I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and been watching/following Junior hockey in Vernon my whole 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 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 attend or watch 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 Game 2 Vipers-Warriors playoff game as West Kelowna defeated Vernon 5-3 in front of 1,026 fans at Royal LePage Place.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon Vipers: Roan Clarke
West Kelowna Warriors: Johnny Derrick
Before last night's game and tonight's game, the Warriors played this video with defenceman Pat Lawn returning from Boston to surprise & support his teammates during the playoffs. The video was shown on the jumbo tron before the two teams stepped out onto the ice.
Pat Lawn Surprises Warriors Nation for Game#1 of Playoffs 2022 - YouTube
1st Period: The Vipers got the quick jump off the opening faceoff. One minute into the hockey game, Matthew Culling tried banging home a loose puck that come off the end boards, almost caught Johnny Derrick off guard, had to be sharp to stay tight against the post, holding the puck before a whistle. The Snakes had the early edge in play, before John Evans cut across the blueline and ripped a harmless looking shot from the top of the circle that beat Roan Clarke, giving West Kelowna an early 1-0 lead at 3:53 on the Warriors first shot of the game. Charles-Alexis Legault picked up the assist on a goal I think Roan Clarke would like back. This goal seemed to change the momentum and give the Tribe a shot in the arm as the tides tilted in West Kelowna's favour. One minute later, on a Warriors dump in, the puck come off the end boards where Roan Clarke was forced to quickly freeze the puck for a whistle, mishandled the puck before smothering it. The Vipers netminder looked a little off early into Game 2 as a tempers heated up quickly with lots of pushing and shoving after the whistle. The Warriors were quickly out to a 4-1 lead in shots and had the edge in play. Just before the halfway mark of the 1st period, the Snakes would get the games first power play. Vernon struggled with the man advantage early, but towards the end Reagan Milburn got the Vipers on the scoreboard, tying the hockey game 1-1 at 9:53 Talon Zakall collected the assist. Just over six minutes remaining in the opening frame, Charles-Alexis Legault carried the puck into the Viper zone, blew by two Vernon defenders, tried to beat Roan Clarke on a wrap around before Christophe Farmer would be denied in the slot on a quick pad save from Roan Clarke. West Kelowna with two good chances. One minute later Viper forward/captain JoJo Tanaka-Campbell couldn't solve former Vernon Vipers goaltender Johnny Derrick on a goal mouth scramble. Shortly after the Warriors would get a late power play, their first of the evening. Thirty eight seconds into the man advantage, Tyler Cristal ripped a quick shot from the circle past Roan Clarke, giving West Kelowna a 2-1 lead at 16:50 Tyson Jugnauth collected the helper. Shortly after John Evans thought he scored his second goal of the game, after beating Roan Clarke low along the ice but the goal was waived off by the officials as the puck went off the post. It was still 2-1 West Kelowna. Towards the end of the 1st period, Zack Tonelli with a very good look/opportunity, couldn't tie the game with Johnny Derrick making a big stop with 1:39 left on the clock. It was 2-1 West Kelowna after 20 minutes of play. This was a very good period in where both teams were fairly matched well. The Vipers got off to a good start with some early edge in play, before the tables turned after John Evans opened the scoring and the Warriors had a bit of an edge in play, go in their favour. I thought both teams played well, getting some looks/opportunities. A physical period. Shots were 12-12.
