Exhibition: Vernon 3 Brooks 2 Overtime

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 year's I have only missed 45 home games. For anyone who couldn't attend or watch today's game, Here are my thought's and view's from today's game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own opinion on the game. I try to be professional and unbiased and give a fare game recap from both sides. Thank you for stopping by and visiting my blog.

I was at today's Vipers/Bandits exhibition game as Vernon defeated Brooks 3-2 in overtime in front of a sold out crowd at Kal Tire Place North.

Due to problems with the ice at Kal Tire Place, today's game was moved to Kal Tire Place North. Today's game was behind by about five minutes due to the ice problems and moving the game over to Kal Tire Place North. 

For those of you who haven't been inside Kal Tire Place North, The arena was built in 2018 and opened September 7th 2018. Kal Tire Place North is mainly used for Vernon minor hockey, ringette and lacrosse. The Vipers held their Spring Camp in Kal Tire Place North in May. Kal Tire Place North holds 400 seating with seating on located on one side of the arena. Regulation size ice is 200' x 85'

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Ross Hawryluk

Brooks: Pierce Charleson

1st Period: The Alberta Junior Hockey League Brooks Bandits got early control of the game and carried the play off the opening puck drop. About five minutes in Chris Pappas collided with one of his own team mates, went to the ice and didn't get up. Pappas was lying on the ice for several minutes while being attended to by the Bandits trainer. It looked like the trainer was checking out his chest. Maybe Pappas got the wind knocked out of him, but stayed down for several minutes before slowly getting up and being helped off the ice. Pappas seemed to be ok and stayed in the pre-season contest. On the next play/shift the Vipers would get the games first power play. With good pressure and puck possession, the Snakes moved the puck around well. Brendan Kim's point shot would be redirected on it's way to the net by returning forward Ben Sanderson, giving Vernon a 1-0 lead at 6:13 Kim & Connor Sleeth with the assists. About forty seconds later after Pierce Charleson made the stop and held onto the puck, a scrum occurred in front of the Bandits net. Everyone was pushing and shoving, as tempers heated up in a hurry. One player from each team was sent to the sin bin. On the following shift/play Taylor Makar with a quick snipe from the circle beat Ross Hawryluk glove side, tying the game 1-1 at 7:18 Corson Ceulemans drew the lone helper. About thirty five seconds later Vernon would get their second PP of the afternoon. The Vipers only managed one quality chance after second year Viper forward Elan Bar-Lev-Wise on a shot from the high slot couldn't solve Pierce Charleson, who was forced to make the save. Brooks killed off the minor. Just as the penalty expired, Randy Hernandez with a quality opportunity at the side of the goal, would be denied by Ross Hawryluk. With about six minutes remaining Cameron MacDonald who has committed to the Vipers for this coming season, had back to back grade "A" chances from the slot couldn't beat Pierce Charleson before getting off a third opportunity on the same shift, would be stoned again. Charleson with three solid stops, kept this a tie hockey game. Towards the end of the 1st period the Snakes left Trey Thomas alone at the top of the blue paint, who buried his chance, giving Brooks a 2-1 lead at 16:24 Greg Japchen collected the assist. With about two and a half minutes left in the opening frame, the Snakes would get their third power play of the contest. The defending National Junior A Champions with a solid penalty kill would get out of the frame with a one goal lead. It was 2-1 Brooks after 20 minutes of play. I thought the Bandits got off to a quick start, had early pressure and puck possession, looked good in the first half. The Vipers didn't get off to a great start, but got better as the 1st period went on. I thought Vernon looked & played much better in the second half. The Vipers had the better of the opportunities, only managed one goal. Ross Hawryluk was giving up a lot of rebounds this period. Vernon outshot Brooks 11-10.

2nd Period: Two and a half minutes into the middle frame, Ben Helgeson on an odd man rush with Trey Taylor, decided to keep and shoot, couldn't solve Brooks Bandits starting goaltender Pierce Charleson. A few minutes later Ben Sanderson beat Pierce Charleson on the breakaway, tying the game 2-2 at 4:00 Sanderon's goal was unassisted. Just over a minute later, the Vipers would get caught with too many men, sending the AJHL Brooks Bandits to their first power play of the afternoon. The Bandits had some looks but couldn't capitalize with the man advantage as Vernon killed off the minor penalty. About a minute later Brooks would head back to the man advantage. Shorthanded Ben Helgeson would get his second opportunity of the game, but would be stopped on a breakaway by Pierce Charleson. The Bandits couldn't capitalize on the PP. Just as the penalty expired, Randy Hernandez with a quick snipe from the low circle beat Ross Hawryluk but not the crossbar as the Brooks Bandits come within inches of taking a two goal lead. At the midway mark, the Vipers switched goaltenders. Dawson Pelletier replaced starting goaltender Ross Hawryluk who allowed two goals in a period and a half. With no shot clocks inside Kal Tire Place North, I don't know how many saves Hawryluk made before being pulled from the pre-season game. The Vipers would jump on the power play just past the halfway mark but couldn't muster a shot with the man advantage, as the AJHL Champions killed off the minor. With about 1:20 remaining in the 2nd period, Jack Glen the son of Vipers owner Tom Glen, with a quality chance from the slot, couldn't beat Pierce Charleson on a good look/opportunity late in the frame. It was 2-2 after 40 minutes of play. I thought Brooks was by far the better of the two teams. The Bandits carried most of the play, had more puck possession and were skating circles around the defending Interior Division Champions. Give credit to the Snakes defence, who did a good job at limiting the Bandits opportunities, kept Brooks to the outside. Brooks didn't generate/& or create much for offensive chances. Vernon looked scrambled, slow and weren't making very good decisions with and without the puck. The Vipers passing wasn't very good, while Brendan Kim returning for a second season, struggled this afternoon. Shots were 10-10.

