Eagles Place Former Vipers Defenceman Smeltzer On Injured Reserve:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Colorado Eagles have placed former Vernon Vipers defenceman Isaac Smeltzer on the 21-day injured reserve (February 24th 2014).  No official press release by the Eagles but it is posted under transactions on the ECHL website.

Smeltzer is in his third season with the Eagles after re-signing with Colorado on July 30th 2013. Smeltzer signed a amateur tryout contract with the Eagles on March.14th 2012 after completing his fourth season at Brock University. In 38 games this year with Colorado Smeltzer has (1-goal-4-assists-5-points). Smeltzer played his first three and a half seasons in the BCHL with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs before being traded to Vernon in his final season of Junior hockey (2007-2008). Alberni Valley traded Smeltzer to Vernon on November, 29th 2007 for forward Evan Witt and defenceman Eliot Raibl. Smeltzer collected (6-goals-17-assists-23-points) in 29 regular season games with the Vipers.

Isaac Smeltzer's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=80371

Former Viper Marino Is Mr. Konsistent For The Komets:

Here is an article I found on former Vernon Vipers forward Brandon Marino.

Marino is in his second season with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Fort Wayne Komets after signing with the Komets on July, 17th 2012.  In 62 games this season Marino has (24-goals-53-assists-77-points).

Marino spent the past three seasons with the Central Hockey League (CHL) Quad City Mallards before signing with the Komets. Marino was named the 2011-12 Central Hockey League Most Valuable Player, as well as took home MVP at the 2012 CHL all-star game. Marino had a breakout season which he led the league with 41 goals and finished second with 90 points. The 5’ 9”, 185-pound Riverside, California native also led the league in power play goals (13), ranked fourth in assists (49) and finished tied for fourth in shorthanded goals (3) and game winning goals (7) while also posting a plus/minus rating of +9. Marino played just two games with the 2002-2003 Vernon Vipers.

Brandon Marino's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=93732

This was in the Fort Wayne Sentinel Newspaper:

Marino is Mr. Konsistent for the Komets

He's driven to play the same every game

By Blake Sebring of The News-Sentinel

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

For decades, Kevin Marino got up at 3:30 a.m. every day to go to work and probably

figured no one else noticed. No one else was up then to see. He's still doing it, in fact, working 12-hour days as a foreman at an asphalt factory in Riverside, Calif.

Just like he was there every afternoon to take his son to hockey practice, staying to watch every one of them, even the ones that started late and lasted past midnight.

Wonder why Brandon Marino never seems to take a shift off or have a slow start to a season or how when he makes a mistake it's always because maybe he's trying too hard?

It's all his dad's fault.

"My dad always told me you can only control how hard you work,'' Brandon said. "You can't always control the bounces or the things that happen in a game, but you never want to come out of a game thinking you could have worked harder here or there. I try not to leave the rink after a practice or a game thinking I could have worked harder.''

When somebody complains about practice lasting more than an hour and 15 minutes, Marino always has the answer of his dad's work ethic. He reminds everyone that their life is way too easy right now.

"C'mon, we're hockey players,'' he'll say. "We could be working a lot more in another job.''

The Komets' right wing leads the ECHL in points this season with 58. He also leads the league in energy burned per shift because he's rarely not working, hustling or trying to make something happen. That anxiousness gets him into trouble sometimes when he turns the puck over while trying to make an offensive play, but nobody sitting in the stands ever doubted his effort.

No, his motor and his drive are always engaged. After a shift, it never takes him long to recover his breath, and he's always ready for the next one. It's a wonder he doesn't tear through four pairs of skates per season.

"That's one of those things from my mentality growing up,'' he said. "You may be tired in games, but you can still control how hard you are playing. Dad always told me about controlling your work ethic and how you approach how you want to play. He taught me hard work and instilled in me to try to do everything you can every time.''

What most people don't know is that Brandon Marino works just as hard off the ice. Instead of constantly playing video games every afternoon, last year he finished his master's degree in exercise physiology. He even wrote his own conditioning program last summer. This year, he's studying for a certified strength and conditioning specialist exam. When others are sacking out on the bus before games, he's studying, reading and highlighting books, pushing himself.

He's always pushing himself to maintain the level he's established. Because he's the league scoring leader, he doesn't think he has to push extra every game, he has do something harder: maintain.

"I've always approached the game the same way,'' he said. "I try to play hard every night and play the right way. I think that's why I'm enjoying the success that I am because I don't play any differently because I've been successful. What has gotten me there is the way I play every night.''

For two years he's been Mr. Konsistent. Last year he was the team's Most Valuable Player after scoring 74 points in 71 games. This year he's scored 53 points in 45 games, failing to score a point in only 11 games.

Despite all that, he's only gotten a one-game call-up to the American Hockey League. No one knows why. Maybe it's because he's only 5-foot-9 or he's 27. Maybe it's because he's not 200 pounds. There are a lot of maybes but no solid answers.

"It's always in the back of my mind,'' he said. "I'd definitely like the opportunity, and I frankly feel I haven't gotten as much opportunity as I should after the last three years that I've had. I don't know what that reasoning is. I'm going to ask my agent to look into it, but if I'm here, I'm here. My main focus isn't moving up, but coming to play every night and our team winning games. Everyone is having more fun when you are winning.''

That's the attitude that Kevin Marino will be proud to see when he comes this weekend to watch his son play in Fort Wayne for the first time. Really, that's all that Brandon Marino cares about. If he's living up to his dad's standards, the rest will take care of itself.

Round Robin Game 2: Vernon 6 Coquitlam 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 Round Robin Game 2 as Vernon defeated Coquitlam 6-1 in front of 1,912 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Austin Smith
Coquitlam: Gordie Defiel

1st Period: The Vipers got the puck deep in the Express zone and just thirty four seconds into the period, Colton Sparrow from behind the goal setup Brendan Persley in front who was stopped by Gordie Defiel who made a big save in the opening seconds keeping this game scoreless.  Coquitlam would come back with a strong cycle and forecheck downlow just minutes into period, moving the puck well the Express had the Vipers back on their heels but couldnt get pucks to the net, before Vernon was able to settle down and get out of their own end without giving up the games first goal.  Five minutes in Liam Coughlin fed Michael McNicholas in the high slot on a odd man rush but Gordie Defiel come across making another huge save keeping Coquitlam in the game early.  Vernon all over the Express early outshooting Coquitlam 4-0 early.  The Express needed almost six minutes to record their first shot on goal before some pushing and shoving in the Vernon zone, several players got involved in and around the Viper goal giving Coquitlam the games first powerplay.  But with just one shot on the man advantage the Vipers were able to kill off the penalty as the Express struggled to really get much of anything going.  Just over a minute and a half later the Vipers would get their first powerplay.  Dexter Dancs one on one just got by his defender ripped a low shot that just missed the far corner.  The Vipers with some good puck possesion would open the scoring after Jared Wilson's shot from the point was stopped by Defiel before Liam Coughlin jumped on the rebound in front banging home the games first goal, giving Vernon a 1-0 lead at 11:46 Wilson & Demico Hannoun collected the helpers.  On the next shift the Express come very close to tying the game after a scrambe in front of Austin Smith, a shot from in close got through Smith before Colton Sparrow cleared the puck from the blue paint.  The Vipers would head right back on the man advantage on the following shift.  Brendan Persley was stopped in front towards the end of the powerplay as Coquitlam would kill off the minor.  A minute and a half later Coquitlam would get their second shot with the powerplay late in the period.  The Express with just one shot come very close to tying the game once again after Ryan Rosenthal beat Austin Smith late on the man advantage but hit the crossbar as Vernon with another good penalty kill would kill off the penalty.  Just as the powerplay expired the Vipers would grab a two goal lead just twenty seconds later.  Dylan Chanter setup Michael McNicholas in front who couldnt connect on the pass, before Gordie Defiel tried playing the puck wich went in and off himself and into the back of the net giving Vernon a 2-0 lead on a lucky break for the Vipers at 18:46 Chanter was credited with the goal.  McNicholas and Dexter Dancs with the assists.  The Vipers with a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes of play.  Off the opening faceoff Vernon was ready to go and come out hard.  The Vipers outshooting the Express 4-0 early outplayed Coquitlam for most of the entire period.  Gordie Defiel made some good saves keeping the Express in the period.  Vernon outshot Coquitlam 11-5.

