Friday, April 30, 2010
Dauphin Manitoba Here I Come!
For the second straight year I will be making the long trip to the Royal Bank Cup. Last year I followed the Vernon Vipers to Victoria BC for the 2009 Royal Bank Cup catching all the games at the RBC. This season it was a very late last minute decision but I have decided to make the long trip to Dauphin Manitoba for the 2010 Royal Bank Cup. This will be my third Centennial Cup-Royal Bank Cup Championship I will have now attended. I will be posting news, info and game previews as well as my game recaps through out the RBC Cup. Stay tuned for more.
(Game Preview) Royal Bank Cup: Vernon @ Dauphin:
Game Preview: Vernon (0-0) @ Dauphin (0-0)The Fred Page Cup & Doyle Cup Champion Vernon Vipers & Anavet Cup Champion Duphin Kings meet in the Royal Bank Cup for the first time in history. The Vipers are coming off a 1st round bye, & defeated the Quesnel Millionaires in the 2nd round in six games before winning the Interior Conference Championship defeating the Penticton Vees in six games. Vernon then defeated Powell River for the second straight season winning their record 11th BCHL Championship in seven games over the Kings & then had to take the Spruce Grove Saints to seven games to win back to back Doyle Cups to advance to the RBC Cup. Vernon now will be looking for their record 6th National Championship. The Kings swept the Neepawa Natives in four games. Dauphin then defeated the Swan Valley Stampeders in five games before winning the Anavet Cup in four games over the Winnipeg Saints. Dauphin is looking for their first ever National Championship. You can listen to tonights game live with Todd Miller on 107.5 Kiss FM starting at 4:45pm
Lets take a look at both teams,
Vernon Vipers: (0-0)
The Vipers clinched top spot in the BCHL and the Interior Division with a record of 51-6-0-3 and was ranked #2 in all of Canada. Vernon scored a league high 298 goals and broke the Penticton Vees BCHL record for least amount of goals, giving up just 119. Vernon was 25-4-0-1 at home & 26-2-0-2 on the road during the regular season. The Vipers are 9-0-0-1 in their last 10 games. The Vipers had three players in the leagues top 20 in regular season scoring. Connor Jones (36-45-81), Mike Collins (30-46-76) & Braden Pimm (25-43-68). Blake Voth lead the league as the BCHL’s top goaltender. Voth has a record of 21-2 with 3 shutouts and broke the BCHL record with the lowest GAA with 1.79 Graeme Gordon was 3rd in the leagues top 10 goaltenders with a record of 30-7 with 2 shutouts and a GAA of 2.06
For just the second time in franchise history, the Vipers have clinched more than 50 wins in a regular season. The Vipers hit the 51-win mark this season one shy of the team and league record. 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 Vipers 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. Goaltender 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. Vernon at one time during the regular season went on a 21 game winning streak, one shy of the teams record before falling in overtime to Westside. This years version of the Vernon Vipers has to be one of if not the best Vernon Junior Hockey team Viper fans have ever seen.
VERNON VIPERS
GOAL: 1989 born veteran Graeme Gordon and Saskatchewan rookie 1991 born Blake Voth were both stingy all year. Gordon went 30-and-7, 2.06, .912. Voth was 21-and-2, 1.79, .929. Gordon was the main netminder in the playoffs and he appears to have full confidence of the coaching staff after posting numbers that were not on par with regular season and playoffs in the Doyle Cup (4-3, 2.95, .882).
DEFENSE: 1989 born Dan Nycholat led the blueline with 45-points in 58-games during the regular season and also led the defense in points in the playoffs. Kevin Kraus is the other 1989 born veteran of the group, although there is only one rookie playing regularly (Garrett Noonan).
FORWARDS: Twin brothers Connor and Kellen Jones should garner lots of attention and there’s good reason why. Connor led the team in goals and points in the playoffs with Kellen right behind in the scoring parade. Connor also had a team leading 36-goals and 81-points in the regular season. 1989 born Braden Pimm had 25-goals and 43-assists in 59-games during the regular season and after an uneventful playoff, he came back to be a major offensive cog in the wheel in the Doyle Cup against Spruce Grove. The Vipers will look for more from Mike Collins, who dented the twine 30 times in the regular season, but scored just twice in 19-playoff games. 1992 born Sahir Gill continues to improve and figures to be on the scoresheet often.
2010 Vernon Vipers Playoff Schedule & Results:
1st Round: First Round Bye
2nd Round: Defeated Quesnel in six games
Interior Conference Finals: Defeated Penticton in six games
Fred Page Cup (BCHL Finals): Defeated Powell River in seven games
Doyle Cup (BC-Alberta): Defeated Spruce Grove in seven games
Home Playoff Record: 9-5
Road Playoff Record: 7-5
The Vipers are looking at repeating as National Champions since the 1990-1991 Vernon Lakers last repeated as Champs. Vernon is heading back to the Royal Bank Cup for the second year in a row. No team has won back to back National Championships since the 1990-1991 Vernon Lakers. Last year the Humboldt Broncos went back to the RBC for a chance to win back to back titles but lost in the final to Vernon 2-0.
-The Vipers start off the RBC Cup on the road in Dauphin a town and rink they arnt use too.
-Im sure both these two teams don’t really know much about one another other then team stats.
-The Vipers are playing in a much smaller rink that will be packed to the rafters, making a lot of noise.
-The Vipers need to try and take the crowd out of the game early, get off to a good start and try and wear the Kings down with a strong forecheck-cycle down low.
-Vernon needs to just keep it simple and play their game.
-Graeme Gordon will have to come up with the big saves when needed and the Vipers will need to count on some secondary scoring from other lines other then the Gill-Jones line.
-Specialty teams will also be a key in this RBC Cup.
-It will be interesting to see how these two teams match up against one another.
Vernon Vipers Regular Season Scoring:
Connor Jones (36-45-81)
Mike Collins (30-46-76)
Braden Pimm (25-43-68)
Cory Kane (22-33-55)
Jonathan Milhouse (19-34-53)
Kellen Jones (12-41-53)
Rob Short (22-28-50)
Dylan Walchuk (19-28-47)
Cole Ikkala (22-23-45)
Dan Nycholat (7-38-45)
Bryce Kakoske (13-28-41)
Kevin Kraus (5-22-27)
David Robinson (15-10-25)
Adam Thompson (5-20-25)
Steven Weinstein (4-18-22)
Curtis Gedig (11-10-21)
Patrick McGillis (7-14-21)
Garrett Noonan (2-16-18)
Sahir Gill (3-9-12)
Darrin Robak (2-5-7)
Blake Voth (21-2 Record, 3 Shutouts- 1.79 GAA)
Graeme Gordon (30-7 Record, 1 Shutout- 2.06 GAA)
Vernon Vipers Playoff Scoring:
Connor Jones (9-11-20)
Kellen Jones (5-14-19)
Sahir Gill (6-9-15)
Jonathan Milhouse (6-7-13)
Rob Short (6-6-12)
Dan Nycholat (3-7-10)
Cory Kane (2-8-10)
David Robinson (3-7-10)
Cole Ikkala (6-3-9)
Mike Collins (2-6-8)
Braden Pimm (3-5-8)
Adam Thompson (2-5-7)
Kevin Kraus (1-5-6)
Garrett Noonan (3-3-6)
Bryce Kakoske (3-3-6)
Curtis Gedig (1-5-6)
Steven Weinstein (0-5-5)
Dylan Walchuk (1-4-5)
Patrick McGillis (0-0-0)
Darrin Robak (0-0-0)
Blake Voth (1-1 Record, 3.08 GAA)
Graeme Gordon (11-6 Record, 4 Shutouts, 1.90 GAA)
Dauphin Kings: (0-0)
The Kings finished the regular season in 1st place in the Sher-Wood Division & were ranked #1 overall in the league with a record of 50-11-1-0 The Kings scored a league high 296 goals and gave up a league best 169 goals. Dauphin had six players in the regular season’s top 20 in scoring. Shane Luke (29-72-101), Ryan Dreger (53-46-99), Bryce Lamb (38-51-89), Zeanan Ziemer (25-51-76), Steven Shamanski (19-52-71), & Mitch Czibere (22-29-51) Joe Caligiuri & Brett Willows were # 2 & 6 in the regular season’s top 10 goaltenders. Joe Caligiuri went 29-6-1 with 1 shutout and a GAA of 2.59 Brett Willows went 21-5 with 2 shutouts and a GAA of 2.80
The Kings were unchallenged in the MJHL this season, losing just once in the postseason on their way to their first league title since 1993. Dauphin is a remarkable 38-2-1 on home ice this season.
DAUPHIN KINGS
GOAL: The Kings, primarily, employ 1989 born veteran Joe Caligiuri, a former Western Hockey League starter. However, 1990 born Brett Willows relieved Caligiuri in the MJHL championshp game and played extremely well. The Kings aren’t built around their goalies; they simply ask them to manage each game as it’s infrequent that they’ll be outshot by the opposition.
DEFENSE: The MJHL’s best defenseman is now a forward. 1989 born Steven Shamanski is a treat to watch. He had 71-points in the regular season; but was converted up front in the playoffs, where he led the team with 22-points in 13-games. 1990 born Joel Kot was fantastic against La Ronge in the ANAVET Cup (4-2-7-9). 1989 born Patrick Kozyra had 32-points in the regular season and he plays more minutes in the wake of Shamanski’s conversion to forward.
FORWARDS: Firepower. That’s what the Kings have. They can win a game with a big goal from any one of their four lines and that’s where they maybe have a big advantage over other teams. 1990 born Shane Luke had over 100 points in the regular season and 1989 born Ryan Dreger scored over 50 goals. WHL veteran Bryce Lamb played out his overage season with the Kings and finished with 89-points. Zeanan Ziemer (Buternowski) was acquired from OCN midseason and was their leading scorer at the time. 1989 born Mitch Czibere was the MVP of the ANAVET Cup. 1989 born Cody Esposito gives size along with the scoring ability, and we haven’t even mentioned 1990 born Devin Mitzner, who was challenging for an SJHL scoring title when he was dealt to the Kings over Christmas. 1990 born Troy Hunter sets the tone with his work ethic.
For more info and stat’s visit the Kings website,
http://www.dauphinkings.com/
2010 Dauphin Kings Playoff Schedule & Results:
1st Round: Defeated Neepawa in four games
2nd Round: Defeated Swan Valley in five games
Anavet Cup: Defeated Winnipeg in four games
Home Playoff Record: 7-0
Road Playoff Record: 5-1
-The Kings also come into the RBC, Im sure not knowing a whole lot about the Vernon Vipers.
-Dauphin is very good on home ice and will be tough to beat with a large crowd behind them.
-Lets see if the Kings have any trouble containing and slowing down the Gill-Jones line.
-Can Dauphin keep up with the Vipers speed and skill?
-Dauphin needs to find a way to shutdown the Vipers like Powell River & Spruce Grove were able to do for periods of time.
-Tonight should be a very excitinh hockey game.
Dauphin Kings Regular Season Scoring:
Shane Luke (29-72-101)
Ryan Dreger (53-46-99)
Bryce Lamb (38-51-89)
Zeanan Ziemer (25-51-76)
Steven Shamanski (19-52-71)
Mitch Czibere (22-29-51)
Cody Esposito (23-18-41)
Colton Graf (17-24-41)
Troy Hunter (11-21-32)
Patrick Kozyra (5-27-32)
Mathew Backhouse (1-23-24)
Mike Boese (2-19-21)
Devin Mitzner (10-8-18)
Angus Klassen (10-8-18)
Travis Cech (7-11-18)
Dallas Drysdale (1-15-16)
Justin Michaud (6-9-15)
Tyler Gaudry (2-10-12)
Colin Paull (3-8-11)
Joel Kot (1-10-11)
Michael Sofillas (0-0-0)
Jared Morris (0-0-0)
Dale Hunt (0-0-0)
Joe Caligiuri (29-6-1 Record, 1 Shutout- 2.59 GAA)
Brett Willows (21-5 Record, 2 Shutouts- 2.80 GAA)
Dauphin Playoff Scoring:
Steven Shamanski (7-15-22)
Bryce Lamb (9-9-18)
Zeanan Ziemer (6-12-18)
Shane Luke (10-5-15)
Ryan Dreger (3-10-13)
Troy Hunter (5-6-11)
Devin Mitzner (5-6-11)
Mitch Czibere (8-2-10)
Mike Boese (0-9-9)
Patrick Kozyra (0-9-9)
Colton Graf (1-7-8)
Joel Kot (2-6-8)
Cody Esposito (4-1-5)
Angus Klassen (0-2-2)
Dallas Drysdale (0-2-2)
Justin Michaud (1-1-2)
Tyler Gaudry (0-2-2)
Colin Paull (0-2-2)
Travis Cech (0-1-1)
Mathew Backhouse (0-1-1)
Joe Caligiuri (11-1 Record, 2 Shutouts- 1.70 GAA)
Brett Willows (0-0 Record, 0 Shutouts- 3.00 GAA)
Kings Open RBC Against Vernon:
This is posted on the MJHL website:
Kings open RBC against Vernon
Thursday, April 29, 2010
The RBC Cup begins this Saturday with host Dauphin Kings taking on Pacific Region reps, Vernon Vipers. Below is a preview of the 2010 RBC Cup, as printed on the Hockey Canada website.
The all-time winningest team in National Junior A Championship history and a pair of first-timers highlight the five teams who will take to the ice in Dauphin, Man. beginning this Saturday at the 2010 RBC Cup.
The Dauphin Kings and La Ronge Ice Wolves knew they would both have a shot at a national championship even before their Anavet Cup series began, but the teams still slugged it out in a five-game series, with the Kings claiming West Region bragging rights. Both the Kings and Ice Wolves will make their national tournament debut at Credit Union Place.
The Kings were unchallenged in the MJHL this season, losing just once in the postseason on their way to their first league title since 1993. Dauphin is a remarkable 38-2-1 on home ice this season, something that could bode well for it once the 2010 RBC Cup begins.
The Ice Wolves won their first-ever SJHL championship as the seventh ranked of 12 teams in the playoffs, and were within three seconds of a 2-0 series lead on the mighty Kings before faltering. Don’t be surprised to see the Ice Wolves play a little overtime during the 2010 RBC Cup – 11 of their 26 playoff games needed extra time to decide.
The Vernon Vipers are back to defend their national title, looking to become the first team since, well, themselves to win back-to-back RBC Cups – the Vipers were national champions in 1990 and 1991, when they were known as the Lakers. Thirteen players are back from the team that beat Humboldt 2-0 in the national championship game one year ago in Victoria, B.C.
Despite losing just nine of 60 regular season games, the Vipers were pushed to the limit twice in the playoffs, needing seven games to beat the Powell River Kings for the BCHL title, and seven more to eliminate the Spruce Grove Saints to win the Doyle Cup for Pacific Region supremacy. Vernon led the Saints three games to one, but needed a three-goals-in-2:08 spurt in Game 7 to ensure they’d have a chance to repeat.
The Oakville Blades added three trophies to their collection en route to Dauphin, taking the OJAHL championship with a thrilling seven-game victory over Kingston – all seven games were decided by one goal, four in overtime, including Game 7 – the Buckland Cup as OHA champions after knocking off the Newmarket Hurricanes in six games, and the Dudley Hewitt Cup as Central Region champions.
The Blades ran undefeated through the regional tournament, beating the Abitibi Eskimos (NOJHL), Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL) and Fort William North Stars (SIJHL) to reach the final, where they won a 2-1 nailbiter over the North Stars to advance to Dauphin. It’s the second time in three years the Blades will play for the national championship – they missed the semifinals in Cornwall, Ont. in 2008 after a 1-3 round-robin record.
The Brockville Braves have advanced to the 2010 RBC Cup despite not winning their league championship. Owners of a CJHL-record 26-game winning streak during the regular season, the Braves were dropped in five games by the Pembroke Lumber Kings in the CJHL final, but got a second life as hosts of the Fred Page Cup.
Undefeated in the round robin after wins over Woodstock (MJAHL), Pembroke and Terrebonne (LHJAAAQ), Brockville once again faced off with the Lumber Kings in the regional final, romping to a 5-1 victory and their first trip to the RBC Cup since 1998. The Braves are still looking for their first national-tournament win – they went 0-4 in Nanaimo, B.C. in ’98.
Kings open RBC against Vernon
Thursday, April 29, 2010
The RBC Cup begins this Saturday with host Dauphin Kings taking on Pacific Region reps, Vernon Vipers. Below is a preview of the 2010 RBC Cup, as printed on the Hockey Canada website.
The all-time winningest team in National Junior A Championship history and a pair of first-timers highlight the five teams who will take to the ice in Dauphin, Man. beginning this Saturday at the 2010 RBC Cup.
The Dauphin Kings and La Ronge Ice Wolves knew they would both have a shot at a national championship even before their Anavet Cup series began, but the teams still slugged it out in a five-game series, with the Kings claiming West Region bragging rights. Both the Kings and Ice Wolves will make their national tournament debut at Credit Union Place.
The Kings were unchallenged in the MJHL this season, losing just once in the postseason on their way to their first league title since 1993. Dauphin is a remarkable 38-2-1 on home ice this season, something that could bode well for it once the 2010 RBC Cup begins.
The Ice Wolves won their first-ever SJHL championship as the seventh ranked of 12 teams in the playoffs, and were within three seconds of a 2-0 series lead on the mighty Kings before faltering. Don’t be surprised to see the Ice Wolves play a little overtime during the 2010 RBC Cup – 11 of their 26 playoff games needed extra time to decide.
The Vernon Vipers are back to defend their national title, looking to become the first team since, well, themselves to win back-to-back RBC Cups – the Vipers were national champions in 1990 and 1991, when they were known as the Lakers. Thirteen players are back from the team that beat Humboldt 2-0 in the national championship game one year ago in Victoria, B.C.
