Vipers-Wild Highlight's:

Here are the game highlight's from Kal Tire Place Wednesday night in Vernon. Jimmy Lambert opened the scoring for the Vipers, while Sam Morton tied the game in the 2nd period, before AJ Vanderbeck scored the game winner at 19:31 of the 3rd. Austin Park made 21 saves in the win, while Ty Taylor made 28 saves in the loss as Wenatchee defeated Vernon 2-1 in front of 1,722 fans.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vBDz06w-HM&feature=youtu.be

Judson Out Four-Six Weeks:

This is posted on the Morning Star website:

Nov. 29, 2017

Viper d-man Jack Judson was taken to hospital after taking a clean hit. He broke his collarbone and will be sidelined for four to six weeks. The 17-year-old freshman from White Rock will miss the Team Canada West training camp in Calgary starting Saturday.

Jack Judson's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=337742

Yamnitsky Recieves Honourable Mention For Player Of The Week:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

Berard scores BCHL POW nod

November 27, 2017

Powell River Kings foward Ben Berard has been named the BCHL Player of the Week for the week ending Nov. 26, the league announced Monday.

Berard racked up five goals and an assist in helping the Kings to a pair of wins on home ice. After scoring a goal in the first game of a Friday-Saturday doubleheader against Cowichan Valley, Berard followed with a four goal night – which included the game-winning goal – in a 7-5 victory where he was the game’s 1st Star.

The native of Duncan, B.C. moved up to second in team scoring after the weekend and now has 13-12-25 in 25 games played this season. He also this week committed to Cornell University for NCAA hockey and is set to go to school for the 2019-20 season.

Honourable Mentions this week:

Vernon Vipers G Anthony Yamnitsky: W, 51 saves/53 shots, .962 sv%, 1.01 GAA, 1st Star

Langley Rivermen F Connor Marshall: 3G, GWG, 2nd Star

Salmon Arm Silverbacks G Kyle Dumba: W, 73 saves/77 shots, .948 sv%, 1.99 GAA, 3rd Star

Prince George Spruce Kings F Ben Poisson: 3G, 2A, GWG, 1st Star, 2nd Star

Powell River Kings G Matteo Paler-Chow: 2W, SO, 54 saves/56 shots, .964 sv%, 1.20 GAA, two 2nd Stars

Penticton Vees F Owen Sillinger: 2G, 2 GWGs, two 1st Stars

Wenatchee 2 Vernon 1

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-Wild game as Wenatchee defeated Vernon 2-1 in front of 1,722 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Ty Taylor
Wenatchee: Austin Park

Their was about a twenty minute delay before tonight's game as a pane of glass shattered in the Wenatchee zone during warm up. The game didn't start until around 7:20pm

1st Period: Off the opening faceoff captain Jagger Williamson tried setting up former Chilliwack Chiefs forward Jesse Lansdell going to the net, on an odd man rush, but Williamson's pass went off a Wild defender and into the corner. The Vipers come out guns a blazing, on the following shift Brett Stapley went inside out on his defender before going to the net, but was denied by Austin Park who come out to challenge, making a big stop inside the opening minute. On the same shift, Jimmy Lambert couldn't solve Austin Park from in close, as Vernon with three quality chances in the opening minute. The Snakes were all over the Wild in the opening two minutes. Wenatchee would get the games first powerplay, just over five minutes in but it was the Viper penalty kill, that went to work. Jimmy Lambert & Brett Stapley with some nice tic tac toe passing, couldn't convert shorthanded. The Wild with just one shot on goal, as Vernon's penalty kill was solid, killing off the minor. Just over two minutes later Niko Karamanis sprung assistant captain Jimmy Lambert in for the breakaway, Lambert beat Austin Park five hole giving Vernon the 1-0 lead at 9:39 Karamanis and Brett Stapley drew the helpers. On the following shift Connor Marritt with a good look, on an odd man rush couldn't beat Austin Park. On the following play the Wild went back to the powerplay. Another strong penalty kill from the Snakes as Wenatchee struggled with the man advantage. The Vipers killed off the minor. Seconds after the penalty expired, the Vipers would get their first powerplay of the night. Vernon unable to capitalize as the Wild killed off the minor. With about three minutes left the Snakes tried setting up Brett Stapley going to the goal on another Viper odd man rush, Stapley would be stoned by Austin Park who come across the blue paint to make a big pad save. The Wild quickly turned the puck up ice, as Wenatchee come back the other way on an odd man rush. AJ Vanderbeck looked to have Ty Taylor beat but rang his shot off the bottom of the post. Back to back chances at both ends of the rink. Wenatchee would get a late powerplay that only lasted for about a minute and a half, before taking a minor of their own. It was four on four for the remainder of the period. It was 1-0 Vernon after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers jumped on the Wild off the opening faceoff, had three quality opportunities all within the opening minute. Vernon with a ton of pressure early, were flying, created-generated some good looks-chances. The Snakes carried most of the play, for most of the period. The Vipers with a ton of puck possession, had several good looks, were the quicker of the two teams. The Vipers penalty kill was good. The Wild having trouble with Vernon's speed and skill. This was a very high flying fast pace game, The Vipers were the better of the two teams. Austin Park was the difference, keeping this a one goal game. Vernon outshot Wenatchee 9-6.

2nd Period: Vernon starts the middle frame on the powerplay, that was carried over from the opening frame. The Wild kill off the minor before both teams take early penalties. Playing four on four, Sam Morton ties the game 1-1 at 3:47 with Zak Galambos picking up the assist. Vipers starting goaltender Ty Taylor looked to get bumped-ran into during the play, no call on the ice as Wenatchee ties the hockey game. A brief discussion between the officials after they have announced the Wild goal, but the goal stands. No real argument from the Vernon bench, but Ty Taylor lets the one official know he isn't happy with the goal. Shortly after the goal the Wild & Vipers exchange powerplays with neither team capitalizing. The Snakes struggle to get anything going, while Wenatchee with a strong aggressive forecheck are all over the Vipers early and often. Vernon needs almost five minutes to record their first shot of the period. The Wild playing with a ton of jump-energy, are buzzing in and around the offensive zone. Just before the midway mark Jimmy Lambert looks to have a wide open cage, fires high and over the goal, on a missed opportunity. Jack Judson goes hard into the end boards on a hit that could have been called for boarding, with no call on the play, Judson leaves the ice slowly in some discomfort. Judson makes his way to the Viper dressing room with the trainer, and doesn't return. Right around the midway mark Jacob Modry levels a Viper from behind into a group of players in front of both teams benches. This causing the Vipers to retaliate with a hit back, before everyone gets involved. A minor scrum breaks out in the neutral zone, between the two benches. Sol Seibel & Josh Prokop start pushing and shoving on the Vernon side, while Jasper Weatherby and Jacob Modry push back on the Wenatchee side. Seibel & Weatherby would both get minors and ten minute misconducts, were both sent to the dressing room for the remainder of the period, while the Snakes would come away with a powerplay. The Vipers couldn't convert with the man advantage as the Wild killed off the penalty. On the following play Wenatchee would jump on the PP, but it would be Jagger Williamson who stole the puck at the blueline, would break in for the breakaway, couldn't beat Wild goaltender Austin Park fivehole. The Snakes would kill off the minor. Shortly after Brandon Whistle and Alex Swetlikoff on a two on one, Whitsle decided to keep and shoot, couldn't beat Austin Park high. A penalty filled second period, as both teams would take turns on the man advantage, with neither team capitalizing. With a minute remaining captain Jagger Williamson would get his second breakaway of the period, but again Austin Park would stop the Lumby product. Williamson tried going glove hand, but would be denied. Inside the final minute August Von Ungren made a strong defensive play, breaking up a Vernon odd man rush. Back come Wenatchee in the final thirty seconds, Sam Hesler with a good look-chance couldn't beat Ty Taylor. Several quality chances at both ends of the rink, inside the final minute. August Von Ungren would make his way to the Wenatchee dressing room with the trainer late inside the final minute but return. It was tied 1-1 after 40 minutes. The Wild looking much better in the 2nd period, jumped on the Vipers early. Wenatchee with a very aggressive forecheck, gave the Snakes all kinds of trouble early. The Wild with a ton of jump/energy, had lots of zone time, a ton of puck possession but didn't really get many great opportunities. It was all Wenatchee in the first half. The Vipers needing almost five minutes to record their first shot of the period, looked sluggish, quit skating, were having all kinds of trouble getting out of their own end and through the neutral zone. Vernon responded and played a little better in the second half, were finally able to generate/create some looks-chances. The Vipers had some pretty good looks-opportunities, couldn't bury their chances. Austin Park with two big stops on Jagger Williamson (breakaways). Specialty teams played a big part in the second period, with a ton of powerplays. The referee's called a very tight period, as most of the middle frame was played on specialty teams. The Wild outplayed the Vipers in the first half, while the Snakes played a little better in the second half but overall Wenatchee was the better of the two teams. Shots were even 10-10.

