Saturday, November 30, 2019

Vernon 2 Salmon Arm 0

I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and been watching/following Junior hockey in Vernon my whole 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. I'm not a sports journalist, writer, reporter or work for the Vernon Vipers. I do not get paid for doing this blog and do this blog on my own personal time. I started and created this blog in November 2008 and have over 1.7 million viewers. For anyone who couldn't attend or watch tonight's Vipers game, here are my thought's and views 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-Silverbacks game as Vernon defeated Salmon Arm 2-0 in front of 1,143 fans at the Shaw Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Reilly Herbst
Salmon Arm: Ethan Langenegger

1st Period: Off the opening puck drop Jackson Caller took a high stick from Coalson Wolford along the wall in front of the penalty box just nine seconds into the hockey game. Caller didn't like the high stick, gave Coalson a shot before the two exchanged words and some pushing and shoving occurred. Both players were given two minute minors. The Vipers would jump on the hometown Silverbacks early and often and carry the play for the first few minutes. Vernon with a ton of pressure early controlled the play in the offensive zone but no real chances before Nick Unruh lead the attack with an odd man rush about three minutes in. Unruh setup Noah Wakeford on the two on one, but instead of shooting, Wakeford decided to pass back to Unruh who was no where near the puck and the odd man rush was broken up on a missed opportunity by Salmon Arm. The Snakes carried the play back up ice, with a strong forecheck down low, Viper captain/forward Connor Marritt spotted Elan Bar-Lev-Wise who beat Ethan Langenegger high glove under the bar, giving Vernon an early lead at 3:32 Marritt collected the lone assist. Bar-Lev-Wise's first goal of the season with the monkey off his back. The Snakes kept coming and coming in waves with a ton of pressure in the offensive zone would eventually get the games first power play minutes after opening the scoring. Vernon struggled with the man advantage as the Apes killed off the minor. Around the midway mark Luke Mylymok one on one beat his defender was able to get two quick shots low along the ice, that were stopped by Reilly Herbst. This was Salmon Arm's first shot of the hockey game as Vernon was outshooting the Silverbacks 10-1 at this point. About a minute and a half later, the Vipers come within inches of going ahead by two after Connor Sleeth beat Ethan Langenegger at the top of the blue paint, but not the post on a good net presence from Sleeth. With about three and a half minutes remaining Jackson Caller's point shot beat Ethan Langenegger but not the post. On the following play/shift the Silverbacks would get a late PP there first of the night. Former Backs d-man Landon Fuller receive two minutes for cross-checking and a ten minute misconduct. The Gorillas with good pressure on the man advantage, had several looks but none better then Coalson Wolford who was denied in front by Reilly Herbst. Shorthanded Matt Kowalski lead the two on one, setup Connor Marritt who looked to have a tap in, somehow hit the bottom of the post on a glorious opportunity. The S'Backs catch another break. Vernon with a big penalty kill, killed off the minor. It was 1-0 Vernon after 20 minutes of play. The Snakes were the better of the two teams for most of this period. Vernon with a great start on the road, got off to a quick start jumped on SA early and often. The Vipers dominated the first half had all kinds of pressure, created/generated loads of opportunities in the period. The Snakes hit three posts couldn't catch a break. The Apes spent almost the entire first ten minutes in there own end, played a little better in the second half, needed ten minutes to record there first shot on goal. Shots were 10-0 for Vernon at one point but the Silverbacks outshot the Vipers 8-3 in the final ten minutes. A feisty game between two teams that played in Vernon last weekend. Lots of chirping on the ice and between benches and a few scrums in and around the whistles. The Snakes could have easily been up by a few goals if it wasn't for hitting three posts. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 13-8.

2nd Period: Thirty seconds into the middle frame, Jackson Caller and Luke Mylymok were battling at the side of the net, both players got there sticks up before the referee was yelling at both players to continue playing. The two kept battling before Caller dropped his gloves and took the first swing. I dont recall a fight for the Vipers this year? Both Caller & Mylymok would receive five minutes for fighting and game misconducts. The S'Backs jumped on the Snakes early and often and carried the early edge in play. It was all Salmon Arm early off the opening faceoff. About five minutes in with a ton of pressure, Vipers starting goaltender Reilly Herbst was forced to make a big stop with bodies in front before forced to make at least two or three more large saves on a goal mouth scramble at the top of the crease. The Backs very close to tying the contest couldn't solve the Vernon netminder. Just past the midway mark, SA would get there first and only power play of the 2nd period. The Silverbacks with good puck possession had some looks/chances but couldn't beat Reilly Herbst as Vernon killed off the minor. Just as the penalty expired, second year Viper forward Logan Cash setup Dawson Holt out of the penalty box on an odd man rush, but Holt would be denied in front by Silverbacks starting goaltender Ethan Langenegger. Killing off the minor looked to give the Snakes a jolt in the arm for whatever reason, the Vipers gained momentum and pushed back with a hard shift and some quality chances. A minute after Holt's opportunity, Vernon product Matt Kowalski would get behind the Salmon Arm defence but be denied by Ethan Langenegger on a large stop, before Jack Glen on a glorious opportunity beat Langenegger but rang his shot off the crossbar with the Snakes pressing. With Vernon pouring on the attack/pressure, the Vipers had at least two or three quality looks/chances in and around the goal but couldn't beat Ethan Langenegger. As the play continued and the goaltender down, Dawson Holt wired a shot from well out into the open cage, giving Vernon a 2-0 lead at 16:03 Jack Glen and Matt Kowalski collected the helpers. Ethan Langenegger had no support or help from his defence who couldn't clear the zone, left there goaltender out to dry. In a period where it had been all Gorillas this was a huge goal for the Vipers. It was 2-0 Vernon after 40 minutes of play. A completely different hockey game compared to the opening period. It's like both teams switched jerseys. I thought the Apes were the better of the two teams, especially in the first half. It was all SA the first half, carried most of the play, had more puck possession and played a lot of the first ten minutes in the offensive zone. The Silverbacks carried the play, had lots of looks and some goal mouth scrambles, but not a lot of grade "A" chances. The Silverbacks needed more bodies in front and needed to go to the grey area a little more. Vernon with only two shots on goal in the first half, played a lot of the first ten minutes or so in there own end. The Snakes played a little better in the second half, seemed to turn the tables and gain some momentum after killing off the lone penalty of the 2nd period. The Vipers with a good push back after killing off Dawson Holt's minor, responded with some very good opportunities before scoring there second goal of the evening. How big was Dawson Holt's goal late in the period? Instead of heading to the 3rd leading 1-0 on the road, it's now 2-0. You have to give Vernon's defence some credit, for limiting the S'Backs opportunities and clearing the front of the net, allowing Reilly Herbst to see the shot/puck. Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 16-9.

