Silverbacks Retro Game: Salmon Arm 4 Vernon 1

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 has 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 today's Vipers game, here are my thought's and views from today'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 today's Vipers-Silverbacks game as Salmon Arm defeated Vernon 4-1 in front of 750 fans at the Shaw Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon Vipers: Roan Clarke
Salmon Arm Silverbacks: Owen Say

After yesterday's loss and the Vipers disapointing season I had to think long and hard if I was going to drive to Salmon Arm today. With a forecast of snow this evening and knowing the Vipers would probably lose I decided at the last minute to go.

Today's game was Salmon Arm's "retro game" a game to honour the BCHL's 60th anniversary and the Salmon Arm Silverbacks franchise. The man who helped bring the Silverbacks to Salmon Arm in 2001 as an expansion team, one of the teams original Owners/General Managers Garry Davidson was honoured before this afternoon's hckey game. Davidson was walked out on a red carpet and dropped the opening faceoff before the team honoured past players on the video screen. Both teams wearing their "retro jersey's" this afternoon. 

Here is Gary Davidson's tribute video,

Garry Davidson Tribute - YouTube

1st Period: The Silverbacks got the early jump off the opening faceoff. Thirty seconds into the contest the Apes setup Mathieu Bourgault who snapped a quick shot from the faceoff circle forcing Roan Clarke into making a large left pad save at the top of the crease on a very good look/opportunity for Salmon Arm inside the opening minute. Two and a half minutes in, former Wenatchee Wild defenceman Nicholas Kent with a shot from the point that forced Owen Say into flashing the leather, making a save with the cheater of his glove. A few minutes later on what looked to be a wrap around, the Backs spotted captain Daniel Panetta going to the front of the goal, but couldn't connect on the pass from the side of the goal. Less then two minutes later, on a scramble in front of the net, Roan Clarke looked to make the first stop or two before Nathan Mackie buried the rebound, giving Salmon Arm an earl 1-0 lead at 6:28 Nathan Morin and Nic Leggett with the assists. The Vipers responded with a push back shift and minutes later, Luke Lavery redirected a shot at the side of the net, but Owen Say was able to track the puck and squeeze his pads tight, making a difficult stop at the side of the goal. A few minutes later Daniel Panetta and Brandon Santa Juana went in on a two on one, Panetta decided to keep and shoot, beating Roan Clarke giving Salmon Arm a 2-0 lead at 12:23 Brandon Santa Juana and Nic Leggett drew the helpers. Towards the end of the period, Vernon would get the games first power play. but shorthanded Simon Tassy with a one man show, somehow managed to maneuver in and around two Viper defenders before falling on his belly and still somehow able to get a shot off with a Viper defender drapped all over him. The Snakes would only manage one quality opportunity, Matthew Culling redirected a Zack Tonelli pass but beat Owen Say in close. Salmon Arm would kill off the minor. Inside the final minute the Silverbacks would get a late PP after Nicholas Kent would be called for a check to head, which results in an automatic ten minute misconduct. The Vipers would kill off the remainder of the period without giving up a chance. It was 2-0 Salmon Arm after 20 minutes of play. For a second straight game the Snakes give up two 1st period goals and fall behind 2-0 early. The Gorillas had a bit of an edge in play and were the better team. Salmon Arm capitalized on their chances, were strong on pucks, winning the battles and looked much more hungry then Vernon. The Vipers did manage to re-group and push back with some good pressure and zone time for a short period but didn't generate a lot of opportunities. The Vipers had trouble with SA's speed and skilled forwards. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 9-7.