Despite losing just nine of 60 regular season games, the Vipers were pushed to the limit twice in the playoffs, needing seven games to beat the Powell River Kings for the BCHL title, and seven more to eliminate the Spruce Grove Saints to win the Doyle Cup for Pacific Region supremacy. Vernon led the Saints three games to one, but needed a three-goals-in-2:08 spurt in Game 7 to ensure they’d have a chance to repeat.
The Oakville Blades added three trophies to their collection en route to Dauphin, taking the OJAHL championship with a thrilling seven-game victory over Kingston – all seven games were decided by one goal, four in overtime, including Game 7 – the Buckland Cup as OHA champions after knocking off the Newmarket Hurricanes in six games, and the Dudley Hewitt Cup as Central Region champions.
The Blades ran undefeated through the regional tournament, beating the Abitibi Eskimos (NOJHL), Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL) and Fort William North Stars (SIJHL) to reach the final, where they won a 2-1 nailbiter over the North Stars to advance to Dauphin. It’s the second time in three years the Blades will play for the national championship – they missed the semifinals in Cornwall, Ont. in 2008 after a 1-3 round-robin record.
The Brockville Braves have advanced to the 2010 RBC Cup despite not winning their league championship. Owners of a CJHL-record 26-game winning streak during the regular season, the Braves were dropped in five games by the Pembroke Lumber Kings in the CJHL final, but got a second life as hosts of the Fred Page Cup.
Undefeated in the round robin after wins over Woodstock (MJAHL), Pembroke and Terrebonne (LHJAAAQ), Brockville once again faced off with the Lumber Kings in the regional final, romping to a 5-1 victory and their first trip to the RBC Cup since 1998. The Braves are still looking for their first national-tournament win – they went 0-4 in Nanaimo, B.C. in ’98.
Past Centennial Cup-Royal Bank Cup Champions:
Since 1971, teams from across Canada have fought for the National Junior A Championship. This season, more than 140 teams from 10 leagues – from Port Alberni, BC to Woodstock, NB – will play for the right to take to the ice at the 2010 RBC Cup.Winning Teams
Year Champion Runner-up Location
2010 Dauphin, MB
2009 Vernon Vipers (BCHL) Humboldt Broncos (SJHL) Victoria, BC
2008 Humboldt Broncos (SJHL) Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL) Cornwall, ON
2007 Aurora Tigers (OPJHL) Prince George Spruce Kings (BCJHL) Prince George, BC
2006 Burnaby Express (BCHL) Yorkton Terriers (SJHL) Streetsville, ON
2005 Weyburn Red Wings (SJHL) Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL) Weyburn, SK
2004 Aurora Tigers (OPJHL) Kindersley Klippers (SJHL) Grande Prairie, AB
2003 Humbolt Broncos (SJHL) Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL) Charlottetown, PE
2002 Halifax Oland Exports (MarJHL) OCN Blizzard (ManJHL) Halifax, NS
2001 Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL) Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL) Flin Flon, MB
2000 Fort McMurray Oil Barons (AJHL) Rayside Sabre Cats (NOJHA) Fort McMurray, AB
1999 Vernon Vipers (BCHL) Charlottetown Abbies (MJHL) Yorkton, SK
1998 South Surrey Eagles (BCHL) Weyburn Red Wings (SJHL) Nanaimo, BC
1997 Summerside Western Capitals (MarJHL) South Surrey Eagles (BCJHL) Summerside, PE
1996 Vernon Vipers (BCJHL) Melfort Mustangs (SJHL) Melfort, SK
Centennial Cup/Coupe Centennial
1995 Calgary Canucks (AJHL) Gloucester Rangers (CJHL) Gloucester, ON
1994 Olds Grizzlys (AJHL) Kelowna Spartans (BCJHL) Olds, AB
1993 Kelowna Spartans (BCJHL) Chateauguay Elites (QJAHL) Amherst, NS
1992 Thunder Bay Flyers (USHL) Winkler Flyers (MJHL) Winnipeg, MB
1991 Vernon Lakers (BCJHL) Sudbury Cubs (NOHA) Sudbury, ON
1990 Vernon Lakers (BCJHL) New Westminster Royals (BCJHL) Vernon, BC
1989 Thunder Bay Flyers (USHL) Summerside Capitals (MJHL) Summerside, PE
1988 Notre Dame Hounds (SJHL) Halifax Lions (MJHL) Pembroke, ON
1987 Richmond Sockeyes (BCJHL) Humboldt Broncos (SJHL) Humboldt, SK
1986 Penticton Knights (BCJHL) Cole Harbour Colts (MJHL) Cole Harbour, NS
1985 Orillia Travelways (OHA) Penticton Knights (BCJHL) Orillia, ON
1984 Weyburn Red Wings (SJHL) Orillia Travelways (OHA) Weyburn, SK
1983 North York Rangers (OJHL) Abbotsford Flyers (BCJHL) North York, ON
1982 Prince Albert Raiders (SJHL) Guelph Platers (OHA) Prince Albert, SK
1981 Prince Albert Raiders (SJHL) Belleville Bulls (OHA) Halifax, NS
1980 Red Deer Rustlers (AJHL) North York Rangers (OHA) North York, ON
1979 Prince Albert Raiders (SJHL) Sherwood Parkdale Metros (OHA) Prince Albert, SK
1978 Guelph Holoday Platters (OHA) Prince Albert Raiders (SJHL) Guelph, ON
1977 Prince Albert Raiders (SJHL) Pembroke Lumber Kings (CJHL) Prince Albert, SK
1976 Rockland Nationals (CJHL) Spruce Grove Mets (AJHL) Rockland, ON
1975 Spruce Grove Mets (AJHL) Guelph CMC's (OHA) Edmonton, AB
1974 Selkirk Steelers (MJHL) Smith Falls Bears (OHA) Nepean, ON
1973 Portage La Prairie Terriers (MJHL) Pembroke Lumber Kings (OHA) Brandon, MB
1972 Guelph CMC’s (SOJHL) Red Deer Rustlers (AJHL) Guelph, ON
1971 Red Deer Rustlers (AJHL) Charlottetown Isl'rs (MJHL) Charlottetown, PEI
Lakers Hero Recalls Winner:
This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:
Lakers hero recalls winner
Published: April 29, 2010
Calgary’s Cam Sylven was probably not the player Vernon Lakers head coach Eddie Johnstone wanted to see with an overtime breakaway and a national championship on the line.
It’s not that the likeable Sylven couldn’t score – he had 15 goals in 60 regular season games that year – but of the 15, only a few were scored on breakaways.
“Yeh, I was in a bit of a breakaway drought, to put it bluntly,” laughed Sylven from his office in Calgary, where he works today as a sales rep for a land-based real estate investment firm.
But there he was, almost 20 years ago, in alone on New Westminster Royals goalie Corey Cadden, four minutes into sudden death overtime of the 1990 Centennial Cup tournament final in front of an absolute sell-out, shoulder-to-shoulder crowd at the Vernon Civic Arena on May 12.
After plucking the puck from Royals defenceman Darwin McClelland at centre ice, Sylven, the most sportsmanlike player of the 1989 Centennial Cup tournament in Summerside, P.E.I., was home free on Cadden.
“I remember he gave me a ton of space top shelf on the glove side, and he kept backing into his net, I think that handcuffed him a bit,” said Sylven, whose shot beat Cadden cleanly and gave Vernon its first of two Centennials Cup titles as the Lakers (the franchise has won three Royal Bank Cup titles as the Vipers, and, of course, are now going after their sixth national championship in Dauphin, Man. starting Saturday).
The Lakers were only in the Centennial Cup 20 years ago because they were the hosts. New West, easily the best team in the country, went 52-3-4 in the BCHL regular season, beat the Interior Conference champion Lakers (who were 33-20-5) 4-2 in the league final, then won 12 straight games (including a 5-3 decision over Vernon in the round robin) to reach the Centennial Cup final.
The Lakers, who had 28 days off before the tournament, went 3-1 in the round robin (the first year the tournament went to five teams), and eliminated the Nipiwin Hawks of Saskatchewan 11-5 in their semifinal, setting up a rematch with the Royals and a showdown of, arguably, Canada’s top-two junior A squads.
In the last game, New West built up a 5-2 lead after 40 minutes, chasing Vernon starting goalie Dean Kuntz in favour of Murray Caton, and began the third period on a power play.
However, Lakers forward Garth Geddes scored shorthanded early to make it 5-3. Midway through the period, Vernon native Duane Dennis made it 5-4, setting the stage for the Lakers’ version of Paul Henderson, Sylven, who scored the tying goal – not on a breakaway – with three minutes to go.
“Garth (Geddes) drove wide and I cut to the middle of the net, he threw the puck on my stick and it went in,” said Sylven, whose two-year Lakers career ended with the overtime winner and the national championship.
After a year in the Maritimes, Sylven returned home to Calgary, playing two years and winning an Alberta Colleges championship with Mt. Royal, then two more years at the University of Calgary. Married to Jennifer with one son, Jack, seven (who Cam coaches), Sylven plays hockey three times a week and keeps in touch with several of his Lakers’ teammates.
“I’m in Duane’s (Dennis’s) hockey pool,” laughed Sylven, still a follower of Vernon junior hockey, thanks to newspaper scores, and guys he plays with whose kids play in places like Nanaimo and Penticton, telling him how tough Vernon is every year.
“It’s quite a tradition they have,” he said. “I have such fond, amazing memories of Vernon. The billeting system, Mel Lis and his ownership was second to none. I look back on that 1990 team and the thing that sticks out is, everybody put their differences aside and we really gelled.
“Everybody was like brothers.”
Lakers hero recalls winner
Published: April 29, 2010
Calgary’s Cam Sylven was probably not the player Vernon Lakers head coach Eddie Johnstone wanted to see with an overtime breakaway and a national championship on the line.
It’s not that the likeable Sylven couldn’t score – he had 15 goals in 60 regular season games that year – but of the 15, only a few were scored on breakaways.
“Yeh, I was in a bit of a breakaway drought, to put it bluntly,” laughed Sylven from his office in Calgary, where he works today as a sales rep for a land-based real estate investment firm.
But there he was, almost 20 years ago, in alone on New Westminster Royals goalie Corey Cadden, four minutes into sudden death overtime of the 1990 Centennial Cup tournament final in front of an absolute sell-out, shoulder-to-shoulder crowd at the Vernon Civic Arena on May 12.
After plucking the puck from Royals defenceman Darwin McClelland at centre ice, Sylven, the most sportsmanlike player of the 1989 Centennial Cup tournament in Summerside, P.E.I., was home free on Cadden.
“I remember he gave me a ton of space top shelf on the glove side, and he kept backing into his net, I think that handcuffed him a bit,” said Sylven, whose shot beat Cadden cleanly and gave Vernon its first of two Centennials Cup titles as the Lakers (the franchise has won three Royal Bank Cup titles as the Vipers, and, of course, are now going after their sixth national championship in Dauphin, Man. starting Saturday).
The Lakers were only in the Centennial Cup 20 years ago because they were the hosts. New West, easily the best team in the country, went 52-3-4 in the BCHL regular season, beat the Interior Conference champion Lakers (who were 33-20-5) 4-2 in the league final, then won 12 straight games (including a 5-3 decision over Vernon in the round robin) to reach the Centennial Cup final.
The Lakers, who had 28 days off before the tournament, went 3-1 in the round robin (the first year the tournament went to five teams), and eliminated the Nipiwin Hawks of Saskatchewan 11-5 in their semifinal, setting up a rematch with the Royals and a showdown of, arguably, Canada’s top-two junior A squads.
In the last game, New West built up a 5-2 lead after 40 minutes, chasing Vernon starting goalie Dean Kuntz in favour of Murray Caton, and began the third period on a power play.
However, Lakers forward Garth Geddes scored shorthanded early to make it 5-3. Midway through the period, Vernon native Duane Dennis made it 5-4, setting the stage for the Lakers’ version of Paul Henderson, Sylven, who scored the tying goal – not on a breakaway – with three minutes to go.
“Garth (Geddes) drove wide and I cut to the middle of the net, he threw the puck on my stick and it went in,” said Sylven, whose two-year Lakers career ended with the overtime winner and the national championship.
After a year in the Maritimes, Sylven returned home to Calgary, playing two years and winning an Alberta Colleges championship with Mt. Royal, then two more years at the University of Calgary. Married to Jennifer with one son, Jack, seven (who Cam coaches), Sylven plays hockey three times a week and keeps in touch with several of his Lakers’ teammates.
“I’m in Duane’s (Dennis’s) hockey pool,” laughed Sylven, still a follower of Vernon junior hockey, thanks to newspaper scores, and guys he plays with whose kids play in places like Nanaimo and Penticton, telling him how tough Vernon is every year.
“It’s quite a tradition they have,” he said. “I have such fond, amazing memories of Vernon. The billeting system, Mel Lis and his ownership was second to none. I look back on that 1990 team and the thing that sticks out is, everybody put their differences aside and we really gelled.
“Everybody was like brothers.”
1989 Centennial Cup Recap:
With the Vernon Vipers making their record 8th trip to the Centennial Cup-Royal Bank Cup I thought I would take a look back and go through each of the years and give a recap on all of Vernon's seven trip's to the National Championship.
The Vernon Lakers finished first place in the Interior Division with a record of 40-19-1 good for 81 pts The Lakers finished #2 overall 10 pts behind the #1 ranked New Westminster Royals who collected 91 pts. Here’s a rundown on how the Lakers did through out the BCJHL’s Playoffs to advance to the teams first ever Centennial Cup.
Interior Division Semifinals: Vernon defeated Kelowna 4-1
Interior Division Final: Vernon swept Merritt 4-0
BCJHL League Finals: Vernon defeated New Westminster 4-1
Mowat Cup: Vernon defeated Williams Lake (PCJHL) 2-0
Doyle Cup: Vernon defeated Red Deer (AJHL) 4-2
Abbot Cup: Vernon defeated Humboldt (SJHL) 4-2
The Centennial Cup 1989 is the Tier II Junior "A" 1989 ice hockey National Championship for the Canadian Junior A Hockey League.
The Centennial Cup was competed for by the winners of the Abbott Cup, Dudley Hewitt Cup, the Callaghan Cup, and a host city.
The tournament was hosted by the Summerside Western Capitals in the city of Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
The Playoffs: Round Robin
Rank Team League Ticket W-L GF GA
1 # Thunder Bay Flyers USHL Dudley Hewitt Cup 2-1 18 9
2 x Moncton Hawks MVJHL Callaghan Cup 2-1 13 11
3 x Summerside Western Capitals IJHL Host 2-1 13 14
4 Vernon Lakers BCJHL Abbott Cup 0-3 8 18
Note: # - denotes team advanced to the final.
Note: x - denotes teams who have advanced to the semi-final.
Results
Thunder Bay Flyers defeated Vernon Lakers 8-2
Summerside Western Capitals defeated Thunder Bay Flyers 5-4
Moncton Hawks defeated Vernon Lakers 5-2
Moncton Hawks defeated Summerside Western Capitals 6-3
Thunder Bay Flyers defeated Moncton Hawks 6-2
Summerside Western Capitals defeated Vernon Lakers 5-4 double overtime
Semifinals:
Summerside Western Capitals 3
Moncton Hawks 2
Cetennial Cup Final:
Thunder Bay Flyers 4
Summerside Western Capitals 1
Please note: Semi- Final was won in 14:51 of 3rd overtime period
Awards
Most Valuable Player: Todd Hendersen (Thunder Bay Flyers)
Top Scorer: Greg Johnson (Thunder Bay Flyers)
Most Sportsmanlike Player: Cam Sylven (Vernon Lakers)
All-Star Team
Forward
Greg Johnson (Thunder Bay Flyers)
Ken Murchison (Summerside Western Capitals)
Jason Bortolussi(Thunder Bay Flyers)
Defence
Rodney Gallant (Summerside Western Capitals)
Stephane Duval (Moncton Hawks)
Goal
Darin Baker (Moncton Hawks)
Role of League Champions:
AJHL: Red Deer Rustlers
BCJHL: Vernon Lakers
CJHL: Pembroke Lumber Kings
IJHL:
MJHL: Winnipeg South Blues
MVJHL: Moncton Hawks
NOJHL: Sudbury Cubs
PCJHL: Williams Lake Mustangs
QPJHL: Longueuil College Francais
SJHL: Humboldt Broncos
Vernon Lakers Roster:
Tony Szabo
Duane Dennis
Rob Atkinson
Cory Carlson
Dave Oliver
Garth Geddes
Todd Demchuk
Bill Lindsay
Shawn Hendry
Cam Sylven
Jason Marshall
Scott Salmond
Adrian Markin
Lance West
Mike Dennis
Sandy Renwick
Dean Zayonce
Sean Stewart
Craig Daley
David Zakal
Randy Muise
Kevin Zakal
Kevin Cox
Greg Olson
Rob Shypitka
Paul Faganello
Brian Langlot
Randy McGrew
Curtis Head
Mark Shmigelsky
Jim Inkster
Bart Kuntz
Chris Fairlie
Kevin Baldridge
GM-Owner Mel Lis
Head Coach Ernie Gare
Assistant Coach George Farhger
Assistant Coach Keith Chase
For stats & rosters on Vernon Junior Hockey History, Check out Paul's Vernon Franchise website
http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html
The Vernon Lakers finished first place in the Interior Division with a record of 40-19-1 good for 81 pts The Lakers finished #2 overall 10 pts behind the #1 ranked New Westminster Royals who collected 91 pts. Here’s a rundown on how the Lakers did through out the BCJHL’s Playoffs to advance to the teams first ever Centennial Cup.
Interior Division Semifinals: Vernon defeated Kelowna 4-1
Interior Division Final: Vernon swept Merritt 4-0
BCJHL League Finals: Vernon defeated New Westminster 4-1
Mowat Cup: Vernon defeated Williams Lake (PCJHL) 2-0
Doyle Cup: Vernon defeated Red Deer (AJHL) 4-2
Abbot Cup: Vernon defeated Humboldt (SJHL) 4-2
The Centennial Cup 1989 is the Tier II Junior "A" 1989 ice hockey National Championship for the Canadian Junior A Hockey League.
