I have had season tickets for the past 28 years and been following Junior hockey in Vernon for close to thirty five years. I've 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-Vees game as Penticton defeated Vernon 3-2 in front of 3,132 fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Anthony Yamnitsky
Penticton: Adam Scheel
Before the game they had a moment of silence for the shootings in Las Vegas and terrorist attacks in Edmonton last weekend.
1st Period: Just 1:21 into the game the Penticton Vees jump on an early powerplay. Moving the puck around, the Vees couldn't generate much for opportunities as the Viper penalty kill didn't give up a single shot as Vernon with a big kill early off the start of the contest. Both teams facing each other for the first time this season, looked like they were each trying to get a feel for one another as the play went back and fourth but with very limited shots and no chances at either end of the rink. The Snakes went six/seven minutes without a shot at one point. Just minutes before the halfway mark Vernon was finally able to generate some zone time. Captain Jagger Williamson lead an odd man rush, ripped a high shot over the net that went into the corner, before a Viper player with a quick shot fired the puck towards the goal, where the looked like it handcuffed Adam Scheel. The Vees actually may have got lucky as if that puck takes a weird bounce off Scheel, Nicky Leivermann was next to the Penticton netminder in the crease. Just past the midway mark the Vees would open the scoring. A Vees player (Didn't see who it was) beat Anthony Yamnitski five hole, the puck looked to cross the goal line before Niko Karamanis cleared the puck off the goal line before his clearing attempt went in and off Anthony Yamnitsky who was down and out. Jack Barnes would get credited with the goal giving Penticton a 1-0 lead at 12:50 Jared Nash & Luke Reid collected the helpers. Just less then a minute later the Snakes would get their first look with the man advantage. The Vees would get into penalty trouble, taking two minors, giving Vernon a two man advantage. Just as the first powerplay expired, Jimmy Lambert found the back of the net on the PP tying the game 1-1 at 15:31 Brett Stapley and Michael Ufberg drew the assists. With two and a half minutes remaining, Luke Reid with a great look-opportunity couldn't solve Anthony Yamnitsky. Less then a minute later Grant Cruikshank beat his defender one on one, cut hard to the goal, tried going shortside just missed the far corner. I thought it missed the goal, but the Vees were credited for a shot. Inside the final minute the Snakes would get a late powerplay. The Vipers couldn't capitalize before the final buzzer. It was 1-1 after 20 minutes of play. Other then the Vees early powerplay to start the game, not much happened in the first half. Both teams looked to be figuring one another out, as both teams didn't get a lot of pucks to the net-created/generate any real scoring chances through out most of the period. A fairly evenly matched opening period. Vernon outshot Penticton 11-8.
2nd Period: The Snakes started the middle frame on the powerplay that was carried over from the 1st period. Penticton Vees starting goaltender Adam Scheel was forced into making a big stop inside the opening minute after a quick shot from the top of the circle. The Vees were able to kill off the penalty. Just as the penalty expired, former Victoria Grizzlies forward Keyvan Mokhtari alone in the high slot was stoned by Scheel who come out to challenge, made a big stop keeping this a tie contest. Vernon would head back to the powerplay, just minutes into the period. This would be the Vipers first of two back to back powerplays. The Snakes struggled with the first PP as Penticton would kill off the minor. Seconds after killing off the penalty, the Vipers sprung Josh Prokop in for the breakaway who was denied by Adam Scheel. Scheel with a large save as Vernon would head back to the man advantage. Shorthanded the Vees went in for the two on one rush, before a Viper defender got back into the play, made a strong defensive play to break up Penticton's odd man rush. Vernon with some good looks, couldn't solve Adam Scheel. The Vees with another solid penalty kill, would kill off the minor. Two big back to back PKs from the Penticton Vees, keeping this game tied at one. Just as the penalty expired, the Vees sprung Jonny Tychonick coming out of the penalty box, Tychonick beat his defender before going in for the parcial breakaway was stopped in close by Vipers starting goaltender Anthony Yamnitsky before Ben Allen on the rebound was denied by Yamnitsky. Two great chances for Penticton, couldn't solve Vernon's goaltender. Just over two minutes later the Vees would get just their second look with the man advantage, but a strong Vernon penalty kill and the Snakes would kill off the minor. Just three minutes later Massimo Rizzo's shot would get redirected by Cassidy Bowes beat Anthony Yamnitsky who had no chance as the puck changed directions, found its way to the back of the net. Rizzo and Jonny Tychonick with the assists. Inside the final five minutes, the Snakes would get their third PP of the frame. Adam Scheel was solid and the Vees with another big penalty kill. It was 2-1 Penticton after 40 minutes of play. Vernon played a lot of the first half on the powerplay. The Snakes with three straight powerplays to start the 2nd period, couldn't capitalize with the man advantage. The Vipers go 0-4 with the PP. Penticton's penalty kill and goaltending was very good. Both teams had some good looks-chances. I would give the Vipers a slight edge in play, due to the fact they had four powerplays. Vernon outshot Penticton 12-6.
