Thursday, August 23, 2018

Day 4 Report From Final Day Of Vipers Training Camp:

I have had season tickets for 29 years and been following junior hockey in Vernon for over 35 years. I have missed only three home games since the 1998-99 season. Here are my thought's from training camp.
I stopped by Kal Tire Place this evening to check in on the final day of Vipers training camp. 
Tonight saw the final scrimmage/game of training camp. Team Red defeated Team White 6-1 in front of around 140 fans. Unlike previous games-scrimmages this week, tonight's game/scrimmage was three full periods. The first period was twenty minutes with the 2nd and 3rd periods set to twenty minutes.


Starting Goaltenders:

Team Red: Aidan Porter
Team White: Aidan Hosein

1st Period: Saw Team Red come out of the gates on fire, had lots of early pressure and some quality chances early but couldn't capitalize on their opportunities. I thought Team Red was the better team early and often before Team White battled back and come on strong in the second half. Team White had more offensive zone time, but didn't generate many opportunities. It was 0-0 after 20 minutes of play.

2nd Period: Both teams switched goaltenders. Geo Wilson replaced Aidan Porter, while Liam McGarva replaced Aidan Hosein. Inside the opening minute Vipers second year forward and former Victoria Grizzly Keyvan Mokhtari was going hard for the loose puck, was forced to avoid Geo Wilson, before crashing into the end boards. Mokhtari was a little slow getting up, before slowly making his way to the bench and then down the tunnel into Team White's dressing room. On his way slamming his stick and helmet to the ground. Mokhtari would return to the bench shortly after and stay in the contest. Team Red would open the scoring at 5:20 after Viper d-man Michael Young's point shot was redirected in front by Viper recruit Logan Cash giving Team Red a 1-0 lead. Geo Wilson kept Team White in the game at times, making some key saves. Team Red would find the back of the net three more times taking a 4-0 lead into the dressing room. Jett Saharchuck, Hayden Gelbard & Logan Cash with his second of the frame rounded out the scoring for Team Red. Team Red generated way more opportunities, capitalized on their chances were the better team.

3rd Period: Johnny Derrick replaced Liam McGarva, while Jonothan Holloway replaced Geo Wilson to start the period. Josh Latta & Jett Saharchuk both with opportunities, hit the post. Keyvan Mokhtari got Team White on the scoreboard but it wasn't enough as Team Red took control of the game, adding two more with goals from Michael Young & Cody Flann. Team Red had more control and carried more of the play in the final twenty minutes. Team Red defeated Team White 6-1.

Here is a list of players I thought stood out-played well

Team Red:

Michael Young (1 goal & 2 assists) The second year Viper defenceman collected three points, looked very solid on the blueline.

Logan Cash (2 goals & 1 assist) The new recruit was one of if not the most offensive forward on the ice. Scored twice, was involved in the play, hard on pucks and was going to the net. This kid can skate and has skill. Really impressed with his game tonight.

Ayodeji Ajayi (1 assist) Setup Logan Cash on a second period odd man rush, looked impressive. Has some wheels, was flying through out the game. Not the biggest kid but really used his speed and quickness to win the races. Had a few good quality chances.

Team White:

Jack Judson Returning to Vernon for a second season, I thought was one of if not the top d-man on Team White.

Teddy Wooding Another Viper recruit put on a show at times. One shift in the middle frame, saw him weave in and out of several defenders in front of the goal. This kid looks like he could be a real offensive minded/skilled forward for the Snakes this season. Has soft hands, very hard to contain and defend against.

Liam McGarva I thought was one of the better goaltenders. Played the 2nd period and was tested early. I thought was forced to make some key saves, played well. Was one of the busier goaltenders.

News & Notes:

The Vipers open the preseason with their first game tomorrow night in Merritt. The Centennials will be in Vernon Saturday for the second game of a home & home series. Tomorrow night's game in Merritt will be live on Hockey TV.

Here are tonight's rosters-lineup's:

Team White:

Aidan Hosein 1999 G
Johnny Derrick 2001 G (Attended Vipers training camp last year)
Liam McGarva 2000 G

Jackson Olsen 1999 DKyler Shmigelsky 2000 D (Attended Vipers training camp last year)
Langley Kruggel 2002 D
Brendan Kim 2000 D
Grady Caton 1999 D
Raj Sangha 2001 DJack Judson 2000 D (Returning from last year)Teddy Wooding 1999 FBen Meng 1999 FNicholas Cherkowski 2000 F (Attended Vipers training camp last year)Ethan O'Rourke 2002 FDaniel Juca 2002 FKaito Umino 2002 FNic Bolin 2001 F
Liam Noble 2001 FEthan Schaeffer 2001 FNoah Wagner 2002 FNick Wildgoose 1999 FJaxon Kjenstad F
Coleton Bilodeau 2000 F (Returning from last year)

Keyvan Mohktari 1998 F (Returning from last year)

Team Red:

Aiden Porter 1999 G
Geo Wilson 2001 G
Jonathan Holloway 2000 G
Gavin Andres 2000 D
Dorian Hall 2000 DGraham Skinner 2002 D
Nicholas Ardanaz 2002 D (Committed to Vipers for 2019-20)
Trey Taylor 2002 D
Westin Andres 2001 D
Michael Young 1998 D (Returning from last year)Logan Cash 1999 FTanner Turcotte 2000 FElan Bar-Lev-Wise 2001 F (Returning from last year)KT Walters 2002 F (Attended Vipers training camp last year)Hayden Gelbard 2002 F
Nicholas Teale 2002 F (Attended Vipers training camp last year)Nolan Wutzke 2001 FAyodeji Ajayi 2001 FJett Saharchuk 2000 F
Wyatt Andres 2000 F
Riley Andres 2000 FConnor Marritt 1999 F (Returning from last year)Cody Flann 2000 F

Josh Latta 1998 F (Returning from last year)

Scratches:

Carver Watson 1998 D (Acquired in trade with Chilliwack August 6th 2018)Mitch Andres 1998 D (Returning from last year)Jagger Williamson 1998 F (Returning from last year)Jesse Lansdell 1998 F (Returning from last year)
Josh Prokop 2000 F (Returning from last year)
Alex Swetlikoff 2001 F (Returning from last year)


No comments: