Fitzy Lands In Viper Den:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Fitzy lands in Viper den

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: February 28, 2010

The Vernon Vipers have plucked another rookie sniper from the Kootenay International Hockey League, only this one’s a little closer to home.

A year after signing Dylan Walchuk, who earned the rookie scoring title last season with the Nelson Leafs, the Snakes have lured Vernon native Trevor Fitzgerald from the expansion North Okanagan Knights for the 2010-11 season.

The 17-year-old forward had a breakout year with the Knights, leading them every offensive category, posting 33 goals and 34 assists for 67 points in 49 games. That was good enough for eighth overall in league scoring, and he was second only to the Revelstoke Grizzlies’ Faiz Khan (27-41-68) in the rookie points race, trailing him by a single point.

“I’ve always been a kind of a scorer and a grinder, but this is the first year where it was pretty much all scoring,” said Fitzgerald, a Grade 11 VSS student.

“Confidence is a huge factor. With Eddie (Johnstone, former Knights’ head coach) as a coach, he had a lot of respect for me, like I did for him, and I ended up playing lots of minutes. Everything just went upwards from there.

“The biggest thing about having a good season is the start. If you’re getting ice time you’re going to be confident.”

Added Vipers’ assistant coach Jason Williamson: “Sometimes players develop at different stages. He’s just been a bit of a late bloomer, and you never know how good he could be.

“He fits in with our group well. We don’t just want a hockey player, we want good people and he has that character we’re looking for.”

The 6-foot, 185-pounder is already familiar with the Viper organization, recording one goal in three games as a call-up during the season. He has been practising with the Snakes full time since the Knights were eliminated from playoff contention.

He is also sporting the same blond mohawk the Vipers are wearing as they gear up for a Royal Bank Cup national junior A title defence.

“I think they figured it worked last year, so why not do it again?”

Getting to play for the team he grew up watching is a huge thrill for Fitzgerald. He has seen firsthand the success this franchise has had, and has idolized the great players who have worn Viper jerseys.

“Hunter Bishop, he was one of my favourites to watch,” said Fitzgerald, who was also stoked to watch his good buddy Trent Dorais play as a 16-year-old.

Even at that age, Fitzgerald said Dorais was abit of a scrapper.

“We were boxing one time in the summer and he nearly broke my nose,” he laughed.

Before joining the Knights, Fitzgerald spent the previous season with the Okanagan Rockets Midget Quad team. But he realized if he was going to make a solid transition to junior A, playing 16- and 17-year-olds wasn’t going to cut it.

“I got the feel for that league (Major Midget), but then I wanted to get the feel for playing older guys,” explained Fitzgerald, who has since developed a penchant for the physical side of junior hockey, posting 107 penalty minutes and getting into a couple scraps with the Knights.

The well-spoken teen has no regrets about signing with North Okanagan, who struggled to a 11-35-0-4 record, finishing in the Okanagan Division cellar.

“You can’t quit, no matter what. It gets hard at times, but you’ve got to think about next year.

“It’s not like it’s my first losing season,” he added laughing, referring to earlier years in minor hockey when his teams would sometimes get spanked by Kelowna.

Said Williamson: “He played on a team that struggled and he was pretty much the heart and soul.”

Vipers Fan Challenge Is Here:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Fan challenge is here

by Viper staff Added 2010-02-25 Back

The Vernon Vipers have officially put forward a playoff Fan Challenge that is too good to refuse! The Vernon Vipers will play their first two playoff games on Tuesday March 9th, and Wednesday March 10th and fans can buy tickets for only $10! Think that is a great deal? Well this is where the Fan Challenge comes into play…if 2500 or more fans fill the Wesbild Centre for the first two games then the next playoff game will also be $10! Keep filling the seats and the Vipers will keep holding the price.
The Vernon Vipers have had an outstanding season already and deserve a full house and the price for admission can’t be beat! Tickets are on sale now at the Vipers Office from 9am-4pm Monday-Friday and tickets can be booked over the phone at 250-542-6022.

Interior Conference Playoff Preview:

Interior Conference Preview: Battle begins for 3 semi-finals berths

Friday, February 26, 2010 - Submitted by BCHL Media

The Interior Conference quarter-finals begin on three fronts tonight, as Penticton, Westside and Quesnel host series openers against Merritt, Trail and Salmon Arm respectively.

#2 - Penticton Vees vs. #7 - Merritt Centennials

Penticton: 48-8-0-4; 100 points
Merritt: 22-36-0-2; 46 points

Recent Form: The Vees enter the playoffs having won seven of their last 10 and took nine of a possible ten points during their regular season-ending five game home streak. The Cents slowed down the stretch but did defeat #4-seeded Salmon Arm three times in their past 10 games.

Head-to-Head Record: Penticton won five of six games played between the two teams. Merritt's lone win was a 5-4 decision earned at home on September 29th. Overall, the Vees outscored the Centennials by a margin of 37-14.

Players to Watch: Interior Conference Rookie of the Year Beau Bennett scorched opposing defences over the final two months of the season, scoring 18 goals and adding 38 assists his final 21 games. Bennett enters the playoffs having scored four points in five of his last seven. Merritt's Dustin Johnson finished the regular season riding an 11-game point streak that included 21 points and finished in a tie for 18th in league scoring.

Game 1: February 26th @ Penticton
Game 2: February 27th @ Penticton
Game 3: March 1st @ Merritt
Game 4: March 2nd @ Merritt
Game 5: March 4th @ Penticton
Game 6: March 5th @ Merritt
Game 7: March 6th @ Penticton


#3 - Westside Warriors vs. #6 - Trail Smoke Eaters

Westside: 38-18-1-3; 80 points
Trail: 20-32-1-7; 48 points

Recent Form: The Warriors were one of the Interior's top clubs during the regular season but struggled in February, where they won just two of seven games while also picking up a pair of overtime losses. Trail picked up five of a possible six points during three back-to-back games against the Warriors and fought to a 4-2-3 record in nine February contests.

Head-to-Head Record: The Warriors had Trail's number in the first three meetings between the clubs, outscoring the Smoke Eaters 19-5 in three victories. However, the Smokies rebounded with two home wins and a road overtime loss to close out the year.

Players to Watch: Westside's Trevor Bailey was one of the Interior's best forwards, topping the 40-goal and 85-point marks as a 20-year old while picking up a Conference MVP nomination. Warriors starter Kevin Jebson led all BCHL netminders with 34 wins. Meanwhile, Trail boasts three 60+ point scorers in Scott Jacklin, Nick Sandor and Sam Mellor, who was an Interior Rookie of the Year candidate and picked up points in nine of Trail's final 10 regular season games.

Game 1: February 26th @ Westside
Game 2: February 27th @ Westside
Game 3: March 1st @ Trail
Game 4: March 2nd @ Trail
Game 5: March 5th @ Westside
Game 6: March 6th @ Trail
Game 7: March 7th @ Westside


#4 - Salmon Arm SilverBacks vs. #5 Quesnel Millionaires

Salmon Arm: 29-25-3-3; 64 points
Quesnel: 22-32-0-6; 50 points

Recent Form: Salmon Arm had a rough finish to the regular season, failing to win in seven February contests before capping the regular season with a home result over the Surrey Eagles. The Millionaires capped off the month with back-to-back wins after netting five points on a five-game road trip.

Head-to-Head Record: The SilverBacks and Millionaires met just four times during the regular season, with Salmon Arm winning twice in regulation and the clubs splitting a pair of overtime decisions. Quesnel's Joshua Desmarais scored the game winner when the teams last met at the Sunwave Centre on January 8th.

Players to Watch: No BCHL player has put up more points during the past two seasons than the SilverBacks' Mark Zengerle. The Wisconsin-bound forward has scored 64 goals and added an eye-popping 149 assists in 114 games in the league, and picked up 13 points in his last five games en route to tying for this season's scoring title. Quesnel's balanced attack is led by third-year forward Trever Hertz, who earned RBC Cup experience during a stint with the Victoria Grizzlies last season. Joshua Desmarais has been instant offence (42 points in 28 games) since being acquired in a midseason deal.

Game 1: February 26th @ Quesnel
Game 2: February 27th @ Quesnel
Game 3: March 1st @ Salmon Arm
Game 4: March 2nd @ Salmon Arm
Game 5: March 4th @ Salmon Arm
Game 6: March 5th @ Quesnel
Game 7: March 6th @ Salmon Arm

Coastal Conference Playoff Preview:

Coastal Conference Preview: Local rivalries set to heat up in first round

Friday, February 26, 2010 - Submitted by BCHL Media

The Coastal Conference quarter-finals begin on Friday evening with games in Powell River, Victoria, and Langley.

#2 - Powell River Kings vs. #7 - Cowichan Valley Capitals

Powell River: 36-17-1-6; 79 points
Cowichan Valley: 25-32-0-3; 53 points

Recent Form: The Cowichan Valley Capitals may be the Coast's seventh seed, but the team's play in recent weeks shows all the makings of a tough opponents. The Caps finished the regular season with seven wins in 10 games and posted a 16-10-0-2 record after December 6th. Powell River, meanwhile, came through in big February wins over Vernon, Victoria and Langley to grab the Coast's second playoff seeding.

Head-to-Head Record: Powell River won the first five meetings between the clubs, outscoring Cowichan Valley by a 20-8 margin, before the Capitals topped the Kings by a 3-1 score at the Island Savings Centre in their final showdown on February 12th.

Players to Watch: Few players have been as dynamic down the stretch as Cowichan Valley forward Mike Hammond. The 19-year old racked up 51 points in his final 22 regular season games while being held off the scoresheet just three times during that span. Powell River saw five forwards average a point-a-game or better, but the key to playoff success may lie in the play of captain Mat Bodie and an excellent core of veteran defencemen that includes Darcy Huisman and Reid Campbell.

