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-Silverbacks game as Salmon Arm defeated Vernon 4-3 in front of 2,496 fans at Kal Tire Place.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Anthony Yamnitsky
Salmon Arm: Reid Cooper
Before tonight's game Vernon Vipers owner Duncan Wray presented Vipers forward Brett Stapley with a plaque for helping Canada West win the World Junior A Challenge in Truro, NS
1st Period: The Vipers would open the scoring early. Jesse Lansdell setup captain Jagger Williamson who beat Reid Cooper giving Vernon a 1-0 lead at 1:36 Lansdell drew the lone helper. The Snakes carrying the play early. On a delayed penalty, Shane Kelly jumped into the rush, made a nice move inside the circle before being denied in tight by former Coquitlam Express goaltender Reid Cooper. The Vipers would get the games first powerplay of the evening. The Silverbacks needed almost five minutes to record their first shot of the period, while shorthanded. Sam Anzai setup Keyvan Mokhtari who ripped a shot past Reid Cooper giving Vernon a 2-0 lead at 6:26 Anzai with the assist. On the following play, the Backs would get their first powerplay. but unable to capitalize. Two minutes later Vernon would get their second PP of the period. A strong defensive play in front, took away the pass going to Jagger Williamson who had a good look at the open cage. SA would kill off the minor. Just after the penalty expired, Reid Cooper had to be strong, was down and out, somehow managed to keep the puck out on a goal mouth scramble. The Vipers very close to grabbing a three goal lead after a powerplay. Anthony Yamnitsky had to make his first big test of the night, with about six and a half minutes left. The former Wenatchee Wild netminder stood tall, making a tough save off the left wing, with bodies going to the net. Some pushing and shoving after the whistle, as both teams battling hard in front of the goal. On the following play, Shane Kelly somehow missed an open cage on the two on one attack. Reid Cooper come diving across the blue paint, with Kelly shooting high and over the goal, on a missed opportunity. Salmon Arm would get their second man advantage of the night, towards the end of the opening frame. Riley Hayles shot from the point forced Anthony Yamnitsky into making a big stop on the penalty kill. The Snakes would hold off the Backs powerplay and kill off the minor. More pushing and shoving late, as tempers heating up towards the end of the period. A minute after killing off a penalty, the Silverbacks would head back to the powerplay. The Vipers with another solid penalty kill to end the period. It was 2-0 Vernon after 20 minutes of play. I thought the Snakes had a slight edge in play, had the better of the scoring chances. The Silverbacks got off to a slow start, giving up the games opening goal early, were down two but played a little better as the period went on. A bit of a chippy game towards the end of the 1st with both teams getting involved in some scrums after the whistle. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 11-7.
2nd Period: Vernon jumped on the Backs early. A minute into the middle frame, Jimmy Lambert couldn't solve Silverbacks starting goaltender Reid Cooper from the low slot, while Brett Stapley looked to beat Cooper before ringing his shot off the knob of Cooper's goal stick. The Snakes with back to back quality chances inside the opening minute. The Vipers pressing early and often, were all over Salmon Arm. With the S'Backs back on their heels early, the Vipers with a flurry of chances inside the opening few minutes, either couldn't hit the net or were denied by Reid Cooper. Minutes in it looked like former Alberni Valley Bulldog captain Jordan Sandhu had a breakaway. Vernon sprung Sandhu wich looked like a breakaway, before a Salmon Arm defender quickly raced back into the play. Sandhu backed off before setting up Alex Swetlikoff who couldn't beat Reid Cooper down low. The Vipers with all kinds of pressure-zone time, couldn't capitalize on their chances early. More chippy play occurred early after Brett Stapley and former Penticton Vees defender Joseph Leahy took a wack at one another, heading off the ice. Both players were caught and sent to the sin bin. The Backs would get the first powerplay of the period just minutes before the halfway mark. The Vipers with a big penalty kill, would kill off the minor. Shortly after the penalty expired, Connor Marritt with a grade a chance in front, couldn't beat Reid Cooper from in close. Just past the midway mark Vernon would get their first powerplay but unable to capitalize. The Snakes dodge a bullet look to have too many men on the ice with about three and a half minutes left, get away with one. Inside the final minute the Snakes would get a late powerplay, but in the dying seconds, the Silverbacks couldn't capitalize on a two on one attack, ran out of time shorthanded before the final buzzer. It was 2-0 Vernon after 40 minutes of play. It was all Vipers early and often as the Snakes dominated the second period. Vernon jumped on SA off the opening faceoff and poured on the attack for at least the opening five or six minutes. The Vipers with a flurry of chances, had Salmon Arm back on their heels, but in able to capitalize on some good looks-opportunities. It was all Vernon, as the Snakes saw most of the middle frame in the offensive zone. The Silverbacks had all kinds of trouble with the Viper attack-speed. The S'Backs saw most of the frame inside their own end, relied on Reid Cooper to bail them out. Cooper was solid, keeping his team in the contest, making some big stops. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 12-4.
