I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and been watching/following Junior hockey in Vernon most of my life. I have had season tickets since 1990 and only missed four Vipers home games since 2004. In the past thirty years I have only missed 45 home games. I'm not a sports journalist, writer, reporter or work for the Vernon Vipers. I do not get paid for 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 today's Vipers game, here are my thought's and views 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 visiting my blog.
I was at today's Vipers-Silverbacks game as Vernon defeated Salmon Arm 4-2 in front of 1,131 fans at the Shaw Centre.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: James Porter Jr
Salmon Arm: Ethan Langenegger
1st Period: The hometown Silverbacks got the early jump on the Vipers. Salmon Arm with a ton of pressure and zone time early had the early jump and momentum. About three minutes in, a shot from the top of the circle forced James Porter Jr into making a big stop early. A few minutes later James Porter Jr was forced to make a difficult save off a shot from the high slot that handcuffed the Vipers netminder as the Silverbacks couldn't bury the rebound. The Apes had several good looks but had trouble hitting the net. Just before the halfway mark, Christian Felton took a high stick and was forced to leave the game and didn't return for the remainder of the period. The Snakes would get a four minute double minor on the games first power play. Seconds into the man advantage, Ethan Langenegger come across the blue paint to rob a Viper forward at the side of the crease, before having to make a second save off a shot from in close. Two big stops on the PK before the Gorillas forecheck went to work. Salmon Arm's forwards poured on the pressure, had the Vipers hemmed deep inside there own end, killing valuable time off the clock. SA was able to kill off the first two minutes of the double minor, before Vernon had some good pressure and looks down low. Once again Ethan Langenegger had to be sharp, made another big stop before Cameron MacDonald buried the loose puck, giving Vernon a 1-0 lead at 12:38 Connor Marritt and Dawson Holt collected the helpers. Ethan Langenegger and the Backs were not happy with the goal as they figured MacDonald and the Snakes interfered with the Salmon Arm goaltender. Langenegger and a Salmon Arm defenceman went straight to the officials but the goal stood. Salmon Arm was outshooting Vernon 11-3 at the midway point, after the goal shots were now 12-10 in favour of the Silverbacks. Vernon's lead didn't last as fourty seconds later. On a turnover inside there own blueline, Noah Wakeford setup Silverbacks captain Akito Hirose who's shot from well out beat James Porter Jr, tying the game 1-1 at 13:18 Wakeford and Devan Newhook drew the assists. Less then two minutes later, the Snakes responded with a good push back shift. Connor Marritt and Jo Jo Tanaka-Campbell with a hard working shift down low, did all the work to keep the puck alive spotted Cameron MacDonald in the high slot, ripped a quick shot past Ethan Langenegger, giving Vernon a 2-1 lead at 14:53 Tanaka-Campbell picked up the lone assist. With just less then five minutes remaining the Vipers setup Matt Kowalski on an odd man rush. The Vernon product tried sending a pass through the slot to Dawson Holt but a strong defensive play by an Apes defender broke up the attack/play. With about three and a half minutes remaining, Lucas Breault's shot from the slot would be stopped by former Kelowna Rockets goaltender James Porter Jr. The Vernon goaltender thought he had the puck covered but the whistle wasn't blown and a Salmon Arm player went behind Porter Jr tried banging home the loose puck on a wild scramble in the crease. Somehow the Backs couldn't hit the open cage as Porter Jr and the Vipers catch a huge break as the game remained 2-1. The Gorillas pressed hard down the stretch, pushing for the game tying goal. Hunter Sansbury's heavy shot from well out, looked to handcuff James Porter Jr who was forced to make a difficult save with about a minute and a half remaining. It was 2-1 Vernon after 20 minutes of play. The Silverbacks jumped on Vernon off the opening faceoff and dominated the play for the first half as it was all SA. The Apes carried the play, had a ton of pressure/zone time and a lot of puck possession. Salmon Arm had several good looks/opportunities, also missed the net on several occasions. The game/momentum changed when the Vipers went to work with the games first and only power play of the 1st period. The Vipers created and generated some chances, were outshot and outplayed to this point, managed to open the scoring and gain some life. The Snakes played much better in the second half, but the S'Backs didn't go away and finished the opening frame strong, pushing hard for the game tying goal in the final minutes. Overall the Silverbacks were the better of the two teams. Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 18-12.
