I was at tonight's Fred Page Cup-BCHL Finals as Vernon defeated Powell River 5-4 in overtime of Game 4 to win there 12th Fred Page Cup Championship in front of 2,466 fans at the Wesbild Centre.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Kirby Halcrow
Powell River: Michael Garteig
1st Period: With Powell River's season on the line, the Kings got off to a good start getting the play in deep. Just like in Game 3 last night the Kings carried the play early but with no real good scoring opportunities. The Kings played a very physical game, laying out some solid checks. The Vipers needed almost four minutes to record their first shot on goal. Powell River would get a lucky bounce early and just about take the 1-0 lead. A shot from the corner went out front hitting John Knisley before the puck come back the other way just missing the far side of the goal. On the same shift the Vipers would clear the zone and get the play deep in the Kings zone, before Brett Corkey's point shot hit someone or something in front getting tipped along the way before Michael Garteig had to make a huge glove save, Garteig couldnt hold onto the puck as it just barley graized the crossbar and then landed ontop of the Kings net stopping play. Just shortly after that the Vipers would get some good pressure deep in the Powell River zone, moving the puck around setup Zach McPhee in front who was stopped by Michael Garteig from the slot. Back come the Kings getting the play in deep, Brett Corkey couldnt clear the zone after Chad Niddery stole the puck off Corkey's stick setting up Matt Garbowsky in front who beat Kirby Halcrow at 6:58 giving Powell River the 1-0 lead. Niddery with the only helper on the goal. Powell River is 7-4 in the playoffs when scoring first, while Vernon is 1-4 when giving up the first goal in these playoffs. Just a few minutes later the Vipers would get the games first powerplay but the Kings penalty kill was very strong coming up with some big blocked shots killing off the minor. Dylan Walchuk would then get a great chance after getting in close all alone but was stopped by Michael Garteig. Vernon was the better team in the opening period getting some good chances but couldnt get the puck past Garteig. Vernon captain, David Robinson setup Kyle Murphy in front but Murphy was stopped by Garteig. The Vipers also had alot of point shots or long shots from just inside the blueline that just missed the net. Powell River would get their first powerplay, but the Kings man advantage wouldnt last long before Vernon was awarded a powerplay wich allowed both teams a little four on four action before the Vipers would get a late powerplay. The Vipers struggled with the man advantage as the Kings easily killed off the powerplay. The Kings who didnt generate alot of scoring chances come up close with 1:24 remaining, Matt Garbowsky from the slot with a nice shot was stopped by the goal stick shaft of Kirby Halcrow. In the final minute of play Matt Garbowsky and Kyle Murphy started exchanging words before a few shots were given as both players were sent off the ice. Vernon carried the better of the play, getting some real good quality chances but couldnt find the back of the net. The Kings with a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Powell River 15-9.
2nd Period: Off the draw David Robinson took the puck and skated down the left wing before stepping over the Kings blueline and ripping a hard shot that beat Michael Garteig but hit the post, back come the Kings with the play, Daniel Schuler would setup Andrew Pettitt in front who beat Halcrow at fourty four seconds giving Powell River a 2-0 lead. Schuler with the only assist. Robinson's shot goes in and we have a 1-1 hockey game, instead back come the Kings and score on there chance making this a two goal game. Off the draw the Vipers would get the play in the neutral zone but Steve Weinstein had the puck bounce over his stick allowing the Kings with an odd man rush, Brenden Forbes would setup Daneil Schuler in front who was stopped by Kirby Halcrow on the first shot, Schuler would collect his own rebound and as Adam Thompson went creashing into the net, Schuler beat Halcrow at 1:30 giving the Kings a comanding 3-0 lead. Forbes and Scott Renner would pick up the assists. Two back to back quick goals to open the period really quieted the Wesbild Centre. Mark Ferner was forced to call a timeout. Vernon would get a shot with the man advantage just a few minutes later, moving the puck around Steve Weinstein setup David Robinson at the side of the net who beat Michael Garteig at 4:58 getting Vernon on the scoreboard. Weinstein and Adam Thompson collected the assists. This goal got the crowd and the Vipers back into the hockey game. But just seconds later Powell River would get a powerplay but it was the Vernon penalty kill that was sharp killing off the penalty. Darren Nowick would then get a good chance from the circle but was stopped by Michael Garteig. Vernon slowly started to carry the edge in play really skating hard and moving the puck well creating some chances. The Vipers who were outhit in the 1st period, started hitting in the 2nd period. Just before the midway mark after two big hits in the Kings zone, Powell River was going to be heading on another powerplay before a line brawl started with tempers heating up for the second straight night, emotions started going as both teams were now starting to not like one another. Trevor Fitzgerald and Aaron Hadley were two Vernon players who were involved in some punches being tossed as well as some pushing and shoving going on. In the end Powell River would come out with the powerplay. The Kings man advantage wouldnt last very long as the Kings would get sent to the penalty box sending both teams four on four before Vernon would get a late powerplay. On the man advantage, Steve Weinstein setup David Robinson again for the second straight goal as Robinson beat Michael Garteig at 12:11 making this a one goal game. Weinstein with the lone helper on the goal as the Wesbild Centre erupted. Give the Kings credit they didnt panic and come right back with some good sustained pressure deep in the Vernon zone, moving the puck around well the Kings couldnt generate alot of chances as Vernon's defence was doing a great job at keeping the Kings to the outside limiting their shots and scoring chances. The Vipers would eventually clear the zone, Kyle Murphy with some great individual effort broke through the neutral zone before going around one Powell River d-man, getting off a quick shot from the circle before gathering his own rebound and then beat Garteig at 15:58 to tie the game 3-3. The Wesbild Centre erupted as fans were out of their seats as the Kings blew a three goal lead. Steve Weinstein and Malcolm Lyles with the assists. Kent Lewis was forced to use his timeout and try and settle down his troops. Off the next faceoff the Vipers come right back getting into the Powell River zone, Marcus Basara setup Dylan Walchuk who beat Michael Garteig at 16:21 giving Vernon a 4-3 lead. Basara with the only assist on the goal. Powell River who once had a 3-0 lead were down a goal in a wild period. The Vipers with three goals in just over four minutes. Vernon with a 4-3 lead after 40 minutes of play. The Kings got off to a good start but couldnt hold the lead as the Vipers with a heck of a period were the better team. The Kings outshot the Vipers 14-9.
3rd Period: Just twenty minutes away from their 12th League Championship the Vipers played a very smart, defensive 3rd period. Vernon just chipped the puck in deep and chased in after it, wearing down the Kings defence as Powell River had all kinds of trouble breaking out of their own end. With not alot of whistles allowed for a very quick final period. Chad Niddery would get a great chance eight minutes into the period but couldnt beat Kirby Halcrow was come up with a big save. This was the Kings only scoring play of the period at this point as the Vipers did a great play at shutting down the Kings offence. Andrew Pettitt, Chad Niddery and Matt Garbowsky played most of the entire 3rd period. But at the 15:14 mark with a faceoff deep in the Vipers zone, Powell River would win the draw feeding a wide open Matt Garbowsky who was all alone in front, had Halcrow beat but somehow missed the open cage hitting the outside of the post. Garbowsky would collect the puck and get back out front where he beat Kirby Halcrow along with a maze of players in front at 15:14 tying the game 4-4 as the Kings bench erupted. Daniel Schuler with the only assist on the game tying goal. Vernon did a great job at dumping and chasing the puck, killing off most of the clock, only giving the Kings two chances, with one ending up in the back of the net to force overtime. Powell River who was hemmened in their own end for most of the 3rd capitalized on one of their two chances keeping there season alive. The Kings outshot the Vipers 8-7.
