Vernon Viper Alumni Fraser Announces Retirement:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Curtis Fraser has announced his retirement.  Fraser played last season with EC Villacher SV (VSV) an ice hockey team from Villach, Austria.  VSV pulled the option on Fraser's contract at the end of last season.  Fraser announced his retirement after the teams playoffs last spring.  No official press release by VSV but it was on Fraser's twitter account & Wikipedia.

Curtis Fraser's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=14835  

Fraser spent the 2012-13 season in Austria played with the Zagreb Bears before signing with EC Villacher SV (VSV) last year.  In 54 games with VSV Fraser picked up (21-goals-13-assists-34-points).
 
After playing four years at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Fraser spent six seasons between the East Coast Hockey League (Las Vegas & Alaska) & American Hockey League (Chicago, San Antonio & Lake Erie) before playing hockey in Italy and Austria. Fraser captured the ECHL Kelly Cup Championship with the Alaska Aces in 2011.

Fraser played parts of one season with the Vipers (2002-03) after the Victoria Salsa
sent Fraser to Vernon on January 10th 2003 for Marc Fulton & future considerations. In 25 regular season games with the Vipers Fraser collected (19-goals-20-assists-39-points) and lead the Vipers in scoring that season with 105 points. Due to his birthday and scholarship Fraser couldnt play past his 21st birthday wich ment he was only able to play in the Vipers first two playoff rounds (eight playoff games) before sitting out the remainder of the Vipers playoff run. The Vipers went onto the BCHL league finals and then lost in the Doyle Cup to Camrose without Fraser in the lineup.

Finlay Makes Debut As Vipers Host Cents Saturday:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Finlay makes debut as Vipers host Cents Saturday

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: October 31, 2014

Just when Liam Finlay was developing a healthy dislike of the Vernon Vipers, he became one.

Finlay, a 17-year-old forward from Kelowna, was traded to the Snakes by the Penticton Vees Wednesday afternoon in exchange for future considerations. He will make his Vernon debut Saturday (6 p.m.) when the Vipers (7-5-0-1) entertain the Merritt Centennials (9-5) in B.C. Hockey League action at Kal Tire Place.

“When you’re in Penticton, you hate these guys so much,” grinned Finlay, who met his new teammates at Thursday practice. “It’s a huge rivalry. I guess I just have to come here and learn to love it. They seem like a really good group of guys.”

With the addition of Finlay, the Vipers now have four Okanagan Rocket grads on the roster – d-man Mitch Oliver and forwards Linden Hora and Brandon Wagner.

At 5-foot-7, 145 pounds, Finlay is one of the smallest players in the BCHL, but Hora doesn’t believe that will hold him back.

“He’s a really slick player and he can get a lot of points,” said Hora. “He’s good at making plays.”

Added Finlay: “Some people see my size being against me, but I think it’s a benefit sometimes. Maybe I’m tougher to track and tougher to hit.

“I can bring some speed to the table. They have a good group of offensive guys here and hopefully I can contribute to that.”

Finlay is one of a few players to earn an NCAA Division 1 scholarship out of Major Midget. He is already committed to the Denver Pioneers for 2016-17.

“They watched me a few games and the coach (Jim Montgomery) talked to me,” said Finlay. “He was a player kind of like I am, and he saw a bit of himself in me.

“I wouldn’t want to go any place but Denver. It’s a good program.”

If Finlay can adapt to the physical rigours of the BCHL, he has the offensive upside to do some damage on the scoreboard. He amassed 101 points (27 goals, 74 assists) in 68 career games with the Rockets.

“He’s a talented guy, history tells you that,” said Vernon head coach Mark Ferner. “I’m not too worried about the size. I’m worried about the compete level.”

Ferner plans to give Finlay a look on the powerplay, which has recorded a woeful four goals on 59 attempts (6.78 per cent). His regular linemates against Merritt will be fellow waterbug Jagger Williamson and power forward Luke Voltin.

Vernon rallied past Merritt 4-2 a week ago, and then fell 1-0 to Penticton Saturday night.

Luke Pierce’s Cents are coming off of a 6-2 thumping of the Chilliwack Chiefs (10-3-0-1) Tuesday night.

In other Interior Division play Wednesday, the Vees (14-1) crushed the Surrey Eagles (3-9-0-3) 10-0.

SNAKE BITES: Vernon forward TJ Dumonceaux is questionable for Saturday, while forward Mackenzie Bauer will be out of the lineup for at least another week...With Riley Brandt suspended, Ferner plans to call up another forward against the Cents.

Vernon Vipers Player Profile With #3 Kenny Citron:

This is posted on the Hockeytube website:

Vernon Vipers Profile – #3 Ken Citron

Posted by HockeyTube on Oct 7th, 2014

Century 21 in Vernon, Kelowna and Enderby presents #3 Ken Citron’s player profile. Hockeytube.net caught up with the second year BCHL defenceman to talk about his season with the Vernon Vipers, hosting the RBC national championship and his goals for the coming season. The hard hitting blueliner from Hartsdale, New York will be attending Colgate next season on an NCAA scholarship.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh7c6izLVcE

ESV Kaufbeuren Sign Former Vipers Defenceman Waddell:

The ESV Kaufbeuren have signed former Vernon Vipers defenceman Matt Waddell.  ESV Kaufbeuren is a professional ice hockey team based in Kaufbeuren, Germany that play in DEL2 the second level of ice hockey in Germany.  Waddell played last season with the HC Nikko Ice Bucks, an Asia League Ice Hockey team based in Nikkō, Tochigi, Japan.  In 41 games last year with the Ice Bucks Waddell collected (8-goals-26-assists-34-points).  Waddell played two years in Vernon (2001-2003). In 110 games with the Vipers Waddell collected (9-44-53).

Matt Waddell's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=14987

This is posted on the ESV Kaufbeuren website:

Joker news

09.07.2014 written from Philippe barber-surgeon

Weakly Waddell takes the first contingent place with the ESVK

Canadian defender strengthens Kaufbeuren ESV

With Canadian defender Matt Waddell Kaufbeuren ESV his first from four contingent places takes for the next playing time DEL2 in 2014/2015 with an absolute desirable player of the sporty management.

With the 30 year-old Canadian the sporty leader of the ESVK, Didi looking after, has succeeded in obliging Europe experienced defender. Waddell played in pastly playing time in Asia for the Nikko Icebucks for which he could achieve 34 points (8 gates / 26) in 41 plays. Before it the 1.85 m and 93 kg defender laced his ice skates in the first Italian league for Alleghe and Pontebba. For Pontebba Waddell could register 10 gates and 24 presentations in the season 2011/2012 in 40 plays what given at the same time the title of the point-best Defenders of the series A to him. In the subsequent season he could achieve for Alleghe 15 gates and 20 presentations. 15 gates signified the Liga-Höchstwert among all defenders in the season 2012/2013 with which Waddell once more could protect itself a honoring. The likeable left shooter did other stations in Europe in Sweden (boron å see HC, Allsvenskan), Finland (Hokki, Mestis) and Hungarian (Miskolci Jegesmedve JSE, league MOL). In addition, Waddell could celebrate the mastery of the NCAA in his first year with Ohio State University with his team.

Dieter Hegen to the obligation of Weakly Waddell: ' With Weakly we get an absolute desirable player. He has equally very good qualities in the offensive and in the defensive. In addition, he is an excellent skater.

Weakly Waddell to his engagement near Kaufbeuren ESV: ' Am glad am glad very much to be allowed to play for Kaufbeuren. The Managment of the ESVK in person of Dieter Hegen has taken care very much of me and wanted to oblige me absolutely, therefore, the decision was to be changed to Kaufbeuren, finally a very light one.
  

Miska Nets Shutout As Vees Blank Vipers:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Miska nets shutout as Vees blank Vipers

Published: October 29, 2014

The Penticton Vees’ powerplay still might have a few kinks to work through, but it got the job done Saturday night at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

Dante Fabbro’s point shot beat netminder Jarrod Schamerhorn on a man advantage early in the second period as the Vees shaded the Vernon Vipers 1-0 in front of 2,600 B.C. Hockey League fans.

The Vees (13-1), who iced the Salmon Arm Silverbacks 3-1 for their 10th straight win Sunday, went 1-for-2 on the powerplay. They are fourth-last (15.63 per cent) in the 16-team loop. Vernon went scoreless on three man advantages and is dead-last (6.78 per cent).

“Both teams played pretty hard,” said Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner. “Again, it came down to special teams. We created some first opportunities, not enough second opportunities.

