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 3-2 in double overtime in front of 1,669 fans at Kal Tire Place.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Ty Taylor
West Kelowna: Cody Porter
1st Period: The Vipers jumped on the Warriors early and often as Vernon carried the better of the play off the opening draw. The Snakes using their speed and skill, were flying early, had some looks but no real grad a opportunities. West Kelowna would get the games first powerplay just minutes before the halfway mark. The Warriors with just a single shot couldn't capitalize on the man advantage as the Vipers killed off the minor. Shortly after killing off the penalty, Ty Taylor was forced to making a tough save in close on a goal mouth scramble. A few minutes later Taylor made two big stops after a Warriors forward tried beating the Vernon goaltender on a wrap around. The Snakes would get their first look with the powerplay, only needing nine seconds. On a goal mouth scramble Jesse Lansdell beat Cody Porter at the top of the crease giving Vernon a 1-0 lead at 12:21 Shane Kelly and Josh Prokop collected the assists. Cody Porter was up immediately waiving his arms, saying a Viper pushed the puck in with his hands-arm. Warriors captain Jared Marino skated straight to an official to also complain about the goal. After a short delay the officials ruled the play-goal a good goal. Rylan Ferster still not happy with call, wanted to talk to an official about the goal-call. Vipers with a 1-0 lead. Less then three minutes later the Snakes went back to the powerplay. Late in the PP Josh Prokop alone at the top of the blue paint, would be robbed by Cody Porter who somehow got across with his goal stick to make a highlight reel save, keeping this a one goal game. The puck would en up coming out front to Jack Judson on the same play, Judson with a quick snipe from the slot would be denied by Porter. The Warriors netminder with two big stops. The Tribe would kill off the remainder of the penalty. About a minute and a half later the Warriors would get their second man advantage of the night. The Vipers would get out of the period beating the buzzer. It was 1-0 Vernon after 20 minutes of play. I really liked the Vipers game to start the 1st period. I thought the Snakes jumped on West Kelowna early and often, didn't generate much for offensive chances but carried a lot of the play, had some looks. The Warriors battled back, had a few opportunities but overall I thought Vernon was the better of the two teams. The Vipers skating hard, were really flying early, had more puck possession and zone time. Vernon outshot West Kelowna 15-7.
2nd Period: The Warriors started the PP that was carried over from the opening frame. The Snakes killed off the remainder of the minor. Shortly after killing off the penalty Michael Ryan's quick wrister from the point somehow beat Vipers starting goaltender Ty Taylor blocker side tying the game 1-1 at 2:57 Lucas Cullen & Cavin Tilsley drew the helpers. Taylor back in his net, may have been screened on the play, judging by his late reaction to making the save. The Warriors playing with a ton more jump/energy in the middle frame, looked good early. WK carrying the better of the play early. Six minutes in Mitch Andres carried the play up ice before ripping a low shot forcing Warriors starting goaltender Cody Porter into kicking out a big rebound, before Brandon Whistle ripped a quick shot forced Porter to flash the leather, making a big glove save off the former Bonnyville Pontiac. On the following play the Snakes in on a three on two rush, setup Whistle who was denied by Porter shortside. Back come the Warriors the other way. West Kelowna with a quick turn around sprung Cavin Tilsley who used his speed to break in on the two on one, Tilsley setup a Warrior going to the net would be stoned in front by Ty Taylor who come up with a huge save. With Taylor down and out, the Vipers quickly cleared the puck from the crease. The puck come up the middle of the ice, landed on the stick of Stephen Kleysen who fired home the puck into the open cage giving West Kelowna a 2-1 lead at 6:51 Kleysen's goal was unassisted. Two big stops by Cody Porter at the other end, a quick turn around and a big save-goal at the other end of the rink. The Tribe with their first lead of the night. Just over a minute later WK would get a powerplay. The Vipers with an aggressive penalty kill, were able to shut down the Warriors man advantage and kill off the minor. Just over three minutes later the Warriors would head back to the PP. But again another strong penalty kill from Vernon as the Snakes killed off the second of back to back penalties. With just over seven minutes remaining, a minor delay after Cody Porter needed some repairs on his mask. Chris Jandric with a nice move inside the blueline forced Cody Porter into coming way out to the top of the blue paint, made a big stop off the