Here is the full story from Castanet.net,
West Kelowna and Vernon set to face off in round one of the BCHL playoffs - BCHL - Castanet.net
Thursday, March 31, 2022
Warriors & Vipers Set To Face Off In Round One:
Vernon Vipers Predicted To Upset West Kelowna Warriors?
Here is the story from the Kelowna Capital News,
Ex Viper Hammond Excited To Continue NHL Career:
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his NHL career after recently being traded to the New Jersey Devils.
Here is the press release from the New Jersey Devils website,
Hammond Excited to Continue NHL Career | BLOG
The Montreal Canadiens traded Hammond to New Jersey March 21st 2022.
Hammond was in his first season with the Canadiens after coming over in a trade with the Minnesota Wild February 12th 2022. In 4 games with the Canadiens, Hammond went 3-0 with a 2.40 GAA
Hammond started the 2021-22 season with the Minnesota Wild but was playing with the American Hockey League Iowa Wild, before being traded to the Montreal Canadiens February 12th 2022. Hammond spent last season on the Minneosta Wild's taxi squad.
The Devils are Hammond's ninth team since 2017. Hammond also played for Ottawa, Colorado, Montreal, Minnesota & Buffalo. Prior to joining the Canadiens, Hammond never played in the NHL since the 2017-18 season where he split the season between the Colorado Avalanche and American Hockey League Bellville Senators and San Antonio Rampage.
Hammond played four years at Bowling Green University from 2009-2013 before signing his first professional contract with the Ottawa Senators March 20th 2013.
Hammond made his NHL/Senators debut February 27th 2014 vs the Detroit Red Wings. Hammond recorded his first NHL victory February 18th 2015 making 42 saves in a 4-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens. Hammond is the only goaltender in NHL history to record 21 wins in his first 27 career NHL games.
Hammond played parts of two seasons in Vernon from 2007-2009. The Surrey Eagles traded Hammond to Vernon during the 2007-08 season. In 52 games with the Vipers, Hammond went 33-15-1 with 6 shutouts.
Andrew Hammond's Player Profile:
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Interior Conference Playoff Preview:
Here is the press release from the BCHL website,
Former Vernon Laker Naylor Remaining On Leave Amid League Investigation:
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Nanaimo Clippers for the rest of the season. Naylor will stay on administrative leave until May 31st 2022 until after the regular season & playoffs are over.
Here is the press release from the Nanaimonewsnow.com,
Here is the full story from the Times Colonist,
BCHL makes some moves in Clippers coaching probe - Victoria Times Colonist
The BC Hockey League investigated allegations in early February of Code of Conduct breaches by former Vernon Lakers forward Darren Naylor.
Here is the full story from the Times Colonist,
Naylor is in his fourth season with the Nanaimo Clippers as Head Coach/GM, Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations.
Naylor played three seasons in the COHL, CHL, SUHL, PHL, WCHL & NAL from 1993-1996 with six different teams, before retiring from professional hockey in 1996. Naylor was a Scout and been coaching since 2005. Naylor was Head Coach/GM of the PIJHL Delta Ice Hawks from 2016-2018 before joining the Nanaimo Clippers in 2017.
Naylor played parts of one season in Vernon with the 1989-90 Vernon Lakers. Naylor was traded to Vernon during the 1989-90 season. The Lakers were Naylor's third team in his final season of Junior hockey. In 20 games with the Lakers, Naylor collected (8-goals-27-assists-35-points).
Darren Naylor's Player/Coaching Profile,
Vernon Vipers 2021-22 Player Profile - #14 Jack Glen
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talks about his past three years with the Vernon Vipers, & his thoughts on the playoffs.
Here is Jack Glen's Player Profile from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,
Tuesday, March 29, 2022
MacDonald Named Honourable Mention For 3 Stars Of The Week:
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the BCHL 3 Star's of the Week.
Here is the press release from the BCHL website,
Good, Nadeau brothers named 3 Stars of the Week | BCHL League Site
Cameron MacDonald's Player Profile:
Flyers Sign Ex Viper Forward McNicholas:
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McNicholas.
