Sunday, November 30, 2014

Late Rally Lifts Vipers Past Silverbacks:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Late rally lifts Vipers past Silverbacks

By Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star

Published: November 29, 2014

It’s a good thing hockey games are 60 minutes long.

Down 5-3 in the home of their arch-rival, the Vernon Vipers appeared headed for a dismal B.C. Hockey League road defeat Friday night in Salmon Arm.

But spurred by a goaltending change, and an offensive-minded defenceman, the Vipers scored four times in the game’s final five minutes to steal a 7-5 victory over the Silverbacks in front of 990 fans at the Shaw Centre.

The Vipers entertained the Trail Smoke Eaters Saturday at Kal Tire Place.

“It was good for our guys to battle back and take away a two-goal lead for Salmon Arm in those last five minutes,” said Vipers assistant coach Kevin Kraus, handling the head coaching duties with Mark Ferner away dealing with the death of his brother.

“But I don’t think we played very well. Our defensive zone was a bit of a scramble, we were making a bunch of awkward plays. At the end of the day, though, we won. We got two points.”

With the teams tied 3-3 after 40 minutes, Taro Hirose broke the deadlock 82 seconds into the final frame on a powerplay for the Silverbacks, who then padded the lead two minutes later on a marker from Ross Heidt.

It was then that Kraus made a goaltending change, pulling starter Danny Todosychuk in favour of Jarrod Schamerhorn.

“I just felt like we weren’t playing well in front of Danny. I don’t think they were playing hard and were hanging him out to dry, so I felt bad for Danny and made the change,” said Krause. “It kind of sparked our guys, and Jarrod made a couple of nice saves to keep us in it.”

With a division defeat looming, defenceman Mitch Meek would score twice at 14:26 on a powerplay and at 16:14 – his sixth and seventh goals of the year, tops among Vernon blueliners – to tie up the contest.

Jagger Williamson popped in the game-winner 1:21 later at 17:35, his third goal of the year, before TJ Dumonceaux sealed the victory with an empty-netter at 19:42.

“They turned it over just inside the blueline, Johnny (Coughlin) grabbed it and I knew he was going to shoot so I went to the side goalie,” said Williamson of his game-winner. “The rebound came right to me and I put it in the open net.

“Mitch’s goals were huge. That gave us confidence and got us rolling to a big win and a big two points.”

The victory, combined with a West Kelowna Warriors’ 3-1 loss in Trail Friday, moved the Vipers into sole possession of second place in the Interior Division, and stretched the team’s winning streak to four games.

Vernon (15-7-1-2) has 33 points, two more than West Kelowna. The Penticton Vees, 6-0 winners in Langley Friday, are 14 points up on the Vipers at 23-3-0-1.

The Silverbacks, losers of five straight, opened the scoring Friday just 48 seconds into the game on a goal by Bryden Marsh.

Liam Finlay equalized with his 11th of the year 19 seconds into the middle frame, and Liam Coughlin (11th) gave Vernon a 2-1 lead at 12:45.

Colton McCarthy (fourth) sandwiched a goal between Salmon Arm markers from Josh Blanchard and Joshua Laframboise.

The teams combined for 90 shots, 45 each.

“There wasn’t too much defence played by either team,” said Krause. “We can’t be playing that way every night and expect to win hockey games in this division.”

SNAKE BITES: Finlay is among 25 BCHL players invited to the Team Canada West selection camp for the 2014 World Junior A Challenge Dec. 14 to 20 in Kindersley, Sask. The selection camp runs Dec. 9 to 11 in Calgary. Former Viper Demico Hannoun is one of five Penticton Vees invited to the camp. Former Viper Luke Pierce, head coach of the Merritt Centennials, is an assistant coach with Canada West...Former Viper Dallas Calvin scored into an empty net Friday as the Smoke Eaters beat the West Kelowna Warriors 3-1. Trail sits in fifth place in the Interior Division, two points ahead of Salmon Arm and four back of the Warriors...Vernon’s Jordan Burns had 1+1 as the Powell River Kings thumped the visiting Cowichan Valley Capitals 6-1 on the Sunshine Coast Friday.

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Vernon 5 Trail 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-Smoke Eaters game as Vernon defeated Trail 5-2 in front of 1,699 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Jarrod Schamerhorn
Trail: Brett Clark

Before tonight's game Vipers forward TJ Dumonceaux presented his father with one of his own framed Vipers jerseys as well as a cheaque for over $5000 wich will be doanted for mens prostate cancer awareness.  TJ raised the money himself.

1st Period: The Smoke Eaters had some early energy off the opening puck drop had a bit of jump over Vernon who was a little slow off the draw.  The Vipers would get the games first powerplay early but with not alot of pressure didnt record a shot with the man advantage as the Smokies were able to kill off the penalty.  Riley Brandt tried adding some spark to the Viper lineup was throwing his weight around early as Vernon was having trouble getting pucks to the net.  The play looked very scrambed at times early as the Vipers needed eight minutes before they would get their first shot on goal.  A minute later Liam Finlay with a burst of speed setup Luke Voltin on a two on one as Voltin's shot beat Brett Clark graizing the crossbar on the Vipers first good opportunity.  On the same shift the Smokies come right back the other but it was Jarrod Schamerhorn making a big save off Kienan Scott who was one on one with Brandon Egli got around the Vernon defenceman before going in for a parcial breakaway couldnt beat Schamerhorn in close.  Two great opportunities at both ends of the rink.  On the following play Thomas Aldworth with a low shot from inside the slot just missed the far corner before Trail would get their first powerplay.  The Smoke Eaters would get a few looks at the net but Vernon was able to kill off the minor before Brandon Egli with a long stretch pass setup TJ Dumonceaux who went in for the breakaway beat Clark high glove giving the Vipers a 1-0 lead at 12:32 Egli with the assist.  As the period went on the Vipers slowly picked up their game and took over the edge in play.  With just over five minutes remaining Paulsen Lautard was robbed by Jarrod Schamerhorn who come across the crease to make a huge pad save off the Smoke Eaters forward on a Trail two on one.  Lautard went hard into the boards was slow to get up needed attention on the Trail bench and didnt see much to very little ice time through out the remainder of the contest.  With three minutes to go Vernon Product Harlon Orr with a great scoring play couldnt beat Schamerhorn in close.  Vernon was up 1-0 after 20 minutes of play.  The Vipers didnt get off to a quick start, were a little slow off the opening draw.  Trail on the other hand had a little more jump and energy then Vernon as the Vipers needed eight minutes to record their first shot of the period.  Both hockey clubs with some real good chances were both working hard.  I thought the Smokies looked pretty good early but once the Vipers got their legs going Vernon was the better of the two teams in the second half.  Vernon outshot Trail 9-8.

2nd Period: The Vernon Vipers with a much better start to the middle frame put a bit of a distance between the Trail Smoke Eaters scoring two quick back to back goals.  The Vipers with an early powerplay would capitalize.  Liam Coughlin collected his own rebound in front beat Smokies starting goaltender Brett Clark down low giving Vernon a 2-0 lead at 3:53 Liam Finlay & Luke Shiplo collected the helpers.  Just fourteen seconds later the Vipers stormed right back into the Trail zone, Jagger Williamson spotted Luke Voltin going hard to the net beat Clark in front giving the Vipers a 3-0 lead at 4:07 Williamson and Brandon Egli picked up the assists.  The Smoke Eaters come right back with a strong push back, a good hard working shift back the other way as the Smokies with atleast two decent looks at the net would eventually get on the board.  Harlon Orr left all alone at the circle ripped a shot high glove on Vipers starting goaltender Jarrod Schamerhorn at 6:03 Scott Davidson and Bryan Basilico collected the helpers.  This was all the offence Trail would muster this period as the Vipers come right back with a push back of their own, Vernon with some good sustained pressure allowed Trevor Fidler with two good opportunities, none better then beating Clark fivehole as the puck hit the post coming out the other end.  Vernon would get back to back powerplays early in the second half.  The Vipers with a strong first PP moved the puck around had a few good looks at the net couldnt concert.  On the second man advantage the Smoke Eaters were a little more aggresive and would come up with two big penalty kills only down by two goals with lots of time left in the game.  Seconds after the back to back powerplays, Trail would get a late powerplay of their own.  A very strong penalty kill by Vernon would kill off the minor.  In the final minuteLiam Coughlin carried the play into the offensive zone waited before setting up TJ Dumonceaux going to the net who beat Brett Clark at 19:50 for his second of the night, gave Vernon a 4-1 lead with seconds remaining.  Coughlin with the lone assist.  The Vipers were up 4-1 after 40 minutes of play.  A strong start put Vernon up by three goals after two quick back to back goals just fourteen seconds apart.  Trail didnt backdown, come right back with a hard working shift would get on the board to get within two but couldnt muster much of an attack after their lone goal of the period.  Giving up the fourth goal in the final 9.4 seconds was a huge blow to the Smokies.  Vernon with a chance to put the game out of reach couldnt capitalize with back to back powerplays.  The Smokies then with a great chance to get within one heading into the 3rd couldnt convert on their man advantage in the final minutes of the period.  Instead of down two heading into the 3rd now down three on the road was a heartbreaker.  Not many scoring chances in frame as the Vipers carried the better of the play.  Vernon outshot Trail 13-8.

