This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:
Vipers hit halfway point on high
By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning StarPublished: November 30, 2008
The Vernon Vipers reached the midway point of the B.C. Hockey League regular season in style, recording a season-high eight goals as they doubled the Cowichan Valley Capitals 8-4 Friday night at Wesbild Centre.
The Vipers (20-7-1-2) dominated the Capitals (15-13-0-2) over the first 40 minutes, outshooting them 36-12 (51-24 overall), but got into penalty problems in the third frame and weren’t able to completely shut Cowichan down.
Mike Collins (10th and 11th goals) opened the Snakes’ account at 4:33, when he collected a rebound off the end boards and smacked a shot past Caps keeper Chris Rawlings.
The Vipers’ Braden Pimm (18th), on a great cross-ice feed from Adam Thompson, had time to read War and Peace before firing one past a helpless Rawlings at 6:54.
Announcer Wayne Buck didn’t even have a chance to announce Pimm’s goal before Vipers’ captain Chris Crowell (fifth and sixth) deflected a Steve Tresierra point shot just 19 seconds later, chasing the Caps keeper in favour of Taylor Pears.
“We knew they’d done a lot of traveling in the last two days, so we knew the start would be key,” said first star Crowell, whose play has picked up noticeably in November. “We wanted to get on them early and not give them a chance.
“It’s nice to see the pucks starting to go in, but I credit my linemates a lot – Pimmer (Pimm) and Mike (Collins). It’s easy to play with guys like that who read the ice and know the game so well.”
Added Caps’ head coach Scott Robinson: “You just can’t start the game like we did and get down 3-0. Vernon’s got a big, strong team and they made that asset work for them.
“You could see it (fatigue) in our guys, but in those situations you’ve gotta find a way to limit the damage. You’ve got to ward them off the first 10 minutes, and we didn’t do that.”
Kyle Bigos (fifth) welcomed Pears with a powerplay wrist shot through traffic with five seconds to play in the first.
The Vipers continued to roll in the second stanza with a solid forecheck and by driving the net. Even while shorthanded, the Vipers out-chanced the Caps.
The Vipers’ John Digness created a turnover and went in on a shorthanded 2-on-0, setting up second star Rob Short (sixth and seventh) for the first of his two goals.
Late in the second, the Caps’ Anthony Perdicaro took an extra whack at netminder Graeme Gordon (20 saves) after he covered the puck. Perdicaro earned an early shower after taking a misconduct (possibly for chirping)from referee Brett Barnes on the play.
The Caps’ Kevin Walrod (14th) snapped Gordon’s shutout bid on the powerplay at 3:13 of the third with a well-placed wrist shot under the crossbar.
“We played two games in two nights with a lot of traveling,” said Walrod, a former Westside Warrior. “It was their first game of the weekend, and they came out flying and we just sat back on our heels and let them get a couple quick ones and lost the momentum.
“They’ve played like this for three years in a row now, and I try to tell the guys before the game how they play, but we just couldn’t come out how we wanted, and it hurt us.”
Crowell, shorthanded, Short, on a sweet cross-ice pass from Vipers’ d-man Kevin Kraus, and Collins completed Vernon’s attack.
Cowichan got goals from Taylor Holst (12th), Nick Anderson (fourth) and Zack Currie (sixth) to answer for the Capitals.
“It’s always a positive to light the lamp a few times,” said Robinson. “Had we held them off the board, it could have been 5-4 with an empty net situation.”
Added Vipers head coach Mark Ferner: “We continue to work hard, and we deserved the goals that we got.
“I was pretty happy with our effort for the most part, but I guess we took our foot off the pedal and got into penalty problems (in the third period). Giving up four goals in the third period I’m not too happy about.”
The Snakes visited the Penticton Vees (19-9-0-4) Saturday night at the South Okanagan Events Centre and will host the Vees Friday at Wesbild.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Vernon 3 Penticton 1
Vernon 3 Penticton 1
Was at tonights BCHL game as Vernon defeated Penticton 3-1 in front of 1,850 fans at the South Okanagan Events Center.
1st Period: A slow start to tonights game as both teams looked very cautious, playing very tenative with the puck. Vernon atleast was getting the puck in deep, and getting some long shots towards Jordan White where as Penticton looked a little slow breaking out of there own end. Not much action in the first half of the 1st as the Vipers were up in shots early 4-1. The play picked up in the second half as the Vees had the best scoring chance, as Travis Oullette picked up a nice pass, and then wired a quick shot from the slot, but Andrew Hammond was set and focused coming up with the tough save. Vernon played physical to start the game but laid off the checking as the period carried on. Penticton started skating, really moving the puck well late in the period, getting a few odd man rushes, creating some chances in the Vernon zone. The Vees carried the better of the play in the final 6-8 minutes as the Vipers didnt record a shot on net in the final five minutes of play. Vernons defence was having all kinds of trouble making the first pass breaking out from there own end, causing for alot of turnovers. I also noticed problems with the ice surface in the 1st as atleast 3-4 Vipers and one Vee player fell as nobody was near them. Penticton had a great three on two scoring play late but Hammond made the blocker save. Vipers struggled in the 2nd half but excaped without giving up a goal. It was scoreless after 20 minutes of play. Shots were even 8-8.
2nd Period: Just 2:35 into the 2nd Sahir Gill made a nice play at the Vees blueline, keeping the play onside, then getting the puck downlow to Cole Ikkala, Ikkala waited and then made a nice saucer pass through the crease where Vernon product Rob Short just beat White as Vernon was up 1-0. Shortly after the goal the Vees would get an early powerplay with some solid penalty kill and great forecheck the Vees were forced into taking a minor. With some late four on four action the Vipers would get a late powerplay but couldnt manage to take a 2-0 lead. Kevin Kraus was checked from behind by Ryan Viselli in front of the teams benches, with no call on the play, Steve Tresierra jumped Viselli and the two dropped the gloves. Penticton would come out of the fight with a powerplay and after some nice passing, Denver Manderson set up Curtis McKenzie who had a wide open net, tying the game 1-1 with 12 minutes still to go. Vernon stepped up with some physical play and seemed to have the better of the play for the remainder of the period. The Vipers strong forecheck and hard work down low, was relentless. The Vipers were punishing the Vees with some solid checks, Penticton on the other hand didnt play the body much and was having all kinds of trouble with the strong forecheck of the Vipers. Vernon out worked and out skated the Vees in the 2nd half, with the Vipers winning all the races. The Vipers had some chances in close but White was there to make the save. With just under 8 minutes remaining, & the Vipers on a powerplay Sahir Gill out hustled his man, feeding Kevin Kraus who made an unreal pass over to the side of the net, where Cory Kane was left all alone. Just as the powerplay ended, Kane waited for White to go down, and then hit the empty cage as Vernon went ahead 2-1. The Vipers looked very strong offensivly and defensivly in the last 10 minutes. Vernons defence was unbeatable, keeping the Vees to the outside, as Penticton had one shot in the final 5-6 minutes of the period. Vernon dominated most of the 2nd and was up 2-1 after 40 minutes of play. The Vipers outshot the Vees 9-6.
3rd Period: This was one of the best periods the Vipers have played all season. The Vipers dominated the 3rd with a relentless forecheck and solid defensive play. Vernon got the puck in deep and then out muscled and just simply outworked the Vees down low, as the Vipers forecheck was too much. Vernon was just the stronger hockey club and seemed to want it more then Penticton. Any chance the Vees did touch the puck, Vernons defence shut down Pentictons offence. The Vipers carried most of the play deep in the Penticton zone in the first half and with under the midway mark the Vipers would get a powerplay. Bryce Kakoske would set up Captain Chris Crowell in front who beat White on the PP, as Vernon got the insurance goal they needed, going up 3-1. Penticton tried getting in across the Vipers blueline but the Vipers d-men did a great job at keeping the Vees to the outside, not giving them any space to move or create chances. The Vees didnt record a shot on goal till midway through the final frame. Late in the 3rd Adam Thompson with a bad turnover seemed to give the Vees some life, as Penticton stepped up there play, buzzing around the Vipers net. Curtis McKenzie was robbed by the glove of Andrew Hammond, who was wearing Chris Fairlies old jersey #1. On the next draw, the Vees won the faceoff and then with a mad scramble in front of a down and out Hammond, Penticton couldnt lift the puck over Hammond, as the shot was low and on the ice, as Hammond somehow managed to find the loose puck and stop the play. Penticton would get a late powerplay but the Vipers penalty kill was super, not allowing the Vees with any pressure down low, Penticton would get just one shot on the PP as the Vipers would kill off the minor. Vernons defence was huge late in the game coming up with two big block shots along with not giving the Vees any room, to get a shot off. Shortly after killing off the minor the Vees would get another chance, as they went back on the powerplay, Jordan White would go to the bench for the two man advantage but once again Vernons penalty kill was unreal, Vernon showed alot of hustle, winning the races for the loose pucks, and simply winning the battles along the wall. The Vees had a few late chances but couldnt beat Hammond who looked very confident between the pipes. In the final few seconds of the game Braden Pimm dropped the gloves with Travis Oullette. Vernon would defeat Penticton 3-1 winning there 6th in a row, moving to 3-0 against there arch rivals this season. Penticton now makes the trip up to Vernon Friday night in the rematch. Vernon outshot Penticton 10-8.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Ryan Santana was a work horse for the Vipers, especially in the 2nd period. Santana was very hard to get off the puck, dominated the play down low with some relentless forecheck. Played with alot of hustle, playing well at both ends of the rink.
The line of Rob Short, Sahir Gill & Cole Ikkala was by far Vernons best line. Short (1 goal) played very strong and has been playing his best hockey as of late. Short worked hard, played with alot of hustle, was great on the penalty kill all night. Gill (2 assists) Looked very strong with the puck, always seemed to know who was open and when to make the right pass. Read the play well all game, played well cyclying the puck down low and inbehind the Vees net. Ikkala (1 assist) looked very comfortable on the ice tonight, played very well for not seeing a regular spot in the lineup. Didnt get involved in the play much, but was very noticable on the ice.
Connor & Kellen Jones once again played well in the offensive zone, both kids were hard to get off the puck, cycled the puck well down low, creating all kinds of chances out front. Took a few solid checks, but still come out on top with the puck.
Kevin Kraus (1 assist) Played a solid defensive game. Kraus has really improved his game, coming along ways from the start of the season. Was very impressed with the strong defensive play in his own end, was involed offensivly, jumping up into the play alot tonight. Was skating well.
Andrew Hammond didnt have much action in the first two periods but looked very solid in the final few minutes of the game. Hammond had to be sharpe with a late surge by the Vees, coming up with some big saves with bodies in front. Looked very confident, played his positions well. No rebounds, was quick covering up the loose pucks.
Chris Crowell (1 goal) Played very well. Crowell has also impressed me as of late, stepping up his game. Crwowell played with that edge the Vipers need him to play with game in, game out.
Top Players: (Penticton)
Curtis McKenzie (1 goal) was by far the best Penticton player. McKenzie was all over the ice, involved in most of the Vees scoring chances. This kid saw alot of icetime, looking very solid up front. Played at both ends of the rink, showed alot of hustle.
Travis Oullette had two or three good scoring chances. Was another Vee who stood out, was involved in the play for most of the night. Good skater who can read the play well.
Jordan White played alot better compared to last weekends Overtime loss to Vernon. White had much better control with his rebounds, wasnt out playing the puck as much and seemed a little more confident between the pipes. Didnt stand on his head but played well. Made a few nice saves.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
The Vipers played an excellent road game, coming up with a big 3-1 victory. I was very impressed with the physical play in the 2nd and 3rd periods. Vernon really punished the Vees with some solid checks. The Vipers were very relentless at both ends of the rink, in there forecheck and gritty play along the wall and in the corners. The Vipers were by far the better hockey club who seemed to want this game more, winning most of the battles, showing alot of hustle, beating players to the puck on 2nd chances. The one thing that stood out for me, was the solid defensive play by the Vipers, late in the 2nd and especially in the 3rd, they basically shut down Pentictons offence, keeping the Vees to the outside, not giving them any time or space to create any chances. A few mental lapses late but played very well tonight. Vernon seemed to get those timely goals, when they needed them. Overall a solid team effort and well deserved win. Since lossing to Salmon Arm, in not such a great effort the Vipers have lost just one game, playing there best hockey of the year. Mark Ferner has done an exceptional job with the defence, & penalty kill keeping the goals against down (best in the league).
Game Thoughts: (Penticton)
This was a much different looking hockey club compared to last weekends Vernon-Penticton game. Off the opening draw the Vees didnt seem to have that jump they usally have, almost looking lifeless at times. Not much energy coming from there top lines. Had some chances late in the 1st with a few nice plays and then had a late surge in the final few minutes of the 3rd but basically that was it, not much threat coming from the Vees tonight. This was the first in a long time I have seen the Vees out worked and out played for most of the game, this club was almost afraid of hitting, as the Vipers were walking all over them down low and along the boards. Had two great chances late in the game with two powerplays but struggled. This wasnt one of the better performances Ive seen from Penticton, was very surprised. Love the Vees new 3rd set jerseys, very sharpe!
Scratches:
Vernon:
James Kerr
Trent Dorais
Kory Roy
Steven Weinstein
Penticton:
Nicholas Goyens
Ryan Johansen
3 Stars:
1st Star: Andrew Hammond
2nd Star: Curtis McKenzie (1 goal)
3rd Star: Sahir Gill (2 assists)
Was at tonights BCHL game as Vernon defeated Penticton 3-1 in front of 1,850 fans at the South Okanagan Events Center.
1st Period: A slow start to tonights game as both teams looked very cautious, playing very tenative with the puck. Vernon atleast was getting the puck in deep, and getting some long shots towards Jordan White where as Penticton looked a little slow breaking out of there own end. Not much action in the first half of the 1st as the Vipers were up in shots early 4-1. The play picked up in the second half as the Vees had the best scoring chance, as Travis Oullette picked up a nice pass, and then wired a quick shot from the slot, but Andrew Hammond was set and focused coming up with the tough save. Vernon played physical to start the game but laid off the checking as the period carried on. Penticton started skating, really moving the puck well late in the period, getting a few odd man rushes, creating some chances in the Vernon zone. The Vees carried the better of the play in the final 6-8 minutes as the Vipers didnt record a shot on net in the final five minutes of play. Vernons defence was having all kinds of trouble making the first pass breaking out from there own end, causing for alot of turnovers. I also noticed problems with the ice surface in the 1st as atleast 3-4 Vipers and one Vee player fell as nobody was near them. Penticton had a great three on two scoring play late but Hammond made the blocker save. Vipers struggled in the 2nd half but excaped without giving up a goal. It was scoreless after 20 minutes of play. Shots were even 8-8.
2nd Period: Just 2:35 into the 2nd Sahir Gill made a nice play at the Vees blueline, keeping the play onside, then getting the puck downlow to Cole Ikkala, Ikkala waited and then made a nice saucer pass through the crease where Vernon product Rob Short just beat White as Vernon was up 1-0. Shortly after the goal the Vees would get an early powerplay with some solid penalty kill and great forecheck the Vees were forced into taking a minor. With some late four on four action the Vipers would get a late powerplay but couldnt manage to take a 2-0 lead. Kevin Kraus was checked from behind by Ryan Viselli in front of the teams benches, with no call on the play, Steve Tresierra jumped Viselli and the two dropped the gloves. Penticton would come out of the fight with a powerplay and after some nice passing, Denver Manderson set up Curtis McKenzie who had a wide open net, tying the game 1-1 with 12 minutes still to go. Vernon stepped up with some physical play and seemed to have the better of the play for the remainder of the period. The Vipers strong forecheck and hard work down low, was relentless. The Vipers were punishing the Vees with some solid checks, Penticton on the other hand didnt play the body much and was having all kinds of trouble with the strong forecheck of the Vipers. Vernon out worked and out skated the Vees in the 2nd half, with the Vipers winning all the races. The Vipers had some chances in close but White was there to make the save. With just under 8 minutes remaining, & the Vipers on a powerplay Sahir Gill out hustled his man, feeding Kevin Kraus who made an unreal pass over to the side of the net, where Cory Kane was left all alone. Just as the powerplay ended, Kane waited for White to go down, and then hit the empty cage as Vernon went ahead 2-1. The Vipers looked very strong offensivly and defensivly in the last 10 minutes. Vernons defence was unbeatable, keeping the Vees to the outside, as Penticton had one shot in the final 5-6 minutes of the period. Vernon dominated most of the 2nd and was up 2-1 after 40 minutes of play. The Vipers outshot the Vees 9-6.
3rd Period: This was one of the best periods the Vipers have played all season. The Vipers dominated the 3rd with a relentless forecheck and solid defensive play. Vernon got the puck in deep and then out muscled and just simply outworked the Vees down low, as the Vipers forecheck was too much. Vernon was just the stronger hockey club and seemed to want it more then Penticton. Any chance the Vees did touch the puck, Vernons defence shut down Pentictons offence. The Vipers carried most of the play deep in the Penticton zone in the first half and with under the midway mark the Vipers would get a powerplay. Bryce Kakoske would set up Captain Chris Crowell in front who beat White on the PP, as Vernon got the insurance goal they needed, going up 3-1. Penticton tried getting in across the Vipers blueline but the Vipers d-men did a great job at keeping the Vees to the outside, not giving them any space to move or create chances. The Vees didnt record a shot on goal till midway through the final frame. Late in the 3rd Adam Thompson with a bad turnover seemed to give the Vees some life, as Penticton stepped up there play, buzzing around the Vipers net. Curtis McKenzie was robbed by the glove of Andrew Hammond, who was wearing Chris Fairlies old jersey #1. On the next draw, the Vees won the faceoff and then with a mad scramble in front of a down and out Hammond, Penticton couldnt lift the puck over Hammond, as the shot was low and on the ice, as Hammond somehow managed to find the loose puck and stop the play. Penticton would get a late powerplay but the Vipers penalty kill was super, not allowing the Vees with any pressure down low, Penticton would get just one shot on the PP as the Vipers would kill off the minor. Vernons defence was huge late in the game coming up with two big block shots along with not giving the Vees any room, to get a shot off. Shortly after killing off the minor the Vees would get another chance, as they went back on the powerplay, Jordan White would go to the bench for the two man advantage but once again Vernons penalty kill was unreal, Vernon showed alot of hustle, winning the races for the loose pucks, and simply winning the battles along the wall. The Vees had a few late chances but couldnt beat Hammond who looked very confident between the pipes. In the final few seconds of the game Braden Pimm dropped the gloves with Travis Oullette. Vernon would defeat Penticton 3-1 winning there 6th in a row, moving to 3-0 against there arch rivals this season. Penticton now makes the trip up to Vernon Friday night in the rematch. Vernon outshot Penticton 10-8.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Ryan Santana was a work horse for the Vipers, especially in the 2nd period. Santana was very hard to get off the puck, dominated the play down low with some relentless forecheck. Played with alot of hustle, playing well at both ends of the rink.
The line of Rob Short, Sahir Gill & Cole Ikkala was by far Vernons best line. Short (1 goal) played very strong and has been playing his best hockey as of late. Short worked hard, played with alot of hustle, was great on the penalty kill all night. Gill (2 assists) Looked very strong with the puck, always seemed to know who was open and when to make the right pass. Read the play well all game, played well cyclying the puck down low and inbehind the Vees net. Ikkala (1 assist) looked very comfortable on the ice tonight, played very well for not seeing a regular spot in the lineup. Didnt get involved in the play much, but was very noticable on the ice.
Connor & Kellen Jones once again played well in the offensive zone, both kids were hard to get off the puck, cycled the puck well down low, creating all kinds of chances out front. Took a few solid checks, but still come out on top with the puck.
Kevin Kraus (1 assist) Played a solid defensive game. Kraus has really improved his game, coming along ways from the start of the season. Was very impressed with the strong defensive play in his own end, was involed offensivly, jumping up into the play alot tonight. Was skating well.
Andrew Hammond didnt have much action in the first two periods but looked very solid in the final few minutes of the game. Hammond had to be sharpe with a late surge by the Vees, coming up with some big saves with bodies in front. Looked very confident, played his positions well. No rebounds, was quick covering up the loose pucks.
Chris Crowell (1 goal) Played very well. Crowell has also impressed me as of late, stepping up his game. Crwowell played with that edge the Vipers need him to play with game in, game out.