2nd Period: The Express turned their game around, were the team that come out hard early and often.  The Vipers looked a little sluggish early didnt seem to have their feet moving as Coquitlam with some good early pressure had the Vipers back on their heels.  Austin Smith made a nice save off Canon Pieper early before the Express would get an early powerplay.  Vernon's penalty kill has been very good all season went to work early on the penalty kill.  Brett Mulcahy with some hard work along the boards, won the battle for the puck broke down the left wing setup Colton Sparrow who was going hard to the net was able to get a shot off on the breakaway but couldnt beat Express starting goaltender Gordie Defiel who made a big save shorthanded.  The Vipers with a strong penalty kill would kill off the minor.  Just over two minutes later the Vipers would get their third man advantage but would struggle making several mistakes as Coquitlam was able to kill off the powerplay.  The Express looked much better in the first half had some jump, took it to Vernon and outplayed the Vipers but couldnt generate alot of chances.  With six and a half minutes left Ryan Renz's point shot was redirected in front by Logan Mick who just missed the top corner as Vernon come close to grabbing a three goal lead.  The Vipers slowly started to come on a little in the second half, were able to slow down Coquitlam a bit and get some play in the Express zone.  Late in the period Ryan Rosenthal with a hard working shift come down the right wing along the boards went around the Viper goal just about beat Vernon starting goaltender Austin Smith on the wrap around as the puck was just lying on the goal line with Smith sprawled out.  Smith and the Vipers were lucky no other Express players were able to get to the front of the net quick enough to bang home the puck before the whistle went, as a scrum would form in and around the Viper net as several players were pushing and shoving after the whistle.  Rosenthal went to the bench and needed some attention by the trainer but seemed fine and would stay in the game.  The Vipers got a little too laid back in the final few minutes as Coquitlam turned up the pressure forced Austin Smith into making a few tough saves as the Express with a late surge were looking to get on the scoreboard.  Vernon was up 2-0 after 40 minutes of play.  The Express looked much better, turning things around the middle frame come out hard, really pushed early with some good pressure didnt get alot of great opportunities.  The Vipers looked sluggish and back on their heels early to start the period were outplayed most of the 2nd made several mistakes and turnovers through out the period.  Coquitlam with a strong period couldnt get on the board outshot Vernon 12-8.

3rd Period: The Vipers would get the play in deep off the opening faceoff couldnt get back quick enough to defend as the Express would get within a goal just fourty six seconds into the final frame.  Austin Smith made a nice save off Brendan Lamont on an Express odd man rush but didnt cover up the rebound as the Vipers defence left Smith out to dry before Bo Pieper jumped on the rebound putting it upstairs over Smith at :46 Lamont and Canan Pieper picked up the helpers.  This goal seemed to give Coquitlam some life and early momentum as the Express come back with a strong push in the opening few minutes.  Vernon now just up by a goal were back on their heels.  The Express with some good early pressure were looking for the game tying goal looked strong early.  With no real quality chances the Vipers would catch the Express on an icing play and get rewarded.  Vernon won the draw, Logan Mick setup Riley Guenther who's point shot beat Gordie Defiel who may have been screened on the play put the Vipers up 3-1 at 6:22 Mick and Josh Bryan with the assists.  After Coquitlam got on the board early, had the early momentum and pressure seemed to lose it all after the Vipers third goal seemed to take a bit of the wind out of their sails.  Coquitlam didnt quit but the Vipers seemed to gain some momentum after the third goal as both teams played hard.  Up by two goals the Vipers playing things simple, got the puck-play in deep, played the old dump and chase game for alot of the third.  Just past the halfway mark, Bo Pieper with a chance in close couldnt beat Smith before Vernon come right back on an odd man rush, Demico Hannoun setup TJ Dumonceaux at the side of the net who couldnt beat Defiel in tight.  A minute later Brett Mulcahy was stopped in front on a bang bang play as Vernon seemed to get stronger as the period went on as the Vipers slowly started to carry a slight edge in play in the second half before grabbing a three goal lead.  Liam Coughlin spotted a wide open Dexter Dancs who setup Michael McNicholas on a two on one, McNicholas waited before going upstairs on Gordie Defiel who come sliding across the crease couldnt stop McNicholas who put Vernon up 4-1 at 13:25 Dancs and Coughlin with the helpers.  Austin Smith was forced to make several tough saves through traffic as the Express battled hard come back with a few good quality chances couldnt capitalize.  Late in the period Mason Blacklock lead the Vernon attack with a three on two rush as the Vipers couldnt connect on their passing.  With time winding down the Express defence were jumping into the rush as the Vipers were able to capitalize with several odd man rushes in the final minutes.  Colton Sparrow would give Vernon a 5-1 lead at 19:11 after the Vipers moved the puck around down low were able to get a scramble in and around of the goal before Sparrow banged the puck home.  Brendan Persley & Brett Mulcahy with the assists.  Just fourty seconds later Liam Coughlin setup Dexter Dancs on a three on one giving the Vipers a 6-1 lead at 19:49 Coughlin with the assist.  The Vipers would put the Express away in the second half improving to 2-0 in the three team Round Robin Tournament after a 6-1 victory.  The Express with a quick goal to start the 3rd made the game very interesting as Coquitlam come on strong early couldnt hold off the Vipers before giving up four third period goals.  The Vipers seemed to gain momentum and get stronger as the period went on played a much better period.  Coquitlam outshot Vernon 13-11.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Josh Bryan (1 assist) I thought played a strong defensive game all night.  Bryan who has been one of if not the Vipers best d-man these playoffs was very solid tonight.

Riley Guenther (1 goal) Had a very solid game on the Vernon backend.  Guenther who was a huge addition to the Vipers lineup this season has been very solid all season.  Guenther was very good on the backend makes things look very easy.

The line of Dexter Dancs (1 goal & 2 assists), Michael McNicholas (1 goal) & Liam Coughlin (1 goal & 2 assists) was very strong.  This line was the Vipers best unit going this evening.  Coughlin had a very strong game, was all over the rink tonight.  Skating hard, had several good looks and opportunities was very hard to contain.  Dancs and McNicholas were also very good, Dancs can really skate, really opens up the ice and McNicholas really reads and sees the ice well, always seems to be open for a scroing opportunity.

The line of Brett Mulcahy (1 assist), Colton Sparrow (1 goal) and Brendan Persley (1 assist) was also very good.  Mulcahy had some looks and atleast two chances was going to the net, while Sparrow played very well at both ends of the rink.  Sparrow who has really impressed me has played his best all season come these playoffs.

Dylan Chanter (1 goal) I thought had a strong game, jumped up into the play-rush was physical & strong on the blueline. 

Austin Smith (29 saves) Has really come to play these playoffs, been one of the better Vipers.  Made some good saves but also made some very tough saves through traffic.  Smith seems very confident dosnt give out the big rebounds has really formed into playoff mood playing his position well, makes the first save not giving the oppostion a second opportunity.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

The Vipers improve to 2-0 at the three team Round Robin Tournament have won three straight after a 6-1 win tonight.  I thought the Vipers got off to a quick start, got on the Express early and never backed down.  Give Vernon credit, they knew Coquitlam has been over for just over a week and jumped on the Express early.  The Vipers who played Friday were in game form and took advantage of a Coquitlam team that may have been a bit rusty and not as sharp.  Vernon with a very strong opening twenty minutes of play really had Coquitlam back on their heels most of the 1st period outplayed the Express in the 1st and 3rd periods.  The Vipers only let down was the middle frame after being outplayed most of the 2nd period the Vipers looked a little sluggus, back on their heels didnt seem to have their legs going early made way too many mistakes.  Coughing up the puck, making poor judgement plays were getting too fancy and not keeping things simple.  Vernon was lucky the Express didnt capitalize on their mistakes and get back into the game.  The Vipers gave up an early goal to start the 3rd but seemed to settle down after Coquitlam come out with a strong push early.  The Vipers third goal really seemed to change the pace of the period, gave Vernon some momentum as the Vipers looked to get stronger as the period went on.  I thought Vernon played much better in the 3rd scoring four goals really put the pedal down and put the Express away.  Austin Smith also made some good-tough saves through traffic, one of these shots-goals goes in and it may be a different hockey game.  The Vipers playing dump and chase in the third didnt sit back and allow the Express to really get back in the game.  Overall I thought Vernon was the better of the two teams and outplayed Coquitlam in the 1st and 3rd periods. 

Top Players: (Coquitlam)

Marc Biega played a strong game on the Express blueline.  I thought Biega was one of if not Coquitlam's best d-man this evening.  A good skater, really likes to move the puck, get involved in the rush, reads and sees the ice very well.

Bo Pieper (1 goal)  Had a very strong game, had several good opportunities got the Express on the board early to start the 3rd was buzzing in and around the Vernon goal all night. 

Ryan Rosenthal was Coquitlam's best-most dangerous player all night.  This kid was all over the rink, can really hustle-skate.  Moves the puck well, hard to contain and knock off the puck was buzzing, adds alot of jump and energy to the lineup had some good chances was very dangerous.