Game 1: February 26th @ Powell River
Game 2: February 27th @ Powell River
Game 3: March 1st @ Cowichan Valley
Game 4: March 2nd @ Cowichan Valley
Game 5: March 4th @ Powell River
Game 6: March 5th @ Cowichan Valley
Game 7: March 6th @ Powell River


#3 - Victoria Grizzlies vs. #6 - Nanaimo Clippers

Victoria: 34-18-2-6; 76 points
Nanaimo: 24-25-1-10; 59 points

Recent Form: The Grizzlies and Clippers both enjoyed strong performances down the stretch drive of the regular season. Both clubs picked up seven wins in the last 10 games, with Nanaimo losing just once in regulation in eight February contests. Victoria's strong second half was puncuated by an eight-game winning streak in January.

Head-to-Head Record: The Grizzlies came out on top in six of the eight meetings between the teams, but the season series included a string of close games. Only once was a team beaten by more than two goals (a 7-4 Victoria win on Dec. 2), while the Clippers picked up a pair of points from two overtime losses.

Players to Watch: Victoria will be missing starting netminder Ryan Holfeld and defenceman Brad Pawlowski early in the series, so the Grizzlies will rely heavily on captain and Coastal co-Top Defenceman winner Jordan Heywood to lead the team's defensive efforts. Nanaimo's Teal Burns proved himself a timely finisher with six game winners amongst his 23 goals, and will look to do further damage against his old team.

Game 1: February 26th @ Victoria
Game 2: February 27th @ Victoria
Game 3: March 1st @ Nanaimo
Game 4: March 2nd @ Nanaimo
Game 5: March 5th @ Victoria
Game 6: March 6th @ Nanaimo
Game 7: March 7th @ Victoria


#4 - Langley Chiefs vs. #5 Surrey Eagles

Langley: 33-22-2-3; 71 points
Surrey: 30-24-0-6; 66 points

Recent Form: Langley closed out the regular season with a 3-3-1-0 month during which the Chiefs played on home ice just once. Surrey, meanwhile, won just twice during a difficult February stretch that ended with a three-game Interior road swing. The Eagles and Chiefs tied as the BCHL's fifth best road performer with matching 15-12-0-3 records.

Head-to-Head Record: The Chiefs finished the season on a four-game win streak against the Eagles and took the overall series 7-3. The team's 10 contests included five one-goal games, though Langley did outscore their Lower Mainland rivals by a 32-22 margin overall.

Players to Watch: Chiefs sniper Colton Beck, a Coastal Conference MVP candidate, is the maestro of the Langley offence. His 39 goals and 86 points easily topped the team's scoring leaders and he put up four of more points on five occasions. Surrey netminder Vinny Lessard often holds the key to victory for his club; he tied for second in the conference in wins and games played while stopping more shots than any other Coastal netminder.

Game 1: February 26th @ Langley
Game 2: February 27th @ Langley
Game 3: March 1st @ Surrey
Game 4: March 2nd @ Surrey
Game 5: March 4th @ Langley
Game 6: March 5th @ Surrey
Game 7: March 6th @ Langley

Voth Snares Top Goalie Award:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Voth snares Top Goalie award

Published: February 25, 2010

For a team noted more for its high-octane offence, it was the Vernon Viper goaltending tandem of Blake Voth and Graeme Gordon who walked away with B.C. Hockey League awards this week.

Voth, an 18-year-old rookie, earned Top Goaltender based on his record-setting 1.79 goals against average. He eclipsed the 1.98 GAA posted by Nanaimo’s Sebastien Nolet in 2004-05.

The Herbert, Sask. product’s 92.90 save percentage also came close to Powell River Kings’ keeper Pete Brady’s mark of 93.17 set in 1996-97.

He and Gordon (2.06 GAA) also earned the Wally Forslund Trophy as the Top Goaltending Duo based on their combined GAA.

While Gordon earned the bulk of the starts earlier in the year, Voth stepped up to make 10 straight appearances down the final stretch when Gordon got injured.

“I got to play against a couple of the better teams, so that was fun,” smiled Voth, 18. “It’s easier to get up for the top teams and the team always seems to play better too.

“The more starts you get the more confident you get, and you get more comfortable with the guys in front of you too. They did a pretty good job of keeping guys to the outside.”

For the league’s nomination-based awards, Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner collected his second straight Joe Tenant Memorial Trophy as Interior Conference Coach of the Year. He was the only Viper to receive a nomination, and given the Vipers’ stellar regular season, the third-year bench boss was left feeling a little perplexed as to why.

While quick to praise players like Salmon Arm’s Mark Zengerle and Penticton’s Beau Bennett (Rookie of the Year) for having sensational seasons, Ferner felt there were a number of Vipers worthy of a nomination.

“I wouldn’t trade some of our guys for anyone in the league because of the character they bring to the team. It’s not so much what people see on the ice, it’s how they are off the ice.

“It’s disappointing for our group for sure, but we would all trade any individual trophy for the one we really want. And that one is still out there.”

Penticton’s Denver Manderson was named Interior MVP, Westside’s Brendan Ellis took Top Defenceman and Quesnel’s Trevor Hertz picked up Most Sportsmanlike.

Meanwhile, veteran forward Connor Jones hauled in the heavy hardware, collecting the Leading Scorer, Three Star and Most Valuable Player awards as the Vipers hosted their annual Awards Gala Monday night at Best Western Vernon Lodge.

Jones led Vernon with 36 goals for 81 points in 51 games. His twin brother Kellen was named Most Sportsmanlike Player.

Ultra-athletic Robbie Short was a solid choice for the Fan Favourite award, while Mike Collins, who quietly posted a 30-goal season (six were game winners), earned the Unsung Hero honour.

Captain Kevin Kraus and Bryce Kakoske shared the Rienie Holland Memorial Community Contribution award, and Kraus noted the Vipers’ role off the ice is just as important as their presence on it.

“It’s great to go out and make a name for yourself in the community. It’s good for the community to see us as role models. It shows we’re not just here for the hockey.”

Kraus was also awarded the Coldstream Truck Parts Short Handed Scholarship.

Rookie of the Year honours were split by netminder Blake Voth and forward Dylan Walcuk.

Walchuk, a top-10 scorer as a rookie in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League last season, was as good as advertised, posting 19-28-47 with Vernon this year.

Philadelphia product Cole Ikkala picked up the Bill Brown Academic Excellence award, while reliable blueliner Garrett Noonan took home the Sun Valley Source For Sports Most Improved Player.

Dan Nycholat, who led all Viper d-men with 44 points, pocketed Top Defenceman, and Gordon received the Blueliners Scholarship.

The Vipers, who won the B.C. Hockey League pennant for the first time in seven years, posted a 51-6-0-3 record, coming within a point of the franchise-best 106-point regular season. They also smashed the league record for fewest goals allowed in 60 games by holding the opposition to just 119 goals. That is 18 fewer than the Penticton Vees surrendered in 2005-06.

“We stressed solid team defence all around – not just the defencemen but the forwards too,” said Kraus. “We played more defensive hockey and worked from our own zone out.”

Added Voth: “It was just a good overall effort. No one can really take credit for it.”

With just a short break after closing the regular season, the Vipers laced up for a Wednesday afternoon practice at Wesbild Centre. They will host Games 1 and 2 of the Interior Conference semifinals, Tuesday, March 9 and Wednesday, March 10 at Wesbild.

“The first week will be pretty relaxed, but the next week will be conditioning and then battling drills to get ready for playoff hockey again,” said Kraus, who has shown an ability to elevate his game in each of the last two post-seasons.

“It’s a new season. We’re playing about every other day, but it’s easy to get up for playoffs because if you lose, you’re out.

“The thing we’ve got going for us is we all want the same thing and we’re all buying into that.”

Fitzgerald Commits To Vipers:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Local product commits to Vipers

by Viper staff Added 2010-02-25

February 25, 2010

The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club is pleased to announce that local product Trevor Fitzgerald has committed to play for the team. The 17 year old played this season for the North Okanagan Knights of the KIJHL. He was a huge part of the team, leading the Knights in every offensive category. Trevor lead the KIJHL in rookie scoring with 33 goals and 34 assists for 67 points in 49 games played.

Trevor played 3 games for the Vipers as an AP player this season, scoring a goal in the last game he played. The Vernon Vipers are very pleased to be able to add a player of Fitzgerald’s ability for the remainder of this season and the years to come.

The Vipers would like to welcome Trevor to the organization.

Vipers Player Profile With Adam Thompson:

Kiss FM's Rob Abramenko has once again made one of his great Vernon Vipers video's, Abro just finished player profile with Vipers defenceman, Adam Thompson. Check it out,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpSWmogTgTo

BCHL Announces Schedule For 2010 Fred Page Cup Playoffs:

BCHL announces schedule for 2010 Fred Page Cup Playoffs

Saturday, January 30, 2010 - Submitted by BCHL Media

The British Columbia Hockey League has announced its 2010 Fred Page Cup Playoff Schedule. This year's postseason begins on Friday, February 26th with the commencement of six Conference Quarter-Final series.

The top seven teams in each conference will qualify for the playoffs, with the top-ranked team on the Coast and in the Interior receiving a first round bye. The remaining six teams will face off with the #2, #3 and #4-seeded clubs hosting the #7, #6 and #5-ranked teams respectively. All playoff series will be best-of-seven.

The 2010 Fred Page Cup Finals, which are being presented by BC Hydro, will begin on Saturday, March 2nd with a potential Game 7 scheduled for Monday, April 12th. The winner of the Fred Page Cup will begin their Doyle Cup series against the AJHL champions on Friday, April 16th.

Conference Quarter-Finals (1st Round):

Game 1 - Friday, February 26th
Game 2 - Saturday, February 27th
Game 3 - Monday, March 1st
Game 4 - Tuesday, March 2nd
Game 5* - Thursday, March 4th
Game 6* - Friday, March 5th
Game 7* - Saturday, March 6th

Conference Semi-Finals (2nd Round):

Game 1 - Tuesday, March 9th
Game 2 - Wednesday, March 10th
Game 3 - Friday, March 12th
Game 4 - Saturday, March 13th
Game 5* - Monday, March 15th
Game 6* - Tuesday, March 16th
Game 7* - Wednesday, March 17th

Conference Finals (3rd Round):

Game 1 - Friday, March 19th
Game 2 - Saturday, March 20th
Game 3 - Monday, March 22nd
Game 4 - Tuesday, March 23rd
Game 5* - Thursday, March 25th
Game 6* - Friday, March 26th
Game 7* - Saturday, March 27th

Fred Page Cup Finals presented by BC Hydro:

Game 1 - Friday, April 2nd
Game 2 - Saturday, April 3rd
Game 3 - Monday, April 5th
Game 4 - Tuesday, April 6th
Game 5* - Thursday, April 8th
Game 6* - Saturday, April 10th
Game 7* - Monday, April 12th

* If neccesary.

