Vernon Vipers 2nd Annual Christmas Quiz Video:

This is posted on the Hockeytube.net website:

Vipers 2nd Annual Christmas Quiz

Posted by HockeyTube on Dec 6th, 2015

Century 21 presents the 2nd annual BCHL Vernon Vipers Christmas Quiz. This time around we had the players team up for the ultimate Christmas test. With pride on the line the players gave it their best shot and you will be surprised how many actually know their Christmas facts…play along as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUHH8nN9-1E

BCHL Launches New Site:

This is posted on Castanet.net

BCHL launches new site

Wayne Moore - Dec 22, 2015

The BCHL has partnered with HockeyTech – a leader in hockey technology, analytics and information services – to launch a new league website (www.bchl.ca) as well as new sites for each of the 17 BCHL clubs.

In maintaining the same established website domains, while adding in the multitude of new capabilities unique to HockeyTech, the BCHL site and that of each team will feature more customization and more interactive content.

“Our league has always been at the leading edge in Junior A hockey, not only on the ice but also in terms of our digital presence and exposure for our players and teams,” said BCHL commissioner John Grisdale.

“With the support of HockeyTech, we know our brand will only grow and we are thrilled to be in control of such a dynamic site that offers fans and media more access to our teams and players than ever before.”

HockeyTech’s clients include College Hockey Inc., Hockey Canada, the American Hockey League, the East Coast Hockey League and USA Hockey.

“HockeyTech is proud to extend our relationship with the BCHL to now include our Content Management System, Live Scoring, and Statistics,” said HockeyTech president Marc Ruskin.

“The BCHL is one of the most progressive junior leagues in North America and we are excited to help them advance their digital presence.”

Visitors to www.bchl.ca and the member team sites will notice familiar features including the highlight reel, photo gallery, player of the week, SUBWAY® poll as well as all the stats, stories and standings.

Some of the new features are streamlined menu navigation, a more visible and interactive scoreboard, highlight clips and other media on player profiles and a handy search function for finding content on any topic ever covered on the site.

Vipers Hit Holiday Break With Win:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers hit holiday break with win
           
by  Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star

Dec 23, 2015

Visions of sugarplums danced through their heads Sunday afternoon at Kal Tire Place.

A stretch for sure but perhaps visions of sleeping in their own beds, eating home cooking and re-connecting with their loved ones, some 5,000 miles away, were clogging the minds of both the Vernon Vipers and Powell River Kings.

Neither team showed much zest until the Vipers, supercharged by Hunter Zandee, captain Colton McCarthy and Jagger Williamson, converted four times in the third period for a 5-3 B.C. Hockey League win before 1,700 fans.

Vernon goes into the 10-day Christmas break at 16-20-0-3, one digit ahead of the red-hot Trail Smoke Eaters for the fourth and final Interior Division playoff berth.

The Vipers are young, struggle to move the puck in transition and tend to turn the puck over at the most inopportune times. They have 19 games remaining and head coach/GM Mark Ferner has one card to fill with the Jan. 10 signing deadline looming.

“I don’t think anybody would argue it’s obviously been a little bit disappointing and frustrating for the kids as well,” said Ferner, who will scout the Mac’s Midget Tournament starting Boxing Day in Calgary.

“I know they wanna please and do well for the coaching staff and for our fans. I believe in this group. They’re a young team trying to find an identity and their way. Hopefully, the holidays will be good for us as they get to go home and enjoy their family and friends, re-charge their batteries and come back a new-look hockey team.”

Ferner said young players can get a little homesick a month or two before Christmas, especially when a team is losing more than winning.

“It’s nice we got a victory and send them home for the holidays on a winning note. I know it wasn’t an exciting game, but the kids found a way.”

It was a gritty win considering the Snakes were without sparkplugs Odeen Tufto (concussion), Riley Brandt (suspension) and Liam Finlay (in the press box after helping Team Canada West shade Russia 2-1 Saturday in the World Junior A Hockey Challenge in Cobourg, Ont.). Winger Jimmy Lambert was also out due to suspension.

The Kings (18-14-0-2) are third in the Island Division. They finished a three-game road trek which saw them lose 6-2 Saturday night in Salmon Arm.

Head coach/GM Kent Lewis, who is nearing 25 years with the Kings, is seeing the same troubles as Ferner.

“We’ve thrown a lot of points away and today is another example of throw away points,” said Lewis, who played for the Nanaimo Clippers and WHL Victoria Cougars back in the day. “A game before Christmas, you come to expect games like this. We’ve been very inconsistent. We have a lot of new guys and I think there are times when we’ve been very good, but the inconsistency throughout leaves me to have to ponder Jan. 10 quite seriously and make some changes which I’m gonna seriously look at because we’re not happy where we’re at with the group.”

Nanaimo, with Vernon buzzsaw Spencer Hewson (4-5-9) in his third year, tops the Island table at 24-12-0-1.

“If we’re playing the right way in our division, it’s a good hunt this year,” said Lewis. “There’s a lot of parity so it should be fun.”

McCarthy produced the winner at 14:02 of the third period when he converted a sweet pass from behind the net by Joe Sacco. Steven Jandric earned the secondary assist on McCarthy’s 17th goal of the season.

Christian Cakebread went top cheddar from a sharp angle to maker it 5-3 on a power play with 3:55 remaining. D-men Bo Pellah and Latrell Charleson drew the helpers. Cakebread has nine goals in 19 games since joining Vernon from the USHL.

McCarthy scored the only goal of the first period when he deflected a Jandric shot past Powell River goalie Jeff Smith. D-man Griffin James, who was named the Fortis Energy Player of the Game, pocketed the second assist.

The Kings equalized 40 seconds into the second period as Gavin Rauser fooled Andrew Shortridge with a wrister from just inside the left point. Mitchell Hawes and Chris Protopoulos collected assists.