The Centennial Cup was competed for by the winners of the Abbott Cup, Dudley Hewitt Cup, the Callaghan Cup, and a host city.
The tournament was hosted by the Summerside Western Capitals in the city of Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
The Playoffs: Round Robin
Rank Team League Ticket W-L GF GA
1 # Thunder Bay Flyers USHL Dudley Hewitt Cup 2-1 18 9
2 x Moncton Hawks MVJHL Callaghan Cup 2-1 13 11
3 x Summerside Western Capitals IJHL Host 2-1 13 14
4 Vernon Lakers BCJHL Abbott Cup 0-3 8 18
Note: # - denotes team advanced to the final.
Note: x - denotes teams who have advanced to the semi-final.
Results
Thunder Bay Flyers defeated Vernon Lakers 8-2
Summerside Western Capitals defeated Thunder Bay Flyers 5-4
Moncton Hawks defeated Vernon Lakers 5-2
Moncton Hawks defeated Summerside Western Capitals 6-3
Thunder Bay Flyers defeated Moncton Hawks 6-2
Summerside Western Capitals defeated Vernon Lakers 5-4 double overtime
Semifinals:
Summerside Western Capitals 3
Moncton Hawks 2
Cetennial Cup Final:
Thunder Bay Flyers 4
Summerside Western Capitals 1
Please note: Semi- Final was won in 14:51 of 3rd overtime period
Awards
Most Valuable Player: Todd Hendersen (Thunder Bay Flyers)
Top Scorer: Greg Johnson (Thunder Bay Flyers)
Most Sportsmanlike Player: Cam Sylven (Vernon Lakers)
All-Star Team
Forward
Greg Johnson (Thunder Bay Flyers)
Ken Murchison (Summerside Western Capitals)
Jason Bortolussi(Thunder Bay Flyers)
Defence
Rodney Gallant (Summerside Western Capitals)
Stephane Duval (Moncton Hawks)
Goal
Darin Baker (Moncton Hawks)
Role of League Champions:
AJHL: Red Deer Rustlers
BCJHL: Vernon Lakers
CJHL: Pembroke Lumber Kings
IJHL:
MJHL: Winnipeg South Blues
MVJHL: Moncton Hawks
NOJHL: Sudbury Cubs
PCJHL: Williams Lake Mustangs
QPJHL: Longueuil College Francais
SJHL: Humboldt Broncos
Vernon Lakers Roster:
Tony Szabo
Duane Dennis
Rob Atkinson
Cory Carlson
Dave Oliver
Garth Geddes
Todd Demchuk
Bill Lindsay
Shawn Hendry
Cam Sylven
Jason Marshall
Scott Salmond
Adrian Markin
Lance West
Mike Dennis
Sandy Renwick
Dean Zayonce
Sean Stewart
Craig Daley
David Zakal
Randy Muise
Kevin Zakal
Kevin Cox
Greg Olson
Rob Shypitka
Paul Faganello
Brian Langlot
Randy McGrew
Curtis Head
Mark Shmigelsky
Jim Inkster
Bart Kuntz
Chris Fairlie
Kevin Baldridge
GM-Owner Mel Lis
Head Coach Ernie Gare
Assistant Coach George Farhger
Assistant Coach Keith Chase
For stats & rosters on Vernon Junior Hockey History, Check out Paul's Vernon Franchise website
http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html
1990 Centennial Cup Recap:
The Vernon Lakers were this years host for the 1990 Centennial Cup. Vernon finished first place in the Interior Division with a record of 33-20-5 good for 71 pts The Lakers finished #3 overall in the BCJHL standings. Here’s a rundown on how the Lakers did through out the BCJHL’s Playoffs to advance to the teams second straight Centennial Cup.
Preliminary Roundrobin Series:
Vernon finished off with a record of 5-2.
BCJHL League Finals: New Westminster defeated Vernon 4-2
Vernon would advance to its second straight Centennial Cup as the host team.
The Centennial Cup 1990 is the Tier II Junior "A" 1990 ice hockey National Championship for the Canadian Junior A Hockey League.
The Centennial Cup was competed for by the winners of the Doyle Cup, Anavet Cup, Dudley Hewitt Cup, the Callaghan Cup, and a host city.
The tournament was hosted by the Vernon Lakers and Vernon, British Columbia.
The Playoffs: Round Robin
Rank Team League Ticket W-L GF GA
1 x-New Westminster Royals BCJHL Doyle Cup 4-0 28 8
2 x-Vernon Lakers BCJHL Host 3-1 19 9
3 x-Nipawin Hawks MJHL Anavet Cup 2-2 12 10
4 x-Longueuil College Francais QJAAAHL Dudley Hewitt Cup 1-3 12 24
5 Amherst Ramblers MJAHL Callaghan Cup 0-4 7 27
Note: x- denotes teams who have advanced to the semi-final.
Results
Vernon Lakers defeated Longueuil Sieurs 6-1
Nipawin Hawks defeated Amherst Ramblers 4-3 in overtime
New Westminster Royals defeated Longueuil Sieurs 11-3
New Westminster Royals defeated Amherst Ramblers 9-0
Vernon Lakers defeated Nipawin Hawks 2-1 in overtime
Nipawin Hawks defeated Longueuil Sieurs 5-2
New Westminster Royals defeated Vernon Lakers 5-3
Vernon Lakers defeated Amherst Ramblers 8-2
Longueuil Sieurs defeated Amherst Ramblers 6-2
New Westminster Royals defeated Nipawin Hawks 3-2 for the Abbott Cup
Semifinals:
New Westminster Royals 10
Longueuil Sieurs 4
Vernon Lakers 11
Nipawin Hawks 5
Cetennial Cup Final:
Vernon Lakers 6
New Westminster Royals 5
Please note: Final was won in overtime.
Awards
Most Valuable Player: Marc Alain Duchaine (Longueuil Sieurs)
Top Scorer: Kelly Jones (New Westminster Royals)
Most Sportsmanlike Player: Kelly Jones (New Westminster Royals)
All-Star Team
Forward
Mark Karpen (New Westminster Royals)
David Oliver (Vernon Lakers)
Al Monitowy (Nipawin Hawks)
Defence
Andrew Wolf (New Westminster Royals)
Dean Zayonce (Vernon Lakers)
Goal
Lauren Belland (Nipawin Hawks)
Role of League Champions:
AJHL: Calgary Canucks
BCJHL: New Westminster Royals
CJHL: Hawkesbury Hawks
IJHL:
MJHL: Portage Terriers
MVJHL: Amherst Ramblers
NOJHL: Sudbury Cubs
PCJHL: Prince George Spruce Kings
QPJHL: Longueuil College Francais
SJHL: Nipawin Hawks
Vernon Lakers Playoff Roster:
Dave Oliver
Brad Neumeier
Troy Ewanchyna
Shane Morson
Rob Atkinson
Paul MacLEAN
Duane Dennis
Darren Naylor
Dean Zayonce
Don Monteith
Bruce Ramsay
Lorne Kanigan
Mike Knapton
Chad Schraeder
Garth Geddes
Cam Sylven
Jason Elders
Mike Dennis
Marcel Aubin
Rylan Ferster
Barry MacLeod
Stacy Paulson
John Hancock
Murray Caton
Dean Kutz
Owner-GM Mel Lis
Head Coach Ed Johnstone
Assistant Coach Keith Chase
For stats & rosters on Vernon Junior Hockey History, Check out Paul's Vernon Franchise website
http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html
Preliminary Roundrobin Series:
Vernon finished off with a record of 5-2.
BCJHL League Finals: New Westminster defeated Vernon 4-2
Vernon would advance to its second straight Centennial Cup as the host team.
The Centennial Cup 1990 is the Tier II Junior "A" 1990 ice hockey National Championship for the Canadian Junior A Hockey League.
The Centennial Cup was competed for by the winners of the Doyle Cup, Anavet Cup, Dudley Hewitt Cup, the Callaghan Cup, and a host city.
The tournament was hosted by the Vernon Lakers and Vernon, British Columbia.
The Playoffs: Round Robin
Rank Team League Ticket W-L GF GA
1 x-New Westminster Royals BCJHL Doyle Cup 4-0 28 8
2 x-Vernon Lakers BCJHL Host 3-1 19 9
3 x-Nipawin Hawks MJHL Anavet Cup 2-2 12 10
4 x-Longueuil College Francais QJAAAHL Dudley Hewitt Cup 1-3 12 24
5 Amherst Ramblers MJAHL Callaghan Cup 0-4 7 27
Note: x- denotes teams who have advanced to the semi-final.
Results
Vernon Lakers defeated Longueuil Sieurs 6-1
Nipawin Hawks defeated Amherst Ramblers 4-3 in overtime
New Westminster Royals defeated Longueuil Sieurs 11-3
New Westminster Royals defeated Amherst Ramblers 9-0
Vernon Lakers defeated Nipawin Hawks 2-1 in overtime
Nipawin Hawks defeated Longueuil Sieurs 5-2
New Westminster Royals defeated Vernon Lakers 5-3
Vernon Lakers defeated Amherst Ramblers 8-2
Longueuil Sieurs defeated Amherst Ramblers 6-2
New Westminster Royals defeated Nipawin Hawks 3-2 for the Abbott Cup
Semifinals:
New Westminster Royals 10
Longueuil Sieurs 4
Vernon Lakers 11
Nipawin Hawks 5
Cetennial Cup Final:
Vernon Lakers 6
New Westminster Royals 5
Please note: Final was won in overtime.
Awards
Most Valuable Player: Marc Alain Duchaine (Longueuil Sieurs)
Top Scorer: Kelly Jones (New Westminster Royals)
Most Sportsmanlike Player: Kelly Jones (New Westminster Royals)
All-Star Team
Forward
Mark Karpen (New Westminster Royals)
David Oliver (Vernon Lakers)
Al Monitowy (Nipawin Hawks)
Defence
Andrew Wolf (New Westminster Royals)
Dean Zayonce (Vernon Lakers)
Goal
Lauren Belland (Nipawin Hawks)
Role of League Champions:
AJHL: Calgary Canucks
BCJHL: New Westminster Royals
CJHL: Hawkesbury Hawks
IJHL:
MJHL: Portage Terriers
MVJHL: Amherst Ramblers
NOJHL: Sudbury Cubs
PCJHL: Prince George Spruce Kings
QPJHL: Longueuil College Francais
SJHL: Nipawin Hawks
Vernon Lakers Playoff Roster:
Dave Oliver
Brad Neumeier
Troy Ewanchyna
Shane Morson
Rob Atkinson
Paul MacLEAN
Duane Dennis
Darren Naylor
Dean Zayonce
Don Monteith
Bruce Ramsay
Lorne Kanigan
Mike Knapton
Chad Schraeder
Garth Geddes
Cam Sylven
Jason Elders
Mike Dennis
Marcel Aubin
Rylan Ferster
Barry MacLeod
Stacy Paulson
John Hancock
Murray Caton
Dean Kutz
Owner-GM Mel Lis
Head Coach Ed Johnstone
Assistant Coach Keith Chase
For stats & rosters on Vernon Junior Hockey History, Check out Paul's Vernon Franchise website
http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html
1991 Centennial Cup Recap:
The Vernon Lakers finished third place in the Interior Division with a record of 37-20-3 good for 77 pts just 4 pts shy of the first place Chilliwack Cheifs. Here’s a rundown on how the Lakers did through out the BCJHL’s Playoffs to advance to the teams third straight Centennial Cup.
Interior Division Semifinals: Vernon swept Kelowna 4-0
BCJHL League Finals: Vernon defeated Powell River 4-0
Mowat Cup: Vernon defeated Prince George (PCJHL) 3-0
Abbot Cup: Vernon defeated Yorkton (SJHL) (5-4 OT)
The Centennial Cup 1991 is the Tier II Junior "A" 1991 ice hockey National Championship for the Canadian Junior A Hockey League.
The Centennial Cup was competed for by the winners of the Doyle Cup, Anavet Cup, Central Canadian Championship, the Eastern Canadian Champion and a host city.
The tournament was hosted by the Sudbury Cubs and Sudbury, Ontario.
The Playoffs: Round Robin
Rank Team League Ticket W-L GF GA
1 x-Yorkton Terriers SJHL Anavet Cup 3-1 22 15
2 x-Halifax Jr. Canadians MJAHL Callaghan Cup 2-2 15 14
3 x-Sudbury Cubs NOJHL Host 2-2 16 21
4 x-Vernon Lakers BCJHL Doyle Cup 2-2 14 20
5 Thunder Bay Flyers USHL Dudley Hewitt Cup 1-3 20 17
Note: x- denotes teams who have advanced to the semi-final.
Results
Yorkton Terriers defeated Sudbury Cubs 8-4
Halifax Jr. Canadians defeated Thunder Bay Flyers 5-4
Halifax Jr. Canadians defeated Vernon Lakers 8-3
Thunder Bay Flyers defeated Sudbury Cubs 10-4
Yorkton Terriers defeated Halifax Jr. Canadians 5-2
Vernon Lakers defeated Thunder Bay Flyers 3-2
Vernon Lakers defeated Yorkton Terriers 5-4 in Overtime for the Abbott Cup
Sudbury Cubs defeated Halifax Jr. Canadians 2-0
Yorkton Terriers defeated Thunder Bay Flyers 5-4
Sudbury Cubs defeated Vernon Lakers 6-3
Semifinals:
Vernon Lakers 7
Yorkton Terriers 5
Sudbury Cubs 5
Halifax Jr. Canadians 3
Centennial Cup Final:
Vernon Lakers 8
Sudbury Cubs 4
Awards
Most Valuable Player: Andrew Backen (Thunder Bay Flyers)
Top Scorer: Ryan Reynard (Thunder Bay Flyers)
Most Sportsmanlike Player: George Burton (Sudbury Cubs)
All-Star Team
Forward
Wayne Strachan (Thunder Bay Flyers)
Jason Elders (Vernon Lakers)
Dana Drake (Halifax Jr. Canadians)
Defence
Barry Cummins (Yorkton Terriers)
Andrew Backen (Thunder Bay Flyers)
Goal
Jocelyn Provost (Halifax Jr. Canadians)
Role of League Champions:
AJHL: Calgary Royals
BCHL: Vernon Lakers
CJHL: Hawkesbury Hawks
IJHL: Charlottetown Abbies
MJHL: Winkler Flyers
MVJHL: Halifax Jr. Canadians
NLJHL: St. John's 50's
NOJHL: Sudbury Cubs
PCJHL: Prince George Spruce Kings
QPJHL: Montreal Olympiques
SJHL: Yorkton Terriers
Vernon Lakers Playoff Roster:
Todd Jones
Marcel Aubin
Phil Esposito
Trevor Forsythe
Rob Shypitka
Kris Bjornson
Mike Fischer
Scott Longstaff
Troy Becker
Shawn Potyok
Lorne Kanigan
David Vecchio
Dusty McLellan
Jeff Goren
Corey Spring
Drew Sawtell
Rick Eremenko
Jason Elders
Kevan Rilcof
Murray Caton
Mirko Pellizzari
Owner-GM Mel Lis
Head Coach Ed Johnstone
Assistant Coach Keith Chase
For stats & rosters on Vernon Junior Hockey History, Check out Paul's Vernon Franchise website
http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html
Interior Division Semifinals: Vernon swept Kelowna 4-0
BCJHL League Finals: Vernon defeated Powell River 4-0
Mowat Cup: Vernon defeated Prince George (PCJHL) 3-0
Abbot Cup: Vernon defeated Yorkton (SJHL) (5-4 OT)
The Centennial Cup 1991 is the Tier II Junior "A" 1991 ice hockey National Championship for the Canadian Junior A Hockey League.
The Centennial Cup was competed for by the winners of the Doyle Cup, Anavet Cup, Central Canadian Championship, the Eastern Canadian Champion and a host city.
The tournament was hosted by the Sudbury Cubs and Sudbury, Ontario.
The Playoffs: Round Robin
Rank Team League Ticket W-L GF GA
1 x-Yorkton Terriers SJHL Anavet Cup 3-1 22 15
2 x-Halifax Jr. Canadians MJAHL Callaghan Cup 2-2 15 14
3 x-Sudbury Cubs NOJHL Host 2-2 16 21
4 x-Vernon Lakers BCJHL Doyle Cup 2-2 14 20
5 Thunder Bay Flyers USHL Dudley Hewitt Cup 1-3 20 17
Note: x- denotes teams who have advanced to the semi-final.
Results
Yorkton Terriers defeated Sudbury Cubs 8-4
Halifax Jr. Canadians defeated Thunder Bay Flyers 5-4
Halifax Jr. Canadians defeated Vernon Lakers 8-3
Thunder Bay Flyers defeated Sudbury Cubs 10-4
Yorkton Terriers defeated Halifax Jr. Canadians 5-2
Vernon Lakers defeated Thunder Bay Flyers 3-2
Vernon Lakers defeated Yorkton Terriers 5-4 in Overtime for the Abbott Cup
Sudbury Cubs defeated Halifax Jr. Canadians 2-0
Yorkton Terriers defeated Thunder Bay Flyers 5-4
Sudbury Cubs defeated Vernon Lakers 6-3
Semifinals:
Vernon Lakers 7
Yorkton Terriers 5
Sudbury Cubs 5
Halifax Jr. Canadians 3
Centennial Cup Final:
Vernon Lakers 8
Sudbury Cubs 4
Awards
Most Valuable Player: Andrew Backen (Thunder Bay Flyers)
Top Scorer: Ryan Reynard (Thunder Bay Flyers)
Most Sportsmanlike Player: George Burton (Sudbury Cubs)
All-Star Team
Forward
Wayne Strachan (Thunder Bay Flyers)
Jason Elders (Vernon Lakers)
Dana Drake (Halifax Jr. Canadians)
Defence
Barry Cummins (Yorkton Terriers)
Andrew Backen (Thunder Bay Flyers)
Goal
Jocelyn Provost (Halifax Jr. Canadians)
Role of League Champions:
AJHL: Calgary Royals
BCHL: Vernon Lakers
CJHL: Hawkesbury Hawks
IJHL: Charlottetown Abbies
MJHL: Winkler Flyers
MVJHL: Halifax Jr. Canadians
NLJHL: St. John's 50's
NOJHL: Sudbury Cubs
PCJHL: Prince George Spruce Kings
QPJHL: Montreal Olympiques
SJHL: Yorkton Terriers
Vernon Lakers Playoff Roster:
Todd Jones
Marcel Aubin
Phil Esposito
Trevor Forsythe
Rob Shypitka
Kris Bjornson
Mike Fischer
Scott Longstaff
Troy Becker
Shawn Potyok
Lorne Kanigan
David Vecchio
Dusty McLellan
Jeff Goren
Corey Spring
Drew Sawtell
Rick Eremenko
Jason Elders
Kevan Rilcof
Murray Caton
Mirko Pellizzari
Owner-GM Mel Lis
Head Coach Ed Johnstone
Assistant Coach Keith Chase
For stats & rosters on Vernon Junior Hockey History, Check out Paul's Vernon Franchise website
http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html
1992 Centennial Cup Recap:
The Vernon Lakers finished in fourth place in the Interior Division with a record of 34-23-3 was good for 71 pts. Here’s a rundown on how the Lakers did through out the BCJHL’s Playoffs to advance to the teams record fourth straight Centennial Cup.
