For anyone who could not attend or watch tonight’s Vipers game here are my thoughts and views from tonight’s game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own view and opinion on any game we watch. This is my opinion and my thoughts on how I saw tonight’s game. I try to be unbiased and give a fare recap on both sides. Thanks for stopping by & visiting my blog.
I was at tonight's Vipers-Centennials game as Vernon defeated Merritt 3-0 in front of 1,786 fans at Kal Tire Place.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Andrew Shortridge
Merritt: Cole Kehler
1st Period: The Centennials would get the games first chance early just a minute into the game after captain Malik Kaila's shot from the slot was stopped by Andrew Shortridge who had bodies in front made a nice pad save. A minute later the Vipers come in on an odd man rush before Odeen Tufto was stopped in close by former Kamloops Blazers goaltender Cole Kehler. A minute or so later Liam Finlay with a burst of speed used his soft hands and quick feet to dazzle into the Cents zone before breaking free got a parcial breakaway was stopped in close. Finlay would get slashed on the play giving Vernon the games first powerplay. Odeen Tufto with a great opportunity from the slot couldnt beat Kehler who come up with another good pad save from in close, his second stop off Tufto just a few minutes into the period. The Vipers with just two shots couldnt get much going before Mitchell Oliver turned over the puck in his own end, giving Ryan Forbes a shorthanded opportunity who was stopped by Andrew Shortridge. Merritt with a good look at the net would kill off the minor. Both teams come ready to play, had lots of jump but it was Vernon who had the better of the scoring chances early. Bo Pellah with two nice dangles was able to get in close before getting stopped by Cole Kehler. The Centennials didnt get as many scoring opportunities as the Vipers but Merritt did come very close to scoring on atleast three goal mouth scrambles. Andrew Shortridge had to be alert, making three difficult saves. Just before the halfway mark Christian Cakebread making his Vipers debut tonight, drove to the net couldnt beat Kehler who made a bad save from in close. Cakebread seemed to have a bullseye on his jersey as the Centennials were going after him any opportunity they had. Just past the midway mark the Vipers would get their second PP of the frame but again couldnt capitalize. Just before the penalty expired Vernon would take a penalty giving Merritt their first look with the man advantage. Neither team couldnt connect with the man advantage in a fairly even game. Late in the period Christian Cakebread with another good scoring chance in tight, couldnt solve Cole Kehler. It was 0-0 after 20 minutes of play. Both teams come ready to play in this the first of a home and home series. The Vipers who struggled-havent played very well the past two games, were ready to go tonight. Vernon playing with lots of jump and using their speed showed lots of intensity, had a ton of great scoring chances. Both goaltenders played very well. Merritt coming off a big win over Prince George last night, also showed lots of intensity, had some good chances in a fairly even played opening period. Shots were even 14-14.
2nd Period: The Cents come out hard to start the middle frame, Merritt jumped on the Vipers early and often. Vernon back on their heels, were having all kinds of trouble clearing the zone as the Centennials with a strong forecheck had the Viper defence bottled up in their own end. The Vipers were running around were forced into taking a penalty, this giving Merritt an early powerplay. Vipers starting goaltender Andrew Shortridge made two big saves as Vernon with a good penalty kill would kill off the minor. Shortly after the penalty kill Christian Cakebread went for a hit in the neutral zone went hard into the boards before going down and not getting up. The play was blown down before Cakebread was looked at by the team trainer. Cakebread tried getting up on his own but was in obvious pain went back down to the ice before needing help off the ice. Cakebread putting no weight on his left leg was helped off the ice and went straight to