Jeremy Leclerc put the Kings in front seven minutes later when he went short side for his seventh snipe of the season. Jeremy Leipsic and Nick Halagian got the assists.

The Vipers showed some extra energy by getting goals 2:02 apart in the third period from Zandee and Williamson.

Zandee banged in a rebound of a Williamson shot six minutes into the period for his sixth, while Williamson fired his fourth in tight on a gorgeous feed by Zandee.

Powell River answered right back with Jonny Evans registering his seventh on a low wrister, assisted by Halagian and Tristan Mullin. Vernon outshot Powell River 42-26.

The Vipers entertain the first-place Penticton Vees on New Year’s Day (7 p.m.). The Vees will welcome back projected NHL first-round draft picks Tyson Jost and Dante Fabbro, while the Vipers will draw Finlay back in the lineup. Jost and Fabbro were also with Team Canada West.

SNAKE BITES: There were fights 63 seconds apart midway through the second period. Callum Volpe of the Vipers, playing forward, tangled with fellow rookie Andy Stevens behind the Kings’ net. Vernon D Darren Rizzolo danced with Curtis McCarrick in the Viper zone. Both scraps were draws...Vernon used Kamloops Junior B Storm F Keaton Gordon as an affiliate....McCarthy received nice applause for killing close to 45 seconds of a Viper penalty with a high flip puck over a d-man and then some tireless work in the corner against three Kings...Shortridge made a sweet save off Rauser, who swiped the puck off Brett Stapley  deep inside the Viper end....Leipsic’s brother, Brendan, plays for the AHL Toronto Marlies. Brendan won the CHL scoring title with 49 goals and 120 points three years ago with the Portland Winterhawks...Viper grads Colton Sparrow (Alaska-Fairbanks Nanooks) and Danny Todoyschuk (Grant MacEwan Griffins, Edmonton) were in the house on the weekend. Sparrow has 2-2-4 in 18 games in his junior year. Todoyschuk is 2-3-1 with a 3.23 GAA and .897 save percentage as a freshman. Ex-Viper G Kirby Halcrow is 7-6-5 with Portage College.

Finlay, Jost Golden For Team West:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Finlay, Jost golden for Team West
               
by  Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star

Dec 23, 2015

Linemates in Major Midget, Liam Finlay and Tyson Jost’s reunion with Team Canada West in the World Junior A Hockey Challenge was golden.

And they may yet cut the winning goal puck in half after a 2-1 win over Russia for gold Saturday before 2,250 fans at the Cobourg Community Centre in Ontario.

Jost, the team captain, was credited with the goal and Finlay the assist as Canada won a fourth gold in the tournament’s 10-year history

“It was funny,” said Finlay of the winning snipe. “I think it went back to (Dante) Fabbro and me and Jost both went to the net. I got a piece of it and as then as I was trying to hit it in, I think he got it.  I thought I got it, he thought he got it so it was pretty funny. We ended up having separate celebrations which was pretty funny because both of us are pretty tight. It was a pretty unbelievable feeling. Not everyday you can say you won gold.”

Said Jost of the huge snipe: “It was pretty funny. We watched the replay after the game. We both kind of hit it in there. It’s still kind of hard to see who scored but I think I did get the last touch on it. It was funny we both didn’t know, we were just both so excited, we went in opposite corners. It’s something that we get to laugh about now for the rest of our life. We will have that memory.”

Jost and Fabbro are rated to go in the first round of the NHL’s June entry draft in Buffalo, while Finlay is ranked as a late choice.

Jost and Finlay had fabulous seasons with the Okanagan Rockets two years ago with Jost compiling 44 goals and 88 points and Finlay 51 points.

“We played together with the Okanagan Rockets and followed up again for the week,” said Finlay, second-leading scorer with the Vernon Vipers. “I think it was pretty clear we had good chemistry. He’s an outstanding player and easy to play with.”

Jost, who has 61 points in his second season with the Penticton Vees, was named MVP of the tournament. The Kelowna product pocketed three goals and nine points to win the tourney scoring title.

“We had a ton of depth,” said Finlay. “Our defence, our goaltending, our puck movement, everything was just fantastic.”

Jost had a blast playing with Finlay again.

“It was awesome,” said the Fort Saskatchewan-born Jost. “It was really fun. We got that chemistry back from midget and the little bit there with the Vees. We were throwing the puck around. People are making comments of how fun it was to watch us. It was pretty exciting. It was definitely fun for sure when you have a good buddy like that on your line. It made the tournament a whole lot better.”

Goaltender Mikhail Berdin and forward German Rubtsov (Russia) joined Jost and Team  West d-man Cale Makar (Calgary/Brooks Bandits, AJHL) on the all-star team.

“I think we were favoured because we won in exhibition (6-1), but we knew they were getting better all tournament and we had to be confident, not cocky,” said Finlay, who turns 19 in February.

Finlay said players were limited to one hour a day on their cell phones which brought the team closer together. He said the coaching staff, from top to bottom, was highly knowledgable and prepared.

After a scoreless first two periods, Bobby McMann (Wainwright, Alta./Bonnyville Pontiacs, AJHL) took advantage of a turnover deep in the Russian zone to open the scoring early in the third.

Jost scored the eventual winner with three minutes to go, and the Canadians held off a late Russian push, backed by 26 saves from Matthew Murray (St. Albert/Spruce Grove Saints, AJHL).

“When [the Russians] played us in exhibition I don’t think they were prepared for us, but today they were a different team” said Makar (Calgary/Brooks Bandits, AJHL). “I think our speed and physicality wore them down, and that’s the reason we got gold.”

Kirill Slepets replied for the Russians with 36 seconds left to play.

“I thought (the Russians) did a great job blocking shots. The first time we played them they didn’t get in the lanes; tonight they did, and their goalie was exceptional,” said Canada West head coach Tim Fragle.