3rd Period: Up by three goals with twenty minutes to play, the Vipers with a strong effort early and often jumped on Trail.  Vernon with lots of puck possesion and time in the Smokies zone looked to have the puck on a string at times, carried the play for most of the first half.  The Smoke Eaters now down by three didnt seem to have the jump couldnt contain the Viper pressure.  The Vipers would basically put the game away going up 5-1 after Luke Voltin went hard to the net scored his second of the night at 6:55 Jagger Williamson with the assist.  The Smoke Eaters didnt have much attack, getting very little pucks to the net or pressure in the offensive zone.  Both teams got a little chippy in the second half as two or three little scrums broke out.  Jarrod Schamerhorn made his second biggest save of the night after stopping Jake Lucchini.  Trail would get the first of two powerplays this period.  The Smokies would get a few cracks at the net couldnt beat Schamerhorn on the first man advantage.  Schamerhorn then made another big save off Bryan Basilico just before the second PP.  Trail would get a late surge had a few looks at the net had their most pressure-opportunities all period late in the second half.  Schamerhorn wasnt tested often after the opening frame made some key saves in the final period.  With just three seconds left on the man advantage Harlon Orr would get his second of the night beating the Jarrod Schamerhorn glove side at 18:27 cutting the Vernon lead to 5-2.  Scott Davidson and Griffyn Martin collected the helpers.  The Vipers would come away with the 5-2 victory.  Vernon with a great start to the period jumped on the Smokies early and often, with a strong forecheck the Vipers had Trail hemmened in their own end early.  The Vipers carried the play for most of the first half didnt give the Smoke Eaters much chance of getting through the neutral zone.  Trail didnt generate enough offence in the final two periods needed more pucks to the net.  With two powerplays the Smokies were able to generate some chances in the second half, scored once but couldnt mount any kind of a comeback tonight.  Trail outshot Vernon 11-10.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Brandon Egli (2 assists) Has really come on as of late and been playing some real good hockey for the Vipers the last few weeks or more.  Picking up two assists tonight Egli with another strong game on the blueline.

The line of Liam Coughlin (1 goal & 1 assist), Thomas Aldworth & TJ Dumonceaux (2 goals) were really buzzing.  Coughlin is another Viper that has really picked up his game and been playing some real good hockey latley.  Coughlin with several scoring chances last night made several real nice passing plays tonight was very good with the puck.  Dumonceaux with an emotional speach and presentation for his father before tonight's game was flying all night, scored twice scoring a real nice breakaway goal to open the scoring had a strong game.  Was also strong on the backcheck, had a few chances for his hat trick couldnt find the back of the net. 

The line of Luke Voltin (2 goals), Liam Finlay (1 assist) & Jagger Williamson (2 assists) had a strong game.  Voltin with two made atleast two maybe three bad turnovers seemed to settle down as the game went on playing more consistant at both ends of the rink.  Williamson with two helpers is another kid that has come along way from the start of the season.  The young 16 yr old Vernon product has been playing very well this month chipping in with some points as well as getting involved in the game.

The line of Trevor Fidler, Anthony Latina and Colton McCarthy I thought was another solid line for Vernon.  Fidler with two good chances in the 2nd period played a hard working game tonight.  Really battled-competed earned his ice time.  McCarthy who played hard in the win in Salmon Arm Friday was working hard tonight, going to the net was involved in some after the whistle activities getting under the skin of a few Trail players.  This line worked hard all game.

Riley Brandt laid out a few good checks was really buzzing early to start the game.  A real sparkplug for the team plays with a ton of energy and it showed again tonight.

Jarrod Schamerhorn (25 saves) Made his biggest saves in the 1st didnt see much action in the 2nd period was forced to make a few key saves in the 3rd played well between the pipes.  Schamerhorn made his biggest save off a Smokies two on one, robbing Paulsen Lautard with a big pad save. 

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

What an emotional night for TJ Dumonceaux and his father, give the kid credit for coming out in front of everyone and giving a speech to his dad, and also personally raising over $5000 for mens prostate cancer awareness.  Great Job TJ!!  The Vipers responded with a strong performance and full team effort come away with their fourth straight win.  I thought Vernon got off to a bit of a slow start, once they got their legs going slowly took over the game and were the better of the two teams.  Holding off Trail early before opening the scoring was big and then scoring two quick back to back goals early in the second was huge.  This gave the Vipers a 3-0 lead and put a little distance between them and the Smoke Eaters.  This was a blow to Trail who tried fighting back just couldnt muster much of an attack from here on in.  The Viper defence played much better after last night, the Vipers with some very nice passing, created-generated some good opportunities played very well as a team.  I thought the Vipers looked more consistant, played their positions better and were good on the backcheck.  Playing the two bottom teams in the Division this weekend, the Vipers needed to come away with two wins if they wanted to continue to climb up the standings and stay with the rest of the top teams in the Division.  All four lines chipped in and played well.  I thought Vernon played and looked very good for most of the night.  Mark Ferner returned to the Viper bench after missing the last two games.  Former Vipers Head Coach-GM Troy Mick was at tonight's game.  Why wouldnt Mick be at the Silverbacks game in Merritt tonight?  Hmmmmm

Top Players: (Trail)

Harlan Orr (2 goals) Played in front of his hometown scored twice in a losing cause.  Orr with two goals had another chance in the opening frame for a goal played well up front for the Smoke Eaters.

Kienan Scott I thought played well for Trail, was always involved in the play, battled and competed.

Max Newton played with alot of jump and energy looked good tonight.

Game Thought's: (Trail)

Trail was coming off a big 3-1 win over the visiting West Kelowna Warriors last night did a good job of containing the Vipers speed and skill early.  Once the Vipers got their legs going and opened the scoring Trail had troubles.  I thought the Smoke Eaters played a fairly good 1st period generated and created some good quality chances couldnt find the back of the net.  In the 2nd and 3rd the Smokies really didnt have much of an attack, would get a few opportunities in the 3rd but not enough for a comeback.  Giving up two quick back to back goals to start the 2nd hurt, the Smoke Eaters couldnt recover.  After two big penalty kills in the 2nd Trail would get a late powerplay, the Smoke Eaters couldnt convert.  A goal with the man advantage and its now a one goal game heading into the 3rd, but the Smokies dont capitalize with the man advantage end up giving up a goal with 9.4 seconds to go in the second are now down 4-1 heading into the 3rd.  Trail with not alot of offensive chances tonight, worked hard just didnt have the talent or get the opportunities to keep pace with the Vipers.  Trail has just seven wins in Vernon since the 2003-04 season.  These two teams will meet again next weekend in Trail.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Riley Guenther (Injured)
Mackenzie Bauer (Injured)

Trail:

Ryan Swanson
Jeremy Lucchini
Craig Martin
Viktor Dombrovskiy
Sheldon Hubbard

Energy player of the game:

Jagger Williamson (2 assists)

Three Stars:

1st Star: TJ Dumonceaux (2 goals)
2nd Star: Luke Voltin (2 goals)
3rd Star: Harlan Orr (2 goals)

BCHL Boxscore,

http://www.vipers.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1358294&link=bchl

Game Preview: Trail @ Vernon:

Trail (12-11-0-1) @ Vernon (15-7-1-2) 6pm

Tonight is the third game of seven regular season meetings between the Vernon Vipers and Trail Smoke Eaters. Vernon leads the season series 2-0. 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, November 28th Vernon defeated Salmon Arm 7-5
Friday, November 28th Trail defeated West Kelowna 3-1

Next Game:

Friday, December 5th Penticton @ Vernon
Wednesday, December 3rd Trail @ Penticton

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 413-226-20-19

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 226-93-11-10 at home

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 188-123-9-9 on the road

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 60-16-1-3 vs. Trail

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Trail 332-184

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 30-5-0-2 at home vs. Trail

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 23-9-1-1 in Trail

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

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

The Vipers are 8-2-0-0 in their last ten games vs. Trail

Vernon's last win in Trail was a 3-0 victory on Sunday, November 9th 2014

Trail's last win at home vs Vernon was a 6-5 win on Wednesday, February 26th 2014

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

Vernon's last win at home vs Trail was a 4-1 win on Wednesday, November 5th 2014

The Vipers went 6-2-0-0 vs Trail last season


Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The defending Interior Division Champion Vernon Vipers are coming off a come from behind 7-5 win in Salmon Arm Friday have won three straight.  The Vipers have won four of their last five games are 6-2-1-1 in their last ten.  The Vipers have won three of their last five home games play three of their next four games on home ice.  Vernon sits in 2nd place two points up on West Kelowna are four points up on Merritt and eight points up on Trail.  Vernon has won both games this season vs the Smokies will travel to Trail next weekend.  The Vipers won the last meeting vs the Smoke Eaters with a 3-0 victory in Trail on November 9th.

