Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Thieves Break Into Vipers Dressing Room:

This is posted on the Morning Star website:

January 31st 2018

There wasn’t much celebrating by the Vipers tonight after they discovered thieves had stolen hundreds of dollars in cash and several watches. Two young Viper fans saw the two men leaving the dressing room during the second period Wednesday and got decent photographs of the culprits leaving the scene.

Vernon 4 Merritt 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-Centennials game as Vernon defeated Merritt 4-1 in front of 1,675 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Ty Taylor
Merritt: Jacon Berger

1st Period: Inside the opening minute Zach Zorn setup Zach Court in front who was denied by Ty Taylor. About a minute and a half later, Niko Karamanis drove hard to the net on a Viper attack, lost control of the puck before trying to get out of the way of Jacob Berger. Just before the halfway mark Jimmy Lambert & Brett Stapley on an odd man rush couldn't convert before the Centennials would get the games first powerplay just seconds later. Shorthanded Niko Karamanis one on one with a quality chance before late in the PP the Cents with some late pressure forced Ty Taylor to make a tough save with two bodies in front. The Vipers with a good penalty kill, would kill off the minor. Shortly after the penalty expired, Bradley Cocca with a quality chance couldn't beat Ty Taylor. With just over five minutes remaining Jesse Lansdell spotted Brett Stapley going to the net, would be robbed by Jacob Berger who come across to make a huge game saver off Stapley. Less then two minutes later Jacob Berger was forced to stop Jordan Sandhu and Josh Latta from in close. Shortly after the Snakes would get their first powerplay of the evening. Jimmy Lambert beat Jacob Berger in close, giving Vernon a 1-0 lead at 18:25 Chris Jandric & Jack Judson drew the assists. Inside the final minute the Centennials tried setting up Frazer Dodd on the odd man rush, who missed the net on a missed opportunity. It was 1-0 Vernon after 20 minutes of play. I thought both teams were fairly even for most of the opening frame, but I thought Vernon had the better of the scoring chances. Shots were even 10-10.

2nd Period: Inside the opening minute Jimmy Lambert from the slot would be stopped by Centennials starting goaltender Jacob Berger. Berger was out to challenge made a big blocker save off the Viper alternate captain. Shortly after Josh Latta with two cracks at the loose puck at the top of the blue paint, couldn't solve Jacob Berger before burying the rebound, giving Vernon a 2-0 lead at 1:18 Jimmy Lambert collected the helper. Two minutes later Elan Bar lev wise setup Coleton Bilodeau on the two on one, was stopped by Jacob Berger. The Vipers kept the play alive, setup Cameron Trott who was stopped by Berger. Jacob Berger coming up large for Merritt in the opening few minutes. On the same shift, the Vipers would lose Josh Latta for ten minutes after receiving two minutes for a blow to the head and an automatic ten minute misconduct. The Cents jumping on an early powerplay. This was Merritt's first of three straight powerplay's. Derek Brown was dangerous on the penalty kill, had at least two chances shorthanded, also ragged some time off the clock. The Centennials didn't really generate much on any of the three powerplay's as Vernon with a solid penalty kill, killed off all three minors. The Snakes would get a late powerplay, just their second of the game. A minute into the PP Jesse Lansdell connected in front, giving Vernon a 3-0 lead at 17:11 Jack Judson and Brett Stapley picked up the helpers. Inside the final minute Shane Kelly ripped a heavy shot that forced Jacob Berger into flashing the leather, making a glove save. It was 3-0 Vernon after 40 minutes of play. The Vipers come out of the gates on fire, had several quality opportunities early, managed to score early before getting into penalty trouble. The Cents would three straight powerplay's, couldn't capitalize with the man advantage. I thought the Snakes were the better of the two teams. Vernon with two goals, jumped out to a three goal lead, got a strong penalty kill, played/looked very good in the middle frame. Vernon outshot Merritt 12-9.

3rd Period: Inside the opening minute, Brett Stapley coughed the puck up inside the blueline, allowing Zack Risteau in for the breakaway, fired wide missing the net. On the following play Ashton Stockie with a blast from the point forced Vipers starting goaltender Ty Taylor into making a quick glove save. Vernon would get an early two man advantage and capitalize. Michael Ufberg with a long crease pass spotted Brett Stapley at the side of the goal, beat a sprawling Jacob Berger giving Vernon a 4-0 lead at 6:52 Ufberg & Cameron Trott with the assists. With time still on the clock, the Vipers couldn't convert on the remainder of the second minor. Shortly after Nicholas Wicks missed the net from in close on an odd man rush. With about seven minutes left, Michael Ufberg's quick shot from the blueline forced Jacob Berger into making a big stop. With about five and a half minutes remaining, Brett Stapley took a high hit against the end wall, before Jesse Lansdell jumped in. Everyone got involved in a hurry as a scrum broke loose deep in the Merritt zone. Several punches thrown, while players were trying to grab a hold of just about anyone. Cents captain Tyrell Buckley would get tossed from the contest. Vernon would come out with the man advantage. Before the penalty expired, another scrum broke loose after a Centennials defender crosschecked a Vernon player at the side of the goal after the whistle. This drawing another crowd, as Jack Judson and Joey Berkopec got tangled up, as both players got in a few punches. The officials had to break up the scrum as tempers heated up in a hurry, late in the hockey game. Judson would be the lone player heading off, as the fans at Kal Tire Place let the officials know about the call. Merritt getting away with a no call, evened up the play before getting a shortened powerplay. On the man advantage Jackson Munro wired a wicked shot from the point that beat Ty Taylor breaking Taylor's BCHL shutout record cutting the Vernon lead to 4-1 at 17:45 Munro's goal was unassisted. On the following shift the Centennials would head back to the powerplay as the chippyness continued. The Cents with a ton of pressure late, couldn't capitalize on the man advantage before the final buzzer. Vernon would come away with the 4-1 victory. I thought both teams controlled the play at different times in the game. The Cents with two very good chances early, couldn't capitalize before the Snakes had several looks-opportunities shortly after. It looked like the Vipers may have taken their foot off the gas a bit once up 4-0 as Merritt capitalized on some turnovers and sloppy play in the Viper zone. The Centennials pushed hard in the second half, even down four goals. Vernon outshot Merritt 16-11.

Top Player's: (Vernon)

Michael Ufberg (1 assist) I thought had a strong game on the Viper backend. Skating strong, moved the puck up ice, made some smart plays with and without the puck through out the night.

Michael Young I thought played very well on the blueline.

Brett Stapley (1 goal & 1 assist) Had several good looks/chances, was dangerous tonight. Gave the Cents defenders all kinds of troubles in the offensive zone.

Derek Brown Played well, especially on the penalty kill. A smooth skater, is hard to knock off the puck, plays with a ton of confidence, was making things happen.

Jesse Lansdell (1 goal) Played with an edge, was physical, strong on the forecheck/puck, won some battles, played hard at both ends of the rink. I really like this kids compete level.

Elan Bar lev wise "AP" Playing in just his fourth game with the Snakes, I thought was very good. I saw him play with the Vipers earlier in the season and was impressed back then. Attending the Vipers training camp the past two summers, has committed to Vernon for next season. This kid can skate, really sees/reads the ice well. Didn't see a whole lot of ice time.

Jack Judson (2 assists) Looked very good. Showed a lot of poise, moved the puck up ice, looked confident, was moving the puck, made things happen. Wasn't afraid to back down from the rough stuff late in the game.

Ty Taylor (29 saves) Was two and a half minutes away from breaking the BCHL shutout record. The second year Viper played very well between the pipes, made some big stops early off the opening faceoff, looked confident, battled hard. Didn't give up many if any second opportunities.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

I thought the Vipers played very well tonight, fully deserved the victory-two points. I thought Vernon was the better of the two teams overall. The Snakes had a ton of looks/quality chances through out the contest, ran into a hot goaltender in Jacob Berger. The Vipers created/generated a ton of opportunities through out the night. I like Vernon's powerplay. The Snakes went 3-5 with the man advantage. I thought the Vipers kept it simple, were getting pucks to the net, with bodies in front. I also like the penalty kill, as specialty teams was a big difference. The Vipers forced to kill off three straight 2nd period penalties. After a 5-0 loss in Merritt January 12th the Vipers responded with a full team effort tonight. Give the Snakes credit, tonight was their fourth game in six days. Vernon wins the season series 5-1. Tonight's the first game of a three game home stand, where the Snakes have just four regular season home games left. Vernon has won four of their last five and seven of their last nine home games. Tonight was a big game and more important a big two points. With the win Vernon improves to 32-13-1-4 sit atop the Interior Division/BCHL are two points up on Penticton. The Vipers remain three points over Wenatchee who defeated Powell River 5-2 this evening, put some distance between them and Trail, are now eight points up on the 4th place Smoke Eaters. Vernon with just eight games left in the regular season will be scoreboard watching as Wenatchee, Trail & Penticton all have games in hand. Penticton has twelve games left, Wenatchee has ten and Trail has eleven. I hate to say it but with the injuries and other teams having games in hand, the Snakes could fall to 3rd place in a hurry. Big news coming out this afternoon that rookie forward Josh Prokop will be out for the rest of the season, with a shoulder injury. A big blow to the Vipers. With Prokop out of the lineup, the Vipers are now down to a 21 man roster. I wonder why the Snakes traded Sam Anzai at the trade deadline, but didn't replace him, filling the 23 man roster? Doesn't make sense. Will the Vipers call up Elan Bar lev wise for the remainder of the season?

