumpel (91)
Billy Faust (91)

Pentictons Home record vs. Vernon this season:

3-0-0-0

Pentictons Road record vs. Vernon this season:

2-1-0-0

Pentictons Powerplay vs. Vernon this season:

11-37

Pentictons scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Mario Lucia (4-6-10)
Mike Reilly (4-5-9)
Travis St. Denis (3-6-9)
Joey Benik (2-6-8)
Connor Reilly (3-4-7)
Steven Fogarty (2-5-7)
Troy Stecher (1-4-5)
Curtis Loik (3-0-3)
Bryce Gervais (3-0-3)
Mark McLellan (0-2-2)
Ryan Reilly (1-1-2)
Logan Johnston (0-2-2)
Zach Urban (1-1-2)
Grant Nicholson (1-0-1)
Nick Buchanan (0-1-1)

Michael Garteig (5-1 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Penticton has the BCHL's best powerplay

-The Vees have the league's best penalty kill

-Connor Reilly (34-47-81), Wade Murphy (32-49-81), Joey Benik (25-54-79), Mario Lucia (34-44-78), Travis St. Denis (30-43-73), Bryce Gervais (36-30-66), Steven Fogarty (26-40-66), Mike Reilly (19-47-66) & Ryan Reilly (29-35-64) are all in the BCHL top twenty in scoring

-The Vees lead the league scoring 280 goals this season

-Michael Garteig (37-4 Record, 5 Shutouts, 1.96 GAA) is in the leagues top ten goaltenders

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon Vipers:

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

Penticton Vees:

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

Special Teams Spark Vipers:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Special Teams Spark Vipers

Thursday, February 16, 2012 - Submitted by Don Klepp

A pair of power play goals and a short handed tally made the difference as the Vipers returned home to defeat the Nanaimo Clippers 5-1 on Thursday.

Aaron Hadley led the way with two goals, including the ice breaker at 5:26 of the first period. Passes from Patrick McGillis and Adam Tambellini sprung him loose on the left side. He beat a defender wide, went behind the net and jammed a wraparound past netminder Billy Faust.

Tambellini, who finished with three points, scored the eventual winner on the power play, at 9:59. The Vipers passed the puck crisply, and Mike Zalewski eventually found Tambellini open in the right faceoff circle. Tambellini overpowered Faust with a wrist shot to the top corner.

Early in the second period, Vernon registered another power play goal. Again, Zalewski was the set up man, zipping a pass from the corner that Hadley tipped over a diving Faust 26 seconds into the period.

The Clippers replicated that goal one minute later when Luke Gordon directed Kyle Kramer’s cross ice feed past Kirby Halcrow at the far post. That was all the Clippers would get, however, as Halcrow had a strong game. He was particularly adept at stopping deflections of point shots with his pads or skates.

The Vipers iced the game midway through the second period when former Clipper, Colton Cyr, set up Mike Zalewski’s short handed goal. Cyr stripped David Iacono at the Viper blue line and moved down the right wing. Graeme McCormack, the lone Clipper defender, kept himself between Cyr and Mike Zalewski, so Cyr fired the puck on net. Zalewski swept in the rebound.

At the end of a quiet third period, Jedd Soleway cleaned up a yard sale in front of Faust for his 11thgoal in his rookie campaign.

In addition to the three special team goals, the Vipers kept a clean sheet during seven Clipper power plays. “We were more aggressive on the PK than we have been in recent games,” said Viper Assistant Coach, Chris Shaw. “Also, we took better care of the puck than in Merritt on Tuesday.”

Temporarily at least, the Vipers move into a tie with Chilliwack for the last playoff spot in the BCHL’s Interior Division, but the Chiefs have two games in hand. On Friday, Vernon will be in Penticton while Chilliwack travels to Prince George.

Kakoske Makes Cents Of Hockey:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Kakoske makes cents of hockey

Vernon's Ryan Kakoske (left), a defenceman with the UBC Thunderbirds, keeps a close watch on Reid Jorgensen of the Calgary Dinos in CIS men's hockey action. Kakoske, 24, graduates this spring.

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: February 17, 2012

At 106 games and counting, Vernon’s Ryan Kakoske is a veritable greybeard in the world of Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) men’s hockey.

A defensive stalwart with the UBC Thunderbirds, the 24-year-old Kakoske will end a four-year university career and step right into an associate training position with CIBC’s commercial banking sector this spring in downtown Vancouver.

It’s not a position one lands with so-so grades. Kakoske, who played Junior A with the B.C. Hockey League’s Vernon Vipers, maintained an 80 per cent average while balancing school and hockey. An academic All-Canadian, he chose a “nice, light final semester” course load comprising e-commerce, finance and, just for fun, an elective in geology.

“I had some pretty solid coaching between Ferns (Mark Ferner) and Mark Holick (in Vernon)... instilling some pretty hard-working principles in me,” said Kakoske.

“That competitiveness has translated over to school. You put in that extra time to do well and playing those two-and-a-half years in Vernon really helped me out with that.”

Compared to the marathon Junior schedules, Kakoske says it is a wonder he even reached the 100-game plateau in university.