Top Players: (Penticton)
Curtis McKenzie (1 goal) was by far the best Penticton player. McKenzie was all over the ice, involved in most of the Vees scoring chances. This kid saw alot of icetime, looking very solid up front. Played at both ends of the rink, showed alot of hustle.
Travis Oullette had two or three good scoring chances. Was another Vee who stood out, was involved in the play for most of the night. Good skater who can read the play well.
Jordan White played alot better compared to last weekends Overtime loss to Vernon. White had much better control with his rebounds, wasnt out playing the puck as much and seemed a little more confident between the pipes. Didnt stand on his head but played well. Made a few nice saves.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
The Vipers played an excellent road game, coming up with a big 3-1 victory. I was very impressed with the physical play in the 2nd and 3rd periods. Vernon really punished the Vees with some solid checks. The Vipers were very relentless at both ends of the rink, in there forecheck and gritty play along the wall and in the corners. The Vipers were by far the better hockey club who seemed to want this game more, winning most of the battles, showing alot of hustle, beating players to the puck on 2nd chances. The one thing that stood out for me, was the solid defensive play by the Vipers, late in the 2nd and especially in the 3rd, they basically shut down Pentictons offence, keeping the Vees to the outside, not giving them any time or space to create any chances. A few mental lapses late but played very well tonight. Vernon seemed to get those timely goals, when they needed them. Overall a solid team effort and well deserved win. Since lossing to Salmon Arm, in not such a great effort the Vipers have lost just one game, playing there best hockey of the year. Mark Ferner has done an exceptional job with the defence, & penalty kill keeping the goals against down (best in the league).
Game Thoughts: (Penticton)
This was a much different looking hockey club compared to last weekends Vernon-Penticton game. Off the opening draw the Vees didnt seem to have that jump they usally have, almost looking lifeless at times. Not much energy coming from there top lines. Had some chances late in the 1st with a few nice plays and then had a late surge in the final few minutes of the 3rd but basically that was it, not much threat coming from the Vees tonight. This was the first in a long time I have seen the Vees out worked and out played for most of the game, this club was almost afraid of hitting, as the Vipers were walking all over them down low and along the boards. Had two great chances late in the game with two powerplays but struggled. This wasnt one of the better performances Ive seen from Penticton, was very surprised. Love the Vees new 3rd set jerseys, very sharpe!
Scratches:
Vernon:
James Kerr
Trent Dorais
Kory Roy
Steven Weinstein
Penticton:
Nicholas Goyens
Ryan Johansen
3 Stars:
1st Star: Andrew Hammond
2nd Star: Curtis McKenzie (1 goal)
3rd Star: Sahir Gill (2 assists)
Friday, November 28, 2008
Vernon 8 Cowichan Valley 4
Vernon 8 Cowichan Valley 4
Was at tonights game as Vernon defeated Cowichan Valley 8-4 in front of 2,232 fans at the Wesbild Center.
1st Period:This is the Capitals one and only visit to the Wesbild Center. The Vipers jumped out to a quick start, getting the puck in deep, really moving the puck well down low, Ryan Santana had an early scoring chance getting a quick shot off from the top of the circle before former Salmon Arm Silverback & Powell River King goaltender Chris Rawlings made the save. Kyle Bigos just two minutes into the period wired a quick shot from the point wich went through a crowd in front but hit the post. Vipers were buzzing early creating many chances down low. Cowichan Valley got the puck on a bad turnover in the Vernon zone and for a good two minutes had some chances in close, this was as close as the Capitals would come for offence during the 1st period as it was all Vernon from here on in. The Vipers would open the scoring just four and a half minutes into the game after Mike Collins with some strong forecheck, kept the puck in at the blueline, then showed some hustle and wired a quick shot from the slot wich beat Rawlings putting Vernon up 1-0. Vernon looked very strong, skating well, with some nice soft crisp passes and showed lots of hustle for most of tonights game. The Vipers were skating circles around the Capitals defenders in the Cowichan zone, cyclying the puck inbehind the Caps net, creating lots of chances in close. Rob Short & "AP" Kory Roy went in two on one, but Short couldnt beat Rawlings, who come up with the nice pad save. With just over 12 minutes remaining in the 1st, and just 10 seconds into a Vernon powerplay Steve Tresierra & Adam Thompson moved the puck at the line before making a lazer pass across the slot to find Braden Pimm who found the back of the goal as the Vipers were up 2-0. Off the next faceoff before they could even announce the goal, Chris Crowell beat Rawlings as Vernon jumped ahead 3-0 scoring two quick goals just seconds apart. Rawlings was yanked after the 3rd goal, giving up three goals on just eight Vernon shots. Backup goaltender Taylor Pears come into the Cowichan pipes. Rawlings stormed down into the tunnel where he stood against the wall for a good five minutes before returning to the Capitals bench. The Vipers wernt done here, as it was all Vernon, with the Capitals on a powerplay, Cory Kane stole the puck from a Cowichan Valley d-man, Kane was in front all alone getting two scoring chances in close but was stopped by Pears. On the same penalty kill Kellen Jones come in on the parcial breakaway but was stopped by Pears who was under fire. The Caps couldnt get anything going looking very sloppy on the PP. The Vipers had some great scoring chances shorthanded. This was a physical period as both teams were laying the body. Vipers dominated the 1st carrying the better of the play. Late in the period Ryan Stanimir gave Braden Pimm a glove in the face after a whistle, on the next play the Vipers got the puck in deep and after the whistle some pushing and shoving took place in the Caps zone. Captain Chris Crowell dropped the gloves with Taylor Holst, Braden Pimm and veteran Zach Zaires were pushing and shoving, getting the gloves up, both players were yapping back and forth at one another. This was all with 3:04 remaining as both teams got fired up. With Vernon on a late powerplay Kyle Bigos wired a blast from the blueline wich beat Pears with just 4.9 seconds to go in the period. Vernon was up 4-0 after 20 mins of play. The Vipers outshot the Capitals 16-5.
2nd Period: Vernon got the puck in deep and just seconds into the period the puck come back to the point where Adam Thompson wired a quick shot but Pears come up with the save. Pears had to be ready as Vernon was firing everything on goal in the early goings. Just minutes later Kevin Kraus blasted a shot from the slot with Pears coming up with a huge glove save keeping Cowichan Valley in the game. Vernon carried the early play dominating the Capitals in there own end. Vernons speed and skill down low was too much as Cowichan couldnt stop the Vipers. Cory Kane had a great scoring chance, cutting in from the corner, and then wiring a wicked wrist shot from the circle, wich just went high and over the net. With Cowichan Valley on a powerplay it was once again the Vipers who carried the play, looking very strong on the penalty kill. John Digness & Rob Short went in two on one, Digness made a nice pass over to Short who beat Pears as the Vipers were in full control up 5-0. The Capitals struggled offensivly and defensivly having all kinds of trouble with Vernon. Cowichan Valley recorded there first shot on goal with eight minutes remaining in the 2nd but the shot was counted on the shot clock, the next Caps shot wich found the net came with just over six minutes left in the period. Cowichans best scoring chance came when a shot from the point was re-directed in close, the puck snuck through the pads of Graeme Gordon, coming out the backside but Nick Amies was there to clear the loose puck out of the crease. With Vernon on a powerplay Vernon product Bryce Kakoske come close to putting the Vipers up 6-0 but rang his shot off the post. Former Penticton Vee Anthony Perdicaro was tossed from tonights game after taking some undisaplined penalties. Vernon dominated the 2nd having the better of the play, the Vipers peppered Taylor Pears with 20 shots, Pears looked sharpe but did kick out alot of rebounds during the middle period. Vernon got into some penalty trouble late taking two minors and were now down two men. The Vipers were up 5-0 after 40 mins of play. Vernon outshot Cowichan Valley 20-7.
3rd Period: With the Capitals on a two man advantage, both carried over from the end of the 2nd period, it was once again Vernon who had the better scoring chances. Cowichan once again struggled on the powerplay, not getting a single shot on the two man advantage. Just as the Vipers would kill off one minor, they would head back to the box with another minor and the Caps would get back on another two man advantage. With just seconds remaining in the first powerplay former Westside Warrior Kevin Walrod wired a wicked shot from the point, wich beat Gordon upstairs as Cowichan finally got on the scoreboard, cutting the lead to 5-1. With the Capitals still on the powerplay it was once again the Vipers who got control of the play, Braden Pimm set up Chris Crowell in the slot who wired a shot upstairs over Pears for his 2nd goal of the game putting Vernon up 6-1. The Vipers would hit there 3rd post of the night after a shot from the point was tipped in front and hit the post as Pears was going down. Just before the midway mark of the 3rd both teams would erupt for four goals all within five or six minutes. Rob Short would put Vernon up 7-1, just minutes later Cowichans Taylor Holst beat Gordon cutting the lead to 7-2. With the Vipers sitting back, Cowichan finally pressed some good pressure deep in the Vipers zone, moving the puck well, Nicholas Wong made a nice pass over to Nick Anderson as the Caps scored back to back goals for the first time tonight, cutting the Vernon lead to 7-3. It didnt take long before the Vipers would answer back after Braden Pimm & Adam Thompson set up Mike Collins for his 2nd goal of the night as the Vipers were up 8-3. Other then the first five minutes of the 3rd with all the penalties, there was more flow with both teams going back and forth with chances at either ends of the rink. Zach Currie cut down the right wing, getting a quick shot off from the circle but Graeme Gordon kicked out his shot with a nice toe save. Gordon saw more action in the 3rd then he did in the first two periods. Connor Jones speared Chris Zaires, before Zaires crosschecked Jones to the ice, then hitting Jones in the back of the head, the two veteran players got up, yapping at one another before Jones dropped the gloves with Zaires. Around four minutes remaining and the Capitals on the powerplay Zach Currie beat Gordon cutting the lead 8-4. Vernon basically sat back for most of the 3rd, this giving Cowichan Valley some solid play in the Vipers zone. With just 45 seconds remaining Braden Pimm dropped the gloves with Taylor Holst, at the same time Kevin Kraus dropped the mits with Nick Anderson, both fights took place in front of the Vernon bench. Some pushing and shoving took place at the buzzer deep in the Capitals zone but the linesmen were there to break it up. Vernon would win there 5th straight defeating Cowichan Valley 8-4. The Vipers outshot the Capitals 15-12.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Cory Kane played a great game up front for the Vipers. Kane was skating hard, made some nice moves in close. Showed alot of hustle most of the game.
Mike Collins (2 goals) Played very solid. Collins scored two nice goals, looked very strong on the forecheck.
Chris Crowell (2 goals) played a great game. Crowell was skating hard all night, played with that intensity and edge that he needs to play with, to be a impact player. Looked very focused all night.
Rob Short (2 goals) Played very well up front. Short scored a real nice shorthanded goal. Looked very solid on the penalty kill. Played physical, was skating hard, played with alot of hustle. Has really picked up his game as of late.
Braden Pimm (1 goal & 2 assists) Played physical, got involved in the after the whistle activities. Showed alot of hustle, looked good down low, was very hard to knock off the puck down low.
Kyle Bigos (1 goal) Played a very solid defensive game on the Vernon blueline. Bigos looked very strong on the point. Took alot of big shots from the point while on the powerplay.
Connor (1 assist) & Kellen Jones (1 assist) Both brothers looked very good on the cycle. Both were hard to fight off the puck, were buzzing around the Capitals net all game.
Top Players: (Cowichan Valley)
Taylor Holst (1 goal) Was one of the Caps bright spots up front. This kid isnt afraid of the rough stuff. Had a good fight with Chris Crowell, played physical, and was always involved in the play. This kid was always getting in the faces of many Vipers, trying to get under there skin.
Taylor Pears was peppered with a ton of Vernon shots but played well. This kid needs some work with his rebound control but stood tall between the Cowichan Valley net, making some tough saves with alot of traffic in front.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
Nice to see the Auzzies back in Vernon, a great playoff like atmosphere at tonights game. One of the loudest games of the season. This was one of the Vipers best looking games of the season. Off the opening faceoff Vernon looked very strong, focused and ready to play. The Vipers took it to the Capitals early chasing Chris Rawlings from the net before dominating the first two periods. The Vipers speed, skill and puck movement was by far way too much for Cowichan. The Vipers dominated the first two periods, before sitting back in the 3rd, getting into some penalty trouble. Vernons skating and passing was very strong, the Vipers passing was very crisp tape to tape for most of the night. Vernon played with alot of energy, showing lots of hustle for most of the game, not letting up on many shifts. I felt sorry for Graeme Gordon, who was 12 mins away from a shutout before the Capitals would score 3 goals within a few mins. Vernons penalty kill was amazing tonight, it was the Vipers who were the ones who had the better scoring chances, and plenty of them. Vernon moves to within one pt of the first place Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
Game Thoughts: (Cowichan Valley)
This was the Caps 3rd game in three nights and it showed. Cowichan Valley was out worked, out played and out scored in the first two periods. The Capitals couldnt keep pace with Vernon who had all kinds of trouble clearing the puck out of there own end, some very poor passing and struggled on the powerplay giving up two shorthanded goals. If it wasnt for Taylor Pears the Vipers could have had another two or three shorthanded goals, with some great chances. Cowichan took some very undisaplined penalties in the first two periods. For a team with alot of veteran players, they sure didnt play well. I love the Caps new jerseys, very sharpe looking.
Scratches:
Vernon:
James Kerr
Trent Dorais
Steven Weinstein
Cowichan Valley:
Jake Bouma
Chad Hohmann
Brendan Birdsell
Kevin Lourens
3 Stars:
1st Star: Chris Crowell (2 goals)
2nd Star: Rob Short (2 goals)
3rd Star: Mike Collins (2 goals)
Was at tonights game as Vernon defeated Cowichan Valley 8-4 in front of 2,232 fans at the Wesbild Center.
1st Period:This is the Capitals one and only visit to the Wesbild Center. The Vipers jumped out to a quick start, getting the puck in deep, really moving the puck well down low, Ryan Santana had an early scoring chance getting a quick shot off from the top of the circle before former Salmon Arm Silverback & Powell River King goaltender Chris Rawlings made the save. Kyle Bigos just two minutes into the period wired a quick shot from the point wich went through a crowd in front but hit the post. Vipers were buzzing early creating many chances down low. Cowichan Valley got the puck on a bad turnover in the Vernon zone and for a good two minutes had some chances in close, this was as close as the Capitals would come for offence during the 1st period as it was all Vernon from here on in. The Vipers would open the scoring just four and a half minutes into the game after Mike Collins with some strong forecheck, kept the puck in at the blueline, then showed some hustle and wired a quick shot from the slot wich beat Rawlings putting Vernon up 1-0. Vernon looked very strong, skating well, with some nice soft crisp passes and showed lots of hustle for most of tonights game. The Vipers were skating circles around the Capitals defenders in the Cowichan zone, cyclying the puck inbehind the Caps net, creating lots of chances in close. Rob Short & "AP" Kory Roy went in two on one, but Short couldnt beat Rawlings, who come up with the nice pad save. With just over 12 minutes remaining in the 1st, and just 10 seconds into a Vernon powerplay Steve Tresierra & Adam Thompson moved the puck at the line before making a lazer pass across the slot to find Braden Pimm who found the back of the goal as the Vipers were up 2-0. Off the next faceoff before they could even announce the goal, Chris Crowell beat Rawlings as Vernon jumped ahead 3-0 scoring two quick goals just seconds apart. Rawlings was yanked after the 3rd goal, giving up three goals on just eight Vernon shots. Backup goaltender Taylor Pears come into the Cowichan pipes. Rawlings stormed down into the tunnel where he stood against the wall for a good five minutes before returning to the Capitals bench. The Vipers wernt done here, as it was all Vernon, with the Capitals on a powerplay, Cory Kane stole the puck from a Cowichan Valley d-man, Kane was in front all alone getting two scoring chances in close but was stopped by Pears. On the same penalty kill Kellen Jones come in on the parcial breakaway but was stopped by Pears who was under fire. The Caps couldnt get anything going looking very sloppy on the PP. The Vipers had some great scoring chances shorthanded. This was a physical period as both teams were laying the body. Vipers dominated the 1st carrying the better of the play. Late in the period Ryan Stanimir gave Braden Pimm a glove in the face after a whistle, on the next play the Vipers got the puck in deep and after the whistle some pushing and shoving took place in the Caps zone. Captain Chris Crowell dropped the gloves with Taylor Holst, Braden Pimm and veteran Zach Zaires were pushing and shoving, getting the gloves up, both players were yapping back and forth at one another. This was all with 3:04 remaining as both teams got fired up. With Vernon on a late powerplay Kyle Bigos wired a blast from the blueline wich beat Pears with just 4.9 seconds to go in the period. Vernon was up 4-0 after 20 mins of play. The Vipers outshot the Capitals 16-5.
2nd Period: Vernon got the puck in deep and just seconds into the period the puck come back to the point where Adam Thompson wired a quick shot but Pears come up with the save. Pears had to be ready as Vernon was firing everything on goal in the early goings. Just minutes later Kevin Kraus blasted a shot from the slot with Pears coming up with a huge glove save keeping Cowichan Valley in the game. Vernon carried the early play dominating the Capitals in there own end. Vernons speed and skill down low was too much as Cowichan couldnt stop the Vipers. Cory Kane had a great scoring chance, cutting in from the corner, and then wiring a wicked wrist shot from the circle, wich just went high and over the net. With Cowichan Valley on a powerplay it was once again the Vipers who carried the play, looking very strong on the penalty kill. John Digness & Rob Short went in two on one, Digness made a nice pass over to Short who beat Pears as the Vipers were in full control up 5-0. The Capitals struggled offensivly and defensivly having all kinds of trouble with Vernon. Cowichan Valley recorded there first shot on goal with eight minutes remaining in the 2nd but the shot was counted on the shot clock, the next Caps shot wich found the net came with just over six minutes left in the period. Cowichans best scoring chance came when a shot from the point was re-directed in close, the puck snuck through the pads of Graeme Gordon, coming out the backside but Nick Amies was there to clear the loose puck out of the crease. With Vernon on a powerplay Vernon product Bryce Kakoske come close to putting the Vipers up 6-0 but rang his shot off the post. Former Penticton Vee Anthony Perdicaro was tossed from tonights game after taking some undisaplined penalties. Vernon dominated the 2nd having the better of the play, the Vipers peppered Taylor Pears with 20 shots, Pears looked sharpe but did kick out alot of rebounds during the middle period. Vernon got into some penalty trouble late taking two minors and were now down two men. The Vipers were up 5-0 after 40 mins of play. Vernon outshot Cowichan Valley 20-7.
3rd Period: With the Capitals on a two man advantage, both carried over from the end of the 2nd period, it was once again Vernon who had the better scoring chances. Cowichan once again struggled on the powerplay, not getting a single shot on the two man advantage. Just as the Vipers would kill off one minor, they would head back to the box with another minor and the Caps would get back on another two man advantage. With just seconds remaining in the first powerplay former Westside Warrior Kevin Walrod wired a wicked shot from the point, wich beat Gordon upstairs as Cowichan finally got on the scoreboard, cutting the lead to 5-1. With the Capitals still on the powerplay it was once again the Vipers who got control of the play, Braden Pimm set up Chris Crowell in the slot who wired a shot upstairs over Pears for his 2nd goal of the game putting Vernon up 6-1. The Vipers would hit there 3rd post of the night after a shot from the point was tipped in front and hit the post as Pears was going down. Just before the midway mark of the 3rd both teams would erupt for four goals all within five or six minutes. Rob Short would put Vernon up 7-1, just minutes later Cowichans Taylor Holst beat Gordon cutting the lead to 7-2. With the Vipers sitting back, Cowichan finally pressed some good pressure deep in the Vipers zone, moving the puck well, Nicholas Wong made a nice pass over to Nick Anderson as the Caps scored back to back goals for the first time tonight, cutting the Vernon lead to 7-3. It didnt take long before the Vipers would answer back after Braden Pimm & Adam Thompson set up Mike Collins for his 2nd goal of the night as the Vipers were up 8-3. Other then the first five minutes of the 3rd with all the penalties, there was more flow with both teams going back and forth with chances at either ends of the rink. Zach Currie cut down the right wing, getting a quick shot off from the circle but Graeme Gordon kicked out his shot with a nice toe save. Gordon saw more action in the 3rd then he did in the first two periods. Connor Jones speared Chris Zaires, before Zaires crosschecked Jones to the ice, then hitting Jones in the back of the head, the two veteran players got up, yapping at one another before Jones dropped the gloves with Zaires. Around four minutes remaining and the Capitals on the powerplay Zach Currie beat Gordon cutting the lead 8-4. Vernon basically sat back for most of the 3rd, this giving Cowichan Valley some solid play in the Vipers zone. With just 45 seconds remaining Braden Pimm dropped the gloves with Taylor Holst, at the same time Kevin Kraus dropped the mits with Nick Anderson, both fights took place in front of the Vernon bench. Some pushing and shoving took place at the buzzer deep in the Capitals zone but the linesmen were there to break it up. Vernon would win there 5th straight defeating Cowichan Valley 8-4. The Vipers outshot the Capitals 15-12.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Cory Kane played a great game up front for the Vipers. Kane was skating hard, made some nice moves in close. Showed alot of hustle most of the game.
