I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and been watching/following Junior hockey in Vernon my entire life. My family watched Senior mens hockey in Vernon in the 1950's and have been watching Junior hockey in Vernon since it started in 1961. I have two family members who played Junior hockey in Vernon. 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 in my own personal time. I started and created this blog in November 2008 and have over 2.1 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 with me 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/Vees game as Penticton defeated Vernon 4-3 in front of 1,459 fans at Kal Tire Place.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon Vipers: Roan Clarke
Penticton Vees: Kaeden Lane
Before the hockey game the Vipers had a special pre-game ceremoney for the league's 60th anniversary. The Vipers introduced several former players, coaches and owners from over the years out to centre ice to drop the puck for the opening ceremony puck drop. Former players, owners and coaches included, Tom Williamson, Marty Stein, Lyle Brewer, Jason Williamson, Chris Crowell, TJ Dumonceaux, Chad Murray, Brad Farynk, Duane Dennis, Keith Chase, Ed Johnstone & Mel Lis.
1st Period: Just over two minutes into the hockey game, the Penticton Vees would get the games first power play. The Vees couldn't get much of anything going, didn't record a shot on goal as the Snakes with a very solid penalty kill, killed off the minor. Penticton needed five minutes to register a shot on goal, while the hometown Vipers needed six minutes to get their first shot of the evening. Neither team created any real good scoring chances in the first half. Stefano Bottini with some wheels, ripped a shot from the circle with about eight minutes remaining, just missed the far corner on the games first real quality look/chance. On the following play the Vipers would get their first PP of the contest and only needed four seconds. The Snakes won the draw, setting up Reagan Milburn, giving Vernon a 1-0 lead at 13:08 Ryan Sshotak and Luke Buss picked up the assists. With about five and a half minutes to go, Reagan Milburn with a quality opportunity couldn't beat Kaeden Lane. With two and a half minutes left, a big hit near the Viper bench opened up the ice, allowing Luke Pakulak and Ryan Shostak to skate in two on two. Pakulak setup Ryan Shostak giving Vernon a 2-0 lead at 17:37 Luke Pakulak & Matthew Culling drew the helpers. With just over a minute remaining in the opening period, the Vees looked to have an open net on a scramble in front of the Vernon goal. The shot from in close hit someone or something in front couldn't get through the bodies in front. It was 2-0 Vernon after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers started the game jacked as the team was all standing on the bench, banging their sticks ready to roll. This was a very entertaining period. I thought the Vees carried the early edge in play but didn't really do much with the puck as neither team had any quality chances in the first half. The Snakes were buzzing in the second half and had a slight edge in play, scored both goals of the hockey game and were fairly physical. The crowd was in the game from the opening ceremony and you could feel the atmosphere inside Kal Tire Place. Vernon outshot Penticton 10-6.
2nd Period: Ryan Shostak got inbehind the Penticton defence but would miss on the partial breakaway about five minutes into the middle frame. A missed opportunity for the Snakes. About a minutes later, Vernon would get a PP. The Vipers with a ton of pressure early had two mad scrambles in and around the crease, somehow couldn't put the puck into the open cage with Penticton Vees starting netminder Kaeden Lane flopping all over the ice like a fish out of water. The Vees got a couple of big stops from their goaltender and some big blocks from players diving in front of the crease. The Vees cleared the zone and on one clearing attempt the puck took a weird hop fooling Vernon Vipers starting goaltender Roan Clarke as the puck looked to hit Clarke before graizing off the post as the Vees come very close to getting on the board on a lucky bounce. Towards the end of the man advantage, the Vipers pressing once again had another goal mouth scramble but unable to find the back of the net with a ton of bodies all around the Vees goal. Penticton gets some big saves, blocks and some luck manages to escape and kill off the minor. Just before the midway mark, Vees leading scorer Luc Wilson got behind the Snakes defenders and roofed a shot high that forced Roan Clarke into making a difficult save. This was a big save as about a minute and a half later Luke Buss puts Vernon ahead 3-0 at 11:14 as Kal Tire Place goes nuts. Ayden Third collects the lone assist. The Viper bench was up with a big goal celebration at the bench. With about seven minutes remaining the Vees go in on the three on one but Roan Clarke makes a big stop, keeping this game at 3-0. Shortly after Reagan Milburn with a good look/scoring chance but Kaeden Lane denies the Viper forward. With about four minutes left in the 2nd period, the Vees get a late PP. Ryan Hopkins shot from the backend forces Roan Clarke to flash the leather, making a glove save as Penticton gets a few looks can't get on the scoreboard. At the buzzer some pushing and shoving in front of the Viper goal, as the teams mix it up as Roan Clarke shoves a Penticton player that hits the ice, gets the crowd into the game. The officials jump in to break it up as the period comes to an end. It was 3-0 Vernon after 40 minutes of play. Another very entertaining and exciting period as both teams were fairly even. Both teams had some very good chances. The Vees get luck on the PK as the Vipers somehow can't score on three goal mouth scrambles. Shots were 13-13.
3rd Period: A few minutes into the final frame, Ryan Shotsak with a burst of speed created some open ice but couldn't solve Kaeden Lane. Shortly after Penticton would get a three on one rush but Roan Clarke make a large save as the Vees started to press. The Snakes would then get caught deep in their own end, had three or four chances to clear the zone but failed. The Vees keep the play alive, allowing Ethan Mann to setup Brett Moravec, cutting Vernon's lead to 3-1 at 4:53 Ethan Mann drew the lone helper. This was a shift that the Vipers should have cleared the zone, instead they can't and the puck ends up in the back of the net. Minutes later with Penticton still pressing, Josh Nadeau beat Roan Clarke but not the crossbar. The Vees with the foot on the gas were now all over the hometown Vipers and getting chance after chance after chance as the Snakes were hemmed in their own end. Just past the midway mark, on a goal mouth scramble the Vipers can't clear the front of the goal, a pile of players land on top of Roan Clarke as the play continues. The puck comes back to the point before Brett Moravec sets up Ethan Mann, cutting Vernon's lead to 3-2 at 12:01 Brett Moravec with the lone assist as fans were upset with the officials wanting a goaltender interference call on the play. Two minutes later with Penticton still in full control of this hockey game, Viper forward/captain JoJo Tanaka-Campbell takes an undisciplined penalty in his own end, behind the goal, sends the Vees to the PP. On the man advantage, Brett Moravec ties the game at 15:30 as the Vees bench erupts as Penticton claws all the way back down 3-0 to start the period, has now tied the game. Ethan Mann picked up the assist. The wheels were now falling off and you could feel the tension in the building as the Vipers were falling apart. 1:07 later Josh Nadeau gives Penticton their first lead of the hockey game 4-3 at 16:37 Finlay Williams and Luc Wilson collect the helpers. The Viper bench was stunned as Head Coach/GM Jason McKee was livid. The Snakes would get Roan Clarke to the bench with about 1:30 remaining for the extra attacker. The Vipers started to ramp up the physical play, were unable to generate any kind of offence before taking a penalty inside the final minute and basically putting this game away. On the following faceoff Vernon would get Roan Clarke back to the bench for the extra attacker but run out of time as the buzzer sounds. Penticton with a wild and huge come from behind pull out the 4-3 win. From the drop of the puck the Vees looked like a hungry team that dominated the entire final twenty minutes. The Vees completely outworked and outplayed Vernon as most of the entire period was played in the Vipers end. The Snakes were flat footed, couldn't clear the zone, were hemmed in their own end, turned over pucks, made bad passes, poor decisions with and without the puck that eventually allowed the 1st place Vees to score four unanswered goals to come from behind and steal a win in Vernon. The Vipers played a fairly physical game in the first two periods, the most physical I have seen them this season but quit hitting in the 3rd. Penticton had all kinds of pressure, were mving the puck, getting a ton of rubber on goal, creating/generating chances and capitalizing on those chances. It was like watching men against boys as the Vipers couldn't handle the Vees and didn't have an answer how to stop them. The Snakes went at least ten minutes without a shot on goal and went a long period of time to start the period with only two shots on goal. At one point Penticton was outshooting Vernon 13-2. Penticton outshot Vernon 19-5.
