I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and been watching/following Junior hockey in Vernon my entire life. My family watched Senior men's 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 that played Junior hockey in Vernon. I have had season tickets since 1990 and 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 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 hockey 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-Spruce Kings game as Vernon defeated Prince George 2-1 in front of 1,278 fans at Kal Tire Place.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon Vipers: Ethan David
Prince George Spruce Kings: Aaron Trotter
1st Period: The Spruce Kings with the early jump, had the early edge in play. A shot from well out looked to handcuff Ethan David about a minute or so into the hockey game. PG was up 5-0 in shots early. The Spruce Kings would get the games first quality chance after Evan Fedele setup Simon Labelle on an odd man rush, but Ethan David stayed with the play, making a big pad save. The Snakes needed almost seven minutes to record their first shot of the contest. Shortly after on a broke down play, John Herrington opened the scoring, giving Prince George a 1-0 lead at 7:32 Luc Laylin and Colton Cousins with the assists. In the second half Vernon would get the games first power play. The Vipers couldn't make a pass, get a shot on goal or do anything with the man advantage as the Spruce Kings killed off the minor. About two minutes later, PG would get a late power play, their first of the evening. The Spruce Kings had a few looks but no real quality chances as Vernon killed off the minor. It was 1-0 Prince George after 20 minutes of play. The Spruce Kings were by far the better team. Prince George carried a lot of the play, had more puck possession, zone time and were getting pucks to the net. I didn't think the Spruce Kings had many good opportunities but outplayed the Vipers. Vernon looked very dismal, didn't show any signs of life, were turning over pucks, making poor passes, had troubles breaking out of their own end and couldn't gain any kind of traction. The Snakes didn't get any kind of scoring chances, saw a lot of the play in their own end. Prince George outshot Vernon 11-3.
2nd Period: About three minutes into the middle frame, the Snakes got an early PP. The power play only lasted a minute before Vernon took a penalty, sending both teams to four on four. Playing four on four, the Spruce Kings tried to setup a wide open Nathan Fox going to the front of the net, but Fox couldn't reach/or connect on the pass on a missed opportunity. PG would eventually come away with a shortened power play but it was the Vipers quickness and alert play that lead to an odd man rush. Kjell Kjemhus and Ryan Shostak on a two on one. Kjemhus decided to shoot was denied by Prince George Spruce Kings starting goaltender Aaron Trotter who made a big pad stop but also let out a huge rebound that Ryan Shostak couldn't connect on. The Snakes killed off the shortened penalty. Just as the penalty expired, Prince George would head back to the man advantage. The Spruce Kings couldn't get much going as Vernon was able to kill off the minor. In and around the halfway mark, the Vipers would get a power play. Early into the power play, Luke Pakulak was getting a delayed penalty while Nick Rheaume jumped Pakulak as several players were involved in a scrum. Pakulak and Rheaume dropped the gloves in a rare fight in today's BCHL. Both Pakulak and Rheaume would get tossed from the hockey game. Thirty six seconds into the PP Dylan Schives clipped a Viper with a high stick, would get called four minutes for high sticking. The Snakes went to a lengthy two man advantage. Early into the PP the Vipers spotted Luke Lavery at the side of the net, Lavery looked to have an open cage but somehow hit the outside of the net missing on a glorious chance to tie the hockey game. PG would kill off the first minor before Viper veteran forward Cameron MacDonald would be denied on three very good opportunities as Aaron Trotter was solid between the pipes for the Spruce Kings. Late in the PP former Prince George Spruce Kings forward Max Borovinskiy beat Aaron Trotter five hole, tying the game 1-1 at 13:58 Luke Lavery & Ryan Shostak drew the helpers. With about four minutes remaining, Max Borovinskiy would given a double minor for a slew foot, sending the Spruce Kings to the PP for the remainder of the 2nd period. Inside the final minute of play, Rowan Miller with an opportunity in front would be stopped by Ethan David. Vernon with a very good PK managed to limit the Spruce Kings opportunities and kill off the double minor to end the period. It was 1-1 after 40 minutes of play. This period was filled with penalties as neither team had much five on five play. At times the Spruce Kings had the better of the play and at time the Vipers had the better of the play. As the period went on I thought the Snakes had an edge in play and were the better team. A problem that has been an issue all season is Vernon's power play. Tonight, the Vipers passed the puck around and around, waisting valuable time without getting pucks to the net. The Snakes finally were able to get a PP goal tonight but need some work with the man advantage. Aaron Trotter was the busier of the two netminders, made some timely saves, keeping his team in the contest. Vernon outshot Prince George 15-7.