BCHL Announces 2009/10 Season Award Recipients:

BCHL announces 2009/10 Season Award recipients

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 - Submitted by BCHL Media

The British Columbia Hockey League has announced its Coastal and Interior Conference Award Winners for the 2009/10 season.

Leading the way as Most Valuable Players are Mitch MacMillan of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs (Coastal Conference) and Denver Manderson of the Penticton Vees (Interior Conference), who each led their respective clubs to outstanding records while posting impressive offensive numbers.

MacMillan led the BCHL in goals with 61 and paced all Coastal scorers with 93 points. MacMillan's Bulldogs were the Coast's top team, improving by 53 points from last to first in the conference standings. The 20-year old also became the first BCHL player since Kyle Turris to score 50 goals in less than 50 games.

Manderson held a wide lead in the league scoring race before suffering an injury in late January. The Fergus, ON product finished third in BCHL scoring with 113 points despite being out of the line-up for 10 games, and led the league in points-per-game with 2.3. Manderson also captained the Vees to a record of 48-8-0-4, good for second in the Interior Conference and a third-overall finish in the CJHL's National Rankings.

The full list of BCHL Award Winners appears below:

The following awards were voted on by coaches from the British Columbia Hockey League's 17-member teams:

Most Valuable Player (Vern Dye Memorial Trophy):

Coastal Conference: Mitch MacMillan, Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Interior Conference: Denver Manderson, Penticton Vees

Top Defenceman:

Coastal Conference: (Tie) Mat Bodie, Powell River Kings, and Jordan Heywood, Victoria Grizzlies
Interior Conference: Brendan Ellis, Westside Warriors

Rookie of the Year (Bruce Allison Memorial Trophy):

Coastal Conference: Mark MacMillan, Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Interior Conference: Beau Bennett, Penticton Vees

Most Sportsmanlike Player (Bob Fenton Trophy):

Coastal Conference: (Tie) Mike Hammond, Cowichan Valley Capitals, and Kevin Ross, Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Interior Conference: Trever Hertz, Quesnel Millionaires

Coach of the Year (Joe Tenant Memorial Trophy):

Coastal Conference: Nolan Graham, Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Interior Conference: Mark Ferner, Vernon Vipers

The following awards were determined based on accumulated statistics from the 2009/10 British Columbia Hockey League season:

Top Scorer (Brett Hull Trophy):

120 points - (Tie) Beau Bennett, Penticton Vees, and Mark Zengerle, Salmon Arm SilverBacks

Top Goaltender:

Blake Voth, Vernon Vipers

(Awarded to the player with the lowest goals-against average of all goaltenders with a minimum of 1000 minutes played)

Top Goaltending Duo (Wally Forslund Trophy):

Blake Voth and Graeme Gordon, Vernon Vipers

(Awarded to the goaltending duo that combines to post the lowest goals-against average during the British Columbia Hockey League's regular season)

Chevrolet Cup:

Vernon Vipers

(Awarded to the team that accumulates the most points during the British Columbia Hockey League's regular season)

TEAM Radio Broadcaster of the Year:

Todd Miller, Vernon Vipers

Vipers Crack 50-Win Mark:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers crack 50-win mark

By Nicole Berg - Vernon Morning Star

Published: February 23, 2010

The Vernon Vipers have added some fresh ink to the B.C. Hockey League record books.

For just the second time in franchise history, the Snakes have clinched more than 50 wins in a regular season. The Vipers hit the 51-win mark Sunday afternoon when they crushed the Surrey Eagles 7-3 in front of 2,804 fans at Wesbild Centre.

The Vipers won 52 games in the 1998-99 campaign, which they followed up with a national Junior A title.

The 51-6-0-3 Snakes also set a new BCHL record for the fewest goals allowed (119). The previous record of 137 was set by the Penticton Vees in 2005-06.

Netminder Blake Voth etched his name into the BCHL annals, setting a record 1.79 goals against average. The rookie tender bettered Nanaimo Clipper net detective Simon Nolet’s 1.98 GAA in 2004-05.

The Vipers, who got the overtime winner from Mike Collins to brush back the host Westside Warriors 3-2 Saturday night, now have a 16-day rest before they host Games 1 and 2 of the Interior Conference semifinal, Tuesday, March 9 and Wednesday, March 10 at Wesbild.

Vernon bench boss Mark Ferner liked the Vipers’ jump early in Sunday’s game, but felt they should have shut the door.

“We started the game on a good note and played a great 50 minutes, but after that we unfortunately let Surrey get the better of us and let some goals past us.

“Surrey faced a tough trip with three guys out but we had three top guys out too in Braden Pimm, Mike Collins and Dan Nycholat, to rest them for the playoffs.

“Everyone from top to bottom on our team played great this year. I can’t single out just a couple certain players who made the biggest impression. We always play together as a team.”

The Vipers, playing their fourth game in five days, scored two quick goals 28 seconds apart with Connor Jones’ 36th and Sahir Gill’s third. Jones’ goal came on a beautiful play where he slipped past the Surrey defence and flew up the ice to beat Surrey netminder Mike Chan (46 saves) five-hole.

Netminder Graeme Gordon (20 saves), making his first start after missing 10 games with a lower-body injury, drew the assist, along with Dave Robinson.

Said Robinson: “I thought we played a pretty good game and controlled the play for almost 60 minutes. We put a lot of shots on their goalie and were rewarded for that.

“It’s a great feeling clinching first overall and a great accomplishment having the second most wins in a season ever. I’ve only been here for 20 games this year, but am still proud to be a part of a team like this. I’m really excited for the playoffs to start seeing as my team (WHL’s Chilliwack Bruins) didn’t make it last year, so I’m eager to get it going and hopefully make a run.”

Vernon, who went 0-for-7 on the powerplay, lost veteran forward Cole Ikkala near the end of the first period when he got hit by a Kevin Kraus point shot. Ikkala needed help off the ice and didn’t return.

The 30-24-0-6 Eagles also lost a player when Wes Vannieuwenhuizen took a puck to the face, leaving a trail of blood as he left the ice. He got patched up and returned in the second period.

Call-up Trevor Fitzgerald, in his third game with the Vipers, notched his first BCHL goal 1:22 into the second. Kraus (5th) scored shorthanded and Robinson (15th) tallied Vernon’s other goals.

Bryce Kakoske (13th) and Cory Kane (22nd) made it 7-0 Vernon before Surrey rallied with three straight goals, but it was too late to make a serious comeback.

Erik Cooper (2nd), Jeff Regier (4th) and Bradley McGowan (12th) handled the Eagles’ attack.

“Things just didn’t go our way tonight,” said Surrey head coach Shane Kuss, whose club went 0-for-2 on the powerplay. “We were pretty banged up coming into this Interior road trip.

“Vernon played a good game and took advantage of the opportunities that were given to them. We didn’t give up though and kept battling hard.

The Vipers’ Jonathan Milhouse, who chipped in with three assists to earn first star, also earned a league pennant with the Victoria Grizzlies last season.

“Last year, I was fortunate enough to have been on a team that won first overall, all through the regular season. It’s really nice to play on a team the second year who can also make that feat.

“You really don’t know what’s going to happen in the playoffs because anyone can be beaten on any night because everybody wants to win so bad, but I know our team wants to win and we don’t expect anything less than that.”

Vipers Host Awards Gala:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vipers host awards gala

by viper staff Added 2010-02-23

The Vernon Vipers handed out some hardware at their Awards Gala at the Best Western Vernon Lodge on Monday night. The Vipers finished their regular season with 51 wins, 6 losses and 2 overtime losses for an outstanding 105 points, almost beating the BCHL record of 108 points. The team also smashed the record of fewest goals allowed in 60 games - the Vipers allowed just 119, 18 fewer than Penticton surrendered in 2005-06.

One Viper did set a record in his rookie season, Blake Voth had a goals against average of 1.79, which bested the 1.98 posted by Nanaimo's Sebastien Nolet in 2004-05. Blake's save percentage of 92.90 % came close to Pete Brady's mark of 93.17 (Powell River, 1996-97).

Here is a list of Awards and winners from Monday night;

Fan Favourite –Rob Short
Leading Scorer – Connor Jones
Renie Holland Memorial Community Contribution – Kevin Kraus and Bryce Kakoske
Unsung Hero – Mike Collins
Most Sportsmanlike – Kellen Jones
Rookie of the Year – Blake Voth and Dylan Walcuk
Bill Brown Academic Excellence – Cole Ikkala
Sun Valley Source For Sports Most Improved Player – Garrett Noonan
Three Star – Connor Jones
Coldstream Truck Parts Short Handed Scholarship – Kevin Kraus
Top Defenseman – Dan Nycholat
Most Valuable Player – Connor Jones
Blueliners Scholarship – Graeme Gordon

BCHL Announces 2009/10 Season Award Nominees:

BCHL announces 2009/10 Season Award nominees

Monday, February 22, 2010 - Submitted by BCHL Media

The British Columbia Hockey League has announced the nominees for the league's 2009/10 Awards. Nominations and voting are conducted by BCHL coaches, and the award winners will be announced on Wednesday, February 24th. The nominees are:

Most Valuable Player

Coastal Conference: Colton Beck (Langley Chiefs), Mitch MacMillan (Alberni Valley Bulldogs), Frank Slubowski (Alberni Valley Bulldogs).

Interior Conference: Trevor Bailey (Westside Warriors), Denver Manderson (Penticton Vees), Mark Zengerle (Salmon Arm SilverBacks).

Rookie of the Year

Coastal Conference: Matt Garbowsky (Powell River Kings), Mark MacMillan (Alberni Valley Bulldogs), Frank Slubowski (Alberni Valley Bulldogs).

