Exhibition West Kelowna 5 Vernon 4

I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and been watching/following Junior hockey in Vernon my entire life. My family has been watching/following Senior mens hockey in Vernon since the 1950s and Junior hockey in Vernon since it started in 1961. I have had season tickets since 1990 and only missed 5 home games since 2004 and 46 home games since 1990. I'm not a journalist, writer, reporter or work for the Vernon Vipers. I don't get paid to do this blog and do this blog on my own personal time. I started and created this blog in November 2008 and have over 2 million viewers. For anyone who couldn't watch or attend 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 hockey 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-Warriors game as West Kelowna defeated Vernon 5-4 in front of 358 fans at Royal LePage Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Ethan David
West Kelowna: Justin Katz

1st Period: The hometown Warriors got off to a good start. A 1:10 into the hockey game, Tyson Jugnauth with a low shot from the top of the circle forced Ethan David into making a reaction save with the right pad on a quality chance just over a minute in. Two minutes later West Kelowna would get the games first powerplay three minutes in. Early into the man advantage, Isaiah Norlin's quick shot forced Ethan David into making a big stop. The Warriors only managed two shots on the PP as Vernon with a solid PK killed off the minor. Just as the penalty ended, Jack Glen the son of the owner of the Vernon Vipers with a very good chance at the side of the goal as Justin Katz had to be alert to keep his body tight against the post on a good opportunity by the Vipers on a shot that was registered on the shot clock. On the following play Reagan Milburn setup Luke Buss who ripped a shot from the circle, beat Justin Katz shortside giving Vernon a 1-0 lead at 5:49 on the Vipers first shot of the game. Milburn with the lone helper. Less then a minute later the Tribe would get their second PP of the evening. Former Trail Smoke Eaters forward Chase Dafoe with a good look/shot couldn't beat Ethan David as the Snakes killed off the minor. About a minute and a half later, the Vipers would get their first powerplay but the Snakes only recorded one shot on goal as WK killed off the penalty. Just as the penalty expired, Luke Buss's shot hit someone in front and bounced into the open cage on a scramble in front of Justin Katz. From where I was sitting, it looked like Buss's pass went in and off a Warriors defender and into the open cage as the Tribe tried pulling the puck from the goal line. The referee was right there and in perfect view of the puck crossing the goal line as the Warriors argued the call. It was 2-0 Vernon at 12:24 Zack Tonelli collected the assist. Buss with his second goal of the night. Less then a minute later West Kelowna would jump on the PP. Felix Trudeau didn't need much time with the man advantage after going high glove hand over Ethan David, cutting Vernon's lead to 2-1 at 14:05 Marcus Joughin drew the assist. Twenty three seconds later Vernon would get the man advantage. The Snakes couldn't get much going and unable to capitalize with the PP. On the next play the Warriors would get a powerplay towards the end of the opening frame. WK with good pressure, had some looks but couldn't find the back of the net. Inside the final minute, Riley Sarun with a low shot would be denied by Ethan David who made a quick pad save, keeping this a one goal hockey game. In the dying seconds a scrum took place behind the Snakes goal. Several players started pushing and shoving before the officials were forced to break up the scrum. The officials gave Vernon a two minute minor at the buzzer. It was 2-1 Vernon after 20 minutes of play. The Warriors got off to a good start and carried the play off the opening puck drop. I thought West Kelowna was the better team early in the opening few minutes but it was the Vipers who opened the scoring, on their first shot on goal. It was fairly even for most of the remainder of the period until the Tribe had some late pressure and zone time on the powerplay to finish the period. The Warriors had the better of the scoring chances. The officials were busy handing out seven penalties in the 1st period. West Kelowna outshot Vernon 13-5.

