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 Vernon defeated Penticton 4-3 in front of 2,029 fans at Kal Tire Place.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Danny Todosychuk
Penticton: Olivier Mantha
Before tonight's game former Vernon Vipers captain Lennie Rampone awarded Vernon Vipers goaltender Austin Smith with the Vipers player of the month award for February.
1st Period: The Vipers would get a lucky bounce and capitalize scoring early after a Vernon shot would go off the back glass bouncing back out front to a wide open Viper captain Ryan Renz who one-timed a hard blast past Olivier Mantha giving Vernon an early 1-0 lead at 1:21 on the Vipers first shot of the game. Renz's goal was unassisted. The Vees come right back off the following faceoff, getting the puck in deep Penticton's speed and aggresive forecheck took over as the Vees were buzzing in and around the Viper goal. Former Moose Jaw Warrior forward Erik Benoit with a great opportunity early was stopped by Danny Todosychuk. Penticton was outshooting the Vipers 4-1 at this point and carrying the edge in play before Brendan Persley scooped up the puck after it bounced over a Vees defenceman, Persley with a wicked shot from the circle went high gloveside past Mantha giving the Vipers a 2-0 lead on just Vernon's second shot at 5:59 Jared Wilson & Dexter Dancs picked up the assists. But just like the last goal back come the Vees, once again a strong forecheck down low, Penticton moving the puck around found Erik Benoit open in front who couldnt beat Todosychuk who somehow made a tough save while down with bodies in and around the net kept this game at 2-0. Just before the midway mark Erik Benoit for a third time this period couldnt beat Danny Todosychuk after trying a wrap around. Just over a minute later the Vipers with a huge hit inside their own zone opened up some ice for former Surrey Eagles forward Nic Pierog who was stopped in the slot by Todosychuk as the Vees outplaying and outshooting Vernon 7-2 at this point. On the same play back come the Vipers, TJ Dumonceaux with a chance at the side of the net went high but was stopped by Olivier Mantha who caught the puck up high. Shortly after Brendan Persley was stopped by Mantha before Josh Bryan scored on the rebound giving Vernon a 3-0 lead at 11:04 Persley with the lone helper. This was the end of the night for Vees starting goaltender Olivier Mantha who gave up three Viper goals on just five Vernon shots. Hunter Miska was now between the pipes for the Vees. The Vipers who were being outplayed at this point happened to score on their opportunities finally were able to settle down and get some pressure and play in the offensive zone for a few minutes evening the level of play for a few minutes before getting into penalty trouble. Penticton would get the games first powerplay but a strong penalty kill by Vernon only gave up one shot as the Vipers killed off the penalty. Just after the penalty expired the Vipers would lose Mason Blacklock who took a ten minute misconduct before Vernon would give the Vees a shortened five on three to end the opening period. The Vees were unable to capitalize and would continue the remaining man advantage into the 2nd period. The Vipers were up 3-0 after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers jumped out to a early 1-0 lead just 1:21 into the game after getting a lucky bounce off the end glass but it was all Penticton most of the period as the Vees strong forecheck and speed were very dangerous down low. Vernon who was very physical was laying the body on almost every opportunity they had managed to score on their chances were lucky to jump out to a 3-0 lead. I dont think you can fault Olivier Mantha but the Vees needed a big save on atleast one of these goals. Penticton outshot Vernon 10-9.
2nd Period: The Vees started the middle frame with a short five on three wich was continuted over from the end of the 1st period would score twice just two minutes into the period. The Vees worked the puck down low before getting it back to Brett Beauvais whos slap-pass went right on the stick to Vees captain Brad McClure who was all alone at the side of the net slid the puck into the open cage getting Penticton on the board cutting the Viper lead to 3-1 just fourty seconds into the period. Beauvais & former WHL all-star forward Shane McColgan with the helpers. The Vees still on the man advantage would once again get the play in deep, moving the puck around down low Erik Benoit with a chance in front couldnt knock down the bouncing puck before Shane McColgan was out front beat Vipers starting goaltender Danny Todosychuk cutting the Vernon lead to 3-2 at 1:51 Brad McClure and Erik Benoit with the assists. Penticton kept coming, the Vees using their speed and aggresive forecheck down low had the Vipers going in circles at times before Vernon would get their offence going and get back into the contest. Dexter Dancs with a long end to end rush cut hard to the net, tried shovelling in the puck past Vees goaltender Hunter Miska who stood his ground making the save. The Vipers would get an early powerplay, their of the night. The Vipers didnt get much going early but would get a flurry of chances late in the man advantage were buzzing in and around the Vees goal but couldnt find the back of the net as the Vees were able to kill off the minor. The Vipers still playing physical were able to contain the Vees and really limit their scoring chances in the second period. The play was even at times but at other times the Vees carried the better of the play. The Vipers would get another break after the Vees were called for an icing on a play where a Penticton player touched the puck. Off the following draw the Vipers were able to work the puck down low to Michael McNicholas who looked to beat Hunter Miska but hit the post before TJ Dumonceaux was able to jump on the rebound putting the puck past Miska giving Vernon a 4-2 lead at 10:40 McNicholas and Josh Bryan picked up the helpers. The Vees would slowly take over the edge in play in the second half and carry the better of the play. Danny Todosychuk had to be sharp making some good saves. Penticton didnt have alot of dangerous scoring chances but were able to get pucks to the net as the Vipers did a great job at keeping the Vees to the outside. I didnt think either team had any real great chances as both teams held each other to limited opportunities. The Vees with a great chance in the final minutes couldnt capitalize on an odd man rush after Matt Serratore with a opportunity in front couldnt beat Todosychuk. At the buzzer both teams got involved in some pushing and shoving just inside the Vernon blueline before the referee and linesmen were forced to break up the little scrum as tempers got heated to end the period. It was 4-2 Vernon after 40 minutes of play. The Vees with two quick back to back powerplay goals made Vernon pay for their undisaplined penalties to end the opening period got right back in the hockey game before the Vipers seemed to settle down and play much better after being outplayed in the 1st. The Vipers were able to get on the board and re-take a two goal lead heading into the third. Penticton outshot Vernon 12-8.