“It’s a little weird only playing 28 games (in a regular season). As an 18-year-old, when I was between Sicamous (Eagles, KIJHL) and Vernon, I played 89 games that year alone.

“It’s definitely taken a little more time to get to 100 here than it did there. I’m kind of the wiliest of wily vets as far as games played is concerned.”

Kakoske has amassed two goals, three assists and six penalty minutes in 26 games with UBC this season, while continually drawing the toughest defensive assignments. He recorded four goals and 14 assists in 106 career games.

“Ryan has been our top d-man for the past three years, and this year is not different,” said UBC head coach Milan Dragicevic. “He plays against the teams’ top lines and plays close to 30 minutes a night. He comes to compete every night and always leads example.”

After alternating wins and losses for their first eight games of the season, the T-Birds dropped five of six games in November before catching fire with six consecutive wins in December and January.

“We have quite a few first-year guys so it was kinda nice to get their confidence going into the second half,” said Kakoske.

More than anything, he would have loved to end his university career by helping the T-birds host a playoff game, something the program hasn’t managed to do since 1971. However, four straight losses to start February have left UBC fifth in Canada West at 12-11-3 (top six teams make playoffs).

Kakoske will play his final regular-season games this weekend as the T-Birds visit the Canada West-leading Manitoba Bison for a doubleheader in Winnipeg.

Vernon 5 Nanaimo 1

I was at tonight's BCHL game as Vernon defeated Nanaimo 5-1 in front of 1,485 fans at the Wesbild Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Kirby Halcrow
Nanaimo: Billy Faust

1st Period: Just fifty two seconds into the opening period the Clippers would get an early powerplay. Nanaimo couldnt generate any pressure as a strong Vernon Viper penalty kill did most of the work keeping the puck out of the Vernon zone before the Vipers would go down two men, giving the Clippers a short two man advantage. Just as the first powerplay come to an end Graeme McCormack's point shot was tipped in front by Luke Gordon who was stopped by Kirby Halcrow who made a nice save off the tipp in front. Nanaimo with just three shots on the two man advantage couldnt capitalize after a very good penalty kill by the Vipers. Vernon come right back just a few seconds later and would open the scoring after Aaron Hadley beat former Penticton Vees goaltender, Billy Faust on the wraparound giving Vernon a 1-0 lead on just their second shot of the night at 5:26. Hadley's goal was unassisted. Just a few shifts later John Knisley with a nice pass on a Vipers rush setup Mike Zalewski in the slot who ripped a quick hard shot from the slot was stopped by Billy Faust who made a nice pad save. Vernon would then get their first powerplay of the night and capitalize after Mike Zalewski setup Adam Tambellini who snipped a quick hard shot that beat Billy Faust at 9:59 giving the Vipers a 2-0 lead, Zalewski and Brett Corkey collected the helpers. Just shortly after Graeme McCormack's point shot was tipped in front by Kyle Kramer but somehow Kirby Halcrow stuck out the right pad making a big pad save keeping the Clippers off the scoreboard. With the Vipers going hard towards the net, Billy Faust made two saves from in tight before Ben Gamache with a shot from the top of the crease couldnt lift the puck up and over Faust who made a nice save with traffic in front. Faust come up with atleast three good saves with bodies in front keeping this a two goal game. The Vipers would get a late powerplay in the final minute that would carry over into the 2nd period. The Vipers with a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes of play. Not alot of action in the opening period as both teams didnt generate alot of scoring chances. A fairly even played period with the Vipers getting a few more scoring chances. Vernon outshot Nanaimo 14-13.

2nd Period: Vernon started the middle frame with the man advantage that was carried over from the 1st period and capitalized early. Just twenty six seconds into the period Mike Zalewski with a nice cross ice pass setup and found Aaron Hadley who beat Faust for his second goal of the game giving the Vipers a 3-0 lead. Zalewski and Darren Nowick with the helpers. But back come the Clippers just under a minute later, Kyle Kramer with a nice setup found a wide open Luke Gordon who beat Kirby Halcrow with a nice goal in close getting Nanaimo on the board. Kramer and former Vernon Vipers forward, Trevor Fitzgerald with the assists. The Clippers would get an early powerplay but again it was the strong penalty kill by the Vipers who did most of the work. Darren Nowick who worked hard and showed lots of hustle all night was very strong on the penalty kill. Nowick stole the puck on several occasions killing off valuable time before going in on a parcial two on one rush, Nowick was held to the outside before going inside-out on one Clippers d-man before getting off a quick shot from in close on a good chance shorthanded. The Vipers would kill off the minor. On the next few shifts the Vipers fed Adam Tambellini in the slot who with a nice move cut hard towards the net and then ripped a hard low shot that was stopped by Billy Faust who kicked out the puck making a huge right pad save. On the next shift former Trail Smoke Eaters forward, Clayton Cheesa on a two on one beat Kirby Halcrow but hit either the post or crossbar on a close call. Just shortly after the Clippers would go back to their second powerplay of the period but again it was the Vipers penalty killers that were the ones that made the difference. Former Nanaimo Clippers captain, Colton Cyr and Mike Zalewski on a two on one break, Cyr shot but was stopped by Faust who kicked out the rebound to a wide open Zalewski who hit the empty cage giving Vernon a 4-1 lead at 10:27 Cyr with the lone assist. The Vipers would kill off the remainder of the powerplay. Things slowly started to get rough as both teams started to take a few liberties at one another during the play. During back to back stopages in play some pushing and shoving occured as tempers slowly started to heat up. Former Vernon Vipers Head Coach & Gm Mike Vandekamp wasnt happy with a few of the officials calls as Vandy was yelling at the referees on a few back to back calls. Just past the midway mark tempers heated up as Turner Lawson and Josh Phillips dropped the gloves deep in the Clippers zone, at the other end of the rink deep in the Vipers zone a small melay broke out as the remainder of players on the ice got together with some pushing and shoving as the odd punch was thrown. Just a minute later Vernon would get a powerplay but unable to capitalize as the Clippers would kill off the minor. From here on in it was all Vipers as Vernon dominated the play. Nanaimo with just a single shot in the final nine minutes of play. At times it looked like the Vipers had the puck on a string being creative with the puck the Vipers created a few chances but didnt really come up with alot of good quality opportunties. Billy Faust was busy making several routine saves slowed down the play at times with lots of stopages in play. Aaron Hadley looking for his third of the night tried his second wrap around of the game but couldnt beat Faust who made the save with twenty nine seconds remaining in the period. Vernon with a 4-1 lead after 40 minutes of play. The Vipers scored two to take a three goal lead into the 3rd were the better of the two teams in the second period. The Clippers who didnt generate much offence were outplayed for most of the period. The Vipers skill really took over and showed in the middle frame. The Vipers outshot the Clippers 11-10.