Interior Division Semifinals: Vernon defeated Kelowna 4-2
Interior Division Final: Vernon defeated Chilliwack 4-2
BCJHL League Finals: Vernon swept Bellingham 4-0
Mowat Cup: Vernon defeated Prince George (RMJHL) 3-0
Doyle Cup: Vernon defeated Olds (AJHL) 4-3
Abbott Cup: Vernon defeated Winkler (USHL) 5-3
The Centennial Cup 1992 is the Tier II Junior "A" 1992 ice hockey National Championship for the Canadian Junior A Hockey League.
The Centennial Cup was competed for by the winners of the Doyle Cup, Anavet Cup, Central Canadian Championship, the Eastern Canadian Champion and a host city.
The tournament was hosted by the St. James Canadians and Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The Playoffs: Round Robin
Rank Team League Ticket W-L GF GA
1 x-Vernon Lakers BCHL Doyle Cup 3-1 23 17
2 x-Thunder Bay Flyers USHL Dudley Hewitt Cup 2-2 23 20
3 x-Halifax Mooseheads MJAHL Callaghan Cup 2-2 22 22
4 x-Winkler Flyers MJHL Anavet Cup 2-2 18 21
5 St. James Canadians MJHL Host 1-3 21 28
Note: x- denotes teams who have advanced to the semi-final.
Results
Thunder Bay Flyers defeated St. James Canadians 7-4
Winkler Flyers defeated Halifax Mooseheads 5-3
Vernon Lakers defeated Thunder Bay Flyers 5-4 in Double Overtime
Halifax Mooseheads defeated Vernon Lakers 6-4
Winkler Flyers defeated St. James 8-4
Vernon Lakers defeated St. James 9-3
Thunder Bay Flyers defeated Winkler 9-2
St. James Canadians defeated Halifax 10-4
Halifax Mooseheads defeated Thunder Bay 9-3
Vernon Lakers defeated Winkler 5-3 for the Abbott Cup
Semifinals
Winkler Flyers 5
Vernon Lakers 2
Thunder Bay Flyers 8
Halifax Mooseheads 1
Centennial Cup Final:
Thunder Bay Flyers 10
Winkler Flyers 1
Please Note: The semi-final, Amherst vs. Chateauguay, was won in Overtime
Awards
Most Valuable Player: Scott Longstaff (Vernon Lakers)
Top Scorer: Scott Longstaff (Vernon Lakers)
Most Sportsmanlike Player: Mike Figliomeni (Thunder Bay Flyers)
All-Star Team
Forward
Scott Longstaff (Vernon Lakers)
Michal Sup (Vernon Lakers)
Glen Thornborough (Winkler Flyers)
Defence
Dane Litke (Winkler Flyers)
Jason Wright (Thunder Bay Flyers)
Goal
Chris Burns (Thunder Bay Flyers)
Role of League Champions
AJHL: Olds Grizzlys
BCHL: Vernon Lakers
CJHL: Kanata Valley Lasers
MJHL: Winkler Flyers
MJAHL: Halifax Mooseheads
NOJHL: Powassan Hawks
PCJHL: Prince George Spruce Kings
QPJHL: Joliette Nationals
SJHL: Melfort Mustangs
Vernon Lakers Roster:
Scott Longstaff
Shawn Potyok
Michale Sup
Dusty McLellean
Troy Becker
Kevan Rilcof
Greg Buchanan
Shawn Bourgeois
Jason Switzer
Chad Schraeder
Rick Eremenko
Tommi Virgunen
Sheldon Wolitski
John Morabito
Adrian Bubola
Peter Zurba
Rick Crowe
Rolan Ramoser
Murray Caton
Dave Kilduff
Owner & GM Mel Lis
Head Coach Ed Johnstone
Assistant Coach Keith Chase
For stats & rosters on Vernon Junior Hockey History, Check out Paul's Vernon Franchise website
http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html
Interior Division Semifinals: Vernon defeated Kelowna 4-2
Interior Division Final: Vernon defeated Chilliwack 4-2
BCJHL League Finals: Vernon swept Bellingham 4-0
Mowat Cup: Vernon defeated Prince George (RMJHL) 3-0
Doyle Cup: Vernon defeated Olds (AJHL) 4-3
Abbott Cup: Vernon defeated Winkler (USHL) 5-3
The Centennial Cup 1992 is the Tier II Junior "A" 1992 ice hockey National Championship for the Canadian Junior A Hockey League.
The Centennial Cup was competed for by the winners of the Doyle Cup, Anavet Cup, Central Canadian Championship, the Eastern Canadian Champion and a host city.
The tournament was hosted by the St. James Canadians and Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The Playoffs: Round Robin
Rank Team League Ticket W-L GF GA
1 x-Vernon Lakers BCHL Doyle Cup 3-1 23 17
2 x-Thunder Bay Flyers USHL Dudley Hewitt Cup 2-2 23 20
3 x-Halifax Mooseheads MJAHL Callaghan Cup 2-2 22 22
4 x-Winkler Flyers MJHL Anavet Cup 2-2 18 21
5 St. James Canadians MJHL Host 1-3 21 28
Note: x- denotes teams who have advanced to the semi-final.
Results
Thunder Bay Flyers defeated St. James Canadians 7-4
Winkler Flyers defeated Halifax Mooseheads 5-3
Vernon Lakers defeated Thunder Bay Flyers 5-4 in Double Overtime
Halifax Mooseheads defeated Vernon Lakers 6-4
Winkler Flyers defeated St. James 8-4
Vernon Lakers defeated St. James 9-3
Thunder Bay Flyers defeated Winkler 9-2
St. James Canadians defeated Halifax 10-4
Halifax Mooseheads defeated Thunder Bay 9-3
Vernon Lakers defeated Winkler 5-3 for the Abbott Cup
Semifinals
Winkler Flyers 5
Vernon Lakers 2
Thunder Bay Flyers 8
Halifax Mooseheads 1
Centennial Cup Final:
Thunder Bay Flyers 10
Winkler Flyers 1
Please Note: The semi-final, Amherst vs. Chateauguay, was won in Overtime
Awards
Most Valuable Player: Scott Longstaff (Vernon Lakers)
Top Scorer: Scott Longstaff (Vernon Lakers)
Most Sportsmanlike Player: Mike Figliomeni (Thunder Bay Flyers)
All-Star Team
Forward
Scott Longstaff (Vernon Lakers)
Michal Sup (Vernon Lakers)
Glen Thornborough (Winkler Flyers)
Defence
Dane Litke (Winkler Flyers)
Jason Wright (Thunder Bay Flyers)
Goal
Chris Burns (Thunder Bay Flyers)
Role of League Champions
AJHL: Olds Grizzlys
BCHL: Vernon Lakers
CJHL: Kanata Valley Lasers
MJHL: Winkler Flyers
MJAHL: Halifax Mooseheads
NOJHL: Powassan Hawks
PCJHL: Prince George Spruce Kings
QPJHL: Joliette Nationals
SJHL: Melfort Mustangs
Vernon Lakers Roster:
Scott Longstaff
Shawn Potyok
Michale Sup
Dusty McLellean
Troy Becker
Kevan Rilcof
Greg Buchanan
Shawn Bourgeois
Jason Switzer
Chad Schraeder
Rick Eremenko
Tommi Virgunen
Sheldon Wolitski
John Morabito
Adrian Bubola
Peter Zurba
Rick Crowe
Rolan Ramoser
Murray Caton
Dave Kilduff
Owner & GM Mel Lis
Head Coach Ed Johnstone
Assistant Coach Keith Chase
For stats & rosters on Vernon Junior Hockey History, Check out Paul's Vernon Franchise website
http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html
1996 Royal Bank Cup Recap:
After new ownership and some struggling seasons the Lakers were sold once again, Duncan Wray would change the historic Lakers name to the Vernon Vipers and in 1996 win its first Royal Bank Cup. That year the Centennial Cup had also changed names, now called the Royal Bank Cup. The Vernon Vipers finished in first place in the Interior Division just two pts back of the league leading Chilliwack Cheifs. The Vipers finished the season with a record of 43-13-4 wich was good for 90 pts. Here’s a rundown on how the Vipers did through out the BCJHL’s Playoffs to advance to the teams fifth National Championship winning its 3rd title.
Quarterfinals: Vernon defeated Nanaimo 4-1
Semifinals: Vernon defeated Cowichan Valley 4-0
BCJHL League Finals: Vernon defeated Langley 4-1
Mowat Cup: Vernon defeated Prince George (RMJHL) 3-0
Doyle Cup: Vernon defeated St. Albert (AJHL) 4-3
The Inaugural Royal Bank Cup, 1996 is the Tier II Junior "A" 1996 ice hockey National Championship for the Canadian Junior A Hockey League.
The Royal Bank Cup was competed for by the winners of the Doyle Cup, Anavet Cup, Dudley Hewitt Cup, the Fred Page Cup and a host city.
The tournament was hosted by the Melfort Mustangs and Melfort, Saskatchewan.
The Playoffs: Round Robin
Rank Team League Ticket W-L GF GA
1 x-Melfort Mustangs SJHL Host 4-0 28 5
2 x-Newmarket 87's OPJHL Dudley Hewitt Cu 2-2 18 22
3 x-Vernon Vipers BCHL Doyle Cup 2-2 17 16
4 x-Yorkton Terriers SJHL Anavet Cup 1-3 12 19
5 Moncton Beavers MJAHL Fred Page Cup 1-3 9 22
Note: x- denotes teams who have advanced to the semi-final.
Results
Melfort Mustangs defeat Yorkton Terriers 7-1
Newmarket 87's defeat Vernon Vipers 7-5
Melfort Mustangs defeat Moncton Beavers 5-0
Newmarket 87's defeat Yorkton Terriers 5-2
Vernon Vipers defeat Moncton Beavers 6-3
Melfort Mustangs defeat Vernon Vipers 5-1
Yorkton Terriers defeat Moncton Beavers 8-2
Melfort Mustangs defeat Newmarket 87's 11-3
Moncton Beavers defeat Newmarket 87's 4-3
Vernon Vipers defeat Yorkton Terriers 5-1
Semifinals:
Melfort Mustangs 7
Yorkton Terriers 3
Vernon Vipers 7
Newmarket 87’s 4
Royal Bank Cup Final: (Live On TSN)
Vernon Vipers 2
Melfort Mustnags 0
Awards
Most Valuable Player: Serge Bourgeois (Moncton Beavers)
Top Scorer: Jason Duda (Melfort Mustangs)
Most Sportsmanlike Player: Valeri Ermolov (Melfort Mustangs)
Top Goalie: Joel Laing (Melfort Mustangs)
Top Forward: Jeff Cheeseman (Vernon Vipers)
Top Defenceman: Curtis Doell (Melfort Mustangs)
Role of League Champions
AJHL: St. Albert Saints
BCHL: Vernon Vipers
CJHL: Cornwall Colts
MJHL: St. James Canadians
MJAHL: Dartmouth Oland Exports
NOJHL: Rayside-Balfour Sabrecats
OPJHL: Newmarket 87's
QPJHL: Contrecoeur Eperviers
RMJHL: Prince George Spruce Kings
SJHL: Melfort Mustangs
Vernon Vipers Roster:
Jeff Cheeseman
Doug Sheppard
Sjon Wynia
Jeff Scissons
Blaine McCauley
Dustin Whitecotton
Josh MacNevin
Brent Dodginghorse
Brad Cook
Sean Patchell
Garth Gartner
John Fife
Adam Stewart
Brian Finch
Kevin McElroy
Nathan Borega
Chad Pounder
Rich Vetter
Wayne Lougheed
Ryan Deacon
Troy Smith
Chris Gaudette
Kevin Danbrook
Igor Maydebura
Mike Millar
Rob Mace
Chad Cammock
Beau Riedel
Todd Laurin
Owner & President Duncan Wray
GM & Head Coach Rob Bremner
Assistant Coach Mike Auerbach
Assistant Coach Troy Mick
For stats & rosters on Vernon Junior Hockey History, Check out Paul's Vernon Franchise website
http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html
Quarterfinals: Vernon defeated Nanaimo 4-1
Semifinals: Vernon defeated Cowichan Valley 4-0
BCJHL League Finals: Vernon defeated Langley 4-1
Mowat Cup: Vernon defeated Prince George (RMJHL) 3-0
Doyle Cup: Vernon defeated St. Albert (AJHL) 4-3
The Inaugural Royal Bank Cup, 1996 is the Tier II Junior "A" 1996 ice hockey National Championship for the Canadian Junior A Hockey League.
The Royal Bank Cup was competed for by the winners of the Doyle Cup, Anavet Cup, Dudley Hewitt Cup, the Fred Page Cup and a host city.
The tournament was hosted by the Melfort Mustangs and Melfort, Saskatchewan.
The Playoffs: Round Robin
Rank Team League Ticket W-L GF GA
1 x-Melfort Mustangs SJHL Host 4-0 28 5
2 x-Newmarket 87's OPJHL Dudley Hewitt Cu 2-2 18 22
3 x-Vernon Vipers BCHL Doyle Cup 2-2 17 16
4 x-Yorkton Terriers SJHL Anavet Cup 1-3 12 19
5 Moncton Beavers MJAHL Fred Page Cup 1-3 9 22
Note: x- denotes teams who have advanced to the semi-final.
Results
Melfort Mustangs defeat Yorkton Terriers 7-1
Newmarket 87's defeat Vernon Vipers 7-5
Melfort Mustangs defeat Moncton Beavers 5-0
Newmarket 87's defeat Yorkton Terriers 5-2
Vernon Vipers defeat Moncton Beavers 6-3
Melfort Mustangs defeat Vernon Vipers 5-1
Yorkton Terriers defeat Moncton Beavers 8-2
Melfort Mustangs defeat Newmarket 87's 11-3
Moncton Beavers defeat Newmarket 87's 4-3
Vernon Vipers defeat Yorkton Terriers 5-1
Semifinals:
Melfort Mustangs 7
Yorkton Terriers 3
Vernon Vipers 7
Newmarket 87’s 4
Royal Bank Cup Final: (Live On TSN)
Vernon Vipers 2
Melfort Mustnags 0
Awards
Most Valuable Player: Serge Bourgeois (Moncton Beavers)
Top Scorer: Jason Duda (Melfort Mustangs)
Most Sportsmanlike Player: Valeri Ermolov (Melfort Mustangs)
Top Goalie: Joel Laing (Melfort Mustangs)
Top Forward: Jeff Cheeseman (Vernon Vipers)
Top Defenceman: Curtis Doell (Melfort Mustangs)
Role of League Champions
AJHL: St. Albert Saints
BCHL: Vernon Vipers
CJHL: Cornwall Colts
MJHL: St. James Canadians
MJAHL: Dartmouth Oland Exports
NOJHL: Rayside-Balfour Sabrecats
OPJHL: Newmarket 87's
QPJHL: Contrecoeur Eperviers
RMJHL: Prince George Spruce Kings
SJHL: Melfort Mustangs
Vernon Vipers Roster:
Jeff Cheeseman
Doug Sheppard
Sjon Wynia
Jeff Scissons
Blaine McCauley
Dustin Whitecotton
Josh MacNevin
Brent Dodginghorse
Brad Cook
Sean Patchell
Garth Gartner
John Fife
Adam Stewart
Brian Finch
Kevin McElroy
Nathan Borega
Chad Pounder
Rich Vetter
Wayne Lougheed
Ryan Deacon
Troy Smith
Chris Gaudette
Kevin Danbrook
Igor Maydebura
Mike Millar
Rob Mace
Chad Cammock
Beau Riedel
Todd Laurin
Owner & President Duncan Wray
GM & Head Coach Rob Bremner
Assistant Coach Mike Auerbach
Assistant Coach Troy Mick
For stats & rosters on Vernon Junior Hockey History, Check out Paul's Vernon Franchise website
http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html
1999 Royal Bank Cup Recap:
The Vernon Vipers finished with its best season in club history. Finishing top spots in the Interior Division & #1 overall in the BCHL as the leagues best team with a record of 50-6-2 wich was good for 106 pts. Here’s a rundown on how the Vipers did through out the BCHL’s Playoffs to advance to the teams record sixth National Championship & 2nd in the last three years.
Interior Semifinals: Vernon defeated Merritt 4-1
Interior Conference Finals: Vernon defeated Prince George 4-0
BCHL League Finals: Vernon defeated Chilliwack 4-1
Mowat Cup: Vernon defeated Kimberly (RMJHL) 3-1
Doyle Cup: Vernon defated Calgary (AJHL) 4-1
The 1999 Royal Bank Cup is the Tier II Junior "A" 1999 ice hockey National Championship for the Canadian Junior A Hockey League.