Top Player's: (Merritt)

Sam Miller I thought was one of, if not the Cents better defenceman. Miller saw a lot of minutes, makes that first pass coming out of the zone, can skate, move the puck and is steady on the backend.

Bradley Cocca Played well for Merritt in the loss. Was involved in the play often, goes to the net, creates/generates opportunities.

Jacob Berger (34 saves) Was the busier of the two netminders. Kept his team in the game, most of the evening, giving his team a chance to win. Berger was forced into making several big stops through out the night. The final outcome of the game, could have been a lot different if it wasn't for Berger.

Game Thought's: (Merritt)

I thought the Centennials played hard/well at times but couldn't keep it up for a full sixty minutes. Merritt held their own at times but then had troubles containing Vernon's speed/skill. The Cents heavily relied on Jacob Berger at times to bail them out. The Cents couldn't capitalize on their chances, didn't get near the amount of scoring chances Vernon did. The 2nd period Merritt gives up two goals to fall behind 3-0 really needed a goal or two on the powerplay, instead struggled with the man advantage, are down three goals heading to the 3rd. Give the Centennials credit, even though down 4-0 they pushed back strong, didn't fold the tents, pressed hard in the third only managing one goal. Merritt's last win in Vernon was a 5-4 victory January 18th 2017. Tonight could easily be a 1st round playoff preview depending where the two teams finish the regular season. The Cents have just one win in their last nine road games. Merritt has now lost ten of their last thirteen games. With the loss Merritt falls to 18-23-4-1 sit last in the Interior Division are five points back of Salmon Arm. The Cents return home Friday to host the visiting Penticton Vees. Speaking of the Vees, Head Coach/GM/President Fred Harbinson and his crew were at tonight's game.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Josh Prokop (Injured)
Jagger Williamson (Injured)
Keyvan Mokhtari (Injured)

Merritt:

Mattias Dal Monte
Chase Bell
Matthew Kopperud
Austin Roden
Vicent Duplessis

Energy Player of the Game:

Derek Brown

Three Star's:

1st Star: Brett Stapley (1 goal & 1 assist)
2nd Star: Jack Judson (2 assists)
3rd Star: Ty Taylor (29 saves)

Boxscore-Game Summary,

http://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/8255

Merritt Centennials Blog,

http://q101.ca/sports

Game Report,


Text Boxscore,


Vipers Lose Prokop For Season:

This is posted on the Morning Star website:

Vipers lose Prokop for season

Kevin Mitchell

Jan. 31, 2018

A rather difficult January just got even worse for the Vernon Vipers.

The B.C. Hockey League team first paid last respects to longtime owner Duncan Wray. Then they lost captain Jagger Williamson and winger Keyvan Mohktari to concussions.

Once alone in first place, the Vipers are 5-5 in January and share the league lead with the Penticton Vees.

Now, they’ve lost NHL-rated right winger Josh Prokop for the rest of the season with a dislocated shoulder he suffered when he fell awkwardly with four seconds left in Sunday afternoon’s game in Trail.

“He’s going to need surgery so he will be out for six months,” said Viper head coach Mark Ferner. “It’s a huge loss; he’s a very good player. 2018 hasn’t been good to us.”

Prokop originally hurt the shoulder Nov. 25 in West Kelowna when checked from behind by Warrior defenceman Jake Harrison, who was assessed a boarding major but no suspension.

He was feeling some discomfort earlier this month and missed a trip to Prince George to rest the injury.

Prokop, who turned 18 on Tuesday, compiled 21 goals and 37 points in 48 games with Vernon. He and teammate Brett Stapley played in the Canadian Junior A Hockey League Prospects Game last week in Mississauga, Ont. in front of 200 NHL scouts. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound Prokop is an Edmonton product who now calls Vernon home.

The Vipers, who host the Merritt Centennials tonight, have summoned forward Elan Bar Lev Wise from Burnaby Winter Club Midget Prep. The 5-foot-10 pounder has rang up 15 goals and 46 points in 26 games. This will be his fourth game with the Vipers. He celebrates his 17th birthday Friday.

Meanwhile, the league has suspended Alberni Valley Bulldog winger Tyler Vanuden four games after reviewing video of his check from behind on Williamson Saturday night at Kal Tire Place. Williamson suffered two cuts to his head and immediately went into concussion protocol. Williamson and Mohktari are both on Injured Reserve.

Three's Company For The Vipers:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Three's company for the Vipers

Jan. 31, 2018

Black Press Sports

Just call the B.C. Hockey League's Interior Division Crazy Town.

The fourth-place Trail Smoke Eaters stopped the league-leading Vernon Vipers 4-1, while the last place Merritt Centennials went to Wenatchee and pocketed three points in a weekend series with the defending Cahmpion Wild.

Who knows what's in store tonight when the Vipers entertain the Cents at Kal Tire Place.

Vernon and the Penticton Vees actually share the Interior penthouse with the Vees holding three games in hand. Wenatchee is three points back.

It's a dogfight now," said Viper captain Jagger Williamson, who went through concussion protocol after suffering two cuts to his head in a 4-2 victory over the Alberni Valley Bulldogs Saturday night.

"All the points matter and it's going to go down to the last game."

Williamson, who missed the Sunday matinee with Trail, welcomes the competition.

"It would be nice if we were in front of them (Vees and Wild), but it's pretty cool to have a three-team race like this."

Alberni Valley winger Tyler Vanuden, who has 16 penalty minutes this season, was assessed a boarding major with 2:40 to play after he smacked Williamson near the Viper bench. Williamson, who had slowly skated to centre before dumping the puck down ice, got up in a hurry, but needed a towel to his bleeding head. A scrum ensued and Jesse Lansdell of the Vipers and Christian Simeone were given double roughing minors.

"I didn't see that coming, "said Williamson. "I had a headache and I've done all the concussion testing. I'm going to take a couple of days off."

The Vipers will likely be without speedster Keyvan Mokhtari tonight as well. He is also nursing a head injury suffered in Friday's win over West Kelowna.

The Smokies were rested and more than ready Sunday afternoon as they stopped the Vipers 4-1 before 1,500 fans at Cominco Arena. Trail had Saturday night off, while the Vipers iced the Alberni Valley Bulldogs 4-2 before hopping a bus for Trail early Sunday morning.

It was a special win for Vernon’s Caton family as former Viper Blaine Caton registered what proved to be the winning goal, a controversial snipe, with 0.7 seconds left in the first period.

Blaine’s father, Murray Caton, backstopped the Vernon Lakers to two Centennial Cups back in the early 19902, and is currently a scout for the team. while Blaine suited up in 48 games with the Snakes during the 2014-15 season, pocketing four goals and eight points before being released.

“Personally, it’s awesome winning against your former team, every night you can,” said Caton. “For our team, that’s a team we haven’t beat over there, so trying to match up with them in the playoffs, it’s just good to show the guys in the room that we can beat a team like that.”

Caton’s timely 13th tally came as he gathered a rebound off a scramble in front and lifted the puck over Vernon goalie Anthony Yamnitsky for a 2-1 Smoke Eaters lead.

“I actually didn’t even know how much time was left on the clock,” said Caton. “I saw Jer (Lucchini) pick up the puck in the neutral zone and start skating … I went to the front of the net and he threw it there, it popped out and lucky enough it was there on my stick.” The victory over the Vipers was the Smokies first in five tries this year and was as significant as victories get with 11 games to play in the regular season.

“It was a huge mental obstacle,” said Smoke Eaters coach/GM Cam Keith. “We needed confidence that we can beat Vernon. For whatever reason it carried over from last year to this year, and for us in our room, we made a big statement that if we play our game we can beat any team at any time, so it was huge.”

Defenceman Connor Welsh gave Trail a 1-0 lead at 5:14 of the first period when he corralled a loose puck at the blue line and wired a shot over the glove of Yamnitsky for his ninth goal of the season. However, Vernon tied it when a missed drop pass to Smokies d-man Seth Barton turned into a 2-on-1 for the Vipers.

Jesse Lansdell broke down the right wing and feathered a pass over to Josh Prokop whose one-timer beat a sprawling Adam Marcoux at 11:53 of the first. Niko Karamanis drew the secondary assist on Prokop’s 21st. Penalty trouble subdued a Smoke Eaters attack in the second period, as Trail focused on killing five penalties including a 5-on-3 Vernon advantage midway through the period.

“I think the 5-on-3 was a real big one,” said Keith. “I mean your best penalty killer is your goaltender, and Adam Marcoux has been absolutely tremendous. He makes big saves at big times, and calms the game down.”

That Smokies’ kill proved to be a turning point as Marcoux made his best save of the night off Prokop. With the Smokies shorthanded, the Vernon forward took a backdoor pass at the far post and was looking at an empty net, but the Smokies goalie stretched out and stopped the puck with his right pad, not once but twice, to preserve the one-goal lead, as Vernon outshot the Smoke Eaters 23-17 through two periods.

“It’s been a while since we faced a top team and come out with two points, so it’s crucial, especially against a team like Vernon, who we’re most likely going to see in the playoffs at some time,” said Marcoux. “I knew there was a guy backdoor, I think it was (Jordan) Sandhu that was in front, his eyes weren’t on the net at all, they were on the guy backdoor. So I can anticipate it and I’m lucky he didn’t put it in on the rebound.”

The Smokies played solid defensive hockey in the third, and while Vernon pressed early, Marcoux came up big when he had to. Smokies forward Spencer McLean had been battling Vernon defenceman Shane Kelly all night, and finally got the better of the 6-foot-5 d-man when he jumped on an Andre Ghantous rebound and chipped it past the Vipers goalie for a 3-1 lead with just over five minutes to play.

“Kelly’s got some size and some strength to him,” said Keith. “But you’ve got to give Spencer credit, he stood in there, took some shots and didn’t back down and then got rewarded for it in finding the rebound.”

Vernon pulled their goalie in the final 1:45, but the Smokies weathered an initial storm until Trail’s Minnesota product, Ryan Murphy, iced it with an empty-net goal with 23 seconds remaining for the 4-1 victory.

“It’s playoff hockey,” added Keith. “They’re in the same battle that we are right now, and everyone is clawing for positioning in the standings. As you saw, it’s a 2-1 game, there wasn’t a lot of chances for and against, and goals are scored on a rebound or scramble in front, you just have to find ways to get there and we did tonight. We had a ton of traffic, and a lot of heart from the kids today.”

Vernon outshot Trail 31-28 and was 0-for-7 on the power play, while Trail went 0-for-3. Marcoux earned the game’s first star, Caton second star, and McLean third star.

The Vipers share the Interior Division penthouse with the Penticton Vees, 6-3 losers to the host Victoria Grizzlies Sunday. The Smokies are fourth, three points behind the Wenatchee Wild.

The Vipers host the Merritt Centennials Wednesday night. Merritt gained three points in a weekend series at the Town Toyota Center in Wenatchee, winning 3-2 and losing 2-1 in double overtime.

The Vipers counted three goals in a span of 3:46 early in the second period to take a 4-2 lead in front of 2,009 fans Saturday night at Kal Tire Place. It was 1-1 after 20 minutes.

Cole Poliziani registered his ninth of the season 10:09 after the national anthem, on a power play. The Vipers actually carried most of the play shorthanded before Poliziani converted from roadrunner Julian Benner with 11 seconds left in ex-Bulldog Jordan Sandhu’s hooking minor. Alberni Valley held a 19-10 shot advantage in the opening period.

Vernon equalied four minutes later when rookie Connor Marritt beat Bulldog backup net detective Brock Lefebvre from the right hashmarks. Niko Karamanis and Coleton Bilodeau drew helpers on Marritt’s sixth.

Benner pushed the Dawgs in front on a nifty wraparound just 81 seconds into the middle stanza. It was Benner’s second snipe of the season in his 11th game. Former Viper d-man Mitch Oliver and Jackson Doucet pocketed assists.

Vernon jumpstarted their three-goal volcano with blueliner Mitch Andres wiring a slapper top cheddar from the point about 45 seconds after he struck the post. Brett Stapley, who played in the CJHL Prospects Game earlier in the week in Mississauga, Ont., earned the assist as the Vipers applied extended pressure.

Jimmy Lambert recorded the winner with his 17th, burying a wrister top shelf from the high slot. D-man Chris Jandric carried the puck down the right sidewall, skated around the Alberni Valley net, took a heavy hit from Oliver and dished off to Lambert. The Saskatoon streak curled like a comma and straddled the blueline before unleashing the shot.

Newbie Derek Brown, acquired at the trading deadline from the Alberta League Bonnyville Pontiacs, added insurance from ‘gimme range’ after a nifty behind-the-back pass by Sandhu, whose forward progress was halted by Oliver. Brown’s shot trickled through Lefebvre’s pads for his fifth as a Viper.
Brown bagged a hat trick as Vernon grounded the West Kelowna Warriors 24 hours earlier.

The Bulldogs pulled Lefebvre in favour of John Hawthorne after Brown’s tally.

The Vipers had one goal disallowed in the second period. Josh Latta snuck in all alone behind Lefebvre and tapped the puck in after a feed by Cameron Trott. After some brief discussion by the four officials, goaltender interference was the ruling in favour of the Dawgs.

Vernon (31-12-1-4) spent most of the third period in the Alberni Valley zone, but the Dawgs showed some late pushback with Keaton Mastrodonato striking the post just before getting stoned by Vernon goalie Ty Taylor on a rebound of a Oliver point offering. Hawthorne delivered a handful of stellar saves.

Game Preview: Merritt @ Vernon:

Merritt (18-22-4-1) @ Vernon (31-13-1-4) 7pm

Tonight is the sixth and final regular season meeting between the Vernon Vipers & Merritt Centennials. The Vipers lead the season series 4-1

Last Game:

Sunday, January 28th Trail defeated Vernon 4-1
Saturday, January 27th Merritt defeated Wenatchee 3-2


Next Game:

Wednesday, February 7th Chilliwack @ Vernon
Friday, February 2nd Penticton @ Merritt

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 67-25-9-4 vs Merritt

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Merritt 384-268

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 33-9-1-5 at home vs Merritt

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 28-13-5-3 in Merritt

The Vipers are 5-4-0-1 in their last ten games vs Merritt

The Vipers are 5-4-0-1 vs Merritt in their last ten games in Merritt

The Vipers are 6-3-1-0 vs Merritt in their last ten games in Vernon

Vernon's last win at home vs Merritt was a 2-0 victory on Friday, January 5th 2018

Merritt's last win at Kal Tire Place was a 5-4 victory Wednesday, January 18th 2017

Vernon's last regular season win at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena was a 3-2 victory on Friday, November 17th 2017

Merritt's last regular season win at home vs Vernon was a 5-0 victory Friday, January 12th 2018

Here's a look at the season series vs Merritt

September 15th Vernon @ Merritt: Vipers won 2-0
November 17th Vernon @ Merritt: Vipers won 3-2
December 15th Merritt @ Vernon: Vipers won 4-2
January 5th Merritt @ Vernon: Vipers won 2-0
January 12th Vernon @ Merritt: Centennials won 5-0
January 31st Merritt @ Vernon


Let's take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The 31-13-1-4 Vernon Vipers are coming off a 4-1 loss Sunday afternoon in Trail. Tonight's the first game of a three game home stand, where the Vipers have just five regular season home games left in the 2017-18 season. Vernon has won three of their last four home games & six of their last eight games at Kal Tire Place. The Snakes come into tonight having lost three of their last five games are 5-5 in their last ten. Vernon sits tied with Penticton atop the Interior Division in points, with the Vees claiming 1st place due to fewer games played and fewer losses. Penticton with three games in hand over Vernon.

Vernon Vipers Roster:

http://bchl.ca/stats/roster/21

Josh Prokop (21-16-37) leads the team lead in goals with twenty one, while Jimmy Lambert (17-33-50) leads the team in points with fifty.

Vernon Vipers 2017-18 regular season stats:

Games Played: 49
Wins: 31
Losses: 13
Ties: 4
Overtime Wins: 2
Overtime Losses: 1
Home Record: 16-5-1-1
Road Record: 15-8-0-3
Overtime Record: 2-0-4
Record vs Interior Division: 21-7-0-2
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 10-6-1-2
Record In September: 6-1-0-1
Record In October: 6-3-0-1
Record In November: 7-3-0-2
Record In December: 7-1-1-0
Record In January: 5-5-0-0
When the Vipers score first: 22-6-0-2
When the opponents score first: 9-7-1-2
Leading after the 1st period: 16-5-0-1
Tied after the 1st period: 7-2-0-3
Trailing after the 1st period: 7-5-1-0
Leading after the 2nd period: 22-1-0-1
Tied after the 2nd period: 9-5-0-0
Trailing after the 2nd period: 0-7-1-3
Out shooting opponents: 25-9-1-2
Out shot by opponents: 6-4-0-2
One goal games: 5-10-1-0
Goals for: 166
Goals against: 104
Standings: 2nd Place (Interior Division)
Win-loss Streak: One game losing streak
Longest winning streak: Unbeaten in eight games (6 wins-2 ties)
Longest losing streak: Winless in three games (2 losses & 1 tie)

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Brett Stapley (99)
Cameron Trott (97)
Jagger Williamson (98)
Jimmy Lambert (97)
Niko Karamanis (98)
Jesse Lansdell (98)
Michael Ufberg (97)
Shane Kelly (97)
Chris Jandric (98)
Ty Taylor (99)

Vernon Vipers departed & traded players from last years team:

Austin Adamson (96)
Riley Brandt (96)
Ryan Brushett (98)
Simon Sagissor (97)
Brody Dale (99)
Hunter Zandee (96)
Sol Seibel (99)
Luke Gingras (98)
Steven Jandric (97)
Cooper Watson (96)
Connor Clouston (96)
Darion Hanson (97)

Vernon's home record vs Merritt this year:

2-0-0-0

Vernon's road record vs Merritt this year:

2-1-0-0

Vernon's scoring leaders vs Merritt this year:

Jagger Williamson (3-2-5)
Josh Prokop (1-4-5)
Keyvan Mokhtari (0-4-4)
Jimmy Lambert (2-1-3)
Jesse Lansdell (0-3-3)
Michael Young (1-1-2)
Chris Jandric (0-2-2)
Brett Stapley (0-2-2)
Niko Karamanis (2-0-2)
Jack Judson (0-1-1)
Jordan Sandhu (1-0-1)
Michael Ufberg (0-1-1)
Sam Anzai (1-0-1)

Ty Taylor (3-0 Record-2 Shutouts)
Anthony Yamnitsky (1-1 Record)


Let's take a look at the Merritt Centennials:

The 18-22-4-1 Merritt Centennials make their third and final regular season visit to Kal Tire Place, are coming off a 3-2 win in Wenatchee Saturday night. Merritt's last win at Kal Tire Place was a 5-4 victory January 18th 2017. Tonight's the sixth and final regular season meeting vs the Vipers where Vernon has won four out of the five games this season. The last time these two teams met, the Centennials shutout the Snakes 5-0 in Merritt January 12th. Tonight could be a possible playoff preview as Vernon & Merritt could meet in the opening round of the BCHL playoffs. Tonight's the final game of a three game road trip where the Centennials have just one win in their last eight road games. The Cents enter this evening having one win in their last six games are 3-7 in their last ten. Merritt has lost nine of their last twelve games. Merritt sits last in the Interior Division (7th place) are five points back of Salmon Arm and nine points back of West Kelowna.