3rd Period: The Vipers struggled early and often were hemmed in their own end for several minutes to start the final frame. The Wild with yet again another strong aggressive forecheck, were all over Vernon. The Snakes couldn't get out of their own end, were lucky the puck didn't end up in the back of their net. Wenatchee would get an early powerplay and with fifty seven seconds left in the minor, Jimmy Lambert got his stick up high on Sam Morton who went straight to the Wild dressing room for repairs. Lambert would get four minutes for high sticking, giving the Wild five minutes on the PP. Another strong penalty kill from the Vipers, who were aggressive on the puck, used their speed and skill to kill off much of the penalties, even holding the Wild along the boards in the defensive zone, killing off more valuable time off the clock. Wenatchee unable to really create-generate much as Vernon with a large penalty kill, killed off both penalties. Just after the penalties expired, Lucas Sowder with a great individual effort, would be stopped by Ty Taylor in close, before trying on a second opportunity on the wrap around, couldn't beat the Vernon goaltender, on two good chances. The Vipers with just one shot in the first half, were really struggling offensively, while the Wild were all over Vernon most of the entire period. The Wild with a few good looks, come close to grabbing their first lead of the night, had the Snakes on their heels. The Vipers having no luck getting through the neutral zone, were still stuck on one shot for the period. Into the second half, the play evened out a little, as Wetnatchee went a good three or four minutes without a shot. Both teams now not giving the other team time or space, as no real opportunities at either end of the rink. Inside the final minute with the Wild driving to the goal, it looks like two Wenatchee players go hard towards the front of the net, with Ty Taylor down and a scramble in front, somehow the puck ends up in the back of the goal, giving Wenatchee a 2-1 lead at 19:30 as the Wild bench erupts. AJ Vanderbeck credited with the goal, while Jasper Weatherby & Lucas Sowder picked up the helpers. Ty Taylor quick on his feet, charges towards the referee complaining for goaltender interference. After a brief discussion the goal stands. With no real argument from the Viper bench, Mark Ferner wants to talk to an official. Both coaches get an explination on the goal, while the crowd really giving it to the officials for no call/goaltender interference on the play. The Vipers would call a timeout and get Ty Taylor to the bench with 28 seconds remaining. The Snakes unable to get any real control of the puck/play as Wenatchee sends the puck in deep on at least two or three plays, to eventually wind down the clock to come away with a huge 2-1 victory. The Wild bench pours onto the ice in a huge celebration. The Snakes struggled offensively the entire twenty minutes. Vernon hemmed in their own end often, had all kinds of troubles, getting out of their own end and getting through the neutral zone. The Vipers went well over half the 3rd period with just one shot on goal, had troubles generating/creating chances, for that matter even getting pucks to the net. The Wild were once again hard on the forecheck, played the Vipers tough, hemming them in their own end, limiting their time and space and forcing the Viper defence into turning over the puck-having troubles making that first pass out of your own end. The Wild had several good looks-chances, come very close at times, to grabbing the lead earlier. Wenatchee was by far the better of the two teams in the final period, carried most of the play-had more zone time-puck possession. The Snakes lone bright spot in the 3rd was the penalty kill. Ty Taylor had to be sharp, made 13 saves. Wenatchee outshot Vernon 14-3.

Top Player's: (Vernon)

The Vipers top unit of Brett Stapley (1 assist) Jimmy Lambert (1 goal) & Niko Karamanis (1 assist) Was very dangerous in the 1st period. This line was flying, creating/generating several quality chances through out the opening frame. Niko Karamanis one of of a very select few who kept skating for the entire game. The Wild did a good job at containing this line in the 2nd and 3rd periods, limiting their time and space, had troubles finding open ice.

Jagger Williamson I thought was one of the better Vipers in the loss. For a second straight game the Viper captain, played hard, lead by example, battled-competed, was stopped on two 2nd period breakaways, had a strong game.

Chris Jandric I thought had a strong night on the blueline. Got lucky on a few plays, where he come close to coughing up the puck, but somehow found his way out. Was good at both ends of the rink, made some real smart heads up plays.

Ty Taylor (28 saves) Making his second straight start, played well between the pipes. Made several key saves through out the night, I thought was interfered with on both Wild goals.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

The Vipers got off to a quick-strong start, jumped on Wenatchee early and often. With three grade a chances all within the opening minute, the Snakes were by far the better of the two teams. Vernon flying early, had a ton of energy-jump, were really using their speed and skill through out that first twenty minutes. The Vipers had several good looks/opportunities couldn't bury their chances, were only up a goal after one period. I don't know what happened between periods but the Vipers weren't the same team. The Snakes quit skating and didn't have the same jump/energy they played with in the 1st. The Vipers looked sluggish at times, were outplayed early and often through out the final two periods. I thought Vernon looked to get their game going and back on track in the second half of the 2nd period. The Vipers were outworked and outhustled in the final two frames, had troubles offensively. The Vipers had all kinds of troubles getting out of their own end, getting through the neutral zone and getting any kind of pressure in the offensive zone. Vernon also having trouble getting pucks to the net. The Vipers just couldn't generate much offensively in the final period and a half. The Snakes looking too cute at times, tried doing things on their own, instead of getting the play in deep, making the defencemen play with their head on a swivel, tried carrying the play in on their own. One of Vernon's lone bright spots was the penalty kill. The Snakes are very dangerous shorthanded, had several good opportunities with a man short. The Vipers looked better shorthanded then five on five. I usually don't like to talk about the reffing but the officials took the flow and excitement out of the game in the middle frame. The 2nd period seemed like penalty after penalty after penalty, as special teams took over. I'm not blaming the loss on the officials but both Wild goals, Ty Taylor was interfered with. Your also not going to win many hockey games, giving the other team nine powerplays. The Vipers need to be more disciplined. The Snakes need to play with more consistency and close to sixty minutes, if they want to compete/beat the top teams in this league. I read online Jack Judson was taken to the hospital after the game. The Vipers have now lost back to back games vs Wenatchee within a week. The Snakes were wearing their third set jerseys tonight. With the loss Vernon falls to 19-7-0-4 still remain atop the overall standings. With the Wild & Penticton Vees victories tonight, Wenatchee moves to within four points of the Vipers, while the Vees are just three points back with four games in hand. A very tight race in the Interior Division. The Vipers could be without Brett Stapley, Jack Judson & Ty Taylor for this weekends games vs Trail & Victoria as practises begin for Canada West selection camp December 2nd-December 5th. Will the three be in the lineup Friday? Guess will have to wait and see. The Vipers now have just two days before the BCHL card deadline, wich is Friday, December 1st. Will we see any moves done before Friday? The banners for the 1956 Vernon Canadians Allen Cup championship team and former Vernon Esso great Wayne Dye's #8 can be seen rolled up hanging from the rafters. Both new banners will be raised to the rafters in a special pre-game ceremony Friday vs Trail. I would like to say a big hello to long time season ticket holder and a regular follower of this blog and wish a speedy recovery to Nancy. We missed you at the game Saturday in West Kelowna and again here tonight.

Top Player's: (Wenatchee)

Cooper Zech Had a strong game on the Wild backend. Not the biggest kid but gets imvolved in the play often. Really sees/reads the play well.

August Von Ungren I thought made at least one or two big defensive plays, breaking up a Vernon opportunity.

Lucas Sowder (1 assist) Was always in and around the net, had some looks-chances this evening, played well.

Sam Morton (1 goal) Got the Wild on the scoreboard in the 2nd period, I thought was one of the more dangerous Wenatchee forwards. Saw a ton of ice time, was very dangerous with and without the puck.

Jasper Weatherby (1 assist) Played well, was lurking in and around the goal. A good skater, strong with the puck, has a strong shot.

AJ Vanderbeck (1 goal) Scored the game winner with about twenty eight seconds remaining in the 3rd. Another kid who looked-played well in the win. Has some size, plays hard, battles-competes.

Austin Park (21 saves) Improves to 2-0 vs the Snakes this season, after back to back wins within a week. Made some big stops early in the 1st and through out the opening frame. Had to be sharp in the second half of the 2nd made two big stops off Jagger Williamson on two breakaways. Wasn't tested at all in the final frame.

Game Thought's: (Wenatchee)

The Wenatchee Wild starting a four game road trip, may have had some bus legs early, needed that first period to get their legs going before taking over most of the game for the remainder of the final two periods. Wenatchee had trouble with Vernon's speed and skill in the first twenty minutes, were lucky to only be down a goal. The Vipers could have easily had two or three goals in that 1st period. Wenatchee regrouped and played much better in the 2nd and 3rd periods. The Wild seemed to contain the Vipers top unit, limiting their time and space, as well as using that aggressive forecheck, wich gave Vernon's defence all kinds of trouble. The Wild come at you in waves at times, are strong on the puck. The Wild did a good job at keeping the Vipers to the outside, limiting their shots, made Austin Park's night easier in the 2nd and 3rd periods. Vernon with just three 3rd period shots. I thought Wenatchee shut down the Viper speed and skill in the 2nd and 3rd periods, had more puck possession and zone time. The final six-seven minutes, neither team was having much success creating-generating offence as it looked like the game was heading to overtime. The Wild struggled with the man advantage going 1-9. Wenatchee had trouble with Vernon's penalty kill. This was a fairly intense game with several scrums after whistles, as tempers heated up through out the night. Wenatchee was the better of the two teams in the 2nd and 3rd periods. These two teams met one week ago tonight in Wenatchee, with the Wild holding on for the 2-1 victory. The Wild with a very lively bench through out most of the night. Lots of chatter on the Wenatchee bench, guys banging sticks after a big play etc. After a tough 2-1 loss to the visiting Salmon Arm Silverbacks Saturday, the Wild respond with a huge 2-1 win on the road in a tough place to play. This was the Wild's first win in Vernon this year. With the win Wenatchee improves to 18-8-1-1 remain 4th in the Division are five points up on West Kelowna, one point back of Penticton and two points back of Trail.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Tanner Wishnowski (Injured)
Jordan Sandhu (Injured)
Mitch Andres

Wenatchee:

Nicholas Kent
Josh Arnold

Energy Player of the Game:

Jagger Williamson

Three Star's:

1st Star: AJ Vanderbeck (1 goal)
2nd Star: Jesse Lansdell
3rd Star: Cooper Zech

Boxscrore-Game Summary,

http://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/8089

Game Report,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/official-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=8089

Text Boxscore,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/text-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=8089

Game Preview: Wenatchee @ Vernon:

Wenatchee (17-8-1-1) @ Vernon (19-6-0-4) 7pm

Tonight is the fifth of six regular season meetings between the Vernon Vipers & Wenatchee Wild. The season series is tied 2-2

Last Game:

Saturday, November 25th Vernon defeated West Kelowna 4-2
Saturday, November 25th Salmon Arm defeated Wenatchee 2-1

Next Game:

Friday, December 1st Trail @ Vernon
Friday, December 1st Wenatchee @ Salmon Arm

Since the 2015-16 regular season Vernon is 3-7-0-0 vs Wenatchee

Since the 2015-16 regular season Vernon is 1-2-0-0 at home vs Wenatchee

Since the 2015-16 regular season Vernon is 2-3-0-0 in Wenatchee

Since the BCHL Showcase opened in 2012-13 Vernon is 0-2-0-0 vs Wenatchee at the Showcase

Since the 2015-16 regular season Wenatchee has outscored Vernon 33-23

The Wilds last regular season win in Vernon was a 3-1 victory on Friday, February 10th 2017

The Wilds last regular season win at home over Vernon was a 2-1 victory on Wednesday, November 22nd 2017

The Vipers last regular season win in Wenatchee was a 5-1 victory on Saturday, September 16th 2017

The Vipers last regular season win at home over Wenatchee was a 4-1 victory on Friday, October 27th 2017

Here's a look at this years regular season series vs Wenatchee:

September 16th Vernon @ Wenatchee: Vipers won 5-1

October 11th Vernon @ Wenatchee: Wild won 3-2

October 27th Wenatchee @ Vernon: Vipers won 4-1

November 22nd Vernon @ Wenatchee: Wild won 2-1

November 29th Wenatchee @ Vernon:

February 23rd Wenatchee @ Vernon:

Let's take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The 19-6-0-4 Vernon Vipers are coming off a 4-2 victory Saturday in West Kelowna. Tonight is the fifth meeting of the season vs Wenatchee, with the season series tied 2-2. These two teams last met a week ago in Wenatchee, with the Wild coming away with a 2-1 victory. The Wild & Vipers will meet again February 23rd in Vernon. Tonight's the first game of a four game home stand, the Snakes play eight of their next ten games at home. Vernon comes into tonight have won five of their last six home games. Tonight's the Snakes fourth game in the last eight days. The Vipers have won two straight and four of their last five games. The Snakes are 7-2-0-1 in their last ten. Vernon sits 1st overall are two points up on Trail in the Interior Division. Tanner Wishnowski has missed the past fourteen games with an injury, last played October 21st vs Surrey. Jordan Sandhu has missed the last two games due to an injury, while former Wenatchee Wild goaltender Anthony Yamnitsky has started in three of the Vipers past four games.

Vernon Vipers Roster:

http://bchl.ca/stats/roster/21

Brett Stapley (16-21-37) leads the team lead in goals with sixteen & in points with thirty seven.

Vernon Vipers 2017-18 regular season stats:

Games Played: 29
Wins: 19
Losses: 6
Ties: 4
Overtime Wins: 2
Overtime Losses: 0
Home Record: 8-2-0-1
Road Record: 11-4-0-3
Overtime Record: 2-0-4
Record vs Interior Division: 12-3-0-2
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 7-3-0-2
Record In September: 6-1-0-1
Record In October: 6-3-0-1
Record in November: 7-2-0-2
When the Vipers score first: 14-2-0-2
When the opponents score first: 5-4-0-2
Leading after the 1st period: 12-2-0-1
Tied after the 1st period: 2-2-0-3
Trailing after the 1st period: 4-2-0-0
Leading after the 2nd period: 14-0-0-1
Tied after the 2nd period: 5-4-0-0
Trailing after the 2nd period: 0-2-0-3
Out shooting opponents: 13-4-0-2
Out shot by opponents: 6-2-0-2
One goal games: 5-5-0-0
Goals for: 106
Goals against: 64
Standings: 1st Place (Overall)
Longest winning streak: Unbeaten in eight games (6 wins-2 ties)
Longest losing streak: Winless in three games (2 losses & 1 tie)

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Brett Stapley (99)
Jagger Williamson (98)
Jimmy Lambert (97)
Niko Karamanis (98)
Jesse Lansdell (98)
Michael Ufberg (97)
Shane Kelly (97)
Sol Seibel (99)
Chris Jandric (98)
Ty Taylor (99)

Vernon Vipers departed & traded players from last years team:

Austin Adamson (96)
Riley Brandt (96)
Ryan Brushett (98)
Simon Sagissor (97)
Brody Dale (99)
Hunter Zandee (96)
Luke Gingras (98)
Steven Jandric (97)
Cooper Watson (96)
Cameron Trott (97)
Connor Clouston (96)
Darion Hanson (97)

Vernon's home record vs Wenatchee this year:

1-0-0-0

Vernon's road record vs Wenatchee this year:

1-2-0-0

Vernon's scoring leaders vs Wenatchee this year:

Jimmy Lambert (2-3-5)

Brett Stapley (4-0-4)

Michael Ufberg (0-3-3)
Keyvan Mokhtari (2-1-3)

Chris Jandric (0-2-2)

Jagger Williamson (2-0-2)

Josh Prokop (0-2-2)

Shane Kelly (0-1-1)

Tanner Wishnowski (0-1-1)

Alex Swetlikoff (1-0-1)

Sol Seibel (0-1-1)

Jordan Sandhu (0-1-1)

Jesse Lansdell (0-1-1)

Michael Ufberg (0-1-1)

Connor Marritt (1-0-1)

Anthony Yamnitsky (2-2 Record)

Let's take a look at the Wenatchee Wild:

The 17-8-1-1 defending Mainland Division champion Wenatchee Wild make their second of three regular season visits to Kal Tire Place, are coming off a 2-1 loss to the visiting Salmon Arm Silverbacks Saturday. The last time Wenatchee was in Vernon, the Vipers won 4-1 October 27th. Tonight is the first of a three game road trip, where the Wild have lost three of their last five road games. Wenatchee comes into tonight, having won four of their last five and seven of their last eight. The Wild sit 4th in the Interior Division, three points up on West Kelowna, one point back of Penticton, four points back of Trail and six points back of Division leading Vernon.

Wenatchee Wild Roster:

http://bchl.ca/stats/roster/35

Jasper Weatherby (21-19-40) leads the team in goals with twenty one and in points with fourty.

Wenatchee Wild 2017-18 regular season stats:

Games Played: 27
Wins: 17
Losses: 8
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 1
Home Record: 10-3-0-0
Road Record: 7-5-1-1
Goals for: 107
Goals against: 71
Standings: 4th Place (Interior Division)

Wenatchee Wild Returning Players:

August Von Ungern (97)
Lucas Sowder (98)
Sam Morton (99)
Jasper Weatherby (98)
AJ Vanderbeck (97)
Chad Sasaki (98)
Slava Demin (00)
Jacob Modry (99)

Wenatchee Wild departed and traded players from last years team:

Matthew Baker (97)
Brian Williams (96)
Colin Burston (97)
Charlie Combs (96)
Dakota Raabe (97)
Troy Conzo (97)
Jimmy O'Brien (97)
Brendan Harris (96)
Tyler Rockwell (96)
Austin Chavez (96)
Alex Bates (97)
Logan Milliken (97)
Chris Jones (96)
Anthony Yamnitsky (97)
Devin Cooley (97)
Hayden Chieffo (98)

Wenatchee's home record vs Vernon this year:

2-1-0-0

Wenatchee's road record vs Vernon this year:

0-1-0-0

Wenatchee Wild scoring leaders vs Vernon this year:

Cooper Zech (0-3-3)
Jasper Weatherby (1-2-3)
Jack Lippis (0-2-2)
AJ Vanderbeck (1-1-2)
Lucas Sowder (1-1-2)
Chad Sasaki (1-1-2)
Noah Kim (0-1-1)
Sam Morton (0-1-1)
Sam Hesler (1-0-1)
Daniel Chladek (1-0-1)
Murphy Stratton (0-1-1)
Slava Demin (1-0-1)

Austin Park (1-0 Record)
Seth Eisele (1-2 Record)

Vipers To Honour Dye, Canadians:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers to honour Dye, Canadians

Banners are going up for hockey superstar Wayne Dye and the 1956 Allan Cup champion Vernon Canadians

Nov. 29, 2017

Wayne Dye played a few games with the Junior A hockey Vernon Essos as a 13-year-old and was a regular at 14. He wore No. 8 and was fiery, unpredictable, fearless and ultra-talented. He didn’t need a

composite stick to unleash his cannon shot.

His jersey will be raised to the rafters in a special pre-game ceremony when the Vernon Vipers entertain the Trail Smoke Eaters in a B.C. Hockey League showdown Friday night at Kal Tire Place. Wayne, named Vernon’s Athlete of the 20th Century in 1988 at age 35 of accidental asphyxiation.

A banner commemorating the 1956 Allan Cup champion Vernon Canadians will also be unveiled. The Canadians dispatched the Chatham Maroons 4-1 in the senior hockey final series at Civic Arena. Thousands of fans attended a downtown parade to celebrate the championship.

Morning Star reporter Roger Knox, a former director with the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame, has long pushed in columns and articles, to have both banners grace a local arena.

“Jack Gilroy, who married Wayne’s sister, Wendy, and I approached Mayor Akbal Mund with the idea a few months ago and then Dan Bosquet with Wayside (Press) jumped aboard,” said Kevin Mitchell of the sports shrine. “Wayside graciously donated the banners and Todd Miller of the Vipers (executive vice-president) helped make it all happen.”

Dye’s jersey will not be retired but rather the Vipers and the City will honour him with a legends banner.