3rd Period: Just over two and a half minutes into the 3rd Andrew Gladuik with a nice move in close tried beating Halcrow on the first shot was stopped before getting off two more shots but the Vipers goaltender who was down and out somehow kept his right pad down tight against the post making a big save early to start the 3rd. On the play Nanaimo would get an early powerplay but the Vipers would kill off the minor. The Vipers then just taking off as much time off the clock as possible played dump and chase up by three goals. The Clippers come very close to making this a two goal game after Kirby Halcrow coughed up the puck from behind his own net, Halcrow come out to play the puck, throwing it up the middle right on the stick of Josh Phillips who fired for the empty cage but Halcrow was very lucky come sliding back into his crease to make the huge save on a very close call. Not alot of action early on as the Clippers with just three shots in the first half of the period. Vipers captain, Patrick McGillis and Ben Gamache on a two on one, Gamache fed McGillis who didnt get off enough wood couldnt record a shot on goal. Vernon would get a powerplay at the halfway mark but the Clippers with a good penalty kill would kill off the minor before getting a powerplay of their own. Nanaimo with back to back powerplays couldnt capitalize as the Vipers would kill off both penalties. In the final minute of play the Vipers with a good rush towards the goal setup Adam Tambellini who beat Billy Faust but hit the post before Jedd Soleway collected the rebound beat Faust on the second attempt giving Vernon a 5-1 lead at 19:38 Tambellini with the only assist on the play. At the buzzer tempers heated up again as some pushing and shoving occured inside the Nanaimo blueline before the players were broken up as the Vipers would snap a two game losing skid with a 5-1 victory over Nanaimo. Not alot of action in the final frame. The Clippers outshot the Vipers 10-8.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Adam Tambellini (1 goal & 1 assist) Tambellini played very well this evening. I thought was one of the Vipers better forward units. Come up with some good chances, getting shots on goal and creating opportunities. This kid has a wicked shot and can sure snipe goals.

Aaron Hadley (2 goals) Played very well for the Vipers. Scored two goals and had atleast two other opportunities to score maybe two more. Battled hard down low and was a force in and around the Clippers goal.

Mike Zalewski (1 goal & 2 assists) Was also strong for Vernon tonight, good with the puck down low. Really reads the ice well.

Darren Nowick (1 assist) One of if not the hardest working kid on the team was very strong on the Vipers penalty kill. Stole the puck, created and generated scoring chances shorthanded all night. Really worked hard, skated hard and played with lots of hustle and energy. A very strong competator.

Geoff Crisfield played very well on Vernons blueline. Jumped up into the rush on several occasions. Played physical and was steady on the Vipers backend.

Kirby Halcrow (32 saves) Didnt have to make alot of big saves but did come up with atleast three maybe four good saves played well between the pipes. Halcrow who didnt give up alot of rebounds did get lucky coughing up the puck in the 3rd only managing to get back just in time to make a big save off Josh Phillips. Halcrow saw most of the Clipper shots wich makes his job that much more easier.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

After returning home with back to back dissapointing losses in Chilliwack and Merritt I thought the Vipers played very well tonight. This team has been very uncosistant all season and it showed again tonight. After a five game winning streak the team looks terrible in back to back losses vs Chilliwack and Merritt but comes back with a strong performance tonight vs Nanaimo. Its frustrating, why cant this team play like this on a more consistant basis? Not alot of mistakes, made some good passes, and timely plays tonight. Scored some nice goals and played well defensively. The Vipers defence didnt give up alot of second or third opportunties.   I also thought the Vipers played very well with the lead.  I was very impressed with the penalty kill. The Vipers looked very strong on specialty teams scoring once shorthanded but also getting atleast two good chances down a man. A huge win now puts the Vipers tied with 4th place Chilliwack for the fourth and final playoff spot.