Meanwhile, Odeen Tufto, who leads the Vipers with 15 goals and 39 points, is stoked to have a scholarship locked up for the NCAA Division I Quinnipiac Bobcats in Hamden, Conn.

“I narrowed it down to Quinnipiac, Denver and Notre Dame,” said Tufto, a Minnesota product who turns 19 on Jan. 9. “I took visits to all of them. Quinnipiac was actually the last visit and I kind of got the feeling this was the place I could spend four years. I got a great deal and I couldn’t turn it down. It was awesome.”

While on campus of a school with 8,800 students, Tufto met Viper grads Luke Shiplo and Thomas Aldworth as well as all the freshmen. He plans to study business.

“That was one of my goals coming up here and to get that out of the way is a really nice feeling.”

Viper winger Christian Cakebread, who hails from Arizona, believes Tufto will duplicate his skill-set at the college level.

“He’s a great player, very shifty, very slick to play against,” said Cakebread. “Nobody can really hit him. He’s pretty  dynamic and he can definitely be the same kind of player in college.”

Quinnipiac is ranked No. 2 in the NCAA at 15-1-2. Aldworth has three goals and seven points in 15 games, while Shiplo has two goals and three points in seven games. The Bobcats have 10 BCHL alumni, including senior Travis St. Denis of Trail.

Ex Vipers Voltin & Chantler Listed On Winterhawks Prospects List:

Alan Caldwell over at small thoughts at large (WHL Blog) has posted every Western Hockey League team's 2015-16 prospects list. This only include players who were not WHL regulars last year. If a kid played more than 20-30 games or so in the WHL last year, he's not on these lists.

The WHL Portland Winterhawks have former Vernon Vipers defenceman Dylan Chanter & former Vernon Vipers forward Luke Voltin as two of sixty players listed on their 2015-16 prospects list. 


Chanter is in his second season at the University of New Hampshire played parts of one season in Vernon (2013-14) after acquiring his rights from the Merritt Centennials on January 3rd 2014 for Jason Bird & future considerations (Logan Mick). Chanter went pointless in 19 games with the Vipers. Chanter has one assist in four games this season with New Hampshire.

Dylan Chanter's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=123669

Voltin is playing with his second team this season after being traded to Penticton from Langley on October 10th 2015. Voltin played last season in Vernon before asking for a trade over the summer. The Vipers traded Voltin to Langley on August 27th 2015 for future considerations. In 44 games with the Vipers last season Voltin had (10-goals-16-assists-26-points). In 33 games this year with the Vees Voltin has (4-goals-12-assists-16-points).

Luke Voltin's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=151826

BCHL News & Trades:

I found these press releases off team websites, other hockey blogs or online.

BCHL News & Trades:

Rockets Close To Landing Vees' Star Players?

Kelowna GM denies pursuing rights to Jost, Fabbro. Tyson Jost and Dante Fabbro would look great in Kelowna Rockets jerseys, wouldn’t they? Don’t get your hopes up, says Bruce Hamilton, the team’s president and general manager. The Penticton Vees’ dynamic duo are committed to NCAA Division 1 programs for next season — Jost to North Dakota and Fabbro to Boston University — and most assumed that was the direction their careers were headed. But Sportsnet’s Damien Cox opened a can of worms Friday night by suggesting the Rockets could acquire their WHL rights and lure them to Kelowna ahead of the Jan. 10 trade deadline. The thought sparked much debate on social media — mostly over whether the promising prospects would jump ship? — but Hamilton was quick to put the lid back on. “It’s purely speculation,” Hamilton said Saturday ahead of the Rockets’ rematch with the Royals in Victoria. It was there that Cox’s intermission segment aired during Friday’s 3-1 win for Kelowna, hinting at the potential for the Rockets to land the former top-10 picks from the 2013 WHL bantam draft. “For everybody to be talking like this . . . that’s Damien Cox’s opinion, that’s not Bruce Hamilton’s opinion,” Hamilton continued. “Damien phoned me during the week, they always do, and never once did I say we were in the running for (Jost and Fabbro).” Jost, a high-scoring forward from Leduc, Alta., who relocated to Kelowna to play for the major-midget Okanagan Rockets, was selected seventh overall by the Everett Silvertips. Fabbro, a two-way defenceman with size from Coquitlam, went eighth to the Seattle Thunderbirds. Two years later, both are being projected as first-round picks in the 2016 NHL draft. Jost and Fabbro are currently lighting it up in their second season with the Vees and haven’t wavered in their commitment to the college route. For that reason, those WHL teams have been unsuccessful in their recruiting efforts to date. Jost’s name did come up in Hamilton’s conversation with Cox, albeit briefly. “He asked me about Jost and I said ‘yeah, he’s a great player,’” Hamilton said. “There’s not a team in our league that wouldn’t like to have him, but he belongs to the Everett Silvertips.” Everett and Seattle have retained the players’ rights but haven’t reached out to Kelowna regarding any such moves. Nor has Hamilton been knocking at their doors with offers in hand. “We’ve never even talked to Everett about him, and they’ve never approached us,” Hamilton said of Jost, later echoing that sentiment for Fabbro. “I’m sure there are some teams that have been granted the right to talk to this guy (Jost), and he’s so far said he’s staying where he is (in Penticton). “I can’t (pursue the player) because he doesn’t belong to us — that’s tampering.” The chances are slim to none, at least for this season. Come next season, once Jost and Fabbro are drafted by NHL teams, their futures could play out differently. It’s becoming somewhat common for top prospects to sign contracts and report to major junior rather than attend college. Jonathan Toews has been the poster boy for the NCAA route over the last decade, with the likes of Travis Zajac and Kyle Turris also going down the road less travelled. But major junior remains the fast track to the NHL because of the similarities, from schedule length to rules. Out east, the OHL has welcomed a couple of NCAA defectors in recent years with Toronto Maple Leafs second-rounder Jeremy Bracco leaving Boston College to join the Kitchener Rangers this season and Columbus Blue Jackets first-rounder Sonny Milano opting for the Plymouth Whalers last season. The WHL has benefitted from similar cases in the past, including Mike Comrie (from the University of Michigan to the Kootenay Ice) and even Duncan Keith (from Michigan State to the Rockets). It can happen, but he’s playing where he is, and the Everett Silvertips have his rights, so they control what goes on,” Hamilton concluded on Jost, doing his best to kill this speculation as opposed to fuelling it. As of today, there are no blockbusters in the works for Kelowna — at least not involving Jost and Fabbro — unlike last season when the Rockets plucked Leon Draisaitl and Josh Morrissey out of Prince Albert on their way to winning the WHL championship.

