Vernon 5 Trail 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 Vipers-Smoke Eaters game as Vernon defeated Trail 5-0 in front of 2,156 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon:  Danny Todosychuk
Trail:  Dustin Nikkel

1st Period:  Just thirty eight seconds into the game TJ Dumonceaux with a great chance at the side of the net had Dustin Nikkel beat but from a difficult angle shot high missing the open cage on a great opportunity to open the scoring.  The game got off to a quick start as both teams went back and forth but with no scoring chances.  Both teams were playing it close early as each team looked to be feeling one another out, waiting for the other club to make the first mistake.  The Smokies with back to back chances early couldnt beat Danny Todosychuk who made a quick glove save off Sean Davies who come in from the point before stopping Braedan Cross just seconds later.  Shortly after the Vipers would get a scare after Brandon Volpe crashed into Vipers starting goaltender Danny Todosychuk.  Todosychuk was very slow to get up as the play continued before the referee stopped the play as Todosychuk needed help off the ice with the teams trainor and another Viper.  Todosychuk wasnt putting much weight on his left foot-ankle as he headed to the Vipers dressing room and didnt return.  The referee and linesmen gathered for a few minutes before deciding no penalty was made on the play.  Austin Smith was forced to come into action after Todosychuk stopped just five Trail shots before leaving the game.  Just over seven minutes into the 1st period Brendan Persley went after Brandon Volpe as both players dropped the gloves.  On the play Trail would get the games first powerplay of the night.  The Smokies with very little opportunities couldnt take advantage as Vernon would kill off the minor.  With about five and a half minutes remaining Brett Mulcahy with a nice move went in and around the Trail defenceman got in close shot but fired just wide of the net.  On the same play at the other end of the rink Zane Schartz would crash into Austin Smith before a small scrum would form deep in the Vipers zone wich the Vipers would come away with the man advantage, their first of the evening.  The Vipers with good pressure couldnt open the scoring after the Smokies would kill off the minor.  Just after the penalty expired Vernon with a flurry of late chances couldnt hit the net after Brendan Persley and TJ Dumonceaux with great looks in close missed the goal.  In the final minute of play the Vipers would get called for too many men giving Trail their second powerplay of the game wich would carry into the 2nd period.  It was 0-0 after 20 minutes of play.  A very wide open first period with lots of play going back and forth but very few scoring chances at both ends of the rink.  Shots were even 14-14.

2nd Period:  The Smoke Eaters started the period with the man advantage that was carried over from the 1st period.  A good penalty kill by the Vipers would kill off the minor.  Brett Mulcahy and Brendan Persley with a two on one would get things going for the Vipers in the first half.  Mulcahy setup Persley who couldnt capitalize before Colton Sparrow joined the rush collecting the rebound somehow missed an open cage after Dustin Nikkel was forced out of position after trying for the save off Persley.  A wild scramble in and around the Smokies goal but Trail got lucky as Vernon couldnt capitalize.  Back come the Smoke Eaters on the same play, Jake Lucchini was stopped by Austin Smith in close on a great opportunity by Lucchini.  Vernon slowly started to get their game going and slowly started to carry a edge in play before eventually opening the scoring.  Riley Guenther's point shot was stopped before a pile of players jammed the front of the net, somehow Liam Coughlin was able to get the puck through bodies in front past Smokies starting goaltender Dustin Nikkel giving the Vipers a 1-0 lead at 7:56 Dexter Dancs & Riley Guenther collected the helpers.  Just less then two minutes later the Vipers would get their second powerplay of the game and capitalize.  Jared Wilson sprung Demico Hannoun on the breakaway who looked to have lost an edge just barely got the puck past Nikkel giving Vernon a 2-0 lead at 10:50 Wilson with the lone assist.  Shortly after Brett Mulcahy with a burst of speed went in and around two Smoke Eater players before going hard to the net couldnt beat Nikkel down low on a nice solo effort.  The Vipers now started to pull away carried the better of the play for several minutes.  Trail would get a late powerplay and get a great chance after Austin Smith robbed Braedan Cross at the side of the net.  Smith made the first save off a shot from the point before coming across the crease to make a huge pad save off Cross keeping this a two goal lead.  The Smokies would get a two man advantage but it was the strong penalty kill by Vernon who would generate and create a great shorthanded opportunity.  TJ Dumonceaux with a ton of jump turned on the jets went in and around the Smokies d-man before driving to the net hard couldnt beat Dustin Nikkel down low on very similar move-save that Brett Mulcahy made earlier in the period.  The Vipers with a very good penalty kill were able to kill off both minors keeping Trail off the scoresheet.  The Vipers would get a late powerplay but couldnt connect after Trail with a good penalty kill would kill off the penalty.  Vernon with a 2-0 lead after 40 minutes of play.  The Vipers really stepped up their play in the 2nd played a very good period getting lots of great chances found the back of the net twice.  Vernon was the better of the two teams carrying the better of the play for most of the period.  The Vipers outshot Trail 18-11.

3rd Period:  Just 1:22 into the final frame Trail would get an early powerplay but Austin Smith was sharp and so were the Vipers penalty kill as Vernon killed off the man advantage.  The 3rd started just like the opening period with both teams going back and forth with some wide open entertaining hockey.  Bryan Basilico hit TJ Dumonceaux from behind before Kenny Citron skated across the ice dropping the mits with Basilico.  Dumonceaux would be ok and stay in the game as both Citron and Basilico were tossed from the game.  Trail would get their second shot with the man advantage just two minutes later the Smokies couldnt capitalize and just as the penalty expired Taylor Armbruster beat Smith fivehole but the puck come out the other end going through the crease and into the corner boards on a close call.  The Vipers had atleast two opportunities for a chance for a two on one but couldnt connect on the passing on both plays before finally Liam Coughlin setup Logan Mick with a nice pass on the odd man rush as Mick beat Dustin Nikkel giving Vernon a 3-0 lead at 13:41 Coughlin and TJ Dumonceaux picked up the assists.  This basically put the game out of reach for the Smoke Eaters.  This was the first goal of three for the Vipers in less then four minutes.  Just over a minute later Tyler Povolofskie tried finding Dexter Dancs but missed by a mile with the pass, Dancs was able to get to the puck along the wall before trying to feed Povolofskie who was going hard to the net but Dancs pass ended up going in off Trail d-man Joel Webb and into the back of the net giving the Vipers a 4-0 lead at 15:39 Povolofskie with the only assist on the goal.  Just thirty seven seconds later Liam Coughlin with a beauty pass from behind the Smokies goal setup Michael McNicholas with a nice goal in front put Vernon ahead 5-0 at 17:11 Coughlin and Dexter Dancs with the helpers.  From here on in the Vipers bascially ate a good solid minute or two off the clock with a strong forecheck deep in the Smoke Eaters zone before winding down the clock coming away with a 5-0 victory snapping a three game winless streak.  The first ten minutes was basically even with Trail having two powerplays couldnt make things interesting.  Playing with a short bench the Smokies couldnt hold off the Viper offence as Vernon scored three goals in less then four minutes putting the game away.  The Vipers outshot the Smoke Eaters 19-12. 

Top Players:  (Vernon)

Josh Bryan played career game #200 I thought played a solid shutdown game on the Vernon blueline.  Bryan was physical and played very well all night.

Liam Coughlin (1 goal & 2 assists) Had a strong game for the Vipers.  Coughlin was really skating hard, going to the net and creating-generating chances all game.  Was very hard to contain down low.

TJ Dumonceaux (1 assist)  Had a heck of a game.  Dumonceaux played with a ton of jump and energy was really flying most of the night.  Was very good at both ends of the rink, very good on the penalty kill (getting a real good chance in the 2nd) busted his butt all night.

Brett Mulcahy played his best game as a Viper since coming over in a trade with Surrey just days before the BCHL trade deadline.  I havnt been overly impressed with Mulcahy and Dylan Chanter yet but thought Mulcahy was very strong, especially in the 1st and 2nd periods.  I didnt notice him much in the 3rd.  Mulcahy with several good chances, was another player that was skating hard, going to the net and really working hard all night.