Interior Conference: Beau Bennett (Penticton Vees), Joey Laleggia (Penticton Vees), Sam Mellor (Trail Smoke Eaters).

Top Defenceman

Coastal Conference: Mat Bodie (Powell River Kings), Jordan Heywood (Victoria Grizzlies), Kevin Ross (Alberni Valley Bulldogs).

Interior Conference: Brendan Ellis (Westside Warriors), Joey Laleggia (Penticton Vees), Greg Noyes (Salmon Arm SilverBacks).

Most Sportsmanlike Player

Coastal Conference: Mike Hammond (Cowichan Valley Capitals), Kevin Ross (Alberni Valley Bulldogs). Connor Tiechko (Surrey Eagles).

Interior Conference: Beau Bennett (Penticton Vees), Trever Hertz (Quesnel Millionaires), Denver Manderson (Penticton Vees).

Coach of the Year:

Coastal Conference: Victor Gervais (Victoria Grizzlies), Nolan Graham (Alberni Valley Bulldogs), Kent Lewis (Powell River Kings).

Interior Conference: Mark Ferner (Vernon Vipers), Fed Harbinson (Penticton Vees), Darren Yopyk (Westside Warriors).

BCHL Final Standings:

Here's a look at the BCHL's Final Standings:

Coastal Conference: GP W L T OTL PTS GF AVG GA AVG PCT

1. Alberni Valley 60 45 12 1 2 93 233 3.90 145 2.40 0.775
2. Powell River 60 36 17 1 6 79 216 3.60 160 2.70 0.658
3. Victoria 60 34 18 2 6 76 220 3.70 175 2.90 0.633
4. Langley 60 33 22 2 3 71 226 3.80 209 3.50 0.592
5. Surrey 60 30 24 0 6 66 196 3.30 190 3.20 0.550
6. Nanaimo 60 24 25 1 10 59 197 3.30 204 3.40 0.492
7. Cowichan Valley 60 25 32 0 3 53 181 3.00 243 4.10 0.442
8. Burnaby 60 18 36 0 6 42 175 2.90 256 4.30 0.350

Interior Conference:

1. Vernon 60 51 6 0 3 105 298 5.00 119 2.00 0.875
2. Penticton 60 48 8 0 4 100 284 4.70 143 2.40 0.833
3. Westside 60 38 18 1 3 80 244 4.10 173 2.90 0.667
4. Salmon Arm 60 29 25 3 3 64 227 3.80 227 3.80 0.533
5. Quesnel 60 22 32 0 6 50 208 3.50 245 4.10 0.417
6. Trail 60 20 32 1 7 48 216 3.60 271 4.50 0.400
7. Merritt 60 22 36 0 2 46 215 3.60 319 5.30 0.383
8. Prince George 60 18 37 1 4 41 210 3.50 270 4.50 0.342
9. Williams Lake 60 10 49 1 0 21 157 2.60 354 5.90 0.175

For more stats check out the league website,

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/standings.cfm?clientid=1413&leagueid=2393

Vipers, Vees Finish In Top Three In CJHL's Final 2009/10 Rankings:

Vipers, Vees finish in top three in CJHL's final 2009/10 rankings

Monday, February 22, 2010 - Submitted by CJHL Network

The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) announced today its Final 2009-2010 Weekly Top 20 rankings in conjunction with NHL Central Scouting. Last week’s rankings and the leagues in which the teams belong to are in parenthesis.

The CJHL Final Weekly Top 20 as of Monday, February 22nd, 2010:

1. (1) Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL)
2. (2) Vernon Vipers (BCHL)
3. (3) Penticton Vees (BCHL)
4. (4) Kingston Voyageurs (OJAHL)
5. (6) Dauphin Kings (MJHL)
6. (7) Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL)
7. (5) Alberni Valley Bulldogs (BCHL)
8. (8) Brockville Braves (CJHL)
9. (9) Pembroke Lumber Kings (CJHL)
10. (10) Oakville Blades (OJAHL)
11. (11) Woodstock Slammers (MJAHL)
12. (12) Georgetown Raiders (OJAHL)
13. (13) Fort William North Stars (SIJHL)
14. (15) Weyburn Red Wings (SJHL)
15. (14) Westside Warriors (BCHL)
16. (16) Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL)
17. (NR) Okotoks Oilers (AJHL)
18. (18) Burlington Cougars (CCHL)
19. (19) Abitibi Eskimos (NOJHL)
20. (20) Les Cobras de Terrebonne (LHJAAAQ)

Honorable mention goes to the Powell River Kings (BCHL), Fort McMurray Oil Barons (AJHL), Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL), Battlefords North Stars (SJHL), and Truro Bearcats (MJAHL).

The rankings are based upon a variety of factors which includes the league in which the teams belong to, their winning percentage, their win-loss record, total points accumulated, their goals-for versus goals-against ratio, amongst other factors.

The CJHL is an amalgamation of eleven Junior A hockey leagues from across Canada. More information on the CJHL can be found by clicking on the league website. http://www.cjhlhockey.com/.

Vipers Clip Eagles’ Wings:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vipers clip Eagles’ wings

by Don Klepp | Added 2010-02-21

In a game that meant very little to either team, the Vernon Vipers cruised to a 7-0 lead before relaxing and allowing the Surrey Eagles to score three third-period goals.

The shot totals told the game story – Vernon fired 53 pucks at Mike Chan while Graeme Gordon faced 23 Surrey shots. That pattern was established early as the Viper forwards constantly buzzed in the Surrey zone. Still, Mike Chan held the fort for the road-weary Eagles.

For the 10th time this season, Connor Jones opened the scoring in a game, and it was a typical Connor goal. Taking a pass from David Robinson, he streaked through the middle, beat two defenders, and slipped a backhand through Chan’s pads at 6:58. Twenty-eight seconds later, Sahir Gill notched his second of the year with a hard, low shot from the slot.

Play was more even in the second period, but the Vipers handled all the scoring. Trevor Fitzgerald got his first BCHL goal, banging in a rebound from five feet. Kevin Kraus then got on the score sheet with a rocket from 35 feet after a fine short handed effort by Jonathan Milhouse.

Milhouse set up the next goal as well. David Robinson’s 14th in 20 Viper games was a quick wrist shot from the right faceoff circle.

The Eagles’ best chance in the middle frame came from the stick of their leading scorer, Andrew Wallace. On a short-handed breakaway, he made a quick move and shot to the open side, but Graeme Gordon snaked out his right pad to deny Wallace.

The only questions to be answered in the third period were whether the Vipers would reach 300 goals and whether Dylan Walchuk and Jon Milhouse would get their 20th of the season. None of these milestones were reached, although the two players and several of their teammates had plenty of chances, as Mike Chan faced 21 shots and Graeme Gordon saw 9 shots in a period where neither team played very good defence.

Walchuk had a glorious chance at the side of the net but couldn’t beat Chan, while Milhouse beat Chan twice, only to hit a post with one attempt and have the puck tick the back of Chan’s skate and go just wide on the other.

Still, the Vipers did score twice, as Bryce Kakoske (13th) and Cory Kane (22nd) added to their 2009-10 goal totals. Then, Surrey completed the scoring.

First, Erik Cooper blew a long shot past Gordon, just inside the far post at 5:37. The Eagles then made the score respectable with two strange bounces that gave goals to Jeff Regier at 14:55 and to Bradley McGowan at 18:44.

The Vipers finished the season with 105 points, just three short of the league record set by New Westminster in 1989-90, and one short of the 1998-99 Viper team, the last BCHL squad to break the 100-point barrier. The Vipers also smashed the record for goals allowed, with 119. (The 2005-06 Penticton Vees held the old mark, at 137.)

In the process, Blake Voth established a new mark for goalies, allowing just 1.79 goals per game. Sebastien Nolet’s GAA of 1.98, for Nanaimo, had stood since 2004-05.

Vernon 7 Surrey 3

I was at todays BCHL game as Vernon defeated Surrey 7-3 in front of 2,804 fans at the Wesbild Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Graeme Gordon
Surrey: Mike Chan

1st Period: A bit of a slow start as it looked as if both teams were trying to get to know one another. Some chances at both ends of the rink in the first few minutes. Surrey with the best chance early, Erik Cooper & Paul Levarsky went in two on one, Cooper decided to shoot, but hit the post. Shortly after the Vipers speed and skill took as Vernon dominated the opening period. The Vipers with their first quality scoring chance, a big shot from the point was tipped in front by Kellen Jones that just missed the net. Vernons cycle and puck movement was real good down low as the Eagles had troubles with Vernons cycle all night. The Vipers would open the scoring after Connor Jones got in behind the Surrey defence, turned on his wheels and went in all alone on the breakaway, going fivehole on Mike Chan at 6:58 David Robinson & Graeme Gordon with the assists. Off the draw Cory Kane setup Sahir Gill at 7:26 putting Vernon up 2-0 Kane & Curtis Gedig with the assists. The Eagles would take back to back penalties. The Vipers got a bit of a scare on the first man advantage after a point shot came up and hit Cole Ikkala in the head, Ikkala went down but got up on his own and headed to the bench. Ikkala stayed on the Vipers bench for a while before leaving the game and not returning. Surrey would kill off the first powerplay, with the Vipers on the second man advantage Wes Vannieuwenhuizen took a slap shot from the point off the head and went down, needing some help on his feet, Vannieuwenhuizen was helped off the ice and headed to the Eagles dressing room. Dylan Walchuk at the side of the net hit the edge of the post as the Vipers come very close to making it 3-0 on the powerplay. Surrey would kill off the minor. Vernon carried the edge in play as Surrey couldnt generate no offence. The Eagles looked very frustrated with Vernons cycle and the Jones Twins, taking any shot they could at the two brothers. Connor Jones with a tip in front couldnt get the puck past Chan. Vernon with several good chances was skating circles around the Eagles. Patrick McGillis had two real good chances driving towards the net but couldnt connect on the crease pass. The Vipers would get a late powerplay but again the Eagles penalty kill would get the job done killing off the minor. The Vipers outplayed the Eagles and were up 2-0 after 20 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Surrey 18-4.

