Raiders Trade Ex Viper Andrusiak To Seattle:

The Western Hockey League Prince Albert Raiders have traded former Vernon Vipers forward Zach Andrusiak to the Seattle Thunderbirds.

Andrusiak was in his first season with the Raiders after signing with Prince Albert September 13th 2016. The Vipers signed Andrusiak October 1st 2015 after being released from the WHL Tri-City Americans. Andrusiak played in 11 games picking up two assists before being released November 5th 2015. Andrusiak signed with the KIJHL North Okanagan Knights before being traded to the Kamloops Storm November 12th 2015.

Zach Andrusiak's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=247479

This is posted on the Raiders website:

Raiders Acquire Leth From Seattle

October 20, 2016

cavin leth  news

Prince Albert, SK – The Prince Albert Raiders added experience to their forward group on Thursday night.

The Raiders acquired overage forward Cavin Leth and a seventh round pick in the WHL Bantam Draft in exchange for 1998-born winger Zack Andrusiak and a third-round pick in the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft.

Leth, listed at 6’0” and 192 lbs, is from Taber, AB. He has played in five games this season, picking up three assists and eight penalty minutes. The 20-year-old has played in 199 regular season games in the WHL, contributing 21 goals, 22 assists and 166 penalty minutes. He was acquired by the Thunderbirds prior to last season’s trade deadline. He was originally drafted by the Broncos in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft.

Andrusiak, who hails from Yorkton, checked in at 5’11” and 177 lbs. He signed with the Raiders prior to the beginning of the season. In eight games this season, Andrusiak has a goal and an assist.

The Raiders hit the road this weekend for a three-game road trip through Alberta, beginning in Edmonton against the Oil Kings on Friday Night in the new Rogers Place. On Saturday, the Raiders are in Red Deer to take on the Rebels. Both games start at 7 p.m. The road trip ends in Calgary on Sunday as the Raiders tangle with the Hitmen. Game time is 4 p.m.

The Raiders return to the Art Hauser Centre on Friday, October 28 against the Spokane Chiefs. For tickets, visit the Raider Office, call 306-764-5348 or click here.

Clouston Scraps Leitch:

This is posted on the Hockeytube.net website:

Clouston Scraps Leitch

Posted by HockeyTube on Nov 17th, 2016

Clouston Scraps Leitch – During a BCHL game November 16th 2016 between the Vernon Vipers and the Langley Rivermen, a pair of big boys decided to drop the gloves and get at ‘er! Viper blueliner Connor Clouston answered the bell against Langley captain Cooper Leitch who threw some pretty big bombs but no major connections.

Both players are 6’3″ and weight in over 205 lbs…with Leitch taking a 10 pound advantage into the scrap. You don’t see many scraps in the BCHL anymore but the fans enjoyed this heavyweight tilt.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wS1cuXml5aI

Taylor Listed On NHL Central Scouting:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

2017 Draft: Players to watch

November 18, 2016

The November player rankings from NHL Central scouting are out and there are four BCHL players listed among the 18 Canadian Junior Hockey (CJHL) players listed.

The BCHL players ranked were all listed as C-level prospects, meaning they are currently seen as mid- to late-round selections:

Alec Capstick – D – Langley Rivermen

Griffin Mendel – D – Penticton Vees

Kyle Betts – F – Powell River Kings

Ty Taylor – G – Vernon Vipers

The complete list can be seen by CLICKING HERE

Carter Stephenson BDO Goal Of The Game:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

#16 Carter Stephenson BDO GOAL OF THE GAME 11-12-16

November 17, 2016

by Vernon Vipers

Home Goal Of The Game

The BDO Home Goal Of the Game was scored by #16 Carter Stephenson who scored a power play goal against the Penticton Vees to give the Vipers an early 1-0 lead. A well executed power play as Jagger Williamson and Michael Ufberg move the puck back and forth while Stephenson drops down into the backdoor spot. Williamson makes a solid cross ice pass that has Stephenson staring at a wide open cage to shoot at and makes no mistake in burying the goal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4wmZv09THA

Successful On The Ice, Kraus Brothers Now Winning As Junior, Youth Coaches:

This was posted on the California Rubber website:

Successful on the ice, Kraus brothers now winning as junior, youth coaches

October 20 2016

Brotherly competition helped push Tim and Kevin Kraus to the peaks of youth and junior hockey.

That and their experiences in the game, which started in California in the 1990s, are helping both now as coaches.

Tim 29, who played five seasons of pro hockey – parts of three with the Ontario Reign – after a standout Western Hockey League (WHL) career, is in his fourth season of coaching youth hockey.

Kevin who turned 27 on Sept. 5, is starting his sixth season of coaching junior hockey, his third as an assistant with the Vernon Vipers of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL).

That Kevin started coaching in juniors at 21 is more remarkable given he didn’t play much organized ice hockey until he was a Bantam. However, he and Tim weren’t newcomers to hockey as their mom and stepdad ran inline rinks, first Bayshore in Long Beach and then Coast 2 Coast in Huntington Beach.

“We were lucky,” said Tim, now a Squirt BB coach and Bantam AAA coach for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks. “We’d head over after school and have two hours of the place to ourselves. It was a good time to play without instruction. It played a huge role in my love for the game. “

It also played a huge role in developing games that translated well to the ice.

“Playing with Tim all those years and him making me look stupid is why I became a defenseman,” Kevin said, laughing. “He made me look silly, but I was in good company. He’s amazingly skilled.

“Tim was very hard on me because he’s so competitive.”

The forward played ice hockey until he was a Squirt, then took a few years off, all the while playing roller hockey.

“Our teams played against (NHL star) Bobby Ryan and (former USHL leading scorer) John Kemp, who were on the Jr. Kings Pee Wee AAA team that won Nationals,” said Tim, who returned to the ice to play Bantam A for the Huntington Beach Sun Devils.