Here is the press release from fifetoday.co.uk,
Fife Flyers add Swedish and American imports to 2021-22 roster | Fife Today
The Fife Flyers are a professional ice hockey team in the UK that play in the Elite Ice Hockey League.
McNicholas played last season in the ECHL with the Utah Grizzlies, Indy Fuel and Tulsa Oilers.
McNicholas has spent the past three seasons playing in the ECHL & in Norway from 2018-2021.
McNicholas played four years at the University of New Hampshire from 2014-2018 before signing his first professional contract with the ECHL Indy Fuel March 6th 2018.
McNicholas played one season in Vernon with the 2013-14 Vernon Vipers. The Vipers traded Aaron Hadley to the Nanaimo Clippers January 10th 2013 for future considerations (Michael McNicholas & Jordan Klimek). In 56 games with the Vipers, McNicholas collected (23-goals-46-assists-69-points).
Michael McNicholas's Player Profile:
Michael McNicholas - Elite Prospects
McNicholas scored one of the biggest goals in recent Vernon Vipers history. McNicholas scored the overtime winning goal in Game 7 of the Interior division finals March 22nd 2014 vs the Penticton Vees.
Here is Michael McNicholas's Game 7 overtime winning goal,
Michael McNicholas Game 7 OT Winner Vipers vs Penticton Vees - YouTube
Here are the Vernon Vipers-Penticton Vees Game 7 highlight's,
2014-03-22 Penticton Vees Vs Vernon Vipers - Fred Page Cup - Interior Finals - Game 7 - YouTube
Devils Sign Former Viper Sanford:
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Here is the story from chatnewstoday.ca,
Tigers dynamic duo Cox, Sanford link up with EIHL’s Cardiff Devils | CHAT News Today
The Devils are a Welsh ice hockey team that play in the British Elite Ice Hockey League.
Sanford played last season in the ECHL with the Florida Everblades. In 19 games with the Everblades, Sanford collected (3-goals-6-assists-9-points). Sanford was suspended and removed from the Everblades roster June 1st 2021.
Sanford played four seasons at the University of Alberta before signing a professional contract with the ECHL Florida Everblades February 1st 2021.
Sanford played four years in the Western Hockey League with Medicine Hat & Regina from 2012-2016 before signing his first professional contract with the ECHL Colorado Eagles in 2016. Sanford played 19 games with the Eagles before committing to the University of Alberta in 2016.
Sanford was an affiliated player with the 2011-12 Vernon Vipers. Sanford went pointless in 8 games with the Vipers before joining the Western Hockey League Medicine Hat Tigers for the 2012-13 season.
Cole Sanford's Player Profile:
Monday, March 28, 2022
Vernon Vipers 2021-22 Player Profile - #26 Ryan Shostak
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Shostak talks about how he got started in hockey and why he chose to come play in Vernon and the BCHL.
Here is Ryan Shostak's Player Profile from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,
Cyclones Loan Ex Viper Forward Andrusiak To Tucson Roadrunners:
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Andrusiak to the American Hockey League Tucson Roadrunners.
Here is the press release from the ECHL website,
Andrusiak is in his first season with the ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones. In 25 games, Andrusiak has (16-goals-19-assists-35-points).
Andrusiak started the 2021-22 season with the ECHL Idaho Steelheads. The Steelheads traded Andrusiak to Cincinnati January 25th 2022. Andrusiak played last season with the ECHL Orlando Solar Bears.
Andrusiak was suppose to play last season with the ECHL Idaho Steelheads, but the team opt out of the 2020-21 season due to COVID-19 allowing Andrusiak to sign with another team. The ECHL Orlando Solar Bears signed Andrusiak January 22nd 2021. Andrusiak's rights would revert back to the Idaho Steelheads for the 2021-22 season.