Thomas Aldworth (13-7-20) leads the team in goals with thirteen while Liam Coughlin (10-14-24) leads the team in points with twenty four.

Riley Brandt played in 36 games with the Smokies the past two seasons (4-goals-7-assists-11-points) before joining the Vipers this season.

Graham Turnbull's Vernon Vipers Venom Blog

http://vipersvenom1.blogspot.ca/

Vernon Vipers 2014-15 Regular Season Stats:

Games Played: 25
Wins: 15
Losses: 7
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 8-4-1-1
Road Record: 7-3-0-1
Overtime Record: 1-2-1
Record vs Interior Division: 9-6-1-1
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 6-1-0-1
Record in September: 2-2-0-1
Record in October: 5-3-0-0
Record in November 8-2-1-1
When the Vipers score first: 11-1-1-1
When the opponents score first: 4-6-0-1
Leading after 1st Period: 7-1-1-1
Tied after 1st Period: 4-1-0-0
Trailing after 1st Period: 4-5-0-1
Leading after 2nd Period: 10-1-0-1
Tied after 2nd Period: 4-0-0-0
Trailing after 2nd Period: 1-6-1-1
Out shooting Opponents: 12-4-0-1
Out shot by Opponents: 2-3-1-1
One goal games: 3-2-0-2
Goals For: 85
Goals Against: 66
Place: 2nd Place
Streak: Three game winning streak

-Vernon has the leagues 15th best powerplay

-The Vipers have the leagues 10th 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. Trail this season:

1-0-0-0

Vernon’s Road record vs. Trail this season:

1-0-0-0

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Trail this season:

Liam Coughlin (1-3-4)
TJ Dumonceaux (1-1-2)
Anthony Latina (2-0-2)
Jagger Williamson (0-2-2)
Trevor Fidler (1-1-2)
Liam Finlay (1-1-2)
Luke Shiplo (0-1-1)
Mitchell Oliver (0-1-1)
Mitch Meek (1-0-1)
Linden Hora (0-1-1)
Luke Voltin (1-0-1)

Jarrod Schamerhorn (1-0 Record)
Danny Todosychuk (1-0 Record-1 Shutout)




Lets take a look at the Trail Smoke Eaters:

The Trail Smoke Eaters are coming off a 3-1 win in West Kelowna last night begin a two game road trip starting tonight in Vernon.  The Smokies make their second of three visits at Kal Tire Place.  Trail has won three of their last five and are 4-5-0-1 in their last ten.  The Smoke Eaters have won just four of eleven games this season away from home have one win in their last seven games on the road.  Trail sits 5th in the Division are two points up on Salmon Arm are four points back of Merritt and six points back of West Kelowna.  Trails last win in Vernon was a 5-4 win on Wednesday, January 9th 2013

Charlie Zuccarini (16-14-30) leads the team in goals with sixteen and in points with thirty.

-Craig Martin played in 46 games (10-goals-13-assists-23-points) with the Vipers (2012-2014) before being traded to Alberni Valley last season

-Dallas Calvin played in 11 games with the Vipers last season (2-goals-6-assists-8-points) before leaving the team for personal reasons

Trail Smoke Eaters 2014-15 Regular Season Stats:

Games Played: 24
Wins: 12
Losses: 11
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 1
Home Record: 8-5-0-0
Road Record: 4-6-0-1
Overtime Record: 0-1
Goals For: 88
Goals Against: 83
Streak: One game winning streak
Standings: 5th Place

-Trail has the BCHL's 2nd best powerplay

-The Smoke Eaters have the league's 4th best penalty kill

Trail Smoke Eaters Returning Players:

Jake Lucchini (95)
Bryan Basilico (95)
Scott Davidson (95)
Brandon Volpe (95)
Adam Todd (94)

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

Jesse Knowler (94)
Zane Schartz (94)
Joel Webb (95)
Dylan Bowen (95)
Mitch Ball (94)
Sean Davies (95)
Greyson Reitmeier (96)
Adam Wheeldon (94)
Nathan Browne (94)
Jakson Elynuik (95)
Sheldon Brett (96)
Braeden Cross (96)
Taylor Armbruster (96)
Dylan Mascarin (95)
Riley Ostoforoff (95)
Dustin Nikkel (93)

Trail's Home record vs. Vernon this season:

0-1-0-0

Trail's Road record vs. Vernon this season:

0-1-0-0

Trail's scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Kienan Scott (1-0-1)

Brett Clark (0-2 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

Trail Smoke Eaters:

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

Finlay Invited To Team Canada West Selection Camp:

Vernon Vipers forward Liam Finlay has been invited to Team
Canada West Selection Camp.

This is posted on the BCHL website:

25 BCHL players among those invited to Team Canada West selection camp

Friday, November 28, 2014 - Submitted by BCHL Media

The selection camp rosters for the 2014 World Junior A Challenge (WJAC) have been announced and 25 BCHL players have been invited.

TEAM CANADA WEST selection camp roster

http://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/National-Championships/Men/World-Junior-A/2014/Selection-Camp/CAN-W-Roster

Selection camp will run Dec. 7 to 9 at Hockey Canada’s Markin MacPhail Centre in Calgary. The tournament itself runs Dec. 14 to 20 in Kindersley, Sask.

The WJAC is in its ninth year of existence. This is a six-team event and this year, it’s Switzerland and the United States joining Canada East in Group A and Denmark and Russia joining Canada West in Group B. For the Canadian teams, players will represent the part of the country that their Junior A club plays in, rather than their place of birth.

Canada West and the United States are the only teams to have won the WJAC. Canada West has won the event three times, the last being in 2011 in Langley, B.C. The United States has won the event five times including last year in Yarmouth, N.S.

NHL players who have played in the WJAC include Vladimir Tarasenko, Beau Bennett, Nail Yakupov, Kyle Turris, Joe Colborne, Mikhail Grigorenko, Reilly Smith, Jaden Schwartz, Justin Schultz, Hampus Lindholm, Elias Lindholm, Riley Nash, Dmitri Kulikov, Calle Jarnkrok and Slava Voinov.

BCHL players invited to Canada West selection camp that were on last year’s team are Demico Hannoun, Viktor Dombrovskiy, Kurt Keats (2013 captain) and Jesse Jenks.

Team Canada East also announced its selection camp roster Friday.

TEAM CANADA EAST selection camp roster

http://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/National-Championships/Men/World-Junior-A/2014/Selection-Camp/CAN-E-Roster

Friday, November 28, 2014

Vernon 7 Salmon Arm 5

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-Silverbacks game as Vernon defeated Salmon Arm 7-5 in front of 990 fans at the Shaw Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Danny Todosychuk
Salmon Arm: Angus Redmond

1st Period: In the opening seconds TJ Dumonceaux lead a three on two rush before being tripped coming into the Silverbacks zone, Salmon Arm would come back the other way, Phil Middleton setup Backs captain Bryden Marsh who stepped over the blueline and beat Danny Todosychuk at 0:48 giving SA the all important first goal.  Middleton with the helper on a goal Todosychuk would like to have back.  Just over three minutes into the frame Thomas Aldworth with an odd man rush couldnt make the pass across after a nice defensive play by Damian Chrcek broke up Aldworth's pass atempt.  Both teams with not alot of pressure or quality chances early looked to be fairly evenly matched.  The Vipers with very little pressure didnt get any real scoring chances at all as Salmon Arm was able to generate a few opportunities but nothing that would have resulted in a scoring chance.  Just before the midway mark the Silverbacks would get some good sustained pressure deep in the Vernon zone, as the Backs carried a good chunk of minutes in the Vipers zone but again didnt really get any quality chances.  The Vipers would get a strong shift from Liam Finlay who ripped a quick shot from the slot was stopped by Angus Redmond on Vernon's first real good look at the net just seconds before the ten minute mark.  Not alot of action in the opening period as both teams went back and fourth before Salmon Arm come very close to taking a two goal lead.  With 5:09 remaining Thomas Plese got a quick low shot off the draw beat Danny Todosychuk but hit the post.  Thomas Aldworth and Liam Coughlin come right back the other end of the rink on an odd man rush, Aldworth fed Coughlin at the side of the net who was robbed after Angus Redmond come across the blue paint to make a huge pad save off the Viper forward keeping this a one goal game.  Two good chances at both ends of the rink towards the end of the period.  In the dying seconds former Vernon Vipers forward Logan Mick kept the play alive, carried the puck into the offesnive zone got a quick shot off was stopped by Danny Todosychuk before Karl El-Mir beat Todosychuk fivehole at the buzzer looked to give the Backs a 2-0 lead but the buzzer sounded just seconds before the puck went into the goal as the goal was waived off.  Salmon Arm was up 1-0 after 20 minutes of play.  The Vipers didnt get off to the start they wanted.  TJ Dumonceaux was tripped breaking into the Silverbacks zone on an odd man rush should have given Vernon a powerplay just seconds into the game, but with no call SA comes back up ice and scores just fourty eight seconds into the contest to take the lead.  Both teams didnt generate alot of quality scoring chances.  The Backs had more quality shots on goal as Vernon didnt generate much offence.  The Vipers didnt look all that sharp as Salmon Arm had a little more jump.  Both teams were very even through out the opening period.  The Vipers outshot the Silverbacks 15-14.