3rd Period: SA would jump on the Vipers early. Rhett Kingston got in behind the Vernon defence, was in alone couldn't beat Vipers starting goaltender Anthony Yamnitsky in close. A big stop by the Vernon netminder, kept this a two goal game just over a minute into the extra frame. Salmon Arm kept pressing and pressing hard, would eventually be rewarded. The Silverbacks battling hard for the puck, behind the Viper goal, won the battle before Nick Unruh beat Anthony Yamnitsky in tight, cutting the Vernon lead to 2-1 at 2:12 Justin Wilson & Grayson Constable drew the helpers. This got the Backs bench fired up and back into the game. The Vipers responded with their fourth line, and less then a minute later, Alex Swetlikoff setup Connor Marritt on a two on one rush, Marritt beat Reid Cooper along the ice, giving Vernon a 3-1 lead at 3:09 regaining the Snakes two goal lead. This goal got the crowd back into the game. Swetlikoff and Coleton Bilodeau collected the assists. Vernon seemed to sit back and play with a two goal lead. Salmon Arm responded and didn't quit. The Silverbacks kept pressing, were carrying the play. Just before the halfway mark the Backs would jump on the powerplay and capitalize. Anthony Yamnitsky was forced into making at least three/four big stops shorthanded before Grayson Constable pounced on the rebound, cutting the Vernon lead to 3-2 at 11:04 Akito Hirose and Nick Unruh with the assists. Yamnitsky who looked disappointed, stayed down on the ice for several seconds after giving up the Silverbacks second goal, took a big skate into the corner boards before the following faceoff. Just 1:33 later the Silverbacks would respond with the game tying goal. Rhett Kingston with a rocket of a shot, beat Anthony Yamnitsky top shelf, tying the game 3-3 at 12:37 Kingston with a huge celebration, giving it to the Viper fans along the glass with a big fist pump. Kingston's goal was unassisted. The Backs bench erupted as Salmon Arm with three third period goals, tied the game and were taking over the contest. Just over two minutes later with a faceoff deep in the SA zone, the referee blew the play dead, awarded Keyvan Mokhtari with an unsportsmanlike penalty and the faceoff moving into the Viper zone. Mokhtari with an undisciplined minor with just over five minutes remaining. Just less then a minute later Salmon Arm would take a penalty, sending both teams to four on four, as the Vipers excape having to kill off the full two minute minor. On the following play the Vipers setup Brett Stapley who beats his defender, rips a quick shot from inside the dots, forces Reid Cooper to close the fivehole, while sitting on the goal line. Jimmy Lambert races in tries to poke the puck through Cooper's pads before the whistle, as Cooper slides back into the net as Vernon comes very close to grabbing the lead. Lambert would be called for slashing on the play on a very questionable call. Mark Ferner and the Viper bench, clearly upset with this call as the fans inside Kal Tire Place let the officials know what they think. The Silverbacks get a late powerplay and capitalize. Rhett Kingston setsup Tanner Campbell whos shot beats Anthony Yamnitsky giving Salmon Arm a 4-3 lead at 16:18 as the Silverbacks bench erupts with their first lead of the night. A dejected Vernon bench looks in awe after blowing a 3-1 lead in the final frame. Kingston drew the only assist. With time winding down, captain Jagger Williamson ripped a shot from the dot/circle that beat Reid Cooper but not the crossbar, as the Vipers come within inches of tying the game. Williamson looking to the rafters in shock. Late in the period Jimmy Lambert gotaway with a check/hit from behind while the Vipers got away with two other obvious penalties, as the referee's were letting them play. The Silverbacks bench up in arms, with the no calls late. Mark Ferner and the Snakes would call a timeout with about two minutes left before getting Anthony Yamnitsky to the bench for the extra attacker with about 1:30 to go. The S'Backs with a strong forecheck, held the Viper offence along the boards, killing off valuable time off the clock, before Scott Atkinson and the Silverbacks call their timeout with about fifty eight seconds remaining. Vernon pressing for the game tying goal, had trouble with the Silverback forecheck. Salmon Arm holding the Vipers & the puck along the wall, winding down the clock as the Snakes in able to really get anything setup. The Backs would eventually clear the zone with time winding down. Jimmy Lambert with one last rush, was held up in the neutral zone, tried passing it off before the buzzer sounded. The Silverbacks poured off the bench, to congratulate Reid Cooper in the 4-3 upset victory. The Backs fans in attendance made a ton of noise, saluting their team in victory. The Vipers looked dejected and disappointed leaving the ice with their heads low. The Silverbacks would raise their sticks, saluting their fans as they made their way off the ice. SA jumped on the Vipers early, were denied on an early breakaway before getting on the board just over two minutes in. The Vipers responded a minute later but Salmon Arm didn't quit, pressed hard and played a strong third period. It was all Silverbacks as Vernon tried sitting on a 3rd period-two goal lead, ran into penalty trouble, couldn't hold off the last place Silverbacks. The S'Backs were by far the better of the two teams, carried the better of the play, fired more pucks to the net, created/generated quality chances and capitalized on their opportunities. SA really got their legs moving, where as Vernon quit skating. The Snakes took their foot off the gas, had very little offensive zone time, struggled offensively to put this game away in the 3rd. Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 14-9.