Austin Smith (32 saves-2nd Shutout of the season) Wearing his new equipment was very solid between the pipes after coming in for relief after Danny Todosychuk went down early and left the game with an injury.  Smith made a handfull of big saves through out tonight's game was on his game and played very well.  Was sharp, quick on his feet and didnt fight the puck or give out alot of rebounds.  Kept the Vipers in the game at times when it was still scoreless.

Game Thoughts:  (Vernon)

The Vipers snapped their three game winless streak with a huge win tonight.  Especially with Merritt and Salmon Arm coming away with wins.  With just one win in their last six games heading into tonight's contest this was a big game for Vernon who needs to get some wins and in a hurry if they want to make the playoffs.  The Vipers have been really struggling since mid December played one of their better games in a long time.  Yes I know they beat Trail and I know its nothing to get too excited about but a wins a win and a big 5-0 victory tonight could go along way for a team like the Vipers.  I thought this was a pretty good entertaining hockey game at times and thought the Vipers played a complete sixty minutes for the first time in a long time.  I saw Vernon playing with alot more jump and energy in their game tonight, alot more compete in several players as well as team unity as both brendan Persley and Kenny Citron dropped the gloves sticking up for their team mates.  Overall the team played with alot more step in their game and played like a much more tighter unit compared to the last handfull of games.  The Vipers now have a tough three game schedule coming up starting tomorrow night in West Kelowna and then a home and home with one of the leagues best Langley Rivermen next weekend.  All three games are going to be a huge test for Vernon.  The Vipers are winless in their last seven road games and havnt won in West Kelowna in almost three years.  If the Vipers want to make the playoffs and do damage in the playoffs, this team needs to start winning some games on the road, playing a full sixty minutes and playing with alot more consistancy. 

Top Players:  (Trail)

Jake Lucchini was by far Trails best player tonight.  Can this kid skate and move the puck.  Very quick on his feet can really get going and also is dangerous in and around the net, always creating and generating chances.  Played very strong all night.

Brandon Volpe got under the skin of the Vipers early and often and played his role well getting the Vipers attention through out tonight's contest.  Was causing a disturbance all night. 

Sheldon Brett another kid who can really skate, played hard and worked hard most of the night.  Didnt get the puck much but was always involved in the play.  Battled and competed hard all game.

Bryan Basilico was another Smokies player who I thought played well and worked hard all night.  Basilico's night was ended early after getting into a scrap with Kenny Citron in the 3rd period.

Dustin Nikkel (46 saves)  Anytime a goaltender makes 40 plus saves I think he deserves a pat on the back.  After the buzzer the Smokies come over to Nikkel to tap his pads saying thanks for holding them in the game.  Nikkel didnt make alot of huge saves but faced alot of rubber tonight (51 shots) was really moving around alot at times, very quick on his feet played well giving his team a chance until Vernon put the game away in the 3rd.

Game Thoughts:  (Trail)

With just fourteen skaters and two goaltenders you have to give the Smoke Eaters full credit for coming to the rink to play and play hard.  With just nine wins and now two wins in their last twenty three games Trail battled and competed all night in a game where it was scoreless almost to the midway mark of the 2nd period.  The Smokies held their own at times and gave the Vipers a good push but with only two lines you knew they couldnt hold on for long.  The game was fairly even in the 1st before the Vipers slowly started to pull away in the 2nd scoring twice carrying the better of the play.  Trail couldnt capitalize with the man advantage and also ran into a hot goaltender in Austin Smith who played very well at the other end of the rink.  A pretty wide open game with lots of play going back and forth at times.  I thought the Smokies played with a bit of an edge early, driving to the net hard crashing into Danny Todosychuk and Austin Smith in the 1st period and then hit TJ Dumonceaux with a check from behind in the third.  The Smokies played hard but couldnt hold off the Viper offence running out of gas in the 3rd giving up three goals in less then four minutes.  Its been a long tough season in Trail this season.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Mark Hamilton (Injured)
Mason Blacklock (Injured)

Trail:

Adam Wheeldon
Riley Brandt
Jesse Knowler
Jackson Elynuik
Dylan Mascarin

Energy player of the game:

Jared Wilson (1 assist)

Three Stars:

1st Star:  Austin Smith (37 saves-Shutout)
2nd Star:  Liam Coughlin (1 goal & 2 assists)
3rd Star:  Dexter Dancs (1 goal & 2 assists)

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

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1231510&link=bchl

For more on tonight's game and the Trail Smoke Eaters visit Josh Hoffman's Smoke Eaters blog,

http://trailsmokies.blogspot.ca/

Vipers-Vees Highlight's:

Here are the highlight's from Vernon last weekend as the
Penticton Vees defeated the Vernon Vipers 6-1 January 24th 2014.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X10S8qZ2sfY

Game Preview: Trail @ Vernon:

Trail (9-34-2-3) @ Vernon (23-15-4-5) 7pm

Tonight is the sixth game of eight meetings between the Vipers and Smoke Eaters. The Smoke Eaters won the last meeting between these two teams 4-1 in Trail on January 3rd 2013. Vernon leads the season series 4-1.

Last Game:

Saturday, January 25th Merritt tied Vernon 4-4
Tuesday, January 28th Merritt defeated Trail 8-1

Next Game:

Saturday, February 1st Vernon @ West Kelowna
Saturday, February 1st Merritt @ Trail

Since the 2003-04 pre season Vernon is 3-0 vs Trail

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 56-15-1-3 vs. Trail

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Trail 308-174

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 28-5-0-2 at home vs. Trail

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 21-8-1-1 in Trail

The Vipers are 7-1-0-2 in their last ten games at home vs. the Smoke Eaters

The Vipers are 7-3-0-0 in their last ten games In Trail

The Vipers are 6-2-0-2 in their last ten games vs. Trail

Vernon's last win in Trail was a 4-1 victory on Friday, November 22nd 2013

Trail's last win at home vs Vernon was a 4-1 win on Friday, January 3rd 2013

Trails last win in Vernon was a 5-4 win on Wednesday, January 9th 2013

Vernon's last win at home vs Trail was a 6-3 win on Friday, December 13th 2013

The Vipers went 3-2-0-2 vs Trail 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 are coming off a 4-4 tie in Merritt Saturday night.  The Vipers sit in 3rd place are nine points back of Division leading Penticton, six points back of 2nd place West Kelowna and are three points up on 4th place Salmon Arm and four points up on 5th place Merritt.  Vernon with just five home games remaining in the regular season plays four of their next six games away from home.  The Vipers are winless in three and have just one win in their last six games.  Vernon is 3-5-1-1 in their last ten games have just four wins in their last thirteen games.  The Vipers have just three wins in January.  Defenceman Josh Bryan is playing career game #200 tonight.

Brett Mulcahy (26-13-39) leads the Vipers in goals with twenty six while Michael Mcnicholas (20-37-57) leads the Vipers in points with fifty seven.

Games Played: 47
Wins: 23
Losses: 15
Ties: 4
Overtime Losses: 5
Home Record: 13-5-3-3
Road Record: 10-10-1-2
Overtime Record: 3-5-4
Record vs Interior Division: 9-10-1-4
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 12-5-2-1
Record in September: 3-3-1-2
Record in October: 6-3-0-1
Record in November: 6-1-2-1
Record in December: 5-3-0-0
Record in January: 3-5-1-1
When the Vipers score first: 19-5-3-3
When the opponents score first: 4-9-1-2
Leading after 1st Period: 14-3-2-3
Tied after 1st Period: 6-6-1-1
Trailing after 1st Period: 2-5-1-1
Leading after 2nd Period: 15-2-2-1
Tied after 2nd Period: 4-5-2-4
Trailing after 2nd Period: 4-7-0-0
Out shooting Opponents: 12-4-2-1
Out shot by Opponents: 11-8-2-2
One goal games: 8-1-2-5
Goals For: 148
Goals Against: 144
Streak: Winless in three games
Standings: 3rd Place Interior Division

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

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)
Jason Bird (93)
Craig Martin (95)
Andrew Tegeler (92)
Mitch McAllister (94)
Marc Hetnik (92)
Michael Roberts (95)
Braeden Russell (93)
Geoff Crisfield (93)

Vernon’s Home record vs. Trail this season:

3-0-0-0

Vernon’s Road record vs. Trail this season:

1-1-0-0

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Trail this season:

Michael McNicholas (2-6-8)
Mason Blacklock (3-3-6)
Dexter Dancs (4-2-6)
Jared Wilson (0-6-6)
Demico Hannoun (3-3-6)
Colton Sparrow (4-1-5)
Riley Guenther (1-4-5)
TJ Dumonceaux (1-3-4)
Josh Bryan (1-2-3)
Brendan Persley (1-0-2)
Chase McMurphy (1-1-2)
Liam Coughlin (0-2-2)
Logan Mick (0-1-1)
Tyler Povolofskie (1-0-1)
Michael Statchuk (0-1-1)

Danny Todosychuk (2-0 Record)
Austin Smith (2-1 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Vernon has the leagues 16th best powerplay

-The Vipers have the BCHL's 7th best penalty kill

Lets take a look at the Trail Smoke Eaters:

The Trail Smoke Eaters make their fourth and final visit of the regular season to Kal Tire Place have lost all three games in Vernon this season have just seven wins in Vernon since the 2003-04 season.  Trail is coming off a 8-1 loss in Merritt Tuesday will finish their three game road trip tonight in Vernon.  The Smoke Eaters have lost five straight and four straight on the road.  The Smokies last win away from home was a 5-3 win in Surrey January 17th.  Trail is 2-6-0-2 in their last ten games.  Trail has just two wins in their last twenty two games.  The Smoke Eaters won the last meeting between these two teams coming away with a 4-1 win at home on January 3rd.  The Smokies and Vipers met in the first game of the month and will finish the month of January vs each other.  Trail is 1-4 vs the Vipers this year.  The Smoke Eaters are second in the league behind Chilliwack in goals against giving up 213 goals this season while being the lowest scoring team in the BCHL with just 117 goals. 

For more on tonight's game and the Trail Smoke Eaters visit Josh Hoffman's Trail Smoke Eaters blog,

http://trailsmokies.blogspot.ca/

Bryan Basilico (10-8-18) leads the team in goals with ten while Jesse Knowler (6-17-23) leads the team in points with twenty three.

Trail Smoke Eaters 2013-14 Regular Season Stats:

Games Played: 48
Wins: 9
Losses: 34
Ties: 2
Overtime Losses: 3
Home Record: 5-16-2-1
Road Record: 4-18-0-2
Overtime Record: 1-3-2
Record in September: 4-4-1-0
Record in October: 0-10-1-0
Record in November: 2-6-1-0
Record in December: 0-9-0-1
Record in January: 2-6-0-1
Record vs Interior Division: 4-20-1-0
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 5-13-1-2
Goals For: 117
Goals Against: 213
Streak: Five game losing streak
Standings: 6th Place Interior Division

Trail Smoke Eaters Returning Players:

Scott Davidson (95)
Jesse Knowler (94)
Adam Wheeldon (94)
Jake Lucchini (95)
Adam Todd (94)

Trail Smoke Eaters Departing & traded players from last years team:

Brent Baltus (92)
Luke Sandler (93)
Valik Chichkin (94)
Braeden Jones (94)
Garrett McMullen (92)
Braden Pears (93)
Curtis Toneff (93)
Tyler Berkholtz (92)
Connor Collett (93)
Shane Poulsen (94)
Austin Adduono (93)
Marley Keca (93)
Djordje Leposavic (92)
Mitch Foyle (96)
Riley McDougall (93)
Bennett Hambrook (92)
Bryce Knapp (94)

Trail's Home record vs. Vernon this season:

1-1-0-0

Trail's Road record vs. Vernon this season:

0-3-0-0

Trail's scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:
Jake Kauppila (2-2-4)
Jake Lucchini (1-2-3)
Joel Webb (0-2-2)
Bryan Basilico (1-2-3)
Dylan Bowen (0-3-3)
Greyson Reitmeier (1-2-3)
Riley Brandt (1-1-2)
Scott Davidson (1-1-2)
Valik Chichkin (0-1-1)
Adam Wheeldon (1-0-1)
Colby Livingstone (1-0-1)
Nathan Browne (0-1-1)
Sean Davies (0-1-1)
Jesse Knowler (0-1-1)
Jeremy McNeil (0-1-1)

Dustin Nikkel (0-2 Record)
Adam Todd (1-1 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Trail has the BCHL's 14th best powerplay

-The Smoke Eaters have the league's 13th 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

Trail Smoke Eaters:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224099

Bryan Set To Play Career Game #200

Vernon Vipers defenceman Josh Bryan will play his 200th career BCHL game tomorrow night vs the visiting Trail Smoke Eaters.  Bryan playing with his third team in four BCHL seaons is in his first season with the Vipers after coming over in a trade with the Nanaimo Clippers last season.  The Vipers sent veteran forward Aaron Hadley to Nanaimo for future considerations (Josh Bryan, Michael McNicholas and Jordan Klimek) at the BCHL trade deadline.  In 40 games this season with the Vipers Bryan has (4-goals-12-assists-16-points).  In 199 career BCHL games Bryan has (22-goals-50-assists-72-points).

Josh Bryan's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=48367

This Week in the BCHL – Episode 13

A brand new feature that will run weekly on Ryan Watters website. Watters is the broadcaster for the Okanagan Sun football team as well as Director of broadcasting & media relations with the Kelowna Falcons baseball team as well has worked with the WHL Kelowna Rockets.

This has a similar format and look to the BCHL this Week that runs on the TEAM 1410. Every week Vernon Vipers play by guy Graham Turnbull, West Kelowna Warriors play by play guy Jon Zacks and Penticton Vees play by play man Fraser Rodgers will bring you up to date with whats going on with the three local Okanagan teams.

This is posted on Ryan Watters website:

This Week in the BCHL – Episode 13

January 30th 2014

A detailed look around the Interior Division of the BC Hockey League.   “This Week in the BCHL” is a special presentation of the Okanagan Sports Network and will focus on the West Kelowna Warriors, Vernon Vipers and Penticton Vees on their quest to the RBC Cup.

The show is hosted by the voice of the Vipers Graham Turnbull and produced by the Okanagan Sports Network

This week on the show we hear from Vipers forward Demico Hannoun, Warriors captain Matt Anholt and Vee alum and current Quinnipiac Bobcat Michael Garteig.

http://www.ryanwatters.ca/this-week-in-the-bchl-episode-13/

Former Vipers Defenceman Morgan Seeks Return To Major League Baseball:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Nyjer Morgan is looking at returning to Major League Baseball this season along with a possible return to Japan where he spent the 2013-14 season with the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Yokohama DeNa BayStars.

Morgan signed with the BayStars on January 23rd 2013 after spending the previous two seasons with the MLB Milwaukee Brewers before electing free agency, a day after the Brewers hastened his departure by outrighting him from the 40-man roster.

Morgan was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 33rd round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft. On September 1st 2007 Morgan made his major league debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the Milwaukee Brewers as a late-season call-up.  On June 30 2009 Morgan was traded to the Washington Nationals along with pitcher Sean Burnett in exchange for outfielder Lastings Milledge and pitcher Joel Hanrahan. On March 27 2011 Morgan was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for prospect Cutter Dykstra (son of baseball player Lenny Dykstra). Morgan played for three MLB teams, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and Washington before heading to Japan. 

Morgan attended the Vernon Vipers Training camp in 1996-97.  Morgan played as an "AP" as a 16 year old with the Vipers during the (1996-1997) season while playing with the KIJHL North Okanagan Kings.

Nyjer Morgan's Player Profile:


http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=4885&position=OF

This is posted on the ESPN website:

Nyjer Morgan seeks return to MLB

January 4, 2014

By Jerry Crasnick | ESPN.com
Tony Plush is looking to return to the major leagues.

Outfielder Nyjer Morgan, who attracted a following and agitated opponents through his fast-talking, high-energy alter ego "Tony Plush,'' is pursuing jobs in Major League Baseball along with a possible return to Japan after spending the 2013 season with the Yokohama DeNa BayStars, his agent said Saturday.

Morgan, 33, is a .280 career hitter with 117 stolen bases in parts of six seasons with Pittsburgh, Washington and Milwaukee. His most productive season came in 2009, when he hit .307 with 42 steals for the Pirates and Nationals.

