Vipers Gong Gorillas In Preseason:

This was in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers gong Gorillas in preseason

Published: September 02, 2008 7:00 PM

While it would be foolhardy to put too much stock in the results of a couple preseason games, the Vernon Vipers did look impressive in stuffing the Salmon Arm SilverBacks in their weekend doubleheader.After opening with a 3-2 win Saturday night at the Sunwave Centre, the Snakes crushed the gorillas 6-0 in B.C. Hockey League exhibition play Sunday at the Revelstoke Forum.Meanwhile, the Vipers announced the following cuts on Tuesday: Richard Jodoin, Jeremy Wiebe, Sawyer Mick (all Vernon products), Anthony Manfredi, Mike Wiest, Layne Stopanski and Doug Orr.“They all came in and made an impression. In any other year, they might have had a better chance,” said Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner, referring to the depth of talent at training camp.The Vipers still have 26 players on their roster, including 10 imports and netminder Mark Siegal, a 17-year-old who they brought in from the Vancouver Giants’ camp on Tuesday. Ferner said it won’t be easy trimming the final three prospects.Defenceman Steve Tresierra opened the Vipers’ account six minutes into Saturday’s contest on a pass from Braden Pimm. Pimm made another sweet pass to Chris Crowell a few minutes later, after which Crowell stepped up to the blueline and wired one past Salmon Arm starter Bryan Gillis, blocker side. Gillis was replaced by Tony Ierfino halfway through the game, while Ryan Farghar started for Vernon and was replaced by Anthony Manfredi. In the second period, the SilverBacks’ Zac Rasmussen drilled Crowell along the boards. Crowell retaliated and a line brawl ensued. The Vipers’ Kevin Kraus and Salmon Arm’s Brian Elser put on the best show before getting tossed.With the Vipers starting to play a little sluggish, Mark Zengerle and Mike Puddifant answered for Salmon Arm in the second period.Pimm iced the game in the third. “We came pretty good together since the puck drop, working hard, finishing checks, capitalizing on opportunities and having a good forecheck,” said Tresierra. “We let up in the second period a little bit, though, and they got a few bounces their way and the puck went in for them. “The fight definitely got things rolling at the end of the second, giving both teams lots of energy, and gave way for an exciting third period.”On Sunday, the Vipers cruised to victory on goals by Vernon minor hockey products Sawyer Mick and Trent Dorais, and by Sahir Gill, Ryan Santana, Mike Collins and Jesse Halikas.Andrew Hammond, who played a full 60 minutes, earned the shutout in a game that saw the Vipers take control from the outset.Cole Ikkala, the younger brother of Philadelphia product Cody, went toe-to-toe with Puddifant.Ferner sat a handful of veterans for each game to make sure those players on the bubble had ample opportunity to get in the action.While Ferner said it was good to get the wins, he was more concerned with seeing effort on the ice.“Certainly, I’m happy we won, but everyone starts the regular season with a fresh start,” said Ferner. “The one thing we were looking at was effort, and I thought the effort was pretty good. We’ll get better as the guys get to understand the systems a little better.“Some of the guys started a little slow, but looked a little more confident as the game went on.”SilverBacks’ head coach Rylan Ferster took the losses in stride, saying it’s just a part of tuning up for the regular season.“We’re just trying to get a read on our group still, and see where we’re at,” said Ferster. “The goal is to get better every day. We’ve really liked the play of the young guys we’ve brought in.”In addition to the solid play of his newcomers, Ferster is hopeful Gillis will continue to show the poise he demonstrated between the pipes last season.“In building a team, I think you have to start building from the back out, and go from there.”The Vipers entertain the ‘Backs in their season opener Friday night at Wesbild Centre (7 p.m.), followed by a re-match Saturday at Sunwave.