Vernon-Prince George Trade:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Iovanna heads north to Prince George

Thursday, October 31, 2013 - Submitted by Vipers Staff

The Vernon Vipers have traded 19 year old forward Michael Iovanna to the Prince George Spruce Kings in exchange for future considerations.

The product of Middleton Massachusetts was pointless in 14 games this season for Vernon.

The Vipers would like to thank Michael for his commitment to the community and the hockey club and wish him the best of luck in Prince George and in the future.

For more information please call the Viper office at 250-542-6022

This is posted on the Spruce Kings website:

Iovanna Acquired in Trade with Vernon

Thursday, 31 October 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRINCE GEORGE, BC – The Prince George Spruce Kings of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) have completed a trade with the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL to acquire 1994 born forward, Mike Iovanna in exchange for future considerations.

Mike Iovanna is a 5' 09" 160 lbs right handed forward from Middleton, Massachusetts who has a NCAA Division I commitment to the University of Massachusetts Amerherst for the 2015-16 season. Iovanna was a standout playing at Malden Catholic High School where he registered 15 goals and 27 assists in 22 games.

"We are excited to acquire Mike," said Spruce Kings General Manager, Mike Hawes. "He is a skilled, shifty forward with tremendous offensive potential. He had put up good offensive numbers in high school in Massachusetts and he will be given every opportunity to do the same thing with us."

The player transaction became necessary with the injury to Bryant Christian last weekend that is expected to sideline the team's captain for six to eight weeks. Jake LeBrun is expected to be out of the lineup for two more weeks. Mitch Barker has also been added to the injured list and will miss both games this weekend.

"It's very unfortunate that two long term injuries have forced us to make a few changes but that's hockey sometimes," added Hawes. "I know (Mike Iovanna) will come in here and work very hard and his tremendous character will be a good fit with our tight knit group of players."

The Spruce Kings play in Surrey against the Eagles on Friday night and then face the Rivermen in Langley on Saturday.

Mike Iovanna's Player Profile:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=378212&playerID=1071817

Building A Champion-Road To The Royal Bank Cup Video- Season 2-Part 4 ‘Play To Stay’

Building A Champion: ‘Play To Stay’

Posted by HockeyTube on Oct 15th, 2013

In the fourth installment of ‘Building A
Champion: Road to The Royal Bank Cup’, the Vernon Vipers try to bounce back after a tough loss to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Plus, three newcomers hope to make the Vipers roster. Vipers GM and Head Coach Jason Williamson holds one on one’s. Building A Champion will resume with another two episodes near the BCHL trade deadline!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K995mpEwHjY#t=54

If you are new to the series…watch last years six part series

http://www.hockeytube.net/category/feature-videos-that-are-trending-right-now/hockeytube-nets-original-series/

Former Vipers Head Coach-GM Mark Ferner Returned To Everett:

Former Vernon Vipers Head Coach-GM Mark Ferner made his first return to Everett October, 19th returning to Everett where he spent a season and a half before being fired in January.  Ferner is now with the Kamloops Blazers as an Associate Coach after being hired on August 7th. 

Ferner spent four seasons with the Blazers (2002-2006) before joining the Vipers in 2007. Ferner spent four seasons with the Vipers (2007-2011) before joining the Everett Silvertips. In four seasons with the Vipers Ferner went 165-68-7 guiding the Vipers to back to back Royal Bank Cup Championships in 2009 & 2010 before falling in the Royal Bank Cup Finals in 2011. Ferner was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in Round 10, 194th overall in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. Ferner spent seven years in the NHL with Buffalo, Washington, Anaheim & Detroit.

Mark Ferner's Player-Coaches Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=1654

This was in the Everett Herald Newspaper:

Ex-Silvertips coach Ferner back in the WHL

Mark Ferner returned to Everett on Saturday as the associate coach of the Kamloops Blazers.

By Nick Patterson, Herald Writer

Published: Tuesday, October 22, 2013

It didn't take long for Mark Ferner to land back on his feet in the WHL.

The former Everett Silvertips head coach returned to Comcast Arena for the first time Saturday, when the Kamloops Blazers visited Everett.

Ferner, who spent one-and-a-half seasons guiding Everett before being fired in January, is now Kamloops' associate coach, and he was all smiles when discussing his return to the city.

"It's good," Ferner said. "It's hockey. There's good people in this organization, I stay in touch with (Everett assistant coach Mitch Love) quite a bit, and talk to (Tips equipment manager James Stucky) as well. It's a crappy part of the business. What did Bum Phillips say? 'There's two types of coaches, the ones who get fired and the ones who are going to get fired.' I enjoyed my time here, no question about it. Great fans, great city, great arena. So it's very enjoyable for me to be back here."

Ferner was hired by Everett in July of 2011 by then Tips general manager Doug Soetaert. Soetaert himself was dismissed in February of 2012, and Ferner lasted less than a year under Soetaert's successor, Garry Davidson. Everett went 38-64-2-10 under Ferner's tutelage.

After his dismissal, Ferner spent the remainder of last season spending time with his family.

"I was able to spend some quality time with my family, which was real important," Ferner said. "I got to see my kid play some hockey, which I had never been able to do. I didn't want to not coach. I thought it was important, regardless the capacity, that I get back in the league or get back into coaching. I wanted to coach and keep my name out there."

If didn't take long for Ferner to find himself in familiar territory. He was hired in August by Kamloops, where he spent four seasons as an assistant coach and head coach from 2002-06. The Blazers went 35-41-6-2 during Ferner's time as head coach.
-------
"It's a very familiar place for me," Ferner said. "I was here once before, but it's a new regime now, with the new ownership. My mom still lives in Kamloops, my sister lives there, my wife's parents live there. It's a very familiar place and if it wasn't Everett, Kamloops would be the next place I'd choose."

Ferner's role with the Blazers is greater than a typical assistant. Guy Charron stepped down following last season to take an advisory role. Dave Hunchak was elevated from associate coach to head coach, with Ferner brought in as associate coach. Both Hunchak, who coached Moose Jaw for four seasons, and Ferner have WHL head coaching experience. Therefore, it's almost as if the Blazers have a two-headed head coach.

"We work well together," Ferner said. "At the end of the day Dave has the final say, he's the head coach. But we work real well together, discussing our team and our systems. It's a good working relationship, for sure."

Kamloops is back in rebuilding mode after winning 47 games last season. The Blazers are 4-9-0-0 and in fourth place in the B.C. Division.

"We got off to a bit of a slow start, but we've seen some good, positive things at times," Ferner said. "We played a great game a couple nights ago (in a 3-1 victory over Seattle last Wednesday), then took a couple steps back in Vancouver (in a 5-1 loss last Friday). We told our kids we have to have the mentality to stay consistently better every day."

The Blazers gave it a go, but couldn't give Ferner a victory on his return to Everett as the Tips prevailed 1-0.

Rivermen Release Former Vipers Forward Short:

The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) Peoria Rivermen
have released former Vernon Vipers forward Rob Short.  The Rivermen aquired Short on October 11th from the SPHL Louisiana IceGators.  Short never played a game with the Rivermen after being in an accidental collision during practice suffering multiple fractures to his spine and neck, as well as a dislocation to his spine and neck.  Short underwent an eight-hour surgery to repair his spine. He was later released from hospital.

Short spent the past three seasons with the IceGators. Short a Vernon product played five season's in Vernon (2006-2010) and is the only player in franchise history to have his number retired. In 229 regular season games with the Vipers Short collected (61-76-137).

Rob Short's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=102383


This is posted on the Rivermen website:

RIVERMEN SET ROSTER FOR SEASON OPENER

Published: October 20th 2013

by: Alan Fuehring

Peoria Rivermen head coach Jean-Guy Trudel has announced a variety of moves that will ultimately help set the team’s 2013-14 opening night roster.

The Rivermen released nine players on Sunday, including forward Robert Short and center Dean Yakura, who scored Peoria’s first goal in Saturday’s exhibition game. Trudel also went the other way and added one skater, center-right wing Parker Stanfield.

Stanfield, 23, spent each of the last two seasons with the Bakersfield Condors in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). In 80 games, he notched 19 goals and 24 assists with 86 penalty minutes. The 6’2, 195-pound native of Orange County, California also played four seasons of junior hockey in the Western Hockey League (WHL) before turning pro.

Among the nine players released on Sunday were six forwards and three defensemen. Forwards included Nicola Levesque, Simon Mitman, Brett Wall, Matt Viola, Rob Short and Yakura.

“It was very tough to let some of these guys go,” Trudel said. “It’s all about the numbers though and at the end of the day, you have to do some things that you don’t really want to do.”