3rd Period: Just minutes into the final frame, Ethan David had to be sharp after having some difficulty making a save on a long shot from the point that took a few hops and almost fooled the rookie goaltender. The Vipers would get an early power play just over four minutes in. Vernon with a much better PP had some very good looks, created/generated a few chances but couldn't find the back of the net as PG killed off the minor. Shortly after a long shot from the blueline was redirected in front by Luke Ashton that come very close to going into his own goal. Just before the midway mark, Dylan Schives point shot would be snagged by the glove of Ethan David. Prince George with a few good looks in the first half couldn't solve Ethan David. In and around the halfway mark, the Vipers with a quick transition game up ice, allowed Ryan Shostak to wheel down the left wing before throwing the puck in front, that went in and off a Spruce Kings defender, giving Vernon a 2-1 lead at 10:13 Shostak's goal was unassisted. The Snakes haven't had much puck luck this season but this was a lucky bounce and Vernon will take it. On the following play, PG would go on the man advantage. Ethan David made at least two big stops while the Snakes blocked two shots, managed to kill off the minor. Fifty two seconds later, the Spruce Kings went back to another power play on a bit of a soft call. Vernon with a very good penalty kill, killed off the minor. The Spruce Kings used a time out before getting Aaron Trotter to the bench for the extra attacker with about two minutes remaining. PG had some good pressure early before the Vipers would eventually clear the zone and then force Aaron Trotter back between the pipes, where the Snakes hemmed the Spruce Kings in their own end for most of the remainder of the period as Aaron Trotter couldn't get back to the bench for the extra attacker. Vernon with some hard work inside the final minute, hung on for a rare 2-1 victory. Something happened to Ryan Shostak at the buzzer as the Viper forward was on his knees at centre ice holding his gloves to his face as several players from both teams got involved in a scrum. I didn't see what happened but Shostak seemed to be ok joining in on the Viper celebration. The Spruce Kings had an edge in play, in a defensive 3rd period battle. Prince George had more possession and zone time, but the Vipers played well defensively at times also got some big stops from their goaltender. At times you could hit the panic button as the Spruce Kings come very close to tying the game. Prince George outshot Vernon 10-5.
Top Player's: Vernon Vipers
Nicholas Kent I thought was the Snakes best player this evening. Kent blocked at least two shots, was moving the puck up ice, involved in the play at both ends of the rink and really used his quickness to get the puck up ice in a hurry. You have to wonder if teams will be calling for Kent at the trade deadline?
Ethan David (27 saves) The Vipers went with two young 18 yr old goaltenders this season and both kids have played very well for their age and experience at the Junior A level. The Vipers don't have a number one goaltender, seem to rotate goalies every other game or every other couple of games. David hasn't started a game since a 5-3 win over Trail on December 3rd. I thought was the difference tonight, making several key saves and big stops with PG pressing. David made some big stops in the 3rd or the Spruce Kings could have easily tied and then won the hockey game.