3rd Period: About a minute and a half into the final frame, Hunter Donohoe turned over the puck inside his own blueline allowed Daniel Rybarik to get a good shot off in close on a good look/opportunity but couldn't solve Reilly Herbst. The Viper netminder with a large save early into the 3rd period. Matt Kowalski lead the attack early on a two on one, setup Connor Marritt on a glorious feed would be robbed by Ethan Langenegger who made the stop with his goal stick as the stick went flying into the corner. Two big stops at both ends of the rink early. Cameron MacDonald took a heavy hit along the side wall in his own end, looked to be in some discomfort heading off the ice, went to the Viper dressing room but returned. Shortly after MacDonald would take another big hit almost in the same spot of the rink and this time didn't return. Well at least I didn't see him on the bench or ice for the remainder of the game. Vernon would get an early PP about five minutes in but couldn't capitalize with the man advantage. The Vipers thought they had scored about seven minutes into the period, after Ethan Langenegger made a large glove save off I think Connor Marritt? It looked like Langenegger's glove went back into the net, even though he made the save. The Vipers were celebrating like they had scored. The officials had a quick discussion but said no goal. Shortly after SA would get a power play just before the halfway mark. Reilly Herbst with a few big stops with the Apes pressing, as the Snakes killed off the minor. With about six and a half minutes remaining Ben Helgeson would get a partial breakaway but couldn't put the game away would be stopped in tight. With just over two minutes left in the hockey game, the Gorillas got Ethan Langenegger to the bench for the extra attacker. With 2:08 remaining Reilly Herbst sprawled across the blue paint, to rob a Silverbacks forward with the glove, on a highlight reel save. Salmon Arm would call a timeout and be forced to send Ethan Langenegger back between the pipes. The Backs netminder would get back to the bench for the extra attacker. I don't recall who, but the Snakes had a good look at the open cage from just inside the blueline, but Coalson Wolford played goal, making the stop and kept the game 2-0. The Silverbacks pressed hard to the finish would eventually run out of time as Vernon hung on for the 2-0 victory. I thought the Backs carried a lot of the play at times but I think with Vernon up 2-0 the Vipers may have been playing a little more of a defensive game. At times the play really opened up and both teams went back and fourth. The Apes may have had more edge in play, but just like the 2nd period Salmon Arm didn't really generate a lot of great opportunities. Most of the Backs shots were from well out and little to no traffic in front. The Silverbacks did manage a few good looks/chances but couldn't solve Reilly Herbst. The Snakes also had some quality chances of there own, but couldn't beat Ethan Langenegger. Both goaltenders played well tonight. For a second straight period, the Viper defence did a good job at limiting SA's chances and cleared the front of the net. Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 10-9.

Top Player's: (Vernon)

Hunter Donohoe For a second straight game played very well on the Viper blueline. He turned over the puck once tonight, but was bailed out by his goaltender. I really like this kid and think he's been a great addition to the lineup.

Matt Kowalski (1 assist) Has been the Vipers most consistent forward this season. Had a strong game in the loss to Surrey Friday night, had another strong game tonight. This kid never quits skating, plays hard, competes, finds his space and creates/generates opportunities. Is always going to the net and making things happen. Kowalski and Connor Marritt had two odd man rushes but couldn't find the back of the net, played well together tonight. These two have found chemistry together and seem to always know where the other is.

Connor Marritt (1 assist) Looked good/played very well in the win. Hit the post on a 1st period two on one and was robbed of a goal on a 3rd period odd man rush. A smooth skater has really come into his own this season and also been one of the more consistent players this year.

Jack Glen (1 assist) For the first time this season, I can honestly say Glen contributed and played fairly well. For the first time I have seen where he battled, competed and generated some chances. He took a few heavy hits, but also finished his checks and wasn't afraid to go into the corners. Had a good look in the 2nd period, before ringing his shot off the crossbar. Played with some jump and seemed to have some energy in his game.