Dye won the BCJHL scoring title in 1969-70, a year when the Essos used a Jack Marsh overtime goal on Victoria Cougars’ goalie Ed Forslund to win the playoff crown before 5,219 fans at Victoria’s Memorial Arena. Dye finished his Junior hockey career as a 20-year-old with Punch McLean’s New Westminster Bruins, scoring 35 goals and getting picked 109th overall by Chicago in the 1974 amateur lottery. His late father, Vern, helped found the Vernon franchise and the B.C. Junior Hockey League.

Wayne, a father of two, was also drafted by the Major League Baseball Seattle Pilots.

“We have invited four of the living Canadians to be there for the ceremony with their families, as guests of the Vipers,” said Mitchell. “Those four legends are Merv Bidoski, Odie Lowe, Tom Stecyk and Walt Trentini.”

Meanwhile, six points separate the first-place Vernon Vipers from the fourth-place Wenatchee Wild in the Interior Division.

The divisional rivals meet for the fifth time tonight at Kal Tire Place (7 p.m.).

Both teams have seven wins in their last 10 games (Vernon 7-2-1, Wild 7-3) . The Vipers iced the West Kelowna Warriors 4-2 Saturday night at Royal LePage Place. The Wild fell 2-1 at home to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.

Josh Prokop – whose Western Hockey League playing rights were dealt from the Swift Current Broncos to the Calgary Hitmen in a nine-player deal Saturday – led Vernon with two goals, giving him 12 on the year, both set up by Vernon captain Jagger Williamson. Prokop has committed to Ohio State Buckeyes. Shane Kelly, with his third, and Brett Stapley, with his team-leading 16th, had the other goals for Vernon, who got 37 saves from Ty Taylor.

The Vipers are ranked No. 18 in the 132-team Canadian Junior A League. Trail is rated 19th.

Vipers Ranked 18th In CJHL Top 20 Weekly Rankings:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

CJHL Weekly Top 20

November 27, 2017

CALGARY, Alta. – There were only a few changes among the top rated teams in this week’s Canadian Junior Hockey League Top 20 rankings with the Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL) staying at No. 1.

MHL: The South Shore Lumberjacks pace the MHL standings and stay 10th in the rankings with the Edmundston Blizzard slotted 20th in the 132-team CJHL.

LHJAAAQ: Les Cobras de Terrebonne remains No. 4 nationally while College Français de Longueuil moves up to No. 11 overall.

CCHL: Rolling right along with a CJHL-best 29 wins and 60 points, the Carleton Place Canadians stay at No. 1 across the country. The Fred Page Cup-host Ottawa Jr. ‘A’ Senators have moved to No. 7 in the nation this week.

OJHL: Four OJHL sides earned recognition with Georgetown Raiders (12th) and Toronto Patriots (15th) in the rankings while the Oakville Blades and Wellington Dukes both picked up Honourable Mention.

NOJHL: The NOJHL-leading Powassan Voodoos are 23-3-1-1 overall hold on to No. 5 in the listings.

SIJHL: The Thief River Falls Norskies have gone 21-1 so far and remain No. 2 in the CJHL while the Dudley-Hewitt Cup-host Dryden GM Ice Dogs are now 8th in the CJHL.

MJHL: The Steinbach Pistons (16th) boast the best winning percentage in the MJHL with the OCN Blizzard (17th) next in that department. The Winkler Flyers sit first overall in that league, but have played two more games.

SJHL: Battlefords sports the best win mark in the SJHL at .841 and are stay sixth in the CJHL. Meanwhile the Melfort Mustangs have the most points and moved to 14th with the Nipawin Hawks earning a Honurable Mention nod.

AJHL: The Okotoks Oilers are still No. 3 with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons now up to No. 9 and the Spruce Grove Saints charging up to No. 13. The Whitecourt Wolverines picked up an Honourable Mention spot.

BCHL: The Vernon Vipers (18th) and Trail Smoke Eaters (19th) are one-two in the BCHL standings. Leading that league in terms of winning percentage is the Penticton Vees, who secured an Honourable Mention this week.

CJHL 2017-18 TOP 20 (As of Nov. 27/17)

RANK TEAM (LEAGUE) (LAST RANKING)

 Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL) (1)
 Thief River Falls Norskies (SIJHL) (2)
 Okotoks Oilers (AJHL) (3)
 Les Cobras de Terrebonne (LHJQ) (4)
 Powassan VooDoos (NOJHL) (5)
 Battlefords North Stars (SJHL) (6)
 Ottawa Jr. ‘A’ Senators (CCHL) (8)
 Dryden GM Ice Dogs (SIJHL) (9)
 Fort McMurray Oil Barons (AJHL) 11)
 South Shore Lumberjacks (MHL) (10)
 College Français de Longueuil (LHJAAAQ)
 Georgetown Raiders (OJHL) (7)
 Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL) (NR)
 Melfort Mustangs (SJHL) (17)
 Toronto Patriots (OJHL) (12)
 Steinbach Pistons (MJHL) (18)
 OCN Blizzard (MJHL) (16)
 Vernon Vipers (BCHL (HM)
 Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL) (13)
 Edmundston Blizzard (MHL) (14)

Honourable Mention: Penticton Vees (BCHL); Whitecourt Wolverines (AJHL); Nipawin Hawks (SJHL); Oakville Blades (OJHL); Wellington Dukes (OJHL)

ABOUT THE CJHL

The Canadian Junior Hockey League is made up of the 10 Junior ‘A’ leagues across Canada.

Representing 132 teams and over 3,000 players, the CJHL also boast over 2,800 alumni furthering their hockey careers at the professional, major junior and college level across North America.

ABOUT THE CJHL RANKINGS

Selected by an independent scouting service, the rankings are based upon a variety of factors, including winning percentage; win-loss record; point totals; goals-for versus goals-against ratio, etc., and the league they compete in.

BCHL Report:

This is posted on the Junior hockey.ca website:

DAILY DISH: BCHL REPORT - Junior Hockey News

Published: Tuesday, 28 Nov 2017

By: Stephen Heisler  |  Web site: JuniorHockey.com

The BCHL Report is a weekly look at Canada’s British Columbia Hockey League. The BCHL Insider is exactly that...a coach, or employee, with incredible insight into the league.

ISLAND

Powell River (15-6-2-2) – Head Coach Kent Lewis’ Kings took both games from the last-place Caps last week and will have to step it up a few notches in time tonight’s battle at Victoria. Langley and Surrey visit this weekend. BCHL INSIDER SAYS: The Kings continue to be just a bit better than their opponent most nights, but playing to the other teams’ level can burn you occasionally. None of these three games is a lock, so the Kings will need to stay sharp.

Nanaimo (14-9-3-1) – Head Coach Mike Vandekamp and the Clippers took care of business at home against Alberni Valley on Saturday after the draw at Victoria Friday. It’s all about the points this week with Cowichan Valley, Penticton, and Langley all visiting. BCHL INSIDER SAYS: The Clippers are gaining momentum and will need it with two very good teams coming in, following one that’s getting hungrier every night.

Victoria (12-8-3-0) – Craig Didmon’s Grizzlies are in a dogfight to stay in contention for the division title.  At this point in the season, every point is important. Look for Didmon to put a heavy emphasis on regulation wins going forward. Tonight’s visitors from Powell River should be ready for a fight. Let’s just hope the boys keep enough in the tank to battle at Prince George, Vernon, and Coquitlam on consecutive nights this weekend. BCHL INSIDER SAYS: The Grizz need to avoid the emotional letdown after gearing up for the Powell River divisional matchup because PG and Vernon both have something to play for and Coquitlam rolls in with a new coach and a new energy so watch out!

Alberni Valley (8-14-2-4) – Matt Hughes’ Bulldogs went winless in three games last week, something that the good coach wants to get turned around in a hurry. Can they stop Penticton’s run when the Vees visit Saturday? BCHL INSIDER SAYS: The ‘Dogs are scrappy but it will take more than that for them to stop the Vees. If they can keep the score low, they have an outside chance.

Cowichan Valley (2-21-3-2) – The Caps are not having a lot of fun right now and that’s completely understandable. Cowichan Valley CAN play with just about any team on the schedule, and that makes to win/loss record a bit of a mystery. The bus goes to Nanaimo tomorrow before Langley visits this weekend.  BCHL INSIDER SAYS: The Capitals lack depth but what they don’t lack is heart. They’ll give you an honest battle every night, but this will be another long weekend.

INTERIOR

Vernon (19-6-0-4) – Head Coach Mark Ferner’s team rebounded from Wednesday’s disappointing loss at Wenatchee with a pair of big wins at Trail and West Kelowna. That same Wild team visits tomorrow. Trail and Victoria visit this weekend.   BCHL INSIDER SAYS: The Vipers have gotten themselves a taste of first place and they like it. They have a chance to make a big statement with wins this week.

Trail (19-7-2-0) – Head Coach Cam Keith has found himself in a bit of a pickle. The hockey-mad community of Trail is now trying to figure out how the Smokies managed to lose three-straight games. That’s the price of success my friend… Trail goes to Vernon Friday with revenge on their mind before hosting Merritt Saturday. BCHL INSIDER SAYS: There’s no reason to panic in Trail. It’s a 58 game season and dry spells happen. The Vernon game will be epic, and Merritt can always make you pay if you aren’t prepared.

Penticton (17-5-1-2) – Head Coach Fred Harbinson’s Vees have now won seven straight games, including three big wins over Trail, Salmon Arm, and Chilliwack last week. West Kelowna visits tomorrow before the Vees head to Nanaimo and Alberni Valley this weekend. INSIDER SAYS: The SOEC is kind of a safe haven for the Vees but the Warriors have the wheels to keep up. The Vees toughest challenge this week is at Nanaimo.