2nd Period: Tyler Cristal on an odd man rush two minutes into the period, unloaded a shot that was blocked by former Merritt Centennials defenceman Talon Zakall who felt that shot hobbled to the Viper bench but stayed in the contest. After a whistle, Cade McNelly was arguing with an official was given an early ten minute misconduct. On the next play, Nick Roukounakis's shot would be redirected on it's way to the goal by former Trail Smoke Eater Chase Dafoe, giving West Kelowna an early 3-1 lead at 2:24 Nick Roukounakis and Dylan Brooks picked up the helpers. A few minutes later, the Vipers tried sending Cameron MacDonald in for the breakaway, but it looked like MacDonald fell into West Kelowna Warriors starting goaltender Johnny Derrick. MacDonald got up while Johnny Derrick stayed down and looked to be shaken up on the play as the play continued. Fans and the Warriors bench was upset there was no call on the play as the play continued. Johnny Derrick was slow getting to his feet, looked to be a little dazed but seemed to be ok and stayed in the hockey game. Shortly after the Snakes would get their second PP of the hockey game. On a goal mouth scramble, Vernon would get at least three or four cracks at the loose puck at the top of the crease, couldn't get the puck through a maze of bodies in the blue paint or Johnny Derrick who somehow managed to make several stops, keeping this puck out as West Kelowna escapes and kills off the minor. Just as the penalty expired, Seiya Tanaka-Campbell with a great look in front, couldn't solve Johnny Derrick. Minutes later, Nick Roukounakis wired home a heavy shot past Vernon Vipers starting goaltender Roan Clarke, giving West Kelowna a 4-1 lead at 12:26 Marcus Joughin with the lone assist. The Warriors poured on the attack and had several looks/quality chances in and around the net as WK was dominating the play for several minutes. Former Vernon Vipers forward and Warriors Captain Elan Bar-Lev-Wise lead a two on one rush with Tyler Cristal, kept and shot would be denied by Roan Clarke. Towards the end of the period Vernon would get a late PP. Early into the man advantage, Luke Pakulak with a great look/opportunity couldn't beat Johnny Derrick. This was the only real quality chance for the Snakes as the Tribe killed off the penalty. Tempers slowly started to heat up towards the end of the 1st period with both teams getting a little chippy. Luke Buss and Tyler Cristal got involved as the two exchanged words as Crsital was very heated. It was 4-1 West Kelowna after 40 minutes of play. The Warriors really stepped up their play and took it to the Vipers for a lot of the middle frame. WK was by far the better team, carried the better of the play, had a ton more chances/opportunities and had Vernon back on their heels at times. The Tribe really used their speed and skill to create/generate a lot of chances. The Vipers gave up an early goal to fall behind two goals before falling behind three goals, just couldn't gain any traction or get much going offensively. Vernon did get some looks/opportunities but didn't get the bounces or puck. The Snakes had troubles defending this period and gave West Kelowna way too much time and space. West Kelowna outshot Vernon 10-7.
3rd Period: Tempers heated early into the final frame after a hit along the side wall, ended up sending everyone getting involved with a line brawl. Lot's of players pushing and shoving, with punches thrown before the officials were forced to break up the melay. Cade McNelly was hot, was really giving it to the linesmen as he entered the penalty box. The hometown Warriors come out of the melay with the power play, just their second PP of the night. John Evans and Marcus Joughin both had quality chances were stopped by Roan Clarke. The Tribe with a ton of pressure, eventually moved the puck around before Marcus Joughin was stopped in close before Tyler Cristal buried the rebound, giving West Kelowna a commanding 5-1 lead at 4:54 Marcus Joughin and Charles-Alexis Legault collected the assists. Just as they were announcing the Warriors goal, Seiya Tanaka-Campbell at the side of the net, beat Johnny Derrick, cutting West Kelowna's lead to 5-2 at 5:04 Seiya Tanaka-Campbell's goal was unassisted. Two goals in ten seconds. They had'nt even announced Vernon's goal before Griffen Barr spotted a wide open Reagan Milburn who hit the open cage, cutting West Kelowna's lead to 5-3 at 6:13 Griffen Barr & Cameron MacDonald with the helpers. A wild start to the 3rd period with both teams combining for three goals in 1:19 Two quick back to back goals by the Snakes and now Vernon has turned the tables, gained some momentum and took over the edge in play. Minutes later, the Vipers come within inches of getting to within a goal as the puck just missed the far corner on a crease pass. Around the halfway mark of the 3rd period, tempers heated up again as Ayden Third and Nick Roukounakis got tangled up, exchanged words and threw a couple of shots towards each other, before both players were sent to the penalty box. Shortly after Roan Clarke made a big stop off Marcus Joughin, keeping this a two goal game. With about five minutes left, the Snakes would get a late PP. A Warrior defenceman lost his stick, so the Vipers poured on the pressure, had most of the PP in the offensive zone, moved the puck around had troubles at times getting the puck through bodies as West Kelowna's penalty kill, come up with some large shot blocks or Johnny Derrick was solid between the pipes, made some large saves. The Snakes caught a huge break, after moving the hockey stick on the ice out of the way, as the Warriors bench was screaming at the officials for a penalty. The Tribe not only managed to kill off the minor but having only three players with a stick. A massive PK by West Kelowna. Jason McKee would call a late timeout with 2:07 left in the hockey game and keep Roan Clarke on the bench for the extra man. Vernon would pour on the pressure but unable to really get many pucks to the goal, as the Warriors defenders come up once again with some huge shot blocks. Johnny Derrick come out to challenge, made a big stop off Luke Buss. WK with a shot at the open cage from their own end, would hit the post as West Kelowna would win a huge Game 2 with a 5-3 victory to even the best of seven series 1-1 with Games 3 & 4 heading to Vernon. A wild start to this period with both teams combining for three goals in 1:19 Two quick back to back goals seemed to get Vernon back into the hockey game, gain some momentum and turn the tables a bit as the Vipers carried the better of the play, had way more puck possession & zone time. The Snakes had some chances to get within a goal. The Warriors up by two goals, I think played a little more defensive late in the period. West Kelowna got some big stops from Johnny Derrick and some big shot blocks from their defenders. This was a very exciting and entertaining 3rd period. Both teams emptied the tanks and laid everything on the line. Vernon outshot West Kelowna 10-8.
Top Player's: Vernon Vipers
Ayden Third I thought played very well on the Viper blueline.
Reagan Milburn (2 goals) I thought lead the offensive way with two goals and one of the more skilled forwards in the loss.
Zack Tonelli Had some looks/chances, battled hard, took some big punishing hits, didn't back down, had a strong game.
Game Thought's: Vernon Vipers
I really liked the Snakes 1st and 3rd periods. Vernon gave up the games first goal and played from behind the entire night. The Vipers haven't been a very good come from behind team this year, have had troubles scoring this season, can't afford to be playing from behind and down two or three goals especially vs a good team like West Kelowna. The 2nd period is what cost the Vipers. The Snakes were outplayed, gave up two second period goals, fell behind 4-1 heading into the 3rd period. Giving up the fifth goal early into the 3rd was a killer, now down 5-1 Vernon did manage to get two quick back to back goals to get within two goals, couldn't mount a comeback. Specialty teams was also a key factor as Vernon went 1-4 with the man advantage, while West Kelowna went 2-2 with the power play. The Vipers passing wasn't as good tonight compared to last night. Vernon seemed to struggle making passes tonight. I also didn't think the Vipers played nearly as well defensively. Vernon gave the Warriors way too much time and space and a ton of room to create/generate chances. The Snakes allowed West Kelowna's skilled forwards to have all the time in the world, to setup and make plays happen. Roan Clarke has been very good all year and my take for team MVP but tonight I thought struggled at times and looked off. Clarke's played a ton of hockey in the second half of the season and seen a ton of rubber this year. I thought after the 2nd period, down 4-1 give him the rest of the night off and let Ethan David to get some minutes, see some rubber and get some playoff action on your resume and allow Roan Clarke to re-focus, re-group and mentally forget about tonight and get rested and ready for Monday's Game 3. Luke Buss has been quiet this series and has gone unnoticed in the first two games. How big was last night's win, now that West Kelowna evened the series? The Warriors could have easily took Game 1 and now lead the series 2-0 instead the series is tied, heading back to Vernon for Games 3 & 4. I didn't see as many Viper fans tonight as I saw at Game 1 and expected a much larger group of Viper fans tonight, especially after the upset win Friday. With the price of everything going up, and now fans having to buy their playoff tickets, are some fans watching their money and can only afford the home playoff games? Due to high gas prices, groceries etc? A very good turnout and crowd at Royal LePage Place. The Vipers have struggled in West Kelowna this year. Including the preseason, regular season and playoffs, Vernon is 1-4 in West Kelowna this year.