Dawson Holt (1 goal) Played well, was going to the net, had some looks and created some chances through out the game. Scored a big goal late in the 2nd period shortly after the Snakes killed off a penalty.

Keigo Hachisuka saw more ice time after Jackson Caller was tossed from the game early in the 2nd period. The rookie defender stepped in and played very well on Vernon's backend. For whatever reason, the Silverbacks were either chirping him or giving him little jabs or shots after the whistle. I don't know if he was getting under there skin but he had there attention.

Nicholas Kent I thought was another defenceman who played well.

Elan Bar-Lev-Wise (1 goal) Opened the scoring/scored the game winner, finally got the monkey off his back, with his first goal of the season. Played with a lot of jump/energy, was really skating hard tonight, winning the battles and competing.

Reilly Herbst (34 saves) For his first career BCHL shutout. Improves to 11-2 in 15 games this season. Was forced to make a few difficult saves along side a few game savers but overall looked very dialed in, seemed to be in the zone all night. Wasn't tested often but made the big stops when called apon. Was seeing almost everything. A lot of Salmon Arm's shots were from well out with little to no traffic. Where would the Snakes be without this kid? A huge pickup early in the season.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

I really liked the Snakes game tonight from start to finish. Sure they were outplayed for most of the first half of the 2nd period but did a good job at defending the goal and making sure Reilly Herbst was seeing pucks. Vernon had a great start and didn't led up for most of the opening period, could have easily been up by three or four goals if it wasn't for hitting three posts in the 1st period. The Vipers were making plays and making lots of plays through out the game. The Snakes created/generated some quality chances, had lots of good looks around the net. I also liked the defensive side of there game. I thought Vernon's defence limited the S'Backs opportunities, cleared the front of the net and forced Salmon Arm to shoot from well out. The Viper defence did a great job at keeping SA away from the front of the blue paint. I thought the Vipers were the better team. Everyone looked ready and come to play tonight and the kids played very hard in a tough rink, with a big crowd, where the Gorillas have been very good this season. Once again scoring has been a big problem and it showed again tonight. The Snakes couldn't catch a break, hit three posts and a crossbar and could have put this game away in the 1st period. The Snakes had the better chances and more quality chances compared to Salmon Arm. After a very disappointing loss last night to Surrey, it was nice to see the boys respond with a great effort/win on the road vs a solid Salmon Arm team. The Vipers are 2-0 vs the Silverbacks this season. With the BCHL card deadline tomorrow, will we see any roster moves/trades? A great turnout of Viper fans in the building tonight, made a lot of noise when the Vipers scored. The Vipers snap a two game losing streak, have lost three of there last five games, have three wins in there last nine games and five wins in there last thirteen games. With the win Vernon improves to 15-12-1-1 sit 5th in the Interior division are two points back of 4th place Wenatchee, eight points back of 3rd place Salmon Arm and ten points back of 2nd place Trail.

Top Player's: (Salmon Arm)

Ethan Langenegger (29 saves) Was very solid between the pipes for the hometown Silverbacks. Got lucky after the Vipers hit three posts and a crossbar, was forced into making some big stops through out the contest. Both goaltenders played very well.

Jayden Price didn't see a lot of ice time but played with a lot of jump/energy.

Luke Mylymok Didn't have a name bar on his jersey, but impressed me early until given a game misconduct for his fight with Jackson Caller. Not the biggest kid, but quick on his feet, had a lot of jump/energy, was making plays happen and hard to contain/defend against.

Nick Unruh Played a hard fought game, didn't really have any scoring chances but had some good looks, that were either blocked or hit something or somebody in front and didn't get through to the net. I thought worked/and competed hard, really battled in and around the net. This kid is a work horse.

Coalson Wolford Played very well, seemed to be all over the ice, was always involved in the play, had some very good looks/chances, some of the more quality opportunities from Salmon Arm. This kid couldn't catch a break, but never quit skating/competing.

Game Thought's: (Salmon Arm)

The Silverbacks outshot Vernon and carried a little more of the play in the final two periods but I still think the Snakes were the better of the two teams. The Apes didn't get off to the start they wanted but seemed to settle down as the 1st period continued and played a little better in the final ten minutes. SA was lucky to only be down a goal after twenty minutes. The Silverbacks with a very strong start to the middle frame, really needed a goal in that 2nd period where they fired sixteen shots towards Vernon's goal. The Gorillas like the Snakes couldn't catch a break/or get a bounce. The Backs had the edge in shots in the final two periods but a lot of there shots were from well out with little to no traffic in front of Reilly Herbst. I think the Silverbacks needed to drive to the net more, go to those grey areas and get in the head of Vernon's netminder. Herbst was seeing almost everything and your not going to beat a goaltender like him on a shot from well out with no traffic in front. I think Salmon Arm could have played with a bit more edge, throw in some physical play and try and get the Snakes off there game. Don't get me wrong the S'Backs played hard, competed and had some good looks but not a lot. After only losing to Vernon once during the regular season last year, the Silverbacks are now 0-2 vs Vernon this season. Overall this was a very exciting and entertaining hockey game in front of a large crowd. Nice to see the fans back in the building and showing some excitement this season. The Silverbacks and there fans went through some lean years with previous ownership. Tonight was only Salmon Arm's fifth loss at home. After getting off to a hot start and leading the division the Backs have dropped to 3rd and gone in a bit of a slump. The Silverbacks have been busy recently making several roster moves/trades, now I have to wonder how this has sat well with the players and team chemistry? Is this why they have gone in a bit of a funk as of late? Salmon Arm has lost five straight, has lost seven of there last ten games. With the loss Salmon Arm falls to 19-10-1-1 sit 3rd in the Interior division are six points up on 4th place Wenatchee, but two points back of 2nd place Trail and seven points back of division leading Penticton.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Christian Felton
Ben Sanderson (Injured)
Ryan Shostak (Injured)
Max Palaga (Injured)

