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 hockey 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 3 Vipers-Warriors game as West Kelowna defeated Vernon 6-2 in front of 1,250 fans at Kal Tire Place.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon Vipers: Roan Clarke
West Kelowna Warriors: Johnny Derrick
1st Period: The Warriors jumped on the Vipers off the opening draw. Twelve seconds in, John Evans looked to have Roan Clarke deked out but somehow couldn't find the back of the net. West Kelowna had a flurry of chances in and around the crease on a goal mouth scramble, after Chase Dafoe would be denied in close. The Tribe were outshooting Vernon 3-0 not even a minute into the hockey game. To make things worse, WK would get the games first power play, 1:32 into the period. The Warriors with good pressure, had some looks, before Tyler Cristal gave West Kelowna an early 1-0 lead at 2:32 The Warriors only needing a minute to capitalize with the man advantage. Tyson Jugnauth & Marcus Joughin drew the helpers. Shots were 6-1 in favour of the Tribe. The Snakes needed three and a half minutes to record their first shot on goal. Just over six minutes in, the Warriors went back to the power play. The Vipers with a much better penalty kill, held their own and only surrendered a single shot on the PK. The Snakes even setup Ryan Shostak at the side of the net, but former Vernon Vipers netminder Johnny Derrick come across with the left pad to rob Shostak at the side of the goal. The Vipers with a very good PK, killed off the minor. Shots were 6-1 West Kelowna at one point, were now 8-6 for Vernon. Just past the midway mark, the Vipers were going to get their first PP of the evening, but Ayden Third decided to take an undisciplined penalty after the whistle and instead of going on the man advantage, Third was also going to the sin bin as both teams went to four on four. Fifty three seconds later, Brennan Nelson found the back of the net, giving West Kelowna a 2-0 lead at 14:33 Christophe Farmer picked up the assist. With just over two minutes left in the 1st period, Brennan Nelson somehow missed a wide open cage at the side the crease, could have put West Kelowna ahead 3-0 on a missed opportunity. This was key as shortly after on a bit of a scramble at the top of the crease, Seiya Tanaka-Campbell beat Johnny Derrick five hole, cutting West Kelowna's lead to 2-1 at 18:34 Ryan Shostak & Luke Buss collected the assists. The Snakes kept pressing and inside the final minute, Jack Glen would be robbed at the side of the goal, after Johnny Derrick come across with left pad save, keeping this a one goal hockey game. It was 2-1 West Kelowna after 20 minutes of play. I thought both teams were fairly even. The Warriors got off to a very good start, jumping on the Vipers off the opening faceoff, had the early edge in play, but Vernon responded and held their own as the period continued. The Vipers fell behind 2-0 but scored late, to get to within one before the period ended. The Snakes had two or three real good quality chances, could have easily been tied or ahead by a goal. West Kelowna outshot Vernon 15-13.
