Tambellini Commits To North Dakota:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Tambellini Commits to North Dakota

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - Submitted by Vipers Staff

The Vernon Vipers are pleased to announce that rookie forward Adam Tambellini has committed to the University of North Dakota for 2013.

The 17 year old is the second Viper to commit to North Dakota this season as he will join teammate Geoff Crisfield on the Fighting Sioux roster for the 2013-2014 season.
This season Tambellini has recorded 20 goals and 18 assists for 38 points.

Head Coach and GM Jason Williamson is happy for his rookie sensation. “I know this was a very difficult decision for Adam and his family however I’m very happy that he has secured his future and I look forward to having him back as a Viper next season and watching him further his career. Adam is a first class kid and a huge part of our team.”

Vipers, Chiefs & Spruce Kings All Battling For Final Playoff Spot:

The Vernon Vipers, Chilliwack Chiefs and Prince George Spruce Kings are all battling it out for the final playoff spot in the Interior Conference standings. Two of these three teams will finish in 3rd and 4th place getting into the BCHL playoffs while one of these three teams will miss the BCHL playoffs. Lets take a closer look at all three teams remaining games and who they play.

Vernon Vipers (21-20-1-2) 5th Place

Remaining home games: (8)

February 3rd Merritt @ Vernon
February 4th Alberni Valley @ Vernon
February 7th Trail @ Vernon
February 10th Merritt @ Vernon
February 16th Nanaimo @ Vernon
February 18th Westside @ Vernon
March 4th Prince George @ Vernon
March 9th Salmon Arm @ Vernon

Remaining away games: (8)

February 11th Vernon @ Chilliwack
February 14th Vernon @ Merritt
February 17th Vernon @ Penticton
February 24th Vernon @ Cowichan Valley
February 25th Vernon @ Powell River
March 3rd Vernon @ Westside
March 6th Vernon @ Chilliwack
March 10th Vernon @ Salmon Arm

Chilliwack Chiefs (24-17-1-2) 3rd Place

Remaining home games: (7)

February 7th Penticton @ Chilliwack
February 10th Westside @ Chilliwack
February 11th Vernon @ Chilliwack
February 28th Salmon Arm @ Chilliwack
March 6th Vernon @ Chilliwack
March 10th Westside @ Chilliwack
March 11th Trail @ Chilliwack

Remaining away games: (9)

February 3rd Chilliwack @ Penticton
February 4th Chilliwack @ Trail
February 17th Chilliwack @ Prince George
February 18th Chilliwack @ Merritt
February 19th Chilliwack @ Westside
February 22nd Chilliwack @ Salmon Arm
March 2nd Chilliwack @ Westside
March 3rd Chilliwack @ Penticton
March 9th Chilliwack @ Coquitlam

Prince George Spruce Kings (22-17-2-4) 4th Place

Remaining home games: (6)

February 3rd Salmon Arm @ Prince George
February 4th Salmon Arm @ Prince George
February 17th Chilliwack @ Prince George
February 18th Nanaimo @ Prince George
March 9th Penticton @ Prince George
March 10th Penticton @ Prince George

Remaining away games: (9)

February 10th Prince George @ Trail
February 11th Prince George @ Trail
February 12th Prince George @ Salmon Arm
February 24th Prince George @ Westside
February 25th Prince George @ Salmon Arm
February 26th Prince George @ Penticton
March 2nd Prince George @ Trail
March 3rd Prince George @ Trail
March 4th Prince George @ Vernon

Former Viper Goaltender Hammond Named Papa Johns Athlete Of The Week:

Former Vernon Vipers goaltender, Andrew Hammond has been named Papa John's Athlete Of The Week. Hammond played two years in Vernon (2007-2009) after coming over in a trade with the Surrey Eagles. Hammond is in his third season with Bowling Green University.

Andrew Hammond's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=113948

This is posted on the Falcons website:

Hammond, Slagle Named Papa John's Athletes Of The Week

1/30/2012

Each week, the Bowling Green State University Athletic Department names the Papa John's Athletes of the Week, as selected by the athletic communications department based on their athletic performances from the previous week. This week's winners are hockey player Andrew Hammond and women's basketball player Jessica Slagle.

Male Athlete of the Week

Andrew Hammond, a junior from Surrey, British Columbia, went 1-1-0 this weekend against No. 13 Western Michigan. He made 57 saves in two games, posting a 2.01 goals against average with a .934 save percentage. He recorded his career-best eighth win of the season Saturday night in a 2-1 victory over the Broncos.

Darren Nowick & John Knisley Post-Game Interview:

Vernon Vipers colour commentator, Don Klepp interviews injured Vernon Vipers forwards, John Knisley & Darren Nowick after the Vipers 4-1 victory over the visiting Westside Warriors Friday night.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiAN5-8AAlI&feature=player_embedded

Americans Sign Former Vernon Viper Mark Sibbald:

The CHL Allen Americans have signed former Vernon Vipers goaltender, Mark Sibbald back on January, 11th 2012.   No official press release other then the signing has been posted on the CHL transactions webpage. Sibbald who was recently waived by the CHL Bloomington Blaze back on December 30th 2011 is joining his third team this season (Huntsville, Bloomington & now Allen)

Sibbald played two years in Vernon (2003-2005) went 35-16-3 in 59 regular season games with the Vipers.

Mark Sibbald's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=76538

Zalewski Leads Vipers to Gutsy Win:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Zalewski Leads Vipers to Gutsy Win

Sunday, January 29, 2012 - Submitted by Don Klepp

Mike Zalewski’s third goal of the game gave the Vernon Vipers a dramatic 5-4 overtime win in Prince George.

Playing their third game in three days, the understaffed Vipers tried to get an early lead and play a defensive game the rest of the way. That strategy worked for most of the game as they took a 1-0 lead in the first period and frustrated the Spruce Kings with close checking for the first 55 minutes of the contest. Then things got a little crazy.

With the Vipers clinging to a 2-1 lead and not attempting offensive forays, the BCHL’s top scorer, Paul De Jersey, threaded a shot through a crowd to tie the game at 14:55 of the third period. At 16:14, Leo Fitzgerald’s long shot eluded Kirby Halcrow to give the Spruce Kings their first lead of the game. Leo added an empty netter at 18:49 and it looked like the Spruce Kings were home and dry, even though they had been out shot and outplayed for most of the game.

Then the Vipers were thrown a life line. Colton Sparrow was hauled down on a partial breakaway by Ben Woodley at 19:15 and referee Grant Tyson awarded a penalty shot. Sparrow was injured on the play as he crashed into the Prince George net, so another player had to take the shot.

Sparrow’s line mate, Colton Cyr, persuaded his coach that he could beat goalie Ty Swabb low to the stick side and that’s exactly what he did.

During the next shift, the Vipers worked their way into the Spruce King zone where Patrick McGillis won a battle and fed Ryan Renz for a point shot that missed and came off the back boards. Mike Zalewski was there to rifle the puck past Swabb and, improbably, the game was tied, 4-4.

As the teams lined up for four-on-four overtime, Zalewski came out again and again the Vipers worked the puck deep into the Spruce King zone. The big winger outworked two defenders in the left corner, came out in front and stuffed the puck past Swabb just 22 seconds into overtime.

For the Spruce Kings and Vipers it was, to quote Yogi Berra, “Déjà vu, all over again.” On October 1 in Vernon, the Spruce Kings had a 4-1 lead with 2:27 left to play. The Vipers tied that game with three goals in a minute and half and then won it early in overtime. Mike Zalewski had the late tying goal in that comeback as well.

In this game, Colton Sparrow’s power play goal opened the scoring at 3:35 of the first period. The Spruce Kings equalized at 6:02 of the second period, but Mike Zalewski restored the Viper lead at 14:05.

The pattern of tight checking punctuated by occasional sudden scoring chances continued well into the third until De Jersey’s seeing-eye shot opened the floodgates. Prior to that point, each team had hit iron a couple of times and each goalie had made some excellent saves to maintain the low score.

Viper Coach Jason Williamson was surprised by the wild finish. “We were short of players and we’ve had a gruelling weekend, so I was worried that PG might wear us down and get a late tying goal. But nobody could have predicted that finish!”

He went on, “Basically, we were running on fumes, but we gutted it out. Today, I challenged our top players to be better than PG’s top players and that’s what transpired. Mike [Zalewski] was pretty special today.”