Merritt Centennials Roster:

http://bchl.ca/stats/roster/15

Henry Cleghorn (18-24-42) leads the team in goals with eighteen and in points with fourty two.

Merritt Centennials Blog,

http://q101.ca/sports

Merritt Centennials 2017-18 regular season stats:

Games Played: 45
Wins: 18
Losses: 22
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 4
Home Record: 11-10-2-0
Road Record: 7-12-2-1
Goals for: 142
Goals against: 141
Standings: 7th Place (Interior Division)

Merritt Centennials Returning Players:

Zach Zorn (97)
Nicholas Wicks (98)
Zach Risteau (98)
Chase Bell (97)
Rylan Van Unen (99)
Henry Cleghorn (97)
Zach Court (97)
Michael Van Unen (99)
Tyrell Buckley (97)
Jacob Berger (97)

Merritt Centennials departed and traded players from last years team:

Cade Gleekel 997)
Stephan Seeger (96)
Brett Jewell (96)
Tyler Ward (99)
Michael Regush (98)
Nick Fidanza (96)
Mike Faulkner (96)
Aaron Murray (96)
Ethan King (99)
Zach Mesta (98)
Zachary Bleuler (97)
Colten Langcaster (98)

Merritt's home record vs Vernon this year:

1-2-0-0

Merritt's road record vs Vernon this year:

0-2-0-0

Merritt Centennials scoring leaders vs Vernon this year:

Henry Cleghorn (3-1-4)
Chase Bell (0-3-3)
Zach Risteau (0-3-3)
Mathieu Gosselin (1-2-3)
Nicholas Wicks (0-3-3)
Bradley Cocca (1-1-2)
Zach Court (0-2-2)
Colten Gerlib (2-0-2)
Zach Zorn (0-1-1)
Bredan Schneider (1-0-1)
Jackson Munro (0-1-1)
Tyrell Buckley (0-1-1)
Christian Sabin (1-0-1)

Jacob Berger (0-3 Record)
Austin Roden (1-1 Record)

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Vernon Lakers Concept Jersey:

I found this Vernon Lakers concept jersey online on hockeyjerseyconcepts.com

BCHL Rankings:

This is posted on the Juniorhockey.com website:

DAILY DISH: BCHL RANKINGS - Junior Hockey News

Published: Tuesday, 30 Jan 2018

By: Stephen Heisler  |  Web site: JuniorHockey.com

The BCHL Report is a weekly look at Canada’s British Columbia Hockey League.  I have been in the hospital this week and should be back to normal quickly. Please excuse this abbreviated version.

The actual grade scale is based on winning percentage and nothing else. That scale has been established for four seasons.

GRADE “A”


#1 Penticton (31-10-2-3 / .728)

GRADE “B”


#2 Vernon (31-13-1-4 / .684)

#3 Wenatchee (30-13-3-1 / .681)

#4 Trail (28-14-4-1 / .649)

#5 Prince George (25-15-4-4 / .605)

GRADE “C”


#6 Victoria
(25-16-4-2 / .594)

#7 Powell River (23-15-4-4 / .585)

#8 Surrey (24-17-5-2 / .573)

#9 Langley (21-15-10-2 / .563)

#10 Chilliwack
(22-19-2-3 / .533)

#11 Nanaimo (23-20-3-3 / .531)

#12 West Kelowna (24-22-1-1 / .521)

#13 Salmon Arm (21-23-3-1 / .479)

GRADE “D”

#14 Merritt (18-22-4-1 / .456)

#15 Alberni Valley
(14-26-4-4 / .375)

GRADE “F”

#16 Coquitlam (13-30-1-3 / .333)

#17 Cowichan Valley
(9-31-5-2 / .266)

SCALE: A 725+, B 600-724, C 475-599, D 350-474, F 0-349

Possible 1st Round Playoff Preview?

This is on Brian Wiebe's Twitter Account:

Brian Wiebe
@Brian_Wiebe

January 29th 2018

If the BCHL season ended today, here's what the 1st round of the playoffs would look like:

Island Division:

(1) Victoria vs. (4) Alberni Valley
(2) Powell River vs. (3) Nanaimo

Mainland Division:

(1) Prince George vs. (4) Chilliwack
(2) Surrey vs. (3) Langley

Interior Division:

(1) Penticton vs. (WC) Coquitlam
(2) Vernon vs. (WC) Merritt
(3) Wenatchee vs. (4) Salmon Arm
(5) Trail vs. (6) West Kelowna

Monday, January 29, 2018

Life In The BCHL With Brett Stapley:

This video was found on youtube

Brett Stapley - Vernon Vipers Forward

ShawTVOkanagan

Published on Jan 18, 2018

Graham Turnbull, Voice of the Vernon Vipers, chats with forward Brett Stapley about life in the BCHL.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkA59Oo0wpg

Vipers Honour Wray With Jersey Patch:

The Vernon Vipers are honouring their long time owner Duncan Wray with a jersey patch of Wray's initials "DW" stitched on the front of the Viper jerseys, just above the Vipers logo. Wray's initials "DW" are stitched on all three sets of Vernon's jerseys. Wray purchased the Vernon Lakers in 1992 passed away in his sleep on January 11th 2018.

Vipers Alumni Genoway Named To Canadian Men’s Olympic Hockey Team:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Chay named
to Canadian Men’s Hockey Team for 2018 Olympic Winter Games.

Hockey Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) have announced the names of the 25 players nominated to represent Team Canada in men’s hockey at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games, Feb. 9-25, in PyeongChang, South Korea.

Genoway recently played for Canada at the 2017  Karjala Cup, Nov. 8-12 in Helsinki, Finland. Genoway and Canada lost 4-3 to Finland in the finals.

Genoway is in his fourth year playing in the KHL, is in his first season with the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) HC Lada (Russian: ХК Лада). A Russian professional ice hockey team based in Tolyatti, Russia. They are members of the Kharlamov Division of the Kontinental Hockey League.
Genoway played last year with the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) Jokerit ice hockey team & Canada at the 2016 Spengler Cup. Jokerit (English: Jokers or Jesters) is a professional ice hockey team based in Helsinki, Finland.

After four years at the University of North Dakota, Genoway spent the next three seasons with the American Hockey League (AHL) Houston Areos and Hershey Bears.  The Minnesota Wild signed Genoway to an entry-level contract on April, 12th 2011. Genoway made his NHL debut with the Minnesota Wild on April, 7th 2012 collecting 1 assist and being named 2nd star vs the Pheonix Coyotes. Genoway spent parts of two seasons with the Wild farm club in Houston before the Wild traded Genoway to the Washington Capitals on March 14th 2013.  Genoway never played a game with the Capitals, played half a season with the Caps farm club in Hershey before heading to the KHL.

Genoway played one season in Vernon (2005-2006). In 56 regular season games with the Vipers Genoway collected (17-goals-32-assists-49-points).

Chay Genoway's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=92084

This is posted on the Hockey Canada website:

Twenty-five players named to Canadian Men’s Hockey Team for 2018 Olympic Winter Games

Hockey Canada, Canadian Olympic Committee reveal roster with 28 days to Opening Ceremony

January 11, 2018

CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) have announced the names of the 25 players nominated to represent Team Canada in men’s hockey at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games, Feb. 9-25, in PyeongChang, South Korea.

