Saturday, December 10, 2016

Vernon 4 Salmon Arm 4

I have had season tickets for the past 27 years and been following Junior hockey in Vernon for well over thirty years. Ive missed only three home games since 1998-99 season. For anyone who could not attend or watch tonight’s Vipers game here are my thoughts and views from tonight’s game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own view and opinion on any game we watch. This is my opinion and my thoughts on how I saw tonight’s game. I try to be unbiased and give a fare recap on both sides. Thanks for stopping by & visiting my blog.

I was at tonight's Vipers-Silverbacks game as Vernon tied Salmon Arm 4-4 in front of 1,050 fans at the Shaw Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Ty Taylor
Salmon Arm: Nic Tallarico

1st Period: The Vipers get off to a quick start. On their first offensive zone rush, Cooper Watson setup Steven Jandric in front who had a wide open cage, gave Vernon a 1-0 lead at 1:00 on the Vipers first shot of the game. Watson & Brett Stapley collected the helpers. Just 1:20 later the Silverbacks come right back sending Haydn Hopkins in for the breakaway who couldn't beat Ty Taylor keeping this a one goal game. About a minute later Salmon Arm would get the games first powerplay. Ty Taylor had to be sharp, making a big save in front before robbing Elijiah Barriga alone in front not once but twice as the Backs were pressing hard on the man advantage. Still on the PP the Silverbacks dumped the play in deep as the puck took a funny bounce off the end glass, caught Ty Taylor off guard was forced to make a quick reaction save off Jared Turcotte in the slot. Eventually Josh Blanchard's shot from the circle beat Ty Taylor glove side tying the game 1-1 at 5:14 sending the teddy bears-stuffed animals to the ice on the Silverbacks annual teddy bear toss. Carter Cochrane with the assist. Following the goal SA started laying the body, levelling three hard checks on the Vipers as the physical play picked up early on. Niko Karamanis and Christian Cakebread in close on an odd man rush, but Karamanis couldn't solve Nic Tallarico down low keeping this game tied. On the following play the Vipers would head back to the penalty box giving Salmon Arm their second powerplay of the night just minutes after capitalizing with the powerplay. Shorthanded captain Riley Brandt with a ton of speed cut hard towards the goal, couldn't beat Nic Tallarico in close before Justin Wilson somehow missed the open cage couldn't get enough on his shot, missed the net from in front. Still on the PP Haydn Hopkins put Salmon Arm ahead 2-1 at 9:25 Marcus Mitchell and Jared Turcotte with the helpers. Just seconds later Vernon would get their first look with the man advantage as Salmon Arm would get into penalty trouble giving the Vipers a lengthy five on three. The Vipers moving the puck around, had several good looks on the powerplay were in able to capitalize as the Backs excape and kill off both minors. With four and a half minutes remaining Nic Tallarico come way out of his crease to stop the puck as the puck rolled off his stick, ended up rolling through the crease as Salmon Arm was lucky a Viper player wasnt near by for the easy tap in. With three minutes remaining Josh Latta forced Ty Taylor to come way out of his crease to make a big save in the final few minutes. Inside the final minute Vernon would get a late powerplay, that would carry over into the 2nd period. It was 2-1 Salmon Arm after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers jumped out to the quick 1-0 lead just a minute into the contest, before giving up back to back powerplay goals. Both teams with chances, I think the Backs had more opportunities in a very evenly matched 1st period. Salmon Arm's penalty kill come up big killing off a five on three. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 15-14.

