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No official press release from the Vernon Vipers, but Garland is listed on the Vernon Vipers reserve roster.
Vernon Vipers Reserve Roster,
Garland is currently playing with Delta Hockey Academy U18 Prep team.
Gavin Garland's Player Profile:
Picard Commits To Wild For 2022-23 Season:
WILD INK PICARD FOR 2022-23 SEASON | Wenatchee Wild (wenatcheewildhockey.com)
Merritt Centennials Make Coaching Change:
Centennials fire Chyzowski, hire Toneff as new head coach | CFJC Today Kamloops
Centennials Name Toneff New Head CoachGM:
Broncos’ Curtis Toneff Accepts Role as Head Coach and GM in BCHL | Humboldt Broncos
McInnes Commits To Chilliwack Chiefs For 2022-23 Season:
Hunter McInnes Commits to Chilliwack - Chilliwack Chiefs
Victoria-Cranbrook Trade:
Bucks Acquire Defensemen Declan Ride from Victoria | Cranbrook Bucks
Calgary-Nanaimo Trade:
Clippers acquire Ben Kotylak from the Calgary Canucks | Nanaimo Clippers
BCHL Postpones Top Prospects Game:
BCHL postpones 60th Anniversary event to 2023 | BCHL League Site
Caron Commits To Warriors For 2022-23 Season:
NEWS: FELIX CARON COMMITS TO THE WARRIORS | West Kelowna Warriors
Jones Commits To Chiefs For 2022-23 Season:
Bryan Jones Commits to Chiefs for 22/23 Season - Chilliwack Chiefs
Vees Sign Serhyenko:
NEWS: Vees Add More Experience In Net With Addition Of Carter Serhyenko | Penticton Vees
Yim Commots To Bucks For 2022-23 Season:
Bucks Commit Defensemen Markus Yim for the 2022-2023 Season | Cranbrook Bucks
Stavroff Commits To Salmon Arm For 2022-23 Season:
Grizzlies Sign King:
Grizzlies sign defencemen, Nathan King | Victoria Grizzlies
New Centennials Coach Looking To Right The Ship:
New Cents coach looking to right the ship - Merritt Herald
Newly-Weds Tie The Knot At Warriors Game:
Newly-weds tie the knot at West Kelowna Warriors BCHL game – Salmon Arm Observer (saobserver.net)
BCHL Updates 2021-22 Schedule:
BCHL updates 2021-22 schedule to make up previously postponed games | BCHL League Site
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Here is the press release from the ECHL website,
Jones is in his first season with the ECHL Fort Wayne Komets. The Komets signed Jones August 30th 2021. In 16 games this season, Jones has (3-goals-9-assists-12-points).
Jones played last season in Sweden with Vasterviks IK, a professional hockey team from Vastervik, Sweden that plays in the Swedish Ice Hockey League.
Jones played in the ECHL & American Hockey League from 2014-2019 before going to Sweden in 2019.
Jones played four years at Quinnipiac University from 2010-2014 before signing his first professional contract with the American Hockey League Oklahoma City Barons April 3rd 2014. Jones signed a one year-two way contract with the New York Islanders February 22nd 2017. Jones made his NHL/Islanders debut April 1st 2017 vs the Buffalo Sabres.
Jones played three seasons in Vernon from 2007-2010 In 163 games with the Vipers, Jones collected (80-goals-118-assists-198-points). Jones is listed 6th on Vernon Junior hockey's all-time points list with 198 and is tied for 6th with 80 goals and listed 7th with 118 assists.
Connor Jones Player Profile:
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Here is the press release from the ECHL website,
Atlanta's Pelech named Inglasco/ECHL Player of the Week
Martin is in his third season with the ECHL Jacksonville Icemen. In 27 games this season, Martin has (11-goals-14-assists-25-points).
Martin started the 2019-20 season with the ECHL Adirondak Thunder was traded to Jacksonville November 26th 2019.