Top Players: (Nanaimo)

Andrew Gladuik had a real good chance in the third period but played more of the agitator role tonight seemed to get under the skin of several Vernon Vipers through out tonight's game.

Luke Gordon (1 goal) I thought Gordon played fairly well tonight. Was one of the Clippers for offensive players.

Clayton Cheesa was another Nanaimo Clipper that got involved in some scoring chances. Had a great chance in the 2nd period on a Clippers odd man rush but hit the post.

Kyle Kramer (1 assist) Was one of the hardest working Clippers this evening. Tipped Graeme McCormack's point shot in the opening period but couldnt beat Halcrow who made a real nice pad save off the Nanaimo forward.

Billy Faust (38 saves) I dont think you can blame Faust for any of the five Vipers goals tonight. The former Penticton Vees backup goaltender made a few big saves tonight but overall played his position well coming out challenging the Viper shooters making several routine saves.

Game Thoughts: (Nanaimo)

The Clippers broke the glass not once but twice during warmup, something I have never seen before. This didnt stop Nanaimo as the team put one net up against the side boards and did their drills going across the rink. Mike Vandekamp faced his former team for the second time in his coaching career but the first visit back to the Wesbild Centre for Vandy. For a Mike Vadekamp team, I wasnt very impressed with the Clippers. Nanaimo seemed to stay with the Vipers in the opening period but as the game went on was outplayed and outhit. The Clippers with not alot of skill up front had troubles generating offence all night. Specialty teams was the difference as Nanaimo went 0-7 with the man advantage and also gave up a shorthanded goal. The Clippers powerplay was terrible. Overall the Clippers just didnt impress me. After watching Mike Vandekamp coach here for three seasons I was expecting alot more out of Nanaimo.

Scratches:

Vernon:

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

Nanaimo:

Ryan Wells
Jared Chinn

Vipers energy player of the game: Brendan Persley

3 Stars:

1st Star: Aaron Hadley (2 goals)
2nd Star: Mike Zalewski (1 goal & 2 assists)
3rd Star: Adam Tambellini (1 goal & 1 assist)

For more on tonight's game visit the boxscore,

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977588&link=bchl

(Game Preview) Nanaimo @ Vernon:

Nanaimo (22-19-0-9) @ Vernon (25-22-1-2) 7pm start

Tonight is the first and only regular season meeting between these two teams.

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

Sunday, December 12th 2010 Vernon @ Nanaimo (Vipers won 3-2)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840250

Wednesday, February 2nd 2011 Nanaimo @ Vernon (Vipers won 2-1)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840027

Last Game Played:

Tuesday, February 14th Merritt defeated Vernon 7-1
Wednesday, February 15th Coquitlam defeated Nanaimo 6-3

Next Game:

Friday, February 16th Vernon @ Penticton
Saturday, February 18th Nanaimo @ Prince George

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 9-4-0-2 vs. Nanaimo

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon has outscored Nanaimo 48-42

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 7-0-0-1 at home vs. Nanaimo

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 2-4-0-1 in Nanaimo

The Vipers are 7-0-0-1 in their last eight games at home vs. the Clippers

The Vipers are 2-4-0-1 in their last seven games on the road vs. the Clippers

The Vipers are 6-2-0-2 in their last ten games vs. Nanaimo

Nanaimo’s last victory in Vernon was a 4-3 double overtime win back on Friday, January 16th 2009

The Vipers went 2-0-0-0 last season vs the Nanaimo Clippers during the regular season.

The Vernon Lakers changed their name to the Vernon Vipers to start the 1995-96 season.

Here’s a look at the Vipers all-time regular season record

Games Played: 999
Wins: 636
Losses: 263
Ties: 16
Overtime Losses: 86

For more stats & former Vernon Junior Hockey Team rosters & lineups please visit Paul’s Vernon Junior Hockey History website,
http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html  

The Vipers return home after a two game road trip wich saw them lose 3-1 in Chilliwack Saturday and 7-1 Tuesday in Merritt. The Vipers have won six straight at home where they are 18-6-1-1. Tonight is the first game of three straight for Vernon (Nanaimo, Penticton & Westside) The Vipers sit in 5th place two points back of 4th place Chilliwack with just ten games remaining. Vernon will play six of its final ten games away from home to finish off the regular season.

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

Games Played: 50
Wins: 25
Losses: 22
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 18-6-1-1
Road Record: 7-16-0-1
Goals For: 166
Goals Against: 160
Streak: Two game losing streak
Standings: 5th Place

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

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

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Marcus Basara (93)
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. Nanaimo last season:

1-0-0-0

Vernon's Road record vs. Nanaimo last season:

1-0-0-0

Vernon’s Powerplay vs. Nanaimo last season:

0-6

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Nanaimo last season:

David Robinson (3-0-3)
Kyle Murphy (0-2-2)
Bryce Kakoske (0-2-2)
Brett Corkey (0-1-1)
Patrick McGillis (0-1-1)
Zach McPhee (1-0-1)
Marcus Basara (0-1-1)
Todd Skirving (0-1-1)
Trevor Fitzgerald (0-1-1)
Malcolm Lyles (1-0-1)

Blake Voth (2-0 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Vernon has the leagues 3rd best powerplay

-The Vipers have the BCHL's 7th best penalty kill

-Mike Zalewski (31-31-62) is the lone Viper in the leagues top twenty in scoring

The Nanaimo Clippers make their first and only visit of the season to the Wesbild Centre where both teams face each other just once this season. Tonight is the Clippers third game of a six game road trip where Nanaimo is 0-2 with losses in Cowichan Valley & Coquitlam. The Clippers are riding a two game losing streak. Tonight is just the Clippers sixth game away from home in their last fifteen games.

