Saturday, October 3, 2009

(Game Preview) Penticton @ Vernon:


Penticton (8-2-0-0) @ Vernon (7-0-0)

Last Game Played:

Friday October 2nd Vernon defeated Westside 4-3
Friday October 2nd Penticton defeated Trail 8-2

Tonight is the first regular season meeting of the season between the defending Royal Bank Cup Champion Vernon Vipers & the Penticton Vees & the first meeting since last years 2nd Round BCHL Playoffs. The Vipers are playing their second game of a three game weekend, while the Vees are playing their third game in five nights. Visit my Blog after tonights game for my game recap on tonights game.

Let’s take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The Vipers currently sit in 2nd place in the Interior Division Standings, two points back of the Division leading Penticton Vees (8-2) Vernon improved its record to 7-0 last night with a 4-3 victory over the Westside Warriors. Going back to Game six of last years BCHL Finals the Vipers have now won 22 straight games including the pre season. Tonight will be the Vipers toughest and biggest opponent this young season after facing some of the leagues weaker teams over the past two weekends. The Vipers played their toughest game last night in Westside, but I think Penticton is going to be a real strong challenge for the Vipers tonight, even more then the Westside Warriors. The Vipers come into this weekends action facing three top clubs. (Westside, Penticton & Burnaby) Vernon has four solid lines that can produce offence, as the team has score thirty goals this season, giving up just eleven goals due to strong defensive play and the play of veteran goaltender, Graeme Gordon who is the leagues top goaltender. The Vipers powerplay sits 10th in the league. Mike Collins is the lone Viper in the top 20 in league scoring with 11 pts. Vernon is going to have to try and shut down the Vees top point getters in Denver Manderson (27 pts) Beau Bennett (24 pts) Garrett Milan (13 pts) Ryan Viselli (12 pts) & Alex Szczechura (11 pts) who are all in the leagues top 20 in scoring. The Vipers are also going to have to try and stay out of the penalty box tonight as Penticton comes into tonights game with the 2nd best powerplay in the league behind the Westside Warriors. The Vipers are going to need to play a full 60 minutes tonight if they expect to knock off the first place Vees.

Players To Watch:

Mike Collins (5-6-11)
Braden Pimm (2-7-9)
Dylan Walchuk (2-6-8)
Jonathan Milhouse (4-4-8)
Cory Kane (5-2-7)
Dan Nycholat (0-6-6)
Connor Jones (1-5-6)
Kellen Jones (1-5-6)
Kevin Kraus (1-4-5)
Cole Ikkala (2-3-5)
Adam Thompson (1-3-4)
Graeme Gordon (6-0 Record-1 Shutout-1.66 GAA)

Let’s take a look at the Penticton Vees:

The Vees currently sit in 1st place in the Interior Division & top spot in the BCHL with a record of 8-2, two points ahead of the Vernon Vipers. Penticton is coming off a big 8-2 home win over the Trail Smoke Eaters last night. Tonight will be a 1st place showdown as two of the leagues best face off against one another since last years Playoffs. The Vees have 11 players returning from last years team that will be eager to get revenge at Vernon from last years early Playoff exit. . Penticton comes into tonights game with a ton of depth having Denver Manderson (27 pts) Beau Bennett (24 pts) Garrett Milan (13 pts) Ryan Viselli (12 pts) & Alex Szczechura (11 pts) all in the leagues top 20 in scoring. The Vees have scored a league high 53 goals but have some troubles keeping the puck out, giving up 30 goals. The Vees come into Vernon with a 4-2 road record. Penticton will have to watch all four Vernon lines, and will have to somehow try and beat the strong Vernon defence and goaltending of Graeme Gordon. The Vees need to put pressure on the Vipers d-men, and get a lot of pucks and traffic towards Gordon. It sounds like the Vees have a very big-physical team, something they need to use to their advantage if they want to knock off the defending Champs. Vernon dosnt have the same size they did last year, going with a bit of a smaller team. Make sure and check out Ryan Pinder’s Penticton Vees blog, http://pentictonvees.podbean.com/ for all the latest info and stats on the Vees and the BCHL. Pinder gives a good insight with his game previews and interviews.

