Vernon 3 Cranbrook 2

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 has 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 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 as a hobby and 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. 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-Bucks game as Vernon defeated Cranbrook 3-2 in front of 1,405 fans at Kal Tire Place. Due to COVID-19 and restricstions, only 50% capacity allowed.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon Vipers: Ethan David
Cranbrook Bucks: Nathan Airey

1st Period: The Vipers got off to a good start, had some early jump, were quickly outshooting the Bucks 3-0 early before taking an early penalty. Just seconds into the man advantage, Johnny Johnson with a quick low shot from the circle forced Ethan David into making a big stop with traffic in front. About halfway through the power play, Noah Quinn snapped home a low shot along the ice, beating Ethan David five hole, giving Cranbrook an early 1-0 lead at 4:00 Rhys Bentham collected the lone assist. A small crowd of Bucks fans in attendance tonight, making some early noise after the Bucks PP goal. 1:20 later Liam Hansson beat Ethan David with a laser of a shot, giving Cranbrook a 2-0 lead at 5:20 Luke Pfoh & Carsyn Good picked up the helpers. This was the end of the night for Vernon Vipers starting goaltender Ethan David. The rookie netminder allowed two goals on four Bucks shots. Second year goaltender Roan Clarke replaced David. The Snakes were down 2-0 but outshooting Cranbrook at this poit 8-4. Less then a minute later, with the Bucks pressing, setup Noah Quinn at the top of the blue paint, looked to have an open cage but somehow shot the puck through the crease, just missing the far corner on a missed opportunity to grab a 3-0 lead. It looked like a goal even the goal judge turned on the goal light. On the following shift, Viper forward/captain JoJo tanaka-Campbell drove hard towards the goal, couldn't beat Nathan Airey at the side of the net, as the puck come out front, where Luke Buss somehow couldn't hit what looked like an open cage as Nathan Airey come up large with a big stop on the Vipers best chance so far. The Bucks would get their second power play of the game at the midway mark, but only get one shot as the Snakes kill off the penalty. About fourty five seconds later, Luke Pakulak levels Bauer Morrissey into the boards. Morrissey goes down and doesn't get up as several players run towards Pakulak and a mini line brawl occurs as several players from both teams are grabbing onto one another, throwing punches etc. After a lengthy delay, Matthew Culling & Hayden Gelbard pick up roughing minors, while Luke Pakulak is tossed from the hockey game, given five minutes for boarding and a game misconduct. Bauer Morrissey was attended to by the teams trainer and able to get up on his own, did not return to the hockey game. The visiting Cranbrook Bucks with their third PP of the evening. A very good Vernon penalty kill, kept the Bucks to the outside and limited their chances as the Snakes kill off the major. The Vipers get a huge ovation from the crowd. It was 2-0 Cranbrook after 20 minutes of play. What a wild opening frame. The Bucks jump on the Vipers, scoring two quick back to back goals to grab an early 2-0 lead on the road. Five on five, I thought both teams were fairly even but the Vipers had a slight edge in play at times. I know Vernon fell behind early but I liked their first period other then all the penalties. The Snakes PK was very good. Vernon gave up one power play goal but otherwise was very good. Cranbrook outshot Vernon 13-9.

2nd Period: The Vipers jumped on the Bucks early, had several looks within the opening few minutes before going on an early PP, the Snakes first power play of the hockey game. Vernon had some looks but no real quality chances as Cranbrook killed off the minor. Just past the midway mark, Noah Quinn hit Luke Buss in the neutral zone, sending Buss to the ice. Quinn would get two minutes for a blow to the head and an automatic ten minute misconduct. Buss looked to be in some discomfort was slow getting up, made his way to the Viper bench was looked at the by the trainer, looked to be grabbing his shoulder. Buss would be ok and stayed in the contest. The Snakes went to work on the man advantage and capitalized. Talan Zakall's point shot was redirected in by captain JoJo Tanaka-Campbell, cutting Cranbrook's lead to 2-1 at 13:45 Talon Zakall and Zack Tonelli collected the assists. This was a big goal, not only did Vernon get on the scoreboard but got back in the game, got to within a goal and got some life back in the rink. Less then a minute later, Luke Buss took his man into the end boards and would be given five minutes for a blow to the head and a game misconduct. I don't like to talk about the officials on here but this was not a five minute major, this was a blown call. The Vipers now down two bodies (Luke Pakulak and Luke Buss) have to try and kill off their second five minute major. Vernon catches a huge break and just twenty four seconds into the major, Cranbrook takes a penalty, sending both teams to four on four. When the Bucks get back to five on four, Johnny Johnson with a real good looks/opportunity couldn't beat Vipers netminder Roan Clarke. Clarke then made a big stop on Jarrod Smith at the side of the net before having to be alert and try to find the loose puck on a goal mouth scramble as the Snakes PK comes up large again, killing off the major and once again getting a loud ovation from the Viper faithful in the building. Inside the final minute, a shot from the point either hits something or someone in front, beats Cranbrook Bucks starting goaltender Nathan Airey but just rolls through the crease and missing the far corner with eleven seconds left in the period. It was 2-1 Cranbrook after 40 minutes of play. Up until the final five and a half minutes, I thought Vernon was the better team and carried a lot of the play. The Vipers started the middle frame with a ton of jump, were skating, moving the puck, getting some looks but didn't get a lot of grade A chances. The Bucks took away the momentum and crowd shortly after the Snakes got on the scoreboard, getting a late major power play to finish the period. Cranbrook had at least three or four very good looks/opportunities with the man advantage. Roan Clarke and the Viper PK was again big, killing off their second major of the night. Shots were 13-13.