2nd Period: Christian Felton returned to the game after being high sticked halfway through the 1st period. Felton returned with a full face shield and was now wearing jersey #3 with no name bar. The Snakes with a strong start, jumped on the S'Backs early before the Vipers would get an early PP inside the opening minute. The Snakes only needed five seconds to grab a two goal lead. Connor Sleeth won the draw, setup Trey Taylor at the point, before going to the front of the net. Taylor's shot from the blueline beat Silverbacks starting goaltender Ethan Langenegger, giving Vernon a 3-1 lead at 1:01 Sleeth drew the only assist. Langenegger couldn't get set and may have been slightly screened with Connor Sleeth standing in front. Just over a minute later, Salmon Arm would eventually get there first man advantage of the afternoon. Vipers starting goaltender James Porter Jr had to be sharp, was forced to make several big stops while on the PK as Vernon killed off the minor. Minutes later the Snakes went back to work with the man advantage. The Vipers setup Dawson Holt at the circle who's shot beat Ethan Langenegger may have grazed the far post. Vernon unable to really generate much on the PP as SA killed off the minor. Just as the penalty expired, the Backs went back to the power play as both teams were playing musical chairs in the penalty box. Once again James Porter Jr had to be sharp, was forced into making some big stops, one off the mask. The Vipers sprung Dawson Holt for the breakaway, couldn't solve Ethan Langenegger five hole. How big was this save? Well shortly after just as the power play expired, Akito Hirose waited and waited before sending Daniel Rybarik a cross crease backdoor pass. Rybarik would be stopped by James Porter Jr before burying the rebound, cutting Vernon's lead to 3-2 at 11:15 Hirose & Hunter Sansbury collected the helpers. Daniel Rybarik was Landon Fuller's man. Fuller left Rybarik unattended, which resulted in the goal. This goal brought the crowd back into the hockey game, which got the rowdy fans in Section I going as they started chanting "Porter" "Porter" "Porter" Three minutes later Salmon Arm went back to work on the power play and everyone in the Shaw Centre thought the Backs had tied the game. James Porter Jr come across crease to rob Lucas Breault at the side of the goal, making a highlight reel stop, keeping this a one goal game. SA had several good looks from in close range, but fired high and over the goal or wide of the net, missing on several missed opportunities. The Vipers would get some solid goaltending from James Porter Jr and kill off the penalty. With about two minutes left in the 2nd period Dawson Holt sprung Matt Kowalski in for the partial breakaway, but Ethan Langenegger made the stop before having to make a second attempt at the second shot on a goal mouth scramble before tempers heated up with some pushing and shoving in the Gorillas crease. Ben Helgeson and Holden Knights would both get sent to the sin bin. It was 3-2 Vernon after 40 minutes of play. This was a very good entertaining period with chances at both ends of the rink. Both teams were matched fairly even as the play was fairly even for a lot of the middle frame. Both goaltenders were solid between the pipes. Shots were 16-12 for Salmon Arm.
3rd Period: Dawson Holt and Matt Kowalski on an odd man rush just over a minute into the final frame couldn't put Vernon ahead by two after a big stop from Ethan Langenegger. SA with a strong push back shift on the following rush. Coalson Wolford with a quick shot from the circle forced James Porter Jr into making a big pad save. Two good quality chances at both ends of the rink, early into the 3rd period. Shortly after Colby Feist setup Brett Fudger on an odd man rush but Fudger had to really stretch to try and connect on the pass didn't get off a quality shot. Shortly after the Apes would get the only PP of the period. A strong PK from Vernon ragged a lot of time off the clock, while James Porter Jr made a couple of stops as the Snakes killed off the minor. Just before the midway mark, Matt Kowalski and Dawson Holt on an odd man rush couldn't solve Ethan Langenegger. Shortly after Lucas Breault would be denied by James Porter Jr. The play really starting to open up as both teams were going back and fourth with chances and opportunities at both ends of the rink. Shortly after the halfway mark, William Poirier found his way behind the Vernon defence, looked to have James Porter Jr beat, Porter Jr was down and out tried sliding across the blue paint, managed to only get his goal stick in the way as Poirier couldn't corral the puck, missed an open cage on a missed opportunity to tie the game. With about five minutes remaining, Ben Sanderson driving to the goal hard, would be stopped down low as bodies went crashing into Ethan Langenegger. Shortly after Akito Hirose's point shot found it's way through traffic but somehow managed to stay out on a big stop from James Porter Jr. Salmon Arm slowly started to pull away towards the end of the period, were attacking strong, pouring on the pressure. The Snakes were hemmed in there own end at times but managed to keep SA to the outside and limit there time and space. Jason McKee and the Vipers would call a late timeout before the Silverbacks would also call a timeout inside the final two minutes. Inside the final two minutes, Lucas Breault with a quick release would be denied by James Porter Jr down low on a quality chance for SA. The Backs