“But I can’t fault our kids’ effort. Third period, we basically played three lines and held them to four shots.

“Our compete level is getting better. Now that we have it, we’ve got to sustain it.”

Hunter Miska recorded 29 saves for first star and his second shutout of the season. The Stacy, Minn. native shared the love with his defencemen, who have combined to allow a league-low 25 goals. That is eight fewer than the next nearest team (Merritt has given up 37).

“Our defencemen played great tonight,” said Miska. “The Vipers were really trying to come down the boards, but our dee kept pushing them away and turning the pucks over to get them to our forwards.

“They are giving me the first shot and I’m making the saves either in my body or sending a good rebound out and we turn the play over to the other end.”

Two of Miska’s biggest saves came when he stacked the pads on Mitch Meek  early in the second period, and again in the third frame when he stretched out his left pad to deny Vipers’ sniper Thomas Aldworth, who had dangled around Penticton’s defence.

The Vees have been the league’s top defensive team the past two seasons, and head coach Fred Harbinson likes what he has seen so far this year, too.

“Our goaltending and attention to detail on the defensive side is winning us a lot of games right now,” said Harbinson, who earned his 300th career BCHL win against Vernon.

“It’s a mindset of how we want to play here. We don’t play in one direction. We play just as hard, sometimes harder going back to our net.”

The Vipers will be without defenceman Ryley Booth as they entertain the Merritt Centennials (8-5) Saturday, 6 p.m., at Kal Tire Place. Ferner traded the Armstrong product to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks Tuesday afternoon for future considerations.

The move was made to clear up a roster spot for incoming forward Liam Finlay, who Vernon picked up from the Penticton Vees for futures.

“We had a logjam at defence and wanted to acquire another forward,” said Vipers executive vice-president Todd Miller. “There was an opportunity to acquire Liam and he’s a guy who’ll be with our program for a couple of years. Something had to give on the backend.”

Booth had one goal and three assists in 10 games with Vernon.

The 5-foot-7, 145-pound Finlay had 1-4-5 in 10 games with the Vees. He posted 17-34-51 in 28 games with the Okanagan Rockets last season, and is committed to the NCAA Division 1 Denver Pioneers for 2016-17.

“The numbers he’s put up in Major Midget speak for themselves,” said Miller. “It’s just an opportunity to add some more skill.”

In addition to injuries to forwards TJ Dumonceaux and Mackenzie Bauer, several Vipers have fallen ill.

“We have some guys starting to get sick so we’ve got to manage it the right way,” said Ferner, noting they play 13 games in November. “You’ve got to give kids a day off here and there and make sure they’re rested.”

The Vipers also have a bevy of suspensions to contend with. They had sought an appeal to suspensions stemming from an Oct. 18 line brawl with the West Kelowna Warriors, but the BCHL upheld its original ruling. Forward Riley Brandt (six games) and d-man Brandon Egli (four games) missed Saturday’s tilt as a result.

Ferner did not appeal suspensions to netminder Danny Todosychuk (six games) and Booth (two games), who missed both weekend games.

SNAKE BITES: Ferner called up Vernon product Jeff Bochon and West Kelowna’s Nicholas Gnazdowsky, both forwards, against the Vees...Vernon’s Cole Woodliffe, who plays with the KIJHL’s Summerland Steam, recorded his first-ever BCHL goal as a call-up, helping the West Kelowna Warriors ice the host Cowichan Valley Capitals 6-5 in OT Saturday night. Woodliffe has 6-5-11 in 13 games with the Steam...Merritt rebounded from Friday’s loss by pounding the Powell River Kings 5-1.

Vernon-Penticton Trade:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

28-Oct-14 The Vernon Vipers have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Liam Finlay(97)(F) from the Penticton Vees in exchange for the BCHL-CHL list rights to Dakota Conroy(94) and future considerations.

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vipers Make a Second Trade

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

In their second trade of the day the
Vernon Vipers have acquired the rights to 17 year old Liam Finlay from the Penticton Vees for future considerations.

Finlay who is from Kelowna is a 5’7 145 pound forward who is committed to Denver University for the 2016-2017 season.

In 10 games this season with the Vees he posted 1 goal and 4 assists.  Last season with the Okanagan Major Midget Rockets he was third in team scoring with 17 goals and 51 points.

Finlay will be familiar to some of his new teammates as he will join former Rocket mates Mitch Oliver, Branden Wagner and Linden Hora.

He will make his Viper debut on Saturday when the Vipers host the Merritt Centennials at 6pm.

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

Liam Finlay's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=202405

Vernon-Salmon Arm Trade:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vipers and Silverbacks Make a Trade

Tuesday, October 28,

The Vernon Vipers have traded 18 year old defenceman Ryley Booth to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks for future considerations.
2014

Booth appeared in 10 games this season recording 1 goal and 3 assists.

The Vipers would like to wish Ryley the best of luck in the future.

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

Ryley Booth's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=247559

This is posted on the Silverbacks website:

'Backs Acquire Defensemen Ryley Booth

Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - Submitted by Melanie Hart, Director of Communications

‘BACKS ACQUIRE DEFENSEMEN

Salmon Arm, BC – The Salmon Arm Silverbacks Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club would like to announce another player transaction.’96 Defensemen Ryley Booth of Armstrong, BC has been acquired from the BCHL Vernon Vipers today.

Silverbacks Head Coach Brandon West remarked, “We are very excited to acquire Ryley’s talents. Ryley plays a hard 2 way game and will add some good size to our back end. He was a player that we had watched over the past year and we are happy he is on our colors now.”

We welcome Ryley to our team!

The ‘Backs play this Friday at The Shaw Centre vs. West Kelowna Warriors @ 7 pm for our Halloween Night Spooktacular.

For more information, contact Brandon West, Head Coach at the Silverbacks Hockey Operations office at 250-832-3856 ext 111.

MLAC Midget Major AAA Name Former Viper Budnick New Head Coach:

The Edmonton Beverly Opyimistics Midget Major AAA
Maple Leaf Athlectic Club has named former Vernon Vipers forward Chris Budnick new Head Coach. 

Budnick is also a scout with the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) Drayton Valley Thunder played parts of one season in Vernon (2006-07) after coming over in a trade with the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) Spruce Grove Saints.  Vernon sent forward Ryan Sawka to Spruce Grove on January, 10th 2007 for Chris Budnick & future considerations.  In 17 regular season games with the Vipers Budnick recorded (1-goal-0-assists-1-point).

Chris Budnick's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=86861

Chris Budnick's Coach's Profile:

http://www.mlac.net/default.aspx?p=article&id=96798

This is posted on the Maple Leaf Athletic Club website:

Maple Leaf Athletic Club names their coaches

Posted on Tuesday, May 06, 2014

We are please to announce that the following coaches will be handling the bench this year for the Blue and White, 

Midget Major AAA          Chris Budnick
Midget AA                        Darren Eastcott
Minor Midget AAA          Jason Wiwad
Midget REM AA              Kevin Buchanan
Bantam AAA                    Kirill Chikin
Bantam AA                       Will Sanderson
Bantam AA                       Marek Babic

Over the next few weeks we will do a special feature on each of the coaches.  We are excited with the line up of  highly talented and skill coaches that we bring to the club for the upcoming season.  Please join with me in wish them continued success.

Rivermen Acquire Former Viper Butcher From Surrey:

The Langley Rivermen have acquired former Vernon Vipers
forward Ben Butcher from the Surrey Eagles.

The Vipers acquired Butcher from the Chilliwack Chiefs on June 2nd 2014 for future considerations.  Butcher never played a game with Vernon was traded along with Demico Hannoun to the Surrey Eagles on June 9th 2014 for future considerations.  This trade completed the Vernon-Surrey trade from January where the Vipers sent forward Chase McMurphy & Future Considerations to Surrey for Brett Mulcahy & Future Considerations on January 6th 2014.

Ben Butcher's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=155966

This was posted on the Rivermen website:

Rivermen Acquire Butcher from Eagles

Tuesday, October 21, 2014 - Submitted by Kevin Berar

Township of Langley, BC (Tuesday, October 21, 2014) – The Langley Rivermen have acquired forward Ben Butcher from the Surrey Eagles in exchange for future considerations.

The nineteen year old from Bellingham, Washington is familiar with the Rivermen, having played for the team in 2012-13. Butcher suited up in 54 games that season, scoring 18 points (10G, 8A) and 41 penalty minutes.

