Vernon 3 Salmon Arm 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-Silverbacks game as Vernon defeated Salmon Arm 3-1 in front of 973 fans at the Shaw Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Ty Taylor
Salmon Arm: Reid Cooper

1st Period: The Silverbacks jumped on the Vipers early and often. Salmon Arm got the early jump on Vernon, with pressure early. About two and a half minutes in Trey Thomas's shot from the top of the circle was redirected in front just missing the far corner on an early opportunity from Salmon Arm. On the following play the Backs setup Tanner Campbell in front whos shot missed the net, on a missed opportunity. About five minutes in SA with some slick three way passing, eventually setup Ryan Hogg in the high slot, who was denied by Ty Taylor on a nice save with the Silverbacks on the attack. On the following shift-play Keyvan Mokhtari and Jimmy Lambert broke in on a two on one rush, Lambert setup Mokhtari in the slot, instead of shooting decided to pass it back to Lambert who wasn't thinking pass, couldn't connect on the pass that went way ahead. A missed opportunity for the Snakes. The Vipers needed just over six minutes to record their first shot of the frame. Shortly after the Silverbacks would get the games first powerplay. Hudson Schandor's quick shot from the top of the circle beat Ty Taylor going post and in giving Salmon Arm a 1-0 lead at 8:41 Trevor Adams collected the assist, as the teddy bears poured onto the ice, on the Silverbacks annual Christmas teddy bear toss. A fairly lengthy delay stopped the game, giving time for crews to collect all the stuffed animals on the ice. The Backs in full control, were outshooting the Snakes 4-1 at this point. The lengthy delay seemed to help Vernon, who regrouped and come back with a strong push back. The Vipers with a good bounce back shift, got their legs going, started moving the puck, creating-generating plays down low, had a ton of good pressure in the attacking zone. The Vipers didn't generate a lot of chances but carried the better of the play. With about 3:50 remaining Michael Young beat Reid Cooper but not the post, as Vernon come within inches of tying the game. The Snakes would get their first look with the man advantage, late to finish the period. The Vipers with some good looks, couldn't capitalize before the buzzer. It was 1-0 Salmon Arm after 20 minutes of play. The Silverbacks with a strong start, were the better team early. Salmon Arm with a strong attack, had lots of pressure, and some quality chances early. The Backs opened the scoring, but it was all Vernon after the opening goal. The Snakes carried the better of the play for the remainder of the 1st period. The Vipers had some good looks, couldn't catch a break. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 10-5.

2nd Period: The Vipers started the middle frame on the man advantage that was carried over from the opening frame. With less then thirty seconds remaining, Salmon Arm would kill off the remainder of the penalty. For a second straight period the Silverbacks jumped out to a quick start. SA had some good pressure early, before Vernon got into some penalty trouble. Salmon Arm with back to back powerplays couldn't capitalize with the man advantage. Captain Jagger Williamson with a huge shot block, couldn't change, managed to get back on his feet before eventually getting to the bench. The Vipers would kill off both minors. Vernon product Coleton Bilodeau would get tangled up with a Salmon Arm player. Both players hit the ice as Bilodeau was a little slow skating off, looked to be in some discomfort. The first year Viper went to the dressing room before retrning within minutes. The Backs were the better of the two teams early, carried the better of the play for the first half. Minutes past the midway mark the Vipers would jump on the powerplay. Vernon unable to really do much with the extra attacker, would strike seconds after the penalty expired. Jimmy Lambert in the slot setup former Victoria Grizzlies forward Keyvan Mokhtari at the circle, ripped a shot past Silverbacks starting goaltender Reid Cooper tying the game 1-1 at 15:37 Lambert & Michael Young drew the assists. A lone teddy bear was thrown on the ice after Mokhtari's goal. Two minutes later Chris Jandric's seeing eye shot from the point somehow found its way through a maze of players, beat wich looked like a screened Reid Cooper giving Vernon a 2-1 lead at 17:38 Jesse Lansdell picked up the helper. Inside the final minute Mitch Andres took a crosscheck from behind into the end boards, with no call on the play, the play continued before Chris Jandric levelled Grayson Constable with a crosscheck into the end boards. Constable went hard into the boards, before several players jumped in. Jagger Williamson then skated over, before dishing out a crosscheck as tempers heated up with under a minute to go. Fans at the Shaw Centre were letting the officials know the Vipers should be getting two penalties on the play, while the Salmon Arm bench was also giving the officials an ear full. The Backs would get just one PP out of the hits, getting a late powerplay. In the dying seconds Nick Unruh went strong to the net, would be stoned in close by Vipers starting goaltender Ty Taylor who stayed with the play, battled off traffic in front, somehow was able to track Unruh and the puck, making the big stop late. It was 2-1 Vernon after 40 minutes of play. It was all Backs early and often as Salmon Arm was the better of the two teams for most of the period. The Silverbacks carried most of the play, had some good looks but not many quality chances. The Snakes with two early penalty kills, kept the game at 1-0 before scoring two quick back to back goals two minutes apart late in the period. Vernon had troubles getting control of the puck, had troubles getting through the neutral zone, didn't get a lot of zone time. SA was the better team. Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 12-7.