Morgan hit .294 with 11 home runs in 108 games with Yokohama in Japan's Central League in 2013, but recently switched agents and is now represented by Team One and Millennium Sports.

Jonathan Maurer, one of Morgan's new agents, said he's had a dialogue with 6-8 clubs that have expressed interest in signing the outfielder.

"Japan was a great experience for Nyjer and he would still enjoy playing there, but he's had a great deal of success in the States and would love to come back here as well,'' Maurer said. "We've had interest from teams who see him as a guy who could come in and spell a starter or possibly earn more playing time.''

Morgan's popularity crested in Milwaukee in September 2011, when 43,283 fans attended Tony Plush Rally Towel Night at Miller Park. Morgan made headlines with his exuberant lingo and an aggressive style of play that he referred to as "Plush-damentals.''

He attracted more than 70,000 followers on Twitter, was the inspiration for a faux Twitter account called "Not Tony Plush,'' and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated with Milwaukee teammates Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder.

But Morgan also generated attention for some combative antics during his tenure in the big leagues. He engaged in some spirited back-and-forth with fans in San Francisco, clashed with St. Louis pitcher Chris Carpenter and received an eight-game suspension and a $15,000 fine for his part in a series of brawls in 2010.

"I just figure we're entertainers,'' Morgan said in a 2011 interview with ESPN.com. "We're on one of the biggest stages. Trust me, if I was batting .202, I wouldn't be doing the [expletive] I'm doing.''

Vipers Make Point Versus Pesky Cents:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers make point versus pesky Cents
      
posted Jan 29, 2014

Morning Star Staff

Eleven games left. Little room for error.

That’s the situation for the Vernon Vipers as they chase the Salmon Arm SilverBacks and Merritt Centennials for the fourth and final playoff spot in the B.C. Hockey League Interior Division.

With the exception of a home-and-home with the Langley Rivermen, the Vipers face teams in their division down the stretch. Vernon tied the host Cents 4-4 in double overtime Saturday and are six points ahead of Merritt, who have two games in hand.

The fourth-place SilverBacks, 5-4 winners over the Surrey Eagles Saturday night, are three points behind Vernon with one game in hand. The Vipers are 3-5-1-1 in their last 10 games.

“You can fall asleep one weekend and you can end in fifth place,” said Viper associate coach Kris Mallette. “I just finished watching video trying to figure out what’s wrong with our team right now. Panic isn’t there. We haven’t played great since Christmas and we can’t put our finger on it.

“Every team obviously goes through it and our season has been a roller coaster. We know that we can do it. We’re a very veteran team; we’re not a bunch of rookies, and it (blame) has to be shared by everybody.”

The Vipers have sorely missed all-star forward Mason Blacklock with knee problems. Blacklock, traded from the Surrey Eagles, played his heart out with the Vipers’ playoff chances over and done last year, and got off to a Crosby-like start in September being getting hurt. He sets the intensity bar for the Snakes, and resumed skating at Monday’s practice.

D-man Riley Guenther, with his fifth just 98 seconds in, TJ Dumonceau, with his fourth, Logan Mick, with his fifth and Dexter Dancs, with the equalizer, his 20th, handled the Vipers’ offence at the pinball machine known as Nicola Valley Arena.

“Merritt’s an interesting arena to get into, to say the least,” said Mallette. “Everything happens in a hurry and I think we competed well and were resilient.”

The usual suspects, including Colton Sparrow and Brendan Persley (two assists) and the entire Viper back end, killed off five powerplays, including a late high-sticking major to forward Demico Hannoun (2A) before 800 fans.

Dumonceau, who along with Mick, has been earning extra minutes with splendid play the last two weeks, tried to ignite the Vipers by landing several rights and lefts in a scrap with Rhett Willcox midway through the first period. The Centennials, however, responded with Scott Patterson’s fourth goal of the year, 26 seconds later, tying it at 1-1.

Jeff Wight (18th) and Payton Schaefer (6th) scored for Merritt in between a snipe by Dumonceaux, in the first 10 minutes of the second period. Mick leveled things at 3-3 with nine minutes left in the session.

Daniel Nauchbar (sixth) gave Merritt the lead midway through the third with Dancs answering two minutes later.

“We did some really good things tonight, but we let the game get away from us at different times,” said Cents’ head coach Luke Pierce. “It was nice to score some goals finally, but to let the game slip away like that was tough to swallow. I think that we outplayed them for the most part, and had the better quality chances, but they jumped on the errors that we made.”

The Cents are 4-4-2 in their last 10 tilts and in full playoff mode.

“I think everybody’s a bit stressed out and feeling the pressure,” added Pierce. “We have to find ways to cope with it. With the situation we’re in, we have to win games. There’s no two ways about it. We have to play every game like it’s a championship game, and everything is on the line for us. I thought that our top guys were very good today. That’s why we scored four goals.”

The Cents held a 43-37 shot margin with Devin Kero for Merritt and Danny Todosychuk of Vernon going the distance in net.

SNAKE BITES: Viper leading scorer Michael McNicholas missed Saturday’s game after being injured Friday night...The Vipers have four home games left, starting Friday with the Trail Smoke Eaters in town... West Kelowna F Jason Cotton led the Warriors to an undefeated road trip and piled up seven points to earn BCHL Player of the Week. The Plano, Texas native had the double-overtime winner as part of a two-point night in a 5-4 win over Victoria, he then had one goal in a victory in Alberni Valley and wrapped up with a four-point game that included two assists in the final minute in a 7-7 draw in Chilliwack...Vernon product Michael Roberts netted his eighth of the year for Salmon Arm...Viper grad Cole Ikkala, a senior with Union Dutchmen in New York, is among 18 nominees for the NCAA’s Hockey Humanitaran Award...Vernon’s Curtis Lazar earned one assist Tuesday afternoon as the Edmonton Oil Kings brushed back the Brandon Wheat Kings 4-2 in Western League play before 11,339 fans at Rexall Place. There were 7,000 area school kids in attendance for the 5th Annual CN Hockey Hooky game...Brett Pollack of Sherwood Park scored twice for the Oil Kings, who improved to 35-13-0-1, tops in the Eastern Conference.

Vernon Vipers December Plays Of The Month:

Produced by hockeytube.net

Jan 5th, 2014

These are the Vernon Vipers best plays from the month of December. The BCHL team is midway thru the season and sits in third place in their division. The team is also hosting the RBC Championship in May for the best tier 2 teams in the country.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsWTTFuqo5U

Former Viper Ikkala Named Candidate For Hockey Humanitarian Award:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Cole Ikkala has been  named a Candidate for the Hockey Humanitarian Award.  Ikkala is in his fourth and final year at Union College played two years in Vernon (2008-2010) playing in 92 regular season games with the Vipers.  Ikkala collected (30-goals-32-assists-62-points).

Cole Ikkala's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=38024

This is posted on the Union website:

Ikkala Named a Candidate for the Hockey Humanitarian Award

1/16/2014

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. -- Senior forward Cole Ikkala has been chosen as one of 18 candidates for the BNY Mellon Wealth Management Hockey Humanitarian Award, given to college hockey's finest citizen.

Ikkala is a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and has participated in the Team Impact project, which assists children with life threatening illness. He has also worked alongside his teammates in several community service projects. Service commitments have included serving Thanksgiving dinner at the YMCA, buying Christmas gifts for a needy family, organizing a book drive and helping beautify local neighborhoods through litter pickup. During the summer, Cole spent time working with youth players at hockey camps.

Earlier this season, Cole was named an ice hockey candidate for the Senior CLASS Award, which recognizes student-athletes who use athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.  Ikkala owns a 3.8 grade-point average as a Managerial Economics major.

On the ice, Ikkala has one goal and one assist in 15 games played.  He also serves as an assistant captain. 

Finalists for the Humanitarian Award will be announced in February.

Vernon Vipers Player Profile With #1 Danny Todosychuk:

Hockeytube.net sits down one on one with Vernon product and third year Vernon Vipers goaltender Danny Todosychuk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2Y9vFZFAXU

Five Former Vipers Dot The List Of Hobey Baker Candidates:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

League alumni dot the list of Hobey Baker candidates

Tuesday, January 14, 2014 - Submitted by BCHL Media

The annual fan voting for the Hobey Baker Award is underway and nine BCHL graduates are in the running.