Viper defenceman. Late in the period the Snakes would get their first powerplay of the 2nd. But shorthanded two Warriors were quick to get behind the Vernon defence both breaking out for the breakaway. Michael Ryan would grab the loose puck, break in alone before being stopped by Ty Taylor. Taylor with a huge shorthanded save. Still on the PP Niko Karamanis's shot would be redirected in front by Keyvan Mokhtari tying the game 2-2 at 17:42 Karamanis & Jack Judson picked up the assists. In the dying seconds on the attack West Kelowna would take a late penalty giving the Vipers a powerplay with just seven seconds remaining. It was tied 2-2 after 40 minutes of play. The Tribe responded with a much better period. West Kelowna with a good start, tied the game early and continued to press. The Warriors were the better of the two teams in the first half would eventually take their first lead of the evening. WK was very strong on the draw. The Snakes didn't have their legs going early, were outplayed in the first half. Vernon responded after two big penalty kills, seemed to get some life and gain some momentum, got their legs going and played much better in the second half. The Snakes with a big goal late on the powerplay to tie the game. Both teams played a tight checking game, were both limited to chances. Vernon outshot West Kelowna 14-9.
3rd Period: The Vipers started the 3rd on the man advantage that was carried over from the middle frame. Michael Ufberg lost his footing allowing Cavin Tilsley to break in two on one was stopped by Ty Taylor. Still on the PP a shot from the blueline would be redirected by Brandon Whistle in front that just missed the far corner. Whistle with a good opportunity in front. The Warriors with a big kill, would kill off the minor. Shortly after "AP" Mitchell Gove stole the puck broke in down the left wing, on an odd man rush would be denied by Ty Taylor. A few minutes later Vernon would get their second powerplay of the frame. With an aggressive forecheck, the Warriors come close to stealing the puck at the blueline. West Kelowna with a aggressive-strong penalty kill, killed off the minor. Jimmy Lambert took a big check along the side wall, went down and didn't get up. The play continued before being stopped. The Vipers trainer attended Lambert, who was able to get up on his own, skated off the ice and stayed in the game. A huge high of relief from the Viper bench and fans. Minutes later the Snakes would jump back on the powerplay but again WK come very close to stealing the puck at the line. The Vipers with some looks, didn't generate much in a second missed opportunity. The Tribe killing off another penalty. Two Vipers went hard into the crease/net on a rush to the front of the net. Cody Porter was a little slow getting up, looked to be in some discomfort, eventually got up but shaking his left leg before having a quick chat with the official. Porter then slowed down the faceoff by taking a drink of water before settling into his crease. On the following few shifts Porter looking to be in some discomfort was down on his knees stretching between whistles and shaking his left leg. Porter seemed to be fine as the game continued and stayed between the pipes. RJ Murphy on a wrap around couldn't solve Ty Taylor who had to be alert, made a big stop with two minutes remaining. Inside the final minute former Viper Chase Stevenson with a good opportunity from the high slot, was stopped by Ty Taylor. Warriors with two good chances late. Vernon would get a late powerplay after the Warriors took a late penalty inside the final minute. West Kelowna would lose Jake Harrison for the remainder of the night, after being given two minutes for checking to the head and an automatic ten minute misconduct. The Vipers struggled to take the lead would run out of time before the buzzer. The Tribe excape and pick up at least an extra point heading to overtime. It was tied 2-2 after 60 minutes of play. I thought the Snakes were the better of the two teams, carried a lot of the play, had more puck possession, spent a lot of time with the puck in the Warriors end. Vernon with four powerplay's in the final twenty minutes, couldn't capitalize with the man advantage. The Snakes carried a lot of the play but had very limited chances through out the period. Give the Warriors full credit for battling hard on the penalty kill. WK forced to kill off four minors, spent much of the 3rd on the PK. West Kelowna saw a lot of the third in their own end, used their aggressive forecheck and quickness to get at least three or four odd man rushes but unable to capitalize. I really liked the Tribes penalty kill while West Kelowna took time and space away from Vernon, limiting their chances. WK kept the Snakes to the outside most of the 3rd, forced the Vipers shots from well outside. The Warriors doing a great job at shutting down the Vipers top unit. Vernon outshot West Kelowna 13-7.