3rd Period: The Silverbacks started the final frame on the powerplay, that was carried over from the 2nd period. The Snakes with a solid penalty kill, killed off the remainder of the penalty. About a minute later Vernon would get an early powerplay. The Vipers struggled with the man advantage, couldn't grab a two goal lead as the Backs killed off the minor. About a minute and a half later Tanner Campbell cut hard to the goal, couldn't solve Ty Taylor in close, on a quality chance. The play really opened up in a hurry as two solid chances at either ends as both teams come close to scoring. Minutes before the halfway mark the Snakes would get their second PP of the 3rd. But again Vernon struggled getting pucks to the net-creating opportunities. The Backs with several blocked shots killed off the penalty. Three minutes after killing off a second penalty, SA would get caught with too many men, sending the Vipers back to the powerplay. Josh Prokop looked to have a sure goal, was robbed. Former Coquitlam Express goaltender Reid Cooper stretched across the blue paint, to flash the glove up, making a glove save off Prokop at the top of the crease. Cooper keeping this a one goal game. Salmon Arm with a strong penalty, would kill off the minor. With just over two minutes remaining Grayson Constable went through two Vernon defenders, before cutting hard to the goal, would be slashed on the way in, would be denied by Ty Taylor in close, coming up with a large save late, keeping this game at 2-1. The Backs would draw the late powerplay, before calling a timeout. With possession and pressure in the attacking zone, the Silverbacks would get Reid Cooper to the bench for the two man advantage with 1:20 left in the hockey game. SA with all kinds of pressure, forced Ty Taylor into making at least two maybe three big stops inside the final minute. With the Snakes back on their heels, were hemmed in their own end, couldn't get control of the play, The Silverbacks missed the net on two opportunities before Jagger Williamson with a hard shift, chased down his defender into the SA zone, before stealing the puck, setup Jesse Lansdell in the high slot who nailed the open cage, giving Vernon a 3-1 lead at 19:55 as the Viper bench erupted. Lansdell's goal was unassisted. While Williamson was getting up off the ice Tanner Campbell looked to jump Williamson as the two got tangled up as the officials jumped in between the two. Williamson tried getting away, to celebrate the goal with Lansdell before Williamson and the Salmon Arm bench were exchanging words. Campbell not finished, tried going back at Williamson a second time, was eventually ejected from the game. The Silverbacks back very upset was really giving it to the officials and several Vipers. Before the puck was dropped, Rhett Kingston was also tossed from the bench after being very vocal towards the Vipers/or officials. Both players made their way to the dressing room. The final faceoff would be had, while the final five seconds wound down with no more altercations, as Vernon would hang on for the 3-1 victory. Both teams exchanged powerplay's early, with no scoring on either PP the play went back and fourth with not a lot of quality chances. Both teams had some good looks, but no real solid opportunities for several minutes. Both teams PK was very strong. The Vipers had three powerplay's to try and put this game away or at least take a two goal lead, but couldn't capitalize. The Silverbacks come on hard late on the man advantage, had a ton of pressure, forced Ty Taylor into at least two maybe three big stops, couldn't get the game tying goal with the goaltender out. A very entertaining period with some good play at both ends of the rink. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 9-5.

Top Player's: (Vernon)

Michael Ufberg I thought was one of if not Vernon's best d-man this evening. Ufberg looked calm, confident and very steady on the blueline.

Jagger Williamson I thought played with a lot of hustle, worked hard, played hard-battled through out the game. Made a strong play for the loose puck inside the final minute, really worked hard to get the puck to Jesse Lansdell for the empty netter.

Jesse Lansdell (1 goal & 1 assist) I thought played a strong game, was banging and crashing, worked-competed through out the contest.

Niko Karamanis Was another forward who I thought played hard. Come up with a few big shot blocks in tonight's game, really sacrificed his body, stepped up his play, showing his leadership.

Jimmy Lambert (1 assist) Was really skating, had some good looks, had troubles hitting the net, but really used his speed/quickness to make plays happen. Really opens up the ice.