the Viper dressing room. Cakebread would eventually return but stay on the far side of the bench, while trying to stretch-walk around on the bench Cakebread would eventually go out for a quick skate during a stoppage in play, before making a return to the ice. One very quick shift and Cakebread was heading back to the bench in some pain, was skating akwardly. Cakebread would get looked at by the trainer one more before leaving the bench and not returning. The Vipers with not a great start to the 2nd period were having all kinds of troubles offensively, getting through the neutral zone. The Centennials were playing hard, had some great scoring chances were outshooting Vernon early in the second. Mitch Lipon was slow getting off the ice, looked to be holding his hand, was attended by the team trainer but returned to the game. Andrew Shortridge who kept his team in the game Wednesday was keeping his team in the game in the second period. A few big saves off Ryan Forbes, Gavin Gould and Colin Grannary kept this game scoreless. The Vipers would get a bit of a break/lucky bounce and open the scoring. Joe Sacco's shot from along the goal line caught Cole Kehler napping somehow found the back of the net, giving Vernon the 1-0 lead at 9:47 Hunter Zandee & Jimmy Lambert collected the assists. This was a big goal, as Vernon was being outplayed, needed a spark to try and get back into the contest. On the following shift, at the halfway mark the Vipers would lose Riley Brandt after being tossed from the game five minutes for charging. Brandt laid a big check on Tyler Ward along the boards in the neutral zone. Ward was hit hard and didnt get up before the play was stopped. Ward needed help off the ice by the team trainer but stayed in the game. The Cents would come out on top with a five minute powerplay. On the man advantage Nick Florentino would get stopped by Shortridge before robbing Colin Grannary at the side of the net, two huge saves from the Viper goaltender kept this game scoreless. Jagger Williamson who returned to the lineup after being out with an injury lead the way shorthanded on a parcial three on one, Williamson was stopped by Centennials starting goaltender Cole Kehler before the Cents with a long stretch pass spotted a wide open Nick Jermain who come back the other way with the breakaway. Jermain was toned by Andrew Shortridge as two great scoring chances at either ends of the rink. Vernon with a great penalty kill was jumping up into the play, got some solid goaltender from Shortridge would kill off the five minute major. This penalty kill really seemed to get some life back into the Vipers who were outplayed most of the 2nd period, come back with several good shifts, created a few scoring chances. Hunter Zandee with a rocket of a shot beat Kehler but not the post, on the same shift Brett Stapley walked in before getting a quick shot off looked to beat Kehler but may have also hit the post. (It was hard to tell) Jagger Williamson on an odd man rush tried sending the pass across but Tyrell Buckley come up with a big defensive play to break up Williamson's pass. Zak Bowles with the Centennials second breakaway of the period couldnt beat Shortridge. The Cents would get a late powerplay that would carry into the 3rd. Vernon was up 1-0 after 40 minutes of play. Things slowly started to get a little chippy late in the frame with both teams getting involved in a few scrums. At the buzzer Andrew Shortridge was yapping with the Centennials bench as he made his way to the Viper dressing room. This was not a great period by the Vipers. Vernon come out flat, as Merritt jumped on the Vipers off the opening faceoff. The Vipers had all kinds of trouble clearing the zone in the opening minute, would take an early penalty and just couldnt recover. Andrew Shortridge with some strong goaltending kept his team in the game. The Vipers with very little offensive pressure, had very few scoring chances. Merritt with a five minute major as well as close to two full other powerplays couldnt solve Andrew Shortridge. The Cents by far the better of the two teams, outplayed Vernon this period. Give the Vipers some credit as there penalty kill was very very good. Merritt outshot Vernon 18-9.
