Vernon 2 Penticton 1 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 2009. In the past thirty years I have only missed 45 home games. For anyone who couldn't attend or watch tonight's 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 and give a fare game recap from both sides. Thank you for visiting my blog.

I was at tonight's Vipers-Vees game as Vernon defeated Penticton 2-1 in overtime in front of 3,131 fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Reilly Herbst
Penticton: Yaniv Perets

Before tonight's game the Penticton Vees held a special video on the jumbo tron to announce the City of Penticton will be hosting the 2021 Centennial Cup (Formly known as the Royal Bank Cup).

https://www.pentictonvees.ca/news-penticton-awarded-2021-centennial-cup

1st Period: The Vees got off to a quick start, jumped on the Vipers early off the opening faceoff. Penticton with good pressure early carried the play for the first two minutes before the Snakes pushed back. About two and a half minutes in, Brendan Kim's point shot would be redirected in front forced Yaniv Perets to make a difficult save on the games first quality opportunity. The hometown Penticton Vees would get the games first power play just over four minutes in. A quick shot from the circle looked to beat Reilly Herbst but went off either the post or the outside of the net, either way you could hear the ring off the post. Even though shorthanded, the visiting Vernon Vipers with the first scoring chance on the Vees PP. Vernon sprung newly acquired Dawson Holt in for the shorthanded breakaway. Holt would shoot right at Yaniv Perets who would make the big stop shorthanded. The Vipers with a solid penalty kill as the Vees only mustered a single shot on the PP as the Snakes killed off the early penalty. About two minutes later Reilly Herbst was forced to make his first big stop of the game, made a large pad save off a quick shot from the high slot. I didn't see who took the shot. Around the halfway mark the Vipers would jump on there first power play and capitalize early. Brett Fudger in front buried his shot from in close, beating Yaniv Perets, giving Vernon a 1-0 lead at 10:49 Matt Kowalski & Connor Marritt collected the helpers. The Vipers were ahead in shots 7-4 at this point before the Vees stormed back with a good push back shift after a goal. Penticton turned the tables in a hurry, stormed back with a flurry of chances in and around the Vernon goal. The Vees had the Vipers hemmed in there own end for a few minutes as the Snakes were back on there heels with the Vees on the attack. With about six and a half minutes left in the 1st period, the Vees sent Alex DiPaolo in for the odd man rush. DiPaolo tried to beat his man along the boards was leading the charge on a two on one, looked to try and cut hard towards the goal before former Wenatchee Wild defender Nicholas Kent with a solid defensive play, broke up the Penticton odd man rush. With about three and a half minutes remaining, Connor Sleeth with a cross crease pass tried setting up Viper captain Connor Marritt in front. Marritt just couldn't get enough on Sleeth's pass missing on what looked like an open cage in front. Inside the final minute, with the Vees on the attack, Penticton spotted Tristan Amonte down low who would be robbed by Reilly Herbst who come across the blue paint in a hurry to make a large pad save from the circle off Amonte with about forty five seconds left on the clock. Amonte is the son of former NHLer Tony Amonte. It was 1-0 Vernon after 20 minutes of play. I thought both teams were even at times but the Vees did have a slight edge in play. Penticton carried the puck/play more often and had more offensive zone time. The Vipers didn't get a lot of offensive zone time, were caught back on there heels at times chasing the Vees in the defensive zone. Vernon opened the scoring on the PP had a few looks/chances, didn't get a shot on goal in at least the final five minutes or so. The Snakes passing wasn't sharp and the Vipers had troubles containing the Vees attack. Penticton outshot Vernon 9-7.