2nd Period: Just nineteen seconds into the middle frame Mitch Meek spotted a wide open Liam Finlay who found the open net in front tied the game 1-1 at 0:19 Meek with the assist.  The Backs come right back, with a great drive to the net Josh Blanchard was denied after a big save from Vipers starting goaltender Danny Todosychuk robbed Blanchard at the side of the net.  Vernon looked much better to start the period was playing with alot more jump compared to the opening period.  Liam Coughlin tried setting up Thomas Aldworth on a Vernon two on one but Andrew Farny with a huge defensive play broke up Coughlin's pass atempt.  A few plays later Farny jumped up into the rush on a Salmon Arm odd man rush was stoned by Todosychuk who made a huge pad save keeping this game tied.  Vernon then slowly got some pressure in the offensive zone and was able to carry the play for a good three or four minutes with some sustained pressure in the Silverbacks zone.  Bryden Marsh with a good opportunity couldnt beat Danny Todosychuk who flashed the leather made a quick glove save off the SA captain.  Some good chances at both ends of the rink as Vernon carried the edge in play at times in the first half.  The Vipers would take their first lead of the night just past the halfway mark.  Thomas Aldworth through the puck to the front of the net where Liam Coughlin was driving to the net beat Silverbacks starting goaltender Angus Redmond down low giving Vernon a 2-1 lead at 12:45 Aldworth with the assist.  But less then three minutes later Josh Blanchard was left alone in front tied the game 2-2 at 15:25 Ryley Booth collected the assist.  The Backs come very close to grabbing the lead after Josh Blanchard was robbed at the side of the net for a second time this period couldnt beat Todosychuk down low.  Salmon Arm native Colton McCarthy drove hard to the net was stopped by Angus Redmond on a nice drive and chance by the Vernon forward.  McCarthy would get rewarded for his hard work put the Vipers up 3-2 at 18:54 Luke Shiplo and Riley Brandt with the assists.  The Vipers looking to take the lead heading into the 3rd couldnt contain the Backs in the final minute.  Joshua Laframboise left all alone in front tied the game at 19:27 Taro Hirose & Carson Bolduc collected the helpers.  On the following shift SA would get the games first powerplay, that would head into the 3rd period.  The game was tied 3-3 after 40 minutes of play.  A huge goal just twenty one seconds into the period tied the game as Vernon played and looked much better then the opening frame.  The Vipers carried the play at times but also got a little careless in their own end.  Some poor defensive coverage allowed the Silverbacks to score twice as Salmon Arm with several odd man rushes had some real good opportunities.  Vernon looked to be the better team in the opening seven minutes or so but give Salmon Arm credit they come back with a few hard working shifts of their own as both teams were even in the second half.  A very entertaining period with lots of good chances at both ends of the rink.  Shots were even 13-13.

3rd Period: The Backs started the third on the man advanatage that was carried over from the 2nd period.  Andrew Farny's quick release from the backend was stopped by Danny Todosychuk who was forced to make a big pad save kicked out a big rebound to a wide open Chase Priskie who was stopped by Todosychuk on the second opportunity.  With just fourteen seconds left on the powerplay, Taro Hirose gave SA a 4-3 lead at 1:22 Carson Bolduc and Chase Priskie picked up the assists.  The Silverbacks with lots of jump and energy looked good in the opening minutes were on the attack sworming the Vipers.  The Backs would grab a two goal lead after Ross Heidt waited for Danny Todosychuk to go down went high put SA up 5-3 at 3:23 Colton Thibault & Taro Hirose with the helpers.  This was the end of the night for Todosychuk who was pulled in favor of backup Jarrod Schamerhorn.  Todosychuk gave up five goals on thirty five SA shots.  A minute later Vernon would get their first look with the PP this evening.  The Vipers with two great opportunities couldnt convert after Liam Coughlin with a spin move in close was stopped by Angus Redmond in close before TJ Dumonceaux somehow missed a wide open cage as Vernon was unable to get within a goal.  Salmon Arm would kill off the penalty.  Just less then a minute later the Backs would get their second PP of the night, getting a few good chances Jarrod Schamerhorn was tested made atleast two big saves with traffic in front.  Vernon with a strong penalty kill was able to kill off the minor.  Just over a minute later the Silverbacks would head back to the man advantage but again another big penalty kill by the Vipers as the Backs struggled didnt generate much with the powerplay couldnt put the Vipers away.  It seemed like both teams went back and fourth switching powerplays as once again Vernon would get their second powerplay of the period and capitalize.  Mitch Meek jumped up into the play beat Redmond in close getting the Vipers to within a goal at 14:26 Liam Coughlin and Luke Voltin with the helpers.  A few plays later Jarrod Schamerhorn made a huge save off Colton Thibault who was alone in front on a game saver keeping this a one goal game.  Back come the Vipers with some pressure down low Mitch Meek would get his second of the night tied the game 5-5 at 16:14 Liam Coughlin and Luke Voltin with the assists as the Silverbacks were stunned.  The Backs called a timeout.  This was a huge goal that seemed to give Vernon the momentum and edge in play as the Silverbacks were reeling after giving up back to back goals late in the period.  This game wasnt heading to overtime just yet as the Viper comeback was on its way.  Johnny Coughlin with an individual effort carried the puck through the hashmarks went in close on Angus Redmond before dishing off to Jagger Williamson who was at the side of the net to give the Vipers a 6-5 lead at 17:35 Coughlin with the lone helper as the Viper bench erupted.  Vernon with a strong forecheck had the Silverbacks hemened in their own end couldnt get Redmond out for the extra attacker as the Vipers did a great job at keeping the puck deep, killing off some valuable time off the clock.  SA was finally able to get Redmond to the bench with fourty eight seconds remaining before Mitch Oliver with a long shot from inside the Viper blueline hit the post before the puck went into the open cage put Vernon up 7-5 at 19:42 TJ Dumonceaux and Jagger Williamson with the assists sealing the 7-5 come from behind win for Vernon.  What a wild period.  Salmon Arm with a strong start jumps out to a two goal lead less then four minutes into the period was all over Vernon.  The Vipers didnt look very good at all in the first ten minutes.  The Backs really could have used a powerplay goal to put this game away couldnt convert, as the Viper penalty kill-goaltending was very good allowing Vernon to build some momentum eventually tied the game before coming from behind for the win.  Vernon with a heroic final six minutes really turned up the heat-pressure and poured on the attack in the final minutes to come away with the victory.  Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 18-17.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Mitch Meek (2 goals & 1 assist) Was clutch late in the game scored twice and collected an assist earlier in the game to help the Vipers come from behind for the victory.  Meek jumped into the play on both goals.

I really liked the line of Liam Coughlin (1 goal & 2 assists), TJ Dumonceaux (1 assist) & Thomas Aldworth (1 assist) showed a ton of jump and energy were really flying all night.  These three played a very strong game, at both ends of the rink.  Coughlin with atleast three great scoring chances was able to pot one while Aldworth was very strong with and without the puck.  Very strong along the boards winning the battles.  Dumonceaux's speed and penalty kill was very strong.

The line of Jagger Williamson (1 goal & 1 assist), Luke Voltin (2 assists) & Liam Finlay (1 goal) also played very well for the Vipers.  Finlay was another kid who was really skating hard and flying most of the game.  Williamson and Voltin both were going to the net, made some nice plays in and around the net on different goals. 

Colton McCarthy (1 goal) I thought looked fairly good playing his hometown team for the first time this season.  A big body plays with an aggresive style, goes hard to the net, really works hard and competes in the greasy areas.

Danny Todosychuk (30 saves) I think would like to have back the games first goal.  Bryden Marsh beat the Viper goaltender with a shot just inside the blueline fivehole on a soft goal didnt look to be all that focused early but as the game went along made some huge saves for the Vipers keeping his club in the game.  Other then the first goal and SA's fifth goal I dont think you could blame the goaltender.  The Viper defence didnt give their goaltender much help, left him hung out to dry on atleast three goals. 