“We are excited to add Ben to our roster at this point of his career,” said Head Coach and General Manager Bobby Henderson. “Over the past two seasons Ben has worked hard to round out his game and focused on becoming a complete player. He’s made some impressive improvements this off-season which we believe will help him take his game to another level. Ben is a creative playmaker and adds another skilled stick to the offence.”

Last season, Butcher played for the Chilliwack Chiefs, where he compiled a career-high 31 points in 57 games. He has played 11 games for the Eagles this season, scoring seven points along with 14 penalty minutes.

Butcher is the brother of former BCHL standout Matt Butcher and son of former Vancouver Canuck defenseman Garth Butcher.

Vipers-Vees Highlight's:

Here are the game highlight's from the Penticton Vees-Vernon Vipers game on Saturday October, 25th 2014. The Vees won their ninth straight after a 1-0 victory

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9ydEvKl3_U&list=UUTqygtRolA5jxmmoZuM0yLg

Devils Name Former Vernon Viper Lord New Player-Coach:

The British Elite Ice Hockey League (BEIHL) Cardiff Devils have named former Vernon Vipers forward Andrew Lord the new Devils player-coach.  The Devils are a Welsh ice hockey team that play in the BEIHL.  Lord is in his second season with the Devils now joins former Vernon Lakers defenceman Todd Kelman (1992-93) who is the Devils General Manager.  

After a scholarship to RPI (Rensselaer Poly Inst) Lord spent four years with four different teams in the East Coast Hockey League & American Hockey League.  (ECHL-Wheeling Nailers, AHL-Milwaukee Admirals, AHL-Okloahoma City Barons & AHL-Rochester Americans) Lord missed the entire 2011-12 season due to injury returned the following year playing one season in Germany with SC Riessersee before signing with the Devils last season.  In 60 games last season with the Devils, Lord collected (23-goals-36-assists-59-points).  Lord come to the Vipers in a trade with the Burnaby Bulldogs playing two years in Vernon (2002-2004).  In 116 regular season games with the Vipers Lord collected (22-goals-50-assists-78-points).

Andrew Lord's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=21398

This was posted on the Wales Online website:

Canadian owner Steve King wows Cardiff Devils fans

Jun 26, 2014

By Terry Phillips

More than 340 ice hockey celebrate the start of a new era - and new player-coach Andrew Lord announces 10 player signings on emotional evening

NEW Cardiff Devils owner Steve King met club fans last night - and thrilled more than 340 supporters with a series of stunning announcements at the Wales National Museum.

Canadian businessman King is the majority shareholder in a consortium who have bought the Elite League ice hockey club and he quickly made it clear he is will be acting quickly.

He was given a standing ovation when WalesOnline sportwriter Terry Phillips introduced King on stage and introduced him to supporters.

King and new Devils general manager Todd Kelman announced a new player-coach plus 10 signings for the 2014-15 season, while long-serving Devils player and official Neil Francis is director of hockey operation.

Francis and Ice Arena Wales, who are building the new rink in Cardiff Bay, both have a stake in the new Cardiff Devils business along with other businessman in North America who complete the consortium.

The announcements by King and Kelman, who have been close friends for 15 years, were:

Andrew Lord is the new Devils player-coach, taking over the role from Dave Whistle, who has agreed a settlement with his former Bracknell Bees’ team-mate Kelman and will not be returning in the new season.

Canadian forwards Chris Culligan and Joey Haddad have committed to Lord’s Devils. Both are from Nova Scotia and new to British hockey.

Jake Morissette and Tyson Marsh are both returning to the club, while the British players who have signed are Mark Richardson, Matthew Myers, Luke Piggott, Chris Jones and goaltender Ben Bowns.

The announcement that Lord would be Devils’ player-coach was welcomed by supporters and, in a Skype interview from his home in Canada, said: “I am extremely thankful for this opportunity and cannot begin to explain how excited I am to be a part of this new beginning in Devils hockey.

“Todd Kelman’s track record speaks for itself. He is a winner and a true professional. You could tell the impact he had on the Belfast organisation by the outpouring of thanks he received after his announced departure (from Giants).

“Neil Francis has been the heart and soul of Devils hockey for more than 20 years now, from player to bench coach. I started speaking with Franny more than five years ago when he began recruiting me to play for Cardiff.

“He is one of the most honest, hard-working people I’ve ever met and is what hockey is all about when it comes to integrity and treating people fairly. With such high professionalism from upper-management, players can be assured they will be treated fairly, without off-ice issues.

“In my time in Cardiff I have come to meet many of our fans, whose passion and excitement for the game is unbelievable. The city and hockey community we have in Cardiff deserves a first class hockey organisation.

“There have been difficult times recently for many involved and I’m asking for all of you to let go of your reservations, come together and get back behind your club. A new era truly has begun for the Cardiff Devils filled with excitement and opportunity to establish a winning tradition.

“When it comes to the on-ice product, fans can look forward to an extremely passionate hockey team.

“Cardiff Devils will be a very hard-working, up-tempo team who will be exciting to watch and hard for other teams to play against. My goal is to foster a new culture with our players, encouraging them to challenge themselves to improve on a daily basis and play their hearts out on game day.

“My ambition is to do everything I can to bring success, excitement and enjoyment back to the city and fans of Cardiff Devils.”

Close friends Culligan, 26, and Haddad, 25, will both be joining Lord’s team. Culligan was University of New Brunswick captain, playing in the same team as former Devils goalie Dan LaCosta, when they won the college championship.

He is a highly-rated skater and two-way player who is effective on draws and the penalty kill. He was called up by American League Texas Stars and then played for East Coast club Gwinnett Gladiators last season.

Haddad, too, was in the Gladiators’ team and is a versatile power forward who can play on top lines and operate on powerplay and penalty kill teams. He is a former team-mate of coach Lord at Wheeling Nailers.

Vipers’ Short Man Shocks Cents:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers’ short man shocks Cents

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: October 26, 2014

The Vernon Vipers’ powerplay is finally emerging from its early-season coma, but it has a ways to go to catch up to the offensive potency of their penalty kill.

The Snakes’ B.C. Hockey League-leading sixth shorthanded goal was the winner Friday night as they rallied past the Merritt Centennials 4-2 at Kal Tire Place.

Trevor Fidler, with is fourth goal of the season, went in on a shorthanded 2-on-1 with Anthony Latina. The Watertown, Mass. product finished with a slick top-shelf backhander to beat Anthony Pupplo for the 3-2 goal 7:22 into the third period.

“We’re just getting really good at it; we should play shorthanded from now on, I guess,” grinned netminder Jarrod Schamerhorn, who backed the Vipers with a 37-save, third star effort.

Vernon (7-4-0-1) leapfrogged both Merritt (7-5) and the Trail Smoke Eaters (7-4) into second place in the ultra-competitive Interior Division. They visited the league-leading Penticton Vees (11-1) Saturday night at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

The Vees pushed their win streak to eight games with a 3-2 overtime win over the host Prince George Spruce Kings Thursday night.

The Vipers looked sluggish in the first period, and the Cents cashed in with two unanswered goals. Trying to be too fancy on a clearance attempt, Vipers’ rookie d-man Mitchell Oliver giftwrapped a puck for Merritt’s John Schiavo, who surprised Schamerhorn with a quick five-hole strike at 5:52.

Schiavo, a Long Island, NY product, leads the Cents with eight goals. He was scouted by Merritt at the NHL New York Islanders’ rookie camp this summer.

“We started hard and were playing tough in the beginning, and then they came back at us in the second,” said Schiavo, who is loving the scenery around B.C.

“We had too many penalties tonight.”

With 2:13 to play in period one, James Neil (4th goal, powerplay) chipped the rebound off a point shot over a sprawled Schamerhorn, who made a nice first save with traffic on his doorstep.

Thrill-a-minute forward Thomas Aldworth (7th), pulled Vernon within a goal 4:33 into the middle frame on a tremendous solo effort. After Blaine Caton (first star) won a defensive zone faceoff, Aldworth banked the puck past Merritt’s point man, hustled up ice and then shovelled a backhander past Pupplo.

Aldworth, named second star, added an empty netter late in the final period for his eighth goal.

With veteran centre TJ Dumonceaux sidelined with a concussion, Caton made the most of his extra ice time at pivot, scoring his first-ever BCHL goal on a Vernon powerplay with eight seconds remaining in the second frame. Liam Coughlin circled off the sidewall and snapped a shot that trickled behind Pupplo (29 saves), and the 17-year-old Caton tapped it into an open net.

“You never want anyone to get hurt, but when you do get a chance to move up, you’ve got to show you belong there,” said Caton, who has spent most of the year on an all-rookie line with Jagger Williamson and Brandon Wagner.

“I had a little bit of a rough start to the year, just getting used to the speed and physicality of the bigger guys, but I really feel like I’ve come into my own the last couple of weeks.”

Merritt head coach Luke Pierce was disappointed his team was unable to close out the game against the undermanned Vipers.

“They’re down a few guys, they had just Kevin (assistant coach Kraus) on the bench there, and they worked hard and competed really well,” said Pierce.

“We had some control in the first period and they fought back and we didn’t respond well enough.

“It’s not so much about protecting a lead, it’s about playing a smart enough game. We gifted them two goals, which is frustrating because we played well in a lot of other areas.”

SNAKE BITES: Vernon netminder Danny Todosychuk (six games) and d-man D-men Ryley Booth (two) missed Friday’s tilt serving suspensions resulting from an Oct. 18 line brawl against the West Kelowna Warriors. D-man Brandon Egli (four games) and forward Riley Brandt (six games) are also suspended, but were allowed to play Friday as the Vipers are appealing those suspensions...Vipers’ assistant coach Eric Godard, who suffers from epilepsy, went into a seizure in the dressing room before Friday’s game. With head coach Mark Ferner suspended one game and watching from the press box, Kraus flew solo behind the Vernon bench...Call-up Tyler Chavez Leech, who plays with the KIJHL Revelstoke Grizzlies, had a solid debut. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Red Deer native hit a post, created a scoring chance after crushing a Merritt defender behind the net, and also drew a penalty...The Vipers also called up netminder Gunnar Neilson from Abbotsford’s Yale Hockey Academy...Vernon d-man Mitch Meek and Aldworth also hit the post Friday.

Penticton 1 Vernon 0

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

I was at tonight's Vipers-Vees game as Penticton defeated Vernon 1-0 in front of 2,614 fnas at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Jarrod Schamerhorn
Penticton: Hunter Miska

1st Period: The Vipers got off to a good start, got the puck in deep had good pressure in the opening few minutes.  Just two minutes into the game Johnny Coughlin's point shot got through traffic before Hunter Miska just got a peice of the puck with his glove making a big save in the opening minutes.  Two minutes later Anthony Latina lead a three on two Vernon attack but couldnt get the pass through after a solid defensive play Jarod Hilderman.  Two minutes later Josh Laframboise on a Penticton Vees two on one couldnt beat Jarrod Schamerhorn who come across the blue paint to make a big glove save off Laframboise.  Vernon looked very good in the first half carried the better of the play were outshooting the Vees 5-2 at one point.  Penticton would slowly get their legs going and come back with a strong forecheck, as the Vees seemed to get back into the contest.  Penticton with their best shift of the night had the Vipers hemmed in their own end for a few minutes.  As the game went on both teams looked very evenly matched with not alot of quality scoring chances.  Both teams played hard, went back and fourth kept even with one another most of the second half.  It was 0-0 after 20 minutes of play.  The Vipers with a good start on the road in a tough building played very well, carried the better of the play for atleast the first eight minutes or so before the Vees slowly got going, played a much better second half.  Not alot of scoring chances for either team.  Penticton outshot Vernon 13-12.

2nd Period: The Vees would get the games first powerplay of the evening, just fifty eight seconds into the middle frame.  Moving the puck at the blueline Penticton needed just seven seconds to capitalize to open the scoring.  Dante Fabbro with a screened shot from the point beat Schamerhorn glove side giving Penticton an early 1-0 lead at 1:05 Tyson Jost & Demico Hannoun with the assists.  This goal gave the Vees life and momentum as Penticton used this to their advantage.  The Vees kept coming and attacked the Viper defence with speed.  Penticton carried the play and lots of it for most of the 2nd period as the Vipers looked to be back on their heels couldnt recover after giving up the games first goal.  Just minutes after taking the lead, Penticton with a strong attack deep in the Vernon zone had the Viper defence standing still as the Vees looked to have the puck on a string at times.  Vernon had troubles getting through the neutral zone had just one shot in the first nine minutes.  Four and a half minutes into the frame Mitch Meek alone at the circle was robbed by Hunter Miska who stacked the pads making a huge save off the Vernon defenceman who couldnt get the puck up and over the Vees goaltender.  Just before the halfway mark Cam Ammantea on a wrap around couldnt beat Jarrod Schamerhorn as the Vees were pressuring.  Former Vipers forward Demico Hannoun lead a two on one rush kept and shot but couldnt beat Schamerhorn who made a big save.  Within a minute Cam Amantea went in all alone for the breakaway looked to beat the Viper goaltender but hit the crossbar on a great opportunity to put Pentictin up by two.  Vernon struggling was being outplayed couldnt contain the Vees attack.  Penticton would get their second powerplay of the night but with just one shot couldnt generate much as a strong Viper penalty kill would kill off the penalty.  Just over a minute later Vernon would get their first powerplay but struggle as the Vees would kill off the minor.  Penticton was up 1-0 after 40 minutes of play.  The Vees with a quick goal to open the period on the man advantage totally outplayed the Vipers this period.  Vernon back on their heels most of the frame couldnt get much of anything going had troubles containing the Penticton attack.  The Vees speed and skill really showed this period only managed one goal.  Shots were even at 9-9.

3rd Period: Vernon would start the final frame on the man advantage after the Vees took a penalty at the end of the 2nd period.  But shorthanded Mike Lee picked up the puck off a Trevor Fidler turnover at the blueline.  Lee and Demico Hannoun went in on a two on one, Lee tried getting the pass over to Hannoun who couldnt handle the puck on a close call for the Vipers.  Vernon would slow things down get some control on the PP but couldnt get pucks through as the Vees killed off the minor.  A long dump in caught Jarrod Schamerhorn by surprise as the puck handcuffed the Vernon goaltender going just wide of the net on a close play.  The Vipers would head right back to their second powerplay of the period.  With some good pressure Vernon still couldnt get pucks through as the Vees with a great job blocking shots, getting in the shooting lanes would kill off another penalty.  Luke Shiplo would take a slash to the hand/wrist and leave to the bench immediately, rushing to the tunnel Shiplo and the trainer were gone for atleast five minutes before the Viper d-man would return to the game.  The Vipers with a strong start to the period carried the play early and often as Penticton had just two shots in the first half of the period.  Vernon with all kinds of pressure couldnt get pucks through to the net.  Give Penticton credit, there defence was outstanding keeping the Vipers to the outside, blocked several shots really limited Vernon's scoring chances.  With about six and a half minutes to go Johnny Coughlin with a nice move inside the blueline got a quick backhand off from the circle couldnt beat Hunter Miska who made a nice save with bodies in front.  The Vipers with a strong forecheck were having all kinds of trouble creating opportunities.  Thomas Aldworth with the best opportunity of the night got inbehind the Penticton defence put a nice move in close couldnt beat Miska down low who come across the crease to make a huge pad save keeping this a one goal game with three and a half minutes remaining.  The Vees then shutdown the Viper attack in the final two minutes with a strong forecheck had Vernon hemmed deep in their own end, winding down the clock.  The Vees with a hard forecheck along the wall didnt allow Jarrod Schamerhorn a chance to get to the bench.  The Vipers would call a late timeout and finally get Schamerhorn to the bench with thirty seven seconds to go, the Vipers with one last rush got the puck in deep but were pinned along the side wall couldnt get the puck through and to the front of the net before the buzzer sounded as Penticton would hang on for a 1-0 victory.  Vernon opened the period with back to back powerplays but couldnt capitalize.  It was all Vipers as Vernon with a hard strong forecheck had the Vees in their own end for most of the period couldnt get pucks through to the front of the net.  Penticton who had just four shots all period were very solid on defence shutdown the Viper offence, limiting their chances.  The Vipers outshot the Vees 7-4.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Jagger Williamson I thought played very hard most of the night, really battled and competed all game.  Not one of the biggest kids but played big tonight.  Played with alot of energy tried generating some chances.

Trevor Fidler was another forward that I thought played very well in the loss.  Fidler worked and played hard, was battling all night along the wall and in front of the net.

Luke Voltin I thought was the Vipers most dangerous player, though not getting alot of scoring chances was most dangerous with the puck tonight.  Another kid who battled hard and competed.  Worked hard down low and in front of the net, tried creating and generating chances.