Top Player's: (Vernon)
Cameron Trott making his home debut after returning to Vernon after the Christmas break. I thought Trott was one of if not the Vipers best defender. Lead the way at both ends of the rink, made some strong plays at the blueline, keeping the puck in the zone, was also very quick at getting shots off from the point. A big addition to this Viper blueline.
Shane Kelly I thought also played very well on the Vernon defence. Kelly jumped into the play, had some chances offensively, was also strong at both ends of the rink. Was aggressive, physical and in the face of most Silverbacks.
Jagger Williamson (1 goal) I thought the Viper captain played very well through out the loss. Really battled, was big on the penalty kill and in the defensive zone. Strong on the wall and with the puck. Made several big plays tonight. Had a great opportunity to tie the game with about two and a half minutes left, but hit the crossbar.
The Viper fourth line as strong/played very well. Alex Swetlikoff (1 assist), Coleton Bilodeau (1 assist) & Connor Marritt (1 goal) created/generated some chances, made things happen, worked hard, battled and opened up the ice at times.
Game Thought's: (Vernon)
I thought the Vipers were the better of the two teams heading into the 3rd. Vernon up 2-0 heading into the final frame, had the edge in play, looked good. I thought the Snakes played very well for the first two periods, looked to sit back in the 3rd, took their foot off the gas. The 2nd period is where Vernon needed to capitalize on their opportunities. The Vipers skated circles around the S'Backs the entire middle frame, come up empty handed. The Vipers with a flurry of chances-good looks, were all over Salmon Arm especially in the first five-six minutes of that 2nd period. Vernon really needed at least one goal in the second frame, had the dreaded two goal lead going into the 3rd. After Nick Unruh got the Silverbacks on the board-to within a goal the Vipers responded quickly with a strong push back shift from the 4th line, regaining their two goal lead less then a minute later. I thought this would take any life out of the Backs and may be enough for the win. But the Vipers didn't respond and take it too Salmon Arm. Instead the Snakes allowed the Silverbacks back into the game and allowed SA to run the table in the final twenty minutes. The Vipers played a lot of the 3rd in their own end, had troubles creating/generating any kind of offence, ran into penalty trouble. Keyvan Mokhtari has to be smarter in a game like tonight. The games tied and you take an unsportsmanlike penalty with just over five minutes left? A very dumb penalty from a veteran player. The Vipers couldn't contain the Backs in the 3rd and it seemed like whatever was thrown towards the net, went in. Anthony Yamnitsky didn't see a ton of rubber after fourty minutes, didn't have a chance on any of the four goals in the third. The Snakes lost key puck battles-defensive coverage in the final period, that lead to Salmon Arm goals. Vernon quit skating and allowed the Silverbacks to control the tempo of the game in the final twenty minutes. This is a game where the Vipers have to bare down and hold onto and win. Your playing a team last in the Division, who has lost eight straight and have one win in their last eleven games. Your up 2-0 heading into the 3rd, Vernon needs to step on the gas and bury the Silverbacks. No excuses, this is a game where the Vipers need to win! Very disappointing loss! This was a game that the Vipers let slip away. Vernon was basically in control of the score & game until the 3rd period. Whens the last time Vernon gave up four goals in the 3rd or even a period? The Snakes lost earlier this month to last place Coquitlam on home ice. These are games you need to win. Your letting points slip away. I wonder why Josh Latta and Brandon Whistle didn't play for their new teams tonight? Both were scratches. Mark Ferner didnt sound pleased in the post game show on the way home from the game. A large crowd on hand left very disappointed. It seems like the Vipers never seem to do well in front of large crowds no matter what season it is. Over the years it seems like the Vipers struggle in front of large crowds and come up on the short end of the stick on most occasions. With the loss Vernon falls to 26-8-1-4 sit atop the Interior Division & overall standings are only four points up on 2nd place Wenatchee who swept the two games with the Penticton Vees over the weekend. The Wild with two games in hand.