would get Ethan Langenegger to the bench with about 1:35 remaining for the extra attacker. The Apes with a strong push, had the Snakes hemmed in there own end but Salmon Arm was unable to get pucks to the net. Vernon had troubles clearing the zone, would eventually get the puck into the neutral zone twice inside the final minute of play. The Gorillas had troubles getting through the neutral zone, before turning over the puck, that allowed Dawson Holt to hit the open cage, giving Vernon a 4-2 lead at 19:56 Holt's goal was unassisted. This basically put the game away as fans started making there way to the exits. The Vipers would hang on for the 4-2 victory. This was a wild and very exciting 3rd period. Both teams went back and fourth for most of the final twenty minutes. Both teams with some quality opportunities. As the period went along, the play really opened up. Both goaltenders were solid in the final frame. This period could have gone either way, as both tenders made some timely saves. The Silverbacks started a big push with about four minutes remaining but couldn't force overtime. SA had some good looks, either missed the goal or couldn't solve James Porter Jr. The Viper defence was very strong down the stretch, especially in the final minutes, kept the S'Backs to the outside, took away the shooting lanes and limited Salmon Arm from getting pucks to the net. The Vipers come up with a few big shot blocks late, hung on for a big win in a big divisional game. Shots were 11-11.
Top Player's: (Vernon)
The line of Connor Marritt (1 assist), Ryan Shostak & Cameron MacDonald (2 goals) Was very good up and down the ice for Vernon. These three kids really stepped up there play this afternoon and lead the charge the entire game. I thought Vipers forward/captain Connor Marritt was very good along the wall and down low. Won several battles along the wall or in and around the net, come out with the puck. MacDonald scored twice was always involved in the play, while Shostak returned to the Vipers lineup last night, played very well today.
The line of Dawson Holt (1 goal & 1 assist), Matt Kowalski & Ben Helgeson were also very good. Holt had one of his best games as a Viper. I was really impressed with his hard work, compete level and determination today. He was hard to knock off the puck, hard to contain and defend against. At times he powered his way through a few Salmon Arm defenders. Kowalski & Holt seemed to feed off one another all afternoon, had very good chemistry today. These two were generating and creating a ton of opportunities and odd man rushes.
Ben Sanderson I thought was another veteran forward that stepped up his game today and played very well in the win. Really used his upper body strength and power to get by the Silverbacks defence and win the battles going to the goal.
Connor Sleeth (1 assist) I thought played pretty good and had a fairly good game this afternoon.
James Porter Jr (43 saves) Was very solid between the pipes for the Vipers today. The former Western Hockey League netminder was sharp, confident and seeing pucks all day. Had some luck with him today on a few saves. Was one of the key players on the Viper PK. Porter Jr's numbers don't show it, but the kid has been very good since arriving from the Kelowna Rockets in November. In the games he's lost, his team hasn't given him any offence.
Game Thought's: (Vernon)
The Snakes didn't get off to a good start, were outplayed early and often. The Vipers played most of the first half in there own end, had to rely on James Porter Jr to keep them in the contest early. Vernon was outshot 11-4 at one point in the 1st period, managed to open the scoring and played much better in the second half of that opening frame. Overall I really liked the Vipers game today, I thought they improved defensively, didn't cough up or turnover the puck in there own end as much as last night and in past games. I counted only two turnovers in there own end today. Other then the first ten minutes, I thought Vernon played with a lot more consistency, energy and compete level. The Snakes were generating & creating lots of chances but also played well defensively. I thought all four lines contributed and played well. The power play was generating some opportunities with some sustained pressure and the PK was also good. After getting off to a slow start and being outplayed for the first half of the opening period, how big was Cameron MacDonald's power play goal to open the scoring? Vernon played with the lead most of the afternoon. The Snakes did catch some breaks and get the bounces go there way, were lucky on a few saves from Porter Jr and loose pucks in the crease. The Vipers haven't looked or been the same team since almost blowing a 7-2 lead in Merritt December 8th, played one of there better and more consistent games in a while. After losing 5-2 to the Silverbacks in a big home & home series, it was nice to see the Snakes get some revenge and get within two points of 3rd place Salmon Arm. A fair size of Viper fans made the trip to Salmon Arm this afternoon. The Vipers with a quick turn around, only get two days off until hosting the Penticton Vees New Years day. The Vipers snapped there three game losing streak, have lost three of there last five and won six of there last ten games. With the win Vernon improves to 20-15-1-1 move into 4th in the Interior division are now tied in points with Wenatchee, are two points back of 3rd place Salmon Arm and eight points back of 2nd place Trail.