The Royal Bank Cup was be competed for by the winners of the Doyle Cup, Anavet Cup, Dudley Hewitt Cup, the Fred Page Cup and a host city.
The tournament was be hosted by the Yorkton Terriers and Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
The Playoffs: Round Robin
Rank Team League Ticket W-L GF GA
1 x-Bramalea Blues OPJHL Dudley Hewitt Cup 3-1 14 11
2 x-Yorkton Terriers SJHL Host 3-1 12 8
3 x-Charlottetown Abbies MJAHL Fred Page Cup 2-2 16 13
4 x-Vernon Vipers BCHL Doyle Cup 1-3 11 15
5 Estevan Bruins SJHL Anavet Cup 1-3 11 17
Note: x- denotes teams who have advanced to the semi-final.
Results
Yorkton Terries defeat Estevan Bruins 6-1
Bramalea Blues defeat Vernon Vipers 4-2
Yorkton Terries defeat Charlottetown Abbies 2-1
Bramalea Blues defeat Estevan Bruins 4-3
Charlottetown Abbies defeat Vernon Vipers 6-5
Yorkton Terriers defeat Vernon Vipers 3-1
Estevan Bruins defeat Charlottetown Abbies 5-4
Bramalea Blues defeat Yorkton Terriers 5-1
Charlottetown Abbies defeat Bramalea Blues 5-1
Vernon Vipers defeat Estevan Bruins 3-2 for the Abbott Cup
Semifinals:
Vernon Vipers 3
Bramalea Blues 2
Charlottetown Abbies 6
Yorkton Terriers 5
Royal Bank Cup Final: (Live On TSN)
Vernon Vipers 9
Charlottetown Abbies 3
Note: Charlottetown defeated Yorkton in Double Overtime.
Awards
Most Valuable Player: Dennis Bassett (Yorkton Terriers)
Top Scorer: William Hubloo (Charlottetown Abbies)
Most Sportsmanlike Player: Anthony Aquino (Bramalea Blues)
Top Goalie: Dennis Bassett (Yorkton Terriers)
Top Forward: Kyle Amyotte (Bramalea Blues)
Top Defenceman: John Bradley (Vernon Vipers)
Role of League Champions
AJHL: Calgary Canucks
BCHL: Vernon Vipers
CJHL: Hawkesbury Hawks
MJHL: OCN Blizzard
MJAHL: Charlottetown Abbies
NOJHL: Rayside-Balfour Sabrecats
OPJHL: Bramalea Blues
QJAAAHL: Valleyfield Braves
RMJHL: Kimberley Dynamiters
SJHL: Estevan Bruins
Vernon Vipers Roster:
Lanny Gare
Ryan Bayda
Petr Chytka
Tyler Knight
Nick Ringstad
Scott Krahn
Mike Bussoli
Kori Davison
Josh Reed
Kenny Magowan
Joel Bresciani
Kelly Sickavish
Lennie Rampone
John Bradley
John Duggan
Jace Digel
Spence Gilchrist
Jeff Filewich
Tito Kamel
Tyler Valin
Danny Williams
Domenic La’Casse
Chris King
Derek Gustafson
Wade Dubielewicz
Owner & President Duncan Wray
GM & Head Coach Troy Mick
Assistant Coach Joe Oliver
For stats & rosters on Vernon Junior Hockey History, Check out Paul's Vernon Franchise website
http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html
Interior Semifinals: Vernon defeated Merritt 4-1
Interior Conference Finals: Vernon defeated Prince George 4-0
BCHL League Finals: Vernon defeated Chilliwack 4-1
Mowat Cup: Vernon defeated Kimberly (RMJHL) 3-1
Doyle Cup: Vernon defated Calgary (AJHL) 4-1
The 1999 Royal Bank Cup is the Tier II Junior "A" 1999 ice hockey National Championship for the Canadian Junior A Hockey League.
The Royal Bank Cup was be competed for by the winners of the Doyle Cup, Anavet Cup, Dudley Hewitt Cup, the Fred Page Cup and a host city.
The tournament was be hosted by the Yorkton Terriers and Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
The Playoffs: Round Robin
Rank Team League Ticket W-L GF GA
1 x-Bramalea Blues OPJHL Dudley Hewitt Cup 3-1 14 11
2 x-Yorkton Terriers SJHL Host 3-1 12 8
3 x-Charlottetown Abbies MJAHL Fred Page Cup 2-2 16 13
4 x-Vernon Vipers BCHL Doyle Cup 1-3 11 15
5 Estevan Bruins SJHL Anavet Cup 1-3 11 17
Note: x- denotes teams who have advanced to the semi-final.
Results
Yorkton Terries defeat Estevan Bruins 6-1
Bramalea Blues defeat Vernon Vipers 4-2
Yorkton Terries defeat Charlottetown Abbies 2-1
Bramalea Blues defeat Estevan Bruins 4-3
Charlottetown Abbies defeat Vernon Vipers 6-5
Yorkton Terriers defeat Vernon Vipers 3-1
Estevan Bruins defeat Charlottetown Abbies 5-4
Bramalea Blues defeat Yorkton Terriers 5-1
Charlottetown Abbies defeat Bramalea Blues 5-1
Vernon Vipers defeat Estevan Bruins 3-2 for the Abbott Cup
Semifinals:
Vernon Vipers 3
Bramalea Blues 2
Charlottetown Abbies 6
Yorkton Terriers 5
Royal Bank Cup Final: (Live On TSN)
Vernon Vipers 9
Charlottetown Abbies 3
Note: Charlottetown defeated Yorkton in Double Overtime.
Awards
Most Valuable Player: Dennis Bassett (Yorkton Terriers)
Top Scorer: William Hubloo (Charlottetown Abbies)
Most Sportsmanlike Player: Anthony Aquino (Bramalea Blues)
Top Goalie: Dennis Bassett (Yorkton Terriers)
Top Forward: Kyle Amyotte (Bramalea Blues)
Top Defenceman: John Bradley (Vernon Vipers)
Role of League Champions
AJHL: Calgary Canucks
BCHL: Vernon Vipers
CJHL: Hawkesbury Hawks
MJHL: OCN Blizzard
MJAHL: Charlottetown Abbies
NOJHL: Rayside-Balfour Sabrecats
OPJHL: Bramalea Blues
QJAAAHL: Valleyfield Braves
RMJHL: Kimberley Dynamiters
SJHL: Estevan Bruins
Vernon Vipers Roster:
Lanny Gare
Ryan Bayda
Petr Chytka
Tyler Knight
Nick Ringstad
Scott Krahn
Mike Bussoli
Kori Davison
Josh Reed
Kenny Magowan
Joel Bresciani
Kelly Sickavish
Lennie Rampone
John Bradley
John Duggan
Jace Digel
Spence Gilchrist
Jeff Filewich
Tito Kamel
Tyler Valin
Danny Williams
Domenic La’Casse
Chris King
Derek Gustafson
Wade Dubielewicz
Owner & President Duncan Wray
GM & Head Coach Troy Mick
Assistant Coach Joe Oliver
For stats & rosters on Vernon Junior Hockey History, Check out Paul's Vernon Franchise website
http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html
2009 Royal Bank Cup Recap:
The Vernon Vipers finished with with a record of 42-14-1-2 top spots in the Interior Division & #2 overall in the BCHL. Here’s a rundown on how the Vipers did through out the BCHL’s Playoffs to advance to the teams record seventh National Championship.
1st Round Bye
2nd Round: Defeated Penticton 4-1
Interior Conference Finals: Defeated Salmon Arm 4-2
BCHL Fred Page Cup: Defeated Powell River 4-2
Doyle Cup: Defeated Grande Prairie 4-0
Royal Bank Cup: (6-0 In Round Robin) Defeated Humboldt 2-0 In Final
The 2009 Royal Bank Cup is the Junior "A" 2009 ice hockey National Championship for the Canadian Junior Hockey League. 2009 marked the 14th year the Royal Bank Cup has been awarded and the 39th year of modern Junior "A" hockey.
The Royal Bank Cup was competed for by the winners of the Doyle Cup, Anavet Cup, Dudley Hewitt Cup, the Fred Page Cup and the host city, the Victoria Grizzlies of the British Columbia Hockey League.
The tournament was hosted by the Victoria Grizzlies and run from May 2 to May 10 of 2009 with games played at the Bear Mountain Arena in Victoria, British Columbia.
The Vernon Vipers won the 2009 Royal Bank Cup with a 2-0 win over the Humboldt Broncos.
Teams
Victoria Grizzlies (Host) - The Grizzlies are the hosts of the 2009 Royal Bank Cup. The Grizzlies finished the British Columbia Hockey League regular season with both the best record in the Coastal Conference and the overall league. Victoria ran into a tough Powell River Kings team in the Conference Final, where the Grizzlies fell in Game 7.
Regular Season: 43 wins, 13 losses, 1 ties, 3 overtime losses
Playoffs: Defeated Cowichan Valley Capitals 4-3, Lost to Powell River Kings 3-4
Humboldt Broncos (Western) - The Broncos are the defending 2008 Royal Bank Cup champions. After easily brushing through the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League playoffs, the Broncos found themselves down 3-games-to-1 in the Anavet Cup to the Manitoba Junior Hockey League's Portage Terriers. The Broncos came to life in Game 5 to win 12-2, they won Game 6 in Overtime, and in Game 7 they rallied from a three goal deficit in the third period to force overtime to win the Anavet Cup in the extra frame.
Regular Season: 45 wins, 8 losses, 1 overtime loss, 2 shootout losses
Playoffs: Defeated Battlefords North Stars 4-2, Defeated Flin Flon Bombers 4-0, Defeated Melville Millionaires 4-1, Defeated Portage Terriers (MJHL) 4-3
Kingston Voyageurs (Central) - The Voyageurs, the top team in the Ontario Junior Hockey League's Rudduck Division, battled through five rounds of league playoffs to win the Ruddock Division crown, the Conference championship, and the Buckland Cup as OJHL champions. At the Dudley Hewitt Cup in Schreiber, Ontario, the Voyageurs defeated the Superior International Junior Hockey League's Fort William North Stars 4-1 in the tournament final.
Regular Season: 36 wins, 9 losses, 1 overtime loss, 3 shootout losses
Playoffs: Defeated Pickering Panthers 3-1, Defeated Ajax Attack 4-0, Defeated Peterborough Stars 4-2, Defeated Huntsville Otters 4-1, Defeated Oakville Blades 4-2, Won Dudley Hewitt Cup (3-1)
Summerside Western Capitals (Eastern) - The Capitals finished the 2008-09 regular season with the best record in the Maritime Junior A Hockey League. Summerside had little problem battling through the three rounds of Maritime League playoffs to move on to the Fred Page Cup in Moncton, New Brunswick. The Capitals defeated the Dieppe Commandos in the tournament final 3-2 in double overtime, pelting their goaltender with 71 shots on net before finally taking their place in the 2009 Royal Bank Cup.
Regular Season: 39 wins, 13 losses, 2 shootout losses
Playoffs: Defeated Dieppe Commandos 4-0, Defeated Miramichi Timberwolves 4-0, Defeated Truro Bearcats 4-1, Won Fred Page Cup (4-1)
Vernon Vipers (Pacific) - The Vipers were the top team in the British Columbia Hockey League's Interior Conference and second best overall behind Victoria. The Vipers convincingly walked through the BCHL playoffs, defeating all three of their opponents to win the League championship. In the Doyle Cup, the Viper made quick work of the Alberta Junior Hockey League's Grande Prairie Storm with a 4-games-sweep to clinch their spot in the 2009 Royal Bank Cup.
Regular Season: 42 wins, 14 losses, 1 tie, 3 overtime losses
Playoffs: Defeated Penticton Vees 4-1, Defeated Salmon Arm Silverbacks 4-2, Defeated Powell River Kings 4-2, Defeated Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL) 4-0
Tournament
Round Robin
Rank Team League Ticket W–L GF GA
1 x-Vernon Vipers BCHL Doyle Cup 4–0 24 12
2 x-Humboldt Broncos SJHL Anavet Cup 2–2 8 15
3 x-Victoria Grizzlies BCHL Host 2–2 16 10
4 x-Kingston Voyageurs OJHL Dudley Hewitt Cup 1–3 14 23
5 Summerside Western Capitals MJAHL Fred Page Cup 1–3 15 17
(x-) denotes Semi-final birth.
Results
Game Home Team Score Away Team Score Notes
Saturday, May 2, 2009
1 Victoria Grizzlies 1 Humboldt Broncos 2 Final - Shots: 35-34 Hum
Sunday, May 3, 2009
2 Summerside Western Capitals 2 Vernon Vipers 4 Final - Shots: 38-21 Ver
3 Kingston Voyageurs 0 Victoria Grizzlies 5 Final - Shots: 40-21 Vic
Monday, May 4, 2009
4 Summerside Western Capitals 5 Kingston Voyageurs 7 Final - Shots: 50-28 SWC
5 Vernon Vipers 7 Humboldt Broncos 1 Final - Shots: 30-20 Ver
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
6 Vernon Vipers 5 Victoria Grizzlies 4 OT Final - Shots: 32-32 Even
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
7 Humboldt Broncos 5 Kingston Voyageurs 2 Final - Shots: 34-23 Hum
8 Victoria Grizzlies 6 Summerside Western Capitals 3 Final - Shots: 41-32 Vic
Thursday, May 7, 2009
9 Kingston Voyageurs 5 Vernon Vipers 8 Final - Shots: 33-21 Ver
10 Humboldt Broncos 0 Summerside Western Capitals 5 Final - Shots: 35-18 SWC
Semi-final
Game Home Team Score Away Team Score Notes
Friday, May 8, 2009
11 Vernon Vipers 6 Kingston Voyageurs 3 Final - Shots: 34-16 Ver
12 Humboldt Broncos 3 Victoria Grizzlies 2 OT Final - Shots: 40-30 Vic
Final
Game Home Team Score Away Team Score Notes
Sunday, May 10, 2009
13 Vernon Vipers 2 Humboldt Broncos 0 Final - Shots: 27-24 Hum
Awards
Roland Mercier Trophy (Tournament MVP): Kyle Bigos (Vernon Vipers)
Top Forward: Connor Jones (Vernon Vipers)
Top Defencemen: Kyle Bigos (Vernon Vipers)
Top Goaltender: Anthony Grieco (Victoria Grizzlies)
Tubby Smaltz Trophy (Sportsmanship): Ryan Santana (Vernon Vipers)
Role of League Champions
AJHL: Grande Prairie Storm
BCHL: Vernon Vipers
CJHL: Pembroke Lumber Kings
MJHL: Portage Terriers
MJAHL: Summerside Western Capitals
NOJHL: Soo Thunderbirds
OPJHL: Kingston Voyageurs
QJAAAHL: Sherbrooke Cougars
SJHL: Humboldt Broncos
SIJHL: Fort William North Stars
Vernon Vipers Roster:
Kevin Kraus
Kyle Bigos
Cody Ikkala
Mike Collins
Mike Leidl
Cameron Brodie
James Kerr
Connor Jones
Cory Kane
Cole Ikkala
Braden Pimm
Kellen Jones
Sahir Gill
Chris Crowell
Rob Short
Kory Roy
Steve Weinstein
Nick Amies
Bryce Kakoske
Ryan Santana
Adam Thompson
Andrew Hammond
Graeme Gordon
Owner & President Duncan Wray
GM & Head Coach Mark Ferner
Assistant Coach Jason Williamson
For stats & rosters on Vernon Junior Hockey History, Check out Paul's Vernon Franchise website
http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html
1st Round Bye
2nd Round: Defeated Penticton 4-1
Interior Conference Finals: Defeated Salmon Arm 4-2
BCHL Fred Page Cup: Defeated Powell River 4-2
Doyle Cup: Defeated Grande Prairie 4-0
Royal Bank Cup: (6-0 In Round Robin) Defeated Humboldt 2-0 In Final
The 2009 Royal Bank Cup is the Junior "A" 2009 ice hockey National Championship for the Canadian Junior Hockey League. 2009 marked the 14th year the Royal Bank Cup has been awarded and the 39th year of modern Junior "A" hockey.
The Royal Bank Cup was competed for by the winners of the Doyle Cup, Anavet Cup, Dudley Hewitt Cup, the Fred Page Cup and the host city, the Victoria Grizzlies of the British Columbia Hockey League.
The tournament was hosted by the Victoria Grizzlies and run from May 2 to May 10 of 2009 with games played at the Bear Mountain Arena in Victoria, British Columbia.
The Vernon Vipers won the 2009 Royal Bank Cup with a 2-0 win over the Humboldt Broncos.
Teams
Victoria Grizzlies (Host) - The Grizzlies are the hosts of the 2009 Royal Bank Cup. The Grizzlies finished the British Columbia Hockey League regular season with both the best record in the Coastal Conference and the overall league. Victoria ran into a tough Powell River Kings team in the Conference Final, where the Grizzlies fell in Game 7.
Regular Season: 43 wins, 13 losses, 1 ties, 3 overtime losses
Playoffs: Defeated Cowichan Valley Capitals 4-3, Lost to Powell River Kings 3-4
Humboldt Broncos (Western) - The Broncos are the defending 2008 Royal Bank Cup champions. After easily brushing through the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League playoffs, the Broncos found themselves down 3-games-to-1 in the Anavet Cup to the Manitoba Junior Hockey League's Portage Terriers. The Broncos came to life in Game 5 to win 12-2, they won Game 6 in Overtime, and in Game 7 they rallied from a three goal deficit in the third period to force overtime to win the Anavet Cup in the extra frame.
Regular Season: 45 wins, 8 losses, 1 overtime loss, 2 shootout losses
Playoffs: Defeated Battlefords North Stars 4-2, Defeated Flin Flon Bombers 4-0, Defeated Melville Millionaires 4-1, Defeated Portage Terriers (MJHL) 4-3
Kingston Voyageurs (Central) - The Voyageurs, the top team in the Ontario Junior Hockey League's Rudduck Division, battled through five rounds of league playoffs to win the Ruddock Division crown, the Conference championship, and the Buckland Cup as OJHL champions. At the Dudley Hewitt Cup in Schreiber, Ontario, the Voyageurs defeated the Superior International Junior Hockey League's Fort William North Stars 4-1 in the tournament final.