Canada’s roster includes three goaltenders, eight defencemen and 14 forwards:

Goaltenders: Justin Peters (Blyth, Ont./Kölner Haie, DEL), Kevin Poulin (Montreal/Medvescak Zagreb, EBEL), Ben Scrivens (Spruce Grove, Alta./Salavat Yulaev Ufa, KHL);

Defencemen: Stefan Elliott (Vancouver/HV71, SHL), Chay Genoway (Morden, Man./Lada Togliatti, KHL), Cody Goloubef (Oakville, Ont./Stockton, AHL), Marc-André Gragnani (L’ÃŽle-Bizard, Que./HC Dinamo Minsk, KHL), Chris Lee (MacTier, Ont./Metallurg Magnitogorsk, KHL), Maxim Noreau (Montreal/SC Bern, NLA), Mat Robinson (Calgary/CSKA Moscow, KHL), Karl Stollery (Camrose, Alta./Dinamo Riga, KHL);

Forwards: René Bourque (Lac La Biche, Alta./DjurgÃ¥rdens IF, SHL), Gilbert Brulé (Edmonton/Kunlun Red Star, KHL), Andrew Ebbett (Vernon, B.C./SC Bern, NLA), Quinton Howden (Oakbank, Man./HC Dinamo Minsk, KHL), Chris Kelly (Toronto/Belleville, AHL), Rob Klinkhammer (Lethbridge, Alta./Ak Bars Kazan, KHL), Brandon Kozun (Calgary/Lokomotiv Yaroslav, KHL), Maxim Lapierre (Brossard, Que./HC Lugano, NLA), Eric O’Dell (Ottawa/HC Sochi, KHL), Mason Raymond (Cochrane, Alta./SC Bern, NLA), Derek Roy (Rockland,
Ont./Linköping HC, SHL), Christian Thomas (Toronto/Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, AHL), Linden Vey (Wakaw, Sask./Barys Astana, KHL), Wojtek Wolski (Toronto/Metallurg Magnitogorsk, KHL).

Players will be joining Team Canada from six different leagues across North America and Europe. Among them there are 25 appearances as part of Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence, including gold medals at the IIHF World Junior Championship (Goloubef - 2009) and the IIHF U18 World Championship (O’Dell - 2008). Eight players have competed at the IIHF World Championship, and 10 have won the Spengler Cup for Canada, including seven who were part of the 2017 tournament (Ebbett, Goloubef, Lapierre, Noreau, Poulin, Raymond and Thomas). There are 5,544 NHL games played – with Kelly, a 2011 Stanley Cup champion with the Boston Bruins, having played the most of the group (833).

“It has been an exciting journey to arrive at this 25-player roster, and I want to congratulate these players on earning their place in history to represent Canada on the biggest sporting stage in the world – the Olympic Winter Games,” said general manager Sean Burke  (Windsor, Ont./Montreal, NHL). “I want to thank Hockey Canada, the management group, our coaches and our team staff for ensuring that we had all of the resources we needed to focus on assembling a team that Canadians will be proud to cheer on in PyeongChang. We have a very special group of talented players and staff who are ready to compete in South Korea next month, and we will cherish the opportunity we’ve been given to stand alongside the other Canadian Olympians and represent the red-and-white.”

The nominated team was selected by Burke, assistant general manager, Martin Brodeur (Montreal/St. Louis, NHL), Hockey Canada’s chief executive officer, Tom Renney (Cranbrook, B.C.), president and chief operating officer, Scott Smith (Bathurst, N.B.), and vice-president of hockey operations and national teams, Scott Salmond (Creston, B.C.), with input from head coach Willie Desjardins (Climax, Sask.), and assistant coaches Dave King (Saskatoon, Sask.), Scott Walker (Cambridge, Ont./Vancouver, NHL), and Craig Woodcroft (Toronto/Genève-Servette HC, NLA).

“The pride and honour that comes with representing your country at the Olympic Games is a feeling that can’t be accurately described,” said Renney, who was a member of the Canadian Olympic Team in 1994, where he guided the Canadian Men’s Olympic Hockey Team to silver as head coach. “We have 25 unique and very special stories wrapped up within this team – stories that Canadians will rally behind, not only because of what these players do on the ice, but of what they are capable of off the ice. And beyond the players are a group of dedicated staff who have done everything in their power to ensure the Canadians we had identified as Olympic prospects were able to go out and focus on the task-at-hand.

“As an Olympic coach myself, and a leader of hockey in Canada, I appreciate the role the Olympic Games have in showcasing not just the game of hockey, but also Canada’s passion for our game, and inspiring the next generation of athletes to get on the ice. I know this year’s Olympic hockey team will succeed in igniting that passion not only in Canada, but around the world.”

“This team proves the depth of Canadian hockey” said Isabelle Charest, PyeongChang 2018 Team Canada chef de mission. “All of Canada will rally behind this team as it sets out to show the world that we will always be a force to be reckoned with on the ice. We will be cheering 36 million strong as the team competes for gold.”

“We all know that Canadians are crazy for hockey, so there’s no doubt everyone back home will be watching and cheering” said the Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities. “We are excited to be represented by this outstanding group of men as they go for the gold in PyeongChang. Let’s go Canada!”

Canada is traditionally a force to be reckoned with in men’s hockey, winning 13 medals, nine of them gold, since the first Olympic hockey tournament was held at Antwerp 1920. The team is looking to repeat as gold medallist for a third consecutive Olympic Winter Games, having won back-to-back tournaments at Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014.

Team Canada opens its Olympic schedule on Thursday, Feb. 15 at the Kwandong Hockey Centre in Gangneung, when it meets Switzerland in Group A. The gold-medal game is set to take place on Feb. 25.

Prior to being named to Team Canada, all nominations are subject to approval by the COC’s Team Selection Committee following its receipt of nominations by all National Sport Federations in late January 2018.

Sunday, January 28, 2018

Trail 4 Vernon 1

Scoring Summary:

1st Period:

5:14 TRA Connor Welsh (9) ASST: None

11:53 VER Josh Prokop (21) ASST: Jesse Lansdell (28), Niko Karamanis (10)

19:59 TRA Blaine Caton (13) ASST: Jeremy Lucchini (31)

2nd Period:

No Scoring

3rd Period:

14:47 TRA Spencer McLean (10) ASST: Andre Ghantous (19), Seth Barton (21)

19:37 TRA Ryan Murphy (8) ASST: None

Vernon outshot Trail 31-28 Adam Marcoux made 30 saves in the win, while Anthony Yamnitsky made 24 saves in the loss.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

http://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/8252

Game Report,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/official-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=8252

Text Boxscore,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/text-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=8252

Vanuden Suspended:

Alberni Valley Bulldogs forward Tyler Vanuden has
been suspended for his hit Saturday night late in the 3rd period on Vernon Vipers forward/captain Jagger Williamson.
Williamson left the game and didn't return. Williamson was out of the Vipers lineup today in Trail.

This is posted on the BCHL website:

27-Jan-18 The Alberni Valley Bulldogs Tyler Vanuden is suspended 4 games for receiving a major penalty for a blow to the head

Tyler Vanuden's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=297020

Game Preview: Vernon @ Trail:


Vernon (31-12-1-4) @ Trail (27-14-4-1) 3pm

Tonight is the fifth of six regular season meetings between the Vernon Vipers & Trail Smoke Eaters. The Vipers lead the season series 4-0

Last Game:

Saturday, January 27th Vernon defeated Alberni Valley 4-2
Friday, January 26th Trail defeated Surrey 7-7

Next Game:

Wednesday, January 31st Merritt @ Vernon
Friday, February 2nd Langley @ Trail

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 79-20-1-3 vs Trail

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Trail 451-240

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 40-7-0-2 at home vs. Trail

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 32-11-1-1 in Trail

The Vipers are 8-2-0-0 in their last ten home games vs. the Smoke Eaters

The Vipers are 8-2-0-0 in their last ten road games vs. the Smoke Eaters

The Vipers last regular season win at home vs. Trail was a 5-2 victory on Saturday, December 16th 2017

The Smoke Eaters last regular season win in Vernon was a 4-3 victory on Friday, October 21st 2016

The Vipers last regular season win in Trail was a 4-0 victory on Friday, November 24th 2017

The Smoke Eaters last regular season win at home vs. Vernon was a 3-1 victory Friday, February 24th 2017

Here's a look at this years regular season series vs Trail

September 2nd Trail @ Vernon: (Exhibition) Vipers won 5-3
October 22nd Vernon @ Trail: Vipers won 9-0
November 24th Vernon @ Trail: Vipers won 4-0
December 1st Trail @ Vernon: Vipers won 6-3
December 16th Trail @ Vernon: Vipers won 5-2
January 28th Vernon @ Trail:
February 24th Trail @ Vernon:

Let's take a look at the Vernon Vipers:


The 31-12-1-4 Vernon Vipers make their third and final regular season visit to the Cominco Arena are coming off a 4-2 victory over the visiting Alberni Valley Bulldogs Saturday. Today's the third game of three games in three days. The Snakes come into this afternoon having lost three of their last five road games. The Vipers have won back to back games, have won three of their last five are 5-5 in their last ten games. Shane Kelly returns to the lineup after serving his six game suspension. Vernon sits tied atop the Interior Division in points with Penticton, with the Vees claiming top spot with fewer games played and fewer losses. The Snakes are eight points up on Trail and three points up on Wenatchee.

Vernon Vipers Roster:

http://bchl.ca/stats/roster/21

Josh Prokop (20-16-36) leads the team lead in goals with twenty, while Jimmy Lambert (17-33-50) leads the team in points with fourty nine.

