Bulldogs Sign Former Viper Tryout Keca:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have added defenceman, Marley Keca to their roster. Keca attended the Vernon Vipers training camp the past two years but was cut. Keca played played last year with the BCHL Quesnel Millionaires & the KIJHL North Okanagan Knights. Keca was recently released by the WHL Kelowna Rockets. The Bulldogs now have four former Vernon Vipers on their roster. Marley Keca, Sawyer Mick, Trent Dorais & Frank Riddle.

This is posted on the Alberni Valley website:

Bulldogs Add Keca

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Submitted by Alberni Valley Bulldogs

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs would like to announce the signing of 93 D Marley Keca. Keca played 17 games last season tallying 1 goal and 3 assists with the Quesnel Millionaires.

“Marley is a smooth skating defenceman that we have had our eye on for a year. He has a ton of upside and will make an immediate impact to our team,” states Bulldogs GM/Head Coach Paul Esdale. “We look forward to Marley joining the Bulldog organization and expect big things from him,” adds Esdale.

Keca will be in the lineup tonight when Alberni takes on the Powell River Kings.

Former Viper Goaltender Sibbald Signs With Thunder:

Former Vernon Vipers goaltender, Mark Sibbald has signed with the CHL Wichita Thunder. Sibbald played two seasons in Vernon (2003-05) before playing four years at Brown University.

This is posted on the Thunder website:

Thunder Signs Two Netminders

Sep 27, 2010

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder added three more players to their roster on Monday, signing goaltenders Marty Magers and Mark Sibbald as well as forward Ryan Driscoll.

Magers heads into his sixth season of professional hockey with a career 3.06 goals against average and a .909 save percentage. The 27-year old appeared in 22 games last season for the Tulsa Oilers with marks of 3.51 and .904. Magers' 54 saves (on 55 shots on goal) during a shootout victory at Rio Grande Valley on December 29th were the most by any CHL goaltender in a single game last season.

A fourth-round draft pick by the Buffalo Sabers in 2002, Magers went 14-12-2 in 2008-09 for the playoff-bound Rocky Mountain Rage where he was a teammate of Brent Cullaton. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Magers' 2.83 goals against average that season ranked 10th in the league while his .909 save percentage finished eighth. The Plainfield, IL native was most dominant during a brief stint for the ECHL's Bakersfield Condors in 2005-06. Magers had an 8-1-0 record with lines of 2.19 and .932 in 11 games. Magers played four seasons of junior hockey from 2000-2004, all in the OHL and USHL.

Sibbald enters his second professional season after splitting time among three teams and two leagues in 2009-10. The Ridgeway, Ontario native opened, and finished, his rookie campaign with eventual SPHL champion Huntsville. Sibbald anchored the Havoc crease with a 2.82 goals against average and a .910 save percentage that produced a 15-4-3 record. In between his tours with Huntsville, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound Sibbald was 5-4-1 during an 11-game stint for the Mississippi RiverKings, including a stretch where he won five consecutive starts in an eight-day span from January 22nd-29th. The 26-year old also appeared in one game for the Laredo Bucks.

Driscoll is a true rookie who completed his collegiate career last spring at Holy Cross College. The 23-year old scored two goals and three assists in 35 games as a senior. A native of Dorchester, MA, Driscoll scored 58 points in 142 career college games with 74 PIM.

The Thunder also removed forward Adam Knight from their roster who announced his retirement last week.

Former Viper Fraser Re-Signs With Aces:

Former Vernon Vipers forward, Curtis Fraser has re-signed with the ECHL Alaska Aces. Fraser played just one season in Vernon (2002-03) before playing four years at University of Alaska Fairbanks.

This is posted on the Aces website:

Aces Re-Sign Curtis Fraser, Add Assistant Coach

Sep 21, 2010

Anchorage, AK - The Alaska Aces have re-signed forward, Curtis Fraser for the 2010-2011 season, Head Coach Brent Thompson announced on Tuesday. Fraser appeared in 17 games for Alaska last season, and joins the roster as the third returning player from 2009-2010.

Fraser, 28, returns for his second season in Alaska, following an injury-plagued year that limited him to just 17 games in 2009-2010. However, in spite of his minimal playing time, Fraser was still nearly a point per game producer, totaling 13 points (8g, 5a) in 17 games. He also was able to return late in the season to appear in four playoff games for the Aces. The upcoming campaign will be the second full season in the ECHL for the Surrey, British Columbia native. From 2007-2009, Fraser spent two seasons in the American Hockey League for the San Antonio Rampage and Peoria Rivermen, respectively. The 6'2", 200 lbs. forward is playoff tested, appearing in four different postseasons throughout his four-plus year career. Fraser has played in six AHL playoff games, and in 2008, he played in 16 playoff games for the Las Vegas Wranglers. He finished that post season tied for third in team goals with seven, while helping lead Las Vegas to the Kelly Cup Finals. Prior to his pro career, Fraser laid roots in Alaska, playing four seasons of collegiate hockey for the University of Alaska - Fairbanks. While with the Nanooks, he posted 114 points (59g, 55a) in 148 games. Fraser's addition to the roster joins veterans Scott Burt and Bryan Miller as the three current returning members from last year's squad.

On Tuesday the Aces also announced the addition of former defenseman, Louis Mass to their coaching staff. Mass will assume the position of Assistant Coach in charge of Player Development, Strength & Conditioning. The 33-year old Mass is originally from Anchorage, and had a five-year career in the ECHL. A product of Bowling Green State University, Mass ended his pro career with three seasons with the Aces. From 2003-2006, Mass played in 180 regular season, and 22 postseason games for Alaska. He finished his Aces career with 38 points (7g, 31a) and 263 penalty minutes. In other team news, the Aces announced that last week they traded the rights to forward Alex Imbeault to Florida, and the rights to defenseman, Nick Tuzzolino to Wheeling in exchange for future considerations.

Former Vernon Lakers Captain Ramsay Back For Second Season With Oilers:

Former Vernon Lakers captain, Bruce Ramsay enters his second season with the CHL Tulsa Oilers as the teams head coach. Ramsay played just one season in Vernon helping the 1989-90 Vernon Lakers win their first Centennial Cup in a thrilling 6-5 overtime win over the highly favorite New Westminster Royals. Ramsay was named the Oilers head coach back in May 2009. Ramsay comes to the Oilers after the past three seasons coaching the Muskegon Fury of the International Hockey League where he had nearly a .600 winning percentage (127-82-19). He brings a wealth of championship experience, having won 10 championships as a player, and he also is familiar with the Central Hockey League, having played for the Wichita Thunder in the 2000-01. Ramsay joins the Oilers fresh off a trip to the Turner Cup final in the IHL. One of Ramsay’s former Vernon Laker teammates David Oliver is GM of the AHL Lake Erie Monsters, the Monsters are affliated with the Tulsa Oilers.

This is posted on the Central Hockey Leagues website:

In his second season as the head coach of the Oilers, Bruce Ramsay wants to continue on the progress the team made in the 2009-10 season.

Ramsay led the Oilers to a 19 point improvement last season, second best improvement in the Central Hockey League. But he knows the Oilers can’t sit on that accomplishment.

“The goal is always to win the championship,” Ramsay said. “That’s what it’s all about and that’s what people remember. If it’s not your goal, you’re in the wrong business.”

And he knows a thing or 10 about winning titles. Throughout his playing career, Ramsay played on 10 championship teams. And he is eager to create that kind of championship buzz in the BOK Center.

“I had heard the fans really support the Oilers but I didn’t realize how much the community wants this team to succeed until I got here and everybody was telling me good luck, asking what they can do to help, and it was really great to hear. Now we just have to give the winning team they deserve. And we will.”

Longtime astute observers of the CHL may remember Ramsay with the 2000-01 Wichita Thunder. In classic “Rammer” style he collected 11 goals and 24 assists for 35 points that year, all while also serving 364 penalty minutes. No one could ever accuse him of being shy from the rough stuff.

Ramsay had more than 300 penalty minutes eight times in his career and twice went over the 400 mark. But even with that, he also had double digits in goals four times in his career, and never had a full season where he had less than double digits in points.

After three years as a player assistant coach at the end of his playing career, Ramsay began his head coaching career in St. Petersburg, Fla., in the Atlantic Coast Hockey League. He then had stops in Port Huron and Muskegon in the United Hockey League (later the International Hockey League which has teamed with the CHL this season) and in seven seasons as a head coach has compiled a .576 winning percentage at 225-160-43.

He envisions a young enthusiastic, hungry team. “Our guys are going to leave everything on the ice every game. No team should ever outwork us.”

And that will lead to more progress and Ramsay hopes the ultimate goal.

Former Viper Mick Seeks Best Route To Pro Ranks:

This is in todays Alberni Valley Times Newspaper:

Mick seeks best route to pro ranks

Shayne Morrow, Alberni Valley Times

Published: Wednesday, September 29, 2010

It hasn't been the straightest route for Alberni Valley Bulldog forward Sawyer Mick, but he's determined to fit in a university education and a pro hockey career, one way or another.

Mick grew up in Vernon, where he played in the local minor hockey system through Bantam. During that final season in Vernon, he played on a line with future Bulldog teammate Trent Dorais, but then their paths diverged.

"I went to Kelowna to play for their Major Midget team when I was 15, while Trent stayed home and played AAA Midget," Mick said. "When I was 15, I went to the Vancouver Giants (Western Hockey League) camp, and got on their 50-man protected list."

Mick was subsequently picked up by the WHL Portland Winter Hawks and played 42 games in major junior when he was 17. That cut off his eligibility for an NCAA scholarship, but he doesn't regret the experience.

"Obviously, it was a step up, and I got better playing against the Evander Kanes and the Jamie Bennns," Mick said. "I played for the [B.C. Hockey League] Vernon Vipers last year. That means I lost the NCAA route, so I'm focusing on the CIS [Canadian Interuniversity Sport]."

Mick said that while the level of play at CIS schools is comparable to the NCAA, the scholarships aren't as comprehensive.

"In the short term, I plan to go to college, and if a pro career becomes an option, it's a good thing to go for," he said.

Vipers Roll Road Wins:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers roll road wins

Published: September 28, 2010

Some major team bonding on a long bus ride home and a 6-0 shutout win over the Prince George Spruce Kings in a Sunday matinee capped a solid weekend for the Vernon Vipers.

The Vipers, who got to Wesbild Centre just after 1 a.m. Monday, grounded the Quesnel Millionaires 5-2 Saturday night at The Vault. Vernon is 4-3-0-1 and with 14 new players on their roster, captain David Robinson says the team is growing together nicely.

“It was good to get on the bus early in the season and find out what everybody’s about,” said Robinson. “Surprisingly, all is good in the dressing room. Everyone’s learning to get on the same page, and learning the new systems. We’re all buddies and getting along which makes it easier for us older guys because we don’t have to deal with any problems.”

Three newbies registered their first B.C. Hockey League goals on the final two days of the trip which began with a 3-1 loss Friday night in Prince George. Kyle Murphy kept the puck after the Vipers’ final goal in Quesnel, while defenceman Malcolm Lyles and forward Todd Skirving each netted their first G-notes Sunday.

“We definitely played a lot better on Saturday and Sunday,” said Robinson. “We found a way to put the puck in the net. It was nice to see some of the new guys score. The new kids have so much talent it was only a matter of time before they started scoring.”

First star Trevor Fitzgerald, a Vernon product, scored a pair of solo goals Sunday, one on a breakaway and one shorthanded. His linemates Skirving and Colton Sparrow did some fine forechecking to create his first goal. Skirving outraced a couple of defenders to score on another breakaway, while leading Viper sniper Dylan Walchuk (6th) and Murphy completed the offence in front of Blake Voth (16 saves).

Rookie goaltender Kirk Thompson turned aside 34 saves in the loss. The Spruce Kings dropped to 1-5 before 525 fans at the Coliseum.

The Vipers went 4-for-9 on the powerplay while holding the Mills to nothing on eight chances before 660 fans.

Michael Zalewski, Bryce Kakoske, d-man Stevie Weinstein (first star) and Murphy supplied powerplay tallies, while Fitzgerald had the lone even-strength goal. Skirving drew two helpers.

The Vipers held period leads of 2-0 and 3-0 and went in front 4-0 just 41 seconds into the third period before Justin Hogan responded for the Mills 70 seconds later.

Murphy made it 5-1 with seven minutes left to play, while Derek Huisman beat Voth with 5:34 to go. Vernon outshot Quesnel 35-15 with Kirby Halcrow taking the loss while also drawing a pair of roughing minors midway through the third.

Halcrow also cut Robinson in the mouth for three stitches, a swing that was undetected by referee Justin Neufeld.

“He got me with his stick in the face and he meant to,” said Robinson. “It wasn’t vicious but he was trying to hit me. I gave him a little whack when I went by him.”

Devin Balness of the Mills took a run at Voth at the buzzer and Viper d-man Elliot Richardson took on Balness. The Vipers visit the Trail Smoke Eaters (6-3) Friday night before hosting the Cowichan Valley Capitals (2-4) Saturday night.

San Jose Assigns Former Viper Brodie To Worcester:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman, Cameron Brodie who helped the Vernon Vipers win the 2009 Royal Bank Cup landed a tryout job with the NHL San Jose Sharks but on September 17th was one of 14 Sharks players assigned to the AHL Worcester Sharks. Brodie played just one season in Vernon (2008-09) In 12 games last year with the UBC Thunderbirds Brodie collected (2-1-3).

Basara Brings A Championship Pedigree:

This is posted on Sssnipers Blog:

Basara Brings a Championship Pedigree

Don Klepp

Winners are drawn to winning programs, so it’s no surprise that Marcus Basara ended up in Vernon.

The 17-year-old Coquitlam native played the last two years at Notre Dame College in Wilcox, Saskatchewan. He was a prominent member of the 2010 Telus Cup champion Notre Dame Hounds, registering 37 goals and 28 assists in 43 games.

He was the Hounds’ top scorer and second in the league in goals. That’s no small feat in an AAA Midget league whose representative has won five of the last Telus Cups and six of the last ten.

Marcus was courted by the WHL Prince Albert Raiders, who coveted the speedy winger’s scoring touch. However, he chose the Vipers because, as he says, “I always wanted to come here. That record speaks for itself. Those national championships – you know they’re doing something right in Vernon!”

It didn’t hurt that Patrick McGillis, a Notre Dame alumnus who was the Hounds’ captain in 2008-2009, was already on the Viper roster. “Yes, it was pretty cool to come here and suit up with Pat; he was a real leader with the Hounds.”

Marcus was scouted and recruited by Viper head scout Larry Black, who impressed Marcus and his parents, Milos and Karen, with a common-sense approach. The Basara family was also won over by the support shown by the Vipers for the players’ education.

Along with five team mates, Marcus is enrolled in the High Performers program at Vernon Secondary School. His ambition, like most of the Vipers, is to earn an athletic scholarship to an NCAA hockey power.

When asked about his goals for this year, he says, “I just want to work hard every time I’m on the ice. I guess my ultimate goal is to get noticed by some colleges, so I can continue to play good hockey and get a good education, too. But in the meantime, it’s important to have fun, to enjoy the game. I love hockey, and it’s really fun when your hard work gives your team and yourself some success.”

Viper fans will have already noticed Marcus Basara’s high skill level. He describes his style of play as “kind of an offensive player. I like to use my speed to create scoring chances.”

He acknowledges, though, that he needs to work on his defensive play, especially at this level. “I’ve been lucky to be on a line with Dave (Robinson) and Wally (Dylan Walchuk). I learn a lot just by watching them, and they always seem to be in the right place.”

“Coach Ferner and Coach Williamson have been telling me to work hard, really hard in the defensive zone.” He adds, “You look at the teams that win Cups, they don’t give up many goals.”

Former Viper Gordon Joins UBC Mens Hockey Team:

Former Vernon Vipers goaltender, Graeme Gordon has joined the UBC Thunderbirds. Gordon who played the last two seasons in Vernon (2008-2010) helped the Vipers win back to back Royal Bank Cup Championships. Gordon is now the third former Vernon Viper on the Thunderbirds roster. Thunderbirds defenceman, Max Gordichuk & Ryan Kakoske both played in Vernon. Gordichuk played one season in Vernon (2002-03), while Kakoske played two seasons in Vernon (2006-08). Ryan Kakoske is the older brother to current Viper Bryce Kakoske.

Canucks Assign Former Viper Volpatti To Manitoba:

Former Vernon Vipers forward, Aaron Volpatti who played three seasons in Vernon (2003-06) was one of 10 Canucks players assigned Monday to the AHL Manitoba Moose. The 6’2”, 215-pound forward tallied 37 points (13-24-37) and 279 penalty minutes in 137 games with the Vipers. He also appeared in the 2004 BCHL Playoffs, recording one goal and five penalty minutes in five games. In his final season with the Vipers, Volpatti was named an assistant captain.Volpatti played in three pre season games with Vancouver before being sent down to the AHL. Volpatti was signed by the Vancouver Canucks back on March, 22 2010.

Walchuk At Canada West Practice:

Thanks to Penticton Vees play by play man, Ryan Pinder for posting Canada West info on both Team White & Team Red practices, as well as photos. Vernon Vipers forward, Dylan Walchuk and Team White hit the ice this morning at the South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton for practice. Tonight Team Canada West Evaluation Camp starts at 7:30pm for any fans wanting to check out the action tickets are just $5. Team Red will practice tomorrow.