Gordie Defiel (24 saves) Didnt get alot of help from his defence in the 3rd played well even though giving up six goals.  Defiel was very good in the opening period making nine saves kept the Express in the game early or Vernon could have easily been up three or four goals atleast.  I dont think you could fault the kid on any of the six goals.

Game Thought's: (Coquitlam)

After being off for just over a week the Express got off to a slow start.  The Vipers were all over Coquitlam early and often as the Express couldnt get any real zone time in on the Vipers.  The Express with a real hard working, forecheck and cycle in the opening few minutes couldnt get pucks to the net or create any real offensive chances all period fell behind 2-0.  Giving up that second goal late in the 1st was a big blow, as Coquitlam could never seem to recover and even though did get within a goal in the 3rd, couldnt tie the game.  Coquitlam rebounded with a much better and stronger performance in the 2nd but didnt generate alot of great chances.  The Express couldnt capitalize on Vernon's turnovers and mistakes were still down by two heading into the 3rd.  An early goal got Coquitlam to within one looked good, had the Vipers back on their heels couldnt get the tying goal before giving up the third goal on an icing play.  This goal-play seemed to take the wind out of the sails of the Express as Coquitlam still battled hard, come back with a few good chances couldnt hold off the Vipers attack, giving up four third period goals.  The Express couldnt capitalize on some of their chances and needed to try and get more bodies in front of Austin Smith.  Smith and the Vipers gave up very little if any second opportunities, as Smith made the first save before holding on for the whistle.  Coquitlam needed to be a little more hungrier for the front of the net, and cause some havoc for Smith.  I thought both goaltenders played well.  Vernon now at 2-0 leaves the Express and Victoria at 0-1.  Here's a question.....  If either Victoria or Coquitlam go winless this week do the Vipers & Grizzlies still have to play this coming weekend?  As either Coquitlam or Victoria would be 0-3 and there would be no point in playing in Vernon come Saturday. 

Scratches:

Vernon:

Mark Hamilton (Injured)
Kenny Citron (Injured)

Coquitlam:

Anthony Gardner
Cody Boyd

Energy player of the game:

Jackson Cressey

Three Stars:

1st Star: Liam Coughlin (1 goal & 2 assists)
2nd Star: Dexter Dancs (1 goal & 2 assists)
3rd Star: Michael McNicholas (1 goal)

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

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1313007&link=bchl

For more on tonight's game and the Coquitlam Express, visit Eddie Gregories Express blog,

http://expressvoice.blogspot.ca/
        

Vipers Showing Championship Moxy:

This was in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers showing championship moxy

by  Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star

posted Mar 30, 2014

Two playoff series victories later and the Vernon Vipers are beginning to resemble a championship hockey team. They claimed the BCHL’s Interior Division Ryan Hatfield Memorial Trophy and are now chasing the Fred Page Cup. On their bucket list is the Royal Bank Cup national title in May.

Vernon has a rich history of winning. They are the only team in Canada with six Centennial Cup and RBC banners.

Looking back at those teams, there was a unique combination of personalties. The leaders led, the role players did a touch more, the defence and goalies tightened up and the goal scorers connected. And those teams were tight. They enjoyed being around one another pretty much 24-7.

Twins Connor and Kellen Jones were always organizing baseball games at nearby Kin Race Park after practice during their RBC years in Vernon. They didn’t want the experience to end and now they’re done four extraordinary years with the University of Quinnipiac Bobcats near Hartford and are eady for pro hockey.

Moments after interviewing West Kelowna Warriors’ coach Rylan Ferster when his club was knocked out of the playoffs by the Vipers, we talked about how fast the years move by in Junior hockey. Ferster can still picture his days as Vernon Laker as if they were last week.

These are young men enjoying the moment. They likely already recognize it’s going to go down as the best time of their lives. Ferster mentioned how college hockey gets more like real life with a tough academic schedule and practices which are treated like games.

For Viper captain Ryan Renz, reaching the post-season felt so great.

“It’s just about pride and being proud,” said Renz, before the playoff started. “After two seasons of not being in the playoffs, it starts to wear on a guy and a team. To get back in the hunt will give ourselves some more preparation and some games that mean something in the playoffs before we get to the RBC. That’s what we’re worried about now, is having a good run and not losing out early and having that time off.”

The Vipers should survive this round-robin format and move on to the championship series. And they will look back and see how they matured as a team by stopping the Warriors and then the first-place Penticton Vees.

Vees’ captain Brad McClure told me before the playoffs that this year’s tight Interior chase was a real blast.

“It makes for a good game every night and that’s what you want as a player. It makes you better as a player. It’s a tough competition every night and that’s what makes the league so strong, especially our division. It’s real tight and I think it’s gonna make for some exciting playoffs.”

McClure said losing Game 7 at the South Okanagan Events Centre was one of the worst feelings he’s ever encountered. His time in Penticton was golden.

“It was unbelievable. I couldn’t ask for a better two seasons,” said McClure.“Right from the coaching staff to the trainers. Everyone here is professional. You get treated like a pro. They give you every opportunity to be a better hockey player and a better person.”

The championship Viper teams of the past will tell you a similar story about Duncan Wray and staff.

What’s cool about the Vipers’ playoff run is their second-leading pointgetter, Dexter Dancs, had not scored until  Friday night. Mason Blacklock, who is playing hurt, has zero snipes. And Demico Hannoun recorded his second of the playoffs in Friday’s win.

All three of those players may end up in pro hockey down the road. They are struggling to put up playoff numbers, but in the meantime, their teammates are stepping up.

Colton Sparrow scored 11 times in the regular season. He leads the Snakes with six snipes and 16 points in the playoffs. Brendan Persley put up six goals and 19 points in 48 games. He has 7+7 in the post-season.

“Playoffs are a different animal from the regular season.” said Sparrow. “We’re not worried about guys not scoring. They are gonna be there when we need goals. We have so much depth; we don’’t care about who is scoring.”

Added Viper defenceman Jared Wilson: “That’s playoffs, that’’s what it’s all about, having depth and scoring. Usually, your top line is seeing their shut-down line so if you get your other lines scoring, it just takes pressure off those guys.”

Game Preview: Round Robin Game 2: Coquitlam @ Vernon:

Coquitlam (8-4) @ Vernon (9-5) 5pm start

Tonight is the Vipers second game of the new playoff format three team Round Robin Tournament. Tonight will be the third meeting of the season (regular season & playoffs) between the Vipers & Express. The season series was tied 1-1 You can listen to tonight's game live with Graham Turnbull starting with the pre-game show at 4:45pm on 107.5 Kiss FM

Last Game:

Friday, March 28th Vernon defeated Victoria 5-4
Friday, March 21st Coquitlam defeated Langley 5-3

Next Game:

Saturday, April 5th Victoria @ Vernon
Tuesday, April 1st Victoria @ Coquitlam

Here's a look at the regular season series between the two teams

December 8th Coquitlam won 4-2
January 11th Vernon won 3-1

Vernon-Coquitlam Regular Season Overall Records-Stats:

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 7-2-0-0 vs. Coquitlam

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon has outscored Coquitlam 34-27

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 5-0-0-0 at home vs. Coquitlam

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 2-2-0-0 in Coquitlam

Vernons last win in Coquitlam was a 7-5 victory back on Sunday, November 18th 2012

Coquitlam's last win at home vs Vernon was a 4-2 win back on Sunday, December 8th 2013

Vernon's last win at home vs Coquitlam was a 3-1 win back on Saturday, January 11th 2014

Coquitlam's last win in Vernon-The Express havnt won in Vernon since before the 2003-04 season. (Due to the stats only going as far back as the 2003-04 regular season)

The Vipers went 1-0-0-0 last season vs Coquitlam

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 & Coquitlam Express will meet in the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.  Both teams split the regular season series both winning at home.  Vernon finished 3rd in the Interior Division knocked off the West Kelowna Warriors in six games in the opening round of the playoffs before eliminating the 1st place Penticton Vees in the Interior Finals in seven games.  The Vipers opened the BCHL Round Robin Tournament with a 5-4 victory in Victoria Friday. 

Brett Mulcahy (30-15-45) lead the Vipers in goals during the regular season with thirty while Michael McNicholas (23-46-69) lead the Vipers in points during the regular season with sixty nine.