2nd Period: The hometown Silverbacks started the middle frame on the man advantage that was carried over from the opening period. Twenty seconds in Vernon would go down two men after taking an early penalty. The Apes would get an early two man advantage. The Backs with an early odd man rush, setup league leading scorer Simon Tassy who would be denied by Vernon Vipers netminder Roan Clarke. Vernon gets a big stop early before Viper captain JoJo Tanaka-Campbell tries to out race Salmon Arm Silverbacks starting goaltender Owen Say who beat Tanaka-Campbell to the loose puck, way outside of the Salmon Arm crease. On the same shift, the Vipers didn't stop there as Cameron MacDonald would get setup in the high slot on an odd man rush shorthanded but shoot high and over the goal, on a missed opportunity. The Snakes with a very good but aggresive penalty kill, manage to kill off both minors. Vernon escapes as the Silverbacks could have easily put the game away with a two man advantage. Just as the penalty is coming to an end, the Vipers get an early power play. Vernon unable to generate much with the man advantage as SA kills off the minor. Shortly after the Apes setup Zakery Anderson on an odd man rush, Anderson goes high glove past Roan Clarke, giving Salmon Arm a 3-0 lead at 5:21 Michael Ladyman & Jake Lammens pick up the assists. About a minute later the Silverbacks jump on the PP. Vernon gets into penalty trouble and takes the next three straight penalties, giving the Backs a lengthy two man advantage. Noah Serdachny makes the Snakes pay, ripping a shot top shelf from the circle giving Salmon Arm a commanding 4-0 lead at 9:12 Simon Tassy and Michael Ladyman drew the helpers. This basically put the game away at this point. With about eight minutes left in the 2nd period, Roan Clarke had to be alert was forced to make a juggling save off a shot from the point that may have hit something on it's way to the goal. Clarke forced to make an awkward save with a Salmon Arm forward at the top of the crease. Shortly after Owen Say made a stop before a Vernon play took a swipe at the puck/Owen Say, this drawing a crowd as everyone toppled onto each other in a scrum in the crease. Both teams would come out of the dog pile with one minor each, sending both teams to four on four and the Apes would get a glorious chance. Jake Lammens joined the rush on an odd man rush but somehow missed the entire open net, on a chance to blow this game open. The Snakes would get a late PP with about three and a half minutes remaining but unable to capitalize with the man advantage. With just over a minute remaining, Cameron MacDonald looked to have an open cage at the side of the goal, but missed the net. With about fourty seconds left Griffen Barr's point shot beat Owen Say but not the crossbar as the Vipers come very close to getting on the scoreboard. It was 4-0 Salmon Arm after 40 minutes of play. The Silverbacks controlled most of the 2nd period and were the better team. Vernon got into penalty trouble but other then giving up one PP goal managed to do well on the PK and even generating some shorthanded opportunities. The Snakes were chasing the Apes often, gave up several odd man rushes. The Vipers did get some good looks/chances but couldn't bury them. Salmon Arm had more puck possession, zone time and were the better of the two teams. Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 11-6.

3rd Period: The Gorillas started the final frame on the man advantage on a Ayden Third tripping call at the buzzer of the 2nd period. Inside the opening minute Simon Tassy redirected a pass through the blue paint missing the open cage and then Lucas Matta joined the play, looked to have an open net but hit the outside of the netting. Two open nets for the Silverbacks as the Vipers PK escapes and kills off the minor. Less then three minutes later, Luke Pakulak with good wheels, ripped a shot high glove breaking Owen Say's shutout bid, cutting Salmon Arm's lead to 4-1 at 4:51 Jack Glen & Luke Ashton collected the assists. Minutes later Vernon would get a PP. Matthew Culling and Zack Tonelli with great chances couldn't solve Owen Say as SA kills off the minor. Just past the midway mark, Nathan Morin with a shot from the high slot would be denied by Roan Clarke on a good look/opportunity. No real action in the second half until the Snakes get the final PP towards the end of the period. Salmon Arm would kill off the minor and come away with the 4-1 victory. A more evenly matched period as the play went back and fourth with not one team having more control. With the game basically over I think both teams were playing out the minutes. Both teams had some good looks/opportunities but couldn't capitalize. With Salmon Arm up by three goals I think the Apes took the foot off the gas and the Vipers just don't have the team to try and mount a comeback in the 3rd down 4-0. The Silverbacks missed two open nets early on an early power play and Owen Say made a few bog stops or Vernn could have maybe got to within one or two goals. Shots were 10-10.

Top Player's: Vernon Vipers

Cosmo Wilson "AP" I thought played well for a youngster. Wilson hasn't really stood out or had a real stand out game since being called up to the Vipers but has been a very steady defenceman and played well as an affilated player. 

Griffen Barr I thought played well on the Viper blueline.

Luke Pakulak (1 goal) Played with a lot of jump/energy, was physical and the hardest working Vipers this afternoon. Here's a kid I think that has another gear. He looks good one game and then he has spurts in the next game and then you notice him for a game or two and then he comes back with a good period or two in a following game. He's been incosistent and I wish would play with more consistency because he could be a very good player for the Snakes. 

Roan Clarke (24 saves) I don't think you can fault the Viper netminder on any of Salmon Arm's four goals. The second year Viper goaltender played well against a very skilled Silverbacks team.

Game Thought's: Vernon Vipers

For a second straight game the Vipers give up the games first two goals in the 1st period. Vernon doesn't have a strong team or a team that come come from behind so falling down two or three goals takes the confidence away and the games almost over. The Snakes are 1-12 when giving up the games first goal this season and 1-11 when trailing after the 1st period and 0-12 when trailing after the 2nd period. I think the Vipers played a little better this afternoon over yesterday's 3-0 loss in Vernon. The Snakes gave up way too many odd man rushes, took way too many penalties, giving Salmon Arm two two man advantages and once again can't score. The Vipers need more goal production from the rest of the team and can't always rely on Cameron MacDonald, Luke Buss, Ryan Shostak & Reagan Milburn. Give the Vipers PK some credit, yes they gave up one PP goal but played well on the PK, even creating/generating some offensive opportunities. Vernon went spurts in all three periods where they had some pressure and zone time. The Vipers turned over several pucks inside their own blueline and were beat to pucks often. The Vipers mistakes ended up on Salmon Arm's stick. Vernon was chasing the Backs a lot tonight and had to play from behind the entire game. The Vipers are missing some key players Luke Buss, Talon Zakall & Ryan Shostak are without six regulars due to injury. I won't blame injuries on the losses this season because even when the team has been healthy they haven't played well or won many games this season. The Vipers just don't have the talent, skill or team to compete against a top team like Salmon Arm and it showed this weekend. Today was the Vipers fourth and final regular season visit to the Shaw Centre, went 0-4 in Salmon Arm this season. I spotted about ten or so Viper fans at today's game. The Vipers have lost ten straight road games, their last win away from home was a 4-1 victory in Chilliwack October 23rd. The Vipers have one win in their last seven games, three wins in their last fifteen games and four wins in their last twenty two games. Since October 25th the Vipers are 4-18 With the loss Vernon falls to 7-14-3-3 and sit 8th in the Interior Conference.