Top Player's: Vernon Vipers
Luke Buss (1 goal & 1 assist) Played a strong game picking up two points. Was using his speed and skill to get into the offensive zone and create/generate chances. This kid comes to play each and every game and is fun to watch.
Reagan Milburn (1 goal) I thought Milburn had some looks/chances and played well through out the hockey game.
Ryan Shostak (2 goal & 1 assist) I thought was Vernon's best player tonight. Played very well this weekend, was using his wheels to open some ice, create/generate chances. Played with a ton of energy, was hard to defend against.
Roan Clarke (34 saves) I felt sorry for the young goaltender. This kid has basically had very to little no help in front of him this season has played very well on a losing team. Tonight his team finally gives him a lead to play with but don't play a full sixty minutes and leave the second year Viper to hang out to dry in the 3rd period. Clearke was peppered in the final period, having to make a ton of saves just to keep the Vees at bay was not at fault on any of the four Penticton goals.
Game Thought's: Vernon Vipers
Other then the collapse in the 3rd period the first two periods were the best I have seen this Viper team play this season. The Viper team that played in the 1st and 2nd periods wasn't the same team I have been watching all year. Where has this Viper team from periods 1 and 2 been all season? Could you imagine if they played like that from the start of the season? By far the best first two periods all season. I was actually shocked at how well they played. They were actually making passes, playing as a team, scoring on the PP and playing well defensively. Then the 3rd period come and the wheels fell off. This was the Viper team I have been use to watching all season. Making poor passes, poor decisions with and without the puck, being outworked, outplayed and dominated at times. The Snakes looked flat, quit skating, starting making lazy plays, lazy passes and it cost them. You start running around in circles vs a team like Penticton, and this is what happens. This was a hart breaking finish but the team has nobody to blame but themselves. These are games you need to win! These are games you need to hold on to and continue to play like you were in the first two periods. I have said it all season, this Viper team is very inconsistent and can't play a full sixty minutes. They also don't have the players to compete and win against top teams like the Penticton's, Salmon Arm's and West Kelowna's. This is the second game/lead the Snakes have blown this year in the 3rd period. The Vipers blew a 4-2 lead in the 3rd period in Salmon Arm November 3rd losing 5-4 in overtime. The Vipers had some very good looks/opportunities in that 2nd period on the PP where they couldn't score on several scrambles in and around the goal. The Snakes really needed that next goal to maybe push them over the edge, instead it's 3-0 and the Vees come from behind to win. Now on most night's a 3-0 lead in the 3rd period should be safe but vs a team like Penticton, no lead is safe. The Viper management and coaching staff put this team together and now after 18 games you have four wins with one win in your last thirteen games and my biggest question is, why hasn't their been changes? Either on the ice or behind the bench? What's taking so long? Keep this team together and continue to play like this and continue to lose and your season will be over before Christmas. There are several second year players/veteran players who aren't producing and haven't done anything this year and they are still on the team. We have 20 yr olds that have done nothing and still with the team. We have troubles scoring but yet to acquire a goal scorer or make a trade. I don't get it! This team is not winning games and is not very good so changes are to be made and asap! Talking to fans last night and tonight and fans are getting bitter and fast. I will be the first to admit Vernon fans have been very spoiled and use to winning. We have high expectations and when you put together an average team at best, your going to hear it from the Viper faithful! I have seen four very bad Viper teams over my life time and this is one of them. I haven't been impressed with our captain this year. In my opinion he hasn't done much this season other then take undisciplined/dumb penalties. Twice he's taken a penalty in overtime and a late penalty tonight, which ended up being the game winner. This team needs a major shakeup with a blockbuster trade. It's time for a wakeup call! Jason McKee said in the post game show, the team will be making changes. The Vipers were wearing their brand new "retro" jerseys tonight for the first time. White with navy blue stripes and a navy blue pennant logo with the word "Vernon" inside the pennant. The Vipers have lost six straight games and have one win in their last thirteen games. Cowichan, Wenatchee and Merritt only have fewer wins then Vernon. With the loss Vernon falls to 4-9-3-2 Vernon sits 7th in the Interior Conference.