Mike Collins (2 goals) Played very solid. Collins scored two nice goals, looked very strong on the forecheck.
Chris Crowell (2 goals) played a great game. Crowell was skating hard all night, played with that intensity and edge that he needs to play with, to be a impact player. Looked very focused all night.
Rob Short (2 goals) Played very well up front. Short scored a real nice shorthanded goal. Looked very solid on the penalty kill. Played physical, was skating hard, played with alot of hustle. Has really picked up his game as of late.
Braden Pimm (1 goal & 2 assists) Played physical, got involved in the after the whistle activities. Showed alot of hustle, looked good down low, was very hard to knock off the puck down low.
Kyle Bigos (1 goal) Played a very solid defensive game on the Vernon blueline. Bigos looked very strong on the point. Took alot of big shots from the point while on the powerplay.
Connor (1 assist) & Kellen Jones (1 assist) Both brothers looked very good on the cycle. Both were hard to fight off the puck, were buzzing around the Capitals net all game.
Top Players: (Cowichan Valley)
Taylor Holst (1 goal) Was one of the Caps bright spots up front. This kid isnt afraid of the rough stuff. Had a good fight with Chris Crowell, played physical, and was always involved in the play. This kid was always getting in the faces of many Vipers, trying to get under there skin.
Taylor Pears was peppered with a ton of Vernon shots but played well. This kid needs some work with his rebound control but stood tall between the Cowichan Valley net, making some tough saves with alot of traffic in front.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
Nice to see the Auzzies back in Vernon, a great playoff like atmosphere at tonights game. One of the loudest games of the season. This was one of the Vipers best looking games of the season. Off the opening faceoff Vernon looked very strong, focused and ready to play. The Vipers took it to the Capitals early chasing Chris Rawlings from the net before dominating the first two periods. The Vipers speed, skill and puck movement was by far way too much for Cowichan. The Vipers dominated the first two periods, before sitting back in the 3rd, getting into some penalty trouble. Vernons skating and passing was very strong, the Vipers passing was very crisp tape to tape for most of the night. Vernon played with alot of energy, showing lots of hustle for most of the game, not letting up on many shifts. I felt sorry for Graeme Gordon, who was 12 mins away from a shutout before the Capitals would score 3 goals within a few mins. Vernons penalty kill was amazing tonight, it was the Vipers who were the ones who had the better scoring chances, and plenty of them. Vernon moves to within one pt of the first place Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
Game Thoughts: (Cowichan Valley)
This was the Caps 3rd game in three nights and it showed. Cowichan Valley was out worked, out played and out scored in the first two periods. The Capitals couldnt keep pace with Vernon who had all kinds of trouble clearing the puck out of there own end, some very poor passing and struggled on the powerplay giving up two shorthanded goals. If it wasnt for Taylor Pears the Vipers could have had another two or three shorthanded goals, with some great chances. Cowichan took some very undisaplined penalties in the first two periods. For a team with alot of veteran players, they sure didnt play well. I love the Caps new jerseys, very sharpe looking.
Scratches:
Vernon:
James Kerr
Trent Dorais
Steven Weinstein
Cowichan Valley:
Jake Bouma
Chad Hohmann
Brendan Birdsell
Kevin Lourens
3 Stars:
1st Star: Chris Crowell (2 goals)
2nd Star: Rob Short (2 goals)
3rd Star: Mike Collins (2 goals)
Pimm Commits To Northeastern Huskies:
This is on the Vipers website:
Pimm commits to nationally ranked program!
by viper staff Added 2008-11-28 November 28, 2008
The Vernon Vipers are please to announce that 19 year old forward Braden Pimm has accepted a scholarship to play for the Northeastern Huskies. This is a great accomplishment for Braden and well deserved. Northeastern is located in the heart of Boston and plays out of the Hockey East conference. They are currently off to a great start this season and are ranked 4th nationally. The team has a group of for BCHLers which include for Viper Drew Muench. Pimm has come into his own this season, and currently leads the Vipers in both goals and points. He is arguably one of the best two way forwards in the league and plays in all situations for the Vipers. The Fort St. John native will attend class in the fall of 2010.
Pimm commits to nationally ranked program!
by viper staff Added 2008-11-28 November 28, 2008
The Vernon Vipers are please to announce that 19 year old forward Braden Pimm has accepted a scholarship to play for the Northeastern Huskies. This is a great accomplishment for Braden and well deserved. Northeastern is located in the heart of Boston and plays out of the Hockey East conference. They are currently off to a great start this season and are ranked 4th nationally. The team has a group of for BCHLers which include for Viper Drew Muench. Pimm has come into his own this season, and currently leads the Vipers in both goals and points. He is arguably one of the best two way forwards in the league and plays in all situations for the Vipers. The Fort St. John native will attend class in the fall of 2010.
Vipers Assign Dorais To Sicamous:
This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:
November 28 2008
The Vipers have reassigned Dorais, a Vernon product, to the Sicamous Eagles of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League. The 17-year-old forward had two assists and 14 penalty minutes in 10 games with Vernon, but couldn’t find a permanent spot on a deep Vipers roster. “He needs to play to continue to get better,” said Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner, adding the Vipers have been fortunate with injuries, which has limited Dorais’ ability to get into games. “He’s still going to practise with us whenever possible.”
November 28 2008
The Vipers have reassigned Dorais, a Vernon product, to the Sicamous Eagles of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League. The 17-year-old forward had two assists and 14 penalty minutes in 10 games with Vernon, but couldn’t find a permanent spot on a deep Vipers roster. “He needs to play to continue to get better,” said Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner, adding the Vipers have been fortunate with injuries, which has limited Dorais’ ability to get into games. “He’s still going to practise with us whenever possible.”
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Viper Talent Up For Grabs:
This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:
Viper talent up for grabs
By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning StarPublished: November 27, 2008
They may not come with a stick of stale bubblegum, but the Vernon Vipers’ hockey trading cards are still a pretty hot commodity.
And rather than fork out big bucks to lay hands on a mint Gretzky card, to get one of these beauties, you simply ask a local RCMP officer, or head to the McDonald’s on 58th Avenue, Mondays between 5-6 p.m.
The Vipers’ Sahir Gill and Trent Dorais (Dec. 1), Cory Kane and Stevie Weinstein (Dec. 8), Graeme Gordon and Adam Thompson (Dec. 15) will greet fans and sign autographs, with sessions returning on Jan. 5 after the Christmas break.
RCMP officers will carry the cards as a way to improve their rapport with Vernon’s youth.
Vipers team sets will be available during games at the souvenir booth in Wesbild Centre, starting Friday, Dec. 5.
“It’s a good way to get out with the fans,” said the Vipers’ Chris Crowell, of the signing sessions.
“It’ll be nice when I’m older to look back at them. My mom has grabbed a few from each year, so I’m sure she’ll hold onto them for me.
Added Crowell, grinning: “And no, they don’t go on the fridge. She tried that one, and I took them down. If I didn’t, my brothers would have.”
Second-year forward Kellen Jones is thrilled to have his own trading card.
“I had tons of baseball and hockey cards growing up, and I liked them all. It’s pretty cool because you grow up seeing all these great hockey players on hockey cards, and now that you’ve got your own, you feel kind of important, even though you might not be.
“I got tons at home, and kids are still asking for them around my town (Montrose, B.C.).”
There was no argument between brothers Cody and Cole Ikkala as to whose card would sell better on eBay.
“Probably Cody’s – he’s got a little more veteran status on me,” deferred Cole, a rookie.
When asked whose card he’d like to have most, Cody replied with his surgically-repaired grin: “Probably (Vipers owner) Duncan Wray’s.”
Cody’s pearly whites required the attention of Dr. Wray – a retired dental surgeon – when he took a puck in the teeth during practice last month.
Viper talent up for grabs
By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning StarPublished: November 27, 2008
They may not come with a stick of stale bubblegum, but the Vernon Vipers’ hockey trading cards are still a pretty hot commodity.
And rather than fork out big bucks to lay hands on a mint Gretzky card, to get one of these beauties, you simply ask a local RCMP officer, or head to the McDonald’s on 58th Avenue, Mondays between 5-6 p.m.
The Vipers’ Sahir Gill and Trent Dorais (Dec. 1), Cory Kane and Stevie Weinstein (Dec. 8), Graeme Gordon and Adam Thompson (Dec. 15) will greet fans and sign autographs, with sessions returning on Jan. 5 after the Christmas break.
RCMP officers will carry the cards as a way to improve their rapport with Vernon’s youth.
Vipers team sets will be available during games at the souvenir booth in Wesbild Centre, starting Friday, Dec. 5.
“It’s a good way to get out with the fans,” said the Vipers’ Chris Crowell, of the signing sessions.
“It’ll be nice when I’m older to look back at them. My mom has grabbed a few from each year, so I’m sure she’ll hold onto them for me.
Added Crowell, grinning: “And no, they don’t go on the fridge. She tried that one, and I took them down. If I didn’t, my brothers would have.”
Second-year forward Kellen Jones is thrilled to have his own trading card.
“I had tons of baseball and hockey cards growing up, and I liked them all. It’s pretty cool because you grow up seeing all these great hockey players on hockey cards, and now that you’ve got your own, you feel kind of important, even though you might not be.
“I got tons at home, and kids are still asking for them around my town (Montrose, B.C.).”
There was no argument between brothers Cody and Cole Ikkala as to whose card would sell better on eBay.
“Probably Cody’s – he’s got a little more veteran status on me,” deferred Cole, a rookie.
When asked whose card he’d like to have most, Cody replied with his surgically-repaired grin: “Probably (Vipers owner) Duncan Wray’s.”
Cody’s pearly whites required the attention of Dr. Wray – a retired dental surgeon – when he took a puck in the teeth during practice last month.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Jones Boys Clutch For Vipers In Overtime Win:
This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:
Jones boys clutch for Vipers in overtime win
Published: November 25, 2008 7:00 PM
It took Kellen Jones four minutes to start the scoring, and only 10 seconds to finish it as the Vernon Vipers dumped the host Penticton Vees 4-3 in double overtime Saturday night.
Right off the OT faceoff, Kellen’s twin brother, Connor, stripped a Penticton defender and rushed in on netminder Jordan White, only to be hauled down.
With referee Korey Martens’ arm raised to award a penalty, Kellen (fourth and fifth goals) went forehand-backhand on White to give the Vipers (19-7-1-2) the win, stunning 2,067 B.C. Hockey League fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre.
“They (Jones boys) were very good against Penticton,” said Vipers head coach Mark Ferner. “They would feel the pressure (battling in the corner) and spin off. They were hard to contain.
“Our start was important, and we had a good first period. We were getting pucks deep, and we were winning the races and battles.”
To open the scoring, Vipers’ netminder Andrew Hammond caught the Vees on a line change, firing the puck up to Connor, who made a cross-ice pass to Kellen, who out waited White before going top shelf.
The Vees (16-8-0-4) replied as Colton Jobke (second) took advantage of a Vernon neutral zone turnover.
Ryan Viselli (seventh) gave Penticton the lead – despite being outshot 16-8 – with a powerplay point through traffic.
“We lost too many draws cleanly to their guys and they were getting opportunities off that,” said Ferner. “In their end, they also did a pretty good job of getting in our shooting lanes. It’s something we’ll have to look at.”
Cory Kane (12th) and Mike Collins (ninth) scored 38 seconds apart midway through the second frame put Vernon in front.
Kane, with a strong forecheck from John Digness and Ryan Santana, wheeled out from the corner to rip a high shot past White, whose 37 saves earned him third star. Collins converted a rebound off Chris Crowell’s shot from just inside the blueline.
Erik Slemp (second) rounded out the regulation scoring on the powerplay at 16:24 in the second.
Penticton poured on the pressure in the third stanza, outshooting Vernon 15-6, but Hammond (33 saves) stood tall.
The Snakes entertain the Cowichan Valley Capitals (13-12-0-2) Friday night at Wesbild Centre before returning for a Saturday rematch with the Vees in Penticton.
Jones boys clutch for Vipers in overtime win
Published: November 25, 2008 7:00 PM
It took Kellen Jones four minutes to start the scoring, and only 10 seconds to finish it as the Vernon Vipers dumped the host Penticton Vees 4-3 in double overtime Saturday night.
Right off the OT faceoff, Kellen’s twin brother, Connor, stripped a Penticton defender and rushed in on netminder Jordan White, only to be hauled down.
With referee Korey Martens’ arm raised to award a penalty, Kellen (fourth and fifth goals) went forehand-backhand on White to give the Vipers (19-7-1-2) the win, stunning 2,067 B.C. Hockey League fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre.
“They (Jones boys) were very good against Penticton,” said Vipers head coach Mark Ferner. “They would feel the pressure (battling in the corner) and spin off. They were hard to contain.
“Our start was important, and we had a good first period. We were getting pucks deep, and we were winning the races and battles.”
To open the scoring, Vipers’ netminder Andrew Hammond caught the Vees on a line change, firing the puck up to Connor, who made a cross-ice pass to Kellen, who out waited White before going top shelf.
The Vees (16-8-0-4) replied as Colton Jobke (second) took advantage of a Vernon neutral zone turnover.
Ryan Viselli (seventh) gave Penticton the lead – despite being outshot 16-8 – with a powerplay point through traffic.
“We lost too many draws cleanly to their guys and they were getting opportunities off that,” said Ferner. “In their end, they also did a pretty good job of getting in our shooting lanes. It’s something we’ll have to look at.”
Cory Kane (12th) and Mike Collins (ninth) scored 38 seconds apart midway through the second frame put Vernon in front.
Kane, with a strong forecheck from John Digness and Ryan Santana, wheeled out from the corner to rip a high shot past White, whose 37 saves earned him third star. Collins converted a rebound off Chris Crowell’s shot from just inside the blueline.
Erik Slemp (second) rounded out the regulation scoring on the powerplay at 16:24 in the second.
Penticton poured on the pressure in the third stanza, outshooting Vernon 15-6, but Hammond (33 saves) stood tall.
The Snakes entertain the Cowichan Valley Capitals (13-12-0-2) Friday night at Wesbild Centre before returning for a Saturday rematch with the Vees in Penticton.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Collins Rekindles Scoring Touch:
This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:
Collins rekindles scoring touch
By Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning StarPublished: November 24, 2008
For awhile, the goal-challenged Merritt Centennials looked poised to maybe take the Vernon Vipers to overtime and hope for the best Friday night before 2,059 fans at Wesbild Centre.
The Vipers, who wore the Cents down with some punishing physical play through 40 minutes, finally got rewarded when Boston rookie Mike Collins connected on a pair of wicked wristers past Harrison May five minutes apart to give Vernon a lead en route to a 4-1 B.C. Hockey League victory.
Collins had been slumping worse than the TSE Index, hearing from assistant coach Jason Williamson and teammates prior to the game about his scoring woes.
“Willie told me 12 games,” said Collins, who had eight goals as the Vipers visited the Penticton Vees Saturday night. “Finally, I shot the puck and look what happened? I haven’t been shooting, I took it, and it went in. I just haven’t been shooting. I’ve been thinking pass.”
Captain Chris Crowell provided a screen in front of the stellar May on Collins’ seventh goal 7:22 into the third. Collins came off the wall with the puck, curled into the high slot and wired a high shot past May.
On his second of the night, Collins took a feed from Bryce Kakoske from the left point, took a few strides inside the blueline and sent a high floater past May on the powerplay.
“Definitely no penalties taken in the third period and we got to work,” said Collins, when asked how the Vipers turned things around after the teams were deadlocked 1-1 after 20 and 40 minutes. “We put the effort in, we knew we needed to, and we just got it done.”
The Cents, last in the Interior Conference at 5-24-0-1, grabbed the early lead when Paul Forster beat Andrew Hammond under the crossbar after a Viper breakdown on the powerplay.
The Vipers equalized eight minutes later on a gorgeous one-time pass and shot involving Kakoske and Rob Short (fifth of the year) with 30 seconds left in Kevin Philp’s hooking penalty.
Viper defenceman Kevin Kraus, named second star behind Collins, made a clutch shot block in the dying seconds of the first period on Cents’ captain Jordan Grant from close range.
Kraus later dove to knock the puck away from Jordan Soquila, who had riverdanced around Viper d-man Adam Thompson and had a great scoring chance before Kraus came on the scene.
“My knee’s sore, but it’s worth it,” smiled Kraus. “I just hate losing to that team. It’s not fun losing to those guys. There’s no reason that they should even be in a game with us at this point. It feels good though that we got the win there finally. All it comes down to is hard work. Who wants to score? And Mike came through in the third period which was good.”
Kraus said the Vipers prepared for the Cents like they were a playoff contender.
“For some guys, it’s hard to get up for the game. But it’s just another day. We need the two points right now because we’re battling for first place. Most guys focus for any game, any team.”
The Cents, who were outshot 31-21, had a glorious chance to take the lead early in the second period when Braden Pimm took a double minor for goaltender interference and crosshecking, but they couldn’t convert.
“We can’t bury our chances and that’s been the story all year,” said Grant. “We had eight powerplays in the second period and no goals. That’s unacceptable in this league. I think that we had them. We had them on their heels in the second period. We just couldn’t put them away and it cost us in the third, and they put us away.”
Grant said a few new faces have boosted the team’s depth, and while frustrated, the Cents are trying to stay positive and not point fingers.
“We’re getting a lot better as we go now. We’re starting to get closer. We’ve been in a lot of one-goal games. It’s just that extra effort we’re not putting in right now which is costing us games.”
The newest Viper, James Kerr, scored his fifth of the year, and first as a Snake, when he knocked in a rebound off a Sahir Gill shot from May’s doorstep, to close the scoring.
The Vipers (18-7-1-2) went to Penticton second in the Conference, one point back of the Salmon Arm SilverBacks – 9-7 winners over the host Prince George Spruce Kings – and four points up on the Vees and Westside Warriors.
The Vees got two goals from Devon Krogh in an 8-2 rout of the visiting Trail Smoke Eaters. Westside iced the Langley Chiefs 3-1.
SNAKE BITES: Kakoske and Kyle Bigos each had two assists against Merritt...Grant put a shot off the post with eight minutes left in the second period on a powerplay...Steve Tresierra, John Digness, Trent Dorais and Kory Roy were the Viper scratches... The Cowichan Valley Capitals traded D Nathan Westover to the Drumheller Dragans of the AJHL in exchange for the playing rights of F Anthony Perdicaro, who refused to report to Drumheller. The Vees moved D Nathan Westover to the Caps for D Matt Ridley and future considerations.
Collins rekindles scoring touch
By Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning StarPublished: November 24, 2008
For awhile, the goal-challenged Merritt Centennials looked poised to maybe take the Vernon Vipers to overtime and hope for the best Friday night before 2,059 fans at Wesbild Centre.
The Vipers, who wore the Cents down with some punishing physical play through 40 minutes, finally got rewarded when Boston rookie Mike Collins connected on a pair of wicked wristers past Harrison May five minutes apart to give Vernon a lead en route to a 4-1 B.C. Hockey League victory.
Collins had been slumping worse than the TSE Index, hearing from assistant coach Jason Williamson and teammates prior to the game about his scoring woes.
“Willie told me 12 games,” said Collins, who had eight goals as the Vipers visited the Penticton Vees Saturday night. “Finally, I shot the puck and look what happened? I haven’t been shooting, I took it, and it went in. I just haven’t been shooting. I’ve been thinking pass.”
Captain Chris Crowell provided a screen in front of the stellar May on Collins’ seventh goal 7:22 into the third. Collins came off the wall with the puck, curled into the high slot and wired a high shot past May.
