Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Former Viper Alumni Tambellini Ties Series With Overtime Winner:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Adam Tambellini scored the overtime winner Sunday giving the Calgary Hitmen a 3-2 OT victory over the Kootenay Ice tying the best of seven WHL playoff series 1-1.  Game 3 goes tonight in Cranbrook.  In 71 regular season games with Calgary Tambellini recorded (47-goals-39-assists-86-points) was tenth in WHL scoring this season. 

Tambellini attended the New York Rangers Prospect Development Camp in July was one of twenty players reassigned from the Rangers Training Camp in September.  The Rangers reassigned Tambellini to the Hitmen on September 24th 2014.

Tambellini left the University of North Dakota last season for the Western Hockey League joining the Calgary Hitmen in early January after being acquired in a trade with the Portland Winterhawks.  Tambellini played a season and a half in Vernon (2011-13) before being traded to Surrey on January 10th 2013 along with future considerations (Michael Roberts) for Mason Blacklock & future considerations (Jordan Klimek and Demico Hannoun). In 91 regular season games with the Vipers Tambellini collected (49-goals-46-assists-95-points). Tambellini was drafted 64th overall in the 3rd Round by the New York Rangers at the 2013 NHL Draft.

Adam Tambellini's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=103529

This is posted on the Hitmen website:

Series shifts to Cranbrook 1-1 after Tambo's OT-winner

Mar 29, 2015

By Andrew Schopp - Hitmenhockey.com (@Azschopp)

Granted top-six minutes, Calgary Hitmen import Pavel Karnaukhov seized the opportunity.

Bumped up to the top line with 20-year-olds Connor Rankin and Adam Tambellini, the Belarusian import netted a pair of markers before feeding the latter in overtime to lift his squad to a narrow 3-2 overtime victory over the Kootenay Ice on Sunday at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

With 3:24 remaining in the extra-frame Karnaukhov dished the puck over to Tambellini, who delivered the game-winning blow from the hash marks to turn the Round 1 WHL Playoff series into a best-of-five as it shifts to Cranbrook for Games 3 and 4 knotted up at ones.

“It seemed to be a decent move,” Hitmen coach Mark French said modestly of Karnaukohv’s mid-game promotion. “I felt that he was kind of going and that we needed a bit of shakeup with our lines.”

French said he didn’t see the first overtime marker of the 2015 WHL Playoffs and Tambellini didn’t remember much either after seeing the game-winning tally hit the twine past Ice backstop Wyatt Hoflin.

“I remember just grabbing it, getting it off and seeing it go in the net,” Tambellini explained. “Then I blacked out and got mauled by my teammates.”

The opening period had a hearty offensive pace to it.

As the visiting side compiled a narrow 9-7 shot lead in the frame, Hitmen goaltender Brendan Burke and Hoflin each clamped down to render the period scoreless with a series of strong stops.

A defensive stalemate ensued throughout half of the second period until the Hitmen first power play of the afternoon saw the team’s two imports burst out onto the score sheet.

Midway through the frame, Radel Fazleev fired a shot from the point, which deflected wide off Hoflin’s pad to allow Karnaukhov to scoop up the juicy rebound.

The team’s leader in power play goals during the regular season, French said that Karnaukhov’s effectiveness with the extra-man comes from his willingness to get down and dirty in the high traffic areas of the ice.

“He’s got the willingness to go into that battle area,” French said. “He has enough skill that when he goes there, he can finish those chances. He’s a competitive guy who likes those areas and he doesn’t shy away from them and as a result he’s able to get those opportunities.”

About eight minutes later, the Ice converted on a power play of their own.

After being held in check in Game 1 and the first half of Game 2, Ice offensive stalwart Sam Reinhart finally did some damage by deflecting a Rinat Valiev point shot past a screened Burke.

With 23.9 seconds left on the second period clock, Ice forward Jaedon Descheneau snuck in his second goal of the playoffs to hand the Ice their first lead heading into the third, where the Hitmen reigns between the pipes were handed to Mack Shields in an attempt by French to shake things up.
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Burke’s afternoon ended with 16 saves on 18 shots.

“I didn’t like our second period and I tried to get a momentum change, that’s all it was about,” French said of the goaltending swap. “It wasn’t an indication of Brendan’s play at all, I was just trying to change something.”

The relief netminder saw little action in the third’s early going as most of the offensive production in the frame was concentrated in the Ice zone, where Hoflin continually found himself in front of everything the Hitmen threw at him.

Hoflin couldn’t do it all, however, and midway through the third, Russia met neighboring Belarus yet again on the power play.

Forcing overtime,  Fazleev sought out Karnaukhov who netted his second of the afternoon from just above the goal-line to tie things up.

The rest is history.

After firing puck after puck on Hoflin in the extra-frame to bring their shot tally for the afternoon up to 33, Helgesen said he had no doubt in his mind the Hitmen would come out on top.

“We all knew it was going to come,” he said. “We were getting lots of chances and Tambo had a great shot and was able to win it for us.”

The best-of-seven series now shifts to Cranbrook for Game 3 on Tuesday and Game 4 on Wednesday at Western Financial Place.

QUICK HITS: Not dressed for the Hitmen on Sunday were Jake Bean, Beck Malenstyn, Terrell Draude, Kyle Dumba and Aaron Hyman … Following Game 2, Radel Fazleev leads the Hitmen in playoff scoring with four points. Luke Philp tops the Ice with three points; two goals and an assist … Dating back to the 2014-2015 regular season, Fazleev is on a career-high seven game point streak … The series between the Ice and Hitmen marks the fifth time the two teams have met in the WHL Playoffs. The Hitmen and Ice tangoed in the 1999, 2000, 2007 and 2014 post-seasons … Attendance at Sunday’s game was 8,560.

Ex Viper Hannoun Receives Honorable Mention For Player Of The Week:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Demico Hannoun received honorable mention for Player of the Week.

Hannoun played one season in Vernon (2013-14) before being traded to Surrey along with Ben Butcher on June 9th 2014 as the Future Considerations in the Brett Mulcahy trade from January 2014. The Vipers sent forward Chase McMurphy & Future Considerations to Surrey for Brett Mulcahy & Future Considerations on January 6th 2014.

Hannoun played two seasons in Surrey before joining the Vipers. Hannoun was part of the future considerations in the Vipers-Eagles trade at the 2012 BCHL trade deadline that saw Vernon send Adam Tambellini & Michael Roberts to Surrey for future considerations wich at the end of that season were named (Mason Blacklock and Demico Hannoun). In 47 games with the Vipers last season Hannoun collected (15-goals-29-assists-44-points). Hannoun was committed to Michigan Tech for this season was traded from the Eagles to Penticton on August 13th 2014.

Demico Hannoun's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?statsleague=WC&player=98683&team=&year=&status=&leagueid=&season

This is posted on the BCHL website:

Vees blueliner Gendron does it at both ends of the ice to take POW

Monday, March 30, 2015 - Submitted by BCHL Media

Penticton Vees defenceman Miles Gendron has been named the BCHL Player of the Week for the week ending March 29, the league announced Monday.

Gendron helped the Vees to two wins to begin the Round-robin semifinals and assisted on four goals from the blueline along the way. The Toronto product set up three Vees tallies, including Riley Alferd's winner March 27, and was named 1st Star in that contest. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound rearguard assisted on Demico Hannoun's OT winner in Chilliwack as well.

An Ottawa Senators third-round draft pick in 2014, Gendron is committed to the University of Connecticut for next season. He has 10 assists in 14 playoff games after posting just 17 points in 54 regular-season games.

Honourable Mentions this week:

Chilliwack Chiefs D Bennett Morrison: 2G, 1st Star

Chilliwack Chiefs F Rory Bell: 1G, 3A, 2nd Star

Penticton Vees F Demico Hannoun: 1G, 2A, OT GWG

Nanaimo Clippers F Brett Roulston: 1G, 2A

Nanaimo Clippers F Cole Maier: 2G, 2nd Star

Monday, March 30, 2015

Former Viper Dobrowolski Wins Back To Back National Championships With Golden Bears:

Former Vernon Vipers forward James Dobrowolski & the University of Alberta Golden Bears won their second of back to back CIS National Championships after a 6-3 victory over the UNB Varsity Reds.

Dobrowolski in his fourth season with the Golden Bears played in 18 games this season collecting (6-goals-1-assist-7-points). Dobrowolski played in three games as an "AP" (affiliated player) with the Vernon Vipers during the 2006-07 season, before joining the WHL Prince Albert Raiders to start the 2007-08 season. Dobrowolski played two years in Prince Albert before getting traded and finishing his WHL career with the Prince George Cougars.

James Dobrowolski Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=106893

This is posted on the Golden Bears website:

Golden Bears win 15th CIS banner

Golden Bears are champions for the 15th time

By CIS on March 15, 2015

Golden Bears hockey

HALIFAX (CIS) – The University of Alberta Golden Bears made it back-to-back CIS University Cup crowns with a 6-3 victory over the UNB Varsity Reds Sunday night at Scotiabank Centre.
 
 University Cup website: www.universitycup.ca
 
 Ian Herbers, the winning head coach said it was about “finding a way” for his team. “That wasn’t our best game I will say that for sure” he said during the on-ice celebration. “We scored some timely goals and our penalty kill was fantastic – a very good [UNB] power play that we held off the scoreboard.”