Wenatchee (17-8-1-1) – Head Coach Bliss Littler’s Wild took two of their three home games surrounding the American Thanksgiving Holiday. Wenatchee heads to Vernon for tomorrow night before weekend visits to Salmon Arm and West Kelowna.  BCHL INSIDER SAYS: The Wild have had a great month and are playing with confidence. Reasonable to guess they can take 2 of the 3 again this week.

West Kelowna (16-11-1-0) – Coach Rylan Ferster’s Warriors split the weekend home games beating Merritt 7-2 before going down against Vernon Saturday. West Kelowna visits Penticton tomorrow night before going to Merritt Friday. Wenatchee comes to Royal Lepage Place on Saturday. BCHL INSIDER SAYS:  The three game week is less of a concern because Penticton and Wenatchee both do, as well. The Warriors offense needs to be more consistent for them to make a push.

Salmon Arm (12-13-3-0) – Head Coach Scott Atkinson’s Silverbacks took a few major strides forward over the weekend; picking up an overtime point at Penticton before sneaking one by the Wild in Wenatchee on Saturday. So after all that, what’s in store for this week? Wenatchee visits Friday before the boys run up to Prince George for Saturday. BCHL INSIDER SAYS: Long week for Salmon Arm on tap as they play a Wenatchee team with a score to settle, and a Prince George team
that plays physical at home.

Merritt (10-13-2-1) – Head Coach Joe Martin’s Cents rebounded from Friday’s rough 7-2 loss at West Kelowna with a solid 3-2 overtime win at home over Trail. Those same games are flipped this weekend with the Cents hosing the Warriors Friday before visiting Trail on Saturday. BCHL INSIDER SAYS: Merritt once again proved when they show up, they can beat anyone. Wouldn’t surprise me to see the script flip completely and have the Cents beat WK and lose to Trail.

MAINLAND

Langley (15-5-9-0) – Head Coach Bobby Henderson’s Rivermen are roughly halfway through the season and still find themselves atop the division. Do they have what a takes to be there at the end of the season? Considering that Langley has managed to earn points in 24 of their first 29 games, I have to think that holding on for a division title is well within their reach. The first step is to win the games they are supposed to win; and that mission was accomplished with the weekend home-and-home sweep of Surrey. A similar result should be expected with Wednesday’s visit to Coquitlam. The weekend treks to Powell River, Cowichan Valley, and Nanaimo will tell us the rest of the story.  BCHL INSIDER SAYS: Langley just keeps getting the job done, but the games at Powell River and Nanaimo will really tell the story. If the Riv win all three on the Island, then look out.

Prince George (14-10-2-3) – Head Coach Adam Maglio’s Spruce Kings are 3-1 in the first four of eight consecutive home games after sweeping Coquitlam over the weekend. Victoria and Salmon Arm visit this week. BCHL INSIDER SAYS: Last year, it was all about making the playoffs. This year, it’s about winning the division. This group is motivated and always tough at home.

Surrey (14-12-2-1) – Brandon West’s Eagles took a few on the chin in the weekend series with first-place Langley and will have to dig deep to get points from this week’s visits to Chilliwack, Powell River, and Alberni Valley. BCHL INSIDER SAYS:  Chilliwack has been merely mortal this season, but still a solid foe. The Island trip could yield a couple of points, but likely that’s all.

Chilliwack (13-13-2-2) – Head Coach Jason Tatarnic’s Chiefs are back at the .500 mark after difficult losses at Wenatchee and Penticton. Look for a big week with Surrey visiting tomorrow before the home-and-home with Coquitlam over the weekend.  BCHL INSIDER SAYS: The Chiefs will keep their nose above water this week as the schedule works in their favor.

Coquitlam (3-21-1-1) – The Express got bombed at Prince George, losing both games of the weekend. Langley visits tomorrow before Coquitlam faces a desperate Chilliwack team twice during the weekend. BCHL INSIDER SAYS:  The coaching change in Coquitlam may help in the long run but those first few games can be a coin toss. Will be interesting to see but I don’t think Coquitlam’s troubles are the kind that a coaching change can cure overnight.

Broncos Trade Prokop To Calgary:

The Western Hockey League Swift Current Broncos have traded the
rights to Vernon Vipers forward Josh Prokop to the Calgary Hitmen.

Prokop in his first season with the Vernon Vipers has (12-goals-6-assists-18-points) in 29 games with the Vipers this season.

Josh Prokop's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=281709

This is posted on the Hitmen website:

Hitmen Complete Major Trade With Broncos

November 25, 2017

The Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club today announced a nine-player trade with the Swift Current Broncos.

Calgary acquires 20-year-old centre Conner Chaulk, 18-year-old defenceman Dom Schmiemann, 17-year-old centre Riley Stotts, the rights to 17-year-old forward Josh Prokop, 15-year-old goaltending prospect Ethan Hein and a second-round pick in the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft in exchange for 20-year-old centre Matteo Gennaro, 19-year-old forward Beck Malenstyn and a 2018 fifth-round bantam pick.

“We would first like to thank Matteo and Beck for their excellent contributions to our organization both on and off the ice,” said Hitmen general manager Jeff Chynoweth.  “This trade provides us with a number of key elements to build around moving forward, including a pair of former first-round draft picks, while at the same time allowing us to continue to push for a playoff spot this season.”

Chaulk is in his third year in the WHL and has been the Broncos third line center this season while serving as an alternate captain. He’s won 57.9 per cent of his face-offs while recording 11 points (6g, 5a) in 21 games.

Schmiemann (pronounced schmee-man) was the 12th overall pick in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft.  The shutdown defenceman is also in his third campaign in the WHL and has been a key member of the Broncos top-four.  He has amassed two goals and 10 assists in 93 career games.

Stotts was the 10th overall pick in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft after recording 68 points (39g, 29a) in 29 games with the Winnipeg Monarchs.  He tallied three points (2g, 1a) in two games for Canada Red at the 2016 World-Under 17 Hockey Challenge.  Stotts is on NHL Central Scouting’s November ‘Players to Watch’ list in advance of the 2018 NHL Draft receiving a “C” ranking which indicates a fourth, fifth or sixth-round selection.

Prokop, a fifth round pick (92nd overall) in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft, is in the BCHL with the Vernon Vipers.  His younger brother Luke was Calgary’s top pick this past spring.  Hein was a third-round selection of the Broncos (57th overall) in 2017.  He is playing AAA Midget in Moose Jaw and recently suited up for Team Saskatchewan at the 2017 WHL Cup.

Jeff Chynoweth Interview,

http://hitmenhockey.com/video/hitmen-tv-post-game-jeff-chynoweth-nov-25-trade

Card Deadline Day Looming:

This is on Brian Wiebe's twitter account

Brian Wiebe

@Brian_Wiebe

November 27 2017

Dec. 1 deadline arrives Friday, reducing the number of cards for Canadian Junior A teams to 25.  #BCHL teams with 23 players on their active roster will have two cards to use to sign new players for the rest of the season.

College Hockey Struggles With Trend Toward Recruiting Younger And Younger Players:

This was in the Twin Cities Pioneer Press Newspaper:

College hockey struggles with trend toward recruiting younger and younger players

By Chad Graff | cgraff@pioneerpress.com | Pioneer Press

PUBLISHED: September 16, 2017

A few days before 13- and 14-year-old brothers committed to play hockey for the Gophers, Don Lucia sat in a board room in Chicago with Division I athletics directors and head coaches debating the merits of college hockey’s trend toward recruiting players barely in their teens.

One coach, one administrator, and one AD from college hockey’s six conferences took turns expressing dismay in how the modern landscape has led to coaches scouting 12-year-olds and offering scholarships before they even reach high school.

“Craziness,” one called it.

“Nutty,” said another.

For the most part, the room was unanimous: Recruiting kids still years away from a driver’s license isn’t in the best interest of college hockey. They left Chicago hopeful they’ll soon implement rules to curb the trend.

Not yet.

Brothers Chaz, 14, and Cruz, 13, Lucius, of Grant, Minn., committed to play for the Gophers on Aug. 31. Earlier that month, a 14-year-old committed to play for Miami of Ohio. A week after the Lucius brothers committed to Lucia, a 14-year-old committed to play for Penn State.

“It’s gotten crazy with kids committing so young,” said Minnesota-Duluth coach Scott Sandelin, one of the coaches at the Chicago meeting. “Hopefully we get something that slows the process down so seventh and eighth graders aren’t committing to college.”

WHY COACHES DO IT

Lucia, the 18-year Gophers head coach, said he’s in favor of a rule that would curb the recruiting of pre-teens. Yet until a rule is in place, the Gophers will continue recruiting 13- and 14-year-olds.

In Lucia’s eyes, if the Gophers aren’t recruiting these kids, a rival school will.

“It’s become a race to see who can get a younger kid committed before someone else sees them and knows how good a player they are,” Lucia said. “So, let’s get kids locked up so they can’t be recruited by somebody else.”

That’s not the only reason for the boom in youthful college hockey recruiting, Lucia said.

One of rules proposals discussed at the Chicago meeting would ban conversations between schools and players until their sophomore year of high school, but Lucia fears that could mean college hockey missing out on some of the best players. Because even if college coaches stop recruiting bantam-level players, he said, the Canadian Hockey League will continue to.

Those clubs offer the most traditional route for first-round NHL draft picks and, in Lucia’s words, “have no rules” for recruiting young players.

“If a player isn’t hearing that they might have a scholarship opportunity, then they’ll go sign and play in the CHL,” Lucia said. “That’s been a driving force that’s unique to our sport that other sports don’t have.

“If you’re going to play in the NBA, you pretty much have to go to college. If you’re going to play in the NFL, you pretty much have to go to college. But in our sport, we have the CHL that we’re constantly battling for elite players.”

Ten years ago, college coaches couldn’t initiate contact with players until Jan. 1 of their junior year. That was moved to June 15 after a player’s sophomore year, then to Jan. 1 of a player’s sophomore year. A decade ago, only one phone call was allowed; now there’s no limit.