Johnny Coughlin for the second straight night played very well on the backend.  The Viper d-man was creative with the puck, made a few heads up plays tonight, was involved in the play at times looked good.

Jarrod Schamerhorn (26 saves) Only allowed the one goal, played well gave the Vipers a chance to win.  Made atleast two game savers tonight.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

Other then the 2nd period I really liked the Vipers game tonight.  I thought they had a great start, come out hard with a hard forecheck carried the play in the first half contained the Vees offensively at times and were very evenly matched in the second hlaf.  In the 2nd period the Vipers couldnt seem to recover after giving up the early powerplay goal.  Vernon was back on their heels and played in their own end for most of the period.  The Vipers had troubles containing the Vees speed and attack were lucky to only be down a goal after fourty minutes.  Vernon with a great 3rd period started with back to back powerplays couldnt capitalize.  I think this was the turning point.  Vernon needed a goal on one of these powerplays, to A tie the game and B get back into the game, get some momentum back on their side.  Give the Vipers credit, they didnt quit, they played and battled hard all third but couldnt create or generate any real good scoring chances.  The Vipers were forced to the outside, had troubles getting pucks to the net had maybe three good chances all period.  The Vipers with atleast three great opportunities, need to find more ways to score-create opportunities.  The Vipers need more scoring and finish around the net.  Other then the 2nd period I thought Vernon held their own vs the the Vees and were in tonight's game.  Give Vernon credit, they were without four regulars and played the best team in the league lost by a goal in a very hard fought game.  This could have easily been anyone's game as both teams are very evnely matched.

Top Players: (Penticton)

Mike Lee had a strong game on the Vees blueline, played well defensively and jumped up into the play shorthanded in the third couldnt setup Demico Hannoun on a two on one.

Matt Serratore I thought played very hard all night for the Vees, this kid seemed to be everywhere, battled and competed all night, was always involved in the play.

Jarod Hilderman also played well on the point for Penticton.

Cam Amantea with a breakaway and atleast two scoring chances was dangerous down low and in and around the net.  Very shifty with and without the puck was very good for the Vees.

Josh Laframboise I thought was the Vees best player tonight, really stood out for me.  Was very strong with the puck, hard to contain, knock off the puck and always ingaged in the play.  Seemed to be all over the ice tonight.

Hunter Miska (29 saves-Shutout) I dont think both goaltenders were overly worked having to make alot of big saves but Miska did make atleast three game savers tonight to hold the Vipers off the board, picking up the win and the shutout.

Game Thought's: (Penticton)

With the win the Penticton Vees have now won nine straight improve to 12-1 as Head Coach-GM Fred Harbinson picks up career win #300.  This could have easily been anyone's hockey game, both teams played hard wich made for a very entertaining game.  I thought the Vees got off to a bit of a slow start, didnt seem to have their legs going early were behind in the play at times couldnt get their offence going.  With very little puck possesion the Vees were outplayed in the first half but come back with a strong effort in the second half.  Both teams with not alot of scoring opportunities in the 1st were very evenly matched after the first eight-nine minutes.  It was all Penticton in the middle frame, that early PP goal by Dante Fabbro really injected the team with some life and momentum and the Vees really never looked back.  Penticton's speed and skill really showed in this period as the Vees had Vernon back on their heels for most of the period.  In the third the Vees had to start the frame killing off back to back penalties but give the Vees penalty kill credit for getting a two on one shorthanded rush and doing a great job at keeping Vernon's powerplay to the outside, limiting their shots and scoring chances.  The Vees defence was very solid, Hunter Miska saw most of Vernon's 29 shots as Penticton's Dee kept Vernon to the outside, blocked several shots, didnt give up alot of chances.  Penticton can be beat, it's not like they are blowing teams out they seem to find ways to win games like tonight 1-0.  Penticton is very good winning one goal games and shutting down the other teams offence-attack. 

Scratches:

Vernon:

Brandon Egli (Suspended)
Ryley Booth (Suspended)
TJ Dumonceaux (Injured)
Mackenzie Bauer (Injured)
Riley Brandt (Suspended)
Danny Todosychuk (Suspended)

Penticton:

Patrick Sexton
Liam Finlay

Energy player of the game:

Miles Gendron

Three Stars:

1st Star: Hunter Miska (29 saves-Shutout)
2nd Star: Dante Fabbro (1 goal)
3rd Star: Trevor Fidler

BCHL Boxscore,

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1358184&link=bchl

Fraser Rodger's Penticton Vees Blog,

http://pentictonvees.wordpress.com/

Game Preview: Vernon @ Penticton:

Vernon (7-4-0-1) @ Penticton (11-1-0-0) 6pm

Tonight is the second of seven regular season meetings between the Vernon Vipers & Penticton Vees.  Penticton defeated Vernon 3-1 on the 17th in Vernon lead the season series 1-0.  You can listen to tonight's game live with Graham Turnbull starting with the pre-game show at 5:45pm on 107.5 Kiss FM.

Last Game:

Friday, October 24th Vernon defeated Merritt 4-2
Thursday, October 23rd Penticton defeated Prince george 3-2 in overtime

Next Game:

Saturday, November 1st Merritt @ Vernon
Sunday, October 26th Penticton @ Salmon Arm

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 405-223-20-18

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 222-92-11-10 at home

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 183-121-9-8 on the road

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 38-31-2-6 vs. Penticton

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Penticton 232-225

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 20-12-1-1 at home vs. Penticton

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

Vernon is 2-6-0-2 in their last ten visits to Penticton

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

The Vipers are 4-5-0-1 in their last ten games vs. Penticton

Vernon's last win at home vs Penticton was a 4-3 victory on Saturday, February 22nd 2014

Penticton's last win at the Kal Tire Place was a 3-1 victory on Friday, October 17th 2014

Vernon's last win at the South Okanagan Events Centre was a 2-1 victory on Friday, February 14th 2014

Penticton's last win at home vs Vernon was a 5-2 victory on Wednesday, November 20th 2013

The Vipers went 3-3-0-1 vs Penticton last season

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The defending Interior Division Champion Vernon Vipers are coming off a 4-2 win over the visiting Merritt Centennials Friday.  Vernon sits in 2nd Place is seven points back of the Vees are a single point up on Trail, Merritt & Salmon Arm.  The Vipers have won back to back games and five of their last six.  Vernon is 3-1 away from home saw it's only loss in Merritt a 4-0 loss on October 3rd.  These same two teams will meet again in Vernon on November 14th.

Thomas Aldworth (8-3-11) leads the Vipers in goals with eight and in points with eleven

Graham Turnbull's Vernon Vipers Venom Blog,

http://vipersvenom1.blogspot.ca/

Vernon Vipers 2014-15 Regular Season Stats:

Games Played: 13
Wins: 7
Losses: 4
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 1
Home Record: 4-3-0-1
Road Record: 3-1-0-0
Overtime Record: 1-1
Record vs Interior Division: 4-3-0-0
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 3-1-0-1
Record in September: 2-2-0-1
Record in October: 5-2-0-0
When the Vipers score first: 4-0-0-1
When the opponents score first: 3-4-0-0
Leading after 1st Period: 2-0-0-1
Tied after 1st Period: 2-0-0-0
Trailing after 1st Period: 3-4-0-0
Leading after 2nd Period: 3-0-0-1
Tied after 2nd Period: 3-0-0-0
Trailing after 2nd Period: 1-4-0-0
Out shooting Opponents: 6-3-0-0
Out shot by Opponents: 1-1-0-1
One goal games: 3-0-0-1
Goals For: 36
Goals Against: 37
Place: 2nd Place
Streak: Two game winning streak

Vernon has the leagues 16th best powerplay

The Vipers have the leagues 7th best penalty kill

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

TJ Dumonceaux (94)
Danny Todosychuk (94)
Riley Guenther (94)
Kenny Citron (95)
Liam Coughlin (94)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Dexter Dancs (95)
Michael McNicholas (94)
Brett Mulcahy (93)
Demico Hannoun (95)
Jared Wilson (94)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Mason Blacklock (94)
Josh Bryan (93)
Brendan Persley (93)
Logan Mick (96)
Ryan Renz (93)
Michael Statchuk (94)
Tyler Povelofskie (96)
Matty Saharchuk (95)
Austin Smith (93)
Dylan Chanter (95)

Vernon’s Home record vs Penticton this season:

0-1-0-0

Vernon’s Road record vs Penticton this season:

0-0-0-0

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs Penticton this season:

Liam Coughlin (0-1-1)
TJ Dumonceaux (0-1-1)
Thomas Aldworth (1-0-1)

Jarrod Schamerhorn (0-1 Record)

Lets take a look at the Penticton Vees:

The defending Interior Division Pennant Winning Penticton Vees are coming off a 3-2 overtime win in Prince George Thursday have won eight straight and sit atop the BCHL standings at 11-1.  Penticton's lone loss of the season was a 5-0 loss in Merritt on September 27th.  Fred Harbinson is looking for career win #300 as Head Coach-GM of the Penticton Vees.  The Vees took the opening game of this series after a 3-1 win in Vernon last weekend.  Penticton has given up the least amount of goals this season with 24.  The Vees are undefeated at home with a 5-0 record.  Tonight is the first of two games this weekend as Penticton travels to Salmon Arm tomorrow afternoon.  Hunter Miska is second in the league with a 9-1 record and a 1.81 GAA 

Demico Hannoun played 47 games in Vernon last season collecting (15-29-44) in his only season with the Vipers before being traded to Surrey in the off season. Hannoun is third in team scoring with ten points (8-5-13).