Vernon 5 Prince George 4 (Overtime)

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 3:35 (PP) - Colton Sparrow from Colton Cyr and Ryan Renz

PERIOD 2

Prince George Spruce Kings at 6:02 - Zack Rassell from Jarryd Ten Vaanholt and Ben Matthews
Vernon Vipers at 14:05 - Michael Zalewski from Aaron Hadley and Adam Tambellini

PERIOD 3

Prince George Spruce Kings at 14:55 - Paul De Jersey (unassisted)
Prince George Spruce Kings at 16:14 - Leo Fitzgerald from Myles Fitzgerald
Prince George Spruce Kings at 18:49 (EN)- Leo Fitzgerald (unassisted)
Vernon Vipers at 19:15 (PS) - Colton Cyr (unassisted)
Vernon Vipers at 19:40 - Michael Zalewski from Ryan Renz and Patrick McGillis

OVERTIME PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 0:22 - Michael Zalewski (unassisted)

Vernon outshot Prince George 30-24 Kirby Halcrow made 20 saves in the win, while Ty Swabb made 25 saves in the loss.

For more on today's game visit the boscore,

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977767&link=bchl

(Game Preview) Vernon @ Prince George:

Vernon (20-20-1-2) @ Prince George (22-17-2-3) 3pm Start

Today is the sixth of seven regular season meetings between these two teams.

Let's take a look at the season schedule between these two hockey clubs,

Saturday, October 1st Prince George @ Vernon (Vipers won 5-4 overtime)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977627

Sunday, October 23rd Prince George @ Vernon (Vipers won 4-3)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977630

Friday, October 28th Vernon @ Prince George (Spruce Kings won 3-2)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977752

Sunday, January 15th Prince George @ Vernon (Spruce Kings won 5-1)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977645

Saturday, January 28th Vernon @ Prince Geirge (Spruce Kings won 7-2)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977766&link=bchl

Sunday, January 29th Vernon @ Prince George
Sunday, March 4th Prince George @ Vernon
Last Game Played:

Saturday, January 28th Prince George defeated Vernon 7-2

Next Game:
Friday, February 3rd Merritt @ Vernon
Friday, February 3rd Salmon Arm @ Prince George

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon is 34-17-1-4 vs. Prince George

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon has outscored Prince George 222-152

Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 13-4-1-4 at home vs. Prince George

Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 13-10-0-1 in Prince George

The Vipers are 6-2-0-2 in their last ten games at home vs. the Spruce Kings

The Vipers are 5-5-0-0 in their last ten games on the road vs. the Spruce Kings

The Vipers are 4-4-1-1 in their last ten games vs. Prince George

The Vipers last loss in Prince George was a 7-2 loss back on Friday, January 28th 2012

The Vipers last loss at home to Prince George was a 5-1 loss on Sunday, January 15th 2012

The Vipers went 4-1-0-1 vs Prince George last season during the regular season.

The Vernon Lakers changed their name to the Vernon Vipers to start the 1995-96 season. Here’s a look at the Vipers all-time regular season record

Games Played: 992
Wins: 631
Losses: 261
Ties: 16
Overtime Losses: 86

For more stats & former Vernon Junior Hockey Team rosters & lineups please visit Paul’s Vernon Junior Hockey History website,

http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html

The Vipers are coming off a 7-2 loss last night in Prince George make thier third visit to PG this season facing the Spruce Kings for the second of back to back games. Vernon sits six points back of 4th place Prince George. The Vipers have lost twelve straight away from home getting their last win on the road way back on November, 12th in a 2-1 double overtime win over the Trail Smoke Eaters.

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

Games Played: 43
Wins: 20
Losses: 20
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 14-6-1-1
Road Record: 6-14-0-1
Goals For: 143
Goals Against: 142
Streak: One game losing streak
Standings: 5th Place

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Brett Corkey (92)
Aaron Hadley (93)
John Knisley (92)
Patrick McGillis (91)
Max Mowat (93)
Darren Nowick (91)
Ryan Renz (93)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Michael Zalewski (92)
Kirby Halcrow (91)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Marcus Basara (93)
Dylan Walchuk (92)
David Robinson (90)
Bryce Kakoske (90)
Malcolm Lyles (90)
Trevor Fitzgerald (92)
Adam Thompson (90)
Steven Weinstein (90)
Kyle Murphy (90)
Dane Muench (92)
Philip Patenaude (91)
Zach McPhee (93)
Blake Voth (91)

Vernons Home record vs. Prince George this season:

2-1-0-0

Vernons Road record vs. Prince George this season:

0-2-0-0

Vernons Powerplay vs. Prince George this season:

5-21

Vernons scoring leaders vs. Prince George this season:

Michael Zalewski (2-3-5)
Aaron Hadley (1-3-4)
Patrick McGillis (4-0-4)
Adam Tambellini (1-2-3)
Darren Nowick (2-1-3)
Ryan Renz (0-3-3)
John Knisley (1-1-2)
Max Mowat (0-2-2)
Colton Sparrow (1-1-2)
Brett Corkey (0-2-2)
Colton Cyr (0-1-1)
Ben Gamache (1-0-1)
Jedd Soleway (0-1-1)

Danny Todosychuk (1-2 Record)
Kirby Halcrow (1-1 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Michael Zalewski (24-28-52) is in the league's top twenty in scoring

-Vernon has the leagues 3rd best powerplay

-The Vipers have the BCHL's 9th best penalty kill

-Kirby Halcrow is 5-4 in his career vs Prince George

Tonight is the second game of a four game home stand for the Spruce Kings who are coming off a 7-2 over Vernon last night. Prince George sits six points up on the 5th place Vipers are just two points back of the 3rd place Chilliwack Chiefs.

For more on the Prince George Spruce Kings and tonights game, visit Ron Gallo's Prince George Spruce Kings blog,

http://sprucekingscrusader.blogspot.com/  

Lets take a look at the Prince George Spruce Kings:

Games Played: 44
Wins: 22
Losses: 17
Ties: 2
Overtime Losses: 3
Home Record: 15-8-0-0
Road Record: 7-9-2-3
Goals For: 150
Goals Against: 135
Standings: 4th Place
Prince George Spruce Kings Returning Players:

Jujhar Khaira (94)
Jeff Earnest (91)
Ben Woodley (91)
Trevor Esau (92)
Chase Golightly (92)
Kirk Thompson (92)

Prince George Spruce Kings Departing & traded players from last years team:

Sam Waterfield (91)
Connor Tiechko (92)
Faiz Khan (90)
Trent Murdoch (91)
Kyle Manlow (91)
Todd Skirving (92)
Stephen Ryan (94)
Dustin Beairsto (92)
Brandon Watson (92)
Bennett Hambrook (92)
Isaac Davies (93)
Cameron Large (92)

Prince George's Home record vs. Vernon this season:

2-0-0-0

Prince George's Road record vs. Vernon this season:

1-1-0-1

Prince George's Powerplay vs. Vernon this season:

3-23

Prince George's scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Paul De Jersey (6-7-13)
Jujhar Khaira (4-5-9)
Ben Woodley (0-4-4)
Trevor Esau (0-4-4)
Chase Golightly (0-4-4)
Michael Colantone (3-0-3)
Sean Landrey (3-0-3)
Gerry Fitzgerald (2-1-3)
Zack Rassell (1-2-3)
Jarryd Ten Vaanholt (1-1-2)
Leo Fitzgerald (0-1-1)
Dylan Tappe (0-1-1)
Skylar Pacheco (0-1-1)
Josh Gray (1-0-1)
Ben Matthews (0-1-1)
Patrick Chore (0-1-1)
Latrell Charleson (0-1-1)
Cody Bardock (0-1-1)
Myles Fitzgerald (0-1-1)
Tyson Witala (0-1-1)
Kirk Thompson (1-1 Record)
Ty Swabb (1-0 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Kirk Thompson (11-12-1 Record, 1 Shutout & 2.72 GAA) & Ty Swabb (5-3-1 Record, 2.62 GAA are both in the leagues top ten goaltenders

-Former Viper Jarryd Ten Vaanholt will be facing his former team for the third time within a week after coming in a trade with Victoria at the BCHL trade deadline

-Prince George has the leagues 15th best powerplay

-The Spruce Kings have the BCHL's 5th best penalty kill

-Paul De Jersey (36-41-77), Jujhar Khaira (21-36-57) & Michael Colantone (23-31-54) are all in the leagues top twenty in scoring

-Kirk Thompson is 2-3 lifetime vs the Vernon Vipers

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon Vipers:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224096

Prince George Spruce Kings:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224095

New-Look Spruce Kings Bury Vipers:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

New-Look Spruce Kings Bury Vipers

Saturday, January 28, 2012 - Submitted by Don Klepp

A four-goal second period fuelled a 7-2 victory by the hometown Prince George Spruce Kings over an inconsistent Viper squad.

Dave Dupas mixed up his line combinations, taking Paul De Jersey off the powerful line that has led the Spruce Kings this year. De Jersey played with Gerry Fitzgerald and Jarryd TenVaanholt. Each of the new linemates scored, making Dupas look like a genius.

Meanwhile, Jujhar Khaira and Michael Colantone stayed together, mostly playing with Myles Fitzgerald. That move paid off, too, as Khaira scored twice, even though Colantone was largely invisible in this contest.

As Viper coach Jason Williamson noted after the game, the Vipers played with some intensity in the first and second periods, but fell asleep in the second. “We played an excellent defensive game last night against Westside, but tonight we just didn’t pay attention to detail, especially in the second.”

After PG’s Tyson Witala and Vernon’s Patrick McGillis traded goals in the opening 20 minutes, the Spruce Kings came out with a purpose in the middle frame, Jujhar Khaira tipped in a Chase Golightly point shot 39 seconds after the re-start.

Jarryd Ten Vaanholt (at 2:03) and Paul De Jersey (at 5:54) added to the lead as the two former Silverbacks set each other up. Late in the period, Danny Todosychuk, who could not be faulted on the previous goals, failed to hold a high shot on his chest and Zack Rassell swooped in to tuck it in.

Todosychuk had another bad moment early in the third when he lost sight of De Jersey’s clear-in. The puck bounced off the back boards through Todosychuk’s pads and Gerry Fitzgerald had an easy tap-in.

Ben Gamache made the score 6-2 with a shot from the right wing but, with four seconds remaining in the contest Jujhar Khaira out hustled a Viper defender to backhand a rebound past Todosychuk.

Prince George thus kept pace with Chilliwack, whose comeback victory versus Trail gave them 51 points. PG now has 49 points, while the Vipers are stuck at 43 points, which means that a victory in Sunday afternoon’s game in Prince George is critical for their playoff hopes.

Again, the Vipers were short staffed, as they started the game with 11 forwards and 5 defencemen and then lost Brendan Persley after he was assessed a major penalty and a game misconduct for a check to the head of Trevor Esau at 6:09 of the second period. Persley will be suspended for the next two Viper games.

Vipers Get Payback On Warriors:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers get payback on Warriors

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: January 29, 2012

With two points and a solid effort to start a three-game weekend, the midnight express to Prince George probably felt almost bearable for the Vernon Vipers Friday night.

The Snakes hopped right on the bus after they parlayed two-goal performances from Colton Cyr and Mike Zalewski into an entertaining 4-1 B.C. Hockey League win over the visiting Westside Warriors at Wesbild Centre.

The Vipers, fifth in the Interior Conference at 20-19-1-2, faced the fourth-place Spruce Kings (21-17-2-3) Saturday night at the Coliseum. The two teams tangle again today in a 3 p.m. matinee.

“It’s huge. It’s a big weekend for us and if we win a couple games up there we’re right back in it,” said Vipers’ head coach Jason Williamson, who, despite some inconsistent results, likes the way the team is playing.

“It’s coming. We’re getting into stages of playing the right way.”

Even with a couple powerplays to work with, Westside, who grounded Vernon 3-1 in their last encounter a week earlier, didn’t generate much in the first period, mustering just two shots on Kirby Halcrow (20 saves).

Said Westside coach Rylan Ferster: “They came out pretty desperate in the first period and that’s pretty indicative of the game – they played with more desperation than us.

“We had some really good chances in the second period to not only tie it up, but to maybe go ahead.”

At the other end, Vernon looked snake-bitten in the first frame as Colton Sparrow and Cyr both missed open-net one-timers minutes apart.

“Unfortunate not to be up by a couple after the first, but our guys stuck to it and were rewarded later,” said Williamson.

The Warriors pushed back early in the second frame, sparked by some solid offensive pressure from former Viper Marcus Basara, Connor Dempsey and David Pope, who caused havoc in Vernon’s zone.

Basara, returning to Vernon for the first time since being traded in late November, said it was surreal walking into Wesbild.

“I’ve never experienced it until today, but coming back to a place where you’ve played a lot of games, it’s a little different, but you just try to go out there and focus and play your game,” said the Coquitlam product.

“The Vipers are always a hard-working team and I think we are too. It was a pretty hard-fought game but the bounces went their way tonight.”

Zalewski (23rd goal, third star) ignited the nearly 2,000 fans in the second period as he circled from behind the net, then turned and fired a gorgeous top-shelf snipe.

The Vipers took complete control on a pair of early goals in the third period by second star Cyr (11th and 12th), the first coming after he knocked down a point shot by third star d-man Ryan Renz and tucked it behind Dwayne Rodrigue (28 saves).

Cyr's second tally came on the powerplay with the Warriors' Brett McKinnon sitting for a knee-on-knee hit to Brendan Persley. Cyr, brought in from Nanaimo at the trade deadline, deftly deflected an absolute rocket point shot by captain Patrick McGillis.

“It was hard,” smiled Cyr. “I thought it broke my stick to be completely honest. I heard something crack, but we’ll see (Saturday). Hopefully it doesn’t break in warmup.”

Cyr, who hammered the Warriors’ Pete MacIntosh in front of the penalty box on the game’s first shift, says a few wins would do wonders for the Vipers’ confidence.

“Winning is huge for the morale to continue on. We’ll just get our rest and get back at it. We’re playing another team that we’ve got to get back at that beat us last time, and a team we’re trying to catch.”

Zalewski (24th) completed the Vernon attack after he stripped Westside d-man Ben Betker and waltzed in alone to rip a shot past Rodrigue with 27 seconds to play.

The Warriors' lone goal came on a 5-on-3 in the third period, with Seb Lloyd (3rd) beating Halcrow after the Vernon tender made two quick saves in close.

SNAKE BITES: There was a huge ovation for former Viper Aaron Volpatti, now with the Vancouver Canucks, who attended the game to help Vernon promote its 2014 RBC Cup bid...Forward Ben Gamache returned to action for the first time since taking a knee-on-knee hit in a Dec. 30 game against the Salmon Arm SilverBacks.

Prince George 7 Vernon 2

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Prince George Spruce Kings at 5:35 - Tyson Witala from Cody Bardock
Vernon Vipers at 11:24 (PP) - Patrick McGillis from Ryan Renz

PERIOD 2

Prince George Spruce Kings at 0:39 - Jujhar Khaira from Chase Golightly and Trevor Esau
Prince George Spruce Kings at 2:03 - Jarryd Ten Vaanholt from Paul De Jersey and Latrell Charleson
Prince George Spruce Kings at 5:54 - Paul De Jersey from Gerry Fitzgerald and Jarryd Ten Vaanholt
Prince George Spruce Kings at 16:26 - Zack Rassell (unassisted)

PERIOD 3

Prince George Spruce Kings at 11:16 - Gerry Fitzgerald from Paul De Jersey
Vernon Vipers at 16:25 - Ben Gamache from Jedd Soleway and Brett Corkey
Prince George Spruce Kings at 19:55 - Jujhar Khaira from Myles Fitzgerald

Prince George outshot Vernon 38-35 Ty Swabb made 33 saves in the win, while Danny Todosychuk made 31 saves in the loss.

For more on tonight's game visit the boxscore,
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977766&link=bchl

(Game Preview) Vernon @ Prince George:

Vernon (20-19-1-2) @ Prince George (21-17-2-3) 7pm Start

Tonight is the fifth of seven regular season meetings between these two teams.

Let's take a look at the season schedule between these two hockey clubs,

Saturday, October 1st Prince George @ Vernon (Vipers won 5-4 overtime)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977627

Sunday, October 23rd Prince George @ Vernon (Vipers won 4-3)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977630

Friday, October 28th Vernon @ Prince George (Spruce Kings won 3-2)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977752

Sunday, January 15th Prince George @ Vernon (Spruce Kings won 5-1)

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977645

Saturday, January 28th Vernon @ Prince Geirge
Sunday, January 29th Vernon @ Prince George
Sunday, March 4th Prince George @ Vernon

Last Game Played:

Friday, January 27th Vernon defeated Westside 4-1
Sunday, January 22nd Penticton defeated Prince George 3-1

Next Game:

Sunday, January 29th Vernon @ Prince George

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon is 34-16-1-4 vs. Prince George

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon has outscored Prince George 220-145

Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 13-4-1-4 at home vs. Prince George

Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 13-9-0-1 in Prince George

The Vipers are 6-2-0-2 in their last ten games at home vs. the Spruce Kings

The Vipers are 6-4-0-0 in their last ten games on the road vs. the Spruce Kings
The Vipers are 5-3-1-1 in their last ten games vs. Prince George

The Vipers last loss in Prince George was a 3-2 loss back on Friday, October 28th 2011

The Vipers last loss at home to Prince George was a 5-1 loss on Sunday, January 15th 2012

The Vipers went 4-1-0-1 vs Prince George last season during the regular season.

The Vernon Lakers changed their name to the Vernon Vipers to start the 1995-96 season. Here’s a look at the Vipers all-time regular season record

Games Played: 991
Wins: 631
Losses: 260
Ties: 16
Overtime Losses: 86

For more stats & former Vernon Junior Hockey Team rosters & lineups please visit Paul’s Vernon Junior Hockey History website,

http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html

The Vipers are coming off a huge 4-1 victory over the visiting Westside Warriors last night, make just their second visit to PG this season facing the Spruce Kings in back to back games. Vernon sits four points up on 6th place Westside while just four points back of 4th place Prince George. The Vipers have lost eleven straight away from home getting their last win on the road way back on November, 12th in a 2-1 double overtime win over the Trail Smoke Eaters.

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

Games Played: 42
Wins: 20
Losses: 19
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 14-6-1-1
Road Record: 6-13-0-1
Goals For: 141
Goals Against: 135
Streak: One game winning streak
Standings: 5th Place

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Brett Corkey (92)
Aaron Hadley (93)
John Knisley (92)
Patrick McGillis (91)
Max Mowat (93)
Darren Nowick (91)
Ryan Renz (93)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Michael Zalewski (92)
Kirby Halcrow (91)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Marcus Basara (93)
Dylan Walchuk (92)
David Robinson (90)
Bryce Kakoske (90)
Malcolm Lyles (90)
Trevor Fitzgerald (92)
Adam Thompson (90)
Steven Weinstein (90)
Kyle Murphy (90)
Dane Muench (92)
Philip Patenaude (91)
Zach McPhee (93)
Blake Voth (91)

Vernons Home record vs. Prince George this season:

2-1-0-0

Vernons Road record vs. Prince George this season:

0-1-0-0

Vernons Powerplay vs. Prince George this season:

4-19

Vernons scoring leaders vs. Prince George this season:

Michael Zalewski (2-3-5)
Aaron Hadley (1-3-4)
Adam Tambellini (1-2-3)
Darren Nowick (2-1-3)
Patrick McGillis (3-0-3)
John Knisley (1-1-2)
Max Mowat (0-2-2)
Colton Sparrow (1-1-2)
Ryan Renz (0-2-2)
Brett Corkey (0-1-1)
Colton Cyr (0-1-1)

Danny Todosychuk (1-1 Record)
Kirby Halcrow (1-1 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Michael Zalewski (24-28-52) is in the league's top twenty in scoring

-Vernon has the leagues 3rd best powerplay

-The Vipers have the BCHL's 9th best penalty kill

-Danny Todosychuk (5-2 Record, 2.86 GAA) is ranked in the leagues top ten goaltenders

-Kirby Halcrow is 5-4 in his career vs Prince George

The Spruce Kings return home after a 3-1 loss in Penticton Sunday. PG has lost back to back games heading into this weekends action vs Vernon. Tonight is the first game of a four game home stand. Prince George sits four points up on the 5th place Vipers are just two points back of the 3rd place Chilliwack Chiefs.

For more on the Prince George Spruce Kings and tonights game, visit Ron Gallo's Prince George Spruce Kings blog,

http://sprucekingscrusader.blogspot.com/  

Lets take a look at the Prince George Spruce Kings:

Games Played: 43
Wins: 21
Losses: 17
Ties: 2
Overtime Losses: 3
Home Record: 14-8-0-0
Road Record: 7-9-2-3
Goals For: 143
Goals Against: 133
Standings: 4th Place

Prince George Spruce Kings Returning Players:

Jujhar Khaira (94)
Jeff Earnest (91)
Ben Woodley (91)
Trevor Esau (92)
Chase Golightly (92)
Kirk Thompson (92)

Prince George Spruce Kings Departing & traded players from last years team:

Sam Waterfield (91)
Connor Tiechko (92)
Faiz Khan (90)
Trent Murdoch (91)
Kyle Manlow (91)
Todd Skirving (92)
Stephen Ryan (94)
Dustin Beairsto (92)
Brandon Watson (92)
Bennett Hambrook (92)
Isaac Davies (93)
Cameron Large (92)

Prince George's Home record vs. Vernon this season:

1-0-0-0

Prince George's Road record vs. Vernon this season:

1-1-0-1

Prince George's Powerplay vs. Vernon this season:

3-22

Prince George's scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Paul De Jersey (5-5-10)
Jujhar Khaira (2-5-7)
Ben Woodley (0-4-4)
Michael Colantone (3-0-3)
Chase Golightly (0-3-3)
Sean Landrey (3-0-3)
Trevor Esau (0-3-3)
Zack Rassell (0-2-2)
Leo Fitzgerald (0-1-1)
Dylan Tappe (0-1-1)
Skylar Pacheco (0-1-1)
Josh Gray (1-0-1)
Ben Matthews (0-1-1)
Patrick Chore (0-1-1)
Gerry Fitzgerald (1-0-1)

Kirk Thompson (1-1 Record)
Marcus Beesley (1-1 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Kirk Thompson (11-12-1 Record, 1 Shutout & 2.72 GAA) & Ty Swabb (4-3-1 Record, 2.69 GAA are both in the leagues top ten goaltenders

-Former Viper Jarryd Ten Vaanholt will be facing his former team for the third time within a week after coming in a trade with Victoria at the BCHL trade deadline

-Prince George has the leagues 15th best powerplay

-The Spruce Kings have the BCHL's 5th best penalty kill

-Paul De Jersey (35-39-74), Jujhar Khaira (19-36-55) & Michael Colantone (23-31-54) are all in the leagues top twenty in scoring

-Kirk Thompson is 2-3 lifetime vs the Vernon Vipers

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon Vipers:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224096

Prince George Spruce Kings:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224095

Vipers Finally Solve Rodrigue:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vipers Finally Solve Rodrigue

Friday, January 27, 2012 - Submitted by Don Klepp

Colton Cyr and Mike Zalewski each scored twice as the Vipers defeated the Westside Warriors 4-1 in Vernon on Friday.

Carrying on from last Saturday when the Vipers bombarded the Warriors with 24 third-period shots but were unable to score, Vernon outshot Westside 12-2 in the first period but could not solve Dwayne Rodrigue’s goaltending. His best saves were point blank on Colton Cyr and a quick glove on a Ryan Renz blast.

Responding to Rylan Ferster’s urging, the Warriors came out strong in the second period, hemming in the home team and leading in shots 7-1 for the first seven minutes. But then a Viper line rush resulted in a Mike Zalewski snipe at 7:16 and the Vipers took over from that point on.

Stifling defence and frequent shot blocking by the Viper defencemen made life relatively easy for Kirby Halcrow, who stopped 20 of 21 shots. Still, he was very good on a couple of golden Warrior chances early in the second period.

Halcrow’s bid for his first shutout of the season was lost at 13:01 of the third period, during a Warrior two-man advantage. He stopped Ben Betker’s point shot and three attempts by Seb Lloyd at the doorstep, but Lloyd banged in his fourth attempt.

By then, however, the game was on ice because of two Colton Cyr goals earlier in the period. His first, at 2:57, came when he knocked down a Ryan Renz point shot with the shaft of his stick and wheeled to put a backhand past Rodrigue.

The second came at 5:17. Again he got the shaft of his stick on a shot, a one-timed hard slap shot by Patrick McGillis. It was Cyr’s third goal in his sixth game as a Viper.

Mike Zalewski capped the scoring late in the game when he stole the puck from Ben Betker at the Westside blue line and went in to beat Rodrigue with a low shot to the stick side.

Ryan Renz was named the first star for his two assists, his shot blocking, and his solid physical play. He believes that the Vipers played “one of [their] better games of the year. Westside can be hard to play against if you let them get a forecheck going in your end, but they had only that one good spell at the beginning of the second, and we shut them down after that.”

Ben Gamache’s return to the lineup seemed to give the Vipers a lift. Darren Nowick, another Viper who’s been out with a long-term injury, said “When you see a guy like Ben giving it everything he has when he’s not 100 percent physically, that makes the other guys work that much harder.”

