I was at tonight's Game 5 of the Interior Division semi-finals between the Vipers & Wild as Wenatchee defeated Vernon 3-2 in double overtime in front of 2,446 fans at Kal Tire Place.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Ty Taylor
Wenatchee: Austin Park
1st Period: Just over two minutes in, Niko Karamanis on an odd man rush, ripped a low shot from the top of the circle looked to handcuff Austin Park as traffic going to the net went in hard for the loose puck before Park quickly smothered the puck. A quality chance for the Vipers just minutes in. Just over two minutes later the Snakes turned over the puck in the neutral zone, allowing the Wild to come back in with numbers. Jasper Weatherby setup Lucas Sowder who went high and upstairs over Ty Taylor giving Wenatchee an early 1-0 lead at 4:14 Weatherby drew the lone assist. Just sixteen seconds later, the Vipers responded with a quick push back shift. The Snakes into the Wild zone on an odd man rush, allowed Derek Brown to spot a wide open Jordan Sandhu at the side of the net, to hit the open cage, tying the game 1-1 at 4:30 Brown & Josh Latta collected the helpers. Seven and a half minutes in Jasper Weatherby on a wrap around couldn't solve Ty Taylor who made a huge save. Two minutes later Vernon product Connor Marritt alone in the high slot was denied by Austin Park, coming up with a large stop. Just past the midway mark the Wild would get the games first powerplay. Late towards the end of the man advantage, Niko Karamanis and Josh Latta sprung in shorthanded on the two on one. Karamanis decided to keep and shoot fired high and over the goal on a missed opportunity. Vernon would kill off the penalty. Just over two minutes later Jasper Weatherby's shot looked to hit a Viper stick before catching a piece of Ty Taylor and into the back of the goal, giving Wenatchee a 2-1 lead at 16:34 on a tough break for Vernon. AJ Vanderbeck picked up the assist. Inside the final two minutes, the Snakes would get their first look with the PP but shorthanded the Wild come in two on one off a Viper turnover, setting up Murphy Stratton who would be stoned by Ty Taylor making a big stop on the powerplay. The Vipers come within inches of tying the game, after Michael Ufberg's point shot beat Austin Park but not the crossbar. On the same play and just seconds later, Michael Young's shot from the point, beat Austin Park before ringing off the post. Vernon not catching a break on the man advantage. The Wild would escape and get out of the period before the final buzzer. It was 2-1 Wenatchee after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers give up the games first goal for a third straight game but respond quickly, tying the game just sixteen seconds later. I thought both teams were fairly evenly matched in the first half, before the Wenatchee Wild took over the edge in play in the second half. The Wild strong on the forecheck, had the Vipers hemmed in their own end often in the second half, had more puck possession. Vernon didnt have a lot of time with the puck, didn't get any real pressure in the offensive zone, were in and out pretty quick. The Snakes had troubles containing the puck and zone time, were limited getting pucks to the net. The Vipers hit a post and crossbar had some good looks. Wenatchee outshot Vernon 17-8.
2nd Period. The Vipers started the middle frame on the powerplay, that was carried over from the 1st period. With just a handful of seconds left in the penalty kill, Wenatchee was able to kill off the minor. Just minutes in Keyvan Mokhtari with a burst of speed, dangled through the neutral zone before ripping a quick shot that beat Wild starting goaltender Austin Park before hitting the post. On the same play and just seconds later Mokhtari spotted Alex Swetlikoff who beat Austin Park but again rang a shot off the post. The Snakes cant catch a break/buy a goal. The Wild would get an early powerplay, their second of the evening. Early into the PP Lucas Sowder in front with a quality chance would be denied by Vernon Vipers starting goaltender Ty Taylor. The Wild looked to be getting a two man advantage after a Vernon player slashed Cooper Zech in the back of the legs. Zech went down like he had been shot. It would be Zech heading to the sin bin, being called two minutes for unsportsmanlike diving. This sending both teams to four on four. About five minutes later Jackson Wozniak took a big check from Derek Brown and went down and was very slow getting up. Brown would get two minutes for checking to the head and an automatic ten minute misconduct. Wozniak would need help off the ice from the Wild trainer, went to the Wenatchee dressing room, didn't return. The Wild with a few looks, didn't really get any quality chances couldn't capitalize with the powerplay. Shortly after former Salmon Arm Silverbacks forward Josh Latta looked to catch Austin Park out of position, fanned on his shot after having an open net to shoot at. With about five minutes remaining and a mad scramble in and around the Wenatchee goal, the Vipers couldn't bury the loose puck before setting up Jack Judson. Judson looked to have the top half of the net open, rang his shot off the crossbar. Vernon with no puck luck in this hockey game. The Wild get a huge break. The Snakes would get a late powerplay but struggle as the Wild killed off the minor. It was 2-1 Wenatchee after 40 minutes of play. The Wild had the better of the play, carried most of the play for most of the period. Wenatchee with a strong forecheck, were hard in on the puck/Viper defence forced all kinds of turnovers inside the offensive zone. Vernon's defence really struggled with the Wild forecheck. Wenatchee didn't create/generate much for offensive chances, more played along the wall, took valuable time off the clock, wearing down the Snakes defence. Limited Vernon's time and space. The Vipers for a second straight period didn't get much for pucks to the net, hit two posts & a crossbar after hitting a post and crossbar in the 1st frame. Vernon had some looks/goal mouth scrambles but couldn't capitalize on thos second opportunities in close. The Vipers played a lot of that period without the puck, were chasing the Wild most of the period. Wenatchee outshot Vernon 10-8.