3rd Period: Just a minute and a half into the final frame Mason Blacklock who returned to the Vipers lineup last night after being out with an injury made a great saucer pass to Brett Mulcahy on a two on one rush as Mulcahy was stoned by Hunter Miska going hard to the net, went crashing into the cage knocking the net into the end boards. Miska with his biggest save of the night kept this a two goal game. The Vees who were very strong with the puck, went back to work with a great tansition game got the play in deep and using that speed and forecheck down low really cycled the puck down low getting several shots from in and around the net couldnt beat Danny Todosychuk who was sharp all night. The Vees would eventually cut the Viper lead to within a goal after Michael McNicholas couldnt hold off Nic Pierog who setup Cody DePourcq who got a quick shot off from the slot beat Todosychuk at 5:38 as Vernon with a 4-3 lead with lots of time remaining. Pierog with the assist. Just over two minutes later Penticton would get the periods only powerplay. The Vees with just two shots couldnt beat Danny Todosychuk who was very good between the pipes as the Vipers were able to excape and kill off the minor. I didnt see Logan Mick on the ice or on the Viper bench in the third. The Vees carried the play most of the period were outskating and outplaying Vernon most of the third. The Vipers had all kinds of troubles getting through the neutral zone was basically hanging on for the one goal lead. The Vees did a good job at shutting down Vernon at the neutral zone while the Vipers did a good job at keeping Penticton to the outside and allowing Danny Todosychuk to make the first save before clearing the rebounds. The Vees with several chances didnt get alot of great opportunities were all over the Vipers. The final two minutes was like a fire drill inside the Vernon end as the Vipers couldnt clear the zone were running around in circles as Penticton was able to get Miska to the bench for the extra attacker with a minute remaining. The Vees with atleast two good chances in close couldnt beat Todosychuk before a final faceoff deep in the Vipers zone with just 11.2 seconds remaining. Penticton won the draw got the puck back to the point for a quick shot but the Penticton player going to the net couldnt get his stick on the puck as the Vipers were able to hang on for the 4-3 victory. It was all Penticton as the Vees dominated the play. The Vipers didnt get a shot on goal in atleast the final seven to eight minutes of play hung on for their fifth straight win. The Vees outshot the Vipers 14-9.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Josh Bryan (1 goal) I thought played another solid game on the Viper blueline tonight. Bryan who played very well last night in the win over Salmon Arm was very good this weekend. The veteran twenty yr old adds alot of experience to the Vipers backend was good defensivly and hard to beat one on one.
TJ Dumonceaux (1 goal) What can you say about this kid, comes to play and plays hard game in and game out and showed that again tonight. Dumonceaux with the game winner was all over the rink tonight, played physical, finishing his checks, battled and competed hard all night brought alot of jump and energy to the game.
Brett Mulcahy also played very well tonight, had a rough game. Took a high stick to the face with no call on the play and seemed to be getting under the skin of several Vees players, as Mulcahy seemed to be involved in any little scrum after the whistle. Was really skating hard, played and battled all night.
Brendan Persley (1 goal & 1 assist) Had a strong game for the Vipers. The veteran 20 year old played his usual bump and grind style of game was hitting hard all night, grinding it out down low and along the wall scored a real night goal to give Vernon a 2-0 lead. Not one of the quickest skaters battled and played hard all game.
Ryan Renz (1 goal) For the second straight night I thought was very good. Renz was very steady on the backend most of the night opened the scoring just 1:21 into the game.