Salmon Arm:

Lee Christensen
Rider McCallum
William Poirier
Domenic Garozzo
Drew Bennett

Energy Player of the Game:

Coalson Wolford

Three Star's:

1st Star: Reilly Herbst (34 saves-First career BCHL shutout)
2nd Star: Ethan Langenegger (29 saves)
3rd Star: Elan Bar-Lev-Wise (1 goal)

I have picked a victory song for the Vernon Vipers this season. After every victory this season, I will play Tarzan Boy by Baltimora

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_r0n9Dv6XnY

Boxscore-Game Summary,

https://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/9434

Game Report,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/official-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=9434

Text Boxscore,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/text-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=9434

Please feel free to leave a suggestion or comment 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 photo's I took before and during tonight's Vipers-Silverbacks game.






































Game Preview: Vernon @ Salmon Arm:

Vernon (14-12-1-1) @ Salmon Arm (19-9-1-1) 6pm

Tonight's the third of eight meetings vs the Salmon Arm Silverbacks this season (exhibition & regular season). The Silverbacks won last year's regular season series 5-1

Last Game:

Friday, November 29th Surrey defeated Vernon 4-3
Friday, November 29th Langley defeated Salmon Arm 4-2

Next Game:

Friday, December 6th Merritt @ Vernon
Friday, December 6th Salmon Arm @ Nanaimo

Vernon's regular season record & stats vs the Silverbacks since 2002

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 60-42-12-7-1 vs Salmon Arm

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 28-19-6-2-1 at home vs. Salmon Arm

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 26-20-8-3 in Salmon Arm

The Silverbacks are 3-5-1-0 in their last ten games in Vernon

The Vipers are 4-4-1-0 in their last ten games in Salmon Arm

The Vipers last regular season win at home vs. Salmon Arm was a 2-1 shootout victory on Friday, November 22nd 2019

The Silverbacks last regular season win in Vernon was a 2-0 victory on Friday, November 23rd 2018

The Vipers last regular season win in Salmon Arm was a 4-0 victory on Friday, December 29th 2017

The Silverbacks last regular season win at home vs. Vernon was a 3-2 victory on Sunday, December 16th 2018

Here's a look at this year's exhibition/regular season series vs Salmon Arm

August 28th Pre-Season Vernon @ Salmon Arm: Vipers won 5-4 overtime
August 30th Pre-Season Salmon Arm @ Vernon: Silverbacks won 4-2
November 22nd Salmon Arm @ Vernon: Vipers won 2-1 shootout
November 30th Vernon @ Salmon Arm:
December 28th Salmon Arm @ Vernon:
December 29th Vernon @ Salmon Arm:
January 12th Vernon @ Salmon Arm:
January 19th Salmon Arm @ Vernon:


Let's take a look at the Vernon Vipers: 

The 14-12-1-1 Defending Interior Division Champion Vernon Vipers are coming off a 4-3 loss Friday night to the visiting Surrey Eagles. Tonight is the second meeting vs Salmon Arm within a week, after the Vipers defeated the Silverbacks 2-1 in a shootout November 22nd in Vernon. These two teams will meet again December 28th in Vernon. The Snakes enter this evening have lost back to back games and have one win in there last five games. The Vipers have two wins in there last eight games and four wins in there last twelve games. Vernon sits 5th in the Interior division are thirteen points up on 6th place Merritt, two points back of 4th place Wenatchee and ten points back of 3rd place Salmon Arm.

Vernon Vipers Roster:


Matt Kowalski (13-12-25) leads the team lead in goals with thirteen & in points with twenty five

Landon Fuller played 25 games with the 2016-17 Salmon Arm Silverbacks

Vernon Vipers 2019-20 regular season stats:

Games Played: 28
Wins: 14
Losses: 12
Overtime Wins: 2
Overtime Losses: 1
Shootout Wins: 5
Shootout Losses: 1
Home Record: 5-5-0-0
Road Record: 8-7-1-1
Overtime Record: 2-1
Shootout Record: 5-1
Record vs Interior Division: 7-5-0-0
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 7-7-1-1
When the Vipers score first: 10-2-1-0
When the opponents score first: 4-10-0-1
Leading after the 1st period: 2-1-0-1
Tied after the 1st period: 11-3-1-0
Trailing after the 1st period: 1-7-0-0
Leading after the 2nd period: 7-1-0-0
Tied after the 2nd period: 6-2-1-1
Trailing after the 2nd period: 1-9-0-0
Out shooting opponents: 12-8-0-1
Out shot by opponents: 2-4-1-0
One goal games: 8-5-1-1
Goals for: 66
Goals against: 73
Standings: 5th Place (Interior Division) 
Win-loss Streak: Two game losing streak
Longest winning streak: Seven games
Longest losing streak: Four games
Vipers record in September: 3-3-0-0
Vipers record in October: 7-4-0-0 
Vipers record in November 4-5-1-1

