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-Capitals game as Vernon defeated Cowichan 3-1 in front of 1,679 fans at Kal Tire Place.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Andrew Shortridge
Cowichan: Lane Michasiw
1st Period: The Capitals jumped on the Vipers off the opening faceoff. Cowichan with lots of jump, come attacking off the draw had a few good looks at the net, created a few chances in close not even a minute into the game. The Vipers back on their heels a bit, I dont think were ready. Former Vipers defenceman Mitch Meek with a quick shot from the blueline was redirected in front forcing Andrew Shortridge to make a big stop about a minute and a half into the contest. The Vipers responded with a nice three way passing play on the odd man rush about a minute later. Charley Michalowski couldnt beat Lane Michasiw in close on Vernon's first opportunity. Cowichan coming off a 6-4 win in West Kelowna last night, was looking for their second straight win tonight looked very strong this period. The Capitals owned the Vipers for most of the 1st, Cowichan really moved the puck well, generated all kinds of offensive zone time. Andrew Shortridge was called apon on several occasions to come up with big saves keeping Vernon in the game early. The Vipers had troubles getting through the neutral zone and getting any sustained pressure in the Caps zone. Cowichan controlled the majority of the play for most of the period as the Vipers didnt get much time in the offensive zone. Riley Brandt with a huge hit in the neutral zone, caused a bit of a scrum in front of the benches. The Caps would open the scoring on a defensive let down in the Vernon zone. Luke Santerno would be stopped by Shortridge before Matt Hudie burried the rebound into the open cage giving Cowichan a 1-0 lead at 11:04 Santerno & Jacob Switzer with the helpers. A few minutes later another defensive let down would come close to giving the Capitals a two goal lead. The Vipers coughed up the puck in front of their own net twice before the puck rolled in front of Andrew Shortridge who didnt know where the puck was at first before smothering the loose puck. The Vipers responded in the second half with a few decent shifts but couldnt generate much for offence. Christan Cakebread would go hard into the end boards, get tangled up with a Cowichan player, was very slow to get up, looked to be in discomfort slowly skated off the ice and made his way to the Vipers dressing room. Cakebread would eventually return. With seven and a half minutes remaining Carter Stephenson with a shot from the point would get defelected in front couldnt beat Lane Michasiw who made a tough save in close. The Vipers would get the games first powerplay, late but unable to capitalize. Late in the period Luke Santerno was stopped at the side of the net on a good chance from in close with about two and a half minutes to go. It was 1-0 Cowichan after 20 minutes of play. The Capitals with a strong start, jumped on the Vipers early and often were firing everything towards the Vernon goal, were buzzing had some real good opportunities only managed one goal. Cowichan dominated the opening period, outplayed Vernon for most of the twenty minutes. The Vipers who didnt generate much for offence, had troubles getting any sustained pressure in the Cowichan zone. The Vipers with one maybe two decent chances. Andrew Shortridge kept his team in the game, was the difference in the opening frame. Cowichan outshot Vernon 16-8.
2nd Period: Just thirty seven seconds into the middle frame Caps leading goal scorer Adam Osczevski with a quick wrist shot from the circle forced Vipers starting goaltender Andrew Shortridge into making a quick glove save, with the flash of the leather. Just a few minutes later Luke Santerno with a quick shot from the slot forced Shortridge into making a big pad save as the Capitals come out with some good pressure early.Ben Butcher setup Charley Mitchalowski on a Viper odd man rush who couldnt beat Capitals starting goaltender Lane Michasiw who come up with a nice blocker save off the Vernon two on one. The Capitals come right back the other way, getting a three on one rush but couldnt convert on the pass, missing on a missed opportunity. The Caps once again controlled the better of the play early, had the Vipers hemmed in their own end. For a second straight period the Vipers unable to get through the neutral zone. Riley Brandt would eventually get a good opportunity couldnt beat Michasiw. Shortly after Jimmy Lambert on a nice rush made a good move in close was stoned by Lane Michasiw who come up with his better saves of the evening. Cowichan would get their first look with the man advantage just before the midway mark. Patrick Geary with a hard shot from just inside the blueline forced Shortridge to come up with a blocker save. The Caps with atleast two or three chances couldnt grab the two goal lead. Christian Cakebread would leave the Vipers bench for a second time tonight, and not return. Late in the frame Vernon would get their second PP of the night and capitalize. Latrell Charleson found the open cage tying the game 1-1 at 16:51 as the teddy bears hit the ice, on the Vipers annual teddy bear toss night. A minor delay to clean up all the stuffies on the ice before play resumed. This goal seemed to give the Vipers some life and a little momentum as Vernon looked to get going late and play some of their best hockey of the night. The Vipers would finish the period with some solid hard working shifts, had several chances down low were looking for the lead. Ben Butcher somehow missed a wide open net with thirty seconds left on the clock. Carter Stephenson with a shot from the blueline was redircted in front before a quick whistle gave the Caps a break. Lane Michasiw laid flat on his back looked to have the puck covered under him before a quick whistle, the Vipers were right there to jab away as the puck slowly trickled across the goal line but the whistle had already been blown dead with just eight seconds left in the middle frame. At the buzzer Riley Brandt started a minor scrum deep in the Cowichan zone, as a few players got tangled up in some pushing and shoving before the scrum was broken up. It was tied 1-1 after 40 minutes of play. For a second straight period the Cowichan Capitals carried the better of the play and were the better of the two teams for most of the period. The Vipers just couldnt get much going, yes they had some better opportunities this period but again couldnt get any real sustained pressure. Vernon would tie the game late and finish with a good final few minutes, had some chances late. Shots were even 11-11.
