Vernon 3 Powell River 0

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 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-Kings game as Vernon defeated Powell River 3-0 in front of 1,623 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Max Palaga
Powell River: Matteo Paler-Chow

1st Period: Inside the opening minute of play, Logan Cash with an early opportunity couldn't beat Matteo Paler-Chow close to a minute into the contest. The visiting 5-1-0-0 Powell River Kings would jump on the games first power play about three minutes in. The Kings with only one shot, didn't create/or generate much with the man advantage as the Snakes killed off the minor. Twenty five seconds after killing off the penalty, Vernon would get there first look with the PP. Elan Bar-Lev-Wise on a wrap around looked to have Matteo Paler-Chow beat, as the puck rolled through the blue paint, along the goal line before the Kings netminder and two defenders were able to quickly smother the puck/play dead. On a nice pass JoJo Tanaka-Campbell with the redirect in front, beat Matteo Paler-Chow but not the post, as the Vipers/fans looked like the Snakes opened the scoring. The Vipers with good looks, couldn't capitalize with the man advantage. With close to six minutes left in the opening frame, the Snakes would jump on there second power play of the evening. Former Wenatchee Wild defenceman Nicholas Kent with a solid play at the blue line, spotted Ben Sanderson who setup Vernon product Matt Kowalski before being stoned by Matteo Paler-Chow on a quality chance. Vernon with several good looks on the PP couldn't capitalize as Powell River killed off the minor. It was 0-0 after 20 minutes of play. I thought the Vipers were the better of the two hockey clubs as Vernon carried the better of the play, created/generated a few opportunities on the man advantage. The Snakes with a very good 1st period, were skating, moving the puck and played physical at times. The Kings didn't see a lot of time with the puck, had very little time in the offensive zone, had troubles creating/& generating chances. Powell River had trouble sustaining pressure in the offensive zone. The Kings were very physical in this period, laid out at least three or four large hits. Logan Cash & Landon Fuller took the wrong end of two hits. A much smaller crowd on hand after a fairly big crowd was on hand for the Vipers home opener last night. With a 6pm start time, several fans slowly trickled in about halfway through the opening frame, filling up a few more empty seats. Vernon outshot Powell River 13-9.

2nd Period: The hometown Vernon Vipers started the middle frame with an early PP. Just fourteen seconds into the second period, Vernon jumped on there third man advantage of the period. The Snakes struggled with the power play, as Powell River killed off the penalty. Thirty seven seconds later the six time National Champions went back to the power play. Powell River Kings starting goaltender Matteo Paler-Chow had to be alert on a goal mouth scramble, was able to track the loose puck in the crease, stopping the play. The Vipers with a few looks couldn't capitalize. Shortly after the power play, JoJo Tanaka-Campbell spotted Cameron MacDonald who beat Matteo Paler-Chow, giving Vernon a 1-0 lead at 4:52 Tanaka-Campbell drew the lone helper. Off the following draw, the Kings with a strong push back. Ian Kern with a shot from the point, forced Vernon Vipers starting goaltender Max Palaga into making a big stop with bodies going to the net. On the following shift and 1:31 after Cameron MacDonad's goal, Doug Scott's shot from the point, found it's way through traffic would be redirected in front by Ben Sanderson, giving Vernon a 2-0 lead at 6:23 It looked like Scott may have scored by the reaction from Scott himself and the celebration on the ice, but Sanderson was rewarded with the goal. Scott & Matt Kowalski collected the assists. Less then a minute later, Powell River would get just there second PP of the evening. The Kings would get there first shot of the period, needing almost eight minutes to record there first shot on goal. The Kings unable to get within a goal as Vernon killed off the minor. Just over three minutes later the BCHL player of the week "Levi Glasman" would say something to one of the officials, which would cost him a ten minute misconduct. Glasman would have to miss the remainder of the 2nd period and the opening few minutes of the 3rd. Glasman wasn't pleased with the call, sending the referee a few "F" Bombs on his way to the penalty box before being sent to the dressing room. About a minute and a half later the Snakes would get there third PP of the period and fifth of the hockey game. Ben Helgeson on a breakaway tried setting up Brett Fudger who joined the rush, couldn't connect on the breakaway. A great opportunity to grab a three goal lead. Vernon with a few good looks but no power play goal. The Vipers would finish the game 0-5 with the man advantage. With about three and a half minutes remaining, Jack Glen (Owner of the Vipers) with a quality chance in front of the goal, couldn't solve Matteo Paler-Chow with bodies in and around the Kings net. It was 2-0 Vernon after 40 minutes of play. The Vipers controlled most of the entire second period, dominating the play. It was all Vernon as the Snakes saw a lot of time in the offensive zone, didn't generate a whole lot of quality chances but had some good looks and pressure in the Kings zone with the puck. The visiting Powell River Kings played most of the middle frame in there own zone, were chasing Vernon. The Kings needed almost eight minutes to record there first shot of the period, had very little puck possession and offensive zone time. The Vipers opened the scoring, got a big insurance marker shortly after the opening goal, to take a two goal lead into the final frame. Vernon outshot Powell River 13-4.