Top Player's: Salmon Arm Silverbacks

Nic Leggett "AP" (2 assists) Played very well in just his second game with the Silverbacks. Not the biggest kid but held his own this afternoon.

Lucas Matta Looked good in both games this weekend. Matta seems to play well vs the Vipers this season. Is a steady d-man that not only is strong defensively but likes to join the play now and again. Had a chance for his eighth goal of the season, but missed an open cage early into the 3rd period on the PP. 

Noah Serdachny (1 goal) Had a few shifts where he was dominant and looked good but didn't stand out the entire hockey game.

Simon Tassy (1 assist) Now has fourteen points in six games vs the Snakes this regular season. Just like yesterday afternoon, was dangerous again today. Was hard to defend and contain, seems to have the puck on a string. Made a few Viper defenders look silly this afternoon. Tassy leads the league in points with 47.

The line of Daniel Panetta (1 goal), Ethan Ullrick & Brandon Santa Juana (1 assist) was very good for Salmon Arm. This line played well in the home & home series this weekend. Daniel Panetta playing in his 200th career BCHL game today.

Mathieu Bourgault I thought played hard, competed and had a few looks/chances through out today's game.

Michael Ladyman (1 assist) Was good on the Apes blueline. 

Jake Lammens (1 assist) A big defenceman that can move the puck, skate and plays well defensively. Had a good afternoon.

Owen Say (24 saves) Picks up back to back wins over the Vipers in the home and home series this weekend. Was one shot away from collecting back to back shutouts over Vernon. I thought Say was tested more today then in the 3-0 win in Vernon on Saturday. Say was sharp, plays his position well and doesn't give up a lot of second or third opportunities. 

Game Thought's: Salmon Arm Silverbacks

For a second straight game the Backs take a 2-0 lead after twenty minutes. The Silverbacks played with a lead the entire game, were the hungrier team. I really noticed in the 1st period where Salmon Arm was strong on the forecheck, winning the battles, forcing Vernon into turning over pucks. SA really used their speed and skill today, creating several odd man rushes, forcing the Vipers to chase most of the afternoon. Salmon Arm wasn't nearly as physical as in Saturday's win in Vernon. I thought the Apes capitalized on their chances and carried the better of the play. The Apes power play wasn't clicking this weekend, went 1-6 today and 1-6 yesterday. Salmon Arm could have blown this game wide open with a few more PP goals. The Silverbacks have some of the league's top skilled forwards which makes them hard to defend and play against. This Salmon Arm team is by far one of the better Silverbacks teams in a very very long time. When the Backs joined the BCHL in 2001 they were like the Penticton Vees of today. The Silverbacks were always atop the Interior Division, had some of the more skilled players and highest scoring teams in the league but couldn't get deep in the playoffs. Silverbacks fans went through some very lean years once Gary Davidson left and new owner Randy Williams took over, ran the team into the ground before Troy Mick took over and slowly turned the team around until the new regime that is currently running the team today. The Silverbacks have owned the Vipers this season are 8-1 including the preseason & regular season. The Silverbacks and Vipers meet once more this regular season January 21st in Vernon. Salmon Arm has won six straight and won thirteen of their past fifteen games. With the win Salmon Arm improves to a league best 22-4-1 and sit atop the BCHL standings.

Scratches:

Vernon Vipers:

Talon Zakall (Injured)
Liam Cavan (Injured)
Luke Buss (Injured)
Seiya Tanaka-Campbell (Injured)
Tyler Chan (Injured)
Ryan Shostak (Injured)

Salmon Arm Silverbacks:

Gabriel Murrells-Allaway
Kieran Ruscheinski
Lynden Hanvold (Suspended)
Owen Desilets
Aidan Linblad
Owen Beckner
Isaac Lambert

Three Star's:

1st Star: Owen Say (24 saves)
2nd Star: Michael Ladyman (2 assists)
3rd Star: Noah Serdachny (1 goal)

Energy Player of the Game:

Brandon Santa Juana (1 assist)

Boxscore-Game Summary,

| BCHL League Site

Game Report,

Game Report (hockeytech.com)

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 photo's I took before and during today's Vipers-Silverbacks game.