For more on Team Canada West and the Evaluation Camp please visit Ryan Pinders Penticton Vees blog,

http://pentictonvees.podbean.com/2010/09/27/canada-west-team-white-practice-photos/

Vipers Blank Spruce Kings:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vipers blank Spruce Kings

by Don Klepp | Added 2010-09-27

The process was unchanged, but the outcome was much different for the Vernon Vipers in Prince George on Sunday as they whitewashed the Spruce Kings 6-0.

On Friday, the Vipers dominated, out shooting the home team 45-13, but were unable to finish plays against Ryan Benitez who backstopped the Spruce Kings to a 3-1 win.

On Sunday, rookie Kirk Thompson tended net for Prince George. Despite the score line, he made a number of fine saves as his teammates were unable to contain the speedy Vipers, who directed 40 shots at the 17-year-old.

At the other end, Blake Voth faced 16 shots. He earned his shutout with two athletic stops in the third period.

Trevor Fitzgerald led the Vipers with two unassisted goals. His first came at 6:38 of the second period, following a ferocious forecheck by his line mates Colton Sparrow and Todd Skirving. The trio, nominally the Vipers’ fourth line, had played a strong game the previous night in Quesnel, and they continued to play aggressively in Prince George.

Fitzgerald also scored a short handed goal, at 13:07 of the third period. He picked up a loose puck at the Viper line, roared down the right wing, and finessed the puck past Thompson.

On another breakaway, Todd Skirving notched his first BCHL goal at 15:24 of the second period. He intercepted a D to D pass at the Viper blue line and out raced defenders to the PG net where whistled a low shot past Thompson’s right pad.

Malcolm Lyles also scored his first BCHL goal when his wrist shot from the point beat Thompson 31 seconds into the game.

Kyle Murphy finished the scoring late in the third period. His laser wrist shot from the left boards found the top corner over Thompson’s catching glove.

After scoring four power play goals the previous night, the Vipers went 0 for 5. The Spruce Kings were unsuccessful in three power plays. The Vipers have improved their penalty killing, holding the opposition scoreless in 16 consecutive opportunities.

The Vipers and the Penticton Vees each won two of three on their northern swing over the weekend. The Quesnel Millionaires blanked the Vees 2-0 on Sunday.

Malcolm Lyles – Miami To Boston To Vernon:

This is posted on Sssnipers Blog:

Malcolm Lyles – Miami to Boston to Vernon

By Don Klepp

At age five, Malcolm Lyles was stranded for “a couple of hours,” waiting for a ride to take him to his karate lesson. Disconcerted, he switched to ice hockey where he could join his brother Milton.

Milton now plays lacrosse for the North Carolina Tar Heels, but Malcolm stuck with hockey and eventually ended up with the 2009 NCAA champion Boston College Eagles. The 5’ 10”, 180 lb. defenceman had trouble cracking the deep Eagles lineup – he suited up for just 13 games in his two years with Boston College.

As a result, he has decided to take the same route as Kyle Murphy and last year’s 20-year-old find, Dan Nycholat. Like those two, Malcolm will take a full load of university classes this year to earn an associate of arts degree. By doing so, he will be able to transfer to another NCAA hockey program next year.

Combining a full university load with junior hockey can be quite daunting, but Malcolm has faced long odds before. He’s one of a handful of Floridians to play Division I college hockey.

He was fortunate to have a rink 15 minutes from his family home in a north Miami suburb. However, he supplemented his Florida minor hockey with summers playing the game in the Boston area.

After Bantam, he enrolled in prep schools an hour or so west of Boston, first at Eaglebrook School and then at the Deerfield Academy. A speedster like his brother, he also was a football running back and a sprinter on the track team.

Kevin Kraus, who faced Malcolm Lyles in the midget ranks, calls him “just about the fastest skater I’ve ever played against.”

When questioned about his strong points as a player earlier this week, Malcolm also referred to his speed. “That’s my best feature, I guess. I pass pretty well, too, and I think I have a decent shot.”

He’s come to Vernon to work on his game: “I want to become a more consistent player, a smarter player, and a reliable defenceman.” The lack of consistency, shift to shift, was an issue for him at Boston College.

At the Viper training camp, he has instinctively joined in rushes, feeling that his speed will allow him to cover up for lost pucks, but he has sometimes been trapped in the offensive zone while the opposing players wheel the other way.

He’s delighted to be in Vernon. “I want to play more than I did at college, and I can see why this team is top ranked in Canada.” Also, he likes the pace of life here. “The people are so nice here; there’s a fair amount of road rage in big cities like Boston, so I appreciate the calm attitudes I see here. Food’s great, too.”

He was surprised by the calibre of play he’s seen so far. “I heard there were lots of new players this year, but when I first stepped on the ice with them, I was surprised at how together the guys seemed. High tempo, very high tempo, and the passes are crisp and tape to tape. It looked to me like these guys have been together for ever.”

Under the tutelage of Mark Ferner and Jason Williamson, who know how to develop defencemen, Malcolm Lyles could well become a top D-man in this league. Flashes of that development were evident in the opening games of the season as Malcolm dished out some heavy checks.

Cougars Name Former Viper Dobrowolski Assistant Captain:

Friday the WHL Prince George Cougars named former Vernon Vipers forward, James Dobrowolski assistant captain. Dobrowolski played just one season in Vernon as an “AP” with the Vipers back in 2006-07 before going to the WHL. The Cougars acquired Dobrowolski in a trade with the Prince Albert Raiders in the summer of 2009. Dobrowolski was drafted by the Raiders in the third round of the 2005 WHL Bantam Draft, going 48th overall.

Vernon Vipers National Championship Tribute Video:

Kiss FM's Rob Abramenko has once again made one of his great Vernon Vipers video's, Here is a look back at all but one of Vernon’s six National Championships put together in a great highlight tribute video. The video goes back showing some highlights from the 1990,1996,1999,2009 & 2010 National Championship Vernon teams. Only the 1991 Centennial Cup Winning Vernon Lakers highlights are missing from this video. Check it out,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMlyyTC8MaI

Vernon 6 Prince George 0

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 0:31 - Malcolm Lyles from Aaron Hadley and John Knisley

PERIOD 2

Vernon Vipers at 6:38 - Trevor Fitzgerald (unassisted)
Vernon Vipers at 15:24 - Todd Skirving (unassisted)
Vernon Vipers at 17:48 - Dylan Walchuk from Darren Nowick and Bryce Kakoske

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 13:07 (SH) - Trevor Fitzgerald (unassisted)
Vernon Vipers at 16:54 - Kyle Murphy from Marcus Basara

Vernon outshot Prince George 40-16. Blake Voth made 16 saves for his first shutout of the season, while Kirk Thompson made 34 saves taking the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840256&link=bchl

No. 8 Should Be No. 1

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

By Roger Knox

Published: September 26, 2010

The tradition of retiring uniform numbers in sports is a long one. Every major sport does it. Colleges do it. So do junior organizations. And now, the Vernon Vipers have begun what will likely be a tradition of retiring a worthy jersey number, and they started with four year veteran, and Vernon native, Rob Short's No. 20 in a nice ceremony last weekend at the Wesbild Centre.
Naturally, when you start something like this, somebody has to be first. And I have nothing against Short, nor do I mean him any disrespect. However.... It seems to me-and I've written and pushed for this before-that the first number that should be retired belongs to a man who played in Vernon in the 1960's and 70s when the team was known as the Essos.
The late Wayne Dye, No. 8. Dye, like Short, a Vernon native, is the all-time leading scorer in Vernon junior hockey history. A total of 325 points, set more then 30 years ago.
Let's face it: Dye's record will likely never be broken because anybody who can score in the BCHL dosn't stay around for more than two years before being snapped up by a university, major junior team or pro squad.
The mighty Jones twins, Kellen and Connor, didn't break Dye's record. Scott Longstaff didn't break it. Dallas Drake didn't break it. Ed Johnstone, John Price, Ernie Gare, Jason Elders, Duane Dennis, Don Murdoch, Ron Areshenkoff, Glen Metropolit, Dave Oliver, Tont Szabo, Ryan Bayda, any number of former Essos, Vikings, Lakers and Vipers didn't break it.
I understand the team has been called the Vipers for 15 years now, but that shouldn't stop the organization from recognizing one of the all-time greatest hockey players ever to come out of Vernon.
So I asked Vipers owner, Dr. Duncan Wray, would the organization look at retiring the No. 8 now worn by rookie defenceman Philip Patenaude?
"I wasn't around when Wayne Dye was here, there's a lot of history there and it's certainly something we'd consider," said Wray in between periods of last week's home loss to Merritt. "We have options to retire any number of jerseys of players who have been successful over the years and that's one that comes to the fore. We figured we had to start with somebody who was here and that I knew, and an obvious place to start, for me, was retiring Rob's jersey.
"But certainly retiring Wayne's number is something we'll consider for the future." Wray admitted he'd had lots of suggestions from fans for other players whose numbers should be hanging in the rafters.
Dye passed away in 1988 and, to be fair to Wray, his number should have been retired immediately after his death by the then-Vernon Lakers organization.
I talked to some of Dye's family, and it would mean a lot to them to have Wayne's number retired. Same with some of his former Esso's teammates.
And it would mean a lot to some of Dye's former fans. Myself included.