Top Player's: Penticton Vees
Anthony Allepot Played with an edge was in the face of the Vipers through out the game. Allepot was chirping between whistles, getting his gloves high in the face, getting under the skin of several Vipers.
Ryan Hopkins played well on the Vees blueline.
Luc Wilson (1 assist) Was one of the more consistent Vees forwards tonight. I thought looked very good through out the game. This kid has some wheels, can skate, move the puck and shifty as well as skilled.
Brett Moravec (2 goals & 1 assist) I don't recall noticing him in the first two periods but obviously stepped up his game and play in the final twenty minutes, collecting three points in the 3rd period.
Casey McDonald I thought played well. Didn't record a point but was involved in the play and played well.
Ethan Mann (1 goal & 2 assists) Here is another kid I don't recall seeing much in the first two periods but picked up three points in the 3rd where it mattered.
Kaeden Lane (25 saves) Wasn't tested as often as Roan Clarke but still was forced to make some big stops. I recall being down and out on two or three scrambles in and around the goal on a Vernon power play in the middle frame, where Lane was forced to make some key saves. Played well between the pipes. Here's a night where your down 3-0 and all the pressure is now on you. You can't allow another goal and need to keep it at 3-0 giving your team a chance to try and come back.
Game Thought's: Penticton Vees
I was a little worried coming to the rink tonight as the league leading Penticton Vees were in town and have been on a roll. With the way the Vipers season has gone and how well the Vees have been playing and blowing out some of the bottom teams, I was expecting a one sided game. When the game started I was in shock not only at how well the Vipers were holding their own against the power house Vees but also at the score. I'm not taking away any credit from the Vipers but the Vees just didn't look themselves in the first two periods. Sure they played well and the first two periods were entertaining but I was expecting what I saw in the 3rd period most of the game. The Vees didn't get many if any real quality chances in the opening period, seemed to generate and create a little more offensive opportunities in the 2nd period but couldn't solve Roan Clarke. Down 3-0 you knew the Vees weren't going to roll over and you expected a push in the 3rd. Penticton played and looked like the Vees I was expecting in the 1st period. When you look at the standings, records and stats the 3rd period is the type of game I was expecting to see from the start. But give Vernon some credit for stepping up their game and holding their own against the Vees. Penticton dominated the 3rd and were all over the Vipers. The Vees totally controlled the final twenty minutes. Once the Vees got on the board and got to within a goal, you could feel the momentum change and could feel a Vees come from behind victory. The Vees have a very well rounded team with four lines that can punish you. A very good smooth skating transition game and the skill up front to score at will and score four goals in one period. The Vees only make one more visit to Vernon towards the end of February. The Vipers travel to Penticton December 17th. The Vees were wearing their retro 1986 Centennial Cup Champion Penticton Knights jerseys. Navy blue with white and yellow stripes with the Knights logo on the chest. The Vees have won six straight games and nine of their last ten. The Vees are 2-0 vs the Vipers this season. With the win Penticton improves to 14-2 and a top the league standings.
Scratches:
Vernon Vipers:
Kjell Kjemhus (Injured)
Seiya Tanaka-Campbell (Injured)
Nicholas Kent (Injured)
Penticton Vees:
Joshua Niedermayer
Bradley Nadeau
Three Star's:
1st Star: Brett Moravec (2 goals & 1 assist)
2nd Star: Luke Buss (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Ethan Mann (1 goal & 2 assists)
Energy Player of the Game:
Ryan Shostak (1 goal & 1 assist)
Boxscore-Game Summary,
Game Report,
Text Box Score,
Official statistics powered by LeagueStat.com (hockeytech.com)
Please feel free to leave comments or suggestions in the comment box below. I always enjoy and post all comments as long as there tasteful.