Alberni Valley-Merritt Trade:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are excited to announce the acquisition of Ryan Finnegan from the Merritt Centennials in exchange for Future Considerations. Finnegan will bring speed and skill to an already quick group of Bulldogs forwards. This season with the Centennials, Finnegan has scored 7 points in 22 games but has yet to hit his stride. Prior to that, Finnegan was a standout for the Skipjacks Hockey Club in the Under 18 United States Premiere Hockey League. The Tecumseh, Kansas, native is known for his intelligence on the ice and can play and compete in small areas. “We are thrilled to add a player with the credibility that Ryan has,” says Head Coach and General Manager Kevin Willison. “It is always nice to add someone that can make things happen on the ice and we are looking forward to working with Ryan as he continues his development towards the NCAA Division 1 level.” The 5-foot-8 Finnegan is committed to play NCAA Division 1 hockey at Quinnipiac University for the 2017-18 season. He will join the Bulldogs in time for this weekend’s 3-game road trip that sees the Bulldogs visit the Trail Smoke Eaters, Penticton Vees, and Coquitlam Express. Earlier this week, the Alberni Valley Bulldogs reassigned 1996-born forward Logan Savard to the Oceanside Generals of the VIJHL. In 20 games with the Bulldogs this season, Savard failed to register a point. This leaves the Bulldogs with an active roster of 21 players and one open spot. This allows the Bulldogs to bring in a player leading up to the January 10th roster deadline without necessarily having to move a rostered player. It is also expected that this weekend Bulldogs affiliate forward Kyle Kaufmann will make his BCHL debut. Kaufmann is a 16-year-old forward on the BC Major Midget League leading North West Giants where he has 17 points in 20 games. Kaufmann was the star forward on the Hollyburn Huskies midget team the year prior, recording 45 goals and 62 assists (107 points) in 51 games.

Nanaimo-Brooks Trade:

The Nanaimo Clippers have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Taylor Karel(96)(D) from the Brooks Bandits of the AJHL in exchange for the CJHL playing rights to Jonathan Reinhart(96)(G) and future considerations

Victoria-OCN Trade:

The Victoria Grizzlies have transferred the CJHL playing rights to Colby Livingston(96)(F) to the OCN Blizzard of the MJHL in exchange for future considerations

Warriors Acquire Veteran Goaltender Clark:

The West Kelowna Warriors have added veteran 20 yr old goaltender Brett Clark after goaltender Stephen Heslop returned to the KIJHL. Clark played in 32 games last season with the Smoke Eaters going 8-24 with a 4.42 GAA

Vees Streak Ends, But Excellence Remains:

What an incredible streak it was, but in the end that old saying stood true — all good things must come to an end. On Nov. 20, The Penticton Vees lost a game for the first time since opening night of 2015-16 season. Their impressive efforts earned them 23 straight wins, a commanding lead atop the BCHL standings and a prime position in the CJHL's Top 20 rankings at every step so far this season. The streak ended in a road game in the Lower Mainland at the hands of the Langley Riverman — a team that will no doubt be the answer to a future BCHL trivia question. The Rivermen outshot the Vees 30-29 en route to a 4-2 final to end Penticton's impressive run. The game remained tied as time ticked off the clock and overtime loomed for the Vees, who had narrowly escaped OT with the streak intact twice before in November. With a power play goal from Langley's Max Kaufman at 18:40 and an empty netter for insurance in the final minute of regulation, the streak was over and it's now etched in the history books. Jost told HockeyNow that he felt the team's work ethic started to wane as the wins piled up. "We're happy that we accomplished that (win streak), but we're glad its done with and now we can just focus on the future," Jost said. Vees goalie Anthony Brodeur, a 20-year-old who came to the Vees this year for his last season of junior hockey after a two-year stint in the QMJHL, said that keeping the streak alive came with added pressure to perform – but at the same time said it was all about playing good hockey and learning. "I think I've won more games on this win streak than my two years in (major) junior," Brodeur said. He said a win streak like this establishes confidence, something that's important for a goalie. Penticton bounced back right after that loss with a massive 8-2 thrashing of the Coquitlam Express. While this latest win streak is impressive, it's just the latest example of the success the Vees have had in the BCHL over the years. First place finishes have been commonplace in recent years as the Vees have won their division in each of the past four seasons. In fact, the 23-game win streak actually pales in comparison to the 42-game win streak back in the 2011-12 season, a year in which the Vees won the Fred Page Cup as BCHL champions, the Doyle Cup as winners of the CJHL's B.C. and Alberta league champions and the RBC Cup as CJHL national champions. Those 42 wins also stand as a league record. Jost said that win streak was a model this year's team tried to live up to, although they weren't necessarily expecting to break it. The Vees, however, were within striking distance of breaking the 1989-90 New Westminster Royals win streak of 29 games. But while win streaks come and go, the Vees remain competitive year-after-year, despite the challenge of graduating good players every season, which one might think would be harder on teams that have the success Penticton does. Coming off wins in both the Fred Page Cup and Western Canada Cup in 2014-15, the Vees lost their number one goalie and had just four returning players to the roster this season. However, the Vees scouting persevered, bringing in highly touted players such as Conway and Brodeur this year to keep the team competitive yet again — not to mention the return of Jost and defenceman Dante Fabbro, who are expected to be first round picks in the upcoming NHL draft. Vees head coach and general manager Fed Harbinson has coached either Junior A or NCAA hockey for 21 years, which has helped build him a network of trustworthy contacts. He told HockeyNow that he doesn't buy into the thought process in the BCHL that a team should try and build two years down the road. "There's just too many moving parts. I know some teams might feel that's the way they have to do it, but it's a hard way to do it," Harbinson said, noting that the number of returnees can change in an instant due to unforeseen circumstances. "I've coached in college where you're out recruiting and you go out and work hard and get the best players available, and that's what the BCHL is," said Harbinson. "We really work hard in the offseason and throughout the second half of the year to identify our import players to make sure that this thing keeps moving in the right direction," he added, noting that their training camps will identify most of their future roster years in advanced. Having been with the organization for eight seasons now, Harbinson credits owner Graham Fraser for implementing continuity by putting together a staff that includes two full-time assistant coaches, one of whom has been with Harbinson for six seasons. "Our owner takes care of the people that work here, so that they're not looking to leave real quick, and I think continuity makes a big difference when you're trying to build something. It's allowed us to keep adding different pieces year after year to the on-ice product (and) to the off-ice product," Harbinson said. Harbinson's leadership showed immediate results with the Vees, who won the league title for the first time since 1986 in 2007-08, Harbinson's first year with the club. In fact, under Harbinson, the Vees have been to the league final four times, winning three, and have been to the RBC Cup twice –  winning once. There have been plenty of players along the way who have helped make this team dominant year-after-year, Harbinson said, noting the likes of Ron Hextall's son Brett Hextall,  Dallas Star's prospect Curtis McKenzie as well as current Pittsburgh Penguin Beau Bennett and Minnesota Wild prospect Mike Reilly as examples. "There's been a lot of good character kids that have come through here and captains that have built this culture, (so) that even if we only have four guys returning, they know what's expected and they know how to get that point across and be an extension of our coaching staff right away year after year, and set the tone for what's important here in Penticton," said Harbinson. While all good things — including win streaks — must come to an end, the Penticton Vees are proving sustained success is a symptom of an organization doing all the right things.