Jarrod Schamerhorn (10 saves) Come in relief after Danny Todosychuk was pulled after giving up five goals on thirty five Salmon Arm shots.  Schamerhorn come into the 3rd cold made some big saves early before making a game saver off Colton Thibault.  The Backs were up 5-4 Thibault was robbed after being left alone in the slot couldnt beat Schamerhorn.  Thibault scores here and its 6-4 SA, the Vipers get a huge save from their goaltender come back the other way a few shifts later to tie the game.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

This wasnt one of the Vipers best played games but a game they needed to win and did in a huge third period comeback.  Last weekend in West Kelowna the Vipers started the game with a lackluster 1st period before finally stepping up their play in the 2nd and 3rd periods fell short of a comeback falling 6-5 in double overtime.  Tonight the Vipers give up a soft goal just fourty eight seconds into the game didnt gnerate much offence or offensive zone time at all were only down a goal.  I thought Vernon played and looked much better in the 2nd period took a 2-1 and 3-2 lead before allowing the Silverbacks to tie the game on some poor defensive coverage.  The Vipers looked better in the 2nd but also didnt look as good in their own end at times.  Vernon gave up way too many odd man rushes this period as well as left players alone in front.  The Viper forwards were playing way to high, and the defensive coverage wasnt very good.  The Vipers didnt look very good to start the 3rd gave up two quick back to back goals early fell behind 5-3 as it didnt look very good.  The Vipers got into penalty trouble but a strong penalty kill were able to stick within two before coming on strong to finish the game.  The Vipers really turned up the pressure in the final six minutes were attacking the zone often scored four goals in five minutes.  The Vipers stunned SA and changed the momentum of the game in the final six minutes.  The turning point was the huge game saver from Jarrod Schamerhorn off Colton Thibault.  Thibault was alone in the slot was robbed by Schamerhorn with the Backs up 5-4.  Thibault scores here and its now 6-4 instead Vernon comes back shortly after to tie the game and never looks back.  The Vipers need to work on their defensive coverage and consistancy.  This was a must win, with the Backs in last place and Vernon trying to stay ahead of West Kelowna in the standings the Vipers need to beat the bottom teams in the Division and stay in reach of West Kelowna, Merritt & Penticton.  The Vipers snap a three game losing streak in Salmon Arm going back to last season.  Not very many Viper fans at the game tonight, usally a good draw for Vernon fans to make the trip up but not tonight. 

Top Players: (Salmon Arm)

Phil Middleton (1 assist) I thought played very well, laid out a huge hit on Thomas Aldworth in the 3rd period.

Chase Priskie (1 assist) Another d-man that played well.  Was active on the point, getting pucks to the net picked up an assist on the Backs 4th goal.

Andrew Farny I thought played very well on the blueline.  Made a huge defensive play on a Viper two on one attack, cut off Liam Coughlin's pass attempt.  Farny also jumped up into the rush was robbed by Danny Todosychuk on a huge save in the 2nd period.

Josh Blanchard (1 goal) Was stopped twice on almost the same play by Danny Todosychuk early in the 2nd period.  I thought Blanchard played hard, showed alot of jump and energy was going to the net most of the night, was always in and around the net, competed hard.

Taro Hirose (1 goal & 2 assists) Played well for Salmon Arm, collected three points was involved in the play.  Seems to play well against Vernon.

Joshua Laframboise (1 goal) I thought played with alot of jump in his game, was active with the puck, involved in the play at times.

Angus Redmond (39 saves) I thought made some big saves through out the game to keep his club in the contest at times.  Didnt get alot of help from his defence late in the game was left hung out to dry on the last few Viper goals.

Game Thought's: (Salmon Arm)

For a team sitting last in the Interior Division you would never guess they only had just eight wins without looking at the standings.  Salmon Arm has give Vernon trouble over the past few seasons and it showed again tonight.  The Silverbacks have lost four straight played very well for most of the night, had some great opportunities made for a very exciting and wild hockey game.  The Silverbacks never quit, kept plugging away, kept battling back through out the game.  The Backs had several odd man rushes through out the game, were skating hard.  Down 2-1 and 3-2 the Backs tied it up both times before scoring twice in less then four minutes to start the 3rd.  I didnt give Vernon much hope in a comeback the way they were playing and figured SA would hold on for the win.  Boy was I wrong.  Salmon Arm with two key powerplays could have put the Vipers away but couldnt convert with the man advantage.  The Vipers game tying goal really took the life out of the team, you could see it on the bench and the players faces.  This was a tough pill to swollow.  The Vipers gained full momentum, had all the play and the Backs couldnt recover.  A tough loss at home in a game where they had a chance to win.  Now just like Vernon Salmon Arm's defence let them down late in the game with some blown coverage in front of the net.  Give the Backs credit they battled and played hard and gave everyone a entertaining game to watch.  A pretty small crowd on hand for tonight's game. 

Scratches:

Vernon:

Riley Guenther (Injured)
Mackenzie Bauer (Injured)
Linden Hora
Mark Ferner

Salmon Arm:

Nick Hutchinson
Nicholas Josephs
Jack Berezan
Taylor Maruya
Zach Dyment

Energy player of the game:

Josh Blanchard

Three Stars:

1st Star: Mitch Meek (2 goals & 1 assist)
2nd Star: Taro Hirose (1 goal & 2 assists)
3rd Star: Thomas Aldworth (1 assist)

BCHL Boxscore,

http://www.vipers.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1358285&link=bchl

Ian Douglas's Salmon Arm Silverbacks Blog.

https://backstalk.wordpress.com/

Game Preview: Vernon @ Salmon Arm:

Vernon (7-7-0-4) @ Salmon Arm (9-6-0-1) 6pm

Tonight is the fourth game of eight meetings between the Vernon Vipers & Salmon Arm Silverbacks this season. The season series is tied 1-1-1-0. You can listen to tonight's game live with Graham Turnbull starting with the pre-game show at 6:45pm on 107.5 Kiss FM

Last Game:

Wednesday, November 26th Vernon defeated Merritt 7-3
Sunday, November 23rd Chilliwack defeated Salmon Arm 3-2

Next Game:

Saturday, November 29th Trail @ Vernon
Saturday, November 29th Salmon Arm @ Merritt

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 412-226-20-19

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 226-93-11-10 at home

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 187-123-9-9 on the road

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 45-31-4-11 vs. Salmon Arm

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Salmon Arm 307-299

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 19-13-1-6 at home vs. Salmon Arm

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 20-15-2-6 in Salmon Arm

Vernon is 3-5-0-2 in its last 10 regular season visits at the Shaw Centre

Vernon is 5-1-1-3 in its last 10 regular season games vs Salmon Arm at home

Vernon is 4-3-1-2 in its last 10 regular season games vs. Salmon Arm

The Vipers last regular season win at home vs Salmon Arm was a 3-2 victory on Friday, October 10th 2014

The Silverbacks last regular season win at Kal Tire Place was a 6-5 overtime victory on Saturday, September 14th 2013

The Vipers last regular season win at the Shaw Centre was a 3-2 victory on Saturday, October 5th 2013

The Silverbacks last regular season win at the Shaw Centre vs Vernon was a 2-1 win on Friday, November 7th 2014

The Vipers went 3-2-0-2 vs Salmon Arm last season



Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The defending Interior Division Champion Vernon Vipers are making their second visit of the regular season to the Shaw Centre are coming off a 7-3 win over the visiting Merritt Centennials Wednesday night. Tonight is the Vipers second game in three days.  The season series is tied 1-1-1-0 after both these teams ended in a 3-3 tie in Vernon on November 6th.  The Vipers have won three of their last five and are 6-2-1-1 in their last ten.  Vernon has won three of their last four road games.  Vernon moved into 2nd place with the victory over Merritt this week.  Vernon is tied in points with West Kelowna are fourteen points back of Division leading Penticton.  The Vipers are eight points up on Trail & Salmon Arm and only two points up on Merritt.  The Vipers last regular season win at the Shaw Centre was a 3-2 victory on Saturday, October 5th 2013 

Anthony Latina (10-11-21) leads the team in goals with ten and in points with twenty one.

-Kevin Kraus & Eric Godard were both Assistant Coaches with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks last season

Graham Turnbull's Vernon Vipers Venom Blog

http://vipersvenom1.blogspot.ca/

Vernon Vipers 2014-15 Regular Season Stats:

Games Played: 24
Wins: 14
Losses: 7
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 8-4-1-1
Road Record: 6-3-0-1
Overtime Record: 1-2-1
Record vs Interior Division: 8-6-1-1
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 6-1-0-1
Record in September: 2-2-0-1
Record in October: 5-3-0-0
Record in November 7-2-1-1
When the Vipers score first: 11-1-1-1
When the opponents score first: 3-6-0-1
Leading after 1st Period: 7-1-1-1
Tied after 1st Period: 4-1-0-0
Trailing after 1st Period: 3-5-0-1
Leading after 2nd Period: 10-1-0-1
Tied after 2nd Period: 3-0-0-0
Trailing after 2nd Period: 1-6-1-1
Out shooting Opponents: 12-4-0-1
Out shot by Opponents: 2-3-1-1
One goal games: 3-2-0-2
Goals For: 78
Goals Against: 61
Place: 2nd Place
Streak: Two game winning streak

-Vernon has the leagues 15th best powerplay

-The Vipers have the leagues 9th 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. Salmon Arm this season:

1-0-1-0

Vernon’s Road record vs. Salmon Arm this season:

0-1-0-0

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Salmon Arm this season:

Thomas Aldworth (2-1-3)
Liam Coughlin (2-1-3)
Anthony Latina (2-1-3)
Riley Guenther (0-2-2)
Luke Shiplo (0-2-2)
Trevor Fidler (0-1-1)
Luke Voltin (0-1-1)
Liam Finlay (1-0-1)
Jagger Williamson (0-1-1)
TJ Dumonceaux (0-1-1)
Johnny Coughlin (0-1-1)

Jarrod Schamerhorn (1-1-1 Record)


Lets take a look at the Salmon Arm Silverbacks:

The Salmon Arm Silverbacks return home after a three game road trip where they lost all three.  The Backs are coming off a 3-2 loss Sunday in Chilliwack sit 6th in the Interior Division are tied in points with Trail are six points back of Merritt.  The Silverbacks are winless in their last five and are 2-4-2-2 in their last ten.  Salmon Arm has won three straight over the Vipers at home.  The Silverbacks last regular season win at the Shaw Centre vs Vernon was a 2-1 win on Friday, November 7th 2014

Carson Bolduc (10-8-18) leads the team in goals with ten while Andrew Farny (7-18-25) leads the team in points with twenty five.