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, was released early into the 2015-16 season. 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:
BCHL News & Trades:
Martin & Bulldogs Agree To Extension:
Martin and Bulldogs Agree to 5-Year Contract Extension | Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Kendrick Commits To Smoke Eaters:
Commitment – Teagan Kendrick Commits to Smoke Eaters for 2022/23 Season | Trail Smoke Eaters
Spruce Kings Announce Honourable Mention All Decade Team:
Spruce Kings Announce Honourable Mention All Decade Team | Prince George Spruce Kings
Stefanek Commits To Wenatchee Wild:
WILD INK STEFANEK FOR 2022-23 SEASON | Wenatchee Wild (wenatcheewildhockey.com)
Rivermen Announce Prospects Camp:
2022 Langley Rivermen Prospects Camp | Langley Rivermen
Victoria Grizzlies Reveal Military Jersey's:
GRIZZLIES REVEAL MILITARY JERSEY | Victoria Grizzlies
Gardner Commits To Chilliwack Chiefs:
Daimon Gardner Set to Join Chiefs in 2022/23 Season - Chilliwack Chiefs
Bulldogs Claim First Coastal Conference Pennant Since 2009-10 Season:
Bulldogs Claim First Coastal Conference Pennant Since 2009-2010 | Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Wilson Commits To Express:
Express sign power-forward Culin Wilson | Coquitlam Express
Ierfino Commits To Cowichan Capitals:
Capitals commit to 2003 born forward Jacob Ierfino for the 2022/23 season | Cowichan Capitals
Bajzer Commits To Rivermen:
Camden Bajzer commits to the Rivermen for the 2022-23 season | Langley Rivermen
McIsaac Commits To Bulldogs:
McIsaac Commits to Bulldogs for 22-23 | Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Juck Commits To Trail Smoke Eaters:
Commitment – Smoke Eaters Add North East Chiefs Defenceman Juck for 2022/23 | Trail Smoke Eaters
Fuder Commits To Bucks:
Bucks Commit Forward Jaxon Fuder for the 2022-23 Season | Cranbrook Bucks
Sunday, March 27, 2022
Lightning Reassign Former Viper Tufto To American Hockey League:
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Odeen Tufto to the American Hockey League Syracuse Crunch.
Here is the press release from oursportscentral.com,
Lightning Reassign Odeen Tufto to AHL - OurSports Central
Tufto is in his first season with the ECHL Orlando Solar Bears. Tufto has split the 2021-22 season between the ECHL Orlando Solar Bears & the American Hockey League Syracuse Crunch. Tufto started the 2021-22 season with the Syracuse Crunch, before being assisgned to the ECHL Orlando Solar Bears after three games with the Crunch.
Tufto is pointless in 3 games with the Syracuse Crunch and has (7-goals-19-assists-26-points) in 27 games with the Orlando Solar Bears.
Tufto played four seasons at Quinnipiac University from 2017-2021 before signing his first professional contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning March 31st 2021. The Lightning assigned Tufto to the American Hockey League Syracuse Crunch after his college season ended last year. Tufto played 4 games with the Crunch last season.
Tufto played one season in Vernon with the 2015-16 Vernon Vipers. In 57 games with the Vipers, Tufto collected (25-goals-40-assists-65-points). Tufto left the Vipers after one season for the United States Hockey League. Tufto played one season in the USHL with Fargo, Tri-City and Sioux City before committing to Quinnipiac University for the 2017-18 season.
Odeen Tufto's Player Profile:
Fort Wayne Komets Activate Vipers Alumni Jones From Injured Reserve:
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Jones from the Injured Reserve.
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 41 games, Jones has (7-goals-20-assists-27-points).
Jones played last season in Sweden with Vasterviks IK, a professional hockey team from Vasterviks, Sweden that play in the Swedish Ice Hockey League.
Jones played in the ECHL & American Hockey League from 2014-2019 before going to play hockey in 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 6th on the Franchise all-times goals list with 80 goals, is 7th on the Franchise all-time assists list with 118 assists and 6th on the Franchise all-time points list with 198 points.
Connor Jones Player Profile:
Learn About Vipers Alumni Hanson & His Unique Helmet Tribute:
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unique helmet tribute.
Here is the video from sports.yahoo.com,
Hanson is in his first season at the University of Conneticut. In 34 games, Hanson is 20-14 with a 2.25 GAA
Due to COVID-19 Hanson decided not to play college hockey last season. Hanson played three seasons at Union College from 2017-2020 transfered to the University of Conneticut in December 2020.