Vernon Vipers 2017-18 regular season stats:

Games Played: 48
Wins: 31
Losses: 12
Ties: 4
Overtime Wins: 2
Overtime Losses: 1
Home Record: 16-5-1-1
Road Record: 15-7-0-3
Overtime Record: 2-0-4
Record vs Interior Division: 21-6-0-2
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 10-6-1-2
Record In September: 6-1-0-1
Record In October: 6-3-0-1
Record In November: 7-3-0-2
Record In December: 7-1-1-0
Record In January: 5-4-0-0
When the Vipers score first: 22-6-0-2
When the opponents score first: 9-6-1-2
Leading after the 1st period: 16-5-0-1
Tied after the 1st period: 7-2-0-3
Trailing after the 1st period: 7-4-1-0
Leading after the 2nd period: 22-1-0-1
Tied after the 2nd period: 9-5-0-0
Trailing after the 2nd period: 0-6-1-3
Out shooting opponents: 25-8-1-2
Out shot by opponents: 6-4-0-2
One goal games: 5-10-1-0
Goals for: 165
Goals against: 100
Standings: 2nd Place (Interior Division)
Win-loss Streak: One game winning streak
Longest winning streak: Unbeaten in eight games (6 wins-2 ties)
Longest losing streak: Winless in three games (2 losses & 1 tie)

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Brett Stapley (99)
Cameron Trott (97)
Jagger Williamson (98)
Jimmy Lambert (97)
Niko Karamanis (98)
Jesse Lansdell (98)
Michael Ufberg (97)
Shane Kelly (97)
Chris Jandric (98)
Ty Taylor (99)

Vernon Vipers departed & traded players from last years team:

Austin Adamson (96)
Riley Brandt (96)
Ryan Brushett (98)
Simon Sagissor (97)
Brody Dale (99)
Hunter Zandee (96)
Sol Seibel (99)
Luke Gingras (98)
Steven Jandric (97)
Cooper Watson (96)
Connor Clouston (96)
Darion Hanson (97)

Vernon's home record vs Trail this year:

2-0-0-0

Vernon's road record vs Trail this year:

2-0-0-0

Vernon's scoring leaders vs Trail this year:

Michael Ufberg (1-8-9)
Jagger Williamson (2-6-8)
Josh Prokop (7-1-8)
Jesse Lansdell (1-7-8)
Michael Young (1-5-6)
Brett Stapley (3-2-5)
Jimmy Lambert (2-3-5)
Keyvan Mokhtari (2-1-3)
Jordan Sandhu (1-2-3)
Chris Jandric (1-2-3)
Shane Kelly (0-2-2)
Niko Karamanis (1-1-2)
Alex Swetlikoff (0-1-1)
Jack Judson (0-1-1)
Coleton Bilodeau (0-1-1)
Mitch Andres (0-1-1)
Connor Marritt (0-1-1)

Anthony Yamnitsky (4-0 Record-2 Shutouts)


Let's take a look at the Trail Smoke Eaters:

The 27-14-4-1 Trail Smoke Eaters are coming off a 7-4 victory over the visiting Surrey Eagles Friday. Today's the fifth of sixth meeting vs the Vipers. Vernon is 5-0 vs Trail this season (exhibition & regular season). These two teams will meet for the final time this season February 24th in Vernon. The Smoke Eaters enter today having won four of their last five home games. The Smokies have just two wins in their last five, have six wins in their last ten games. Trail sits 4th in the Interior Division are eleven points up on West Kelowna but five points back of Wenatchee.

Trail Smoke Eaters Roster:

http://bchl.ca/stats/roster/22

Kale Howarth (22-29-51) leads the team in goals with twenty two, while Ross Armour (18-36-54) leads the team lead in points with fifty four.

Blaine Caton played 52 games for his hometown Vipers (2013-2015) before being released.

Trail Smoke Eaters 2017-18 regular season stats:

Games Played: 46
Wins: 27
Losses: 14
Ties:1
Overtime Losses: 4
Home Record: 13-9-1-0
Road Record: 14-5-3-1
Goals for: 177
Goals against: 158
Standings: 4th Place (Interior Division)

Trail Smoke Eaters Returning Players:

Braeden Tuck (98)
Andre Ghantous (98)
Ryan Murphy (97)
Kale Howarth (97)
Ryan Moon (99)
Ross Armour (98)
Blaine Caton (97)
Spencer McLean (98)
Kyle Chernenkoff (98)
Jeremy Lucchini (97)
Troy Ring (97)
Ethan Martini (00)

Trail Smoke Eaters departed and traded players from last years team:

Luke Santerno (96)
Connor Brown-Maloski (96)
Korbyn Chabot (99)
Josh Laframboise (96)
Mitchell Barker (96)
Mitchell Stapley (97)
Ryan Warner (98)
Tyson Slater (97)
Carter Cochrane (96)
Zach Dyment (96)
Linden Marshall (98)

Trail's home record vs Vernon this year:

0-2-0-0

Trail's road record vs Vernon this year:

0-2-0-0

Trail Smoke Eaters scoring leaders vs Vernon this year:

Carter Jones (1-2-3)
Levi Glasman (0-2-2)
Andre Ghantous (0-1-1)
Tyler Ghirardosi (1-0-1)
Ross Armour (0-1-1)
Seth Barton (1-0-1)
Jeremy Lucchini (0-1-1)
Mack Byers (0-1-1)
Ryan Murphy (1-0-1)
Blaine Caton (1-0-1)
Spencer McLen (0-1-1)

Tanner Marshall (0-3 Record)
Adam Marcoux (0-1 Record)

Vernon Vipers Double Alberni Valley 4-2

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vernon Vipers Double Alberni Valley 4-2

January 28, 2018

by Vernon Vipers

Recent News

The Vipers erased two, one goal deficits for the second time in as many games as they used a three goal second period to defeat the Alberni Valley Bulldogs 4-2. Four different Vipers found the back of the net and Ty Taylor turned aside 30 shots for his 20th win of the year.

The Bulldogs set the pace in the early going as they had a 4-0 shot advantage in the first few minutes of the game. Most of those shots were from the outside as Taylor had no trouble with them. The Vipers found their legs and it resulted in a few good shifts in the offensive zone. The Bulldogs transition game drew them a powerplay and were able to take advantage as Cole Poliziani potted home his 9th of the year after a wrap around from Julian Benner. The Vipers had a good response after the media timeout as they drew even after a rebound onto the tape of Connor Marritt was put home. The Vipers killed off a late powerplay but would take one at the buzzer to start the 2nd period in a 1-1 tie, but down a man.

The Bulldogs took advantage of the early powerplay as Julian Benner scored his 2nd of the year on a wrap around to make it 2-1 Alberni Valley. Like a night before, the Vipers rallied as Mitch Andres slapped a point shot through for his 2nd of the year to tie the game up. Jimmy Lambert gave the Vipers their first lead of the game after a goal was disallowed. He snapped home his 17th of the year. Derek Brown kept his great play going as he scored his 5th of the year off a set up from Jordan Sandhu. That would end the night for goaltender Brock Lefebvre, John Hawthorne would replace him and shut the door the rest of the period as the Vipers took a 4-2 lead into the dressing room after 2 periods.

The Vipers were able to tighten up in the third, but the Bulldogs really pushed to cut the deficit. Ty Taylor had to make a handful of good saves, but so did Hawthorne at the other end as the Vipers tried to extend their lead. Despite a late flurry from the Bulldogs, the Vipers held on for a solid 4-2 win in front of 2000 fans at Kal Tire Place. The Vipers are on the road for a Sunday matinee in Trail to take on the Smoke Eaters.

Post Game Interview's-Highlight's,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAUtxTtLFoo

Vipers Find The Net In Road Victory:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers find the net in road victory

Kevin Mitchell

Jan. 28, 2018

Rather goal-challenged of late, the Vernon Lakers exploded for a 7-4 win over the host West Kelowna Warriors before 1,000 fans Friday night at Royal LePage Place.

Newbie Derek Brown pulled the hat trick as the Vipers improved to 30-12-1-4, good for a share of first place with the Penticton Vees in the B.C. Hockey League’s Interior Division. Both teams have 65 points, one more than the Wenatchee Wild.

Brown bagged a pair of power play snipes, while Jesse Lansdell, Jimmy Lambert, Brett Stapley and Coleton Bilodeau supplied singles in front of Ty Taylor. D-man Michael Ufberg and forward Jordan Sandhu each produced two assists.

RJ Murphy, with a deuce, Ryan Steele and Bennett Norlin countered for the Warriors, who are fifth at 23-22-1-1, four points in front of the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.

Viper head coach Mark Ferner had to shuffle his lines with captain Jagger Williamson sidelined with an upper-body problem and Keyvan Mohktari leaving the game early with an injury.

The Vipers trailed 1-0 after 20 minutes before unleashing six snipes in the second period. Brown counted a hatty in a span of nine minutes. Lambert capped the eruption with his 16th goal of the season with 1:33 left in the wild period.

Bilodeau pocketed his first BCHL goal at 5:58 of the final period with Ufberg and Sandhu drawing helpers. Norlin completed the offence with 67 seconds to play.

Vernon outshot West Kelowna 39-31 with Taylor registering his 19th win of the season. He leads the league with a 1.84 goals against average. Cole Demers and Nik Amundrud split the West Kelowna netminding.

“I felt we played OK,” said Ferner. “We got a five-minute power play (D Stephen Klyeson took boarding major on Lambert), scored and then we took off from there in the second period. We finally started to find the back of the net.”