(Game Preview) Vernon @ Prince George:

Vernon (3-3-0-1) @ Prince George (1-4-0-2)

Today is the second meeting of the season between the defending Royal Bank Cup Champion Vernon Vipers & the Prince George Spruce Kings. Both teams are playing their third game in as many days, as the Vipers are currently on a four game road trip, while the Spruce Kings are on a six game home stand. Todays game starts at 3:00 pm.

Last Game Played:

Saturday, September 26th Vernon defeated Quesnel 5-2
Saturday, September 26th Penticton defeated Prince George 6-2

Next Game:

Friday, October 1st Vernon @ Trail
Friday, October 1st Salmon Arm @ Prince George

Let's take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

Games Played: 7
Wins: 3
Losses: 3
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 1
Home Record: 1-2
Road Record: 2-2
Streak: One Game winning streak
Goals For: 19
Goals Against: 21
Standings: 3rd Place

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon is 28-14-1-3 vs. Prince George

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon has outscored Prince George 188-121

Returning Players:

Bryce Kakoske (90)
David Robinson (90)
Blake Voth (91)
Steve Weinstein (90)
Adam Thompson (90)
Dylan Walchuk (92)
Patrick McGillis (91)

Departing & traded players from last years team:

Connor Jones (90)
Mike Collins (90)
Braden Pimm (89)
Cory Kane (90)
Jonathan Milhouse (89)
Kellen Jones (90)
Rob Short (89)
Cole Ikkala (90)
Dan Nycholat (89)
Kevin Kraus (89)
Curtis Gedig (91)
Garrett Noonan (91)
Sahir Gill (92)
Darrin Robak (91)
Graeme Gordon (89)

-The Vipers are currently 1-1 on this four game road trip.

-Vernon will be looking for revenge after Fridays 3-1 loss to the Spruce Kings.

-The Vipers need to stay out of the penalty box, PG scored two early powerplay goals in Fridays game wich was the difference.

-Goaltending will be key for both teams.

-The Vipers need to get lots of pucks and traffic towards Ryan Benitez who made 44 saves vs. Vernon in Fridays game.

-Will see how the Vipers do in their third game in as many days.

Let's take a look at the Prince George Spruce Kings:

Games Played: 7
Wins: 1
Losses: 4
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 1-4
Road Record: 0-2
Streak: One Game Losing Streak
Goals For: 19
Goals Against: 29
Standings: Tied for 5th place with Quesnel

For more info, stats and great coverage on the Spruce Kings, please visit the Spruce Kings Crusader blog, http://sprucekingscrusader.blogspot.com/

Returning Players:

Nic DeSousa (90)
Justin Fillion (90)
RJay Berra (90)
Kyle Manlow (91)
Jeff Earnest (91)
Jeff Datoff (92)
Luke Hannas (91)
Jeremy Wiebe (91)

Departing & traded players from last years team:

Sam Muchalla (90)
Zac Rasmussen (89)
Joe Morgan (89)
Brad Bourke (89)
Jonathan Gibson (90)
Jesse Scrimbit (0)
Stewart Lambert (90)
Reid Blinkhorn (91)
Kyle Nielsen (90)
Andrew Walsh (90)

-After a 6-2 loss to Penticton last night you can bet Ed Dempseys hockey club will be looking for a better effort and outcome this afternoon.

-Prince George with just one win on the season came against these same Vernon Vipers Friday night with a 3-1 victory.

-Specialty teams will be key this afternoon.

-The Spruce Kings will be looking towards Ryan Benitez to come up with the big save when needed and give PG a chance to win the hockey game.

-Today is the Spruce Kings third game in as many days and their seventh game in the last ten days.

Here’s a look at the season series between these two teams:

Friday, September 24th @ Prince George: Prince George wins 3-1

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Prince George Spruce Kings at 10:13 (PP) - Chris Bodo from Jujhar Khaira
Prince George Spruce Kings at 17:08 (PP) - Chris Bodo from Jujhar Khaira and RJay
Berra

PERIOD 2

No Scoring

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 12:52 - Elliot Richardson from Marcus Basara and Bryce Kakoske
Prince George Spruce Kings at 14:58 - Justin Fillion from Kyle Manlow

Vernon outshot Prince George 45-15. Ryan Bentiez made 44 saves for the win, while Blake Voth made 10 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840255&link=bchl

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon:

David Robinson (1-6-7)
Dylan Walchuk (5-3-8)
Steven Weinstein (2-3-5)
Bryce Kakoske (2-3-5)
John Knisley (1-4-5)
Aaron Hadley (1-3-4)
Marcus Basara (1-3-4)
Kyle Murphy (1-3-4)
Michael Zalewski (2-0-2)
Trevor Fitzgerald (2-0-2)
Todd Skirving (0-2-2)
Brett Corkey (0-2-2)
Patrick McGillis (0-1-1)
Philip Patenaude (0-1-1)
Elliot Richardson (1-0-1)
Colton Sparrow (0-1-1)
Malcolm Lyles (0-0-0)
Darren Nowick (0-0-0)
Gus Correale (0-0-0)
Adam Thompson (0-0-0)
Max Mowat (0-0-0)

Bryton Udy (0-1 Record, 4.53 GAA)
Blake Voth (3-3 Record, 2.68 GAA)

Prince George:

Justin Fillion (2-8-10)
Nic DeSousa (3-6-9)
RJay Berra (4-4-8)
Chris Bodo (3-4-7)
Jujhar Khaira (2-3-5)
Derek Henderson (0-4-4)
Kyle Manlow (2-1-3)
Connor Tiechko (0-3-3)
Jeff Earnest (2-0-2)
Tyler Sybil (1-0-1)
Jeff Datoff (0-0-0)
Bennett Hambrook (0-0-0)
Luke Hannas (0-0-0)
Stephen Ryan (0-2-2)
Brendon Fornwald (0-0-0)
Riley Spraggs (0-0-0)
Jeremy Wiebe (0-0-0)
Faiz Khan (0-0-0)
Trevor Esau (0-0-0)

Ryan Benitez (1-3 Record, 3.88 GAA)
Kirk Thompson (0-3 Record, 3.02 GAA)

Special Teams Power Vipers Past Millionaires:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Special teams power Vipers past Millionaires

by Don Klepp | Added 2010-09-26

Power play goals lifted the Vernon Vipers to a 5-2 win in Quesnel Saturday night.

The Vipers came into the game 3 for 27 on the power play and they had allowed 8 opposition power play markers in 20 chances. However, they struck four times in nine power plays while holding the Mills 0 for 8. The stats were somewhat skewed, however, as referee Justin Neufeld had a tendency to issue penalties to the team with the man advantage.

Many of Neufeld’s early calls were for marginal infractions, but he neglected to penalize players for aggressive actions after he had blown plays dead. As a consequence, the game became chippy in the third period.

At the end of the game, Devin Balness took a swipe at Viper goalie BlakeVoth. Elliott Richardson took exception and engaged Balness. The Mills’ Sterling Bear then jumped Richardson from behind, and a melee ensued.

The stream of penalties mitigated against flowing hockey, which was intensified by both teams checking hard in the confines of the small ice surface.

For the third time in seven games, the Vipers restricted the shots against to 15 or less, outshooting the Millionaires 35-15.

Mike Zalewski opened the scoring at 11:46 of the first period. After accepting a pass at the side of the Quesnel net, he stickhandled while out waiting goalie Kirby Halcrow. When Halcrow made a move, Zalewski calmly deposited the puck on the short side.

Hard work by Colton Sparrow and Todd Skirving led to the Vipers’ second goal. From the high slot, Trevor Fitzgerald ripped a one-time slap shot over Halcrow’s blocker.

Two more power play markers pushed the Viper lead to 4-0. Both were shots from just inside the blue line to the top corner. Bryce Kakoske got his second of the season at 7:16 of the second period and Steve Weinstein matched Kakoske at 0:41 of the third.

Later in the third period, Justin Hogan briefly gave the Millionaires some hope when he poked the puck from under Blake Voth’s glove at 1:51. Referee Neufeld blew the whistle prior to Hogan’s poke and then, surprisingly, awarded a goal, saying that he had blown the whistle too quickly.

The Vipers were understandably baffled by the decision. Coach Mark Ferner said after the game, “if anything, Hogan should have been given a penalty.”

Going hard to the net, Kyle Murphy restored the four goal lead with a power play deflection of Brett Corkey’s slap pass at 12:46.

The final goal of the evening resulted from a determined effort by Quesnel’s Derek Huisman. With two Vipers checking him closely, he managed to get off a rising shot that went over Blake Voth’s right shoulder.