Vernon Vipers 2013-14 Regular Season Stats:

Games Played: 58
Wins: 30
Losses: 18
Ties: 4
Overtime Losses: 6
Home Record: 17-6-3-3
Road Record: 13-12-1-3
Overtime Record: 5-6-4
Record vs Interior Division: 16-12-1-4
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 12-6-2-2
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: 4-5-1-1
Record in February: 6-3-0-1
When the Vipers score first: 23-7-3-3
When the opponents score first: 7-10-1-3
Leading after 1st Period: 17-4-2-3
Tied after 1st Period: 7-7-1-1
Trailing after 1st Period: 5-6-1-2
Leading after 2nd Period: 19-4-2-1
Tied after 2nd Period: 6-5-2-4
Trailing after 2nd Period: 5-8-0-1
Out shooting Opponents: 15-5-2-1
Out shot by Opponents: 15-10-2-3
One goal games: 12-2-2-6
Goals For: 187
Goals Against: 175
Streak: Two game winning streak
Standings: 3rd Place Interior Division

Brett Mulcahy (13-2-15) leads the Vipers in playoff goals with thirteen while Colton Sparrow (6-11-17) leads the Vipers in playoff points with seventeen.

Vernon Vipers 2014 Playoff Stats:

Games Played: 14
Wins:  9
Losses: 5
Overtime Losses: 0
Home Record: 4-2
Road Record: 5-3
Overtime Record: 1-0
When the Vipers score first: 5-2
When the opponents score first: 4-3
Leading after 1st Period: 4-2
Tied after 1st Period: 4-1
Trailing after 1st Period: 1-2
Leading after 2nd Period: 7-1
Tied after 2nd Period: 1-1
Trailing after 2nd Period: 1-3
Out shooting Opponents: 5-0
Out shot by Opponents: 4-5
One goal games: 4-1
Goals For: 48
Goals Against:  40
Streak: Two game winning streak

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

Vernon’s Home record vs. Coquitlam this season:

1-0-0-0

Vernon’s Road record vs. Coquitlam this season:

0-1-0-0

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Coquitlam this season:

Brett Mulcahy (2-0-2)
Colton Sparrow (1-1-2)
Demico Hannoun (0-2-2)
Jared Wilson (1-1-2)
Riley Guenther (0-1-1)
Michael McNicholas (1-0-1)
Dexter Dancs (0-1-1)
Josh Bryan (0-1-1)
Liam Coughlin (0-1-1)
Brendan Persley (0-1-1)

Austin Smith (1-1 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Vernon has the leagues 6th best powerplay

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

Lets take a look at the Coquitlam Express:

The Coquitlam Express make their second visit of the season to Kal Tire place tonight play Game 1 of their first game of the Round Robin Tournament.  The Express finished in 3rd place in the Mainland Division knocked off the Prince George Spruce Kings in Round 1 in six games before finishing off the league top Langley Rivermen also in six games to advance to the BCHL Round Robin Tournament.  In both series Cqouitlam started on the road where they are 3-3 in the playoffs.  This is just the third time in franchise history Coquitlam has gone past the 2nd Round. 

For more on the Coquitlam Express please visit Eddie Gregory's Coquitlam Expressions blog,

http://expressvoice.blogspot.ca/

Ryan Rosenthal (34-31-65) lead the Express in goals during the regular season with thirty four while Adam Rockwood (13-61-74) leads the Express in points during the regular season with seventy four.

Coquitlam Express 2013-14 Regular Season Stats:

Games Played: 58
Wins: 27
Losses: 26
Ties:  2
Overtime Losses: 3
Home Record: 13-13-1-2
Road Record: 14-13-1-1
Overtime Record: 3-3-2
Record vs Interior Division: 8-5-0-0
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 18-21-2-3
Record in September: 3-2-0-2
Record in October: 5-6-0-0
Record in November: 6-4-0-0
Record in December: 4-4-0-1
Record in January: 0-6-6-0
Record in February: 3-5-0-0
Record in March: 1-0-0-0
Goals For: 226
Goals Against: 226
Streak: One game winning streak
Standings: 3rd Place Mainland Division

Adam Rockwood (9-3-12) leads the Express in goals during the playoffs with nine and in points during the playoffs with twelve.

Coquitlam Express 2014 Playoff Stats:

Games Played: 12
Wins: 8
Losses: 4
Overtime Losses: 1
Home Record: 5-1
Road Record: 3-3
Overtime Record: 0-1
Goals For: 35
Goals Against: 31
Streak: One game winning streak

Coquitlam Express's Returning Players:

Adam Rockwood (95)
Joey Santucci (94)
Marc Biega (94)
Zach Hodder (93)
Jace Henning (95)
Cameron Marks (95)

Coquitlam Express's Departing & traded players from last years team:

Justin Georgeson (93)
Bradley Ryan (92)
Zachary Pryzbek (94)
Brandon Morley (94)
Ben Israel (94)
Adam Rossingnol (93)
Travis Stephens (93)
Lars Hepso (92)
Garrett Forster (95)
Will Cook (94)
Cal Hofford (94)
Malcolm McKinney (92)
Mitchell Fyffe (94)
Michael Macaig (92)
Sam Majka (93)
Cole Huggins (92)
Daniel Urbani (95)

Coquitlam's Home record vs. Vernon this season:

1-0-0-0

Coquitlam's Road record vs. Vernon this season:

0-1-0-0

Coquitlam's scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Marc Biega (1-1-2)
Adam Rockwood (0-2-2)
Corey Mackin (0-2-2)
Zach Hodder (0-1-1)
Ben Israel (1-0-1)
Canon Pieper (1-0-1)
Ryan Rosenthal (1-0-1)
Joey Santucci (0-1-1)
Jace Hennig (1-0-1)
Mark Whiteley (0-1-1)
Bo Pieper (0-1-1)
Pierce Dushenko (0-1 Record)
Gordie Defiel (1-0 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Coquitlam has the BCHL's 11th best powerplay

-The Express have the league's 2nd 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

Coquitlam Express:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=267274

Vipers Ride Five-Goal Explosion:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers ride five-goal explosion

Published: March 30, 2014

An explosive second period helped the Vernon Vipers tranquilize the host Victoria Grizzlies 5-4 in Game 1 of the semifinal, round-robin B.C. Hockey League playoffs at the Q Centre Friday night.

The Vipers had nearly a week off since their Game 7 thriller in Penticton and they struggled in the early going in front of 1,500 fans. Vernon hosts the Coquitlam Express tonight at 5 p.m.

“We seemed to be on our heels at the start. We didn’t play that great,” said Vipers’ head coach Jason Williamson.

D-man Jacob Kearley scored for the Grizz from Jaden Schmeisser and Leo Fitzgerald at 7:49 of the first period, on the powerplay (Ryan Renz was off for hooking).

Perhaps the Vipers were shaking off the ferry ride as they were outshot 13-3 in the opening frame.

Things went south for the Grizzlies in the second period as the Vipers went off for five goals in 12 minutes.

Brett Mulcahy scored 1:06 in, for his 13th goal of the playoffs, from Michael Statchuk and Colton Sparrow.

Throughout this postseason, the Vipers have been carried by secondary scoring. Friday night saw a lot of guys get off the schneid.

“We have had a lot of key contributors this postseason so far. It’s tough to sustain that so it is great to see our big guys get on the scoresheet and get some confidence,” said Renz, the Viper captain.

Logan Mick gave the Snakes the lead with his first of the playoffs from d-man Josh Bryan.

Dexter Dancs made it 3-0 on a powerplay six minutes later. Dancs was second on the team with 26 goals in the regular season. He was held goal-less in 10 playoff games. Bryan and Liam Coughlin drew assists. Bryan has a dozen helpers in the playoffs.

“It is something that has been in the back of my mind for sure. It’s not like I am playing terrible, they just haven’t gone in for me,” said Dancs.

Bryan and Liam Coughlin set up Dancs.

“It felt great, like the monkey is off my back. I think there going to start go in now,” said Dancs.

Demico Hannoun scored 22 seconds later from T.J. Dumonceaux for his second of the playoff dance. That was the fourth and final goal Grizzlie goalie Alec Dillon would allow. Dillon made eight saves and was replaced by Nic Renyard.

Mason Blacklock’s first of the playoffs, at 13:07, from Hannoun and Dylan Chanter was the eventual winner.

The game seemed destined for blow-outsville with a 5-1 Viper lead after 40 minutes,

“The third period resembled much of the first. We sat back on our heels and we got into penalty trouble. Smitty was great coming up huge for us late in the game,” said Williamson.

The Vipers surrendered two powerplay goals at the start of the third with Jesse Schwartz and Rory McGuire scoring for the Grizzlies.

A 5-1 wipeout turned into a game all of a sudden. Kearley pulled Victoria within one at 12:12.

“I think we were complacent with a 5-1 lead heading into the third. That just can’t happen,” said Dancs.

