Coquitlam 5 Vernon 4

I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and been watching/following Junior hockey in Vernon my entire life. I have had season tickets since 1990 and only missed four Vipers home games since 2004. In the past thirty years I have missed 45 home games. 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 tonight's Vipers game, here are my thoughts 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 give a fare game recap from both sides. Thank you for visiting my blog.

I was at tonight's Vipers-Express game as Coquitlam defeated Vernon 5-4 in front of 2,108 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Reilly Herbst
Coquitlam: Clay Stevenson

1st Period: The Vipers got the early jump on Coquitlam off the opening faceoff before taking an early penalty forty three seconds into the contest. The visiting Coquitlam Express only managed two shots with the man advantage as the Vipers with a very good PK killed off the minor. About four minutes into the period, Vernon product Colby Feist got a shot towards the goal that looked to handcuff Clay Stevenson, as the Snakes couldn't find the big rebound that rolled through the crease. Just before the halfway mark, Dawson Holt couldn't connect on a two on one pass, on a missed opportunity. In and around the same time, Vernon would jump on there first PP of the evening. The Vipers struggled with the man advantage, only had one shot on goal before Landon Fuller banged home the loose puck at the top of the crease, towards the end of the power play, giving Vernon a 1-0 lead at 10:03 Dawson Holt & Connor Marritt drew the helpers. On the next shift, Brett Fudger & Ryan Shostak with back to back chances, were denied in front by Clay Stevenson. Two big stops by the Express netminder as Vernon come close to jumping out to a 2-0 lead. With about six and a half minutes remaining, Dawson Holt with a heavy low shot would be stopped by Clay Stevenson who made a big pad save. About a minute or so later, Matthew Campbell "AP" tried banging home a loose puck on a bit of a goal mouth scramble, on the Express's first real quality chance of the game. Connor Gregga made his way to the dressing room with the trainer during the period, but seemed to be ok and returned to the hockey game. With less then two minutes left in the 1st period, Coquitlam would get a late PP to finish the period. The Snakes couldn't clear the zone inside the final ten seconds, left Christian MacDougall alone in front, who beat Reilly Herbst, tying the game at 19:57 Jashua Wildauer and Nicholas Carabin collected the assists. Giving up the tying goal with 3.3 seconds left in the frame was a killer. It was tied 1-1 after 20 minutes of play. The hometown Vipers were ready to play and outplayed Coquitlam for most of the first period. I really liked Vernon's game early and often. The Vipers were physical, laid out at least four or five big checks, were strong on the forecheck, carried most of the play, had a ton of puck possession and a lot of the period in the offensive zone. The Snakes were getting pucks to the net, created/generated a few good looks/chances were by far the better team. The Vipers could have easily had a few goals this period. The Express played last night in West Kelowna and it showed. Coquitlam didn't get off to a great start, looked slow and sluggish for most of the period. The Express played most of the 1st in there own end, were chasing Vernon all period. Clay Stevenson kept his team in the game as the Express were very lucky to be in this game. How big was the game tying goal with 3.3 seconds remaining? Instead of being down a goal, were now tied heading into the 2nd period. Vernon outshot Coquitlam 15-6.