Vipers-Silverbacks Fight – Brandt vs Coutre:

This is posted on the Hockeytube.net website:

BCHL FIGHT – Brandt vs Coutre

Posted by HockeyTube on Dec 10th, 2015

The gloves are dropped during a BCHL game between the Vernon Vipers and Salmon Arm Silverbacks December 9th 2015. Vipers forward #12 Riley Brandt goes at it against the S-backs #14 Cam Coutre. Some good uppercuts tossed but call it a draw as both combatants got a couple of good shots in. The Silverbacks improved to 4-0 vs Vernon after the 5-2 victory.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWiC9IYEfYg

Wild Sign Former Vipers Defenceman Strachan:

The Minnesota Wild have signed free-agent and former Vernon Vipers defenceman Tyson Strachan.  

Strachan spent last season with the Buffalo Sabres. Strachan played in 46 games collecting (0-goals-5-assists-5-points). Strachan signed with the Sabres on July 3rd 2014 after spending the previous season with the Washington Capitals & the American Hockey League (AHL) Hershey Bears.

Strachan was drafted by Carolina in the 5th Round (137th overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.  The Wild are Strachan's fifth NHL team (Buffalo, Washington, St. Louis, Florida & Minnesota).

Strachan played one season in Vernon (2002-03) collecting (6-goals-22-assists-28-points) in 56 regular season games with the Vipers.

Tyson Strachan's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=15420

This is posted on the Wild website:

Wild Agrees To Terms Tyson Strachan and Signed Jared Knight

Thursday, 07.2.2015

The Minnesota Wild has has agreed to terms with defenseman Tyson Strachan on a one-year, two-way contract and signed forward Jared Knight to a one-year, two-way contract.

Strachan, 30 (10/30/84), recorded five assists and 44 PIM in 46 games with the Buffalo Sabres last season and set career highs in games played, points, assists, PIM, blocked shots (105) and TOI/game (18:59). The 6-foot-3, 215-pound native of Melfort, Sask., collected two assists in 18 games with the Washington Capitals and 19 points (4-15=19) and 56 PIM in 60 matches with the Hershey Bears in the American Hockey League (AHL) in 2013-14. He owns 20 points (1-19=20) and 199 PIM in 184 career NHL contests in parts of seven seasons (2008-15) with St. Louis, Florida, Washington and Buffalo. Strachan has tallied 87 points (16-71=87) and 326 PIM in 276 career AHL matches. He was originally selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the fifth round (137th overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft and played four seasons at Ohio State University (2003-07).

Knight, 23 (1/16/92), collected seven points (3-4=7) in 16 games with the Iowa Wild in the American Hockey League (AHL) after being acquired by Minnesota from the Boston Bruins in exchange for forward Zack Phillips on March 2, 2015. He also collected three points (1-2=3) and 38 penalty minutes (PIM) in 36 games with the Providence Bruins (AHL) last season. The 5-foot-11, 203-pound native of Battle Creek, Mich., has totaled 34 points (10-24=34) and 70 PIM in 123 career AHL games. Knight has not appeared in an NHL contest. He was originally selected by Boston in the second round (32nd overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Vernon 5 Powell River 3

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

I was at today's Vipers-Kings game as Vernon defeated Powell River 5-3 in front of 1,676 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Andrew Shortridge
Powell River: Jeff Smith