Lets take a look at the Nanaimo Clippers:

Games Played: 50
Wins: 22
Losses: 19
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 9
Home Record: 12-9-0-5
Road Record: 10-10-0-4
Goals For: 163
Goals Against: 162
Streak: Two game losing streak
Standings: 5th Place

Nanaimo Clippers Returning Players:

Andrew Gladiuk (91)
Kyle Kramer (92)
Graeme McCormack (91)
Brett Hartskamp (92)

Departing & traded players from last years team:

Ryan Stanimir (90)
Graeme McCormack (91)
Mike Domsodi (90)
Victor Newell (93)
Brayden Jaw (92)
Colton Cyr (91)
Samuel Labrecque (92)
Gerry Fitzgerald (93)
Myles Fitzgerald (93)
Zach Martin (90)
Leo Fitzgerald (93)
Yannick LaFlamme (92)
Danick Malouin (90)
Todd Gebert (90)
Nick Bell (91)
Mike Dopko (90)
Tristan Lowenberger (92)
Charles-Andre Pelletier (91)
Charles-Alexy Premont (92)

At Home last season vs. Vernon:

0-1-0-0

On The Road last season vs. Vernon:

0-1-0-0

Nanaimo's Powerplay vs. Vernon last season:

0-7

Nanaimo's scoring leaders vs. Vernon last season:

Victor Newell (1-1-2)
Myles Fitzgerald (0-2-2)
Leo Fitzgerald (1-0-1)
Brodie Jamieson (0-1-1)
Mike Domsodi (1-0-1)

Charles-Andre Pelletier (0-2 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Nanaimo has the leagues 6th best powerplay

-The Clippers have the BCHL's 3rd best penalty kill

-Former Vernon Vipers forward Trevor Fitzgerald faces his former team

-Former Vernon Vipers Head Coach-GM Mike Vandekamp will face his former team for the second time in his career

-Billy Faust (20-20 Record, 4 Shutouts, 2.83 GAA) is in the league's top ten goaltenders

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon Vipers:

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

Nanaimo Clippers:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224078

BCHL Team Reports:

This is in the BC Hockey Now newspaper:

BCHL Team Reports

February 10, 2012

Posted in BC Edition, Junior A

BY BRENT MUTIS /

While the Penticton Vees have run away from the the rest of the Interior Conference, there are some real battles unfolding for the remaining playoff positions.

Some teams, however, are having to settle for developing the youngsters now that the postseason is out of reach.

COASTAL CONFERENCE

Alberni Valley Bulldogs

Alberni Valley is always up first thanks to the alphabet but they remain last in the conference with a 16-26-2-1 mark. The team’s youngest player, Evan Tironese, has shown signs lately of being a good piece for the future. They’ve also scored the third most power-play goals in the BCHL.

Coquitlam Express

The Express have opened a nice cushion over fifth-place Nanaimo but would like to keep pushing to get into third. A fourth-place finish could mean a playoff meeting with the Powell River Kings who have won 10 straight. Coquitlam’s power-play is lethal and there could wind up being five 20-goal scorers on the team.

Cowichan Valley Capitals

The Caps have seen the Express creep to within three points recently and Surrey, who leads them by two points, also has a game in hand. The offence went dry at the end of January and a recent five-goal outburst still wound up as an OT loss. Cowichan Valley needs leaders Devin Gannon, Brett Knowles and Matt Brown to pave the way right now.

Langley Rivermen

One of the league’s biggest teams in terms of average height and weight, the Rivermen are also amongst the youngest teams in the BCHL and it’s shown this season. Langley sits seventh but has gotten good production from young players like Bo Pellah and Austin Plevy. Derek Sutliffe’s seven-point night recently against Victoria was a season highlight.

Nanaimo Clippers

The boatmen seem to be paddling in circles and can’t gain on the fourth-place Express. Defencemen Graeme McCormack, Josh Phillips and David Iacono have buoyed the offence but the team hasn’t been able to get much secondary production after Andrew Gladiuk, Kyle Kramer and Trevor Fitzgerald. Goalie Billy Faust remains a bright spot.

Powell River Kings

With the Vees grabbing most of the BCHL headlines for their winning exploits, the Kings have quietly fashioned a 10-game win streak of their own to seize top spot in the conference. Cohen Adair has assumed the team scoring lead after d-man Craig Dalrymple had led most of the season. The loss of goalie Jamie Phillips has not been noticed with Jonah Imoo stepping right in.