“We would kind of come down, score a goal and get back that two-goal cushion. It wasn’t our prettiest one, but we will take it that’s for sure.”

In a battle of the top-two ranked men’s university hockey teams in Canada, Stephane Legault gave the No. 1 Golden Bears a 1-0 advantage at 2:09 of the opening period on his team’s first shot of the game.

Off the rush, he took a cross-ice pass and beat Varsity Red goaltender David Shantz with a wrist shot. Jamie Crooks and Brett Ferguson collected the helpers.

On their first power play, which came less than five minutes into the game, Alberta came up empty.

Close to the seven-minute mark, the Varsity Reds garnered their first sustained pressure of the first 20 minutes, with the best opportunity coming from defenseman Adrian Robertson on a blast from the point, but Kurtis Mucha made the save.

Midway through the period, with UNB a man short, Alberta doubled their lead to 2-0. With the help of a screen from Ferguson, Golden Bear forward Jordan Hickmott beat Shantz five-hole with a slap shot at the 10-minute mark.

Canada West player of the year T.J. Foster assisted on the Hickmott marker, which came 29 seconds into the power play. It was only the third shot of the game for Alberta.

As the period wore on, UNB continued to generate more fore-check in the Alberta zone, while further testing Mucha and his defense, but without generating many shots.

Just under 15 minutes in, Varsity Red forward Rob Mignardi got a shot away from the top of the slot, but he could not beat the Golden Bear netminder.

With a late high-sticking penalty to Alberta captain Kruise Reddick, UNB would start the second period on the power play.

The Golden Bears outshot the Varsity Reds 6-3 in the first period.

To start the second, UNB came up with no shots on the remainder of their man-advantage.

Despite not breaking through on the power play, the Varsity Reds ramped up their offense, with Tyler Carroll’s wrap-around attempt coming out front to team captain Cam Critchlow, who had his quick shot deflected wide.

At 3:05, UNB sliced the lead in half (2-1) when Dylan Willick beat Mucha from in tight after taking a centering pass from Matt Boudens, who collected the lone assist.

Shortly after, at 4:51, UNB went back to the power play after Critchlow drew a penalty against Golden Bear forward Johnny Lazo after making a great puck-handling move just inside the Alberta blue line.

With a stout penalty kill, Alberta maintained its one-goal advantage, while not allowing any shots during the UNB man-advantage.

The Varsity Reds had a couple golden opportunities while short-handed to tie the contest. With Matt Petgrave in the penalty box, UNB forward Boudens stole the puck from Ferguson just inside his own blue line. He raced down the wing to the Golden Bear zone before ripping a hard shot on the forehand, but Mucha made a great save with his left shoulder. On a subsequent rush, Taylor MacDougall crossed the Alberta blue line and rifled a shot that rang off the inside of the left goal post.

For the next few minutes, the top two teams in the nation went end to end, but neither team could get on the scoreboard, with several rushes drawing gasps from the crowd. The defensive play was equally as sharp as the teams’ respective offenses.

On back-to-back UNB power plays, including a two-man advantage for five seconds, the defending national champions were stellar. The Varsity Reds had no dangerous opportunities to beat Mucha.

“Huge, it was huge,” Reddick, who was named a tournament all-star and MVP, said of the consecutive penalty kills.

“The guys all stuck together; they were blocking shots, getting pucks deep. It was a total team effort and I am so proud of this team,” he added.

Special teams were crucial, as is the case in most championship battles, with Alberta going 2-for-5 with the man-advantage, while UNB was scoreless in seven power play attempts.

With less than four seconds remaining in the second period, the Golden Bears doubled their lead to 3-1 and silenced the pro-UNB crowd on a marker by Lazo. Levko Roper made a spinning feed from the boards to the front of the net, which Lazo put top shelf over Shantz’s right shoulder.

Shots on goal in the period – Alberta had four, while UNB collected three – were not indicative of the action and pace of play.

Just under three minutes into the third period, Shantz made a couple great saves to keep UNB within two goals, including one on Travis Toomey from point-blank range in the slot. The Golden Bears also hit a goal post by the five-minute mark.

In the first six minutes, Alberta had the only six shots of the third period.

During four-on-four action a short time later, Lazo sped into the UNB zone on the rush, but Shantz snagged his backhander with the glove hand.

At 7:55, AUS most valuable Philippe Maillet cut the lead to 3-2 when he re-directed a Jordan Murray point shot between the legs of Mucha. Dana Fraser garnered the other assist.

UNB could not get the equalizer on a power play shortly after the Maillet marker, with the best chance of the two minutes coming off the stick of Legault of Alberta, who broke in shorthanded and got a dangerous backhand shot away, but Shantz made the save.

With UNB serving a too-many-man on the ice penalty, Alberta regained their two-goal lead when Reddick took a Thomas Carr feed and scored from the slot through a maze of bodies. Jordan Rowley collected the other assist.

“I found some space in the slot. I don’t know what was going through my head but I was able to score,” Reddick said.

At 15:50, Adrian Robertson cut the lead to 4-3 with an unassisted goal that eluded Mucha as Fraser provided a screen for the Varsity Reds. Maillet, with his second point, provided an assist.

With the Varsity Reds on a late power play, UNB turned it over in the neutral zone. Two Golden Bears took off the other way, with Ferguson feeding Koper on a two-on-none, who beat Shantz to make it 5-3.

With 1:49 remaining, Rowley gave the Golden Bears a 6-3 advantage with an unassisted empty-net tally.

Six different players scored for Alberta in the title match-up. “That’s the way it has been all season long,” Herbers said.

“We haven’t relied on one line all year long or one set of defensemen; that’s just the character of our room – the work ethic, the leadership. We have a great group of young men and I am very proud of them. They have had an extremely good year – pulling together and finding ways to win.”

Although the Golden Bears are repeat champions, Herbers noted this year’s club was a “completely different team.”

“We learned that right away at the beginning of the year. We knew we were just not going to come in [and repeat]. We knew we had to go out and earn it,” he said.

Herbers said the Golden Bears were “pushed” during the pre-season. “Teams and people were questioning our program again because we lost a couple against some opponents. But, when we figured it out and got things rolling. We had a couple blips and we were pushed by some of our Canada West teams, which made us better and we need to be pushed …

“When we are determined, we are very tough to play against,” he added. 

Murray of the Varsity Reds, a tournament all-star, said the loss hurt.

“It is heartbreaking to lose like this in the final game of the year, but we have to be ready for next year. We know where we want to be; we want to be back on this ice. We want to be doing what those guys are doing right,” he added, gesturing to the Golden Bear celebration on the other end of the ice.

When asked about turning points in the game, Murray said “I don’t really know where it got away.”

“We battled hard until the very end. They have a very good team over there; they are coached very well. They just outplayed us tonight,” he added.

UNB bench boss Gardner MacDougall, the CIS coach of the year, described the season as “an exciting journey for the group.”

“It probably wasn’t the start we wanted, but I think that’s part of playing in a national championship game; it was a first-time experience for a lot of our guys,” he said.

“I thought we hung around; we hung around. It maybe wasn’t the best effort we had, but give full credit to our opponent as well.” Talking about how his team “clawed back” throughout the game, he described this year’s Varsity Reds as a “pretty special group.” 

Alberta outshot UNB 24-9 in the game.

Mucha made six saves for the win, while Shantz turned aside 18 shots in the loss.

Joining Murray and Reddick on the tournament all-star team were Guelph Gryphon goaltender Andrew D’Agostini, Golden Bear defenseman Jesse Craige and forward Jordan Hickmott, along with Varsity Red forward Cam Braes.

SCORING SUMMARY
 
Official Boxscore:

 http://en.cis-sic.ca/championships/mice/2015/boxscores_champ/20150314_43ga.xml
 
 FIRST PERIOD
 
 1. ALB Stephane Legault (Jamie Crooks, Brett Ferguson), 02:09;
 2. ALB Jordan Hickmott (4) (T.J. Foster), 10:00
 
 PENALTIES:
 
 Brace (UNB) high sticking, 04:49;
 Murray (UNB) boarding, 09:31;
 Reddick (ALB) high sticking, 19:38;
 
 SECOND PERIOD
 
 3. UNB Dylan Willick (1) (Matt Boudens) 03:05 PP
 4. ALB Johnny Lazo (1) (Levko Koper) 19:57
 
 PENALTIES:
 
 Lazo (ALB) hooking, 04:51;
 Pedgrave (UNB) hooking, 08:13;
 Legault (ALB) high sticking, 12:45;
 Carr (ALB) slashing, 14:40
 
 THIRD PERIOD
 
 5. UNB Philippe Maillet  (Jordan Murray, Dana Fraser) 07:55
 6. ALB Kruise Reddick (3) (Thomas Carr, Jordan Rowley) 11:12 PP
 7. UNB Adrian Robertson (Philippe Maillet) 15:50
 8.  ALB Levko Koper (2) (Brett Ferguson), 17:24
 9. ALB Jordan Rowley, 18:51 SH / Empty net
 
 PENALTIES:
 
Critchlow (UNB) boarding, 05:37
Koper (ALB) tripping, 05:47
Yadlowski (ALB) slashing, 8:49
Team UNB (UNB) too many men, served by Beauvillier, 10:29
Craige (ALB) interference, 16:51
 
GOALS (by period)

ALB    2-1-3: 6
UNB               0-1-2:3
 
SHOTS ON GOAL (by period)

ALB    6- 4-14: 24
UNB               3-3-3:9
 
POWER PLAY:

ALB 2-5
UNB 0-7
 
GOALTENDERS

ALB – Kurtis Mucha (W, 3-0, 9 shots, 6 saves, 3 GA, 60:00)
UNB – David Shantz (L, 2-1, 24 shots, 18 saves, 5 GA, 59:24)
 
PLAYERS OF THE GAME:

ALB: Levko Koper
UNB: Dylan Willick
 
Tournament All-Star Team:

G – Andrew D’Agostini, Guelph
D – Jordan Murray, UNB
D – Jesse Craig, Alberta
F – Jordan Hickmott, Alberta
F – Cam Braes, UNB
F – Kruise Reddick, Alberta
 
MVP – Kruise Reddick, Alberta
 
Referees: TJ. Foster and Johnathan Alarie
Lines: John MacDonnell and Mike MacDonell
  
ATTENDANCE: 4404
 
START: 6:31 p.m.
END: 9:06 p.m.
LENGTH: 2:35
 
CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE & RESULTS (all times ATLANTIC TIME)
 
Thursday, March 12

13:00 Quarter-final 1: Guelph 3, Calgary 1
19:00 Quarter-final 2: UNB 6, Windsor 2
 
Friday, March 13

13:00 Quarter-final 3: UQTR 6, Acadia 5 (OT)
19:00 Quarter-final 4: Alberta 5, StFX 1
 
Saturday, March 14

12:00 Semifinal 1: UNB 5, Guelph 2
16:00 Semifinal 2: Alberta 5, UQTR 1
 
Sunday, March 15

14:00 Bronze: Guelph 3 vs UQTR 2
18:30 Final: UNB 6 vs Alberta 2 

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Vipers Begin BCHL Re-Load:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers begin BCHL re-load
        
by Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star

Mar 29, 2015

During Mark Ferner’s first tour of duty in Vernon, opposing coaches and GMs would joke about how the Vipers weren’t exactly rebuilding for the following year, but rather re-loading.

When you win back-to-back Royal Bank Cup national championship titles and almost pull off a threepeat, players and parents take notice. Cold calls to the Viper office from prospects all over North America started hours after they were finished their playoff runs.

It’s happening again. Ferner is more stoked about the talent he has already lined up for next season than he was when the Vipers were perennial Canadian champions.

“Our camp is gonna be very competitie,” said Ferner, five days after the Snakes lost Game 7 of the B.C. Hockey League’s Interior Division final series. “We have 13 guys who are eligible to come back and we will invite six kids from our spring camp, and they’ll have a chance to make the team. It’s been crazy busy around here since we were knocked out. I’m very happy with our recruits.”

A total of 88 players attended the spring camp last weekend. A few 1997- and ‘98-born prospects and one ‘99 will be back for the main trials.

The Vipers, meanwhile, took in the Canucks-Colorado game Thursday night at Rogers Arena in Vancouver as part of post-mortem week.

“Nick Rasovic’s dad has a construction company so 16 of us were in a luxury box; it was a lot of fun,” said graduating goalie Danny Todosychuk, who hopes to land a U.S. scholarship soon. “We all stayed overnight at Rasovic’s house.”

Todosychuk spent four years with the Vipers and was the consummate teammate. Go to the Junior B Golden Rockets for a few months while we sort out our crease will ya Danny? We’re gonna go with Smitty (Austin Smith) in the playoffs and Royal Bank Cup, Just so you know, Danny. No hard feelings?

Hampered by injuries and a six-game suspension for sticking up for a teammate in West Kelowna, Todoyschuk could have easily sat back and whined.

Instead, he went the extra mile for the Vipers and his hometown of Vernon. He won the Community Award in addition to a $1,300 scholarship from the Blueliners Club. Both well deserved.

“We had promos right from the start of the year,” he told me on awards night at Kal Tire Place. “I’m a local guy so it’s easy to ask me because I can’t say no. There was one where we got home at 6 a.m. from an exhibition game in Prince George. We didn’t get any sleep and we got off the bus and did the Terry Fox Run at Coldstream school at 7 a.m. It’s fun; I love doing stuff for the community.”

When Ferner left the WHL Kamloops Blazer to take over from Jason Williamson a few days after the season-opening Showcase in Chilliwack, there was loads of optimism in town.

Ferner inherited a decent group that some hockey people figured may miss the playoffs.

“They don’t know that,” said Ferner, when I told him what the Hot Stove Leagues were saying about the team.

He brought in quality d-men Mitch Meek and Brandon Egli from the Victoria Grizzlies, signed rugged F Colton McCarthy from the WHL Prince Albert Raiders and added Rasovic for energy from the Fred Page Cup champion Coquitlam Express.

Ferner received supreme leadership from captain Riley Guenther and alternates TJ Dumonceaux, Liam Coughlin and Kenny Citron as he taught the Vipers how to play the right way. They actually outplayed the Vees in Game 7 and the future looks bright.

“We had higher expectations,” said Dumonceaux, moments after that heartbreaking 2-0 loss Sunday night. “One lucky goal and it’s your season, and it’s tough, but you learn a lot from this. I’m pretty thankful I had Ferner for a coach for a year, and that coaching group (assistants Kevin Kraus and Eric Godard will be back). I met a lot of good guys this year and saved my best year for last in Vernon which was good.”

Guenther, who took Top D-man honours, moved to Vernon after more than two years trying hard to earn ice time with the WHL Raiders and Tri-City Americans. He loved his two years here.

“I’ll probably remember games like this. Penticton-Vernon, soldout barns, the atmosphere and passion the fans have for Okanagan hockey.”

Rookie Jagger Williamson, who was a reliable player as a 16-year-old, hasn’t even grown yet. He gets ribbing because his mom drives him to and from the rink, but the Vipers love the kid.

“It feels good to win Most Improved,” said Williamson. “Coming from Midget, I’ll take it. I think I was getting better and better. First game, I was a little antsy, but the older guys told me I’d get used to it and it took about 10 minutes. After that, it was all good and I found my spot.”

Jagger was waiting for a teammate to get the rookie shoe-check when veteran Anthony Latina blindsided him with the initiation move.

The Vipers lose 103 goals with the departures of Thomas Aldworth, Coughlin, Latina and Dumonceaux, but Ferner believes he can find that offence with a mix of returnees and prime-time recruits.

Promising rookie Mitchell Oliver, who did radio colour analysis during the Interior finals, and Meek are the only d-men returning next year. Up front, leading scorer Liam Finlay, Riley Brandt and McCarthy will nicely complement the newbies. Jarrod Schamerhorn will carry the mail in net.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Former Vipers Associate Coach Mallette Helps Rockets Into CHL-WHL Record Books:

Former Vernon Vipers Associate Coach Kris Mallette & the Western Hockey League Kelowna Rockets tied a Canadian Hockey League and Western Hockey League record with their third straight 50 win season. The Rockets are only the fourth team in CHL history to accomplish the feat joining the Kamloops Blazers, Edmonton Oil Kings & Saint John Sea Dogs. 

Mallette a Rocket Alumni & current Rockets Assistant Coach was an Associate Coach with the Vipers last year (2013-14) before leaving the Vipers for the Rockets on July 4th 2014.  Mallette was selected 62nd overall in Round 3 at the 1997 NHL Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers played ten years in the Minor Pros with Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Asheville, Elmira, Colorado, Youngstown, Laredo and Flint before starting his coaching career.

Kris Mallette's Players-Coaches Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=19340

This is posted on the Rockets website:

RECORD SETTER: Rockets win 50th 5-2 over Chiefs

Mar 07, 2015

The Kelowna Rockets defeated the Spokane Chiefs 5-2 on Saturday night at Prospera Place winning its 50th game of the season in improving to 50-11-4-1 on the season.

It's the third straight season the Rockets have won at least 50 games after winning 57 last season and 52 a year before. Kelowna is just the third WHL club and fourth in the CHL to win 50 or more games in three straight years.

Nick Merkley, Chance Braid and Cole Martin each had a goal and an assist to lead the Rockets attack while Tate Coughlin and Tyrell Goulbourne also scored for the Rockets.

Kelowna controlled much of the game, outshooting Spokane 38-20 with Jackson Whistle earning the win in net.

Kelowna joins elite company in winning at least 50 in three straight years. Only Kamloops (89-90 to 91-92) and Edmonton (11-12 to 13-14) have recorded three straight 50 win campaigns in the WHL. The Saint John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL have also pulled off the feat between 2010-12.

The Rockets are back in action on Wednesday at Prospera Place when they welcome BC Division rival Victoria for the final meeting of the season between the two teams.

Friday, March 27, 2015

The Phone Call That Saved Viper Alumni Andrew Hammond's Career:

 Former Vernon Vipers goaltender Andrew Hammond come very close to hanging up his skates and quiting hockey.  Here is an article on that story.  In 17 games this season with the Senators Hammond is 14-1-1 with two shutouts.  Hammond suffered his first regulation loss this season after a 5-1 loss to the Rangers Thursday.

The Ottawa Senators recalled Hammond from the American Hockey League (AHL) Binghamton Senators on January 29th 2015. Hammond was in his second season with the Binghamton Senators before being called up to Ottawa where he attended the Senators development camp in July before being released from the Sens Training camp.

Hammond played parts of two years in Vernon (2007-2009) after coming over in a trade with the Surrey Eagles during the 2007-08 season. In 52 regular season games with the Vipers Hammond posted a (33-15-1) record recording 6 shutouts.

Andrew Hammond's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=38007

This was in the Ottawa Citizen Newspaper:

The phone call that saved Andrew Hammond's career

Ken Warren, Ottawa Citizen

Published on: March 6, 2015

While the city – hell, while the entire NHL – can’t stop talking about the remarkable, calm, cool, collected success of Andrew Hammond, think for a moment about a guy named Aldo Bruno.

Nine years ago, it was all over for Hammond. Cut after one game with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs of the British Columbia Hockey League, Hammond returned home, hung up his pads and replaced them with books, enrolling full time in college.

Enter Bruno, the coach/GM/part owner of Grandview Steelers of the Pacific Junior (B) Hockey League. Hammond had played for Grandview the previous season and Bruno called to see if Hammond was willing to take a step back to keep playing.

“He was pretty down and out, but we follow our kids,” Bruno said by phone from his East Vancouver office Thursday. “I asked if he still wanted to play. He waited a few days, but then he came back rejuvenated.”

Bruno, who has seen hundreds of players pass through the team during his 20 years with the organization – including a 15-year-old phenom named Kyle Turris – could never have predicted the eventual stardom.

“I would be lying to you if I said I knew he was going to be a pro hockey player, but he worked so hard at it,” he said. “Andrew is very quiet, laid back, but he has a will to compete. He’s got that fire.”

Hammond was lights out that season and continued his hot play when he headed back to the BCHL with the Vernon Vipers earning himself a scholarship to Bowling Green University.

As most of the hockey world now knows, Hammond went from there to Binghamton to the Senators net – a net the team can’t take away from him now.

Bruno has watched as Hammond swept through California, Minnesota and Winnipeg, lifting the Senators back into the playoff race by picking up nine of a possible 10 points.

“I like to follow everything, especially the kids I coached and the kids that have been though our league. This is just one of those things, one of those stories where everyone pulls for the guy. I’ve known Andrew since he was 15. I’m really, really happy for the guy.”

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Vernon Vipers - Eligible Returnees & Graduating Players:

Vernon Vipers Graduating Players:

Defencemen:

Riley Guenther "94" (Overage)
Brandon Egli "94" (Overage)
Kenny Citron "94" (Overage-Committed to Colgate University)
Luke Shiplo "95" (Committed to Quinnipiac University)
Mitch Meek "96" (Committed to Clarkson University)

Forwards:

Liam Coughlin "94" (Overage-Committed to Vermont University)
Thomas Aldworth "95" (Committed to Providence College)
TJ Dumonceaux "94" (Overage-Committed to Bentley University)
Anthonay Latina "94" (Overage)

Goaltenders:

Danny Todosychuk "94" (Overage)

Vernon Vipers Eligible Returnees:

Defencemen:

Johnny Coughlin "95" (Committed to Holy Cross College for 2016-17)
Mitchell Oliver "97"

Forwards:

Liam Finlay "97" (Committed to Denver University for 2016-17)
Luke Voltin "95"
Riley Brandt "96"
Colton McCarthy "96"
Jagger Williamson "98" (Committed to Michigan Tech University for 2016-17)
Blaine Caton "97"
Mackenzie Bauer "96"
Linden Hora "96"
Nicholas Rasovic "96"

Goaltenders:

Jarrod Schamerhorn "95"

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Vipers Look Forward With Hope:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers look forward with hope

by Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star

Mar 25, 2015

PENTICTON – Pundits picked the Vernon Vipers to squeak into the fourth and final Interior Division playoff spot.

Those predictions came before the Vipers began the regular B.C. Hockey League season with an interim head coach.

Enter former Snakes’ bench boss Mark Ferner, who began the season assisting Don Hay with the Western League Kamloops Blazers.

The 49-year-old ex-NHL d-man tweaked the roster, brought in his proven structured system and the team slowly flourished, finishing a solid second behind the Penticton Vees, ranked No. 6 in the nation.

The Vipers delivered a fast, thrill-a-second brand of hockey buoyed by wheels from the likes of Thomas Aldworth, TJ Dumonceaux, Liam Coughlin and Liam Finlay.

They surprisingly swept the gritty Merritt Centennials in round one of the post-season and then took the mighty Vees – stacked with 13 U.S. scholarship players and nine returnees – to Game 7 of the Interior finals Sunday night before 3,200 boisterous fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

Game 69 of Vernon’s season ended when bruising blueliner and co-captain Patrick Sexton’s shot from the left point was blocked by Viper forward Riley Brandt and slowly rolled past a startled goalie Danny Todosychuk with 2:53 to play. Matthew Serratore added an empty netter with four seconds left as the Vees won 2-0 to claim the Ryan Hatfield Memorial Trophy.

Sexton, an Ottawa product who turns 21 next month, has recorded 16 goals in five years of Junior A. His last snipe came in late December. He is the son of former Senators’ GM Randy Sexton.

“They threw it at the net, it hit a shinpad and went up in the air; it was real similar to our overtime winner (Luke Voltin in Game 5),” said Ferner, moments after the heartbreaking loss. “We don’t know what the difference is going to be and unfortunately, it was something like that. Two real good teams went at it and we put our poor Game 6 effort  (5-1 before a sellout 3,200 fans Saturday night at Kal Tire Place) behind us and we came out and played a great game.

“It’s not easy on them (Vees) either. All the pressure was on them. We had some great looks. I’m not sure people thought we would have gone this far. Behind closed doors, we don’t really care what people think; we’ve got a bunch of character kids in there and I think it’s gonna bode well for the future of this organization and for the kids who are moving on. They were the heart and soul of this team.”

Viper captain/d-man Riley Guenther was superb in the playoffs, pocketing three goals and eight points in 11 games. He, Dumonceaux, Liam Coughlin, Kenny Citron and Todosychuk were the five returning Vipers.

“I’m proud of the way the guys battled tonight,” said the 20-year-old Calgary product, one of nine graduating Snakes. “I thought we gave it everything we had and I thought we deserved a better fate. They get a lucky bounce and it goes in and it cost us. Nobody expected us to go this far.”

Finlay and others quickly comforted Todoyschuk, who stood, head down, frozen, in his crease as the final buzzer sounded.

“I’m super proud of Danny,” said a red-eyed Guenther. “He’s battled through injury all through the playoffs. His groin was bugging him and he kept pulling through for us. He was great again tonight. He gets one that flutters, just a bad bounce, nothing you can do.”

Neither team mustered many Grade A scoring chances at the gorgeous $80 million Events Centre with the Vees holding a 20-16 shot margin after two periods. Tyson Jost – a first-round WHL bantam draft pick of the Everett Silvertips – was stoned by Todosychuk on an early wrap-around attempt.

Vees’ net detective Hunter Miska foiled Coughlin on a sweet backhand move, in tight, in the more wide-open third period. Miska also made a pair of fabulous stops as the Vipers pressed on a 84-second powerplay early in the frame.

Jost, expected to go high in the 2016 NHL draft, earned the assist on Sexton’s goal.

“Me and (d-man Dante) Fabbro talked before the draw, we just wanted to get the puck to the net,” said Sexton, named the game’s first star. “I think it bounced off his skate. At this point I don’t really care, they all count. It’s a little sweet revenge for last year.”

Californian Michael McNicholas slammed in a loose puck from close range at 2:06 of overtime as Vernon took the seventh game 4-3 last year in Penticton.

“They (Vernon) have been a bit of a thorn in our side,” said Penticton head coach Fred Harbinson. “Last year to the day, we lose in overtime after giving up a 3-1 lead. All of a sudden the other night, we’re playing great and we didn’t sit back. We played our butts off. They (Vipers) are a hell of a team. They are one of the best teams in the league.

“I promised our guys today I was going to do the best job I have ever done coaching and they promised they were going to play the best game they could play.”

Citron gave props to the Vipers for thriving on adversity all year.

“At the start of the season, we didn’t have a head coach,” said the New Yorker who turns 20 this Sunday. “I think there’s something to be learned from that for all the guys on this team, especially the guys coming back next year.”

Citron singled out Todoyschuk, who served as Austin Smith’s caddy in last year’s playoffs and the Royal Bank Cup.

“He played phenomenal all series, but sometimes the results don’t add up. That’s life. Sometimes you don’t get the bounces. I think this team deserved a better fate. Good luck to them (Vees). It’s a good organization and they’ve got a good team.”

Penticton co-captain Cody DePourcq, who battles opponents almost twice his size night after night, sported a perma-grin outside the Vees’ NHL-like dressing room Sunday night.

“It feels amazing,” said DePourcq, whose father, John, was a 52-goal scorer for the Penticton Knights in the 1986-87 season when they were swept by Vernon in the Interior semifinals. “There’s no real words to describe how we feel in there, especially to see Patrick Sexton get that goal. He’s a great player for us. He battles so hard. It was good to see him get rewarded like that.”

The emotions for DePourcq were much different 12 months ago.

“I was on the ice for the (Vipers) overtime goal so that was a tough moment. To get this one was huge.”

All the Vees showed class by embracing Finlay, a former teammate, traded to Vernon for the rights to Dakota Conroy of the WHL Prince Albert Raiders early in the season, in the handshake. Sexton rocked Finlay with a monster hit in Game 2, knocking him out of the middle part of the series.

“I just told him I was really happy he was OK,” said Sexton. “He’s such a good kid. He fit in really well here. I’m glad he had a great year. I was happy to see he was OK. He was able to come back in this series. Just wished him best of luck the rest of the way next year.  He said he appreciated that.”

All the Vees showed class by embracing Finlay, a former teammate, traded to Vernon for the rights to Dakota Conroy of the WHL Prince Albert Raiders early in the season, in the handshake. Sexton rocked Finlay with a monster hit in Game 2, knocking him out of the middle part of the series.

“I just told him I was really happy he was OK,” said Sexton. “He’s such a good kid. He fit in really well here. I’m glad he had a great year. I was happy to see he was OK. He was able to come back in this series. Just wished him best of luck the rest of the way next year.  He said he appreciated that.”

Vees’ winger Jack Ramsey, a Chicago Blackhawk draft out of Minnesota, also talked to Finlay.

“I told him, ‘Good job, hard series.’ He took a hard hit in Game 2 and he came back and that takes a lot of courage and strength. It’s tough to see a friend lose, but we’re happy to move on.”

Ramsey, the son of Miracle on Ice Team USA and retired NHL d-man Mike Ramsey, praised the Vees’ seventh man.

“We 100 per cent fed off the crowd. It’s a different game if that’s crowd’s not there. They’re the best fans in the league; they were loud the whole game and energized us the whole time.”

Ramsey’s sister, Rachel, an All-American senior, helped the Minnesota Gophers ground the Harvard Crimson Tide 4-1 Sunday for the NCAA women’s hockey championship.

“It was a pretty overwhelming day for our family,” said Ramsey.

The Vees host the Nanaimo Clippers tonight in Game 1 of the double round robin series involving the three conference champions. The Chilliwack Chiefs are the other entry.

The top two teams advance to the best-of-seven Fred Page Cup series.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Joy of Sexton: Vees Oust Vernon In Game 7:

This is in the Penticton Herald Newspaper:

Joy of Sexton: Vees oust Vernon in Game 7

Mon Mar 23, 2015

David Crompton/Penticton Herald

The unlikeliest of scoring heroes helped the Penticton Vees exorcise their biggest playoff demon.

Defenceman Patrick Sexton’s goal off a fortuitous bounce with 2:53 to play snapped a scoreless tie as the Vees beat the Vernon Vipers 2-0 in the seventh and deciding game of the BCHL Interior Division championship series Sunday at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

“That’s sweet, sweet revenge after they broke our hearts last year,” said the Vees co-captain, who scored just his second goal this season and first since Dec. 19. “That was … for sure, the biggest goal of my career, by far. It was such an intense series and I’m just so happy for the guys right now.”

Tyson Jost won the draw cleanly to Sexton at the left point, whose quick wrist shot struck a Vernon defender’s stick out high and fluttered over goalie Danny Todoyschuk’s shoulder and into the net.

“Fabbs (defenceman Dante Fabbro) and I talked before the faceoff and we just said ‘let’s get the puck to the net right away’ and see what happens,” said Sexton. “Their guy got out to me pretty quick and deflected it, and I didn’t know it was in until Fabbs raised his arms and then the fans went crazy.”

Sexton said the Vipers came hard in the last 2:53 before Matt Serratore skated the puck into a vacated Vernon net with four seconds left to ice it.

“(Hunter) Miska showed why he is the best goalie in the league,” said Sexton. “He had to fight through a lot of traffic to stops some pucks at the end there.”

Miska ended up with 27 saves for his second shutout of the post-season, while Todosychuk also made 27 saves for Vernon.

The Vees came back from the dead after losing Game 5 in double-overtime Friday at the SOEC on a much flukier goal than the one Sexton scored. Penticton set up the deciding game by winning 5-1 in Vernon on Saturday.

“We could have easily folded the tent, but before I could even address the guys after Friday’s game, the captains had already grabbed hold of the team and talked about winning in Vernon and getting back here for Game 7,” said Vees GM/head coach Fred Harbinson. “The veterans, all the 20-year-olds followed up and led the way in Vernon. And Miska … after all he got put through in this series, came up huge when we needed him most.”

Last year, it was the Vipers winning the Interior final with a Game 7 overtime win over the Vees at the SOEC. Overtime looked likely again before Sexton’s timely intervention.

“We’ve had all the regular season success but when it happens like it has the last few years in the playoffs, you start to wonder and question things a bit,” said Harbinson. “(Vernon) has been a bit of a thorn in our sides and again it comes down to the last few minutes of Game 7. They’re a helluva team.”

The Vipers appeared to be methodically taking the game over in the late stages of the second period and into the third. Liam Coughlin lost control of the puck on a breakaway early in the third period as Vernon pushed for the go-ahead goal.

But Sexton felt the Vees were owed a lucky bounce.

“Vernon had a lot of lucky bounces in the series and it was our turn,” said Sexton. “In the end, I don’t really care how the puck went in. We’re moving on to the next round and that’s all that matters.”

The Vees will open the three-team round-robin semifinal round at home on Wednesday at 7 p.m. against the Nanaimo Clippers. The Vees will play home and away against both Nanaimo and the Chilliwack Chiefs.

Chilliwack swept the Mainland Division title in four games, while Nanaimo beat the visiting Powell River Kings 3-2 on Sunday to win the Island Division final in seven games.

The top two teams from the round-robin advance to the Fred Page Cup BCHL championship series.

“We played a lot of hockey in the first two rounds with the five overtime games and all,” said Sexton. “But we roll four lines and six defencemen and we’ll be fresh and ready to go on Wednesday. We’ll definitely have some momentum going after this win.”

Have to reiterate one last time the terrific job Mark Ferner did reloading this Vernon team into a contender. He took over just as the regular season got going and didn’t have the luxury of working with the team in training camp and pre-season. Ferner has won two RBC Cups and lost in the final of another in his prior stint with the Vipers, and he may well have taken a run at another if Vernon got that decisive bounce in Game 7. Could it be Penticton and Vernon are the best two Junior-A teams in the country? Time will tell, but if the Vees go on from here and win it all, you could definitely make that argument.

The Vees will visit Chilliwack on Sunday and host the same Chiefs on Tuesday, March 31. Their last round-robin game will be Thursday, April 2 in Nanaimo.

ICE CHIPS: Attendance was 3,203 … Sexton, Miska and Todosychuk were the three stars … Vees F Lewis Zerter-Gossage returned to the lineup, while F Mitch Newsome was scratched.

Guenther Receives Honorable Mention For Player Of The Week:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

Keats finishes up BCHL career with POW honours

Monday, March 23, 2015 - Submitted by BCHL Media

Powell River Kings forward Kurt Keats is the BCHL Player of the Week for the week ending March 22, the league announced Monday.

Keats had seven points in the Kings tense seven-game series agains the Nanaimo Clippers and he was named 1st Star in each of the Kings' three wins. The Winnipeg product was in on both goal in a 2-1 win in Game 3 and they scored both goals himself in a Game 4 victory of the same score. He assisted on the decisive goal in Game 6 and had another helper in the series finale.

The 5-foot-8, 170-pound forward finishes up his BCHL career with 50 goals and 70 assists in 103 games and added nine goals and 11 assists in 24 career playoffs games. He will attend the University of Massachusetts and play for the Minutemen starting next season.

Honourable mentions this week:

Nanaimo Clippers F Brett Roulston: 2G, 3A, 1st Star, 3rd Star, GWG

Vernon Vipers D Riley Guenther: 2G, 3A, 1st Star, 3rd Star

Penticton Vees F Connor Chartier: 3G, 1A, 1st Star, 2nd Star

Powell River Kings G Brett Magnus: 3W, 2nd Star, 143 saves/ 152 shots, .941 sv%, 1.82 GAA

Chilliwack Chiefs F Tipper Higgins: 2G, 2A, 2nd Star, GWG

Monday, March 23, 2015

Interior Division Finals: Vipers-Vees Game 7 Highlight's:

Here are the Interior Division Finals Game 7 highlight's from Sunday,
March 22nd  between the Penticton Vees & Vernon Vipers.  Penticton took Game seven 2-0 winning the best of seven series 4-3.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDwd40Ww73g

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Interior Division Finals: Game 7 Penticton 2 Vernon 0

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

I was at tonight's Interior Division Game 7 as Penticton defeated Vernon 2-0 in front of 3,203 fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Danny Todosychuk
Penticton: Hunter Miska

1st Period: Just like in Game 6 off the opening draw the Vipers would get a real good chance in the opening minute.  Just fifteen seconds into tonight's Game 7 Thomas Aldworth was alone in the slot couldnt hit the net from in tight.  Vernon come out with a ton of jump and energy were flying off the opening draw.  The Vipers come out hitting, playing a very physical game early were firing pucks on goal any chance they had.  The Vees playing in front of a huge crowd were back on their heels off the start, were being hit and hit hard.  The Vipers with some huge checks early, laid out three of the biggest hits in the first half.  The Vipers with a strong forecheck carried the play early and often were outshooting Penticton 3-1 just minutes into the game.  The Vees had troubles getting out of their own end and through the neutral zone as it was all Vipers early.  Vernon was outshooting the Vees 5-1 just five minutes into the period.  The Vipers with lots of pressure, carried the play didnt get alot of scoring opportunities but had the edge in play.  Linden Hora at the halfway mark would get free in the slot had all kinds of time went high and over the net.  It took Penticton the first twelve minutes to get much of anything going before the Vees responded in the second half.  Penticton come back now was carrying the edge in play, would get a few flurries in and around the Viper goal couldnt convert from in close climbed their way back in the shot department were now outshooting the Vipers 8-2 in the second half.  The Vees would get the games first powerplay late that didnt last a full minute before taking a penalty of their own evening the play up to four on four.  The Vipers would get a late shortened powerplay and in the dying seconds Colton McCarthy would tip a shot from in close forced Hunter Miska to make his first big save of the night as Penticton would kill off the remainder of the minor.  It was 0-0 after 20 minutes of play.  Vernon with a strong start, jumped on the Vees early.  Come out hitting, were firing pucks towards the net, had a strong forecheck working were all over Penticton in the first half didnt get alot of scoring chances.  The Vees responded in the second half, would carry the play, had a flurry of chances in close couldnt convert on a few passes down low looked and played much better in the second half, were the better team in the final ten minutes.  The Vees also with not alot of scoring chances.  Penticton outshot Vernon 10-7.