Years of playing roller hockey for hours on end and a solid frame that topped out at 6-foot, 190 pounds put Tim on scouts’ radars. He made the Jr. Kings Bantam AAA team in 2001, and helped them win a USA Hockey National Championship the following spring, and then again on the Midget 16U AAA team in 2003.

“At that time, it was unheard of for a group of kids from California to win back-to-back titles,” he said. “I still enjoy looking at the banners when we play in Toyota Sports Center.”

In the fall of 2003, he made the Vancouver Giants, kicking off a five-year run in the WHL that saw him post 54 or more points three times. The highlight was a 76-point season in 2006-07, when the Giants won the Canadian Hockey League’s Memorial Cup. His teammates included Jonathon Blum, the first Californian to be selected in the first round of the NHL Draft (in 2007), and former L.A. Kings forward Milan Lucic.

“Winning the Memorial Cup in 2007, I remember the massive scale of the attention around it,” Tim said. “Some people said that’s harder to win than a Stanley Cup. To play in the Memorial Cup two years in a row, I’m very fortunate.”

Jr. Ducks Midget 18U AAA coach August Aiken played with and against Tim in youth hockey and wasn’t surprised at his success.

“Tim was a highly skilled power forward and he was a big piece for teams that won Nationals,” Aiken said. “Off the ice, he was a good leader and teammate.

“He was the same player in the WHL. He could be dominating at times.”

By 2007, Kevin also was playing in the WHL with Kamloops, but the 6-foot-2, 205-pound defenseman soon changed course.

“Tim played ice a lot sooner because we could only afford to have one kid play, so I started as a second-year Bantam,” Kevin said. “Remarkably, I still was drafted after playing Bantam AA. I was six feet when I was 14. I then played a year of Midget 16U AAA with LA Hockey Club before going to the WHL (in 2006).”

Aiken ran into Kevin during their overlapping careers in the BCHL, which Kevin went to during the 2007-08 season.

“I played against Kevin at Vernon – he was a big, strong, skilled defenseman who could make plays,” Aiken said. “He was very physical, and similar to Tim in that regard.”

After seeing Tim win three championships in youth and junior hockey, it was Kevin’s turn in 2009. He and a contingent of Californians who went on to play NCAA Division I hockey – defensemen Kyle Bigos and Steven Weinstein and forwards Cory Kane and Ryan Santana – helped Vernon capture the RBC Cup – Canadian Junior A hockey’s top championship.

Kevin captained the Vipers the next season, and he, Kane, Weinstein and another Californian, Jonathan Milhouse, helped them repeat as RBC Cup champions.

“We all knew each other one way or another from California,” Kevin said. “It was nice to have that core to lean on, and all of those guys played big roles in our winning.”

A year of minor pro hockey convinced Kevin that using his WHL scholarship money to go to school and coaching might be a better path. He was hired as an assistant with the Junior B Revelstoke Grizzlies of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League. Next season, at barely 23, he was promoted to coach and general manager. After a year as an assistant in Salmon Arm (BCHL), he was hired in his home away from home, Vernon, in 2014.

“The two previous assistants were friends; it just fell into my lap,” Kevin said. “I always wanted to coach. I wanted to give back to the game. I was done playing earlier than I wanted to be.

“Some kids are better off going the Junior A route, and I was one of them. I needed that and college to develop so I could have started as a pro at 24 instead of 21. I jumped in late to ice hockey and developed a lot later. I was fortunate to play pro hockey for one year, but I looked up to Tim and wish I could have had half his career.”

A knee injury hastened Tim’s departure from pro hockey in 2013. Larry Barron approached him about helping with skills instruction at his hockey academy in Yorba Linda. Tim excelled and soon was coaching a Midget 16U AA team for Orange County Hockey Club before joining the Jr. Ducks.

“I didn’t always want to coach,” Tim said. “Once OC asked me, I thought, ‘Why wouldn’t I want to coach?’ So I gave it a try.”

Tim was the pace setter on the ice, but the roles have reversed a bit behind the bench. Given the brothers’ competitive natures, there’s no telling what the future holds.

“Kevin coaching junior hockey in Canada, and doing it at a very young age isn’t something we expected,” Tim said. “He won RBC championships as a captain and put his own stamp on the family name. I’m sure there will be people knocking on his door for head coaching jobs some day if he wants that opportunity.”

Vernon 2 Cowichan 1

I have had season tickets for the past 27 years and been following Junior hockey in Vernon for well over thirty years. Ive missed only three home games since 1998-99 season. For anyone who could not attend or watch todays 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 this afternoon's Vipers-Capitals game as Vernon defeated Cowichan 2-1 in front of 1,576 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Ty Taylor