2nd Period: The Tribe started the middle frame on the PP. Griffen Barr was given four minutes for a slew foot at the end of the 1st period. It didn't take long for the Warriors to tie the game. Just twenty eight seconds into the frame, WK spotted a wide open Felix Trudeau tying the game 2-2 at 0:28 Chase Dafoe & Marcus Joughin picked up the assists. With this being a double minor, West Kelowna went back to the powerplay. Tyler Cristall gave West Kelowna a 3-2 lead at 2:00 their first lead of the contest. Cristall's goal was unassisted. This was the Warriors first lead of the night. Just before the halfway mark, the Vipers sprung Zack Tonelli in for the breakaway. Tonelli the son of New York Islanders legend John Tonelli looked to tie the game couldn't sneak the puck past West Kelowna Warriors starting goaltender Justin Katz. Tonelli looked to have Katz beat on the breakaway but somehow the Warriors netminder stayed with the play, making a large save, keeping this a one goal lead for West Kelowna. About a minute or so later, Vernon Vipers starting goaltender Ethan David come out of his crease to play the puck, but got caught behind the goal. On a scramble in front of the Viper net, the Warriors couldn't find the open cage on a missed opportunity as David & the Snakes catch a huge break. On the following play, Reagan Milburn redirected a shot from the point couldn't solve Justin Katz who made a big stop with bodies in front as the Vipers come close to tying the game. A few minutes later, Tyler Cristall on a partial breakaway couldn't beat Ethan David on a very good chance from the Tribe to try and extend their lead. With just over five minutes remaining in the 2nd period Vernon would get a late PP. Some sloppy play at the blueline, allowed Felix Trudeau & former Viper Elan Bar-Lev-Wise in for the odd man rush. Trudeau with a saucer pass setup Bar-Lev-Wise who couldn't solve Ethan David on a big time stop on a quality chance shorthanded. Cameron MacDonald come within inches of getting the Vipers a powerplay goal beat Justin Katz but not the crossbar. On the same play the Warriors carried the puck back up ice before Riley Sharun beat Ethan David but not the crossbar. Two close calls at both ends of the rink. The Tribe with a very good PK killed off the remainder of the penalty. West Kelowna would get a late powerplay but Vernon with a good PK killed off the minor. Thirty two seconds after killing off the penalty, the Viper defence turns over the puck inside their own end. Braden Smith tried passing the puck to another Viper who couldn't handle the pass, allowing #28 (not listed on lineup sheet/Warriors roster) to spot a wide open John Evans who beat Ethan David, giving West Kelowna a 4-2 lead at 18:38 #28 with no name bar drew the lone assist. This was a killer as instead of being down a goal after two periods, Vernon is now down two goals with a period remaining. It was 4-2 West Kelowna after 40 minutes of play. The Vipers had a one goal lead heading into the 2nd period but an undisciplined penalty at the end of the 1st period put the Warriors on a four minute powerplay to start the middle frame. Two back to back powerplay goals two minutes into the period and it's now a one goal lead for West Kelowna. A bad turnover inside their own end late in the period, put WK up two goals. If you take away those two plays, Vernon would be leading 2-1 heading into the 3rd. Both teams didn't get a lot of shots on goal but the Warriors capitalized on their opportunities. If you take away the Tribes three goals, both teams were even at times. Even though both teams only had eight shots on goal, both teams had some good chances. Shots were 8-8.

3rd Period: The game winner was scored early. Marcus Joughin with a quick shot from the circle, gave West Kelowna an early 5-2 lead at 1:43 Alexi Van Houtte-Cachero with the helpers. Down 2-0 the Warriors respond with five unanswered goals take a 5-2 lead. Twenty seven seconds later, the Snakes respond with a good push back shift. Jack Glen on an odd man rush cuts West Kelowna's lead to 5-3 at 2:10 Nicholas Kent picked up the assist. 1:47 later the Vipers would get an early PP but unable to capitalize. Around the midway mark Vernon would get another shot with the man advantage. Sixteen seconds into the PP Nicholas Kent setup Cameron MacDonald cutting West Kelowna's lead to 5-4 at 10:26 Kent with the only helper on the goal. Seconds later Jack Glen would be given four minutes for high sticking as a Warriors player left the ice dripping blood and went straight to the dressing room. I didn't catch the name or number of the player that was hit with the high stick. Fourteen seconds later Nick Roukounakis was given four minutes for a slew foot sending both teams to four on four. Head Coach/GM Simon Ferguson was shaking his head on the bench. Ferguson wasn't happy with the officiating all night. With six minutes remaining WK went on the PP. Felix Trudeau come very close to recording the hat trick. Trudeau's shot beat Vipers goaltender Ethan David but not the post. Vernon kills off the minor. With about three minutes left, Jack Glen with a good chance from the high slot couldn't solve Justin Katz who come up large late in the hockey game. The Snakes would get Ethan David to the bench for the extra attacker with 1:28 to go. The Snakes would get some late pressure but unable to get anything really setup as the Warriors held Vernon to the outside. Justin Katz was forced to make two or three big stops inside the final minute as the clock winded down, West Kelowna would hold on for the 5-4 victory. Down two goals heading into the final frame was difficult enough but to give up a fifth goal less then two minutes in basically put the game away. The Vipers managed to climb back and get within a goal but ran out of time. Both teams looked fairly even for most of the period. Both teams had some looks and a few quality chances but overall for a second straight period, neither team had many shots on goal. Vernon outshot West Kelowna 8-7.