Demico Hannoun (8-5-13) leads the Vees in goals with eight, while Tyson Jost (7-8-15) leads the team in points with fifteen.

Fraser Rodgers Three Vees blog,

http://pentictonvees.wordpress.com/

Penticton Vees 2014-15 Regular Season Stats:

Games Played: 12
Wins: 11
Losses: 1
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 0
Home Record: 5-0-0-0
Road Record: 6-1-0-0
Goals For: 47
Goals Against: 24
Place: 1st Place (Overall)
Streak: Eight game winning streak

Penticton has the leagues 14th best powerplay

The Vees have the leagues 9th best penalty kill

Penticton Vees Returning Players:

Riley Alferd (95)
Steen Cooper (95)
Cody DePourcq (95)
Jarod Hilderman (97)
Jack Ramsey (95)
Matthew Serratore (94)
Patrick Sexton (94)
Hunter Miska (95)

Penticton Vees Departing & traded players from last years team:

Brad McClure (93)
Brett Beauvais (94)
Nicolas Pierog (93)
Ben Dalpe (94)
Max Coatta (94)
Travis Blanleil (94)
Erik Benoit (93)
Paul Stoykewych (95)
Cam Amantea (94)
Alexandre Coulombe (95)
Shane McColgan (93)
Christopher Rygus (93)
Josh Blanchard (96)
Olivier Mantha (93)

Penticton’s Home record vs. Vernon this season:

0-0-0-0

Penticton’s Road record vs. Vernon this season:

1-0-0-0

Penticton’s scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Demico Hannoun (2-0-2)
Dante Fabbro (0-2-2)
Patrick Newell (0-1-1)
Matthew Serratore (1-0-1)
Tyson Jost (0-1-1)
Lewis-Zerter Gossage (0-1-1)
Riley Alfred (0-1-1)

Hunter Miska (1-0 Record)

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon Vipers:

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

Penticton Vees:

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

Vernon 4 Merritt 2

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-Centennials game as Vernon defeated Merritt 4-2 in front of 2,075 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Jarrod Schamerhorn
Merritt: Anthony Pupplo

1st Period: The Vipers come out with a hard working forecheck off the opening faceoff, had the Cents hemmed in their own end.  Moving the puck around down low the Vipers setup Blaine Caton in front about a minute and a half into the game but couldnt beat Anthony Pupplo on a good scoring chance early for Vernon.  The Centennials would open the scoring fairly early off a Viper turnover deep in the defensive zone.  Merritt's leading scorer John Schiavo beat Jarrod Schamerhorn fivehole from the slot put the Cents up 1-0 at 5:52 Schiavo's goal was unassisted on a goal I think Schamerhorn would like back.  Less then two minutes later Tyler Chavez Leech making his Viper debut tonight come very close to tying the game but hit the post.  On the next shift Vernon would get the games first powerplay.  The Vipers struggled with the man advantage couldnt tie the game as Merritt killed off the minor.  With just over eight minutes remaining the Vipers come close to tying the game again.  A Vernon shot hit someone on it's way to the net as the puck was loose in the crease before a mad scramble the Vipers were unable to catch Anthony Pupplo out of position as the Centennials caught a break clearing the puck from harms way.  Vernon carried the better of the play, didnt get alot of scoring chances had the flow in play.  The Cents did get a few hard working shifts in the offensive zone didnt generate much offence in the opening period.  The Vipers would get their second powerplay of the evening that only lasted a minute long before Vernon would get called for their first penalty.  Both teams played four on four before Merritt would get a late powerplay, their first of the game.  With seconds remaining on the man advantage John Schiavo was stopped by Jarrod Schamerhorn before James Neil jumped on the rebound giving the Centennials a 2-0 lead at 17:47 Schiavo & Gavin Gould collected the helpers.  It was 2-0 Merritt after 20 minutes of play.  I thought the Vipers carried the better of the play but were down two goals.  Vernon didnt get alot of scoring chances had good sustained pressure on the Cents defence.  Merritt didnt see alot of action in the Vipers zone, capitalized on their chances.  The Cents with very few if any scoring chances other then the two goals.  Vernon with a good opening period played very well.  The Vipers outshot the Centennials 13-9.

2nd Period: The Cents with a hard working shift got off to a good start.  Merritt with a strong opening few minutes put all kinds of pressure on the Vipers getting lots of pucks to the net early.  Centennials captain Sam Johnson with a quick shot from the point forced Vipers starting goaltender Jarrod Schamerhorn to make a quick glove save keeping this a two goal game.  Vernon would get on the board in the opening minutes getting within a goal after some hard work by Thomas Aldworth.  Aldworth was able to hold onto the puck and fight off a Merritt defender on the way to the net on a parcial breakaway before beating Centennials Starting goaltender Anthony Pupplo at 4:33 Blaine Caton with the assist.  Just less then a minute later Vernon would get their third powerplay.  Johnn Coughlin with a shot from the point couldnt beat the quick glove of Pupplo.  Coughlin would later get another opportunity couldnt beat the Merritt goaltender with a backhand in close as the Cents would kill off the minor.  The Centennials carried the play early and often as it was all Merritt in the second frame.  Diego Cuglietta & Michael Ederer went in on a odd man rush, Cuglietta couldnt get past Luke Shiplo who made a nice defensive play to break up the Cents rush.  Jarrod Schamerhorn looked to be fighting the puck early got into a grove as the game went on and was very good in the 2nd period.  The Viper goaltender made several key saves in the second period keeping Vernon in the contest.  Brandon Duhaime was stopped twice by Schamerhorn.  The Vipers having all kinds of troubles coming out of their own end looked very sluggish in a very scrambled period.  Vernon had troubles passing, breaking out looked very disorganized.  The Centennials on the other hand were playing with alot of jump, forcing the Vipers into turnovers, coughing up the puck and making mistakes.  The Cents who were really skating hard, were forcing the issue this period with a good push.  Liam Coughlin alone in the slot looked to take an extra stride instead of shooting managed to get off a shot from the slot was stopped by Pupplo.  The Vipers would get three straight powerplays to finish the period and struggled.  Vernon's offence just couldnt get anything going this period, were unable to get a single shot on one PP.  The Centennials were able to kill off the first two and with a minute left Jagger Williamson had a great chance to tie the game somehow couldnt hit the open net on a wrap around.  The Vipers would get a late powerplay in the final minute and capitalize with seconds to go.  Blaine Caton with his first career BCHL goal on a goal mouth scramble tied the game at two at 19:51 Liam Coughlin with the assist.  It was tied 2-2 after 40 minutes of play.  Merritt come out hard and played very well getting several good opportunities.  The Cents with a real aggresive forecheck were strong on the puck, won most of the battles and forced Vernon into several turnovers-coughing up the puck.  Jarrod Schamerhorn was very good between the pipes for the Vipers keeping his club in the game.  Vernon looked sluggish, didnt seem to have any jump, looked slow, wernt skating, couldnt breakout of their own end and had all kinds of troubles with the puck.  The Vipers were very lucky Merritt was up by two or three goals.  Merritt outshot Vernon 14-12.