2nd Period: Just minutes into the middle frame, Nicholas Kent and a Warriors player both went down but Kent would go feet first into the boards. Kent would eventually get to his feet but looked like he was limping and was waiving to the bench as the play continued in the Vernon zone. Something was definitely wrong with the Viper defenceman. Kent would eventually limp off to the bench and made his way straight to the dressing room with the trainer. Kent would be gone for at least three or four minutes before returning to the bench and stayed in the hockey game. Now was Kent hurt or did he have an issue with his skates? I thought maybe his skate blade may have come out giving him problems skating. The Snakes would get an early power play, their first of the hockey game. Vernon didn't really generate a whole lot of action as the Tribe killed off the minor. Within thirty seconds or so after the penalty ended, Charles-Alexis Legault would come in across the Vernon blueline and rip a shot that beat Vernon Vipers starting goaltender Roan Clarke but not the crossbar, as the Warriors come very close to taking a 3-1 lead. On the following play, Ryan Shostak spotted Seiya Tanaka-Campbell who weved in and out through a couple of defenders before dekeing out Johnny Derrick, on a highlight reel goal, tying the game 2-2 at 7:07 Ryan Shostak and Luke Buss drew the helpers. 1:33 later Tyler Cristal setup Chase Dafoe in the slot, giving West Kelowna a 3-2 lead at 8:40 Tyler Cristal and Charles-Alexis Legault picked up the assists. This was a tough goal to swollow after the Vipers just finished tying the game on a highlight reel goal, got the crowd back into it and then Chase Dafoe takes the crowd out of it. About a minute or so later, Brennan Nelson would be stopped by Roan Clarke on a four on two rush. The Warriors found some open ice, with Nelson leading the attack, decided to keep and shoot would be denied. In the second half, the Warriors were outshooting Vernon 7-2 in the 2nd period. With four and a half minutes remaining, the Snakes made a nice pass to spot Ayden Third jumping into the rush. West Kelowna Warriors starting goaltender Johnny Derrick would get a blocker on Third's shot, making a huge save towards the end of the period and keeping this a one goal game. With just over two minutes left, the Tribe would get a late PP and capitalize. Christophe Farmer with a low shot along the ice, beat Roan Clarke from the circle, giving West Kelowna a 4-2 lead at 18:34 Felix Trudeau and Nicolas Ardanaz picked up the assists on a big goal late in the period. Thirty four seconds later, the Warriors would get a late power play. Nicholas Kent would get his stick up high andon his way to the penalty box, the Vipers were given a bench minor, sending WK to a late two man advantage. The Warriors with pressure to end the period. Inside the final twenty seconds, Felix Trudeau's shot from the high slot would be stopped before John Evans denied on the rebound. Two good looks/chances from the Tribe and two big stops from Roan Clarke to end the period. It was 4-2 West Kelowna after 40 minutes of play. I thought both teams were fairly even for a little bit but but the Warriors had a bit of an edge in play at times, had more pucks to the net and the better of the scoring chances. Vernon managed to tie the game, but gave up a goal 1:33 later. The Snakes played well but had troubles getting pucks to the net and generating some offence. Vernon with only three shots on goal in the first twelve or so minutes. West Kelowna had some good looks/opportunities and looked good with the puck. The Tribe could have built on their lead and gone up by two or three goals, Roan Clarke with some big stops. West Kelowna outshot Vernon 14-8.
3rd Period: The Warriors started the frame on the two man advantage that was carried over from the 2nd period. The Snakes with a good PK would kill off the remainder of the two minors and escape a Warriors PP that had already scored twice earlier in the night. As the two minors expired, Nicholas Kent would spin and fire the puck on goal, that forced Johnny Derrick to make a quick reaction save. The Warriors goaltender somehow managed to kick out the right pad at the last second on a big stop early into the 3rd. The Vipers kept pressing and would get a flurry of chances in and around the top of the crease. Bodies were everywhere as the Warriors defenders blocked a shot or two, while Johnny Derrick also was forced to make a save or two, made another big stop off Nicholas Kent his second of the period as Vernon couldn't find the back of the net. The Vipers would get an early PP and push hard. The Snakes would get some good looks and a few good opportunities couldn't solve Johnny Derrick as West Kelowna killed off the minor. The Snakes couldn't buy a goal. Just over two minutes later on a turnover, former Vernon Vipers forward Elan Bar-Lev-Wise beat Roan Clarke in close on a soft looking goal, giving West Kelowna a 5-2 lead at 6:39 Christophe Farmer & Tyler Rubin collected the helpers. This basically put the game away. Five minutes later Elan Bar-Lev-Wise beat Ethan David, giving West Kelowna a commanding 6-2 lead at 10:43 Christophe Farmer and Tyler Rubin with the assists as fans slowly started making their way to the exits. This was the end of the night for Roan Clarke. Ethan David would come in for relief, making his playoff debut. Clarke gave up six goals on thirty five West Kelowna shots. About three and a half minutes later, the Vipers would get a late power play, before Cade McNelly took a good run at a Warrior player along the glass. McNelly would get two minutes for