Regular Season: 36 wins, 9 losses, 1 overtime loss, 3 shootout losses
Playoffs: Defeated Pickering Panthers 3-1, Defeated Ajax Attack 4-0, Defeated Peterborough Stars 4-2, Defeated Huntsville Otters 4-1, Defeated Oakville Blades 4-2, Won Dudley Hewitt Cup (3-1)
Summerside Western Capitals (Eastern) - The Capitals finished the 2008-09 regular season with the best record in the Maritime Junior A Hockey League. Summerside had little problem battling through the three rounds of Maritime League playoffs to move on to the Fred Page Cup in Moncton, New Brunswick. The Capitals defeated the Dieppe Commandos in the tournament final 3-2 in double overtime, pelting their goaltender with 71 shots on net before finally taking their place in the 2009 Royal Bank Cup.
Regular Season: 39 wins, 13 losses, 2 shootout losses
Playoffs: Defeated Dieppe Commandos 4-0, Defeated Miramichi Timberwolves 4-0, Defeated Truro Bearcats 4-1, Won Fred Page Cup (4-1)
Vernon Vipers (Pacific) - The Vipers were the top team in the British Columbia Hockey League's Interior Conference and second best overall behind Victoria. The Vipers convincingly walked through the BCHL playoffs, defeating all three of their opponents to win the League championship. In the Doyle Cup, the Viper made quick work of the Alberta Junior Hockey League's Grande Prairie Storm with a 4-games-sweep to clinch their spot in the 2009 Royal Bank Cup.
Regular Season: 42 wins, 14 losses, 1 tie, 3 overtime losses
Playoffs: Defeated Penticton Vees 4-1, Defeated Salmon Arm Silverbacks 4-2, Defeated Powell River Kings 4-2, Defeated Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL) 4-0
Tournament
Round Robin
Rank Team League Ticket W–L GF GA
1 x-Vernon Vipers BCHL Doyle Cup 4–0 24 12
2 x-Humboldt Broncos SJHL Anavet Cup 2–2 8 15
3 x-Victoria Grizzlies BCHL Host 2–2 16 10
4 x-Kingston Voyageurs OJHL Dudley Hewitt Cup 1–3 14 23
5 Summerside Western Capitals MJAHL Fred Page Cup 1–3 15 17
(x-) denotes Semi-final birth.
Results
Game Home Team Score Away Team Score Notes
Saturday, May 2, 2009
1 Victoria Grizzlies 1 Humboldt Broncos 2 Final - Shots: 35-34 Hum
Sunday, May 3, 2009
2 Summerside Western Capitals 2 Vernon Vipers 4 Final - Shots: 38-21 Ver
3 Kingston Voyageurs 0 Victoria Grizzlies 5 Final - Shots: 40-21 Vic
Monday, May 4, 2009
4 Summerside Western Capitals 5 Kingston Voyageurs 7 Final - Shots: 50-28 SWC
5 Vernon Vipers 7 Humboldt Broncos 1 Final - Shots: 30-20 Ver
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
6 Vernon Vipers 5 Victoria Grizzlies 4 OT Final - Shots: 32-32 Even
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
7 Humboldt Broncos 5 Kingston Voyageurs 2 Final - Shots: 34-23 Hum
8 Victoria Grizzlies 6 Summerside Western Capitals 3 Final - Shots: 41-32 Vic
Thursday, May 7, 2009
9 Kingston Voyageurs 5 Vernon Vipers 8 Final - Shots: 33-21 Ver
10 Humboldt Broncos 0 Summerside Western Capitals 5 Final - Shots: 35-18 SWC
Semi-final
Game Home Team Score Away Team Score Notes
Friday, May 8, 2009
11 Vernon Vipers 6 Kingston Voyageurs 3 Final - Shots: 34-16 Ver
12 Humboldt Broncos 3 Victoria Grizzlies 2 OT Final - Shots: 40-30 Vic
Final
Game Home Team Score Away Team Score Notes
Sunday, May 10, 2009
13 Vernon Vipers 2 Humboldt Broncos 0 Final - Shots: 27-24 Hum
Awards
Roland Mercier Trophy (Tournament MVP): Kyle Bigos (Vernon Vipers)
Top Forward: Connor Jones (Vernon Vipers)
Top Defencemen: Kyle Bigos (Vernon Vipers)
Top Goaltender: Anthony Grieco (Victoria Grizzlies)
Tubby Smaltz Trophy (Sportsmanship): Ryan Santana (Vernon Vipers)
Role of League Champions
AJHL: Grande Prairie Storm
BCHL: Vernon Vipers
CJHL: Pembroke Lumber Kings
MJHL: Portage Terriers
MJAHL: Summerside Western Capitals
NOJHL: Soo Thunderbirds
OPJHL: Kingston Voyageurs
QJAAAHL: Sherbrooke Cougars
SJHL: Humboldt Broncos
SIJHL: Fort William North Stars
Vernon Vipers Roster:
Kevin Kraus
Kyle Bigos
Cody Ikkala
Mike Collins
Mike Leidl
Cameron Brodie
James Kerr
Connor Jones
Cory Kane
Cole Ikkala
Braden Pimm
Kellen Jones
Sahir Gill
Chris Crowell
Rob Short
Kory Roy
Steve Weinstein
Nick Amies
Bryce Kakoske
Ryan Santana
Adam Thompson
Andrew Hammond
Graeme Gordon
Owner & President Duncan Wray
GM & Head Coach Mark Ferner
Assistant Coach Jason Williamson
For stats & rosters on Vernon Junior Hockey History, Check out Paul's Vernon Franchise website
http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html
Talent-Laden Kings Entertain Vipers In Royal Bank Cup Opener:
This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:
Talent-laden Kings entertain Vipers in Royal Bank Cup opener
Vipers return to Cup final
Published: April 29, 2010
DAUPHIN, MAN. – As hosts of the Royal Bank Cup, the Dauphin Kings have been able to assemble some of the best Junior A hockey talent in North America. While they are obviously a highly skilled unit, Kings’ head coach Marlin Murray cites three keys to the team’s success – work ethic, attention to detail and structure.
“For us to have a real skilled hockey team with individuals who are real good players, sometimes their ice times could be cut and sometimes they have to adapt to another role,” said Murray, citing the team’s checking line of Mitch Czibere, Cody Esposito and Troy Hunter as an example. All three would likely earn top-line minutes on another team.
“But they’re happy to be on our checking line,” said Murray. “They know their role and they’re hard to play against. They shut down the opposition’s line while they still put the puck in the net, as well.”
Murray says the line matching throughout the playoffs has also been a key to the team’s success.
“Our attention to detail with matching lines was excellent. Once their match up comes off the ice, our players come off, as well. They change and they buy into that,” he said.
“And the last thing would be our team chemistry and the way we like each other, the way we stick up for each other and the way we go to bat for each other. It’s a real likable group. There’s not one or two cliques in that room. It’s 22 individuals with one common cause.
And that common cause is to come to the rink every day, work your butts off and we’ll be successful because our skill level will take over.”
The Kings, who open the RBC against the defending champion Vernon Vipers Saturday night, have one goal in mind.
“We want to win it,” Murray said. I think if we keep doing what we’re doing, we’re going to have a good opportunity to put ourselves in a position to play for on Sunday for a championship. But, obviously, we can’t get sidetracked.
“Our work ethic is going to have to be key. Our structured systems is going to have to be key in what we want to do on a day-to-day basis. And if we get those two ingredients, I think our skill level will take over at some point.”
The Kings ran away with the Manitoba league title this season finishing at 50-11-1-0, setting franchise records in wins and points (101). Their top line of Shane Luke (101 points), Ryan Dreger (99 points) and Zeanan Zeimer (76 points) account for much of the team’s offence
Bryce Lamb, who started the season on the first line, centres the No. 2 unit with Steven Shamanski and either Angus Klassen or Devin Mitzner. Shamanski, a defenceman turned forward, leads Dauphin in playoff scoring with 22 points in 13 games.
Czibere is trying to make history by adding a RBC trophy to a Memorial Cup prize. Czibere, of Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., helped the Vancouver Giants claim the 2007 Memorial Cup. He spent three years with Vancouver and one season with the Regina Pats.
Talent-laden Kings entertain Vipers in Royal Bank Cup opener
Vipers return to Cup final
Published: April 29, 2010
DAUPHIN, MAN. – As hosts of the Royal Bank Cup, the Dauphin Kings have been able to assemble some of the best Junior A hockey talent in North America. While they are obviously a highly skilled unit, Kings’ head coach Marlin Murray cites three keys to the team’s success – work ethic, attention to detail and structure.
“For us to have a real skilled hockey team with individuals who are real good players, sometimes their ice times could be cut and sometimes they have to adapt to another role,” said Murray, citing the team’s checking line of Mitch Czibere, Cody Esposito and Troy Hunter as an example. All three would likely earn top-line minutes on another team.
“But they’re happy to be on our checking line,” said Murray. “They know their role and they’re hard to play against. They shut down the opposition’s line while they still put the puck in the net, as well.”
Murray says the line matching throughout the playoffs has also been a key to the team’s success.
“Our attention to detail with matching lines was excellent. Once their match up comes off the ice, our players come off, as well. They change and they buy into that,” he said.
“And the last thing would be our team chemistry and the way we like each other, the way we stick up for each other and the way we go to bat for each other. It’s a real likable group. There’s not one or two cliques in that room. It’s 22 individuals with one common cause.
And that common cause is to come to the rink every day, work your butts off and we’ll be successful because our skill level will take over.”
The Kings, who open the RBC against the defending champion Vernon Vipers Saturday night, have one goal in mind.
“We want to win it,” Murray said. I think if we keep doing what we’re doing, we’re going to have a good opportunity to put ourselves in a position to play for on Sunday for a championship. But, obviously, we can’t get sidetracked.
“Our work ethic is going to have to be key. Our structured systems is going to have to be key in what we want to do on a day-to-day basis. And if we get those two ingredients, I think our skill level will take over at some point.”
The Kings ran away with the Manitoba league title this season finishing at 50-11-1-0, setting franchise records in wins and points (101). Their top line of Shane Luke (101 points), Ryan Dreger (99 points) and Zeanan Zeimer (76 points) account for much of the team’s offence
Bryce Lamb, who started the season on the first line, centres the No. 2 unit with Steven Shamanski and either Angus Klassen or Devin Mitzner. Shamanski, a defenceman turned forward, leads Dauphin in playoff scoring with 22 points in 13 games.
Czibere is trying to make history by adding a RBC trophy to a Memorial Cup prize. Czibere, of Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., helped the Vancouver Giants claim the 2007 Memorial Cup. He spent three years with Vancouver and one season with the Regina Pats.
Snakes Set To Defend RBC Title:
This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:Snakes set to defend RBC title
By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star
Published: April 29, 2010
Whether they are staying at the ultra-luxurious Westin Bear Mountain Resort in Victoria, or a Super 8 on the Manitoba Prairies, the goal remains the same for the Vernon Vipers.
Sure, they were probably spoiled a bit by the swanky surroundings at the Royal Bank Cup last May on Vancouver Island, but the Snakes were full credit for going undefeated at 6-0 to earn a record-setting fifth national Junior A hockey championship.
The Vipers are now ‘in the mix for six’ as they launch their RBC title defence Saturday night (5 p.m. PT) against the host Dauphin Kings. Vernon is looking to become the first team to repeat as national champions since the Vernon Lakers did it in 1990 and ‘91.
“Obviously last year the room was pretty nice, and it’s Victoria in May, which is pretty nice, but it doesn’t matter whether we’re going to Dauphin, Manitoba, or Victoria, we’re there for one thing and that’s to win the tournament,” said Vipers’ assistant coach Jason Williamson.
“We want them to enjoy every part of this. There’s only five teams in all of Canada left playing. Being able to get this far we have to make sure we’re focussed on the task at hand, and make sure that each and every game we bring our best effort.”
Vernon is the only returning team in the five-team tournament. The other teams include the Fred Page Cup champion Brockville Braves (eastern), AVANET Cup runners-up La Ronge Ice Wolves (western), and Dudley Hewitt Cup champion Oakville Blades (central). As the highest remaining seed out of 131 Canadian Junior Hockey League clubs, the No. 2 Vipers know they will be the team to beat. As second-year forward Sahir Gill points out, that’s nothing new.
“Everyone’s going to be gunning for us, just like it was all year. I guess you amplify the stage a bit more with it being the RBC, but we’ve just got to bring our game and we’ll be fine,” said Gill, a Terrace product who rejoined the club midway through the season after a stint with the USHL Chicago Steel.
Gill, who turned 18 last month, is one of 13 returning RBC veterans, and he believes they have been able to draw on that experience.
“We don’t get as nervous. If things start running around, we can settle it down a bit more. That’s where the experience comes in to help,” said Gill, whose line of Connor and Kellen Jones is 1-2-3 in Vernon playoff scoring.
“You can’t take things for granted, especially now that things are in a Game 7 situation. Either you’re in, or you’re out. There’s round-robin play, but you know you’re trying to get that No. 1 seed so every game is do or die pretty much.”
Added Williamson: “It’s (experience) pretty important with most of our guys knowing what to expect, maybe being a little more business like right away when we get there.”
A look at individual scoring statistics at last year’s nationals illustrates Vernon’s ability to get balanced scoring. That lineup featured nine point-a-game players, with each regular posting at least two points in six games. Mike Collins led tournament scoring with four goals and six assists.
“If you look at tournament scoring last year... anyone can lead the charge offensively, so it makes it difficult for other teams to line match,” said Gill. “Other teams haven’t seen us play before, so it gives us that advantage where we can roll four lines of the same type of hockey.”
For Viper rookie Dylan Walchuk, the road to the RBC has been a thrill ride, albeit an exhausting one. The 18-year-old McBride native, who rooms with linemate Jonathan Milhouse, helped the Nelson Leafs win a Kootenay International Junior Hockey League title last season, but the 82 games he has played with Vernon go beyond that.
“It’s definitely a lot longer, but I’m enjoying it,” said Walchuk, who skated in the CJHL Prospects Game in Winkler, Man. last December. “Everyone has come together as a team this playoffs, and we’re working really hard and doing everything we have to do to succeed.”
All 10 round-robin games, along with both semifinals on Saturday, May 8, will be available via webcast through FASTHockey at hockeycanada.fasthockey.com. All games are available on a pay-per-view basis for $6.99 each.
SNAKE BITES: Brockville Braves owner/coach/GM Todd Gill is a former NHL defenceman, playing with seven clubs over a 17-year career, mainly with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s...The KIJHL North Okanagan Knights have announced the appointment of Bill Burr as the club’s new president. He replaces Bill Greene, who served as president in the Knights’ expansion season.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Congrats Cole!!
Id like to take this time to congratulate Vernon Vipers forward, Cole Ikkala on his scholarship with Union College for next season! I have always been a big fan of your play, your hard work and detication you put into your game when you come to the rink. I think all Viper fans saw what kind of young player you were to start the season last year, and given the chance at the end of the year havnt let us down! Id like to wish you all the best at Union and where ever your hockey career may go. I do know Vernon fans were expecting you back next season, and will be sad to see you go. All the best Cole!
With Cole Ikkala now not returning for next season, let's take a look at the possible returning players for next year's Vipers team.
David Robinson
Adam Thompson
Bryce Kakoske
Garrett Noonan
Dylan Walchuk
Steve Weinstein
Patrick McGillis
Darrin Robak
Blake Voth
Trevor Fitsgerald (AP) (Committed)
Aaron Hadley (AP) (Committed)
It will be interesting to see what kind of recruiting Mark Ferner and the Vipers have done for next season.
With Cole Ikkala now not returning for next season, let's take a look at the possible returning players for next year's Vipers team.
David Robinson
Adam Thompson
Bryce Kakoske
Garrett Noonan
Dylan Walchuk
Steve Weinstein
Patrick McGillis
Darrin Robak
Blake Voth
Trevor Fitsgerald (AP) (Committed)
Aaron Hadley (AP) (Committed)
It will be interesting to see what kind of recruiting Mark Ferner and the Vipers have done for next season.
A BIG Congrats To All Former Vipers On Their Wins!
Id like to take this time to congratulate all the former Vernon Vipers on their win over the past few weeks. I have been busy posting and updating with the Vipers postseason run, I havnt had the time to congratulate all of you.
Congrats goes out to former Vernon Vipers head coach-gm Troy Mick & his Revelstoke Grizzlies on winning the Keystone Cup in Kamloops BC. You had a heck of a year Micker, Congrats again!!
Congrats goes out to former Vernon Vipers assistant coach Bob Dever who coached Team Hungary to a silver medal at the IIHF World Under-18 Championship Division I Group B. Great job!!
& final congrats goes to former Vernon Vipers head coach-gm Mike Vandekamp, along with former players, Andrew Derton & Aaron Schepers for winning the Allan Cup with the Fort St John Flyers. Going undefeated in any tournament is always tough, Great Job Guys!!
Congrats goes out to former Vernon Vipers head coach-gm Troy Mick & his Revelstoke Grizzlies on winning the Keystone Cup in Kamloops BC. You had a heck of a year Micker, Congrats again!!
Congrats goes out to former Vernon Vipers assistant coach Bob Dever who coached Team Hungary to a silver medal at the IIHF World Under-18 Championship Division I Group B. Great job!!
& final congrats goes to former Vernon Vipers head coach-gm Mike Vandekamp, along with former players, Andrew Derton & Aaron Schepers for winning the Allan Cup with the Fort St John Flyers. Going undefeated in any tournament is always tough, Great Job Guys!!
Kings Ready To Host:
This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:
Kings ready to host
Published: April 27, 2010
DAUPHIN, MAN. – When the Manitoba Junior Hockey League season began Sept. 11, the Dauphin Kings were favoured to win the Turnbull Trophy.