2nd Period: Inside the opening minute, the Vipers turned over the puck inside the blueline, allowing Cooper Connell to go in for the breakaway and beat Vernon Vipers starting goaltender Reilly Herbst with a wicked wrist shot, giving Coquitlam a early 2-1 lead at 0:28 Connell's goal was unassisted. The Vipers responded with a good push back shift. Logan Cash would be denied in close off the following draw, after Coquitlam Express netminder Clay Stevenson made a quick glove save, keeping this a 2-1 game. Shortly after on a delayed penalty, the Express kept control of the puck, Nicholas Carabin got in across Vernon's blueline, setup Greg Lapointe, giving Coquitlam a early 3-1 lead at 2:17 Carabin with the lone assist. The Vipers with not a great start, give up two opportunities and both times the puck ends up in the back of the net. Jason McKee was forced to call an early timeout to try and re group the troops. Minutes later Vernon would get an early power play, the Vipers with a few looks couldn't capitalize with the man advantage as Coquitlam killed off the minor. Just as the penalty expired, the Snakes sprung Cameron MacDonald in for the breakaway, but Clay Stevenson with a large left pad save, kept this a two goal game. The Snakes didn't quit and kept pressing. On an odd man rush, Viper captain/forward Connor Marritt looked to have gotten Vernon back to within a goal, but somehow Clay Stevenson got across the blue paint to rob Marritt at the side of the goal, on a highlight reel save. Shortly after Matt Kowalski with a good look/even better opportunity couldn't solve Clay Stevenson. With the Vipers pressing and the Express back on there heels, the Snakes had some very good looks, just missed the net. Clay Stevenson and the Express had to be sharp was forced to make at least two or three big stops in and around the crease with Vernon pressing. Just before the halfway mark, the Express sent Tyler Schleppe in for the breakaway would be denied by Reilly Herbst. At the other end of the rink, Ben Helgeson on a breakaway, couldn't beat Clay Stevenson. Minutes later, Jo Jo Tanaka-Campbell drove hard to the goal, beat Clay Stevenson five hole, cutting Coquitlam's lead to 3-2 at 13:47 Hunter Donohoe and Landon Fuller with the assists. Shortly after Christian MacDougall couldn't solve Reilly Herbst on a wrap around. Minutes later, Connor Marritt setup Dawson Holt who tied the game 3-3 at 18:59 Marritt and Cameron MacDonald picking up the helpers. With 1:01 remaining this goal got the fans to there feet and brought some life back into the building. The Express with a very late push inside the final minute. In the dying seconds, the Vipers left Bradley Ong unattended in front of the blue paint. Coquitlam got the puck in front just a second before the final buzzer as Vernon catches a break. It was 3-3 after 40 minutes of play. The Express may have jumped out to a quick 3-1 lead just over two minutes into the middle frame, but it was all Vernon for most of the remainder of the period. For a second straight period, the Snakes carried most of the play, had a ton of zone time, puck possession and a ton of quality chances in and around the net. The Vipers missed the net a lot but also created some very good opportunities, couldn't bury there chances. At one point, Coquitlam went at least six minutes without a shot. The Express played a lot of the period in there own end, once again were chasing Vernon and relying on there goaltender to bail them out. If it wasn't for Clay Stevenson this could have easily been a 8-3 game at this point in the hockey game. Vernon dominated the Express at times, rallied down two goals to tie the game. This was a very exciting and entertaining period if you were a Viper fan. Vernon outshot Coquitlam 19-9.

3rd Period: Inside the opening minute, Clay Stevenson turned over the puck behind his own goal, was forced to scramble back into the crease, where Cameron MacDonald looked to have a wide open cage, before Stevenson somehow managed to slide back into the blue paint to just get a piece of MacDonald's shot, for an unbelievable save. Dawson Holt on the rebound, looked to beat Stevenson on the wrap around but couldn't on two grade A chances for Vernon. Three minutes into the period, a shot from the high slot looked to get redirected on it's way to the net. Tyler Schleppe looked to get his stick on the shot, that looked to beat Reilly Herbst as the play continued. The goal light didn't come on, while the official who was in the corner waived off the goal immediately as play went up the ice. Schleppe threw his arms in the air as if he scored. I didn't hear the puck ring off the crossbar as it looked to go up and under the crossbar and come back out. No complaining from the Express bench as the play continued. It was still tied 3-3. About two minutes later, Logan Cash with a quality look/opportunity couldn't solve Clay Stevenson, while Greg Lapointe had a quality chance at the other end of the rink, couldn't beat Reilly Herbst. Two quality chances at both ends of the rink. Shortly after the Snakes on a goal mouth scramble couldn't get the loose puck to go in. For the first time tonight, the Express slowly started to find there game as the play picked up at both ends of the rink. The Vipers had several looks in and around the goal, couldn't catch a break or get a bounce with Vernon pressing. Just past the midway mark, Adam Trotman's shot looked to be redirected in front by Tyler Schleppe, beating Reilly Herbst high, giving Coquitlam a 4-3 lead at 13:35 Trotman drew the helper. Just over a minute later, the Snakes would get the only PP of the final frame. Vernon struggled with the man advantage, as the Express killed off the penalty. Seconds after the penalty expired, Cameron MacDonald setup Landon Fuller, who's shot from the point beat Clay Stevenson, tying the game 4-4 at 17:15 MacDonald with the lone assist as Jason Fortier slammed his arm against the glass as the Express head coach/gm was not happy behind the bench. Fuller and the Viper bench erupted as Kal Tire Place went into a frenzy. But fifty five seconds later, Adam Trotman's shot would be redirected in front by Ethan O'Rourke, giving Coquitlam a 5-4 lead at 18:10 Trotman & Tyler Schleppe collected the helpers. Coquitlam wouldn't allow Vernon through the neutral zone as the hometown Snakes had troubles getting into the offensive zone. With time winding down, the Vipers had troubles getting Reilly Herbst to the bench. The Vipers finally got across the blueline and got Reilly Herbst to the bench for the extra attacker with about 1:08 remaining. But Vernon had troubles getting set and pucks to the net as the Express with a strong defensive game inside the final minute, would hang on for the 5-4 victory. For the first time tonight, the Express were able to get there legs going and gain some traction in the final twenty minutes. Coquitlam was able to create and generate some offence and zone time, played there best period of hockey in the 3rd. Both teams were even at times but at times the Vipers still looked like the better team, had the edge in play. Both teams shared chances at both ends of the rink. The Snakes had at least three if not four real good looks/opportunities, needed to bury these and didn't. Vernon made a few mistakes/defensive breakdowns and it cost them two goals. Once again for a third straight period, Clay Stevenson was the difference, made some large saves, also got very lucky on a few stops. The Coquitlam goaltender struggled at times, fighting the puck, lost sight of the puck at times, still managed to battle and make the big stops when needed. The Vipers couldn't capitalize on there chances and the Express did. Coquitlam scored some timely goals late. Vernon outshot Coquitlam 19-11.