Cowichan: Lane Michasiw

1st Period: The Vipers got off to a quick start, juming on the Capitals early and often. Inside the opening minute Cooper Watson's shot from the blueline forced Lane Michasiw into making a key save off the opening faceoff. The Vipers come out with a ton of pressure, had the Caps bottled up in their own end before getting the games first powerplay. Brett Stapley with a great chance from in tight couldn't beat Lane Micasiw. The Vipers with good pressure couldn't capitalize with the man advantage. Vernon was getting lots of pucks to the net early and often. Three and a half minutes in Hunter Zandee from the high slot ripped a high shot off the mask of Capitals starting goaltender Lane Michasiw. Shortly after Carter Stephenson with a nice pass out front spotted Steven Jandric who beat Michasiw in front giving Vernon a 1-0 lead at 5:39 Stephenson & Michael Ufberg collected the helpers. Cowichan outplayed and held in their own end early needed six minutes to record their first shot of the afternoon. The Caps come back with a few hard working shifts wich seemed to change the momentum. Cowichan seemed to get their feet moving before Rhett Kingston used his wheels to blow by the Viper defenceman before going around the net, beating Ty Taylor on the wrap around tying the game 1-1 at 9:44 Former Vernon Viper Ayden MacDonald with the assist. The Vipers come right back, getting a ton of pressure in and around the Capitals goal. Ryan Brushett with a good look and opportunity in close couldn't beat Lane Michasiw who come up with the big save. Vernon sworming around the Caps net had several wacks at the puck in close. Shortly after Niko Karamanis's shot was stopped by Michasiw who couldn't see-cover the loose puck in front, before former Cowichan Capital forward Brett Stapley jumped on the loose puck buried his first of the afternoon, giving Vernon a 2-1 lead at 11:53 Karamanis and Christian Cakebread picked up the assists. This goal seemed to give the Vipers a little jolt as Vernon turned up on the heat and continued to attack. The Vipers stepped up their play a notch in the second half, had lots of good looks at the net. Lane Michasiw was solid between the pipes. With five minutes remaining Cowichan would get their first look with the powerplay. Jared Domin with a quick low shot was redirected on its way to the goal, forced Ty Taylor into making a big save on the PK. Vernon would kill off the minor. With just over thirty seconds remaining Michael Montambault in alone in deep couldn't beat Ty Taylor who made a big stop late in the opening frame. Back come the Vipers on the same play, Jimmy Lambert who returned to the lineup today had a quality chance at the other end of the rink, couldn't beat Lane Michasiw. Two good chances late inside the final minute. It was 2-1 Vernon after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers jumped on the Caps early, were getting pucks to the net, skating hard, carried most of the play for the 1st period. Cowichan who was playing their third game in three days, looked like a team that played last night. The Capitals back on their heels early, played a lot of the first half in their own end. The Capitals needed six minutes to get their first shot on goal, had a few good shifts but didn't generate a lot of zone time. Lane Michasiw was solid between the pipes. Vernon outshot Cowichan 19-11.

2nd Period: The Capitals with a goal mouth scramble off the opening faceoff couldn't tie the game-get the puck up and over a down and out Ty Taylor, getting several wacks at the loose puck. The Vipers come right back and would get three or four shots from in close, before a bit of a scramble in and around the Caps net. On the play Vernon would jump on an early PP. The Vipers with good pressure, had some good looks couldn't capitalize as Cowichan would kill off the penalty. Shortly after the Capitals would get back to back powerplays as the Vipers would lose Christian Cakebread for ten minutes after picking up a check to the head penalty. The Caps struggled with the man advantage, couldn't muster much offence were unable to tie the game. The Vipers with a good penalty kill would kill off both minors. Shortly after Hunter Zandee tried setting up "AP" Brody Dale on a two on one rush, but Dale couldn't connect on the pass. A quality chance missed by the Vipers. With five minutes remaining Nicholas Wilson got tangled up with Ty Taylor in the crease, both took a shove at one another before both were given penalties. With two minutes left Brody Dale setup Niko Karamanis going to the net before being denied by Lane Michasiw. It was 2-1 Vernon after 40 minutes of play. Not a lot of scoring chances at either ends of the rink as both teams had troubles generating offence. A tight checking-defensive period really shutdown any offensive chances. A more evenly played period with the Vipers having a slight edge in play. The Capitals did a much better job at shutting down the Viper attack. Vernon outshot Cowichan 7-6.

3rd Period: Just a few minutes into the final frame Keith Anderson setup Nicholas Rasovic on the odd man rush, before being stopped by Lane Michasiw who come up with the big pad save. Cowichan would get an early powerplay, Trevor Ayre with a great look-chance from the slot couldn't beat Ty Taylor who made a big save. The Vipers were able to kill off the minor. Once again another period where both teams were having troubles generating opportunities. The Vipers went several minutes without a single shot on goal. Vernon would get a shot with the man advantage, unable to capitalize Connor Clouston's point shot got through traffic just as the penalty expired but Lane Michasiw closed the pads at the last second, had to look behind him making a tough save, keeping this a one goal game. The Vipers playing, looked to be playing to hold onto the one goal lead. The Caps slowly starting coming on and carrying some of the play in the second half. Rhett Kingston walked in all alone was denied by Taylor who come up with a huge save with five minutes remaining. Vernon just barely hanging on late in the game, turned over the puck a few times with the Capitals pressuring. Cowichan would get Lane Michasiw to the bench with 1:33 to go but with a faceoff in the Capitals zone, Michasiw had to come back between the pipes before making his way to the bench for a second time. The Caps with good pressure down low, had some good looks-chances in close. A long clearing attempt by Vernon inside the final minute just missed the open cage as the Vipers were called for icing. With just fourteen seconds remaining and the faceoff deep in the Viper zone, the Caps won the draw got the puck to the net forced Ty Taylor into making a huge pad save, kicking out the rebound to a Capital forward in front who fired the puck up and over the goal on two great chances in close, before a minor scrum broke loose at the whistle. Lots of pushing and shoving as Ty Taylor was getting involved. Connor Clouston was throwing punches as was Jared Domin. A huge pileup in the Viper crease was eventually broken up. With just three and a half seconds remaining the Capitals would get the late powerplay with the faceoff outside the blueline. A pretty lengthy delay after the scrimmage-scrum as Caps captain Chris Harpur was wanting more, talking things over with the two referee's. Harpur obviously upset was shaking his head about something. Vernon held the puck up killed off the final few seconds for the buzzer to pick up the 2-1 victory. At the end of the game, Harpur was at centre ice talking with the officials for several minutes. A pretty tight checking third period with not a lot of scoring chances. Both teams limited to time and space, had their troubles generating offence. The Vipers looked to sit back on the one goal lead, played more a defensive game but struggled in the final minute or two, while the Capitals seemed to get their game going a bit, carried some what more of the play, had some good looks. Both goaltenders played well in the final period making some key saves. Cowichan outshot Vernon 10-6. 

Top Player's: (Vernon)

Shane Kelly I thought played a physical-steady game on the Viper blueline this afternoon.

Brett Stapley (1 goal) Facing his former team, played very well. Played hard, battled and competed. Has really stepped up his play these last three games, been one of the better-more consistent forwards.

Steven Jandric (1 goal) I thought played hard, went to the grey areas, competed and played well at both ends of the rink.