The Grizzlies peppered the Vipers 21-9 in the third, nearly matching the Vipers’ shot total for the entire game. Smith made some huge saves.

“He is a mature player that we know is going to battle each night for us,” said Williamson, of Smith.

Victoria, who finished second overall with 37 wins, outshot the Vipers (tied for sixth with 30 wins) 43-23.

“I thought our boys played a good game excerpt for a bizarre 15 minutes when the puck went in five times,” said Grizzlie head coach Craig Didmon. “That doesn’t happen very often here. They (Vipers) scored on five of 11 shots, they played a good transition game and they are hard to break out against.

“That third period was good for our confidence. We didn’t get the two points, but there were lots of positives. We know we can play with Vernon.”

The Express ended up tied for eighth overall in the 16-team BCHL at 27-26-2-3. They registered the most goals for (226), but gave up the same number of snipes. They added 20-year-old stay-at-home d-man JD Cotroneo at the trading deadline and the 21-year-old Minnesota product helped settle the defence.

“They gave up a lot of goals during the regular season, but their goaltending’s been really good in the playoffs,” said Williamson. “He’s (Gordie Defiel) got Royal Bank Cup experience, they have a lot of firepower up front and they’ve been playing really well. They’ve shut teams down lately and got timely goals so it’s up to us to stick to our game-plan.”

Defiel, 21, was with the Minnesota Wilderness last year. He went the distance as the Wilderness lost 5-4 in the semifinal overtime to eventual RBC champion Brooks Bandits last year in Summerside, PEI.

The Express are led by New Jersey’s Ryan Rosenthal, 20, a power right winger who walked away from the University of Vermont Catamounts after playing just six games as a freshman last season. The Express captain, who is headed to Northeastern next year, has nine playoff goals.

Minnesota brothers Bo (27 regular-season goals) and Canon Pieper (33G) also bring explosive offence to the Express. They played for the USHL Indiana Ice last year.

Vipers Netminder Smith Sees Team Rounding Into Form Just In Time:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

Vipers netminder Smith sees team rounding into form just in time

Friday, March 28, 2014 - Submitted by BCHL Media

Over the last two seasons, the Vernon Vipers have ridden a rollercoaster in terms of their results on the ice. The franchise that went to three-straight RBC Cup Finals from 2009 to 2011, winning the first two of those, couldn’t seem to rekindle the magic in 2012 and 2013.

This year’s club made the playoffs as the No. 3 team in the Interior and now they’re into the BCHL round-robin semifinals. Suddenly it’s apparent what was missing all along: the grind of playoff hockey.

Netminder Austin Smith has had a unique perspective from his crease and he sees a club succeeding because it’s built with a sturdy back end and forwards that possess skill as well as grit. It’s a club that was made for the long journey towards a championship.

“For sure, the team’s been designed, put together for playoff hockey,” says Smith, 20. “Renzy (captain Ryan Renz) is good for it, his D partner (Dylan) Chanter as well. Some more skilled guys up front, like (Dexter) Dancs… they can play that physical style too. Everyone’s kind of got that gritty side of it.”

The teams the Vipers dispatched in the first two rounds, the higher-seeded West Kelowna Warriors and Penticton Vees, would likely agree. Smith, who has posted eight wins and a .914 save percentage and one shutout in the payoffs, thinks the compact schedule of the playoffs plays to the Vipers’ strengths. The consistency they lacked the last couple of years has come at last.

“We definitely struggled last year but we won (four) in a row at the end of last season,” notes the Calgary native. “There’s been glimpses of it. We’re a big, strong, physical team and it’s no secret.”

Low points of recent memory only serve to make the group stronger now.

“There’s been instances where we’ve faltered, taking some penalties,” says Smith. “But we’ve come together as a group. The experiences we’ve gone through, the injuries, we’ve had games we should have won that we lost. That helps us now.”

Feeling good about your own team is one thing. In the round robin though, the teams are not overly familiar with each other having played just twice in the regular season. (Vernon won 4-3 in OT on Nov. 3 in Victoria, the Grizzlies returned the favour in OT by the same score in Vernon Dec. 6. Coquitlam downed visiting Vernon 4-2 Dec. 8 and Vernon defeated Coquitlam at home 3-1 Jan. 11)

Smith knows just enough to be aware when certain opponents come over the boards.

“I’d say definitely the Fitzgeralds for Victoria – the times we’ve played them, they’ve had a part in every goal it seems,” says Smith. “We need to make sure we’re prepared.

“With Coquitlam, playing in their smaller rink is an advantage for them. But we don’t play them too much; (Adam) Rockwood is one of their top guys, their top-two lines we’re going to have to key on. We need to make them play defence.”

Smith and his teammates have used the days off since their Game 7 overtime win in Penticton to rest up and soak up the vibe around Vernon.

“The last home game, Game 6 (versus Penticton) was the biggest crowd I’ve ever seen here. After Game 7, there were fans around the bus and at the rink. The more support we can get, it helps out everyone.

“We had 13 games in 18 days; having five days off for physio, massage and ice baths but still working on our game on the ice is key.”

The work is worth it. The collective drive among the players in the dressing room feeds into a positive cycle on the ice.

“Guys are definitely playing their roles a lot better; they understand what they have to do and they’re going out and doing it. The guys in front of me help me be more confident and that helps them be more aggressive on offence.”

Six Former Vipers Kick Off NCAA Frozen Four Tournament:

Six former Vernon Vipers (Brett Corkey, Cory Kane, Connor & Kellen Jones, Jedd Soleway & Cole Ikkala) will be looking to win a National Championship starting this weekend as the NCAA Frozen Four Tournament gets underway. 

This is posted on the BCHL website:

NCAA tournament set to kick off with plenty of BCHL content

Friday, March 28, 2014 - Submitted by Jesse Adamson for BCHL Media

The road to the Frozen Four begins Friday as NCAA Men's Hockey's version of March Madness kicks off with the sixteen-team tournament which will decide the national champion. The BCHL is well-represented in the tournament as all sixteen teams feature at least one graduate of the league. In total, there are 66 former BCHL players taking part.

The following is a list of the sixteen teams and the BCHL graduates that play for them:

Boston College Eagles:

Isaac MacLeod (Penticton), Evan Richardson (Powell River), Destry Straight (Coquitlam)

Colgate University Raiders:

Brett Corkey (Vernon), Daniel Gentzler (Surrey)

University of Denver Pioneers:

Joey LaLeggia (Penticton)

Ferris St. University Bulldogs:

Cory Kane (Vernon)

UMass-Lowell River Hawks:

Evan Campbell (Langley), Michael Colantone (Prince George)

University of Minnesota Golden Gophers:

Connor Reilly (Penticton), Mike Reilly (Penticton), Connor Reilly (Penticton)

Minnesota State University Mavericks:

Nick Buchanan (Penticton), Sean Flanagan (Penticton), Bryce           Gervais (Penticton), Cole Huggins (Coquitlam), Jon Jutzi (Powell       River), Brett Knowles (Cowichan Valley)

University of North Dakota:

Mark MacMillan (Penticton), Mitch MacMillan (Alberni Valley), Wade Murphy (Penticton), Brendan O'Donnell (Penticton), Troy Stecher (Penticton), Adam Tambellini (Surrey)

University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish:

Steven Fogarty (Penticton), Chad Katunar (Penticton), Mario Lucia (Penticton), Shayne Taker (Cowichan Valley)

Providence College Friars:

Paul de Jersey (Prince George), Josh Monk (West Kelowna), Brandon Tanev (Surrey)

Quinnipiac University Bobcats:

Michael Garteig (Penticton), Connor Jones (Vernon), Kellen Jones (Vernon), Brady Rouleau (Victoria), Travis St. Denis (Penticton), Brayden Sherbinin (Salmon Arm), Devon Toews (Surrey)

Robert Morris University Colonials:

Jimmy Geerin (Burnaby), Chase Golighty (Prince George), Scott Jacklin (Trail), Jeff Jones (Merritt), Rob Mann (Penticton), Mac Roy (Langley)

St. Cloud State University Huskies:

Joey Benik (Penticton), Tim Daly (Langley), Joey Holka (Penticton), Garrett Milan (Penticton), David Morley (Victoria)

Union College Dutchmen:

Mat Bodie (Powell River), Daniel Carr (Powell River), Matt Hatch (Alberni Valley), Noah Henry (Powell River), Cole Ikkala (Vernon), Charlie Vasaturo (Salmon Arm)

University of Vermont Catamounts:

Malcolm McKinney (Coquitlam), Kyle Mountain (Penticton), Mario Puskarich (Langley), Mike Santaguida (Surrey), Brady Shaw (Surrey), Mike Stenerson (Surrey)