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Matt Kowalski (99)
Ben Helgeson (00)
Ben Sanderson (00)
Logan Cash (00)
Elan Bar-Lev-Wise (01)
Landon Fuller (99)
Trey Taylor (02)
Max Palaga (00)

Vernon Vipers departed & traded players from last years team:

Jagger Williamson (98)
Jesse Lansdell (98)
Tyler Ho (00)
Josh Latta (98)
Teddy Wooding (99)
Nicholas Cherkowski (00) 
Brendan Kim (00)
Lane Zablocki (98)
Coleton Bilodeau (00)
Michael Young (98)
Will Dow-Kenny (00)
Jack Judson (00)
Carver Watson (98)
Aidan Porter (99)
Bradley Cooper (99)

Vernon's home record vs Salmon Arm this year:

1-0-0-0

Vernon's road record vs Salmon Arm this year:

0-0-0-0

Vernon's scoring leaders vs Salmon Arm this year:

Matt Kowalski (1-0-1)
Jackson Caller (0-1-1)
Dawson Holt (0-1-1)

Reilly Herbst (1-0 Record)


Let's take a look at the Salmon Arm Silverbacks: 

The 19-9-1-1 Salmon Arm Silverbacks are coming off a 4-2 loss last night to the visiting Langley Rivermen, only the Apes fourth loss on home ice this season. The Silverbacks are 2-1 vs the Vipers this season (preseason & regular season) will meet five more times during the regular season. The Silverbacks come into action tonight, have lost four straight and have one win in there last six games are 4-5-0-1 in there last ten games. Salmon Arm sits 3rd in the Interior division are eight points up on Wenatchee, two points behind Trail and five points back of division leading Penticton.

Salmon Arm Silverbacks Roster:


Daniel Rybarik (16-9-25) leads the team lead in goals with sixteen, while Akito Hirose (4-29-33) leads the team in points with thirty three

Salmon Arm Silverbacks 2019-20 regular season stats:

Games Played: 30
Wins: 19
Losses: 9
Overtime Losses: 1
Shoot Out Losses: 1
Home Record: 13-4-0-0
Road Record: 6-5-1-1
Goals for: 96
Goals against: 84
Standings: 3rd Place (Interior Division)

Salmon Arm Silverbacks Returning Players:

Nick Unruh (00)
Logan Shaw (00)
Noah Wakeford (00)
Akito Hirose (99)
Ethan Langenegger (00)

Salmon Arm Silverbacks departed and traded players from last years team:

Wyatt Marlow (02)
Tyson Gayfer (00)
Jonathan Krahn (01)
Matthew Verboon (00)
John Little (02)
Jack Sampson (98)
Aiden Jenner (00)
Hudson Schandor (00)
Justin Wilson (98)
Yewta Plamondon (01)
Trevor Adams (99)
Sam MacBean (98)
Olson Werenka (99)
Sol Seibel (99)
Darren Rizzolo (98)
Andy Stevens (98)
Cole Nisse (01)
Matthew Armitage (99)

Salmon Arm's home record vs Vernon this year:

0-0-0-0

Salmon Arm's road record vs Vernon this year:

0-0-0-1

Salmon Arm Silverbacks scoring leaders vs Vernon this year:

Drew Bennett (1-0-1)
Domenic Garozzo (0-1-1)
Noah Wakeford (0-1-1)

Ethan Langenegger (0-1 Record)

Lake City Casino Goal Of The Game – #16 Dawson Holt

This is posted on Vernonmatters.ca

LCC Goal Of The Game

Holt Scores Go-Ahead Goal

Nov 30, 2019 

VERNON – Vernon Viper forward Dawson Holt gave the Vernon Vipers a 2-1 lead over the Surrey Eagles near the end of the opening period. With just seconds left, Holt broke down the right side and fired a shot top shelf to give the Vipers the lead. The Snakes unfortunately dropped a 4-3 decision to the Eagles. The Vipers are in Salmon Arm Saturday Night.

Friday, November 29, 2019

Surrey 4 Vernon 3

I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and been watching/following Junior hockey in Vernon my whole 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. I'm not a sports journalist, writer, reporter or work for the Vernon Vipers. I do not get paid for doing this blog and do this blog on my own personal time. I started and created this blog in November 2008 and have over 1.7 million viewers. For anyone who couldn't attend or watch tonight's Vipers game, here are my thought's ad views 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/Eagles game as Surrey defeated Vernon 4-3 in front of 1,778 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: James Porter Jr
Surrey: Thomas Scarfone