Lansdell and Willie Reim of the Warriors received roughing minors and misconducts early in the third period. Shortly after, Viper d-man Chris Jandric and Marino earned misconducts.

The Vipers entertain the Alberni Valley Bulldogs tonight and play a matinee Sunday in Trail against the Smoke Eaters.

Trevor Adams converted at 1:22 of 3-on-3 overtime as the Silverbacks clipped the Bulldogs 7-6 before 1,000 fans at the Shaw Centre.

Former Vernon d-man Sol Seibel scored once for the Silverbacks.

Michael Sacco pulled the hat trick for Alberni Valley (14-24-4-4), while Jackson Doucet added two goals.

SNAKE BITES: Viper F Josh Prokop scored once as Team West stuffed Team East 5-2 in the CJHL Prospects Game Tuesday night in Mississauga. Stapley also played for the West…The North Zone lost 6-4 to host Whitehorse in Midget Tier 2 play Friday. Jarred Feist, Jacob Dewitt, Austin Roest and Grayson Williamson scored for the North Zone…The Vees doused the Powell River Kings 4-1 on the Sunshine Coast…The Kelowna Chiefs shaded the North Okanagan Knights 5-4 in KIJHL play Friday night before 200 fans at Nor-Val Sports Centre in Armstrong. Jett Saharchuk, with three goals, and Jaden Hay handled the Knights’ offence. Tyler Love registered the winner at 7:11 of the third period.

Saturday, January 27, 2018

Vernon 4 Alberni Valley 2

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-Bulldogs game as Vernon defeated Alberni Valley 4-2 in front of 2009 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Ty Taylor
Alberni Valley: Brock Lefebvre

1st Period: The Bulldogs jump on the Snakes early and often. Getting pucks to the net early, Alberni Valley jumps out in shots early off the opening faceoff. About two minutes in Julian Benner with a quick shot from inside the circle forces Ty Taylor into making a quick pad save on a quality chance from in close. Minutes later former Vipers defenceman & current Bulldogs captain Mitchell Oliver was able to get a shot off from the point, that somehow managed to find it's way through traffic, forced Ty Taylor into making a difficult save with bodies in front. The Vipers needed four minutes to record their first shot of the evening. About a minute later Alex Swetlikoff tried setting up Jack Judson coming up the middle, couldn't connect on the pass, on a missed opportunity on a Vernon odd man rush. The Vipers managed to keep the play alive and in the offensive zone, were able to generate some solid pressure. Brett Stapley couldn't convert on a wrap around, before Mitch Andres shot from the blueline found it's way through traffic forced Brock Lefebvre into making a difficult save with bodies in front. Vernon with a solid shift, created/generated several quality chances, unable to open the scoring. The Bulldogs outshooting the Vipers 6-2 about six minutes in. Just before the halfway mark the Dogs would get the games first powerplay. In the dying seconds of the man advantage Julian Benner was denied by Ty Taylor, making a big pad save, couldn't control the rebound before Cole Polizaini buried the rebound, giving Alberni Valley a 1-0 lead on the PP at 10:09 Benner drew the lone assist. The Vipers with a good push back shift responded well. About two minutes later former Salmon Arm Silverbacks forward Josh Latta alone at the side of the AV net, fired high and over the goal. Brock Lefebvre come out to challenge forcing Latta to go high. Back come the Bulldogs, Isaac Tonkin-Palmer on the following play/shift, was stopped by Ty Taylor going up the middle on a great look/chance. On the following play/shift, Ty Taylor made a huge save off Jackson Doucet on an Alberni Valley odd man rush. The Bulldogs with back to back quality chances. Shortly after the Snakes would respond. Alex Swetlikoff setup Connor Marritt at the side of the net, managed to beat Brock Lefebvre in close, tying the game 1-1 at 14:01 Swetlikoff and Coleton Bilodeau with the helpers. Four minutes later the Bulldogs would get their second powerplay of the night. The Snakes with a good kill, managed to kill off the powerplay and get out of the period. The Dogs actually still with one second remaining with the man advantage, before the final buzzer. At the buzzer Alberni Valley would get their third powerplay, going into the 2nd period. Vipers head coach/gm Mark Ferner very upset with the call at the end of the period. Ferner standing on the end of the bench, was really letting both officials know he wasn't pleased with the call. As both teams were making their way to the dressing rooms, Ferner was unleashing towards both officials. It was 1-1 after 20 minutes of play. The Bulldogs jumped on the Vipers early and often, were firing pucks to the net, had a lot more jump/energy to start the contest. I thought the Dogs were the better of the two teams for most of the first half, before the Vipers seemed to pick up their game and rally with a good push in the second half. Vernon looked a little slow-sluggish off the opening faceoff, were outplayed-outshot for at least the first six-seven minutes. I thought it was a lot more evenly played in the second half. Alberni Valley outshot Vernon 19-10.

2nd Period: AV started the middle frame on the powerplay, that was rewarded at the buzzer of the opening frame. The Bulldogs went to work early, generated some good pressure, before Julian Benner beat Vipers starting goaltender Ty Taylor on a wrap around, giving Alberni Valley a 2-1 lead at 1:21 Jackson Doucet and Mitchell Oliver collected the assists. Minutes later the Vipers setup Mitch Andres who's quick shot from the point, beat Bulldogs starting goaltender Brock Lefebvre but not the post, as Andres come within inches of tying the game. The Snakes managed to keep the play alive, before Brett Stapley tried going for the wrap around, lost control of the puck, the puck managed to come back to Mitch Andres who once again wired a shot from the blueline beating wich looked like a screened Brock Lefebvre tying the game 2-2 at 5:05 Brett Stapley with the lone assist. Just fourty four seconds later with the Vipers on a delayed powerplay, Brock Lefebvre made a save off the wing before the puck hit a Viper in front, before Josh Latta drove to the net, buried the loose puck giving Vernon a 3-2 lead at 5:49 while the Vipers were celebrating, both officials quickly gathered before the officials gathered in front of the penalty box. All four officials talked things over, before waiving off the goal. The goal was waived off due to a Bulldogs player touching the puck, before the puck went into the net. Mark Ferner and the Vipers were very upset with the call, as so was most of the fans inside Kal Tire Place. Ferner tried getting an explination on the call, didn't was even more upset for the official not coming over to the Vernon bench. The game was still tied 2-2 with Vernon going on their first powerplay of the game. The Snakes couldn't convert with the man advantage, but just five seconds after the penalty expired, Jimmy Lambert who walked the blueline, barley kept the puck onside, skated into the slot before ripping a wicked shot from the high slot, looked to beat a screened Brock Lefebvre high glove, giving Vernon a 3-2 lead at 7:54 Chris Jandric picked up the helper. Fifty seven seconds later Derek Brown beat Brock Lefebvre in close, giving Vernon a 4-2 lead at 8:51 Jordan Sandhu & Jack Judson collected the assists. This was the end of the night for Bulldogs starting goaltender Brock Lefebvre. Lefebvre gave up four goals on eighteen Vernon shots, was replaced by John Hawthorne. Hawthorne coming in cold, had to be sharp, as the Vipers poured on the offence, had several quality looks/chances, couldn't solve the Bulldogs backup goaltender. With about seven minutes left Michael Young's point shot found it's way through traffic, couldn't beat John Hawthorne who made a big save with traffic in front. Late in the period the Dogs couldn't hit the net on a two on one rush. It was 4-2 Vernon after 40 minutes of play. After giving up an early powerplay goal, to fall behind 2-1 the Vipers responded quickly, with three straight goals in less then four minutes. It was all Vernon in the 2nd period. The Snakes dominated the play, played most of the frame in the offensive zone, had a ton of good looks/opportunities. If it wasn't for John Hawthorne who replaced starting goaltender Brock Lefebvre the score could have been much higher. I have to question why Josh Latta's goal at 5:49 was called off. With the Snakes going on a delayed powerplay, no Bulldogs player looked to touch the puck. Latta driving to the crease, puts the puck in. The back official was the referee who was calling the penalty, while the second official at the side of the net, pointed towards the goal, called it a goal. If a Alberni Valley player, did touch the puck, why wasn't the play blown dead, before Latta scores? The Vipers get hosed on that call. The Dogs looked to be in good shape, score an early powerplay goal, grabbing a 2-1 lead then give up three straight goals, in less then four minutes. AV couldn't recover, played most of the 2nd in their own end, chasing Vernon. The Bulldogs with very little offence, had troubles containing the Vipers speed/skill. Vernon outshot Alberni Valley 21-6.