On his second of the night, Collins took a feed from Bryce Kakoske from the left point, took a few strides inside the blueline and sent a high floater past May on the powerplay.
“Definitely no penalties taken in the third period and we got to work,” said Collins, when asked how the Vipers turned things around after the teams were deadlocked 1-1 after 20 and 40 minutes. “We put the effort in, we knew we needed to, and we just got it done.”
The Cents, last in the Interior Conference at 5-24-0-1, grabbed the early lead when Paul Forster beat Andrew Hammond under the crossbar after a Viper breakdown on the powerplay.
The Vipers equalized eight minutes later on a gorgeous one-time pass and shot involving Kakoske and Rob Short (fifth of the year) with 30 seconds left in Kevin Philp’s hooking penalty.
Viper defenceman Kevin Kraus, named second star behind Collins, made a clutch shot block in the dying seconds of the first period on Cents’ captain Jordan Grant from close range.
Kraus later dove to knock the puck away from Jordan Soquila, who had riverdanced around Viper d-man Adam Thompson and had a great scoring chance before Kraus came on the scene.
“My knee’s sore, but it’s worth it,” smiled Kraus. “I just hate losing to that team. It’s not fun losing to those guys. There’s no reason that they should even be in a game with us at this point. It feels good though that we got the win there finally. All it comes down to is hard work. Who wants to score? And Mike came through in the third period which was good.”
Kraus said the Vipers prepared for the Cents like they were a playoff contender.
“For some guys, it’s hard to get up for the game. But it’s just another day. We need the two points right now because we’re battling for first place. Most guys focus for any game, any team.”
The Cents, who were outshot 31-21, had a glorious chance to take the lead early in the second period when Braden Pimm took a double minor for goaltender interference and crosshecking, but they couldn’t convert.
“We can’t bury our chances and that’s been the story all year,” said Grant. “We had eight powerplays in the second period and no goals. That’s unacceptable in this league. I think that we had them. We had them on their heels in the second period. We just couldn’t put them away and it cost us in the third, and they put us away.”
Grant said a few new faces have boosted the team’s depth, and while frustrated, the Cents are trying to stay positive and not point fingers.
“We’re getting a lot better as we go now. We’re starting to get closer. We’ve been in a lot of one-goal games. It’s just that extra effort we’re not putting in right now which is costing us games.”
The newest Viper, James Kerr, scored his fifth of the year, and first as a Snake, when he knocked in a rebound off a Sahir Gill shot from May’s doorstep, to close the scoring.
The Vipers (18-7-1-2) went to Penticton second in the Conference, one point back of the Salmon Arm SilverBacks – 9-7 winners over the host Prince George Spruce Kings – and four points up on the Vees and Westside Warriors.
The Vees got two goals from Devon Krogh in an 8-2 rout of the visiting Trail Smoke Eaters. Westside iced the Langley Chiefs 3-1.
SNAKE BITES: Kakoske and Kyle Bigos each had two assists against Merritt...Grant put a shot off the post with eight minutes left in the second period on a powerplay...Steve Tresierra, John Digness, Trent Dorais and Kory Roy were the Viper scratches... The Cowichan Valley Capitals traded D Nathan Westover to the Drumheller Dragans of the AJHL in exchange for the playing rights of F Anthony Perdicaro, who refused to report to Drumheller. The Vees moved D Nathan Westover to the Caps for D Matt Ridley and future considerations.
Vernon 4 Penticton 3 (Double Overtime)
Vernon 4 Penticton 3 (Double Overtime)
Was at tonights game as Vernon defeated Penticton 4-3 in double overtime in front of 2,067 fans at the new South Okanagan Events Center.
1st Period: Vernon got control of the play early but didnt sustain any real solid presure, the Vipers were getting alot of quick shots from the slot off, most of the shots Jordan White managed see with no traffic in front. Vernon played a very physical game as both Connor & Kellen Jones laid out two solid checks early in the hockey game. Just a few minutes into the game Vernon would get the first powerplay and would take advantage. Andrew Hammond fired a long pass up ice catching the Vees on a bad linechange, Connor Jones would collect the puck, and then cut over the Vees blueline, making a nice pass across ice to a wide open Kellen Jones who put a nice move on White, waiting for White to go down and then roofing a shot high and over putting the Vipers up 1-0 just four and a half minutes into the period. Vernon looked very good in the early goings and were up 7-1 in favor of shots. The Vipers were firing shots towards White from almost anywhere, as White looked very shaky between the pipes for Penticton, letting out some wild rebounds. Vernon carried the better of the play for the first nine minutes outshooting the Vees 10-3. Rob Short & James Kerr went in two on one, as Short made a nice pass over to Kerr but White come up with the big save. Just before the midway mark, Penticton would finally get control of the puck, getting in deep in the Vernon zone, Colton Jobke took wich looked to be a harmless wrist shot from the point, wich beat Andrew Hammond low to the ice, going in off the post, tying the game 1-1. Hammond looked to have been screened on the play. Vernon couldnt seem to regroup after the Vees goal as Penticton stepped up there game looking much better in the 2nd half of the 1st. Penticton come close to taking the lead after Logan Johnston was stopped in close by Hammond. The Vees would get there first powerplay of the night and didnt waist anytime. Garrett Milan & Denver Manderson cut across the Vipers blueline, Milan took a shot from the slot, where Andrew Hammond made the first save but couldnt control the rebound and speedy Ryan Viselli made a nice move beating a down and out Hammond to give the Vees the 2-1 late in the 1st. Vernons defence was having all kinds of trouble clearing the puck in the 1st, coughing up the puck five or six times wich resulted in a turnover and a Penticton scoring chance. Hammond had to be sharpe as the Vees were buzzing, really carrying the play. Vernon gave up way too many odd man rushes. Penticton come close to taking a 3-1 lead late in the period but couldnt connect on two chances in close. The Vees were up 2-1 after 20 mins of play. Vernon outshot Penticton 16-8.
2nd Period: The Vipers would start the 2nd with a two man advantage but couldnt generate any quality shots or scoring chances. Pentictons penalty kill was very strong as the Vees killed off the two man advantage. Vernon looked good really moving the puck well, getting lots of shots towards White. White once again looked very shaky kicking out huge rebounds along with some very poor puck control. The Vees were keeping the Vipers to the outside, where most of Vernons shots were coming from. Pentictons best scoring chance came when Curtis McKenzie wired a shot from the point, but Hammond come up with the blocker save. The Vipers held the better of the play but couldnt capitalise on the big rebounds from White. With just over six minutes left in the period Cory Kane while falling to his knees wired a lazer wrist shot top shelf high over White tying the game 2-2. White didnt even see the shot. Off the insuing faceoff Captain Chris Crowell would get the puck in deep, Braden Pimm would have a scoring chance in close as White was down and out, Mike Collins was alone in front and would hit the empty net as Vernon took a 3-2 lead with two goals in about a minute. Late in the 2nd the Vees would go on a powerplay and with some nice passing from Denver Manderson & Matt Paltridge, newcomer Erik Slemp was stopped in close by Hammond, Hammond once again couldnt control the rebound and Slemp was there to get the second shot passed Hammond tying the game 3-3 with just over four minutes remaining. Vernon was the better team in the middle frame but the game was tied 3-3 after 40 mins of play. Vipers outshot the Vees 19-13.
3rd Period: Ryan Viselli would sneak inbehind the Vernon defence a minute and a half into the 3rd, going in all alone for the breakaway but Hammond come up with the huge toe save keeping the score tied. The Vees looked very strong and deadly in the Vipers zone as the poured on the presure, creating all kinds of chances in close. Penticton was flying, skating hard, really taking it to Vernon as the Vipers were being outskated, and outplayed for most of the final period. Andrew Hammond had to be ready as he was facing alot of rubber in the 3rd. Vernons defence was having all kinds of trouble with the Vees forecheck and quick puck movement. Matt Paltridge got a quick shot off from the circle but Hammond just got a piece of it. Hammond was the difference keeping the Vipers in the game, making some very tough saves with lots of white jerseys at the top of his crease. Vernon couldnt generate any offence, and when they did get the puck in deep, the Vees defence didnt give them much room for any real solid chances. Late in the 3rd the Vees would get a powerplay but couldnt beat Hammond. Penticton looked very strong on the breakout, using there speed and quickness to create chances. The Vipers were very lucky to excape the 3rd not giving up a goal, getting just two shots in the final six minutes of the game. The game was tied 3-3 after 60 mins of play. Penticton outshot Vernon 15-6.
Overtime: Some good flow at both ends of the rink, as the Vipers had some early chances, coming close on a scramble in front as Kellen Jones was stopped in close by Jordan White. With just over two minutes remaining in OT the Vipers would be called for a penalty giving the Vees a great chance to end tonights game. Penticton had all the time in the world to move the puck and setup a play as the Vipers sat back, as everyone was positioned in a small box in front of Andrew Hammond. The Vees worked the puck around good, trying to set up the bottom forward at the side of the net, but Vernons defence played very well, not giving the bottom forward anyroom to pick up the pass. The Vipers couldnt get the puck out on the penalty kill as Penticton had three or four big onetime shots from the point but all missed going high and wide. James Kerr was a rock on the penalty kill coming up with two huge blocked shots. In the final few seconds of the powerplay, d-man Devon Krogh had a wide open net as Hammond was down and out, but Krogh fired high and wide, missing the empty goal to end the game. Vernon was very lucky killing off the minor and excaping the first Overtime still tied 3-3.
Double Overtime: Penticton won the draw, Connor Jones stole the puck from the Penticton player, getting inbehind him and going in for the breakaway, Jones was hauled down as the Vipers were going to be rewarded with a penalty shot, but the play continued as the Vees didnt touch the puck, Kellen Jones was left all alone at the side of the Vees net, putting the puck passed White just ten seconds into OT as Vernon defeated Penticton 4-3 in Double Overtime. The Vipers are now 2-0 against the Vees this season. Vernon outshot Penticton 1-0.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Connor Jones (1 assist) & Kellen Jones (2 goals) played a heck of a game tonight. Both Jones twins played with alot of jump, skating hard, playing a physical game. Both Connor & Kellen really worked the puck well down low, as they were very hard to get off the puck inbehind the Vees goal.
Rob Short played another strong game for the Vipers. Short played his rugged style for most of the game, had some chances throughout the night.
Andrew Hammond (1 assist) Had troubles controlling the rebounds on the Vees 2nd and 3rd goals but played very solid in the 3rd, facing alot of shots from the slot and in close. Hammond made a nice tow save on Viselli's breakaway early to start the 3rd. Hammond looked very focused and played with a ton of confidence all night. Had lots of traffic in front of him in the 3rd but still somehow managed to see the puck through all that traffic. Hammond was the difference in the 3rd keeping Vernon in the game.
Mike Collins (1 goal) played a strong game up front. Collins showed some good hustle, driving to the goal most of the night.
Top Players: (Penticton)
Devon Krogh played a very defensive game on the Vees blueline. Jumped up into the play alot during the game, reads the ice well, likes to sneek in front the point, and get off a quick shot from the circle. Smooth skater.
Matt Paltridge (1 assist) Played a very offensive game, was always involved in the play down low, in front of Andrew Hammond. A very strong offensive minded d-man.
Denver Manderson (2 assists) looked good up front. Hard to fight off the puck, very creative. Ryan Viselli (1 goal) this kid has some wheels and nice hands. Was buzzing all over the ice in the first two periods. Had a great chance to give the Vees the lead early in the 3rd but couldnt beat Hammond on the breakaway.
Erik Slemp (1 goal & 1 assist) Looked good for most of the game. Not the biggest kid but didnt shy away from the physical game.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
The Vipers started off the game with alot of quick shots from the slot, but didnt have many quailty shots or scoring chances throughout tonights game. With Jordan White giving up big rebounds, the Vipers should have had guys driving to the net, looking for the rebounds. Vipers struggled on the powerplay and in there own end. The defence was having all kinds of trouble clearing the zone, coughing up the puck and giving up way too many odd man rushes. Some poor passing when breaking out from inbehind the goal, wich resulted in a turnover and a Vees scoring chance. Vernon needs to play better defensively in there own end. With the Vees just four pts back before tonights game, this was a big win for the Vipers.
Game Thoughts: (Penticton)
Penticton is a quick team with alot of speed and good puck movement. Real nice breakout, had alot of odd man rushes. The Vees have one if not the best powerplay in the league, scored two PP goals tonight. Penticton dosnt give you much room create chances or setup, as they play a very tight checking game, most of Vernons shots were from the outside, as the Vees defence did a great job at keeping the Vipers to the outside for most of the night. Penticton had many chances to win tonights game in the 3rd and the first Overtime but couldnt beat Hammond. Missed some great chances in OT missing the net shooting high and wide. I wasnt impressed with Jordan White at all, this kid looked very shaky throughout tonights game. Gives out huge rebounds on almost every shot, has alot of trouble handling the puck as well. Like I said before, most of the Vernon shots he faced were not very quality shots, most taken from the slot with no traffic in front. This was a great game to watch, very entertaining and well worth the drive down. I thought I heard someone say this was the Vees first loss at home?
Scratches:
Vernon:
Steve Tresierra
Cole Ikkala
Trent Dorais
Kory Roy
Penticton:
Nicholas Goyens
Brad Reid
3 Stars:
1st Star: Kellen Jones (2 goals)
2nd Star: Connor Jones (1 assist)
3rd Star: Jordan White
This was my first visit to the new South Okanagan Events Center. Wow what a incredible rink you fans got in Penticton, great job, you deserve it! Im in love with the huge jumbotron scoreclock and nice looking restaraunt. I think $16 a ticket is a little much for Junior A Hockey, along with the $8 beer, wow! I do have to say there wasnt much for lighting inside, the ice surface looked very dark up the middle and in the corners along with behind the nets. This rink dosnt nearly have the same amount of lights as the Vernon Wesbild Center. I also have to say its very dark inside, the dark coloured seats along with all the grey concrete and dark coloured trim. I much more prefer and like the bright blue seats and coloured roof at the Wesbild Center, very bright and colourful inside. I also wasnt a big fan of not being able to eat inside at the restaraunt-pub. You can only eat-get into the Vault as they call it, only if you have club seats at $21 each and then $20 for a buffet, thats a little much I think. I was looking forward to having dinner before the game in the restaraunt, but because I didnt have a club seat, I couldnt get in. It was pretty empty inside before the game, they should allow any fans who want to eat, to be able to come inside and enjoy a nice meal. Just my thoughts. A great rink overall! Best in the league by far!
Was at tonights game as Vernon defeated Penticton 4-3 in double overtime in front of 2,067 fans at the new South Okanagan Events Center.
1st Period: Vernon got control of the play early but didnt sustain any real solid presure, the Vipers were getting alot of quick shots from the slot off, most of the shots Jordan White managed see with no traffic in front. Vernon played a very physical game as both Connor & Kellen Jones laid out two solid checks early in the hockey game. Just a few minutes into the game Vernon would get the first powerplay and would take advantage. Andrew Hammond fired a long pass up ice catching the Vees on a bad linechange, Connor Jones would collect the puck, and then cut over the Vees blueline, making a nice pass across ice to a wide open Kellen Jones who put a nice move on White, waiting for White to go down and then roofing a shot high and over putting the Vipers up 1-0 just four and a half minutes into the period. Vernon looked very good in the early goings and were up 7-1 in favor of shots. The Vipers were firing shots towards White from almost anywhere, as White looked very shaky between the pipes for Penticton, letting out some wild rebounds. Vernon carried the better of the play for the first nine minutes outshooting the Vees 10-3. Rob Short & James Kerr went in two on one, as Short made a nice pass over to Kerr but White come up with the big save. Just before the midway mark, Penticton would finally get control of the puck, getting in deep in the Vernon zone, Colton Jobke took wich looked to be a harmless wrist shot from the point, wich beat Andrew Hammond low to the ice, going in off the post, tying the game 1-1. Hammond looked to have been screened on the play. Vernon couldnt seem to regroup after the Vees goal as Penticton stepped up there game looking much better in the 2nd half of the 1st. Penticton come close to taking the lead after Logan Johnston was stopped in close by Hammond. The Vees would get there first powerplay of the night and didnt waist anytime. Garrett Milan & Denver Manderson cut across the Vipers blueline, Milan took a shot from the slot, where Andrew Hammond made the first save but couldnt control the rebound and speedy Ryan Viselli made a nice move beating a down and out Hammond to give the Vees the 2-1 late in the 1st. Vernons defence was having all kinds of trouble clearing the puck in the 1st, coughing up the puck five or six times wich resulted in a turnover and a Penticton scoring chance. Hammond had to be sharpe as the Vees were buzzing, really carrying the play. Vernon gave up way too many odd man rushes. Penticton come close to taking a 3-1 lead late in the period but couldnt connect on two chances in close. The Vees were up 2-1 after 20 mins of play. Vernon outshot Penticton 16-8.
2nd Period: The Vipers would start the 2nd with a two man advantage but couldnt generate any quality shots or scoring chances. Pentictons penalty kill was very strong as the Vees killed off the two man advantage. Vernon looked good really moving the puck well, getting lots of shots towards White. White once again looked very shaky kicking out huge rebounds along with some very poor puck control. The Vees were keeping the Vipers to the outside, where most of Vernons shots were coming from. Pentictons best scoring chance came when Curtis McKenzie wired a shot from the point, but Hammond come up with the blocker save. The Vipers held the better of the play but couldnt capitalise on the big rebounds from White. With just over six minutes left in the period Cory Kane while falling to his knees wired a lazer wrist shot top shelf high over White tying the game 2-2. White didnt even see the shot. Off the insuing faceoff Captain Chris Crowell would get the puck in deep, Braden Pimm would have a scoring chance in close as White was down and out, Mike Collins was alone in front and would hit the empty net as Vernon took a 3-2 lead with two goals in about a minute. Late in the 2nd the Vees would go on a powerplay and with some nice passing from Denver Manderson & Matt Paltridge, newcomer Erik Slemp was stopped in close by Hammond, Hammond once again couldnt control the rebound and Slemp was there to get the second shot passed Hammond tying the game 3-3 with just over four minutes remaining. Vernon was the better team in the middle frame but the game was tied 3-3 after 40 mins of play. Vipers outshot the Vees 19-13.
3rd Period: Ryan Viselli would sneak inbehind the Vernon defence a minute and a half into the 3rd, going in all alone for the breakaway but Hammond come up with the huge toe save keeping the score tied. The Vees looked very strong and deadly in the Vipers zone as the poured on the presure, creating all kinds of chances in close. Penticton was flying, skating hard, really taking it to Vernon as the Vipers were being outskated, and outplayed for most of the final period. Andrew Hammond had to be ready as he was facing alot of rubber in the 3rd. Vernons defence was having all kinds of trouble with the Vees forecheck and quick puck movement. Matt Paltridge got a quick shot off from the circle but Hammond just got a piece of it. Hammond was the difference keeping the Vipers in the game, making some very tough saves with lots of white jerseys at the top of his crease. Vernon couldnt generate any offence, and when they did get the puck in deep, the Vees defence didnt give them much room for any real solid chances. Late in the 3rd the Vees would get a powerplay but couldnt beat Hammond. Penticton looked very strong on the breakout, using there speed and quickness to create chances. The Vipers were very lucky to excape the 3rd not giving up a goal, getting just two shots in the final six minutes of the game. The game was tied 3-3 after 60 mins of play. Penticton outshot Vernon 15-6.
Overtime: Some good flow at both ends of the rink, as the Vipers had some early chances, coming close on a scramble in front as Kellen Jones was stopped in close by Jordan White. With just over two minutes remaining in OT the Vipers would be called for a penalty giving the Vees a great chance to end tonights game. Penticton had all the time in the world to move the puck and setup a play as the Vipers sat back, as everyone was positioned in a small box in front of Andrew Hammond. The Vees worked the puck around good, trying to set up the bottom forward at the side of the net, but Vernons defence played very well, not giving the bottom forward anyroom to pick up the pass. The Vipers couldnt get the puck out on the penalty kill as Penticton had three or four big onetime shots from the point but all missed going high and wide. James Kerr was a rock on the penalty kill coming up with two huge blocked shots. In the final few seconds of the powerplay, d-man Devon Krogh had a wide open net as Hammond was down and out, but Krogh fired high and wide, missing the empty goal to end the game. Vernon was very lucky killing off the minor and excaping the first Overtime still tied 3-3.