3rd Period: Inside the opening minute on a Viper turnover, Sam Hesler jumped on an opportunity from the high slot would be stopped in close by Ty Taylor. A big stop off the opening faceoff, keeping this a one goal game. The Wild score here and this could be the game, the way the Vipers lack of scoring has been tonight. Seven and a half minutes in the Vipers with a goal mouth scramble, eventually spotted Michael Ufberg jumping into the play. Ufberg looked to have a wide open cage, hit a loose stick lying on the ice at the top of the blue paint as Wenatchee catches a huge break. The Vipers just cant seem to buy a goal. Minutes later Austin Park catches a huge break after a shot from the circle looked to beat him fivehole somehow the puck squirted out the other end and into the corner not into the back of the goal. Wenatchee would get a late powerplay with about four and a half minutes left but unable to capitalize with the PP. Late in the game with time winding down the Vipers hemmed in their own end, couldn't get Ty Taylor out for the extra attacker. Vernon would eventually get Taylor to the bench with a minute to go. The Vipers with a few looks had troubles setting up with time winding down. Mark Ferner and the Snakes would call a late timeout with eleven seconds left before the Wild would ice the puck with just three seconds remaining. Derek Brown won the draw, setup Chris Jandric before setting up Cameron Trott who's one timer beat Austin Park tying the game 2-2 with just 0.6 seconds left sending Kal Tire Place into a frenzy. Jandric & Brown collected the assists. It was 2-2 after 60 minutes of play. For a second straight period the Wild carried the better of the play. Wenatchee's strong forecheck again forced the Viper defence back on their heels, causing several turnovers. The Wild with very limited opportunities, played the puck along the wall, eating time off the clock, didn't create/or generate much for offence. Wenatchee with a ton of puck possession limited Vernon's opportunities. The Vipers having troubles getting through the neutral zone, once again had troubles getting pucks to the net, creating/generating chances. The Snakes catch a huge break on a Wenatchee icing with just three seconds left, to win the draw-tie the game forcing overtime with 0.6 seconds left. Wenatchee outshot Vernon 9-8.
Overtime: Just over four minutes into the extra frame on a goal mouth scramble, the Snakes thought they had the game won, jamming away at a loose puck in the crease, the goal light come on with the referee waiving off the goal. The goal judge was pointing down at the net. The officials gathered together before waiving the goal off. No explanation was given why the goal didn't count. Minutes later Vernon would get a powerplay and a great opportunity to win the game but struggled with the man advantage. Wenatchee with a strong forecheck, had the Snakes back in their own end, before killing off the minor on a huge missed opportunity. Two minutes later the Wild would get a look with the PP. But a strong penalty kill from the Vipers would kill off the minor. Both teams with blown chances to end the game on the man advantage. The Vipers would get another goal mouth scramble with about five minutes left couldn't bury the loose puck. It was tied 2-2 after 80 minutes of play. Both teams were fairly evenly matched for most of overtime. Vernon looked to score on a goal mouth scramble early into OT had a few scrambles in and around the net. I thought this was the Vipers best period, finally were able to generate some offensive zone pressure and create/generate some good looks and opportunities. The Wild forced the Snakes into a few turnovers had a few looks, just missed the net on a few shots from in close. I thought Vernon had the better of the chances. Wenatchee outshot Vernon 9-8. The Vipers with eight shots in all four periods.