In addition, the Rivermen cut defensemen Nick DeMarchi, Nick Salvaggio and the 6’6, 235-pound Olivier Schenk.

Forwards Mike Lysyj and Matt Graham have each been signed to a three-game tryout contact, which gives Trudel about two more weeks to make a decision on the pair.

The Southern Professional Hockey League requires that all final rosters be set by Wednesday, October 23. Therefore, the Rivermen could still make additional changes in the coming days.

Here is Peoria’s roster as of Sunday:

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Birthday Hometown

Tyler Fernandez LW 5'9 190 7/23/1988 Bloomfield, CT

Matt Graham RW 5'10 190 4/9/1988 Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Taylor Larsen C 6'0 180 2/12/1989 Blackstone, MA

Mike Lysyj RW 6'4 205 11/30/1988 Hillsborough, NJ

Steve Mason LW/C 5'11 179 1/13/1988 Tilburg, NED

Steve Morra LW 5'11 190 5/14/1989 Bristol Township, RI

Branden Parkhouse RW 5'11 185 1/5/1988 Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Dustin Parks LW 6'1 186 5/16/1991 Osby, SWE

Nick Prockow C 6'2 220 1/21/1989 Montreal, QC

Ryan Raven RW 6'4 225 1/14/1986 Tacoma, WA

Parker Stanfield RW 6'2 195 6/20/1990 Orange County, CA

Garrett Vermeersch C 6'0 180 12/20/1989 Macomb, MI

Tyler Amburgey D 6'2 205 5/6/1991 Rowlett, TX

Charlie Carkin D 6'0 190 3/10/1989 Lowell, MA

Jarrett Rush D 6'5 216 6/22/1985 Pennington, NJ

Cole Ruwe D 6'0 205 4/2/1985 Pekin, IL

Joe Schiller D 6'1 185 1/24/1988 Detroit Lakes, MN

Nick Wheeler D 5'9 175 7/12//1988 Glendale, AZ

Phil Cook G 6'3 194 2/15/1988 Baltimore, MD

Russ Stein G 6'1 180 9/23/1989 Ridgefield, CT

The Rivermen kick off the 2013-14 season on Friday, Oct. 25 with a 7:05 p.m. puck drop at Bloomington. Peoria begins its home portion of the schedule on Saturday, Oct. 26 with a 7:15 p.m. rematch against Thunder at Carver Arena.

Kero The Hero As Centennials Shut Out Vipers:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Kero the hero as Centennials shut out Vipers

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: October 30, 2013

If there’s one thing the Vernon Vipers have come to expect from a B.C. Hockey League tilt with the Merritt Centennials, it’s a grind.

Each of the last six meetings between the two clubs (dating back to last season) have been one-goal affairs, including Merritt’s 1-0 shutout win over the host Vipers in front of 1,600 fans Saturday night at Kal Tire Place.

Merritt netminder Devin Kero recorded 35 saves for first star and his second shutout of the season.

Gavin Gould, with his sixth goal, supplied all the offence Merritt would need, burying the rebound off a point shot by Lumby’s Dylan Bowen during a second-period powerplay.

“On the road, you’ve always got to find a way to grind out a win, and we did that,” said Kero, a Hancock, Mich. product. “Our dee were helpful in clearing out the front of the net, so it was just a lot of first saves and they were clearing out the rebounds.”

Kero, 19, stopped the Vipers’ Michael McNicholas on a breakaway in the opening minute, set up by Liam Coughlin. The Merritt tender denied McNicholas on another breakaway with one minute remaining in the second period.

“It freaks you out, but when it’s a point-blank shot or a breakaway right away like that, it gets you in the game,” smiled Kero, who was referred to Merritt head coach Luke Pierce by Bill Muckalt, a Cents’ grad and former NHLer. He is now assistant coach with the NCAA Michigan Tech Huskies, located near Kero’s hometown.

“He called up last minute, five days before camp, and talked to Luke and was like ‘Do you want a goalie?’ I just hopped on a plane and came up here. Didn’t really know if I’d make the team or not.”

The Vipers, tied for third in the Interior Division  at 9-6-1-3, swarmed the fifth-place Cents (10-9-1) in the opening frame, outshooting them 17-5. It took Merritt five minutes to register a shot on Michael Stiliadis, who finished with 23 stops.

Despite the shot count, Vernon struggled to create offence, and when they did, they failed to convert. Brendan Persley, crashing the net, rolled a puck through the crease behind Kero and out the other side.

“We got pucks to the net, we had our chances,” said Stiliadis, making his home debut. “If those go in, it’s a different game.

“After the first, we didn’t put as many pucks to the net as we wanted. I wouldn’t say we let up, but we just didn’t bear down on our chances.”

Stiliadis, a 19-year-old Woodbridge, Ont. native, played last season with the Victoria Grizzlies, and returned to the BCHL after starting the year with the OJHL Georgetown Raiders. With Austin Smith on the 30-day injured reserve, he was brought in for added depth in the crease.

“It was pretty sudden. My team back in Ontario, we just weren’t getting the job done. When I heard I was coming back out here to a Royal Bank (Cup) team, I was pretty excited.”

Vernon’s penalty kill managed more scoring opportunities than its league-worst powerplay (11.54 per cent), which went 0-for-3 Saturday night. Persley and McNicholas, followed by McNicholas and Colton Sparrow, later on the same shift, generated the Vipers’ best scoring chances of the third period on shorthanded 2-on-1s.

“It would be nice if we could bury a few of those,” said Vipers’ assistant coach Dave Robinson. “Our powerplay is pretty dismal right now; we’re getting outworked by the penalty kill and not making the plays that need to be made.

“The first period, that’s how we want to be. We were chipping pucks in and getting to the net, but for some reason our guys like to stray away from that. Then we started to play soft – no urgency, no desperation.”

Vernon was missing forwards Demico Hannoun and Dexter Dancs, and d-man Jared Wilson, at the Team Canada West selection camp for the World Junior A Challenge, Nov. 4-10, in Yarmouth, N.S. Merritt was without blueliner Dane Birks and forwards Diego Cuglietta and Jeff Wight.

Robinson wasn’t using the missing personnel as an excuse.

“Whoever we’ve got in the lineup, we want to play the same way, and we’re not playing that way right now.”

With Pierce named head coach of Canada West for the CJHL prospects games, held in conjunction with the WJAC, his cousin, Cole Yurkowski, backed up assistant coach Joe Martin on the bench.

“This is a tough building to come into, but the guys responded well to Luke not being here,” said Yurkowski, a 25-year-old electrician who played four seasons with the KIJHL Creston Valley Thunder Cats.

“We tried to keep it simple and not get too far ahead of ourselves and it worked out all right for us.

“We tried to start from the net out and we did a good job of that, taking sticks in front and keeping our house to ourselves.”

SNAKE BITES: Yurkowski holds the KIJHL record for fastest goal. scoring eight seconds into a Sept. 19, 2008 game against the Grand Forks Border Bruins...Vernon called up Blaine Caton from the KIJHL North Okanagan Knights for Saturday’s tilt...Vernon’s Alex Jewell scored twice and was named first star as the host Salmon Arm SilverBacks grounded Merritt 5-2 Sunday at the Shaw Centre...Vernon’s Spencer Hewson collected his second straight Fortis B.C. Energy Player of the Game honour as the Nanaimo Clippers blanked the Trail Smoke Eaters 5-0 Sunday.

Former Viper Noonan Looks To Leave Mark On BU:

Here is an article I found on former Vernon Vipers defenceman Garrett Noonan.  Noonan is entering his fourth and final season at Boston University attended the Nashville Predators Development Camp July 9-13th . In 34 games last season Noonan collected (6-13-19). Noonan was drafted by the Nashville Predators in Round 4 #112 overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Noonan played one season in Vernon (2009-2010) collecting (2-16-18) in 58 regular season games with the Vipers.

Garrett Noonan's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=48219

This was in the Daily Free Press (Independant Student Newspaper at Boston University)

Unfinished business: Noonan looks to leave mark on BU

Written by Tim Healey

Published Oct 10, 2013

MICHELLE JAY/DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF

For Garrett Noonan, this season is different.

The senior defenseman has witnessed plenty in his first three years on the Boston University men’s hockey team — scandal, teammates going pro, the first coaching change since the Vietnam War — but he has yet to experience the euphoria associated with winning a championship, that same euphoria felt by generations of former Terriers who were part of teams that won 29 Beanpots, seven Hockey East tournaments and five national titles.

So here he is, three years after first arriving on Commonwealth Avenue and days before the first game of his final season in scarlet and white, one of five seniors still looking for that elusive first trophy.