3rd Period: The Bucks would get an early PP just 1:02 into the period, but it was short lived as Cranbrook took a penalty just twenty eight seconds into the man advantage, sending both teams to four on four before the Bucks took a second straight penalty, giving Vernon a shortened two man advantage. The Vipers with a few looks couldn't capitalize. Shortly after Roan Clarke was forced to make a difficult save as a shot from the left circle looked to handcuff the Vernon goaltender. A few shifts later, Johnny Johnson with a good look, coming through the middle would be denied by Roan Clarke. Just before the halfway mark, the Snakes would get their third PP of the frame. Just over a minute into the power play, Matthew Culling ties the game 2-2 at 10:12 Nicholas Kent and Griffen Barr draw the assists. With about six minutes remaining, Luke Pfoh would be stopped by Roan Clarke on a very good chance in front. With about four minutes left on the clock, Seiya Tanaka-Campbell redirected a shot from in close, couldn't solve Nathan Airey who come up large with the game tied. With two minutes remaining, the Vipers would get their fourth PP of the period. Vipers Head Coach/GM Jason McKee calls a timeout. About halfway through the man advantage, Talon Zakall's point shot would be redirected in front by JoJo Tanaka-Campbell giving Vernon a 3-2 lead at 19:02 as Kal Tire Place erupts. Talon Zakall and Reagan Milburn pick up the assists on JoJo Tanaka-Campbell's second goal of the contest. Off the following faceoff, Cranbrook had puck possession, coming through the neutral zone and the Bucks didn't waive Nathan Airey to the bench for the extra attacker. Cranbrook would get a faceoff deep in the offensive zone with thirty eight seconds to go. Bucks Head Coach/GM Ryan Donald calls a timeout and gets Nathan Airey to the bench for the extra attacker. The Bucks would lose the draw but gain possession, have a few looks in front before the Snakes were able to clear the zone and get an offensive zone faceoff with five seconds left in the hockey game and Nathan Airey returning between the pipes. The Vipers would hang on for the 3-2 come from behind victory. The Bucks were the better team in the final frame and outplayed Vernon for most of the final period. I thought Cranbrook looked hungry, at the time was leading 2-1 heading into the 3rd were playing with a lot of jump and energy, carried a lot of the play, had more puck possession, zone time, a quick transition game and getting some very good looks. Cranbrook was getting some good looks but only had a few quailty opportunities. The Bucks have speed, can move the puck up ice in a hurry and were all over the Snakes. The Vipers playing their second game in three days looked tired, were chasing the puck, losing battles and just looked sluggish. Vernon couldn't gain any traction and just didn't have that same jump in their game, they played with in the 1st and 2nd periods. The Vipers struggled with passes in the 3rd were just not the same team. With four straight power plays, the Vipers catch some breaks and manage to tie the game and then pull off the winner with a minute left for the come from behind win. Vernon outshot Cranbrook 13-10.

Top Player's: Vernon Vipers

Ayden Third I thought played a hard nosed game on Vernon's blueline. Third was mixing it up with a Cranbrook player early in the 3rd period, played with a bit of an edge tonight.

Talon Zakall (2 assists) How big was the trade with the Merritt Centennials, picking up Zakall? Zakal brings a lot to the table and really adds a lot to the Snakes backend. A good smooth skater, can move the puck but also gets involved offensively. Talon's father Dave played with the 1988-89 Vernon Lakers. 

JoJo Tanaka-Campbell (2 goals) Got off to a very slow start and wasn't very noticable during most night's. The Viper captain played well, scoring twice leading the way. JoJo was an instant fan favourite during the 2019-20 season but struggled this season. You look at what he did during the 2019-20 season, most fans were expecting a lot more this season. He's been playing better as of late, let's hope he can pick up down the stretch. 

Matthew Culling (1 goal) I have really liked this kid since day one. This kid is a real hockey player, plays hard, competes, never takes a shift off. Scored a big goal in the 3rd period tonight on the PP to tie the game. Stood up for his team mates in a scrum-altercation midway through the opening frame. 

Luke Ashton This kid struggled at times early in the season and given his age, you can't blame him. I have noticed due to injuries, he's getting more ice time and has improved. You can see the potential down the road with a little coaching/training. I thought played a very smart game on the blueline tonight. 

Luke Lavery Was one of the better Viper forwards tonight. He didn't record a point but I thought was all over the rink this evening. Played with a lot of jump/energy, was making plays and involved in the play.

Zack Tonelli (1 assist) I really liked Zack's game in Penticton on Wednesday and thought he played a very energized game in the win tonight. His father & Stanley Cup Champion John Tonelli was in attendance tonight.

