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-Kings game as Vernon defeated Powell River 2-0 in front of 1,714 fans at Kal Tire Place.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Ty Taylor
Powell River: Mitch Adamyk
1st Period: The Kings had early control of the puck-play off the opening faceoff but no real threat offensively before the Vipers would get control of the play-puck and get some real good sustained pressure in on the Kings defence inside the opening minutes. The Snakes moving the puck around well, didn't get any real great chances but had Powell River back on their heels for a good two minutes at least. Shortly after Carter Turnbull on a three on two attack, ripped a low shot from inside the circle was denied by Ty Taylor who was out to challenge, made a big stop on the Kings first shot of the evening. Vernon trying for the breakaway early, was going for the long stretch pass, missed two Vipers who were trying to get in behind the Powell River defence. Just before the seven minute mark Kings leading scorer Jonny Evans took a high stick to the mouth that went undetected, as the play carried up ice Evans was really giving a mouthful to the official who missed the call. Evans would be given an unsportsmanlike minor and a ten minute misconduct, giving Vernon the games first powerplay. The Vipers with a few good looks early struggled the remainder of the PP as Powell River killed off the minor. Evans was holding a cloth over his mouth the entire time while sitting in the sin bin, asked to leave the box for repairs. Evans went straight to the Kings dressing room with the team trainer. Evans was spotted near the Kings bench, down the tunnel before returning to the bench late in the period. I didn't see Evans on the ice but a #14 was now on the Kings bench with no name bar, wich I'm guessing was Evans. Just two minutes after killing off the penalty, Powell River would get their first look with the man advantage. The Kings moved the puck around, had several good looks as the Vipers killed off the minor. Just as the penalty expired, Adam Panacci with a good look-opportunity at the top of the crease couldn't solve Mitch Adamyk. Shortly after Powell River would get their second look with the powerplay, but again couldn't capitalize with the man advantage. The Snakes with another strong penalty kill. Inside the final three minutes Jimmy Lambert on an odd man rush, fired high and over the Kings goal. It was 0-0 after 20 minutes of play. This was a fairly evenly matched period with both teams going back and fourth. I thought the Kings had better puck possession and carried a little more of the play in the first half, but the Vipers responded and had their fare share of pressure and edge in play. I thought Vernon had a few more looks-scoring opportunities. Vernon outshot Powell River 12-11.
2nd Period: Just 1:26 into the middle frame Powell River would get an early powerplay after Keyvan Mokhtari was given a minor and ten minute misconduct for shooting the puck down the ice after the whistle was blown. Vernon with a strong penalty kill was able to excape and kill off the minor. Shortly after a harmless looking play-shot towards Vipers starting goaltender Ty Taylor, who gently kicked aside the puck after a shot from along the side wall, had to be sharp as Nick Abbott was at the side of the goal, couldn't get the puck up and over Taylor's pad on a huge save, keeping this game scoreless. Just before the eight minute mark the Snakes would jump on the powerplay and capitalize. Jagger Williamson spotted a pinching Jack Judson who jumped in from the point hit the open cage giving Vernon a 1-0 lead at 8:00 Williamson & Tanner Wishnowski collected the assists. No chance for Kings starting goaltender Mitch Adamyk. The Kings would jump on the powerplay just over four minutes later. Ty Taylor made a huge pad save, couldn't control the rebound, Carter Turnbull pounced on the loose puck somehow missed the open cage, firing right into the pads of Taylor. The Kings come close but couldn't tie the game. Just as the penalty expired Powell River went back to the PP. The Kings struggling getting pucks to the net, as the Viper defence/PK was solid, keeping Powell River to the outside, limiting the Kings opportunities as Vernon would kill off another minor. Just as the penalty expired the Snakes sprung Brett Stapley out of the penalty box in for the parcial breakaway, before Nathan Kelly horse collared Stapley as the two went hard into Mitch Admyk and the Kings net, with a delayed penalty on the play, the puck ended up going in and under Adamyk into the back of the goal. The referee behind the Powell River goal was pointing goal towards the net, while the Vipers now realizing they have scored, Mitch Adamyk lost his cool, chased down the official, going after the referee. The officials gathered near the penalty box, talking about the play-goal and stayed with the call on the ice. Adamyk took the puck out of the net and fired it into the crowd as the fans reacted, booing the Kings netminder. I thought I heard a whistle first before the puck went into the net, when the referee was pointing at the goal, I thought he was making the motion for a penalty shot. At the end of the day, the goal stood. Stapley would be credited with the unassisted goal at 17:08 On the following play while the referee was talking with Mitch Adamyk Tanner Wishnowski was involved with two Powell River players lined up for the draw. Wishnowski and the Vipers upset, calling for a penalty on the play, ended up seeing Wishnowski given a ten minute misconduct. Mark Ferner and the Viper bench upset with the non call and then the ten minute misconduct call. Kal Tire Place erupted, booing the officials. It was 2-0 Vernon after 40 minutes of play. The Snakes played a lot of the 2nd period shorthanded, losing Keyvan Mokhtari & Tanner Wishnowski for ten minutes. Due to all the penalties, Powell River obviously carried a lot of the play, but it was the Vernon penalty kill lead by Ty Taylor who were solid. The Viper defence was very strong on the PK, held the Kings to the outside, really limiting their chances. Powell River with a few looks-opportunities but mostly kept to the outside, with no real good looks-lanes to shoot at. Powell River had the better of the scoring chances, but how big was Brett Stapley's goal late to end the period. Shots were 11-11.
3rd Period: Both teams went back and fourth with no real quality chances before the Kings would get an early powerplay just over four minutes in. Mitch Adamyk come out behind his goal to play the puck, rubbed Jordan Sandhu out along the end wall before a Kings defender stepped in after Sandhu tried pushing off the Powell River goaltender, before the whistle was blown and Sandhu was given the two minutes for goaltender interference. Once again the Vipers bench and everyone inside Kal Tire Place were upset as Adamyk should have been given a penalty for interference on Sandhu. The Viper bench and all the fans let the officials know what they thought of that call. On the play Tanner Wishnowski obviously didn't like the call, was banging his stick on the glass from inside the penalty box. Wishnowski was serving the remainder of his ten minute misconduct before being tossed from the game. Wishnowski was given another ten minute misconduct and game misconduct as fans were now upset and again yelling at the officials. Vernon able to kill off the minor before Brett Stapley broke up the middle, ripped a high shot that was stopped by Mitch Adamyk on a Viper odd man rush. The Snakes would get a powerplay just before the midway mark. Moving the puck around, the Vipers setup Jimmy Lambert for the one timer who beat Mitch Adamyk rang his shot off the crossbar as Vernon was within inches of grabbing a 3-0 lead. The Snakes with several good looks, couldn't capitalize. In the second half both teams with the man advantage couldn't find the back of the net. Powell River would call a late timeout. With just under two minutes remaining and Powell River in control of the puck-play, the Kings decided to keep Mitch Adamyk in goal. With 1:28 remaining the Kings would get a late powerplay and now get Mitch Adamyk to the bench for the extra attacker. Powell River with a ton of pressure couldn't get pucks through after Jagger Williamson, Sol Seibel and Jordan Sandhu blocked shots. Captain Jagger Williamson took a good look at the open cage, wired the puck down the length of the ice, hit the bottom of the post, missing the open net inside the final minute. The Kings would keep the pressure on, couldn't solve Ty Taylor who made a few big stops late before time ran out as Vernon hung on for the 2-0 victory. Another period with several penalties. I thought both teams carried the play at times but it was the Snakes who had a slight edge in play. The Viper penalty kill was very good again, coming up large in the final two periods. I thought Vernon had the better opportunities as both teams battled hard in the final twenty minutes. The Kings struggled getting pucks to the net-through traffic on the powerplay. When Powell River did get pucks to the net-through traffic, the Kings didn't have any puck luck in and around the net. The Vipers got lucky on several occasions. Shots were 13-13.
Top Player's: (Vernon)
Sol Seibel I thought played a strong game on the Viper defence. Blocked shots, did a good job at clearing the front of the net, was very strong clearing the zone. Played very well.
Brett Stapley (1 goal) Scored a big goal late in the 2nd period on a goal, I thought the play was blown dead before the puck crossed the line. Stapley played with a lot of jump/energy was very shifty tonight, fighting his way through traffic. Created/generated chances.
Josh Prokop I thought was another forward that looked-played strong. Didn't see as much ice come the 3rd period but was very good in the first two periods.
Tanner Wishnowski (1 assist) Played a hard-strong game Friday come back with another strong/hard fought game tonight. Wishnowski becoming a fan favorite in Vernon was limited to his ice time after picking up two ten minute misconducts-one game misconduct. I thought really battled hard, won battles-races for the puck, played with an edge, played physical, was laying the body, really opens up the ice. A real character-veteran player.
Jagger Williamson (1 assist) The captain played-battled hard, blocked a shot late in the game on the penalty kill, stayed with the play and stayed on the ice, until the puck cleared the zone. Was strong on the puck-on the forecheck-down low. Competed all game.
Jack Judson (1 goal) Looked very impressive in the win. The rookie blueliner played very well. Jumped up into the play, was good at both ends of the rink.
Jimmy Lambert Had several quality opportunities, couldn't find the back of the net. Showed a lot of hustle, played strong-hard all night. Really battled hard, fought his way through traffic, really opens up the ice when with the puck.
Adam Panacci I thought played his best game as a Viper. Hasn't played much this season, with the new 23 man roster but has looked good when given the opportunity. I thought looked very impressive in the opening frame, had some good looks-chances.
Ty Taylor (35 saves-shutout) Playing in back to back games for the first time this year, picks up his second shutout of the season. Taylor who played well in the win over Nanaimo last night, was very solid between the pipes Saturday. Looked confident, made some key saves at key parts of the game. Was good on the penalty kill. Very good positionally, didn't give up many rebounds-second opportunities. The Vipers have rotated goaltenders from day 1, will we see Taylor start next weekend vs Surrey? Have the Vipers found their #1 goaltender?