2nd Period: Off the opening draw Matt Serratore tried going around Luke Shiplo for the parcial breakaway was hooked on the play was still able to get a quick shot off from down low forced Vipers starting goaltender Danny Todosychuk to make a quick glove save couldnt hold onto the puck just getting a peice of it with his trapper before Tyson Jost pounced on the rebound somehow missed the open cage on a missed opportunity just seconds into the 2nd period.  Shiplo would recieve a penalty on the play, giving the Vees an early PP their second of the night.  Vernon with a strong penalty kill come up with several huge shot blocks, were very aggressive on the PK, in the dying seconds a quick shot from the blueline was tipped in front by Connor Chartier who was stopped by Todosychuk who made a tough save off the deflection in front as Vernon would kill off the penalty.  The Vees kept coming and quickly, moving the puck the Vees really used their speed were all over the Vipers but didnt generate much for offence.  The Vipers back on their heels did a good job at limiting the Vees opportunities had troubles containing Penticton's speed down low.  The Vees carried the better of the play in the first half as Vernon needed almost five shots to get their first shot of the period.  The Vipers slowly come on in the second half, Thomas Aldworth would get a great chance wired a quick shot from the slot couldnt beat Vees starting goaltender Hunter Miska who flashed the leather just got a peice of Aldworth's shot with his glove.  Shortly later the Vipers with two flurries in close couldnt beat Miska who had to be alert made two big saves down low keeping this a scoreless game.  The Vipers with a much better effort and performance in the second half were the better team in the final eight to nine minutes would get some good pressure in the final minutes couldnt beat Miska from in close with a flurry at the buzzer.  It was 0-0 after 40 minutes of play.  The Vees couldnt capitalize with an early powerplay, jumped on the Vipers in the first half, carried the play but like the opening period didnt get alot of quality chances.  Vernon slowly come on in the second half, had a few flurries but again not alot of scoring chances carried the play and were the better team in the second half of the period.  Penticton outshot Vernon 10-9.

3rd Period: Two and a half minutes into the final frame Liam Coughlin alone in front deeked out Hunter Miska but somehow missed the wide open net on a great opportunity in close to start the 3rd.  Penticton would an early PP to start after an undisaplined penalty by Vernon but the Vees would respond by taking an undisaplined minor of their own giving the Vipers a late but shortened powerplay.  Colton McCarthy with two cracks at the loose puck in front couldnt get the puck up and over Hunter Miska's pad who stayed with the play made two huge pad saves off the Viper forward down low before the Vees were able to kill off the minor.  Both teams were playing hard, were going back and fourth.  The Vees with a few shots towards the net just missed or come close put a bit of a scare into the Vipers.  As the period went on Vernon slowly started to come on and come on waves as the Vipers picked up their game, were really moving the puck, working the forecheck had the Vees back on their heels with some hard working shifts.  The Vipers with good pressure were coming on were carrying the better of the play in the second half, were getting pucks to the net but not alot of scoring opportunities.  Miska and the Vees had to be sharp as time was winding down the Vipers managed a few flurries in close had a few goal mouth scrambles couldnt find the back of the net come very close to opening the scoring.  Penticton would respond with a few hard shifts but it was the Vipers who had the better of the play.  With a faceoff in the Vernon zone with just less then three minutes remaining Tyson Jost won the draw got the puck back to Patrick Sexton who's shot looked to go off a Viper or stick in front looked to float up in theair and over Danny Todosychuk's glove hand giving the Vees the opening goal and a 1-0 lead at 17:07 Jost with the lone assist on a play that I dont think Todosychuk had much of a chance on a strange looking goal as the South Okanagan Events Centre went into a frenzy.  Running out of time the Vipers would call a late timeout before getting Todosychuk to the bench for the extra attacker with 1:36 remaining.  Vernon would get the play in deep, have a few good looks at the net managed to get several shots on Miska who saw the puck had to make atleast two or three saves before the Vees would clear the zone, before clogging up the neutral zone the Vipers had all kinds of trouble getting the puck back in deep were once again forced back into the neutral zone as time was winding down.  Matt Serratore would put the Vipers season to an end with an empty netter at 19:56 sending the Vees bench and the SOEC into a frenzy as the Vipers bench and their fans were devistated.  Serratore's goal was unassisted.  With just four seconds to go the Vees would wind down the clock poured onto the ice in a huge celebration winning their fifteenth Interior Division Championship taking Game 7 2-0.  With the Vees celebrating the victory the Viper bench was dejected as several players had their heads between their legs before both teams would come to centre ice for the final hand shake of the series.  The Vipers with several good opportunities couldnt capitalize on their chances.  Liam Coughlin missing the open net and then Colton McCarthy being stoned down low in front on two good chances from in close couldnt solve Hunter Miska.  As the period went on Vernon come on and come on in waves carried the better of the play especially in the second half had tons of pressure couldnt find the back of the net.  Penticton had a few good opportunities didnt have as much puck possession as Vernon got the lucky bounce-deflection on the game winning goal to advance to the next round.  Vernon outshot Penticton 11-9.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Liam Coughlin had the Vipers best opportunity to open the scoring early into the 3rd somehow missed the open goal.  I thought played very well in his final game as a Viper.  Was hard on the puck, played with alot of desire, was trying to create chances.

Nicholas Rasovic played his first game of the series added some grit and physical play through out the night.  Played with alot of energy, battled and competed hard, had a good game.

Luke Voltin I thought had another strong game for the Vipers.  Battled and competed hard.

Danny Todosychuk (28 saves) Played his final game as a Viper.  The Vernon product played four years with his hometown Vipers made some big saves in the second period.  Played very well.  Really felt sorry for the kid on the game winning goal. 

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

The Vipers played one of their better games vs Penticton tonight were ready to play and battled-competed hard for sixty minutes emptied the tanks in their final game of the season.  I really liked Vernon's start, they come out hitting, got pucks to the net, played with a strong forecheck looked very good.  I didnt think had alot of scoring chances through out the game in a game where it looked like both teams were playing a tight checking game not wanting to make the first mistake.  Sure the Vipers had some good opportunities couldnt capitalize on their chances they had.  Played a much better game over last night's 5-1 loss in Game 6.  Vernon responded and gave Penticton a good run for their money, forcing the league's top team to seven games.  I really liked the Vipers penalty kill and thought the Vernon defence played very well, limited the Vees chances.  With such a low scoring affair, and not a ton of scoring chances on both sides it was hard as there wasnt alot of players that really stood out tonight, just because of the way the game went.  This was by far a fantastic game to watch could have easily been anyone's game for the taking.  The turning point is two and a half minutes into the 3rd when Liam Coughlin deeks out Hunter Miska somehow misses the open net.  Coughlin scores here and this is a different game.  Maybe the Vees still get the late goal to tie the game, but at this point in the game, being the opening goal what if?  This was a very nerve racking game to watch, knowing the season is on the line.  As the game went on, the more intense the game got.  A huge blow-devistation when seeing Patrick Sexton's shot go in.  A huge heartbreaking loss to end the season.  Watching Patrick Sexton's late goal go in before an empty netter for the series winner was like getting punched in the stomach, Devistation is all I could think of when Sexton's shot goes in.  After the Vipers lost the first two games of this series, I would have never guessed I would be going to Game 7 tonight.  The disapointing part of this is, the Vipers had a chance to end this series last night at home and blew it.  Very very disapointing.  Give the Vipers full credit for battling hard and playing their hearts out tonight in a devistating loss to end their season.  This team only beat Penticton once during the regular season forced the Vees to seven games.  Who would have saw this coming?  Id like to take the time to congratulate the Vernon Vipers and the entire Vipers organization on a heck of a season!  After the last three season's this was a very fun and exciting team to watch and watch grow and build as a team, improve game to game and through out the season.  A huge shout out has to go to Mark Ferner and the Vipers coaching staff for doing a remarkable job this season with what they had to work with.  Remember this was Jason Williamson's team, that he recruited-picked for this season before leaving the team two games into the pre-season.  Kevin Kraus & Eric Godard took over the bench until Mark Ferner signed and joined the Vipers three games into the regular season.  You have to wonder with Mark Ferner now having a season with the Vipers, will have done his own recruiting, will have the players he wants for next season.  Im really excited and looking forward to next season already.  To all the players that wont be back next season, I wish you all but nothing but succsess in your future whatever you do, and to the returning players, I look forward to next season.  Thank you for some great memories and a great season!  The Vipers have a possible twelve players returning for next season. 

Top Players: (Penticton)

Gabe Bast I thought played another strong game on the Penticton backend.  Has looked good through out the series.

Connor Chartier played a strong series, was good with the puck tonight.  A veteran player really sees and reads the ice well. Played well for the Vees tonight.

Patrick Sexton (1 goal) Had another strong game on the blueline.  Scored the game winning goal with just under three minutes remaining.

Hunter Miska (27 saves-shutout) Records his third shutout of the season vs the Vipers played very well this evening.  Made several saves with Vernon on the attack gave his team a chance to win.  Responded well with two back to back wins in Game 6 & 7.

Game Thought's: (Penticton)

The Interior Division pennant winners and regular season league champion Penticton Vees advance to the three team round robin tournament after knocking out the Vernon Vipers in seven games.  The Vees who were eliminated by Vernon at home in seven games last season got a good scare from the Vipers this series come very close to knocking out the Vees for a second straight season.  Give full credit to the Vees for getting a must win in Game 6 last night, in Vernon before taking Game 7 at home on a late goal to win the series.  Two huge clutch games-wins to advance to the next round.  The Vees played very hard, like Vernon didnt get a ton of chances also played very well defensively.  This was a hard hitting, physical game with not alot of room for either team to really open up the offence.  Both teams had some good chances couldnt capitalize.  Both teams also played with caution not wanting to make that first mistake or give up the games first goal.  Like the Vipers it was also hard to have players stand out tonight, in a game where there wasnt alot of scoring chances-plays.  I thought both teams played very well, but not alot of indivdual efforts stood out in certain players.  In all three periods both teams carried the play as the momentum shifted through out the game.  The Vipers were coming on strong in the second half of the 3rd, but give credit to Penticton for holding off the Viper attack before getting the late game winner.  The Vees had all the pressure going into tonight's game, being the league's top team, having the league's best record, Game 7 at home and with what happened last season in Game 7 vs Vernon the Vees Im sure felt the pressure.  A great lively crowd tonight made for a great atmosphere.  Id like to congratulate the Penticton Vees and their entire organization on a great season and series and wish them all the best in the next round.

Here’s a look at the previous 22 playoff meetings between Vernon & Penticton:

1966-67 Penticton defeated Vernon 4 games to 1
1967-68 Penticton defeated Vernon 4 games to 0
1971-72 Vernon defeated Penticton 4 games to 3 (BCJHL Final)
1973-74 Penticton defeated Vernon 4 games to 0
1974-75 Vernon defeated Penticton 4 games to 2
1975-76 Penticton defeated Vernon (No Stats)
1976-77 Penticton defeated Vernon 4 games to 2
1982-83 Penticton defeated Vernon 4 games to 3
1986-87 Vernon defeated Penticton 4 games to 0
1987-88 Vernon defeated Penticton 4 games to 0
1992-93 Penticton defeated Vernon 4 games to 1
1993-94 Vernon defeated Penticton 4 games to 3
1994-95 Penticton come back down 3-1 defeating Vernon 4 games to 3
2001-02 Vernon defeated Penticton 4 games to 2
2002-03 Vernon defeated Penticton 4 games to 0
2004-05 Vernon defeated Penticton 4 games to 0
2006-07 Vernon defeated Penticton 4 games to 1
2007-08 Penticton defeated Vernon 4 games to 3
2008-09 Vernon defeated Penticton 4 games to 1
2009-2010 Vernon defeated Penticton 4 games to 2
2013-2014 Vernon defeated Penticton 4 games to 3
2014-2015 Penticton defeated Vernon 4 games to 3

Scratches:

Vernon:

Mitchell Oliver
Blaine Caton
Michael Roberts "AP"

Penticton:

Mitch Newsome

Energy player of the game:

Dante Fabbro

Three Stars:

1st Star: Patrick Sexton (1 goal)
2nd Star: Hunter Miska (27 saves-shutout)
3rd Star: Danny Todosychuk (28 saves)

BCHL Boxscore,

http://www.vipers.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1438645&link=bchl

Fraser Rodgers Penticton Vees Blog,

https://pentictonvees.wordpress.com/

Graham Turnbull's Vernon Vipers Blog,

http://vipersvenom1.blogspot.ca/

One final Thank you to you the fans who viewed my blog on a regular basis.  I just wanted to say thanks to the many many fans who checked out my blog this season!  I have been averaging between 400-700 views a day this season, some over 800-900 during the playoffs.  With the Vipers season all but over now, that dosnt mean this blog is finished for the season.  I will have several articles-news stories on Viper alumni and of course any Viper news through out the off season.  So please keep coming back through out the off season-summer to keep informed with any Vipers news-Viper alumni updates.

Thanks again, Vipersdiehardfan

Bowker Big Ace For Vipers:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Bowker big ace for Vipers
                  
by  Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star

Mar 22, 2015

Part laundromat operator, part sporting goods sales rep, part medic, part counsellor.

Nolan Bowker is all of the above as the head athletic trainer for the Vernon Vipers.

And like the players, the 23-year-old Maple Ridge product is all about hard work and progressing to the next level.

Bowker replaced Gord (Hoon) Cochrane, who left for the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League. Bowker was the assistant equipment manager with the Abbotsford Heat (Calgary Flames’ top affiliate) of the American League last season.

“I kind of lucked out last year, applied with Abbotsford and got the job,” said the fun-loving former goalie. “My last couple of years of junior hockey (with the Grand Prairie Kings), I sharpened skates and would set the room up in the morning and then come to the game at night.”

Bowker, now a sniper in the Boston Pizza rec league, had a blast dealing with pros in the AHL. He’s heard every chirp in the book, trying not to laugh when on the bench.

“Last year was great in Abbotsford. Prankster wise, it was probably the Finns. Joni Orio and Markus Grandlund, they were always pretty good. I became really close to them. The older guys like Joey MacDonald and Dean Arsene, they’re great guys, they’ll do anything for you. I still talk to them pretty much every day now.”

The tall Flames-turned Canucks fan went with Abbotsford on a few road trips, but mainly stayed home and helped with the injured players.

Hardly a luxurious lifestyle, Bowker loves the work.

“It’s not really a tough job, in general. You get a couple of picky guys that everyday want something different fixed. Skates, laundry, sewing. The coach (Troy Ward) said last year we were the jack of all trades, but master of none.”

The Vipers basically look to Bowker for tape and equipment needs. He’s been sharpening skates for six years, using his own tricks for perfection. If somebody needs some muscles loosened, he calls team massage therapist Lon Fraser.

Bowker washes the jerseys after each game and ensures the dressing room is spotless. No shoes are allowed inside. He’s the first and last guy at Kal Tire Place on game days.

“We pretty much live at the rink. We’re here game days anywhere for a minimun 16- to 19-hour days.”

He had a six-game cup of mocha with the KIJHL Princeton Posse as a 16-year-old. The next year, he patrolled the crease for the Port Moody Black Panthers of the Pacific Coast Junior B circuit. Bowker spent the following season with the Beaverlodge Blades in Alberta before finishing his Junior career with the Kings, practising once in a while with Mike Vandekamp’s Junior A Grand Prairie Storm.

He understands the Junior hockey culture well.

“I have a close bond with the guys because I’m here everyday with them. I know a lot about their personal lives and they know they can come talk to me about anything. What happens in my office stays in my office. It’s a closed book. There’s a lot of mutual respect.”

As for the elite pranksters on the Vipers, Bowker said: “Danny’s (Todoyschuk) up there for sure. Jags  (Jagger Williamson) tries to be funny. (Mitchell) Oliver tries to be pretty funny too but they don’t pull it off. (Liam) Finlay likes to try, but he’s got a lot of work to do.”

Todoyschuk, a veteran 20-year-old, says Bowker is well respected.

“Nolan’s a little different than Hooner in the sense that they have different routines. It’s important for them to fit in. He’s gotta be one of those guys that you wanna see everyday at the rink. I’ve been unable to prank him, not intentionally anyway.”

Todoyschuk and fellow net detective Jarrod Schamerhorn are quite comfortable going to Bowker for equipment repairs because of his experience in goal.

Bowker played third base and catcher in minor baseball. Larry Walker, a Major League star, was good friend’s with his uncle. Nolan also talked hockey with Andrew Ladd (Winnipeg Jets).

Bowker, who turns 24 in May, used to sit on his dad’s knee at Canuck games. Working in the show is his goal.

“I’d like to get back to the NHL as soon as possible. Like everyone else, you wanna play or work at the highest level possible and make a living. It would be nice to stay here another year because I know what’s coming down the pipeline so it would be fun to be part of that. It would also be great to move back to the American Hockey League because with all the teams coming out west, it’s gonna to open up a lot of work.”

He says the money is pretty good at the minor-pro level.

“I found out last year in the American League, you actually get tip money. I was doing the airport runs for the visiting teams. They’d tip you so it was money right into my pocket. So, it was a nice little surprise for me.”

