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-Capitals game as Vernon defeated Cowichan 2-0 in front of 2,240 fans at Kal Tire Place.
There was about a five minute delay before tonight's game as the end glass broke behind the Capitals net during warmup. Only a small handful of Cowichan players finished the warmup after the glass shattered. The game was then delayed about fifteen minutes with a very special/emotional tribute to Vipers owner Duncan Wray who passed away Thursday. A small speech and video was shown during the tribute. The Vipers had the name "Wray" on the back of their jersey's during warmup in honour of Duncan Wray.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Ty Taylor
Cowichan: Michael Corson
1st Period: The Vipers would jump on an early powerplay inside the opening minute. Vernon would record four shots on goal, but unable to capitalize with the man advantage. Just as the powerplay ended, Josh Prokop in tight couldn't solve Michael Corson. On the following play Mitch Andres shot from the blueline somehow found its way through traffic in front, didn't elude Michael Corson who made a difficult save with bodies in front. On the following play, Connor Marritt with a quality chance, was denied in close from Michael Corson. Corson was put to the test early, making some big stops for the visiting Cowichan Capitals. The Snakes outshooting the Caps 7-0 just minutes in. Cowichan needed four minutes to record their first shot of the night, on a good opportunity off the stick of David Laroche. Just over a minute later Jagger Williamson with a good look-chance, couldn't open the scoring. It was all Vernon early and often were outshooting the Capitals 9-3 in the first half. Just minutes before the midway mark, a race for the puck between Caps netminder Michael Corson and newly acquired Vipers forward Derek Brown. Brown wearing Tanner Wishnowski's old #9 couldn't beat Corson to the puck, who come way out of his net to play the puck. Cowichan would give Ty Taylor and the Snakes a bit of a scare, after a shot from the point about halfway through the opening frame, changed direction on its way to the goal. Taylor went one way, while the puck went the other way, before Taylor was quick to react, was able to dive across the blue paint and somehow sprawl out to cover the puck with his glove, making a very tough save, keeping this game scoreless. Former Victoria Grizzly Keyvan Mokhtari with a parcial breakaway, used his wheels to go around a Capitals defender before being denied in close by Michael Corson. With a minute left in the 1st Marshall Skapski with a quick shot from the circle forced Ty Taylor into making a quick save with his shoulder, as the Caps come close to opening the scoring inside the final minute. In the dying seconds, Michael Ufberg lead the rush on a Vernon two on one. Ufberg kept and shot, couldn't solve Michael Corson. The Capitals would take a penalty on the play, with some pushing and shoving after the whistle, giving the Snakes a late powerplay, with just seconds left. It was 0-0 after 20 minutes of play. Playing with a ton of emotion the Snakes carried the majority of the play for most of the entire 1st. The Vipers were getting pucks to the net early and often, had several good looks-opportunities, couldn't buy a goal. Vernon now goalless in seven straight periods. The Capitals saw most of the first half, in their own end, would eventually get some zone time in the second half, managed to get some pucks to the net, but didn't generate much for offence, only had two real quality chances in that opening frame. Vernon outshot Cowichan 16-14.
2nd Period: Vernon started the middle frame on the powerplay, that was carried over from the 1st period. On the man advantage, Michael Ufberg's shot from the point beat Capitals starting goaltender Michael Corson rang a shot off the post as the Snakes come within inches of opening the scoring. Cowichan was able to kill off the minor. Just as the penalty expired, Chris Jandric alone at the side of the goal, had two quality chances, was stopped in close by Michael Corson before getting a shot up high on his second opportunity, somehow missed the open cage on the rebound. Minutes later Josh Prokop and Jesse Lansdell with quality chances, were stopped in front. Cowichan needed five minutes to record their first shot of the period. Azzaro Tinling looked to be in some discomfort, was slow getting off the ice at one point, looked to have some kind of trouble with his leg/ankle maybe. Seemed to be ok, returned to the game later. About seven minutes in, Vernon would get another PP but Jesse Lansdell was crosschecked from behind, was given two minutes for diving, sending both teams to four on four. The Caps would eventually get a late powerplay. But shorthanded assistant captain Jimmy Lambert went in for the breakaway, missed the goal, picked up the rebound beat Michael Corson but not the post. Seconds later the Vipers sprung Lambert in for another shorthanded breakaway, this time Lambert fired the puck into the chest of Michael Corson. The Vipers/Jimmy Lambert with two breakaways shorthanded couldn't break the deadlock. Vernon would kill off the minor. With about five and a half minutes left Nicholas Wilson lead the Caps on a odd man rush, would keep, driving hard to the goal, take out Vipers starting goaltender Ty Taylor before crashing hard into Taylor and the net. Wilson was given two minutes for goaltender interference giving Vernon a late powerplay. The Vipers unable to capitalize, as Cowichan killed off the penalty. The Caps would get a late powerplay with just over three minutes remaining, but couldn't capitalize. It was 0-0 after 40 minutes of play. For a second straight period, the Vipers were the better of the two teams, carried most of the play. Vernon with a ton of zone time, created/generated some quality chances couldn't bury their opportunities. Michael Corson was the difference, keeping this a scoreless hockey game. The Vipers now goalless in eight straight periods. The last Viper goal was three games ago, both were scored in the 1st period in a 3-2 loss to the visiting Prince George Spruce Kings. Both teams struggled with the man advantage. Especially the Capitals, who gave up two shorthanded breakaways on the same powerplay. Cowichan saw a lot of action in their own end, heavily relied on their goaltender. The Caps with very little offensive zone time/opportunities. Vernon outshot Cowichan 18-6.