3rd Period: Early into the start of the third period, PJ Garrett took a puck to the chops, on a shot or play that I think come off the stick of Landon Fuller. Fuller went over after Garrett went down to the ice, to check on the Kings defender. Garrett was down for about a minute before being helped up and attended too by the Kings trainer. The trainer was checking Garrett's mouth before the two left the ice and were down the tunnel near the end of the Kings bench, checking over Garrett's mouth/teeth for several minutes. Garrett seemed to be ok, stayed in the contest but after each shift, was seen swabbing his mouth/checking his teeth. About four minutes into the 3rd, Matt Kowalski drove hard towards the goal, would be stopped in close after a large save off Matteo Paler-Chow. Ben Sanderson picked up the rebound, tried going high and over a sprawled Paler-Chow but shot high and over the goal on a missed opportunity. About three or four minutes later Cameron MacDonald tried setting up Connor Sleeth on a two on one, couldn't connect on the pass, on another missed chance. Shortly after the Snakes spotted Elan Bar-Lev-Wise who undressed Matteo Paler-Chow, looked to give Vernon a 3-0 lead at 7:47 but the goal was waived off immediately after Jack Glen was called for elbowing, sending Powell River to just there third power play of the hockey game. The Kings for the first time in tonight's game, finally generated some puck possession, pressure in the offensive zone, had some looks but no real quality chances as Max Palaga kicked out any looks PR may have had as Vernon killed off the minor. Shortly after the halfway mark, Matt Kowalski with speed down the right wing, ripped a heavy shot that knocked the goal stick out of the hands of Matteo Paler-Chow on a laser shot from the circle. Shortly after the Vipers sprung Cameron MacDonald for the breakaway, fired wide missing the net, before Connor Sleeth caught the puck off the backboards, would be robbed by Matteo Paler-Chow, who come up with a large save, keeping this a two goal game and giving the Kings a chance to stay in the contest. With time winding down, the Kings would call a timeout with 2:12 left, get Matteo Paler-Chow to the bench for the extra attacker. Powell River had troubles sustaining any real puck possession and pressure in Vernon's zone, as the Snakes with a solid defensive shutdown late in the game, clogged up the neutral zone, as the Kings had troubles getting out of there own end with the goaltender on the bench. On a solid play in the neutral zone, Connor Sleeth and Cameron MacDonald would carry the play up ice, before Sleeth returning from a one game suspension setup MacDonald for the empty netter, giving Vernon a 3-0 lead at 18:58 Sleeth picked up the lone assist. This basically put the game away as the Vipers and Max Palaga were now 1:02 left away from the shutout. The Vipers shutdown the Kings the rest of the way, come away with the 3-0 victory. This period was a little more even at times but I still think Vernon had a slight edge in play. The Vipers had some real solid chances to put the game away but couldn't bury there chances. The Kings finally seemed to get a few looks but no real quality chances, had troubles generating opportunities all night. The Snakes with another good period, didn't break down, held there own and played very well defensively in front of Max Palaga. The Kings with only one power play, really needed to capitalize, to get within a goal with still lots of time left on the clock. Vernon outshot Powell River 11-7.