Top Player's: West Kelowna Warriors
Charles-Alexis Legault (2 assists) Played very well in the loss in Game 1 had another strong game on the Tribe's blueline in Game 2. A big body, moves the puck very well, can skate, make that good first pass and joins in the rush/play and chips in ofensively. A very good hockey player.
Marcus Joughin (2 assists) Wasn't very noticable in Game 1 really stepped up his play in Game 2 and one of the better forwards. Played a very strong game for the Warriors, had several looks/chances was involved in the play, always in and around the goal/front of the net and worked/competed hard all evening.
John Evans (1 goal) I mentioned last night, Evans wasn't very noticeable. I knew on the drive down to the game this afternoon, I would see a more engaged Evans and sure enough, guess who opens the scoring? Evans with a very good game tonight, played much better, was more involved in the game/play, showed up and stepped up in Game 2.
Nick Roukounakis (1 goal & 1 assist) I thought was one of if not the better forwards tonight. A big body, that plays physical and also with an edge, likes to get under the opponents skin, played hard, physical, in your face, didn't back down from the rough stuff, was involved in the play/offence. Played very well and stood out.
Tyler Cristal (1 goal) Scored the Warriors fifth goal on an early 3rd period power play, looked good in Game 1 played very well in Game 2. A very skilled player that is hard to contain and defend against. Had some looks/opportunities tonight.
Tyson Jugnauth (1 assist) Had a very strong game and played very well in Game 1 on Friday, didn't stand out as much tonight but still played well.
Johnny Derrick (26 saves) Made the big stops when called apon, played well in goal for the hometown West Kelowna Warriors. Was very good on a 2nd & 3rd period penalty kill.
Game Thought's: West Kelowna Warriors
After finishing the 2021-22 regular season on a franchise record ten game winning streak, before losing 5-2 in Game 1 vs a Vernon team the Warriors went 4-1 against during the regular season, you knew we were going to see a different Warriors team in Game 2. West Kelowna gave up the games first goal in Game 1 and trailed most of the night. Tonight, the Tribe opened the scoring and played with the lead the entire game. The Warriors forced the Vipers into playing from behind. WK did some adjustments and tweeks and it worked as the Warriors seemed to find a ton of open ice in Game 2 and much more room for their skilled forwards. The Warriors speed and skill really stood out tonight, as where they were shutdown defensively in Game 1. The Warriors speed gave Vernon troubles and the Vipers had dificulties defending against and containing the Tribe's offensive attack. West Kelowna only saw two power play's but scored on both, making the Snakes pay. The Warriors PK was also good at times. Both teams were physical like in Game 1 but both teams also got very chippy tonight as tempers heated up. The officials let both teams play hockey as lots of penalties weren't called. Warriors Head Coach/GM Simon Ferguson was upset with the officials through out the night, always calling them over or letting them know when they missed a call. The Warrior bench was a very lively bench, made a lot of noise through out the game. After being upset in Game 1 West Kelowna didn't want to lose both games on home ice and head to Vernon for Games 3 & 4 down 2-0. Tonight was sort of a must win if you would call it that as now the series heads to Vernon tied. Warriors forward Felix Trudeau was serving his fifth and final game of a five game suspension, will return to the lineup in Game 3 in Vernon on Monday. There will be a Game 5 in West Kelowna on Friday. Penticton Vees Head Coach/GM/President Fred Harbinson and members of his hockey staff were at tonight's game. I was very surprised to see no 50/50 sold at both games this weekend. What a missed opportunity with two big crowds on hand.
Scratches:
Vernon Vipers:
Liam Cavan (Injured)
Luke Ashton
Tyler Chan
Luke Lavery
West Kelowna Warriors:
Felix Trudeau (Suspended)
Three Star's:
1st Star: Marcus Joughin (2 assists)
2nd Star: Charles-Alexis Legault (2 assists)
3rd Star: Tyler Cristal (1 goal)
Energy Player of the Game:
Wasn't announced
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 tonight's Vipers-Warriors playoff game.
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