3rd Period: The Snakes would gain early control, had a ton of pressure in the Bulldogs zone, were basically playing keep away with the puck early. Five minutes in on a goal mouth scramble, Alberni Valley comes very close to getting within a goal. Ty Taylor made a big stop in close, before a ton of bodies crash the goal, with the puck just sitting at the side of the goal, in the blue paint, no Bulldogs player was able to get to the loose puck, before a Vernon defender was able to clear the puck from harms way, as the Vipers dodge a bullet. About four minutes later Josh Latta with a good look/opportunity couldn't solve John Hawthorne in close. Shortly after the Dogs would get a powerplay. Shorthanded Niko Karamanis with a good look/chance, forced John Hawthorne into making a quick pad save, as the rebound laid in the crease, Karamanis couldn't get to the loose puck on a quality chance shorthanded. Alberni Valley struggled with the extra attacker, didn't register a single shot on the PP as Vernon killed off the minor. The Snakes carrying the play for most of the final frame, continued to dominate the play, taking it too the Bulldogs. Vernon with a ton of quality chances, couldn't beat John Hawthorne. Hawthorne was doing his best at just keeping AV in the hockey game at this point. With about four minutes remaining, the Dogs setup Keaton Mastrodonato on a three on two rush. Mastrodontao beat Ty Taylor, looked to just graize the far post as the Bulldogs come within inches of making this a one goal game. Mastrodonato stayed with the play, managed to get the puck back, ripped a quick shot from in close, forced Ty Taylor into making a quick reaction save with his glove. The Vpers netminder just got a piece of Mastrodonato's shot, before the puck dropped to the crease. On a goal mouth scramble, Taylor and the Vipers were able to recover and clear the zone. Alberni Valley with two quality chances late. The Snakes got a scare with about 2:40 left in the contest. Tyler Vanuden hit Vipers captain Jagger Williamson from behind in front of the two benches, while Williamson was making a line change. The Vernon product went head first into the boards/benches before Jesse Lansdell jumped in immediately, as a full on scrum took place in front of the two benches. With the Viper trainer attending to Williamson on the ice, everyone was throwing punches, while trying to grab onto somebody. The scrum was eventually broken up, with Williamson going straight to the Viper dressing room, holding a towel over his forehead. Vanuden was given five minutes for checking from behind and a game misconduct, sending the Snakes to the powerplay. The Dogs would get control of the puck/play, would get John Hawthorne to the bench for the extra attacker with about 1:40 left. On the first stoppage in play, another scrum broke loose in front of the Viper goal. Everyone got involved including Vipers goaltender Ty Taylor. Taylor was given a penalty on the play, as the game got chippy inside the final few minutes. Jimmy Lambert looking to hit the open cage, couldn't get his shot through after Mitchell Oliver come up with a big shot block. Alberni Valley with some good pressure late, managed to get a few shots off from the point, with bodies in front, but Ty Taylor stood tall, was forced into making a few difficult saves late. A late push from the Bulldogs, wasn't enough as the Vipers would eventually hold on to the 4-2 victory. For a second straight period it was all Vernon. The Snakes basically carried the better of the play for most of the final twenty minutes. The Vipers with a handful of great looks/quality chances couldn't solve John Hawthorne. Vernon was strong on the puck and dominated the puck along the boards, basically played keep away most of the period. Alberni Valley didn't see much time in the offensive zone, but when they did, they gave the Vipers a bit of a scare coming close on a few plays/opportunities. AV with the goaltender pulled, had some good looks-pressure late, couldn't find the back of the goal to make things interesting. Vernon outshot Alberni Valley 12-7.

Top Player's: (Vernon)

The line of Brett Stapley (1 assist), Alex Swetlikoff (1 assist) & Jimmy Lambert (1 goal) Was very good. This line created/generated some quality chances, through out the night. Had the Bulldogs back on their feet, gave Alberni Valley troubles all night.

Jagger Williamson I thought played with a bit of an edge. Went after former team mate Mitchell Oliver in the opening frame, took a swing or two at the Bulldogs captain. Then blocked at least two or three shots, was involved in the game, other then the score sheet, before taking a brutal hit from behind late in the contest. The Viper captain didn't play in the Vipers 7-4 victory Friday in West Kelowna.

Jesse Lansdell Played hard, battled/competed hard all night. Stuck up for his team mates, was the first one in on a play after a late hit or shove after a whistle. Didn't back down from the rough going, was going hard to the net all night.

Mitch Andres (1 goal) I thought had a strong night on the Viper backend. Hit the post in the 2nd period, before scoring shortly after. Played with a lot of confidence, was good at both ends of the rink.

Josh Latta Played a heck of a game in West Kelowna last night, continued his strong play again tonight. Looked like the former Salmon Arm Silverback scored in the middle frame, had his goal waived off, had several good looks/quality chances tonight. Really works/plays hard. 

Chris Jandric (1 assist) Was very strong on the blueline. Blocked at least two shots, jumped into the play, was strong at both ends of the rink. Really playing well this season.

Ty Taylor (30 saves) Saw most of his action in the 1st period, where the Dogs attacked the Vipers early and often. Alberni Valley was getting pucks to the net early, forced Ty Taylor to be sharpe-making some saves early. I thought made some key saves in the 3rd when the Dogs could have easily made it a one goal game. 

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

After a bit of a slow/sluggish start, I thought the Vipers responded well and basically took over the hockey game. Vernon was by far the better of the two teams in the 2nd and 3rd periods, played most of the final two periods in the attacking zone. The Snakes moving the puck well, created/generated a ton of good looks/great opportunities. If it wasn't for John Hawthorne who replaced Brock Lefebvre after Vernon's fourth goal, this could have easily been a blowout. The Vipers speed and skill took over and gave the Bulldogs defenders all kinds of troubles. Vernon surrenders nineteen shots in the opening frame. When's the last time the Vipers gave up nineteen shots in a period? The Snakes have won six of their last eight home games, have now won back to back games and playing with a little more confidence. The Vipers will have a quick turn around, will board the bus for Trail tomorrow. The Vipers play in Trail with the Smokies having tonight off. The Vipers with a tough test up against a Smoke Eaters team that's been playing well as of late. You have to wonder why the Vipers are playing in Trail tomorrow afternoon, after already playing back to back games this weekend? The Vipers don't play next weekend, why nothave this game then? Three games in three days with two road games doesn't make sense. Vernon playing three games in three days this weekend. With the win Vernon improves to 31-12-1-4 are three points up on Wenatchee and stay tied in points with Penticton. The Vees with a 4-3 overtime win in Cowichan tonight, claim top spot due to playing fewer games and having fewer losses. The Vees with three games in hand.

Top Player's: (Alberni Valley)

Mitchell Oliver (1 assist) The former Viper d-man I thought played very well vs his former team. Oliver was getting pucks to the net, was involved in at least one if not two scrums with his former team mates. 

Jackson Doucet (1 assist) Not the biggest kid but quick. I thought played well for the Dogs through out the night.

Carter Harris Another AV forward who isn't the biggest kid but has some wheels. Really opened up the ice. Played well through out the loss.

Julian Benner (1 goal & 1 assist) Wasn't listed on the lineup sheet, created/generated some chances. Was going hard to the net, was one of if not the more offensive minded forwards for the Bulldogs.

John Hawthorne (25 saves) Replaced Alberni Valley starting goaltender Brock Lefebvre after giving up four goals on eighteen Vernon shots. Hawthorne come in cold, stopped all twenty five Vernon shots the remainder of the night. Was very solid between the pipes, made some big stops, keeping his team in the contest. If it wasn't for Hawthorne this game/final score could have easily gotten away from Alberni Valley. Very quick on his feet, moves around a lot, dosnt give up many if any second opportunities.

Game Thought's: (Alberni Valley)

After a tough 7-6 overtime loss in Salmon Arm Friday, the Bulldogs jumped on the Snakes early. AV was getting pucks to the net early, jumped way out in shots early, had early control of the hockey game. Cole Polizaini opened the scoring on the powerplay, but the Bulldogs couldn't get that all important second goal. AV allows Vernon to tie the game and get back into the game, in a 1st period where Alberni Valley had full control early. The Bulldogs need to try and get that second goal in that 1st period, in a period where they get nineteen shots on Ty Taylor. If the Dogs jump out to a quick 2-0 lead, maybe this changes the rest of the game-outcome. AV gets an early 2nd period powerplay goal, to re-take the lead before giving up three straight goals in less then four minutes. This killed the Dogs and changed the momentum of the game. Alberni Valley was a different team after the 1st period. AV was a step behind the Snakes in the 2nd and 3rd periods. The Vipers didn't look back and AV couldn't recover. The Bulldogs couldn't keep up the pace, lost a lot of puck battles along the wall and in front of the net. The Bulldogs were back on their heels and outplayed for the remainder of the contest. AV had troubles containing Vernon's speed and skill, had troubles generating much for offence in the 2nd and 3rd periods. The Dogs will continue their six game road trip, tomorrow in West Kelowna. Alberni Valley with just one win in their last seven road games. These two teams tied 1-1 September 21st in Chilliwack at the BCHL Showcase, will meet for a final time this season, February 18th in Alberni Valley. The Bulldogs last regular season victory in Vernon was a 4-3 victory on December 8th 2012. With the loss Alberni Valley falls to 14-25-4-4 sit 4th in the Island Division are eleven points up on Cowichan and sixteen points back of Nanaimo.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Shane Kelly (Suspended)
Keyvan Mokhtari (Injured)

Alberni Valley:

Sami Pharaon
Ezra Paddock   
Liam Lytton
Grayson Valente

Energy Player of the Game:

Mitch Andres (1 goal)

Three Star's:

1st Star: Jimmy Lambert (1 goal)
2nd Star: Julian Benner (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Chris Jandric (1 assist)

Boxscore-Game Summary,

http://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/8245

Evan Hammond Alberni Valley Bulldogs Blog,

http://hammersdogs.blogspot.ca/


Game Report,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/official-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=8245

Text Boxscore,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/text-game-report.php?