Overtime: The Snakes started overtime on the powerplay, that was carried over from the 3rd period. Vernon struggled with the man advantage, come in on the three on two attack, before backing off, getting the puck back to the point, where the Vipers passed the puck around and around killing off a lot of the clock themselves. Ty Taylor iced the puck on the PP as Vernon looking slow and very disorganized with the man advantage. The Warriors give up just one shot on the penalty kill, escape and kill off the minor. West Kelowna would eventually get control of the puck, move the puck around had two or three good looks, forced Ty Taylor into making a big save in OT. The Tribe pressing late. It was tied 2-2 after 65 minutes of play. Vernon didn't look good at all in the extra frame, were very slow, looked tentative with and without the puck. The Snakes looked nervous at times. The Warriors pressed hard in the final minute or so, had several good looks. West Kelowna outshot Vernon 6-4.
Double Overtime: Jimmy Lambert with speed carried the puck through the neutral zone before ripping a high shot blocker side across the blueline beat Cody Porter top corner giving Vernon a 3-2 double overtime victory at 1:04 Lamberts goal was unassisted as the Vipers poured off the bench. Vernon outshot West Kelowna 2-1.
Top Player's: (Vernon)
Jesse Lansdell (1 goal) Laid out several big checks, was physical all night, finished his checks, played hard, battled hard down low, was strong with and without the puck. W real workhorse in the win. One of the hardest working Vipers tonight.
Keyvan Mokhtari (1 goal) Was another Viper that worked-played hard. Really used his speed, opening up the ice. Was dangerous with and without the puck, gave the Warriors defenders trouble through out the game. Generated/created chances through out the night.
Mitch Andres I thought played a heck of a game on the backend. Played with a ton of confidence, carried the puck, made plays, was in on the attack, joined the rush. Was very strong at both ends of the rink.
Brandon Whistle I thought played his best game as Viper. Wasn't noticeable in the home and home series vs Penticton, was involved in the play-had several opportunities tonight. Had at least three or four quality chances this evening, was going to the net.
Game Thought's: (Vernon)
Overall I thought Vernon was the better of the two teams. I thought the Vipers were the better of the two teams in the 1st and 3rd periods. In the 1st and 3rd periods I thought the Snakes carried the better of the play, had more puck possession, were getting pucks to the net, had several good looks, played with some jump-energy. It was the first half of the 2nd period where the Warriors got the early jump on the Vipers. Vernon didn't have their legs going, ended up giving up two goals less then seven minutes into the middle frame. The Vipers responded after two big back to back penalty kills, seemed to gain some life-momentum and build in the second half of the 2nd period. Vernon played much better in the final ten minutes of that middle frame. I don't like the Viper powerplay lately. Its slow, allowing the defenders to setup-read the play. Vernon passes the puck around and around, kills off a lot of the penalty on their own doing. Tonight I thought the Snakes struggled with the man advantage at times, could have put the game away on the PP. What was up with the Vipers in overtime? Talk about nerve racking.... Vernon looked slow-sluggish and very disorganized for a lot of the overtime-powerplay in OT. Jimmy Lambert with a huge goal in the second overtime, gives Vernon the win. The Snakes had to earn the two points, battled hard for the win. This game wasn't easy for either team in a very tight checking-defensive game. Both teams were limited to their opportunities. The Vipers had several good looks but not a whole lot of quality chances. I thought the Vipers had to really earn their opportunities. Michael Ufberg and Michael Young struggled on the backend. Ufberg lost his edge-footing several times through out the game, coughed up/turned over the puck. Ty Taylor didn't look sharp, looked to be a bit off tonight. Didn't look confident between the pipes. Jimmy Lambert, Jesse Lansdell and Alex Swetlikoff returned to the lineup tonight. Final shots on the shot clock showed 46-29 at the end of the game, the boxscore on the league website reads 50-31. A pretty small-quiet crowd on hand for the midweek game. Viper fans have seen the Warriors three times in the last nineteen days, but have yet to see Trail or Merritt this year. With the win the Vipers improve to 16-5-0-4 moving one point ahead of the idle Trail Smoke Eaters into 1st in the Interior Division and #1 overall.