-Logan Mick played 53 games in Vernon last season collecting (7-goals7-assists-14-points) playing two seasons with the Vipers before being traded to Merritt & Salmon Arm in the off season

-Zach Dyment was an "AP" with the Vipers last season

-Ryley Booth played in 11 games last season & this year before being traded to Salmon Arm on October 28th

Ian Douglas's Backs Talk blog

http://backstalk.wordpress.com/

Salmon Arm Silverbacks 2014-15 Regular Season Stats:

Games Played: 25
Wins: 8
Losses: 10
Ties: 2
Overtime Losses: 5
Home Record: 5-4-1-2
Road Record: 3-6-1-3
Goals For: 78
Goals Against: 84
Place: 6th Place
Streak: Three game losing streak

-Salmon Arm has the leagues 6th best powerplay

-The Silverbacks have the league's 6th best penalty kill

Salmon Arm Silverbacks Returning Players:

Jack Berezan (95)
Andrew Farny (95)
Nicholas Josephs (94)
Bryden Marsh (94)
Taylor Maruya (95)
Thomas Plese (94)
Colton Thibault (95)
Angus Redmond (95)

Salmon Arm Silverbacks Departing & traded players from last years team:

Landon Smith (93)
Alex Gillies (95)
Connor Brown-Maloski (96)
Evan Anderson (94)
Mitchell Ferguson (94)
Alex Jewell (94)
Michael Roberts (95)
Cole McCaskill (96)
Blake Box (93)
Jeff Kennedy (94)
Max Becker (95)
Brendan Kennedy (94)
Brett Fargerheim (94)
Adam Clark (93)

Salmon Arm’s Home record vs. Vernon this season:

1-0-0-0

Salmon Arm’s Road record vs. Vernon this season:

0-1-1-0

Salmon Arm’s scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Taro Hirose (2-1-3)
Shane Danyluk (0-3-3)
Carson Bolduc (2-1-3)
Karl El-Mir (1-1-2)
Taylor Maruya (0-2-2)
Chase Priskie (1-0-1)
Andrew Farny (0-1-1)
Bryden Marsh (0-1-1)
Damian Chrcek (0-1-1)
Logan Mick (1-0-1)

Angus Redmond (1-1-1 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

Salmon Arm Silverbacks:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224097

Brandt Brings Buzz To Viper Den:


This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Brandt brings buzz to Viper den

Published: November 28, 2014

With four points through 18 games, Riley Brandt is hardly rating any all-star votes in the B.C. Hockey League.

The Vernon Viper disturbance specialist, however, brings a number of intangibles quickly making him a fan favourite at Kal Tire Place.

Brandt did just about everything except win the intermission frisbee toss as the Vipers dispatched the visiting Merritt Centennials 7-3 before 1,500 fans Wednesday night.

The Trail product, who turns 18 in two weeks, tossed several heavy checks, set up Brandon Wagner’s goal, retreived the puck after Johnny Coughlin netted his first BCHL snipe, loaned his stick to goalie Danny Todoyschuk with the Cents pressing and used some sick moves before being denied by Merritt rookie net detective Anthony Pupplo in tight.

Brandt bowled over Pupplo on the play, earning an interference minor. Seconds after serving the penalty, he picked up the puck and sped down the right wing before feeding Wagner.

Brandt, a thick 5-foot-7, 185-pounder, earned the Fortis Energy Player of the Game as Vernon (14-7-1-2) grabbed a share of second place in the Interior Division with the West Kelowna Warriors.

“My linemates (Linden Hora the other winger)were helping me out a lot there and I tried to do my best to help the team succeed and I thought I had one of my best games of the season,” said Brandt, who split last year between the BCHL Trail Smoke Eaters and the KIJHL Beaver Valley Nitehawks.

“Willy (former coach Jason Williamson) told me there was a spot open for me, but I still had to earn my way in here and thankfully, I’m glad I did because our team’s doing really good.

“Every line was going tonight. Everybody contributes. That’s the only way you’re gonna get a championship out of a hockey team is if you’ve got lines from one to four and all six dee going. Our goalies have been phenomenal and everybody is pitching their part and that’s the key to our success.”

Vernon was without head coach/GM Mark Ferner, who was away dealing with the death of his brother, Darrell. Assistants Kevin Kraus and Eric Godard managed the bench.

Darrell Ferner, who was 59, lost a short battle with a rare form of cancer in Vancouver. He amassed 125 points and 230 penalty minutes with the Major Junior Kamloops Chiefs in the 1975-76 season. He was drafted in the 14th round by the Calgary Cowboys of the World Hockey Association in ‘75.

Liam Finlay, Coughlin, and Luke Voltin gave the Snakes a 3-0 lead after 20 minutes.

“It felt good,” said Coughlin, of his goal. “It’s been a little while. It was a good play by (Thomas) Aldworth. He hit me in the slot and it just went in the back of the net.”

Aldworth actually fooled everybody taking a pass from Liam Coughlin and looking off a wide open T.J. Dumonceaux in the mid-slot, skating 10 more feet and spotting Johnny Coughlin.

The pesky Cents closed to within a goal by pocketing powerplay snipes from blueliner Jake Clifford and Nick Fidanza six minutes apart in the second period. Viper forwards Colton McCarthy and Aldworth responded with goals six minutes apart before the period ended. McCarthy was the beneficiary of a lucky bounce as Luke Shiplo’s point shot caromed off the end boards in front.

Cole Chorney connected from the left side 5:43 into the final frame for Merritt, but Wagner and Voltin added insurance down the stretch.

The Cents, who outshot the Vipers 39-34, dipped to fourth place, two points back of Vernon and West Kelowna. The Penticton Vees are runaway leaders with 45 points.

Merritt, playing without four regulars, including high-scoring James Neil, weren’t quite as gritty or determined as head coach Luke Pierce expects in what was entertaining pond hockey most of the night.

“I didn’t like our first period very much, but I thought we fought back alright,” said Pierce, a former Viper. “The fourth goal was a bit of a killer. It was a lucky break, but you work for your breaks and they did a lot of little things right and we were trying to be too fancy at times and just couldn’t create a bounce.”

Cents’ captain Sam Johnson, who hails from Okotoks, Alta., said it was frustrating outshooting Vernon 39-34 and falling behind early. The 20-year-old d-man, who was sporting a nasty shiner on his left eye and a cut across his face after taking a high stick in practice, says the Cents need to solidify their identity.

“We are a hard-working team. We’ve still got some things to work out so we can string together some wins. Everybody’s gonna have to buy in that everyone’s here for a reason. We all have our own specific skillset that they bring to the table and some guys need to starting bringing that.”

Voltin’s deuce pushed him to six on the season as he keeps getting better on a unit with Finlay and Jagger Williamson.

“My linemates and I are just clicking right now and playing hard, battling and getting pucks to the net,” said the New Jersey-born left winger.

Voltin, who takes ribbing from his Canadian teammates when he wears American flag dress socks, says the Vipers are an unselfish bunch.

“It’s a team, it’s our locker room, everybody has to pitch in. We don’t have a first through fourth line. Ferner says everybody has to play the same and that’s the way we try to play.”

Voltin, Johnny Coughlin, Kenny Citron, Liam Coughlin, Trevor Fidler and Aldworth celebrated American Thanksgiving at the home of Viper billets Rick and Lynn Chisholm.

The Vipers visit the Salmon Arm Silverbacks tonight and host the Smoke Eaters Saturday night. Salmon Arm and Trail share last place, six points back of Merritt. Salmon Arm traded 18-year-old d-man Bennett Morrison to the Chilliwack Chiefs for future considerations Wednesday.

SNAKE BITES: Finlay and Williamson worked a gorgeous 2-on-1 for the opening goal, 3:32 after Galina Labun nailed the national anthem...Kraus has three wins and one OT loss as head coach. He will run the show this weekend...Todosychuk improved to 6-2, making several clutch saves...F Blaine Caton was a healthy scratch for the Vipers, while D Riley Guenther is sidelined with an MCL sprain. F Mackenzie Bauer remains on IR with a sports hernia...Viper phyisotherapist Lon Fraser won the 50-50 jackpot of $650.

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Thank You Vipers:

This letter was in Wednesday's Morning Star Newspaper:

Thank you Vipers

Nov 26, 2014

I just wanted to give a big thank you to all og the staff, volunteers and first aid attendants at the Vernon Vipers hockey games.