2nd Period: The Eagles welcomed back Wes Vannieuwenhuizen to the bench after taking that slap shot to the head in the 1st period. Vernon started the 2nd period right where they left off from the 1st period. The Vipers waisted very little time hitting the back of the net. Just 1:22 into the period "AP" Trevor Fitzgerald scored his first BCHL goal giving Vernon a 3-0 lead. Adam Thompson and Bryce Kakoske with the helpers. Vernon once again carried the edge in play for the first few minutes before getting a little sloppy in their own end. Adam Basford with a great chance in close was stopped by Graeme Gordon who was making his first start since falling 3-1 to Westside back on January 23rd. The Eagles with a little pressure created their first real good chances all night. Richard Vanderhoek beat Gordon but hit the post. The Vipers would get called for too many men just past the midway mark as the Eagles with their first powerplay of the afternoon. Some very careless passing by the Eagles and Vernons strong forecheck on the penalty kill forced a turnover in the Surrey zone, wich allowed for Captain Kevin Kraus to walk in from the slot and then roof a high shot over the glove of Mike Chan putting the Vipers up 4-0 shorthanded. Jonathan Milhouse & Dylan Walchuk with the assists. This was Vernons league high 23rd shorthanded goal of the season. The Vipers would kill off the minor and take control for the remainder of the period. Vernon would get another powerplay but again couldnt find the back of the net. Shortly after Andrew Wallace skated in all alone on the breakaway but was stopped by Graeme Gordon who made the nice pad save. The Vipers again got the puck in deep and with some good puck movement created several good scoring chances. The Vipers thought they did score after Patrick McGillis and the puck was pushed into Mike Chan, but the play was waived off. McGillis with a few good chances come very close to finding the back of the net. David Robinson would put Vernon up 5-0 and in full control at 17:39 Rob Short with the lone assist on the Robinson goal. Surrey managed a few good chances early to start the 2nd but overall for the second straight period Vernon was by far the better team. The Vipers were up 5-0 after 40 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Surrey 14-10.

3rd Period: Again the Vipers got off to a quick start, Bryce Kakoskes blast from the slot beat Chan fivehole at 2:28 giving Vernon a 6-0 lead. Jonathan Milhouse & Adam Thompson with the helpers. Shortly after the Vipers would head back on the powerplay but couldnt find the back of the net. Sahir Gill was in the slot but couldnt beat Mike Chan who made a huge save on the Vipers powerplay. Again it was all Vipers as they were skating circles around the Eagles. Cory Kane put Vernon up 7-0 at 5:27 with Curtis Gedig & Rob Short collecting the assists. Off the draw Erik Cooper walked in over the blueline and wired a wicked shot past Gordon at 5:36 breaking the shutout. Jamus Lane with the lone assist. Off the draw Jonathan Milhouse and Patrick McGillis went in two on one, Milhouse decided to keep and shoot beating Chan but rang his shot off the post. Shortly after tempers started to heat up a little through out tonights game. Jeff Regier & Michael Krgovich didnt seem to like the Jones Twins and Gill line, giving little shots during and after the play, trying to rough up the Vipers top line. Surrey played very chippy through out this afternoons game taking some liberty shots at some of the more skilled Vipers. Vernon would get a long two man advantage but by this point had already taken their foot off the gas and passed the puck around during most of the powerplay. During the powerplay Surrey was given a misconduct after someone from the Eagles bench was yapping away towards the ref. Surrey would kill off the long two man advantage and then with the game out of reach the Eagles had some of their better chances all afternoon. Jeff Regiers shot took a funny bounce at the last minute that fooled Graeme Gordon at 14:25 Michael Krgovich & Bradley McGowan with the assists. Just four minutes later Surrey with some good pressure, Bradley McGowan with a good chance inside the blueline was stopped by Gordon, the Eagles kept the play in the Vipers zone before the puck come back to McGowan who beat Gordon at 18:46 making it 7-3 Vernon. Tyler Morley with the lone helper. In the end Vernon would win their 8th straight game knocking off the Eagles 7-3. Vernon outshot Surrey 21-9.

Top Players: (Vernon)

The Vipers top line of Connor Jones (1 goal), Kellen Jones, & Sahir Gill (1 goal) played very well up front. With Braden Pimm, Dan Nycholat & Mike Collins all healthy scratches today Mark Ferner had some line juggling to do. Sahir Gill was added to the Vipers #1 line with the Jones twins. This line took a while to get going but as the game went on, were very hard to knock off the puck down low and in and around the net. All three were very good on the cycle. All three also took a beating with the Eagles laying some cheap shots on the three.

Curtis Gedig (2 assists) Played well at both ends of the rink. Gedig jumped up into the play on a few rushes.

Cory Kane (1 goal & 1 assist) Played another strong game.

Jonathan Milhouse (2 assists) Looked very comfortable up front, was skating very hard. Hit the post in the 3rd period. Made some nice heads up plays.

Rob Short (2 assists) Played another solid game. Shorts really been putting up some numbers in the last few weeks.

Adam Thompson (2 assists) Played a very strong game on the Vipers backend. This kid looks so smooth and calm with or without the puck.

Top Players: (Surrey)

Bradley McGowan (1 goal & 1 assist) Was one of Surreys better players, had two good scoring chances and played well.

Andrew Wallace played well at times, this kid has some nice hands. Was stopped on a breakaway in the 2nd period.

Jeff Regier (1 goal) Was very physical and fiesty on the Eagles blueline. Regier didnt like the Jones-Gill line, was laying a hit on these three kids any chance he had, laid out several wacks or hacks against the three several times.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

The Vipers ended the regular season on a eight game winning streak with a final record of 51-6-0-3 This is just the second Vernon team ever to win more then 50 games in a season. The only other two Vernon teams that managed to come close to 50 wins was the 1975-76 Vernon Vikings and the 2002-03 Vernon Vipers, both these two teams won 47 games those years. Only the 1989-90 New West Royals and the 1998-99 Royal Bank Cup Champion Vernon Vipers have more wins with 52 (BCHL Record) The Vipers fell one win short of tying the BCHL Record. The Vipers did set a new record for fewest goals allowed. They surrendered just 119 this season. The previous BCHL record of 137 was set by the Penticton Vees in 2005-06. Blake Voth also set a new BCHL record with the lowest GAA wich was 1.78 the previous BCHL Record was held by Nanaimo’s Simon Nolet, had a GAA of 1.98 in 2004-05. I must say this has to be one of the best Vernon teams in history. Give full credit to the Vipers this afternoon for never quitting and coming ready to play in a mean nothing game, other then team pride. This past week-weekend was going to be a very very tough test with three tough road games all vs the top three teams in the Interior Division and then having to play four games in five nights, two of the final games were mean nothing games. Yet they managed to win all four games. Mark Ferner and Jason Willimson have this team primmed and ready for the Playoffs. The two of them have done a very remarkable job this season in once again putting together an amazing team on and off the ice. Id like to take this time to thank the Vipers coaching staff, players and management on one heck of a regular season and wish them nothing but sucess in the Playoffs. Going back to this afternoons game, Vernon was by far the better team, for most of the game the Vipers speed, skill and overall work ethic was the difference. Lets hope Cole Ikkala is ok and will be ready to go for the Playoffs. Great to see a huge crowd on hand this afternoon, wow one of the biggest crowds of the season.

Game Thoughts: (Surrey)

I wasnt overly impressed with the Eagles this afternoon. Surrey was outplayed, outcoached and outworked in all aspects of the game. The Eagles had troubles all afternoon trying to stop the Vipers on the forecheck and cycle, Vernon was skating circles around them, it looked at times that the Vipers had the puck on a string. I was surpised the Eagles left Mike Chan in for all seven goals and the entire game. Surrey played a very chippy game, laying out several cheap shots and shots after the whistle on the Vipers top players.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Braden Pimm
Dan Nycholat
Mike Collins

Surrey:

Manraj Mayer
Grant Toulmin
Andrew Hunt

3 Stars:

1st Star: Jonathan Milhouse (2 assists)
2nd Star: Cory Kane (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Adam Thompson (2 assists)

(Game Preview) Surrey @ Vernon:

Surrey (30-22-0-6) @ Vernon (49-6-0-3)

Last Game Played:

Saturday February 20th Vernon defeated Westside 3-2 in double overtime
Saturday February 20th Salmon Arm defeated Surrey 4-1

Tonight is the second & final meeting of the regular season between the defending Royal Bank Cup Champion Vernon Vipers & the Surrey Eagles. The Vipers lead the season series 1-0. The Vipers are on a six game winning streak, while the Eagles are on a single game losing streak.

Let’s take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The Vipers currently sit #1 overall in the league as the BCHL’s best team & #2 overall in Canada with a record of 50-6-0-3 five points up on the 2nd place Penticton Vees. Vernon has scored a league high 291 goals and given up the least amount of goals with just 116. Vernon is 24-4-0-1 at home & 26-2-0-2 on the road. The Vipers are 9-0-0-1 in their last 10 games. The Vipers have three players in the leagues top 20 in scoring. Connor Jones (35-45-80), Mike Collins (30-46-76) & Braden Pimm (25-42-67). Blake Voth leads the league as the BCHL’s top goaltender. Voth has a record of 21-2 with 3 shutouts and a GAA of 1.79 Graeme Gordon is 3rd the leagues top 10 goaltenders with a record of 29-7 with 2 shutouts and a GAA of 2.03

Game Notes:

Today is the Vipers final game of the regular season.

This is Vernons fourth game in five days and third game in three days.

Todays game is a mean nothing game other then team pride.

The Vipers looked tired in the 3rd period last night in Westside, will they have enough gas left in the tank to finish off the Eagles this afternoon?

Last night was the Vipers 50th win of the season, something only one other Vernon team has managed to complete. The 1999 Royal Bank Cup Champion Vipers won a league record 52 wins. The 1999 Vipers and 1989-90 New West Royals hold the BCHL record for most wins in a season with 52. The only other two Vernon teams that managed to come close to 50 wins was the 1975-76 Vernon Vikings and the 2002-03 Vernon Vipers, both these two teams won 47 games those years.

Jonathan Milhouse & Dylan Walchuk both need just one goal to hit the 20 goal mark this season.

Bryce Kakoske needs just a single point to hit the 40 point mark.