Top Player's: Vernon Vipers

Nicholas Kent (2 assists) Will be heavily relied apon this season as a leader on the Viper blueline. The former Wenatchee Wild d-man played very well in the loss.

Griffen Barr I thought played his best game of the preseason tonight. Barr played with a bit of an edge, was physical and in the face of several Warriors. 

Reagan Milburn (1 assist) Didn't stand out the entire game but had some shifts at times where he looked good. Had some opportunities and was making things happen. 

Cameron MacDonald (1 goal) Played hard, battled and competed and played with a lot of jump/energy tonight. Carried the play and created/generated chances. Was hard to defend against and hard to contain.

Luke Buss (2 goals) Was probably the Snakes best player in a 4-1 loss to Salmon Arm in the Vipers first exhibition game of the season back on September 21st. I thought showed that same style of game and played just as good tonight like he did in the first preseason game. Was involved in the play, was in and around the goal, stood out from a fans point.

Game Thought's: Vernon Vipers

I didn't think the Vipers played all that bad but three plays come to mind that changed tonight's outcome. Griffen Barr's double minor for a slew foot at the buzzer of the 1st period. This giving the Warriors a four minute powerplay to start the 2nd period. WK scores twice on the PP to erase a 2-0 deficit now lead 3-2 two minutes into the middle frame. After killing off a penalty towards the end of the 2nd period, a turnover inside their own end in front of the goal the Vipers cough up the puck, allowing Tyler Cristall to score with 1:22 remaining in the period and the Vipers are down 4-2 heading to the 3rd. And the final one is giving up an early goal 1:43 into the 3rd allowing West Kelowna to score five straight goals and take a 5-2 lead early into the 3rd. Give Vernon credit, they could have easily folded the tents but stuck with their game and battled back to get within a goal, falling short 5-4 in the end. You take away those three plays/four goals and the Vipers come away with a 4-1 victory. What I did like was how Vernon responded after being outplayed the first four-five minutes of the hockey game. West Kelowna carried the play the opening few minutes but the Vipers responded by opening the scoring on their first shot of the game and then took a 2-0 lead just past the midway mark of the 1st period. I didn't like giving up the next five goals. I also liked how the Snakes didn't pack it in after going down 5-2. The guys battled and competed and come close in the end, getting within a goal. I still think the Vipers need to work on their passing. After watching Salmon Arm, West Kelowna & Penticton move the puck and tape to tape, the Vipers need to work on passing. Tonight's game was filled with penalties as neither coach will be pleased with the officials or their players. The Vipers struggled with the man advantage, going 1-5 but also gave up some good opportunities while on the PP. I will admit I am seeing improvement from the first exhibition game and I can see this team getting better each game. Ethan David played well at times, making some big stops. I like the looks of this team and once they fix some errors, mistakes and gel as a team, I'm excited to see the final roster come the regular season. The Vipers obviously need to work on some things in their final preseason game tomorrow and during practice next week but they will be fine. Braden Smith made his Vipers debut tonight, didn't see a lot of ice time. I didn't see any Viper fans in attendance tonight. With the loss Vernon drops to 0-3-2-0-0 hosts West Kelowna tomorrow night.

Top Player's: West Kelowna Warriors

Pat Lawn I thought played well on the Tribes backend. Jumped into the play on a few shifts, was very steady for the Warriors.

Felix Trudeau (2 goals) Hit the post late in the 3rd period on a chance to record the hat trick. Very dangerous, has a nose for the net. Has a wicked shot, sees and reads the ice well. Very skilled, hard to defend against, hard to contain. 