3rd Period: The Bandits took over control of the hockey game early. Tim Rego with a chance about a minute into the final frame, forced Vipers netminder Dawson Pelletier into flashing the leather, making a quick glove save. Vernon would get an early man advantage about five minutes in. The Bandits with a good penalty kill, killed off the minor. Just as the penalty expired, Captain Jakob Lee with a good look/opportunity at the other end of the rink, couldn't beat Dawson Pelletier. The six time National Champion Vipers would have to kill off a penalty just past the midway mark. Shorthanded Brett Fudger with an opportunity in front, couldn't connect on the pass through the blue paint, as his stick was tied up, as Brooks catches a huge break on what would have been a tap in goal for Viper recruit Brett Fudger. The Snakes kill off the minor. Shortly after both teams get plenty of quality looks/& chances at both ends of the rink. Connor Sleeth with some slick moves in and around the Bandits net, couldn't bury a chance in front, before getting his own rebound, tried banking his shot in and off goaltender Pierce Charleson who had to be sharp, making a difficult save. Elan Bar-Lev-Wise would come close to giving Vernon the lead, couldn't bury his chance in front of the Brooks goal. At the other end of the rink, Randy Hernandez would be denied by Dawson Pelletier before Greg Japchen would force the Vipers goaltender to make a quick glove save. Two back to back opportunities for the Bandits. With the Snakes pressing in the second half, Vernon had several good looks/chances in close but either couldn't pull the trigger or had there sticks tied up by the defenders. The Vipers would get a late PP but for a second time this period come up short with the man advantage. Trey Taylor with a solid defensive play shorthanded, swatting the puck away from Taylor Makar on a parcial breakaway, before the pair went crashing into Dawson Pelletier and the Vipers net. No penalty on the play. The Bandits with a big kill towards the end of the 3rd period in a tie hockey game. It would stay 2-2 after 60 minutes of play. I thought Brooks was the better of the two teams early before the Vipers slowly started coming on. Both teams had some good looks-opportunities come very close to taking the lead. Both teams caught some breaks. Both goaltenders were forced into making some big stops, keeping this a tie hockey game. I thought Vernon got better as the frame went along, had a slight edge in play in the second half. The Vipers were pressing and coming on hard late in the period, couldn't capitalize on some good chances. Shots were 11-11.

Overtime: Three on three, the Bandits got control of the play off the opening draw before the Vipers come very close to turning over the puck inside there own blueline. Vernon product and second year Viper forward lead the two on one early, setup Cameron MacDonald who beat Pierce Charleson at 1:21 giving Vernon the 3-2 overtime victory as the Vipers rushed off the bench to celebrate. Shots were 1-0 for Vernon.

Top Player's: (Vernon)

Ben Sanderson (2 goals) Had a strong afternoon with two goals. Was skating hard, played well at both ends of the rink.

Elan Bar-Lev-Wise I thought had a pretty good pre-season game today, had several good looks-opportunities. The second year Viper forward was creating/generating chances all afternoon. Bar-Lev-Wise was driving to the net, didn't back away from the front of the net.

Cameron MacDonald (Overtime winner) Committed to the Vipers for this season, played very well. Didn't quit skating, was going to the net, making plays happen, had several quality chances, especially in the opening frame.

Brett Fudger Is another recruit that will be with the Vipers for the 2019-20 season, played very well. Was always involved in the play, had a few looks-opportunities. I have really liked the looks of this young man all training camp and pre-season.

Ben Helgeson Was skating hard, had a heck of a game with some good opportunities/looks. Gave the Bandits trouble most of the afternoon. Played real strong today, looked good at both ends of the rink.

Connor Sleeth (1 assist) I didn't really notice the 20 yr old much in the first two periods but looked good in the 3rd period, with several quality chances.

Dawson Pelletier Replaced starting netminder Ross Hawryluk halfway through the middle frame. I thought was the better of the two goaltenders. A bigger kid, plays his position well, doesn't give up many second opportunities, also has a quick glove hand. 