3rd Period:  The Vipers come very close to taking their first lead of the night.  Trevor Fidler somehow missed a wide open cage thirty something seconds into the period on a missed opportunity.  Merritt would get an early powerplay but it was the Vipers who looked dangerous.  Anthony Latina setup Trevor Fidler on a two on one gave Vernon a 3-2 lead at 7:42 Latina & Luke Shiplo collected the helpers.  With the Cents still on the PP Thomas Aldworth setup Liam Coughlin shorthanded who missed an open net on a tap in as the puck just went wide of the goal as the crowd was now into the game and buzzing.  The Vipers with a very strong penalty kill would kill off the penalty.  Just as the penalty expired Thomas Aldworth come down the left wing beat Anthony Pupplo but rang his shot off the crossbar.  Vernon starting to come on gained a ton of momentum after grabbing the lead with a shorthanded goal were really buzzing at this point.  The Vipers now skating hard, were playing with a ton of jump and energy.  Riley Brandt who is appealing his suspension was in the lineup this evening went hard into the end boards after losing an edge had a heck of a period.  Schamerhorn made a nice save off Gavin Gould as the Vipers were carrying the better of the play.  With just over six minutes to go Devin Oakes looked to have Jarrod Schamerhorn beat but somehow missed the top corner of the open net on a great opportunity by Merritt.  On the following shift Vernon would get a late powerplay but unable to put the game away.  With just over three minutes remaining Michael Ederer looked to have tied the game but again the Centennials missed a wide open net as the Vipers caught a huge break.  Merritt come on strong late and in the final minutes poured on the pressure had the Vipers hemmed in their own zone couldnt get any quality opportunities but had the Vernon defence in a bit of panic.  The Centennials would get Anthony Pupplo to the bench for the extra attacker before Liam Coughlin cleared the zone, a huge effort by Thomas Aldworth won the race for the loose puck tuck the puck in and around into the back of the open cage giving Vernon a 4-2 lead at 19:26 sealing the victory for Vernon.  At the buzzer both teams started pushing and shoving before the scrum was broken up as Vernon knocked off Merritt 4-2.  The Vipers with a huge rebound period, responded well after a not so good 2nd period.  Vernon with lots of good chances scored twice for the come from behind win.  Vernon was really skating, looked to have a ton of more energy in the 3rd looked very good.  I thought the Vipers had the better of the play and the better scoring opportunities.  Merritt played hard just didnt have alot of time with the puck.  The Cents with two open nets late missed two good opportunities to tie the game.  The Centennials with a ton of pressure in the final minutes had the Vipers back on their heels couldnt hit the net but come close on a few plays.  Vernon outshot Merritt 12-11.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Mitch Meek I thought had a very strong game on the Vipers blueline.  Meek played very well at both ends of the rink.

The Vipers #1 line of Liam Coughlin (2 assists), Thomas Aldworth (2 goals) & Blaine Caton (1 goal) was Vernon's best line.  How many chances does Liam Coughlin have to get before this kid can find the back of the net.  Coughlin with several good chances has had troubles finding the back of the net early in the season.  Picked up two assists played very well.  I thought Blaine Caton played his best game of the season, in a game where he really stood out.  Caton whos dad played goal for the Vernon Lakers was very strong up front, competed, battled hard for the puck and was always in and around the net.  Scoring his first career BCHL goal was very impressive.  Thomas Aldworth also looked very good on this line.  Aldworth is by far the Vipers best player and it showed again tonight, this kid is super strong with and without the puck, a strong skater, is very hard to knock off the puck and hard to contain.  Aldworth is very exciting to watch.

Luke Shiplo (1 assist) I thought played very well on the backend.  Made a strong defensive play in the 2nd period to break up a Centennials odd man rush.

Luke Voltin didnt stand out much in the opening period but got better as the game went on.  I thought Voltin played very well as the game went on.

Riley Brandt was another kid who didnt stand out much in the 1st period had a very strong third.  Brandt didnt stop working-skating played with a ton of energy and jump.  This kid is fearless, never backs down, added alot of energy to the Vipers lineup.

Johnny Coughlin I thought had a good game.  Come up with a few scoring chances of his own couldnt get his first goal of the season.

Jarrod Schamerhorn (37 saves) Picks up his first win vs his former team.  I thought Schamerhorn was fighting the puck, didnt look comfortable in the 1st period and early in the 2nd but as the game went on the Vipers goaltender got better and kept the Vipers in the game in the middle frame.  Making several key saves in the 2nd period Schamerhorn was very solid.  May have gotten a little luck here and there but played well.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

I thought Vernon played very well for fourty minutes in a hard fought come from behind win.  The Vipers without Ryley Booth, Danny Todosychuk and Mark Ferner have now won five of their last six games and playing very well as of late.  I thought the Vipers looked very good in the opening period were down 2-0 but deserved a better fate.  Vernon carried the better of the play for most of the 1st and 3rd periods.  I thought Vernon struggled breaking out of their own end, turned over the puck on several occasions, had troubles in their own end most of the night.  The Vipers passing and breakout didnt look good, seemed like everyone was bunching up together all at once causing turnovers-coughing up the puck.  The Vipers were very lucky they werent down a few goals after the 2nd period, but got lucky scored the only two goals of the period to be tied heading into the 3rd.  Again the Vipers dont seem to have the finish around the net, missing on some great opportunities tonight.  I really liked the responce from Vernon after a lack luster performance in the 2nd period.  The Vipers come to play in the third, come with a ton of energy really skated hard generated lots of scoring chances could have put this game away earlier.  I really like Vernon's aggresive play on the penalty kill, the Vipers are very dangerous shorthanded.  The Vipers really need some work on the PP, going 1-6 could have easily put this game away earlier.  With the win the Vipers climb into 2nd Place one point up on Trail, Merritt & Salmon Arm.  This was a huge come from behind win wich always builds confidence.

Top Players: (Merritt)

Diego Cuglietta had a strong game up front for the Centennials.  Played with alot of jump/energy was always involved in the play.  A quick skater moves the puck well, really sees the ice, created and generated some opportunities.

John Schiavo (1 goal & 1 assist) Was another Merritt player who looked good.  The Cents leading scorer always seemed to be in and around the net fighting-looking for loose pucks.

Sam Johnson Played very well for the Centennials.  Another player involved in the play, had a few scoring chances.

Brandon Duhaime I thought was Merritt's best player tonight, had some good chances was really skating, is good with the puck makes things happen in a hurry.

Josh Teves I thought played well on the backend.

Anthony Pupplo (29 saves) Gave his team a chance to win, was steady between the pipes.  Also may have got a little lucky on one or two plays but played well.

Game Thought's: (Merritt)

The Cents two game winning streak was snapped after a 4-2 loss tonight.  Luke Pierce wont be happy after blowing a two goal lead in a pretty exciting-entertaining hockey game.  Both teams made mistakes, missed open nets in a game that could have easily gone the other way with Merritt coming away with the victory.  The Centennials are a very quick puck moving team, this team never quits skating, has a good strong forecheck, really gets on top of you, dont give you alot of time & space.  Merritt plays a in your face style of game, won alot of the battles down low especially in the 2nd period really limiting your chances by getting a stick in the way or a body to break up alot of scoring opportunities.  If Merritt gets a goal early in the middle fram this may be a different hockey game, up three goals and Im not sure if Vernon can rally for the comeback.  The Centennials needed a goal or two in that 2nd period to put the game away.  These two teams will meet again in Vernon next Saturday.  The season series is now toed 1-1.  Penticton Vees Head Coach-GM Fred Harbinson was at tonight's game. 

Scratches:

Vernon:

Danny Todosychuk (Suspended)
Ryley Booth (Suspended)
TJ Dumonceaux (Injured)
Mackenzie Bauer
Mark Ferner (Suspended)
Eric Godard

Merritt:

Tyrell Buckley
Adam Tracey
Braden Fuller

Energy player of the game:

Linden Hora

Three Stars:

1st Star: Blaine Caton (1 goal)
2nd Star: Thomas Aldworth (2 goals)
3rd Star: Jarrod Schamerhorn (37 saves)

BCHL Boxscore,

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1358178&link=bchl

Game Preview: Merritt @ Vernon:

Merritt (7-4-0-0) @ Vernon (6-4-0-1) 7pm

Tonight is the second of six meetings between the Vernon Vipers & Merritt Centennials. The Centennials took the first game of the season 4-0 in Merritt on October 3rd.