3rd Period: A minute into the final frame, Owen Sillinger couldn't beat Anthony Yamnitsky on the wrap around. On the following shift the Vipers would get called for too many men, giving the Vees an early powerplay. Shorthanded Niko Karamanis tried breaking in on the parcial breakaway would get poke checked by Adam Scheel, who made a big stop in close. Penticton struggled with the man advantage, as Vernon killed off the penalty. Minutes later the Vees would head back to the powerplay and again struggle with the man advantage. Shorthanded Jesse Lansdell sprung Niko Karamanis for the breakaway who beat Adam Scheel five hole, tying the game 2-2 at 7:23 Lansdell with the lone helper. But just a minute later and still on the powerplay, the Vees worked the puck around before Jackson Keane the son of former NHLer Mike Keane beat Anthony Yamnitsky from the slot, giving Penticton a 3-2 lead at 8:22 Massimo Rizzo drew the assist. This was a big goal after just giving up the games tying goal shorthanded. The crowd was back into the game and sent some energy/life back into the SOEC. Shortly after the Vees sprung Chris Klack in for the breakaway couldn't beat Anthony Yamnitsky. The Snakes looking a little sluggish couldn't get the puck-play through the neutral zone, as Penticton with a strong forecheck were on top of Vernon, bottling up the neutral zone, not giving the Vipers any time or space. The Snakes struggled getting the puck out of their own end, as the Vees really used their speed and quickness, were able to jump on Vernon, forcing Anthony Yamnitsky into making several key saves, keeping this a one goal game. Yamnitsky made two big glove saves, while being under siege at times from the Vees attack. Penticton slowly started to wind down the clock, were playing a dump and chase game at times. The Snakes would get Anthony Yamnitsky to the bench for the extra attacker with 1:45 remaining. The Vipers having troubles getting pucks to the net, were tied up-forced to hold the puck along the wall. Inside the final minute Vernon would get a late powerplay. Adam Scheel made two big stops inside the final minute. With the clock winding down and the Vipers unable to get the puck to the net, it looked like Vernon may have tied the game at the buzzer. Former Kelowna Rockets forward Tanner Wishnowski's shot from the corner beat Adam Scheel high over his shoulder. The Vipers celebrating looked to tie the game with no time left on the score clock. The goal light didn't come on as it looks like time may have expired. The referee/linesmen gathered near the penalty box for a lengthy discussion, the replay was shown over the jumbo tron at the South Okanagan Events Centre. The puck clearly went into the net, but had time expired before the puck entered the goal? The goal was waived off as the Vees bench erupted onto the ice. The Vipers furious with the call, went straight towards the officials while the Vees were high fiving one another. With the goal horn & music blasting over the speakers, there was no official announcement from the PA announcer why the goal was disallowed. The entire Vipers team was near the penalty box, arguing with the officials, pointing up at the jumbo tron. After arguing with the officials, the Vipers made their way to the dressing room, while Mark Ferner argued for a few minutes with the officials. Ferner clearly upset was really giving the referee/linesmen an earful. I overheard the fans next to me, say that when the final buzzer goes off even if the puck goes into the net, the goal light will not come on even if the goal judge is pushing the button. This is maybe why the goal light did not come on when the Vipers scored. On the replay, they didn't show the clock winding down, just the goal-puck going into the net. In the end the Penticton Vees come away with the 3-2 victory. It was all Vees for most of the final frame. Penticton with a few good looks-opportunities early, really used their speed and quickness to carry most of the play in the 3rd. The Vees with a solid defensive play, clogged up the neutral zone, limiting the Viper attack. The Snakes struggled offensively in the final twenty minutes, couldn't get much of anything going. Other then Niko Karamanis's shorthanded goal, the Vipers didn't see much time in the offensive zone. The Vees were the better of the two teams in the 3rd. Penticton outshot Vernon 14-10.
Top Player's: (Vernon)
Michael Young I thought was one of if not the Vipers best d-man in the loss. Young played very well through out the night.
Josh Prokop I thought battled-played hard most of the game. Was stopped by Adam Scheel on a 2nd period breakaway.
Niko Karamanis (1 goal) Was another Viper forward that played hard, used his speed, created-generated a few opportunities.
Anthony Yamnitsky (25 saves) Wasn't forced into making a ton of big stops, but made the saves when called apon. Played well, gave his team a chance to win. Made two huge saves in close in the 2nd period off Jonny Tychonick and Ben Allen.