Marcus Joughin (1 goal & 1 assist) Played very well in the Warriors win. A good skater, was involved in the play, had some looks/opportunities. 

Tyler Cristall (1 goal & 1 assist) I didn't really notice him at the start but seemed to find his legs and his game as the game went on. I thought played better and looked better as the game continued. Another kid that can be dangerous with the puck. Is hard to defend against and hard to contain. Seems to be in and around the net, always wanting the puck.

Tyson Jugnauth (2 assists) Was WK's best defender. Played a real solid game on the Tribes blueline. 

Game Thought's: West Kelowna Warriors

The Warriors fell behind 2-0 in a game at this point was the better of the two teams. WK had some looks/chances but couldn't capitalize, where as Vernon scored on their opportunities. West Kelowna bounced back with five unanswered goals took a 5-2 lead early into the 3rd period before allowing the Vipers back in the hockey game that setup for an exciting finish. This game was filled with penalties as Simon Ferguson wasn't pleased with the calls or officiating, shaking his head several times on the Tribe bench. Ferguson seemed to be always having a discussion with an official through out the game. The Warriors are quick, can move the puck, have a good transition game and some very skilled forwards. Justin Katz played well at times, was solid in the final few minutes, picked up his first win as a Warrior. The Warriors look to have their roster picked as the players have their names on their jerseys. What was going on with the score clock tonight? At least two or three times a period the clock went to 0:00 during a stoppage in play, where the officials would have to go over and talk to the time keeper. The lights on the score clock were also flickering from time to time. What was up with that call? Halfway through the 3rd Nick Roukounakis was called four minutes for slashing as everyone inside Royal LePage Place was confused as I have never ever heard of a double minor for slashing. Once I got home and checked out the boxscore, he was given a double minor for a slew foot. At the time everyone in the arena was confused. Minutes before puck drop it didn't look like there was going to be 150 people inside the rink but once the game started, I figured it rounded out to in and around 350-400 mark. The final attendance was announced at 358. These two teams will finish the home & home series Saturday night in Vernon. With the victory, West Kelowna improves to 3-1-0-0.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Tyler Chan
Kjell Kjemhus
Ethan Mercer
Luke Ashton
Liam Cavan
Holdin Getzlaf
Adam Bourgeois

West Kelowna:

Cameron Hicklin
Dylan Brooks
Nicolas Ardanaz
Remy Spooner

Three Star's:

Weren't announced

Here is a look at both teams rosters,

Vernon Vipers:

Ayden Third 02 D
Nicholas Kent 01 D
Braden Smith 03 D
Desmond Johnson 02 D
Griffen Barr 02 D
Adam Leitch 04 D
Reagan Milburn 03 F
Jo Jo Tanaka-Campbell 01 F
Cameron MacDonald 02 F
Greye Rampton 04 F
Logan Lorenz 02 F
Zack Tonelli 02 F
Seiya Tanaka-Campbell 03 F
Ryan Shostak 01 F
Luke Buss 03 F
Jack Glen 01 F
Nicholas Remissong 02 F
Luke Pakulak 03 F
Ethan David 03 G
Roan Clarke 03 G

West Kelowna Warriors:

Tyler Rubin 03 D
Charles-Alexis Legault 03 D
Pat Lawn 01 D
Felix Trudeau 02 F
Carter Schmidt 04 F
Zach Reim 03 D
Brennan Nelson 03 F
Marcus Joughin 01 F
John Evans 02 F
Isaiah Norlin 03 D
Alexi Van Houtte-Cachero 03 F
Nick Roukounakis 03 F
Chase Dafoe 02 F
Tyler Crsitall 02 F
Tyson Jugnauth 04 D
Damon Jugnauth 03 F
Riley Sharun 03 F
Elan Bar-Lev-Wise 01 F
Johnny Derrick 01 G
Justin Katz 04 G

Boxscore-Game Summary,

| BCHL League Site

Game Report,

Game Report (hockeytech.com)

Text Box Score,

Official statistics powered by LeagueStat.com (hockeytech.com)

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Here are some photo's I took before and during tonight's Vipers-Warriors game,