“I’m not one of those guys to look down memory lane,” Noonan said last week in the bowels of Agganis Arena between practice and a lifting session. “It’s been a hell of a ride, and I never would have chosen a different place — I’d come here 1,000 times again if I had the opportunity.”

“Now, though, it’s business time, and we have to leave something here.”

Saturday, when the Terriers open at Agganis Arena against the University of Massachusetts, Noonan will officially embark on that quest, which began more implicitly last spring — March 26, to be exact, the day David Quinn was named the program’s new head coach. Immediately after his introduction, Quinn met with Noonan and Matt Nieto one-on-one to discuss their plans for the 2013-14 season.

Neither player needed much persuading. Nieto had basically made up his mind to sign with the San Jose Sharks at that point, and Noonan was determined to see his college commitment through to the end.

What ensued was a newfound determination on Noonan’s part to prepare for this fall unlike any other before it. He has been eating better, getting better nights’ sleep, working out every morning — in short, he has heeded Quinn’s advice about the lifestyle of a professional hockey player. Quinn knows, as Noonan noted, having returned to BU after working for the Colorado Avalanche the last three seasons.

This way, when Noonan, who has slimmed down noticeably as a result, likely signs next spring with the Nashville Predators, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Draft, he’s ready.

“He’s in great shape,” Quinn said. “He’s a guy that needs to be if he’s going to play the amount of minutes we’re going to need him to play. The way he plays, he’s an up-and-down [the ice] player. He’s obviously got a lot of skills. I couldn’t be happier, and I hope he’s as happy that he’s back as I am.”

Safe to say, Noonan is.

Noonan’s love for the school began long before he was a student here, before even BU started actively recruiting him. Growing up in Norfolk, less than an hour south of Boston, Noonan grew up rooting for the Terriers for reasons he cannot pinpoint, other than that BU was one of the top teams around while he grew up. From the time he was born until the time he was a freshman, BU was in the Beanpot finals all but two years.

Even when Noonan went to watch his brother, Pat, play for Northeastern University at historic Matthews Arena from 2002 to 2006, nothing could compare to the lure of BU’s Walter Brown Arena, where Noonan later player his high school home games with Catholic Memorial.

“I went [to Matthews] all the time, but I never loved it,” Noonan said. “[BU is] always something that I’ve wanted and had a connection with. It was my dream school.”

So when Noonan says that he wants to win, that he wants to leave a legacy, he means it. And when he says last season left a bad taste in his mouth, he means that, too.

Last year didn’t exactly live up to Noonan’s expectations. He finished with six goals — 10 fewer than he netted in his sophomore campaign — and 96 penalty minutes, 20 more than any of his teammates. It wasn’t a step back, necessarily, since a blueliner’s impact often can’t be measured in numbers, but it was far from satisfying.

That’s why Noonan has high expectations for learning under Quinn, a former BU defenseman who is heralded for his tactics at that end of the ice. Noonan pointed to his backward skating and one-on-one defensive zone coverage as areas that have already gotten stronger in limited instruction time with the new bench boss.

Noonan, who was named captain last week along with senior defenseman Patrick MacGregor, knows he has to grow more than just skills-wise.

“[Quinn] wanted me to be a leader,” Noonan, who was also an assistant captain for the second half of his junior year, said. “I had done some things last year — some stupid penalty stuff — so it wasn’t like I had acted like a leader. … I kind of let the emotions get the best of me and I didn’t have as good of a year as I wanted to, so I have some making up to do.”

That’s why it all comes back down to the same goals: hoisting a trophy, giving Quinn that first championship, adding to the banners in the Agganis rafters.

“We haven’t done anything since I’ve been here,” Noonan said. “You think about all the great players who have played at BU, they’ve all done something great here and won some championships. It’s about time our class does something like that. I think that’s what unfinished business means. We haven’t done anything. It’s time to turn this program around.”

Former Vernon Viper Collins Records 100th Career Point:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Mike Collins had two goals & one assist Saturday recording his 100th career college point.  Collins is entering his fourth and final season at Merrimack College.  In 38 games last year Collins collected (17-21-38). Collins played two season's in Vernon (2008-2010) In 119 regular season games with the Vipers Collins recorded (55-71-126)

Mike Collins Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=122117

This is posted on the Merrimack website:

THREE-GOAL THIRD PERIOD GIVE MERRIMACK 4-2 WIN OVER ARMY

Senior forward Mike Collins has two goals and assist for Warriors

Saturday, October 26, 2013

NO. ANDOVER, Mass. - Senior forward Mike Collins had two goals and an assist as Merrimack College scored three goals in the third period to skate to a 4-2 win against Army on Saturday night at Lawler Rink.

Down, 2-1, after 40 minutes of play, Merrimack responded with the final three goals of the game - all in the final stanza - to post its second consecutive victory of the young season.

Leading the way for the second game in a row was senior forward Mike Collins (Boston, Mass.), who potted his first goal of the season at 5:33 of the third to tie the contest after assisting on the Warriors' first of the game earlier in the second, and rounded off his night with an empty-net marker late in the game, recording his 100th career point in the process.

Sophomore Quinn Gould (Fort McMurray, Alberta) registered the game-winner at 8:09 of the third after Collins tied it up at 5:33. From there on out, the Warriors - who controlled most of the pace of play thanks to their staggering 43-16 advantage in shots on target - would keep Army at bay before and benefit from two more power play chances down the stretch before Collins iced it with the empty-netter with under two minutes to play.

Army opened the scoring at 19:13 of the first on a tip-in goal from C.J. Reuschlein before freshman Hampus Gustafsson (Ljungby, Sweden) potted his first collegiate marker at 2:26 of the second - on the power play - before the visitors tied it on their own man advantage midway through the second to send both sides into the second intermission with the Black Knights up, 2-1.

That would be the last side Army would light the lamp on the night, as Collins picked up a rebounded shot by Jordan Heywood (Regina, Saskatchewan), spun and fired from the far dot and buried it for his first of the year to tie it. Three minutes later, Gould took a long pass on the left wing side from Kyle Singleton (Beaverton, Ore.) and beat netminder Rob Tadazak for the game-winner, and Collins closed it out with a rink-long shot into the empty net with 1:16 left in the contest to round it out.

In net, senior Sam Marotta (Bridgewater, Mass.) picked up the victory (1-3) with a 16-save effort, while Tadazak was impressive, turning away 42 shots total on the night.

Merrimack returns to action next Friday, Nov. 1, when it hosts Bentley for its fourth consecutive tilt against an Atlantic Hockey Association foe at Lawler Rink. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.

Spruce Kings Not Happy With Hamilton Hit:

The Prince George Spruce Kings are not happy the Mark Hamilton's hit on Spruce Kings forward Jake LeBrun.  On October 4th Vipers defenceman Mark Hamilton hit Spruce Kings forward Jake LeBrun from behind, Hamilton was given a five minute mjaor and a two game suspension while LeBrun who was PG's leading scorer at the time suffered a concussion and has yet to return to the Prince George lineup.  PG won the game 3-0.  Thanks to Bulldogs play by play man Evan Hammond for posting this video on his Bulldogs blog.  Here is the full story,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvQzGpqs0cw   

Former Vernon Viper Hammond Records First Pro Career Win:

Former Vernon Vipers goaltender Andrew Hammond picked up his first pro career victory on October 20th with a 6-5 overtime win over the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Hammond made his American Hockey League (AHL) pro debut on October 11th falling 5-0 to the Norfolk Admirals is now 1-1 on the season.

Hammond spent the previous four years at Bowling Green University before signing with the Ottawa Senators on March 20th 2013. The Senators farm club American Hockey League (AHL) Binghamton Senators signed Hammond to a amateur try-out contract on March 27th 2013. Hammond attended the Ottawa Senators development camp (July 3rd-9th) before playing in a few exhibition games with the Senators. (no stats).

Hammond attended the Chicago Blackhawks development camp last year (July) went (10-15-3) with three shutouts and a 2.47 GAA last season at Bowling Green University. Hammond played parts of two years in Vernon (2007-2009) after coming over in a trade with the Surrey Eagles during the 2007-08 season. In 52 regular season games with the Vipers Hammond posted a (33-15-1) record recording 6 shutouts.

Andrew Hammond's Player Profile:

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

This is posted on the Senators website:

B-Sens Hold On For 6-5 OT Win Over Bridgeport

10/20/2013

Binghamton traveled to Bridgeport for their third game in as many days, toppling the Sound Tigers 6-5 in overtime and taking four of the possible six points from this weekend’s games.  The B-Sens went a perfect four-for-four in power play opportunities, including Mike Hoffman’s extra man tally 4:16 into the extra period to complete his three point performance (two goals, one assist).