Hanson was nominated for the Hobey Baker Award in 2020 was also invited to the Philadelphia Flyers development camp in 2017, Toronto Maple Leafs development camp in 2018 and the Buffalo Sabres development camp in 2019.
Hanson played parts of one season in Vernon with the 2016-17 Vernon Vipers. The Vipers acquired Hanson from the United States Hockey League Youngstown Phantoms November 18th 2016. No details on the trade were announced. In 21 games with the Vipers, Hanson went 14-4 with 2 shutouts and a 1.84 GAA
Darion Hanson's Player Profile:
Saturday, March 26, 2022
Former Vernon Viper Martin Nominated For ECHL Player Of The Week:
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the Week.
Here is the press release from the ECHL website,
Idaho's Dmowski named Inglasco/ECHL Player of the Week
Martin is in his third season with the ECHL Jacksonville Icemen. In 53 games, Martin has (20-goals-30-assists-50-points).
The ECHL Jacksonville Icemen loaned Martin to the American Hockey League Charolotte Checkers January 3rd 2022. Martin went pointless in three games with the Checkers, was released and returned to Jacksonville January 26th 2022.
Martin played four seasons 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. Martin later signed with the ECHL Adirondak Thunder July 8th 2019 was traded to Jacksonville November 26th 2019.
Martin played parts of two seasons in Vernon from 2011-2013. 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:
Vernon Vipers 2021-22 Player Profile - #10 Luke Buss
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talks about his first season with the Vipers, how he got started in hockey and his future goals.
Here is Luke Buss's Player Profile from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,
Railers Activate Ex Viper Coughlin From Reserve:
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Coughlin from reserve.
Here is the press release from the ECHL website,
Coughlin is in his first season with the ECHL Worcester Railers. The Railers signed Coughlin August 3rd 2021. In 38 games, Coughlin has (8-goals-22-assists-30-points).
Coughlin has split the 2021-22 season between the ECHL Worcester Railers & the American Hockey League. Coughlin signed a professional contract with the American Hockey League Bridgeport Islanders December 28th 2021 was released after going pointless in 2 games. The ECHL Worcester Railers loaned Coughlin to the American Hockey League Springfield Thunderbirds January 6th 2022 was returned to the ECHL Worcester Railers after one assist in 2 games with the Springfield Thunderbirds.
Coughlin didn't play professional 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 years at Vermont University from 2015-2019 before signing a 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 game with the Oilers, was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks July 6th 2015. Coughlin has yet to play a game with the Blackhawks.
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:
Friday, March 25, 2022
Ex Vernon Viper Ardanaz Named Honourable Mention For 3rd Star Of The Week:
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mention for the 3rd Star of the Week.
Here is the press release from the BCHL website,
Jacobs, Dyck, Legault named 3 Stars of the Week | BCHL League Site
Ardanaz is in his third season with the West Kelowna Warriors. In 51 games, Ardanaz has (4-goals-31-assists-35-points).
Ardanaz attended the Vernon Vipers training camp in 2017 & 2018. Ardanaz played three games with the Vipers as an affiliated player during the 2018-19 season. Ardanaz committed to the Vernon Vipers June 8th 2018. Ardanaz never joined the Vipers, committed to the West Kelowna Warriors May 11th 2019.
Nicolas Ardanaz's Player Profile:
Hytec Weekly Wrap Up With Jason McKee:
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about the 10-3 win over Trail on Wednesday, the upcoming playoffs vs West Kelowna and the excellent fan support.
Here is the interview from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,
Canadiens Trade Vipers Alumni Hammond To New Jersey:
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Andrew Hammond to the New Jersey Devils.
Here is the press release from the Montreal Canadiens website,
Andrew Hammond traded to New Jersey Devils (nhl.com)
Hammond was in his first season with the Canadiens after coming over in a trade with the Minnesota Wild February 12th 2022. In 4 games with the Canadiens, Hammond went 3-0
with a 2.40 GAA
Hammond started the 2021-22 season with the Minnesota Wild before being traded to Montreal in February. Hammond never played a game for the Wild, was playing in the American Hockey League with the Iowa Wild. Hammond spent last year on the Minnesota Wild's taxi squad.