1st Period: The visiting Surrey Eagles looked sharp and had the early jump on the hometown Vipers early. Surrey carried the early edge in play for close to the first five minutes, but with only a look or two, didn't get any real quality opportunities. The Vipers would get the games first quality chance about six and a half minutes into the opening frame. Rookie Brett Fudger on a wrap around couldn't beat Thomas Scarfone at the side of the net. About a minute and a half later, the Eagles spotted a wide open Kenny Riddett at the top of the crease. A quick pass through the slot, setup Riddett who redirected the pass that would be kicked out by the left pad of former Kelowna Rockets goaltender James Porter Jr on a big save at the top of the blue paint. About a minute later, Jimmy Darby spotted a wide open Cristophe Tellier at the side of the crease, the former Wenatchee Wild forward tapped home the Eagles first goal of the evening, giving Surrey a 1-0 lead at 8:58 Jimmy Darby and Kieran O'Hearn collected the assists. It looked like James Porter Jr come across the blue paint in time to make the stop on Tellier but the puck managed to find it's way into the back of the net. Vernon was ahead in shots at one point 5-1 were now trailing in shots 6-5. The Snakes responded with a quick push back shift and tied the game 1-1 1:28 later. Jo Jo Tanaka-Campbell setup Vernon product Matt Kowalski in front, tying the game 1-1 at 10:21 Tanaka-Campbell & Nick Kent drew the helpers. About two minutes later former Regina Pats forward Dawson Holt with two quality back to back opportunities from the slot, couldn't solve Thomas Scarfone with the Vipers pressing. With about six minutes remaining the Snakes would get the games first power play, but Vernon would struggle as the Eagles killed off the minor. While on the PK Sean Ramsay went to the Eagles dressing room but returned shortly after. Inside the final minute Connor Marritt setup Dawson Holt, giving Vernon a 2-1 lead at 19:33 Marritt and Connor Sleeth picked up the assists. It was 2-1 Vernon after 20 minutes of play. I really liked the Eagles game off the opening faceoff. I thought Surrey had the early jump, had full possession and zone time early, carried the play for at least for the first four to five minutes, but didn't really generate/or create any kind of quality opportunities. I really liked the Snakes response and how they played the remainder of the period. I thought the Vipers were the better team in the second half of the period, carried the better of the play, had more puck possession, zone time and a lot more opportunities. After Surrey's opening goal, the Eagles only managed one shot on goal for the remainder of the period. Vernon had some good looks/chances in the second half, were getting pucks to the net, but couldn't bury there opportunities. I didn't like the Snakes defensive zone. The Vipers had troubles breaking out of there own end, turned over the puck at least three or four different times. Vernon outshot Surrey 18-7.

2nd Period: About four minutes into the middle frame, Jack Glen and Ben Helgeson looked to have a tap in goal at the top of the blue paint, but either both players couldn't connect on the puck or Eagles starting goaltender Thomas Scarfone made a big stop at the top of the crease. Either way the puck stayed out on a great look/opportunity for Glen and Helgeson early into the period. About a minute or two later, Carter King with a body in front, couldn't beat James Porter Jr looked to go high, caught Porter Jr up near the high chest/mask area. Minutes later Aki Hassan on a two on one attack, tried setting up JJ Fecteau going to the goal, somehow couldn't connect on the pass, looked to have an open cage on a missed opportunity by the Eagles. Shortly after Jackson Caller who was up in the rush, had a glorious chance in front, couldn't beat Thomas Scarfone who come up with a large save, keeping this a 2-1 hockey game. Around the midway mark Vernon would get there second man advantage of the game, but again struggle with the PP. Surrey would kill off the minor. Shortly after the Snakes and Jackson Caller would get very lucky. Caller hit a Surrey player from behind, went head first into the boards but luckily was far enough away from the boards, he wasn't injured and got up fairly quickly. If the player would have been closer to the end wall, Caller could have easily been tossed from the hockey game and given five minutes for either boarding or checking from behind. But on this play, Caller was given two minutes for boarding. Surrey went to work on there first PP of the contest. The Eagles moved the puck around well, had some looks before Carter King looked to have a sure goal with a wide open cage, but somehow Vipers starting goaltender James Porter Jr dove across the crease to rob King with a massive save. Late in the PP in the defensive zone, Dawson Holt would grab hold of an Eagles stick and throw it, which was given an unsportsmanlike minor for and it cost him. Surrey would go on a shortened two man advantage. The Snakes would kill off the remainder of the first minor, but unable to kill off the second penalty. Hudson Schandor who attended the Vipers training camp a few seasons ago setup Brandon Santa Juana in the slot, beat James Porter Jr to tie the game 2-2 at 16:42 Schandor & Kieran O'Hearn collected the helpers. Holt's undisciplined penalty, cost his team a lead, giving up the late power play goal. Shortly after Matt Kowalski with an odd man rush, couldn't bury an opportunity from the lower circle. It was 2-2 after 40 minutes of play. The Vipers were the better of the two teams, carried most of the play for most of the 2nd period. Vernon had a ton of puck possession and zone time, had several looks/quality chances but couldn't find the back of the net. The Snakes held a one goal lead until giving up a late power play goal, really needed to capitalize on some of there chances. In a period where you are the better team, one of your veteran players cant take an undisciplined penalty on the penalty kill, that costs you the game tying goal late in the period. This was a costly penalty and it cost Vernon the lead. The Eagles had a few looks/opportunities but played a lot of the middle frame in there own end. Thomas Scarfone was the difference in a tied hockey game. Vernon outshot Surrey 11-6.