Martin played four years at Quinnipiac University from 2015-2019 before signing his first professional contract with the American Hockey League Springfield Thunderbirds April 2nd 2019. Martin didn't play a game with the Thunderbirds was released, later signed a professional contract with the ECHL Adirondak Thunder July 8th 2019.
Martin played parts of two seasons in Vernon from 2012-2013. The Vipers traded Martin & future considerations to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs October 1st 2013 for Jared Wilson. In 46 games with the Vipers, Martin collected (10-goals-13-assists-23-points). Martin played parts of four seasons in the BCHL with Vernon, Alberni Valley & Trail from 2011-2015.
Craig Martin's Player Profile:
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Here is the press release from the Wichita Thunder website,
Thunder Announces Contract Extension For Head Coach Bruce Ramsay (wichitathunder.com)
Ramsay is in his third season as Head Coach/GM with the Thunder. Ramsay was named the ECHL Coach of the Year last season. Ramsay and the Thunder currently sit 6th in the Mountain Division with a 10-13-1-0 record.
Ramsay played sixteen seasons of professional hockey before retiring in 2005. Ramsay has spent the past sixteen seasons coaching in the UHL, IHL, CHL, AHL & ECHL with four different teams (Muskegon, Tulsa, Grand Rapids and Wichita).
Ramsay played one season in Vernon with the 1989-90 Vernon Lakers. In 53 games with the Lakers, Ramsay collected (11-goals-11-assists-22-points). Ramsay was captain of the 1989-90 Vernon Lakers that hosted and won the 1990 Centennial Cup.
Bruce Ramsay's Player/Coaching Profile:
Here is the press release from the BCHL website,
BCHL postpones 60th Anniversary event to 2023 | BCHL League Site
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Here is the story from Castanet.net,
Williamson is in his second season with the River Dragons. In 14 games this season, Williamson has (5-goals-7-assists-12-points).
Williamson committed to Michigan Tech University for the 2019-20 season but ending up signing with the Federal Prospects Hockey League Columbus River Dragons last year.
Williamson played five seasons in Vernon from 2014-2019. In 233 games with the Vipers, Williamson collected (54-goals-119-assists-173-points).
Williamson and former Vernon Lakers/Vernon Vipers forward Garth Gartner hold the Vernon junior hockey franchise record for most games played with 233 each. Gartner played four seasons in Vernon with the Vernon Lakers & Vernon Vipers from 1994-1998.
Jagger Williamson's Player Profile:
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Here is the press release from the ECHL website,
Coughlin is in his second season with the Cyclones after coming over in a trade with Norfolk February 20th 2020. In 16 games this season, Coughlin has (3-goals-2-assists-5-points).
Coughlin was suppose to play with the Cyclones last season but the team opt out of the 2020-21 season as part of the ECHL's COVID-19 Voluntary Suspension Policy, which allowed Coughlin to sign with another team. Coughlin's rights would revert back to the Cyclones for the 2021-22 season. Coughlin played in 9 games with the Cyclones during the 2019-20 season.
The ECHL Fort Wayne Komets signed Coughlin January 27th 2021. Coughlin was added to the Komets training camp roster January 29th 2021 didn't play a game with the Komets was later released February 10th 2021. The ECHL Rapid City Rush signed Coughlin February 13th 2021. Coughlin finished the remainder of the 2020-21 season with the Rush. In 26 games with the Rush last season, Coughlin collected (2-goals-3-assists-5-points).
Coughlin played four years at the College of Holy Cross from 2015-2019 before signing his first professional contract with the ECHL Maine Mariners March 15th 2019. Coughlin has also played with Norfolk, Cincinnati and Rapid City.
Coughlin played one season in Vernon with the 2014-15 Vernon Vipers. In 55 games with the Vipers, Coughlin collected (3-goals-15-assists-18-points).
Johnny Coughlin's Player Profile:
Here is the press release from the BCHL website,
 |
Here is the press release from the Idaho Steelheads website,
Zack Andrusiak Inks Deal to Return for 2021-22 Season (idahosteelheads.com)
Andrusiak was suppose to play last season with the Steelheads but the team opt out of the 2020-21 season allowing Andrusiak to sign with another team. Andrusiak's rights would revert back to the Steelheads for the 2021-22 season.