KEY RETURNEES: F Denver Manderson (15-37-52), F Garrett Milan (25-32-57), F Ryan Viselli (20-32-52), F Logan Johnston (2-3-5), F Joey Holka (3-8-11) D Derik Johnson (0-7-7), D Matt Paltridge (1-15-16) Sean Bonar (11-6-0, 2.45 GAA).

ROOKIE SENSATIONS: F Beau Bennett has NCAA school eyes on him. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound forward scored 25 goals and 58 points in 46 games with the L.A. Midget AAA Under 18 Kings. Alex Szczechura, brother of Paul of the Tampa Bay Lightning, helped the Brantford Junior B Eagles win the Sutherland Cup. He torched goalies for 70 goals and 163 points in 65 playoff and regular-season games. On the blueline, Byron Sorensen, Bo Dolan, Isaac MacLeod, brother of former Vee, Alex, Joseph Laleggia and Luke Curadi join veterans Paltridge and Johnson. MacLeod helped Nelson win KIJHL championship.

STRENGTHS: The Vees have nine returnees who know what coach Fred Harbinson expects. The Vees coach likes the fact that players are grasping system play quickly and are performing without having to think. The forward group is strengthened with Manderson, Trupp, Filiou and Sexton.

COACH'S QUOTE: Fred Harbinson: "We're not just about making flashy plays. We want to use our speed to create turnovers in the offensive zone. We want to pressure teams, finish our checks. Vernon is probably better than they were last year,” adding Salmon Arm, Prince George and Trail have also improved.

Players To Watch:

Denver Manderson (10-17-27)
Beau Bennett (8-16-24)
Garrett Milan (5-8-13)
Ryan Viselli (4-8-12)
Alex Szczechura (6-5-11)
Joey Laleggia (2-8-10)
Joey Holka (5-4-9)
Sean Bonar (6-1 Record-2.77 GAA

The Vees have been busy early on making a few key trades. Lets take a look at what roster moves the Vees have made since early September,

04-Sep-09 The Penticton Vees Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Erik Slemp (90)(F) to the Camrose Kodiaks Hockey Club of the AJHL in exchange for future considerations.

04-Sep-09 The Penticton Vees Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Louis-Phillip Boucher and future considerations to the Hawkesbury Hawks Hockey Club of the CJHL in exchange for the playing rights of Jean-Christophe Lirette.

09-Sep-09 The Penticton Vees Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Jeff Johnson to the Weeks Crushers of the MJHL in exchange for future considerations.

10-Sep-09 The Penticton Vees Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of James Bettauer (91)(D) to the Quesnel Millionaries Hockey Club in exchange for future considerations.

21-Sep-09 The Penticton Vees Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of JC Lirette (F)(89) to the Winkler Flyers Hockey Club of the MJHL in exchange for the playing rights of Sam Gemmell and future considerations.

30-Sep-09 The Penticton Vees Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Mitch Jones (91)(D) to the Nanaimo Clippers Hockey Club in exchange for future considerations.

Heres a look at last year's season series:

October 5th @ Vernon: Vernon wins 6-2

Tonight was the first meeting between these two teams since last years Game 7 Playoff Game. Penticton didn’t look very good as the Vipers handelled the Vees easily winning 6-2. Brent Vandenberg & Anthony Perdicaro each recorded two pts for Penticton in the loss. Bryce Kakoske with 3 pts, Braden Pimm & Adam Thompson each collected 2 pts each in the Vipers 6-2 win. Andrew Hammond picked up the win in goal.


November 22nd @ Penticton: Vernon wins 4-3 in Overtime

The Vipers made there first ever visit to the brand new South Okanagan Events Centre, coming home with a big 4-3 OT victory. Kellen Jones scored just 10 seconds into Overtime giving Vernon the win. This was a very entertaining hockey game. Ryan Viselli & Denver Manderson collected 2 pts each, as Jordan White looked very shaky taking the loss for the Vees in goal. Connor & Kellen Jones each picked up 2 pts, as Andrew Hammond played well getting the win between the pipes.