3rd Period: The Vipers come out with lots of jump, it was Cowichan who looked a little sluggish at times as Vernon responded with a good start to the final frame. The Vipers were really skating, generating some offensive chances early stepped up their play. Cowichan's defence looked a little leary, looked to have troubles coming out of their own end, this didnt look like the same Caps team from the first two periods. Latrell Charleson come inches away from giving Vernon their first lead of the night, after ringing his pointshot off the crossbar and into the netting above the end glass just five minutes into the 3rd. Matt Hudie who opened the scoring for Cowichan was sent in alone for the breakaway, couldnt beat Andrew Shortridge low who come up with a big save with the game tied. The Vipers would come back the other way on the following shift, Bo Pellah's shot was tipped in front by Captain Colton McCarthy giving Vernon the 2-1 lead at 7:51 Pellah and Riley Brandt with the assists. Odeen Tufto then come very close to giving Vernon a two goal lead after stumbling on his feet in front of the crease tried putting a backhand behind Lane Michasiw who somehow fell down before reaching back to rob Tufto who was alone in front. About a minute later the Caps would get a four minute powerplay after Jagger Williamson's double minor for highsticking. The Caps couldnt seem to get setup, were forced back into their own end to retrieve the puck more times then none as the Vipers with a solid penalty kill. Cowichan unable to really setup any kind of a powerplay were struggling. The Vipers would kill off the first two minutes before the Caps would get their first real good chance late on the man advantage. Colton McCarthy and Riley Brandt on a two on one couldnt capitalize after a big defensive play broke up the Viper attack. Cowichan with two late opportunities couldnt beat Shortridge who come up with two key saves as Vernon with a solid penalty kill would kill off the double minor, getting a huge ovation from the crowd. Just after the penalty expired, Vernon would jump on their first of three straight powerplays. The Vipers with some good puck movement had a few chances down low couldnt convert as the Caps would kill off the minor. With the Capitals looking to get Michasiw to the bench for the extra attacker, Cowichan would take a late penalty sending Vernon to the man advantage for basically the remainder of the period minus nine seconds. Bob Beatty didnt like the call, was letting the official know about it. The Vipers moving the puck around, would kill off alot of time off the clock, before Odeen Tufto setup Joe Sacco with a nice feed before ripping a snap shot through Lane Michasiw giving Vernon a 3-1 lead at 19:06 Tufto & Mitchell Oliver collected the helpers. Off the faceoff the Caps would get Lane Michasiw to the bench for the extra attacker, Vernon wouldnt even get a shot at the open cage, would head back to the PP after the Caps would get a bench minor for yapping from the bench allowing the Vipers to finish the game with the man advantage. The Vipers would wind up with the 3-1 victory. The Vipers stepped up their play and come ready to play in the 3rd, broke the tie with two goals to come away with the win. This was Vernon's best effort/performance of the game and they were the better of the two teams for sure. The Vipers who had troubles creating/generating chances and getting any sustained pressure in the first two periods, had lots of zone time in the 3rd. The Vipers showing their speed, looked very good. The Caps on the other hand, didnt look like the same team. Cowichan struggled in their own end defensively at times, werent moving the puck as quick as they were in the first two periods, didnt generate much for offence. Cowichan didnt look very good in the 3rd were outshot 17-8.
Top Player's: (Vernon)
Carter Stephenson "AP" Playing in his second straight game with the Vipers, due to the injuries on the Vernon blueline I thought played very well for a youngster. Was getting pucks to the net, played well through out the game. Didnt show alot of nerves, actually played with alot of confidence.
Charley Mitchalowski Played well this evening, seemed to be skating better tonight. Had some open ice tonight, showed off his quickness and strong skating, and a few opportunities.
Riley Brandt (1 assist) Battled hard tonight, stook up for his teammates on several occasions, jumped in the middle of guys to send a message. Played with alot of intensity, was physical at times, worked hard.
Odeen Tufto (2 assists) Played well up front, was going to the net, was knocked around a few times, got right back up and back to work.
Hunter Zandee I thought played with alot of jump-energy, wasnt very noticable offensively but played well.
Ben Butcher I thought played one of his better games since coming to Vernon in a trade with Langley. Butcher who has looked very slow and sluggish since joining the Vipers, showed off some signs of skill tonight. Joined the rush, was involved in the play often and created some plays with and without the puck. A bigger body, moved the puck well, was going to the net.
Andrew Shortridge (34 saves) Was once again solid in goal for the Vernon Vipers. The veteran goaltender once again held his team in the game at times, especially in the first two periods when the Capitals were pressing. Shortridge come up with some key saves in the 1st made his biggest stop of the night off a breakaway in the 3rd with the game tied. On the following play, the Vipers come back up ice before scoring themselves grabbing their first lead of the night.