Alex Grieve, Steve Weinstein, Garrett Noonan, Connor Jones, Kellen Jones, Mike Collins, Matt Ginn, Mario Puskarich and Joel Rumpel are on the long list which is currently open for fan voting.

Fans can vote once every 24 hours.

CLICK THE LINK TO VISIT THE VOTING PAGE

http://www.hobeybaker.com/awards/the-hobey-baker-memorial-award/vote

Grieve, a forward, is a former West Kelowna Warriors captain, now in his junior year at Bentley University.

Weinstein, a defenceman, is a two-time RBC Cup champion with the Vernon Vipers and is a junior at Bentley.

Noonan, a defenceman, won two RBC Cups in Vernon and is now a senior at Boston University. He is also a Nashville Predators draft pick (2011).

Connor Jones, a forward, is another Vipers alum with two RBC Cups and is a senior at Quinnipiac University.

Kellen Jones is Connor's twin brother, also a forward and senior at Quinnipiac. He is an Edmonton Oilers draft pick.

Collins, a forward, is the fifth Vipers alum in this group, won two RBC Cups and is now a senior at Merrimack University.

Ginn is a former Victoria Grizzlies netminder, now in his junior year at College of the Holy Cross.

Puskarich, a forward and winner of the 2013 Brett Hull Trophy as the BCHL's top scorer, is a freshman at the University of Vermont.

Rumpel is a former Penticton Vees goalie and is now a junior at the University of Wisconsin.

The Hobey Baker Award is given annually to the player judged to be the best in NCAA hockey. Winners are chosen based in small part on the fan voting but also on their on- and off-ice character, academic achievement and compliance with NCAA regulations.

This Week in the BCHL – Episode 12

A brand new feature that will run weekly on Ryan Watters website. Watters is the broadcaster for the Okanagan Sun football team as well as Director of broadcasting & media relations with the Kelowna Falcons baseball team as well has worked with the WHL Kelowna Rockets.

This has a similar format and look to the BCHL this Week that runs on the TEAM 1410. Every week Vernon Vipers play by guy Graham Turnbull, West Kelowna Warriors play by play guy Jon Zacks and Penticton Vees play by play man Fraser Rodgers will bring you up to date with whats going on with the three local Okanagan teams.

This is posted on Ryan Watters website:

This Week in the BCHL – Episode 12

January 23rd 2014

A detailed look around the Interior Division of the BC Hockey League.   “This Week in the BCHL” is a special presentation of the Okanagan Sports Network and will focus on the West Kelowna Warriors, Vernon Vipers and Penticton Vees on their quest to the RBC Cup.

The show is hosted by the voice of the Vipers Graham Turnbull and produced by the Okanagan Sports Network

This week on the show we hear from Salmon Arm Silverback sniper Landon Smith, Vernon Vipers goalie Austin Smith and Warriors defenseman Ryan Ivey.
http://www.ryanwatters.ca/this-week-in-the-bchl-episode-12/

Vees Deep-Six Snakes:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vees deep-six Snakes

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: January 26, 2014

The last time the Penticton Vees fired two quick goals against the Vernon Vipers, they were fortunate to sneak out of Kal Tire Place with a 2-1 win.

The Vees’ rapid-fire offence clicked again Friday night in Vernon, producing the games’ first two goals just eight seconds apart. Only this time they went on to punish the Snakes 6-1 in front of nearly 1,900 B.C. Hockey League fans, many of whom headed for the exits with half a period remaining.

Cody DePourcq paced the Penticton attack with his 15th and 16th goals of the season, including the winner on a weak shot from the blueline that fooled netminder Austin Smith with 5:08 to play in period one.

Erik Benoit (4th goal) had recorded one of the Vees’ two powerplay goals just eight seconds earlier. Penticton went 2-for-3 on the man advantage, while holding Vernon scoreless on their three cracks at the powerplay.

“We started the game well but they got those two quick goals and it just deflated us,” said Vernon head coach Jason Williamson. “We need our better players and older guys to play better. We’re not asking them to do overly complicated things. They just have to stick to the systems.”

Benoit and Shane McColgan, both WHL free agents who signed with the Interior Division-leading Vees (28-11-2-4) earlier this month, each finished with a goal and assist.

“It’s good to get that first win for myself, individually, but for the team, it’s big and it gives us some momentum,” said McColgan, a former Kelowna Rocket sniper who missed the first five months of the season. The California product has 84 goals and 271 points in 291 career games in the Dub.

“I had a pretty bad injury over the summer, but I feel like I’m getting my legs back, my timing. It’s starting to click.”

McColgan’s first goal as a Vee came midway through the second period on quick feed from behind the net by Benoit to make it 4-1.

“Me and Benny played last year together in Saskatoon (Blades). Between the two of us we have four Memorial Cups that we’ve attended and we’ve got that chemistry and playoff experience this team needs to go far.”

Jarod Hilderman, with his first-ever BCHL goal, made it 3-0 for the visitors early in the second period on a bad-angle shot from the corner that somehow redirected past a shaky Smith.

Logan Mick (4th) gave Vernon a glimmer of hope as he crashed Olivier Mantha’s crease to bury the rebound off a Demico Hannoun backhander at 9:36, but snipes later in the frame by McColgan and DePourcq put the game out of reach.

“Our fourth goal was huge,” said Vees’ head coach Fred Harbinson. “We kind of got the heart out of them a little bit and we just had to stick to the game-plan after that.

“There’s been a lot of disappointment the last week in losing three one-goal games, especially the last one where we had a 2-0 lead at home. Tonight, when we got that first powerplay goal, and another right after that, I got the sense from our guys that we weren’t just going to sit back.”

The Vipers are third in the Interior Division at 23-15-3-5, but are 3-6-0-1 in their last 10 outings. They visited the fifth-place Merritt Centennials (22-18-3-1) Saturday at Nicola Valley Arena.

Said Mick: “I don’t really know what’s going on right now, but we’re in a bit of a slump here and we’ve got to find a way to get out of it. They scored a couple of quick ones and we kind of took it for granted and we weren’t really panicking like we should have.

“Then they scored a couple more and there’s not really much you can do against a good team like that.”

Smith never recovered after those two quick goals and was pulled after allowing five goals on 20 shots. Danny Todosychuk gave up one goal to Josh Blanchard (3rd) in facing a dozen shots. Mantha made 31 saves for his 15th win.

Vernon 4 Merritt 4

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Vernon Vipers at 1:38 - Riley Guenther from Brendan Persley and Colton Sparrow 
Merritt Centennials at 10:33 - Scott Patterson (unassisted) 

PERIOD 2

Merritt Centennials at 1:31 - Jeff Wight from Diego Cuglietta 
Vernon Vipers at 7:58 - TJ Dumonceaux from Demico Hannoun 
Merritt Centennials at 8:42 - Payton Schaefer from Scott Patterson and Sebastien Pare 
Vernon Vipers at 11:25 - Logan Mick from Demico Hannoun 

PERIOD 3

Merritt Centennials at 11:14 - Daniel Nachbaur from Gavin Gould 
Vernon Vipers at 13:29 - Dexter Dancs from Brendan Persley 

Shots were even 40-40 Danny Todosychuk made 36 saves in the tie while Devin Kero made 36 saves in the tie.

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

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1231494&link=bchl

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

http://dustinscafe.blogspot.ca/

Game Preview: Vernon @ Merritt:

Vernon (23-15-3-5) @ Merritt (22-18-3-1) 7:30pm

Tonight is the sixth game of seven meetings between the Vipers & Centennials.  Merritt leads the season series 3-2. The Centennials won the last meeting 4-1 on January 14th 2014  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:

Friday, January 24th Penticton defeated Vernon 6-1
Friday, January 24th Coquitlam defeated Merritt 2-1

Next Game:

Friday, January 31st Trail @ Vernon
Tuesday, January 28th Trail @ Merritt

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon is 53-15-2-8 vs. Merritt

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon has outscored Merritt 305-190

Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 24-6-1-4 at home vs. Merritt

Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 23-6-1-5 in Merritt

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

The Vipers are 3-5-1-1 in their last ten games on the road vs. the Centennials

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

The Vipers last win at home vs Merritt was a 4-0 victory back on Friday, November 29th 2013

The Centennials last win in Vernon was a 1-0 victory back on Saturday, October 26th 2013

The Vipers last win in Merritt was a 4-3 overtime victory on Friday, November 15th 2013

The Centennials last win at home over Vernon was a 4-1 victory on Tuesday, Jamuary 14th 2014

The Vipers went 2-3-1-1 vs the Merritt Centennials 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 third visit of the season to the Nicola Valley Arena and second in less then two weeks have lost two straight after a 6-1 loss at home to the visiting Penticton Vees Friday.  Vernon sits in 3rd place four points up on 4th place Salmon Arm and are four points back of 2nd place West Kelowna.  The Vipers have just one win in their last five games and are 3-6-0-1 in their last ten games.  Dylan Chanter will face his former team for a second time this season, while Jason Bird will see his old team for a second time this season.  The Vipers have lost six in a row away from home, have just three wins in their last ten road games.    