charging and a ten minute misconduct and head to the dressing room for the remainder of the contest. This taking away Vernon's PP. Their was a minor delay towards the end of the period as the rink crew had to fix one of the plastic holders behind the Viper goal that holds the top of the glass together. With the game out of reach, the play really slowed down as both teams looked like they just wanted to go home. The Snakes started laying the body and playing physical in the final minutes, which they didn't do all game. The Vipers sprung Ryan Shostak on the breakaway just before the final minute, but couldn't beat Johnny Derrick who stood tall and took the puck in the crest of the jersey. The Tribe would get a late PP with one minute remaining but didn't apply any kind of pressure. The visiting West Kelowna Warriors would win back to back games and take a 2-1 series lead after a commanding 6-2 victory. Vernon was forced to kill off the remainder of a two man advantage to start the period and then took it to the Warriors with a ton of pressure. The Snakes had a flurry of chances and two very good opportunities from Nicholas Kent but didn't get the bounces or couldn't solve Johnny Derrick. WK would capitalize on a turnover shortly after that basically put the game away before adding one more for insult and the remainder of the game was more like a pond hockey game. The Vipers looked good and pressed hard the first five minutes before the Tribe put the game away. Vernon outshot West Kelowna 14-13.
Top Player's: Vernon Vipers
Ayden Third Has really impressed me these playoffs. I think he's made a huge jump from his play in the regular season to the way he's playing in the playoffs. Took a stupid/undisciplined penalty in the opening frame, that took away a Vernon power play. Other wise I thought he played very well on the blueline. Played with an edge and was in the face of several Warriors.
The line of Luke Buss (2 assists), Ryan Shostak (2 assists) & Seiya Tanaka-Campbell (2 goals) Was Vernon's best unit and forwards going in the loss. Buss who wasn't noticable in the first two games, is one of the Vipers more skilled forwards and needs to get going. Tonight he chipped in with two assists. Shostak was all over the rink, had three or four opportunities, was generting offence. Tanaka-Campbell missed half of the regular season due to injuries, has really stepped up his play and played very well in the opening round of the playoffs. Tied the hockey game on a highlight reel goal. This kid was flying tonight, hard to defend.
Nicholas Kent I thought played very well on the Snakes backend as well as both ends of the rink. A smooth skater, that can move the puck but also make plays happen.
Game Thought's: Vernon Vipers
I think the Vipers played better then what the final score was. I was at all three games of this series and tonight was one of the more complete games the Vipers have played in the series to date. I thought Vernon played very well at times but also made lots of mistakes at times. I thought the Snakes held their own and at times didn't. The Vipers were in this game until the Warriors fifth goal. Vernon had some very good looks/quality chances, couldn't capitalize on their opportunities. The Vipers had a flurry of chances in and around the net, early to start the 3rd. If one goes in here, it's a one goal game and maybe a different outcome? Instead they can't score and West Kelowna capitalizes on a turnover and puts the game away with two 3rd period goals. I also think Roan Clarke hasn't looked himself tonight and in Game 2 in West Kelowna. I thought the Viper netminder could have stopped the Warriors first goal in Game 2 and maybe even the second goal. I think Clarke could have had West Kelowna's fourth goal tonight. Is Clarke have a minor injury or under the weather or is he burnt out from playing a ton of hockey this season and seeing a lot of rubber on most night's? I think this is why most teams go with a veteran 19 or 20 yr old goaltender, especially for long playoff runs. Nothing against Roan Clarke but at only 18 yrs old, he's been one of if not the Vipers MVP this season and had an excellent season but the experience and matuity may just not be there yet. The Vipers took way too many penalties for a playoff game and took some stupid/undisciplined penalties that cost them. Specialty teams was a difference and usually is come playoffs. West Kelowna with two power play goals. Vernon made way too many turnovers through out the game. The Vipers haven't been a very good come from behind team this season and don't have the skill or team to do it. The Vipers haven't done well this year, playing from behind. You can't fall behind 2-0 and 4-2 and expect to come from behind, especially vs a strong defensive team like West Kelowna. The Vipers need to clean up some little details and pay a little more attention to some details. I think the Vipers also have to play physical and finish their checks. Tonight was almost a non contact game with very little hitting. It's amazing how the stats change from when they announce them in the arena to looking at them on the league website in the boxscore. I noticed on almost every night, almost every goal that was announced at the game, changed in the boxscore after the games over. I know it's only been three games, but you have to think Game 4 is a must win for Vernon. If the Warriors take a 3-1 series lead, I don't give the Vipers much of a chance. A small crowd on hand for the first playoff game in a few years. Just over 1,200 showed up tonight. That's the norm in Vernon especially playing during the week and not on the weekends.
Top Player's: West Kelowna Warriors
Tyler Rubin (2 assists) Has played very well this series and again tonight.
Charles-Alexis Legault (1 assist) Has played a heck of a series and looked good in the win this evening. A big body that can skate, move the puck, jump into the rush, makes things happen at both ends of the rink. A very skilled defenceman, sees the ice well.
Brennan Nelson (1 goal) I thought played very well for the Warriors. Missed an open cage late in the 1st period, was involved in the play and in and around the net.
Tyler Cristal (1 goal & 1 assist) Has been hard to defend and contain so far in the series. Has been one of the more offensive forwards for the Tribe. A skilled forward that has a nack for the net, seems to always find the puck.
Tyson Jugnauth (1 assist) Another Warrior that has played very well in the series.
Christophe Farmer (1 goal & 1 assist) Has impressed me this series. I don't think he stood out tonight but scored a big goal late in the 2nd period, giving the Warriors a 4-2 lead, heading into the 3rd. Played well through out the game.
Johnny Derrick (33 saves) Facing his former team, played very well in goal. Made several big stops at key times in the game. A big pad stop on Ryan Shostak and Jack Glen in the 1st period and then two big saves early in the 3rd off Nicholas Kent.
Game Thought's: West Kelowna Warriors
The Warriors played a very good road game, capitalized on their opportunities and made Vernon pay on the power play. West Kelowna is very quick, can move the puck and has skilled forwards. If you take penalies or make mistakes, the Tribe will make you pay. WK got some big goals at key times in the hockey game. The Vipers battle back to tie the game after being down 2-0 but 1:33 later Chase Dafoe regains the Warriors lead. Christophe Farmer makes the Vipers pay on a late 2nd period PP giving West Kelowna a 4-2 lead heading into the 3rd. With the Snakes pressing, former Viper Elan Bar-Lev-Wise scores two goals to add some salt into the open wound, and puts the game away. I have noticed good teams play disciplined hockey in the playoffs and WK only took four minors, while Vernon took eight penalties. The Warriors make very little to no mistakes. This team has all the making of making a long playoff run. Quick, skilled, have size, a very good defence, solid goaltending and are coached well. This team also has some key veteran players. Several Warriors fans in attendance. Game 4 goes Wednesday in Vernon with Game 5 going Friday in West Kelowna.
Scratches:
Vernon Vipers:
Liam Cavan (Injured)
Max Borovinskiy
Copeland Fricker
Anthony Cliche
West Kelowna Warriors:
Pat Lawn
Isaiah Norlin
Damon Jugnauth
Three Star's:
1st Star: Christopher Farmer (1 goal & 3 assists)
2nd Star: Seiya Tanaka-Campbell (2 goals)
3rd Star: Elan Bar-Lev-Wise (2 goals)
Energy Player of the Game:
Matthew Culling
Boxscore-Game Summary,
Game Report,
Text Box Score,
Official statistics powered by LeagueStat.com (hockeytech.com)
Please feel free to leave comments or suggestions in the comment box below. Please be respectful when leaving comments.
Here are some pictures I took before and during tonight's Vipers-Warriors game.
No comments:
Post a Comment