3rd Period: Jimmy Lambert with a quick shot from the circle, had lots of time and space, forced Michael Corson into making a big stop inside the opening minute. Shortly after Mitch Andres shot from the blueline forced Michael Corson into making another big stop for the Caps. Just over three minutes into the final frame, Cowichan would get into penalty trouble, giving the Snakes a two man advantage. The Caps with a huge penalty kill, would excape, killing off both minors. Marshall Skapski took a shot to the leg/shin after blocking a shot on the penalty kill, was down for several seconds as the play continued. Skapski was finally able to get up on his own, managed to hobble around, before getting off the ice. Just over three minutes later Vernon would jump back on the powerplay and finally capitalize. Josh Prokop at the side of the goal, somehow managed to get the puck past Michael Corson, wich looked like a harmless play opening the scoring, giving Vernon a 1-0 lead at 9:52 Jagger Williamson & Jesse Lansdell collected the assists. On the following play, Mitch Andres took an undisciplined penalty, on a retaliation, sending the Capitals to the powerplay. Tate Coughlin with a quick release/shot from the high slot, forced Ty Taylor into flashing the leather, making a big stop on the PK. The Snakes with a big kill, would kill off the penalty. In the second half, Jesse Lansdell and Niko Karamanis both with good looks/opportunities couldn't solve Michael Corson. Corson was rock solid all evening, keeping the Cowichan Capitals in this contest. With time winding down, former Bonnyville Pontiac Derek Brown at the side of the goal, missed a wide open cage with about 1:45 left. The Caps would head up ice, getting Michael Corson to the bench with about 1:30 remaining. With no real pressure the Vipers were able to eventually clear the zone, before captain Jagger Williamson with a huge play in the neutral zone, chipped the puck up ice off the boards, setup Jesse Lansdell in for the breakaway, hit the open cage, giving Vernon a 2-0 lead at 19:21 Williamson and Michael Ufberg drew the helpers. Vernon would just wind down the clock before the final buzzer, coming away with the 2-0 victory on a very emotional night. The Snakes would come to centre to salute the crowd and raise their sticks in honour of Duncan Wray. Once the players left the ice, the Wray family entered the Viper bench for a special moment alone together as a family on the Viper bench. A very special moment for the Wray family. Another period where the Vipers were again the better team. Vernon getting several solid looks/chances couldn't finish in and around the net all night, until Josh Prokop's powerplay goal at 9:52 opened the scoring. The Snakes didn't quit, kept pressing and pressed hard, fought/battled earning their two goals and the win. The Capitals had a few looks/opportunities couldn't solve Ty Taylor who was also sharp at the other end of the rink. The Caps just couldn't muster any lengthy periods of zone time, didn't create/generate much for offence all night. Vernon outshot Cowichan 17-8.
Top Player's: (Vernon)
Derek Brown Making his Viper debut didn't look out of place. The veteran AJHLer can skate, has some hands/skill. Looked good in his first game with the Vipers. Surprised he didn't play in Merritt last night, was also surprised they didn't have his name on his jersey.
Jagger Williamson (2 assists) The Vernon product and Viper captain lead by example tonight. The four year veteran forward battled/competed and worked hard through out the victory. Blocked a few shots, was hard in on the puck, battled along the wall, had a strong night. You could see the look on his face after the game, that tonight/winning tonight was very emotional and special to him.
Connor Marritt I thought had a few good shifts, played hard and had one or two real quality chances.
Keyvan Mokhtari Really used his speed, was flying most of the night. Was denied on a 1st period parcial breakaway, was dangerous through out the night.
Jimmy Lambert With two shorthanded breakaways, really used his wheels to open up the ice, caused havoc for the Caps often. Was dangerous with and without the puck. Played well.
Mitch Andres I thought played very well on the Vernon backend. Was getting pucks to the net, looked confident, saw a lot of ice with Jack Judson and Shane Kelly out of the lineup.