2nd Period: The Vipers started the middle frame on the man advantage that was carried over from the opening frame. SA with a strong defensive penalty kill, did a good job at closing the shooting lanes would kill off the minor before jumping on the powerplay just before their penalty expired. The Silverbacks with some nice three way passing setup Elijiah Barriga in front couldn't connect on the pass, on a missed opportunity. Vernon was able to come up with a strong PK and kill off the minor. Just as the Vipers killed off the penalty, Vernon would get an early powerplay. But once again another solid penalty kill from Salmon Arm. The Vipers having all kinds of troubles getting pucks to the net, unable to capitalize. Just as the penalty expired, Riley Brandt ripped a wicked shot from the high slot, beat Silverbacks starting goaltender Nic Tallarico but rang it off the post. The Vipers with good pressure, kept pressing hard, had the Backs on their heels for a few minutes. A quick shot from in close forced Nic Tallarico to make the pad save, let out a huge rebound that Jimmy Lambert couldn't connect on. Vernon would get another shot with the man advantage and finally capitalize. Steven Jandric setup Jimmy Lambert in the slot, whos seeing eye shot found its way through a maze of players, tying the game 2-2 at 8:26 Jandric and Brett Stapley picked up the assists. But just a minute later former Vipers defenceman Ryley Booth's shot beat Ty Taylor giving Salmon Arm a 3-2 lead at 9:26 Justin Wilson and Josh Latta collected the helpers. Fifteen seconds later the Vipers responded. Michael Ufberg setup former Silverbacks d-man Cameron Trott whos shot looked to get redirected in front found the back of the net, tying the game 3-3. Trott was rewarded with the goal. Ufberg with the lone assist. Less then a minute later the parade to the penalty box continued as the Backs would get a shot with the man advantage. Luke Gingras was really giving it to the referee on his way to the penalty box. The referee had enough, skated to the box and gave Gingras an earful. Riley Brandt skated by the box, letting Gingras know to keep his mouth shut. On the PP Carson Bolduc going to the net couldn't beat Vipers starting goaltender Ty Taylor in close. The Silverbacks with a few good looks, unable to capitalize. Shortly after the Vipers with some nice three way passing setup Cooper Watson for a quick shot on the odd man rush couldnt solve Nic Tallarico. A few minutes later it looked as if Salmon Arm took a 4-3 lead after Shane Kelly through the puck from behind his own net out front to a wide open Backs forward, who fired the puck into the open cage. Ty Taylor was out of position and unable to react to the shot. While the Silverbacks were celebrating Taylor was trying to talk to the referee. The referee's and linesmen gathered in front of the penalty box, eventually waived off the goal due to goaltender interference. This sending the Shaw Centre into a frenzy as now Vernon was going to the powerplay, with the game still tied 3-3. On the man advantage Michael Ufberg's point shot found its way to the back of the net, giving Vernon a 4-3 lead at 18:48 Jagger Williamson & Cooper Watson with the assists. It was 4-3 Vernon after 40 minutes of play. A wild penalty filled 2nd period. The Vipers carried most of the play and were the better team five on five in the first half. At one point shots were 14-4 in favor of Vernon. Nic Tallarico made several key saves but also gave up several big rebounds. The Silverbacks responded and played a little better in the second half. Lots of powerplays at both ends as both teams exchanged three goals in less then two minutes. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 19-8.

3rd Period: Just two minutes in a long dump in shot from centre handcuffed Ty Taylor took a funny hop at the last second gave Viper fans a bit of a scare before Taylor was able to make the difficult save. The Backs with a lot of jump early, pressed hard coming at Vernon and it paid off. Ty Taylor come out of his crease to play the puck, that ended up taking a weird bounce allowing Carson Bolduc to setup Elijiah Barriga to bury the puck into the open cage, with Taylor out of position tying the game 4-4 at 3:15 Bolduc & Haydn Hopkins with the helpers. SA with a strong push to start the 3rd continued as it was all Backs early and often. Vernon would eventually get their game going before both teams couldn't seem to get much of anything going in a very tight checking period. Just before the halfway mark Ryan Brushett with a great opportunity in front couldn't beat Nic Tallarico in close. Shortly after Carson Bolduc missed a quality chance from the slot before Ty Taylor made a huge save off Josh Blanchard standing in the crease. With about eight minutes left Nic Tallarico come up with a huge glove save keeping this game tied. Very little opportunities-chances in the second half as either team was giving up any chances. With 2:26 remaining the Vipers would get a late powerplay on a very strange call. Nic Tallarico was called for holding sending the Backs to the penalty kill. Vernon would struggle with the man advantage, didn't generate any real threat as SA would kill off the minor. Just as the powerplay expired Jagger Williamson stepped over the blueline ripped a shot that beat Nic Tallarico but hit the post with about thirty seconds to go. The Vipers would call a timeout with 6.1 seconds remaining before the game going to overtime. It was tied 4-4 after 60 minutes of play. The Silverbacks with a strong push-attack early to start the period, tied the game early on a weird bounce looked-played very well for most of the first half. In the second half neither team had many if any opportunities in a very tight checking game. The Vipers blew a great opportunity late to capitalize with the powerplay. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 11-10.