In the closing minutes, the Millionaires expressed their frustration with chippy play. Goalie Halcrow drew two roughing penalties but was not penalized for swinging his stick at David Robinson, who was cut for six stitches on the left side of his mouth.

After the game, Mark Ferner was pleased with his team’s effort: “We still have to work on some things, but the players are working hard and doing a good job of tending to the details. We knew that we’d have to go through a process to pull all these guys together. But we like our players, and we’re moving in the right direction. We deserved to win last night in PG, too.”

A good indication of the team’s positive direction is that that have outshot the opposition 80 to 28 in the past two games.

Game Notes:

• Vernon’s Kyle Murphy notched his first BCHL goal.

• Todd Skirving (two assists) and Colton Sparrow (one assist) recorded their first BCHL points.

• Daryl DeVries, who assisted on Huisman’s goal, also gained his first BCHL point.

• On Sunday afternoon, the Mills will host the Penticton Vees, while the Vipers will travel back to Prince George for a 3 pm tilt.

Hot Goaltender Lifts Hometown Spruce Kings Past Vipers:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Hot goaltender lifts hometown Spruce Kings past Vipers

Published: September 26, 2010

It was a good road game for a young B.C. Hockey League team, but the breaks and bounces didn’t go the Vernon Vipers way Friday night in Prince George.

The Spruce Kings scored two first period powerplay goals and added a goal on one of their only two shots of the final period to down the Vipers 3-1 in front of 702 fans at the Prince George Coliseum.

The win was the first of the year for the Spruce Kings, who went 2-7 on the powerplay, and were outshot 45-13 by the Vipers, including 36-6 over the final two periods.

“We deserved a better fate,” said Vernon head coach Mark Ferner. “We could have had 50 shots. What are you going to do? We got guys hitting posts, missing empty nets and that’s where we need to learn to be better. When we get these opportunities, we need to bear down.”

Chris Bodo scored powerplay goals at 10:13 and 17:08 to give the Kings a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes. After a scoreless second period, the Vipers peppered first star Ryan Benitez with 23 shots in the third, the only one to beat him was a point shot by Elliot Richardson at 12:52, Mark Basara and Bryce Kakoske drawing assists.

Justin Fillion, with the Spruce Kings’ only scoring chance of the period, beat Blake Voth at 14:58.

Vernon was 0-7 with the man advantage, and have given up five powerplay goals in their last two games, both losses.

The Vipers, 2-3-0-1 on the year, visited the Quesnel Millionaires Saturday, and return to Prince George today to finish off their three-game swing.

In other Interior Conference action Friday, the Westside Warriors leapfrogged past the Vipers into fourth place with a 3-2 win at Nanaimo. Penticton Vees improved to 4-3 with a 3-1 win at Quesnel. The Mills are 2-2.

Powell River shut out Merritt 3-0 with Vernon’s Tyler Steel being named first star in the loss after making 35 saves in goal for the Centennials.

Vernon 5 Quesnel 2

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 11:46 (PP) - Michael Zalewski from Steven Weinstein and John Knisley
Vernon Vipers at 16:27 - Trevor Fitzgerald from Todd Skirving and Colton Sparrow

PERIOD 2

Vernon Vipers at 7:16 (PP) - Bryce Kakoske from Steven Weinstein and John Knisley

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 0:41 (PP) - Steven Weinstein from Dylan Walchuk and Kyle Murphy
Quesnel Millionaires at 1:51 - Justin Hogan from Spencer Graboski and Sam Higgins
Vernon Vipers at 12:46 (PP) - Kyle Murphy from Todd Skirving and Brett Corkey
Quesnel Millionaires at 14:26 - Derek Huisman from Daryl DeVries and Sam Higgins

Vernon outshot Quesnel 35-15. Blake Voth made 13 saves for the win, while Kirby Halcrow made 30 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840258&link=bchl

(Game Preview) Vernon @ Quesnel:

Vernon (2-3-0-1) @ Quesnel (2-2-0-0)

Tonight is the first game of the season between the defending Royal Bank Cup Champion Vernon Vipers & the Quesnel Millionaires. Tonight is the second game of a four game road trip for Vernon, while this is the fourth game of six straight at home for Quesnel after playing just one game on the road so far this season. You can listen to tonights game live with Todd Miller on 107.5 Kiss FM starting at 7:15 pm.

Last Game Played:

Friday, September 24th Prince George defeated Vernon 3-1
Friday, September 24th Penticton defeated Quesnel 3-1

Next Game:

Sunday, September 26th Vernon @ Prince George
Sunday, September 26th Penticton @ Quesnel

Let's take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

Games Played: 6
Wins: 2
Losses: 3
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 1
Home Record: 1-2
Road Record: 1-2
Streak: Two Game Losing Streak
Goals For: 14
Goals Against: 19
Standings: 5th Place

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon is 36-7-1-1 vs. Quesnel

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon has outscored Quesnel 213-97

Returning Players:

Bryce Kakoske (90)
David Robinson (90)
Blake Voth (91)
Steve Weinstein (90)
Adam Thompson (90)
Dylan Walchuk (92)
Patrick McGillis (91)

Departing & traded players from last years team:

Connor Jones (90)
Mike Collins (90)
Braden Pimm (89)
Cory Kane (90)
Jonathan Milhouse (89)
Kellen Jones (90)
Rob Short (89)
Cole Ikkala (90)
Dan Nycholat (89)
Kevin Kraus (89)
Curtis Gedig (91)
Garrett Noonan (91)
Sahir Gill (92)
Darrin Robak (91)
Graeme Gordon (89)

-The Vipers have lost back to back games vs. teams that didn’t have a win previous to facing the Vipers.

-Blake Voth lost his 3rd game of the season last night in Prince George. Voth lost just two games all of last season.

-Vernon has given up five powerplay goals in their last two games, the Vipers need to stay out of the penalty box.

-If Kirby Halcrow gets the start in goal, the Vipers are going to have to get a ton of shots on the second year goaltender as Halcrow played very well against the Vipers last year.

-The Vipers need to get off to a good start, in two out of the teams three road games Vernon has fallen behind 2-0 in the opening period.

-The Vipers will have to adjust to the smaller ice surface in Quesnel

Let's take a look at the Quesnel Millionaires:

Games Played: 4
Wins: 2
Losses: 2
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 0
Home Record: 1-2
Road Record: 1-0
Streak: Two Game Losing Streak
Goals For: 9
Goals Against: 15
Standings: Tied With Prince George For 6th Place

Returning Players:

Clayton Chessa (91)
Justin Hogan (90)
Spencer Graboski (93)
Skyler Smutek (90)
Chris Kerr (92)
Tyler French (90)
Sam Higgins (90)
Anderson White (91)
Kirby Halcrow (91)

Departing & traded players from last years team:

Trever Hertz (89)
Taylor Holst (89)
Darick Ste-Marie (89)
Eliot Raibl (89)
Joshua Desmarais (89)
Jacob Verheyden (89)
Rylan Stanyer (90)
Mitch Galbraith (90)
Tyler Billon (92)
Tyson Price (91)
Marley Keca (93)
Brandon Watson (92)
Luke Siemens (92)

-Tonight is the first meeting of the season between these two teams since last years Game 6 of the 2nd round of the BCHL playoffs when Vernon knocked out Quesnel in six games.

-The Millionaires have played just a single game on the road so far this season.

-The Mills are on a current six game home stand.

-You can bet the Millionaires will be ready for tonights game, as everyone wants a shot at knocking off the defending champs.

-Quesnel needs to use the smaller ice surface to their advantage.

-With six of the first seven games on home ice, the Mills need to take advantage of playing at home so early in the season.

Here’s a look at the season series last year between these two teams:

Friday, September 25th @ Vernon: Vernon wins 2-0

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 5:02 - Drew George from Dylan Walchuk and Kevin Kraus

PERIOD 2

No Scoring

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 1:45 - Cory Kane from Connor Jones and Dan Nycholat

Vernon outshot Quesnel 37-29. Graeme Gordon made 29 saves for the shutout, while Kirby Halcrow made 35 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712544&link=bchl

Thursday, October 15th @ Quesnel: Vernon wins 9-1

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 1:02 - Kevin Kraus from Jonathan Milhouse
Vernon Vipers at 3:36 - Connor Jones from Cory Kane and Kellen Jones
Vernon Vipers at 3:58 - Braden Pimm from Mike Collins and Jonathan Milhouse
Vernon Vipers at 10:01 - Cory Kane from Kellen Jones and Connor Jones
Vernon Vipers at 10:48 (PP) - Bryce Kakoske from Dylan Walchuk and Rob Short
Vernon Vipers at 11:58 - Drew George from Bryce Kakoske and Patrick McGillis

PERIOD 2

Vernon Vipers at 7:53 - Patrick McGillis from Bryce Kakoske and Nick Amies

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 8:46 (PP) - Connor Jones from Cory Kane and Garrett Noonan
Vernon Vipers at 12:42 (PP) - Dan Nycholat from Mike Collins and Jonathan Milhouse
Quesnel Millionaires at 16:50 (PP) - Skyler Smutek from Sam Higgins and Taylor Holst

Vernon outshot Quesnel 40-26. Graeme Gordon made 26 saves in the win, while Kirby Halcrow made 26 saves taking the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712610&link=bchl

Saturday, October 24th @ Vernon: Vernon wins 3-2 Overtime

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

No Scoring

PERIOD 2

Vernon Vipers at 8:02 - Connor Jones from Kellen Jones and Steven Weinstein
Vernon Vipers at 12:45 - Braden Pimm from Kevin Kraus

PERIOD 3

Quesnel Millionaires at 9:57 (SH) - Taylor Holst from Darick Ste-Marie
Quesnel Millionaires at 12:23 - Matthew Herskovitz (unassisted)

OVERTIME PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 4:41 - Garrett Noonan from Kevin Kraus and Rob Short

Vernon outshot Quesnel 50-26. Graeme Gordon made 24 saves for the win, while Luke Siemens made 47 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712648&link=bchl

Saturday, November 7th @ Quesnel: Vernon wins 7-1

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 6:16 - Drew George from Darrin Robak and Patrick McGillis
Quesnel Millionaires at 8:53 (PP) - Matthew Herskovitz from Eliot Raibl and Darick Ste-Marie
Vernon Vipers at 14:18 - Darrin Robak from Patrick McGillis and Drew George

PERIOD 2

Vernon Vipers at 6:10 - Jonathan Milhouse from Braden Pimm and Mike Collins
Vernon Vipers at 9:31 (PP) - Braden Pimm from Mike Collins and Kevin Kraus

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 2:41 - Rob Short from Dylan Walchuk
Vernon Vipers at 4:25 - Mike Collins from Jonathan Milhouse and Braden Pimm
Vernon Vipers at 12:27 - Sawyer Mick from Bryce Kakoske and Patrick McGillis

Vernon outshot Quesnel 29-25. Graeme Gordon made 24 saves getting the win, while Luke Siemens made 11 saves taking the loss. Michael Smith also made 11 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712689&link=bchl

Here’s a look at the series between both these two teams during last years playoffs:

Game 1: Tuesday, March 9th @ Vernon: Vernon wins 6-2

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Quesnel Millionaires at 8:42 - Taylor Holst from Trever Hertz
Vernon Vipers at 9:29 - Rob Short from Kevin Kraus and Sahir Gill
Vernon Vipers at 17:24 - Rob Short from Cory Kane and Adam Thompson

PERIOD 2

Vernon Vipers at 1:12 - Braden Pimm from Adam Thompson and Mike Collins

PERIOD 3

Quesnel Millionaires at 7:08 - Chris Kerr from Brandon Watson
Vernon Vipers at 7:12 - Braden Pimm from Curtis Gedig and Cole Ikkala
Vernon Vipers at 10:58 - Cory Kane from Steven Weinstein and Kevin Kraus
Vernon Vipers at 19:51 - Curtis Gedig (unassisted)

Vernon outshot Quesnel 47-14. Graeme Gordon made 12 saves in the win, while Kirby Halcrow made 40 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=806856&link=bchl

Game 2: Wednesday, March 10th @ Vernon: Quesnel wins 4-2

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 4:05 - David Robinson from Connor Jones and Kellen Jones
Quesnel Millionaires at 4:50 - Darick Ste-Marie from Trever Hertz
Quesnel Millionaires at 17:35 - Tyler French from Clayton Chessa and Spencer Graboski

PERIOD 2

Quesnel Millionaires at 17:10 - Taylor Holst from Justin Hogan

PERIOD 3

Quesnel Millionaires at 1:40 - Branden Redschlag from Taylor Holst and Trever Hertz
Vernon Vipers at 16:34 - Rob Short from Cory Kane and Dan Nycholat

Vernon outshot Quesnel 57-22. Kirby Halcrow made 55 saves getting the win, while Graeme Gordon made 18 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=806857&link=bchl

Game 3: Friday, March 12th @ Quesnel: Vernon wins 8-4

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 4:14 - Connor Jones from Kellen Jones and Steven Weinstein
Vernon Vipers at 14:46 - Sahir Gill from Rob Short and Curtis Gedig

PERIOD 2

Vernon Vipers at 8:22 (PP) - Adam Thompson from Kellen Jones
Vernon Vipers at 8:42 - Kellen Jones from Connor Jones and David Robinson
Quesnel Millionaires at 16:02 - Rylan Stanyer from Tyler Billon
Vernon Vipers at 18:28 - Cole Ikkala from Mike Collins and Braden Pimm
Quesnel Millionaires at 19:42 (PP) - Eliot Raibl from Rylan Stanyer and Taylor Holst

PERIOD 3

Quesnel Millionaires at 11:02 (PP) - Taylor Holst from Eliot Raibl and Skyler Smutek
Vernon Vipers at 13:27 - Connor Jones from Garrett Noonan and David Robinson
Vernon Vipers at 14:29 - Jonathan Milhouse from Bryce Kakoske and Kellen Jones
Quesnel Millionaires at 18:59 - Clayton Chessa from Jacob Verheyden
Vernon Vipers at 19:54 (PP) - Sahir Gill from Rob Short and Cory Kane

Quesnel outshot Vernon 37-27. Blake Voth made 33 saves in the win, while Kirby Halcrow made 18 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=806859&link=bchl

Game 4: Saturday, March 13th @ Quesnel: Quesnel wins 3-1

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 19:38 (PP) - Cole Ikkala from Connor Jones and Dan Nycholat

PERIOD 2

Quesnel Millionaires at 1:31 - Joshua Desmarais from Darick Ste-Marie
Quesnel Millionaires at 11:36 - Clayton Chessa from Spencer Graboski and Tyler French

PERIOD 3

Quesnel Millionaires at 11:35 - Trever Hertz from Taylor Holst and Justin Hogan

Vernon outshot Quesnel 36-34. Blake Voth made 31 saves in the win, while Kirby Halcrow made 35 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=806860&link=bchl

Game 5: Monday, March 15th @ Vernon: Vernon wins 4-0

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 10:01 (SH) - Connor Jones from David Robinson
Vernon Vipers at 14:33 - Mike Collins from Braden Pimm and Kevin Kraus

PERIOD 2

Vernon Vipers at 2:05 - Kellen Jones from Sahir Gill and Connor Jones

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 18:24 - Cole Ikkala from Kevin Kraus and Cory Kane

Vernon outshot Quesnel 38-26. Graeme Gordon made 26 saves in the win, while Kirby Halcrow made 34 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=806861&link=bchl

Game 6: Tuesday, March 16th @ Quesnel: Vernon wins 5-0 (Vernon wins the series 4-2)

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 9:31 - Jonathan Milhouse from Cole Ikkala and Rob Short

PERIOD 2

Vernon Vipers at 5:49 - Sahir Gill from Connor Jones and Kellen Jones
Vernon Vipers at 11:42 - Garrett Noonan from Dylan Walchuk and Jonathan Milhouse

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 14:46 (PP) - Connor Jones from Kellen Jones and Sahir Gill
Vernon Vipers at 15:34 - Cole Ikkala from Cory Kane and Garrett Noonan

Vernon outshot Quesnel 45-25. Graeme Gordon made 25 saves for the shutout, while Kirby Halcrow made 40 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=806863&link=bchl

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon:

David Robinson (1-6-7)
Dylan Walchuk (5-2-7)
Aaron Hadley (1-3-4)
Bryce Kakoske (1-3-4)
Marcus Basara (1-3-4)
John Knisley (1-2-3)
Steven Weinstein (1-1-2)
Kyle Murphy (0-2-2)
Michael Zalewski (1-0-1)
Trevor Fitzgerald (1-0-1)
Patrick McGillis (0-1-1)
Brett Corkey (0-1-1)
Philip Patenaude (0-1-1)
Elliot Richardson (0-1-1)
Malcolm Lyles (0-0-0)
Darren Nowick (0-0-0)
Todd Skirving (0-0-0)
Gus Correale (0-0-0)
Colton Sparrow (0-0-0)
Adam Thompson (0-0-0)
Max Mowat (0-0-0)

Bryton Udy (0-1 Record, 4.53 GAA)
Blake Voth (2-3 Record, 2.82 GAA)

Quesnel:

Clayton Chessa (4-0-4)
Daryl DeVries (2-1-3)
Justin Hogan (1-2-3)
Sterling Bear (1-1-2)
Spencer Graboski (0-2-2)
Skyler Smutek (0-2-2)
Mike Zgraggen (0-2-2)
Devin Balness (0-2-2)
Derek Huisman (1-0-1)
Chris Kerr (0-1-1)
Tyler French (0-1-1)
Sam Higgins (0-1-1)
Chris Albee (0-0-0)
Rigby Burgart (0-0-0)
Stefan Gonzales (0-0-0)
David Thompson (0-0-0)
Anderson White (0-0-0)
Quin Buckellew (0-0-0)
Ryan Crossen (0-0-0)
Malcolm Gould (0-0-0)
Bradley Buckingham (0-0-0)

Kirby Halcrow (1-1 Record, 2.03 GAA)

Benitez Stymies The Vipers:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Benitez stymies the Vipers

by Don Klepp | Added 2010-09-25

Denver’s Ryan Benitez put on a show at the Prince George Coliseum Friday night. He stopped 44 of 45 shots to lead his Spruce Kings to a 3-1 victory over the Vipers.

Benitez, a 20-year-old from Denver, was busiest in the second period (13 shots) and third period (23 shots). His best save came in the third, as his glove hand snaked out to catch Dylan Walchuk’s hot shot from the slot.

Walchuk was snake bit in this game, hitting the cross bar with a howitzer in the second period. He had several other chances when he missed the net or had pucks deflect just wide.

With a large contingent from McBride in town to watch their local hero, Walchuk hoped to repeat his last appearance at the Coliseum, when his hat trick sunk the Spruce Kings in a 5-2 Viper win on November 6.

Fighting a trend in which the Spruce Kings had lost games because of slow starts, they came out hustling and even though the Vipers had the early territorial advantage, the Kings drew two penalties that led to goals. Chris Bodo, who had 49 goals and 48 assists in Ontario Jr. B hockey last year, scored both. The first came at 10:13, just 7 seconds after a Marcus Basara interference call.

Then, Bodo struck again at 17:08. Left alone in front of Blake Voth, he was denied by Voth’s fine pad save, but he lifted the rdebound over Voth.

Both of Bodo’s goals were set up by rangy Jujhar Khaira, who plays very well for a 16-year-old.

The Viper penalty killing, which had allowed three goals in their Tuesday loss to Merritt, became more aggressive and effective in the second period, particularly when John Knisley was assessed four penalty minutes at 6:08 of the second period.

With Malcolm Lyles already in the sin bin, Vernon was short two men for 27 seconds, but aggressive Viper penalty killing denied further scoring chances. During the remainder of Knisley’s penalties, the Vipers out shot the Spruce Kings 3-0.

The visitors carried on from there, limiting the Spruce Kings to two shots in the last 34 minutes of the game. On one of those shots, Justin Fillion converted Kyle Manlow’s pass with hard, accurate shot from the high slot at 14:50 of the third period.

Fillion’s goal restored his team’s two-goal lead two minutes after Viper defenceman Elliott Richardson had finally solved Benitez with a high point shot.

Game notes:

• The Spruce Kings posted their first win of the year.

• For the second time in six games, the Vipers have lost twice in a row, after losing back-to-back games just once in 60 games last year.

• The Vipers juggled their lines for this game, moving Darren Nowick to the top line with Dylan Walchuk and David Robinson. Marcus Basara moved from that line to skate with Kyle Murphy and Bryce Kakoske. The Knisley line remained intact, and Trevor Fitzgerald centred Gus Correale and Todd Skirving.

• The Vipers rang iron three times in the contest.

• Malcolm Lyles and Adam Thompson returned from injury, so Philip Patenaude and Taylor Love did not dress.

• The Spruce Kings’ Trevor Esau, Riley Spraggs, and Faiz Khan, all of whom played for the Revelstoke Grizzlies last year, sat out with injuries.

Prince George 3 Vernon 1

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Prince George Spruce Kings at 10:13 (PP) - Chris Bodo from Jujhar Khaira
Prince George Spruce Kings at 17:08 (PP) - Chris Bodo from Jujhar Khaira and RJay
Berra

PERIOD 2

No Scoring

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 12:52 - Elliot Richardson from Marcus Basara and Bryce Kakoske
Prince George Spruce Kings at 14:58 - Justin Fillion from Kyle Manlow

Vernon outshot Prince George 45-15. Ryan Bentiez made 44 saves for the win, while Blake Voth made 10 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840255&link=bchl

(Game Preview) Vernon @ Prince George:

Vernon (2-2-0-1) @ Prince George (0-3-0-2)

Tonight is the first game of the season between the defending Royal Bank Cup Champion Vernon Vipers & the Prince George Spruce Kings. Tonight is the first of a four game road trip for Vernon, while this is the first of six straight at home for Prince George after returning home after a small two game road trip. You can listen to tonights game live with Todd Miller on 107.5 Kiss FM starting at 6:45 pm.

Last Game Played:

Tuesday, September 21st Merritt defeated Vernon 5-4 double overtime
Wednesday, September 22nd Salmon Arm defeated Prince George 5-3

Next Game:

Saturday, September 25th Vernon @ Quesnel
Saturday, September 25th Penticton @ Prince George

Let's take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

Games Played: 5
Wins: 2
Losses: 2
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 1
Home Record: 1-2
Road Record: 1-1
Streak: One Game Losing Streak
Goals For: 13
Goals Against: 16
Standings: 4th Place

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon is 28-13-1-3 vs. Prince George

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon has outscored Prince George 187-118

Returning Players:

Bryce Kakoske (90)
David Robinson (90)
Blake Voth (91)
Steve Weinstein (90)
Adam Thompson (90)
Dylan Walchuk (92)
Patrick McGillis (91)

Departing & traded players from last years team:

Connor Jones (90)
Mike Collins (90)
Braden Pimm (89)
Cory Kane (90)
Jonathan Milhouse (89)
Kellen Jones (90)
Rob Short (89)
Cole Ikkala (90)
Dan Nycholat (89)
Kevin Kraus (89)
Curtis Gedig (91)
Garrett Noonan (91)
Sahir Gill (92)
Darrin Robak (91)
Graeme Gordon (89)

-The Vipers need to get off to a quick start and try not and fall behind early.

-Tonight is the first of four straight on the road, a great chance for this young Vipers club to gel and do some team bonding together.

-For the second straight game the Vipers are facing a team that has yet to win a game this season. Once again Vernon cant take the Spruce Kings lightly.

-Vernon needs to play a full 60 minutes, battle and compete something they didn’t do enough of in Tuesdays loss to Merritt.

Let's take a look at the Prince George Spruce Kings:

Games Played: 5
Wins: 0
Losses: 3
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 0-3
Road Record: 0-2
Streak: Lost Five Straight
Goals For: 14
Goals Against: 22
Standings: Tied for 6th place with Merritt

For more info, stats and great coverage on the Spruce Kings, please visit the Spruce Kings Crusader blog, http://sprucekingscrusader.blogspot.com/

Returning Players:

Nic DeSousa (90)
Justin Fillion (90)
RJay Berra (90)
Kyle Manlow (91)
Jeff Earnest (91)
Jeff Datoff (92)
Luke Hannas (91)
Jeremy Wiebe (91)

Departing & traded players from last years team:

Sam Muchalla (90)
Zac Rasmussen (89)
Joe Morgan (89)
Brad Bourke (89)
Jonathan Gibson (90)
Jesse Scrimbit (0)
Stewart Lambert (90)
Reid Blinkhorn (91)
Kyle Nielsen (90)
Andrew Walsh (90)

-PG will be hungry looking for its first win of the season, and no better way to do it then to knock off the defending back to back National Champs.

-The Spruce Kings need to jump on the Vipers who have been on the bus and use home ice advantage.

-Former Vernon Vipers defenceman, Bennett Hammbrook will be facing his former team for the first time after being traded earlier this week.

-The Spruce Kings have two kids from Vernon on their roster. (Riley Spraggs & Jeremy Wiebe)

-Luke Hannas who is now a Spruce King was at the Vipers training camp two seasons ago.