3rd Period: The Eagles carried the play early but didn't really create/or generate any quality chances. About four minutes into the final frame, rookie Jo Jo Tanaka-Campbell used his wheels to pull away and on a partial breakaway, snapped a quick shot from the right wing from the circle that forced Thomas Scarfone into making a large save early, keeping this a 2-2 game. The Eagles moving the puck well, had some early looks but couldn't hit the net on some missed opportunities from in close. Just before the halfway mark, the Vipers spotted captain/forward Connor Marritt in the high slot, but went high and over the goal on a missed opportunity. With about nine minutes left in the 3rd Vernon would jump on the man advantage, but again struggled. The Vipers managed a little more zone time on this power play, but either took too long to shoot or passed instead of shooting. The Eagles killed off the penalty. Less then forty seconds later on a broken play the Eagles would catch a break. On a shot that looked to hit something or someone in front of the goal, bounced up and over James Porter Jr and into the back of the net, giving Surrey a 3-2 lead at 13:44 Brett Bliss would get credited with the goal on a play that stunned Vernon and James Porter Jr who had no idea where the puck was. Hudson Schandor drew the lone assist. Eight seconds later Matt Kowalski went through everyone on a highlight reel goal, tied the game 3-3 at 13:52 sending Kal Tire Place into a frenzy. Jo Jo Tanaka-Campbell collected the helper. What a goal and what a push back shift after the Eagles just took the lead. On the following play/shift, the Snakes spotted Matt Kowalski in the slot, looking for his third goal of the night, fired wide of the net, on a missed chance from the slot. Surrey would get a late power play shortly after with about five minutes remaining and capitalize. The Eagles with some slick passing, moved the puck around, while Vernon had an opportunity to clear the zone and couldn't, the Eagles kept the play going. Cristophe Tellier with a slick move and highlight reel goal, gave Surrey a 4-3 lead at 16:22 for his second goal of the night. Gabe Schovanek and Kieran O'Hearn picked up the assists. The Vipers had troubles gaining any kind of traction with time not on there side. Vernon even had troubles getting James Porter Jr to the bench for the extra attacker, almost got caught with Porter Jr making his way to the Viper bench, a Surrey player had control of the puck and a good look at the open cage, ended up losing the puck. Jason McKee and the Vipers would call a late timeout before the Vipers sprung Connor Marritt in for the breakaway with 1:10 remaining but Marritt couldn't solve Thomas Scarfone who made a large stop with 1:08 left in the contest. Vernon would get some pressure inside the final minute, had a few looks/chances on a couple of goal mouth scrambles couldn't get the puck through a maze of players and Thomas Scarfone. The Vipers pressed hard in the dying seconds but the Eagles with three shot blocks preserved and held on for the 4-3 victory. After being outplayed for a lot of the first two periods, I thought the Surrey Eagles come to play in the 3rd, really stepped up there play and were the better of the two teams. The Eagles had more puck possession, zone time and capitalized on there opportunities. Surrey looked to have a little more jump/and energy in the final twenty minutes. When the Eagles did give up an opportunity, Thomas Scarfone was there to bail them out. I really liked Vernon's game the first two periods but for whatever reason, I didn't think the Snakes played/or looked all that good in the final twenty minutes. The Vipers just didn't look like the same team. Vernon didn't get enough pucks to the net, nor did they create/generate enough chances to win. The Snakes had at three or four good looks/quality chances but couldn't capitalize on there opportunities, needed more to win. The Snakes fell behind in the second half of the period and had to chase the Eagles for the remainder of the game. Surrey outshot Vernon 10-8.

Top Player's: (Vernon)

Hunter Donohoe I thought was one of there better d-men in the loss. Other then turning over the puck on a few occasions was good at both ends of the rink. The Vipers tried setting up the former Western Hockey League defenceman with the one timer also rushed the play/puck up ice on several occasions.

Matt Kowalski (2 goals) Is the Vipers best forward and has carried the team on his back. Where would the Snakes be without Kowalski this year? This kid plays hard, has a lot of jump/energy, never quits skating, always creating/generating plays, gets the crowd to there feet. Had a real strong game tonight. Scored a highlight reel goal on Vernon's game tying third goal.

Connor Marritt Played well, had some good looks/quality chances, none better then alone in the slot just before the halfway mark of the 3rd period and then his breakaway with just over a minute remaining in the game. The Viper captain has to bury at least one of these.

Jo Jo Tanaka-Campbell (2 assists) I really liked the rookie's game. This kid is going to be very good next season. Already just starting to gain a little more confidence, had a ton of jump in his game tonight, created some chances/plays, was very good.

James Porter Jr (19 saves) Wasn't tested much but did make the big save when his team needed him. I thought played well between the pipes. Playing in just his fourth game with the Snakes is now 0-4 on the season.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