Andrusiak played last season with the ECHL Orlando Solar Bears after signing with the team Januray 22nd 2021. The Soalr Bears released Andrusiak June 5th 2021. In 22 games with the Solar Bears last year, Andrusiak collected (1-goal-3-assists-4-points).
Andrusiak played five seasons in the Western Hockey League with Tri-Cities, Seattle, Prince Albert & Everett before signing his first professional contract with the ECHL Idaho Steelheads August 8th 2019.
Andrusiak started the 2015-16 season with the Western Hockey League Tri-City Americans before being released. The Vernon Vipers signed Andrusiak October 1st 2015. Andrusiak was released November 5th 2015. In 15 games with the Vipers, Andrusiak collected (0-goals-2-assists-2-points).
Zach Andrusiak's Player Profile:
Here is the press release from the BCHL website,
BCHL updates 2021-22 schedule to make up previously postponed games | BCHL League Site
Januray 21st Surrey at Vernon 7pm has been cancelled
Add to schedule January 21st Salmon Arm at Vernon 7pm
January 25th Vernon at Prince George 7pm has been cancelled
Add to schedule January 28th Vernon at Prince George 7pm
Add to schedule January 29th Vernon at Prince George 7pm
March 5th Vernon at Langley 7:15pm has been cancelled
Add to schedule March 16th Vernon at Merritt 7pm
Here is Vic Chenier's obituary from the Vernon Morning Star,
Victor Benjamin Chenier – Vernon Morning Star
Chenier was trainer for the Vernon Lakers from 1988-1994
Here is a Christmas jingle from the Vernon Vipers twitter account,
Here is the video from Hockeytube.net,
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Here is the press release from the BCHL website,
Fudger is in his second season with the Cowichan Capitals and first season as Captain of the Capitals. In 25 games this season, Fudger has (8-goals-4-assists-12-points).
Fudger committed to the Vernon Vipers June 5th 2019. Fudger played one season in Vernon with the 2019-2020 Vernon Vipers. The Vipers traded Fudger, Colby Feist and future considerations to the Cowichan Capitals October 13th 2020 for Will Arquiett. In 48 games with the Vipers, Fudger collected (2-goals-12-assists-14-points).
Brett Fudger's Player Profile:
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Here is the press release from the ECHL website,
Jones is in his first season with the ECHL Fort Wayne Komets. The Komets signed Jones August 30th 2021. In 16 games this season, Jones has (3-goals-9-assists-12-points).
Jones played last season in Sweden with Vasterviks IK, a professional hockey team from Vastervik, Sweden that plays in the Swedish Ice Hockey League.
Jones played in the ECHL & American Hockey League from 2014-2019 before going to Sweden in 2019.
Jones played four years at Quinnipiac University from 2010-2014 before signing his first professional contract with the American Hockey League Oklahoma City Barons April 3rd 2014. Jones signed a one year-two way contract with the New York Islanders February 22nd 2017. Jones made his NHL/Islanders debut April 1st 2017 vs the Buffalo Sabres.
Jones played three years in Vernon from 2007-2010. In 163 games with the Vipers, Jones collected (80-goals-118-assists-198-points). Jones is listed 6th on Vernon's Junior hockey all-time points list with 198 and is tied for 6th on Vernon's Junior hockey all-time goals list with 80 and 7th on Vernon's Junior hockey all-time assists list with 118.
Connor Jones Player Profile:
Here is the press release from the BCHL website,
BCHL updates 2021-22 schedule to make up previously postponed games | BCHL League Site
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Here is the press release from the ECHL website,
Coughlin is in his second season with the ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones after coming over in a trade with Norfolk February 20th 2020. In 10 games with the Cyclones this season, Coughlin has (1-goal-2-assists-3-points).