Brody Dale (AP) I thought played very well today. This kid hasn't looked out of place since being called up to the Vipers from the Kelowna Chiefs. Played with a lot of jump & energy today, really hustled, plays hard at both ends of the rink, created/generated atleast two or three quality chances today.

Ty Taylor (23 saves) Making his fifth straight start played very well this afternoon. Didn't see much rubber in the opening frame, made some big-key saves in the 2nd and 3rd periods. Made a huge pad save in the dying seconds to preserve the victory. This kid has really improved from the start of the season and playing very well.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

I liked Vernon's start, as the Vipers jumped on the Capitals early and often. Were getting pucks to the net, had lots of pressure, carried a lot of the flow-play only managed two goals wich they relied on for the remainder of the game. The Vipers seem to have troubles putting the puck in the net, don't have that pure goal score-sniper. They also lack that killer instinct and just like in West Kelowna Friday, cant seem to put teams-games away when they have the opportunity. The Vipers allowed Cowichan to hang around and be in this game until the final buzzer. I thought Vernon played well for most of the afternoon. The Vipers had troubles getting pucks to the net and generating a whole lot of zone time in the 2nd and 3rd periods. When needing that third goal, it looked like the Vipers were sitting back, sitting on the one goal lead. I don't think the Vipers that a team that can sit on a one goal lead. Give credit they played well and earned the win. A big two points after a tough-disappointing loss in West Kelowna Friday. After losing 5-2 in Cowichan two weeks ago, the Vipers respond with a good effort and win over one of the top teams in the Island Division. Nice to see Jimmy Lambert back in the lineup, I didnt think he looked or played like he has, didnt look game ready. I'm sure its going to take him a game or two to get back into the groove. Vernon now hits the road next weekend for a tough three game road trip in three days.

Top Player's: (Cowichan)

Rhett Kingston (1 goal) I thought was one of if not the Capitals better player this afternoon. Has some wheels, can really get moving the puck, played with a lot of jump & energy, hard to defend against, goes to the net, has some nice hands. A smooth skater-puck handler.

Trevor Ayre Was another forward that had some skill, had some chances, played well.

Michael Montambault Also played well for the Caps. A bigger body, finished his checks, carried the puck, was involved in the play.

Chris Harpur Played well on the backend. A bigger boddy, was hard to beat one on one. Was good defensively.

Lane Michasiw (30 saves) Played very well between the pipes. Made some big-key saves through out the day, keeping his team in the game, giving them a chance to win. Didn't give out many if any rebounds, played well positionally.

Game Thought's: (Cowichan)

The Capitals playing their third game in three days and the Vipers having last night off, it showed early in the opening frame. The Caps were outplayed for most of the period, played a lot of the 1st in their own end. Cowichan struggled early to get any kind of attack or offensive zone time, were back on their heels. The Capitals managed to get a few hard working shifts, got on the board but were outplayed and outskated most of the period. Give Cowichan credit they battled back and played much better in the 2nd and 3rd periods. I thought both teams played well defensively in the 2nd and 3rd periods. Cowichan did a much better job at limiting Vernon's attack, taking away their time and space, kept the Vipers to the outside a lot. Vernon with just twelve shots in the final two periods. Give credit to Cowichan they didn't give up-fold the tents, battled hard and kept battling for the remainder of the game. Had some real good looks-opportunities in the 3rd to tie the game. Come very close to tying the game in the dying seconds. The Capitals have some size and finish their checks, a solid goaltender and good defence. I think if these two teams met again with neither team playing the night before, this could be a different game-outcome. The Capitals and Vipers split the season series 1-1.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Jagger Williamson (Injured)

Riley Brandt (Suspended)

Chris Jandric (Injured)

Cowichan:

Nii Noi Tetteh

John Sladic

Energy Player of the Game:

Hunter Zandee

Three Star's:

1st Star: Steven Jandric (1 goal)

2nd Star: Brett Stapley (1 goal)

3rd Star: Lane Michasiw (30 saves)

BCHL Boxscore-Game summary,

http://bchl.ca/game-summary?game_id=7431

Game Preview: Cowichan @ Vernon:

Cowichan (13-10-2-1) @ Vernon (11-11-3-0) 2pm

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

Last Game:

Friday, November 18th West Kelowna defeated Vernon 3-2 Overtime
Saturday, November 19th Cowichan defeated Salmon Arm 5-2

Next Game:

Friday, November 25th Vernon @ Wenatchee
Wednesday, November 23rd Alberni Valley @ Cowichan

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

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon has outscored Cowichan 108-77

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 9-1-1-0 at home vs Cowichan

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 8-5-0-0 in Cowichan

Vernon's last win at home vs Cowichan was a 3-1 victory on Saturday, December 5th 2015

Cowichan's last win in Vernon was a 4-2 victory on Saturday, October 2nd 2010

Vernon's last win in Cowichan was a 3-2 victory on Saturday, December 7th 2013

Cowichan's last win at home vs Vernon was a 5-2 victory on Friday, November 4th 2016

Let's take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The 11-11-3-0 Vernon Vipers are coming off a 3-2 overtime loss in West Kelowna Friday. The Vipers & Capitals meet for a second and final time this regular season. Vernon lost 5-2 in Cowichan November 4th. The Vipers have played five of their seven games this month away from home, will finish the month of November playing three of their final four games on the road. The Vipers have lost three of their last five and lost six of their last ten games. Vernon has just five wins in their last fourteen games. Captain Riley Brandt is serving his eighth game of a ten game suspension. The Vipers sit 3rd in the Interior Division tied in points with 2nd place Trail, are one point up on 4th place Merritt & seventeen points back of Division leading Penticton.

Vernon Vipers Roster:

http://bchl.ca/roster?team=21

Steven Jandric (10-5-15) leads the team lead in goals with ten, while Jagger Williamson (5-15-20) leads the team lead in points with twenty.

Brett Stapley played one game as an "AP" with the 2014-15 Cowichan Capitals.