Troy Rutkowski scored his first American Hockey League goal 5:35 into the first period off assists from Shane Prince and Stephane Da Costa to start the scoring for Binghamton.  Less than one minute later Mika Zibanejad beat Sound Tiger’s starting goaltender Anders Nilsson for another power-play goal off helpers from Hoffman and Cody Ceci.  Power play success continued for Binghamton as Hoffman was able to put another past Nilsson at the 13:02.  Bridgeport replaced Nilsson between the pipes with Kenny Reiter after the Sens third goal of the period.  Ryan Strome was able to put the Sound Tigers on the board at 17:13 of the first before heading to the locker room.

The middle frame started quickly for the home team as Bridgeport was able to climb within one after John Persson beat Sens starting goal Andrew Hammond just one minute into the period.  Bridgeport was able to get some offense going in the second, however the score would remain 3-1 Binghamton heading into the second intermission.

In the third period the Sound Tigers were able to tie the contest at three a piece just 2:44 into the period when Persson added his second tally of the game.  Cole Schneider responded for Binghamton scoring his first two goals of the season at 3:48 and 7:59 of the final period to put the B-Sens back up by two goals.  However two goals from Bridgeport just over two minutes apart would send the game into overtime.

The overtime period brought few chances for either team, until Binghamton was able to complete a perfect night for its extra man advantage when Hoffman buried the game winner with under a minute to play in the extra frame.

Andrew Hammond picked up his first victory of the season stopping 28 of 33 shots faced.  Coming in relief of Nilsson, Reiter was able to stop 14 of 17 shots faced for the loss.  Zibanejad finished with a goal and two assists for the B-Sens, while in the losing effort Persson added two goals and an assist for Bridgeport.

The B-Sens return to action next weekend with two straight home games at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena.  Friday they will face Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, who leads the AHL with a 6-0-0-0 record, in a 7:05 p.m. puck drop.  The following night the Sens will welcome the Adirondack Phantoms.

Canadian Junior Hockey League To Examine New Stance On Fighting, Discipline:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

Canadian Junior Hockey League to examine new stance on fighting, discipline

Thursday, October 24, 2013 - Submitted by CJHL Media

 CALGARY, Alberta (October 24, 2013) – The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) Board of Directors has overwhelmingly voted to support an automatic game misconduct for fighting (the one-fight rule) and new national minimum discipline guidelines.

"The co-operation among our leagues and partners for standardized fighting rules and consistent discipline guidelines across all Junior A leagues is a significant step in the continuing development and evolution of the CJHL and Junior A hockey in Canada," said CJHL President Kirk Lamb.  "We will work closely with our stakeholders and key partners, such as Hockey Canada and provincial branches, on bringing these endorsements forward for consideration."

One-Fight Rule Endorsed as National Standard

The CJHL supports the automatic game misconduct penalty for fighting.   The automatic game misconduct penalty, commonly known as the 'one-fight rule', results in a 5-minute major as well as the immediate ejection of the player from the game.   Five CJHL leagues – SIJHL, NOJHL, OJHL, CCHL and LHJAAAQ – are currently using this rule.  In five other CJHL leagues – BCHL, AJHL, SJHL, MJHL and MHL – a player's first fighting penalty results in the same 5-minute major penalty, but does not carry with it in an automatic ejection from the game.  In those leagues, the automatic game ejection occurs after a player's second fight in the same game.   A move to a national rule for fighting would see all 10 CJHL leagues operate under the same automatic game misconduct penalty for fighting.

Junior A Supplement Supported as National Supplemental Discipline Guidelines

In addition to supporting a game misconduct penalty for fighting, the CJHL has overwhelming endorsed in principle a comprehensive set of minimum discipline guidelines based on a 4-year pilot project called the Junior A Supplement.  The Junior A Supplement was designed and implemented by the BCHL, AJHL, SJHL, MJHL and MHL, in partnership with Hockey Canada.

“The Junior A Supplement has been an invaluable game management tool,” said BCHL Commissioner John Grisdale.  “We have experienced a significant change in the culture of our game and player behavior and are enjoying the benefits of enhanced communication and education among players, coaches and officials."

The Junior A Supplement is an innovative set of regulations involving both existing playing rules that have been strengthened or expanded, as well as the creation of new penalties for certain actions and player behavior. The key principles of the Junior A Supplement are:

establishing common values relating to player, coach and team behavior
suspension thresholds for multiple offenders of various infractions
increasing suspensions for subsequent infractions beyond the suspension threshold
coach and team accountability, such as fines and suspensions, for the actions of their players

education of players, coaches and officials about the rules and values of the Junior A Supplement

 “The Junior A Supplement provides a consistent supplemental discipline guidelines across the country and arms Junior A leagues with additional tools to help manage many aspects of our game,” said CCHL Commissioner Kevin Abrams.  “As a league dedicated to the development of student-athletes, we continuously evaluate new rules and regulations to make the game more enjoyable and safer for our players and more exciting and entertaining for our fans.”

For more information contact:

Kirk Lamb
President/président
Canadian Junior Hockey League/Ligue de hockey junior canadienne
(403) 650-9027
president@cjhlhockey.com

About the CJHL

The Canadian Junior Hockey League is a national organization comprised of all 10 Junior A hockey leagues in Canada.  The CJHL represents more than 120 teams and 2,500 players and has over 2,800 alumni furthering their hockey careers at the professional, major junior and college level across North America.  The CJHL Board of Directors is made up of the commissioners for all 10 Junior A hockey leagues in Canada. For latest CJHL news and features, visit www.cjhlhockey.com and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/cjhlhockey or @cjhlhockey.

Vees Survive Viper Comeback Attempt:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vees survive Viper comeback attempt

Published: October 26, 2013

The Vernon Vipers have surprised a number of teams with their third-period heroics.

They nearly did it again Friday night at the South Okanagan Events Centre, but instead fell 6-5 in overtime to the Penticton Vees in a B.C. Hockey League thriller.

In double-OT, Brett Beauvais beat netminder Danny Todosychuk on a penalty shot after Vernon d-man Josh Bryan was called for a tripping minor (automatic penalty shot at 3-on-3) at 3:31.

Tied 3-3 early in the third period, the Interior Division-leading Vees (11-3-1-1) appeared to have put the game away on goals by Cody DePourcq (6th goal) and Max Coatta (9th).

However, Vernon (9-5-1-3), showing the no-quit attitude that has helped them win six of their last eight, responded with two of their own to force OT. Jared Wilson and Riley Guenther, both d-men, and both netting their first goal as a Viper, guaranteed their team a point.

“We’ve had some good games where we came back late, so it’s definitely showed our guys we can come back at any time,” Vernon head coach Jason Williamson told Black Press. “We have some high-end skill up there. It’s refreshing to see that they won’t quit, ever.”

Coatta opened the scoring in the opening period on the first of two Penticton powerplay goals. Vernon took a 2-1 lead into the intermission on snipes by Dexter Dancs (8th) and TJ Dumonceaux (2nd), scoring his second goal in as many games after a 14-game drought.

Depourcq (second star) equalized with the game’s lone second-period snipe, assisted by Riley Alfred and Brad McClure.

McClure, with his team-leading 10th goal, and Jason Bird (4th), who finished with a goal and three assists, traded goals early in the third period.

“Jason Bird was good in jumping up in the play and we were creating things off the rush,” said Williamson, adding Vernon’s defensive play was a little sluggish.

“We weren’t as good as I’ve seen us be in the defensive zone. We were giving up too many opportunities. We’ve just got to be more aware of the guys around us and not puck watching.”

The Vees outshot Vernon 45-26 and held the Vipers scoreless on three powerplays. Olivier Mantha recorded 22 saves for his sixth win. Todosychuk had 40 stops for Vernon.

“We were just that little bit off on puck battles, but we showed some compete being able to come back,” said Williamson.

Vernon was missing a trio of players as they entertained the 9-8-1 Merritt Centennials Saturday night at Kal Tire Place.

Wilson, along with forwards Demico Hannoun and Dancs, are in Calgary for a five-day selection camp for Team Canada West, which will compete at the  upcoming World Junior A Challenge in Yarmouth, N.S.

Merritt also has three players at the camp – d-man Dane Birks and forwards Diego Cuglietta and Jeff Wight.

In other BCHL action Friday night, the West Kelowna Warriors took over sole possession of second place at 11-4-0-1, one point ahead of Vernon, as they outlasted the host Coquitlam Express 4-3 at Poirier Sports and Leisure Centre.

Reid Simmonds netted the winner with 22 seconds remaining in regulation to cap a two-goal night.