“I liked the fact that you can communicate with those kids earlier,” Sandelin said, “but I think that’s probably contributed to this.”

Certainly, not all college coaches are scouting pre-teens.

Sandelin said the only bantam-level games he’s ever watched were the ones his son played in. Yet his Minnesota-Duluth program has arguably been the most successful in the state the past four years, reaching the national championship game last season.

They’ve still landed some of the states top recruits, too, including Blaine’s Riley Tufte, a first-round NHL pick in 2016.

“We certainly weren’t recruiting Riley Tufte at 12 years old,” Sandelin said. “I’m not running around the country going to those bantam tournaments, I can tell you that.”

Despite the comments, his program isn’t immune to the youth movement.

In 2014, 14- and 15-year-old brothers from Hill-Murray committed to play for Sandelin.

At Minnesota State-Mankato, a recruiting youth movement hasn’t changed the plans of head coach Mike Hastings, whose teams are perennially one of the oldest in college hockey. Whenever he sees a 14-year-old commit to a school, Hastings can’t help but think about his daughter when she was that age.

“I think of the decisions we were asking her to make at 13 and 14 and they weren’t even close to that – it was what color bedspread she wanted,” he said.

WHY PLAYERS DO IT

Five years ago, College Hockey Inc. hired Mike Snee from the Wild as their executive director, in part to help educate players about the advantages of choosing to play college hockey rather than the Canadian Hockey League.

As part of his job, he has spoken with several players who committed to college before sophomore year of high school. Often, he said, players say they committed early to secure a roster spot.

But then Snee asks them a hypothetical question.

If the player weren’t able to tell anybody – not friends, not family, and not able to broadcast their commitment on social media – would they still commit?

“And the response is often, ‘Well why I commit then?’ ” Snee said. “There might have been some aspect that he wanted, but what he most wanted was to tell people that he was committing. That’s not uncommon.

“Ask those two kids last month – if you weren’t allowed to have anyone find out about it, would you have still committed? I’m very confident the majority of early commits would say, ‘Why would I commit if no one finds out?’

“I get it. I’m a human. It’s fun to have that kind of attention. But there’s a time that’s right for it and there’s a time that’s not. I don’t know what the right age is to start committing to schools. But it’s not 13.”

Snee said families often feel pressure to commit to a school to justify the money and time they and their child have poured into hockey. Parents, Snee said, often want to justify the expensive sticks and skates and lessons they’ve paid for with an athletic scholarship.

“It isn’t just the kids’ identity; it’s mom’s and dad’s identity too,” Snee said. “I think that plays into it.”

As colleges have recruited younger, NHL agents have, too. They regularly attend tournaments with the top 12- to-14 year-olds in search of future pro players they can represent. The agents work with players as “advisers” until the players sign a pro contract is signed, because having an agent would make the player ineligible to play in college.

“I think that advisers have to justify their role, otherwise why would you have an adviser?” Snee said. “Part of how they can justify that role is by getting a commitment. So that plays into it, too.”

SPECIAL TALENTS

Four years ago, Tami and Chuck Lucius, the parents of Chaz and Cruz, founded Gentry Academy in Vadnais Heights with hopes of surrounding their prodigious sons with, in the words of athletics director Joe Jensen, “like-minded kids.”

“So, they thought, ‘Well, why don’t we create a school where the kids are allowed to train during the day, but we can also get really good teachers to teach the kids,’ ” Jensen said. “That’s how the whole thing started.”

At Gentry, students train before and after the school day, some days spending as much as four hours on the ice.

“The training part and the academic part are melded into one,” Jensen said.

The school is still deciding whether they’d like to join the Minnesota State High School League, but for now plays a travel-intensive schedule with games against teams from Los Angeles, Chicago, and Michigan.

In their games against top players from across the country, Chaz and Cruz have stood out.

Chaz, the elder brother, is a center and goal scorer already ranked as the top player eligible for CHL affiliate, the Western Hockey League. Cruz, 13, is the playmaker who plays on Chaz’s right wing. They’re the youngest hockey players to ever commit to the Gophers, and Cruz may be the youngest college hockey commit ever.

The Gophers weren’t the only team that offered scholarships to the brothers, Jensen said, though he declined to say just how many schools pursued them.

“They weren’t pressured at all,” their longtime coach Billy Hengen said. “They knew that they wanted to stay close to home and pick a school in the area. When they visited (Minnesota), it just felt right. And Minnesota felt fortunate to land them.”

Jensen and Hengen were asked to speak on behalf of the Lucius family, which declined an interview request for this story.

After the brothers committed, critics came quick.

City Pages wrote a story with the headline “Gophers hockey robs the cradle.” Online commenters wondered how a 13-year-old could possibly know where he wanted to go to college five years from now.

“Do I think it’s too young? I think that’s a question where it’s different for everyone,” Jensen said. “For them, I don’t think it’s too young because they’ve treated the game of hockey and have trained for hockey like a business ever since they were young. To them, this is just the next step that you take.

“There are some kids that at 16 or 17 aren’t ready yet. Everybody’s path is different. But I think it’s funny for people from the outside world that don’t know anything about these kids to say this is way too young. I think you have to know the full story before you make a judgment on something like this.”

WHAT CHANGES?

Chaz and Cruz’s story is one of a hockey obsession.

Three years ago, their parents tried to build a 27,000 square-foot private arena for them to practice in before those plans were foiled by wary neighbors.

“These boys and their peers train and play hockey 12 months out of the year,” said Hengen, the head coach at Gentry.

Hengen played at St. Cloud State with Jensen from 2002-06. Neither committed until after they were juniors in high school. But with changing times, and players more dedicated to the sport at an earlier age, they don’t have an issue with colleges recruiting 13-year-olds.

“I think the rule is fine,” Hengen said. “At the end of the day, we’re talking about kids going to get a college education. That’s a pretty special opportunity. If you look at what the end road is for this, it’s a real positive outcome. If colleges are going to commit to young players, I have no problem with that because the end game is going to get a university education.”

College hockey’s venture into recruiting players that are barely teenagers is hardly new to the NCAA. Already this year, sixth and seventh-grade football players have received scholarship offers. In volleyball, girls receive offers before they enter high school.

Five years ago, a Rosemount girl, Gabby Sprang, committed to play softball at Tennessee while she was still in eighth grade. She’s a freshman now, prepping for her first season at in Knoxville.

“In the hockey scene, it hasn’t happened a ton, and that’s another reason why people are really scratching their heads over this,” Jensen said. “But the Gophers, who have a great tradition and a great program, were interested in these kids like a lot of other programs were. These are great hockey minds that were interested. So who is crazy? Is it the Gophers and other schools that wanted them? Or is it people that don’t know anything about their particular situation and want to say this is nuts?”

Unlike other sports, coaches said, hockey programs tend to honor verbal commitments. Verbal commitments are non-binding; neither side is committed until a player signs a national letter of intent, which they can’t do until the spring before enrolling.

“For the most part in hockey, 80 or 90 percent of the time, nobody (else) will talk to those kids that verbally commit,” Lucia said. “It’s not that way in football or basketball or some other sports. But it’s really been that way in hockey, and I think that’s part of what led to recruiting earlier. If you get somebody committed before other people really see him, that helps.”

Under college hockey’s current rules, coaches can’t initiate contact with a recruit until Jan. 1 of the player’s sophomore year. But prospective players can call a coach at any point and take an unofficial visit to a school at any point. And there’s no rule for when coaches can orally offer a scholarship.

For years, lacrosse had similar rules, but coaches of that sport decided to put an end to early recruiting. In April, they voted to ban all communication between prospective athletes and schools until Sept. 1 of a player’s junior year.

But while college hockey coaches discussed moving to a similar format at their meeting in Chicago, they also note that lacrosse doesn’t have another league – like the Canadian Hockey League – also trying to recruit players.

“No other sport deals with that,” Sandelin said. “But it’s still crazy, in my opinion, to recruit so young. I hope we can do something to slow it down.”

Vipers-Warriors Highlight's:

Here are the game highlight's & post game interview's from Royal Le Page Place Saturday night in West Kelowna. Josh Prokop scored twice, while captain Jagger Williamson picked up two assists. Ty Taylor made 37 saves in the victory as Vernon defeated West Kelowna 4-2 in front of 805 fans at Royal Le Page Place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLmiM_S3yY_OtxfNBwGOAIdB5RxW0-N1Wb&v=RQePWK00XsA

Former Vipers Goaltener Demers Newly Painted Mask:

Here is a look at former Vernon Vipers goaltender Cole Demers newly painted

Demers started last season with the Vipers, playing in 12 games (3 wins-8 losses 3.20 GAA) was released November 23 2016 before signing with the West Kelowna Warriors January 6th 2017.
mask.

In 14 games this season with the Warriors, Demers is 8-3 with a 2.77 GAA

Cole Demers Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=245574

Anzai Pops Winner As Vipers Blank Smokies:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Anzai pops winner as Vipers blank Smokies

Roger Knox

Nov. 26, 2017

Sam Anzai’s first goal as a Vernon Viper was a game-winner.

Anzai, 19, a native of Los Angeles acquired earlier in the week in a future considerations deal with the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Drayton Valley Thunder, scored the only goal Vernon would need in a 4-0 road win over the Trail Smoke Eaters in B.C. Hockey League action in front of 2,231 fans Friday at Cominco Arena.

The two points vaulted Vernon (18-6-0-4) into first place in the Interior Conference and overall standings, one point ahead of the Smokies (19-7-1-0).

Vernon played in West Kelowna Saturday while Trail travelled to Merritt.