Ty Taylor (21 saves) Played very well between the pipes. Made several key/big stops through out the night, keeping his team in the game. I thought was the difference early in the opening period and through out the 2nd period when the Snakes were outplayed. Made some big stops in the 3rd to preserve the victory.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

After their worst effort-performance of the season Wednesday in a 3-2 overtime loss to the visiting Coquitlam Express, I thought the Vipers responded with a hard fought victory on the road tonight. The Snakes didn't get off to a good start, really seemed to regroup-build some momentum after giving up the games first goal. Vernon seemed to bounce back and really pick up their game as the 1st went on. I thought the Vipers were the better of the two teams after giving up the opening goal. Vernon was outplayed for most of the 2nd period but got some timely saves from Ty Taylor and come up with a few big penalty kills. Kayvan Mokhtari with a huge goal late to tie the game, before Chris Jandric's seeing eye shot, gives Vernon their first lead of the night two minutes later. The Vipers battled and fought hard in the 3rd, couldn't convert on three powerplays but played well defensively at times, limiting the Silverbacks time and space. When Salmon Arm did get any opportunities, Ty Taylor was their for the big saves. The Snakes played as a team tonight, were making plays happen at times, also played well defensively. The Vipers had several good looks, couldn't catch a break-bounce all night. This was a must win for the Snakes, who after losing to Coquitlam Wednesday, couldn't lose to last place Salmon Arm. The Vipers needed to come home with two points tonight. The Vipers are not as deep a team without Tanner Wishnowski, Brett Stapley and Jordan Sandhu. So far Im not too impressed with Brandon Whistle and Sam Anzai. Both players haven't done much since coming to Vernon. I think former Viper Adam Panacci is a much better player, then both Whistle or Anzai. Looked like just a small group of Viper fans in attendance. With the win Vernon improves to 22-7-1-4 still sit atop the Interior Division-overall league standings. The Snakes are two points up on Penticton and four points up on Wenatchee. 1st place will be on the line tomorrow night as the red hot Penticton Vees take their twelve game winning streak into Vernon. The winner will come away 1st in the Division-league.

Top Player's: (Salmon Arm)

Rhett Kingston Was one of the Silverbacks more dangerous forwards. A big body that was always involved in the play. Used his size to open up the ice, made things happen. Was strong with the puck. Hard to defend against.

Nick Unruh I thought had several opportunities, was quick on his feet, not the biggest kid but worked hard-played with a lot of jump/energy.

Tanner Campbell I thought was another forward that had a strong night. Went pointless but had several quality chances through out the game. Played-battled hard, was going to the net often. Created/generated several opportunities.

Hudson Schandor (1 goal) I thought played hard, had a good game. Scored the lone Silverbacks goal, was involved in the play often.

Noah Wakeford I thought stood out-played well. Another kid who is quick, can really open up the play, played with a ton of energy-jump, was all over the rink.

Justin Wilson really used his size, was banging bodies, played physical, played hard.

Reid Cooper (23 saves) Played well, made some big stops. I think Ty Taylor was the busier of the two netminders, withb Reid not having to make as many game savers. Made his biggest save in the 3rd on the PK.

Game Thought's: (Salmon Arm)

I really like the Backs start. I thought Salmon Arm jumped on Vernon early and often, had several good looks-chances early, before opening the scoring. The lengthy delay for the teddy bear toss, wasn't good for the Silverbacks who couldn't keep up the pressure. Instead they allowed the Snakes to regroup and bounce back, playing a lot of the remainder of that period in their own end. SA was up in shots 4-1 at one point, fell behind 10-5 to end the 1st. I thought the Silverbacks regrouped-responded with another quick start to the middle frame. The Backs were all over Vernon for most of that 2nd period, couldn't get that next goal. Up 1-0 that next goal could change everything, instead the Vipers score two quick back to back goals, late to finish the 2nd with the lead. These two goals were costly as SA couldn't muster enough offence in the 3rd to force overtime. The Silverbacks had some looks-chances only mustered five 3rd period shots, not nearly enough in a period where they needed at least one if not two for the winner. I thought SA played hard most of the night, gave the Vipers a good run but overall could only manage the one goal. Salmon Arm has struggled offensively the last handful of games. The Silverbacks have scored one goal a game in three of their last four games, while being shutout in the other game. SA has gone six straight games without scoring more then two goals a game. The Backs didnt look like a last place team tonight, showed more then a 7th team in the standings. Vernon has won all four regular season meetings with Salmon Arm and five out of the six meetings (exhibition & regular season). The Backs are winless in eleven straight games vs Vernon. The Silverbacks last win over Vernon was a 6-1 victory on January 30th 2016. These two teams will meet again in a home & home series in three weeks. Salmon Arm has now lost four straight and six of their last seven. With the loss Salmon Arm falls to 12-17-3-0 sit last in the Division are tied in points with Merritt.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Brett Stapley (At the World Junior A Challenge)
Tanner Wishnowski (Injured)
Jordan Sandhu (Injured)
Jacj Judson (Injured)

Salmon Arm:

Logan Mostat
Josh Latta
Marcus Mitchell

Energy Player of the Game:

Noah Wakeford

Three Star's:

1st Star: Hudson Schandor
2nd Star: Rhett Kingston
3rd Star: Ty Taylor (21 saves)

Boxscore-Game Summary,

http://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/8120

Game Report,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/official-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=8120

Text-Boxscore,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/text-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=8120