Vernon Vipers 2016-17 Regular Season Stats:

Games Played: 25
Wins: 11
Losses: 11
Ties: 0
Overtime Wins: 1
Overtime Losses: 3
Home Record: 6-3-1-0
Road Record: 5-8-2-0
Overtime Record: 1-3
Record vs Interior Division: 6-5-1-0
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 5-6-2-0
When the Vipers score first: 9-5-1-0
When the opponents score first: 2-6-2-0
Leading after the 1st period: 7-2-1-0
Tied after the 1st period: 2-4-2-0
Trailing after the 1st period: 2-5-0-0
Leading after the 2nd period: 8-1-2-0
Tied after the 2nd period: 2-1-1-0
Trailing after the 2nd period: 1-8-0-0
Out shooting opponents: 8-5-2-0
Out shot by opponents: 3-4-1-0
One goal games: 4-1-3-0
Goals for: 73
Goals against: 84
Standings: 3rd Place
Win-loss streak: One game losing streak
Longest winning streak: Three game winning streak
Longest losing streak: Three game losing streak (Twice)

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Brett Stapley (99)
Christian Cakebread (97)
Nicholas Rasovic (96)
Hunter Zandee (96)
Jagger Williamson (98)
Jimmy Lambert (97)
Riley Brandt (96)

Vernon Vipers departed & traded players from last years team:

Charley Michalowski (96)
Odeen Tufto (97)
Mitchell Oliver (97)
Colton McCarthy (96)
Callum Volpe (98)
Liam Finlay (97)
Darren Rizzolo (98)
Joe Sacco (96)
Ben Butcher (95)
Brendan Barry (97)
Latrell Charleson (95)
Bo Pellah (95)
Mac Ferner (95)
Andrew Shortridge (95)

Vernon's home record vs Cowichan this year:

0-0-0-0

Vernon's road record vs Cowichan last year:

0-1-0-0

Vernon's scoring leaders vs Cowichan this year:

Cooper Watson (0-1-1)
Ryan Brushett (0-1-1)
Jagger Williamson (0-1-1)
Christian Cakebread (1-0-1)
Hunter Zandee (0-1-1)
Chris Jandric (1-0-1)

Ty Taylor (0-1 Record)

Vernon has the leagues 3rd best powerplay

The Vipers have the leagues 8th best penalty kill

Let's take a look at the Cowichan Capitals:

The 13-10-2-1 Cowichan Capitals make their first and only regular season visit to Kal Tire Place are coming off a 5-2 victory in Salmon Arm Saturday snapped a two game losing streak. Cowichan's last win in Vernon was a 4-2 victory on Saturday, October 2nd 2010. Since the 2003-04 regular season Cowichan is 1-9-1-0 in Vernon. Since the 2003-04 regular season Cowichan has only won seven of the twenty seven meetings vs the Vipers. Tonight is the third and final game of a three game road trip where the Capitals are 1-1. Cowichan has lost three of their last five and lost six of their last ten games. The Capitals sit 3rd in the Island Division are one point up on 4th place Nanaimo and six points back of Powell River.

Cowichan Capitals Roster:

http://bchl.ca/roster?team=10

Max Newton (12-17-29) leads the team lead in goals with twelve & in points with twenty nine.

Ayden Macdonald played 5 games with the 2014-15 Vernon Vipers before being traded to Victoria.

Nii Noi Tetteh played one game with the 2014-15 Vernon Vipers as an "AP"

Cowichan Capitals 2016-17 regular season stats:

Games Played: 26
Wins: 13
Losses: 10
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 6-7-1-1
Road Record: 7-3-1-0
Goals for: 83
Goals against: 95
Standings: 3rd Place (Island Division)
Streak: One game winning streak

Cowichan Capitals Returning Players:

Ayden Macdonald (96)
Jared Domin (97)
Ryan Hogg (98)
Ben Verrall (96)
Chris Harpur (96)
Josh Owings (96)
Lane Michasiw (96)

Cowichan Capitals departed and traded players from last years team:

Ryan Burton (96)
Luke Santerno (96)
Josh Adkins (95)
Corey Hoffman (96)
Matthew Hudie (96)
Patrick Geary (95)
Adam Osczevski (95)
Kade Kehoe (96)
Kyle Topping (99)
Daniel Wanner (95)
Carter Cochrane (96)
Connor Russell (96)
Sam Jones (97)
Mitch Meek (96)
Jacob Switzer (95)
Storm Phaneuf (95)

Cowichan's home record vs Vernon this year:

1-0-0-0

Cowichan's road record vs Vernon this year:

0-0-0-0

Cowichan Capitals scoring leaders vs Vernon last year:

Nii Noi Tetteh (1-1-2)
Chris Harpur (0-2-2)
Ben Verrall (1-1-2)
George Sennott (0-2-2)
Max Newton (1-1-2)
Ryan Hogg (0-1-1)
Ty Pochipinski (1-0-1)
Ayden MacDonald (1-0-1)
Jared Domin (0-1-1)

Lane Michasiw (1-0 Record)

Cowichan has the leagues 2nd best powerplay:

The Capitals have the leagues 11th best penalty kill

Warriors Ice Vipers In Overtime:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Warriors ice Vipers in overtime

by  Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star

Nov 20, 2016

For the second time in three meetings – all at Royal LePage Place – the West Kelowna Warriors got the better of the Vernon Vipers.

Conner Sodergren scored 29 seconds into overtime to cap a rally from a 2-0 first-period deficit, lifting the reigning Royal Bank Cup champion Warriors to a 3-2 B.C. Hockey League win Friday night in front of 966 fans.

The Vipers (11-11-3-0) take on the Cowichan Valley Capitals (12-10-2-1) today at 2 in an afternoon tilt at Kal Tire Place.

“It was a good start for us, then we fell asleep for two periods,” said Vernon head coach Mark Ferner. “We made a bad change on the winner, gave them an odd-man rush, they threw it at the net, puck hit a body and went in.”

Brett Stapley, with his second of the season, opened the scoring for Vernon at 11:10 of the opening period.