Game Thought's: (Vernon)
I thought the Snakes played well but not well enough to win. The Vipers top lines had trouble creating/generating chances. Vernon struggled with the man advantage going 1-7 on the night. The Vipers capitalize on the powerplay, and this is maybe a different outcome? The Vipers had some good looks-chances but not enough. I didnt think Vernon had any real quality chances tonight. Adam Scheel was seeing everything with no traffic in front. Scheel made several saves catching the puck in the Vees logo. Scheel a big goaltender, covers a lot of the net. Vernon needs to get traffic in front, go to the grey areas. The Vipers had troubles creating-generating opportunities through out the night. Give the Vipers credit for staying out of the box. The Snakes are the second highest team in penalty minutes, did a good job at controlling their emotions through out the contest. The Vipers held their own against Penticton, minus the 3rd period may still be getting over the flu-being sick. Overall these two teams are very evenly matched. A tough break at the buzzer. The Vipers thought they tied the game, until having the goal disallowed. I think when the goal judge goes to put on the goal light, if the clock hits zero and the final buzzer has gone, the goal light wont turn on. Just my guess. I wasn't actually looking at the clock, I was watching the game-play. I heard the buzzer but cant remember if it went off before or after the goal. Why didn't the referee talk to the goal judge? This is just the Vipers second loss of the season. With the loss, Vernon falls to 7-2-0-1 and still remain 1st in the Interior Division. The Vipers have struggled in Penticton. Since the 2011-12 regular season Vernon has just five wins at the South Okanagan Events Centre in their last 22 games going 5-14-3-1. Going back going back to the 2014-15 regular season the Vipers have lost ten of their last fifteen games to the Penticton Vees. Good to see a small handful of Viper fans in attendance. I have missed just one Vipers game in Penticton since 2009.
Top Player's: (Penticton)
Nicky Leivermann caught my attention. I thought played a strong game on the backend. Carried the puck, was getting pucks to the net, played very well at both ends of the rink.
Luke Reid (1 assist) Was another Vees defenceman that played well. Really liked his game tonight.
Massimo Rizzo (2 assists) Not the biggest kid, but quick on his feet, really sees/reads the ice well. Very shifty with and without the puck.
Jonny Tychonick (1 assist) Returning for a second season with the Vees, once again had a strong night. I really liked this kid last season and he had another strong outing vs the Vipers again tonight. A smooth skater, can handle-move the puck up ice in a hurry, always involved in the play, at both ends of the rink. Created/generated several plays tonight.
Grant Cruikshank Played well at different times through out the game. Created/generated some opportunities, is strong with the puck, hard to defend against one on one. Has a wicked shot.
Owen Sillinger added some speed, was strong up front with and without the puck.
Chris Klack wearing #88 this year looked good at times in the win.
Adam Scheel (31 saves) Improves to 4-0 played well between the pipes for the Vees. A big goaltender, that covers a lot of the net. Dosnt give up many second opportunities, made some big stops in the win. Was seeing everything, most of the evening was solid on the penalty kill.
Game Thought's: (Penticton)
It looked like both teams took the 1st period to feel one another out. The Vees opened the scoring, on a goal mouth scramble and played with the lead most of the night. I thought both teams are very evenly matched and it showed tonight. If it wasn't for all of Vernon's powerplay's both teams were fairly even in the first two periods. I was a little surprised that Penticton took seven penalties, usually Fred Harbinson is very key on penalties. The 3rd period is what I really liked most from Penticton. Up a goal the Vees with a very solid defensive game, basically shutdown the Viper offence most of the final twenty minutes. Penticton really bottled up the neutral zone, then used their speed and skill to create/generate chances and keep the Snakes in the defensive zone. The Vees with a strong forecheck, won several battles along the wall in that 3rd period, really stepped up their play with the lead. Penticton got a bit of a scare at the buzzer, but come away with the win, improving to 6-0 moving into a 3rd place tie with the West Kelowna Warriors. Since the 2011-12 regular season the Vees have dominated the Vipers. Penticton has won thirty of the last fourty one regular season meetings vs Vernon going 30-10-0-1. The Vees have won fifteen of the last twenty regular season games vs the Vipers. The Vees have four games in hand over Vernon. These two teams will meet again tomorrow in Vernon. I think the Vees will be happy they come away with the win, but I also think like the Vipers, both teams need a little work to do. Another great crowd-atmosphere at the South Okanagan Events Centre with close to 3200 in attendance. 50/50 was well over $2000. The best rink to watch a BCHL game in, from the arenas Ive been too. Give full credit out to the Penticton Vees for marketing a strong product on the ice, getting fans out to the games and everyone involved. Everywhere you look, fans are wearing a Vees jersey, t-shirt or hat, young and old. The crowd gets into the game, every play, gets out of their seats when the Vees score. Its a great atmosphere inside & outside. You can really feel the buzz outside before the game. I love the new smoke stacks behind the goal, when the Vees score. Ive said it before, I also love the "ring of honour" a great way to honour past Penticton junior hockey players. This is something I wish the Vipers would do.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Connor Marritt
Adam Panacci
Mitch Andres
Penticton:
Ryan O'Connell
Greg Brydon
Taylor Ward
Energy Player of the Game:
Owen Sillinger
Three Star's:
1st Star: Adam Scheel (31 saves)
2nd Star: Luke Reid (1 assist)
3rd Star: Jackson Keane
Boxscore-Game Summary,
http://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/7919
Penticton Herald Newspaper article,
http://www.pentictonherald.ca/sports/local_sports/article_18cc486a-ab1a-11e7-b7c9-8bc4577fd504.html
Game Report,
https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/official-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=7919
Text Boxscore,
https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/text-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=7919
No comments:
Post a Comment