I stopped by Kal Tire Place this evening for the second day of Vipers training camp.
This morning Team Blue played Team Red. I was unable to attend but caught the second scrimmage-game of the day as Team Red defeated Team Gold 4-1 tonight. Team Gold got on the scoreboard first before Team Red tied the game, before taking the lead late in the opening frame. It was 2-1 for Team Red after the first twenty minutes. Both teams were fairly evenly matched in the opening period at times but I thought Team Red had a bit more jump and carried a bit more edge in play at times. Viper newcomer Keyvan Mohkatari missed the net on a 1st period penalty shot. No scoring in the middle frame, with not nearly as many scoring chances in the 1st period. James Brendeland who made a big glove save off a two on one rush, started the game for Team Red was replaced midway through the 2nd period in favor of backup goaltender Johnny Derrick. Connor Webb started between the pipes for Team Gold who switched goaltenders at the halfway mark of the middle frame in favor of James Johnston. Team Gold come on strong in the final minutes of the 2nd period, but couldn't solve Johnny Derrick who made three-four solid saves all on one flurry. Team Red took a 2-1 lead heading into the 3rd. Team Red would score two early goals to jump out to a 4-1 lead. Team Red would hold onto the three goal lead and come away with the 4-1 victory.
Here are the players I thought stood out,
Team Red:
James Brendeland who started tonight's scrimmage was sharp early, was forced to make some big stops in close. Gave up the first goal but settled down as the game went on.
Johnny Derrick Replaced James Brendeland midway through the 2nd period, didn't surrender a single goal, was solid between the pipes for Team Red. Quick on his feet, made some quality saves, especially late in the 2nd period with Team Gold pressing. Played very well.
Shane Kelly returning for a second season with the Snakes, played well on the backend. Was getting pucks to the net, played well.
Mitch Andres Caught my attention. A big steady-rugged defenceman that can skate, move the puck and plays very well defensively. Very solid on the blueline all game.
Jake Mulder Caught my attention tonight. Was in and around the net, played hard. Looked good for most of the scrimmage.
Coleton Bilodeau Played as an affiliated player with the Vipers last season, has committed to Vernon for this year, looks to have grown, added some size. Was very good-strong down low, hard to knock off the puck in the corners. Played very well in the win.
Christian Sanda Was another forward that caught my attention tonight. Showed signs of skill at different times during the scrimmage.
Team Gold:
Connor Webb started tonight's scrimmage, played half the game played well, only giving up two goals.
Michael Young I noticed a little bit last night, caught my eye this evening. Was teamed up on the backend with Viper veteran Chris Jandric. The two played very well together. Young had a strong night on the blueline, this kid can skate, move the puck and likes to jump up into the play. Quick on his feet, gets back into position and knows when and when not to make the jump into the offensive zone.
Brett Stapley had a few shifts where he stood out-looked good but didn't stand out the entire game.
Ryan Brushett returning to Vernon for a second season, was another player that stood out at different times during the scrimmage. Had a few good chances at the top of the crease with the goaltender down and out, couldn't pull the trigger.
News & Notes:
Tonight was the third and final scrimmage of training camp. I'm guessing the Vipers will make cuts either tonight or first thing in the morning, getting down to two teams in time for tomorrow's blue-white inter-squad game.
I talked to two Viper season ticket holders who were at todays scrimmage between Team Red & Team Blue. Both said a new goaltender arrived in camp today, suited up for Team Blue and stood on his head, was by far the best goaltender on the ice this morning.
It's pretty tough getting a full judgement on what kind of team the Vipers will have-put together after watching two scrimmages. I look more forward to watching the annual blue-white inter-squad game, where you can see much more and get a much better evaluation on players, in more of an actual hockey game, compared to a scrimmage.
The league begins play tomorrow night, with three exhibition games scheduled for Wednesday night.
I went over the Vipers training camp roster-lineup sheet and have put together the current Vipers roster involving returning players, new recruits and players acquired in trades. Ive counted twenty one players who are either returning from last season, recruited-committed or been acquired by trades, this puts the Vipers roster at 21 players with just a single roster spot open to fill the 22 man roster. With Ty Taylor back in goal, this means the one roster spot that's open, needs to be filled with a backup goaltender. My biggest concern looking at this list, is the Vipers only have five defencemen, meaning will two forwards get cut-traded to bring in two more defencemen?
Returning Players:
Ty Taylor
Michael Ufberg
Sol Seibel
Jagger Williamson
Jesse Lansdell
Simon Sagissor
Shane Kelly
Brody Dale
Jimmy Lambert
Chris Jandric
Brett Stapley
Niko Karamanis
Ryan Brushett
Players acquired in trades:
Jordan Sandhu
Finn Evans
Keyvan Mohkatari
New Recruits-Committed Players:
Josh Prokop
Connor Marritt
Jack Judson
Coleton Biladeau
Alex Swetlikoff
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