3rd Period: The Cents started the final frame with the PP that was carried over from the end of the 2nd period. A very short powerplay ended before heading right back to the man advantage getting an early powerplay. Andrew Shortridge with two saves and a good penalty kill would kill off the minor. Vernon responded just after the goal with a goal of their own. Joe Sacco was stopped by Cole Kehler before Hunter Zandee banged in the rebound giving Vernon a 2-0 lead at 3:37 Sacco & Darren Rizzolo with the helpers. This was a huge goal, giving the Vipers a two goal lead after a big penalty kill. This goal seemed to give the Vipers a boost as Vernon really stepped up their play from here on in until the finish. The Vipers down two players for the final twenty minutes (Brandt & Cakebread) played a very smart period. Once again Andrew Shortridge had to be sharp made several big stops through out the third keeping this a two goal lead. Shortridge made a few saves I dont think he even saw, but somehow stopped them anyways. Merritt with a good flurry of opportunities couldnt buy a break. Veteran Gavin Gould with a quick shot from the high slot was stopped by the quick glove save off Shortridge. Just past the midway mark Steven Jandric would be stopped by Kehler before Odeen Tufto pounced on the rebound giving Vernon a 3-0 lead at 11:24 Jandric and Liam Finlay picked up the assists. Kehler having troubles with his rebounds and it showed this period as the Vipers going to the net, popped home two big rebounds off the veteran goaltender. Vernon playing very smart were able to control the play for several shifts at a time killed off some valuable time off the clock. Joe Martin would call a timeout with 2:30 remaining also got Cole Kehler to the bench for the extra attacker. The Cents with some pressure couldnt get pucks through as Vernon with a heck of a defensive game, kept the Centennials to the outside, limiting their shots. The Vipers would get one long shot from their own end just missing the far corner on the open net. Merritt would get a late powerplay and again move the puck around but was unable to get pucks through and to the net as the Viper defence was solid. When shots-pucks did get through Andrew Shortridge was there to make the save. The Centennials with a late push in the dying seconds tried breaking Shortridge's shutout bid failed as the buzzer sounded. Shortridge with three big fist pumps congratulated his team as they come off the bench to celebrate the victory. Vernon would come away with the 3-0 win. After a very poor second period the Vipers responded with a great, hard working third scored twice to seal the victory. Andrew Shortridge once again was called apon to make some big saves. Vernon played a very smart hockey game in the 3rd kept things simple. Merritt with two powerplays in the 3rd just couldnt capitalize or find the back of the net. The Cents had more shots and the better of the chances but it was the Vipers who capitalized on their chances when it counted. Merritt outshot Vernon 14-8.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Brett Stapely who impressed me Wednesday, had another strong game tonight vs Merritt. The youngster whos brother was traded to Trail today played very well tonight. Stapely kept his game simple, got pucks in deep, went to the net and was strong along the wall.
Bo Pellah had a good game on the blueline, looked very good with the puck especially on the powerplay. Pellah with a few dirty dangles made the Cents defenders look silly. Pellah who has some very soft hands for a defenceman created/generated some chances with the PP.
Michael Roberts who hasnt impressed me much this season played very well on the penalty kill. The Vernon product showed alot of hustle and determination killing penalties was hard to play against.
Jagger Williamson who returned to the lineup tonight after being out for a few games with an injury, had lots of speed and jump in his game. Hasnt had much luck this season, generated some offensive chances tonight, even one on the penalty kill (five minute major).
Christian Cakebread made his Vipers debut looked-played very well in the opening period before leaving the game just minutes into the 2nd period after going hard into the boards. Cakebread can skate and looks to have some soft hands, created-generated two or three nice scoring opportunities in the 1st period. Plays hard at both ends of the rink, goes to the net looking for opportunities.
Hunter Zandee (1 goal & 1 assist) Come close to scoring twice tonight, hit the post late in the 2nd period. Was skating hard tonight, played hard and competed.
Liam Finlay (1 assist) Had another strong game, as he played very well Wednesday vs Trail. Finlay really using his speed and quickness tonight gave Merritt all they could handle. Really opens up the ice when he turns on the wheels.
Joe Sacco (1 goal & 1 assist) Had a solid game up front for the Vipers. Was going to the net, played hard all night.
Andrew Shortridge (46 saves-Shutout) Made 46 saves for his first career BCHL shutout. Two if you count the 3-0 victory-shutout in a pre-season win over Prince George back in September. For the second straight game Shortridge has faced over 40 plus shots, had to bail out his team on several plays, making some big saves to keep his team in the game. Your goaltender is your biggest penalty killer and for the second straight game, while shorthanded Shortridge come up with some big saves on the penalty kill. This kid covers alot of net but is very well positioned its hard for shooters to find any space. Very quick on his feet, dosnt give out many if any rebounds and showed his quick glove hand tonight. May have got a little lucky in the 1st period on three goal mouth scrambles, but somehow stopped the puck on three very difficult saves.