Brett Mulcahy (26-13-39) leads the Vipers in goals with twenty six while Michael Mcnicholas (20-37-57) leads the Vipers in points with fifty seven.

Games Played: 46
Wins: 23
Losses: 15
Ties: 3
Overtime Losses: 5
Home Record: 13-5-3-3
Road Record: 10-10-0-2
Overtime Record: 3-5-3
Record vs Interior Division: 9-10-0-4
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 12-5-2-1
Record in September: 3-3-1-2
Record in October: 6-3-0-1
Record in November: 6-1-2-1
Record in December: 5-3-0-0
Record in January: 3-5-0-1
When the Vipers score first: 19-5-2-3
When the opponents score first: 4-9-1-2
Leading after 1st Period: 14-3-2-3
Tied after 1st Period: 6-6-0-1
Trailing after 1st Period: 2-5-1-1
Leading after 2nd Period: 15-2-2-1
Tied after 2nd Period: 4-5-1-4
Trailing after 2nd Period: 4-7-0-0
Out shooting Opponents: 12-4-2-1
Out shot by Opponents: 11-8-1-2
One goal games: 8-1-2-5
Goals For: 144
Goals Against: 140
Streak: Two game losing streak
Standings: 3rd Place Interior Division

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

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)
Jason Bird (93)
Mitch McAllister (94)
Marc Hetnik (92)
Michael Roberts (95)
Braeden Russell (93)
Geoff Crisfield (93)

Vernon’s Home record vs. Merritt this season:

1-1-0-1

Vernon’s Road record vs. Merritt this season:

1-1-0-0

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Merritt this season:

Michael McNicholas (0-4-4)
Demico Hannoun (2-1-3)
Michael Statchuk (0-3-3)
Dexter Dancs (0-2-2)
Liam Coughlin (1-1-2)
Colton Sparrow (1-1-2)
Josh Bryan (0-2-2)
Ryan Renz (1-1-2)
Riley Guenther (1-1-2)
Matty Saharchuk (1-1-2)
TJ Dumonceaux (0-1-1)
Mason Blacklock (1-0-1)
Brendan Persley (1-0-1)

Austin Smith (2-2 Record- 1 Shutout)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Vernon has the leagues 16th best powerplay

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

Lets take a look at the Merritt Centennials:

The Merritt Centennials return home after a 2-1 loss in Coquitlam Friday night snapping the clubs two game winning streak.  Merritt and Vernon face each other for a second time in just eleven days after the Centennials 4-1 victory at home on January 14th.  Merritt sits out of the playoffs as of tonight in 5th place are just two points back of 4th place Salmon Arm and six points back of 3rd place Vernon.  The Cents have won three of their last five games and are 5-4-1-0 in their last ten games.  The Centennials have just five regulation losses at home are unbeaten in their last five home games.  Merritt has played five of their last seven games away from home being a three game home stand starting tonight.

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

http://dustinscafe.blogspot.ca/

Scott Paterson (20-16-36) leads the Centennials in goals with twenty and in points with thirty six

Merritt Centennials 2013-14 Regular Season Stats::

Games Played: 44
Wins: 22
Losses: 18
Ties: 3
Overtime Losses: 1
Home Record: 12-5-3-1
Road Record: 10-13-0-0
Overtime Record: 4-1-3
Record vs Interior Division: 11-12-2-1
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 11-6-1-0
Record in September: 4-5-0-0
Record in October: 6-4-1-0
Record in November: 6-2-1-1
Record in December: 3-3-0-0
Record in January: 3-4-1-0
Goals For: 127
Goals Against: 122
Streak: One game losing streak
Place: 5th Place Interior Division

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)

Merritt Centennials Departing & traded players from last years team:

Regan Soquila (93)
Derek Husiman (92)
Bennett Huber (94)
Russell Sanderson (94)
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:

1-0-0-1

Merritt's Road record vs. Vernon this season:

2-1-0-0

Merritt's scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Jeff Wight (4-1-5)
Gavin Gould (3-1-4)
Sebastien Pare (0-3-3)
Scott Paterson (1-2-3)
James Neil (0-2-2)
Payton Schaefer (1-1-2)
Shane Poulsen (0-2-2)
Diego Cuglietta (1-1-2)
Adam Tracey (1-1-2)
Malik Kaila (0-1-1)
Dylan Bowen (0-1-1)
Jake Clifford (0-1-1)
Dane Birks (0-1-1)
Zach Hartley (0-1-1)
Rhett Willcox (0-1-1)
Jason Bird (0-1-1)

Devin Kero (2-2 Record)
Connor LaCouvee (1-0 Record)

-Centennials Head Coach-GM Luke Pierce played his final year of Junior hockey with the Vipers (2003-04)

-Merritt has the leagues 6th best powerplay

-The Centennials have the BCHL's 5th 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

League Clarifies Position On Club Operations After Semiannual Meeting:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

League clarifies position on club operations after semiannual meeting

Thursday, January 23, 2014 - Submitted by BCHL Media

After its semiannual board of governors meeting last week in Richmond, the British Columbia Hockey League is confirming its commitment to the player experience as plans are made for the 2014-15 season.

The league will continue current practices in terms of financing team operations.

“The BCHL remains committed to providing the maximum player development and exposure to scouting from the college and professional ranks,” said BCHL commissioner John Grisdale. “Our league has established a high standard for calibre of play and in offering opportunities for our players to advance to higher levels of the game. That will continue to be our focus.”

Franchise governors, through various sub-committee discussions leading into last week’s meeting, identified smarter practices that could be written into league regulations to increase efficiency in club operations.

“As a board of governors, we looked at a number of current practices that may not be necessary to the running of a team,” said board chairman Duncan Wray of the Vernon Vipers. “It is our hope that altering these practices will ensure the long-term stability of all our member clubs.”

The league also confirmed it will begin the 2014-15 season by holding its third Showcase event at Prospera Centre in Chilliwack. The dates are tentatively set for Sept. 5 to 7 but will be confirmed in the coming months.

Penticton 6 Vernon 1

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 Vipers-Vees game as Penticton defeated Vernon 6-1 in front of 1,893 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon:  Austin Smith
Penticton:  Olivier Mantha

1st Period:  The Vipers would get the games first powerplay, early just 2:11 into the game and halfway through the man advantage Demico Hannoun was robbed by Olivier Mantha who come across the blue paint making a huge blocker save off Hannoun who was alone at the circle.  The Vipers couldnt capitalize with some good pressure as Penticton would kill off the minor.  Vernon was firing everything towards Olivier Mantha and the Vees net early and often.  The Vipers were outshooting Penticton 5-1 early as the Vees needed five and a half minutes to record their first shot of the game.  The Vipers would come very close to opening the scoring after a quick shot from the point was redirected in front by Brett Mulcahy as the puck just went wide of the net on a great opportunity.  Vernon with a good start to the game had a slight edge in play were outshooting the Vees 6-3 at this point.  Penticton would get their first powerplay just past the midway mark and capitalize.  Brett Beauvais's shot was stopped by Austin Smith before Erik Benoit beat Smith fivehole on the rebound giving Penticton a 1-0 lead at 14:35 Beauvais and former WHLer Shane McColgan collected the helpers.  Just eighteen seconds later the Vees went up by two.  Off the draw Ben Dalpe found Cody DePourcq wired a shot through traffic that beat Smith giving the Vees a 2-0 lead just seconds later at 14:53 Dalpe & Jack Ramsey with the assists.  Penticton with two opportunities cashed in on both capitalizing on their chances had a two goal lead.  The Vipers were stunned and couldnt recover looking lost for most of the remainder of the period.  The Vees responded with two quick back to back goals now carried the edge in play in the second half.  Very little scoring chances at both ends of the rink in a fairly tight checking game.  At the buzzer a scrum would form deep in the Vees end as several players were involved before the referee's were able to seperate both teams.  Penticton was up 2-0 after 20 minutes of play.  I thought the Vipers got off to a fairly good start, were firing everything to the net only had two chances couldnt capitalize before the Vees with two goals in eighteen seconds killed any momentum away from Vernon.  The Vipers didnt know how to respond and looked lost after the back to back goals.  Vernon outshot Penticton 13-9.