Graeme Gordon needs just one win to pick up his 30th win of the season.

Connor Jones is three points shy of 200 points in his career & a single goal away from his 80th career goal.

Braden Pimm is four assists away from reaching 100 career assists.

Players To Watch:

Connor Jones (35-45-80)
Mike Collins (30-46-76)
Braden Pimm (25-42-67)
Kellen Jones (12-41-53)
Cory Kane (21-31-52)
Jonathan Milhouse (19-31-50)
Rob Short (22-26-48)
Dylan Walchuk (19-27-46)
Cole Ikkala (22-23-45)
Dan Nycholat (7-37-44)
Bryce Kakoske (12-27-39)
Kevin Kraus (4-21-25)
David Robinson (14-9-23)
Curtis Gedig (11-9-20)
Graeme Gordon (29-7 Record-1 Shutout 2.03 GAA)
Blake Voth (21-2 Record-3 Shutouts-1.79 GAA)

Let’s take a look at the Surrey Eagles:

The Eagles currently sit in 5th place in the Coastal Conference with a record of 30-22-0-6 The Eagles have scored 192 goals and given up 179 goals. Surrey is 15-12-0-3 on home ice & 15-10-0-3 on the road. Surrey is 5-4-0-1 in their last 10 games.

Game Notes:

Today is the final day of the regular season. The Eagles are finishing up a three game road trip. So far Surrey has a win in Trail and a loss in Salmon Arm.

The last time Surrey played in Vernon was two years ago back on September 26th as back then Andrew Hammond and the Eagles knocked off the Vipers 3-2.

Grant Toulmin is one point shy of 50 for the year.

Both these teams don’t know much about one another only playing each other once this season.

Surrey needs to try and contain and slow down the Vipers speed and skill.

The Eagles have to watch the Vipers penalty kill as Vernon has scored a league high 22 shorthanded goals.

Both teams are playing their third game in three days.

Players To Watch:

Andrew Wallace (23-38-61)
Michael Krgovich (17-36-53)
Grant Toulmin (15-34-49)
Richard Vanderhoek (22-25-47)
Bradley McGowan (11-33-44)
Adam Basford (20-24-44)
Chris Santiago (20-23-43)
Tyler Morley (17-18-35)
Josh Pineiro (7-22-29)

Heres a look at the season series between these two teams:

Friday, November 20th @ Surrey: Vernon wins 5-1

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 11:07 (SH) - Rob Short from Dylan Walchuk and Cole Ikkala
Vernon Vipers at 16:32 (PP) - Dylan Walchuk from Bryce Kakoske and Dan Nycholat

PERIOD 2

Surrey Eagles at 8:26 (PP) - Andrew Wallace from Adam Basford and Cole Gelley
Vernon Vipers at 17:00 - Rob Short from Dylan Walchuk
Vernon Vipers at 18:27 - Mike Collins (unassisted)

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 15:01 - Sawyer Mick from Connor Jones and Kellen Jones

Vernon outshot Surrey 43-24. Graeme Gordon made 23 saves for the win, while Vinny Lessard made 34 saves taking the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712731&link=bchl

Here's a look at both team's rosters:

Vernon:

Mike Collins
Braden Pimm
Cory Kane
Dylan Walchuk
Jonathan Milhouse
Cole Ikkala
Kevin Kraus
Connor Jones
Dan Nycholat
Curtis Gedig
Adam Thompson
David Robinson
Steven Weinstein
Kellen Jones
Rob Short
Sahir Gill
Bryce Kakoske
Garrett Noonan
Patrick McGillis
Darrin Robak
Blake Voth
Graeme Gordon

Surrey:

Andrew Wallace
Michael Krgovich
Grant Toulmin
Richard Vanderhoek
Bradley McGowan
Chris Santiago
Adam Basford
Tyler Morley
Josh Pineiro
Riley Sweeney
Jason Grecica
Cole Gelley
Manraj Hayer
Paul Levarsky
Jamus Lane
Jeff Regier
Connor Tiechko
Erik Cooper
Derek Henderson
Wes Vannieuwenhuizen
Vinny Lessard
Mike Chan

Vipers Defeat Warriors In Overtime:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vipers defeat Warriors in overtime

by Don Klepp | Added 2010-02-21

Mike Collins once again showed his flair for the dramatic, scoring 26 seconds into the second overtime to defeat the host Westside Warriors, 3-2.

In the first meeting of the year between these teams, in Westside on October 2, Collins scored in virtually the same fashion, coming down the left side before cutting across in front of Kevin Jebson and lifting a backhand over the combative Westside goalie.

Both goalies were brilliant in this game, especially in the scoreless third period when each team had five excellent scoring chances. Blake Voth absolutely robbed Grayson Downing twice and lunged to thwart Cam Reid on another occasion. Reid also fired a rocket that Voth deflected with his shoulder, off the crossbar.

Voth’s best save came when he denied Alex Grieve by stacking the pads while sliding to his left with 30 seconds remaining and the Warriors on a power play. Despite his heroics, he wasn’t included in the three stars by the local selection committee.

Kevin Jebson did get a star for his 35-save performance, including an all-world arm save on Rob Short’s powerful slap shot late in the third period. The other stars were awarded to hard-hitting Warrior D-man Spencer Humphries (1st) and slick Viper Dan Nycholat (2nd).

Voth’s play not only led the Vipers to victory; he cemented his chances of setting a new BCHL goals against average. The record of 1.98 was set by Simon Nolet of Nanaimo in 2004-05. Blake’s mark in 24 games is 1.79.

The two pucks that slipped by Voth in the first period bounced crazily in the Viper crease. Bailey’s opening goal at 12:48 came from the corner and hit a Viper skate or stick. The second, at 17:12, changed direction off Alex Grieve’s leg.

Sandwiched between the two Westside markers, David Robinson scored a beauty at 15:55. Cory Kane exited the penalty box after a successful Viper penalty kill and scooped a loose puck at centre before moving to the left wing. His speed earned a two-on-one with Robinson on the right side. Waiting for a pass, Robinson almost went past the net because Kane had to veer left in order to beat the lone Warrior defender. However, Robinson twisted his body to reach back for the pass and in the same motion roofed the puck over Jebson’s right shoulder.

The spirited action continued in the second and third periods, but just one goal was scored. Sahir Gill joined linemates Rob Short and Cory Kane in an aggressive forecheck that led them to the Westside crease. There, the three forwards each had a whack at the puck; Gill banged in the third rebound to tie the game at 4:58 of the second period.

In the absence of Connor Jones, Kellen Jones, and Kevin Kraus, who were given a rest, Patrick McGillis and AP Trevor Fitzgerald played on a very effective line with Dylan Walchuk, while Darren Robak paired with Garrett Noonan for the second night in a row.

The Vipers finish the regular season Sunday afternoon against the Surrey Eagles, who lost to Salmon Arm 4-1 on Saturday after downing the Trail Smoke Eaters 3-2 on Friday.

Vipers Pocket League Pennant:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers pocket league pennant

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: February 21, 2010

The Snakes fired a pair of powerplay goals in 4-1 win over the Salmon Arm SilverBacks Friday night at the Sunwave Centre, clinching their first B.C. Hockey League pennant since the 2002-03 season.

Vernon entered their Saturday-night tilt against the Westside Warriors at Royal LePage Place with 101 points. They close the regular season by entertaining the Surrey Eagles (30-22-0-6) in a 2 p.m. matinee today at Wesbild Centre.

The Vipers haven’t turned in this good of a regular season since centreman Lanny Gare scored 111 points to lead them to a club record 106-point campaign back in 1998-99.

With the pennant comes a first-round playoff bye, meaning the Vipers won’t see action again until they host Game 1 of the Interior Conference semifinals, starting Tuesday, March 9 at Wesbild.

The best-of-seven Interior and Coastal elimination rounds begin Friday.

Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner had nothing but praise for his players, who he relentlessly pushed and prodded all season.

“Our guys should be proud of what they have accomplished here. There is only one team that can call themselves league champions and that was one of our goals this year – to finish first overall and have home-ice advantage (in playoffs).”

Ferner noted the constant pressure by the second-place Penticton Vees chasing them for the pennant helped the Vipers stay focussed.

“If we had been sitting there on a 10- or 12-point cushion, that’s not necessarily an easy thing for the coaching staff to deal with. But this is a pretty easy group to motivate. Day in and day, out these guys came in and worked hard and did the things that we asked them to do.”

Despite allowing the opening goal, the Vipers (49-6-0-3) dominated the first period, outshooting Salmon Arm 15-4.

After SilverBack sniper Mark Zengerle banged home his 33rd goal before 1,356 fans, defenceman Dan Nycholat (7th goal) answered for Vernon two minutes later, converting a nice passing play between Cory Kane and Robbie Short (second star).

The Vipers’ speed down low soon began posing problems for Salmon Arm’s injury-depleted blueline, drawing them into penalty problems. The Snakes’ Mike Collins (29th) scored on Vernon’s first powerplay, burying a feed from Cole Ikkala at 13:15.

Pouncing on a rebound from Darrin Robak’s point shot, Short netted his 22nd to give Vernon a 3-1 lead heading into the first intermission.

Said Salmon Arm head coach Matt Hughes: “Our first 20 minutes was awful and that was the hockey game. In the third, we gave up a few more chances because we were pressing to score, but in the first, you can’t show up like that. You can’t let Vernon skate around and move the puck around and not be physical.”

SilverBack d-man Jayson Reardon, playing his first game back since suffering a strained MCL, agreed.

“They’re a strong team and everybody knows it and we just gave them way too much respect,” said the Lumby product. “Our first period wasn’t up to par with theirs and they just outplayed us.”

Short notes it has taken a while for Vernon’s forwards to get on the same page since the club made some moves at the January trade deadline, but he believes they have turned the corner.

“We’ve really simplified things – chipping in pucks, making unselfish plays, taking the hit to make plays. Our puck control is at an all-time high right now,” said the Vernon product.

Short adds this might not be the last time Vernon will face the SilverBacks (28-25-3-3).

“These are the guys that we’re going to face maybe in our first round so we definitely wanted to send a message.”

