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 11-3 in front of 2,689 fans at Kal Tire Place.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Jarrod Schamerhorn
Trail: Brett Clark
1st Period: A minute and a half into the period Anthony Latina with a great chance to give the Vipers an early lead couldnt beat Brett Clark who made a big save early. The Vipers buzzing in and around the Smoke Eaters zone got four quick shots off early before Jagger Williamson setup Anthony Latina in front giving Vernon a 1-0 lead at 2:09 Williamson & Liam Finlay collected the assists. But back come Trail, Smokies leading scorer Jake Lucchini alone in the slot just missed the far corner on a good push back by Trail. On the same shift Vernon product Harlon Orr was able to walk in from the corner untouched beat Jarrod Schamerhorn in front tying the game at 3:21 on the Smoke Eaters first shot of the game. Orr's goal was unassisted. Back come the Vipers as both teams looked at having troubles defensively early. Brandon Egli's point shot got through Brett Clark come out the other end went off the post and stayed out. The Vipers with good pressure after Trails goal were once again buzzing, creating some good chances in and around the net. Linden Hora, Jagger Williamson, Anthony Latina and TJ Dumonceaux all with good quality chances couldnt find the back of the net as it was all Vernon. The Vipers looked to have the puck on a string created and generated lots of good opportunities. Just before the midway mark former Vernon Vipers forward Craig Martin did all the work behind the Vernon goal setup Jake Lucchini in front beat Jarrod Schamerhorn in front giving Trail a 2-1 lead and their first lead of the night at 8:08 Marin and former Vernon Vipers forward Dallas Calvin in on the helpers. This was Trail's fourth shot of the period were outshot at this point 11-4 but just 1:22 later the Vipers with a mad scramble in front of the Smokies net were banging away at the loose puck before Riley Brandt beat Brett Clark tied the game 2-2 at 9:30 Nicholas Rasovic and Colton McCarthy picked up the assists. The game was delayed for a few minutes right after the goal as both referee's and linesmen gathered in front of the penalty box to discuss the goal. No goal had been added for the Vipers to the scoreclock at this time while Trail's Head Coach-GM Nick Deschenes was trying to get the referees attention yelling from the bench. The referee went to talk to both coaches while Ryan Swanson was being attended to by the Smokies trainer was also looked at by one of the referee's. After several minutes the goal stood and the game was tied. Vernon would get a shortened two man advantage minutes later and capitalize. Anthony Latina with a great opportunity in front couldnt beat Brett Clark down low on the first powerplay before Riley Guenther setup Brandon Egli on the two man advantage put Vernon up 3-2 at 15:06 Guenther & Jagger Williamson picked up the helpers. The Vipers with good pressure still on the powerplay couldnt convert had some looks at the net were still up by one. Vernon was up 3-2 after 20 minutes of play. Both teams exploded with two goals each in the first half but it was all Vernon the entire opening frame. The Vipers buzzing early and often were skating circles around the Smoke Eaters getting all kinds of chances only managed one goal in the early goings. The Viper defence didnt look sharp early but seemed to tighten up as the period went on. Trail who was clearly outplayed replied quickly after the Vipers opening goal would get their two goals on basically their only real chances of the period. The Vipers carried the bulk of the action and were by far the better team. The Vipers outshot the Smoke Eaters 22-7.
2nd Period: TJ Dumonceaux tried setting up Thomas Aldworth in the opening minute couldnt pick up the pass on the fly. The Vipers once again buzzing created and generated some good chances in the opening few minutes. Thomas Aldworth, TJ Dumonceaux, Linden Hora all with good opportunities early. Like the opening frame it looked like the Vipers had the puck on a string. The Vipers looked good in the first half dominated the play but couldnt captalize. Vernon would get caught on a line change wich allowed Jake Lucchini to walk in and then rip a wicked shot top corner past Vipers starting goaltender Jarrod Schamerhorn tying the game 3-3 at 7:56 Craig Martin & Harlan Orr collected the helpers. This was basically the Smokies first opportunity of the period. The Smoke Eaters would get back to back powerplays early in the second half wich took all the steam and momentum away from Vernon. Trail with not alot of grade A chances couldnt capitalize with the man advantage. On two dump in's the puck took a funny bounce off the end boards just about caught Smoke Eaters starting goaltender Brett Clark out of position. Vernon with two good penalty kills would kill off both minors. Even though the Smokies didnt take advantage of the powerplays, Trail seemed to gain some life and momentum and slowly started to come on. The Vipers almost back on their heels were now tied with the last place Smoke Eaters late in the 2nd period. Trail didnt generate lot of chances but carried the edge in play. Late in the period off a faceoff deep in the Smokies zone Liam Finlay won the draw setup Jagger Williamson who ripped a quick low shot beat Clark put Vernon ahead 4-3 at 18:30 Finlay with the lone assist. The Vipers were up 4-3 after 40 minutes of play. Just like the opening frame Vernon come out flying, had several good chances early couldnt capitalize outplayed Trail for the first half. With the game tied the Smokies rallied and come back with a good finish in the second half and were by far the better of the two teams. The Smoke Eaters with not alot of real quality offensive chances did a good job at containing the Viper offence. Jagger Williamson with a huge goal late to end the period gave the Vipers a one goal lead heading into the 3rd. Trail outshot Vernon 14-10.