Overtime: In the opening minute with the Vipers deep in the Kings zone, Malcolm Lyles with a hard shot from the point just missed the far corner. Not a whole lot of scoring opportunities as both teams looked to be playing very cautious waiting for the other team to make the first mistake. The Vipers would get the first good chance in the extra frame after Kyle Murphy was stopped by Michael Garteig, before Ryan Renz jumped on the rebound but couldnt beat Garteig who come up with a huge save on the rebound keeping his teams season alive. But just a few minutes later on an odd man rush, Brett Corkey setup Mike Zalewski who beat Gerteig in close down low at 8:00 giving the Vipers the 5-4 overtime victory as the Vipers bench erupted onto the ice, on the other side the Powell River bench hung their heads low, looking dejected after losing to Vernon in the league final for the third straight season. The Vipers with there 12th Fred Page Cup Championship (1970,1972,1988,1989,1991,1992,1996,1999,2003,2009,2010 & 2011)
as Vernon won the series in four straight. The Vipers outshot the Kings 6-3.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Brett Corkey (1 assist) Other then two turnovers in his own end, I was very impressed with Brett Corkey tonight on the Vernon backend. I thought Corkey played a very strong game for the Vipers.
David Robinson (2 goals) The Vipers captain with two powerplay goals in the 2nd got his team back into the game and carried his team on his back for their third straight Fred Page Cup. Robinson who has been a warrior in this series battled and competed hard all night.
Kyle Murphy (1 goal) Robinson's linemate Kyle Murphy with the game tying goal also played very well up front for Vernon. Murphy with a few big blocked shots on the penalty kill was very good at both ends of the rink.
Darren Nowick for the second straight night played very well for the Vipers. Used his speed and good hustle and strong play along the boards to break up a few plays.
Steve Weinstein (3 assists) Steve Weinstein who was being checked very closely in Game 3 was able to find some room and get involved in the play in Game 4 tonight. Weinstein looked very good with and without the puck tonight.
Adam Thompson (1 assist) Thompson had a very strong defensive game on the Vipers blueline tonight. Saw alot of icetime, played very well.
Top Players: (Powell River)
Matt Garbowsky (2 goals) The Kings veteran forward did all his best trying to keep his season alive, scoring two goals but it wasnt enough. Garbowsky was one of Powell Rivers best players tonight, laid everything on the line in Game 4 and played with his heart on his sleve getting some real good chances.
Andrew Pettitt (1 goal) Another Powell River veteran forward who put everything on the line tonight but fell short. Pettitt who has now seen the Vipers hoist the Fred Page Cup for the third straight year played very well.
Daniel Schuler (1 goal & 1 assist) Played very well up front for the Kings. Schuler with a few good chances looked good with the puck.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
First off Id like to take this time to congratulate the Vernon Vipers on winning their 12th Fred Page Cup Championship and third in three years. Vernon is now just the fourth team in league history to win the league title three straight years. Here are the other three teams, (Kamloops 1962-1964, Nanaimo 1978-1980, & Penticton 1980-1982) Im still shocked that the Vipers got passed the Salmon Arm Silverbacks and now have swept the Powell River Kings. I would have never guessed this series was going four games. Wow! Mark Ferner and Jason Williamson deserve a ton of credit for what they have done with this team over the past four seasons and especially this year. With 16 new players coming into this season, I would have never guessed the Vipers would win the Interior Conference Pennant, let alone challange for top spot in the Conference. And then to win the Fred Page Cup in four straight, wow! And what can you say about the players, and what it says about the team we have here, the seven veteran players from last years RBC Cup Championship team have alot to do with all of this. Being leaders on and off the ice, and showing the new, younger kids what it means and what it is to be a Vernon Viper. Congrats again to the Vipers and the entire organization!! I thought the Vipers played very well in the 1st period but were down 1-0. Vernon with some good chances just couldnt find the back of the net. Two quick back to back goals within the first two minutes of the 2nd period and now there down 3-0. At this point, I thought we were going back to Powell River for Game 5. What a thrilling-exciting 2nd period, the Vipers didnt quit, showing the character and leadership they have, they battled back to take a 4-3 lead heading into the 3rd. Vernon was just five minutes away from winning the Fred Page Cup before the Kings tied the game, after a great defensive shutdown period I thought the Vipers had it in the bag. Give this team credit, they didnt quit and found a way to win it in overtime. In the end I thought Vernon was the better team, coming up with lots of good scoring chances. This was one of the better games of the season! The Vipers have won eight straight and playing with a ton of confidence right now. The City of Vernon dosnt realize how lucky we are and how good we have it with the Vipers organization. For the third straight season we have seen our Vipers win the Fred Page Cup on home ice, after watching David Robinson hoist the cup, you just never get sick of seeing this. It brings a tear to your eye seeing these young men, acomplish a dream and make us Viper fans very proud! Congrats again boys!!! All the best in the Doyle Cup! Nice seeing former Vipers captain, Lennie Rampone in attendance tonight.
Game Thoughts: (Powell River)
First off Id like to thank and congratulate the Powell River Kings and their organization on a great season and playoff run. For the third straight season the Kings have fell short to the Vernon Vipers, but you guy's have nothing to hang your head about. Looking on paper this was a four game sweep but on the ice, this was not a four game series. The Kings other then maybe Game 1 deserved a better fate in atleast the last two games. Outplaying the Vipers for most of Game 3, Powell River took the loss with the game winner coming off a corner shot that went in off their own defenceman-goaltender. Tonight blowing a 3-0 lead, you have to wonder what happened? Unlike last year I dont think the Kings got solid goaltending in this years playoffs. Michael Garteig who struggled last night and had troubles with rebounds tonight didnt get the big save when needed. Im not saying any of the Viper goals were his fault, but in that second period up 3-0 the Vipers score four goals on just nine Vernon shots. Powell River needs a big save on atleast one or two of those. As the game went on, you could see the Vipers take over and really show they wanted this Cup and series tonight. Vernon played with some killer instinct at times and got the big goals when needed. Powell River in Games 3 and again tonight in Game 4 just couldnt generate a whole lot of scoring opportunities. Tonight's a game when your up 3-0 you have to hang on for the victory. Give the Kings credit even though the Vipers come back and took a 4-3 lead heading into the 3rd, Powell River battled hard sending the game to overtime. A very tough loss, that will take some of if not all the veteran players a very very long time to get over. Alot of questions and what if's will be going through the thoughts and minds of many of the Kings players and coaching staff. After last years Game 7 loss to the Vipers and having a record breaking regular season, I think Powell River and the Kings thought this was their year and team to do alot of damage in the playoffs. Hang your heads up high you guys!! You had one heck of a season and playoff run! For all the veteran players or players that wont be back next season, I wish you all the best in your hockey or life futures. Thanks again for a great last three Fred Page Cup Series!
Scratches:
Vernon:
Max Mowat
Dane Muench
Colton Sparrow
Powell River:
Teagan Waugh
Justin Bardarson
Mike Sones
3 Stars:
1st Star: Mike Zalewski (Overtime Game Winner)
2nd Star: David Robinson (2 goals)
3rd Star: Steve Weinstein (3 assists)
For more on tonight's game check out the boxscore,
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=939551&link=bchl
Vernon’s Junior Hockey Team’s have now made the BCHL League Finals 18 times since 1970 with a record of 12-6.
Here’s a look back at Vernon’s run to the League Championship:
1970 Vernon Essos defeated Victoria 4-2
1972 Vernon Essos defeated Penticton 4-3
1988 Vernon Lakers defeated Richmond 4-1
1989 Vernon Lakers defeated New Westminister 4-1
1990 New Westminister defeated Vernon Lakers 4-2
1991 Vernon Lakers defeated Powell River 4-0
1992 Vernon Lakers defeated Bellingham 4-0
1996 Vernon Vipers defeated Langley 4-1
1997 Surrey defeated Vernon Vipers 4-1
1999 Vernon Vipers defeated Chilliwack 4-1
2000 Chilliwack defeated Vernon Vipers 4-1
2002 Chilliwack defeated Vernon Vipers 4-2
2003 Vernon Vipers defeated Chilliwack 4-0
2005 Surrey defeated Vernon Vipers 4-1
2007 Nanaimo defeated Vernon Vipers 4-2
2009 Vernon Vipers defeated Powell River 4-2
2010 Vernon Vipers defeated Powell River 4-3
2011 Vernon Vipers defeated Powell River Kings 4-0
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