We are season ticket holders and at a recent game, a young boy, sitting a few rows below us, got hit in the head by a puck.
The response by the Vipers' volunteers and first aid was immediate.

They were down the stairs and attending to the young lad within seconds and first aid was right behind. They then escorted him to what I assume was the first aid station.

We also went to an out-of-town game where the same thing happened.
This young boy was also sitting just below us and got hit in the head by a puck. The response.....none.

No staff, no first aid, no nothing.  Luckily his dad was with him and provided aid.

So to all of the Vipers staff, volunteers and first aid, thanks for a job well done.

Sue Johnson

Vernon

Eagles Trade Former Viper McMurphy To AJHL:

The Surrey Eagles have traded former Vernon Vipers forward
Chase McMurphy to the Alberta Junior Hockey League Calgary Canucks.  McMurphy will join former Vipers forward Josh Betinol who was recently traded to the Canucks on November 2nd 2014.

The Vipers acquired McMurphy on November 3rd 2013 from the AJHL Calgary Mustangs.  Vernon sent forward Josh Betinol & future considerations to the Mustangs for McMurphy before sending McMurphy & future considerations (Devon Fordyce) to Surrey on January 6th 2014 for Brett Mulcahy and future considerations (Demico Hannoun & Ben Butcher).  In 16 games with the Vipers McMurphy collected (5-goals-2-assists-7-points).

Chase McMurphy's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=91713

This is posted on the Canucks website:

Canucks Aquire Chase McMurphy

Posted November 25th, 2014

The Canucks completed a trade over the weekend. The Canuck send 19 year old defensemen Jordan Wiest and Owen Johnson to the Surrey Eagles of the BCHL in exchange for 20 year old forward Chase McMurphy and Future Consieerations. "We are thrilled to be able to add a player like Chase to our line up. He is an exceptional hockey player with a very high skill set." said Head Coach Ryan Barrett. McMurphy is committed to the University of Alaksa, Fairbanks for the 2015-16 season.

The Canucks are back in action tonight in Olds, and then again on Thursday where they will renew the cross town rivalry with the Calgary Mustangs at Father David Bauer. Game time on Thursday is 7:30

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Vernon 7 Merritt 3

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 7-3 in front of 1,467 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Danny Todosychuk
Merritt: Anthony Pupplo

1st Period: Just over three minutes intothe contest Jake Clifford's point shot got through traffic couldnt beat Danny Todosychuk who somehow made a nice save with bodies in front.  On the same play-shift the Vipers stormed back up ice as Liam Finlay and Jagger Williamson went in on a two on one rush, Williamson setup Finlay for a quick onetimer giving Vernon an early 1-0 lead at 3:32 Williamson with the lone assist.  Both teams come out hard were very evenly matched early and often.  Merritt come back with a strong forecheck and a hard working shift got some sustained pressure in the offensive zone had the Vipers back on their heels for a few minutes.  A quick shot from the point was redirected in front forcing Danny Todosychuk to make a big save keeping this a one goal game.  The play went back and fourth with not alot of scoring opportunities in the opening period.  In the second half Vernon would respond with two quick back to back goals fourty five seconds apart to grab a three goal lead.  Johnny Coughlin with his first career BCHL goal put the Vipers up 2-0 at 14:57 Thomas Aldworth & Liam Coughlin collected the helpers.  Fourty five seconds later Luke Voltin with lots of time and space beat Anthony Pupplo on the wrap around giving Vernon a 3-0 lead at 15:42 Voltin's goal was unassisted.  On the next shift the Vipers would get the games first powerplay but a good kill by the Centennials would kill off the minor.  With 1:20 remaining #3 didnt have a name nor was on the lineup sheet was stoned by Todosychuk who just got a peice of #3s shot with his shoulder-elbow.  The Cents would get a late penalty with just seconds remaining.  Vernon was up 3-0 after 20 minutes of play.  The Vipers got on the board early jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the second half with two quick goals fourty five seconds apart.  Not alot of scoring chances in the opening period as both teams were fairly evenly matched.  The Vipers outshot the Centennials 14-12.

2nd Period:  The Cents started the second period on the man advantage that was carried over from the 1st period.  A quick shot from the slot missed the net as the puck come off the back glass in a hurry landed in front of the Viper net as Diego Cuglietta couldnt connect on the bouncing puck missed an open net on a close call.  The Vipers were just seconds away from killing off the penalty before Merritt would get a very short two man advantage.  Just as the first penalty expired Josh Teves setup Jake Clifford at the top of the circle beat Vipers starting goaltender Danny Todosychuk at 1:58 as Merritt was down 3-1.  Just a few plays later Cole Chorney couldnt beat Todosychuk on the wrap around.  The Centennials were all over Vernon to start the middle frame.  The Vipers had troubles clearing their own end as well as getting into the Cents zone.  Danny Todosychuk come up with another big save making a quick glove save off Jake Clifford from the side wall.  Vernon would get their second PP of the night, TJ Dumonceaux looked to beat Centennials starting goaltender Anthony Pupplo but hit the post, Thomas Aldworth collected the rebound was stopped by the Merritt goaltender who just got a peice of Aldworth's shot with the knob of his goal stick.  The Vipers with good pressure, had some chances couldnt convert with the man advantage.  A big penalty kill by Merritt allowed the Cents to get back in the hockey game.  Just seconds before the powerplay expired the Centennials would get their third PP of the game, as a minute later Nick Fidanza got the Centennials to within a goal at 8:34 Shane Poulsen & Michael Ederer picked up the assists.  Vernon really struggling this period couldnt get any sustained pressure in the Merritt zone had just three shots in the first half of the period.  Merritt was all over the Vipers carrying the better of the play.  Brandon Egli with two huge defensive plays broke up a Cents attack while Kenny Citron also made a big defensive play in his own end.  Vernon played a little better in the second half had stints of pressure.  Just past the halfway mark Luke Shiplo's point shot missed the net before Colton McCarthy went hard to the net beat Anthony Pupplo down low gave Vernon a 4-2 lead at 12:25 Luke Shiplo and Mitch Meek with the assists.  TJ Dumonceaux lead the attack with a three on one couldnt get the pass through on a missed opportunity.  With five minutes to go Gavin Gould would burst in for a two on nothing breakaway couldnt beat Todosychuk fivehole.  This was a big save and a turning point as just over three minutes later Thomas Aldworth put the Vipers up by three at 18:43 retoring Vernon's three goal lead for a second time tonight.  Liam Coughlin & Mitchell Oliver with the helpers.  Vernon was up 5-2 after 40 minutes of play.  The Centennials got on the board early started the period with back to back powerplays.  Merritt got off to a strong start had the Vipers back on their heels most of the first ten minutes.  The Cents with some good chances couldnt beat Danny Todosychuk.  The Vipers who had troubles clearing the zone, also had troubles getting into the Merritt zone.  Vernon would play better in the second half scored twice restoring a three goal lead.  The Vipers with very little pressure and scoring chances were lucky to be up after this frame.  The Centennials were the better of the two teams, outchanced Vernon as both teams scored twice.  Merritt outshot Vernon 14-10.

3rd Period: Merritt would get an early powerplay to start the final frame but a strong penalty kill by the Vipers would kill off the penalty.  Vernon with a good start looked much better after a rough 2nd period. The Vipers looked to have some good jump and energy in their game early before the Cents would get within two after Cole Chorney beat Danny Todosychuk high over the shoulder at 5:43 Vernon with a 5-3 lead.  On the following shift, Michael Ederer come right back had a great opportunity at the side of the net couldnt beat the Vernon goaltender.  Six minutes later Colin Grannary went inside out on a Vernon defenceman before going in for the parcial breakaway couldnt beat Todosychuk who come up with a big save keeping this a two goal game.  Back come the Vipers Jagger Williamson tried setting up Liam Finlay who couldnt beat Anthony Pupplo in close.  The Centennials would get their second PP of the period just past the midway mark but couldnt generate much as Vernon would kill off the minor.  Twenty two seconds later Brendan Wagner gave Vernon a 6-3 lead at 15:48 taking the life and momentum out of the Cents.  Riley Brandt with the assist.  Thirty two seconds later Luke Voltin on his second wrap around of the game beat Pupplo giving the Vipers a 7-3 lead at 16:25 Voltin's goal was unassisted.  This put the game out of reach.  The Vipers would win their third straight over Merritt with a 7-3 victory.  The Vipers with a good start played much better after a rough 2nd period.  Merritt would get on the board fairly early getting to within two goals, did have a few good quality chances to get within a goal couldnt beat Danny Todosychuk who made some big saves tonight.  The Vipers would pump in two quick back to back goals in the second half to seal the win.  At times the Vipers looked to carry the play and have the momentum but Merritt would come right back and then at times have the better of the play.  The shift in the game went back and fourth this period.  Merritt outshot Vernon 13-10.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Brandon Egli I thought was one of Vernon's better defenceman this evening.  Made two big defensive plays in the 2nd period to break up two different Merritt scoring plays also made a few real nice passes coming out from his own end to get the Viper offence in motion.