Merritt 1 Vernon 0

For anyone who could not attend or watch tonight’s Vipers game here are my thoughts and views from tonight’s game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own view and opinion on any game we watch. This is my opinion and my thoughts on how I saw tonight’s game. I try to be unbiased and give a fare recap on both sides. Thanks for stopping by & visiting my blog.

I was at tonight's BCHL game as Merritt defeated Vernon 1-0 in front of 1,647 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon:  Michael Stiliadis
Merritt:  Devin Kero

1st Period:  Just thirty five seconds into the game Michael McNicholas snuck behind the Merritt defence going in for the breakaway but was stopped by Devin Kero.  The Vipers come out with a ton of jump, getting off to a quick start.  The Vipers shooting everything towards the net were really buzzing early.  The Centennials needed just over five minutes to record their first shot on goal as they were outshot 4-1 at this point and getting outplayed for most of the opening frame.  Vernon carried the better of the play but didnt generate alot of scoring opportunities.  The Vipers with lots of shots were all over Merritt in the first half.  Just past the midway mark the Vipers defence went to sleep leaving Sebastien Pare alone in front who missed on a wide open cage hitting the post as Merritt come very close to opening the scoring.  A few shifts later the Cents finally seemed to get their game going getting some good pressure deep in the Vipers zone but didnt generate any real offensive threat as back come the Vipers.  Brendan Persley going hard to the net tried banging home a loose puck at the side of the net couldnt beat the right pad of Kero who made a nice save keeping the game scoreless.  The Vipers outplayed the Cents for most of the period getting seventeen shots but couldnt capitalize on a very limited amount of scoring opportunities.  It was 0-0 after 20 minutes of play.  Vernon outshot Merritt 17-5.

2nd Period:  The Vipers with a good chance early after Liam Coughlin setup Michal MicNicholas in the slot who couldnt beat Centennials starting goaltender Devin Kero who made a big blocker save.  Merritt who was badly outplayed in the first period slowly started to get their legs going getting their game going.  The Cents would get several good opportunties early.  Rhett Willcox with a shot from the slot was redirected by Gavin Gould who couldnt beat Michael Stiliadis who made a tough save off the deflection in front.  Just shortly after Merritt with a two on one, Bennett Huber and Sebastien Pare on the odd man rush couldnt get the shot off on a missed opportunity.  On the next shift captain Payton Schaefer with a quick low shot from the slot was stopped by Vipers starting goaltender Michael Stiliadis who made a big save with bodies going to the net.  The Centennials would get the games first powerplay but a solid penalty kill by Vernon would kill off the minor.  But just under two minutes later Merritt would get their second chance with the man advantage and capitalize.  With a scrum in front of the Vernon goal Gavin Gould beat Stiliadis who was down and out giving Merritt the 1-0 lead at 13:34 Dylan Bowen & Payton Schaefer collected the helpers.  The Vipers would get their first powerplay on the next shift but struggle as a good penalty kill by the Cents would kill off the penalty.  Vernon who didnt look like the same team after the opening period looked sluggish, didnt have their legs going and just couldnt seem to get things going.  Several missed passes and shots missing the net didnt help either.  On the other side the Centennials really turned their game around playing much better in the middle frame.  In the final few minutes James Neil come close to giving Merritt a 2-0 lead after beating Stiliadis but ringing his shot off the post.  With a minute remaining Michael McNicholas with a breakaway for the second time tonight couldnt beat Devin Kero in tight.  The Centennials outplayed Vernon for most of the period as Merritt was up 1-0 after 40 minutes of play.  The Cents outshot the Vipers 14-7.

3rd Period:  Merritt would get a great chance to grab a two goal lead with an early powerplay but it was the Vipers penalty kill that just about tied the game.  Brendan Persley and Michael McNicholas on a shorthanded two on one, Persley slowed things down waiting too long before not getting his pass over to McNicholas.  On the same penalty kill Colton Sparrow and McNicholas went in for a two on one, Sparrow tried feeding McNicholas but Jake Clifford with a huge defensive play broke up Vernon's odd man rush.  The Vipers with another solid penalty kill would excape killing off the minor.  Two minutes later the Vipers would get back to back powerplays but fail to capitalize.  Vernon with not a single shot on one man advantage had troubles hitting the net missing on several shots from the point as Merritt's penalty kill was very aggressive.  The Cents with atleast two or three big shot blocks would kill off the penalities.  Not much action in the third as Vernon couldnt get any offence going as Merritt played a very solid defensive road game.  The Centennials sending two guys in on the forecheck were playing body to body, clogging up the neutral zone, getting sticks or bodies in the way of shots as the Vipers looked frustrated for most of the period.  The Vipers also looked very tired in the final period.  Merritt with a solid shutdown period gave Vernon all kinds of troubles.  The Vipers would get Michael Stiliadis to the bench with 1:03 remaining but couldnt get anything going as Merritt would wind down the clock coming away with the 1-0 victory.  The Cents played a very tight defensive game especially in the third coming away with a hard fought win.  The Vipers outshot Merritt 11-5.

Top Players:  (Vernon)

Josh Bryan I thought played very well tonight.  Bryan was solid on the backend and was getting lots of shots through from the point. 

The line of Tyler Povolofskie, Matty Saharchuk and Josh Betinol played hard, battled and competed all night.

Michael McNicholas played a strong game up front for the Vipers, generated some good opportunities and played well on the penalty kill.

Brendan Persley was another Viper that worked, battled and competed all night. 

Michael Stiliadis (23 saves)  Made his Vipers home debut played well between the pipes.  Didnt have alot of difficult saves to make but made the saves when needed giving the Vipers a chance to comeback and win the hockey game.

Game Thoughts:  (Vernon)

I thought the Vipers come out strong, got off to a quick start getting a good jump on Merritt who maybe had some bus legs in the opening period.  Vernon was shooting everything and anything towards Devin Kero getting seventeen shots in the opening period but I didnt think got alot of grade A scoring chances.  Most of the Vipers shots were from way outside with no bodies or traffic going to the net looking to jump on the rebounds.  But still a great start but in a game like tonight, this is where the Vipers needed a goal or two in the first period and not taking your foot off the gas.  Vernon was a complete different team in the second and third periods.  The Vipers quit skating, hitting and just wernt the same team.  Vernon looked sluggish at times and tired some the final frame.  The Vipers didnt get any bounces or puck luck tonight and need to be better on their passing and shots hitting the net.  The Vipers with several missed passes and shots missing the goal hitting the end glass.  You also have to remember the Vipers played a hard fought game in Penticton last night, battling back from two goals to tie the game before falling in double overtime.  Sometimes a tough emocional game like this can take the life out of ya.  Merritt on the other hand had the night off last night playing Thursday in Prince George.  Lets also not forget the Vipers were without six regulars (Mason Blacklock, Jared Wilson, Dexter Dancs, Austin Smith, Demico Hannoun & Ryan Renz) and it showed as Vernon could have used some of that skill-offence from the likes of Blacklock, Hannoun and Dancs.  The Vipers have now dropped three of their last four games.

Top Players:  (Merritt)

Wayland Williams I thought played very steady on the Centennials blueline tonight.  Come up with a huge shot block in the third.

Shane Poulsen also played very solid on Merrit's backend.

Sebastien Pare was very good up front, has that very long reach so hard to knock off the puck.  Very good hands and skill down low.  Was one of Merritt's more offensive minded players.

Gavin Gould (1 goal)  Impressed me back in September when the Cents last visisted Kal Tire Place.  Again tonight played a very strong game for the Centennials.  Not the biggest kid but competes, battles and works hard all night. 

Payton Schaefer (1 assist)  I thought played a very good game, didnt do alot offensively but played well at both ends of the rink.

Jake Clifford another d-man that played very well for Merritt this evening.  Made a huge defensive play to break up Colton Sparrow-Michael McNicholas's two on one in the third. 

Devin Kero (35 saves-Shutout)  Just like Michael Stiliadis didnt have to make alot of big saves but made the key saves when called apon.  Im not taking anything away from the kid, sure he made 35 saves but like I said earlier alot of Vernon's shots were from outside with no traffic or bodies going to the net.  Give the kid credit he played well and helped his club come away with the win.