2nd Period: The Vees jumped on the Vipers early and often. About a minute into the middle frame, a shot from the point, managed to find it's way through traffic forced Vernon Vipers starting goaltender Reilly Herbst into making a big pad stop. About a minute and a half later, another quick shot from the blueline would force Reilly Herbst into making another difficult save with traffic in front. Penticton was in full control of this hockey game at this point were all over Vernon. The Vees were buzzing in and around the net, forced Reilly Herbst into making several key saves, keeping the Snakes in the contest. Shots were 7-1 Penticton only five minutes into the 2nd period. About seven minutes in, the Vipers would finally get through the neutral zone and get into the offensive zone. Elan Bar-Lev-Wise's shot from well out forced Penticton Vees starting goaltender Yaniv Perets into making a big pad save. The Vees stormed right back and peppered Reilly Herbst who had to be sharp, made at least three or four tough saves with Penticton pressing. Just before the midway mark the Vees would get there second power play of the evening. Penticton with five shots on the man advantage, had some great looks, couldn't solve Vernon's goaltender as the Vipers get some solid goaltending from Reilly Herbst and kill off the minor. With about six minutes left, the Vees come very close to tying the game. A quick shot from the circle, almost beat Reilly Herbst who just got a piece of the puck with his glove that went up and over the net. About a minute later, the Snakes setup Matt Kowalski who uses his speed, down the left wing tries to beat his man before going hard to the goal, would be stopped in close before bumping into Yaniv Perets, Dawson Holt jumped on the rebound, beating Perets high, giving Vernon a 2-0 lead but the play was blown down and the goal was disallowed as Kowalski was given two minutes for goaltender interference, sending the Vees to the power play. The Vees with some nice tic tac toe passing, maybe did one too many passes as the Vees couldn't connect on the final pass on what looked like an open net. Penticton with a ton of pressure couldn't capitalize as Vernon kills off the minor. With about 1:31 remaining, Carson Kosobud's blast from the point would forced Reilly Herbst into making a large save, keeping this a one goal game. On the save play/shift Elan Bar-Lev-Wise with a late penalty, sent Penticton back to the power play for the remainder of the 2nd period. The Vees with 1:10 left in the frame couldn't capitalize before the buzzer. It was 1-0 Vernon after 40 minutes of play. This period wasn't even close as it was all Penticton Vees from the drop of the puck. The Vees dominated the play, were by far a step ahead of the Snakes. The Vees played most of the middle frame in the attacking zone, forcing Vernon back on there heels. The Vipers were chasing Penticton who looked to have the puck on a string at times, were bailed out from there goaltender. Newly acquired Reilly Herbst was by far the difference, made many difficult saves, keeping his team in the hockey game. If it wasn't for Reilly Herbst the Vees would be running away with the score/and the game. Vernon had all kinds of trouble with Penticton's speed and skill, were chasing the Vees the entire period. Penticton was very strong with and without the puck. The Vees were hard to knock off the puck, won most of the puck battles and races for the puck. The Vipers struggled with there passing, couldn't make a pass, turning over the puck almost every time. The Snakes were very lucky to even be in this game at this point as it was all Vees. Penticton outshoot's Vernon 21-10.

3rd Period: The Vipers started the frame on the penalty kill that was remaining from the 2nd period. Vernon was able to kill off the remaining penalty to get back to even strength. This seemed to give the Snakes a little life and some momentum as Vernon pushed back. Just over two minutes Connor Sleeth with a low hard shot from the circle would be denied by Yaniv Perets. About a minute later Ben Helgeson's shot from about the same spot of Connor Sleeth's shot would also be stopped by Perets. The Vees netminder with two solid back to back stops early into the third period. The Vipers carried the early edge in play, didn't really muster any quality chances but carried the play early. About six minutes in, Danny Weight with a quality chance in front would be denied by Reilly Herbst on a solid opportunity in front. Weight is the son of former NHLer Dough Weight. With Penticton slowly coming on around the halfway mark, the Vees kept pressing. Reilly Herbst would make the first stop but couldn't control the puck as it landed in the crease, just to the right of him. With a pile of players going to jam the front of the net, Herbst tried leaning back to get the loose puck, would knock the puck into his own net with his goal stick, as Penticton ties the game 1-1 at 11:37 Alex DiPaolo would get credited with the goal, while Danny Weight and Steve Holtz picked up the assists. A tough break for Herbst and the Vipers, while the Vees catch a big break, tie the game. About a minute and a half later Elan Bar-Lev-Wise with an undisciplined penalty, sends the Vees to the only power play of the period. Vernon would escape and kill off the minor. It would be 1-1 after 60 minutes of play. After killing off the remainder of a 2nd period penalty, I thought the Snakes fed off the PK and pushed back. I really liked Vernon's game for most of the first half. I thought the Vipers carried the play early, getting a few looks, were in control of the game. Penticton settled down and took over the play in the second half. The Vees may have carried a lot of the play, but I thought the Viper defence was much better then the previous two periods. Penticton may have had more puck possession in the second half, but the Snakes defence limited the Vees opportunities. The Vipers held Penticton to just three shots in the first eight minutes of the third. I thought the Snakes had a slight edge in play for a good seven to eight minutes in the first half, while the Vees carried the better of the play and had an edge in play for the remainder of the period. Both teams looked tired at different parts in the period as both teams were playing there second game in three days. Penticton outshot Vernon 10-7.