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

The Vipers got off to a slow start in all three periods, took a while before they got there game going. I thought Vernon was outplayed in the 2nd period but held there own in the 1st and 3rd periods. The Vipers looked slow and sloppy in the 2nd period. I thought Vernon got better as the 1st and 3rd periods went along. In both the 1st and 3rd periods I thought the Snakes were the better of the two teams in the second half. I thought the Vipers had the better of the chances in today's game but struggled with the man advantage. I like the look's of this year's team so far from what I can see. The team looks quick, can move the puck in a hurry and attacks the net. This was a fairly entertaining hockey game and with a full crowd on hand, made for a great atmosphere inside. With the win Vernon finishes the pre-season at 2-2-0-0 and will open the 2019-20 regular season on the road Friday night in West Kelowna. The Snakes will start the new season on a three game road trip before the team's home opener vs the visiting Victoria Grizzlies September 20th.

Thought's On Kal Tire Place North:

When I first heard the news the Vipers/Bandits game was being moved to Kal Tire Place North due to problems with the ice at Kal Tire Place, I wondered what it was going to be like to watch a Junior hockey game. This arena is mostly made for minor hockey, lacrosse and ringette. I was very surprised at the good sight lines with nothing really blocking my view from the game. The plastic bench seating inside may be a little uncomfortable to some, didn't have much leg room but other wise was ok with me. This was the first ever junior hockey game played at Kal Tire Place North. I heard rumors the reason why Kal Tire Place wasn't available was due to the fact the new advertising logo's that were installed in the ice over the weekend, the ice wasn't ready/finished to be skated on today. You think whoever was in charge would know the Vipers had two exhibition games this weekend if this was the actual cause for ice problems today. 

Top Player's: (Brooks)

Randy Hernandez I thought was one of the more offensive minded forwards for the defending National Junior A Champions. The 20 yr old forward was involved in the play often, always in and around the Vipers net, created/generated opportunities.

Trey Thomas (1 goal) Scored the second Bandits goal of the game, was another kid who looked/played very well in the loss for Brooks.

Taylor Makar (1 goal) Opened the scoring for the Bandits, also played very well today. The younger brother of former Bandits and Colorado Avalanche defenceman Cale Makar. 

Greg Japchen (1 assist) Was solid on the backend, Played very well through today's exhibition game.

Pierce Charleson (29 saves) Started and finished today's game, played well between the pipes for the AJHL Brooks Bandits. A fairly big kid who covers a lot of the net, hard to beat.

Game Thought's: (Brooks)

The Bandits and Vipers met for the first time today in franchise history. The Bandits making their first visit to Vernon were in town this weekend for a three game road trip through the Okanagan. I thought Brooks got off to a good start, played very well most of the afternoon. The Bandits have some good size but weren't overly physical today. A very good passing team that moves the puck in a hurry, quick on the transition. Brooks fell behind 1-0 before taking a 2-1 lead, scored both goals in the opening frame, were shutout for the remainder of the game. The Bandits have a fairly lively bench that makes a lot of noise through out the game, lots of chatter coming from the Bandits bench often, could be heard through out the rink. Brooks lost only three regular season games last year before going on to win the National Junior A Hockey Championship with a win over the BCHL Prince George Spruce Kings. The Bandits lost all three matches this weekend. Two back to back games in Penticton and today in Vernon. Brooks still with two pre-season games left before opening the 2019-20 regular season. I really like the Bandits jersey's and logo. Very very sharp. The Bandits even had name bars on every jersey. Well done on whoever created these uniforms. With the loss Brooks falls to 2-0-1-0 

Scratches:

Vernon:

No scratches were announced

Brooks:

Sean Chisholm

Energy Player of the Game:

No player was announced

Three Star's:

No three star's were announced

Boxscore/Game Summary,

No boxscore/or game summary was released

Here are both team's roster's/lineup's,

Vernon:

Goaltenders:

Dawson Pelletier 01

Ross Hawryluk 01

Defence:

Trey Taylor 02 (Returning from last season)

Christian Felton 00 (Recruited/Committed)

Nick Kent 01 (Acquired in an off season trade with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres)

Ryan MacLean 01 (Recruited/Committed)

Brendan Kim 00 (Returning from last season)

Keigo Hachisuka 01 (Recruited/Committed)

Ben Sanderson 00 (Returning from last season)

Elan Bar-Lev-Wise 01 (Returning from last season)

Cameron MacDonald 02 (Recruited/Committed)

Brett Fudger 01 (Recruited/Committed)

Jo Jo Tanaka-Campbell 01 (Recruited/Committed)

Matt Kowalski 99 (Returning from last season)

Jack Glen 01 (Owner's son)

Ryan Shostak 01 (Recruited/Committed)

Nick Cherkowski 00 (Returning from last season)

Ben Helgeson 00 (Returning from last season)

Connor Sleeth 99 (Acquired in an off season trade with the Kanata Lasers)

Curtis Hammond 01

Brooks:

Goaltenders:

Ethan Barwick 02

Pierce Charleson 00

Defence:

Tyler Bates 02

Corson Ceulemans 03

Tim Rego 00

Ethan Lund 01

Greg Japchen 01

Forwards:

Brayden Krieger 01

Reilly Connors 00

Chris Pappas 00

TJ Hughes 01

Justin Ross 01

Brandon Brazeau 00

Mason Reeves 01

Sean Chisholm 01

Randy Hernandez 99

Trey Thomas 99

David Paluch 00

Bobby Harrison 00

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Here are some photo's I took from this afternoon's game,