Double Overtime: Penticton won the draw, Connor Jones stole the puck from the Penticton player, getting inbehind him and going in for the breakaway, Jones was hauled down as the Vipers were going to be rewarded with a penalty shot, but the play continued as the Vees didnt touch the puck, Kellen Jones was left all alone at the side of the Vees net, putting the puck passed White just ten seconds into OT as Vernon defeated Penticton 4-3 in Double Overtime. The Vipers are now 2-0 against the Vees this season. Vernon outshot Penticton 1-0.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Connor Jones (1 assist) & Kellen Jones (2 goals) played a heck of a game tonight. Both Jones twins played with alot of jump, skating hard, playing a physical game. Both Connor & Kellen really worked the puck well down low, as they were very hard to get off the puck inbehind the Vees goal.
Rob Short played another strong game for the Vipers. Short played his rugged style for most of the game, had some chances throughout the night.
Andrew Hammond (1 assist) Had troubles controlling the rebounds on the Vees 2nd and 3rd goals but played very solid in the 3rd, facing alot of shots from the slot and in close. Hammond made a nice tow save on Viselli's breakaway early to start the 3rd. Hammond looked very focused and played with a ton of confidence all night. Had lots of traffic in front of him in the 3rd but still somehow managed to see the puck through all that traffic. Hammond was the difference in the 3rd keeping Vernon in the game.
Mike Collins (1 goal) played a strong game up front. Collins showed some good hustle, driving to the goal most of the night.
Top Players: (Penticton)
Devon Krogh played a very defensive game on the Vees blueline. Jumped up into the play alot during the game, reads the ice well, likes to sneek in front the point, and get off a quick shot from the circle. Smooth skater.
Matt Paltridge (1 assist) Played a very offensive game, was always involved in the play down low, in front of Andrew Hammond. A very strong offensive minded d-man.
Denver Manderson (2 assists) looked good up front. Hard to fight off the puck, very creative. Ryan Viselli (1 goal) this kid has some wheels and nice hands. Was buzzing all over the ice in the first two periods. Had a great chance to give the Vees the lead early in the 3rd but couldnt beat Hammond on the breakaway.
Erik Slemp (1 goal & 1 assist) Looked good for most of the game. Not the biggest kid but didnt shy away from the physical game.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
The Vipers started off the game with alot of quick shots from the slot, but didnt have many quailty shots or scoring chances throughout tonights game. With Jordan White giving up big rebounds, the Vipers should have had guys driving to the net, looking for the rebounds. Vipers struggled on the powerplay and in there own end. The defence was having all kinds of trouble clearing the zone, coughing up the puck and giving up way too many odd man rushes. Some poor passing when breaking out from inbehind the goal, wich resulted in a turnover and a Vees scoring chance. Vernon needs to play better defensively in there own end. With the Vees just four pts back before tonights game, this was a big win for the Vipers.
Game Thoughts: (Penticton)
Penticton is a quick team with alot of speed and good puck movement. Real nice breakout, had alot of odd man rushes. The Vees have one if not the best powerplay in the league, scored two PP goals tonight. Penticton dosnt give you much room create chances or setup, as they play a very tight checking game, most of Vernons shots were from the outside, as the Vees defence did a great job at keeping the Vipers to the outside for most of the night. Penticton had many chances to win tonights game in the 3rd and the first Overtime but couldnt beat Hammond. Missed some great chances in OT missing the net shooting high and wide. I wasnt impressed with Jordan White at all, this kid looked very shaky throughout tonights game. Gives out huge rebounds on almost every shot, has alot of trouble handling the puck as well. Like I said before, most of the Vernon shots he faced were not very quality shots, most taken from the slot with no traffic in front. This was a great game to watch, very entertaining and well worth the drive down. I thought I heard someone say this was the Vees first loss at home?
Scratches:
Vernon:
Steve Tresierra
Cole Ikkala
Trent Dorais
Kory Roy
Penticton:
Nicholas Goyens
Brad Reid
3 Stars:
1st Star: Kellen Jones (2 goals)
2nd Star: Connor Jones (1 assist)
3rd Star: Jordan White
This was my first visit to the new South Okanagan Events Center. Wow what a incredible rink you fans got in Penticton, great job, you deserve it! Im in love with the huge jumbotron scoreclock and nice looking restaraunt. I think $16 a ticket is a little much for Junior A Hockey, along with the $8 beer, wow! I do have to say there wasnt much for lighting inside, the ice surface looked very dark up the middle and in the corners along with behind the nets. This rink dosnt nearly have the same amount of lights as the Vernon Wesbild Center. I also have to say its very dark inside, the dark coloured seats along with all the grey concrete and dark coloured trim. I much more prefer and like the bright blue seats and coloured roof at the Wesbild Center, very bright and colourful inside. I also wasnt a big fan of not being able to eat inside at the restaraunt-pub. You can only eat-get into the Vault as they call it, only if you have club seats at $21 each and then $20 for a buffet, thats a little much I think. I was looking forward to having dinner before the game in the restaraunt, but because I didnt have a club seat, I couldnt get in. It was pretty empty inside before the game, they should allow any fans who want to eat, to be able to come inside and enjoy a nice meal. Just my thoughts. A great rink overall! Best in the league by far!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Vernon 4 Merritt 1
Vernon 4 Merritt 1
Was at tonights game as Vernon defeated Merritt 4-1 in front of 2,059 fans at the Wesbild Center.
1st Period: The Vipers got off to a quick start getting the puck in deep and really controlling the play down low, but couldnt get many shots or any chances. Vernon carried the better of the play in the early going but give the Centennials credit, they were keeping the Vipers to the outside, limiting shots as well as scoring chances. Vernons best scoring chance came just two minutes into the opening period as Chris Crowell fed a nice pass down low out front to Mike Collins, but Harrison May come up with the save in close. The play was held deep in the Cents end for most of the first half but it was still scoreless. Merritt didnt record there first shot on goal till six minutes into the 1st. Vernon would get the first powerplay of the game 12 minutes into the game but it was the Centennials who would open the scoring after Andrew Hammond made a bad pass up the middle, Alessio McMillan picked up the erand pass, dishing it off in the slot to, Paul Forster who rang a shot off the inside of the post wich beat Hammond shorthanded giving Merritt the 1-0 lead on just three shots on goal. Shots were 8-3 in favor of Vernon. This goal seemed to change the flow of tonights game as the Vipers seemed to get sloppy in there own end at times and were having all kinds of trouble generating any kind of offence. Vernons best chance to tie the game came when Connor Jones come down the wing, feeding a nice pass through the slot over to his brother Kellen Jones who rang his shot off the far post. The second half of the period was very scrambly with very few chances, alot of turn overs and poor decisions coming from both teams. Late in the period with just over 4 minutes remaining and the Vipers on a PP, Bryce Kakoske & Kyle Bigoes worked the puck back and forth before Kakoske fed a nice pass down low to a wide open Rob Short who beat May tying the game 1-1. It was 1-1 after 20 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Merritt 16-4. Most of the Vipers 16 shots fired towards Harrison May were easy wrist shots taken from the slot, with very little traffic in front. May saw most of the Vernon shots, wich were shot mostly right at him.
2nd Period: Merritt started off the 2nd on a powerplay wich was carried over from the end of the 1st period. Off the opening draw, the Cents got the puck in deep but Vernon quickly recovered the puck, sending it up ice catching Braden Pimm open all alone, Pimm went in for the breakaway but was stoped by May. With Merritt still on the powerplay, the Vipers would get into penalty trouble as Pimm was off for two minors giving the Cenntenials a two man advantage. Vernons strong penalty kill along with Merritts poor powerplay and the Vipers would kill off all three minors only giving up just three Centennial shots. This was a very scrambly and penalty filled period with the Vipers having to kill off seven minors playing most of the period shorthanded. The Vipers were very lucky Merritts powerplay wasnt clicking as the Cents could have burried the Vipers in the middle frame. Merritts best scoring chance came when Dustin Johnson was stopped by Andrew Hammond at the side of the goal. Very little scoring chances or shots from both teams in the 2nd. The Vipers best scoring chance came when Cory Kane made a nice move cutting through the neutral zone, dishing the puck off to Ryan Santana who wired a wrist shot from the slot but May come up with the big blocker save keeping the game tied 1-1. Vernon had just one powerplay chance but couldnt find the back of the net. A very non-entertaining period with very little flow. Vernon did play a physical 2nd laying out some solid checks sending a few Centennial players to the dressing room. Jordan Grant was hit hard by Kyle Bigos and had to head off to the dressing room, but did return to the bench. Kevin Philp took two solid checks and went down to the ice, heading off to the dressing room holding his arm, but did return to the Cents bench. Merritts strong forecheck through out tonights game was giving Vernon all kinds off trouble, the Cents really forechecked the Vipers, causing lots of turnovers in the Vipers zone, resulting in some odd man rushes or good scoring chances. It was tied 1-1 after 40 minutes of play.
3rd Period: Some good flow to start the 3rd with both teams creating some chances. The Centennials best chance of the final period came when Alex Goodship was stopped at the side og the goal by Hammond. Vernons defence played a solid defenisve 3rd making some nice defensive plays in there own end. Kevin Kraus broke up a two on one play, wich could have resulted in a scoring chance for Merritt. After the first five minutes Vernon stepped up there play, getting the puck in deep and really cycling the puck well down low, creating all kinds of space, resulting in some good scoring chances. Rob Short was stopped in close by May. Short played with alot of energy, getting all kinds of chances. Vipers were now skating circles in the Merritt end of the rink as the Cents were looking a little tired as Vernon was pouring on the presure. Rob Short with another good scoring chance, wired a quick shot from the circle, May kicked out the big rebound outfront where Cory Kane gobbled up the rebound but fired a shot high and wide over an empty net. About halfway through the 3rd Vipers finally solved May and took there first lead of the game, Captain Chris Crowell fed Mike Collins wearing Tyler Harltons old jersey #5 wired a high shot from the slot over Mays glove putting the Vipers up 2-1. The Vipers kept up the presure and forecheck, and while on the powerplay just four minutes later Mike Collins would score his 2nd goal of the night in almost the exact same spot, beating May once again high over the glove as Vernon jumped out to the 3-1 lead. Just over two minutes later the Vipers would put the game away as Sahir Gill made a nice pass out front, as James Kerr would tapp in the puck for his first goal as a Viper as Vernon was up 4-1 and now in full control. The final few minutes of the hockey game Vernon would just get the puck in deep, holding the puck along the end wall, taking some of the time off the clock. Merritt didnt seem to have much left in the tank as the Vipers got lucky and skated away with the 4-1 win, and now 4-0 against the Centennials this season. Vernon outshot Merritt 10-8.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Kevin Kraus played a solid defensive game for the Vipers. Kraus looked very solid on the backend, breaking up atleast two Centennial scoring chances. Kraus was Vernons best d-man tonight.
Mike Collins (2 goals) Collins had a great scoring chance two minutes into the game but was stopped in close by Harrison May. Collins score two real nice top shelf goals in the 3rd to give the Vipers the lead and the win.
James Kerr (1 goal) Kerr showed lots of hustle all night, adds some spark and jump to the Vipers lineup. Saw alot of icetime on the penalty kill, likes to go to the front of the net.
Cory Kane skated well, made some nice moves in close, had a great scoring chance midway through the 3rd. Was very solid up front.
Rob Short (1 goal) Scored a nice powerplay goal in the 1st, had some good chances through out tonights game but couldnt find the back of the net. Played with alot of hustle, worked hard all night.
Top Players: (Merritt)
Jordan Grant saw a ton of icetime tonight. Had to have been on every second shift, was always buzzing around the Vernon net. Took some solid checks but didnt back down, was involved in the play all game. A good skater with some nice hands in close.
Paul Forster (1 goal) Played a good game up front for the Cents. Forster was another kid who always seemed to be around the goal, looking for the loose puck or fighting for a rebound.
Jordan Soquilla played with some good jump, showed some quickness at times.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
The Vipers started off good, getting the puck in deep but couldnt generate any offence. Really dominated the play in the first half of the 1st period but after giving up the shorthanded goal, seemed to give up alot of turnovers, along with making some sloppy plays and poor decisions in there own end. Vernon was very lucky in the 2nd Merritts powerplay wasnt clicking or this could have been a different outcome in the final score, give the Vipers credit though, a very strong penalty kill, killing off 7 minors in the middle frame. Ive been very impressed with Vernons penalty kill over the last 5 or 6 games. Vipers havnt given up a powerplay goal in atleast there last four games. Vernons defence & goaltening has also stepped up there play, now having the best goals against in the League. Vipers played and looked much better in the 3rd, really taking it to Merritt for most of the period. This game could have gone either way, Vernon didnt want to lose to a team like Merritt when there fighting for top spot with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Wasnt a very entertaining game, very sloppy at times with alot of penalties, taking away any flow from the game. Nice to see the Vipers gut out a win late in the 3rd.
Game Thoughts: (Merritt)
This was a much better performance from the Cents, compared to there last visit to Vernon. Merritt played well for the team they have, giving the Vipers all kinds of trouble, putting a little scare into them. I was very impressed with Merritts hardwork and great forecheck tonight. The Vipers were having all kinds of trouble with the Centennials forecheck all night. Merritt needs to work on there powerplay, they could have burried Vernon in the 2nd but couldnt generate many shots or even quality chances. A very poor looking PP tonight. Merritts defence looked pretty good in the first two periods, kept the Vipers shooters to the outside, not allowing any chances in close. You could see the Cents ran out of gas come the 3rd, they just couldnt keep up with the strong cyclying of Vernon down low, lost most of the one on one battles along the wall and in front of the goal. The Centennials were in the face of the Vipers for most of the night, alot of pushing and shoving after the whistle.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Steve Tresierra
John Digness
Trent Dorais
Kory Roy (AP)
Merritt:
Matt Mazzarolo
Jordan Zalba
Colton Sobchak
3 Stars:
1st Star: Mike Collins (2 goals)
2nd Star: Kevin Kraus
3rd Star: Rob Short (1 goal)
Was at tonights game as Vernon defeated Merritt 4-1 in front of 2,059 fans at the Wesbild Center.
1st Period: The Vipers got off to a quick start getting the puck in deep and really controlling the play down low, but couldnt get many shots or any chances. Vernon carried the better of the play in the early going but give the Centennials credit, they were keeping the Vipers to the outside, limiting shots as well as scoring chances. Vernons best scoring chance came just two minutes into the opening period as Chris Crowell fed a nice pass down low out front to Mike Collins, but Harrison May come up with the save in close. The play was held deep in the Cents end for most of the first half but it was still scoreless. Merritt didnt record there first shot on goal till six minutes into the 1st. Vernon would get the first powerplay of the game 12 minutes into the game but it was the Centennials who would open the scoring after Andrew Hammond made a bad pass up the middle, Alessio McMillan picked up the erand pass, dishing it off in the slot to, Paul Forster who rang a shot off the inside of the post wich beat Hammond shorthanded giving Merritt the 1-0 lead on just three shots on goal. Shots were 8-3 in favor of Vernon. This goal seemed to change the flow of tonights game as the Vipers seemed to get sloppy in there own end at times and were having all kinds of trouble generating any kind of offence. Vernons best chance to tie the game came when Connor Jones come down the wing, feeding a nice pass through the slot over to his brother Kellen Jones who rang his shot off the far post. The second half of the period was very scrambly with very few chances, alot of turn overs and poor decisions coming from both teams. Late in the period with just over 4 minutes remaining and the Vipers on a PP, Bryce Kakoske & Kyle Bigoes worked the puck back and forth before Kakoske fed a nice pass down low to a wide open Rob Short who beat May tying the game 1-1. It was 1-1 after 20 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Merritt 16-4. Most of the Vipers 16 shots fired towards Harrison May were easy wrist shots taken from the slot, with very little traffic in front. May saw most of the Vernon shots, wich were shot mostly right at him.
2nd Period: Merritt started off the 2nd on a powerplay wich was carried over from the end of the 1st period. Off the opening draw, the Cents got the puck in deep but Vernon quickly recovered the puck, sending it up ice catching Braden Pimm open all alone, Pimm went in for the breakaway but was stoped by May. With Merritt still on the powerplay, the Vipers would get into penalty trouble as Pimm was off for two minors giving the Cenntenials a two man advantage. Vernons strong penalty kill along with Merritts poor powerplay and the Vipers would kill off all three minors only giving up just three Centennial shots. This was a very scrambly and penalty filled period with the Vipers having to kill off seven minors playing most of the period shorthanded. The Vipers were very lucky Merritts powerplay wasnt clicking as the Cents could have burried the Vipers in the middle frame. Merritts best scoring chance came when Dustin Johnson was stopped by Andrew Hammond at the side of the goal. Very little scoring chances or shots from both teams in the 2nd. The Vipers best scoring chance came when Cory Kane made a nice move cutting through the neutral zone, dishing the puck off to Ryan Santana who wired a wrist shot from the slot but May come up with the big blocker save keeping the game tied 1-1. Vernon had just one powerplay chance but couldnt find the back of the net. A very non-entertaining period with very little flow. Vernon did play a physical 2nd laying out some solid checks sending a few Centennial players to the dressing room. Jordan Grant was hit hard by Kyle Bigos and had to head off to the dressing room, but did return to the bench. Kevin Philp took two solid checks and went down to the ice, heading off to the dressing room holding his arm, but did return to the Cents bench. Merritts strong forecheck through out tonights game was giving Vernon all kinds off trouble, the Cents really forechecked the Vipers, causing lots of turnovers in the Vipers zone, resulting in some odd man rushes or good scoring chances. It was tied 1-1 after 40 minutes of play.
3rd Period: Some good flow to start the 3rd with both teams creating some chances. The Centennials best chance of the final period came when Alex Goodship was stopped at the side og the goal by Hammond. Vernons defence played a solid defenisve 3rd making some nice defensive plays in there own end. Kevin Kraus broke up a two on one play, wich could have resulted in a scoring chance for Merritt. After the first five minutes Vernon stepped up there play, getting the puck in deep and really cycling the puck well down low, creating all kinds of space, resulting in some good scoring chances. Rob Short was stopped in close by May. Short played with alot of energy, getting all kinds of chances. Vipers were now skating circles in the Merritt end of the rink as the Cents were looking a little tired as Vernon was pouring on the presure. Rob Short with another good scoring chance, wired a quick shot from the circle, May kicked out the big rebound outfront where Cory Kane gobbled up the rebound but fired a shot high and wide over an empty net. About halfway through the 3rd Vipers finally solved May and took there first lead of the game, Captain Chris Crowell fed Mike Collins wearing Tyler Harltons old jersey #5 wired a high shot from the slot over Mays glove putting the Vipers up 2-1. The Vipers kept up the presure and forecheck, and while on the powerplay just four minutes later Mike Collins would score his 2nd goal of the night in almost the exact same spot, beating May once again high over the glove as Vernon jumped out to the 3-1 lead. Just over two minutes later the Vipers would put the game away as Sahir Gill made a nice pass out front, as James Kerr would tapp in the puck for his first goal as a Viper as Vernon was up 4-1 and now in full control. The final few minutes of the hockey game Vernon would just get the puck in deep, holding the puck along the end wall, taking some of the time off the clock. Merritt didnt seem to have much left in the tank as the Vipers got lucky and skated away with the 4-1 win, and now 4-0 against the Centennials this season. Vernon outshot Merritt 10-8.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Kevin Kraus played a solid defensive game for the Vipers. Kraus looked very solid on the backend, breaking up atleast two Centennial scoring chances. Kraus was Vernons best d-man tonight.
Mike Collins (2 goals) Collins had a great scoring chance two minutes into the game but was stopped in close by Harrison May. Collins score two real nice top shelf goals in the 3rd to give the Vipers the lead and the win.
James Kerr (1 goal) Kerr showed lots of hustle all night, adds some spark and jump to the Vipers lineup. Saw alot of icetime on the penalty kill, likes to go to the front of the net.
Cory Kane skated well, made some nice moves in close, had a great scoring chance midway through the 3rd. Was very solid up front.
Rob Short (1 goal) Scored a nice powerplay goal in the 1st, had some good chances through out tonights game but couldnt find the back of the net. Played with alot of hustle, worked hard all night.