Surrey Eagles

Surrey hadn’t lost in regulation in 10 games as of this writing but they did drop four of those decisions in OT. Not a high-scoring team, the Eagles do have nine players with double-digit goals. Andrew Hunt has been the story of Surrey’s season with a .922 save percentage and a BCHL-leading 1,269 saves in 41 games.

Victoria Grizzlies

Avert your eyes. The Grizz have been grisly lately as they’ve been going with a short bench due to trades and injuries to forward Wes Myron and goalie Garrett Rockafellow. They were 0-9-1-0 over a 10-game span recently. Positives would be the production of first-year players Coltyn Hansen and Cam Lawson who had 10 and eight points respectively in their last five games.

INTERIOR CONFERENCE

Chilliwack Chiefs

Don’t look now but the Vernon Vipers have a winning record in their last 10 while Chilliwack doesn’t. The Snakes are gaining ground on fourth-place Chilliwack and an upcoming road trip that includes Prince George and Merritt will be a tester. Recent losses to Westside and Trail have hurt but the Chiefs still have games in hand on the Spruce Kings and Cents.

Merritt Centennials

A five-game stretch at the end of January and start of February brought just four goals scored and included shutouts by Vernon and Penticton. For a team that has not scored a ton this year, it’s a bit alarming though it’s not for a lack of shots. Some finish would be nice from Regan Soquila, Brandon Bruce and Silvan Harper.

Penticton Vees

Having captured win No. 30 on Feb. 7 in Chilliwack, the Vees have just about done it all this season. They’ve scored more goals than anyone, given up fewer, and boast a blue-collar work ethic to boot. It’s a combination that could take the team a long way.

Prince George Spruce Kings

Every game, opponents know they have to contain the line of Michael Colantone, Jujhar Khaira and Paul De Jersey but few seem to be able to do it. The trio have 85 goals and 204 points between them while goalies Kirk Thompson and Ty Swabb each have sub-3.00 goals-against averages and >.900 save percentages.

Salmon Arm SilverBacks

Spinning their wheels lately, the ’Backs came up empty-handed on a trip to Prince George to begin February and have just one regulation win in 2012. Alex Gillies, the team’s youngest player, has been a bright spot but there isn’t much left on offence after Morgan Zulinick and Devin Muller.

Trail Smoke Eaters

The Smokies seem to be relishing the role of spoiler now and have scored wins over Surrey and Chilliwack in the last couple of weeks. Five of the team’s 11 wins have come in their last 10 games and Erik Cooper has gone berserk with 17 points in eight games. Connor Tiechko has 15 points in his last nine while Garrett McMullen has eight in his last five.

Vernon Vipers

The Snakes may slither into the playoffs yet. Michael Zalewski has 11 goals in nine games to crack the 30 mark and goalie Kirby Halcrow is beginning to play like his former self. Vernon’s acquisition of veterans at the deadline means there’s no panic as it gets late in the season.

Westside Warriors

The league’s youngest team (Peter McIntosh is the only 1991-born player) won’t be making the playoffs barring a miracle but have to like the idea of Marcus Basara, Max French and Travis Blanleil coming back for next season. Dwayne Rodrigue has been a star in goal of late and has seen his save percentage rise to .910.

Vernon RBC Cup Bid Moves Ahead:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vernon RBC Cup bid moves ahead

By Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star

Published: February 15, 2012

Vernon’s bid for the 2014 RBC Cup Canadian Junior A Hockey Championship has taken another step forward.

Printed and electronic versions of a 102-page bid document have been submitted to B.C. Hockey, which has forwarded the bid to Hockey Canada for consideration. The bid was accompanied by a bid fee of $2,500 and a refundable surety cheque of $5,000.
The Vernon bid committee also has found an organization to underwrite any potential losses incurred by the event. That organization and its CEO prefer to remain anonymous, said Mike Lane, co-chair of the Vernon bid committee.

The British Columbia Hockey League, which has encouraged Vernon’s bid, wrote a letter of support on Dec. 7. Commissioner John Grisdale and the league remain firmly behind Vernon’s application.

“As a six-time national champion, the Vernon Vipers Hockey Club in partnership with the City of Vernon will be the ideal host team and city leading to what I believe will be the most successful RBC Championship ever,” said Grisdale.

Bid committee co-chair Chris Collard is very pleased by the response to the committee’s call for donations toward mounting the bid.

“We’ve received support from close to 300 people,” says Collard.

“Their contributions have allowed us to pay the bid fee and will cover the costs of producing and delivering an oral and multimedia presentation to Hockey Canada.”

The City of Vernon has agreed to cover the $5,000 surety cheque. If Vernon is awarded the 2014 tournament, the bid committee will need to find sponsors for three further surety cheques of $15,000 that will be due this September, next September, and in April 2014.

Stuart Fransbergen, a long-time Viper volunteer, won the draw for the signed Aaron Volpatti jersey.

Draws for Vipers season tickets will be made at Vipers home games on Thursday and Saturday, and the team-signed Vipers jersey draw will happen on March 4.

