I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and been watching/following junior hockey in Vernon my entire life. I have had season tickets since 1990 and only missed four Vipers home games since 2004. In the past thirty years I have only missed 45 home games. For anyone who couldn't attend or watch tonight's Vipers game, here are my thought's and view's from tonight's game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own opinion on the game. I try to be professional and unbiased, giving a fare game recap from both sides. Thank you for stopping by and visiting my blog.
I was at tonight's Vipers-Capitals game as Cowichan defeated Vernon 7-2 in front of 1,799 fans at Kal Tire Place.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Max Palaga
Cowichan: Zach Borgiel
1st Period: The 1st place visiting Cowichan Capitals jumped on the hometown Vipers early and often. The Caps with good pressure early in off the opening puck drop. Just over a minute in Max Palaga had to be sharp, was forced to make several saves on a goal mouth scramble, before Andy Bridgewater tried banging away at the loose puck in the blue paint, before a stoppage in play. Less then three minutes later, Brady Lynn with a quality chance from the bottom of the circle, would be denied by former Western Hockey League goaltender Max Palaga. The Capitals kept coming with good pressure. Five minutes in on another goal mouth scramble, Cowichan couldn't beat Max Palaga at the top of the goal crease. On the following play/shift, the Snakes would finally get some action in the offensive zone. Former Wenatchee Wild defenceman Nicholas Kent with a low shot from the point, beat Zach Borgiel but not the post as Kent's shot went off the bottom of the goal post and straight out as the goal judge got a trigger happy, as the goal light come on as the play continued. The referee was in good position to waive off the goal and allowed the play to continue. Shortly after the Vipers would get the games first powerplay. Vernon product and former West Kelowna Warrior & Nanaimo Clippers forward Matt Kowalski with a Grade "A" chance in front, couldn't solve Zach Borgiel who come up with a large save on the penalty kill. Still on the man advantage, Cameron MacDonald stepped into a wicked shot that also beat Zach Borgiel but rang off the post as Vernon come within inches of opening the scoring. The Snakes with several good looks, moved the puck around, had some opportunities but couldn't capitalize with the man advantage, as Cowichan killed off the minor. About six minutes later Vernon went back to the power play but for a second opportunity, couldn't find the back of the net only managed one shot as the Caps killed off the two minute minor. Shortly after Cowichan moved the puck up ice in a hurry, leading to an odd man rush. Dan McIntyre won the race, setup Andy Bridgewater driving to the goal, beat Max Palaga with two Viper defenders wrapped around him, somehow still managed to find the back of the goal, giving Cowichan a 1-0 lead at 13:53 before falling into the Vernon goaltender. McIntyre & Zach Brooks drew the helpers. The two Viper defenders who looked to have Bridgewater tied up in front, still managed to fight his way through the two defenders and score on a hard working shift from the visiting Capitals. Minutes later the Caps would get there first look with the man advantage. Luc Wilson's shot beat Max Palaga but not the post as the Capitals come very close to grabbing a two goal lead with the man advantage. Good puck movement and some looks the Capitals had some chances but couldn't capitalize on the PP as the Vipers killed off the penalty. Just as the penalty expired, Cowichan got the puck back to the point, before Dimitri Mikrogiannakis's seeing eye shot from the backend, had eyes, found its way through traffic and into the back of the goal, giving Cowichan a late 2-0 lead at 18:34 Tyrell Boucher and Luc Wilson collected the assists. Inside the final minute, Vernon would get a late PP but unable to capitalize before the final buzzer. It was 2-0 Cowichan after 20 minutes of play. The Caps with a strong start, jumped on the Snakes early, had the early edge in play with good pressure and zone time. Cowichan was outshooting Vernon 9-4 at one point, before the Vipers battled back getting to with two shots of the Caps. I thought the Capitals had a slight edge in play at times but overall both teams were fairly even. Sure the Caps had a two goal lead, but Cowichan capitalized on there chances. The Snakes had some very good looks-chances on there first power play, couldn't capitalize, also hit two posts this period. Cowichan outshot Vernon 15-10.