Vipe Snipes:

Playing without the suspended Matt Berry, the Warriors moved Dru Morrison back to defence, where he had a solid game.
The Vipers dressed 17-year-old Matti Jmaeff, an affiliated player from the Nelson Leafs and 15-year-old Logan Mick, who plays for the Pursuit Of Excellence program in Kelowna. Mick is the son of former Viper coach, Troy Mick.
Aaron Volpatti, a crowd favourite when he played for the Vipers, was on hand for a ceremonial faceoff and to present his signed Vancouver Canuck jersey to the winner of a raffle sponsored by the committee that’s bidding to bring the 2014 RBC Cup to Vernon.

Vernon 4 Westside 1

I was at tonight's BCHL game as Vernon defeated Westside 4-1 in front of 1,976 fans at the Wesbild Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Kirby Halcrow
Westside: Dwayne Rodrigue

1st Period: Former Vernon Viper and current Vancouver Canucks forward, Aaron Volpatti dropped the puck before tonight's game. Not a whole lot of action in the opening few minutes before the Warriors would get the games first powerplay. It was the Vipers penalty kill that really stood out in tonight's game after Mike Zalewski would get a good opportunity early on the Westside powerplay, Zalewski's shot from the circle handcuffed Dwayne Rodrigue who made a tough looking save putting the puck into the corner before the Vipers would come right back with Mike Zalewski and Colton Cyr on a shorthanded two on one but Cyr missed the net as the Vipers with some good penalty kill didnt allow a single shot killing off the minor. Just after the powerplay expired Vernon would get its first powerplay of the night. The Vipers with some good pressure come up with a few good chances. Captain Patrick McGillis with a nice feed through the slot got the puck through traffic seeting up a wide open Colton Cyr that somehow missed an empty net. The Vipers with a ton of pressure down low couldnt capitalize as Dwayne Rodrigue made a quick glove save off Ryan Renz as the penalty come to an end. Just after the powerplay expired Jedd Soleway with a quick lot shot from the slot was stopped by Rodrigue. The Vipers were outshooting the Warriors 6-1 at this point. A minute and a half later Westside would get its second man advantage of the evening but for the second straight powerplay the Vipers penalty kill was the difference. Patrick McGillis and Brett Corkey on a parcial two on one but McGillis couldnt beat Dwayne Rodrigue from the slot. Vernon with another strong penalty kill didnt give up a shot on the man advantage. In the dying seconds with an odd man rush Brennan Clark with a shot from in close beat Kirby Halcrow but hit the bottom of the post as the Warriors were 0-2 early with the powerplay. The Vipers would get a late powerplay, with some good pressure couldnt capitalize. The Warriors with just a single shot the entire opening period would get its second shot of the period in the dying seconds after a two on one setup former Vipers forward, Marcus Basara who couldnt get the puck up and over the left pad of Kirby Halcrow who made a nice save keeping the game scoreless. Vernon carried most of the play and was by far the better of the two teams but it was 0-0 after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers outshot the Warriors 12-2.

2nd Period: Westside got off to a quick jump, off the opening faceoff Devon Hascarl who attended the Vipers training camp collected the puck off a Sean Robertson turnover deep in the Vipers zone. Hascarl with a great chance beat Halcrow in tight as the puck went through the crease before Reid Simmonds tried putting the puck past Halcrow who somehow made a huge save as the puck was bouncing in and around the crease but the Warriors couldnt capitalize. The Vipers defence was just standing around early as the Warriors were buzzing in and around the Vernon zone. Marcus Basara with a quick shot from in close couldnt beat Kirby Halcrow. Westside with some good pressure early had the Vipers back on their heels but couldnt find the back of the net. Just a few minutes later Mike Zalewski on a three on two walked into the slot and ripped a quick shot that was stopped by Dwayne Rodrigue. Westside dominated the early edge in play before Vernon would open the scoring on just their third shot of the period. Mike Zalewski who played very well tonight ripped a high shot from the circle that beat Rodrigue at 7:16 giving Vernon a 1-0 lead. Aaron Hadley and Geoff Crisfield picked up the assists. The Warriors come back with a two on one after Marc Hetnik got caught on a pinch allowing Max French and Seb Lloyd in on the odd man rush, Lloyd went hard towards the goal running into Kirby Halcrow who kept the puck out on a great opportunity. The Vipers seemed to settle down and regroup in the second half playing much better. Westside would get its third powerplay of the night and again the Vipers strong penalty kill didnt give up a single shot as the Warriors couldnt capitalize. Westside didnt record a single shot on goal for the final seven or eight minutes. With about five minutes remaining Shawn Hochhausen and Brett McKinnon went in on a two on one after another pinch by Marc Hetnik gave the Warriors their second odd man rush of the period but Hochhausen who kept and shot fired high and over Kirby Halcrow. Aaron Hadley with a good chance in front couldnt beat Dwayne Rodrigue who just got the left pad down at the last second to make a huge pad save in close. Late in the period Ben Gamache who returned to the Vipers lineup tonight went off the ice slowly on one skate putting very little pressure on his one leg-knee. Gamache would get looked over by the trainer stayed on the bench but didnt see another shift for the remainder of the second period. Gamache would stay in the game and see a regular shift in the third. Westside come out with a ton of pressure early and dominated the first seven minutes before Vernon seemed to turn things around and played much better in the second half. The Vipers with a 1-0 lead after 40 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Westside 11-9.

3rd Period:
The Vipers come out with lots of jump early and often and really took it to the Warriors. Patrick McGillis with some good hustle carried the play into the Westside zone, before dishing off back to the point where Ryan Renz's shot was stopped by Dwayne Rodrigue but Colton Cyr in front collected the rebound and beat Rodrigue on the second chance giving Vernon a 2-0 lead at 2:57 Renz with the lone assist. Just two minutes later the Vipers would get an early powerplay and capitalize early after a faceoff win in the Warriors zone Patrick McGillis's point shot looked to be tipped-deflected in front by Colton Cyr but they gave the goal to McGillis giving Vernon a 3-0 lead at 5:17 Ryan Renz and Colton Cyr with the helpers. The Warriors couldnt seem to get the offence going as the Vipers with lots of pressure carried most of the play most of the third. Colton Sparrow on a parcial two on one couldnt connect on the pass on a good opportunity in front. Just past the midway mark tempers heated up with some pushing and shoving deep in the Warriors zone. Both Ben Gamache and Josh Monk would get ten minute misconducts, both headed to the dressing rooms for an early shower. With seven and a half minute remaining Westside would get a long two man advantage. The Warriors would waist little time winning the draw Westside got the puck on goal getting atleast two or three shots on Kirby Halcrow before Seb Lloyd beat Halcrow at 13:01 cutting the lead to two. David Pope and Ben Betker with the assists. The Vipers penalty kill would do a great job killing off the second minor. The Warriors would come right back with a few hard shifts but Vernon played very well just getting the puck in deep taking time off the clock. With three and a half minutes left Vernon would get a late powerplay but would struggle after a strong Westside penalty kill. The Vipers couldnt get much of anything going but did manage to take two minutes off the clock. The Warriors would get the play in deep with about a minute and a half remaining but for some reason Westside didnt pull Dwayne Rodrigue for the extra attacker right away. The Warriors with some good pressure deep in the Vernon zone tried banging away at a few loose pucks in close but Kirby Halcrow stood tall keeping the puck out. The Warriors who couldnt get Rodrigue to the bench gave up a late two on one in the final minute as Aaron Hadley and Adam Tambellini with an odd man rush missed the net. On the same shift the Vipers kept the play deep in the Westside zone before Mike Zalewski beat Dwayne Rodrigue from the right wing giving Vernon a 4-1 lead at 19:33 Zalewski's goal was unassisted. In the end the Vipers would defeat Westside 4-1 improving to 4-2 vs the Warriors this season. Westside outshot Vernon 10-9.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Brett Corkey played a very strong game on the Vipers blueline. Corkey looked very confident and very steady on the backend making very little if any mistakes tonight.

The line of Mike Zalewski (2 goals), Aaron Hadley (1 assist) & Adam Tambellini played and looked very strong tonight. Since this line was put together a few weeks ago it has been one of if not the Vipers strongest unit. Zalewski who scored twice played a very strong game, battled hard, played well at both ends, come back to forecheck, had several good scoring chances.