Game Thoughts:  (Merritt)

I wasnt too impressed with the Centennials start for tonight's game.  I thought Merritt was outplayed and outworked most of the opening period.  The Cents were almost standing around watching the Vipers make and setup plays.  Give this team credit they really stepped up their play and turned the game around in the 2nd period playing a much better period-game.  Merritt was very good in the second and third periods.  Scored the games only goal before shutting down Vernon's offence playing a solid defensive game in the 3rd.  The Cents were very good in the final frame limiting Vernon's chances, getting in the shooting lanes, tying guys up, not giving the Vipers any time or space making things very frustrating on the Vipers part.  Merritt who had just two wins in their last six games coming into tonight's contest come away with a very greasy road win.  The Cents are now 2-0 vs Vernon this season.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Jared Wilson
Mason Blacklock (Injured)
Demico Hannoun
Dexter Dancs
Ryan Renz (Injured)
Austin Smith (Injured)

Merritt:

Dane Birks
Diego Cuglietta
Daniel Nachbaur
Jeff Wight

Energy player of the game:

Matty Saharchuk

Three Stars:

1st Star:  Devin Kero (35 saves-Shutout)
2nd Star:  Gavin Gould (1 goal)
3rd Star:  Michael Stiliadis (23 saves)

For more on tonight's game visit the BCHL boxscore,

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1231269&link=bchl

For more on tonight's game and the Merritt Centennials visit Dustin Scafe's Merritt Centennials blog,

http://dustinscafe.blogspot.ca/

Game Preview: Merritt @ Vernon:

Merritt (9-8-1-0) @ Vernon (9-5-1-3) 7pm start

Tonight is the second of seven meetings between the Vipers & Centennials. Merritt leads the season series 1-0. You can listen to tonight's game live with Graham Turnbull on 107.5 Kiss FM starting with the pre-game show at 6:45pm

Last Game:

Friday, October 25th Penticton defeated Vernon 6-5 in double overtime
Thursday, October 24th Prince George defeated Merritt 7-4

Next Game:

Friday, November 1st Salmon Arm @ Vernon
Sunday, October 27th Merritt @ Salmon Arm

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon is 51-13-2-8 vs. Merritt

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon has outscored Merritt 296-182

Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 23-5-1-4 at home vs. Merritt

Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 22-5-1-5 in Merritt

The Vipers are 3-4-1-2 in their last ten games at home vs. the Centennials

The Vipers are 3-4-1-2 in their last ten games on the road vs. the Centennials

The Vipers are 3-4-1-2 in their last ten games vs. Merritt

The Vipers last win at home vs Merritt was a 3-2 double overtime victory back on Saturday, March 9th 2013

The Centennials last win in Vernon was a 3-2 overtime victory back on Saturday, September 21st 2013

The Vipers last win in Merritt was a 2-1 victory back on Wednesday, March 6th 2013

The Centennials last win at home over Vernon was a 4-3 double overtime victory on Friday, February 15th 2013

The Vipers went 2-3-1-1 last season vs the Merritt Centennials

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

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The Vernon Vipers return home after a 6-5 double overtime loss in Penticton last night.  The Vipers wrapped up a four game road trip where they went 2-2.  Vernon has one six wins in their last eight games sits in 3rd place one point back of 2nd place West Kelowna and two points back of Division leading Penticton.  Tonight is the Vipers first game of a current five game home stand.             

Mason Blacklock (15-9-24) leads the Vipers in goals with fifteen and in points with twenty four

Vernon Vipers 2013-14 Regular Season Stats:

Games Played: 18
Wins:  9
Losses: 5
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses:  3
Home Record:  3-1-1-2
Road Record: 6-4-0-1
Goals For: 62
Goals Against:  60
Streak: One game losing streak
Standings:  3rd Place

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Jason Bird (93)
Mason Blacklock (94)
Dexter Dancs (95)
TJ Dumonceaux (94)
Logan Mick (96)
Brendan Persley (93)
Ryan Renz (93)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Michael Statchuk (94)
Austin Smith (93)
Danny Todosychuk (94)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Liam Board (93)
Brett Corkey (92)
Bryce Eviston (94)
Andrew Tegeler (92)
Craig Martin (95)
Mitch McAllister (94)
Marc Hetnik (92)
Michael Roberts (95)
Braeden Russell (93)
Geoff Crisfield (93)

Vernon’s Home record vs. Merritt this season:

0-0-0-1

Vernon’s Road record vs. Merritt this  season:

0-0-0-0

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Merritt this season:

Liam Coughlin (0-1-1)
TJ Dumonceaux (0-1-1)
Mason Blacklock (1-0-1)

Austin Smith (0-1 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Vernon has the leagues 16th best powerplay

-The Vipers have the BCHL's 6th best penalty kill

Lets take a look at the Merritt Centennials:

The Merritt Centennials are making their second visit of the season to Kal Tire Place are coming off a 7-4 loss in Prince George Thursday.  The Centennials who won the first meeting of the season in overtime back in September sit in 4th place three points back of Vernon and one point up on 5th place Salmon Arm.  Tonight is the second game of a current four game road trip for the Cents who have just two wins in their last six games. 

For more on the Centennials please visit Dustin Scafe's Merritt Centennials blog,

http://dustinscafe.blogspot.ca/

Scott Paterson (8-8-16) leads the Centennials in goals with eight while Jeff Wight (6-11-17) leads the Centennials in points with seventeen

Merritt Centennials 2013-14 Regular Season Stats::

Games Played: 18
Wins:  9
Losses: 8
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 0
Home Record: 4-4-1-0
Road Record: 5-4-0-0
Goals For: 59
Goals Against: 52
Streak: One game losing streak
Place:  4th Place

Merritt Centennials Returning Players:

Jeff Wight (95)
Scott Patterson (93)
Payton Schaefer (93)
Sam Johnson (94)
Tyler Martin (93)
Dane Birks (95)
Sebastien Pare (93)
Diego Cuglietta (95)
Bennett Huber (94)
Russell Sanderson (94)

Merritt Centennials Departing & traded players from last years team:

Regan Soquila (93)
Derek Husiman (92)
Silvan Harper (92)
Sean Maktaak (92)
Kevin Lohan (93)
Brendan Lamont (94)
Dylan Chanter (95)
Richard Sabourin (92)
Brent Fletcher (92)
Charlie Donlin (93)
John Saunders (94)
Tyler Steel (93)

Merritt's Home record vs. Vernon this season:

0-0-0-0

Merritt's Road record vs. Vernon this season:

1-0-0-0

Merritt's scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Gavin Gould (2-0-2)
James Neil (0-2-2)
Shane Poulsen (0-1-1)
Adam Tracey (0-1-1)
Payton Schaefer (1-0-1)
Malik Kaila (0-1-1)
Scott Paterson (0-1-1)

Connor LaCouvee (1-0 Record)

-Merritt has the leagues 2nd best powerplay

-The Centennials have the BCHL's 9th 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

Merritt Centennials:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224100

Penticton 6 Vernon 5 (Double Overtime)

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Penticton Vees at 4:21 (PP) - Max Coatta from Anthony Conti and Ben Dalpe 
Vernon Vipers at 11:01 - Dexter Dancs from Josh Bryan and Jason Bird 
Vernon Vipers at 18:44 - TJ Dumonceaux from Demico Hannoun and Jason Bird

PERIOD 2

Penticton Vees at 10:37 - Cody DePourcq from Riley Alferd and Brad McClure 

PERIOD 3

Penticton Vees at 1:15 (PP) - Brad McClure from Brett Beauvais and Max Coatta 
Vernon Vipers at 3:07 - Jason Bird (unassisted) 
Penticton Vees at 6:43 - Cody DePourcq from Travis Blanleil and Matthew Serratore 
Penticton Vees at 7:23 - Max Coatta from Josh Blanchard and Anthony Conti 
Vernon Vipers at 14:14 - Jared Wilson from Logan Mick and Jason Bird 
Vernon Vipers at 19:39 - Riley Guenther from Dexter Dancs 

OVERTIME PERIOD 1

No Scoring

OVERTIME PERIOD 2

Penticton Vees at 3:31 (PS) - Brett Beauvais (unassisted) 

Penticton outshot Vernon 45-26  Olivier Mantha made 21 saves in the win while Danny Todosychuk made 38 saves in the loss.

For more on tonight's game visit the BCHL boxscore,

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1231261&link=bchl

For more on tonight's game and the Penticton Vees visit Fraser Rodgers Three Vees blog,

http://pentictonvees.wordpress.com/

Vipers Run Puts Them In Heat Of Interior Division Race:

This was in the BCHL Insider Newsletter:

Vipers run puts them in heat of Interior Division race

October 24 2013

Labouring just under the .500 mark entering the month of October, the 2014 RBC Cup host Vernon Vipers rattled off six wins in their seven games from Oct. 5 to 20. Now 7-3 in their past 10, the Snakes can take over top spot in the air-tight Interior Division Friday night if they can topple the Penticton Vees and other Interior clubs stumble. There are just four points separating first from fourth and players know what's at stake.