Overtime: Playing three on three both teams couldn't seem to get much going early on. The Vipers with two early shifts looked to have an odd man rush, couldn't make things happen and then the Vees looked to have numbers going back the other way, couldn't connect on two passes or Penticton would have had a player in all alone. Two and a half minutes into the extra frame, Vernon product Matt Kowalski with a burst of speed, went in for the breakaway but couldn't beat Yaniv Perets five hole. A large save from the Vees netminder. About a minute later Ryan Shostak thought he ended the game on close call at the side of the Vees net. Shostak's shot looked to beat Yaniv Perets almost went in behind him and into the goal, but a Vees defender was in the blue paint, hugging the post, somehow managed to keep the puck out. With just under two minutes remaining, Matt Kowalski's shot was either redirected in front or went in and off Christian Felton who was going to the net, as the puck somehow got through traffic in front and past Yaniv Perets as the Vipers bench erupted onto the ice. Perets and the Vees defencemen looked stunned as to how the puck went in. Felton was credited with the goal at 3:15 while Kowalski drew the lone assist. The Vees didn't touch the puck much in overtime, while Vernon had more puck possession and at least three quality chances in the extra five minutes. The Vipers looked good in OT come away with the 2-1 overtime victory. Vernon outshot Penticton 3-0.

Top Player's: (Vernon)

The line of Matt Kowalski (2 assists), Connor Marritt (1 assist) & Dawson Holt was Vernon's best unit tonight. I thought this line played very well together, showed signs of chemistry through out the game. Other then a few turnovers, I liked Kowalski's game. He created/& generated chances, opened the ice, made things happen. The Viper captain and third year forward was hard in on pucks, making plays happen in and around the net. Holt playing in just his second game as a Viper is the real deal and I think the Vipers best forward/play maker. This kid was very crafty all night. Has a ton of speed, makes things happen in a hurry, creates/generates opportunities and was hard to contain/defend against. Very quick on his feet, sees the ice well. Holt made things happen on almost every shift. This was a big pick up for the Vipers.

The line of Ben Helgeson, Elan Bar-Lev-Wise and Connor Sleeth also played very well in the win. I have really liked Helgeson's game the past week or so and think hes played very well, even though he hasn't been rewarded with points. Bar-Lev-Wise had a few looks, looked good as did Connor Sleeth. Here was suppose to be the Vipers sniper this season, after coming over in an off season trade with the Kanata Lasers. Sleeth has gotten off to a slow start, I thought played his best game of the season. For the first time I saw him going to the net, making plays, creating/generating opportunities, played very well.

Brett Fudger (1 goal) Opened the scoring on the PP Played very well in the victory. I thought was one of the better and more aggressive forwards. Was hard on pucks, finished his checks, made things happen.

Brendan Kim I thought played well on the Viper blueline.

Reilly Herbst (39 saves) Was by far the difference in tonight's hockey game. Making his fourth straight start and picking up his fourth win as a Viper, Herbst was very solid between the pipes. I think Herbst has taken over the #1 job as he has looked very strong since coming to Vernon from the USHL. This kid is very focused, plays big, doesn't give up any second rebounds or opportunities, covers a lot of the net, tracks pucks, really sees the play develop. Very sound positionally, forces the opponents to shoot at him or miss the net. Facing and stopping all 21 shots in the middle frame, was very good on the PK and under attack in that second period. Was forced to make some very difficult saves in the 2nd period. The lone goal that beat him was a loose puck, he put into his own net in the 3rd period. Gave his team a chance to win. I know it's early, but Viper fans haven't seen solid goaltending like this since Andrew Shortridge and Andrew Hammond were in goal for the Snakes.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