Top Player's: (Salmon Arm)
Rhett Kingston (1 goal & 1 assist) Didn't do much in the first two periods, showed up in the 3rd and played very well. Kingston lead the attack with the game tying goal, before assisting on the game winner. Was really skating, moving the puck in the third, giving the Vernon defence troubles.
Nick Unruh (1 goal & 1 assist) Another Salmon Arm player that never really stood out until the final frame. Got the Silverbacks on the board early into the 3rd, seemed to give the Backs life and momentum.
Reid Cooper (29 saves) Sporting his newly coloured Silverbacks equipment, was very good between the pipes for Salmon Arm. Sitting out last night's contest vs Vernon was back with the team for the upset win tonight. Made some key-big stops through out the game, giving his team a chance to win. Doesn't give up many if any rebounds, bounced back after giving up two early 1st period goals. Was very solid in the middle frame, especially early making some big stops with the Snakes on the attack & pressing.
Game Thought's: (Salmon Arm)
I didn't think the Silverbacks should have had any kind of opportunity to be in tonight's game. Down 2-0 early the S'Backs played ok in the opening period before being outplayed in the 2nd. The Backs were very lucky not to be down three or four goals heading into the 3rd. Reid Cooper made some big saves in that middle frame, keeping this a two goal game and giving his team a chance to try and claw their way back into the game come the final twenty minutes. Give Salmon Arm full credit for not folding the tent and jumping on the Snakes off the opening 3rd period faceoff. Rhett Kingston's early breakaway-Nick Unruh's opening goal early in the 3rd gave the Silverbacks life and then momentum as SA didn't back down, even after giving up a third goal less then a minute after getting on the board. You think this would derail the Backs, but instead Salmon Arm stayed on course, kept battling. The Silverbacks were by far the better team in the 3rd, played with a ton of jump-emotion, seemed to capitalize on their chances. You could see the tides turning in the 3rd as the period continued. Salmon Arm snaps their eight game losing streak and picks up just their fourth win on the road this season. Tonight is the Silverbacks second win in their last twelve games. The Silverbacks get their first win of the season over the Vipers and their first win over the Snakes in their last twelve games. The Silverbacks last win over Vernon was a a 6-1 victory on January 30th 2016. This was the final game of a home & home series this weekend, and the final meeting of the regular season. Salmon Arm went 1-5 vs Vernon this year. A great turnout of Salmon Arm fans tonight, that made the bus trip down. A pat on the back, for making a ton of noise and cheering your team on through out the evening. With the Silverbacks in last place and previously lost eight straight, its great to see the fans coming out on the road to support them. With all teams wearing their dark jersey's at home after Christmas and white jerseys on the road, tonight the Vipers were wearing their third set jerseys with the Silverbacks wearing their home white jerseys. With the win Salmon Arm improves to 13-21-3-0 sit last in the Division are four points back of Merritt and nine points back of West Kelowna.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Tanner Wishnowski (Injured)
Josh Latta
Jack Judson (Injured)
Salmon Arm:
Logan Mostat
Brandon Whistle
Kyle Dumba (Illness)
Energy Player of the Game:
Keyvan Mokhtari (1 goal)
Three Star's:
1st Star: Rhett Kingston (1 goal & 1 assist)
2nd Star: Nick Unruh (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Jagger Williamson (1 goal)
Boxscore-Game Summary,
http://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/8158
Game Report,
https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/official-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=8158
Text Boxscore,
https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/text-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=8158
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