Top Players: (Merritt)
Jordan Grant saw a ton of icetime tonight. Had to have been on every second shift, was always buzzing around the Vernon net. Took some solid checks but didnt back down, was involved in the play all game. A good skater with some nice hands in close.
Paul Forster (1 goal) Played a good game up front for the Cents. Forster was another kid who always seemed to be around the goal, looking for the loose puck or fighting for a rebound.
Jordan Soquilla played with some good jump, showed some quickness at times.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
The Vipers started off good, getting the puck in deep but couldnt generate any offence. Really dominated the play in the first half of the 1st period but after giving up the shorthanded goal, seemed to give up alot of turnovers, along with making some sloppy plays and poor decisions in there own end. Vernon was very lucky in the 2nd Merritts powerplay wasnt clicking or this could have been a different outcome in the final score, give the Vipers credit though, a very strong penalty kill, killing off 7 minors in the middle frame. Ive been very impressed with Vernons penalty kill over the last 5 or 6 games. Vipers havnt given up a powerplay goal in atleast there last four games. Vernons defence & goaltening has also stepped up there play, now having the best goals against in the League. Vipers played and looked much better in the 3rd, really taking it to Merritt for most of the period. This game could have gone either way, Vernon didnt want to lose to a team like Merritt when there fighting for top spot with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Wasnt a very entertaining game, very sloppy at times with alot of penalties, taking away any flow from the game. Nice to see the Vipers gut out a win late in the 3rd.
Game Thoughts: (Merritt)
This was a much better performance from the Cents, compared to there last visit to Vernon. Merritt played well for the team they have, giving the Vipers all kinds of trouble, putting a little scare into them. I was very impressed with Merritts hardwork and great forecheck tonight. The Vipers were having all kinds of trouble with the Centennials forecheck all night. Merritt needs to work on there powerplay, they could have burried Vernon in the 2nd but couldnt generate many shots or even quality chances. A very poor looking PP tonight. Merritts defence looked pretty good in the first two periods, kept the Vipers shooters to the outside, not allowing any chances in close. You could see the Cents ran out of gas come the 3rd, they just couldnt keep up with the strong cyclying of Vernon down low, lost most of the one on one battles along the wall and in front of the goal. The Centennials were in the face of the Vipers for most of the night, alot of pushing and shoving after the whistle.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Steve Tresierra
John Digness
Trent Dorais
Kory Roy (AP)
Merritt:
Matt Mazzarolo
Jordan Zalba
Colton Sobchak
3 Stars:
1st Star: Mike Collins (2 goals)
2nd Star: Kevin Kraus
3rd Star: Rob Short (1 goal)
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Pimm Leads Scoring Committee:
This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:
Pimm leads scoring committee
By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 20, 2008 6:00 PM
A boost in confidence, more opportunity and a relentless work ethic – that’s the formula that has put second-year centre Braden Pimm atop the Vernon Vipers’ scoring list. And Pimm says a little puck luck hasn’t hurt either. “Last game (Sunday), I had a two-goal game against Quesnel, and last year, those shots wouldn’t have gone in for me, but this year, it seems I’ve been a little luckier.” The Vipers rank fourth in the B.C. Hockey League in goals for average (3.7), yet, curiously, they have just one player in the top-20 in scoring. Pimm is 20th with 17-10-27 in 27 games. His 17 goals place him sixth. “We had (Hunter) Bishop last year, who was pretty much our superstar, but this year, with the skill level we have, any one of our guys could be the leading scorer,” said Pimm, who turns 19 in December. “With everyone scoring, it doesn’t put as much pressure on everyone else, so it probably makes it easier for other people to put the puck in the net.” Added Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner: “He’s certainly playing with a lot more confidence. We knew he was going to be a good player, no question. Night in and night out, he puts in a terrific work ethic. “He’s a guy we can put in every situation, and we know he’s going to go out and do the right thing.” College scouts have taken note of Pimm’s consistent play, too. He’s going on a flydown to the NCAA Division 1 Northeastern Huskies’ campus in Boston on Sunday. The Vipers (17-7-1-2), who trail the Salmon Arm SilverBacks (18-7-1-1) by a single point in the Interior Conference, host the Merritt Centennials (5-23-0-1) tonight at Wesbild Centre. The Snakes visit the Penticton Vees (15-8-0-3) Saturday at the South Okanagan Events Centre. Vernon has allowed the fewest goals (70) in the BCHL, trailed closely by the Prince George Spruce Kings at 71. This can be attributed to the Vipers improved play in their own end, and the stellar goaltending tandem of Andrew Hammond and Graeme Gordon. In his rookie season, Pimm recorded 15-24-39 and 44 penalty minutes in 60 games, and with his current pace, the Fort St. John product is primed to eclipse those numbers. “Last year, I didn’t have as much opportunity as I do this year,” said Pimm. “I’ve been playing lots on the powerplay, and playing with (Mike) Collins and (Chris) Crowell makes it easier to put the puck in the net because they’re always in the right spot.” Added Pimm, laughing: “I’ve matured as a player, not really as a person. That extra year helps a lot.” If there’s one person who knows what Pimm is all about, it’s d-man Kyle Bigos. The two have been teammates since they attended the Notre Dame Hounds Hockey Academy in Wilcox, Sask. “I’ve spent six years with him and one thing that really stands out day in and day out is his work ethic,” said Bigos. “I’ve never met anyone that works as hard as him. “And he’s got great hands – he can stick handle and shoot like no one I’ve seen. The way he sets up plays with him, Collins and Crow – their line looks really good. It really creates room out there for the Jones twins (Connor and Kellen), because the top dee on other teams can’t really key up on just one line.” Like many of the Vipers’ returning players, Pimm bought into the idea of off-season conditioning, and hired a personal trainer, “even though people couldn’t really tell I did,” added the 6-foot, 175-pounder, with a sheepish grin. Pimm, a die-hard Toronto Maple Leafs fan, is the cousin of former Vipers GM/head coach Bernie Pimm, who had a hand in bringing him to Vernon.
Pimm leads scoring committee
By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 20, 2008 6:00 PM
A boost in confidence, more opportunity and a relentless work ethic – that’s the formula that has put second-year centre Braden Pimm atop the Vernon Vipers’ scoring list. And Pimm says a little puck luck hasn’t hurt either. “Last game (Sunday), I had a two-goal game against Quesnel, and last year, those shots wouldn’t have gone in for me, but this year, it seems I’ve been a little luckier.” The Vipers rank fourth in the B.C. Hockey League in goals for average (3.7), yet, curiously, they have just one player in the top-20 in scoring. Pimm is 20th with 17-10-27 in 27 games. His 17 goals place him sixth. “We had (Hunter) Bishop last year, who was pretty much our superstar, but this year, with the skill level we have, any one of our guys could be the leading scorer,” said Pimm, who turns 19 in December. “With everyone scoring, it doesn’t put as much pressure on everyone else, so it probably makes it easier for other people to put the puck in the net.” Added Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner: “He’s certainly playing with a lot more confidence. We knew he was going to be a good player, no question. Night in and night out, he puts in a terrific work ethic. “He’s a guy we can put in every situation, and we know he’s going to go out and do the right thing.” College scouts have taken note of Pimm’s consistent play, too. He’s going on a flydown to the NCAA Division 1 Northeastern Huskies’ campus in Boston on Sunday. The Vipers (17-7-1-2), who trail the Salmon Arm SilverBacks (18-7-1-1) by a single point in the Interior Conference, host the Merritt Centennials (5-23-0-1) tonight at Wesbild Centre. The Snakes visit the Penticton Vees (15-8-0-3) Saturday at the South Okanagan Events Centre. Vernon has allowed the fewest goals (70) in the BCHL, trailed closely by the Prince George Spruce Kings at 71. This can be attributed to the Vipers improved play in their own end, and the stellar goaltending tandem of Andrew Hammond and Graeme Gordon. In his rookie season, Pimm recorded 15-24-39 and 44 penalty minutes in 60 games, and with his current pace, the Fort St. John product is primed to eclipse those numbers. “Last year, I didn’t have as much opportunity as I do this year,” said Pimm. “I’ve been playing lots on the powerplay, and playing with (Mike) Collins and (Chris) Crowell makes it easier to put the puck in the net because they’re always in the right spot.” Added Pimm, laughing: “I’ve matured as a player, not really as a person. That extra year helps a lot.” If there’s one person who knows what Pimm is all about, it’s d-man Kyle Bigos. The two have been teammates since they attended the Notre Dame Hounds Hockey Academy in Wilcox, Sask. “I’ve spent six years with him and one thing that really stands out day in and day out is his work ethic,” said Bigos. “I’ve never met anyone that works as hard as him. “And he’s got great hands – he can stick handle and shoot like no one I’ve seen. The way he sets up plays with him, Collins and Crow – their line looks really good. It really creates room out there for the Jones twins (Connor and Kellen), because the top dee on other teams can’t really key up on just one line.” Like many of the Vipers’ returning players, Pimm bought into the idea of off-season conditioning, and hired a personal trainer, “even though people couldn’t really tell I did,” added the 6-foot, 175-pounder, with a sheepish grin. Pimm, a die-hard Toronto Maple Leafs fan, is the cousin of former Vipers GM/head coach Bernie Pimm, who had a hand in bringing him to Vernon.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Former Viper Raibl Joins 5th BCHL Team:
Former Vernon Vipers defenceman, Eliot Raibl was traded to the Quesnel Millionaires. This was posted on the Alberni Valley website.Raibl Sent to Millionaires
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have sent 19 year old defenseman Eliot Raibl to the Quesnel Millionaires. This will conclude a previous trade with the Millionaires.
Raibl had 3 goals and 6 assists with 16 penalty minutes for a total of 9 points in 16 games with the Bulldogs this season.
“The organization would like to thank Eliot for his contributions to the club both on and off the ice in his time here as a Bulldog. We wish him nothing but continued success in his hockey career.” Bryant Perrier, Head Coach/GM.
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have sent 19 year old defenseman Eliot Raibl to the Quesnel Millionaires. This will conclude a previous trade with the Millionaires.
Raibl had 3 goals and 6 assists with 16 penalty minutes for a total of 9 points in 16 games with the Bulldogs this season.
“The organization would like to thank Eliot for his contributions to the club both on and off the ice in his time here as a Bulldog. We wish him nothing but continued success in his hockey career.” Bryant Perrier, Head Coach/GM.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Viper Grad Zurevinski Pair Paces Bobcats:
This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:
Viper grad Scott Zurevinski scored twice as the Quinni
Published: November 18, 2008 7:00 PM
Zurevinski pair paces Bobcats:
Viper grad Scott Zurevinski scored twice as the Quinnipiac Bobcats stopped the Rensselaer Institute of Technology Engineers 5-1 in NCAA Division 1 hockey action Saturday night in New York.
Zurevinski, who had 3-1-4 with the Bobcats, scored once at even-strength in the second period and added an empty-netter with 3:29 remaining.
In Friday night play, former Viper Hunter Bishop fired the winner late in the first period as the Ohio State Buckeyes 4-0 shut down the host Robert Morris Colonials in a Non-Conference game at Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh.
Viper grad Jon Olthius recorded 19 saves as the visiting Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves clipped the North Dakota Fighting Sioux 3-2 in WCHA action before 11,772 fans Friday night.
Former Viper Chay Genoway drew assists on ex-BCHLers Ryan Duncan and Brett Hextall in the final two minutes for North Dakota.
The Fighting Sioux evened the series by clipping the Seawolves 3-1 Saturday night with Hextall scoring the winner. Ex-Viper Bryce Christianson made 24 saves in suffering the loss.
Viper grad Scott Zurevinski scored twice as the Quinni
Published: November 18, 2008 7:00 PM
Zurevinski pair paces Bobcats:
Viper grad Scott Zurevinski scored twice as the Quinnipiac Bobcats stopped the Rensselaer Institute of Technology Engineers 5-1 in NCAA Division 1 hockey action Saturday night in New York.
Zurevinski, who had 3-1-4 with the Bobcats, scored once at even-strength in the second period and added an empty-netter with 3:29 remaining.
In Friday night play, former Viper Hunter Bishop fired the winner late in the first period as the Ohio State Buckeyes 4-0 shut down the host Robert Morris Colonials in a Non-Conference game at Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh.
Viper grad Jon Olthius recorded 19 saves as the visiting Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves clipped the North Dakota Fighting Sioux 3-2 in WCHA action before 11,772 fans Friday night.
Former Viper Chay Genoway drew assists on ex-BCHLers Ryan Duncan and Brett Hextall in the final two minutes for North Dakota.
The Fighting Sioux evened the series by clipping the Seawolves 3-1 Saturday night with Hextall scoring the winner. Ex-Viper Bryce Christianson made 24 saves in suffering the loss.
Gordon Gooses Quesnel:
This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:
Gordon gooses Quesnel
By Nicole Berg - Vernon Morning StarPublished: November 18, 2008 7:00 PM
Graeme Gordon is proving to be more than just Andrew Hammond’s caddy with the Vernon Vipers.
Gordon went the distance as the Vipers stuffed the Quesnel Millionaires 4-0 Sunday afternoon at Wesbild Centre, pulling to within a point of the Interior Conference leading Salmon Arm SilverBacks. Vernon (17-7-1-2) hosts the Merritt Centennials Friday night and visit the Penticton Vees Saturday.
It was the second career B.C. Hockey League shutout for the 19-year-old North Vancouver product.
“I felt pretty good about this game and I’m ecstatic to get my first shutout as a Viper,” said Gordon, who registered his first shutout as a Salmon Arm SilverBack last year. “The boys played pretty solid in front of me and only allowed the Quesnel forwards to get 14 shots on me. Even though I didn’t face very many shots to get the win, some of their shots were real quality scoring chances but I stopped them all.”
Gordon earned the start thanks to a well-deserved 4-1 win (33 saves and first star) over the host Westside Warriors Saturday night, where he was quick on his feet and didn’t give up too many secondary scoring chances.
Gordon improves to a sparkling 6-0 record with the Vipers, supported by a 1.39 goals against average and a 94.16 save percentage.
Vernon head coach Mark Ferner was pleased with his team’s effort.
“The guys played a pretty well-rounded game and the defence especially played good, as they only gave up 14 shots. One of our plans heading into the game was for the defencemen to eliminate the opposition’s scoring chances, and we did quite well in that.
“Graeme played good. Going from facing 34 shots yesterday to only 14 today was quite an adjustment for him, but he came out on top once he made a couple big saves in the second period. Braden Pimm (two goals) also played phenomenal, as he is one of our most consistent forwards each game and probably has the hardest work ethic.”
In a first period that saw very little flow, each team mustered just six shots. Quesnel (9-17-0-3) had an early chance to score on two powerplay opportunities but couldn’t make anything happen.
Pimm got things rolling with his 16th of the year, on a high, hard shot that he ripped past Mills’ starter Kiefer Smiley (29 saves).
Later on, Ryan Santana was creating some havoc around the Mills’ net, throwing pucks on Smiley. Cole Ikkala saw the puck bouncing around and jumped on it quick to bag his second goal of the season.
Ikkala filled in for the second-year veteran John Digness who was scratched for the second straight game.
“We’re very fortunate to have 24 guys who all contribute greatly to the team,” said Ferner. “Since all of them can play quality games, we switch things up sometimes by scratching some veterans to allow the rookies to play. Cole played outstanding in John’s place, especially with that goal he scored today.”
Pimm scored his team-leading 17th goal four minutes into the third frame on a nice pass from Kellen Jones.
“That was a good pass that Kellen fed me there,” said Pimm. “After that, I knew I had the goalie beat so I just shot the puck, and when you shoot the puck good things happen. I’ve been enjoying playing on a line with Crow (Chris Crowell) and (Mike) Collins lately. They’re both pretty easy guys to play with and always feed me the puck when they get a chance, and if I have it, I pass it off to them. As a result, we all work pretty well together.”
Connor Jones potted his ninth with five minutes remaining. Kyle Bigos and Joshua Martin got into a mini scrap midway through the period in front of 1,889 fans.
The Mills, who were thumped 8-1 by the SilverBacks Saturday night in Quesnel, iced a patchwork lineup Sunday.
“We hung in the game early on, but halfway through we kind of let up a little bit,” said Mills’ head coach Tom Bohmer. “Vernon came on strong and managed to score a couple easy goals which our goalie would have liked to have back. Those goals gave Vernon the momentum, and throughout the game no matter what we did, we couldn’t come back and play even with them.
“We were missing six of our regulars as they’re all banged up, which is the story of our group, so we had to rely more on Kiefer to keep us in the game. He gave us a good chance of winning but we couldn’t get anything to go our way. Hats off to Vernon; they played a committed full 60-minute game.”
In Westside, the Vipers grabbed period leads of 1-0 and 3-0 and used some stellar penalty killing to stop the Warriors (0-for-7 on the powerplay).
Bryce Kakoske, on a first-period powerplay, Pimm, Santana and Cory Kane, into an empty net, handled the Viper offence. Collins had two assists. Jordan Gagne replied for the third-place Warriors (15-9-0-3) at Royal LePage Place.
Gordon gooses Quesnel
By Nicole Berg - Vernon Morning StarPublished: November 18, 2008 7:00 PM
Graeme Gordon is proving to be more than just Andrew Hammond’s caddy with the Vernon Vipers.
Gordon went the distance as the Vipers stuffed the Quesnel Millionaires 4-0 Sunday afternoon at Wesbild Centre, pulling to within a point of the Interior Conference leading Salmon Arm SilverBacks. Vernon (17-7-1-2) hosts the Merritt Centennials Friday night and visit the Penticton Vees Saturday.
It was the second career B.C. Hockey League shutout for the 19-year-old North Vancouver product.
“I felt pretty good about this game and I’m ecstatic to get my first shutout as a Viper,” said Gordon, who registered his first shutout as a Salmon Arm SilverBack last year. “The boys played pretty solid in front of me and only allowed the Quesnel forwards to get 14 shots on me. Even though I didn’t face very many shots to get the win, some of their shots were real quality scoring chances but I stopped them all.”
Gordon earned the start thanks to a well-deserved 4-1 win (33 saves and first star) over the host Westside Warriors Saturday night, where he was quick on his feet and didn’t give up too many secondary scoring chances.
Gordon improves to a sparkling 6-0 record with the Vipers, supported by a 1.39 goals against average and a 94.16 save percentage.
Vernon head coach Mark Ferner was pleased with his team’s effort.
“The guys played a pretty well-rounded game and the defence especially played good, as they only gave up 14 shots. One of our plans heading into the game was for the defencemen to eliminate the opposition’s scoring chances, and we did quite well in that.
“Graeme played good. Going from facing 34 shots yesterday to only 14 today was quite an adjustment for him, but he came out on top once he made a couple big saves in the second period. Braden Pimm (two goals) also played phenomenal, as he is one of our most consistent forwards each game and probably has the hardest work ethic.”
In a first period that saw very little flow, each team mustered just six shots. Quesnel (9-17-0-3) had an early chance to score on two powerplay opportunities but couldn’t make anything happen.
Pimm got things rolling with his 16th of the year, on a high, hard shot that he ripped past Mills’ starter Kiefer Smiley (29 saves).
Later on, Ryan Santana was creating some havoc around the Mills’ net, throwing pucks on Smiley. Cole Ikkala saw the puck bouncing around and jumped on it quick to bag his second goal of the season.
Ikkala filled in for the second-year veteran John Digness who was scratched for the second straight game.
“We’re very fortunate to have 24 guys who all contribute greatly to the team,” said Ferner. “Since all of them can play quality games, we switch things up sometimes by scratching some veterans to allow the rookies to play. Cole played outstanding in John’s place, especially with that goal he scored today.”
Pimm scored his team-leading 17th goal four minutes into the third frame on a nice pass from Kellen Jones.
“That was a good pass that Kellen fed me there,” said Pimm. “After that, I knew I had the goalie beat so I just shot the puck, and when you shoot the puck good things happen. I’ve been enjoying playing on a line with Crow (Chris Crowell) and (Mike) Collins lately. They’re both pretty easy guys to play with and always feed me the puck when they get a chance, and if I have it, I pass it off to them. As a result, we all work pretty well together.”
Connor Jones potted his ninth with five minutes remaining. Kyle Bigos and Joshua Martin got into a mini scrap midway through the period in front of 1,889 fans.
The Mills, who were thumped 8-1 by the SilverBacks Saturday night in Quesnel, iced a patchwork lineup Sunday.