According to head coach/GM Marlin Murray, the team had set a goal of 48 wins.
“We felt we needed that to get to first place,” he said. “Obviously by having 50, we surpassed that goal.”
From day one of training camp, expectations have been high for the Kings, who open the Royal Bank Cup Saturday night against the Vernon Vipers.
“Right from day one, the goals were high and we wanted to have a winner here in Dauphin,” said Murray. “After it’s all taken place and you look back at it, you just kind of say, ‘wow.’ But expectations around the dressing room and for the staff is we want to win this thing.”
The Kings won the MJHL title at 50-11-1-0, setting franchise records in wins and points.
Murray said the chase for 50 wins kept the Kings focussed and motivated after they had clinched first with about 10 games left in the regular season.
“We wanted to keep the guys active and hungry. And once we got to the playoffs, we were playing some real good hockey and we just kept that going once the playoffs got started.”
While the Kings are obviously a highly skilled unit, Murray cites three keys to the team’s success – work ethic, attention to detail and structure.
“We don’t get outworked very often. We’ve played upwards of 80 games this year and even if we didn’t get the result we wanted, for the most part we’ve been the hardest working team in those games,” he said.
“For us to have a real skilled hockey team with individuals who are real good players, sometimes their ice times could be cut and sometimes they have to adapt to another role.”
Murray cites the team’s checking line of Mitch Czibere, Cody Esposito and Troy Hunter as an example. All three are highly skilled and could be on any team’s top line.
“But they’re happy to be on our checking line,” said Murray.
“They know their role and they’re hard to play against. They shut down the opposition’s line while they still put the puck in the net, as well.”
Murray states the line matching throughout the playoffs has also been a key to the team’s success.
“Our attention to detail with matching lines was excellent. Once their match up comes off the ice, our players come off, as well. They change and they buy into that,” he said.
“And the last thing would be our team chemistry and the way we like each other, the way we stick up for each other and the way we go to bat for each other. It’s a real likable group. There’s not one or two cliques in that room. It’s 22 individuals with one common cause. And that common cause is to come to the rink every day, work your butts off and we’ll be successful because our skill level will take over.”
Heading into the RBC Cup, the Kings have one goal.
“We want to win it,” Murray said.
“I think if we keep doing what we’re doing, we’re going to have a good opportunity to put ourselves in a position to play for on Sunday for a championship. But, obviously, we can’t get sidetracked. Our work ethic is going to have to be key. Our structured systems is going to have to be key in what we want to do on a day-to-day basis. And if we get those two ingredients, I think our skill level will take over at some point.
“It’s not going to be easy. There’s going to be the best teams in Canada here in Dauphin. But I think people are beginning to take note that we’re a pretty good hockey team, too.”
Kings ready to host
Published: April 27, 2010
DAUPHIN, MAN. – When the Manitoba Junior Hockey League season began Sept. 11, the Dauphin Kings were favoured to win the Turnbull Trophy.
According to head coach/GM Marlin Murray, the team had set a goal of 48 wins.
“We felt we needed that to get to first place,” he said. “Obviously by having 50, we surpassed that goal.”
From day one of training camp, expectations have been high for the Kings, who open the Royal Bank Cup Saturday night against the Vernon Vipers.
“Right from day one, the goals were high and we wanted to have a winner here in Dauphin,” said Murray. “After it’s all taken place and you look back at it, you just kind of say, ‘wow.’ But expectations around the dressing room and for the staff is we want to win this thing.”
The Kings won the MJHL title at 50-11-1-0, setting franchise records in wins and points.
Murray said the chase for 50 wins kept the Kings focussed and motivated after they had clinched first with about 10 games left in the regular season.
“We wanted to keep the guys active and hungry. And once we got to the playoffs, we were playing some real good hockey and we just kept that going once the playoffs got started.”
While the Kings are obviously a highly skilled unit, Murray cites three keys to the team’s success – work ethic, attention to detail and structure.
“We don’t get outworked very often. We’ve played upwards of 80 games this year and even if we didn’t get the result we wanted, for the most part we’ve been the hardest working team in those games,” he said.
“For us to have a real skilled hockey team with individuals who are real good players, sometimes their ice times could be cut and sometimes they have to adapt to another role.”
Murray cites the team’s checking line of Mitch Czibere, Cody Esposito and Troy Hunter as an example. All three are highly skilled and could be on any team’s top line.
“But they’re happy to be on our checking line,” said Murray.
“They know their role and they’re hard to play against. They shut down the opposition’s line while they still put the puck in the net, as well.”
Murray states the line matching throughout the playoffs has also been a key to the team’s success.
“Our attention to detail with matching lines was excellent. Once their match up comes off the ice, our players come off, as well. They change and they buy into that,” he said.
“And the last thing would be our team chemistry and the way we like each other, the way we stick up for each other and the way we go to bat for each other. It’s a real likable group. There’s not one or two cliques in that room. It’s 22 individuals with one common cause. And that common cause is to come to the rink every day, work your butts off and we’ll be successful because our skill level will take over.”
Heading into the RBC Cup, the Kings have one goal.
“We want to win it,” Murray said.
“I think if we keep doing what we’re doing, we’re going to have a good opportunity to put ourselves in a position to play for on Sunday for a championship. But, obviously, we can’t get sidetracked. Our work ethic is going to have to be key. Our structured systems is going to have to be key in what we want to do on a day-to-day basis. And if we get those two ingredients, I think our skill level will take over at some point.
“It’s not going to be easy. There’s going to be the best teams in Canada here in Dauphin. But I think people are beginning to take note that we’re a pretty good hockey team, too.”
Snakes Stop Saints For RBC Return:
This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:Snakes stop Saints for RBC return
By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star and Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star
Published: April 27, 2010
The No. 1 ranked team in the Canadian Junior A Hockey League is going home. The No. 2 seeded club is off to Dauphin, Man. to defend the Royal Bank Cup Championship.
The Vernon Vipers stopped the Spruce Grove Saints 7-3 Sunday night in Game 7 of the regional Doyle Cup series before 1,770 fans at Wesbild Centre.
It was Vernon’s seventh Doyle Cup title as they finally solved Saints’ netminder Vince Marozzi, beating the Edmonton product five times on 29 shots, before adding two late empty-netters.
The Snakes open the five-team national Junior A tourney Saturday (5 p.m. PT) against host Dauphin Kings. They then tangle with the Western champion La Ronge Ice Wolves Sunday (5 p.m.) before getting a rest day Monday.
At noon Tuesday, Vernon goes up against the Central champion Oakville Blades before ending the round-robin Wednesday (noon) against the Eastern representative Brockville Braves.
Vipers head coach Mark Ferner credited the Saints for pushing Vernon, a team with a dozen returnees, to the limit after falling behind 3-1 in the series. Spruce Grove forced Game 7 after outlasting the Snakes 3-2 in Game 6 Saturday night before 2,564 fans.
“Your backs are against the wall. You’d like to think that Spruce Grove had the momentum winning the last two games. It’s either win and move on, or lose and go home,” said the former NHL defenceman.
“All our guys who have been here before set the tone early. It looks good on them, they deserve this. And that was a great hockey team we played, so this was very rewarding for them.”
The Snakes’ Jonathan Milhouse used his speed to set up the opening goal in the first period, hustling for a loose puck in the neutral zone to earn a partial shorthanded breakaway. After missing his shot, the Yorba Linda, Calif. product collected the rebound and set up Braden Pimm for a point-blank blast at 9:30.
On the very next shift, Vernon defenceman Kevin Kraus, also a California import, covered the puck in the crease during a goalmouth scramble, forcing referee Trevor Hanson to award the Saints a penalty shot. Jordan Draper beat netminder Graeme Gordon high, but rang his shot off the crossbar.
Spruce Grove equalized shortly after, as Scott Allen took a feed from Kodie Curran on a broken play and slid his shot under Gordon.
Curran and Allen were healthy scratches for Game 6 after they broke curfew with netminder Travis Rolheiser. The Saints dressed call-up netminder Jordan Cooke in place of Rolheiser, who was sent home Saturday.
The Saints briefly took the lead when Viper d-man Curtis Gedig giftwrapped a clearing pass from behind the net to Liam Darragh, who beat Gordon (26 saves) low at 16:34.
Vernon responded just 13 seconds later by rattling off three goals in a two-minute span to close out the first period. Pimm started the shooting spree as he cruised up the left wing and wired a shot top shelf over Marozzi’s shoulder.
Cory Kane then took a feed from Kraus, and beat Marozzi from the high slot at 16:47. Kellen Jones finished the onslaught with 65 seconds left in the frame, taking a drop pass from Sahir Gill and ripping a shot by Marozzi. It was one of the few times the Grove keeper has been caught out of position in this series.
“Tonight it seemed like they were hitting posts instead of us,” said Pimm, a third-year forward handed BCHL Player of the Week with 3+4 in the series. “We were getting the good bounces so I guess the hockey gods were smiling on us today.
“These games you play all year for. It’s Game 7; when you’re a kid you dream of playing in these kinds of games. It’s good to play in them and it’s good to be on the right end of it.”
Pimm, who has a scholarship with the NCAA Northeastern Huskies, was one of 11 Vipers playing his last game in Vernon. The likeable Fort St. John product made his way to the Snakes as a 17-year-old from the Notre Dame Hounds program in Wilcox, Sask.
“I’ve been away from home a lot since I was a kid. It’s a lot different here than Fort St. John. It’s a lot nicer and all the nice looking ladies, including my billet mom (Marlene Stark),” smiled Pimm. “I couldn’t ask for a better place.”
The Vipers made it 5-2 midway through the second period as Connor Jones got a stick on Kraus’s knuckleball point shot. The Saints salvaged a little momentum while on a powerplay in the final minute of the second as Draper crept in from the sidewall to fire a shot that snuck under Gordon’s arm.
The Vipers went into survival mode in the third period, putting up a defensive wall, and collapsing around Gordon whenever the Saints got a whiff of the net.
Connor Jones and Robbie Short recorded empty-netters 30 seconds apart in the final minute.
Short, a 20-year-old local product who will join the silver medalist junior B lacrosse Vernon Tigers after the RBC, was asked if winning ever gets old.
“It never gets old,” said the power winger, after his 293rd game as a Viper. “We kind of put ourselves in a tough position, Game 7, but there’s no more excitement than that and I think we came out and we were excited and we were confident and that’s what got us the win.”
Short said the Snakes tweaked their powerplay and talked about having fun while going hard.
“They have a good team. They never quit, at any point in any of the games. They came back on us a couple of times and they were down 3-1 and they came back so obviously a good character team. They obviously deserved to be No. 1 in Canada, I thought. They had an amazing season. It’s too bad we both can’t go on to the RBC.”
Kraus, who hoisted the Doyle Cup but is saving a victory lap for another trophy, echoed Short’s comments about success.
“It will never get old. It’s a great feeling. It was a good series. We were up 3-1 and we kind of got away from our game-plan for two games there and let ‘em back in the series, but we came back to win Game 7.”
Kraus, 20, figured the Vipers definitely brought their best to the final dance.
“We had a couple of let-downs in the first period, but other than that, we played a great, solid game. The fans were unreal. They’ve been unreal all playoffs. All three years I’ve been here, they’ve always came out and support us. It’s great to see them support my last game, personally. I’ll never forget this place. It’s going to be tough leaving and hopefully I’ll leave with another ring on my finger.”
Added Connor, who led the Vipers with six goals and four helpers in the Doyle series: “Everyone bought into our systems and we just played simple, and I think there’s no team that can outplay us when we play like that.”
A gracious Hamilton realized the Saints went up against an extraordinary, high-end Vernon team, the type of club which only comes around so often.
“It seems like kind of a skewed system when you have two teams of this quality facing off a week away from the big prize. I would have loved to have the opportunity to keep it going, but it wasn’t in the cards. In a different time maybe we would have had a lesser opponent, but it wouldn’t have been the same. This is the way it was meant to be. We gave them everything they could handle and I’m proud of that. These guys (Vipers) are an outstanding club and that was a lot to grind out for seven games.”
A red-eyed, numb and classy Tomlinson choked back the tears as he discussed the agony of defeat.
“This is definitely the lowest of all blows,” said the 21-year-old native of Irma, Alta. “We’re 83 games in this year and we put far more effort into this than we’ve ever done before and to lose is definitely a heartbreaker.”
Tomlinson said the Spruce Grove dressing room was rather surreal.
“It’s pretty quiet in there. Pretty silent. A few tears being shed. No words can explain it right now. It’s just a tough time.”
The gritty Tomlinson realizes his teammates will be soulmates for life after a record-setting season.
“What we’ve done is awesome and I’m super proud of the guys and the effort and battle and fight they all have, but the ultimate goal was to go to the RBC and win it of course and we came up short.”
Defenceman Wes McLeod, exchanged hugs with the Jones twins – teammates for Team West in the World Junior A Hockey Challenge last November – in the handshake. The 20-year-old Kamloops product who will play NCAA in Anchorage, Alaska next fall, had a strong game, skating well and making some pinpoint outlet passes.
“I haven’t felt this numb in my entire life,” said McLeod, 15 minutes after the loss. “It’s a tough feeling, it’s tough to swallow. He (Hamilton) hasn’t really said much to us. Everybody’s kind of down in the dumps right now but I’ve never been part of a team this close before in my entire life and we stick by each other the best we can. They’re a good team over there and the game could have went either way.”
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Pimm Named Player Of The Week:
Pimm named BCHL POW following two goals in Game 7Monday, April 26, 2010 - Submitted by BCHL Media
Vernon Vipers forward Braden Pimm has been named the British Columbia Hockey League's Player of the Week for the week ending April 26th, the league announced Monday.
Pimm's week was highlighted by a pair of goals against the Spruce Grove Saints in Game 7 of the 2010 Doyle Cup. In that game, the 20-year old scored Vernon's opening goal on a shorthanded effort midway through the first period and later netted the tying goal en route to a Vipers' win.
The Fort St. John, B.C. product also contributed assists in Games 4 and 5, setting up a pair of power-play goals by linemate Mike Collins. Pimm finished the seven-game series with three goals and four assists.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Royal Bank Cup Tickets & Info:
This is posted on the Vipers website:
RBC family, friends and fans accommodation
by viper staff | Added 2010-04-26
The Manigaming Resort is offering family, friends and fans of the Vernon Vipers great deals on accommodations and shuttle buses to those traveling to Dauphin. Please cantact Manigaming Resort directly to book your room and let them know you are cheering on the Vipers!
Phone: 204-848-2459
Email :info@manigamingresort.com
Website:www.manigamingresort.com
3 Bedroom Chalet $160.00 per room per night
2 Bedroom Chalet $130.00 per room per night
Hotel suites $100.00 per room per night
Motel suites $70.00 per room per night
A Viper Group discount of 20% off above rates is now being offered and Viper fans have already booked some rooms!
Charter bus pick-up and drop-off available from Winnipeg Airport (Group Bookings Only)
Charter Bus shuttle from Manigaming Resort to Arena available for Group bookings.
Full kitchens, living room, dining room, deck, satellite TV, free wireless internet.
RBC family, friends and fans accommodation
by viper staff | Added 2010-04-26
The Manigaming Resort is offering family, friends and fans of the Vernon Vipers great deals on accommodations and shuttle buses to those traveling to Dauphin. Please cantact Manigaming Resort directly to book your room and let them know you are cheering on the Vipers!
Phone: 204-848-2459
Email :info@manigamingresort.com
Website:www.manigamingresort.com
3 Bedroom Chalet $160.00 per room per night
2 Bedroom Chalet $130.00 per room per night
Hotel suites $100.00 per room per night
Motel suites $70.00 per room per night
A Viper Group discount of 20% off above rates is now being offered and Viper fans have already booked some rooms!
Charter bus pick-up and drop-off available from Winnipeg Airport (Group Bookings Only)
Charter Bus shuttle from Manigaming Resort to Arena available for Group bookings.
Full kitchens, living room, dining room, deck, satellite TV, free wireless internet.
Let The Games Begin, Field Set For 2010 RBC Cup:
This is posted on the Royal Bank Cup website:April 26, 2010
RBC.011
LET THE GAMES BEGIN: FIELD SET FOR 2010 RBC CUP
The all-time winningest team in National Junior A Championship history and a pair of first-timers highlight the five teams who will take to the ice in Dauphin, Man. beginning this Saturday at the 2010 RBC Cup.
The Dauphin Kings and La Ronge Ice Wolves knew they would both have a shot at a national championship even before their Anavet Cup series began, but the teams still slugged it out in a five-game series, with the Kings claiming West Region bragging rights. Both the Kings and Ice Wolves will make their national tournament debut at Credit Union Place.
The Kings were unchallenged in the MJHL this season, losing just once in the postseason on their way to their first league title since 1993. Dauphin is a remarkable 38-2-1 on home ice this season, something that could bode well for it once the 2010 RBC Cup begins.
The Ice Wolves won their first-ever SJHL championship as the seventh ranked of 12 teams in the playoffs, and were within three seconds of a 2-0 series lead on the mighty Kings before faltering. Don’t be surprised to see the Ice Wolves play a little overtime during the 2010 RBC Cup – 11 of their 26 playoff games needed extra time to decide.
The Vernon Vipers are back to defend their national title, looking to become the first team since, well, themselves to win back-to-back RBC Cups – the Vipers were national champions in 1990 and 1991, when they were known as the Lakers. Thirteen players are back from the team that beat Humboldt 2-0 in the national championship game one year ago in Victoria, B.C.
Despite losing just nine of 60 regular season games, the Vipers were pushed to the limit twice in the playoffs, needing seven games to beat the Powell River Kings for the BCHL title, and seven more to eliminate the Spruce Grove Saints to win the Doyle Cup for Pacific Region supremacy. Vernon led the Saints three games to one, but needed a three-goals-in-2:08 spurt in Game 7 to ensure they’d have a chance to repeat.