The line of Patrick McGillis (1 goal), Colton Cyr (1 goal & 1 assist) and Colton Sparrow also played well and has been one of Vernon's better lines over the last handfull of games. McGillis battled and competed hard, looked very good in the opening period creating some chances. Sparrow who always plays hard and battles hard played another one of his strong games. Cyr who has looked very good since coming over from Nanaimo at the trade deadline was very good up front for the Vipers. Missed a wide open net in the 1st period and had a few good scoring chances tonight. Was in and around the net most of the net looking for opportunities.

Jedd Soleway I thought played a rugged-in your face style of game tonight. Didnt really do much offensively other then getting off a good chance from the slot just as a powerplay expired played more with an edge. Worked and competed hard most of the night.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

The Vipers come up with a huge win over a Westside team that beat them 3-1 Saturday in Westside. Vernon now moves four points up on the Warriors and moves to within four points of the 4th place Prince George Spruce Kings. I thought other then the first half of the 2nd period the Vipers were the better team and carried the better of the play for most of the night. The Vipers with alot more scoring chances played very well in all positions. Kirby Halcrow wasnt tested alot and a very strong penalty kill kept the Warriors off the board early wich could have turned the outcome of the game. A few turnovers in the middle frame but other then that a very well played game by the Vipers who now travel over night to face PG in back to back games Saturday and Sunday. These will be two huge games in a team they are chasing for the final play spot.

Top Players: (Westside)

Seb Lloyd (1 goal) Was one of the Warriors more consistant players tonight. Lloyd played and showed lots of hustle, really battling hard most of the night. Tried creating chances and getting involved in the play was very strong up front for Westside.

Brennan Clark I thought didnt see alot of icetime but really noticed him in the 1st period. When out on the ice played well, seemed to really see and read the ice well. Didnt make alot of mistakes and come up with the Warriors only chance of the opening period but hit the bottom of the post.

Peter MacIntosh played a solid game on Westside's blueline.

Devon Hascarl who attended the Vipers training camp played fairly well tonight. Come up with a few good chances early and often to start the 2nd period.

Josh Monk played the role of the agitator tonight, really seemed to get under the skin of several Vernon Vipers tonight. Was yapping back and forth inbetween whistles as well as going off for a line change. Was doing his best at getting under the Vipers skin and getting them off their game.

Dwayne Rodrigue (28 saves) Didnt have to stand on his head and keep his team in the hockey game like the 3-1 win over the Vipers Saturday night but played fairly well tonight gave his team a chance to win especially after the opening period. Made a few nice quick glove hand saves.

Game Thoughts: (Westside)

Westside who previously defeated the Vipers in their last two games were outplayed and didnt really generate much offence only really showed any real threat was the start to the 2nd period. The Warriors with just two shots all 1st had troubles generating offence and getting their powerplay going. A great start to the middle frame but they just couldnt keep it up for a full twenty minutes. Down by one to start the 3rd gave up two early goals wich put the game away. Getting no shots on your first three powerplays hurts as well as not getting a single shot on goal in the final seven to eight minutes of the 2nd wont win you any hockey games. Overall a very intense-playoff like game.

Scratches:
Vernon:

John Knisley (Injured)
Darren Nowick (Injured)
Luke Juha (Injured)
Turner Lawson (Injured)

Westside:

Mitchell Steinke
Matthew Berry Lamontagna

Vipers energy player of the game: Ben Gamache

3 Stars:

1st Star: Ryan Renz (2 assists)
2nd Star: Colton Cyr (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Mike Zalewski (2 goals)

For more on tonight's game visit the boxscore,

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977828&link=bchl

(Game Preview) Westside @ Vernon:

Westside (6-21-2-5) @ Vernon (19-19-1-2) 7pm start

Tonight is the sixth of eight regular season meetings between these two teams
Let's take a look at the season schedule between these two hockey clubs,

Friday, September 30th Vernon @ Westside: Vipers win 5-2

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977747 

Wednesday, October 5th Westside @ Vernon: Vipers win 2-0

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977810
Tuesday, November 8th Westside @ Vernon:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977814&link=bchl

Friday, December 9th Vernon @ Westside: Warriors won 5-2

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977761&link=bchl

Saturday, January 21st Vernon @ Westside: Warriors won 3-1

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=977765&link=bchl

Friday, January 27th Westside @ Vernon:
Saturday, February 18th Westside @ Vernon:
Saturday, March 3rd Vernon @ Westside:

Last Game Played:

Saturday, January 21st Westside defeated Vernon 3-1
Wednesday, January 25th Westside defeated Chilliwack 5-2

Next Game:

Saturday, January 28th Vernon @ Prince George
Wednesday, February 1st Westside @ Salmon Arm

Since the Warriors moved to Westside in 2006-07 Vernon is 3-1 vs. Westside during exibition action

Since the Warriors moved to Westside in 2006-07 Vernon is 17-14-2-3 vs. Westside during the regular season

Since the Warriors moved to Westside in 2006-07 Vernon has outscored Westside 99-99 during the regular season

Since the Warriors moved to Westside in 2006-07 Vernon is 8-6-1-2 at home vs. Westside during the regular season

Since the Warriors moved to Westside in 2006-07 Vernon is 9-8-1-1 in Westside during the regular season

Since the 2008-09 season the Vipers are 7-1-1-1 in their last ten games vs. the Warriors on home ice during the regular season

Since the 2008-09 season the Vipers are 5-4-0-1 in their last ten games vs. the Warriors at Royal Le Page Place during the regular season

Westside's last regular season victory at the Wesbild Centre was a 3-1 win on Saturday, January 23rd 2010

Vernon's last loss in Westside was a 3-1 loss back on Saturday, January 21st 2012

The Vipers went 4-0-1-1 last season vs the Warriors in the regular season, before knocking off Westside in six games in the Interior Conference Semi-Finals.

The Vernon Lakers changed their name to the Vernon Vipers to start the 1995-96 season. Here’s a look at the Vipers all-time regular season record

Games Played: 991
Wins: 631
Losses: 260
Ties: 16
Overtime Losses: 86

For more stats & former Vernon Junior Hockey Team rosters & lineups please visit Paul’s Vernon Junior Hockey History website,

http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html

Tonight is the second of back to back games vs the Westside Warriors after a 3-1 loss in Westside Saturday night. Tonight is the first of three straight for the Vipers as they sit six points back of the Chilliwack Chiefs and Prince George Spruce Kings who both are tied for 3rd in the Interior Conference. Vernon has just six wins in their last twenty three games.

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

Games Played: 41
Wins: 19
Losses: 19
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 13-6-1-1
Road Record: 6-13-0-1
Streak: One game losing streak
Goals For: 137
Goals Against: 134
Standings: 4th Place

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Brett Corkey (92)
Aaron Hadley (93)
John Knisley (92)
Patrick McGillis (91)
Max Mowat (93)
Darren Nowick (91)
Ryan Renz (93)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Michael Zalewski (92)
Kirby Halcrow (91)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Marcus Basara (93)
Dylan Walchuk (92)
David Robinson (90)
Bryce Kakoske (90)
Malcolm Lyles (90)
Trevor Fitzgerald (92)
Adam Thompson (90)
Steven Weinstein (90)
Kyle Murphy (90)
Dane Muench (92)
Philip Patenaude (91)
Zach McPhee (93)
Blake Voth (91)

Vernons Home record vs. Westside this season:

2-0-0-0

Vernons Road record vs. Westside this season:

1-2-0-0

Vernons Powerplay vs. Westside this season:

4-22

Vernons scoring leaders vs. Westside this season:

Adam Tambellini (3-2-5)
Patrick McGillis (1-2-3)
Michael Zalewski (2-1-3)
Marc Hetnik (2-1-3)
Jedd Soleway (2-1-3)
Darren Nowick (1-1-2)
Max Mowat (0-1-1)
Ryan Renz (0-1-1)
John Knisley (0-1-1)
Brett Corkey (0-1-1)
Aaron Hadley (0-1-1)
Turner Lawson (0-1-1)

Danny Todosychuk (1-1 Record, 1 Shutout)
Kirby Halcrow (2-2 Record)
Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

Vernon has the leagues 3rd best powerplay

-The Vipers have the BCHL's 9th best penalty kill

-Danny Todosychuk (5-2 Record, 2.86 GAA) is in the leagues top ten goaltenders

-Mike Zalewski (22-28-50) is the lone Viper in the leagues top twenty in scoring

Westside makes its third visit of the season to the Wesbild Centre are coming off a 5-2 win over Chilliwack Wednesday. The Warriors have moved to within two points of the Vernon Vipers. The Warriors have just eight wins in their last twenty games.