Josh Latta I thought was another forward who played well most of the game. Was really skating hard, made some plays.
Ty Taylor (28 saves-Shutout) Records his sixth shutout of the season, didn't see a lot of rubber but was forced to make a handful of tough saves. Taylor has really come on since last season and made a name for himself this year. Has obviously been the better of the two Viper goaltenders, is playing with a ton of confidence this season. Was dialed in tonight.
Game Thought's: (Vernon)
Tonight felt very different in so many ways before even making my way to the rink. Getting ready before the game/once inside the arena, things felt different. It didn't feel like I was going to a Vipers game, more like a funeral. A very emotional week/weekend/night for myself after knowing Duncan Wray for close to twenty years. Duncan was a huge supporter and follower of my blog. He would always say hi and talk hockey with myself, weather it was at a game here in town or on the road. I helped the Vipers out doing some color commentating in 2003 as well as helped run the Vipers website for five years. Tonight was very emotional for myself. Going to Kal Tire Place/Viper games just wont be the same without Duncan around. The Vipers wont be the same without Duncan around. A huge loss! With very short notice a big pat on the back to the Vipers for putting together a very emotional pre-game tribute/ceremony for Duncan Wray. RIP Duncan, You will be truly missed!
After a very emotional pre-game tribute/ceremony for Duncan Wray, The Vipers looked ready to go/play and I thought played a heck of a hockey game. Sure they were facing the last place Cowichan Capitals but the game still has to be played. I thought Vernon was by far the better of the two teams from almost start to finish. I thought the Snakes had a ton of good looks/opportunities couldn't buy a goal-catch a break, running into a hot goaltender in Michael Corson. The Vipers peppered Corson with fifty one shots, could have easily won 10-0 if it wasn't for the Cowichan netminder. I thought the Vernon powerplay struggled, even though scoring once. I thought the Vipers played hard, worked hard, have struggled finding the back of the net the past few games. A great crowd was on hand for tonight's win. Former Vipers David Robinson, Bryce Kakoske & Chris Crowell were in attendance. This was a very exciting/entertaining hockey game if your a Viper fan. Lots of speed, opportunities and big saves through out the game. With the win Vernon moves to 28-10-1-4 sit atop the Interior Division and overall standings are four points up on 2nd place Penticton. The Snakes with a quick turn around play Tuesday in West Kelowna.
I'm sure this past week/weekend and tonight was a very emotional time for the Wray family, the Vipers organization, and the players. A huge congrats goes out to everyone for holding your heads high and paying tribute to Duncan Wray.
Top Player's: (Cowichan)
Marshall Skapski I thought was one of the more consistent Capitals in the loss.
Cole Broadhurst added some physical presence, played well for most of the game. A bigger body that saw a lot of ice.
Michael Corson (49 saves) Playing in just his fourth game, falls to 2-1 was the difference tonight. Corson had to be sharp, saw a ton of rubber early and often, gave his team a chance to win on a emotional night for the Vipers. This kid was solid, very good positionally, dosnt give up many if any second opportunities, smothers pucks, covers a lot of the net, made some huge stops in a scoreless game.
Game Thought's: (Cowichan)
The Capitals were hanging on for most of the night, heavily relying on their goaltender. Cowichan saw very little zone time/pressure had just a handful of opportunities, saw a lot of tonight's game in their own end. The Caps were outplayed for most of all three periods. I thought the Capitals penalty kill was strong, the Snakes went 1-6 with the man advantage. Both teams struggled with the powerplay. Tonight had to be hard on the Capitals, who travelled last night from Prince George, didn't get much of a warmup after the end glass shattered behind the Caps goal and then have to come onto the ice and stand around for the special tribute/ceremony for Duncan Wray. Cowichan sits last place in the league in points, had just two wins on the road coming into tonight. The Caps picked up their first win on the road, last weekend in Powell River (January 5th) before getting their second win away from home last night in Prince George. The Capitals wrap up their five game road trip, tomorrow in Surrey. With the loss, the Capitals fall to 8-29-3-2 sit last in the Island Division. The Capitals have just one win in Vernon since the 2003-04 regular season. Cowichan's last win in Vernon was a 4-2 victory October 2nd 2010. These two teams will meet for a second and final time February 17th in Cowichan.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Shane Kelly (Suspended)
Jack Judson (Injured)
Cowichan:
Yuri Davis Martel
Hugh Larkin
Energy Player of the Game:
Jagger Williamson (2 assists)
Three Star's:
1st Star: Michael Corson (49 saves)
2nd Star: Ty Taylor (28 saves-Shutout)
3rd Star: Josh Prokop (1 goal)
Boxscore-Game Summary,
http://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/8202
Game Report,
https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/official-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=8202
Text Boxscore,
https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/text-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=8202
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