I was at tonight's Vipers-Smoke Eaters game as Vernon defeated Trail 6-3 in front of 1,946 fans at Kal Tire Place.
Prior to tonight's game the Vipers held a special pre-game ceremony honouring the 1956 Vernon Canadians & former Vernon Essos forward Wayne Dye. The Vipers unveiled the Vernon Canadians 1956 Allen Cup Championship banner, along side Wayne Dye's #8 Vernon Hockey Legends banner. Dye's #8 wasn't retired, but will be the first Vernon Hockey legends banner added to the rafters of Kal Tire Place. Dye played four seasons in Vernon (1967-1972) with the Vernon Essos, holds the Vernon franchise record for most career goals with 156 and most career points with 325. Dye was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks and MLB Seattle Pilots.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Anthony Yamnitsky
Trail: Brandon Wells
1st Period: Not much action off the opening faceoff, but it was Trail who would jump ahead early in shots were outshooting the Vipers 4-1 just about five minutes in. Anthony Yamnitsky was forced to make a quick glove save off a shot from the high slot about three minutes into the opening period before Vernon would get the games first powerplay just about five minutes in. The Snakes struggled with the man advantage early, were forced to move the puck around, had troubles getting pucks to the net as the Smoke Eaters penalty kill, was holding Vernon to the outside-closing the shooting lanes. With nine seconds remaining on the man advantage, assistant captain Brett Stapley wearing Cody Bostock's old #7 ripped home a quick shot from below the circle beating Brandon Wells high and through traffic, Wells takes a big dive seconds after the puck goes in, looking for a goaltender interference call, but the referee didn't buy the acting job. Vernon with a 1-0 lead at 6:34 Chris Jandric & Mitch Andres collected the assists. A minute later Sam Anzai with a nice move in close, couldn't solve Brandon Wells. On the following play Ethan Martini levels Josh Prokop to the ice, before crosschecking the Viper forward in the side of the head, as he's making his way to the ice. Martini would pick up a double minor and a ten minute misconduct sending the Vipers back to the powerplay. For a second straight PP the Vipers struggle early, as the Smokies kill off the first two minutes of Martini's double minor. Trail would get into penalty trouble giving Vernon a short two man advantage. Jesse Lansdell setup Josh Prokop in front, gave Vernon a 2-0 lead at 10:49 Lansdell & Jagger Williamson drew the helpers. The Smokies would kill off the remainder of the final penalty before heading back to the box about two minutes later. The Trail bench not very happy with all the calls going one way, as Head Coach/GM Cam Keith was letting the officials know about the penalties in between whistles. Josh Prokop with a solid opportunity on the PP couldn't bury his chance in close. The Smokies would excape and kill off the minor. Inside the final minute, Jimmy Lambert with a good rush-great chance couldn't beat Brandon Wells. It was 2-0 Vernon after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers saw a ton of time with the man advantage, carried most of the play due to all the powerplay's. Scoring twice on the PP I didn't think the Snakes looked all that strong with the extra attacker. The Vipers go 2-5 with the man advantage, could have easily blown this game wide open if the powerplay was clicking. Give credit to Trail's penalty kill that was pretty aggressive-sharp at times, managed to only give up two PP goals. Vernon saw a lot of action in the offensive zone, once again due to all the penalties. The Smoke Eaters didn't see a lot of time with the puck, played most of the opening frame in their own end, generated very little opportunities. The Smokies with just four shots in the final fifteen minutes of the 1st. Vernon outshot Trail 18-8.