David Robinson (13th) capped the Viper attack, one-timing a gorgeous backdoor feed from Kellen Jones on a powerplay early in the third frame.

Rookie keeper Blake Voth, making his ninth straight start, was sharp when needed to record 24 saves for the win. The Tony Ierfino turned in a respectable 31-save showing for Salmon Arm.

Rookies Pat McGillis and Robak both had solid games for the Vipers, while regulars Dylan Walchuk and Curtis Gedig were healthy scratches. Snakes’ d-man Garrett Noonan collected first star.

SNAKE BITES: Voth, who dropped his goals-against average to 1.78, can set a new BCHL record if he allows fewer than nine goals in Vernon’s two remaining games. The current record holder, Nanaimo’s Simon Nolet, had a GAA of 1.98 in 2004-05...The Vipers also seem certain to set a new record for fewest goals allowed. They’ve surrendered just 114 so far. The record of 137 was set by the Penticton Vees in 2005-06.

Vernon 3 Westside 2 (Double Overtime)

I was at tonights BCHL game as Vernon defeated Westside 3-2 in Double Overtime in front of 1,376 fans at Royal LePage Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Blake Voth
Westside: Kevin Jebson

1st Period: The Vipers come out with a strong performance early, almost like a carbon copy from last nights 1st period in Salmon Arm. The Vipers got the puck in deep, moved the puck well getting some good quality chances. Cole Ikkala early on a two on one with Braden Pimm decided to shoot but missed the goal. Vernon would get the games first powerplay but couldnt get one past Kevin Jebson. Kyle Singleton & Max French went in two on one shorthanded but French couldnt get a shot off on a good scoring chance. The Warriors killed off the minor. Vernon carried the edge in play and was by far the better team in the opening period. Mike Collins with Braden Pimm on a two on one, but Pimm was stopped by Kevin Jebson. The Vipers with some good chances couldnt get one past Jebson as the Warriors couldnt contain the Vipers speed and skill down low. Westside would finally get the puck and play deep in the Vernon zone, Trevor Baileys shot from the corner somehow beat Blake Voth at 12:48 putting the Warriors up 1-0. Cam Reid with the lone assist on the play. This was the Warriors first shot on goal. Just after Baileys goal Westside would get its first powerplay of the night and get some good chances. Trevor Bailey with two chances in close couldnt find the back of the net. Tyler Kraus was left all alone at the side of the net but couldnt connect on the pass on another real good chance. Vernon was lucky after some good pressure by the Warriors powerplay unit, in the end the Vipers would kill off the minor. Westside seemed to get things going in the second half of the period and created some chances. Cory Kane & David Robinson with some nice passing tied the game at 15:39 after Kane setup Robinson with a nice crease pass. Kane with the lone assist. But just over two minutes later the Warriors would re-take the lead when Alex Grieve beat Voth in close at 17:57 Tyler Brickler & Quinn Gould with the helpers. Vernon couldnt score on their opportunities in the first half and were down 2-1 after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers outshot the Warriors 12-10.

2nd Period: A very entertaining 2nd period with both teams getting good chances at either ends of the rink. Kyle Singleton on a odd man rush come close to beating Voth but couldnt get the puck through traffic. David Robinson with some good hustle had a good chance but couldnt beat Jebson. Jebson made a handfull of glove saves in the middle frame, this kid has one heck of a glove. Max French left alone in the slot just fired high and wide of the net on a great scoring chance. Brendan Ellis's big blast from the point was stopped by Voth. Westside would get its first man advantage of the period but it didnt last too long before the Warriors Kevin Jebson was called for diving wich saw some four on four action before the Warriors would get a small powerplay in the end but were unable to score. Some good back and forth action at both ends with some good chances. Both goaltenders played very well in the 2nd. Sahir Gill would tie the game at 14:28 with traffic in front. Rob Short would get credited with the assist. Late in the 2nd David Robinson with a great individual effort would cut wide and drive hard towards the net but couldnt stuff the puck past Jebson. Then Bryce Kakoske all alone had all kinds of time to wheel in from the slot, with Jebson down and out Kakoske couldnt get the puck through traffic in front as the Vipers with two good chances late. It was tied 2-2 after 40 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Westside 13-8.

3rd Period: Vernon got out to a good start getting some good pressure early in the first few minutes. The Vipers with a few good chances then quit skating as Westside started to pick up the play and take over. Cam Reids shot from the slot beat Blake Voth but hit the crossbar. Vernon looked slow and was having troubles clearing the zone. The Vipers couldnt seem to get the play in deep as the Warriors were pressing with some good pressure. Trevor Bailey at the side of the net couldnt connect on a good chance down low. Vernon with four turnovers couldnt seem to get much going, with this their third game in four nights you could see the boys were getting tired. Spencer Humphries with a great chance beat Voth but fired his shot off the crossbar. Westside would then get into penalty trouble as the Vipers with three straight powerplays went to work. Adam Thompson come very close to giving the Vipers the lead after beating Kevin Jebson but hit the post. Bryce Kakoske with a good chance cut from the side of the net to the front but couldnt beat Jebson who played very well. Dan Nycholat wheeled in from the slot but again Jebson was there. The Warriors strong penalty kill would kill off all three minors, just as the last Vernon powerplay was coming to an end the Vipers would be forced into taking a penalty. This putting the Warriors on the man advantage for the remainder of the game and into Overtime. Westside with two good chances missed the net on both shots and then Adam Thompson held the puck against the end wall ragging off some valuable time off the clock inwich managed to kill off the remainder of the 3rd. After the final buzzer Westside Assistant Coach, Greg Lynott said something towards the ref and was tossed from the game. The game was tied 2-2 after 60 minutes of play. The Warriors outshot the Vipers 11-8.

Overtime: Some good back and forth action at both ends made for an entertaining period. Vernon really dug deep and found another gear coming close to ending it on three good chances. Davidon Robinson, Rob Short & Curtis Gedig all with three real good quality chances were the best in the extra frame. Vernon had the better scoring chances in overtime. It was tied 2-2 after 65 minutes of play. Shots were even 4-4.

Double Overtime: Just 26 seconds into the final period Mike Collins carried the puck in over the line, going through two Warriors Collins went backhand high over Jebson to give the Vipers their 7th straight win and 50th win of the season. Collins goal was unassisted. Vernon outshot Westside 1-0.

Top Players: (Vernon)

David Robinson (1 goal) Played a very strong game for Vernon up front. Robinson was skating and playing hard all night. Looked very strong down low and in and around the net.

The line of Rob Short (1 assist), Cory Kane (1 assist) & Sahir Gill (1 goal) was very good. This line has really stepped up their play as of late and been playing some very good hockey. Short once again was very strong on the penalty kill, had some good chances tonight. Kane was a workhorse tonight, was very hard to knock off the puck. Gill has really come along since being traded back to Vernon at the BCHL deadline. Gill now has 11 points in 16 games.

The line of Braden Pimm, Mike Collins (Overtime Winner) & Cole Ikkala was another strong line for the Vipers. Collins and Pimm had several good chances. Collins really see's and reads the ice very well, made some real nice heads up plays through out tonights game. I dont think nobody has more Overtime winners or game winners over the last two years other then Mike Collins. What can you say about the kid from Boston. Scored a real nice goal in Overtime.

Dan Nycholat played a strong game on the Vipers blueline. Made some real smart heads up plays.

Dylan Walchuk had a strong game up front. Walchuk was really flying out there tonight. Was really using his speed down low, took a pounding down low from several Warriors. Cam Reid was going after Walchuk all night, with several hits, and little pushes after the whistle. A few times both players had words with one another.

Blake Voth (27 saves) Now improves to 21-2 in his rookie season with Vernon. Voth has now started nine straight games for the Vipers and playing very well. Played another solid game between the pipes tonight.

Top Players: (Westside)

Kyle Singleton played a strong game up front for the Warriors. Singleton was always involved in the action.

Cam Reid (1 assist) Played well for Westside. Hit the crossbar early in the 3rd period. Made some real nice passes all night. Reid sure had a problem with Dylan Walchuk all night, Reid was going after Walchuk all game.

Spencer Humphries was the Warriors best d-man tonight. This kid played very physical all game, laid out some big hits. Really looked good on the blueline, made some nice heads up plays. Hit the crossbar in the 3rd.

Trevor Bailey (1 goal) Bailey always seems to play well and do well against the Vipers. Bailey opened the scoring in the 1st and had several chances through out the game, missed on atleast two good chances but couldnt connect on the pass.

Alex Grieve (1 goal) Another kid who was always involved in the play. Grieve looked good up front.

Max French played a solid game up front. French had a few good chances, was in and around the net. I really like this kid.

Kevin Jebson (35 saves) Kevin Jebson once again played very well against the Vipers. Didnt really have to stand on his head like some games but managed to make the big save when called apon. Made a handfull of glove saves in the 2nd period. Made a real nice glove save off Curtis Gedig in Overtime.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

For a mean nothing game other then team pride what a very entertaining game. Both teams played very well. The Vipers outplayed and outworked the Warriors in the first half of the 1st but couldnt find the back of the net and then fell down 1-0 on Westsides first shot on goal, how many times have we seen this before? But give the Vipers credit they stuck with their game plan, battled hard to tie the game twice and then dug deep in Overtime finding another gear to pull out the win. Tonight was the Vipers third game in four nights, all vs the top three teams in the Interior Division. You could sure tell the boys were getting tired in the 3rd. A good turnout of Viper fans in attendance, wich made more noise over the Warriors crowd. The Vipers won the season series 4-2. Vernon has now won 7 straight looking very primmed heading into the Playoffs. Tonight was the Vipers 50th win of the season, something only one other Vernon team has managed to complete. The 1999 Royal Bank Cup Champion Vipers won a league record 52 wins. The 1999 Vipers and 1989-90 New West Royals hold the BCHL record for most wins in a season with 52. The only other two Vernon teams that managed to come close to 50 wins was the 1975-76 Vernon Vikings and the 2002-03 Vernon Vipers, both these two teams won 47 games those years.