Overtime: Both teams struggled offensively through out most if not all of the first overtime. Both teams playing very defensively were willing to give up any time or space in the four on four. Late in the OT the Backs would get a great chance to put the game away on the powerplay. But Salmon Arm struggled with the man advantage had very little to no zone time couldn't capitalize as Vernon killed off the minor and excaped the first overtime. It was tied 4-4 after 65 minutes of play. Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 2-0.

Double Overtime: Inside the opening minute Jimmy Lambert with time allowed Brett Stapley to drive to the net setup Stapley who couldn't beat Nic Tallarico in tight who was down and out on his back with the puck under him, coming up with a huge save. Off the next shift the Vipers setup Jagger Williamson for the one time in front just missed the far corner on a missed opportunity from in close. It was all Vipers early and often. Both teams went back and fourth before Ryan Brushett was in alone for the breakaway, looked to get in too deep couldn't beat Nic Tallarico who come up with a huge game saver, keeping this game tied. Again both teams went back and fourth with not a lot of opportunities before Ryley Booth in over the line with thirty seconds remaining on an odd man rush couldn't beat Ty Taylor who made a huge pad save. Back come Vernon the other way, the Vipers catching a break as the Salmon Arm defender fell allowing Jagger Williamson to go in for the breakaway was stoned by Nic Tallarico with ten seconds left. The game would end 4-4. The Vipers really poured on the attack in the second overtime, had several quality chances to put the game away but couldn't solve Nic Tallarico. Tallarico with some of his biggest saves of the night, gave his team a chance to win. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 5-3.

Top Player's: (Vernon)

Michael Ufberg (1 goal & 1 assist) Had a strong game on the Viper blueline. Picking up two points was very smooth-slick carrying the puck-moving the puck up ice. Saw a ton of minutes through out the game-especially in the two overtimes. Made several defensive plays was very strong at both ends of the rink.

Cooper Watson (2 assists) Jumped up into the play, was joining the rush, getting involved in the play, was another defenceman that had a strong game.

Cameron Trott (1 goal) Facing his former team for the first time, was very solid on the backend. I don't think his goal will stand as it looked like his shot was redirected on its way to the goal. Graham Turnbull said on the post game show that he thought Austin Adamson redirected Trott's point shot and will get credited with the goal. I thought Trott was very solid on the blueline through out the game.

The line of Brett Stapley (2 assists), Steven Jandric (1 goal & 1 assist) & Jimmy Lambert (1 goal) Was very good for Vernon this evening. Created/generated some good chances, were skating, moving the puck, gave Salmon Arm's defenders trouble most of the night.

Ryan Brushett I thought was one of the Vipers better skaters tonight, played with a lot of jump-energy was flying most of the night. I thought played strong and was consistent through out the game, had a great opportunity to end the game in double overtime couldn't beat Nic Tallarico on the breakaway.

Jagger Williamson (1 assist) Returned to the lineup after missing atleast the last month due to injury. I didn't really notice the Vernon product off the start but as the game went on I thought Williamson looked good, was really using his quickness getting involved in the play more as the game went on. I thought looked-played his best in the 3rd and overtime periods. Rang a shot off the post with about thirty seconds to go in the 3rd and then with the game on his stick in double overtime couldn't solve Nic Tallarico on the breakaway with ten seconds to go.

Riley Brandt Showed a lot of hustle, played hard all night. Rang a shot off the post just after a powerplay in the 2nd period.

Chris Jandric returned to the lineup tonight after missing more then a month of action with an injury. Saw a ton of icetime, was very reliable for the Vipers, even saw time in double overtime. Has really played well in his rookie season with Vernon. A very good skating defenceman that likes to carry and move the puck. Has a quick release, also likes getting pucks to the net.

Ty Taylor (33 saves) Returned to the Vipers lineup after trying out at the World Jr A Challenge. Made some big stops in the opening frame and in the 3rd. Wasn't overly tested, managed to make the big saves when called apon.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