Here are some pictures I took before and during tonight's Vipers-Vees game.
8 comments:
The Vernon Vipers captain just doesn't have his heart into it anymore in regards playing for the vipers as captain. I find he is hardly noticeable. His play making is not grade A like it used to be when as a fan you could tell his heart was really into the game. I am not sure what happened but it is rather sad to watch. Jason Mckee really needs to shake this team up and if that means trading some of our leaders who are not contributing so be it. As a fan I was really pumped with the first two periods but the third period the wheels came off. I felt the physical part of there game which made them successfully the first two periods seemed to disappear. Oh well another learning experience. GO,VIPERS,GO.
Sometimes in life you get what you deserve. Johnny boy and Mcgee are incompetent and who can blame the players for going through the motions. The management are typical ignorant self righteous Albertans who KNOW that their way is the right way... Our only hope is for Tom to pull the plug on these clowns. For those who think there weren't people interested in buying the team I know for a fact that there were a few interested groups. The Glenns grossly overpaid for this team and Mrs. Wray took their money. I can't hold it against her because she has a family to think about. Please Tom, send that greasy car salesman and car wash boy packing back to Alberta!!!
It has to be a huge burden to be the Vipers captain lately with the Glenn ownership. Ask Connor or Jagger what it was like. I am sure they will both say NO COMMENT. Actually I asked them myself and that was pretty much what I got out of them. I believe in towing the company line but at some point you have to question what you are believing in. When deep down you know what is occurring is wrong and it is hopeless it must get discouraging. Good for Trey Taylor for deciding he wouldn't pretend anymore and left. Hold on a sec, there are at least half a dozen who got traded for the same kind of questioning. Vernon Vipers I'll be back to watch when the team has new ownership.
Did anyone see #2 Brother in the rink this weekend? Was John out "Scouting " or just afraid to show up on the weekend when Tom was in town for Parents Weekend
I haven't seen John at the last three or four home games. I heard he is scouting in Montreal.
There was a Foodbank drive at the Penticton game on Saturday night. Did you know? The only way I found out was because I looked at the Vipers Facebook site. There was no announcement at the Friday night game and there was therefore a pathetically small pile of contributions. Other years have seen a large contribution by the fans.
If ya wanna be part of the community, act like it. If the fans knew about the food drive, there would have been a lot more support.
We can complain all we want about the lack of success this season, but the players are doing their best. Any problems with recruiting, coaching, and relations to the community are all on the owners and management.
Don't forget about the $1040.00 raised from the 50/50 draw at the game by the staff from Safeway that will go to the Salvation Army Food Bank. The food bank appreciates cash donations immensely because it allows them to purchase food and other household items that they recognize essential for people in the community that they are serving. Thanks for your support on Saturday night
100% correct. This debacle of a season is NOT on the players. They are young, impressionable men who are trying their best to be successful. I assume they also all crave good coaching because they know they need it to improve and be ready for the next level. I do not believe they are getting it now. It is refreshing, however, to see Colton Sparrow interacting with the players on the bench, that is long overdue. Perhaps there is still hope with him on board.
While it was a bad penalty by Jojo late in the game it was also an indication of a young leader trying to do too much. This is a classy young man who deserves our support. We are very lucky to have him and others like him in Vernon The teams meltdown is on the Coach, his preparation and bad decisions. With 50 seconds to go in the late Viper penalty who did the Coach have on the ice? His 4th line center, our weakest & least effective, who up until that time had not won a face off. The result was a face off loss, possession to the Vees and a goal. That is on you Coach. The players and fans expect you to make better decisions.
So John is scouting in Montreal? If true that is a huge part of the Vipers problems. ie: an owner wanting to be too involved instead of allowing the General Manager to scout and recruit. Your job is NOT to recruit but to monitor your Coach and judge him on the decisions he makes. You must also watch how he treats his players, teaches his players, how he institutes good hockey systems and how he prepares his players for their next level. Sometimes tough decisions need to be made if your people are not performing up to expectations. That is good Management 101 and true in any business.
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