Here’s a look at the season series last year between these two teams:

Sunday, October 18th @ Prince George: Vernon won 5-1

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 7:44 - Connor Jones from Cory Kane and Kellen Jones
Vernon Vipers at 16:13 (PP) - Dylan Walchuk from Dan Nycholat and Rob Short

PERIOD 2

Vernon Vipers at 3:00 - Bryce Kakoske from Steven Weinstein and Sawyer Mick
Prince George Spruce Kings at 6:51 - Sam Muchalla from Nic DeSousa and Wes McLeod
Vernon Vipers at 10:17 - Cory Kane from Kellen Jones and Connor Jones

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 13:29 (PP) - Braden Pimm from Jonathan Milhouse and Mike Collins

Vernon outshot Prince George 41-19. Graeme Gordon made 18 saves for the win, while Alex Wright made 36 saves taking the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712626&link=bchl

Friday, November 6th @ Prince George: Vernon wins 5-2

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Prince George Spruce Kings at 5:49 - RJay Berra from Joe Morgan

PERIOD 2

Vernon Vipers at 8:03 - Dylan Walchuk from Rob Short and Nils-Erik Soderlund
Vernon Vipers at 11:34 - Drew George from Sawyer Mick

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 5:06 (PP) - Mike Collins from Braden Pimm and Steven Weinstein
Vernon Vipers at 7:03 - Dylan Walchuk from Rob Short and Patrick McGillis
Prince George Spruce Kings at 10:36 - Jonathan Gibson from Jeff Earnest and Zac Rasmussen
Vernon Vipers at 18:47 (EN) - Dylan Walchuk from Bryce Kakoske and Adam Thompson

Vernon outshot Prince George 30-26. Graeme Gordon made 24 saves for the win, while Kyle Nielsen made 25 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712679&link=bchl

Thursday, November 26th @ Vernon: Vernon wins 6-2

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Prince George Spruce Kings at 8:21 - Nic DeSousa from Justin Fillion
Vernon Vipers at 14:19 - Kellen Jones (unassisted)

PERIOD 2

Vernon Vipers at 5:09 - Mike Collins from Braden Pimm and Jonathan Milhouse

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 9:17 (SH) - Rob Short from Dylan Walchuk and Adam Thompson
Vernon Vipers at 10:16 - Patrick McGillis from Bryce Kakoske and Sawyer Mick
Vernon Vipers at 11:45 - Mike Collins from Jonathan Milhouse and Braden Pimm
Prince George Spruce Kings at 13:57 - Lyndon Martell from Brooks Robinson
Vernon Vipers at 19:10 - Nils-Erik Soderlund from Dan Nycholat

Vernon outshot Prince George 31-25. Graeme Gordon made 23 saves in the victory, while Kyle Nielsen made 26 saves in the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712747&link=bchl

Saturday, February 13th @ Vernon: Vernon wins 5-2

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 12:05 - Connor Jones from Kevin Kraus and Blake Voth

PERIOD 2

Prince George Spruce Kings at 3:20 (PP) - RJay Berra from Zac Rasmussen and Sam Muchalla
Vernon Vipers at 4:29 - Cole Ikkala from Mike Collins and Dan Nycholat
Vernon Vipers at 6:57 - David Robinson from Dan Nycholat and Kellen Jones
Prince George Spruce Kings at 13:32 - Joe Morgan from Jeff Earnest

PERIOD 3

Vernon Vipers at 6:59 - Rob Short from Sahir Gill and Garrett Noonan
Vernon Vipers at 9:55 (SH) - Kellen Jones from Connor Jones and Adam Thompson

Vernon outshot Prince George 45-18. Blake Voth made 16 saves for the win, while Kyle Nielsen made 40 saves taking the loss.

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712984&link=bchl

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon:

David Robinson (1-6-7)
Dylan Walchuk (5-2-7)
Aaron Hadley (1-2-3)
Bryce Kakoske (1-2-3)
John Knisley (1-2-3)
Steven Weinstein (1-1-2)
Michael Zalewski (1-0-1)
Marcus Basara (1-2-3)
Trevor Fitzgerald (1-0-1)
Patrick McGillis (0-1-1)
Kyle Murphy (0-2-2)
Brett Corkey (0-1-1)
Malcolm Lyles
Darren Nowick
Philip Patenaude (0-1-1)
Elliot Richardson
Todd Skirving
Gus Correale
Colton Sparrow
Adam Thompson
Max Mowat

Bryton Udy (0-1 Record, 4.53 GAA)
Blake Voth (2-2 Record, 2.75 GAA)

Prince George:

Nic DeSousa (3-5-8)
Justin Fillion (1-7-8)
RJay Berra (3-3-6)
Chris Bodo (2-3-5)
Jujhar Khaira (2-2-4)
Kyle Manlow (2-0-2)
Derek Henderson (0-2-2)
Jeff Earnest (1-0-1)
Tyler Sybil (0-1-1)
Connor Tiechko (0-1-1)
Jeff Datoff (0-0-0)
Bennett Hambrook (0-0-0)
Luke Hannas (0-0-0)
Stephen Ryan (0-0-0)
Brendon Fornwald (0-0-0)
Riley Spraggs (0-0-0)
Jeremy Wiebe (0-0-0)
Faiz Khan (0-0-0)
Trevor Esau (0-0-0)

Ryan Benitez (0-3 Record, 3.79 GAA)
Kirk Thompson (0-2 Record, 4.08 GAA)

Cents Steel Two Points From Vipers:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Cents Steel two points from Vipers

Published: September 22, 2010

Roger knox

Morning Star Staff

The only things making it a more perfect result for Tyler Steel would have been scoring the winning goal and being named a game star.

However, the Vernon product made 31 saves, including three in overtime, to give the Merritt Centennials their first B.C. Hockey League win of the season, a 5-4 double overtime decision over the Vernon Vipers – the same team that cut Steel late in training camp – in front of 1,405 fans Tuesday at the Wesbild Centre.

“I just went into it like any other game I was playing, I got really focused and was determined to get a win in my first time playing in my hometown,” said Steel, 17, who had family and a bunch of friends in the stands as he picked up his first BCHL win. “It crossed my mind a little bit that I wanted to send the Vipers a bit of a message, but I just wanted to prove to everyone that I can play in this league and be good in this league.

“I thought I did pretty good. I want that last one back, but we ended up winning, that’s a good thing. We worked really hard, guys played their roles very well, everyone just played great.”

Defenceman Jeff Zmurchyk scored his first of the year 1:20 into double overtime for the 1-5 Centennials. He picked up a loose puck in his own end during the three-on-three, skated into Vernon territory and wired a wrist shot from the left face-off circle that cleanly beat Vipers rookie goalie Bryton Udy – the man who beat out Steel for the back-up role to Blake Voth – on the glove side.

The Vipers forced overtime when Dylan Walchuk banged in a puck on the doorstep with 33 seconds left in regulation time. Kyle Murphy started the play by driving to the net around a Centennials defender and getting a high shot away on Steel. The puck dropped to Walchuk, the game’s second star, who fought off a check to put in his second of the night and fourth of the year.

Merritt had taken a 3-2 lead just three minutes earlier on a penalty shot goal from first star Dustin Johnson. Referee Mike Boisvert awarded the shot after Vernon defenceman Steve Weinstein dove on the puck in the crease behind Udy as a Merritt shot hit Udy high on the chest, went up in the air over his head and landed behind him in the crease.

Johnson went to the backhand and beat Udy over the right shoulder for the go-ahead goal, setting the stage for Walchuk’s equalizer.

“We’re not used to having to defend one-goal leads late in the game, that’s our first time doing it,” said Merritt head coach Luke Pierce, a former Viper. “It’s something, like everything, that’s a lesson that our guys are going to learn. I liked our effort level. It wasn’t from a lack of trying, it was from a breakdown. Give Vernon a lot of credit, especially Dylan Walchuk. I thought he was one of the best players on the ice tonight.”

Walchuk opened the scoring at 3:34 of the first with a goal similar to his game-tying marker. He stood at the edge of the crease and scored on a rebound after Steel stoned David Robinson and Mark Basara in close.

The Centennials tied the game with their first of three powerplay goals on the evening less than two minutes later. Stephen Wall won a face-off to Udy’s right in Vernon territory, and Merritt leading scorer Regan Soquila, one of 11 rookies in the Centennials lineup, ripped his fourth of the year past Udy.

Merritt took the lead with the man advantage with only 16 seconds left in the opening frame as Johnson tried to pass from behind the net. The puck went off defenceman Elliot Richardson’s skate and through Udy’s legs.

Vernon scored the only goal of the second period when Weinstein deflected a Bryce Kakoske shot from the point on the powerplay that went five-hole on Steel.

Basara gave Vernon a 3-2 edge 3:53 into the third when a point shot his leg as he was screening Steel and got past the Merritt netminder.

Jeff Jones, who earlier in the week committed to Robert Morris University, an NCAA Division 1 school in Pittsburgh, tied the game for Merritt on the power play at 6:43, one-timing a cross-ice pass from Johnson past Udy.

Jones was the game’s third star.

“Tonight’s loss is obviously very disappointing,” said Vernon head coach Mark Ferner. “We had some guys with some good efforts but just not enough. It’s unacceptable. We win as a team, lose as a team. We needed to be better in a lot of different areas, our penalty kill, our own-end play, our efforts away from the puck. Right now we’re not there.”

The game marked the debut of Coldstream defenceman Max Mowat for the Vipers. He was acquired after being cut by the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL. Mowat saw a regular shift paired with Richardson.

“It’s been a good experience since I’ve been here, I’ve liked the guys ever since I’ve been here,” said Mowat, who practiced Monday with the team for the first time. “We had it going there for a bit tonight then we got outworked.”

The Vipers visit Prince George Friday night and Sunday afternoon, and travel to Quesnel to face the host Millionaires Saturday. Next home game for Vernon is Saturday, Oct. 2, against the Cowichan Valley Capitals.