Top Player's: (Vernon)

Matt Kowalski (1 assist) Returning for a second season with the Snakes, had a strong game in the loss to Victoria Friday night, had himself another strong game in the win over Powell River tonight. The Vernon product really showed his speed this weekend, played hard with a lot of jump and energy at both ends of the rink, was strong in on pucks, driving to the net, created/& generated all kinds of opportunities. I really liked this kids game in both games this weekend.

Ben Sanderson (1 goal) Is another Viper forward who had a strong weekend. Played hard, was quick on his feet, played with a lot of jump/and energy, was driving towards the goal, also generating and creating opportunities. Sanderson looks to have grown/or put on some weight over the off season. I expect a big season from #8

Connor Sleeth (1 assist) & Cameron MacDonald (2 goals) Were clicking tonight. The two had several looks/quality chances through out tonight's contest. The two seemed to have chemistry and play very well together. Sleeth returned to the lineup after serving his one game suspension last night. I think Sleeth is your sniper once he gets use to this league and feels comfortable, I think he will be a treat to watch and out up some highlight reel goals this season. Has a wicked shot and slick hands. I really like the looks of MacDonald. I liked him in training camp and the pre-season. Is quick on his feet, reads and sees the ice very well. Seems to open up the ice and hard to contain when with the puck.

Nicholas Kent Made his regular season debut last night, looked very solid on the Vipers blueline this evening. Kent who played with the Wenatchee Wild was acquired over the summer from the Buffalo Jr. Sabres. Really sees and reads the ice well. A very steady d-man that makes plays happen from the backend. Had a strong game tonight.

Doug Scott (1 assist) I really like this kid and what he brings to Vernon's lineup. Was a scratch in the loss to the Grizzlies Friday night, got back into the lineup vs Powell River. Another defenceman that reads the play well, brings the puck up ice in a hurry, also makes things happen at the blueline. Was very good in the win tonight.

Elan Bar-Lev-Wise Looked to give Vernon a 3-0 lead just before the halfway mark on a goal that was waived off due to the Vipers given a penalty on the play. I liked Bar-Lev-Wise's game. I thought he played with a lot of energy, was in on plays, in and around the Kings net, finished his checks, had several looks, come very close to opening the scoring on a 1st period wrap around.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

After losing 5-1 in the home opener Friday to the visiting Victoria Grizzlies, the Snakes responded with a much better effort/performance in a 3-0 victory over the Powell River Kings. I really liked the Vipers game tonight and thought they were the better team most of the entire night. I thought Vernon carried the play most of the night, in all three periods, the Snakes had puck possession most of the night, forcing the Kings to chase. The Vipers looked out of place at times in last night's loss, looked more in sink tonight, playing more on the same page. The Vipers passing was much better, they finished there checks, lots of pressure and zone time, improved defensively. Very little turnovers, had no problems coming out of there own end, didn't panic, played much more relaxed. The Vipers played more as a team tonight, played with a lot more confidence and played very close to sixty minutes. I think the boys had the opening night jitters last night. The Vipers were getting pucks to the net, didn't get a ton of quality chances but had several good looks and some very good opportunities through out the contest. I thought Vernon played smart with and without the puck & were very disciplined, only taking three minors. The Vipers went 0-5 with the man advantage, but it wasn't for a lack of trying. I thought the Snakes had most of there opportunities on the PP tonight. There was one power play, where they struggled but the other four, they had several good looks/chances. Max Palaga has now started and played in all of the Vipers regular season games this season. You have to wonder when backup goaltender Dawson Pelletier will make his Vipers regular season debut? Pelletier hasn't played since a 3-2 overtime preseason victory over the AJHL Brooks Bandits September 1st. Palaga didn't see a ton of action, in the 20 shots he was forced to stop, not many were on the difficult side. The former Kamloops Blazers & Everett Silvertips netminder saw almost all of Powell River's twenty shots, had a fairly easy night between the pipes. Give credit to the Viper defence who were very solid in front of Palaga. I have noticed Jason McKee rotates his scratches from game to game. Each night, a different player takes his turn sitting out a game. With the win Vernon improves to 3-2 and sit 4th in the Interior Division. The Vipers three game home stand wraps up next weekend when Mike Vandekamp and the visiting Cowichan Capitals come to town. The Snakes play three Island teams at home to start the regular season. After next Saturday's game with Cowichan, the Vipers will play sixteen of there next nineteen games on the road.