Game Thought's: (Vernon)
After a sluggish-so so game vs Trail Wednesday in a game they were lucky to win, the Vipers responded with a big 3-0 victory over the Merritt Centennials jumping into 3rd place just a point back of Salmon Arm. I thought the Vipers come ready to go tonight, unlike Wednesdays game Vernon played with lots of jump-intensity, were skating and using their speed. The Vipers with a great start and great opening period had a ton of chances just couldnt find the back of the net. What happened in the 2nd? The Vipers come out flat, had all kinds of trouble clearing the zone, were forced into taking an early penalty struggled with a very poor second period. Other then late didnt generate or create much for offensive chances were outplayed. The Vipers even though outplayed would open the scoring on a break-lucky bounce they needed. The TSN turning point would come halfway through that period after losing Riley Brandt to a five minute major. Give the Viper penalty kill a pat on the back for a heck of a job shorthanded. Not only did Andrew Shortridge make some huge saves on the penalty kill, the Vipers generated some chances shorthanded. Vernon with a huge penalty kill were lucky to get out of the period and up 1-0. Give the Vipers full credit for picking up their game, coming out with a solid performance in the 3rd to pick up a huge two points and the win. Scoring twice, also killed off two penalties played smart, didnt get alot of chances only had eight shots capitalized on their opportunities. The Vipers have to be concerned with giving up 40 plus shots in back to back games. The Vipers were going to the net, rewarded for going to the net, there passing was clicking and they did a great job to shutdown Merritt's offence in the 3rd but playing very well defensively. A big loss losing Riley Brandt but also newcomer Christian Cakebread. Consistancy has been a big problem for the Vipers this season, If the Vipers can play like they did tonight in periods 1 & 3 and play with a little more consistancy they will be hard to beat.
Top Player's: (Merritt)
Tyrell Buckley played a solid game on the Cents backend. Played well at both ends of the rink, made a strong defensive play on Jagger Williamson in the 2nd period.
Colin Grannary with some great looks at the net, couldnt solve Andrew Shortridge. Was buzzing in and around the net all night had a strong game for the Centennials.
Mitch Lipon was another kid who played very well, not the biggest kid but played big, competed all night. Went to the grey areas but just wasnt rewarded,
Gavin Gould had his fair share of chances couldnt find the back of the net.
Ryan Forbes had several opportunities couldnt buy a goal. Going to net all night had some good chances.
Malik Kaila had a good game on the backend.
Cole Kehler (28 saves) Recently released by the Kamloops Blazers was acquired by the Cents. Playing his sixth game made 28 saves played well. Made some good saves in the opening period to keep this a scoreless game. Had troubles with his rebounds tonight and the Vipers capitalized on atleast two.
Game Thought's: (Merritt)
Playing their second game of three straight games the Centennials fired 46 shots at Andrew Shortridge couldnt buy a goal or get a bounce-break. The Cents played a strong-hard fought game earned a much better ending, ran into a hot goaltender and a great Viper penalty kill. Merritt who played very well went 0-5 with the man advantage. This game was anyone's game until Vernon's third goal, could have gone either way. The Centennials were gunning for Viper newcomer Christian Cakebread laying the body-making contact on the newest Viper forward through out the opening period. If the Cents score first or capitalize on some of their powerplay's this is a different hockey game. This was a very close game. Merritt had a ton of great scoring chances, just couldnt solve the Viper goaltending. The Cents worked hard, competed giving the Vipers a good run. Should be a great re-match tomorrow night in Merritt.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Austin Cho
Zach Andrusiak
Merritt:
Ryan Finnegan
Mark O'shaughnessy
Energy Player of the Game:
Liam Finlay (1 assist)
Three Stars:
1st Star: Andrew Shortridge (46 saves-shutout)
2nd Star: Hunter Zandee (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Joe Sacco (1 goal & 1 assist)
BCHL Boxscore,
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1477146&link=bchl
Graham Turnbull's Vernon Vipers Blog,
http://vipersvenom1.blogspot.ca/
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