Top Player's: (Vernon)
The line of Lucas Breault, Noah Wakeford (1 assist) & Daniel Rybarik (1 goal) Was the top unit for the S'Backs today. This line like last night, was dangerous, hard to contain and defend against. All three created/generated opportunities today. This line is quick, move the puck up ice in a hurry and seem to always know where each other are. Gave the Vipers troubles often.
William Poirier I thought played with a ton of jump, had some spark in his game.
Akito Hirose (1 goal & 1 assist) The Silverbacks captain played very well in Salmon Arm's 5-2 win in Vernon Saturday, had another strong game today. Really sees and reads the ice well, very patient with the puck. Has soft hands and plays well at both ends of the rink.
Zach Gabruch Played well on the Backs blueline.
Ethan Langenegger (31 saves) Played well last night, had another strong game between the pipes. Was tested more often today and forced to make a few more saves today over the win Friday in Vernon. Both goaltenders were very good. This kid is big, covers a lot of the net, doesn't give up many if any second or third opportunities. Wasn't pleased with Vernon's first goal, thought he was interfered with, made a large save off Dawson Holt on a 2nd period shorthanded breakaway.
Game Thought's: (Salmon Arm)
The hometown Silverbacks come out with a ton of jump/energy, jumped on the Vipers. It was all SA for most of the first half but the Apes couldn't find the back of the net. A lot like what happened last night. The Vipers had the early jump on Salmon Arm, but only managed one goal in a period where they were the better team. The Gorillas were all over Vernon, even outshooting the Snakes 11-4 at one point, found themselves down 1-0. If SA would have been able to open the scoring and maybe get a goal or two early, this may have been a different hockey game. Instead the Vipers survive the first ten minutes, manage to open the scoring and then take the lead into the dressing room. The S'Backs battled and competed just like the Vipers, didn't get the puck luck or bounces go there way. James Porter Jr got lucky on a few saves. I noticed Salmon Arm missed the net a lot today, five on five and on the PP. The amount of good looks the Silverbacks had, but shot high or wide of the goal was amazing. The Silverbacks had some very good chances ran into a hot goaltender today. Today's game could have easily gone the other way and Salmon Arm could have come out on top with the victory. Both goaltenders made some timely saves. I really liked the chatter from the Apes bench. Salmon Arm has a very lively bench, a lot of chatter and talking going on with the players, coaches and officials. You could hear the Salmon Arm bench giving it to the officials often, through out the game. Rumors going around the Shaw Centre today that the Silverbacks have fired Head Coach & GM Scotty Atkinson. Atkinson wasn't behind the bench in both games this weekend and a sign behind the end glass appeared in the 3rd period, saying "Where's Scotty?" No official press release from the Silverbacks. A great turnout for a Sunday afternoon game, I was very surprised to see the fans show up and come out for today's game. Most teams have trouble drawing well on Sunday afternoons, but a crowd of over 1,000 people were out today. The loss snapped the Silverbacks two game winning streak. With the loss Salmon Arm falls to 21-15-1-1 remain in 3rd place are two points ahead of Vernon & Wenatchee and six points back of 2nd place Trail.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Jack Glen
Nicholas Kent (Injured)
Elan Bar-Lev-Wise
Max Palaga (Injured-Out for the season)
Salmon Arm:
Kieran Ruscheinski
Simon Tassy
Jarrod Semchuk
Brett Balas
Energy Player of the Game:
William Poirier
Three Star's:
1st Star: James Porter Jr (43 saves)
2nd Star: Akito Hirose (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Cameron MacDonald (2 goals)
I have picked a victory song for the Vernon Vipers this season. After every Vipers win this year, I will play Tarzan Boy by Baltimora
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_r0n9Dv6XnY
Boxscore-Game Summary,
https://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/9503
Game Report,
https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/official-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=9503
Text Boxscore,
https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/text-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=9503
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 today's Vipers-Silverbacks game.
The Nanaimo Clippers have named former Vernon Lakers forward Darren Naylor new VP/Director of Hockey Operations.