Hammond played four years at Bowling Green University from 2009-2013 before signing his first professional contract with the Ottawa Senators March 20th 2013.
Hammond made his NHL/Senators debut February 27th 2014 vs the Detroit Red Wings. Hammond recorded his first NHL victory February 18th 2015 making 42 saves in a 4-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens. Hammond is the only goaltender in NHL history to record 21 wins in his first 27 career NHL games.
Hammond played parts of two seasons in Vernon from 2007-2009. The Surrey Eagles traded Hammond to the Vipers during the 2007-08 season. In 52 games with the Vipers, Hammond went 33-15-1 with 6 shutouts.
Andrew Hammond's Player Profile:
Thursday, March 24, 2022
Vernon Vipers-West Kelowna Warriors Highlight's:
Here are the highlight's from the West Kelowna Warriors YouTube page,
West Kelowna Warriors vs Vernon Vipers Game Recap March 20 - YouTube
Checkers Release Former Viper Martin:
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Vipers forward Craig Martin.
Here is the press release from the Charolotte Checkers website,
Martin went pointless in 3 games with the Checkers, will return to the ECHL Jacksonville Icemen.
Martin is in his third season with the Jacksonville Icemen, was loaned to the Charolotte Checkers January 3rd 2022. In 53 games this season with the Icemen, Martin has (20-goals-30-assists-50-points).
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 never played a game with the Thunderbirds was released. Martin signed with the ECHL Adirondak Thunder July 8th 2019 was traded to Jacksonville November 26th 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:
Vernon Vipers Playoff Schedule:
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1st Round 27-20-4-3 Vernon Vipers vs 35-16-1-0 West Kelowna Warriors
West Kelowna went 4-1 vs Vernon during regular season
Game 1 April 1st Vernon @ West Kelowna 7pm
Game 2 April 2nd Vernon @ West Kelowna 7pm
Game 3 April 4th West Kelowna @ Vernon 7pm
Game 4 April 6th West Kelowna @ Vernon 7pm
Game 5 April 8th Vernon @ West Kelowna 7pm
Game 6 April 9th West Kelowna @ Vernon 6pm
Game 7 April 11th Vernon @ West Kelowna 7pm
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Vernon 10 Trail 3
I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and been watching/following Junior hockey in Vernon my whole life. My family watched Senior mens hockey in Vernon during 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 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 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-Smoke Eaters game as Vernon defeated Trail 10-3 in front of 1,790 fans at Kal Tire Place.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon Vipers: Ethan David
Trail Smoke Eaters: Owen Albers
1st Period: Just over a minute into the hockey game, Cameron MacDonald's shot would be stopped by Owen Albers before Reagan Milburn buried the rebound, giving Vernon an early 1-0 lead at 1:05 Tyler Chan & Cameron MacDonald with the assists. About five minutes later, the Smoke Eaters would get the games first power play. Early into the man advantage, the Snakes sprung Cameron MacDoanld in for the breakaway was hauled down, would be rewarded a penalty shot. Cameron MacDonald scored on the shorthanded penalty shot, giving Vernon a 2-0 lead at 6:22 Seventeen seconds later, Matthew Culling beat Owen Albers on a shot that somehow fluttered up and over the Smokies netminder, giving Vernon a 3-0 lead at 6:39 with their second shorthanded goal on the same penalty kill. Culling's goal was unassisted. Trail managed only one shot on the PP surrerendered two shorthanded goals were down 3-0 early as the Vipers killed off the minor. Seven seconds after coming out of the penalty box, Cameron MacDonald setup Cade McNelly who walked in and wired a lazer of a shot past Owen Albers, giving Vernon a commanding 4-0 lead at 8:04 Cameron MacDonald with the lone assist. This was the end of the night for Owen Albers who was replaced by Ethan Shebansky after giving up four goals on six Vernon shots. The Vipers were outshooting the Smoke Eaters 6-3 at this point. Trail would push back before taking a 7-6 lead in shots as the period continued. With about six minutes remaining in the opening frame, Trail would get their second PP of the period. The Smoke Eaters struggled with the man advantage as Vernon killed off the minor. Josh Schenk went awkwardly into the Smokies bench gate, was in some discomfort, made his way to the bench, before being looked at by the teams trainer. Schenk seemed to be ok and stayed in the hockey game. Just before the final minute of play, the Vipers setup Nicholas Kent joining the rush, Kent would be denied going to the front of the goal after Ethan Shebansky was forced to make his biggest save since coming in for relief, making a left pad save off Nicholas Kent. Kent stuck with the play, gathered his own rebound would be denied on the wrap around. Ethan Shebansky with back to back saves towards the end of the period. Inside the final minute of play, Corey Cunningham would be denied from the slot, on Ethan David's first big test of the contest with twenty five seconds left in the 1st period. It was 4-0 Vernon after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers may have been up 4-0 but didn't dominate the 1st period like the score may dictate. The Snakes scored on their opportunities, while the Smoke Eaters left their goaltender out to dry. Trail gives up two shorthanded goals on the same PP didn't look very good. The Smokies didn't have a lot of puck possession or create much for opportunities. The Vipers were the better team. Vernon outshot Trail 11-9.