A very evenly matched start by both teams, alot of back and fourth play with very little if any chances and very few shots in the opening minutes. The Vipers would get the games first powerplay just five minutes into the 1st period. With just one shot Vernon couldnt do much with the extra attacker as the Kings were able to kill off the minor. The Vipers would jump back on the man advantage just three minutes later, in the opening seconds of the PP the Vipers with a quick shot from a tough angle forced Jeff Smith into making a tough save before Viper captain Colton McCarthy in front of the net gave Vernon a 1-0 lead at 11:44 Steven Jamdric & Griffin James picked up the helpers. The Vipers outshooting Powell River at this point 6-2. Just two minutes later the Kings would get their first look with the PP didnt generate much for chances as the Vipers killed off the penalty. Alot of back and fourth play with either team not really taking control or getting alot of zone time. Very few scoring chances at both ends of the rink. With 1:51 remaining Callum Volpe with a great opportunity in close couldnt beat Jeff Smith who come up with a big save from in tight, keeping this a one goal game. But back come the Kings off the save, Andrew Shortridge somehow kept the loose puck out, after a goal mouth scramble as both teams with good chances inside two minutes remaining. It was 1-0 Vernon after 20 minutes of play. After a very disapointing loss to Merritt Friday, the Vipers responded with a great start to this afternoon's game. I thought Vernon held their own against a pretty good Powell River team. The Kings playing their third game in as many days didnt get alot of zone time, took two undisaplined penalties and made a few mistakes-turned over the puck, were only down a goal. Very little scoring chances at both ends of the rink. Vernon outshot Powell River 9-8.

2nd Period: Off the opening faceoff Vipers starting goaltender Andrew Shortridge made a good save off Mitchell Hawes on a Kings rush before Gavin Rauser left alone in the slot wired the puck past Shortridge tying the game 1-1 at 0:40 Hawes and Chris Protopoulos with the assists. You think this goal would give the Kings some life-momentum but it was Vernon who rallied after giving up the game tying goal, come back with a very strong push. The Vipers took over the play and carried the play for a good five minutes or so, getting lots of pressure in the Powell River zone, but just didnt get any real quality scoring plays. Vernon had the Kings hemmed in their own end for a while, before Powell River come right back with their second goal of the afternoon. Jeremy Leclerc with a shot from the point, had a Kings player skate in front of the Viper goal just as the puck somehow snuck through the body of Andrew Shortridge on a goal, Shortridge may want back. Powell River with back to back goals were up 2-1 at 7:50 Jeremy Leipsic & Nick Halagian collected the helpers. It looked like Shortridge may have been screened on the play, but a good seeing eye shot by Leclerc. A few minutes later the Vipers caught turning over the puck, Nick Halagian setup Liam Lawson in the high slot who just missed the far corner on a great play-missed opportunity. Tempers really heated up this period as lots of trash talking being exchanged between both teams before the gloves would drop. Andy Stevens & Callum Volpe would drop the gloves, as both players were tossed from the game. Just a minute later Darren Rizzolo and Curtis McCarrick would drop the mits before both getting ejected from the game. The Vipers come close to tying the game after Brett Stapley setup Ben Butcher in the slot who was stopped by Kings starting goaltender Jeff Smith. Lots of pushing and shoving going on in and after the whistles. Powell River would get their second powerplay of the day. Liam Lawson with the best chance at the end of the man advantage couldnt beat Shortridge as Vernon would kill off the minor. More pushing and shoving as both teams got involved in another scrum late in the period. Lots of after the whistle activities going on in a fiesty second period. The Kings would get a late powerplay, that would continue into the 3rd period. It was 2-1 Powell River after 40 minutes of play. Another fairly even matched period, I thought the Vipers may have had a slight edge in zone time but again not alot of scoring chances. The Kings with a huge goal in the opening minutes tied the game before taking a one goal lead into the final frame. A very chippy period with lots of tension as both teams were mixing it up. Vernon outshot Powell River 15-13.

3rd Period: Powell River started the 3rd with the man advantage that was carried over from the 2nd period. The Kings moving the puck around, got several shots off but either missed the net or were stopped by Andrew Shortridge as the Vipers with a big penalty kill to start the third. Just after killing off the penalty Brett Stapley setup Bo Pellah whos shot went high caught Jeff Smith near or up and around the mask making a difficult looking save. On the following stopage in play Smith had to re adjust his mask. Vernon would tie the game fairly early into the frame after Jagger Williamson setup Hunter Zandee with a nice feed tying the game 2-2 at 6:00 Williamson & Charley Michalowski picked up the assists. Just two minutes later Hunter Zandee sprung Jagger Williamson in all alone beat Jeff Smith fivehole gave Vernon their first lead of the day, 3-2 at 8:02 Zandee with the lone assist. But a minute and a half later the Viper defence got caught flat footed allowing Nick Halagian to spring Jonny Evans in for the parcial breakaway tying the game 3-3 at 9:48 Halagian & Tristan Mullin with the assists. In the second half Jeremy Leipsic would go in all alone for the breakaway but get denied by Andrew Shortridge who come up with a huge save keeping this game tied. A huge save at this point in the hockey game. Colton McCarthy would jump on a rebound in front gave Vernon a 4-3 lead at 14:02 in a while 3rd period. Joe Sacco and Steven Jamdric picked up the helpers. And just less then three minutes the Kings would take an undisaplined penalty giving the Vipers a late powerplay. On the man advantage Bo Pellah's shot spotted Christian Cakebread at the side of the net put Vernon up 5-3 at 16:55 Pellah and Latrell Charleson picked up the assists. Powell River then become unglued taking more penalties as three different scrums took place. Mac Ferner was involved with two different Kings players, while Ben Butcher was also tangling with two Powell River players. In the mean time another scrum was going on along the side wall. Lots of intensity and emotion boiled over in the 2nd and 3rd periods. Mac Ferner would get tossed from the game, while Nick Halagian and Jeremy Leipsic were also given an early shower. The Vipers would come out on top with a four minute powerplay after Leipsic's spearing penalty. Up by two goals and under two minutes remaining Vernon passed the puck around on the man advantage, didnt get many if any shots towards the goal, basically winded down the clock before coming away with the 5-3 victory. What a wild and fiesty period with the Vipers scoring four goals while the Kings lost their cool, taking some undisaplined penalties. I thought the Vipers carried most of the play, capitalized and scored on their opportunities while the Kings didnt mount a whole lot for offence, had troubles getting any real zone time. Vernon outshot Powell River 18-5.