After winning three straight for a second time this season, the Vipers are now winless in their last two games. Going back to the 2013-14 regular season the Vipers have just three wins in Salmon Arm. This was a very exciting-entertaining hockey game in a game where I thought Vernon played very well. Five on five the Vipers were the better of the two teams, had the better opportunities. The Vipers outshot Salmon Arm in all but one period (first overtime). This was a game the Vipers needed-wanted the two points and in regulation. You need to start beating teams below you in the standings and with a divisional opponent you also don't want to see them get a point. The Vipers struggled with the powerplay, going 2-7 had several good opportunities with the man advantage at key times in the game, where they needed that powerplay goal. Not scoring on the two man advantage in the 1st and getting a late powerplay basically at the end of the 3rd. You need to score on those opportunities and make the other team pay for their mistakes. Give Salmon Arm credit, there penalty kill was very good tonight. I also think the Vipers struggled on missed opportunities. Nic Tallarico was giving up several big rebounds through out the game, the Vipers needed to go to the net and bury some of these. Several big rebounds-loose pucks sitting in and around the crease that the Vipers couldn't capitalize with. Vernon gives up back to back powerplay goals early to start the game, but the PK really settles down as the game goes on and shuts down Salmon Arm's powerplay for the remainder of the night. How big was the penalty kill in overtime. These two teams will meet again Wednesday in Vernon. The Vipers have to re-group and get ready for a big battle with Trail tomorrow. Both teams are tied in points for 2nd place after the Smokies overtime loss to the visiting Cowichan Capitals tonight.

Top Player's: (Salmon Arm)

Nic Tallarico (46 saves) Was the reason this game even went to overtime and stayed tied. Without Tallarico this game is over way before overtime. Not the biggest goaltender but quick on his feet, gives up a ton of big rebounds looked a little shaky off the start of the game. I thought was having troubles with his rebounds, puck control and handling the puck. Give the kid credit, he managed to hang in their, settle down as the game carried on and steel a point for the Backs. After being acquired from the SJHL Estevan Bruins last week Tallarico is still undefeated in four games with the Silverbacks. In four games with Salmon Arm Tallarico has faced 175 shots stopping 167. 

Ryley Booth (1 goal) I thought played well against his former team. Had a great chance to win the game late in double overtime couldn't solve Ty Taylor with about thirty seconds left.

Justin Wilson (1 assist) Has some good size, skates well, moves the puck, was involved in the play often, I thought was one of Salmon Arm's more effective forwards.

Haydn Hopkins (1 goal & 1 assist) Was one of Salmon Arm's better players. Plays with a ton of jump-energy, was flying, quick on his feet, goes to the net, shows a lot of hustle.

Carson Bolduc (1 assist) Was dangerous at times, created/generated some good opportunities, was hard to defend against. A bigger body, a veteran forward, seems to play well against the Vipers.

Elijiah Barriga (1 goal) Was another forward who was dangerous at times, lead the attack on different shifts, played hard, was going to the net, involved in the play, another veteran player that looked good through out the night.

Carter Cochrane (1 assist) I thought looked good-played hard through out the game. Quick on his feet, crafty with the puck, has some skill.

Riley Hayles I thought played very well on the blueline. 

Game Thought's: (Salmon Arm)

The Silverbacks record their first point against Vernon this season, are now 0-2-0-1 vs the Vipers this year, will face the Vipers three times before the end of the month. The Backs who got off to a slow start this season, struggled early on fired Brandon West, seemed to have turned things around as of late. Coming into tonight the Silverbacks have won four of their last five and six of their last ten games. I thought took advantage of some undisciplined penalties by the Vipers early to start the game, scored twice with the man advantage. I really liked the Backs penalty kill, only giving up two powerplay goals were very solid defensively, blocked a lot of the shooting lanes, limited Vernon's options, were forced to the outside often. Salmon Arm didn't get as many quality chances five on five but played well for most of the game. SA with a great chance to end the game in the first overtime, couldn't capitalize with the powerplay. The Silverbacks relied on Nic Tallarico often, too often but managed to get a important point out of the game before playing in Vernon Wednesday. A lot of funny-weird bounces through out the night, some off the end glass, some off the boards and some just happened on the ice but the puck was really bouncing out there tonight. Both goaltenders got caught off guard with a bouncing puck/or funny bounce off the boards-glass. 

Scratches:

Vernon: 

Sol Seibel
Nicholas Rasovic

Salmon Arm:

Julian Timba
Akito Hirose

Energy Player of the Game:

Haydn Hopkins (1 goal & 1 assist)

Three Star's:

1st Star: Nic Tallarico (46 saves)
2nd Star: Michael Ufberg (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Carter Stephenson 

Salmon Arm Silverbacks teddy bear toss highlights,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ylxki7vt4rI

BCHL Boxscore-Game Summary,


BCHL Game Report,


BCHL Text Boxscore,


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