For more coverage on the Westside Warriors, please visit Jon Zacks "The Generals report (Westside Warriors blog)

http://westsidewarriorsblog.wordpress.com/

Lets take a look at the Westside Warriors:

Games Played: 44
Wins: 16
Losses: 21
Ties: 2
Overtime Losses: 5
Home Record: 10-8-1-3
Road Record: 6-13-1-2
Streak: Two game winning streak
Goals For: 141
Goals Against: 152
Standings: 5th Place

Westside Warriors Returning Players From Last Year:

Travis Blanleil (94)
Max French (92)
Shawn Hochhausen (92)
Michael King (93)
Peter MacIntosh (91)
Brett Mckinnon (92)
Dru Morrison (92)
Former Vernon Lakers forward, Rylan Ferster is the new head coach-gm of the Warriors after coming over this summer from the KIJHL Revelestoke Grizzlies.

Westside Warriors Departing & Traded Players From Last Year:
Izaak Berglund (91)
Brett Mulcahy (93)
Brayden Sherbinin (93)
Tyler Krause (91)
Alex Grieve (90)
Kyle Singleton (90)
Tyler Brickler (91)
Grayson Downing (92)
Tom Kroshus (92)
Quinn Gould (90)
Tyler French (90)
Matthew Maher (90)
Matt Cronin (92)
Stefan Nicholishen (93)
Kevin Boyle (92)
Cole Holowenko (93)

Westsides Home record vs. Vernon this season:

2-1-0-0

Westsides Road record vs. Vernon this season:

0-2-0-0

Westsides Powerplay vs. Vernon this season:

4-23

Westsides scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:
Reid Simmonds (3-1-4)
Peter MacIntosh (0-4-4)
Travis Blanleil (1-2-3)
Max French (2-1-3)
Connor Dempsey (2-0-2)
Dru Morrison (0-2-2)
Brennan Clark (0-2-2)
Shawn Hochhausen (0-1-1)
Brett Mckinnon (0-1-1)
Devon Hascarl (1-0-1)
Ben Betker (0-1-1)
David Pope (1-0-1)
Seb Lloyd (0-1-1)
Dwayne Rodrigue (2-0 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-The Warriors have the 13th best powerplay

-Westside has the leagues 14th best penalty kill

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon Vipers:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224096

Westside Warriors:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224092

Volpatti Backing Vernon Cup Bid:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Volpatti backing Vernon cup bid

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: January 27, 2012

Aaron Volpatti’s return to Wesbild Centre tonight will be bittersweet for the Vancouver Canucks’ rookie left winger.

In the midst of a lengthy recovery from shoulder surgery, the former Viper is making the most of an unfortunate situation by throwing his name behind the team’s bid to host the 2014 Royal Bank Cup national Junior A hockey tournament.

The 26-year-old Volpatti, who is back in Vernon to rehab the injury, will drop the puck as the Snakes (19-19-1-2) entertain the Westside Warriors (16-21-2-5) in a B.C. Hockey League tilt. He will also be signing autographs and greeting fans in the first, and part of the second, intermission.

Volpatti, a punishing power forward who amassed 37 points and 279 penalty minutes in 135 career BCHL games (between 2003-06), all with Vernon, says it will be strange to revisit his old Junior A home.

“It’s definitely a surreal feeling. It doesn’t seem like that long ago that I was playing there, but it has been; it’s been six or seven years.”

People who have signed up to support Vernon’s bid for the RBC Cup have had their names entered into a draw to win a signed Volpatti Canucks jersey, which the gritty forward will present in the second intermission. People can still sign up (and be entered for the draw) at tonight’s game.

Anyone who wants to help bring the RBC Cup to Vernon can also contribute at Chris Collard’s Sun Life office, at 209-2411 Highway 6, just behind the Tim Hortons location.

Donors can also contribute (and be eligible to win Volpatti’s jersey, a Vipers signed jersey, or Viper season tickets) online at https://www.registrationlogic.com/secure/Register.aspx?ID=146

Todd Miller, Vernon’s assistant GM and radio play by play announcer, had originally approached Volpatti asking him to donate a signed jersey to promote the cup bid. When an MRI in early December revealed a torn labrum that required surgery, followed by a four-to-six month recovery period, Volpatti agreed to be there in person to present it.

“It just happened that I was back in Vernon for a while to rehab. Now they’re trying to make a night out of it, so it’s nice,” said the Revelstoke product.

“It’s kinda tough to be here, but at the same time, I left to do some rehab because you’d drive yourself crazy being at the rink (Rogers Arena in Vancouver) every day, and being in the way of the guys that are playing.”

Volpatti, who signed with the Canucks as a free agent out of Brown University in March 2010, has always maintained an interest in the Vipers, and even attended a game between Vernon and the Eagles at South Surrey Arena earlier in the season. The visit stirred up some emotions for the hard-hitting winger, whose team fell to the Eagles in the 2005 Fred Page Cup final.
“Surrey’s kind of a special place. We lost there in the finals, so it brings back memories, both bad and good,” he said.

Volpatti said the Vipers were blessed with talent that year, playing with the likes of Mike Santorelli (Florida Panthers), Mark Nelson, Dean Strong and Matt Watkins.

“We only had nine losses all year, so we were definitely the favourites, but Surrey was the favourite in that division.”

Volpatti hopes to begin skating again sometime in March, but isn’t about to rush his return.

“It’s not something you can rush back from for precautionary reasons. Come March I’m going to feel close to 100 per cent, but I might not be,” he said.

In 38 games with Vancouver, Volpatti has two goals and an assist to go along with 53 penalty minutes. After a strong main camp, he was just starting to carve out an identity as a reliable energy player.

“Obviously, it’s frustrating. It was bad timing because I was just trying to get my feet under me,” he said.

Shortly after the injury was revealed, Vancouver head coach Alain Vignault told Canadian Press: “He was a real disappointed young man. He was finding his rhythm in this league and on our team. (He) was well appreciated in his role by his teammates and his coaches.”
SNAKE BITES: Following tonight’s game, the Vipers will jump on the bus for two weekend games against the Prince George Spruce Kings (21-17-2-3)...Former Viper and Vernon minor hockey product Trent Dorais, now captain of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, has committed to the SAIT Trojans of Calgary...Wade Murphy collected the hat trick as the league-leading Penticton Vees pummelled the host Merritt Centennials 9-0 Wednesday night at Nicola Valley Arena. The Vees (38-3-0-2) have posted 26 straight wins...The Warriors helped Vernon’s playoff hopes by grounding the Chilliwack Chiefs 5-2 Wednesday at Royal LePage Place. Former Viper Marcus Basara recorded a goal and second star for Westside.

Former Vipers Noonan & Gill Both Named Hockey East Weekly Top Performers:

Former Vernon Vipers forward, Sahir Gill along side former Vernon Vipers defenceman are two of twenty two players that have been named Hockey East weekly top performers.

Gill who played two years with the Vipers (2008-2010) Scored three goals and was a plus-3 rating in BU's weekend sweep of Providence.

Noonan who played one season in Vernon (2009-2010) Recorded two goals and two assists in the Terriers' weekend sweep of Providence.

Blaze Waive Former Viper Goaltender Sibbald:

The CHL Bloomington Blaze have waived former Vernon Vipers goaltender, Mark Sibbald on Friday, December 30th 2011. Sibbald played 54 minutes in a total of two games with the Blaze after signing back on December, 10th 2011. Sibbald played two years in Vernon (2003-2005) went 35-16-3 in 59 regular season games with the Vipers was previously suspended-released by the SPHL Huntsville Havoc on Wednesday, December 7th 2011 after spending the last three years with the Havoc.

Mark Sibbald's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=76538

This was posted on Pantagraph.com

Blaze activate new goalie, waive another

By Mike Egenes | megenes@pantagraph.com

Friday, December 30, 2011

BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington Blaze waived goaltender Mark Sibbald before Friday night’s game against the Missouri Mavericks.

Sibbald came to the Blaze three weeks ago after being released by the Huntsville Havoc, where he was the reigning goaltender of the year in the Southern Professional Hockey League.

Sibbald became expendable when the Blaze acquired Brian Mahoney-Wilson in a trade for future considerations with the Missouri Mavericks.

“I have heard nothing but good things about Brian,” Blaze coach Paul Gardner said.

Sibbald was signed on Dec. 10 and played in just two games. He allowed one goal over a combined 53 minutes in net.

Mahoney-Wilson is a first-year pro out of Lake Superior State. He played four games with Allen and five with Missouri, going 5-3-0 with a 2.78 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage.

