Game 1 Vernon 3 Wenatchee 0

Scoring 

1st
15:26	VER	Connor Sleeth (1) ASST: Logan Cash (1)
2nd
3:25	VER	Ryan Shostak (1) ASST: Matt Kowalski (1) (PP)
3rd
5:30	VER	Connor Marritt (1) ASST: None (PP)

Wenatchee outshot Vernon 30-17 Reilly Herbst made 30 saves for the win/shutout, while Daniel Chenard made 14 saves in the loss.

I have picked a victory song for the Vipers this season, after every 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/9747

Game Report,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/official-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=9747

Text Boxscore,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/text-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=9747

Game 1 Preview: Vernon @ Wenatchee:

Vernon (30-24-2-2) @ Wenatchee (30-23-4-1) 7:05pm

The Vipers & Wild meet for a third time in franchise history. The Vipers eliminated the Wild in six games last season to win the Interior division championship for a seventeenth time in franchise history. Tonight is the seventh meeting of the season between the Vernon Vipers & Wenatchee Wild. The Vipers won the regular season series 4-2

Last Game:

Saturday, February 22nd West Kelowna defeated Vernon 6-5 shootout

Saturday, February 22nd Penticton defeated Wenatchee 4-3 overtime

Next Game:

Game 2 Sunday, March 1st Vernon @ Wenatchee

Vernon's record & stats vs the Wild since 2015

Since the 2015-16 regular season Vernon is 10-12-0-0 vs Wenatchee

Since the 2015-16 regular season Vernon is 6-5-0-0 at home vs Wenatchee

Since the 2015-16 regular season Vernon is 4-5-0-0 in Wenatchee

Since the BCHL Showcase opened in 2012-13 Vernon is 0-2-0-0 vs Wenatchee at the Showcase

Since the 2015-16 regular season Wenatchee has outscored Vernon 70-64

The Wilds last regular season win in Vernon was a 5-4 victory on Saturday, December 1st 2018

The Wilds last regular season win at home over Vernon was a 5-2 victory on Friday, February 14th 2020

The Vipers last regular season win in Wenatchee was a 3-2 shootout victory on Saturday, September 14th 2019

The Vipers last regular season win at home over Wenatchee was a 4-3 victory Wednesday, January 29th 2020

Here's a look at the previous two playoff matchup's vs Wenatchee

2017-18 Interior division semifinals: Wild won series 5-1

2018-19 Interior division finals: Vipers won series 4-1

Here's a look at this years regular season series vs Wenatchee: 

September 13th Vernon @ Wenatchee: Wild won 2-1

September 14th Vernon @ Wenatchee: Vipers won 3-2 shootout

December 7th Wenatchee @ Vernon:  Vipers won 6-4

January 5th Wenatchee @ Vernon: Vipers won 7-3

January 29th Wenatchee @ Vernon: Vipers won 4-3

February 14th Vernon @ Wenatchee: Wild won 5-2

Let's take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The 30-24-2-2 Defending Interior Division Champion Vernon Vipers make there fourth visit of the season to the Town Toyota Centre, are coming off a 6-5 shootout loss February 22nd in West Kelowna to end the 2019-20 regular season. The Vipers ended the regular season on a two game losing streak. The last time the Snakes were in Wenatchee, the hometown Wild won 5-2 February 14th. Vernon won four of the six regular season meeting vs the Wild. The Vipers have lost three of there last five games and went 5-4-0-1 in there last ten. Vernon finished the regular season 5th in the Interior division one point back of both Wenatchee and Salmon Arm. 

Vernon Vipers Roster:

https://bchl.ca/stats/roster/21

Matt Kowalski (26-35-61) leads the team lead in goals with twenty six & in points with sixty one

Nicholas Kent played with the 2017-18 Wenatchee Wild

Vernon Vipers 2019-20 regular season stats:

Games Played: 58

Wins: 30

Losses: 24

Overtime Wins: 3

Overtime Losses: 2

Shootout Wins: 5

Shootout Losses: 2

Home Record: 16-12-1-0

Road Record: 14-12-1-2

Overtime Record: 3-2

Shootout Record: 6-2

Record vs Interior Division: 21-15-1-1

Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 9-9-1-1

When the Vipers score first: 17-6-2-0

When the opponents score first: 13-17-0-2

Leading after the 1st period: 9-3-1-1

Tied after the 1st period: 16-6-1-1

Trailing after the 1st period: 5-14-0-0

Leading after the 2nd period: 19-1-1-0

Tied after the 2nd period: 7-4-1-1

Trailing after the 2nd period: 4-19-0-1

Out shooting opponents: 22-12-0-2

Out shot by opponents: 8-12-2-0

One goal games: 12-8-2-2

Goals for: 174

Goals against: 178

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 5-5-1-1

Vipers record in December 5-3-0-0

Vipers record in January 6-5-1-0

Vipers record in February 4-4-0-1

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Matt Kowalski (99)

Ben Helgeson (00)

Ben Sanderson (00)

Logan Cash (00)

Landon Fuller (99)

Connor Marritt (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)

Elan Bar-Lev-Wise (01)

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 Wenatchee this year:

3-0-0-0

Vernon's road record vs Wenatchee this year:

1-2-0-0

Vernon's scoring leaders vs Wenatchee this year:

Dawson Holt (5-2-7)

Cameron MacDonald (4-2-6)

Matt Kowalski (3-2-5)

Connor Marritt (0-4-4)

Hunter Donohoe (0-4-4)

Landon Fuller (1-3-4)

Jo Jo Tanaka-Campbell (1-3-4)

Ben Helgeson (1-2-3)

Ryan Shostak (0-3-3)

Jackson Caller (1-1-2)

Trey Taylor (0-2-2)

Brett Fudger (1-1-2)

Logan Cash (1-1-2)

Nicholas Kent (0-2-2)

Christian Felton (1-1-2)

Keigo Hachisuka (0-1-1)

Colby Feist (1-0-1)

Jack Glen (1-0-1)

Connor Sleeth (0-1-1)

Reilly Herbst (1-1 Record)

Max Palaga (1-1 Record)

Keegan Karki (1-0 Record)

Let's take a look at the Wenatchee Wild:

The 30-23-4-1 Wenatchee Wild are coming off a 4-3 overtime loss February 22nd in Penticton to end the BCHL regular season. The Wild lost both of there final regular season games in the Peach City to end the regular season. The Wild and Vipers meet in the playoffs for a third time in franchise history. The Wild have won seven of there last nine home games. The Wild finished the regular season winning there of there final five games and seven of there final ten. Wenatchee finished the regular season 4th in the Interior division were tied in points with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks who clinched 3rd place.

https://bchl.ca/stats/roster/35

Brian Adams (19-18-37) leads the team in goals with nineteen, while Nick Cafarelli (17-23-40) leads the team in points with forty

Wenatchee Wild 2019-20 regular season stats:

Games Played: 58

Wins: 30

Losses: 23

Overtime Losses: 4

Shootout Losses: 1

Home Record: 18-10-0-1

Road Record: 12-13-4-0

Goals for: 184

Goals against: 183

Standings: 4th Place (Interior Division) 

Wenatchee Wild Returning Players:

Brian Adams (99)

Hunter Hastings (02)

Matt Dorsey (99)

Trevor Griebel (01)

Dylan Herzog (01)

Drake Usher (00)

Sam Morton (99)

Wenatchee Wild departed and traded players from last years team:

Murphy Stratton (99)

PJ Fletcher (01)

Cristophe Tellier (00)

Lucas Sowder (98)

Josh Arnold (99)

Matt Gosiewski (98)

Marko Reifenberger (99)

Cristophe Fillion (00)

AJ Hodges (01)

Nathan Iannone (98)

Blake Bargar (98)

Chad Sasaki (98)

Brandon Koch (99)

Avery Winslow (02)

Jacob Modry (99)

Nikolai Lyssogor (99)

Cal Sundquist (01)

Austin Park (98)

Wenatchee's home record vs Vernon this year:

2-0-0-1

Wenatchee's road record vs Vernon this year:

0-3-0-0

Wenatchee Wild scoring leaders vs Vernon this year:

Sam Morton (1-4-5)

Tanner Main (0-5-5)

Drew Bavaro (1-4-5)

Brett Chorske (3-1-4)

Noah Lugli (1-3-4)

Trevor Griebel (0-3-3)

Matt Dorsey (0-3-3)

Dylan Herzog (1-2-3)

Tyler Young (1-2-3)

Jack Bayless (2-0-2)

Brian Adams (2-0-2)

Ethan Wolthers (2-0-2)

Quinn Emerson (2-0-2)

Harrison Scott (1-1-2)

Nick Cafarelli (1-1-2)

Jarrett Overland (0-1-1)

Nicholas Chmelevski (0-1-1)

Hunter Hastins (1-0-1)

Scott Harrison (0-1-1)

Luke Ormsby (0-1-1)

Daniel Chenard (2-4 Record)

Stingrays Sign Former Vernon Viper AP Urban:

The ECHL South Carolina Stingrays have signed former Vernon Vipers "AP" defenceman Zach Urban.

Urban started the 2019-20 season with the Southern Professional Hockey League Macon Mayhem. Urban is in his third season with the Mayhem was loaned to the ECHL Kalamazoo Wings, November 22 2019 before being released December 4th 2019. In 33 games this season with the Mayhem Urban has (2-goals-4-assists-6-points) & in five games with the Wings, Urban had one goal.

Urban spent last season between the Mayhem & the ECHL Toledo Walleye. 

After playing two years at the University of Northern Michigan Urban signed his first professional contract with the Mayhem in 2017.

Urban played one game as an "AP" affiliated player with the Vernon Vipers during the 2010-11 season. Urban also played with Penticton, Powell River, Victoria, Salmon Arm & Langley.

Zach Urban's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=97103

This was posted on the Stingrays website:

Rays Add Defender Zach Urban

Stingrays News 

05 Jan 2020

The South Carolina Stingrays, proud ECHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals and AHL affiliate of the Hershey Bears, announced the signing of defenseman Zach Urban Sunday.

Urban, 26, is in his third professional season and has spent time with both the ECHL’s Kalamazoo Wings and SPHL’s Macon Mayhem this year. In five appearances with Kalamazoo during November, the Kelowna, B.C. native scored one goal. He has also suited up for 22 contests with the Mayhem, registering five points on a goal and four assists.

In 2018-19, Urban played 40 games with Macon and had 14 points (one goal, 13 assists) while earning a call-up to the Toledo Walleye for a 10-game stint where he tallied one assist.

Urban, who measures 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, played two collegiate seasons at Northern Michigan University from 2014-16, appearing in 43 total NCAA games while posting seven points on a goal and six assists. Before college Urban spent three full seasons in the BCHL, playing in 176 games. He claimed the BCHL Championship in 2011-12 with the Penticton Vees and then served as the captain of the Victoria Grizzlies the following year in 2012-13.

South Carolina will complete their home weekend on Sunday afternoon with a battle against the Atlanta Gladiators at the North Charleston Coliseum at 3:05 p.m.

Vernon Vipers-Wenatchee Wild Playoff Preview:

This is posted on the Wild website:

WILD vs VERNON VIPERS – 2020 BCHL PLAYOFF PREVIEW

February 26, 2020 

For the Wenatchee Wild, the 2020 Interior Conference Quarterfinal Round opens Saturday, Feb. 29 on home ice at Town Toyota Center as the #4 seed Wild meet the #5 seed Vernon Vipers in Game 1 of their best-of-seven series.

Game 1 – Sat Feb 29 – Vernon at Wenatchee – 7:05 pm

Game 2 – Sun Mar 1 – Vernon at Wenatchee – 7:05 pm

Game 3 –  Tue Mar 3 – Wenatchee at Vernon – 7:00 pm

Game 4 – Wed Mar 4 – Wenatchee at Vernon – 7:00 pm

*Game 5  – Fri Mar 6 – Vernon at Wenatchee – 7:05 pm

*Game 6 – Sun Mar 8 – Wenatchee at Vernon – 2:00 pm

*Game 7 – Tue Mar 10 – Vernon at Wenatchee – 7:05 pm

* – if necessary

REGULAR SEASON: The Wild finished with a record of 30-23-5 (65 pts), while Vernon finished a point behind at 30-24-4 (64 pts). The teams met six times, with the Wild sporting a 2-3-1 record (2-0-1 at home).

PLAYOFF HISTORY: In 2018, the Wild defeated Vernon in 6 games (the last two in overtime) to advance to the Interior Division Final before going on to win the Fred Page Cup. In 2019, Vernon eliminated Wenatchee in 5 games in the Division Final sending the Vipers to the Fred Page Cup Finals against the eventual champion Prince George Spruce Kings.

SPECIAL TEAMS:               WEN PP  –  20.6%     4th                                WEN PK   –  81.1%     10th

VER PP   –   16.4%    13th                               VER PK     –  85.3%      4th

In the six head to head games, Wenatchee went 5/22 (22.7%) on the power play with 1 shorthanded goal. Vernon went 5/21 (23.8%) on the power play also with one shorthanded goal.

KEY OFFENSE: Wenatchee has had a lot of firepower sitting in the stands due to injury this season. Despite missing over a quarter of the season, first year forward Nick Cafarelli still led the Wild in scoring (17g, 23a). Wild Captain Brian Adams also missed nearly a third of the season but finished tied for fourth in scoring (19g, 18a) while leading the team in goals scored. Brett Chorske (18g, 21a) was the team’s only Iron Man (playing in all 58 games) and finished tied for second in scoring with Matt Dorsey (12g, 27a). Both Cafarelli and Adams have missed the last ten games but are hopeful to return for the playoffs. Sam Morton joined the team in December and after 26 games leads the team in pts. per game. Vernon is led by Matt Kowalski (26g, 35a), a fifth-year BCHL veteran and Vernon native. Dawson Holt (23g, 23a) played in 41 games and has a lengthy WHL resume. Connor Marritt (16g, 31a) is the Vipers #2 scoring leader.

BLUELINE PRODUCTION: Wenatchee’s Drew Bavaro (9a, 24a) is a driving force on the power play, leading all Wild skaters with 22 of his 33 points coming in man-advantage situations. Trevor Griebel (5g, 16a) rates second among defensemen despite missing 17 games to injury. For the Vipers, it’s 4^th year veteran Landon Fuller (10g, 13a) leading the way in terms of points, followed by Jackson Caller (5g, 13a) and Trey Taylor (6g, 11a).

GOALTENDING: For the Wild, veteran Daniel Chenard (21-16-3, 2.86 GAA, .891 sv pct) has been the workhorse, working two-thirds of the season despite being sidelined for an eight-game stretch in October. Noah Altman (9-7-1, 3.46 GAA, .877 sv pct) has been particularly strong of late, playing his best hockey of the year. Vernon has had a bit of a goaltending carousel with early season injuries. Reilly Herbst (20-10-3, 2.91 GAA, .901 sv pct) has become the #1 goalie for the Vipers, with late season acquisition Keegan Karki (3-2-1, 3.19 GAA, .880 sv pct) proving to be a capable backup.

In other Interior Conference series, #1 Penticton faces #8 West Kelowna, #2 Trail takes on #7 Prince George, and #3 Salmon Arm will meet #6 Victoria. Prince George and Victoria join the Interior playoffs as Wild Card crossovers. In the Mainland, #1 Coquitlam hosts #4 Langley, and #2 Chilliwack takes on #3 Surrey. On the Island, #1 Nanaimo faces #4 Alberni Valley, while #2 Cowichan Valley welcomes #3 Powell River.

Wild playoff games will be broadcast and streamed online with NewsRadio 560 KPQ, with the Pregame Shows airing 15 minutes prior to faceoff. All games are video streamed live on HockeyTV.

Wild playoff tickets, group packages and Season Tickets are on sale now in the Wild office. Call 509-888-7825.

Former Viper Bourne Joins Sportsnet/Hockey Central:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Justin Bourne has joined Sportsnet/Hockey Central.

Bourne spent six-seven years as a hockey writter for USA Today, the Hockey News, The Score, The Athletic, as well as having-writing his own hockey blogs before joining the the American Hockey League Toronto Marlies as video coach in 2015. Bourne left the Marlies after two seasons returning to journalism in June 2017.

Bourne played four years at the University of Anchorage Alaska before playing three seasons (2007-2009) in the American Hockey League & ECHL with five different teams (Alaska, Bridgeport, Utah, Reading & Idaho) before a serious jaw injury forced Bourne to retire in 2009. Bourne also attended the New York Islanders training camp in 2007. Justin's father is legendary New York Islanders forward Bob Bourne who played twelve seasons with the Islanders winning four straight Stanley Cups.

Bourne played two years in Vernon (2001-2003) collected (58-goals-73-assists-131-points) in 120 regular season games with the Vipers. 

 Justin Bourne's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=13489

This was posted on Sportsnet.ca

Justin Bourne to join Sportsnet’s multi-platform hockey coverage

November 7, 2019

With hockey season in full swing, Sportsnet is pleased to announce the addition of Justin Bourne as a regular multi-platform contributor.

Beginning on Thursday, Bourne will join Hockey Central every day with Anthony Stewart alongside hosts Jeff Marek and David Amber while also regularly appearing across all Sportsnet radio stations.

Bourne, who is the son of four-time Stanley Cup champion Bob Bourne, grew up surrounded by hockey royalty. He played four years of NCAA hockey with the University of Alaska-Anchorage and then another three years of pro hockey at the ECHL and AHL levels.

He later transitioned to media, including a stint at The Score and, most recently, The Athletic. In between those two stops, Bourne worked for the AHL’s Toronto Marlies as video coach.

Sabres Assign Ex Viper Goaltender Hammond To Rochester:

The Buffalo Sabres have assigned former Vernon Vipers goaltender Andrew Hammond to the American Hockey League Rochester Americans.

Hammond is in his first season with the Americans/Sabres. Hammond was a free agent signed with the Buffalo Sabres July 1st 2019 was reassigned to the Americans September 22nd 2019. In 30 games this season, Hammond is 14-11-3 with a 2.55 GAA

Hammond made his Sabres preseason debut September 17th 2019 in a 4-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Hammond replaced Sabres starting goaltender Linus Ullmark halfway through the 2nd period, allowed two goals on fifteen shots.

Hammond played last year with the American Hockey League Iowa Wild. In 33 games last season Hammond went 19-14-0 with three shutouts and a 2.81 GAA Hammond & the Wild clinched a playoff spot for the first time in franchise history.

The Minnesota Wild signed Hammond July 1st 2018, reassigned Hammond to the Iowa Wild October 1st 2018. Hammond played the past five seasons with the Ottawa Senators/American Hockey League Binghamton Senators before being traded to the Colorado Avalanche November 5th 2017. 

After four seasons with Bowling Green University, Hammond signed his first pro contract with the Ottawa Senators on March 20th 2013. Hammond attended the Chicago Blackhawks 2012 development camp and Ottawa Senators 2013 development camp.

Hammond made his NHL debut February 27th 2014 vs the Detroit Red Wings. Hammond was called up that night from the American Hockey League as the backup for Senators starting goaltender Robin Lehner. Hammond would replace Lehner late in the 2nd period who was pulled after giving up six goals on fifteen Detroit shots. Hammond would finish the game playing just over thirty four minutes stopping all eleven Red Wing shots in a 6-1 loss to Detroit. Hammond made his first career NHL start February 18th 2015 vs the Montreal Canadians, recorded 42 saves in a 4-2 win over the Habs for his first career NHL victory. Hammond is the only goaltender in NHL history to earn 21 wins in his first 27 games.

Hammond played parts of two years in Vernon (2007-2009) after coming over in a trade with the Surrey Eagles during the 2007-08 season. In 52 regular season games with the Vipers

Hammond posted a (33-15-1) record recording 6 shutouts. 

Andrew Hammond's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=38007

This was posted on the Sabres website:

Sabres recall Wilson from Rochester

Hammond assigned to Amerks as Buffalo prepares for tomorrow night's game in Ottawa

by Chris Ryndak @ChrisRyndak / Sabres.com

February 17, 2020

The Buffalo Sabres announced today that the team has recalled forward Scott Wilson from the Rochester Americans and assigned goaltender Andrew Hammond to Rochester.

Foxes Sign Former Viper AP Hannoun:

The HCB Foxes have signed former Vernon Vipers "AP" affiliated player-forward Dante Hannoun.

Hockey Club Bolzano-Bozen Foxes is an Italian ice hockey team located in the city of Bolzano, South Tyrol, that plays in the Austrian Hockey League (EBEL).

Hannoun spent the past five seasons with the Western Hockey League Victoria Royals & Prince Albert Raiders, before signing his first professional contract with the ECHL Atlanta Gladiators September 19th 2019.

Hannoun was invited to the Boston Bruins training camp in September, before being released/sent to the Boston Bruins Prospect Challenge in late September. A round-robin tournament featuring rookies from various teams. Hannoun would be released/sent to the American Hockey League Boston Bruins farm club Providence Bruins training camp, before being released, would report to the Gladiators. In 24 games this season with the Atlanta Gladiators, Hannoun collected (5-goals-14-assists-19-points).

Hannoun is the younger brother to former Vernon Vipers forward Demico Hannoun who played with the 2013-14 Vernon Vipers.

Dante Hannoun played one game as an "AP" (affiliated player) with the Vernon Vipers during the 2013-14 season. 

Dante Hannoun's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=245570

This was posted on the Foxes website:

Dante Hannoun strengthens the red-white offensive department

Published on 26 Dec, 2019

New inbound shot for HCB South Tyrol Alperia, which officially announces that it has reached an agreement with the Italian-Canadian striker Dante Hannoun.

Centre class 1998, Hannoun (168 cm x 73 kg) is a fast and technically gifted right-footed striker, capable of playing as a winger. Despite his unimpressive stature, he is not afraid to fight in balustrades and corners, making grit and tenacity some of his strengths. An important signing, also considering its value of 'zero points' in the system of the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga that regulates the composition of the rosters of the teams, and that will serve to give depth to the red-white formation in view of the hot phase of the season. Little curiosity: the Italian-Canadian is cousin of the ex-Bolzano Alex Petan and just as he dreams one day of being able to play for the Italian national team.

Hannoun made his name in the youth team with the Victoria Royals, with whom he played for five seasons in the WHL, then won the championship in the season just spent last season with the Prince Albert Raiders (for him 24 points in 23 playoff games). After a summer camp at the Boston Bruins, he landed in the ECHL, where he played the first part of this season with the Atlanta Gladiators, traveling with an excellent running role (19 points in 24 games). For the 21-year-old, it's time to fly overseas and start his European adventure with the Foxes.

The new red-and-white striker, who arrived in the capital on Christmas Eve, trained with the team yesterday and will make his debut this afternoon against EC Red Bull Salzburg.