2nd Period: With the Vipers standing around, Seth Barton would get Trail on the board early cutting the Vernon lead to 2-1 at 0:21 Levi Glassman picked up the lone helper. Twenty seconds later the Smokies jump on the Vipers again, off the opening faceoff. Tyler Ghirandosi banks the puck in and off a Viper defender sliding through the crease, tying the game 2-2 at 0:41 Andre Ghantous drew the lone helper. For a second straight shift, the Snakes standing still, blow the two goal lead less then a minute into the middle frame. Viper fans getting restless, get on the team after Trail's second goal. The Smokies keep coming as Vernon looks sluggish, is not in this game early. A few minutes in Spencer McLean & Ross Armour break in on the breakaway, McLean decides to keep and shoot, would be denied by Vipers starting goaltender Anthony Yamnitsky, who comes up with a large save early to start the 2nd. The Snakes would get an early powerplay, just over six minutes in. Josh Prokop with his second of the evening, gives Vernon a 3-2 lead at 7:16 Michael Ufberg and Jesse Lansdell pick up the assists. Off the following faceoff, Jimmy Lambert tries setting up Brett Stapley on an odd man rush, who couldn't convert on the pass. Back come the Smoke Eaters, Ryan Moon with a low hard shot, forced former Wenatchee Wild goaltender Anthony Yamnitsky into making a big pad save. Four on four Michael Young unloads a low shot from the point, forces Brandon Wells to stretch out, making a big pad save. Still four on four, Jimmy Lambert turns over the puck inside the Trail blueline, allowing the Smoke Eaters to come back the other way with numbers. Carter Jones sneaks a low shot that somehow beats Anthony Yamnitsky tying the game 3-3 at 9:57 on a goal Yamnitsky I think would like to have back. Jones goal was unassisted. Five minutes later the Snakes would jump on the man advantage and capitalize. Jimmy Lambert's shot missed the goal, before Chris Jandric would jump on the rebound hitting the open cage, with no chance for Brandon Wells, giving Vernon a 4-3 lead at 15:42 Lambert & Michael Ufberg drew the assists. The Smokies would end up losing Head Coach-GM Cam Keith who was tossed from the game and given a gross misconduct. A water bottle was lying on the ice after the play. Many fans said one of the Trail coaches, threw the water bottle on the ice. Shortly after-late in the period Trail would lose composure and get into more penalty trouble. The Vipers with a late two man advantage. Josh Prokop looking for the hat trick, would be robbed at the side of the goal, after Smoke Eaters starting goaltender Brandon Wells come across the blue paint, to make a huge glove save off Prokop, keeping this a one goal game. The Smokies would escape the period. It was 4-3 Vernon after 40 minutes of play. Trail jumped on the Snakes early, scoring twice in fourty one seconds, tying the game less then a minute into the 2nd period. The Smokies with a big start, were skating, creating/generating some chances, were the better of the two teams in the first half. Trail battles back-plays well for most of the first half, before taking several undisciplined penalties towards the middle-second half of the period. The Vipers were caught standing around early and often, quit skating, were being outskated-outworked. Vernon would manage to slowly claw their way back and play a little better in the second half, due to all the penalties-powerplays. Once again the Smoke Eaters found themselves in penalty trouble for a second straight period. The Trail bench not happy with the lopsided calls, were letting the officials know in between whistles. Vernon outshot Trail 12-11.
3rd Period: The Vipers start the final frame with the two man advantage that was carried over from the 2nd period. Josh Prokop gets his third goal of the night early, giving Vernon a 5-3 lead at 0:24 Jesse Lansdell picked up the lone helper. Still on the powerplay, Jimmy Lambert beats Brandon Wells fivehole giving Vernon a 6-3 lead at 1:07 on a goal I think Wells would like back. Michael Ufberg & Michael Young collect the assists. About two minutes later, Michael Ufberg's point shot would be redirected in front by Brandon Whistle who couldn't beat Brandon Wells. The Vipers come ready to play early and often, as Vernon picked up the pace, were really skating well, carried the better of the play early and often. Not many opportunities at both ends of the rink, with the Snakes in full possession. Trail with just one shot in the first nine minutes, were struggling offensively. In the second half Brandon Whistle with some slick moves moved into and through the Smokies zone before cutting hard to the goal, looked to lose the handle in close, couldn't finish off the play. With about five minutes remaining captain Jagger Williamson going hard for a puck behind the Trail goal, tries cutting in front of Brandon Wells, who comes out of his goal to try and play the puck, behind the goal. Williamson gently brushes against Wells who then gives Williamson a punch to the head, before pushing him to the ice, sending Vernon to the powerplay. Williamson lying on the ice, exchanges words with Wells. The Smokies kill off the minor. With a minute remaining, Chris Jandric and Spencer McLean exchange a few shots, before McLean goes after Jandric just to the far side of the Trail bench. While the linesmen skates in to break up the two, McLean loses his cool, gives several punches and a crosscheck to Jandric before the two are separated. Both players would be tossed from the game. The Smoke Eaters come out with a late powerplay, just their second of the night. Unable to really do much inside the final minute, the Vipers would come away with the 6-3 victory. Vernon was the better of the two teams, really stepped up their game in the final twenty minutes. The Snakes were skating hard, moving the puck well, carried the better of the play, didn't generate a lot for chances but were in full control of the puck-play for most of the 3rd. The Vipers with two huge back to back goals within the first minute, basically put this game away. Both teams with very little opportunities, didn't get many pucks to the net. With the Smokies down three goals in the final twenty minutes, you didn't see much push back from Trail. Vernon outshot Trail 8-5.
Top Player's: (Vernon)
Michael Ufberg (3 assists) Was very strong on the blueline, moved the puck well, didn't do anything special, but really read the ice-play well, wich allowed himself to setup three goals.
Josh Prokop (3 goals) How big has this kid been for the Vipers the past month or so? Prokop has grown as a player since the start of the season, coming along way. Had a strong game up front, scoring all three on the powerplay. Goes to the net, battles in front, looks for open ice.