“We hung in the game early on, but halfway through we kind of let up a little bit,” said Mills’ head coach Tom Bohmer. “Vernon came on strong and managed to score a couple easy goals which our goalie would have liked to have back. Those goals gave Vernon the momentum, and throughout the game no matter what we did, we couldn’t come back and play even with them.
“We were missing six of our regulars as they’re all banged up, which is the story of our group, so we had to rely more on Kiefer to keep us in the game. He gave us a good chance of winning but we couldn’t get anything to go our way. Hats off to Vernon; they played a committed full 60-minute game.”
In Westside, the Vipers grabbed period leads of 1-0 and 3-0 and used some stellar penalty killing to stop the Warriors (0-for-7 on the powerplay).
Bryce Kakoske, on a first-period powerplay, Pimm, Santana and Cory Kane, into an empty net, handled the Viper offence. Collins had two assists. Jordan Gagne replied for the third-place Warriors (15-9-0-3) at Royal LePage Place.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Vernon 4 Westside 1
Vernon 4 Westside 1
Was at tonights game as Vernon defeated Westside 4-1 during parents weekend in front of 1,386 fans at Royal Le Page Place.
1st Period: Off the opening faceoff Connor Jones carried the puck deep into the Warriors zone, cutting around the goal and getting a wrap around off with the puck sliding through the crease. The play would come back the other way into the Vernon zone and Jordan Gagne took a shot from the circle with Graeme Gordon just getting a piece of the puck with his glove. Westside got an early powerplay but struggled as Vernon would kill off the minor. The Warriors had two early powerplays but couldnt solve the solid penalty killing of the Vipers. Some good back & forth play at both ends of the rink in the first half. Sahir Gill had a great scoring chance, cutting wide around the Warriors d-man, cutting towards the net but couldnt get the puck past veteran Kevin Jebson. Westside looked very good on the breakout, with some quick puck movement. Vernon would get there first powerplay of the night and take advantage. With 7 minutes remaining Braden Pimm worked hard along along the end wall, dishing the puck off to Captain Chris Crowell, Crowell cut behind the Warriors net, and made a nice pass out front to former Warrior Bryce Kakoske who beat Jebson with a softie from the slot wich just trickled through Jebsons pads. Vipers played physical and looked very solid defensively. An overall entertaining 1st period with both teams getting chances. Vernon was up 1-0 after 20 mins of play. The Warriors outshot the Vipers 11-7.
2nd Period: Just 24 seconds into the period Connor Jones tripped up a Warrior who went crashing into the corner boards. The player hit the side entrance for the zamboni, wich the door popped out from the rollers. The game was delayed for a good 30 minutes with both teams having to head back to the dressing room, with repairs taking place on the side boards. Both teams returned to the ice after the off ice crews fixed the side boards, as play resumed. Westside couldnt seem to generate much of an offensive attack, as the Vipers strong penalty kill played very well, once again killing off the minor. Just seconds later the Vipers would get a powerplay but it was the Warriors who had the best scoring chance shorthanded. Kyle Bigos made a bad pinch at the blueline, as Trevor Bailey, Justin Schultz, & Jordan Gagne went in three on one but it was Graeme Gordon who slid across the crease making an unreal save to keep the puck out. This was by far the save of the night. The Vipers struggled on the powerplay as Wesisde killed off the minor. The Warriors had the better jump and carried the edge in play for the first 10-11 minutes of the 2nd moving the puck well, getting some good chances in close. Gordon played well making a difference, keeping Vernon in the game. Gordon made another big save in close this time on Vince Mihalek. Vernon would go ahead 2-0 after Chris Crowell worked hard down low, feeding Braden Pimm who wired a shot from the circle who beat wich looked like a screened Jebson with just under 7 minutes remaining. Off the faceoff former Bulldog James Kerr drops the gloves with Craig Eisenhut. This goal seemed to give the Vipers life as the tables now turned and Vernon carried the edge in play in the remainder of the 2nd. Just 3 minutes later Ryan Santana was a horse, Santana wearing Jason Elders old jersey #27 carried the puck into the Warriors zone, making a nice move along the boards to get around the Warrior d-man, then cut towards the net beating Jebson as Vernon was up 3-0. On the next play deep in the Westside zone, Brendan Ellis was heading off on a penalty, with a stopage in play Kyle Bigos charged at Ellis, levelling Ellis to the ice and then dropping the gloves. Bigos was given 5 minutes for fighting and tossed from the hockey game. With both teams playing four on four in the final 3 minutes it was Westside who carried the play, getting some chances in close. Gordon had to be sharpe looking very solid in the 2nd period. Vernon was up 3-0 after 40 mins of play. The Vipers outshot the Warriors 9-7.
3rd Period: Brendan Ellis returned to the ice to start the 3rd where the Warriors were now on the man advantage with 3 mins remaining in Bigos's 5 min major. Vernons penalty kill was very strong, not giving the Warriors room to generate any offence. Vernon would once again kill off the major. Vernons defence looked very strong, playing sound defensively, not allowing any second chances down low. Vipers played a smart 3rd period just getting the puck in deep, sending in the forecheck after the loose puck. Vernon come up with very little scoring chances as the Warriors were firing everything at Gordon, who played very strong. Westside had spurts of chances in the Vipers zone, but couldnt get any second scoring chances on Gordon. Gordon was gobbling up all rebounds not giving the Warriors any second chances. Westside would break Gordons shutout bid with 11 minutes remaining in the game. Justin Schultz & Cory Pritz set up Jordan Gagne in the slot who beat Gordon upstairs cutting the Vernon lead to 3-1. Vernon had a great chance to put the game away late in the 3rd with another powerplay but struggled as the Warriors penalty kill looked very effective killing off the minor. Vernon used a strong forecheck late in the 3rd to rag alot of time off the clock, with 1:30 left in the game Jebson would head to the bench for the extra attacker and with some good presure deep in the Vipers zone, Westside couldnt beat Gordon who made a nice save late. Vernon would get the puck into the neutral zone on the next faceoff and with 57 seconds remaining Cory Kane would hit the empty net with a backhand from the blueline giving Vernon the 4-1 lead and putting the game out of reach. As the clock was winding down, Brad Plumton would crosscheck Sahir Gill giving the Vipers a late powerplay. The Vipers wouldnt score but did skate away with the 4-1 win, improving to 4-1 against Westside this season. The Warriors outshot the Vipers 16-7.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Graeme Gordon looked very sharpe between the Vipers net, keeping the Vipers in the game throughout the 2nd period. Gordon was very quick on his feet, not allowing any rebounds or second opportunities in close. Gordon improves to 5-2 and is now 5-0 as a Viper.
Chris Crowell (2 assists) played a strong game. Crowell set up two goals, played very well on the PK. Come up with a huge shot block in the 3rd period. Crowells stepped up his game over the last 3-4 games.
Braden Pimm (1 goal & 1 assist) Pimm played well and looked effective for the Vipers up front. Pimm played with alot of hustle all night.
Ryan Santana (1 goal) Looked very strong with the puck, was a horse down low.
Kevin Kraus played one of his best games of the year. Kraus looked very solid defensivly, making some heads up plays.
Steve Tresierra also played very well defensivly.
Top Players: (Westside)
Jordan Gagne (1 goal) looked very impressive for the Warriors. Gagne was always involved in the play, buzzing around the net.
Justin Schultz (1 assist) Played very well on the backend and jumped up into the play on many rushes. Matt Betker looked good up front. Hard to get off the puck.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
This was one of the better played games I have seen by the Vipers. A well deserved road win after coming up with a tough 3-2 loss last night in Trail. Vipers scored two timely goals in the 2nd wich was the difference. Looked very strong on the penalty kill. Vipers defence also looked very strong, playing very well down low. Westside had some good scoring chances in close but Vernons defence didnt give them any room to get in on a second chance. Vipers defence was collapsing down low most of the night. Graeme Gordon kept the Vipers in the game come the 2nd period, Gordons huge save on the Warriors three on one was a game saver, keeping the score at 1-0. If Westside scores this could have been a different game.
Game Thoughts: (Westside)
The Warriors played well, looking very strong breaking out of there own zone, with some quick puck movement. Warriors had some good chances through out tonights game but couldnt get any second chances or rebounds on Gordon. Westside usally has a very strong & effective powerplay but really struggled tonight. Specialty teams was the difference as Westside went 0-7 on the PP. The Warriors usally play the Vipers physical with that in your face style of hockey but tonight, stayed away from the physical play and getting involved after the whistle, very little pushing & shoving, getting in guys faces etc. Westside couldnt solve Gordon getting alot of chances & shots but didnt seem to get the puck luck they needed.
Scratches:
Vernon:
John Digness
Trent Dorais
Steven Weinstein
Westside:
Tyler Miller
Tyler Krause
3 Stars:
1st Star: Graeme Gordon (33 saves)
2nd Star: Justin Schultz
3rd Star: Chris Crowell (2 assists)
Was at tonights game as Vernon defeated Westside 4-1 during parents weekend in front of 1,386 fans at Royal Le Page Place.
1st Period: Off the opening faceoff Connor Jones carried the puck deep into the Warriors zone, cutting around the goal and getting a wrap around off with the puck sliding through the crease. The play would come back the other way into the Vernon zone and Jordan Gagne took a shot from the circle with Graeme Gordon just getting a piece of the puck with his glove. Westside got an early powerplay but struggled as Vernon would kill off the minor. The Warriors had two early powerplays but couldnt solve the solid penalty killing of the Vipers. Some good back & forth play at both ends of the rink in the first half. Sahir Gill had a great scoring chance, cutting wide around the Warriors d-man, cutting towards the net but couldnt get the puck past veteran Kevin Jebson. Westside looked very good on the breakout, with some quick puck movement. Vernon would get there first powerplay of the night and take advantage. With 7 minutes remaining Braden Pimm worked hard along along the end wall, dishing the puck off to Captain Chris Crowell, Crowell cut behind the Warriors net, and made a nice pass out front to former Warrior Bryce Kakoske who beat Jebson with a softie from the slot wich just trickled through Jebsons pads. Vipers played physical and looked very solid defensively. An overall entertaining 1st period with both teams getting chances. Vernon was up 1-0 after 20 mins of play. The Warriors outshot the Vipers 11-7.
2nd Period: Just 24 seconds into the period Connor Jones tripped up a Warrior who went crashing into the corner boards. The player hit the side entrance for the zamboni, wich the door popped out from the rollers. The game was delayed for a good 30 minutes with both teams having to head back to the dressing room, with repairs taking place on the side boards. Both teams returned to the ice after the off ice crews fixed the side boards, as play resumed. Westside couldnt seem to generate much of an offensive attack, as the Vipers strong penalty kill played very well, once again killing off the minor. Just seconds later the Vipers would get a powerplay but it was the Warriors who had the best scoring chance shorthanded. Kyle Bigos made a bad pinch at the blueline, as Trevor Bailey, Justin Schultz, & Jordan Gagne went in three on one but it was Graeme Gordon who slid across the crease making an unreal save to keep the puck out. This was by far the save of the night. The Vipers struggled on the powerplay as Wesisde killed off the minor. The Warriors had the better jump and carried the edge in play for the first 10-11 minutes of the 2nd moving the puck well, getting some good chances in close. Gordon played well making a difference, keeping Vernon in the game. Gordon made another big save in close this time on Vince Mihalek. Vernon would go ahead 2-0 after Chris Crowell worked hard down low, feeding Braden Pimm who wired a shot from the circle who beat wich looked like a screened Jebson with just under 7 minutes remaining. Off the faceoff former Bulldog James Kerr drops the gloves with Craig Eisenhut. This goal seemed to give the Vipers life as the tables now turned and Vernon carried the edge in play in the remainder of the 2nd. Just 3 minutes later Ryan Santana was a horse, Santana wearing Jason Elders old jersey #27 carried the puck into the Warriors zone, making a nice move along the boards to get around the Warrior d-man, then cut towards the net beating Jebson as Vernon was up 3-0. On the next play deep in the Westside zone, Brendan Ellis was heading off on a penalty, with a stopage in play Kyle Bigos charged at Ellis, levelling Ellis to the ice and then dropping the gloves. Bigos was given 5 minutes for fighting and tossed from the hockey game. With both teams playing four on four in the final 3 minutes it was Westside who carried the play, getting some chances in close. Gordon had to be sharpe looking very solid in the 2nd period. Vernon was up 3-0 after 40 mins of play. The Vipers outshot the Warriors 9-7.
3rd Period: Brendan Ellis returned to the ice to start the 3rd where the Warriors were now on the man advantage with 3 mins remaining in Bigos's 5 min major. Vernons penalty kill was very strong, not giving the Warriors room to generate any offence. Vernon would once again kill off the major. Vernons defence looked very strong, playing sound defensively, not allowing any second chances down low. Vipers played a smart 3rd period just getting the puck in deep, sending in the forecheck after the loose puck. Vernon come up with very little scoring chances as the Warriors were firing everything at Gordon, who played very strong. Westside had spurts of chances in the Vipers zone, but couldnt get any second scoring chances on Gordon. Gordon was gobbling up all rebounds not giving the Warriors any second chances. Westside would break Gordons shutout bid with 11 minutes remaining in the game. Justin Schultz & Cory Pritz set up Jordan Gagne in the slot who beat Gordon upstairs cutting the Vernon lead to 3-1. Vernon had a great chance to put the game away late in the 3rd with another powerplay but struggled as the Warriors penalty kill looked very effective killing off the minor. Vernon used a strong forecheck late in the 3rd to rag alot of time off the clock, with 1:30 left in the game Jebson would head to the bench for the extra attacker and with some good presure deep in the Vipers zone, Westside couldnt beat Gordon who made a nice save late. Vernon would get the puck into the neutral zone on the next faceoff and with 57 seconds remaining Cory Kane would hit the empty net with a backhand from the blueline giving Vernon the 4-1 lead and putting the game out of reach. As the clock was winding down, Brad Plumton would crosscheck Sahir Gill giving the Vipers a late powerplay. The Vipers wouldnt score but did skate away with the 4-1 win, improving to 4-1 against Westside this season. The Warriors outshot the Vipers 16-7.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Graeme Gordon looked very sharpe between the Vipers net, keeping the Vipers in the game throughout the 2nd period. Gordon was very quick on his feet, not allowing any rebounds or second opportunities in close. Gordon improves to 5-2 and is now 5-0 as a Viper.
Chris Crowell (2 assists) played a strong game. Crowell set up two goals, played very well on the PK. Come up with a huge shot block in the 3rd period. Crowells stepped up his game over the last 3-4 games.
Braden Pimm (1 goal & 1 assist) Pimm played well and looked effective for the Vipers up front. Pimm played with alot of hustle all night.
Ryan Santana (1 goal) Looked very strong with the puck, was a horse down low.
Kevin Kraus played one of his best games of the year. Kraus looked very solid defensivly, making some heads up plays.
Steve Tresierra also played very well defensivly.
Top Players: (Westside)
Jordan Gagne (1 goal) looked very impressive for the Warriors. Gagne was always involved in the play, buzzing around the net.
Justin Schultz (1 assist) Played very well on the backend and jumped up into the play on many rushes. Matt Betker looked good up front. Hard to get off the puck.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
This was one of the better played games I have seen by the Vipers. A well deserved road win after coming up with a tough 3-2 loss last night in Trail. Vipers scored two timely goals in the 2nd wich was the difference. Looked very strong on the penalty kill. Vipers defence also looked very strong, playing very well down low. Westside had some good scoring chances in close but Vernons defence didnt give them any room to get in on a second chance. Vipers defence was collapsing down low most of the night. Graeme Gordon kept the Vipers in the game come the 2nd period, Gordons huge save on the Warriors three on one was a game saver, keeping the score at 1-0. If Westside scores this could have been a different game.
Game Thoughts: (Westside)
The Warriors played well, looking very strong breaking out of there own zone, with some quick puck movement. Warriors had some good chances through out tonights game but couldnt get any second chances or rebounds on Gordon. Westside usally has a very strong & effective powerplay but really struggled tonight. Specialty teams was the difference as Westside went 0-7 on the PP. The Warriors usally play the Vipers physical with that in your face style of hockey but tonight, stayed away from the physical play and getting involved after the whistle, very little pushing & shoving, getting in guys faces etc. Westside couldnt solve Gordon getting alot of chances & shots but didnt seem to get the puck luck they needed.
Scratches:
Vernon:
John Digness
Trent Dorais
Steven Weinstein
Westside:
Tyler Miller
Tyler Krause
3 Stars:
1st Star: Graeme Gordon (33 saves)
2nd Star: Justin Schultz
3rd Star: Chris Crowell (2 assists)
Vernon 4 Quesnel 0
Vernon 4 Quesnel 0
Was at todays game as Vernon defeated Quesnel 4-0 in front of 1,889 fans at the Wesbild Center.
1st Period: The Vipers got lucky to start the game as Kyle Bigos was caught on the ice after the final buzzer went to end warm up. Any player wich is caught still on the ice after the final buzzer, the team ends up with a 2 minute minor to start the game. Vipers come out skating hard, playing with lots of energy and shwoing lots of hustle. Vipers looked very atrong in the opening period playing most of the 1st deep in the Quesnel end. Vipers moved the puck well, creating lots of open ice but couldnt generate any shots on net, but sustained alot of solid presure in the Mills zone. A very quick paced period with very few stopages, some good flow coming from Vernon. Quesnel did get control of the play, getting some action in the Vernon end of the rink, but didnt come up with any real solid presure, getting off a few early shots with no real good scoring oppertunities. Vernon would get the first powerplay of the game, moving the puck well, but couldnt get anything fired towards the net. Quesnel would kill off the minor, and then Vernon would get into some penalty trouble taking back to back minors but the Vipers did a good job on the penalty kill, killing off both minors. Ryan Santana had a great scoring chance shorthanded, with a wideopen shot from the slot but former Cowichan Valley netminder Kiefer Smiley stood tall making the big save. Vernon carried most of the play, skating circles around the Millionaires but couldnt get any real good scoring chances. Cory Kane was skating well, flying all over the ice. Really used his speed and skill and was by far the best Vernon player during the 1st period. It was scoreless after the 1st. Shots were even 6-6.
2nd Period: 1:39 into the 2nd Braden Pimm picked up the loose puck from in behind his own net, blowed by one Millionaire along the side wall, skated down the wing, making a nice move around another Quesnel player, cutting towards the center and then ripping a high shot high over Smiley putting Vernon up 1-0. Vipers had some great scoring chances early, Sahir Gill made a nice pass to Vernon product Rob Short who was alone in close but was stopped by Smiley. Steve Tresierra had a good scoring chance coming down the wing, but Smiley was there for the save. Smiley played well in the early goings keeping the Mills in the game. Vernon once again controlled the better of the play, creating alot of open ice with there speed and skill. With a sramble in front of Smiley, and the puck loose in the crease, Ryan Santana couldnt lift his shot over a down and out Smiley, the puck would come back to Cole Ikkala who is wearing Spencer Wards old jersey #12 would score his 2nd goal of the year putting the Vipers up 2-0. Shortly after Ben Payne & Captain Taylor Rovatti went in two on one, Rovatti would keep the puck, getting a shot off as Graeme Gordon made the save. Quesnel did get a few chances but couldnt beat Gordon who looked very confident between the pipes for the 2nd straight game. Ben Payne put a nice move around a Vernon d-man, cut towards the front of the net, and then was stoned in front by Gordon who kicked out the Payne shot making an unreal toe save keeping the Millionaries off the scoreboard. Vipers put some good presure on Quesnel buzzing around Smileys net getting some good chances in close. Vernon carried the edge in play, dominating the Millionaries, as the Vipers were up 2-0 after 40 mins of play. Vernon outshot Quesnel 14-6.