Danny Todosychuk (33 saves) Returned to the lineup last night (backup to Austin Smith) played his first game in eight games after returning after an injury. Todosychuk was fairly busy at times as the Vees seemed to be firing everything towards the net. Todosychuk made several good saves in the 1st and 3rd giving his club a chance to win.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
The Vipers jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead but had to hang on for dear life for the 4-3 victory. Vernon who was outplayed and outskated most of the opening period got some good goaltending from Danny Todosychuk before capitalizing on their chances chasing Olivier Mantha from the game. The Vipers with two very undisaplined penalties late to end the 1st period, allowed the Vees to claw right back into the game with two quick back to back goals to start the 2nd period seemed to stay away from the penalty box after that opening period. I thought Vernon played much better in the 2nd were able to skate with the Vees and limited Penticton's chances. The Vipers couldnt get much offence going in the third, had to hang on in the final period for the win. It was scary at times as Vernon's defence really struggled clearing the zone. Danny Todosychuk was very good in the 3rd making some key saves keeping this a one goal game. The Vipers really paniced as soon as they saw the puck and didnt really know what to do with it at times. It was a fire drill in the final four or five minutes as the Vees were really pressing for the game tying goal. Give the Vipers credit, they jumped out to a 3-0 lead and hung on for the win, their fifth in a row. The Vipers did a good job at limiting Penticton's chances also played a very physical game, wearing down the Vees as the game went on. The Vipers also with back to back wins over Penticton within a week gives this team a little confidence as tonight's game could be a 1st round playoff matchup.
Top Players: (Penticton)
Brett Beauvais (1 assist) I really like this kid, hes very hard to play against. Really good with and without the puck, moves the puck, skates well and gets pucks to the net. Played very well defensively.
Max Coatta Was really skating hard, buzzing in and around the goal didnt get any real good scoring threats but worked and played hard. Very good skater, was hard to contain down low.
Jack Ramsey also played very well up front for Penticton.
Erik Benoit (1 assist) I really like the looks of this kid who has played very well against Vernon since coming over to the Vees from the Western Hockey League. Benoit with atleast three good quality chances in the opening period couldnt get one past Danny Todosychuk.
Patrick Sexton was another Vees defenceman that played very well this evening. A bigger kid was hard to beat one on one dosnt give you alot of room out there.
Nic Pierog (1 assist) I thought was very good, always in and around the net was dangerous at times with & without the puck.
Shane McColgan (1 goal & 1 assist) Also very dangerous, a very smooth slick skating forward who can really dangle was all over the ice tonight.
Brad McClure (1 goal & 1 assist) Also was very good. The Vees captain was very solid through out the hockey game.
Hunter Miska (20 saves) I thought come in and seemed to settle the boys down after coming in for relief of Olivier Mantha who gave up three goals on just five shots. Miska didnt have alot of huge saves to make but did make the saves when needed to give his team a chance to comeback for the win. Miska's biggest save of the night was off Brett Mulcahy on a Viper two on one rush just under two minutes into the 3rd.
Game Thoughts: (Penticton)
After falling behind 2-0 last night vs the visiting Trail Smoke Eaters the Vees were able to come from behind and rally scoring four straight for the 4-2 victory. Tonight was close but couldnt get any bounces as Vernon got a few bounces on atleast three of their goals getting a few breaks thought out the game and were lucky to hang on for the win. The Vees who looked good to start the game couldnt beat Danny Todosychuk early before surrendering three straight goals fell behind early and just couldnt recover. I dont think you can blame the Vees goaltending but Penticton would like to get a save on atleast one of Vernon's first three goals just so its not a big up hill battle to try and come back from down three goals. Penticton who has lost back to back games vs the Vipers within a week was dangerous and looked very strong most of the night. I thought the Vees outplayed Vernon most of the night, Penticton really used their strong cycle down low and their speed to generate and create several good chances. I thought Penticton's defence was solid, really shut down the Viper offence after giving up three quick goals did a good job at not allowing the Vipers to get anything really through the neutral zone. I dont think the Vees liked the physical play much as the game went on Penticton was starting to try and avoid the Viper physical play. Give the Vees credit they did a good job at trying to get under the skin of several Vernon players, suckering them into a few penalties. The Vees are small but are very quick, move the puck well, get into the offensive zone in a hurry and are dangerous down low with and without the puck. With the loss Penticton is now tied for 1st with West Kelowna after the Warriors win over Trail.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Mark Hamilton (Injured)
Liam Coughlin (Suspended)
Riley Guenther
Demico Hannoun (Injured)
Penticton:
Travis Blanleil
Energy player of the game:
TJ Dumonceaux (1 goal)
Three Stars:
1st Star: Brendan Persley (1 goal & 1 assist)
2nd Star: Josh Bryan (1 goal)
3rd Star: Brad McClure (1 goal & 1 assist)
For more on tonight's game visit the BCHL boxscore,
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1231575&link=bchl
For more on the Penticton Vees and tonight's game visit Fraser Rodgers Vees blog,
http://pentictonvees.wordpress.com/
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