Ikkala Bros Boost Vipers:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Ikkala bros boost Vipers

Published: February 01, 2009

The Vernon Vipers may have swiped the keys to the B.C. Hockey League penthouse, but there is a lot of housekeeping to do before they can settle in.
The Snakes took over first place with their 4-1 win over the Trail Smoke Eaters Friday night at Cominco Arena, nosing one point ahead of the Salmon Arm SilverBacks. Vernon (35-11-1-2) hosted the Gorillas (35-12-1-2) Saturday night at Wesbild Centre.
The Ikkala brothers, Cole and Cody – who picked up first and third stars respectively – were a force for the Vipers all night in Trail.
Cole (fifth goal), an 18-year-old forward who has shown steady improvement with increased ice time, opened the scoring late in the first period on an odd-man rush, assisted by linemates Cory Kane and Rob Short.
Cody, a 20-year-old d-man, played an effective shutdown game in support of Andrew Hammond, who made his third straight start to collect his 22nd win.
“Cody kept it simple and moved the puck well, and Cole worked hard all night,” said Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner. “After the game, Jason (Williamson, assistant coach) and I wondered who the stars were – that’s how good our guys played. It was a really good road win for us.”
Early in the second frame, the Vipers’ James Kerr dropped the gloves with C.J. Legassic, who took exception to a hit Kerr put on a Smokie in the corner. Kerr, who earned a boarding minor on the play, left the game with an injury and was questionable for Saturday’s tilt.
Vernon then seized control, pocketing three goals in less than two minutes before the midway point.
Ryan Santana (ninth), on a gorgeous forehand-backhand deke, Kellen Jones (12th), after a quick Vipers’ transition, and Braden Pimm (22nd), on a broken play at the sidewall, provided the offence.
Each of the Vipers’ four lines contributed a goal, and all but one of their forwards recorded a point.
“Enjoy it, but realize we’ve got another big one (against Salmon Arm),” said Ferner.
The Smokies (25-22-2-2) broke Hammond’s shutout bid at 15:42 of the second period on Paul Mailey’s powerplay goal, his 14th.
“I really liked the way Vernon played,” said Smokies’ head coach Jim Ingram. “Their work ethic, from their first line to their fourth, was tremendous. With the skill level they have up front, it’s a recipe for success.
“It looked like we were in quicksand all night. The one thing we’re able to hang our hat on is that we keep battling, but that wasn’t the case tonight.”
The Vipers play six of their nine remaining regular-season games on the road, starting Friday night in Trail. After four away games, they host the Prince George Spruce Kings (20-22-3-6) Saturday, Feb. 14.

Snake Bites: The Summerland Sting doubled the Chase Chiefs 6-3 in Kootenay International Junior Hockey League action Friday night at the Armstrong-Spallumcheen Sports Centre. With the score 4-3 late in the third period, Summerland potted two goals to ice it. Bill Greene, who is spearheading a proposal to bring a KIJHL franchise to Armstrong, was thrilled with the turnout and the quality of hockey. “The calibre of play was fantastic. There were a lot of people looking, and a lot of people who liked what was going on. It was exciting to see the response,” said Greene...Former Viper John Digness has been on fire since being dealt to the Burnaby Express at the BCHL trade deadline. The Red Deer, Alta. product (4-8-12) has at least a point in each of the nine games he’s played with Burnaby.