Game Thought's: (Vernon)
Things didnt look very promising after the 1st period. The Vipers were outplayed pretty good that opening frame were also outplayed most of the 2nd period but were very luck to be in the game and tied heading into the 3rd. Vernon didnt generate much for offence the first two periods, didnt get alot of zone time having all kinds of trouble getting through the neutral zone. I thought the Vipers had a few more chances and their better ones of the night in the 2nd but again didnt get alot of zone time. The Vipers allowed the Caps to free wheel in that opening period, were able to get lots of pucks to the net relied on Andrew Shortridge to bail them out. Vernon got some life and momentum after Latrell Charleson's game tying goal late in the 2nd seemed to come on hard and finish the 2nd with a strong finish. The Vipers responded and really stepped up their game in the 3rd were the better of the two teams, outplayed Cowichan for most of the period. I thought the Vipers picked up their skating, were moving the puck more, generating-creating more chances and getting alot more sustained pressure in the Caps zone. Vernon seemed to have alot more jump-energy in their game come the 3rd. One turning point could be Andrew Shortridge's breakaway save just seconds before the Vipers 2nd goal. A big stop on the breakaway at one end, before the Vipers respond with a huge goal to take the lead at the other end of the rink. The Vipers then come up with a huge penalty kill shortly after, killing off a four minute double minor wich could also be another turning point in tonight's game. The Vipers penalty kill was good. Vernon played a much more disaplined game tonight, after taking one too many penalties last night in Penticton. At one point it looked like the Caps were going to run away with the shot total, but give Vernon credit, they battled back and evened the shots at one point, clawing their way back on the shot clock. This was a huge win, staying four points up on Trail who also won tonight. The Vipers are just four points up on the Smoke Eaters for the final playoff spot. The Vipers snap their five game losing streak, hopefully can gain some confidence-momentum from tonight's win and build off that heading into Wednesday's tilt with Salmon Arm. The schedule dosnt get any easier with the Vipers facing the Silverbacks, Langley & Penticton again all within the next week and a bit.
Top Player's: (Cowichan)
Connor Russell played a strong game on the backend. A bigger body who dosnt give you alot of room to dangle.
Ben Verrall another Cowichan d-man who played well on the blueline.
Luke Santerno (1 assist) Had all kinds of opportunities tonight, was really involved in the play, buzzing in and around the Viper goal.
Mitch Meek the one-time former Viper defenceman, also thought played well on the Caps backend. With just Mitchell Oliver returning from last year's team, I was surprised the Vipers traded away Meek this off season.
Jared Domin has some wheels, was quick on his feet, involved in the play, was very shifty through out the game.
Matt Hudie (1 goal) Was stopped on the breakaway in the 3rd with the game tied 1-1. Hudie played well for most of the night.
Adam Osczevski The former West Kelowna Warrior forward was all over the rink, this kid is quick, can really move, hard to contain and has a wicked shot. Didnt record a point but was involved in the game often. Gave the Vipers troubles all night.
Kade Kehoe Was another Capitals forward who was dangerous through out the game. Quick, can really move, has some nice hands, hard to contain.
Lane Michasiw (33 saves) Didnt see alot of rubber in the first two periods made a few big saves in the 2nd but played very well through out the game. Saw 17 Viper shots in the 3rd was forced to be alert, come up with some big stops to keep this game close.
Game Thought's: (Cowichan)
The Caps who beat Vernon 6-3 at home in early November showed why they were atop the Island Division earlier in the season, are a very big, skilled, defensive minded team with some good goaltending. Cowichan jumped on the Vipers early and often were all over Vernon for most of the first two periods. The Caps opened the scoring, there down fault was the Capitals couldnt put the Vipers away when they had the opportunity. Cowichan gets the 2nd goal and the Vipers fall behind 2-0 riding a five game losing streak, and playing with the pressure of trying to score on teddy bear toss night, maybe the the Vipers fold the tent at this point. Cowichan cant get that two or three goal lead allows Vernon to tie the game before giving up the lead in the 3rd. The Caps missed another opportunity not being able to get much of anything going on the double minor powerplay. Cowichan who looked so good and so strong in the first two periods, didnt look like the same team come the 3rd. The Capitals struggled, couldnt seem to get much of anything going in the final twenty minutes. The Caps fall to 1-2 vs Vernon this season.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Griffin James (Injured)
Liam Finlay
Mac Ferner (Injured)
Cowichan:
Ryan Burton
Rhett Willcox
Carter Cochrane
Daniel Wanner
Energy Player of the Game:
Hunter Zandee
Three Star's:
1st Star: Andrew Shortridge (34 saves)
2nd Star: Odeen Tufto (2 assists)
3rd Star: Colton McCarthy (1 goal)
BCHL Boxscore,
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1477301&link=bchl
Jeff Sargeant's Cowichan Capitals Blog,
https://sargeantspeak.wordpress.com/
Graham Turnbull's Vernon Vipers Venom Blog
http://vipersvenom1.blogspot.ca/
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