Game Thought's: Vernon Vipers
The Vipers played very well at times, looked ok at times and then looked very dismal at times. This Viper team is very inconsistent. Vernon was outplayed and outworked in the 1st period only managed three shots on goal. I thought the Snakes got better as the 2nd period went on and played well for half of that period. In the 3rd with the Spruce Kings pressing, the Vipers were barely hanging on at times, were having to rely heavily on Ethan David but then in some parts played well defensively, making some big blocks and big plays on the PK. The Vipers PK was very good. Vernon's PP was very inconsistent. How big was Ryan Shostak's goal halfway through the final period? A pass that looked to be going out front, went in and off a PG defender. Let's not get too excited as PG had numerous chances to not only tie the game but win the game in the 3rd. The Spruce Kings were a shot or two away from a win. The win snaps the Vipers four game losing streak and sends the kids home happy for the holidays. The Vipers were wearing their "retro" jersey's tonight. Former Viper forward/captain Connor Marritt was at tonight's game. With only four games remaining until the BCHL trade deadline, and the Vipers second last in the league standings I'm guessing they will be sellers at the deadline? Will we see some 20 yr olds traded before the deadline? On another note this team still has a long way to go before they expect to win more games. This team is not improving or getting better and as a long time season ticket holder that's frustrating. This is all on the coach. I'm still in shock Jason McKee still has a job after losing sixteen of his last nineteen games prior to tonight's win. Look at what happened with the Vancouver Canucks. If changes aren't made I don't see this team winning many games in the new year and likely won't make the playoffs. If you wan't to talk about improvement, a good example is the Wenatchee Wild. I think they started off 0-6? are now 8-10-4-1 and moved ahead of Vernon in the standings. As fans were not seeing any kind of improvement from the Vipers and that's what's frustrating. Walking around the arena tonight talking to fans, there are a lot of pissed off Viper fans who want a coaching change. I talked to three season ticket holders who said they won't be renewing their season tickets next year and two other season ticket holders said if Jason McKee is back next year, they won't be back. I have a long time friend who comes out to about ten or so games a season and hasn't been to a game this year because how crappy the team has been. The Vipers better be careful or they will start losing fans if they haven't already. A good example is tonight, a very small crowd and lots of season ticket holders not at tonight's game. This was only Vernon's fourth win in their last twenty games. A once proud franchise is being run into the ground. Only Merritt has fewer wins then the Vipers. With the win Vernon improves to 7-12-3-3 and sits second from the bottom of the standings are 8th in the Interior Conference.
Since the Glen's took over ownership of the Vipers in 2018, the Vipers record is
Wins 76
Losses 62
Overtime Losses 14
Shootout Losses 9
Since Jason McKee took over as Head Coach/GM in 2019, the Vipers record is
Wins 50
Losses 41
Overtime Losses 6
Shootout Losses 6
Top Player's: Prince George Spruce Kings
Dylan Schives Played very well on the Spruce Kings backend. Not the biggest d-man but was involved in the play, was getting pucks towards the goal, carried the puck often and made plays happen.
Rowan Miller I thought played well. Had some looks/chances was in and around the net, created/generated opportunities.
Simon Labelle Looked good up front for Prince George. Had some looks and a few chances.
Aaron Trotter (21 saves) Has played well vs the Snakes this season. Wasn't tested as often as Ethan David but played well between the pipes. Had to feel sorry for the Spruce Kings goaltender on Vernon's second goal.
Game Thought's: Prince George Spruce Kings
The Spruce Kings with a fairly dominate 1st period, outplayed and outworked the Vipers but only managed one goal. This was key as Prince George could have put the Snakes away if they jump out to a 2-0 or 3-0 lead, instead they allow Vernon to hang around, then tie the game in the 2nd period and again allow the Vipers to hang around in the 3rd before giving up the game winner halfway through the final period. The Spruce Kings had some good looks/chances couldn't solve rookie Viper goaltender Ethan David. I don't think both coaches will be happy with the amount of penalties this evening. Lots of penalties took away from the five on five play. Vernon went 1-6 with the PP while Prince George went 0-5 on the man advantage. I don't think either team played a full sixty minutes or even close. Both teams sputtered at times, made mistakes, took some undisciplined penalties and then both teams played well and looked good at times. PG has a much stronger lineup and won't be pleased losing to one of the league's bottom feeders. The Spruce Kings were wearing their third set jersey's tonight. Tonight's the second game of a seven game road trip. PG has lost three straight are 5-5 in their last ten games. The Vipers and Spruce Kings regular season series is tied 2-2 will meet again January 25th in Prince George. With the loss Prince George falls to 13-9-1-0 sit 4th in the Interior Conference.
Scratches:
Vernon Vipers:
Talon Zakall (Injured)
Liam Cavan (Injured)
Luke Buss (Injured)
Seiya Tanaka-Campbell (Injured)
JoJo Tanaka-Campbell (Injured)
Prince George Spruce Kings:
James Bohn
Jimmy Doyle
Austin Fraser
Jagieevan Phangura
Three Star's:
1st Star: Max Borovinskiy (1 goal)
2nd Star: Ryan Shostak (1 goal)
3rd Star: Aaron Trotter (21 saves)
Energy Player of the Game:
Cameron MacDonald
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 respectful and tasteful.