University of Wisconsin Badgers:

Joel Rumpel (Penticton), Jedd Soleway (Penticton), Mark Zengerle     (Salmon Arm), Morgan Zulinick (Salmon Arm) 

Round Robin Game 1: Vernon 5 Victoria 4

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Victoria Grizzlies at 7:49 (PP) - Jacob Kearley from Jaden Schmeisser and Leo Fitzgerald 

PERIOD 2

Vernon Vipers at 1:06 - Brett Mulcahy from Michael Statchuk and Colton Sparrow 
Vernon Vipers at 2:59 - Logan Mick from Josh Bryan 
Vernon Vipers at 9:08 (PP) - Dexter Dancs from Josh Bryan and Liam Coughlin 
Vernon Vipers at 9:30 - Demico Hannoun from TJ Dumonceaux 
Vernon Vipers at 13:07 - Mason Blacklock from Demico Hannoun and Dylan Chanter

PERIOD 3

Victoria Grizzlies at 1:35 (PP) - Jesse Schwartz from Jacob Kearley and Gerry Fitzgerald 
Victoria Grizzlies at 8:04 (PP) - Rory McGuire from Jesse Schwartz and Garrett Forster 
Victoria Grizzlies at 12:12 - Jacob Kearley from Leo Fitzgerald and Mitch Meek

Victoria outshot Vernon 43-23 Austin Smith made 39 saves in the win while Alec Dillon made 7 saves in the loss.

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

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1313006&link=bchl

Game Preview: Round Robin Game 1: Vernon @ Victoria:

Vernon (8-5) @ Victoria (8-5) 7:15pm start

Tonight is the first game of the new playoff format three team round robin tournament.  Tonight will be the third meeting of the season (regular season & playoffs) between the Vipers & Grizzlies.  The season series was tied 1-1 after both teams won on the road. You can listen to tonight's game live with Graham Turnbull starting with the pre-game show at 7pm on 107.5 Kiss FM

Last Game:

Saturday, March 22nd Game 7 Vernon defeated Penticton 4-3 in overtime
Friday, March 21st Game 6 Victoria defeated Powell River 4-2

Next Game:

Sunday, March 30th Coquitlam @ Vernon
Tuesday, April 1st Victoria @ Coquitlam

Here's a look at the regular season series between the two teams

November 3rd Victoria won 4-3 in overtime
December 6th Vernon won 4-3 in overtime

Vernon-Victoria Regular Season Overall Records-Stats:

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 7-5-1-5 vs. Victoria

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon has outscored Victoria  61-53

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 5-2-0-3 at home vs. Victoria

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 2-3-1-2 in Victoria

Vernon's last win at home vs Victoria was a 3-2 win back on Sunday, February 10th 2013

Victoria's last win in Vernon was a 4-3 overtime win back on Sunday, November 3rd 2013

Victoria's last win at home vs Vernon was a 1-0 victory back on Sunday, January 20th 2013

Vernon's last win in Victoria was a 4-3 overtime victory back on Friday, December 6th 2013

The Vipers went 1-1-0-0 vs Victoria 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 & Victoria Grizzlies will meet in the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.  These two teams met in the 2009 RBC Cup in Victoria but have yet to play come playoff time.  The Vipers will make their second visit of the season to the Q Centre are coming off a thrilling come from behind 4-3 victory in Game 7 In Penticton last weekend.  The Host for the 2014 RBC Cup split the season series with Victoria this season falling at home and winning in Victoria.  Vernon finished 3rd in the Interior Division knocked off the West Kelowna Warriors in six games in the opening round of the playoffs before eliminating the 1st place Penticton Vees in the Interior Finals in seven games. 

Brett Mulcahy (30-15-45) lead the Vipers in goals during the regular season with thirty while Michael McNicholas (23-46-69) lead the Vipers in points during the regular season with sixty nine.

Vernon Vipers 2013-14 Regular Season Stats:

Games Played: 58
Wins: 30
Losses: 18
Ties: 4
Overtime Losses: 6
Home Record: 17-6-3-3
Road Record: 13-12-1-3
Overtime Record: 5-6-4
Record vs Interior Division: 16-12-1-4
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 12-6-2-2
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: 4-5-1-1
Record in February: 6-3-0-1
When the Vipers score first: 23-7-3-3
When the opponents score first: 7-10-1-3
Leading after 1st Period: 17-4-2-3
Tied after 1st Period: 7-7-1-1
Trailing after 1st Period: 5-6-1-2
Leading after 2nd Period: 19-4-2-1
Tied after 2nd Period: 6-5-2-4
Trailing after 2nd Period: 5-8-0-1
Out shooting Opponents: 15-5-2-1
Out shot by Opponents: 15-10-2-3
One goal games: 12-2-2-6
Goals For: 187
Goals Against: 175
Streak: Two game winning streak
Standings: 3rd Place Interior Division
Brett Mulcahy (12-2-14) leads the Vipers in playoff goals with twelve while Colton Sparrow (6-10-16) leads the Vipers in playoff points with sixteen.

Vernon Vipers 2014 Playoff Stats:

Games Played: 13
Wins:  8
Losses: 5
Overtime Losses: 0
Home Record: 4-2
Road Record: 4-3
Overtime Record: 1-0
When the Vipers score first: 5-2
When the opponents score first: 3-3
Leading after 1st Period: 4-2
Tied after 1st Period: 3-1
Trailing after 1st Period: 1-2
Leading after 2nd Period: 6-1
Tied after 2nd Period: 1-1
Trailing after 2nd Period: 1-3
Out shooting Opponents: 5-0
Out shot by Opponents: 3-5
One goal games: 3-1
Goals For: 43
Goals Against: 36
Streak: One game winning streak

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

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

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

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

Vernon’s Home record vs. Victoria this season:

0-0-0-1

Vernon’s Road record vs. Victoria this season:

1-0-0-0

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Victoria this season:

Dexter Dancs (2-3-5)
Liam Coughlin (2-2-4)
Michael McNicholas (2-2-4)
TJ Dumonceaux (0-2-2)
Colton Sparrow (0-1-1)
Riley Guenther (0-1-1)
Jared Wilson (0-1-1)
Tyler Povelofskie (0-1-1)
Logan Mick (1-0-1)

Austin Smith (1-0 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Vernon has the leagues 5th best powerplay

-The Vipers have the BCHL's 8th best penalty kill

Lets take a look at the Victoria Grizzlies:

The 1st place Victoria Grizzlies finished two points up on 2nd place Powell River were down three games to one to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs but rallied coming from behind to win the series in seven games.  The Grizzlies then defeated Powell River in six games to advance to the three team round robin tournament.  The Grizzlies are 6-1 at home in the playoffs have a 25-8-1-2 home record this season (regular season & playoffs).  The Grizzlies won the first game with the Vipers come away with a 4-3 overtime win in Vernon on November 3rd but fell 4-3 in overtime at home on December 6th. 

Gerry Fitzgerald (35-46-81) lead the Grizzlies in goals during the regular season with thirty five while Myles Fitzgerald (27-56-83) lead the Grizzlies in points during the regular season with eighty three.

Victoria Grizzlies 2013-14 Regular Season Stats:

Games Played: 58
Wins: 37
Losses: 15
Ties: 3
Overtime Losses: 3
Home Record: 19-7-1-2
Road Record: 18-8-2-1
Overtime Record: 5-3-3
Record vs Interior Division: 7-4-1-2
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 30-11-2-1
Record in September: 3-4-1-0
Record in October: 5-2-0-1
Record in November: 10-1-2-0
Record in December: 5-2-0-1
Record in January: 4-4-0-1
Record in February: 8-2-0-0
Record in March: 1-0
Goals For: 212
Goals Against: 163
Streak: One game winning streak
Place: 1st Place Island Division

Leo Fitzgerald (7-3-10) leads the Grizzlies in playoff goals with seven while Gerry Fitzgerald (2-16-18) leads the Grizzlies in playoff points with eighteen.

