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