3rd Period: The Vipers come out flying and scored two quick goals in the first minute and a half. Jagger Williamson gave Vernon a two goal lead at 1:12 Anthony Latina and Liam Finlay picked up the assists. Thirty one seconds later Blaine Caton returning to the lineup gave the Vipers a 6-3 lead at 1:43 (AP) Michael Roberts with the helper. The Smokies down just a goal heading into the third fell apart early collapsed defensively were now down by three not even two minutes into the frame. Trail would eventually get frustrated and take some undisaplined penalties one after another as the Vipers would blow this game wide open. On the first PP Vernon moving the puck around trying to setup Linden Hora for his first goal of the season. Anthony Latina would eventually spot Hora in front who beat Brett Clark high glove for his first career BCHL goal put Vernon up 7-3 at 6:52 as the Viper bench erupted. Hora was mobbed by his team mates once getting to the bench. Latina and Riley Guenther with the assists. Three minutes later on another man advantage Kenny Citron's shot from the point was redirected in front by (AP) Michael Roberts gave Vernon a 8-3 lead at 10:21 Citron with the lone helper. Just seventeen seconds later Colton McCarthy gave Vernon a 9-3 lead at 10:38 McCarthy's goal was unassisted. On the following shift Stephen Penner with a shot from the point got through a crowd beat Jarrod Schamerhorn but couldnt get by the post as Trail saw its first action in the Vernon zone this period. Less then two minutes later Anthony Latina with his second of the night put the Vipers up 10-3 with Liam Finlay and Jagger Williamson picking up the assists. On another powerplay Colton McCarthy with his second goal of the game gave Vernon a 11-3 lead at 14:09 Riley Brandt & Mitch Meek getting the assists. The Vipers exploded with five goals in seven minutes were pounding the Smokies. Both teams played a little four on four in the final two and a half minutes before the clock would wind down as the Vipers with their biggest outbreak of the season come away with an 11-3 win winning the season series 6-0. Following the game the Vipers helf their year end awards banquet at centre ice. The Vipers with a strong start, scored twice in the opening two minutes jumped out to a three goal lead never looked back thrashing the Smoke Eaters scoring seven times in the final period. Trail only down a goal heading into the 3rd never showed up for the final period were outplayed playing most of the period in their own end. The Smokies with just one shot on goal in the first thirteen minutes couldnt contain or stop the Viper offence. This period was all Vernon as the Vipers offence lit up Brett Clark who was in goal for all eleven goals. Vernon outshot Trail 18-2.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Brandon Egli (1 goal) Had a strong game on the backend. Was very good at moving the puck, really used his onetimer alot through out the game, was good on the powerplay.
Anthony Latina (2 goals & 2 assists) Collected four points was creating and generting chances most of the game. Played hard, was going to the net, also was getting under the skin of a few Trail players through out the game. Had good energy was skating hard all night.
Jagger Williamson (2 goals and 3 assists) Had a five point night played his best game as a Viper. His two goals were probably the turning point of the game. A late goal with about a minute and a half to go in the 2nd gave the Vipers an all important 4-3 lead heading into the 3rd before scoring a big goal 1:12 into the final frame gave Vernon a two goal lead early wich basically started the seven goal period. Two big goals by the local product who had a heck of a game.
TJ Dumonceaux didnt pick up a single point played with alot of jump and energy early and through out the contest. I thought the Kelowna native had good step in his game played physical in the 1st was really skating, moving the puck up ice was trying hard to make plays-create plays rather then shoot. On several occasions Dumonceaux tried setting up Thomas Aldworth and Linden Hora. A very classy kid who had a strong game up front for the Vipers.
Linden Hora (1 goal) Recorded his first career BCHL goal had lots of good looks tonight finally scored his first of the season. Playing on the top line was going to the net, worked and competed extremely hard tonight.
The line of Nicholas Rasovic (1 assist), Riley Brandt (1 goal & 1 assist) and Colton McCarthy (2 goals & 1 assist) Has really come on this past month or two playing their best hockey of the season. All three played and worked extremely hard. A very hard working, hard pounding line to play against.