Steven Jandric, with his team-leading 10th, on a powerplay, stretched the Vernon lead to 2-0 five minutes later. Stapley finished with 1+1.

The Vipers outshot West Kelowna 16-5 in the opening 20 minutes.

The Warriors (10-11-1-0) reversed that trend in the second period, outshooting Vernon 14-4 and getting the only goal from Chase Dubois at 10:32 on a powerplay.

Michael Ryan forced overtime with a goal midway through the final period.

West Kelowna outshot Vernon 18-13 in the third, and 39-36 overall.

Shane Farkas (6-5) collected the win in goal while Ty Taylor (8-6) took the loss for the Vipers, who used the single point to move into a tie for second in the Interior Division with the Trail Smoke Eaters, 2-1 losers Friday in Powell River.

Vernon and Trail are 13 points back of the league-leading Penticton Vees, and two points ahead of fourth-place Merritt.

The Warriors moved into fifth place in the Interior, one point ahead of Salmon Arm and two back of the Centennials.

Vernon and West Kelowna will play four more times this season, including three times at Kal Tire Place.

The Silverbacks hosted Cowichan Saturday. The Capitals, third in the Island Division, began their three-game weekend road swing Friday with a 6-2 loss to the Chiefs in Chilliwack.

Vernon’s Powell Connor had an assist for the Chiefs.

Vernon’s Spencer Hewson had the lone goal for Nanaimo Friday in a 6-1 loss to the Spruce Kings in Prince George.

Vipers-Warriors Highlight's:

Here are the game highlight's from Royal LePage Place Friday
in West Kelowna. The Warriors come from behind after being down 2-0 went on to defeat the Vernon Vipers 3-2 in overtime. The Warriors lead the season series 2-1.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLmiM_S3yY_OtxfNBwGOAIdB5RxW0-N1Wb&v=Sq-90EfXT-I

Ex Viper Maser Returns To Cougars:

Former Vernon Vipers
forward Tyler Maser has returned to the BC Hockey Major Midget Cariboo Cougars.

Maser attended the Vipers training camp in August before leaving for a tryout with a Western Hockey League team. Maser returned to the Vipers for opening night in Salmon Arm. Maser played ten games with the Vipers collecting (1-goal-1-assist-2-points) before being released October 15th 2016.

Tyler Maser's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=297935

This was in the Prince George Citizen Newspaper:

Maser comes back to Cariboo Cats

Ted Clarke / Prince George Citizen

October 19, 2016 10:03 PM

Tyler Maser has returned to his old stomping grounds.

The 17-year-old forward from Houston is back in the fold, playing for the Cariboo Cougars, and is expected to be in the lineup on Saturday when they take on the South Island Royals in the first of a two-game weekend B.C. Hockey Major Midget League series at Kin 1.

Maser had been playing in the B.C. Hockey League for the Vernon Vipers and had a goal and an assist in 10 games. Last season, the native of Houston spiced the Cougars' offence with 15 goals and 27 points in 37 games, and he wasn't afraid to mix it up, picking up 75 penalty minutes.

"I like his style of play, our whole coaching staff does - it makes us stronger up and down the wing, he's a power forward who plays a good 200 feet," said Cougars head coach and general manager Trevor Sprague.

"He's a physical presence out there and he chips in on the odd point as well."

Maser's twin brother Josh, a left winger, was acquired on Tuesday by the WHL Prince George Cougars along with a sixth-round bantam draft pick in exchange for 17-year-old winger Adam Kadlec. The six-foot-two, 215-pound Josh played last season for the Cariboo Cats on a line with his brother and had 20 goals and 17 assists for 37 points and 52 penalty minutes in 32 games. He currently plays for the junior B Kamloops Storm and has three goals and two assists in two games.

To make room for Tyler Maser, the Cougars sent centre Brandon Dent back to the Coast Inn of the North Tier 1 midget Cougars. The 15-year-old Dent, who had four goals and two assists for six points in eight BCHMML games, will remain an affiliated player with the major midget team.

"I guess that's the ugly side of hockey - when guys get released higher up, obviously there's a domino effect," said Sprague. (Dent's) a quality kid that everybody on our team liked and got along with and his contributing factors as an offensive player are really good for a young player who's not the tallest (he's listed at five-foot-four, 120 pounds). He seemed a dangerous guy, shift-in shift-out, and he learned a lot about being a defensive player. His skill and mind for the game are all good. He's a great future (player) for our organization."

West Kelowna 3 Vernon 2 Overtime

I have had season tickets for the past 27 years and been following Junior hockey in Vernon for well over thirty years. Ive missed only three home games since 1998-99 season. For anyone who could not attend or watch tonight’s Vipers game here are my thoughts and views from tonight’s game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own view and opinion on any game we watch. This is my opinion and my thoughts on how I saw tonight’s game. I try to be unbiased and give a fare recap on both sides. Thanks for stopping by & visiting my blog.

I was at tonight's Vipers-Warriors game as West Kelowna defeated Vernon 3-2 in overtime in front of 966 fans at Royal LePage Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Ty Taylor