Victoria Grizzlies 2014 Playoff Stats:

Games Played: 13
Wins: 8
Losses: 5
Overtime Losses: 0
Home Record: 6-1
Road Record: 2-4
Overtime Record: 1-0
Goals For: 45
Goals Against: 35
Streak: Two game winning streak

Victoria Grizzlies Returning Players:

Gerry Fitzgerald (93)
Myles Fitzgerald (93)
Leo Fitzgerald (93)
Brandon Elgi (94)
Mitch Meek (96)
Chris Albertini (93)
Dante Hahn (95)
Mark McLellan (94)
David Walchuk (94)

Victoria Grizzlies Departing & traded players from last years team:

Myles Powell (94)
DJ Jones (92)
Pearce Eviston (92)
Keyler Bruce (92)
Blake Thompson (92)
Nolan DeJong (95)
Zach Urban (93)
Turner Lawson (94)
Stefan Nicholishen (93)
Jaden Schmeisser (93)
Kade Pilton (94)
Brady Rouleau (93)
Michael Stiliadis (94)

Victoria’s Home record vs. Vernon this season:

0-0-0-1

Victoria’s Road record vs. Vernon this season:

1-0-0-0

Victoria’s scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Jesse Schwartz (1-5-6)
Gerry Fitzgerald (2-2-4)
Myles Fitzgerald (1-2-3)
Chris Albertini (0-1-1)
Mark McLellan (1-0-1)
Alex Adams (0-1-1)
Kevin Massy (1-0-1)
Storm Wahlrab (1-0-0)
Dante Hahn (0-1-1)
Jaden Schmeisser (0-1-1)

Nic Renyard (1-0 Record)
Alec Dillon )-1 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Victoria has the BCHL's 6th best powerplay

-The Grizzlies have the league's 7th best penalty kill

Here's a look at both teams rosters-stats:

Vernon Vipers:

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

Victoria Grizzlies:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224090

Vipers Figuring Out Formula:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers figuring out formula

By Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star

Published: March 28, 2014

Kevin Mitchell & TYLER LOWEY

Staff Writers

Albert Einstein’s E = mc2 is perhaps the most famous math equation out there. Something about space and time and general relativity.

The formula may be less complicated than the B.C. Hockey League’s new and unique three-way, double round-robin playoff series which starts tonight with the Vernon Vipers visiting the Victoria Grizzlies. Vernon hosts the Coquitlam Express in a Sunday 5 p.m. game.

The league has broken the schedule down on its website for fans, media and scouts to follow. In simple turns, each of the three teams will play one another at home and away over the next 10 days.

The two top teams following the six games advance to the best-of-seven Fred Page Cup championship series starting April 11. If one team loses its first three games, the Vipers at Express game scheduled for Monday, April 7 may not be required.

To put in really easy English, take it away Viper d-man Jared Wilson.

“It’s different, but it’s a lot like the Western Canada Cup or the RBC, so that’s kind of the way it’s structured,” said the 19-year-old Calgary product. “You pretty much gotta look at every game being a Game 7. I think the magic number is to win three and you’re pretty well through so that’s our goal, to win three.”

After playing a zany 13 games in 19 days, the Vipers were very loose and having a blast at practice this week, joyfully jumping on shootout loser Logan Mick, who was all smiles, near the end of Wednesday’s session. They are enjoying the rest from battle, healing their wounds and mentally preparing for the next round.

Head coach Jason Williamson will expect the Vipers to be fired up for each round-robin tilt

“It’s tough to even formulate a plan. It’s almost like regular-season games with obviously a lot more on the line. Our mind-set is gonna be every game’s like a Game 7 because you never know. We’ll just take it one game at a time and try and control our own fate.”

Victoria head coach Craig Didmon, who replaced Bill Bestwick earlier this season, doesn’t mind the playoff layout.

“It’s a horse race as soon as the puck drops,” said Didmon. “I like the format. It’s a nice change from two seven-game series. You get a couple games in your barn, then play once each in two other rinks. It’s kind of a fun way to do it. As well, it gives you chance to check out the rink before playing a team in the final.”

Viper forward Demico Hannoun says his back is getting better and he’s ready to go after a great comeback series win over the Penticton Vees. He, Liam Coughlin, Mason Blacklock and Brett Mulcahy are all former Surrey Eagles who know the Grizzlies and Express well. The Vipers split two games with both teams this season.

“Last year I saw Coquitlam more than Victoria.,” said Hannoun, 18, of North Delta. “Coquitlam is a good offensive team and Vic is an all-around good team.”

On the playoff format, Hannoun said: “It’s definitely different. It seems kind of fun, like minor hockey tournaments back in the day. We have no room for errors this round. It doesn’t really allow you to come back in the series.”

As four-year-veteran triplets Myles, Gerald and Leo go, so go the Grizzlies.

Victoria won the Island Division at 37-15-3-5 with Myles first on the team with 27 goals and 83 points. Gerry was next with 35 goals and 81 points. Leo was hurt much of the season but managed 15 points in 17 games and has seven goals and 10 points in the playoffs.

“They’ve got the triplets, but they work very hard, they’ve got aggressive dee and their goaltending has been very good in the playoffs and their speciality teams are good,” said Williamson. “So we gotta stay out of the box and keep their guys contained to the outside. They have some offensive firepower. We have to play to our strengths, use our size, use our skill level.”

The Port Alberni triplets, who turn 21 in August, are headed to Bemidji State Tigers in Minnesota next year. The Grizz have nine scholarship players.

“Victoria is a lot like us, a pretty big team, pretty physical and they forecheck well,” said Wilson, who came here in a trade from Alberni Valley Bulldogs last fall. “Obviously, they’ve got the one line that pretty much does all their damage.”

On Coquitlam, Wilson offered: “From what I remember, they’re pretty run ‘n gun. They like to push the pace, especially on the PK, but I think we’re pretty sound defensively so it shouldn’t be an issue.”

Home-grown forward Colton Sparrow says the Snakes have to keep their speed game moving despite the longer break between games.

“We got a lot of energy and a lot of excitment after a series (Interior Division final) like that,” said Sparrow. “Those series take a lot out of you but they also build a lot of confidence taking out a team like that.

“Both Victoria and Coquitlam (third in the Mainland at 27-26-2-3) are run-and-gun teams that will work hard and pressure you all night. I feel like the round-robin kind of slows everything down, which we don’t really like. But I guess the break is good. It will be different. That Game 7 was do-or-die which is basically like each game this series. It kind of got us ready.”

On the Fitzgeralds, who have also played for Prince George and Nanaimo, Sparrow said:  “The triplets – they love to work the cycle and they have a lot of stick skill. My line (with Mulcahy and Brendan Persley) will probably match up with them. You got to respect them and play them hard.”

Didmon said he feels pretty comfortable with his goaltenders. Both Nic Renyard and Alec Dillon have four wins in the playoffs, Dillon won all four games against Powell River Kings, including two in a row to close out the series.

“To be in the third round hasn’t happened a lot in this organization,” he said. “The guys have been through a lot – that first round, going to Game 7 in double overtime, was pretty intense. I think they feel like they’ve had their back against the wall and they know what that feels like. I think we’re getting mentally stronger as a group and starting to believe there’s a great opportunity here.”

SNAKE BITES: Viper grad Mike Collins has signed a tryout deal with the Boston Bruins...Vees’ captain Brad McClure has been invited to the Pittsburgh Penguins’ prospect camp in July. The BCHL first all-star team winger has committed to Minnesota State-Mankato Mavericks next fall...Viper grad Mike Zalewski has been issued No. 40 with the Vancouver Canucks. He hasn’t cracked the lineup yet.

Quinnipiac Men’s Hockey Program Found Gold Mine In British Columbia With Jones Twins:

Here is a good article I found on former Vernon Vipers forwards
Connor & Kellen Jones. 

The Jones twins were in the December 16th issue of Sports Illustrated magazine. The Jones twins are in their fourth and final season with the Quinnipiac Bobcats attended the Edmonton Oilers Development Camp last summer (July 3rd-9th 2013).

Connor and Kellen both played four years in Vernon (2006-2010). In 163 regular season games with the Vipers.

Connor collected (80-goals-118-assists-198-points) Connor also is the Vipers all-time franchise points leader (regular season & playoffs) with 228 & all-time franchise goals leader (regular season & playoffs) with 95.

Kellen played in 154 regular season games with the Vipers collecting (39-goals-134-assists-173-points). Kellen is also the all-time franchise assists leader (regular season & playoffs) with 150. Kellen was drafted in Round 7 of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft #202 overall by the Edmonton Oilers.

Connor Jones Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=113610

Kellen Jones Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=113607

This was in the New Haven Register Newspaper:

Quinnipiac men’s hockey program found gold mine in British Columbia

By Chip Malafronte, New Haven Register

Posted: 02/20/14

HAMDEN >> Connor and Kellen Jones spent their first three years of college bumming rides from friends to get around town. But when it was their senior year, the identical twins decided it was time they had a car on campus.

So when last summer ended, the brothers purchased a used car from an aunt and made the 44-hour cross-continent drive from their home in Montrose, British Columbia, to Quinnipiac.

They drove 18 hours, caught a few hours of sleep in South Dakota, and then plowed straight through the final 26 hours to Hamden. No speeding tickets; no tailgating. The make and model of the vehicle — a 1998 Ford Crown Victoria — certainly helped in that regard.