"We've definitely used it as motivation that any weekend, you can jump from fifth to first," said Vernon head coach Jason Williamson. "It's easy to say, 'Hey guys, you have to be ready to play.'"

Even more so now. Vernon goes into Penticton Friday night minus top scorer Mason Blacklock who has a lower-body injury. Injuries to others, including captain Ryan Renz, have put young players into the spotlight and Williamson likes the maturation he's seen from his club already this season.

"That's kind of the silver lining to this whole thing," said Williamson. "Renz is probable for this weekend; it's been a huge hole to fill so it'll be good to have that veteran presence back there. The D corps is the strength of our hockey club; with Renz, hopefully it just gets better."

Williamson has also had to find help in net with Austin Smith sidelined. Former Victoria Grizzlies netminder Michael Stiliadis, who shut out the Vipers in his only action against them last year, is now in Vernon colours and has a win since joining the club.

"When Austin went down, I had to make sure I patched that hole," said Williamson. "With that one game we saw and what we've seen in practice, we know we can feel good about (Stiliadis)."

 Other encouraging signs are the elevation of Michael McNicholas's game in Blacklock's absence and the production from the back end of Jason Bird, who was BCHL Player of the Week last week. Acquiring Jared Wilson from Alberni Valley also adds a dynamic blueline presence.

As for Friday's game in Penticton, Williamson doesn't need to rev his guys up.

"We've had a pretty good week (at practice)," said Williamson. "Guys are usually up for Penticton."

Game Preview: Vernon @ Penticton:

Vernon (9-5-1-2) @ Penticton (10-3-1-1) 7pm start

Tonight is the second of seven meetings between the Vipers & Vees.  Vernon leads the season series 1-0.  You can listen to tonight's game live with Graham Turnbull starting with the pre-game show at 6:45pm on 107.5 Kiss FM  

Last Game:

Sunday, October 20th Vernon defeated Alberni Valley 7-4
Saturday, October 19th Penticton tied Langley 1-1

Next Game:

Saturday, October 26th Merritt @ Vernon
Saturday, October 26th Penticton @ Salmon Arm

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 36-27-2-4 vs. Penticton

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Penticton 216-199

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 19-9-1-1 at home vs. Penticton

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 14-14-1-1 in Penticton

Vernon is 3-5-1-1 in their last ten visits to Penticton

Penticton is 4-6-0-0 in their last ten visits to Vernon

The Vipers are 3-6-0-1 in their last ten games vs. Penticton

Vernon's last win at home vs Penticton was a 3-1 victory back on Wednesday, September 25th 2013

Penticton's last win at the Kal Tire Place was a 3-1 victory back on Friday, December 14th 2012

Vernon's last win at the South Okanagan Events Centre was a 2-1 victory back on Friday, November 23rd 2012

Penticton's last win at home vs Vernon was a 3-1 victory back on Friday, January 25th 2013

The Vipers went 2-5-0-0 vs Penticton last season

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

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The Vernon Vipers make their first visit of the season to the South Okanagan Events Centre wrap up a four game road trip tonight in Penticton.  The Vipers have won the two out of three so far on the trip.  Tonight is a battle for top spot in the Interior Division as Vernon sits just a single point back of the Division leading Vees.  Vernon has won eight of their last eleven games will begin a five game home stand tomorrow night.              

Mason Blacklock (15-9-24) leads the Vipers in goals with fifteen and in points with twenty four

Vernon Vipers 2013-14 Regular Season Stats:

Games Played: 17
Wins:  9
Losses: 5
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record:  3-1-1-2
Road Record: 6-4-0-0
Goals For: 57
Goals Against:  54
Streak: One game winning streak
Standings: Tied with West Kelowna for 2nd Place

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Jason Bird (93)
Mason Blacklock (94)
Dexter Dancs (95)
TJ Dumonceaux (94)
Logan Mick (96)
Brendan Persley (93)
Ryan Renz (93)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Michael Statchuk (94)
Austin Smith (93)
Danny Todosychuk (94)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Liam Board (93)
Brett Corkey (92)
Craig Martin (95)
Bryce Eviston (94)
Andrew Tegeler (92)
Mitch McAllister (94)
Marc Hetnik (92)
Michael Roberts (95)
Braeden Russell (93)
Geoff Crisfield (93)

Vernon’s home record vs. Penticton this season:

1-0-0-0

Vernon’s road record vs. Penticton this season:

0-0-0-0

Vernon’s Powerplay vs. Penticton this season:

0-4

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Penticton this season:

Demico Hannoun (0-2-2)
Mark Hamilton (1-0-1)
Riley Guenther (0-1-1)
Michael McNicholas (0-1-1)
Mason Blacklock (0-1-1)
Logan Mick (0-1-1)
Dexter Dancs (1-0-1)
Brendan Persley (1-0-1)

Austin Smith (1-0 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Vernon has the leagues 16th best powerplay

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

Lets take a look at the Penticton Vees:

The Penticton Vees return home after a 1-1 draw in Langley last weekend.  The 1st place Vees are unbeaten in their last two games are tied for second overall with Langley sit just a single point back of Powell River who sits atop the BCHL standings.  Penticton suffered their first loss at home back on October 16th vs Merritt begin a five game road trip tomorrow night.  The Vees have atleast a point in six straight games. 

For more on the Penticton Vees please visit Fraser Rodgers Three Vees blog,

http://pentictonvees.wordpress.com/

Brad McClure (9-10-19) leads the Vees in goals with nine and in points with nineteen

Penticton Vees 2013-14 Regular Season Stats::

Games Played: 15
Wins:  10
Losses: 3
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 1
Home Record: 7-0-0-1
Road Record: 3-3-1-0
Goals For: 50
Goals Against: 28
Streak: Unbeaten in two games
Place: 1st Place (Interior Division)

Penticton Vees Returning Players:

Brad McClure (93)
Ryan Gropp (96)
Cam Amantea (94)
Cody Depourcq (95)
Travis Blanleil (94)
Brock Balson (93) (Suspended)

Penticton Vees Departing & traded players from last years team:

Wade Murphy (93)
John Siemer (92)
Sam Mellor (92)
Troy Stecher (94)
Jedd Soleway (94)
Louie Nanne (94)
Michael Rebry (93)
James De Haas (94)
Sean Flanagan (92)
Bryan Sinz (92)
Jordan McCallum (93)
Thomas Nitsche (92)
Robert Mann (92)
Brayden Park (96)
Nick Renyard (94)
Chad Katunar (93)

Penticton's Home record vs. Vernon this season:

0-0-0-0

Penticton's Road record vs. Vernon this season:

0-1-0-0

Penticton's Powerplay vs. Vernon this season:

0-4

Penticton's scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Max Coatta (1-0-1)
Josh Blanchard (0-1-1)
Cody DePourcq (0-1-1)

Hunter Miska (0-1 Record)

-Penticton has the leagues 3rd best powerplay

-The Vees have the BCHL's 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

Penticton Vees:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224101

BCHL Teams Lose Key Personnel To Canada West Camp:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

BCHL teams lose key personnel to Canada West camp

Published: October 25, 2013

It will be a battle of slightly watered-down lineups as the Vernon Vipers and Penticton Vees clash in B.C. Hockey League action tonight at South Okanagan Events Centre.

Each team will be missing a trio of stars who were named for the Team Canada West selection camp for the upcoming World Junior A Challenge in Yarmouth, N.S.

Vernon, tied for second in the Interior Division at 9-5-1-2, will be without forwards Demico Hannoun and Dexter Dancs, as well as defenceman Jared Wilson, while the first-place Vees (10-3-1-1) are sending blueliners Brett Beauvais, Alexandre Coulombe and Paul Stoykewych to the five-day camp, which begins Saturday in Calgary.

“It could be a first-place showdown, depending on what happens in other games,” said Vipers’ head coach Jason Williamson. “It’s a big weekend for us.”

Mason Blacklock, the Vipers’ leading scorer (his 15 goals account for one quarter of Vernon’s offence), was also selected for the camp, but suffered a lower-body injury in Vernon’s 7-4 win over the Alberni Valley Bulldogs on Sunday. Dancs was chosen as his replacement.

Blacklock, a White Rock product, is expected to be placed on the 30-day injured reserve. Williamson is challenging his remaining forwards to dial their play up a notch.

“Guys like Spares (Colton Sparrow) and (Matty) Saharchuk will have to step up and be our go-to guys,” he said.

With four key players out of the lineup, Williamson received a bit of good news as captain Ryan Renz is probable for weekend action. The rugged d-man from Castlegar missed the last 14 games with an ankle injury.