Liam Finlay (4 assists) Had a strong night as well, picking up four helpers really saw and read the play well this evening made some very nice passes. A great skater and stick handler can really move and create alot of room in a hurry. Very hard to contain in and around the goal.
Game Thought's: (Vernon)
The Vipers come away with their fifth straight victory and 20th win at home this season, in front of one of the biggest crowds in recent seasons explode for eleven goals in their biggest goal outbreak of the season. In a game where it looked like both teams were struggling on the blueline early the Vipers seemed to settle down and get better as the game went on. Vernon dominated the opening period were all over the Smokies but only up a goal after the 1st period. The Vipers carried the play, were all over Trail looked like the puck was on a string. Jarrod Schamerhorn didnt look as sharp as he normally is, gave up alot of rebounds, looked to be fighting the puck at times. The Vipers with another strong start this time in the 2nd period were once again all over the Smoke Eaters. Getting several good chances early and often couldnt find the back of the net. Trail was able to tie the game and then the Vipers couldnt get back on track were outplayed in the second half of the middle frame were lucky to get a late goal to re-take the lead heading into the 3rd. Wow what a final period it was. The Vipers with seven 3rd period goals exploded laid a beating on the Smokies. It seemed like whatever the Vipers put on net went in. After Vernon's eighth goal fans were slowly heading to the doors as the game was getting out of hand. The Vipers with a solid third period had to take the foot off the gas as the period went on sitting some of their top lines. Late in the game on back to back powerplays the Vipers just passed the puck around, didnt want to take a shot on goal thinking the puck may go in. In a game where it looked like the Vipers may be in trouble come away with a huge blowout. With no real meaning to tonight's game other then pride and trying to pass Nanaimo for second overall in the league standings, great to see the Vipers come ready to play and compete. Play hard and keeping rolling heading into the playoffs. Great to see a huge crowd for the Vipers final regular season home game!
Top Players: (Trail)
Ryan Swanson I thought was one of the Smoke Eaters better defencemen. Atleast for the first two periods I like Swanson's game. Was steady, saw alot of icetime, played very well.
Craig Martin (2 assists) Played his former team had lots of jump and energy tonight.
Dexter McLeod impressed me, the Smokies d-man played a strong game, well atleast for the first two periods until the score got out of hand. McLeod a good skater, jumped up into the play, moved the puck in a hurry, very calm, played with alot of confidence.
Jake Lucchini (2 goals) Leads Trail in scoring was very dangerous and the Smoke Eaters best player. Lucchini who has played well in Vernon this season was flying early. A very good, smooth skater, can skate, quick, has soft hands and a wicked shot. Very dangerous in and around the net. A real game changer.
Game Thought's: (Trail)
The Smoke Eaters lost all four games this season in Vernon went 0-6 vs the Vipers this season. Until the 3rd period give Trail alot of credit for playing hard, giving Vernon a good run and shwoing up to play. With no playoffs coming this season, the Smokies are playing for pride and for the logo on the front of the jersey. The Smokies were outplayed for most of the night but still hanging around somehow Trail found a way to score on very few-very limited chances and make things interesting. The Smokies even though outplayed for most of the evening, capitalized on their chances in the first two periods. I thought Trail played their best in the second half of the 2nd period. Holding the Vipers off early to start the 2nd the Smokies would get back to back powerplays but couldnt capitalize, then having the better of the play Trail couldnt capitalize before giving up a late goal to end the period. Down just a goal heading into the 3rd the Smoke Eaters fall apart. Vernon with two quick goals less then two minutes into the 3rd blew the gates up going up by three and never looked back, scored five more times to take this one easily. Trail fell apart in the 3rd, defensively with huge defensive breakdowns down low. Several undisaplined penalties and frustration showed as the Smoke Eaters played most of their period in their own end. With just two shots on goal in the 3rd and very little time across the neutral zone the Smokies were badly outplayed. I felt sorry for Brett Clark who started and finished the game alllowing all eleven goals. Jarrod Schamerhorn's brother was the Smokies backup on Wednesday and again tonight. Would have been cool to see brother vs brother in goal tonight.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Liam Coughlin (Suspended)
Luke Voltin (Injured)
Johnny Coughlin
Trail:
Adam Todd
Conner Brown-Maloski
Bryan Gerstenfeld
Energy player of the game:
Linden Hora (1 goal)
Three Stars:
1st Star: Jagger Williamson (2 goals & 3 assists)
2nd Star: Liam Finlay (4 assists)
3rd Star: Anthony Latina (2 goals & 2 assists)
BCHL Boxscore,
http://www.vipers.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1358517&link=bchl
No comments:
Post a Comment