Last Game:

Saturday, October 18th Vernon defeated West Kelowna 7-4
Sunday, October 19th Merritt defeated Victoria 4-3 in overtime

Next Game:

Saturday, October 25th Vernon @ Penticton
Saturday, October 25th Powell River @ Merritt

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 404-223-20-18

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 221-92-11-10 at home

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 183-121-9-8 on the road

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon is 53-17-3-8 vs. Merritt

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon has outscored Merritt 310-203

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

Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 23-8-2-5 in Merritt

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

The Vipers are 2-5-2-1 in their last ten games on the road vs. the Centennials

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

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

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

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

The Centennials last win at home over Vernon was a 4-0 victory on Friday, October 3rd 2014

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

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The defending Interior Division Conference Champion Vernon Vipers are coming off a 7-4 win in West Kelowna Saturday.  Vernon has won four of their last five games.  The Vipers will have four players out of the lineup as well as Mark Ferner tonight due to the suspensions from Saturday's game.  Danny Todosychuk, Riley Brandt, Ryley Booth and Brandon Egli are all suspended after a line brawl broke out at the end of the Vipers-Warriors game.  The Vipers sit in 3rd place one point back of Trail/Merritt who are both tied for 2nd in the Interior.  Vernon is one point up on Salmon Arm and two points up on West Kelowna.  The Vipers have lost two straight games to Merritt going back to last season fell 4-0 in Merritt three weeks ago.  These same two teams will meet again November 1st in Vernon. 

Anthony Latina (6-4-10) & Thomas Aldworth (6-3-9) share the team lead the in goals with six each while Latina leads the Vipers in points with ten

-Vipers goaltender Jarrod Schamerhorn played eight games with the Cents last season

Graham Turnbull's Vernon Vipers Venom Blog

http://vipersvenom1.blogspot.ca/

Vernon Vipers 2014-15 Regular Season Stats:

Games Played: 11
Wins: 6
Losses: 4
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 1
Home Record: 3-3-0-1
Road Record: 3-1-0-0
Overtime Record: 1-1
Record vs Interior Division: 3-3-0-0
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 3-1-0-1
Record in September: 2-2-0-1
Record in October: 4-2-0-0
When the Vipers score first: 4-0-0-1
When the opponents score first: 2-4-0-0
Leading after 1st Period: 2-0-0-1
Tied after 1st Period: 2-0-0-0
Trailing after 1st Period: 2-4-0-0
Leading after 2nd Period: 3-0-0-1
Tied after 2nd Period: 2-0-0-0
Trailing after 2nd Period: 1-4-0-0
Out shooting Opponents: 6-3-0-0
Out shot by Opponents: 0-1-0-1
One goal games: 3-0-0-1
Goals For: 32
Goals Against: 35
Place: 4th Place
Streak: One game winning streak

-Vernon has the leagues 16th best powerplay

-The Vipers have the leagues 6th best penalty kill

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

TJ Dumonceaux (94)
Danny Todosychuk (94)
Riley Guenther (94)
Kenny Citron (95)
Liam Coughlin (94)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Dexter Dancs (95)
Michael McNicholas (94)
Brett Mulcahy (93)
Demico Hannoun (95)
Jared Wilson (94)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Mason Blacklock (94)
Josh Bryan (93)
Brendan Persley (93)
Logan Mick (96)
Ryan Renz (93)
Michael Statchuk (94)
Tyler Povelofskie (96)
Matty Saharchuk (95)
Austin Smith (93)
Dylan Chanter (95)

Vernon’s Home record vs. Merritt this season:

0-0-0-0

Vernon’s Road record vs. Merritt this season:

0-1-0-0

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Merritt this season:

Shutout in last meeting

Jarrod Schamerhorn (0-1 Record)

Lets take a look at the Merritt Centennials:

The Merritt Centennials are coming off a 4-3 overtime victory over the visiting Victoria Grizzlies Sunday.  The Centennials make their first of four visits to Kal Tire Place this season.  The Centennials are tied for 2nd place with Trail are eight points back of Division leading Penticton and are a single point up on 3rd place Vernon.  Tonight is the Cents first of two games played in Vernon within a week as Merritt plays in Vernon next weekend.  Merritt has won back to back games, both in overtime have won just twice in their last five games.  The Centennials have lost two straight on the road are unbeaten in their last four games vs Vernon.

John Schiavo (7-3-10) leads the Centennials in goals with seven while Gavin Gould (4-8-12) leads the team lead in points with twelve

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

Merritt Centennials 2014-15 Regular Season Stats:

Games Played: 11
Wins: 7
Losses: 4
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 0
Home Record: 5-1-0-0
Road Record: 2-3-0-0
Goals For: 35
Goals Against: 32
Place: 2nd Place (Tied with Trail)
Streak: Two game winning streak

-The Centennials have the leagues 10th best powerplay

-Merritt has the league's 14th best penalty kill

Merritt Centennials Returning Players:

Shane Poulsen (94)
Diego Cuglietta (95)
Gavin Gould (96)
Sam Johnson (94)
James Neil (95)
Jake Clifford (94)
Daniel Nachbaur (95)
Adam Tracey (95)
Rhett Willcox (96)
Malik Kaila (96)
Devin Oakes (95)

Merritt Centennials Departing & traded players from last years team:

Scott Patterson (93)
Jeff Wight (95)
Sebastien Pare (93)
Jason Bird (93)
Payton Schaefer (93)
Tyler Martin (93)
Dane Birks (95)
Zach Hartley (95)
Wayland Williams (94)
Devin Kero (94)
Jarrod Schamerhorn (95)

Merritt's Home record vs. Vernon this season:

1-0-0-0

Merritt's Road record vs. Vernon this season:

0-0-0-0

Merritt's scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Josh Teves (0-3-3)
Gavin Gould (1-2-3)
John Schiavo (1-1-2)
Michael Ederer (0-1-1)
James Neil (1-0-1)
Devin Oakes (0-1-1)
Braden Fuller (1-0-1)

Jonah Imoo (1-0 Record-1 Shutout)

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon Vipers:

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

Merritt Centennials:

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

Vipers Shorthanded After Line Brawl Suspensions:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers shorthanded after line brawl suspensions

Published: October 24, 2014

It was a B.C. Hockey League game that was well in hand that got really out of hand.

The Vernon Vipers were happy with their 7-4 win over the host West Kelowna Warriors Saturday night at Royal LePage Place, but they were on the losing side when it came to suspensions resulting from a late-game line brawl.

Both Viper netminder Danny Todosychuk and forward Riley Brandt were each handed six games, while d-men Brandon Egli and Ryley Booth earned four and two games, respectively. For the Warriors, forwards Brett Mennear and Kade Kehoe each received four-game suspensions, and d-man Kyle Marino will sit two.

Vernon head coach Mark Ferner and West Kelowna bench boss Rylan Ferster will each sit a game as well.

The suspensions were based on guidelines in the Junior A Supplement, and both clubs are appealing the decision. The matter was still in front of a BCHL appeals committee at The Morning Star’s Thursday afternoon press deadline.

“It’s disappointing; six seconds left and we’re shorthanded and we had guys out there who weren’t looking to start anything,” said Ferner.

“We’re going to try to change what’s been handed down, but it might be tough.”

Vernon, fourth in the Interior at 6-4-0-1, has been forced to call up four players, including a goalie, for tonight’s tilt against the third-place Merritt Centennials (7-4) at Kal Tire Place. The Snakes visit the first-place Penticton Vees (10-1) Saturday at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

“With the suspension, it really puts us shorthanded and we’re going to have to find some bodies to come up and play for us.”

The suspensions came at a time when the Vipers were starting to string together some solid performances. Ferner said it will be up to his players to keep the momentum going.

“It’s a good opportunity for some young kids,” he said. “That’s important and they need to take advantage of it.

“The camaraderie is getting good. It’s just a matter of letting them grow.”

n Ferner is dealing with a distraction on another front as Cory Clouston, head coach of the WHL Prince Albert Raiders, has alleged that Ferner told forward Colton McCarthy to leave the Raiders in order to join the Vipers.

“If that happens in our league, it’s tampering,” Clouston told PA Now’s Jeff D’Andrea.

McCarthy has been suspended by the Raiders and has since returned home to Salmon Arm.

Ferner denied any wrongdoing, adding he approached Raiders’ GM Bruno Campese about McCarthy only after he had left the team.

“I assured Bruno that I didn’t speak with the boy,” said Ferner. “There’s a lot of misunderstanding with what happened.”

The BCHL is not investigating the matter.

SNAKE BITES: Ex-Viper Craig Martin pocketed two goals and an assist as the host Trial Smoke Eaters grounded the Salmon Arm Silverbacks 4-1 Wednesday night...Forward TJ Dumonceaux will miss weekend action due to injury.