Williamson plans to dress seven d-men this weekend to ease Renz, 20, back into the lineup. He is calling up 16-year-old Blaine Caton from the KIJHL North Okanagan Knights to boost the forward corps.

Caton, a Vernon product, has a goal and five assists with the Knights this season.

“He’s a good, young player, someone we want to have as part of our team next season, so he’s going to play,” said Williamson.

Meanwhile, the Vipers will be sporting splashes of pink as they entertain the Merritt Centennials for Pink the Rink Night Saturday (7 p.m.) at Kal Tire Place. Fans are also encouraged to wear pink.

Luke Pierce’s Cents (9-7-1) earned three of four points last weekend at Nicola Valley Arena, tying the Salmon Arm SilverBacks 5-5 before shading the Trail Smoke Eaters 5-4 Sunday.

Merritt also has three players headed to the Canada West camp – d-man Dane Birks and forwards Diego Cuglietta and Jeff Wight.

SNAKE BITES: The Vees’ netminding tandem of Olivier Mantha (1.72) and Hunter Miska (1.78) is one-two in goals-against average. They are also second and third in save percentage, with the 20-year-old Mantha at .933, and Miska, 18, at .932...Former Viper Craig Martin, now with Alberni Valley, earned an eight-game suspension for checking Vernon’s Colton Dahlen of the Nanaimo Clippers from behind into the end boards as they raced for a puck in the third period of their game last Friday.

Former Vipers Collins, Pimm & Noonan Named Hockey East Weekly Top Performers:

Former Vernon Vipers Mike Collins, Braden Pimm and Garrett Noonan are three of twenty four players that have been named this week's Hockey East weekly top performers on Monday.

Mike Collins is entering his fourth and final season at Merrimack College notched four assists for Merrimack during Saturday night's 5-2 victory over Mercyhurst.  In 38 games last year Collins collected (17-21-38).  Collins played two season's in Vernon (2008-2010) In 119 regular season games with the Vipers Collins recorded (55-71-126)

Mike Collins Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=122117


Braden Pimm is entering his fourth and final season at Northeastern University registered four points (2g,2a) in the series sweep of Holy Cross.  In 34 games last year Pimm collected (6-11-17).  Pimm played three years in Vernon (2007-2010) In 179 regular season games with the Vipers Pimm collected (64-97-161)

Braden Pimm's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=113608

Garrett Noonan has been named Hockey East weekly top performer for the second week in a row.  Nonnan is entering his fourth and final season at Boston University scored a goal and added two assists in Saturday's triumph against the Badgers.  Noonan attended the Nashville Predators Development Camp July 9-13th . In 34 games last season Noonan collected (6-13-19). Noonan was drafted by the Nashville Predators in Round 4 #112 overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Noonan played one season in Vernon (2009-2010) collecting (2-16-18) in 58 regular season games with the Vipers.

Garrett Noonan's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=48219

League Suspends Former Viper Craig Martin:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Craig Martin has been suspended for eight games for his check from behind against the Nanaimo Clippers Friday.  No official press release from the Bulldogs or league but Evan Hammond (The Hammer) has posted it on his Bulldogs blog.

Martin was entering his second season with the Vipers before being traded to Alberni Valley along with future considerations for Jared Wilson on October 1st.  In 46 career games with Vernon Martin collected (10-13-23)

Craig Martin's Player Profile:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=378203&playerID=830582

Former Vipers Goaltender Deckert Takes Road Less Traveled:

Here is an article that was posted on the Charlotte Checkers website on former Vernon Vipers goaltender Jesse Deckert.  Deckert recently signed with the Checkers on July 30th 2013

Deckert played last season with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Florida Everblades. Deckert signed with the Everblades on March, 20th 2013 after signing a amateur tryout agreement on March 6th 2013. In eleven games with Florida last year Deckert went 9-1-1 with a 2.40 GAA

Deckert spent the past four years at the University of Manitoba actually never played
with the Vipers. Deckert left the WHL Tri-City Americans in November of 2004 joining the MJHL Swan Valley Stampeders. Deckert never played with the Stampeders before coming to Vernon for a tryout where he practised with the Vipers before being released and signing with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks where he would finish the 2004-2005 season.

Jesse Deckert's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=69065


This is posted on the Checkers website:

Jesse Deckert Takes Road Less Traveled

Created: September 26, 2013

Written by Paul Branecky

With the AHL being the middle ground in North American pro hockey, unlikely success stories that have had to scratch and claw for every inch are just as common as first-round picks with widely-known pedigrees.

Goalie Jesse Deckert, in his first professional training camp at age 27, belongs in the former category.

At this time last year, Deckert wasn’t even sure if he was going to suit up for his final

“I figured I’d get my schooling, and if something worked out then I could play hockey for as long as I could and always have that to fall back on,” said Deckert, who is one course away from a degree in criminology.

Despite an up-and-down college career that included injuries, a transfer and a constant battle for playing time, things ended up working out. After impressing in his ECHL debut last season, he’s in Charlotte Checkers training camp on a two-way contract.

year of eligibility with the University of Manitoba in the Canadian college system (CIS) – a league not exactly known for its track record of developing professional players in the first place. When nothing had materialized from parts of four seasons at the major junior level and an invite to Nashville Predators rookie camp prior to that, the college route was more about setting himself up for life after hockey rather than a life in hockey.

“He’s the perfect example of someone who sticks with it and never gives up on their dream,” said coach Jeff Daniels. “He took a longer route than most people, but he’s here.”

After friends convinced him to reconsider and play out that final collegiate season, one that produced a 2.19 goals-against average, the ECHL’s Florida Everblades were faced with a goaltending crisis last March. Cam Ward’s injury in Carolina caused the recall of Justin Peters from Charlotte, which caused Charlotte’s recall of Rob Madore from Florida. Meanwhile, the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch, which share the Everblades as an affiliate, had recalled Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Pat Nagle.

Somehow, Florida coach Greg Poss got in touch with Deckert, who had spent the first two weeks of his offseason away from the ice, or at least the kind of ice Poss was interested in.

“I was ice fishing, and you know how ice fishing is. Or maybe you don’t,” said Deckert, a native of Winnipeg. “Ice fishing is really just sitting there for a while and tipping a few back.

“Then I get a call from my agent, and I’m on a plane the next day.”

After arriving at the rink the morning of the game and with the Everblades’ equipment manager serving as his backup – something that would occur for the next three games of the team’s road trip – Deckert made 37 saves in his long-awaited pro debut, picking up a 5-4 overtime win in Cincinnati.

“It was probably a good thing that I went out there right away, because I didn’t have a chance to think about it and there were probably no expectations,” he said.

From there, everything fell into place. Deckert would go on to post a 9-1-1 record, 2.40 goals-against average and .916 save percentage for the remainder of the regular season. He was the starter in the playoffs, making it to the sixth game of the second round.

His parents, who by coincidence already had a vacation condo in nearby Naples, even got to see it.

“It was really the perfect storm for me,” said Deckert. “Everything about it was just perfect.”

When the season ended, the Everblades had seen enough to know that they wanted him back. There was even the possibility of something more with either Charlotte or Syracuse, which eventually came to pass when the Checkers signed him to a two-way contract in late July.

To appreciate the relatively long length of time that it took Deckert to get to this point, consider that he’s currently in the midst of his first professional training camp, while fellow netminder Justin Peters, who is a little over a month younger, is entering his eighth season.

Not that that any discrepancy concerning age or experience bothers him in any way. If it did, he probably wouldn’t be wearing pads designed to resemble the plain leather look that began to phase out of use in the 1980s, though he does have an updated look on the way.

“I’m just happy to be here,” said Deckert, whose age prevents him from qualifying as an AHL rookie this season. “There aren’t many chances to go from CIS to getting an AHL contract. I’m extremely grateful to have this opportunity.”

Unless the injury bug hits again, Deckert knows he’s likely headed back to the Everblades to start the season as the Checkers’ third option behind Peters and Mike Murphy. Still, if past seasons are any indication, he may yet have an important role to play down the road. That’s been the case with every goalie the team has signed for the role, going back to Bobby Goepfert in 2010-11, John Muse playing well in key stretches the following year and Madore becoming the team’s playoff starter last spring.

Time will tell if Deckert gets the chance to do something similar, though he’s already grateful for the chance he’s getting now.

“Winnipeg is a pretty tight-knit hockey community where lots of professional players come back to skate, and you can kind of compare yourself,” he said. “I knew I could play at that level but just didn’t have the opportunity.

“I was ready to hang them up, but people kept telling me to play the year and see how things went. I’m sure glad I did. It’s given me a new lease on hockey.”