Anzai scored unassisted at 13:51 of the opening period. Michael Young gave the Vipers a cushion with his fourth of the year on a powerplay at 7:39 of the middle frame, set up by Jimmy Lambert and Michael Ufberg.

Bret Stapley (15th) and Josh Prokop (10th) added third period insurance.

Anthony Yamnitsky made 28 saves for his second shutout, improving his record to 8-5-0. His 1.99 goals against average is the same as Nanaimo’s Taz Burman, tied for best in the league.

Tanner Marshall made 36 saves in goal for Trail.

In the Kootenay International Hockey League Friday, it was a nice homecoming for Vernon products Kaden Black and Conor Webb.

Black scored both goals and Webb made 31 saves as the Chase Heat defeated the North Okanagan Knights 2-0 at the Nor-Val Sports Centre in Armstrong.

Black opened the scoring with 6:18 left in the second period, then added the insurance at 4:50 of the third. Black has 15 goals this season, second-best on the team.

Webb, backed up by fellow Vernon product Billy Cawthorn, improved to 6-3, blanking his former team for his second shutout of the season.

Zach Willms made 32 saves for the Knights (6-14-1-3), who took on the Princeton Posse (10-9-1-3) Saturday at Nor-Val.

Vernon 4 West Kelowna 2

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-Warriors game as Vernon defeated West Kelowna 4-2 in front of 805 fans at Royal Le Page Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Ty Taylor
West Kelowna: Nik Amundrud

Before tonight's game their was a five minute delay as the Warriors welcomed the parents onto the ice for parents weekend.

1st Period: Just twenty one seconds into the opening frame Connor Marritt on a wrap around caught Nik Amundrud out of position, Marritt's shot got caught up in between the legs-skates of the Warriors netminder before being cleared from the blue paint, as Marritt & the Vipers come very close to opening the scoring. A minute and ten seconds later, Jimmy Lambert wearing Les Reaneys old #23 come down the left wing, one on one before cutting hard to the goal, forced Nik Amundrud back into his crease, was forced into making a difficult save on a sharp angle. Two great chances for Vernon less then two minutes into the contest. The Snakes with good early pressure early, the Warriors needed four minutes to record their first shot of the night. Jesse Lansdell took two huge open ice hits in the first three minutes. Six and a half minutes in, Stephen Kleysen with a quick shot from the blueline, forced Ty Taylor into flashing the leather, made a nice glove save on West Kelowna's first good opportunity of the evening. Less then two minutes later Connor Marritt lead a two on one rush, tried setting up West Kelowna native Brandon Whistle who couldn't connect on the pass, on a missed opportunity for the Vipers. Just before the midway mark Jake Harrison took an undetected high stick from Brett Stapley (I think) on a scrum in the corner. Harrison went down before getting back into the play, charged at Stapley twice before the play continued. On the same play/shift Harrison hauled down a Viper in the slot, was given a minor, giving the Snakes their first powerplay of the night. Once in the penalty box Harrison complained to the one official, while holding an ice bag to his head. The second official come over, before the two officials and linesmen gathered in front of the time keepers box, confirmed another penalty. Niko Karamanis would be sent to the penalty box, was given four minutes for high sticking. For some reason, Coleton Bilodeau was also sent to the box to serve the other two minutes. Mark Ferner and the Viper bench a little upset with all of this, wanted to chat with the official. After a lengthy delay the Warriors would come out on top with the powerplay, their first of the game. The Tribe struggled with the extra attacker, only managed one shot as the Vipers killed off the minor. Just minutes after killing off the games first powerplay, Jack Judson's point shot missed the goal, took a favorable bounce, come right back out front to Josh Prokop who buried the rebound, giving Vernon a 1-0 lead at 14:01 Judson & Jagger Williamson with the helpers. Just minutes later the Tribe looked to tie the game after a shot from the point found its way through a crowd and into the back of the net, but the one official at the side of the goal, waived off the goal immediately. Their was no announcement from the pa announcer on why the goal was called off. The Warriors would argue the call, but the game would continue after a small delay. I'm guessing their was goaltender interference, but if this was the case, why wasn't their a penalty on the play-goal? The Snakes catch a big break. Shortly after West Kelowna would get their second powerplay of the night. Ty Taylor made a big pad save off a shot from the slot before stretching across the blue paint, to rob Willie Reim with a huge glove save. Reim and the Warriors were stunned. A massive glove save, keeping this a one goal game. The Vipers would kill off the minor. Inside the final minute, Chris Jandric would jump into the play, walk in down the left wing before being denied by Nik Amundrud who made a big shoulder save with thirty six seconds to go. It was 1-0 Vernon after 20 minutes of play. This was a pretty entertaining period with chances at both ends of the rink. At times the Snakes carried the play, before the Warriors come back and had their fare share of puck possession. Both teams looked pretty evenly matched at times through out the frame. Shots were even 11-11.

2nd Period: The Vipers with a quick start to the middle frame, jumped on WK early. After some early pressure, second year Viper Shane Kelly's seeing eye point shot found its way to the back of the net, giving Vernon a 2-0 lead at 1:50 Brett Stapley and Sol Seibel drew the assists. Just over two minutes later the Tribe would get their third powerplay of the night and first of the period. The Snakes with a strong penalty kill, would kill off the minor. Vernon with a ton of puck possession early, carried a lot of the play, early and often. Just befoe the halfway mark Sol Seibel lost the puck in his skates, couldn't recover allowing former Viper forward Chase Stephenson to break in for the two on one attack. Stephenson couldn't solve Vipers starting goaltender Ty Taylor who made a nice save off the odd man rush. On the same play-shift, Jake Harrison would get control of the puck, tried beating Ty Taylor on the wrap around was stopped. Two solid back to back chances for West Kelowna. This seemed to be a turning point, after the Vipers had most of the flow of play, the Warriors got some life after the back to back opportunities and changed the momentum of the game. The Tribe pressed hard and often, had the Vipers reeling in their own end. Vernon having all kinds of trouble getting out of their own end/through the neutral zone. WK with an aggressive attack, had a ton of looks, were once outshot by a fair margine, were now outshooting the Snakes. The Vipers without a shot in at least six-seven minutes. Minutes past the midway mark with the Tribe pressing, Ty Taylor made the first save before Cavin Tilsley buried the rebound, cutting the Vernon lead to 2-1 at 14:01 Jared Marino & Chase Stephenson collected the helpers. But back come the Vipers. Shane Kelly carried the play, deep into the Warriors end, before Warriors starting goaltender Nik Amundrud was forced to made several stops down low, as Vernon was banging away at the loose puck at the side of the goal. The puck ended up in the corner, before Brett Stapley fired the puck towards the front of the net, somehow the puck had eyes, found its way through the bodies in front and into the back of the goal. Vernon with a 3-1 lead at 15:19 Shane Kelly & Jimmy Lambert picked up the assists. The Warriors bench wasn't happy, the officials gathered in front of the time keepers box, after a small delay they awarded Stapley with the goal. 3-1 Vernon. Fourty seconds later the Snakes would jump on a late powerplay. The Tribe with a big kill, would kill off the minor. It was 3-1 Vernon after 40 minutes of play. The Snakes with a quick start, jumped on WK early before Shane Kelly with a huge goal just 1:50 in gave Vernon a 2-0 lead. It was all Vipers early before the Warriors battled back just before the halfway mark and carried most of the play for the remainder of the period. West Kelowna with a ton of solid looks, couldn't solve Ty Taylor. The Warriors had alot more jump/energy, were winning the races-battles. WK outplaying and outworking Vernon for a lot of the 2nd period. The Tribe got to within a goal, before Brett Stapley with a huge goal late to regain the two goal lead. The Warriors were the better of the teams for a lot of that period. West Kelowna outshot Vernon 13-12.