The bid committee will continue to accept donations at Vipers home games, at Chris Collard’s Sun Life office, and online at https://www.registrationlogic.com/secure/Register.aspx?ID=146

Former Vernon Viper Strachan Scores First Career NHL Goal In Win Over Islanders:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman, Tyson Strachan scored his first career NHL goal Sunday in a 4-1 victory over the New York Islanders. Strachan who was recently called up to the Florida Panthers from the AHL San Antonio Rampage back on January, 30th 2012 played in just his eighth game with the Panthers this season.  Strachan played just one season in Vernon (2002-03) collecting (6-22-28) in 56 regular season games with the Vipers, before playing four years at Ohio State University. Strachan was drafted by Carolina in the fifth round (137th overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Strachan signed as a free agent with the Florida Panthers back in July after playing the last four seasons with the AHL Peoria Rivermen & the NHL St. Louis Blues.

Tyson Strachan's Player Profile:

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

Tyson Strachan's first career NHL goal (Video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKkIyZ8FEu8

This is posted on the Panthers website:

Panthers 4, Islanders 1

Associated Press

UNIONDALE, N.Y. (AP)

For the second consecutive game, the Florida Panthers overcame an early deficit on the road and picked up a key win.

Kris Versteeg, Tomas Fleischmann, Tyson Strachan and Jack Skille scored and the Panthers earned a 4-1 victory over the New York Islanders on Sunday.

Goalie Jose Theodore made 26 saves in his first appearance since Jan. 20 after suffering a knee injury.

The Panthers swept a set of back-to-back games for the first time in nine attempts this season after a come-from-behind win over New Jersey on Saturday.

Florida has its first three-game winning streak since Dec. 8.

"It's been two solid games and it's satisfying when you get rewarded for playing hard," Panthers coach Kevin Dineen said. "It's not fun putting ourselves down a goal early but I think when we got down, it didn't seem to (hamper) us too badly."

The Panthers' quick-strike offense supported Theodore with two goals off faceoffs and four unanswered goals overall to erase a 1-0 deficit.

Frans Nielsen scored the Islanders' goal on the team's first shot at

3:35 of the first.

Theodore then stopped every subsequent shot, including six on New York power-play attempts, in coming back from a three-week layoff.

Fleischmann and Versteeg each finished with two points.

"I was just looking forward to get this game in and I was feeling better as the game went on," Theodore said. "I'll have to work hard in practice to get my game to where it was a couple of months ago."

Strachan notched his first career goal in the first and Fleischmann, Versteeg and Skille scored three goals in a 14:16 span in the second period to turn a tie game into a 4-1 advantage heading into the final period.

Florida remained in first place in the Southeast Division and third place in the conference with 65 points.

New York lost an opportunity to pick up points for the sixth time in seven games and trails Toronto by eight points for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

"It wasn't a good first two periods but we have no excuses," said Islanders center John Tavares, who has one point in his past six games. "We had some breakdowns."

Making his fourth start in six days, Islanders goalie Evgeni Nabokov allowed three goals on six shots in the second and made just 11 saves on 15 shots before being lifted for backup Al Montoya to start the third.

"We passed up a lot of shots," Islanders captain Mark Streit said. "It's painful. We set ourselves up with a big victory yesterday and we couldn't build on it today."

Fleischmann tipped in Versteeg's pass from the left post for his 18th goal to break a 1-all tie 4:17 into the second. The duo are roommates on road trips, helping to build a chemistry on Florida's top line that also includes Stephen Weiss.

"He hit my stick exactly where it needed to be, it was a great pass by him," Fleischmann said. "I was just driving to the net and the pass went right on my tape. I didn't have to do anything. It just hit it and went in the net."

Versteeg tied a career high with his 22nd goal on a right circle wrister on a power-play goal at 11:41.

Tomas Kopecky screened Nabokov as Versteeg's shot beat him on the high glove-side.
The 36-year-old Nabokov entered the game having allowed only five goals on 135 shots in five games since the All-Star break. But he allowed his fourth goal of the game with 1:27 left in the second on Skille's goal off a draw.

"When you give up two faceoff goals and a power-play goal, you're not going to win games," Islanders coach Jack Capuano said. "When you break it down, we had quality chances but I look at the work ethic and the structure, and we didn't execute our breakout in the first period."

New York came out strong when Nielsen converted PA Parenteau's pass for a goal less than four minutes in.

But Strachan's right-point slap shot off Marcel Goc's faceoff win tied it at 14:57. Goc has three assists in his past two games.

Florida gave up a goal in the first four minutes for the fourth time in the past five games, but used it as a rallying point.

"We started slow the last few games and it woke us up and gave us a jump start," Versteeg said. "We've found ways to win."

Notes: Panthers defenseman Jason Garrison did not play after suffering a lower-body injury in Saturday's game at New Jersey. ... Fleischmann's goal marked his 200th career point. ... Brian Campbell added an assist for his 350th career point. ... Islanders defenseman Andrew MacDonald recorded a point in consecutive games for the first time this season. ... Former Islanders and Panthers general manager Bill Torrey was in attendance.

Centennials Trample Vipers:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Centennials Trample Vipers

Wednesday, February 15, 2012 - Submitted by Don Klepp

The Merritt Centennials broke out of their slump in a big way in Tuesday’s lone BCHL game, with a 7-1 home victory over the Vernon Vipers.