Top Player's: (Vernon)

I thought the line of Brett Stapley, Christian Cakebread (1 goal) and Ben Butcher was the Vipers best unit all afternoon. Stapley who has come along ways from the start of the season, has been settling in-playing very well as of late. I thought managed the puck well, created and generated some offensive chances while Ben Butcher played one of if not his best game as a Viper. Played with lots of jump, was skating hard, made several smart plays today. Cakebread was also skating, moving the puck, was making plays all afternoon.

Colton McCarthy (2 goals) Was involved in the chirpin-after the whistle activities all day long. The Kings really had a hate on for the Viper captain. McCarthy who likes to get under the skin of the other team, did a great job of that today picking up two big goals. I thought took one undisaplined penalty but played hard, was going to the net, battled hard down low and took alot of stick work after the play.

Jagger Williamson (1 goal & 1 assist) Played well scored a real nice breakaway goal in the 3rd to give the Vipers their first lead of the afternoon.

Griffin James (1 assist) Played very well on the blueline, made a solid defensive play in the 2nd to breakup a Kings scoring opportunity.

Hunter Zandee (1 goal & 1 assist) Also played well today, I dont think he stood out all game but made things happen in the 3rd when the game was on the line.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

After back to back very disapointing losses to the Trail Smoke Eaters & Merritt Centennials the Vipers responded with a much better effort and performance today. Catching the Kings at the end of their three game road trip, the Vipers played with lots of energy, intensity and didnt back down from the altercations-scrums. I thought Vernon held their own vs Powell River who shutout the Vipers 3-0 in Powell River on October 2nd played hard-well for most of the game. The Vipers didnt get alot of opportunities but scored-capitalized on their chances-opportunities. What a 3rd period!!  Down a goal heading into the 3rd the Vipers exploded with four goals, only gave up five shots in a wild 3rd period. Consistancy has been the Vipers problem all season, from game to game/period to period you never know what Vernon team is going to show up. This was a huge win for the Vipers, who snapped a three game losing streak. With the win Vernon moves back into 4th place in the Interior Division, one point up on Trail for the final playoff spot. The Vipers have a tough schedule coming up after Christmas, need to put together some wins and try and get on a roll. 

Top Player's: (Powell River)

Liam Lawson I thought was the Kings most effective-dangerous player this afternoon. Lawson was all over the rink today, skating, moving the puck, creating-generating chances. Has some wheels, can skate and goes to the net. A real crafty player, seems to know where the puck is at all times.

Jonny Evans played well through out the game, had a few looks-chances.

Jeremy Leipsic I thought also played hard, was stopped on a 3rd period breakaway, has some speed, isnt the biggest kid but plays hard.

Nick Halagian (2 assists) Was one of the better Powell River Kings today, picking up two helpers sees and reads the ice well.

Jeff Smith (37 saves) Played well between the pipes. Couldnt fault him on any of the five Vernon goals.

Game Thought's: (Powell River)

The Kings lose all three of this three game road trip were outscored 14-8. The Kings have just two wins in Vernon since 2003-04. I thought Powell River played fairly well in the first two periods fell apart in the 3rd. The Kings playing their third game in as many days didnt get alot of scoring chances-opportunities battled back in the 2nd with two goals to take a lead into the 3rd. Powell River struggled defensively at times, coughing up the puck, made some mental errors in their own end, had troubles getting any kind of sustained pressure in the Viper zone come the 3rd period. Getting just five shots in the 3rd isnt going to win you many hockey games. You could tell this was the Kings third game in three days, Powell River couldnt get their legs going, looked slow at times coming in through the neutral zone, were outskated by the Vipers most of the afternoon. I thought the Kings lacked some disapline today, took some very undisaplined penalties wich cost them. For two teams that only see each other twice a season, both teams sure dont like one another in a very fiesty-chippy game. Both teams playing chippy, talking alot of trash talk between shifts, lots of pushing and shoving going on with several altercations in the 2nd and 3rd periods. Powell River who has had some pretty big teams over the past few seasons didnt look overly big today.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Riley Brandt (Suspended)
Odeen Tufto
Liam Finlay
Jimmy Lambert (Suspended)

Powell River:

Colton Sandberg
Carter Turnbull
Kyle Betts

Energy Player of the Game:

Griffin James (1 assist)

Three Stars:

1st Star: Colton McCarthy (2 goals)
2nd Star: Hunter Zandee (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Jagger Williamson (1 goal & 1 assist)

BCHL Boxscore,

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1477348&link=bchl

Alex Rawnsley's Powell River Kings Blog,

https://kingsofthecastle.wordpress.com/

Game Preview: Powell River @ Vernon:

Powell River (18-13-0-2) @ Vernon (15-20-0-3) 2pm

Today is second and final regular season meeting between the Vernon Vipers & Powell River Kings. The Kings lead the season series 1-0

Last Game:

Friday, December 18th Merritt defeated Vernon 3-2
Saturday, December 19th Salmon Arm defeated Powell River 5-2

Next Game:

Friday, January 1st Penticton @ Vernon
Wednesday, December 30th Alberni Valley @ Powell River

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 447-254-20-22

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 246-104-11-12 at home

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 201-140-9-11 on the road

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 12-9-0-1 vs. Powell River

Since the 2003-04 regular season Powell River has outscored Vernon 70-61

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 8-2-0-0 at home vs. Powell River