Top Player's: (Vernon)

Landon Fuller (2 goals & 1 assist) The veteran 20 yr old d-man had a strong game on the Vipers blueline. Was physical, finished his checks, was smart and played very well at both ends of the rink. In the 1st period, Fuller fell to the ice on a few separate occasions. Not sure if it was his skates or problems with the ice.

Ben Sanderson I thought added some speed, played with pace, made things happen, created/generated some chances.

Dawson Holt (1 goal & 1 assist) Had a strong night for the Snakes. Was one of the better and more dangerous forwards in the loss. Used his speed and strength to create and generate opportunities. Was hard to contain and defend against. Was always involved in the play.

Jo Jo Tanaka-Campbell (1 goal) I didn't really notice early on in the game but stepped up his play as the game went on. Had a strong 2nd period.

Logan Cash was physical, had some looks/opportunities, worked and competed all night. I thought played well.

Cameron MacDonald (2 assists) Had some grade A chances but couldn't find the back of the net. Was stopped on a second period breakaway, had what looked to be a wide open cage early into the 3rd period, was robbed by Clay Stevenson. Played well.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

For the first time in a very long time, the Vipers played very close to sixty minutes. This was probably the best game I have seen this team play all season. Sure they made some mistakes and missed some passes etc but overall I really liked Vernon's game. I thought the Vipers dominated and outplayed the Express most of the night and deserved a better fate. The Snakes carried most of the play, had a ton of zone time, a ton of puck possession and a ton of quality chances but once again, have troubles scoring. Vernon could have easily had ten or more goals tonight if they would have buried there opportunities. I thought the Vipers were strong on the forecheck, forced some turnovers and had the Express back on there heels for a lot of the game. The Snakes needed more then one goal in the opening frame. Vernon outplays the Express but are only up a goal before giving up a late goal with 3.3 seconds left. This seemed to change a bit of the momentum and Coquitlam gains a little life, scores two quick early goals two minutes into the 2nd period. The two goals against early to start the 2nd period, were killers. Vernon now has to rally and come from behind to at least tie the game. If the Vipers jump out to a two or three goal lead in the 1st period, Coquitlam is now the team reeling and having to claw back. Vernon doesn't have the team to jump out to a three or four goal lead and bury teams. Tonight's game was a prime example. The Vipers could have easily put this game away in the 2nd period but instead are the team down two goals, have to rally to tie the game. Give the Vipers credit, they didn't panic, they stayed the course, stuck to there game plan and battled back to tie the game. This was a game the Vipers needed to take the lead and run with it, a game where they fully deserved the win but come up short. Where has this team been all season? If the Vipers can play like this most night's, look out. The Vipers have a quick turnaround, host the Wenatchee Wild tomorrow afternoon. Wenatchee last played Friday, had tonight off. It will be interesting to see if the Vipers can repeat with the same type of performance tomorrow. The Vipers have struggled at home this year. Vernon has lost four straight at home and six of there last nine home games. The Vipers have lost back to back games, have one win in there last six games, have lost nine of there last sixteen games. Assistant Coach Larry Draper wasn't on the bench tonight. With the loss Vernon falls to 20-17-1-1 remain in 5th place, two points back of Wenatchee and Salmon Arm and twelve points back of 2nd place Trail.

Top Player's: (Coquitlam)

Nicholas Carabin (2 assists) Not the biggest defenceman but quick and can move the puck. I thought played very well at both ends of the rink.

Tyler Schleppe (1 goal & 1 assist) Slowly found his game about halfway through the game and got better as the game continued. Goes to the net, a bigger body, has a good stick and involved in the play. Was very dangerous in the 3rd period, gave Vernon troubles.

Ethan O'Rourke (1 goal) Scored the game winner late in the 3rd. One of the bigger forwards for the Express, was one of the more consistent players for Coquitlam in the win. I thought did a lot of the little things a lot of fans don't notice.

Adam Trotman (2 assists) Had a strong third period, chipping in with two assists. This kid read the ice well, was involved in the play, threw pucks at the net, a smart player that had a good game.

Clay Stevenson (49 saves) How doesn't this kid get first star or even a star? Stevenson was the difference. Stevenson was solid between the pipes in a 2-1 win over Vernon in November. Tonight I thought he struggled at times. Was fighting the puck, lost sight of the puck on several occasions, got lucky at times, also made some unbelievable saves tonight. The Vipers could have easily had ten or more goals if it wasn't for Stevenson.

Game Thought's: (Coquitlam)

After playing in West Kelowna Friday and the Vipers having last night off, you could tell pretty early who was the sharper team. The Express looked slow and very sluggish through out most of the game. It wasn't until the 3rd period when Coquitlam seemed to get there legs going, started moving there feet, which lead to creating/generating some chances. Coquitlam was outplayed most of the evening and had no business being in tonight's hockey game, but good teams find ways to win, even if they are outplayed in a game like tonight. It's good teams like Coquitlam, who only need one shot to tie or win a hockey game. This is how good teams win and win games they shouldn't win. The Express played most of the game in there own end, were chasing the Snakes through out the contest. The Express had all kinds of trouble with Vernon's forecheck. Coquitlam's defence were back on there heels most of the night. The Express didn't see a lot of action in the offensive zone until the final twenty minutes. Coquitlam had troubles getting out of there own end, creating opportunities and gaining any kind of tranction. If you didn't follow the league and didn't know either teams record or stats, you would have never guessed the Express have only lost five games and the best team in the league. The Express capitalized on there chances, scored some timely goals and made Vernon pay for there mistakes and heavily relied on there goaltender. I wasn't very impressed with Coquitlam. They have a bigger team that isn't very physical. The Express were playing with six regular's out of the lineup and acquired 20 yr old veteran defenceman Joey Berkopec from the Merritt Centennials today for future considerations. The Express won just there third game in Vernon since 2003. With the win the Express have won a franchise record sixteenth straight game. Coquitlam's last loss was a 2-0 loss in Powell River November 10th. With the win Coquitlam improves to 35-5-0-0 sit atop the league standings are twenty three points ahead of Chilliwack in there division and eight points ahead of Penticton in the overall standings.

Eddie Gregory's Coquitlam Express Blog,

http://expressvoice.blogspot.com/

Scratches:

Vernon:

Jack Glen
Nicholas Kent (Injured)
Elan Bar-Lev-Wise

Coquitlam:  

Noah De La Durantaye
Danny Pearson
Massimo Rizzo
Ryan Tattle
Will Margel
Austin Fraser

Energy Player of the Game:

Jo Jo Tanaka-Campbell (1 goal)

Three Star's:

1st Star: Landon Fuller (2 goals & 1 assist)
2nd Star: Tyler Schleppe (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Dawson Holt (1 goal & 1 assist)

Boxscore-Game Summary,

https://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/9518

Game Report,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/official-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=9518

Text Boxscore,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/text-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=9518

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Here are some photo's I took before and during tonight's Vipers-Express game.