Mahoney-Wilson is the sixth goaltender to suit up this season for Bloomington.

Weekend Holds Big Playoff Implications For Vipers:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Weekend holds big playoff implications for Vipers

Published: January 25, 2012

A six-point deficit, two games in hand and one playoff spot – it’s officially crunch time for the Vernon Vipers, who are trying to avoid becoming the franchise’s first team to miss the post-season since 2000-01.

The Snakes’ B.C. Hockey League playoff aspirations boil down to 19 remaining games and two teams they have a realistic shot at catching to secure the fourth and final Interior Conference playoff spot.

Following Saturday night’s 3-1 loss to the Westside Warriors at Royal LePage Place, the Vipers are fifth in the Interior at 19-19-1-2, six points behind both the Chilliwack Chiefs (22-16-1-2) and Prince George Spruce Kings (21-17-2-3).

With three more head-to-heads against the Sprucies – including a double-header Saturday and Sunday at the Prince George Coliseum – and two with Chilliwack, the Vipers control their fate.

“We’ve got to get a win on Friday (against Warriors at Wesbild Centre) and then drive to PG all through the night for two big games,” said Vipers’ head coach Jason Williamson. “We put a good weekend together and we’re right back in it.

“Not a time to panic quite yet, but at the same time we have to start winning hockey games. We need urgency in our game, every game.”

Despite Saturday’s loss, Williamson liked what he saw against Westside (15-21-2-5), calling it “probably one of our most complete efforts of the season. It was high energy, high tempo – a good game.”

Defenceman Marc Hetnik, with his second of the season, supplied Vernon’s lone goal 11:45 into the first period. The Brookline, Mass. product walked the blueline before beating netminder Dwayne Rodrigue with a wrister through a screen at 11:45. Jedd Soleway and Turner Lawson drew assists after starting the play with a good forecheck.

Lawson left the game later in the first period after getting rocked by a hard hit, and did not return.

Williamson credited Westside netminder Dwayne Rodrigue, a former P.E.I. Rocket (Quebec Major Junior), for being the difference in the game. Rodrigue, acquired by Westside from the AJHL Grande Prairie Storm in November, recorded 41 stops for first star.

“He was very good. By far one of the better goaltending performances I’ve seen in the league all year,” said Williamson.

“But you can’t let one player beat you; you’ve got to find a way, whether it’s more traffic or just finding a little bit more in your game.”

Second star Reid Simmonds (8th and 9th) secured the winner at 16:35 of the third period and added an empty-netter with 30 seconds to play.

David Pope (5th), chipping a rebound over Vernon netminder Kirby Halcrow (31 saves) during a second-period powerplay, accounted for the Warriors’ other goal.

In other BCHL weekend action, Vernon’s Tyler Steel recorded 27 saves for third star as Merritt caged the host Victoria Grizzlies 4-1 Saturday at Bear Mountain Arena. Armstrong’s Dylan Chanter, a 16-year-old d-man with the Cents, drew an assist on Chad Brears’ winner in the second period.

Merritt bowed 3-2 to the Nanaimo Clippers Sunday.

Alex Gillies, another 16-year-old, recorded an assist and second star as the host Salmon Arm SilverBacks fell 5-4 to the Trail Smoke Eaters at the Shaw Centre.

SNAKE BITES: Viper blueliner Brett Corkey earned third star against Westside...Williamson said injured forwards Darren Nowick and John Knisley might be ready to return to the lineup in a week. Forward Ben Gamache and d-man Luke Juha are out indefinitely...Former Viper Aaron Volpatti, now with the Vancouver Canucks, will be at Wesbild Centre Friday night to present his signed NHL jersey to a lucky winner as part of the Vipers’ RBC Cup bid promotional fundraiser event.

Vipers-Warriors Highlights:

Thanks to Warriors play by play man, Jon Zacks here are the highlights from the Vipers-Warriors game Saturday night. Westside defeated Vernon 3-1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-npT8xRIiA&feature=player_embedded

Vernon Vipers Player Profile With #12 John Knisley:

107.5 Kiss FM sports director, Rob Abramenko sit's down one on one with second year Vernon Vipers forward, John Knisley in a series of rapid fire questions. Check it out,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWPwsH-b05Q&feature=player_embedded

Mike Zalewski Post-Game Interview:

Vernon Vipers colour commentaor, Don Klepp interviews Vernon Vipers forward, Mike Zalewski after the Vipers 5-3 win over the visiting Trail Smoke Eaters Friday night. Zalewski collected two goals & one assist being named first star.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-FJclimRGE&feature=player_embedded

Former Viper Dorais Has Committed To Southern Alberta Institute Of Technology:

Former Vernon Vipers forward, Trent Dorais has committed to Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. Dorais played two seasons in Vernon (2007-2009).

Trent Dorais's Player Profile:

http://bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=305104&playerID=331623

'Dogs captain Dorais will play for Trojans

Friday, January 20, 2012 - Submitted by BCHL/Alberni Valley Bulldogs

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are very proud to announce team captain Trent Dorais has committed to a hockey scholarship at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. The SAIT Trojans play in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference.

SAIT, located in Calgary, Alberta, is one of Canada’s leading polytechnics. The school provides relevant, skilloriented education to more than 71,000 registrants each year. The Trojans play in The Trojans Arena at SAIT
that features an NHL-size surface.

“We are very excited for Trent,” said Alberni Valley Bulldogs’ head coach Kevin Willison. “Trent has been working very hard this season both on and off the ice so that he could reach the goals he set for himself. For the short time that I’ve known him, Trent has displayed character and strong leadership abilities making him a great fit for the SAIT Trojans hockey progarm.”

Dorais will be joinging fellow Alberni Valley Bulldogs alum Sam Mitchell (2008-2011) at SAIT for the 2012/13 season.

“We are very excited that Trent has committed to a hockey scholarship at SAIT,” said SAIT Men’s Hockey Coach Ken Babey. “He is a very good player with strong leadership skills, physical play, speed and work ethic. These attributes will fit nicely into our team’s style of play. We expect Trent to have a positive impact on our team.”

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to play next season for such a well respected hockey program,” Dorais. “I look forward to reunite with my old
teammate and line mate Sam Mitchell. I would like to take this opportunity to
thank my coaches, the entire Alberni Valley Bulldogs organization, Tom McEvay, my billet parents Wade and Tammi Nicklin and everyone in the community for helping me reach my goals.”

Vipers Fight Hard But Lose In Westside:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vipers Fight Hard But Lose In Westside

Saturday, January 21, 2012 - Submitted by Don Klepp

Despite a furious third period onslaught that saw the Vipers outshoot Westside 24-8, a pair of Reid Simmonds goals gave the Warriors a 3-1 win.

Goalie Dwayne Rodrigue had much to do with that result as he stopped everything in the final period and 41 of 42 overall. He had help from his defenders and forwards who fell back to pack the crease when the Vipers stormed the Westside net.

Time after time the Vipers poured into the Westside zone with numbers. Not surprisingly, the Vipers earned a pair of penalties in the final 20 minutes and they very nearly capitalized. One of their best chances fell to Aaron Hadley who was about to swat in a loose puck when a desperate Warrior stick knocked Hadley’s stick aside.

The onslaught continued as the Vipers were determined to unlock a 1-1 third period tie. Shots whistled by Rodrigue’s posts and one of them, a howitzer by Colton Cyr, skimmed off the crossbar.

The first period was perhaps a harbinger of things to come because although the Vipers had the bulk of the scoring chances and went ahead on Marc Hetnik’s point shot, they were able to solve Rodrigue just once.

The Viper charge in the first 20 minutes was abetted to some extent by having four power plays compared to just one by the Warriors.

That pattern was reversed in the second period as the Warriors came out with more jump and were the beneficiaries of four power plays of their own. They used one of them to tie the game when David Pope eased in a rebound of Connor Dempsey’s backhand.

Referee Ron Dietterle may have intruded too much into this game as he did in Vernon the previous evening, but the Vipers failed to convert one of their seven power plays. Westside managed one in five tries, a big factor in the contest.

The first two periods had a playoff feel, but the final frame saw wide open hockey with the Vipers dominating. Still, the Warriors made the Vipers rue their missed chances when Reid Simmonds swept in a Max French rebound at 16:35. Simmonds added an empty netter at 19:30.

Turner Lawson became the latest Viper to join the walking wounded when he was rocked in the first period. He did not return, which led to frequent Viper line juggling. He joins four other Vipers in the sick bay.

For the second straight night, 1995-born affiliate players Mike Roberts and Cole Sanford played well for Vernon.