3rd Period: The Vipers started the 3rd with a powerplay wich was carried over from the 2nd period. Vernon struggled on the man advantage and couldnt get any kind of presure going as Quesnel killed off the minor, but the Mills would head right back to the box as Vernon would get back to back powerplays. The Vipers would struggle again on there 2nd powerplay chance of the period, looking very sluggish in the early goings. Quesnel would kill off the minor looking very strong on the penalty kill, forcing the Vipers to the outside, not giving up many shots. Shortly after killing off the minor Taylor Rovatti snuck down the right wing, getting a good shot off from the circle but Gordon made a nice glove save. This was the Mills one and only real good scoring chance as the Vipers picked up there game, and really controlled the play for the remainder of the game. Just 3 minutes into the 3rd, Kellen Jones set up Braden Pimm with his 2nd of the afternoon, as Vernon went up 3-0. The Vipers didnt quit there, Ryan Santana & Rob Short would come in two on one, Santana made a nice pass over to Short who was robbed by Smiley. Short had two great scoring chances this afternoon, playing a strong offensive game. On the next drive Cory Kane made a nice move in the neutral zone, breaking in over the blueline, and then wiring a wrist shot just over the glove of Smiley. Millionaires couldnt seem to generate much of an offensive attack, only getting two shots on Gordon in the final period. Quesnel went a good 7-8 minutes without getting a shot on goal as the Vipers played most of the 3rd in the Mills zone. With 8 minutes left Kyle Bigos dropped the gloves with Joshua Martin after Martin took a late hit on one of the Jones Twins. This was the 2nd straight night Bigos has decided to drop his gloves standing up for the Jones Twins. Late in the 3rd with under 5 minutes remaining, the Vipers broke in three on one, Bryce Kakoske dropped a pass back to d-man Kevin Kraus who then made a sweet saucer pass across ice over to Connor Jones who beat Smiley putting Vernon up 4-0 and in full control. Kakoske went down awkward on the play, having troubles getting up. Kakoske had troubles limping off the ice, and then walked back & forth in the tunnel trying to walk it off. Kakoske stayed on the Vernon bench but didnt hit the ice for the final few minutes of the game. Quesnel had a great chance to break Gordons shutout bid late in the 3rd with a powerplay but the Vipers strong penalty kill would kill off the minor. Graeme Gordon would get his first shutout of the season and first as a Vernon Viper. Vernon would defeat Quesnel 4-0. Vipers outshot the Millionaires 13-2.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Graeme Gordon made two big saves and only had to make 14 saves for his first shutout as a Viper. Gordon started his 2nd straight game, looking very impressive between the pipes. Gordon was wearing his new viper coloured pads and goal equipment.
Cody Ikkala looked very solid on the Vipers blueline. Ikkala played a very defensive game.
Cory Kane played a great 1st period and played a heck of a hockey game this afternoon. Kane was skating hard, played with lots of energy, shwoing lots of hustle. Had some nice moves in close.
Braden Pimm (2 goals) Looked very strong up. Pimm scored two nice goals, working hard and playing physical.
Cole Ikkala (1 goal) Nice to see Cole get some icetime, getting his 2nd straight spot in the lineup. Ikkala played with lots of jump, finishing his check, showing lots of hustle. You could tell this kid wanted to prove something, never gave up, played every shift like it was his last. Was always involved in the play.
Chris Crowell has impressed me alot over the last handfull of games. Crowell has really stepped up his game latley playing some of his best hockey of the year. Played very well this afternoon. Was skating hard and getting involved in front.
Rob Short played a solid game up front, Short was stopped twice on two great scoring chances. Was driving towards the net all afternoon. Skated well, played with lots of energy.
Steven Weinstein played very well on the backend.
Top Players: (Quesnel)
Kiefer Smiley played well, kept the Mills in the game, especially in the 2nd period. Smiley made some big saves at key times, allowing the Mills a chance to get back into the game. Very solid between the pipes.
Captain Taylor Rovatti had two good scoring chances, played with an edge. Was always involved in the play. Ive been impressed with the play of Rovatti in the two games Quesnel has played here.
Ben Payne was on the same line as Rovatti and the two looked very strong together. Payne had a good scoring chance in the 2nd but was robbed by Gordon on a chance in close.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
Vipers looked very impressive tonight. Its hard for alot of these kids to get up and be ready and focused to play some of the lower teams like Quesnel. But give Vernon credit after travelling to Trail & Westside over the weekend, the Vipers come to play this afternoon, skating hard, playing with alot of energy and showing good hustle. Very crisp passing all afternoon, and finished there checks, wich is something we havnt seen much of this season. Vernon played as a team and looked very strong. Vernons best line was by far the line of Chris Crowell, Mike Collins and Braden Pimm. This line was buzzing all afternoon. Vipers defence looked very solid, been very impressed with the defensive play as of late. Vernon is now 3-0 against Quesnel this year. With the win, the Vipers move to within 1 pt of Salmon Arm and move 4 pts ahead of Westside.
Game Thoughts: (Quesnel)
Wasnt overly impressed with the Millionaires. Couldnt handle the Vipers speed and skill up front and any real good scoring chance, they couldnt get the puck past Gordon. The Mills were outskated in the 1st. Didnt get any real quality shots, and need more then 6 shots in a period if they expect to win a game. The Mills couldnt seem to generate much of an offensive attack, with very few scoring chances. No real presure sustained in the Vipers zone.
Scratches:
Vernon:
John Digness
Trent Dorais
Nick Amies
Quesnel:
Mitchell Smith
Mitch Galbraith
Joshua Fersovitch
Devin Braden
3 Stars:
1st Star: Braden Pimm (2 goals)
2nd Star: Cory Kane
3rd Star: Cole Ikkala (1 goal)
Was at todays game as Vernon defeated Quesnel 4-0 in front of 1,889 fans at the Wesbild Center.
1st Period: The Vipers got lucky to start the game as Kyle Bigos was caught on the ice after the final buzzer went to end warm up. Any player wich is caught still on the ice after the final buzzer, the team ends up with a 2 minute minor to start the game. Vipers come out skating hard, playing with lots of energy and shwoing lots of hustle. Vipers looked very atrong in the opening period playing most of the 1st deep in the Quesnel end. Vipers moved the puck well, creating lots of open ice but couldnt generate any shots on net, but sustained alot of solid presure in the Mills zone. A very quick paced period with very few stopages, some good flow coming from Vernon. Quesnel did get control of the play, getting some action in the Vernon end of the rink, but didnt come up with any real solid presure, getting off a few early shots with no real good scoring oppertunities. Vernon would get the first powerplay of the game, moving the puck well, but couldnt get anything fired towards the net. Quesnel would kill off the minor, and then Vernon would get into some penalty trouble taking back to back minors but the Vipers did a good job on the penalty kill, killing off both minors. Ryan Santana had a great scoring chance shorthanded, with a wideopen shot from the slot but former Cowichan Valley netminder Kiefer Smiley stood tall making the big save. Vernon carried most of the play, skating circles around the Millionaires but couldnt get any real good scoring chances. Cory Kane was skating well, flying all over the ice. Really used his speed and skill and was by far the best Vernon player during the 1st period. It was scoreless after the 1st. Shots were even 6-6.
2nd Period: 1:39 into the 2nd Braden Pimm picked up the loose puck from in behind his own net, blowed by one Millionaire along the side wall, skated down the wing, making a nice move around another Quesnel player, cutting towards the center and then ripping a high shot high over Smiley putting Vernon up 1-0. Vipers had some great scoring chances early, Sahir Gill made a nice pass to Vernon product Rob Short who was alone in close but was stopped by Smiley. Steve Tresierra had a good scoring chance coming down the wing, but Smiley was there for the save. Smiley played well in the early goings keeping the Mills in the game. Vernon once again controlled the better of the play, creating alot of open ice with there speed and skill. With a sramble in front of Smiley, and the puck loose in the crease, Ryan Santana couldnt lift his shot over a down and out Smiley, the puck would come back to Cole Ikkala who is wearing Spencer Wards old jersey #12 would score his 2nd goal of the year putting the Vipers up 2-0. Shortly after Ben Payne & Captain Taylor Rovatti went in two on one, Rovatti would keep the puck, getting a shot off as Graeme Gordon made the save. Quesnel did get a few chances but couldnt beat Gordon who looked very confident between the pipes for the 2nd straight game. Ben Payne put a nice move around a Vernon d-man, cut towards the front of the net, and then was stoned in front by Gordon who kicked out the Payne shot making an unreal toe save keeping the Millionaries off the scoreboard. Vipers put some good presure on Quesnel buzzing around Smileys net getting some good chances in close. Vernon carried the edge in play, dominating the Millionaries, as the Vipers were up 2-0 after 40 mins of play. Vernon outshot Quesnel 14-6.
3rd Period: The Vipers started the 3rd with a powerplay wich was carried over from the 2nd period. Vernon struggled on the man advantage and couldnt get any kind of presure going as Quesnel killed off the minor, but the Mills would head right back to the box as Vernon would get back to back powerplays. The Vipers would struggle again on there 2nd powerplay chance of the period, looking very sluggish in the early goings. Quesnel would kill off the minor looking very strong on the penalty kill, forcing the Vipers to the outside, not giving up many shots. Shortly after killing off the minor Taylor Rovatti snuck down the right wing, getting a good shot off from the circle but Gordon made a nice glove save. This was the Mills one and only real good scoring chance as the Vipers picked up there game, and really controlled the play for the remainder of the game. Just 3 minutes into the 3rd, Kellen Jones set up Braden Pimm with his 2nd of the afternoon, as Vernon went up 3-0. The Vipers didnt quit there, Ryan Santana & Rob Short would come in two on one, Santana made a nice pass over to Short who was robbed by Smiley. Short had two great scoring chances this afternoon, playing a strong offensive game. On the next drive Cory Kane made a nice move in the neutral zone, breaking in over the blueline, and then wiring a wrist shot just over the glove of Smiley. Millionaires couldnt seem to generate much of an offensive attack, only getting two shots on Gordon in the final period. Quesnel went a good 7-8 minutes without getting a shot on goal as the Vipers played most of the 3rd in the Mills zone. With 8 minutes left Kyle Bigos dropped the gloves with Joshua Martin after Martin took a late hit on one of the Jones Twins. This was the 2nd straight night Bigos has decided to drop his gloves standing up for the Jones Twins. Late in the 3rd with under 5 minutes remaining, the Vipers broke in three on one, Bryce Kakoske dropped a pass back to d-man Kevin Kraus who then made a sweet saucer pass across ice over to Connor Jones who beat Smiley putting Vernon up 4-0 and in full control. Kakoske went down awkward on the play, having troubles getting up. Kakoske had troubles limping off the ice, and then walked back & forth in the tunnel trying to walk it off. Kakoske stayed on the Vernon bench but didnt hit the ice for the final few minutes of the game. Quesnel had a great chance to break Gordons shutout bid late in the 3rd with a powerplay but the Vipers strong penalty kill would kill off the minor. Graeme Gordon would get his first shutout of the season and first as a Vernon Viper. Vernon would defeat Quesnel 4-0. Vipers outshot the Millionaires 13-2.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Graeme Gordon made two big saves and only had to make 14 saves for his first shutout as a Viper. Gordon started his 2nd straight game, looking very impressive between the pipes. Gordon was wearing his new viper coloured pads and goal equipment.
Cody Ikkala looked very solid on the Vipers blueline. Ikkala played a very defensive game.
Cory Kane played a great 1st period and played a heck of a hockey game this afternoon. Kane was skating hard, played with lots of energy, shwoing lots of hustle. Had some nice moves in close.
Braden Pimm (2 goals) Looked very strong up. Pimm scored two nice goals, working hard and playing physical.
Cole Ikkala (1 goal) Nice to see Cole get some icetime, getting his 2nd straight spot in the lineup. Ikkala played with lots of jump, finishing his check, showing lots of hustle. You could tell this kid wanted to prove something, never gave up, played every shift like it was his last. Was always involved in the play.
Chris Crowell has impressed me alot over the last handfull of games. Crowell has really stepped up his game latley playing some of his best hockey of the year. Played very well this afternoon. Was skating hard and getting involved in front.
Rob Short played a solid game up front, Short was stopped twice on two great scoring chances. Was driving towards the net all afternoon. Skated well, played with lots of energy.
Steven Weinstein played very well on the backend.
Top Players: (Quesnel)
Kiefer Smiley played well, kept the Mills in the game, especially in the 2nd period. Smiley made some big saves at key times, allowing the Mills a chance to get back into the game. Very solid between the pipes.
Captain Taylor Rovatti had two good scoring chances, played with an edge. Was always involved in the play. Ive been impressed with the play of Rovatti in the two games Quesnel has played here.
Ben Payne was on the same line as Rovatti and the two looked very strong together. Payne had a good scoring chance in the 2nd but was robbed by Gordon on a chance in close.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
Vipers looked very impressive tonight. Its hard for alot of these kids to get up and be ready and focused to play some of the lower teams like Quesnel. But give Vernon credit after travelling to Trail & Westside over the weekend, the Vipers come to play this afternoon, skating hard, playing with alot of energy and showing good hustle. Very crisp passing all afternoon, and finished there checks, wich is something we havnt seen much of this season. Vernon played as a team and looked very strong. Vernons best line was by far the line of Chris Crowell, Mike Collins and Braden Pimm. This line was buzzing all afternoon. Vipers defence looked very solid, been very impressed with the defensive play as of late. Vernon is now 3-0 against Quesnel this year. With the win, the Vipers move to within 1 pt of Salmon Arm and move 4 pts ahead of Westside.
Game Thoughts: (Quesnel)
Wasnt overly impressed with the Millionaires. Couldnt handle the Vipers speed and skill up front and any real good scoring chance, they couldnt get the puck past Gordon. The Mills were outskated in the 1st. Didnt get any real quality shots, and need more then 6 shots in a period if they expect to win a game. The Mills couldnt seem to generate much of an offensive attack, with very few scoring chances. No real presure sustained in the Vipers zone.
Scratches:
Vernon:
John Digness
Trent Dorais
Nick Amies
Quesnel:
Mitchell Smith
Mitch Galbraith
Joshua Fersovitch
Devin Braden
3 Stars:
1st Star: Braden Pimm (2 goals)
2nd Star: Cory Kane
3rd Star: Cole Ikkala (1 goal)
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Vernon-Alberni Valley Trade:
This is on the Vipers website:
Vipes acquire James Kerr
by viper staff Added 2008-11-13
The Vernon Vipers have traded 20 year old forward Ryan DePape to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs for 18 year old forward James Kerr. Ryan DePape appeared in 19 games for the Vipers registering 6 goals and 7 assists. James Kerr, a native of Penticton, comes to Vernon after just competing for Team Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge where he was an assistant captain. This season as the Alberni Valley Bulldogs captain, Kerr had 4 goals and 3 assists in 18 games. In 2007-2008 he had 43 points in 60 games. James Kerr is committed to Princeton University.
Vipes acquire James Kerr
by viper staff Added 2008-11-13
The Vernon Vipers have traded 20 year old forward Ryan DePape to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs for 18 year old forward James Kerr. Ryan DePape appeared in 19 games for the Vipers registering 6 goals and 7 assists. James Kerr, a native of Penticton, comes to Vernon after just competing for Team Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge where he was an assistant captain. This season as the Alberni Valley Bulldogs captain, Kerr had 4 goals and 3 assists in 18 games. In 2007-2008 he had 43 points in 60 games. James Kerr is committed to Princeton University.
Thoughts On DePape-Kerr Trade:
I noticed the trade posted on the BCHL website, wich includes the Vipers also sending future considerations to the Bulldogs along with Ryan DePape. I dont know anything on James Kerr, so far from the Alberni Valley fans on here, it sounds like there isnt much too this young kid. Guess us Vipers fans will find out this weekend. I was looking at Kerrs stats from last season, Kerr put up 43 pts with the Bulldogs. Seems to me like Kerr can put up some decent numbers and now playing on a better team in Vernon, he may be a good pick up. Im looking forward to seeing Kerr play this weekend. In DePape he has size and lots of WHL experience and leadership, in his first few games with the Vipers Ryan looked good, with some slick passing and having a nose for the net, but as the more games he played, the more DePape was less noticable. I havnt been over impressed with the veteran ex WHLer. Hasnt brought that physical pressence I think the team was looking for. I expected alot more from a 20 year old. Best of luck in Alberni Valley Ryan! Welcome to Vernon James! What kind of player are the Vipers getting in James Kerr?
Vipers Welcome Kerr To Den:
This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:
Vipers welcome Kerr to den
Published: November 13, 2008 6:00 PM
The Vernon Vipers had a new right winger at practice Thursday afternoon. James Kerr, the 18-year-old son of former NHLer Alan Kerr, was obtained from the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in exchange for 20-year-old forward Ryan DePape and future considerations. “I was a little surprised at first, but excited to be moving to a second-place team,” said Kerr, who had 14 goals and 43 points with the Dawgs a year ago, and has 4-3-7 with the last-place team this year. “It’s a fresh start.” Kerr, a Penticton product, played with Canada West at last week’s World Junior A Hockey Challenge in Camrose, Alta. “He was an assistant (captain) at the World Challenge, and I think it’s a good fit for us,” said Vipers’ head coach/GM Mark Ferner. “It’ll give us a bit of a shakeup that gives us a real energy-type of player. “He’s got more of that penalty killing, finish-your-check mentality, which is what we want more of.” Ferner added DePape will likely have a larger role with the Bulldogs, which is what he wants. “We wish Ryan luck because he’s been very good for us,” said Ferner. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Kerr, who is committed to the NCAA Division 1 Princeton Tigers of the ECAC for next season, was skating on a line with Sahir Gill and Rob Short at his first Vipers’ practice. “It seems like a good group of players, and I think I’ll fit in good here,” said Kerr, a New York Islander and Sergei Fedorov fan who will wear jersey No. 8. “I’d like to wish James well as he continues his career with the Vipers,” said Alberni Valley head coach/GM Bryant Perrier, on the Bulldogs’ webiste. “We felt as an organization that to be fair to James, we needed to make this move. His commitment and dedication to the game is second to none. “In exchange we get Ryan DePape, who will be an immediate impact player. He is offensively talented player who won’t shy away from the physical side of the game. He was off to a good start to the season with the Vipers and we expect him to continue where he left off.” Salmon Arm SilverBacks’ head coach Rylan Ferster was an assistant coach with Team West and liked what Kerr brought to the squad. “We used him as a checker,” said Ferster. “He killed penalties and played really well. He’s a very good, coachable kid. Vernon got a solid guy.” DePape, a former captain of the Prince Albert Raiders with four years of Western Hockey League experience, recorded 6-7-13 in 19 games with the Vipers after he was acquired from the Regina Pats in September.
Vipers welcome Kerr to den
Published: November 13, 2008 6:00 PM
The Vernon Vipers had a new right winger at practice Thursday afternoon. James Kerr, the 18-year-old son of former NHLer Alan Kerr, was obtained from the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in exchange for 20-year-old forward Ryan DePape and future considerations. “I was a little surprised at first, but excited to be moving to a second-place team,” said Kerr, who had 14 goals and 43 points with the Dawgs a year ago, and has 4-3-7 with the last-place team this year. “It’s a fresh start.” Kerr, a Penticton product, played with Canada West at last week’s World Junior A Hockey Challenge in Camrose, Alta. “He was an assistant (captain) at the World Challenge, and I think it’s a good fit for us,” said Vipers’ head coach/GM Mark Ferner. “It’ll give us a bit of a shakeup that gives us a real energy-type of player. “He’s got more of that penalty killing, finish-your-check mentality, which is what we want more of.” Ferner added DePape will likely have a larger role with the Bulldogs, which is what he wants. “We wish Ryan luck because he’s been very good for us,” said Ferner. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Kerr, who is committed to the NCAA Division 1 Princeton Tigers of the ECAC for next season, was skating on a line with Sahir Gill and Rob Short at his first Vipers’ practice. “It seems like a good group of players, and I think I’ll fit in good here,” said Kerr, a New York Islander and Sergei Fedorov fan who will wear jersey No. 8. “I’d like to wish James well as he continues his career with the Vipers,” said Alberni Valley head coach/GM Bryant Perrier, on the Bulldogs’ webiste. “We felt as an organization that to be fair to James, we needed to make this move. His commitment and dedication to the game is second to none. “In exchange we get Ryan DePape, who will be an immediate impact player. He is offensively talented player who won’t shy away from the physical side of the game. He was off to a good start to the season with the Vipers and we expect him to continue where he left off.” Salmon Arm SilverBacks’ head coach Rylan Ferster was an assistant coach with Team West and liked what Kerr brought to the squad. “We used him as a checker,” said Ferster. “He killed penalties and played really well. He’s a very good, coachable kid. Vernon got a solid guy.” DePape, a former captain of the Prince Albert Raiders with four years of Western Hockey League experience, recorded 6-7-13 in 19 games with the Vipers after he was acquired from the Regina Pats in September.
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