Game Preview: Interior Division Finals: Game 7 Vernon @ Penticton:

2nd Round: Interior Division Finals (Seven game series) Penticton Vees (8-4) vs Vernon Vipers (7-3)

The Penticton Vees & defending Interior Division Champion Vernon Vipers meet for a fourteenth time this season with the Vees winning nine of the thirteen games (regular season & playoffs).  Penticton is coming off a Game six 5-1 victory forced a Game 7 tonight. 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.

Interior Division Finals Schedule:

Game 1 Saturday, March 14th Vernon @ Penticton 6pm (Vees won 4-3 double overtime)
Game 2 Sunday, March 15th Vernon @ Penticton 6pm (Vees won 5-2)
Game 3 Tuesday, March 17th Penticton @ Vernon 7pm (Vipers won 5-2)
Game 4 Wednesday, March 18th Penticton @ Vernon 7pm (Vipers won 5-2)
Game 5 Friday, March 20th Vernon @ Penticton 7pm (Vipers won 4-3 double overtime)
Game 6 Saturday, March 21st Penticton @ Vernon 6pm (Vees won 5-1)
Game 7 Sunday, March 22nd Vernon @ Penticton 6pm

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

The Vipers went 2-6-0-0 vs Penticton this season (Regular Season & Exhibition)

Saturday, August 30th (Pre-Season) Penticton @ Vernon (Vipers won 5-3)
Friday, October 17th Penticton @ Vernon (Vees won 3-1)
Saturday, October 25th Vernon @ Penticton (Vees won 1-0)
Friday, November 14th Penticton @ Vernon (Vees won 4-2)
Friday, December 5th Penticton @ Vernon (Vees won 4-3)
Friday, January 2nd Vernon @ Penticton (Vees won 3-0)
Wednesday, February 11th Vernon @ Penticton (Vipers won 2-1)
Friday, February 27th Vernon @ Penticton (Vees won 3-2)

Here’s a look at the previous 21 playoff meetings between Vernon & Penticton:

1966-67 Penticton defeated Vernon 4 games to 1
1967-68 Penticton defeated Vernon 4 games to 0
1971-72 Vernon defeated Penticton 4 games to 3 (BCJHL Final)
1973-74 Penticton defeated Vernon 4 games to 0
1974-75 Vernon defeated Penticton 4 games to 2
1975-76 Penticton defeated Vernon (No Stats)
1976-77 Penticton defeated Vernon 4 games to 2
1982-83 Penticton defeated Vernon 4 games to 3
1986-87 Vernon defeated Penticton 4 games to 0
1987-88 Vernon defeated Penticton 4 games to 0
1992-93 Penticton defeated Vernon 4 games to 1
1993-94 Vernon defeated Penticton 4 games to 3
1994-95 Penticton come back down 3-1 defeating Vernon 4 games to 3
2001-02 Vernon defeated Penticton 4 games to 2
2002-03 Vernon defeated Penticton 4 games to 0
2004-05 Vernon defeated Penticton 4 games to 0
2006-07 Vernon defeated Penticton 4 games to 1
2007-08 Penticton defeated Vernon 4 games to 3
2008-09 Vernon defeated Penticton 4 games to 1
2009-2010 Vernon defeated Penticton 4 games to 2
2013-2014 Vernon defeated Penticton 4 games to 3

All-Time Vernon-Penticton Playoff Records-Stats Since 2004-05:

Since the 2004-05 playoffs Vernon is 25-14 vs. Penticton

Since the 2004-05 playoffs Vernon has outscored Penticton 131-98

Since the 2004-05 playoffs Vernon is 13-6 at home vs. Penticton

Since the 2004-05 playoffs Vernon is 12-8 in Penticton

Vernon's last playoff win at home vs Penticton was a 5-2 victory on Wednesday, March 18th 2015

Penticton's last playoff win at the Kal Tire Place was a 5-1 victory on Saturday, March 21st 2015

Vernon's last playoff win at the South Okanagan Events Centre was a 4-3 double overtime victory on Friday, March 20th 2015

Penticton's last playoff win at home vs Vernon was a 5-2 victory on Sunday, March 15th 2015



Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The defending Interior Conference Champion Vernon Vipers make their eighth visit of the season to the South Okanagan Events Centre (regular season & playoffs) where they are 2-5 this season.  The Vipers are coming off a 5-1 loss at home last night in Game 6 will play Game 7 in Penticton for a second straight season.  The Vipers took last year's Interior Division Finals Game 7 4-3 in overtime advancing to the Fred Page Cup Finals.  Vernon has a chance to win the Interior Division Championship for a seventeenth time in franchise history.  The Vipers are 3-21 with the man advantage in the first six games of this series.  This is the 22nd time in playoff history these two teams have met with the Vipers winning seven of the last eight playoff series vs Penticton.   

Thomas Aldworth (4-4-8) leads the team in playoff goals with four while Liam Coughlin (3-7-10) leads the team lead in points with ten.

Liam Finlay played in 13 games with the Vees (2013-2014) before being traded to Vernon on October 28th 2014 for future considerations (Dakota Conroy).

Graham Turnbull's Vernon Vipers Venom Blog,

http://vipersvenom1.blogspot.ca/

Vernon Vipers 2014-15 Playoff Stats:

Games Played: 10
Wins: 7
Losses: 3
Overtime Losses: 1
Home Record: 4-1
Road Record: 3-2
Overtime Record: 2-1
When the Vipers score first: 4-0
When the opponents score first: 3-3
Leading after 1st Period: 4-0
Tied after 1st Period: 2-0
Trailing after 1st Period: 1-3
Leading after 2nd Period: 5-0
Tied after 2nd Period: 1-0
Trailing after 2nd Period: 1-3
Out shooting Opponents: 4-1
Out shot by Opponents: 3-2
One goal games: 5-1
Goals For: 32
Goals Against: 29
Streak: One game losing streak

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

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

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

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

Vernon’s Home record vs Penticton: (regular season & playoffs)

2-4-0-0

Vernon’s Road record vs Penticton: (regular season & playoffs)

2-4-0-1

Vernon’s Playoff scoring leaders vs Penticton:

Liam Coughlin (3-4-7)
Thomas Aldworth (3-4-7)
Luke Voltin (2-4-6)
Riley Guenther (2-2-4)
Kenny Citron (0-3-3)
Liam Finlay (1-2-3)
Riley Brandt (2-1-3)
TJ Dumonceaux (1-2-3)
Brandon Egli (1-1-2)
Luke Shiplo (1-1-2)
Anthony Latina (1-1-2)
Colton McCarthy (1-1-2)
Jagger Williamson (0-2-2)
Blaine Caton (1-0-1)
Johnny Coughlin (0-1-1)
Mackemzie Bauer (1-0-1)

Jarrod Schamerhorn (0-2 Record)
Danny Todosychuk (3-1 Record)


Lets take a look at the Penticton Vees:

The Interior Division Pennant winning & Regular season champion Penticton Vees host Game 7 of the Interior Division Finals for a second year in a row.  The Vees are coming off a must win do or die Game Six 5-1 victory in Vernon Saturday to force Game 7 tonight.  The Vees have a chance to win the Interior Division Championship for a fifteenth time in franchise history have won nine of their last eleven home games (regular season & playoffs).  The Vees are 4-29 with the man advantage in the first six games of this series. Penticton is 9-4 vs the Vipers this season (regular season & playoffs).  The winner of this series will advance to the three team round robin tournament with the two winners of that tournament advancing to the BCHL Finals.   

Connor Chartier (7-4-11) leads the team lead in playoff goals with seven, while Demico Hannoun (3-9-12) leads the team in points with twelve.

Demico Hannoun played 47 games in Vernon last season collecting (15-29-44) in his only season with the Vipers before being traded to Surrey in the off season.

Fraser Rodgers Three Vees blog,

http://pentictonvees.wordpress.com/

Penticton Vees 2014-15 Playoff Stats:

Games Played: 11
Wins: 7
Losses: 4
Overtime Losses: 2
Overtime Record: 3-2
Home Record: 4-2
Road Record: 3-2
Goals For: 41
Goals Against: 31
Streak: One game winning streak

Penticton Vees Returning Players:

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

Penticton Vees Departing & traded players from last years team:

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

Penticton’s Home record vs Vernon: (regular season & playoffs)

5-1-0-1

Penticton’s Road record vs Vernon: (regular season & playoffs)

4-2-0-0

Penticton’s Playoff scoring leaders vs. Vernon:

Connor Chartier (5-2-7)
Demico Hannoun (1-5-6)
Dante Fabbro (2-3-5)
Cody DePourcq (1-4-5)
Dakota Conroy (1-3-4)
Steen Cooper (2-2-4)
Patrick Newell (1-3-4)
Jack Ramsey (1-2-3)
Cam Amantea (3-0-3)
Tyson Jost (2-1-3)
Miles Gendron (0-3-3)
Riley Alferd (2-0-2)
Lewis Zerter-Gossage (0-2-2)
Mike Lee (0-2-2)
Patrick Sexton (0-1-1)
Gabe Bast (0-1-1)
Jarod Hilderman (0-1-1)
Matt Serratore (0-1-1)

Hunter Miska (3-3 Record)

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon Vipers:

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

Penticton Vees:

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