2nd Period: Inside the opening minute of play, Zack Tonelli setup Luke Lavery on a two on one rush, but instead of shooting, Lavery tried going back to Tonelli who's pass would be intercepted by the Trail defender, breaking up the Snakes odd man rush early into the middle frame. Just before the halfway mark, the Vipers would get their first power play of the hockey game. It didn't take Luke Pakulak long to capitalize. From where I was sitting, it looked like Pakulak went between the legs, giving Vernon a 5-0 lead at 8:43 Zack Tonelli & Nicholas Kent collected the helpers. Less then a minute later, Cade McNelly come very close to levelling a Trail forward with a huge elbow to the head, but the Smoke Eaters forward was able to get out of the way at the last second. The officials arms went up instantly and on a delayed penalty, Charlie Strobel setup Zach Michaelis who beat Ethan David with a clean shot shortside, cutting Vernon's lead to 5-1 at 9:36 Charlie Strobel with the lone assist. After the goal, the officials gathered and chatted in front of the penalty boxes before giving Cade McNelly a ten minute misconduct. Just over three minutes later, Matthew Culling setup Luke Lavery in front, giving Vernon a 6-1 lead at 12:52 Matthew Culling and Talon Zakall collected the assists. A few plays later, Ryden Evers with a chance for his first career BCHL goal, couldn't beat Ethan Shebansky at the side of the goal. A few minutes later, Luke Lavery with all the work and moves cutting towards the front of the goal, spotted Talon Zakall who beat Ethan Shebansky, giving Vernon a 7-1 lead at 17:03 Zack Tonelli and Luke Lavery picked up the helpers. Less then a minute later, the Vipers would get caught on a bad pinch, allowing the Smoke Eaters in for a three on one. Former Vernon Vipers forward Nick Remissong setup a pinching Joshua Orrico, cutting Vernon's lead to 7-2 at 18:00 Nick Remissong & Charlie Strobel with the helpers. It was 7-2 Vernon after 40 minutes of play. The Snakes carried the better of the play, generated some chances, capitalized on their chances. The Smoke Eaters didn't generate much for offence for a second straight period. Trail's defensive coverage wasn't very good.