Top Player's: (West Kelowna)
Cavin Tilsley (1 assist) I thought was West Kelowna's best forward/player in the overtime loss. Tilsley really used his speed, had at least two odd man rushes, was all over the rink tonight. Played hard, was aggressive on the forecheck, forced several turnovers. Had a strong game.
Stephen Kleysen (1 goal) Was another Warrior who I thought stood out-played very well. Was good at both ends of the rink, moved the puck, made some nice plays. A good strong skater.
Michael Ryan (1 goal) Was stopped on s 2nd period shorthanded breakaway, was quick on his feet, forced at least one turnover, was skating hard, created/generated chances in the loss.
Mitchell Gove (AP) Making his Warriors debut tonight played well. I didn't really notice him until about halfway through the game, but impressed me late in the 2nd and into the 3rd periods. Played with a lot of hustle, was quick on his feet, forced a turnover-odd man rush early in the 3rd, played well.
Cody Porter (43 saves) Recently returning to the Warriors after playing in the WHL/QMJHL. After leaving the Warriors during the 2013-14 season for the Western Hockey League's Vancouver Giants, Porter has spent the previous three seasons with the Vancouver Giants and Calgary Hitmen before a short stint with the QMJHL Saint John Sea Dogs this season. The veteran goaltender was solid between the pipes. Didn't have much trouble stopping most of the fourty six Vernon shots, was forced into making a few big saves through out the night. Porter looked calm, confident and played his position well, cutting down his angles, didn't give the Snakes much room. Played well in just his second game this season.
Game Thought's: (West Kelowna)
Making their third and final visit to Vernon this season the Warriors played a hard nosed road game, battled hard, limited the Vipers time & space, did a good job at shutting down Vernon's top line, earned a point in the loss. Just like the Snakes, the Warriors were pressed for offensive chances. The Tribe never got ten shots in a period, had several odd man rushes, were very strong/aggressive on the forecheck, forced Vernon into several turnovers. The Warriors didn't generate a whole lot of chances but seemed to capitalize on their few opportunities. WK gave up 46 shots but a lot of those shots were from well outside. The Tribe kept the Vipers to the outside often, played well down low. This was a very tight checking game with not a lot of room. This game could have easily gone either way at times. Since the 2010-11 regular season the Warriors have just five regular season wins at Kal Tire Place. Tonight was the third meeting vs the Vipers in the last nineteen days. Vernon leads the season series 3-0. These two teams will meet again on the 26th in West Kelowna. West Kelowna is an impressive 10-2 at home but four games below 500 on the road with a 4-8 record. The Tribe have lost six straight away from home, have just two wins in their last eight road games. West Kelowna wearing their third jersey's tonight. With the loss the Warriors fall to 14-9-1-0 remain 3rd in the Division two points up on Wenatchee & Penticton.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Sol Seibel (Injured)
Tanner Wishnowski (Injured)
West Kelowna:
Matt Kowalski
Linden Hora (suspended)
Bennett Norlin
Nik Amundrud
Energy Player of the Game:
Jesse Lansdell (1 goal)
Three Star's:
1st Star: Jimmy Lambert (Overtime winner)
2nd Star: Cody Porter (43 saves)
3rd Star: Keyvan Mokhtari (1 goal)
Boxscore-Game Summary,
http://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/8046
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=8046
Text Boxscore,
https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/text-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=8046
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