I thought the Vipers held there own and played fairly well in the 1st and 3rd periods. I thought the Vipers played well in the 1st period, may not have carried the play or had a lot of puck possession but opened the scoring and held Penticton to just nine shots. The same went in the 3rd period. I thought Vernon played well for the first seven to eight minutes before the Vees took over the edge in play, but give the Vipers credit, Penticton may have carried the play for the remainder of the 3rd period, but the Snakes limited the Vees looks/opportunities, managed to hold the Vees to just ten shots. It was the middle frame where the Vipers heavily depended on Reilly Herbst who bailed them out on numerous occasions. Vernon was outshot 21-10 in the 2nd period, were back on there heels, had all kinds of troubles getting out of there own end. The Snakes struggled with there passing tonight. There passes were a foot off at times. A missed pass lead to a turnover and the Vees coming back the other way. I thought Vernon had trouble with Penticton's speed and skill. The Vees were just too much to handle at times in tonight's game. The Vipers lost a lot of if not most of the races/puck battles and had troubles containing and defending against the Vees offence. Give the Vipers credit for hanging on at times, didn't quit battling. After a hard fought win in Merritt Wednesday, you knew tonight's game wasn't going to be any easier. Tonight was a big test for the Vipers and they showed they can beat the top teams in teams like Chilliwack and Penticton. After losing four straight and being shutout three consecutive games, don't look now but Vernon has won four straight and playing there best hockey of the season. Jason McKee has to be given credit for acquiring Reilly Herbst and Dawson Holt within the past week, two big pieces added to the Vipers roster. What a difference these two young men have made to the Vipers, since coming to Vernon. I have to think Reilly Herbst has taken over the #1 job with his play in the four games he's played. No offense to Max Palaga, but I think Herbst is a much better and more solid goaltender. I also have to give credit to Ben Helgeson, Connor Marritt and Matt Kowalski for showing there leadership and veteran presence. After losing four straight games, Jason McKee called out his veteran/older players and these three young men, stepped up to the plate and have delivered, playing there best hockey of the season. I only noticed five or six Viper fans in attendance. Vernon will return home to host the visiting Trail Smoke Eaters tomorrow night. With the win Vernon improves to 7-6-0-0 and jump past Wenatchee into 4th place in the Interior division. The Vipers are two points ahead of West Kelowna, tied in points with Wenatchee and only five points back of Trail.

Top Player's: (Penticton)

Danny Weight (1 assist) I thought played very well in the loss. Had some good looks/chances through out the game. Not the biggest kid but shifty in and around the net.

David Silye The Vees captain played with a lot of jump/energy, looked good up front for the Vees.

Alex DiPaolo (1 goal) Was another forward who caught my attention and played very well this evening. A bigger kid who can skate, gave the Vipers troubles all night. Was hard to contain and defend against. Scored the game tying goal on a lucky break after the Vipers goaltender put the puck into his own net.

Yaniv Perets (25 saves) Wasn't tested as much as Reilly Herbst but played well between the pipes. Made a few big saves in the contest, with the score 1-0.

I didn't think the Vees had a lot of players that stood out individually more so, I thought all four lines played very well. There wasn't really one player who controlled the game or took over the game but more so all four lines contributing shift by shift.

Game Thought's: (Penticton)

I thought the Vees played very well even though coming up short in overtime. Overall Penticton was the better team. I thought the Vipers held there own against the Vees in the 1st period and at least the first half in the 3rd period. The 2nd period is where the Vees were dominate and looked there best. Penticton has a ton of talent and skill and it showed in the middle frame. Even though the Vees were shutout in the 2nd period it wasn't for a lack of trying. Penticton was all over the Snakes firing 21 shots towards Reilly Herbst who was the difference in the hockey game. At times it looked like Penticton had the puck on a string. The Vees were hard to contain and defend against through out the night, were stronger on pucks and puck battles. The Vees are very shifty and crafty with the puck, created/generated a ton of chances, especially in the 2nd period, couldn't solve Vernon's goaltending. I think Penticton may have got a little too cute with the puck at times, on several occasions instead of shooting, they went for the pretty pass instead and it cost them. I think Fred Harbinson and the Vees coaching staff would have liked to see the Vees crash the net a little more, try and get under the skin of Reilly Herbst with a bit more traffic during and after the play. I think the Vees needed to go to the grey area a little more to try and create a little more traffic in front of the Viper goal. This Vees team is very strong and solid on all four lines and between the pipe but it goes to show you, any team can beat any team on any given night. The Vees have lost three straight games after starting the season 11-0 When's the last time you saw Penticton lose three straight? It's been a while and not that often if it has happened. After starting 11-0 I think losing a few games in a row isn't such a bad thing. I think good hockey teams, no matter how good you are or what your record is, every team needs a little adversity in the season. This may be a good thing for the Vees. If you look at some previous seasons where Penticton ran away with the division/league during the regular season but went out early come playoffs, fans don't remember winning 40 plus games and the division, they only remember falling out in the first or second round of the playoffs. The Vees will look to rebound Saturday when they host the Nanaimo Clippers. With the loss Penticton falls to 11-2-1-0 sit atop the division are tied in points with Salmon Arm.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Ben Sanderson (Injured)
Colby Feist (Injured)
Jack Glen
Max Palaga (injured)

Penticton:

Danyk Drouin

Energy Player of the Game:

David Silye

Three Star's:

1st Star: Christian Felton (Overtime winning goal)
2nd Star: Reilly Herbst (39 saves)
3rd Star: Yaniv Perets (25 saves)

Boxscore-Game Summary,

https://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/9298

Game Report,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/official-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=9298

Text Boxscore,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/text-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=9298

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 before and during tonight's Vipers-Vees game,