Side Notes:

I was told by someone tonight, the reason why the Vipers didn't raise the Interior Division Championship banner at the home opener, is because they haven't received it from the league. After a fairly big crowd for the home opener Friday, a much smaller crowd on hand for tonight's game. It's very hard to draw well in back to back home games and I have noticed for whatever reason, teams from the Coast or Island down draw nearly as well as when visiting teams from the Interior Division are in town. It's also September, a real nice warm/sunny day in Vernon/the Okanagan as well as a few things going on around town this evening. I would like to see the Vipers up and over the 2000 mark this year if not a little more. I have a favor to ask. I have had several Viper fans ask me, If anyone from the Vipers is reading this, can you please pass on to the PA announcer, to give the fans a BCHL scoreboard update in the 3rd period and when he addresses the goals for both teams, it would be nice to announce how many goals the player has on the season. For example, Vernon Vipers 1st goal of the game was scored by #25 Cameron MacDonald, his 4th goal of the season, assisted by #17 Jo Jo Tanka-Campbell. But do this for both teams. Not all fans follow players stats, especially from the visiting teams. A big thank you.

Top Player's: (Powell River)

Matteo Paler-Chow (34 saves) Made his biggest save of the night off Connor Sleeth in the 3rd period, was steady between the pipes for the visiting Kings. Paler-Chow was lucky, caught some breaks in the 1st period with the Vipers on the power play, did play well in the loss. Was forced to make a few big stops through out the hockey game.

Game Thought's: (Powell River)

The Powell River Kings made there first and only regular season visit to Vernon didn't look or play like a team that had a 5-1 record and sat tied for 1st place in the Island Division before tonight's game. The Kings were outplayed and not really in the hockey game most of the night. I said it before, I thought the Vipers were the better of the two teams and carried most of the play, had more puck possession and all of the scoring chances. Powell River played a lot of tonight in there own end or the neutral zone. The Kings come out hitting, were very physical in the opening frame, but didn't keep the physical presence going through out the 2nd and 3rd periods. I thought PR was chasing Vernon a lot of the game, had troubles gaining control of the puck and getting sustained pressure in the offensive zone. The Kings seemed to get into the Vipers zone, would get one shot and then end up right back in there own end, chasing the puck/Vipers. PR didn't create/or generate much of any kind of offence, had troubles getting any kind of opportunities. The Kings got into penalty trouble at times, were lucky the Snakes power play wasn't clicking or it could have been a long night. Nobody in the Kings lineup really impressed me or even really stood out. Matteo Paler-Chow played well between the pipes, but that was the lone bright spot for the Kings. Since the 2003-04 regular season Powell River is 3-12 in Vernon. After the Vipers lost 5-1 to Victoria, I thought Vernon would be in tough vs the 5-1 Kings who have no dropped back to back games, after starting the 2019-20 regular season at 5-0. Powell River started the regular season with four straight home games, have three more games left on this six game road trip. With the loss Powell River falls to 5-2-0-0 sit tied for 1st with the Cowichan Capitals. The Vipers & Kings will meet for a second and final time this regular season, October 25th in Powell River.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Christian Felton
Colby Feist
Keigo Hachisuka

Powell River:

Cody Stockton
Jacob Paler-Chow
Ethan Schmunk
Alex Rolfe

Not on the Kings roster/lineup sheet tonight, but playing in the game was Jacob Bonkowski & Eli Pulver

Energy Player of the Game:

Jackson Caller

Three Star's:

1st Star: Cameron MacDonald (2 goals)
2nd Star: Max Palaga (20 saves-Shutout)
3rd Star: Ben Sanderson (1 goal)

Boxscore-Game Summary,

https://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/9239

Game Report,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/official-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=9239

Text Boxscore,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/text-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=9239

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 the comments and visiting my blog.

Here are some pictures I took before and during tonight's Vipers-Kings game,