Here are some pictures I took before and during tonight's Vipers/Spruce Kings game.
7 comments:
Thanks to Ethan and the Hockey Gods tonight! Shostak from almost behind the net off 2 Spruce Kings what a winning goal....lol! Unless they get rid of 20 year olds Glen (1 goal ) and the other use less one, you know who I mean (0 goals) and the Coach they are doomed! At the end of the year the stands will be empty and the Glens couldn't give the franchise away.
Yes for a rookie goaltender I was very impressed with Ethan David performance. Shostak stood out for most of the night. I must thank the vipers for there christmas present to us fans with the win. I saw alot of good things on the ice and well some old bad habits but maybe in the new year things will improve. As some one once said, Its all uphill from here as it cannot get any worse. As far as the glens go well I sometimes think you could do all the talking in the world and they still couldn't see the forest for the trees, so why bother. Just enjoy your night out watching hockey and say will see what happens. GO,VIPERS,GO.
There was mention of the 3 year record of the Vipers since the Glenn's took the Vipers over. 76-62-14-9,now if you eliminate the first year which still had players returning from the Mark Ferner era plus players recruited. Next eliminate the Bubble season which had players coming and going through the revolving door due to Covid and to be honest no one cared about last season. Now we have the actual team that Jason Mckee has put together himself with the record of 7-12-3-3. Even one fan was showing his frustration by wearing a Paper Bag over his head for the entire game. Maybe he should have thrown his Jersey onto ice in Frustration, its worked twice this year in the NHL, Haha VDHF
I was thinking with the paper bags the unknown viper fan could make some more and sell them for five dollars a piece. I am sure unknown would be able to sell enough ,no problem, to pay for next years season ticket. Also it would give a good memory for the way the season so far has gone. I am looking forward to improvement but if not at least paper bags on ones head as a statement of not so happy fans is I think a quiet protest but effective. Get out there and sell those paper bags, unknown paper bag viper fan.
I loved the bag, that was classic!!! It was a fairly entertaining game although very low scoring. The winner by Shostak was a fluke but good things happen for good players if you continue to work hard. I have always loved his compete level.
I did notice one positive from the game. On the Power Play, McKee replaced Glen (3 points in 20 games) with Chan (5 points in 24 games). It was good to see a young player given an opportunity. Tyler brings much more skill with an ability and willingness to hang on to the puck to create plays. For a smaller player he is fearless and has far more up side. It is important for younger players to be rewarded instead of being used as a forth liner constantly. Although it probably will not be appreciated by the owners it was a good move.
I think the players that were in the lineup deserve more credit for the PG win.
David would probably want the goal back, but very solid after the 1st
Penalty Kill was the best to date
After the beating from the Vees the night before, found a way to grab a “W”
This team isn’t very deep, the Vipers were missing a Top pairing D.man / Top scorer / Captain / another couple of injuries (which is part of the game, agreed) and were still able to grind out a win. Particularly impressive was the pressure by McDonald/ Shostak in the last 2 minutes, not allowing PG to pull their goalie.
Trying to follow up on the positives of the previous post !
Merry Christmas to All !!
It's great that the Vipers won the final game before the Christmas break but they only scored two goals in that game. Again. Vernon has played 25 games so far this season and has scored two or fewer goals in 15 of those games. The Vipers have the second lowest goals scored in the entire league, better only than Merritt. You don't win many games when you can't score.
The Vipers actually have a decent defensive record sitting eleventh out of the eighteen teams. Kind of middle of the pack. And they are playing in front of two younger goaltenders, both are 18 years old and are definitely not a problem. Defensive structure can be taught by coaches, and that what looks like has happened with this team.
Goal scoring is the issue. Talented snipers just haven't come to Vernon lately. A look at the individual scoring statistics shows the Vipers' top point scorers are 50th, 74th, 86th and 89th in the league. Whoever has been recruiting for this team, whether it's the coach/GM or the owners, hasn't gotten as many talented offensive players as they should have.
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