3rd Period: WK jumps on Vernon off the opening faceoff. The Vipers playing their third game in four days look a little sluggish early. Ty Taylor has to be sharp, makes two big stops early before captain Jagger Williamson with a heads up play, springs Josh Prokop for the breakaway. Prokop blows by the lone defender before beating Nik Amundrud fivehole, giving Vernon a 4-1 lead at 2:03 Williamson drew the lone helper. Three minutes later West Kelowna springs Chase Dubois for the breakaway, but its Ty Taylor who comes up with the large save, keeping this a three goal game. Vernon looking tired, has trouble changing lines, gets caught on back to back icing plays, forces Mark Ferner into calling an early timeout. The Tribe using their speed and aggressive forecheck, are quick on the Vipers early. The Warriors would get a powerplay at the midway mark and capitalize. Chase Stephenson's shot was denied by Ty Taylor, Taylor would lose sight of the puck, that come way up in the air before dropping in behind the Vernon goaltender, rolls off his back and into the back of the cage, cutting the Vernon lead to 4-2 at 11:26 Chase Dubois & Michael Ryan collect the assists. Stephenson rewarded with the goal, get a huge break, are back in the game. Minutes later Michael Lombardi breaks in for the breakaway, Shane Kelly tries getting back either tugs at Lombardi or slashes him, but Lombardi is still able to get a shot off, was stopped by Ty Taylor. The referee's arm goes up and Lombardi is rewarded with a penalty shot. Lombardi would be denied by Ty Taylor on one of several different turning points in the 3rd period. Minutes later Josh Prokop and Jake Harrison are both racing into the offensive zone, going for a loose puck. Prokop behind Harrison tries several times to try and go around the West Kelowna defender, before getting around Harrison at the last second. Harrison hits Prokop from behind into the boards. Prokop goes head first into the end boards, was slow getting up, was holding his arm/or either shoulder on his way off. Prokop looked to be in a lot of discomfort was attended to by the team trainer immediately before the two went to the Viper dressing room. The trainer was gone from the bench for several minutes, while Prokop didn't return. Harrison was given two minutes for boarding, before the officials gathered in front of the penalty boxes, after a minor delay Harrison was tossed from the hockey game, given five minutes for checking from behind and a game misconduct. Rylan Ferster and the Warriors bench upset with the call, wanted an explination. After a lengthy delay the game continued. With Vernon on the powerplay, it was the Tribe who jumped on the Snakes shorthanded. Ty Taylor had to be alert was forced into making two big stops before captain Jared Marino was left all alone in the blue paint, somehow couldn't slide the puck in and around Ty Taylor, on a missed opportunity. The Vipers under siege on the powerplay early. Brett Stapley would take a penalty of his own before the Warriors looked to be breaking out on a two on one attack. Spencer Hora almost took Jagger Williamson's head off holding back the Viper captain, clipped Williamson in the mouth with his stick, would head to the penalty box, giving the Snakes a two man advantage. Williamson setup Keyvan Mokhtari on a two on one, but it was Nik Amundrud who come across the blue paint to make an unbelievable stop with the toe-pad robbing Mokhtari in front. Minutes later with Vernon pressing, Jimmy Lambert setup Niko Karamanis on another odd man rush but once again Nik Amundrud sprawled across the crease this time robbing Karamanis. Amundrud with back to back stops, keeping the score from getting out of hand. The Snakes kept pressing, had several good looks, Jimmy Lambert in for the breakaway couldn't beat Nik Amundrud fivehole. The Snakes carried the remainder of the period with full possession of play before the final buzzer. Vernon come away with the 4-2 victory. As the Vipers were coming off the ice, the team was celebrating the win, giving each other high fives, while at the same time, the Warriors skated to centre ice to salute the crowd. One official skated over to the Vernon bench, telling the Snakes to get off the ice. The other referee and linesmen then skated over, giving the Vipers heck for still being on the ice. Several Vipers looked to say something back to the officials, before one official gave someone in the group a misconduct. Jagger Williamson is shown on the boxscore as given a misconduct at the end of the game. The Tribe jumped on the Vipers early, had a few good looks-opportunities couldn't solve Ty Taylor before Jack Judson with a huge goal on the breakaway, gave Vernon a three goal lead. This was big as the Warriors would eventually get a powerplay marker to get within two. For a second straight period, West Kelowna was the better of the two teams. The Warriors playing with more jump/energy, were quicker to the puck, had several good looks-chances. The Snakes looking sluggish early, looked tired, playing their third game in four days. Vernon was caught with the same line on back to back shifts, iced the puck twice before finally able to changing lines. Ty Taylor made several big stops in the 3rd, keeping the Vipers in the contest. Towards the end of the game, a barrage of penalties on both sides, Nik Amundrud kept the Vipers from running up the score, made several fantasic saves late on the penalty kill, or this could have easily been a 6-2-7-2 final. Vernon outshot West Kelowna 14-12.

Top Player's: (Vernon)

Michael Young I thought played a very smart game. Young played well defensively but I really noticed him jumping into the play offensively, was getting pucks to the net, made several smart plays defensively at the blueline. Was very good in the win.

Shane Kelly (1 goal & 1 assist) The big man scored a huge goal early into the 2nd period, giving the Snakes a 2-0 lead. Kelly kept his cool, played very well at both ends of the rink. Made a heads up play in the 2nd after West Kelowna's first goal. Kelly carried the play into the offensive zone, opened up some ice, wich ensued started a scoring chance in front, wich eventually resulted in Brett Stapley's goal, to give Vernon a 3-1 lead.

Josh Prokop (2 goals) I thought was another standout. Was quick on his feet, was hard on the puck, played hard before going heads first into the boards in the 3rd period. I hope Josh is ok. Would be a big loss for the Vipers. Prokop has really come into his own as of late and been one of the more productive forwards on the team.

Jagger Williamson (2 assists) The Viper captain lead by example, played-battled hard all night. Blocked shots, was aggressive on the penalty kill, was in the battles along the boards, made several heads up plays, wich resulted in goals. Competed-battled hard.

Connor Marritt Another kid that stood out/played hard. Created/generated some good opportunities through out the night. Another young kid who has slowly started to come into his own and playing his best hockey of the season.

Jimmy Lambert (1 assist) I thought had several good looks-opportunities through out the game.

Ty Taylor (37 saves) Getting his first start in four games, was solid between the pipes. Made several big stops through out the night. His biggest save was off Willie Reim on a Warriors powerplay. Taylor made the first save before having to come across the blue paint to rob Reim with the big glove save. Was sharp, alert and played with a ton of confidence. Felt bad for the kid on West Kelowna's second goal. Just a tough break.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

I thought the Vipers played hard, looked good in the opening frame. Opened the scoring-held the lead heading into the 2nd period. It was the 2nd and 3rd periods where Vernon looked to be running out of gas. Playing their third game in four nights, the Vipers looked sluggish at times, were hemmed in their own end at times, somehow managed to battle through it, scored three big goals at key times in the game, to change the momentum. Shane Kelley's goal early into the 2nd period, Brett Stapley's goal late in the middle frame and Josh Propkop's goal early into the 3rd were all game changers. I thought the penalty kill was good-played well, managed to kill off four out of five minors. How big was Ty Taylor at times? Made several large saves at key times in the game, when the team was struggling, managed to keep his mates in the game. Some strange calls from the officials tonight. I didn't think Michael Lombardi deserved the penalty shot in the 3rd, Lombardi was able to get off a shot on the breakaway, you could have given Kelly a two minute minor. I also didn't understand why Coleton Bilodeau had to help serve Niko Karamanis's penalty in the opening period. I was confused on that call. Why didn't Karamanis sit for the full four minutes? The Vipers come home winning three of the four games on their four game road trip, get a huge victory/two points after the Smoke Eaters loss in Merritt and Salmon Arm's win in Wenatchee. Give the Vipers credit for responding with back to back wins on the road after a 2-1 loss in Wenatchee Wednesday. Vernon shutouts Division leading Trail last night, to pass the Smoke Eaters in the standings. Vernon gets home around 3:30am and then playing their third game in four days, pull out a huge 4-2 win in West Kelowna, in a rink where the Warriors have been very strong on home ice this season. The Snakes improve to 4-0 vs West Kelowna this season. With the win Vernon improves to 19-6-0-4 sit atop the Interior Division and first overall through out the league.

Top Player's: (West Kelowna)

Jake Harrison I thought had a heck of a game on the WK blueline before being tossed in the 3rd period. Harrison carried the puck often, jumped into the play, created/generated several good looks-opportunities. A tough play-hit on Josh Prokop in the 3rd, something you don't want to see happen to anyone.

Jordan Todd Caught my attention, played with a ton of jump/energy, was a spark plug for the Warriors. Never quit skating, was involved in the play, showed a lot of hustle, worked-played hard through out the night.

Chase Dubois (1 assist) Played well, was stopped on a 2nd period breakaway, another kid that plays hard, not the biggest kid, but always in and around the net.

Chase Stephenson (1 goal & 1 assist) The former Vipers forward picked up two points in the loss. Had several good looks-chances, played with a ton of speed, is quick on his feet, has good hands, can create/generate opportunities in a hurry. Always dangerous with the puck.

Jared Marino (1 assist) The Warriors captain, had a strong night. Was left all alone in the crease late in the 3rd somehow couldn't bury his chance, would have cut the Vernon lead to a goal. A big body, plays physical, leads by example.

Nik Amundrud (36 saves) Made his biggest stops late in the contest with the Vipers on the powerplay. Made two unstoppable saves off Keyvan Mokhtari and Niko Karamanis at point blank ranges. This game-score could have got out of hand if it wasn't for some big stops late in the 3rd.

Game Thought's: (West Kelowna)

I thought the Warriors played hard, held their own against the Vipers in the 1st period. Other then being down a goal after twenty minutes, I thought WK had some looks-opportunities, were fairly evenly matched with Vernon. In the 2nd and 3rd it was when West Kelowna stepped up their play or was it the Vipers just running out of gas? Either way the Tribe were very aggressive, had several looks-chances, couldn't solve Ty Taylor. West Kelowna outplayed-outworked Vernon in that middle frame, only managed the lone goal. Giving up the goal just 1:20 after cutting the Viper lead to 2-1 the Warriors allow Vernon to regain that two goal lead with five minutes remaining in the 2nd. Down 3-1 then give up a crucial goal just two minutes into the final frame, find themselves down three goals just minutes into the 3rd. WK has to now try and battle back, get within two but couldn't get any closer. I thought the Warriors were the better team at times in both the final two periods, needed a save on either Vernon's 3rd or fourth goal. The Tribe played without a lead the entire night, was playing catch up hockey all night. Playing the top team down three goals is going to be hard fighting back. A pretty decent size crowd on hand for the Warriors, on parents weekend. Warriors wearing their third jerseys tonight. This being the Vipers first game in West Kelowna this season, I really like the new additions added to Royal Le Page Place. I like the new VIP-lounge area, along with the new beer and wine tables. I also like the new signs-logos added through out the rink. West Kelowna who has been very hard to beat on home ice, falls to 11-4 at home remain in 5th place in the Interior Division drop to 16-11-1-0

Scratches:

Vernon:

Tanner Wishnowski (Injured)
Jordan Sandhu (Injured)

West Kelowna:

Matt Kowalski
Bennett Norlin
Parm Dhaliwal (Injured)

Energy Player of the Game:

Jared Marino (1 assist)

Three Star's:

1st Star: Brett Stapley (1 goal & 1 assist)
2nd Star: Michael Ryan (1 assist)
3rd Star: Josh Prokop (2 goals)

Boxscore-Game Summary,

http://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/8079

Trevor Miller's West Kelowna Warrior's Blog,

https://westkwarriors.wordpress.com/

Game Report,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/official-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=8079

Text Boxscore,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/text-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=8079