November 29th @ Penticton: Vernon wins 3-1

Curtis McKenzie scored the lone Vees goal in a 3-1 loss to Vernon. This was the second meeting between these two teams within a week. Cory Kane, Rob Short, & Captain Chris Crowell scored for Vernon, Andrew Hammond made 23 saves getting the win, looking very sharpe between the pipes.


December 5th @ Vernon: Vernon wins 5-4

Tonights game was the 3rd meeting within two weeks for these two teams as the rivalry goes on. Vernon was down 4-3 heading into the 3rd period but goals from John Digness and Rob Short helped the Vipers defeat the Vees 5-4. Brodie Reid, Zack Jojespher, Logan Johnston, & Garrett Milan scored for the Vees. Kevin Kraus, Sahir Gill, and Rob Short paced the Vipers with 2 pts each. Andrew Hammond picked up the win, Sean Bonar took the loss.


January 10th @ Penticton: Penticton wins 5-1

Vernon looked very good in the 1st period outshooting Penticton 15-0 but couldn’t solve veteran Joradn White to made some key saves. The Vees come out hard in the 2nd period, but it would be the Vipers who would open the scoring on a goal from Sahir Gill. The Vees would rally getting two goals from, Denver Manderson & Curtis McKenzie. The Vipers would get into penalty trouble come the 3rd as the Vees would score twice on the PP putting away Vernon 5-1. Brodie Reid with two and Ryan Viselli scored in the 3rd. Denver Manderson was by far the best player tonight picking up 1 goal & 3 assists in the victory. Andrew Hammond took the loss, while Jordan White picked up the win.


January 24th @ Vernon: Vernon wins 4-2

Ryan Viselli opens the scoring as the Vees get on the scoreboard first, but not before Sahir Gill ties things up 1-1 in the 1st period. Adam Zamec gives Penticton the 2-1 lead early into the 2nd period, before the Vipers rally with three straight goals to defeat the Vees 4-2. Chris Crowell, Connor Jones & Mike Collins with an empty netter rounded out Vernons scoring. Jordan White took the loss making 27 saves. Andrew Hammond gets the win, making 22 saves.


February 17th @ Vernon: Vernon wins 2-1 in Overtime

After a scoreless 1st period Ryan Johansen opened the scoring just 15 seconds into the 2nd period putting Penticton up 1-0. Mike Collins tied the game on the powerplay as both teams headed into the 3rd deadlocked at 1-1. No scoring in the final frame as both teams had some good chances. Rob Short would score the Overtime winner on a wrap around play, wich gave the Vipers there fourth straight win. Andrew Hammond played very well making 22 saves getting his 26th win of the season. Jordan White also played well, making 28 saves taking the loss.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=573814

February 21st @ Penticton: Penticton wins 5-3

Specialty teams early was the difference as the Vees scored two shorthanded goals and an even strength goal to pull ahead 3-0 after the first 20 minutes. Curtis McKenzie with two and Zack Josepher scored in the 1st. Both teams split goals in the 2nd, Max Grassi for Penticton & James Kerr for Vernon rounded out the scoring. The Vipers would get two out of the final three goals but it wasn’t enough as the Vees defeated the Vipers 5-3. Cory Kane & Sahir Gill scored for Vernon in the 3rd while Matt Paltridge replied for the Vees. Jordan White made 26 saves for the win, while Andrew Hammond was pulled after giving up four goals, Graeme Gordon took the loss making just 4 saves.

http://bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=573829&link=bchl

Heres a look at last years 2nd Round Playoff Series:

March 6th @ Vernon: Game 1 Penticton wins 4-3 Overtime

Just minutes into the game Penticton goes on an early two man advantage, with Andrew Hammond out of his crease and covering the puck, the play still alive, allows the Vees to pick up the loose puck as Garrett Milan beat Hammond putting the Vees on the board first. Everyone starts pushing and shoving before Cameron Brodie and Kyle Bigos drop the gloves as the Vees come out of the mini scrum with a 7 minute powerplay. Vernon kills off the major and then Adam Thompson would tie the game on the powerplay late in the 1st period. Ryan Santana would be stopped on a penalty shot early to start the 2nd period. After some good pressure by the Vipers, Sean Bonar keeps his hockey club in the game, allowing Curtis McKenzie and Ryan Johansen (PP) to give the Vees a two goal lead heading into the 3rd. It was all Vernon in the final frame, as the Penticton defence tried shutting down the Vipers with some early solid defensive coverage before the Vipers would rally scoring two goals tying the game 3-3. Sahir Gill (PP) & rookie Kory Roy beat Bonar sending the game to Overtime. In the extra frame the Vipers looked very soft and nervous, making all kinds of defensive errors causing many turnovers, wich resulted in Garrett Milans 2nd goal of the night, giving the Vees their first win of the season in Vernon. Andrew Hammond made 28 saves in the loss, while Sean Bonar who was a surprise start made 44 saves in the victory.


March 7th @ Vernon: Game 2 Vernon wins 5-1

Kellen Jones put the Vipers on the board first, as the Vipers were up 1-0 after 20 mins of play. Vernon Captain, Chris Crowell would score two goals in the 2nd as the Vipers went up 3-0 after 40 mins of play, Vernon was all over Penticton outshooting them 18-5 in the 2nd period. Garrett Milan missed on a penalty shot on a great chance to get the Vees back into the game. Braden Pimm sealed the victory scoring just 35 seconds into the 3rd as Vernon jumped ahead 4-0. Matt Paltridge would beat Andrew Hammond with a long shot, getting Penticton on the scoreboard. Cole Ikkala rounded out the Vipers scoring late as Vernon tied the series 1-1 with a 5-1 victory. Andrew Hammond made 24 saves for the win. Jordan White made 40 saves in the loss. The Vipers outplayed the Vees for most of tonights game, outshooting them 45-25. This was Pentictons 7th game in 9 nights.


March 9th @ Penticton: Game 3 Vernon wins 3-2

Cory Kane breaks a 2-2 with two and a half minutes left to score the winner for Vernon. Andrew Hammond was a rock between the pipes for the Vipers coming up huge making many big saves helping the Vipers to the 3-2 victory. A very entertaining game overall with some very tight checking defensive plays at both ends of the rink. Kyle Bigos and Kellen Jones scored the other Viper goals, while Garrett Milan scored both Penticton goals on the powerplay. Penticton outplayed Vernon all 3rd period but couldn’t beat Hammond for the game tying goal.


March 10th @ Penticton: Game 4 Vernon wins 7-2

Vernon with one of its best efforts of the season skated away with a convincing 7-2 win after thrashing the Vees. The Vipers lead 2-0 after 20 minutes of play and then punished Penticton in the 2nd with several big checks. The Vipers scored another three goals going up 5-1 after 40 minutes of play and in full control. Vernon would sit back in the final period as the Vees couldn’t solve Andrew Hammond all night. Vernons defence was very strong all night. Mike Collins, Braden Pimm, Kellen Jones, Sahir Gill & Chris Crowell collected two points each. Cory Kane & Rob Short picked up three points each. Andrew Hammond made 37 saves in the victory as the Vipers lead the series 3-1.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=673317

March 13th @ Vernon: Game 5 Vernon wins 7-1

With the defending BCHL Champion Vees season on the line, they didn’t have much to show for it in a 7-1 blow out loss to the Vernon Vipers. It was scoreless after the 1st period, before Vernon would take a 3-0 lead into the 3rd on goals from, Connor Jones, Cory Kane & Sahir Gill. The Vipers would end the Vees season with four goals in the 3rd. Gill with his 2nd of the night, Cole Ikkala, Kane with his 2nd of the night & Rob Short rounded out the Vipers scoring. Max Grassi scored the lone Penticton goal. Connor Jones, Cory Kane, Kellen Jones, Sahir Gill & Rob Short all collected 3 pts each. Andrew Hammond picked up the win, while Jordan White took the loss giving up all 7 goals. Vernon would win the series 4-1


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