The Oakville Blades added three trophies to their collection en route to Dauphin, taking the OJAHL championship with a thrilling seven-game victory over Kingston – all seven games were decided by one goal, four in overtime, including Game 7 – the Buckland Cup as OHA champions after knocking off the Newmarket Hurricanes in six games, and the Dudley Hewitt Cup as Central Region champions.
The Blades ran undefeated through the regional tournament, beating the Abitibi Eskimos (NOJHL), Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL) and Fort William North Stars (SIJHL) to reach the final, where they won a 2-1 nailbiter over the North Stars to advance to Dauphin. It’s the second time in three years the Blades will play for the national championship – they missed the semifinals in Cornwall, Ont. in 2008 after a 1-3 round-robin record.
The Brockville Braves have advanced to the 2010 RBC Cup despite not winning their league championship. Owners of a CJHL-record 26-game winning streak during the regular season, the Braves were dropped in five games by the Pembroke Lumber Kings in the CJHL final, but got a second life as hosts of the Fred Page Cup.
Undefeated in the round robin after wins over Woodstock (MJAHL), Pembroke and Terrebonne (LHJAAAQ), Brockville once again faced off with the Lumber Kings in the regional final, romping to a 5-1 victory and their first trip to the RBC Cup since 1998. The Braves are still looking for their first national-tournament win – they went 0-4 in Nanaimo, B.C. in ’98.
EST - Brockville Braves
HST - Dauphin Kings
WST - La Ronge Ice Wolves
CEN - Oakville Blades
PAC - Vernon Vipers
Schedule/Results
Gm # Time Game/Result Group Round Arena Location
Saturday, May 1, 2010
1 02:00 PM CT CEN - WST - Preliminary Credit Union Place Dauphin, Man., CAN
2 07:00 PM CT PAC - HST - Preliminary Credit Union Place Dauphin, Man., CAN
Sunday, May 2, 2010
3 02:00 PM CT EST - CEN - Preliminary Credit Union Place Dauphin, Man., CAN
4 07:00 PM CT WST - PAC - Preliminary Credit Union Place Dauphin, Man., CAN
Monday, May 3, 2010
5 07:00 PM CT HST - EST - Preliminary Credit Union Place Dauphin, Man., CAN
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
6 02:00 PM CT CEN - PAC - Preliminary Credit Union Place Dauphin, Man., CAN
7 07:00 PM WST - HST - Preliminary Credit Union Place Dauphin, Man., CAN
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
8 02:00 PM CT PAC - EST - Preliminary Credit Union Place Dauphin, Man., CAN
9 07:00 PM CT HST - CEN - Preliminary Credit Union Place Dauphin, Man., CAN
Thursday, May 6, 2010
10 07:00 PM CT EST - WST - Preliminary Credit Union Place Dauphin, Man., CAN
Friday, May 7, 2010
Saturday, May 8, 2010
11 02:00 PM CT 4 - 1 - Semi-Final Credit Union Place Dauphin, Man., CAN
12 07:00 PM CT 3 - 2 - Semi-Final Credit Union Place Dauphin, Man., CAN
Sunday, May 9, 2010
13 TBD CT W12 - W11 - Championship Credit Union Place Dauphin, Man., CAN
Shame On You Viper Fans!
After attending last night’s Game 7 of the Doyle Cup I was very disappointed with the attendance. The Vernon Vipers are the defending Royal Bank Cup Champions and had the second best record in team history and the so called hockey fan’s of Vernon can’t come out and support this team during this great playoff run. For the quality of hockey and great entertainment value you think more people would come out to watch some great playoff hockey. In Game 7 of the Fred Page Cup just over 3000 fan’s packed the Wesbild Centre to cheer on and watch the Vipers win back to back Fred Page Cup Championships with a very exciting 2-1 victory over the Powell River Kings. Now with the Vipers season coming to an end, the fan’s don’t come out and support this team in the Doyle Cup and it’s last few home games of the season. Where did over 1,300 people go from one Game 7 to the next? For Game 7 of last night’s Doyle Cup and the final home game of the season for the Vipers only 1,770 people come out to watch the Vipers defeat Spruce Grove 7-3 to win back to back Doyle Cup Championships for the first time since the 1991-1992 Vernon Lakers. Last night was the final home game Viper fans had the chance of watching, Connor Jones, Kellen Jones, Braden Pimm, Cory Kane, Jonathan Milhouse, Rob Short, Dan Nycholat, Kevin Kraus, Curtis Gedig, Sahir Gill, Mike Collins, Cole Ikkala and Graeme Gordon. All of these young men wont be back next year. Some of these kids have been in a Vipers jersey since the 2006 season and this is the thanks they get? The so called hockey fan’s of Vernon can’t even get close to a sellout in the Vipers final home game of the year, and not just any game, a Game 7 for the Doyle Cup. I couldn’t believe last night’s attendance. For the size of Vernon, there is no excuse why the Wesbild Centre can’t be close to full each and every night. Shame on you Vernon!
Vipers Win Record 7th Doyle Cup:
The Vernon Vipers won their record 7th Doyle Cup last night with a 7-3 win over the Spruce Grove Saints and now advance to the Royal Bank Cup in Dauphin Manitoba. Here's a look at all previous Doyle Cup winner's.The Doyle Cup was donated by Penticton businessman Pete Doyle and his family in 1985 and is presented to the winner of the Best-of-7 series between the BCHL and AJHL playoff champions. Since the Cup was introduced the BCHL has won 16 of 25 championships. Vernon (BCHL) has won the most titles with SIX, followed by the Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL) with four. Penticton and Surrey are the only other B.C. teams to have won multiple Doyle Cups.
From 1968 to 1984 there were 15 B.C./Alberta Championships as the event was not contested in 1970 or 1979. The BCHL won six titles, the AJHL captured eight championships and the Richmond Sockeyes of the PCJHL won in 1977. Penticton was the only B.C. team to win multiple BC/Alberta Championships.
The Winner of the Doyle Cup advances to the RBC Cup, Canada's National Junior A Hockey Championship, as the representative for the Pacific Region.
DOYLE CUP RESULTS
YEAR BCHL REPRESENTATIVE DOYLE CUP SERIES RESULT
2010 Vernon Vipers won 4-3 over Spruce Grove
2009 Vernon Vipers Won 4-0 over Grand Prairie Storm
2008 Penticton Vees Lost 4-1 to Camrose Kodiaks
2007 Nanaimo Clippers Lost 4-1 to Camrose Kodiaks
2006 Burnaby Express Won 4-2 over Fort McMurray Oil Barons
2005 Surrey Eagles Lost 4-1 to Camrose Kodiaks
2004 Nanaimo Clippers Won 4-1 over Grand Prairie Storm
2003 Vernon Vipers Lost 4-2 to Camrose Kodiaks
2002 Chilliwack Chiefs Won 4-2 over Drayton Valley Thunder
2001 Victoria Salsa Lost 4-2 to Camrose Kodiaks
2000 Chilliwack Chiefs Lost 4-1 to Fort McMurray Oil Barons
1999 Vernon Vipers Won 4-1 over Calgary Canucks
1998 South Surrey Eagles Won 4-2 over St. Albert Saints
1997 South Surrey Eagles Won 4-1 over Fort McMurray Oil Barons
1996 Vernon Vipers Won 4-3 over St. Albert Saints
1995 Chilliwack Chiefs Lost 4-3 to Calgary Canucks
1994 Kelowna Spartans Lost 4-2 to Olds Grizzlies
1993 Kelowna Spartans Won 4-1 over Olds Grizzlies
1992 Vernon Lakers Won 4-3 over Olds Grizzlies
1991 Vernon Lakers Won 4-1 over Calgary Royals
1990 New Westminster Royals Won 4-0 over Calgary Canucks
1989 Vernon Lakers Won 4-2 over Red Deer Rustlers
1988 Vernon Lakers Lost 4-0 to Calgary Canucks
1987 Richmond Sockeyes Won 4-3 over Red Deer Rustlers
1986 Penticton Knights Won 4-1 over Calgary Canucks
1985 Penticton Knights Won 4-1 over Red Deer Rustlers
ALBERTA/B.C.SERIES RESULT
1984 Langley Eagles Won 4-2 over Fort Saskatchewan Traders
1983 Abbotsford Flyers Won 4-0 over Calgary Canucks
1982 Penticton Knights Lost 4-3 to St. Albert Saints
1981 Penticton Knights Lost 4-1 to St. Albert Saints
1980 Penticton Knights Lost 4-0 to Red Deer Rustlers
1979 N/A N/A
1978 Merritt Centennials Won 4-2 over Calgary Canucks
1977 Richmond Sockeyes Won over Calgary Canucks
1976 Richmond Sockeyes Lost 4-1 to Spruce Grove Mets
1975 Bellingham Blazers Lost 4-2 to Spruce Grove Mets
1974 Kelowna Buckaroos Won 4-1 over Red Deer Rustlers
1973 Penticton Broncos Won 4-1 over Calgary Canucks
1972 Vernon Essos Lost 4-2 to Red Deer Rustlers
1971 Penticton Broncos Lost 4-3 to Red Deer Rustlers
1970 N/A N/A
1969 Victoria Cougars Lost 4-2 to Lethbridge Sugar Kings
1968 Penticton Broncos Won 4-1 over Edmonton Western
Mud On The Wall:
This past Thursday I had posted an article that Mario Annicchiarico from the Edmonton Journal had wrote called "Candidates galore available"
http://vipersdiehardfan.blogspot.com/2010/04/ferners-name-comes-up-in-edmonton.html
Vernon Vipers head coach & gm Mark Ferner's name had been mentioned in the long list of coaching canidates for the WHL's Edmonton Oil Kings coaching job. Well I come across a good article that Gregg Drinnan has posted on this story over the weekend on his blog. Check it out,
Mud on the wall
It was after the firing of head coach Steve Pleau by the Edmonton Oil Kings that Mario Annicchiarico of the Edmonton Journal chose to throw a bunch of mud against a wall to see what might stick. In a story headlined “Candidates galore available”, Annicchiarico listed no fewer than 14 potential candidates to replace Pleau.
Here they are:
Boris Rybalka, the GM/head coach of the AJHL’s Camrose Kodiaks.
Steve Hamilton, the GM/head coach of the AJHL’s Spruce Grove Saints.
Mark Ferner, the GM/head coach of the BCHL’s Vernon Vipers.
Kevin Constantine, a former Everett Silvertips head coach who was fired a couple of weeks ago by the NHL’s Minnesota Wild as head coach of the AHL’s Houston Aeros.
Rick Carriere, a former Medicine Hat Tigers head coach who is teaching at the Vimy Ridge Hockey Academy in Edmonton these days and working with the Tigers as an executive assistant.
Ken Hitchcock, a veteran NHL head coach who was fired earlier this season by the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Shaun Clouston, the associate coach with the Medicine Hat Tigers.
Terry Virtue, an assistant coach with the Tri-City Americans.
John Becanic, a former Everett Silvertips head coach who spent this season as an assistant with the Seattle Thunderbirds and whose contract won’t be renewed.
Michael Dyck, who was fired a year ago as head coach of the Lethbridge Hurricanes and was an assistant coach with the U of Lethbridge Pronghorns this season.
Derek Laxdal, who is in his fifth season as director of hockey operations and head coach of the ECHL’s Idaho Steelheads.
Kevin McClelland, who won’t be back as head coach of the Central league’s Colorado Eagles. Whoops! He will be introduced Monday as head coach of the Wichita Thunder.
Billy Moores, a former U of Alberta head coach and Oilers assistant coach who now scouts for the NHL team. He also spent one season as the Regina Pats’ GM/head coach.
Rob Daum, a former WHL and U of Alberta head coach who spent this season as head coach of the Springfield Falcons, the Oilers’ AHL affiliate.
Phew! That’s a lot of mud.
In fact, one of the men on this list emailed me, writing: “How do these guys get away with such irresponsible journalism? I guess if you throw enough names in there you might hit on one. There was sure a lot of name dropping there. I love the Ken Hitchcock one . . . sure he would love to get back on the old iron lung.”
Come on. Let’s get serious here.
Somehow, I don’t think Hitchcock is licking his lips at the thought of touring around Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest on a bus after all those years in the NHL. So stroke his name off the list.
Take off Carriere’s name, too. He loves what he’s doing right now and has no desire to jump back into the coaching game.
Billy Moores? One of the nicest men in the game, he absolutely hated the wheeling-and-dealing part of it when he was with the Pats for the 1985-86 season. Take him off the list.
Rybalka, Hamilton and Ferner? Take them off the list because it is doubtful that any WHL team in the market for a head coach will take someone out of the junior A ranks. Why not? If you are at all close to those who work within the WHL, you are aware that the animosity runs deep. There is a reason why the number of junior A coaches who move directly into WHL head-coaching jobs are few and far between. “Those Tier 2 guys are working against the WHL” is how one WHL executive put it after Pleau was fired. There is absolutely no love lost between WHL teams and the staffs of junior A clubs.
But, ahh, let’s cut to the chase . . .
The best candidate on the Journal’s list -- the stickiest piece of mud, if you will -- is Shaun Clouston. His head-coaching career consists basically of part of one season (2002-03) with the Tri-City Americans. The brother of former Kootenay Ice head coach Cory Clouston, now the head coach of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, has been with the Tigers since Aug, 9, 2003 -- he was named associate coach in July 2007 -- and he and his family have carved out a comfortable existence in The Hat.
Whether he aspires to be a head coach, whether he would want to uproot his family, whether he would prefer to be the head coach-in-waiting in Medicine Hat all remain to be seen.
One thing is for sure, though. With the calibre of coaching in the WHL these days, Oil Kings general manager Bob Green won’t be rushing into anything. He knows that he can’t afford to make a mistake.
http://vipersdiehardfan.blogspot.com/2010/04/ferners-name-comes-up-in-edmonton.html
Vernon Vipers head coach & gm Mark Ferner's name had been mentioned in the long list of coaching canidates for the WHL's Edmonton Oil Kings coaching job. Well I come across a good article that Gregg Drinnan has posted on this story over the weekend on his blog. Check it out,
Mud on the wall
It was after the firing of head coach Steve Pleau by the Edmonton Oil Kings that Mario Annicchiarico of the Edmonton Journal chose to throw a bunch of mud against a wall to see what might stick. In a story headlined “Candidates galore available”, Annicchiarico listed no fewer than 14 potential candidates to replace Pleau.
Here they are:
Boris Rybalka, the GM/head coach of the AJHL’s Camrose Kodiaks.
Steve Hamilton, the GM/head coach of the AJHL’s Spruce Grove Saints.
Mark Ferner, the GM/head coach of the BCHL’s Vernon Vipers.
Kevin Constantine, a former Everett Silvertips head coach who was fired a couple of weeks ago by the NHL’s Minnesota Wild as head coach of the AHL’s Houston Aeros.
Rick Carriere, a former Medicine Hat Tigers head coach who is teaching at the Vimy Ridge Hockey Academy in Edmonton these days and working with the Tigers as an executive assistant.
Ken Hitchcock, a veteran NHL head coach who was fired earlier this season by the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Shaun Clouston, the associate coach with the Medicine Hat Tigers.
Terry Virtue, an assistant coach with the Tri-City Americans.
John Becanic, a former Everett Silvertips head coach who spent this season as an assistant with the Seattle Thunderbirds and whose contract won’t be renewed.
Michael Dyck, who was fired a year ago as head coach of the Lethbridge Hurricanes and was an assistant coach with the U of Lethbridge Pronghorns this season.
Derek Laxdal, who is in his fifth season as director of hockey operations and head coach of the ECHL’s Idaho Steelheads.
Kevin McClelland, who won’t be back as head coach of the Central league’s Colorado Eagles. Whoops! He will be introduced Monday as head coach of the Wichita Thunder.
Billy Moores, a former U of Alberta head coach and Oilers assistant coach who now scouts for the NHL team. He also spent one season as the Regina Pats’ GM/head coach.
Rob Daum, a former WHL and U of Alberta head coach who spent this season as head coach of the Springfield Falcons, the Oilers’ AHL affiliate.
Phew! That’s a lot of mud.
In fact, one of the men on this list emailed me, writing: “How do these guys get away with such irresponsible journalism? I guess if you throw enough names in there you might hit on one. There was sure a lot of name dropping there. I love the Ken Hitchcock one . . . sure he would love to get back on the old iron lung.”
Come on. Let’s get serious here.
Somehow, I don’t think Hitchcock is licking his lips at the thought of touring around Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest on a bus after all those years in the NHL. So stroke his name off the list.
Take off Carriere’s name, too. He loves what he’s doing right now and has no desire to jump back into the coaching game.
Billy Moores? One of the nicest men in the game, he absolutely hated the wheeling-and-dealing part of it when he was with the Pats for the 1985-86 season. Take him off the list.
Rybalka, Hamilton and Ferner? Take them off the list because it is doubtful that any WHL team in the market for a head coach will take someone out of the junior A ranks. Why not? If you are at all close to those who work within the WHL, you are aware that the animosity runs deep. There is a reason why the number of junior A coaches who move directly into WHL head-coaching jobs are few and far between. “Those Tier 2 guys are working against the WHL” is how one WHL executive put it after Pleau was fired. There is absolutely no love lost between WHL teams and the staffs of junior A clubs.
But, ahh, let’s cut to the chase . . .
The best candidate on the Journal’s list -- the stickiest piece of mud, if you will -- is Shaun Clouston. His head-coaching career consists basically of part of one season (2002-03) with the Tri-City Americans. The brother of former Kootenay Ice head coach Cory Clouston, now the head coach of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, has been with the Tigers since Aug, 9, 2003 -- he was named associate coach in July 2007 -- and he and his family have carved out a comfortable existence in The Hat.
Whether he aspires to be a head coach, whether he would want to uproot his family, whether he would prefer to be the head coach-in-waiting in Medicine Hat all remain to be seen.
One thing is for sure, though. With the calibre of coaching in the WHL these days, Oil Kings general manager Bob Green won’t be rushing into anything. He knows that he can’t afford to make a mistake.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)