Prince George 3 Vernon 1

Prince George 3 Vernon 1

Was at tonights game as Prince George defeated Vernon 3-1 in front of 1,954 fans at the Wesbild Center.

1st Period: The Vipers got off to a quick start, getting the puck in deep and really having the better of the play the first 5 mins or so. Vernon moved the puck well, making some quick passes setting up some real nice scoring chances. Kevin Genoe looked solid all period making some big saves keeping the Vipers off the board. John Digness had the biggest hit of the night, laying out Wes McLeod with a thundering hit in the PG zone. Digness was also robbed by Genoe on one of many Vernon scoring chances. The Vipers looked very good down low all period. The Spruce Kings finally got the puck deep into the Vernon zone but managed very little pressure. Captain Chris Crowell made a nice move at the circle and then wired a shot off the crossbar as the play really opened up, a very quick pace 1st with loads of action coming in the PG zone. A very entertaining quick period with very little stopages in play. The Spruce Kings had a bit of a late charge but couldnt find the back of the net. Both teams were playing physical. It was scoreless after 20 mins of play. Vernon outshot Prince George 9-5.

2nd Period: Just 2 mins into the period Kyle Bigos went for the body, missing the puck, Tyson Hall made a nice pass up to, Sean Ambrosie who was being chased down by Steven Weinstein, Ambrosie put a nice move on Mark Segal, then sliding the puck behind him to give the Spruce Kings the 1-0 lead. Segal was making his BCHL debut in net for the Vipers. Just 4 mins later with PG on the powerplay, Sam Muchalla beat Segal gloveside putting Prince George up 2-0. A much more scrambly period with not much flow at either ends of the rink. Vipers battled back trying to get on the scoreboard, throwing lots of pucks towards the goal, but once again Genoe come up with some big saves. Chris Crwowell would finally get Vernon on the board, after a nice pass from Rob Short. Crowell skated down the left wing and then wired a shot from the circle top shelf over Genoes glove, cutting the lead to 2-1. This was Crowells first goal of the season. Both teams had chances as the puck seemed to be bouncing alot in the 2nd. Vernon had the better scoring chances it was Prince George just scored on there opportunities. Late in the period Braden Pimm was given 4 mins for spearing, & it cost Vernon. With just 6 seconds remaining both Vernon D-men went to the back of the goal to chase down Zach Davies, Davies made a nice pass out front to a wide open Michael Nardi who beat Segal, putting PG up 3-1. The Vipers outshot the Spruce Kings 10-6.

3rd Period: Vernon killed off the remainder of Pimms 4 min minor but now down two goals, couldnt seem to generate any offence. A real sloppy 3rd with very little flow. Prince George sat back, got the puck in deep and then stood the Vipers up at the line. The Vipers just couldnt get anything going, some poor passes, pucks were getting caught up in players skates, guys were overskating the puck, it was just one of those periods. Vernon also looked tired come the 3rd. Give the Spruce Kings full credit they played a very defensive period not giving the Vipers any room or space to move or create any chances. In the 2nd half of the 3rd Vernon would get three straight powerplays but failed, not scoring on there chanes. The Vipers were having trouble getting shots off, moving the puck around alot, but very little shots towards the net. PG looked very good on the PK not giving the Vipers any room to create any chances. Vernons best scoring chance, came late when Connor Jones tipped a shot off the crossbar with just under 5 mins to go. It just wasnt Vernons night as on there last powerplay chance with 2 mins remaining the team left Mark Segal on the ice, instead of getting him to the bench for the extra attacker. It wasnt until 1:25 left when Segal went to the bench for the extra man, but even then Vernon struggled down low, not getting off a shot. Prince George will defeat Vernon 3-1 moving to 3-0. The Vipers outshot the Spruce Kings 5-3.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Cody Ikkala saw alot of icetime, playing a very well defensive game tonight.

John Digness looked very strong up front. Had two real good scoring chances, played physical all night. Digness has really stepped up his play this year.

Ryan DePape looked good in his Vipers debut. A very big kid who likes to pass and is very good at it. This kid has eyes in the back of his head, making three no look behind the back passes tonight.

Top Players: (Prince George)

Kevin Genoe looked very solid all night. Kept the Spruce Kings in the game during the 1st & 2nd periods. Had a pretty easy time in the 3rd. Has a real nice glovehand, as well as quick on his feet.

Sam Muchalla (1 Goal) played excellent up front. Worked hard all game.

Sean Ambrosie (1 Goal) looked very strong up front. This kid drives to the net, good hands.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

Vipers looked very good in the 1st getting lots of shots & scoring chances on Genoe but couldnt find the back of the net. Played good in the 2nd but gave up three goals, two on the PP. They battled back cutting the lead to one but giving up the 4 min minor cost them, allowing PG to score with just 6 seconds to go. For a team that was down by three goals, they sure didnt look like it come the 3rd, looking very tired and unorganised. Very sloppy period and only getting 5 shots on net didnt help. Vernon had three straight powerplays in the 2nd half of the 3rd and couldnt manage many shots. Wasnt a very pretty 3rd to watch.

Game Thoughts: (Prince George)

The Spruce Kings come out of the 1st lucky as Vernon could have easily scored two or three goals, but they didnt. Genoe kept them in the game, giving them a chance to win. They battled hard in the 2nd getting two early goals and then scored late in the 2nd to basically seal the deal. Not a very skilled team, they didnt get many great scoring chances as they were outplayed for most of the first two periods, give them credit, they scored on there chances and relied on Genoe to bail them out. A very greasy road win, played a very solid defensive 3rd period, shutting down the Vipers offensive attack.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Kevin Kraus
Cole Ikkala
Kellen Jones

Prince George:

Joe Becker
Colten Derickson
Dan Correale

3 Stars:

1st Star: Kevin Genoe
2nd Star: John Digness
3rd Star: Sam Muchalla (1 Goal)