The Centennials had lost six in a row, including 4-0 and 4-1 defeats in Vernon, but they regained their scoring touch as they cashed in half of their scoring chances. Despite being outshot in the first two periods, they took a 4-0 lead into the second intermission and after surrendering a goal in the third, they rubbed salt in the Vipers’ wounds with three more opportunistic strikes.

Chad Brears and Brandon Bruce led the Merritt attack with two goals apiece. Brears gave the Cents a 2-0 lead in the first period, both in Kirby Halcrow’s crease. At 12:13, as three Cents crashed the crease, the puck bounced off Brears’s leg. The Vipers protested, claiming a kicking motion, but referee Steve Papp upheld his original call.

With four seconds remaining in the opening frame, Viper defenders relaxed in the corner to the right of Halcrow and a trio of Centennials brought the puck to Halcrow’s crease, where Brears banged it in.

Brandon Bruce then took care of the second period scoring. At 1:57, he followed Carter Shinkaruk to the net and popped in a rebound. He then took advantage of sleepy Viper defencemen to take a breakaway pass from Dylan Chanter and slip the disk between Halcrow’s pads at 14:44.

With the weight on their shoulders of shutout losses in their previous two appearances at the Nicola Valley Arena, the Vipers looked like they might be blanked again, but they finally got on the board at 3:38 of the third period. Mike Zalewski swept behind the net and set up John Knisleyfor a one-timer.

In that final frame, the Vipers generated more scoring chances than their hosts, but were limited to the one goal by Lino Chimienti’s solid goaltending and by the Merritt defenders’ ability to clear rebounds.

Merritt’s three remaining goals resulted from a combination of Centennial determination and indifferent Viper defending.

The win moves Merritt one point past idle Prince George in the race for second place in the Interior Division, while the Vipers lost a chance to tie Chilliwack for the last playoff spot in the Interior.

Vernon Vipers Seeking Road-Warrior Moxy:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vernon Vipers seeking road-warrior moxy

Published: February 15, 2012

If the Vernon Vipers are serious about becoming B.C. Hockey League playoff contenders, they first need to become road warriors.



While their home record is a respectable 18-6-1-1, they were a woeful 7-15-0-1 away from Wesbild Centre as they headed into Tuesday night’s tilt with the Merritt Centennials at Nicola Valley Arena. With six of their remaining 10 regular-season games on the road, the Snakes simply need to find a way to extract points from opponents’ rinks, said Vipers’ assistant coach Chris Shaw.

“We’ve been good at home, but have struggled on the road and we can’t put a finger on what the difference is,” said Shaw. “We’ve had a lot of good efforts on the road; we just got the short end of the stick.”

That was the case Saturday night as the Vipers fell 3-1 to the host Chilliwack Chiefs, the team they are chasing for the final Interior Conference playoff spot. Heading into Merritt, the Vipers were in fifth place at 25-21-1-2, two points back of the Chiefs (26-20-1-2).

Vernon entertains Mike Vandekamp’s 22-18-0-9 Nanaimo Clippers Thursday night at Wesbild.

“Just from knowing coach Vandekamp, they’ll be a hard-working team. They’re probably one of the more physical teams in the league and they still have a shot at making the playoffs, so they’ll be playing desperate hockey too,” said Shaw.

In Chilliwack, the Chiefs opened the scoring in the first period when Viper defenceman Brett Corkey was unable to hold the puck at blueline, allowing Malcolm Gould to chase it down and rip a shot past Kirby Halcrow from the top of the circle at 3:37.

David Bondra, the son of former NHL sniper Peter Bondra, made it 2-0 just over five minutes into the second frame when he buried the rebound off Gould’s shot during an odd-man rush.

Jedd Soleway, pouncing on the rebound from Marc Hetnik’s point shot, supplied Vernon’s lone goal 11:14 into the second frame, but Spencer Graboski answered for the Chiefs less than two minutes later to complete the scoring.

“Chilliwack beared down on their chances. We made three mistakes and they scored on every one of them,” said Shaw. “It was just miscues in front of the net and not tying up sticks in front of the net.”

The Vipers will be in tough Friday night when they visit the juggernaut Penticton Vees (44-3-0-2), winners of 32 straight games, at the South Okanagan Events Centre. They will make it three games in as many nights when they host the Westside Warriors (18-26-2-5) Saturday.

Merritt 7 Vernon 1

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Merritt Centennials at 12:13 - Regan Soquila from Chad Brears and Reece Willcox
Merritt Centennials at 19:56 - Chad Brears from Evan Stack and Regan Soquila

PERIOD 2

Merritt Centennials at 1:57 - Brandon Bruce from Carter Shinkaruk and Richard Sabourin
Merritt Centennials at 14:44 - Brandon Bruce from Richard Sabourin and Dylan Chanter

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 3:38 - John Knisley from Michael Zalewski and Darren Nowick
Merritt Centennials at 7:38 - Regan Soquila from Chad Brears and Evan Stack
Merritt Centennials at 10:58 - Brent Fletcher from Brandon Pfeil
Merritt Centennials at 12:08 - Carter Shinkaruk from Sean Maktaak and Brandon Bruce

Vernon outshot Merritt 37-35. Lino Chimienti made 36 saves in the win, while Kirby Halcrow made 24 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977769&link=bchl