Game Thoughts: (Westside)

The Warriors got off to a bit of a slow start and were outplayed and outworked in the games first ten or so minutes but managed to come back and play very well against the Vipers for the remainder of the game. Westside had several good chances, hitting the crossbar twice in the 3rd. Westside's penalty kill was very solid. The Warriors did miss the net alot in close. This was a very entertaining hockey game and always is when these two teams meet up. Tonights game could be a preview of a 2nd round playoff matchup.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Connor Jones
Kellen Jones
Kevin Kraus

Westside:

Jason Nash
Michael Quinn
Izaak Berglund

3 Stars:

1st Star: Spencer Humphries
2nd Star: Dan Nycholat
3rd Star: Kevin Jebson (35 saves)

(Game Preview) Vernon @ Westside:

Vernon (49-6-0-3) @ Westside (38-18-1-2)

Last Game Played:

Friday February 19th Vernon defeated Salmon Arm 4-1
Friday February 19th Penticton defeated Westside 5-4

Tonight is the sixth & final meeting of the regular season between the defending Royal Bank Cup Champion Vernon Vipers & the Westside Warriors. The Vipers lead the season series 3-2. The Vipers are on a six game winning streak, while the Warriors are on a one game losing streak. You can listen to tonights game live with Todd Miller starting at 6:45 on 107.5 Kiss FM

Let’s take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The Vipers currently sit #1 overall in the league as the BCHL’s best team & #2 overall in Canada with a record of 49-6-0-3 three points up on the 2nd place Penticton Vees. Vernon has scored a league high 288 goals and given up the least amount of goals with just 114. Vernon is 24-4-0-1 at home & 25-2-0-2 on the road. The Vipers are 8-1-0-1 in their last 10 games. The Vipers have three players in the leagues top 20 in scoring. Connor Jones (35-45-80), Mike Collins (29-46-75) & Braden Pimm (25-42-67). Blake Voth leads the league as the BCHL’s top goaltender. Voth has a record of 20-2 with 3 shutouts and a GAA of 1.78 Graeme Gordon is 3rd the leagues top 10 goaltenders with a record of 29-7 with 2 shutouts and a GAA of 2.03

Game Notes:

Tonight is the Vipers 3rd and final game of a three game road trip. So far the Vipers are 2-0 with wins over Penticton & Salmon Arm. Tonight is the Vipers final road game of the regular season.

With a big 4-1 victory over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks last night the Vipers clinched top spot in the BCHL for the 7th time in team history (1970,1972,1976,1988,1999,2003 & 2010) and also clinched the Interior Division Pennant for the second year in a row and 14th time in team history. (1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1997,1999,2000,2002,2003,2005,2007,2009 & 2010)
Tonight is a mean nothing game for both teams if you look at the standings. Tonight could be a preview of a 2nd round playoff matchup.

Vernon is just one win away from picking up their 50th win of the season. Going by wins in the regular season this is the Vipers 2nd best all-time winning team. The only other Vernon team with more wins then 50 was the 1999 Royal Bank Cup Champion Vernon Vipers who finished the regular season at 52-6-0-2 That years version of the Vipers & the 1989-90 New West Royals (52 wins) both hold the BCHL record for most wins in a season.

Vernon is 2-0 this season at Royal Le Page Place.

The Vipers have outscored the Warriors 13-11

Vernon has gone 3-27 in five games with the man advantage against Westside this season.

Specialty teams will be the difference.

Blake Voth has started nine straight games for the Vipers.

The Vipers need to try and slow down and contain Trevor Bailey & Cam Reid.

The Vipers are going to have to try and get lots of pucks and traffic towards Kevin Jebson, one of the Leagues better goaltenders always plays very well against Vernon.

Connor Jones has three goals & four assists against Westside.

Kellen Jones has one goal & three assists vs. the Warriors.


Players To Watch:

Connor Jones (35-45-80)
Mike Collins (29-46-75)
Braden Pimm (25-42-67)
Kellen Jones (12-41-53)
Cory Kane (21-30-51)
Jonathan Milhouse (19-31-50)
Rob Short (22-25-47)
Dylan Walchuk (19-27-46)
Cole Ikkala (22-23-45)
Dan Nycholat (7-37-44)
Bryce Kakoske (12-27-39)
Kevin Kraus (4-21-25)
David Robinson (13-9-22)
Curtis Gedig (11-10-21)
Graeme Gordon (29-7 Record-1 Shutout 2.03 GAA)
Blake Voth (20-2 Record-3 Shutouts-1.78 GAA)

Let’s take a look at the Westside Warriors:

The Warriors currently sit #14th in Canada & 3rd place in the Interior Division with a record of 38-18-1-2 The Warriors have scored 242 goals and given up 170 goals. Westside is 20-7-0-2 on home ice & 18-11-1-0 on the road. Westside is 4-5-0-1 in their last 10 games. The Warriors have two players in the leagues top 20 in scoring. Trevor Bailey (40-44-84) & Cam Reid (27-44-71) Kevin Jebson is 9th in the leagues top 10 goaltenders with a record of 34-16-1 with 4 shutouts & a GAA of 2.73

Game Notes:

Back in late January both teams played back to back nights with both games in Vernon. Westside come up with the split falling in the first game 3-2 but winning the second night 3-1.

Kevin Jebson who has played very well against Vernon in his career will have to once again be sharp and be one of the keys in tonights game.

The Warriors need to try and slow down and contain the Vipers speed and skill up front.

Westside has to be very catious on the powerplay as the Vipers have scored a league high 22 shorthanded goals.

Westside has gone 1-15 on the powerplay in five games against Vernon this year.

The Warriors have struggled here as of late with just one win in their last five games.

Tonight is the Warriors final game of the regular season.

Cam Reid has three goals & two assists against the Vipers this year.

Players To Watch:

Trevor Bailey (40-44-84)
Cam Reid (27-44-71)
Brendan Ellis (18-40-58)
Alex Grieve (25-24-49)
Kyle Singleton (25-19-44)
Cole Wilson (15-28-43)
Grayson Downing (18-18-36)
Tyler Krause (14-15-29)
Quinn Gould (16-13-29)
Kevin Jebson (34-16-1 record-4 shutouts-2.73 GAA)

Heres a look at the season series between these two teams:

Friday, October 2nd @ Westside: Vernon wins 4-3

Both teams took turns taking the lead. Braden Pimm opened the scoring before Trevor Bailey tied the game late in the 1st. Cam Reid put the Warriors ahead early into the 2nd before Steve Weinstein tied the the game on the powerplay. With the game tied 2-2 heading into the 3rd period Cam Reid on the powerplay put Westside up 3-2 just 30 seconds into the final period. With Vernon having the better of the play for most of the period, Kellen Jones tied the game at 16:12 and then Mike Collins scored the game winner at 19:58 giving Vernon the 4-3 victory. Graeme Gordon made just 16 saves for the win, Kevin Jebson made 52 saves taking the loss. The Vipers outshot the Warriors 52-19.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712569

Friday, November 27th @ Vernon: Westside wins 2-1 Overtime

It was scoreless after the first period, Connor Jones on the powerplay at 17:49 put Vernon up 1-0 after 40 minutes of play. Colton Sissons tied the game at 9:45 sending the game to overtime. Kyle Singleton at 1:42 puts an end to the Vipers 21 game winning streak, as Vernon was one win away from tying their own club record of 22 wins in a row set back in the 1998-99 season. Kevin Jebson made 35 saves for the win, while Graeme Gordon made 28 saves taking the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712755&link=bchl

Friday, January 8th @ Westside: Vernon wins 4-1

SCORING SUMMARY
PERIOD 1

No Scoring

PERIOD 2

Vernon Vipers at 11:04 (SH) - Connor Jones (unassisted)

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 0:15 (SH) - Connor Jones (unassisted)
Vernon Vipers at 3:53 - Rob Short from Connor Jones and David Robinson
Westside Warriors at 15:11 - Max French from Colton Sissons
Vernon Vipers at 19:57 (EN) - David Robinson (unassisted)

Vernon outshot Westside 34-21. Blake Voth made 20 saves for the win, while Kevin Jebson made 31 saves taking the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712866

Friday, January 22nd @ Vernon: Vernon wins 3-2

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Westside Warriors at 2:38 - Cam Reid from Cole Wilson
Westside Warriors at 9:15 - Alex Grieve (unassisted)
Vernon Vipers at 19:26 - David Robinson from Connor Jones and Kellen Jones

PERIOD 2

Vernon Vipers at 10:52 - Bryce Kakoske (unassisted)
PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 10:59 (PP) - Curtis Gedig from Mike Collins and Braden Pimm

Vernon outshot Westside 37-29. Graeme Gordon made 27 saves for the win, while Kevin Jebson made 34 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712907&link=bchl

Saturday January 23rd @ Vernon: Westside wins 3-1

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 7:42 - Dylan Walchuk from Steven Weinstein and Bryce Kakoske
Westside Warriors at 13:01 - Cole Wilson from Trevor Bailey and Cam Reid

PERIOD 2

Westside Warriors at 10:12 - Jason Nash (unassisted)

PERIOD 3

Westside Warriors at 12:57 - Trevor Bailey (unassisted)

Vernon outshot Westside 36-21 Kevin Jebson made 35 saves picking up the win, while Graeme Gordon made 18 saves taking the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712916&link=bchl

Here's a look at both team's rosters:

Vernon:

Mike Collins
Braden Pimm
Cory Kane
Dylan Walchuk
Jonathan Milhouse
Cole Ikkala
Kevin Kraus
Connor Jones
Dan Nycholat
Curtis Gedig
Adam Thompson
David Robinson
Steven Weinstein
Kellen Jones
Rob Short
Sahir Gill
Bryce Kakoske
Garrett Noonan
Patrick McGillis
Darrin Robak
Blake Voth
Graeme Gordon

Westside:

Trevor Bailey
Cam Reid
Brendan Ellis
Kyle Singleton
Cole Wilson
Alex Grieve
Grayson Downing
Tyler Krause
Quinn Gould
Joel Woznikoski
Max French
Colton Sissons
Tyler Brickler
Spencer Humphries
Dru Morrison
Matthew Maher
Patrick Bartoshyk
Michael Quinn
Izaak Berglund
Jason Nash
Peter MacIntosh
Kevin Jebson
Cam Gorchynski