“It’s an old cop car,” Connor Jones said. “Whenever we pulled up behind people they’d slam on their brakes and switch lanes. They’d look over and see two twins sitting in the front seat listening to country music.”

There are easier ways to get to Quinnipiac from British Columbia, and vice versa. Terry and Loretta Jones, the twins’ parents, took a red-eye flight late Thursday night to catch the Bobcats’ Senior Weekend games at High Point Solutions Arena against No. 13 Cornell (Friday night at 7) and No. 19 Colgate (Saturday, 7 p.m.). Both games will be televised on NESN.

Still, there can be two or three connections in what amounts to a half-day or more spent traveling. Just ask Quinnipiac assistant coaches Bill Riga and Reid Cashman, who both make the trip several times a year to recruit.

But Quinnipiac hockey’s pipeline to British Columbia, long ago established by head coach Rand Pecknold, has been essential to the program’s construction and ultimate realization as a national power.

“It’s been the backbone of our program,” Pecknold said. “It’s our bread and butter. If players are good in that league, they’re going to be good for us.”

Over the last 15 years, no Division I college team has as much success recruiting Canada’s westernmost province. Last winter, there were nine players from British Columbia on the Bobcats’ roster, a team which dominated ECAC Hockey and came within a game of the national championship. Seven skate for the Bobcats this winter, again the highest B.C. representation in the college game.

Pecknold was hired 20 years ago when the hockey team skated at the Division II level with no scholarships. As the program developed and was elevated, more money was ear-marked for scholarships. It became obvious to Pecknold that he needed to tap into Canadian Junior ‘A’ leagues. Ontario was a relatively easy drive, but there was an army of unclaimed talent in the western provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

His recruiting budget was microscopic. Yet Pecknold managed to establish a foothold for Quinnipiac in western Canada during the late 1990s. Good fortune helped make it possible. His parents had moved to Bellingham, Wash., an hour’s drive from Vancouver. An uncle resided in Surrey, B.C.

For the price of a round-trip plane ticket, Pecknold could stay with family and spend extensive time scouting the region. All he had to do was persuade players to travel 3,000 miles across the continent and help build a program from scratch at his tiny school with the funny sounding name.

Pecknold proved to be quite a salesman. Many of the program’s top players ever — Brian Herbert, Jamie Holden, Matt Erhart, Ben Nelson, Bryan Leitch, Brandon Wong, Scott Zurevinski — have come from the BCHL. Over the years, Quinnipiac’s reputation spread quickly.

“We tell everyone how great the coaches have been to us,” Connor Jones said. “When coaches ask us what Quinnipiac’s all about, we say it’s a great program with great coaches, unreal fans. With our influence, and other guys who’ve come through, we have so many BCHL guys on our team, it’s hard to not know about Quinnipiac.”

The school’s first Frozen Four team last April featured nine from the BCHL, including team captain Zach Currie and fellow defenseman Zach Davies. The Jones twins, perhaps the two most significant recruits in program history, returned this year, as did play-making sophomore Travis St. Denis and senior Brooks Robinson, both forwards.

Goaltender Michael Garteig, a two-time BCHL goaltender of the year, inherited the starting job and has five shutouts and 21 wins so far. Freshman defensemen Devon Toews and Brayden Sherbinin both see regular ice time.

The well is far from dry. Eight recruits from British Columbia are scheduled to enroll over the next two seasons, including highly regarded forward Landon Smith — currently leading the BCHL in scoring — brothers Bo and Canon Pieper and another set of twins, Jonah and Nathan Renouf.

“Every year there’s more and more guys coming in,” Kellen Jones said. “That’s credit to the coaches. They find great players and they are good at finding diamonds in the rough. The BCHL has become a pretty great league turning out players. That’s good for them, and that’s good for us.”

As for the car? It’s toreador red with bench seating, drives like a dream and intimidates fellow motorists. Needless to say it’s been a colossal hit on campus.

“We might have to sell it at the end of the year, though,” Connor Jones said. “I’m not sure we want to drive it all the way back home.”

Reign Sign Former Vernon Viper Bigos:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Ontario Reign have signed former Vernon Vipers defenceman Kyle Bigos.  Bigos become an unrestricted free agent after the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) San Francisco Bulls ceased operations on January 27th 2014.  The Bulls folded that day while all players became unrestricted free agents, effective immediately.
    
Bigos finished his fourth year at Merrimack College last season before signing with the San Jose Sharks farm club American Hockey League (AHL) Worcester Sharks on July, 16th 2013. Bigos attended the San Jose Sharks Training Camp this season but was released going back to the American Hockey League where he was then assigned to the East Coast Hockey League San Francisco Bulls on October, 1st 2013. In 40 games with the Bulls Bigos collected (2-goals-4-assists-6-points) before the team ceased operations in late January.

Bigos finished his fourth year at Merrimack College last season. In 30 regular season games Bigos collected (4-7-11). Bigos played two seasons in Vernon (2007-2009) collecting (10-40-50) in 166 regular season games with the Vipers. Bigos an assistant captain in his second and final season with the Vipers was drafted 99th overall by the NHL Edmonton Oilers in the 4th round of the 2009 NHL Draft. Bigos attended the Oilers Developement Camp two out of the last three years. The Edmonton Oilers traded Bigos to San Jose for Lee Moffie on July 7th 2013.

Kyle Bigos's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=38020

This is posted on the Reign website:

Reign Transactions Keep Coming

January 29, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Reign Transactions Keep Coming

Ontario welcomes San Jose prospects

ONTARIO, Calif. – The Ontario Reign, back-to-back Pacific Division Champions and proud affiliate of the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings and Winnipeg Jets, continue to make roster changes since the announcement of the San Francisco Bulls departure from the league.

The Reign welcome Steven Tarasuk, and San Jose Sharks prospects Kyle Bigos, Riley Brace, and Sebastien Stalberg from San Francisco, and will say goodbye to Jason Dale who has been traded to Fort Wayne for future considerations, and Hauswirth who has been traded to Orlando, also for future considerations.

Tarasuk, 24, is back in a Reign uniform after first playing with the team in 2011-12.  The defenseman was traded to the Idaho Steelheads in March 2012.  While with the Reign he earned 32 points (7g, 25a) in 58 games.  He went overseas in 2012-13 with Lausitzer Foxes and returned to North America as part of the Bulls roster.  In 37 games with San Francisco, Tarasuk posted 15 points (3g, 12a). 

Bigos, the 24-year-old, 6-foot-5, Upland, Calif. native, will don a Reign sweater after appearing in 40 games with the Bulls as a prospect of their NHL affiliate, the San Jose Sharks.  In that time the defenseman earned eight points (2g, 6a) in his professional debut. 

Brace, 21, has split his rookie year between the Bulls and their AHL affiliate, the Worcester Sharks.  In eight games with the Bulls, the left winger posted five points (1g, 4a); in 24 games with the Sharks, Brace earned three assists. 

Stalberg, 23, split the 2012-13 season between the Worcester Sharks, 23 games, and the San Francisco Bulls, six games earning five points (1g, 4a), and three points (2g, 1a), respectively.  Stalberg made his professional debut out of the University of Vermont with Worcester in 2012 and played his entire 2012-13 season with the team.  Stalberg signed a two-year contract with San Jose in 2012.

Dale, 25, leaves the Reign with three points (1g, 2a) in nine appearances.  The winger came to Ontario after beginning the 2013-14 season with his 2012-13 club, the Evansville Icemen.

Hauswirth, 25, earned five points (3g, 2a) in 27 Reign games this season.  The center signed a contract with Ontario at the end of October after arriving from Fort Wayne.  This was Hauswirth’s second season with the Reign.  

Stalberg and Brace are expected to play in tonight's game against the Colorado Eagles. 

Vernon Vipers-Boston Camp Schedule:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Boston Camp

Thursday, March 20, 2014 - Submitted by Vipers Staff

Vernon Vipers would like to announce that we will be hosting a camp in Massachusetts.

The camp will run from June 13th-June 15th at the BreakAway Ice Center in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. It will be open to players born between 1994-1997. At the camp we will have information sessions about the BCHL and the Vernon Vipers program.

A few players that have played at our program from the region include : Garrett Noonan (Boston University, Nashville Predators), Mike Collins (Merrimack College), Kyle Murphy (Providence College), Liam Coughlin (UMASS), Mark Hamilton (Maine), Ken Citron (Colgate), Cory Kane (Ferris St), Mike Zalewski (RPI, Vancouver Canucks), John Knisley (Cornell).

Please visit the camps section of our website to register. If you require any further information please contact Dave or Kris. Dave@vipers.bc.ca Kris@vipers.bc.ca