Double Overtime: Josh Latta took a big check early into the second overtime, looked a little woozy getting off the ice. Latta went with the trainer to the dressing room before returning to the bench. Just over three minutes into the fifth period, AJ Vanderbeck's shot went wide of the goal, come off the end boards out the other side before a pinching Chad Saski's quick shot along the ice from inside the circle beat Ty Taylor who was down and out found its way into the back of the goal with traffic in front, giving Wenatchee a 3-2 double overtime victory at 3:09 as the Wild bench erupted onto the ice. Vanderbeck & Lucas Sowder picked up the helpers. A dejected Ty Taylor stayed down on the ice while the Wild celebration took place just to the right of him. The Viper bench also in shock all stayed on the bench until Taylor gathered himself off the ice, making his way to the bench. A very quiet crowd slowly made their way to the exits. Wenatchee outshot Vernon 1-0.
Top Player's: (Vernon)
Connor Marritt I thought played hard/well through out the hockey game. The Viper rookie was hard in on the puck, had at least one or two quality chances.
Alex Swetlikoff Was one of the more dominate Viper forwards in the loss. The 4th line rookie played a heck of a game. Created/generated some offence, was hard to knock off the puck, strong along the wall and in offensive zone.
Keyvan Mokhtari Was flying all night. The former Victoria Grizzly played with a ton of jump-energy, was buzzing at both ends of the rink. Was hard to contain, created/generated a ton of opportunities, really opened up the ice, giving the Wild defenders all kinds of troubles.
Josh Latta (1 assist) I thought showed a lot of hustle, was skating hard, played with energy/jump, really stepped up his game in the first overtime. One of the more aggressive forwards, was hard in on pucks, battled/competed hard.
Chris Jandric (1 assist) Played very well on the backend. I thought played a smart defensive game, was good with and without the puck at both ends of the rink.
Ty Taylor (43 saves) The Vipers #1 netminder looked a little off at the start of the game. Not sure if nerves kicked in but the second year Viper goaltender didn't look confident early on. I thought played very well as the game went on, making some big stops with the Snakes down a goal. A tough goal to give up in the second OT.
Game Thought's: (Vernon)
For a fourth straight game I thought the Vipers were outplayed and were caught chasing the Wild most of the night. Vernon hasn't been the same team since a 7-1 victory in Game 1 of this series. In Game 1 the Vipers were by far the better team. The Wild quickly figured out the Vipers and shutdown the Snakes winning three of the last four games. Since Game 2 the Vipers have had all kinds of trouble with Wenatchee's aggressive forecheck. The Snakes are turning over/coughing up the puck way too often. The Viper defence looks tired and worn down, are having all kinds of trouble with the Wild forecheck. The ice has been tilted one way in the last four games all in the Wild favor. Very frustrating to watch, especially after not seeing a team like this man handle the Vipers for four straight games. I thought the Vipers played well and held their own In the first half of the opening frame but were outplayed for most of the remainder of the contest. I thought Vernon's best period/performance was the first overtime. The Snakes who struggled getting pucks to the net all night, only mustered eight shots in the first four periods also had troubles playing with the puck, were on the other side most of the night, chasing the puck. Vernon's inability to get any real sustained pressure in the attacking zone showed tonight. I thought the Vipers had their most pressure and sustained pressure in the first overtime. The Vipers couldn't buy a goal tonight, had no puck luck, couldn't catch a break, hit three posts and two crossbars, missed two open nets, had several goal mouth scrambles, couldn't bury their chances on loose pucks in and around the crease. I think with several key players out of the lineup and new lines heading into tonight, these kids are now playing with new linemates for the first time this season, after playing most of the season with the same partners. Chemistry has to be off playing with someone your not familiar with. After forcing overtime with Cameron Trott's game tying goal with just 0.6 seconds left, the Vipers blew their best opportunity with an early powerplay in OT. The Snakes needed to capitalize/score on the powerplay in overtime. The Vipers played hard, battled & competed but with five regulars out of the lineup and a tired/worn down defence I'm surprised the Vipers got to overtime. The Vipers are lucky Wenatchee didn't win in Game 2 in a game they outplayed the Vipers but fell short 3-1 or this series would have ended tonight. The Vipers needed to win in Game 3 in Wenatchee in a game where they were outplayed but were leading 3-2 heading into the 3rd. Tonight was another game Vernon needed to win. Was this the final Vipers home game of the season? Down 3-2 in the series, heading to Wenatchee for Game 6 doesn't look good. Sure the Vipers have a chance but down four regulars and playing in a building they have only won once in five games this season, doesn't look good. Fingers crossed. Former Vernon Vipers forward Aaron Volpatti (2203-2006) was at tonight's game. The Wild snapped the Vipers eleven game home winning streak. The Snakes last loss at home was a 3-2 loss to the visiting Prince George Spruce Kings January 6th at the Civic Arena. This is the Vipers first three game losing streak of the season. The Vipers went winless in three games during the regular season (2 losses & a tie) but had never lost three straight coming into tonight. Jack Judson returned to the Viper lineup after serving his four game suspension. With the injuries and suspensions all four of Vernon's lines were mixed up. The Vipers really missed their captain/leader. Jagger Williamson serving his second and final game of a two game suspension was missed in the faceoff dot. The Vipers lost a lot of draws, were missing Williamson and Brett Stapley, two of their top centermen.
On a side note, I would like to thank the 3,600 plus viewers who visited my blog Thursday, a record for this site. I average between 300-600 viewers a day with up to 700-900 viewers a day. This past August during Vipers training Camp I had just over 1,100 viewers one day wich was my previous record until Thursday.
Top Player's: (Wenatchee)
Murphy Stratton I thought has played well in the series but also played well this evening. A big body, can skate, move the puck, creates havoc with his size, goes to the net. Creates/generates opportunities.
Josh Arnold Played well. Quick on his feet, hard to contain.
Jasper Weatherby (1 goal & 1 assist) Was one of the more dominate Wild forwards. Generated-created chances, was hard to contain, was strong with the puck. Hard to defend against.
AJ Vanderbeck (2 assists) Was another big body, that is hard to contain, hard to defend, goes to the net, played very well.
Austin Park (30 saves) Has really stepped up since relieving Seth Eisele during the start of the 3rd period of Game 1. Park was lucky and had help from his goal posts/crossbar had trouble's containing the puck on several goal mouth scrambles, made a few saves that I don't think he saw, but the puck hit him.
Game Thought's: (Wenatchee)
After losing the first two games and being outscored 10-2 who would have guessed the Wenatchee Wild would win the next three games and have a chance to end the Vipers season tomorrow night at home in Game 6. The Wild have done something not many teams have done this season and that's stop the Vernon Vipers. The Wild & Vipers split their six regular season meetings going 3-3 vs one another but the Wild quickly figured out how to stop the Vipers in less then a week. Like I said earlier the Wild have been the better of the two teams since Game 2. Wenatchee has carried the better of the play in all of the last four games, winning three of them. The Wild's aggressive forecheck is giving Vernon's defence all kinds of trouble. Wenatchee playing most of tonight's game with the puck, were hard to contain along the wall and down low. The Wild didn't create/generate a ton of opportunities, rather took time off the clock, forcing Vernon to chase em in their own end. I thought Wenatchee won most of the puck battles, races to the puck, were stronger along the wall, are hard to defend against. The Wild strong forecheck turns pucks over in a hurry. It looked like Wenatchee was going to hold on and win tonight's game in regulation but couldn't hold off a late Viper draw in their own end with just three seconds left. I myself didn't think it was possible-enough time for Vernon to tie the game. Give Wenatchee credit they stayed calm, killed off a penalty in the first overtime, got some big stops from Austin Park, got lucky on several occasions after the Vipers hit three posts and two crossbars, caught some breaks tonight and had puck luck on their side. The Wild's 2nd goal and overtime winner got the bounces and the Vipers didn't. How about specialty teams? Both teams going 0-5 with the man advantage. Both teams going 0-1 with the powerplay in overtime. The Wild may have not had a ton of chances tonight but are very opportunistic with the puck. I thought the Vipers had the better chances and more grade a opportunities. Wenatchee is the better team in the last four games and playing with a lot of confidence right now. Saw a select few Wild fans in attendance tonight. Wenatchee wearing their third set jerseys for the third straight road game. The Wild have a chance tomorrow to get by the second round of the BCHL playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Shane Kelly (Injured)
Brett Stapley (Concussion)
Josh Prokop (Injured-Out for the season)
Tanner Wishnowski (Injured-Out for the season)
Jagger Williamson (Suspended)
Wenatchee:
Noah Kim
Drake Usher
Daniel Chladek
Energy Player of the Game:
Josh Latta (1 assist)
Three Star's:
1st Star: Chad Saski (Overtime winner)
2nd Star: Jasper Weatherby (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Ty Taylor (43 saves)
Boxscore-Game Summary,
Game Report,
Text Boxscore,
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