2nd Period: The Vipers started the second period on the PP that was carried over from the opening frame, but took an early penalty of there own, evening up the play. Both teams looked a little disorganized at times early in a bit of a sloppy start. Tyrell Boucher's shot beat Vernon Vipers starting goaltender Max Palaga at 8:57 giving Cowichan a 3-0 lead at 8:57 Brady Lynn and Cruz Cote picked up the helpers. The Capitals would get a power play on the following shift and capitalize. Matthew Crasa gave Cowichan a 4-0 lead at 9:35 Dimitri Mikrogiannakis & Primo Self drew the assists. Viper fans were getting restless, wanting Jason McKee to change goaltenders, even though I don't think you could blame Palaga on any of the first four goals. The Vipers needed just over eight minutes to record there first shot on goal. Less then a minute later Vernon would jump on the man advantage, but struggle only managed one shot as Cowichan killed off the penalty. With about six minutes left in the middle frame, Matthew Crasa with a wrist shot from well out, beat Max Palaga giving Cowichan a commanding 5-0 lead at 13:57 Crasa's goal was unassisted. This was a goal I think Palaga would like to have back. Vernon product Matt Kowalski would be alone in the slot with about three and a half minutes to go, tried beating Cowichan Capitals starting goaltender Zach Borgiel five hole, would be robbed in close on a large save. The Snakes would get a shortened PP towards the end of the period but unable to capitalize with the man advantage. In the dying seconds Zach Borgiel was forced to make a quick right pad save off a backhand from in close, just seconds before the buzzer. It was 5-0 Cowichan after 40 minutes of play. For a second straight period, the Capitals capitalized on there opportunities. The Caps buried there chances on very few shots, put the game away after jumping out to a 5-0 lead. The Vipers struggled off the opening faceoff and didn't look/or play well at all this period. Turnovers, poor passing, defensive letdowns and mistakes, poor defensive coverage, no zone time or show any kinds of signs of energy. The Snakes looked very disorganized, didn't look sharp or even in the game at times. Very poor passing, didn't have much jump or energy the entire 2nd period. Vernon also struggled offensively, had very little to no zone time, were chasing the Caps most of the period. Cowichan played very well defensively in front of Zach Borgiel, boxed Vernon out, were winning all the races and battles for the puck. The Capitals dominated the middle frame, scored three goals on just six shots were by far the better team. Cowichan didn't get off to a great start, looked a little disorganized at times early to start the period. It took Cowichan the first five to six minutes to get there game going, then looked and played much better for the remainder of the period. For a second straight period, the Caps didn't really muster or create a ton of chances but capitalized on there opportunities. Vernon outshot Cowichan 9-6.
3rd Period: 17 yr old goaltender Kobe Grant was listed as an "AP"/affiliated player with the Vipers earlier this week, was making his Vipers debut in his hometown come the 3rd period. Grant replaced Max Palaga who allowed five goals on twenty one Cowichan shots after two periods. Off the opening puck drop, the Vipers goal judge got a little trigger happy with the goal light just thirty or so seconds into the final frame. Zach Borgiel was forced to make a tough save as a Vernon player was driving towards the goal, went up and high on the Caps netminder before the goal light went on after making the save. This was the second time tonight, the goal judge pulled the trigger on the goal light. The play continued as the puck went no where near the inside of the netting. The Vipers would get an early power play, there sixth of the evening. Towards the end of the PP second year forward Ben Helgeson would get Vernon on the scoreboard cutting Cowichan's lead to 5-1 at 3:34 Landon Fuller and Elan Bar-Lev-Wise picked up the assists. But about three minutes later the Capitals would catch Vernon's defence napping. Luc Wilson beat Kobe Grant in close, hit the post before gathering up his own rebound, giving Cowichan a 6-1 lead at 6:46 Primo Self with the lone helper. This was enough for some Viper fans, as several started making there way to the exits. Kobe Grant making his Vipers debut was hung out to dry, as his defence were caught standing around. Less then four minutes later, Jack Glen (Vipers owner's son) alone in the high slot, got off a wrist shot that was quickly snagged by Zach Borgiel who flashed the leather, making a fairly easy glove save at the midway mark of the 3rd period. On the following play/shift Brendan Kim's shot went in and off Ryan Shostak, as a late reaction from the goal judge as the Vipers were already celebrating before the goal light come on. Zach Borgiel wasn't happy with the goal, as the officials gathered for a rather short discussion. The goal stood, giving Shostak his first goal BCHL goal, cutting Cowichan's lead to 6-2 at 10:11 Kim with the lone helper. On the following shift, Cruz Cote's shot beat Kobe Grant post and in, giving Cowichan a commanding 7-2 lead at 10:46 Olivier Gauthier and Cullen Ferguson picked up the assists. Fans started making there way to the exits at this point. Minutes later Vernon would get there second power play of the period. The Vipers had a few looks but no real quality chances as the Caps killed off the minor. Shortly after on an odd man rush, the Snakes setup Ben Helgeson going to the goal, would be stoned in front after Zach Borgiel made a large save on a quality chance by the Vipers. With just over a minutes remaining the Caps would get a late PP and end up coming away with a big 7-2 victory. With Cowichan up 5-0 heading into the final twenty minutes, it looked like the Capitals took there foot off the gas as the Vipers carried a lot of the play. Vernon had some looks and would end up breaking Zach Borgiel's shutout bid early into the period. The Caps didn't seem to like the fact that the Snakes scored a couple in the 3rd period. On both Viper goals, it didn't take Cowichan long to storm back and get a goal of there own within minutes after Vernon's two goals. Yes the Snakes carried most of the play but this wasn't a very good period if your a Viper fan. With the Capitals sitting back, it was more like a pond hockey game at times. I think at this point in the game, looking at the scoreboard, both teams just want the game to end. Cowichan outshot Vernon 10-8.
Top Player's: (Vernon)
I didn't think any Vipers stood out/played well
Game Thought's: (Vernon)
I thought the Vipers played fairly well in the 1st period. Even though down 2-0 I liked Vernon's game. I thought the Snakes had some very good chances/looks on there first power play, hit the post twice just couldn't capitalize on there opportunities. The Vipers looked like a different team in the middle frame. The Snakes looked disorganized, showed no real emotion, had no jump or energy and struggled for the remainder of the contest. I thought the Vipers struggled defensively, poor defensive coverage in and around the net, gave up way too many turnovers, poor passing and had troubles creating/generating chances most of the night. Even if the score was much closer, the Snakes didn't generate/and create enough opportunities to win this hockey game. Vernon was boxed out of the front of the Capitals goal, didn't get any second or third opportunities, were kept to the outside, limiting there chances. The Vipers lost a lot of races, puck battles and defensive battles in front of the net. Both Max Palaga and Kobe Grant didn't get much help in front of them. The Vipers almost looked disinterested in the hockey game come the 2nd and 3rd periods. Vernon's passing wasn't crisp from the start of the game. The Vipers also didn't play with much jump/energy tonight. The team knows who there playing tonight, you think you would bring your best vs the second best team in the league. I knew the Vipers were going to be in tough vs a 1st place Capitals team, but I wasn't expecting this outcome. This is a good measuring stick for the Snakes, to really show what kind of team they have and what a first place team looks like. Jason McKee wasn't too pleased with his teams effort and performance on the post game show after the loss. Can you blame him? The Capitals were in Salmon Arm last night, while the Vipers had the night off. Were the boys out late on a Friday night? Or was Cowichan just that good and the Vipers aren't that good of a team? Vernon has now been outscored 12-6 in three home games this year. It looks to me the Vipers look very inconsistent this young season. Will we see some trades here shortly? With the loss Vernon falls to 3-3 have dropped to 5th place in the Interior Division. The Vipers hit the road for a three game road trip, starting Friday in Penticton vs the 8-0 Vees. The Snakes play sixteen of there next nineteen games on the road.
News & Notes:
I heard rumors before tonight's game, goaltender Dawson Pelletier has left the team and gone home. 17 yr old goaltender Kobe Grant who attended the Vipers training camp, was adding to the team earlier this week as an "AP"/Affiliated player, made his Vipers debut tonight. Former Vernon Lakers forward/Vernon Vipers assistant coach, Head Coach and GM Troy Mick was at tonight's game.
Top Player's: (Cowichan)
Dimitri Mikrogiannakis (1 goal & 1 assist) I really liked Mikrogiannakis's game on the blueline. Chipped in with two points, was involved in the play at both ends of the rink. A very solid defenceman.
Tyrell Boucher (1 goal & 1 assist) Was another Cowichan d-man I thought played very well.
Olivier Gauthier (1 assist) This kid is quick, can move the puck, was involved in the play, gets the play/puck up ice in a hurry, creates plays.
Dan McIntyre (1 assist) I really liked this kids game. A big body that goes to the net, creates/& generates plays, works and competes and played hard at both ends of the ice.
Andy Bridgewater (1 goal) Opened the scoring in tonight's contest, had a solid game for the Caps.
Luc Wilson (1 goal & 1 assist) Played a hard fought game at both ends of Kal Tire Place. Really reads and sees the ice well, a good strong skater, moves the puck, knows where his line mates are at all times. Had a strong game for the Capitals.
Matthew Crasa (2 goals) This kid is quick, has a wicked shot, plays hard, a strong skater and good play maker.
Zach Brooks (1 assist) I liked this kids game, thought he was another forward who played the right way, played hard at both ends of the rink.
Zach Borgiel (25 saves) Wasn't tested much through out the game, was forced to make at least two maybe three tough saves. Had some luck as two pucks got by him but not the post. Plays his position very well, got a lot of help from his defence in front of him.
Game Thought's: (Cowichan)
After a fairly evenly matched opening period at times, the Capitals jumped out to a 2-0 lead and never really looked back. The Caps with three goals on just six shots in the 2nd period, basically put the game away with still a period left. Are the Capitals a powerhouse? No... Are the Capitals very strong, I don't think. But I do think they have a good team. What can you expect with Mike Vandekamp behind the bench. I thought Cowichan played very well on the road. The Caps are very good defensively, they kept Vernon to the outside, boxing out the front of the goal, limiting the Vipers opportunities. The Capitals didn't generate a ton of scoring chances, but managed to score on there opportunities. The shots were fairly even through out the game, so it's not like Cowichan completely dominated the game from start to finish. Cowichan has a very hard working team, that seizes there chances and buries them. The Caps blocked a lot of shots tonight, won most of the puck battles, races and had the Snakes chasing them at times. Give the Caps credit, they never quit skating, played hard and played a fairly complete hockey game. You also have to give credit to former Vipers bench boss, Mike Vandekamp for doing a heck of a job on the Island, turning the Capitals around in a hurry. Cowichan wore there home white jerseys, while the Vipers wore there away navy blue jerseys. This is a good hockey team, are they great? Time will tell. With the win Cowichan improves to 7-2 and sits atop the Island Division. The Capitals continue there six game road trip, tomorrow in Surrey.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Colby Feist
Keigo Hachisuka
Logan Cash
Dawson Pelletier
Cowichan:
Maxime Dumas
Will Arquiett
Tanner Sidaway
Energy Player of the Game:
Connor Sleeth
Three Star's:
1st Star: Matthew Crasa (2 goals)
2nd Star: Dimitri Mikrogiannakis (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Cruz Cote (1 goal & 1 assist)
Boxscore-Game Summary,
https://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/9256
Game Report,
https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/official-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=9256
Text Boxscore,
https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/text-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=9256
Please feel free to leave a suggestion or comment below, in the comment box at the bottom of this post. I always enjoy and post all comments. Thank you for your comments and visiting my blog.
Here are some pictures I took tonight before and during the Vipers-Capitals game,