West Kelowna: Shane Farkas

1st Period: A bit of a slow start for both teams as neither team could get much flow going with several tops and starts within the first few minutes. The Vipers took early control of the game off the opening faceoff and carried most of the play through out the opening period. Even with all the early stopages in the opening minutes the Vipers still managed to carry the play. Vernon getting pucks to the net early, testing Warriors starting goaltender Shane Farkas. The Vipers didn't get a lot of great opportunities, were throwing pucks to the net, looking for second chances. Vernon outshooting West Kelowna 4-0 early as the Warriors needed six and a half minutes to record their first shot on goal. Vernon outshooting WK at this point 7-1. The Vipers skating well, moving the puck carried the better of the play, were by far the better team in the first half. The Vipers would open the scoring on an odd man rush. Christian Cakebread setup Brett Stapley cutting through the blueline before beating Shane Farkas in the slot giving Vernon the 1-0 lead at 11:10 Cakebread & Cooper Watson with the helpers. West Kelowna come right back and would get their first bit of pressure-zone time with a hard working shift. The Warriors with a good solid few minutes worked hard before getting the games first powerplay. Late in the powerplay former Kamloops Blazers forward Matthew Campese alone in front was stoned by Ty Taylor who made a huge pad save off Campese in front keeping this a one goal game. Vernon with a good PK would kill off the minor. The Vipers would get their first look with the man advantage just as the minor expired. Brett Stapley with a nice feed out front spotted Steven Jandric who beat Farkas giving Vernon a 2-0 lead at 16:23 Stapley and Hunter Zandee with the assists. With 2:20 remaining the Warriors would get an odd man rush, Jared Marino somehow missed the wide open cage on a missed opportunity. It was 2-0 Vernon after 20 minutes of play. It was all Vipers from start to finish as Vernon was the better of the two teams. The Vipers carried most of the play, were skating hard, moving the puck, getting pucks to the net, looked very good in the first twenty minutes. The Warriors playing their first game in eight days looked rusty and it showed. West Kelowna looked sluggish, weren't skating, had troubles getting control of the puck, getting pucks to the net, were outplayed the 1st period. The Tribe with very little zone time played a lot of time in the neutral zone-their own zone. Vernon outshot West Kelowna 14-5.

2nd Period: After a few hard shifts from the Vipers early the Warriors got their game going and took control of the middle frame. It was all West Kelowna for most of the 2nd period. The Warriors skating hard, had the Vipers back on their heels at times. WK throwing pucks to the net, were going hard to the goal, creating/generating chances early and often. Veteran forward Quin Foreman through the puck to the front of the net on an odd man rush couldn't connect with the other forward as the puck hit a Vernon defenceman in front breaking up the Warriors attack. A few minor scrums took place after the whistle as both teams got into pushing matches. This giving the Tribe their second look with the PP. The Warriors with several good looks-chances couldn't convert with the man advantage. Former Vipers forward Chase Stevenson would be denied in front before Quin Foreman missed on the second opportunity from the slot on two back to back quality chances by WK. With just seconds remaining on the powerplay, Chase Dubois come down the left wing before snapping a quick low from the circle beat Vipers starting goaltender Ty Taylor shot shortside cutting the Vernon lead to 2-1 at 10:32 Jared Marino with the lone helper. The Warriors kept coming as the Vipers had all kinds of troubles getting the offence going. Taylor had to be solid with WK buzzing. With just over six minutes remaining Chase Stevenson alone in front fired high and just over the top corner missing on a great opportunity. With just over two minutes to go, West Kelowna would get another look with the man advantage. Ty Taylor was forced to make a big stop off the point with bodies in front, made two real big saves on the PK as Vernon was able to get some good goaltending and get out of the period with just a handful of seconds left on the penalty. It was 2-1 Vernon after 40 minutes of play. The Tribe really stepped up their play and turned the game around after a poorly 1st period. The Warriors come out with a strong effort and played very well in the 2nd period. WK were by far the better team and outplayed the Vipers most of the period. Had some real good looks-chances, missed on a few good chances in close. The Vipers looked like a totally different team after a great opening period. Whats with the Vipers 2nd periods lately? They seem to lay an egg almost every second period as of late. Vernon looked slow and sluggish, weren't skating, were being outworked and outskated. Very few to little if any scoring chances, played most of the period in their own end. Ty Taylor was solid in the 2nd period.

3rd Period: The Vipers were able to kill off the remaining few seconds off the penalty kill wich was carried over from the 2nd period. Cooper Watson with a quick shot from the point forced Shane Farkas into making a quick glove save just three minutes into the 3rd. On the play the Vipers would jump to an early powerplay. Vernon moving the puck around quickly forced Shane Farkas into making several big stops on the penalty kill. Michael Ufberg with a best look was stoned in the high slot. Shorthanded Ty Taylor come way out of his crease, fired the puck up ice was just about picked off by Quin Foreman who had a good look at a wide open cage. The Vipers with a good powerplay, had their chances, couldn't capitalize as West Kelowna killed off the minor. Shortly after Ty Taylor was forced into making a glove save off Jared Marino from the circle. Both teams then went back and fourth with lots of good chances at either ends of the rink. The Warriors would then get the final powerplay of the evening. WK with a ton of pressure on the man advantage couldn't beat Ty Taylor. A goal mouth scramble had Taylor flopping all over the blue paint but the Tribe couldn't find the back of the net on a close call as Vernon was able to excape and kill off the minor. The Vipers stormed right back had two good looks in front couldn't bang home the puck before back come the Warriors. Michael Ryan's point shot found it's way through a maze of players in front beat wich looked like a screened Ty Taylor to tie the game 2-2 at 10:40 sending Royal LePage Place into a frenzy. Quin Foreman with the lone assist. Once again both teams didn't quit and both clubs come right back as the play went back and fourth with good looks & opportunities at both ends of the rink. Both goaltenders were very good in the 3rd period. Niko Karamanis with a great opportunity with about four minutes to go couldn't beat Shane Farkas in close. It was tied 2-2 after 60 minutes of play. Lots of great chances at both ends of the rink, as both teams were very evenly matched. Both teams had several good quality chances couldn't beat the other teams goaltender. A very quick pace 3rd period. The Warriors would get the big game tying goal, the only goal of the third wich forced overtime. Both goaltenders were very solid in the 3rd making some big stops. West Kelowna outshot Vernon 17-13.

Overtime: Off the opening puck drop the Vipers won the draw. Brett Stapley lead the attack with the odd man rush, setup Niko Karamanis in front who couldn't beat Shane Farkas who come up with the huge save before back come the Tribe. Quin Foreman lead the rush for WK through the puck in front that went in and off Connor Sodergren giving the defending National champions the 3-2 overtime victory at 0:29 as the Warriors bench flooded the ice to pile onto Connor Sodergren. As the Vipers were making their way off the ice-bench and West Kelowna still on the ice celebrating, the two referee's huddled around each other were talking for a minute or so in the corner before again gathering together this time with the linesmen in front of the penalty box. By this time the Warriors were just getting off the ice. That's when the referee's made their way off the ice. Vernon outshot West Kelowna 3-2.

Top Player's: (Vernon)

Michael Ufberg I thought played a real strong game on the Viper backend. Carried the puck a lot, moved the puck up ice well and in a hurry. Was getting that quick release-one time off in a hurry and had some good looks-opportunities on the powerplay. A very good smooth skater, moves the puck well. Really sees-reads the ice well.

Brett Stapley (1 goal & 1 assist) Had a strong game in the loss. Picking up two points was very strong in the offensive zone, made several heads up plays to create-generate chances, was good on the draw, always moving his feet, worked-competed hard.

Jesse Lansdell For a second straight game played very well. Was also skating hard, carried the puck often, looked good through out the night.

Ty Taylor (36 saves) Made his fourth straight start, played a very solid game between the pipes. Didn't see much for rubber in that opening frame, was very strong come the 2nd and 3rd periods. Was big on the penalty kill and when the Warriors were on the attack. 

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

The Vipers jumped on West Kelowna early and often played a very strong 1st period. Vernon looked very good through out the opening frame were up 2-0 on the road in a rink they haven't had much luck in the past few seasons took a step back come the 2nd period. For a third straight game the Vipers went to sleep-fell apart come the 2nd period, were a totally different hockey team. Quit skating, were being outworked & outskated, played most of the 2nd period in their own end. Come the 3rd the Vipers got back on track and played well. Vernon had their chances couldn't solve Shane Farkas in the 3rd when they really needed that next goal. I thought the Vipers played well in two of the three periods but need a much more consistant effort in all three periods. It seems like Vernon has had their troubles in the 2nd period as of late. Whats going on? Other then the middle frame I thought the Vipers played very well but cant be blowing 2-0 leads after dominating the opening period. This was a tough loss, especially after having a two goal lead. Vernon really needed that third goal either in the 2nd or 3rd period. The Vipers seem to lack that killer instinct and cant seem to put away teams-games when up by a few goals. With the loss the Vipers fall to 1-3 in overtime this season & 5-8-2-0 on the road. The Vipers have just four regular season wins in their last thirteen games in West Kelowna. Vernon has now lost six of their last eight road games. Looking at the standings before tonight, this was a game the Vipers needed to win! You already have troubles beating teams ahead of you in the standings, you have to take advantage and beat the teams below you in the standings. West Kelowna was in last place before tonight's game. I really like the looks of this years team-roster but they have been very inconsistent all season. This team cant seem to get on a roll and put together a nice winning streak. Its win one, lose one, win one, lose two or three. With the card deadline looming, it will be interesting to see what the Vipers do. A few Viper fans were in attendance tonight.

Top Player's: (West Kelowna)

Quin Foreman (1 assist) Was good through out the contest. Was creating/generating chances through out the night, always seems to play well against Vernon.

Chase Dubois (1 goal) I thought was one of if not the Warriors best forward tonight. Not the biggest kid, but plays with-shows a lot of hustle and determination in his game. Has some wheels, can really move, skates well, has a quick shot, moves the puck well & Isnt afraid of going to the grey area. Battles and competes hard.

Stephen Kleysen played well on the Tribes blueline.

Matthew Campese The son of former Penticton Vees Head Coach-GM Bruno Campese played very well tonight. Was acquired after being released from the Kamloops Blazers played hard, was going to the net.

Nicholas Rutigliano Was another Warriors defenceman that I thought stood out tonight. Had a strong night on the backend. Played with an edge, was in the face of the Vipers through out the game.

Jared Marino (1 assist) Had his share of chances, was driving to the net, looking for opportunities. Played well in the victory.

Shane Farkas (34 saves) Was tested early and often in the opening period, gave up two goals on fourteen shots but really settled down in the 2nd and 3rd periods. Battled and played hard between the pipes, giving his team a chance to stay in the game. Likes to come out to the top of his crease, challenge the shooters, dosnt give you a lot of room to shoot, very little second opportunities on this kid. Both goaltenders played very well tonight.

Game Thought's: (West Kelowna)

Tonight was the Warriors first game in eight days, snapping a two game losing skid after a big come from behind victory. West Kelowna looked a little rusty after that long layoff with no games, needed twenty minutes to get their game going. The Warriors fell behind two goals but really turned the game around in the 2nd with a strong second period. The Tribe skating well, moved the puck well, were creating-generating chances, had the Vipers back on their heels in that 2nd period. Lots of zone time had some good quality chances got within one heading into the 3rd. The Warriors got a big penalty kill early to start the 3rd kept battling-working hard, didn't quit before tying the game, wich forced overtime. West Kelowna didn't get off to a great start, looked & played much better and were very good in the 2nd and 3rd periods. A big two points wich moved the Warriors from 6th to fifth passing the Salmon Arm Silverbacks moving to within two points of 4th place Merritt and three points of 3rd place Vernon. I noticed a lot of new faces in the West Kelowna lineup since the last time these two teams met. The Warriors improve to 2-1 vs the Vipers this season, will be in Vernon December 2nd. A very entertaining-exciting hockey game tonight in front of a fairly decent sized crowd.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Jagger Williamson (Injured)

Riley Brandt (Suspended)

Jimmy Lambert (Injured)

Chris Jandric (Injured)

West Kelowna:

Jake Harrison

Braiden Epp

Peter Tomaras

Energy Player of the Game:

Scott Allen

Three Star's:

1st Star: Michael Ryan (1 goal)

2nd Star: Brett Stapley (1 goal & 1 assist)

3rd Star: Nicholas Rutiliano

BCHL Boxscore-Game summary,

http://bchl.ca/game-summary?game_id=7418

Trevor Miller's West Kelowna Warriors Blog,

https://westkwarriors.wordpress.com/

West Kelowna Warriors Game Summary,

http://www.westkelownawarriors.ca/recap-sodergren-warriors-sink-snakes-in-overtime