Jesse Lansdell (3 assists) Had a big game, picking up three helpers. This kid works hard, takes a lot of punishment but also can dish it out. Plays hard/strong and works for his points.
Game Thought's: (Vernon)
I wouldn't say the Vipers had a strong night by any means. If you weren't at tonight's game and just saw the final score, you would think the Snakes dominated the game. I thought Vernon played well in the 1st and 3rd periods. It was the 2nd period where the Vipers were just standing around, wich resulted in two quick back to back Trail goals to start the middle frame. The Snakes didn't look like they were in the game at that point, needed at least half that period to get going. I thought Vernon played much better in the second half at times but not a very good period. I really liked the Vipers push back in the 3rd. Whatever was said in between periods worked. The Snakes jumped on Trail early, scoring two quick back to back powerplay goals, to basicall put this game away. I thought the Vipers skated hard, carried most of the play, played a ton of the 3rd in the offensive zone, kept the Smoke Eaters away from the puck, ate up a lot of the clock. I didn't think Vernon had a ton of chances, but played smart and disciplined in the final twenty to come away with the win, and not allow Trail back in the game. I thought the Viper powerplay, got going as the game went on. The Snakes with all six goals on the PP. Give Vernon full credit for onlt taking three penalties, playing disciplined and not getting involved with the Smokies altercations. Anthony Yamnitsky was sporting his new pads with the Viper colors. I was expecting a much larger crowd for tonight's game, due to the pre-game ceremony-new banners and a first place showdown with Trail. 1st place was for grabs tonight. The Vipers entered tonight, two points up on Trail. A Smokies win and the Smoke Eaters take over top spot, due to more wins. With the win the Vipers improve to 20-7-0-4 and move four points up on Trail. Vernon is still three points ahead of Penticton and four up on Wenatchee in a tight Interior Division. The Vees win their ninth straight tonight in Nanaimo, move into 2nd place have four games in hand over Vernon. With the BCHL card deadline today, it will be interesting to see if the Vipers make any moves.
A huge Thanks has to go out to the Vipers and everyone who was involved in putting together tonight's special ceremony and the two new banners added to the rafters of Kal Tire Place. From a young age I always wondered why the Vernon Canadians never had an Allen Cup banner hanging from the rafters at the Civic Arena. Born and raised in Vernon and fourth generation, my entire family grew up with season tickets watching Junior hockey in Vernon. Two of my relatives played for the Vernon Blades and Vernon Vipers. I was told growing up from several relatives that Wayne Dye is probably one of if not the greatest player every to play in Vernon. I think the two new banners added to the rafters are way overdue and a great idea! We have one of the most storied franchises in Junior hockey and this is part of our history. So Thanks again!
Speaking of banners, I noticed we are missing five banners from past teams. Vernon finished 1st three times (1969-70, 1971-72 and 1975-76) and won the league championship twice (1969-70 & 1971-72) I think it would be a great idea for one day in the future to get these banners made up and added to the rest of our banners inside Kal Tire Place. Just a thought-idea.
Top Player's: (Trail)
Ryan Moon I thought was one of if not the more consistent Smoke Eater in the loss. A bigger body, can skate, move the puck well, had some looks-chances.
Game Thought's: (Trail)
The Smokies making their first regular season visit to Vernon, didn't give themselves much of a chance to win after playing a lot of the game shorthanded. The Smoke Eaters took way too many penalties/undisciplined penalties, gave up six powerplay goals. Vernon goes 6-14 with the man advantage. Other then half or just over half of the 2nd period, the Smoke Eaters struggled offensively, didn't really create/generate much for chances through out the night. Trail caught the Snakes flat fooded and standing around early in the 2nd before getting into penalty trouble, basically giving away the game. It doesn't help the Smokies are missing several key veteran players. Overall I wasn't very impressed with the Smoke Eaters. I really like the new jerseys, all black with orange numbers, name bars and the Smokies logo. Very sharp and intimidating. Great job! The Smokies fall to 0-4 vs Vernon this season, have been outscored 24-5 in the four games (exhibition & regular season). Trail loses their fourth straight, lose just their fourth game on the road. With the loss Trail falls to 19-8-1-0 drop to 3rd in the Interior Division are now tied in points with Wenatchee.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Tanner Wishnowski (Injured)
Jordan Sandhu (Injured)
Jack Judson (Injured)
Trail:
Jacob Yuris
Braeden Tuck
Kale Howarth
Blaine Caton
Energy Player of the Game:
Chris Jandric (1 goal & 1 assist)
Three Star's:
1st Star: Josh Prokop (3 goals)
2nd Star: Jesse Lansdell (3 assists)
3rd Star: Michael Ufberg (3 assists)
Boxscore-Game Summary,
http://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/8093
Game Report,
https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/official-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=8093
Text-Boxscore,
https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/text-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=8093
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