2nd Period:  The Vipers come out hard to start the second period, getting the puck in deep off the opening draw the Vipers going to the net hard had a flurry of bodies in and around Olivier Mantha couldnt jam home the loose puck after a hard working shift to start the period.  Penticton would get their second powerplay of the night early just 1:20 into the period.  The Vees moving the puck around didnt get any real good chances as the Vipers were able to kill off the minor but just seconds later Chris Rygus found a wide open Jarod Hilderman in the slot who beat Austin Smith for his first of the season at 3:27 giving the Vees a 3-0 lead.  Rygus with the lone assist.  Both teams went back and forth again with very little scoring chances at both ends of the rink.  Vernon would get on the board after Michael Statchuk with a hard working shift kept the puck alive inside the Penticton zone before setting up Demico Hannoun who was stopped by Vees starting goaltender Olivier Mantha before Logan Mick crashed the net banging home the rebound cutting the Penticton lead to within two at 9:36 Hannoun and Michael Statchuk picked up the helpers.  The Vipers were rewarded after a hard working shift.  Just three minutes later Michael McNicholas and Liam Coughlin on a two on one, McNicholas setup Coughlin who was stopped by Mantha who made the big pad save keeping this a two goal game as Coughlin couldnt get the puck up and over the left pad of Olivier Mantha.  On the next shift Erik Benoit setup Shane McColgan who was left alone in the slot beat Vipers starting goaltender Austin Smith for his first career BCHL goal and first goal as a Vee giving Penticton a 4-1 lead at 13:10 Benoit and Steen Cooper picked up the helpers.  A minute later the Vipers would get their second powerplay of the game but a good penalty kill by the Vees would kill off the man advantage as Vernon couldnt capitalize on their chances tonight.  The Vees would get a late powerplay and once again make Vernon pay.  Ben Dalpe setup Cody Depourcq who was alone in front giving the Vees a 5-1 lead at 18:17 Dalpe and Brett Beauvais with the assists.  This was the end of the night for Smith who was pulled in favor of Danny Todosychuk.  Smith allowed five goals on just fifteen Penticton shots.  The Vees were up 5-1 after 40 minutes of play.  The Vipers with a good opening shift to start the period couldnt bang home a loose puck with a huge scramble in and around the Vees goal fell down 3-0 early couldnt capitalize on their chances.  The Vees who took advantage of their opportunities were very optomistic.  Vernon outshot Penticton 10-7.

3rd Period:  Just a few minutes into the final frame Colton Sparrow fed Brendan Persley in the slot who was robbed by Olivier Mantha who made a big save, on the same shift back come Nic Pierog and Travis Blamleil on a two on one rush, Pierog would keep and get in close was stopped by Danny Todosychuk in close who made a nice save off Pierog's backhand.  Vernon would get an early powerplay but again couldnt get any offensive opportunities as Penticton was able to kill off the penalty.  With the game out of reach at this point didnt make for much of a third period as Penticton took their foot off the gas and Vernon was just playing out of the final twenty minutes showing very little life-energy.  A pretty big scrum broke loose deep in the Vipers zone at the side of the goal with lots of pushing and shoving before the players were seperated.  On the next shift the Vees would get their third powerplay of the night didnt really generate much couldnt capitalize as Vernon killed off the minor.  Just less then a minute later Josh Blanchard beat Todosychuk low gave Penticton a commanding 6-1 lead at 12:10 Nic Pierog with the lone assist.  This would send several of the Viper fans home early as lots of fans headed for the exits.  A pretty dull and non exciting period with very few scoring plays at either ends of the rink.  In the final minute and a half Brendan Persley tried getting Alex Coulombe to drop the gloves as both players headed to the penalty box.  Persley looked very frustrated at this point.  In the end Penticton walked away with a 6-1 win.  With the game already out of reach both teams put up very little fight.  Both teams with very little scoring chances were basically trying to just wind down the clock and call it a night.  The Vipers outshot the Vees 9-7.

Top Players:  (Vernon)

Colton Sparrow played most of the night with alot of jump and energy was really working hard, atleast in the first two periods until the score-game was out of reach.  Sparrow has really stepped up his game as of late and been playing his best hockey of the season latley.

Game Thoughts:  (Vernon)

After beating Penticton 3-1 back on September 25th the Vipers have not been able to solve the Penticton Vees losing four straight against the Vees this season.  In a game with very little scoring chances at both ends of the rink Vernon couldnt capitalize on their limited opportunities.  The Vipers were firing everything on goal to start the game but that didnt last very long.  Vernon struggled offensively to create and generate chances getting a total of four or five good opportunities all night.  The Vipers also struggled defensively leaving the Vees all alone on atleast three or four of the Vees six goals.  Give credit to Penticton's defence they were very good, limiting the Vipers chances and shots.  You also have to give the Vipers a little credit for limiting the Vees to just twenty three shots but it was Penticton that was optomistic and pounced on their chances scoring those big goals on limited opportunities.  I didnt think Vernon played well enough to win tonight's game no matter what the score was.  I think the turning point was Penticton's two goals in eighteen seconds in the opening period.  The Vipers were stunned, and didnt know how to react or what to do after the two back to back Vees goals.  Vernon looked lost and didnt seem to know how to respond after the back to back goals.  I thought this would have been a perfect time for a timeout, settle the boys down, let them know its still early, play hard, try and get the next goal because you know the next goal is the biggest goal.  And look who scored the next goal.... Penticton grabbed the third goal taking a 3-0 lead and basically putting the game away at that point.  I thought the Vipers played well in spurts but didnt create or generate much offence in a game that you need to beat a team like Penticton.  Most of the Viper shots were from well outside, the Vipers also could have used a big save sometime in the 1st or 2nd period to stay within a goal or two and still have a chance to climb back in the game.  Vernon who is much bigger needed to play and be very physical, drive to the net, get bodies in and around the goal, make Olivier Mantha's job that much tougher to see and stop pucks.  I didnt see the Vipers with much jump-energy all night, the Vipers looked lifeless through out most of the night.  This is not the time of year you want to go in the tank but the Vipers are fading and fading fast, this team isnt getting better, there getting worse as the season goes along.  The Vipers havnt been the same team since mid December and this all started with a 4-2 loss in Salmon Arm in mid December.  Since that game the Vipers have struggled and have been very inconsistant.  What happened to Demico Hannoun and Michael McNicholas?  The two leading scorers-point getters on the Vipers havnt done much since before Christmas.  I also dont like the recent two trades around the BCHL trade deadline as both two new Vipers have been almost invisible.  Back to back losses Vernon has just one win in their last five games and three wins in their last ten.  I said before tonight's game if the Vipers dont win both of these big games this weekend Vernon will miss the playoffs for a third year in a row.  It dosnt get any easier after tonight as the Vipers have a tough schedule for the remainder of the season and need to get things turned around and in a hurry or they will miss the playoffs once again.

Top Players:  (Penticton)

Brett Beauvais (2 assists)  Played a very strong-physical game on the Vees backend.  Beauvais played very well two weeks ago in a Penticton 2-1 victory here in Vernon.  This kid is very good, hard to beat one on one and dosnt back down from the rough stuff. 

Alex Coulombe also played very well on the blueline.  A bigger kid also played physical, didnt back down and was very good in and around the net defensively.

Ben Dalpe (2 assists)  Played very well for Penticton.  Took a couple of big hits tonight but kept going strong all night.  Not one of the biggest kids but plays big, goes hard to the net, goes to the grey areas.