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 4-9-0-0 in Powell River

Vernon's last win in Powell River was a 4-3 victory on Friday, December 12th 2014

Powell River's last win at home vs Vernon was a 3-0 victory on Friday, October 2nd 2015

Vernon's last win at home vs Powell River was a 5-2 victory on Saturday, December 20th 2014

Powell River's last win in Vernon was a 7-2 victory on Saturday, January 12th 2013

The Vipers went 2-0-0-0 vs Powell River last season

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The Vernon Vipers wrap up 2015 with their final game before the Christmas break this afternoon host the Powell River Kings. The Vipers are coming off a 3-2 loss to the visiting Merritt Centennials Friday have lost three straight. The last time these two teams met Vernon lost 3-0 in Powell River on October 2nd. The Vipers have lost four of their last five are 2-7-0-1 in their last ten games. Vernon has lost eight of their last twelve home games sit 5th in the Interior Division are seven points up on Merritt, one point back of Trail and nine points back of West Kelowna.

Colton McCarthy (15-7-22) shares the the team lead in goals with fifteen, with Odeen Tufto (15-24-39) who leads the team lead in points with thirty eight.

Graham Turnbull's Vernon Vipers Venom Blog

http://vipersvenom1.blogspot.ca/

Vernon Vipers 2015-16 regular season Stats:

Games Played: 38
Wins: 15
Losses: 20
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 3
Home Record: 9-9-0-2
Road Record: 6-10-0-2
Overtime Record: 2-4
Record vs Interior Division: 6-13-0-3
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 9-6-0-1
When the Vipers score first: 8-4-0-2
When the opponents score first: 7-16-0-1
Leading after 1st Period: 8-2-0-2
Tied after 1st Period: 3-5-0-0
Trailing after 1st Period: 5-13-0-1
Leading after 2nd Period: 9-0-0-1
Tied after 2nd Period: 3-4-0-1
Trailing after 2nd Period: 3-16-0-0
Out shooting Opponents: 9-8-0-2
Out shot by Opponents: 5-12-0-1
One goal games: 3-6-0-3
Record in September: 3-3-0-1
Record in October: 6-6-0-0
Record in November: 4-6-0-1
Record in December: 2-5-0-1
Goals For: 118
Goals Against: 128
Place: 5th Place
Streak: Three game losing streak
Longest winning streak this year: Three games
Longest losing streak this year: Five games

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Liam Finlay (97)
Jagger Williamson (98)
Colton McCarthy (96)
Riley Brandt (96)
Mitchell Oliver (97)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Liam Coughlin (94)
Anthony Latina (94)
Blaine Caton (97)
Nicholas Rasovic (96)
Linden Hora (96)
TJ Dumonceaux (94)
Jarrod Schamerhorn (95)
Luke Shiplo (95)
Luke Voltin (95)
Brandon Egli (94)
Mitch Meek (96)
Johhny Coughlin (95)
Kenny Citron (95)
Riley Guenther (94)
Mackenzie Bauer (96)
Danny Todosychuk (94)

Vernon’s Home record vs. Powell River this season:

0-0-0-0

Vernon’s Road record vs. Powell River this season:

0-1-0-0

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Powell River this season:

Andrew Shortridge (0-1 Record)

-Vernon has the leagues 7th best powerplay

-The Vipers have the leagues 12th best penalty kill

Lets take a look at the Powell River Kings:

The Powell River Kings make their first and only visit of the regular season to Kal Tire Place are coming off a 5-2 loss in Salmon Arm Saturday. The Kings have dropped back to back losses finish a three game road trip this afternoon. The Kings have lost three of their last five road games are 2-8 in Vernon since the 2003-04 season. Powell River's last win in Vernon was a 7-2 victory on Saturday, January 12th 2013. The Kings have lost four of their last five are 6-3-0-1 in their last ten games.

Tristin Mullin (18-12-30) leads the team lead in goals with eighteen & in scoring with thirty.

Alex Rawnsley's Powell River Kings Blog,

http://kingsofthecastle.wordpress.com/

Alex Rawnsley has a game preview on the game this afternoon,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imnZJ84qGFg&feature=youtu.be

Powell River Kings 2015-16 regular season Stats:

Games Played: 33
Wins: 18
Losses: 13
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 11-5-0-0
Road Record: 7-8-0-2
Goals For: 116
Goals Against: 93
Place: 3rd Place (Island Division)
Streak: Two game losing streak

Powell River Kings Returning Players:

Jeremy Leclerc (95)
Curtis McCarrick (96)
Carter Turnbull (98)
Nick Halagian (95)
Jonny Evans (97)
Mitchell Hawes (96)
Liam Lawson (96)
Austin Kamer (96)
Hunter Findlater (97)
Nick Nonis (95)
Colton Sandberg (97)
Stefan Wornig (97)
Jeff Smith (95)

Powell River Kings Departing & traded players from last years team:

Jacob Pritchard (95)
Jarid Lukosevicius (95)
Kurt Keats (95)
JJ Coleshaw (94)
Brent Lashuk (94)
Carmine Buono (97)
Stephen Hiff (94)
Adam Tracey (95)
Tony DeVito (95)
Ross Hnidy (96)

Powell River's Home record vs. Vernon this season:

1-0-0-0

Powell River's Road record vs. Vernon this season:

0-0-0-0

Powell River's scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Kyle Betts (2-0-2)
Austin Kamer (0-1-1)
Jeremy Leipsic (0-1-1)
Tristan Mullin (0-1-1)
Nick Nonis (0-1-1)
Andy Stevens (1-0-1)

Jeff Smith (1-0 Record)

-Powell River has with the leagues 11th best powerplay

-The Kings have the league's 5th 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

Powell River Kings:


http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224079