The Vernon Vipers improve to 13-14-3-3 after a 2-1 overtime victory over the 19-9-3-4 Prince George Spruce Kings in front of 766 fans at the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena. The Vipers have won a season high six straight games. Prince George outshot Vernon 30-20
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I watched the Vipers game online tonight.
ReplyDeleteAnother entertaining/exciting game between Vernon & Prince George. I thought both teams were fairly even during the 1st period but the Spruce Kings had an edge and were the better team in the 2nd and 3rd periods. PG seemed to have more puck possession, more shots and have more chances. The Vipers took too many penalties but were very good on the penalty kill. Both goaltenders were very good. Scoring has been an issue this season for Vernon and it showed again tonight. Both games this weekend were tight and very close. Both games were like a playoff game.
Cameron MacDonald was hit from behind in overtime and was in a lot of discomfort. MacDonald was down for some time, needed help from the trainer didn't look good making his way off the ice. MacDonald was injured back in late October or early November if I recall and missed several games due to injury, let's hope he's ok.
Well for the first time this season the Vipers have won six straight games. If you would have told me at Christmas the Vipers would win six straight games at any point during the remainder of the season, I would have called you a fool. The Vipers were very dismal, no consistency, and plain dreadful up until the BCHL trade deadline and I didn't think would win many games to finish the season and would most likely go out in four straight games in the playoffs. In November and December Viper fans, including myself were calling for Jason McKee's head as the team couldn't win a hockey game, was making the same poor mistakes game after game, were overall bad and weren't showing any signs of improvement. Well how things have changed since the trade deadline. The Vipers are a much different team since the trade deadline. For the first time this season I can actually say I see some improvement, the team is winning hockey games, the team has gotten better, isn't making those same mistakes as often, playing with more consistency, confidence and has a more competitive roster. For the first time this season, I can finally say I'm excited to watch a Vipers game and looking forward to watching a Vipers game.
Viper fans have been very upset with the team, the mangement, coaching staff and players this season and rightfully so. When you start the season with seventeen players returning from last season, fans are expecting at least a competitive team. But when the team wins only three of their first eleven games, and four of their first eighteen, and has one win in thirteen games, fans want and demand changes! Fans are going to be calling out the management/coaches and players. I was one of those fans! Vipers fans are spoiled, use to winning and having a competitive team. I don't expect to be in 1st place every year, win every game but at least be competitive and be in most hockey games, win or lose.
I know some Viper fans may still be on the fence as it's only six games but let's see what this team can do for the remainder of the season. Maybe the Vipers and Jason McKee will prove Viper fans wrong?
Go Vipers Go!
I enjoyed both weekend games. I am liking the "new" team the has emerged. Hopefully McDonald isn't too badly hurt as he is a key player for us. Really hoping we can keep this new look for the rest of the year and finish with a better showing. Gog Vipers Go
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