The line of Jagger Williamson (1 assist), Liam Finlay (1 goal) & Luke Voltin (2 goals) played a heck of a game tonight.  This line was really flying, played with lots of jump, energy and speed.  All three were hard to contain and defend against. 

Riley Brandt (1 assist) Isnt afraid of anything.  Played very physical, was skating the wind up and down the rink tonight was a real sparkplug for the Vipers.  Brandt adds a ton of jump and energy to the Vipers bench, really seems to get the team going banging and crashing all night.

Colton McCarthy (1 goal) I thought looked good at times, a bigger body, goes to the net adds some grit to the Vernon lineup.

Johnny Coughlin (1 goal) Scored his first career BCHL goal was good on the backend.

Danny Todosychuk (36 saves) Making his second straight start was very solid between the pipes tonight.  Made several big saves in the second period kept Vernon in the game at times.  Also made some tough but big saves in the 3rd when the Centennials were down just two goals.  Todosychuk looked very confident, didnt give out many rebounds played his position well, made some timely saves through out the game.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

I thought the Vipers played very well in the 1st period, scored early to get the all important first goal of the game, didnt get alot of great opportunities in the opening period capitalized on their chances.  Two quick back to back goals in the second half put them out to a 3-0 lead.  This may have looked good on the scoreboard but I think Vernon thought they had this one in the bag as the Vipers were outplayed most of the 2nd period, especially in the first half.  Vernon had troubles clearing the zone, didnt get alot of pressure in the Cents zone had just three shots in the first ten minutes.  After allowing Merritt to get within a goal the Vipers played a little better in the second half were able to get two goals back and re-take a three goal lead heading into the 3rd.  I thought the Vipers played much better in the final frame, put the game away in the second half with two goals in thirty two seconds.  Vernon seemed to bend but not break tonight, didnt allow Merritt to tie it up always played with the lead.  I thought the Vipers had troubles defensively clearing the zone and one on one defensive battles.  I didnt think the Vipers generated alot of chances tonight, capitalized on their chances, scored some timely goals.  Danny Todosychuk played very well, kept his team in the game at times was counted on for some big saves.  This was a huge win as Vernon now sits tied with West Kelowna for 2nd place jumps two points ahead of Merritt.  With the BCHL card deadline looming will the Vipers make any moves?

Top Players: (Merritt)

Cole Chorney (1 goal) Played with alot of jump, had some good chances played well up front for the Cents.

Rhett Willcox played a rough and tough physical game, seemed to get under the skin of a few Vernon players, played with some grit added some spark to the Centennials lineup.

Gavin Gould (2 assists) Was stopped on a 2nd period breakaway, showed lots of jump in his game, was hard to contain, quick on his feet was involved in the play often.

Jake Clifford (1 goal) I thought was one of Merritt's better d-men in the loss.  Seemed to always get that quick shot off from the point.

Game Thought's: (Merritt)

The Centennials have now lost three straight and four straight in Vernon.  I didnt think this was a 7-3 game, I thought the Cents worked and played hard, had the better of the play for most of the 2nd period and spurts in the 3rd couldnt burry their chances.  Danny Todosychuk was very good in goal for the Vipers robbed the Centennials on a few great opportunities.  Merritt was in this game most of the night, needed a big save now and again to keep this game in hand.  Obviously falling down 3-0 after the 1st period on the road is a killer, but give Merritt credit they scored early to start the 2nd climbed to within a goal just couldnt seem to get the game tying goal before giving up another two or three goal lead.  I thought Merritt had the better of the scoring chances couldnt capitalize on their opportunities.  Anthony Pupplo may have wanted one or two goals back didnt get much help from his defence on the seven goals.  I thought the Cents battled and worked hard, didnt get many bounces in a game where the game was closer then the final score.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Riley Guenther
Blaine Caton
Mackenzie Bauer (Injured)
Mark Ferner

Merritt:

Brandon Duhaime
James Neil
Malik Kaila
Cole Arcuri
Braden Fuller

Energy player of the game:

Riley Brandt (1 assist)

Three Stars:

1st Star: Luke Voltin (2 goals)
2nd Star: Thomas Aldworth (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Johnny Coughlin (1 goal)

BCHL Boxscore,

http://www.vipers.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1358280&link=bchl

Game Preview: Merritt @ Vernon:

Merritt (14-10-0-1) @ Vernon (13-7-1-2) 7pm

Tonight is the fourth of six meetings between the Vernon Vipers & Merritt Centennials.  The Vipers lead the season series 2-1. 

Last Game:

Saturday, November 22nd Vernon defeated Langley 4-0
Saturday, November 22nd Penticton defeated Merritt 5-3

Next Game:

Friday, November 28th Vernon @ Salmon Arm
Saturday, November 29th Salmon Arm @ Merritt

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 411-226-20-19

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 225-93-11-10 at home

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 187-123-9-9 on the road

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon is 55-17-3-8 vs. Merritt

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon has outscored Merritt 319-208

Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 26-6-1-4 at home vs. Merritt

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

The Vipers are 6-3-0-1 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 5-3 victory on Saturday, November 1st 2014

The Centennials last win in Vernon was a 1-0 victory 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 return home after a two game road trip lost in West Kelowna on Friday but finished the trip Saturday with a 4-0 victory in Langley.  Tonight is the fourth meeting of the season between these two teams as Vernon has won three of their last five and are 6-2-1-1 in their last ten.  Vernon sits in 3rd place tied in points with Merritt are six points up on Salmon Arm & Trail are only two points back of West Kelowna.  Since a 5-3 win over Merritt on November 1st the Vipers went 5-2-1-1

Anthony Latina (10-10-20) leads the team in goals with ten and in points with twenty.

-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: 23
Wins: 13
Losses: 7
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 7-4-1-1
Road Record: 6-3-0-1
Overtime Record: 1-2-1
Record vs Interior Division: 7-6-1-1
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 6-1-0-1
Record in September: 2-2-0-1
Record in October: 5-3-0-0
Record in November 6-2-1-1
When the Vipers score first: 10-1-1-1
When the opponents score first: 3-6-0-1
Leading after 1st Period: 6-1-1-1
Tied after 1st Period: 4-1-0-0
Trailing after 1st Period: 3-5-0-1
Leading after 2nd Period: 9-1-0-1
Tied after 2nd Period: 3-0-0-0
Trailing after 2nd Period: 1-6-1-1
Out shooting Opponents: 12-4-0-1
Out shot by Opponents: 1-3-1-1
One goal games: 3-2-0-2
Goals For: 71
Goals Against: 58
Place: 3rd Place
Streak: One game winning streak

-Vernon has the leagues 15th best powerplay

-The Vipers have the leagues 8th 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:

2-0-0-0

Vernon’s Road record vs. Merritt this season:

0-1-0-0

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Merritt this season:

Liam Coughlin (1-2-3)
Thomas Aldworth (3-0-3)
Luke Shiplo (0-3-3)
Johnny Coughlin (0-3-3)
Blaine Caton (1-1-2)
Mitch Meek (1-1-2)
Liam Finlay (1-1-2)
Jagger Williamson (0-2-2)
TJ Dumonceaux (1-1-2)
Anthony Latina (0-1-1)
Trevor Fidler (1-0-1)
Anthony Latina (0-1-1)

Jarrod Schamerhorn (2-1 Record)


Lets take a look at the Merritt Centennials:

The Merritt Centennials make their third visit of the season to Kal Tire Place.  The Centennials are coming off a 5-3 loss Saturday to the visiting Penticton Vees.  Merritt lost both games to the Vees in a home and home series last weekend have won three of their last five and are 5-4-0-1 in their last ten games.  The Centennials sit in 4th place in the Interior Division are tied in points with Vernon are six points up on Trail & Salmon Arm and two points back of West Kelowna.  Merritt has lost three straight in Vernon are facing the Vipers for a second time this month.  The Cents fell 5-3 in Vernon on November 1st will host the Vipers on December 19th.  The Centennials last win in Vernon was a 1-0 victory on Saturday, October 26th 2013.  Since losing to Vernon on the 1st of the month the Centennials went 5-3-0-1 

John Schiavo (15-9-24) leads the Centennials in goals with ten and shares the team lead in points with Diego Cuglietta (10-14-24) with twenty four each.

-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: 25
Wins: 14
Losses: 10
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 1
Home Record: 9-3-0-0
Road Record: 5-7-0-1
Goals For: 86
Goals Against: 83
Place: 4th Place
Streak: Two game losing streak

-The Centennials have the leagues 9th best powerplay

-Merritt has the league's 7th 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:

0-2-0-0

Merritt's scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

John Schiavo (3-2-5)
Gavin Gould (1-3-4)
Josh Teves (0-4-4)
James Neil (3-0-3)
Michael Ederer (0-2-2)
Devin Oakes (0-1-1)
Braden Fuller (1-0-1)
Matt Foley (0-1-1)
Shane Poulsen (0-1-1)
Diego Cuglietta (0-1-1)
Nick Fidanza (1-0-1)

Anthony Pupplo (0-2 Record)
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