Cody DePourcq (2 goals)  This kid always seems to play well against Vernon.  Another kid who dosnt have the size but isnt afraid to go to the net, battle down low, in and around the net, and works very hard for his goals-assists.  A good quick skater, can really see and read the ice.

Erik Benoit (1 goal & 1 assist)  In two games now that I have seen Benoit play, the Vees picked up a very good hockey player.  Benoit was by far the Vees best player tonight, atleast I thought.  Generates and creates chances, goes to the net, can skate and works hard all night.  A great addition to the Vees lineup.

Chris Rygus (1 assist)  Another kid who plays well against the Vipers.  Well atleast the last two games.  Rygus another big d-man that played very well on the Vees backend. 

Shane McColgan (1 goal & 1 assist)  Recorded his first career BCHL goal and first point-points as a Vee since being signed on the BCHL trade deadline.  I thought McColgan played hard all night, was in and along the boards all night, battled and competed hard, was left alone in the slot for the Vees fifth goal seemed to be in the right place at the right time.

Game Thoughts:  (Penticton)

After losing three straight games for the first time all season you knew Fred Harbinson and the Vees were going to be looking for blood and they found it tonight with a commanding 6-1 win over the Vipers.  This was a big greasy road win for Penticton who have been struggling as of late.  The Vees with just three wins in their last nine games before tonight had troubles scoring as of late but opened the flood gates tonight scoring six times.  I wouldnt say Penticton played one of their most complete games thats for sure but give the Vees credit, they did a great job at limiting the Vipers opportunities, kept the Vipers to the outside most of the night and played very well defensively.  Both teams had troubles generating offence but give Penticton credit, they scored and capitalized on their chances.  This team is very quick, moves the puck well and very optomistic with the puck.  You give this team a man open or a lane open and there going to find the back of the net and make you pay everytime.  This team plays hard and competes hard for a full sixty minutes and earns there goals and wins. 

Scratches:

Vernon:

Mark Hamilton (Injured)
Mason Blacklock (Injured)

Penticton:

Max Coatta

Energy player of the game:

Shane McColgan (1 goal & 1 assist)

Three Stars:

1st Star:  Cody Depourcq (2 goals)
2nd Star:  Erik Benoit (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star:  Ben Dalpe (2 assists)

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

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1231490&link=bchl

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

http://pentictonvees.wordpress.com/

Game Preview: Penticton @ Vernon:

Penticton (27-11-2-4) @ Vernon (23-14-3-5) 7pm start

Tonight is the fifth game of seven meetings between the Vipers & Vees. Penticton leads the season series 3-1. The Vees won the last meeting 2-1 in Vernon on January 10th 2014

Last Game:

Sunday, January 19th Salmon Arm defeated Vernon 3-2 in overtime
Saturday, January 18th Salmon Arm defeated Penticton 3-2 in overtime

Next Game:

Saturday, January 25th Vernon @ Merritt
Saturday, January 25th Trail @ Penticton

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 36-29-2-6 vs. Penticton

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Penticton 224-212

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 19-10-1-1 at home vs. Penticton

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 14-15-1-2 in Penticton

Vernon is 1-7-1-1 in their last ten visits to Penticton

Penticton is 5-5-0-0 in their last ten visits to Vernon

The Vipers are 2-7-0-1 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 2-1 victory back on Friday, January 10th 2014

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 5-2 victory back on Wednesday, November 20th 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 are coming off a 3-2 overtime loss in Salmon Arm Sunday afternoon picked up just one win in four games last week-weekend.  Vernon has two wins in their last five games and are 4-5-0-1 in their last ten games.  The Vipers sit in 3rd place are two points back of 2nd place West Kelowna and six points back of Division leading Penticton.  Vernon is just four points up on 4th place Salmon Arm.  The Vipers have lost just four games in regulation at home have won two straight at Kal Tire Place and eleven of their last thirteen home games.  The Vipers have just six home games left in the regular season.      

Brett Mulcahy (26-13-39) leads the Vipers in goals with twenty six while Michael Mcnicholas (20-37-57) leads the Vipers in points with fifty seven.

Games Played: 45
Wins: 23
Losses: 14
Ties: 3
Overtime Losses: 5
Home Record: 13-4-3-3
Road Record: 10-10-0-2
Overtime Record: 3-5-3
Record vs Interior Division: 9-9-0-4
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 12-5-2-1
Record in September: 3-3-1-2
Record in October: 6-3-0-1
Record in November: 6-1-2-1
Record in December: 5-3-0-0
Record in January: 3-4-0-1
Goals For: 143
Goals Against: 134
Streak: One game losing streak
Standings: 3rd Place Interior Division

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

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)
Jason Bird (93)
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:

1-1-0-0

Vernon’s road record vs. Penticton this season:

0-1-0-1

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Penticton this season:

Demico Hannoun (0-4-4)
Dexter Dancs (2-1-3)
Riley Guenther (1-1-2)
Matty Saharchuk (0-2-2)
Logan Mick (0-2-2)
Mason Blacklock (1-1-2)
Brendan Persley (1-1-2)
Mark Hamilton (1-0-1)
Michael McNicholas (0-1-1)
Josh Bryan (0-1-1)
Jared Wilson (1-0-1)
TJ Dumonceaux (1-0-1)
Kenny Citron (1-0-1)
Ryan Renz (0-1-1)
Liam Coughlin (0-1-1)

Danny Todosychuk (0-2 Record)
Austin Smith (1-1 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Dexter Dancs faces his former team once again

-Vernon has the leagues 16th best powerplay

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

Lets take a look at the Penticton Vees:

The Penticton Vees make their third visit of the season to Kal Tire Place.  The Vees are coming off a 3-2 overtime loss to the visiting Salmon Arm Silverbacks Saturday have lost three straight for the first time this season.  Two weeks ago Penticton knocked off the Vipers 2-1 taking a 3-1 series lead with three straight wins over Vernon.  The Vees have two wins in their last five games and are 4-4-1-1 in their last ten games.  Penticton is just four points up on 2nd place West Kelowna and six points up on 3rd place Vernon.  The Vees are only two points behind Langley & Powell River for tops in the BCHL.  Penticton has won seven of the last ten meetings with the Vipers.  The Vees are second in the league only giving up 106 goals behind league leading Powell River who has given up 105 goals this season.  The Vees have won just two of their last five road games but won seven of their last ten games away from the Peach City.

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

http://pentictonvees.wordpress.com/

Brad McClure (34-28-62) leads the Vees in goals with thirty four and in points with sixty two.

Penticton Vees 2013-14 Regular Season Stats::

Games Played: 44
Wins: 27
Losses: 11
Ties: 2
Overtime Losses: 4
Home Record: 14-4-0-3
Road Record: 13-7-2-1
Overtime Record: 2-4-2
Record vs Interior Division: 13-7-1-2
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 13-4-1-2
Record in September: 6-2-0-0
Record in October: 5-2-1-1
Record in November: 6-3-0-2
Record in December: 7-2-0-0
Record in January: 3-2-1-1
Goals For: 153
Goals Against: 106
Streak: Three game losing streak
Place: 1st Place Interior Division

Penticton Vees Returning Players:

Brad McClure (93)
Cam Amantea (94)
Cody Depourcq (95)
Travis Blanleil (94)

Penticton Vees Departing & traded players from last years team:

Wade Murphy (93)
John Siemer (92)
Ryan Gropp (96)
Brock Balson (93)
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:

2-0-0-0

Penticton's Road record vs. Vernon this season:

1-1-0-0

Penticton's scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Cody DePourcq (3-3-6)
Max Coatta (4-1-5)
Anthony Conti (1-4-5)
Travis Blanleil (1-3-4)
Brett Beauvais (1-3-4)
Brad McClure (2-2-4)
Josh Blanchard (0-2-2)
Paul Stoykewych (0-2-2)
Ben Dalpe (0-2-2)
Riley Alfred (0-1-1)
Steen Cooper (0-1-1)
Erik Benoit (1-0-1)
Nicolas Pierog (1-0-1)

Olivier Mantha (1-0 Record)
Hunter Miska (2-1 Record)

-Penticton has the leagues 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