3rd Period: Inside the opening minute, the Vipers spotted Cameron MacDonald alone at the circle, couldn't solve Ethan Shebansky. The Smokies would get an early power play, 1:02 into the final frame. Fourty three seconds into the man advantage, Coalson Wolford ripped a shot up and over Ethan David, cutting Vernon's lead to 7-3 at 1:45 Josh Schenk and Zach Michaelis collected the assists. The Vipers responded with a good push back shift, had two or three flurries in front of the Smokies goal that wouldn't go in. Trail was able to clear the zone, spotted Connor Michaud in for the partial breakaway, but Cade McNelly hustled back with a solid defensive play, to break up the breakaway. Shortly after Vernon would get just their second PP of the hockey game. Jack Glen setup Luke Pakulak for his second goal of the contest, giving Vernon a 8-3 lead at 6:12 Jack Glen and Nicholas Kent drew the helpers. 1:18 later Cameron MacDonald with a lazer of a shot, gave Vernon a 9-3 lead at 7:30 JoJo Tanaka-Campbell collected the assist. This was the end of the night for Ethan Shebansky. Shebansky gave up five goals on twenty Vernon shots. Owen Albers who started this hockey game, was forced back into goal to finish the onesided game. Twenty two seconds later, Jack Glen gave Vernon a 10-3 lead at 7:52 Luke Buss drew the assist. Owen Albers allows a goal on the first shot he faces. Three and a half minutes later, Ethan Warrener hit Copeland Fricker knee on knee. Fricker was down in pain, was able to get up on his own power and slowly get to the Viper bench to get attended by the teams trainer. Fricker stayed in the game, but didn't see another shift, would stay on the bench for the remainder of the game. Ethan Warrerner would get a kneeing minor, giving Vernon a power play just past the halfway mark. The Snakes would get a ton of pressure/flurries and towards the end of the penalty, Trail would take a second minor, sending the Snakes to a shortended two man advantage. The hometown Vipers with a flurry of looks/chances poured on the pressure. The Smokies managed to kill off the remainder of the first minor and then kill off the second penalty and get back to even strength. Minutes later, Trail would get a late power play but unable to capitalize. Vernon would end the 2021-22 regular season with a 10-3 blowout. With the score/game out of reach, Trail didn't fold the tents and had some opportunities early into the 3rd, capitalized on an early PP. The Smoke Eaters ramped up the physical play late in the period and played with a bit of an edge in a mean nothing game for both teams and in a lopsided score. The Vipers scored three goals in less then two minutes. Vernon had a ton of flurries in and around the goal, could have easily had another three or four goals. The Snakes were the better team in a period where the game was already over before the period started. Shots were 12-12.
Top Player's: Vernon Vipers
Ryden Evers Making his Vernon Vipers debut as an affiliated player, didn't look out of place and played very well in his BCHL debut. I really liked the looks of this young kid.
Talon Zakall (1 goal & 2 assists) With a three point night, played and looked very well at both ends of the rink.
Matthew Culling (1 goal & 1 assist) Played hard, competed and looked good for the Snakes.
Luke Lavery I thought had a heck of a hockey game and may have played his best game as a Viper this season. Was involved in the play, played with a ton of jump/energy, was creating/generating chances.
Cameron MacDonald (2 goals & 2 assists) Also looked very good and played very well. MacDonald is by far the Vipers best/skilled forward. It's too bad he missed several months this season, out with two long term injuries. MacDonald played with a lot of jump/energy.
Nicholas Kent (2 assists) Has been one of the Vipers most consistent defencemen this season. Had some looks/opportunities, played very well at both ends of the rink. This kid never seems to make a mistake and makes the game look so easy.
Luke Pakulak (2 goals) Had a strong game. I'll have to watch the highlight's as I'm pretty sure Pakulak scored a between the legs goal in the 2nd period on the PP. Pakulak is a big part of Vernon's roster and will be called apon come the playoffs to use his size, physicality and edge.