I thought the hometown Vipers looked and played very well in the first two periods, weren't the same team in the 3rd period. The Snakes didn't get off to a great start were outplayed early, needed the first four or five minutes before getting there game going. Vernon had lots of good looks/opportunities in the first two periods, were getting pucks to the net, creating/generating chances couldn't bury there opportunities. With a 2-1 lead heading into the middle frame, the Snakes were the better of the two teams in the second period, needed to put the Eagles away and couldn't. Chance after chance after chance, Vernon couldn't grab a two or three goal lead, instead allowed Surrey to hang around before taking an undisciplined penalty late in that second period, giving the Eagles a short two man advantage and then allowing Surrey to tie the hockey game on that same power play. Not only do you take an undisciplined minor late in a period, but you give up the game tying goal late in the period. The Vipers just didn't look like the same team to me in the final twenty minutes. Vernon looked a little off, only managed eight shots on goal, had a few looks/quality chances but not enough to win. Instead the Snakes let the Eagles control a lot of the play, give up two third period goals, have to try and come from behind twice in the final frame on home ice. The Vipers power play struggled tonight and has all season. Vernon had troubles breaking out of there own end, turned over the puck at least seven or eight different times. The Snakes also passed instead of shooting in some situations. The Vipers needed to take the shot, drive hard to the net and go for the rebound. Just like last year, the Vipers can't score goals. Vernon has three or four kids that do all the scoring and the rest of the team, competes, battles and plays hard but not only can't score don't really create/generate much opportunities at all. Vernon is in desperate need of some scoring. The only problem is finding a proven goal scorer at this time of the season is difficult and if you do, your going to have to pay the price to acquire him. Will the Snakes make any roster moves/trades before the BCHL card deadline? The Vipers goaltenders are having to be solid game after game after game, just to keep the Vipers in the hockey games. If it wasn't for Matt Kowalski & Reilly Herbst this season, where would the Vipers be? The Snakes haven't won many hockey games lately and need to turn this around in a hurry. They slipped to 5th place this week and are slowly starting to fall down in the standings. It doesn't get any easier with the Vipers playing in Salmon Arm tomorrow. The Silverbacks lost only there fourth home game of the season tonight, 4-2 to the visiting Langley Rivermen. One of the smaller crowds of the season, saw former Vernon Vipers forwards David Robinson and Trevor Keenan in attendance. The Vipers have lost back to back games, have one win in there last five games, two wins in there last eight and three wins in there last ten and four wins in there last twelve games. My TSN turning point all started on the eleven game road trip with back to back games in Trail. Vernon had won nine of there previous eleven games heading to Trail. The Snakes were only three points back of the Smoke Eaters for 3rd place, lost both games in Trail and haven't been the same team since. With the loss tonight Vernon falls to 14-12-1-1 sit 5th in the Interior division are thirteen points up on 6th place Merritt, two points back of Wenatchee and ten points back of Salmon Arm.

Top Player's: (Surrey)

Kieran O'Hearn (3 assists) Was hard to contain and hard to defend against, collected three helpers in the Eagles victory, was very shifty and managed to find open ice to try and setup/makes plays.

Hudson Schandor (2 assists) Attended the Vipers training camp a few seasons ago, was traded from the Silverbacks to Surrey this season and wears the "C" for the Eagles. I thought was one of the better forwards for Surrey this evening. Really sees the ice well and makes plays happen.

Carter King Isn't the biggest kid but can skate, had at least three good chances tonight, seems to find the open ice and create plays. Looked good for the Eagles all night.

Kenny Riddett Another kid who isn't that big but had some looks/opportunities through out the game.

Cristophe Tellier (2 goals) The former Wenatchee Wild forward opened the scoring and scored the game winner on the power play late in the 3rd period, was very good for the visiting Eagles. I thought played well with the Wild last season, seemed to give the Snakes troubles at times, was hard to defend against and contain tonight in the win.

Thomas Scarfone (34 saves) Was a big difference in the outcome of tonight's game. Stopped 33 saves in a 3-2 shootout loss to the visiting Vernon Vipers November 3rd in Surrey, gets a little revenge with the win tonight. Not the biggest netminder but plays his position well. Gives up rebounds but made some big stops through out the game, giving his team a chance to win.

Game Thought's: (Surrey)

The Vipers were the better team for the first two periods. Surrey had some shifts and puck possession where they looked good from time to time but overall were outplayed and outchanced in the first two periods. The Eagles gave up twenty nine shots in the first two periods and a ton of looks/opportunities, were very lucky only to be down a goal late in the 2nd period. Surrey was able to get some solid goaltending and hang on for the first two periods before looking and playing much better in the 3rd. The Eagles played with a little more jump, had some poise and played a lot more with the puck. Surrey carried the play for times in the 3rd, only surrendered eight shots and limited the Snakes to a handful of opportunities. I really liked the Eagles game in the final twenty minutes. The Eagles played with the lead and looked good on the power play. Specialty teams was big for the Eagles as the PP was moving the puck/scored twice and the penalty kill was good. Surrey relied on there goaltender didn't get a lot of rubber on goal, but also managed to create/generate some opportunities through out the game, capitalized on there chances. Former Viper defenceman Brendan Kim wore #39 with no name bar made his Eagles debut after being traded to Surrey Thursday. How big was tonight's game for not only the Eagles but for Kim? Overall this was a very fast pace game and very entertaining and exciting with some good chances at both ends of the rink. I spotted one Eagles fan in attendance, wearing a orange Surrey Eagles jersey. Tonight was the Eagles second win in there last ten road games. Tonight was the Eagles fourth game of an eight game road trip. Surrey has two wins in there last seven games, only has five wins in there last fifteen games. With the victory Surrey improves to 10-15-2-3 sit last in the Mainland division are two points back of 4th place Prince George, three points back of 3rd place Langley and eight points back of 2nd place Chilliwack.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Ben Sanderson (Injured)
Keigo Hachisuka
Ryan Shostak (Injured)
Max Palaga (Injured)

Surrey:

Jason Lin
Christian Fitzgerald

Energy Player of the Game:

Dawson Holt (1 goal)

Three Star's:

1st Star: Christophe Tellier (2 goals)
2nd Star: Matt Kowalski (2 goals)
3rd Star: Kieran O'Hearn (3 assists)

Boxscore-Game Summary,

https://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/9428

Game Report,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/official-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=9428

Text Boxscore,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/text-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=9428

Please feel free to leave a suggestion or comment 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 photo's I took before and during tonight's Vipers/Eagles game.