Game Thought's: (Vernon)
You knew tonight was going to be the Snakes toughest challenge-game of the weekend. After a 2-1 loss to Powell River in Chilliwack at the BCHL Showcase, the Vipers get some revenge and pick up their second straight win over a very good Powell River team. I thought the Vipers played well in the win over Nanaimo Friday, come ready to battle-play tonight and earned the victory-two points. After a scoreless 1st Vernon with two big goals in the middle frame, head to the 3rd with a two goal lead. I thought both teams were fairly even through out the opening period but other then being shorthanded I thought the Vipers had a slight edge in play over the Kings in the 2nd and 3rd periods. Overall I thought Vernon had the better of the scoring chances, had the puck go their way tonight, while also got lucky-had some puck luck on their side on a few times during the game. I thought the powerplay, looked a little better and very impressed with the penalty kill this season but especially over the weekend. The Viper PK was very good last night and come up large again tonight. The Snakes still need to stay out of the box, giving up nine powerplays in a game is crazy. Vernon played with a ton of jump-energy, had a lively bench, played hard, battled-competed come away with a character win. The veterans really showed their leadership in the 3rd late blocking shots, doing whatever it takes to win. Guys were talking on the bench, patting one another as they come off the ice. I was a little concerned before tonight as this was Vernon's third game in four nights, but the Snakes showed little to no fatigue and played very well in a pretty intense game. The Vipers played as a team. The Kings with just one loss prior to tonight, shows the rest of the league that the Vipers are for real this year and have put together a strong team. Tonight was the home debut of assistant coach Jerred Smithson who was behind the Viper bench for the first time this season. A much smaller crowd tonight after last night's crowd over 2000. Back to back home games are a hard sell, to try and get fans out for both nights. Whoever plays the music at the games, thank you for finally changing up the very old and tiresome play list you have been playing at Viper home games for at least the last two seasons. Most of the music played at Viper games the last few years, has been terrible. Not the kind of music you hear at most hockey games. Whats up with Finn Evans? Hes been a scratch for at least the last four/five games. Is he injured? He was a big off season acquisition. With the win the Vipers improve to 9-3-0-2 sit atop the Interior Division and tops in the league with twenty points.
Top Player's: (Powell River)
Carter Turnbul Isnt the biggest kid but has some wheels, can move in a hurry. Creates/generates opportunities, reads/sees the ice well. Was buzzing all over the ice tonight, sees a lot of ice time, was strong for the Kings.
Jonny Evans The Kings leading scorer took a stick to the mouth early in the 1st went to the dressing room to get looked at by the trainer before returning late in the opening period, with jersey #14 and no name bar. I'm guessing it was Evans as #13 never returned and this #14 was taking a lot of draws, was on the top line. Was very dangerous with the puck, very shifty, has some wheels and good on the faceoff. Was one of Powell River's better players.
Kevin Obssuth The Kings leading goal scorer was held off the score sheet tonight, was another forward who stood out. I thought played hard-strong through out the loss.
Andy Stevens Was very solid on the backend. Has a quick shot from the point, plays a lot on the powerplay, gets pucks to the net. Was good at both ends of the rink tonight.
Mitch Adamyk (34 saves) Played well between the pipes. Gave his team a chance to win, made several big stops in the loss. A bigger kid, that covers a lot of the net, likes to come out and play the puck, really likes making that long stretch pass up ice. Caught the Vipers a few times between line changes.
Game Thought's: (Powell River)
The Kings played very well tonight, had their fare share of chances couldn't muster any puck luck in and around the net. Powell River come into tonight with just one loss on the season, was shutout for the first time this season. The Kings are quick, can move the puck and strong on the forecheck. Powell River went 0-9 with the man advantage looked good on the powerplay early-1st period but had troubles getting pucks to the net in the 2nd and 3rd with the man advantage. Give the Vipers penalty kill some credit, who closed the shooting lanes, kept the Kings powerplay to the outside, limited their opportunities. If the Kings PP was clicking tonight, this could have easily been a different outcome. Overall both teams were fairly even other then specialy teams. Both teams carried the play at different times, had more puck possession then the other but it was Powell River who couldn't bury their chances, need some puck luck-a few bounces to go their way. The Kings four game winning streak is snapped. Nice to see a few Kings fans in attendance. The Kings have struggled in Vernon. Since the 2003-04 regular season, Powell River has just three wins in Vernon. With the loss the Kings fall to 8-2-1-0 and sit atop the Island Division.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Jesse Lansdell (Suspended)
Finn Evans
Niko Karamanis
Powell River:
Ian Ross
Joshua Bruce
Callum Volpe
Energy Player of the Game:
Jagger Williamson (1 assist)
Three Star's:
1st Star: Ty Taylor (35 saves-Shutout)
2nd Star: Brett Stapley (1 goal)
3rd Star: Mitch Adamyk (34 saves)
Boxscore-Game Summary,
http://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/7950
Game Report,
https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/official-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=7950
Text Boxscore,
https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/text-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=7950
Finn has gone home according to Coaches Corner!!
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