Roan Clarke (32 saves) Ethan David was pulled after Cranbrook's second goal, giving up two goals on four shots. Roan Clarke stopped all thirty two shots after that. Clarke was very good for the remainder of the game, making several key stops through out the contest. How big has the second year Viper goaltender been not only this year but since the trade deadline? Goaltending goes a long way come playoff time.

Game Thought's: Vernon Vipers

This was one heck of an effort from the Vipers tonight. Vernon didn't fold and battled back for yet another come from behind victory. Sure they made some mistakes, gave up the games first goal and two early back to back goals but it's the way they didn't quit. With some of your best players not in the lineup in Cameron MacDonald and Ryan Shostak, not only do the Snakes fall behind 2-0 early, they lose Luke Pakulak and Luke Buss but have also have to kill off two five minute major penalties. I liked the Snakes game in the first two periods, other then the penalties. I thought Vernon looked tired, were making mistakes, chasing the puck, losing battles and couldn't gain any traction in the 3rd somehow managed to not only tie the game but come from behind and pull off the win. The way the team had to battle back down two goals and all the adversity shows you the character in the dressing room. Players are stepping up to fill the void of players not in the lineup and the Vipers are getting solid goaltending as well as great penalty killing. This is not the same Viper team I watched from October until the BCHL trade deadline. Who are these guys? Where was this team in the first half of the season? Obviously the trades made at the BCHL trade deadline have made an impact on the team and their play. For the first time this season, I can finally see some improvement, the team is not only winning but playing much better. Their passing is much better, the games are now fun again to go to and watch. If you would have told me before the BCHL trade deadline this team would turn things around and go on this streak, I would have called you crazy! I'm in shock and at loss for words. I was calling for a coaching change back in November and saying this was one of the worst Vernon teams I have seen in all my years of growing up in Vernon and watching Junior hockey. I heard Jack Glen is out for the season due to injury. This was a very exciting and entertaining hockey game. With the Vipers chasing the Bucks in the standings and three points back of Cranbrook prior to tonight, how big was not only the win but to win in regulation? The Vipers are 3-1 vs Cranbrook this season as the teams meet again tomorrow night in Vernon. The Vipers have won ten of their last eleven games and twelve of their past fourteen games. With the win, the Vipers improve to 17-14-4-3 pass Cranbrook in the standings for 5th place in the Interior Conference. Vernon is now ten points back of 4th place West Kelowna.

Top Player's: Cranbrook Bucks

Carsyn Good (1 assist) Played very well on the Cranbrook Bucks backend.

Noah Quinn (1 goal) Is very good and hard to contain and defend against. A very good skater, puck handler and skilled forward. Always involved in the play and making plays happen.

Tyson Dyck Is another one of the Bucks very skilled forwards. Hard to contain and defend against, gave the Snakes defence troubles. 

Johnny Johnson I thought was the Bucks most dangerous forward. Had several good looks/quality chances though out the contest. 

Luke Pfoh (1 assist) Not the biggest kid but a quick skater that can move the puck and make things happen.

Nathan Airey (32 saves) Played very well between the pipes. 

Game Thought's: Cranbrook Bucks

The Bucks will be kicking themselves for not putting the game away early on several opportunities. Noah Quinn had an early chance about six minutes into the hockey game to give Cranbrook a 3-0 lead, instead somehow missed an open cage and the game remains 2-0. The Bucks with two five minute majoe power plays, don't score once, allow Vernon to stay in the hockey game. Roan Clarke was solid between the pipes for the Snakes and Vernon's PK was very good but the Bucks need to capitalize on these opportunities and put the game out of reach. Instead they allow the hometown Vipers to climb back for the come from behind win. The Bucks coaching staff won't be happy with giving the Vipers four 3rd period power plays, on which the Vipers capitalize on two to tie the game and score the game winner. Cranbrook is very quick, play with an aggresive forecheck, are in your face all night, have a quick transition game, can move the puck up ice in a hurry, have some very skilled forwards, good defenders and a good tender. Specialty teams was obviously a difference. We saw some bad blood during tonight's game as both teams got involved emotionally and physically. What will tomorrow's re-match be like? Will we see any nastyness tomorrow? Tonight's the first game of a five game road trip. This was the third straight game vs the Vipers as Cranbrook hasn't played since hosting Vernon in back to back games last weekend. The Bucks have lost five of their last six road games. Cranbrook is struggling has lost four straight and eight of their last eleven games. With the loss Cranbrook falls to 19-16-2-2 drop to 6th in the Interior Conference are eight points ahead of Trail. 

Scratches:

Vernon Vipers:

Liam Cavan (Injured)
Jack Glen (Injured)
Cameron MacDonald (Injured)
Ryan Shostak (Injured)

Cranbrook Bucks:

Zeth Kindrachuk
Declan Ride
Cole Assailly
AJ Vasko

Three Star's

1st Star: JoJo Tanaka-Campbell (2 goals)
2nd Star: Roan Clarke (32 saves)
Nathan Airey (32 saves)

Energy Player of the Game:

Zack Tonelli (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)

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Here are some pictures I took before and during tonight's Vipers/Bucks game.