Game Thought's: Vernon Vipers
Well I didn't see or expect a blowout coming prior to tonight's game. The Vipers basically put the game away in the opening frame, jumping out to a quick 4-0 lead. Vernon opened the scoring 1:05 into the hockey game, before scoring back to back shorthanded goals on the same penalty kill. The Snakes were the better team and made Trail's defenders look silly at times. Vernon scored on almost every third shot on goal and buried their chances. Overall I thought the Vipers played very well, making very little mistakes but also remember playing a Trail team that is near the bottom of the standings, that is struggling, have several players out with injuries and were playing with two affiliated goaltenders. Why is Cade McNelly still in the lineup? Here is a veteran 20 yr old defenceman that takes nothing but stupid, selfish and undisciplined penalties and is a liability almost every shift. He almost took a player's head off with a deliberate elbow/check to the head in the 2nd period, but luckily the Trail player got out of the way at the last second and missed the contact. Here's a player that almost every game delivers a big elbow or blow to the head of an opponent and continues to skate around foolishly taking undisciplined penalties. McNelly should be in the stands and will cost the Vipers a playoff game or series if he's in the lineup. I don't care for games like these, not only do you not want someone to get hurt in a mean nothing game but in the final game of the regular season. I also find when you win in a blowout like tonight, goals seem to come hard by the next game. Vernon beat Merritt 9-0 March 4th and then lost 5-2 March 9th to West Kelowna. Winning big and playing loose, may be fun for these kids but you have to remember your next game is the playoffs and you won't be playing Trail. I think I would have rather seen the Vipers play a more tougher opponent and have to play hard down to the final buzzer and prepare yourselfs for the playoffs. The schedule is what it is and you can't help that. I just hope the Vipers don't get a little over confident and remember who your playing in the playoffs. A win's a win and it's nice to see the Vipers bounce back after a 6-1 loss Sunday in West Kelowna. Vernon goes 5-1 vs Trail this season. The Vipers will now get the next eight days off before opening the playoffs. Let's hope Vernon can get some of their injured players back for the playoffs. The Snakes have won four of their last five games and won seven of their last ten games. Vernon finishes the regular season in 6th place in the Interior Conference with a record of 27-20-4-3 a home record of 16-10-1-0 and a road record of 11-10-3-3 The Vipers will open the BCHL playoffs April 1st in West Kelowna vs the 35-16-1-0 Warriors. West Kelowna went 4-1 vs Vernon during the regular season.
On a side note... I would like to thank whoever installed the new hand rails on each isle inside Kal Tire Place. Long overdue! Hand rails were only on the isles directly behind both team benches. Now they are on each isle around the entire arena. This was a huge safty concern and these should have been installed when the arena was being built. Over the years I have seen many seniors, elderly or people with walking issues/disibilities struggle to not only get up but down the stairs.
Top Player's: Trail Smoke Eaters
Ethan Warrener I thought played well on the Smokies blueline.
Zach Michaelis (1 goal & 1 assist) Lead the Trail attack with two points.
Game Thought's: Trail Smoke Eaters
The Trail Smoke Eaters didn't look or play very well for most of tonight's hockey game. The Smoke Eaters left both of their goaltenders to hang out to dry, didn't play very well defensively. Trail didn't defend well enough vs the Vipers and were giving Vernon all the time in world to create/generate offensive chances. The Smokies managed to stay close in shots but didn't generate a whole lot of quality chances through out tonight's game. Trail had a few shifts now and again where they held their own but overall were no match for theb hometown Vernon Vipers. The Smoke Eaters didn't have much pressure, struggled offensively. You had to feel for Trail's two affiliated goaltenders. Owen Albers who started tonight's game, had five previous starts before tonight, with a 0-5 record. Ethan Shebansky played in seven games prior to tonight, was 1-1 on the season. If my memory is correct, I think Trail started the 2021-22 regular season with a 8-1 record or something like that. At one point in the season, the Vipers were chasing Trail who was in 4th place at the time. The Smoke Eaters go 0-3 in Vernon this season. The Smoke Eaters have lost four straight games and have two wins in their last ten games and three wins in their last twenty games. Trail sits 8th in the Interior Conference have two regular season games remaining, before playing Penticton in the opening round of the BCHL playoffs.
Scratches:
Vernon Vipers:
Griffen Barr (Injured)
Liam Cavan (Injured)
Max Borovinskiy
Seiya Tanaka-Campbell (Injured)
Ryan Shostak (Injured)
Trail Smoke Eaters:
Jordan Hendry
Cameron Moger
Brady Hunter
Evan Fradette
Mason Dunsford
Cole Tisdale
Three Star's:
1st Star: Cameron MacDonald (2 goals & 2 assists)
2nd Star: Luke Pakulak (2 goals)
3rd Star: Talon Zakall (1 goal & 2 assists)
Energy Player of the Game:
Matthew Culling (1 goal & 1 assist)
Boxscore-Game Summary,
Game Report,
Text Box Score,
Official statistics powered by LeagueStat.com (hockeytech.com)
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Here are some photo's I took before and during tonight's Vipers-Smoke Eaters game.
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