Coughlin was suppose to play last season with the Cyclones. The Cyclones opt out of the 2020-21 season as part of the ECHL's COVID-19 Voluntary Suspension Policy allowing Coughlin to sign with another team. Coughlin's rights would revert back to the Cyclones for the 2021-22 season. Coughlin played 9 games with the Cyclones during the 2019-20 season.
The ECHL Fort Wayne Komets signed Coughlin last season on January 27th 2021. Coughlin was added to the Komets training camp roster January 29th 2021 but didn't play a game before being released February 10th 2021. The ECHL Rapid City Rush signed Coughlin February 13th 2021. In 26 games last season with the Rush, Coughlin collected (2-goals-3-assists-5-points).
Coughlin played four years at the College of Holy Cross from 2015-2019 before signing his first professional contract with the ECHL Maine Mariners March 15th 2019. Coughlin has also played with Norfolk, Cincinnati and Rapid City.
Coughlin played one season in Vernon with the 2014-15 Vernon Vipers. In 55 games with the Vipers, Coughlin collected (3-goals-15-assists-18-points).
Johnny Coughlin's Player Profile:
 |
Here is the press release from the BCHL website,
Littler, Williams, Hamlin named 3 Stars of the Week | BCHL League Site
Ethan David's Player Profile:
Here is the interview from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,
 |
Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,
Milburn Commits to Lake Superior State | Vernon Vipers
Reagan Milburn's Player Profile:
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Here is the interview from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,
Here is the press release from The Province,
B.C.'s new COVID-19 restrictions in place as active cases rise | The Province
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Here is the press release from the ECHL website,
Railers add Coughlin (echl.com)
Coughlin didn't play hockey last season. Coughlin last played professional hockey during the 2019-20 season, splitting the season between the American Hockey League Rockford IceHogs & the ECHL Indy Fuel.
Coughlin played four seasons at the University of Vermont from 2015-2019 before signing his first professional contract with the American Hockey League Rockford IceHogs May 19th 2019.
Coughlin was drafted 130th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in Round 5 at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Coughlin didn't play a single game with the Oilers, was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks July 6th 2015.
Coughlin played two seasons in Vernon from 2013-2015. In 107 games with the Vipers, Coughlin collected (38-goals-67-assists-105-points).
Liam Coughlin's Player Profile:
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Here is the statement from the BCHL website,
Nick Rheaume's Player Profile;
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Here is the press release from the ECHL website,
Cincinnati's Hirano named Inglasco/ECHL Player of the Week
Kellen Jones is in his first season with the ECHL Fort Wayne Komets.
Jones played last year in Sweden with Vasterviks IK, a professional hockey team from Vastervik, Sweden. Jones signed a professional contract with the Komets August 30th 2021.
Jones played four years at Quinnipiac University from 2010-2014 before signing his first professional contract with the American Hockey League Oklahoma City Barons April 3rd 2014.
Jones played in the ECHL & American Hockey League from 2014-2018 before playing hockey in Sweden in 2018.
Jones played three seasons in Vernon from 2007-2010. In 154 games with the Vipers, Jones collected (39-goals-134-assists-173-points). Jones is listed 13th on Vernon Junior hockey's all-time points list with 173 points and 4th on Vernon Junior hockey's all-time assists list with 134 assists.
Kellen Jones Player Profile:
Kellen Jones - Elite Prospects
Martin started the 2019-20 season with the ECHL Adirondak Thunder before being traded to Jacksonville November 26th 2019.
Martin played four years at Quinnipiac University from 2015-2019 before signing his first professional contract with the American Hockey League Springfield Thunderbirds April 2nd 2019. Martin didn't play a game with the Thunderbirds was released before signing a professional contract with the ECHL Adirondak Thunder July 8th 2019.
Martin played parts of two seasons in Vernon from 2012-2013. The Vipers traded Martin & future considerations to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs October 1st 2013 for Jared Wilson. In 46 games with the Vipers, Martin collected (10-goals-13-assists-23-points). Martin played parts of four seasons in the BCHL with Vernon, Alberni Valley & Trail from 2011-2015.
Craig Martin's Player Profile:
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.
