Boxscore-Game Summary,
Vernon Vipers @ Prince George Spruce Kings Friday, September 30, 2022 | BCHL League Site
Game Report,
Text Box Score,
Official statistics powered by LeagueStat.com (hockeytech.com)
Friday, September 30, 2022
Spruce Kings Home Opener: Prince George 4 Vernon 2
Spruce Kings Reveal Indigenous Jersey To Be Worn At Home Opener vs Vernon:
Here is the story from the Prince George Citizen,
Spruce Kings reveal Indigenous jersey to be worn for home opener - Prince George Citizen
Here is the press release from the Prince George Spruce Kings website,
Spruce Kings reveal Indigenous jerseys ahead of home opener | Prince George Spruce Kings
Game Preview: Prince George Spruce Kings Home Opener: Vernon @ Prince George:
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Tonight is the first of seven regular season meetings between the Vernon Vipers & Prince George Spruce Kings. The Vipers went 6-3 vs Prince George last season
Vernon's record & stats vs the Spruce Kings since 2002
Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 50-26-2-4-1 vs Prince George
Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Prince
George 301-225
George 301-225
Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 21-9-2-4 at home vs. Prince George
Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 21-14-0-1-1 in Prince George
The Vipers are 5-1-0-1 in their last ten games vs Prince George
The Vipers are 8-1-1-0 in their last ten home games vs Prince George
The Vipers are 8-1-0-1 in their last ten games in Prince George
The Vipers last regular season win at home vs. Prince George was a 2-0 victory on Wednesday, March 2nd 2022
The Spruce Kings last regular season win in Vernon was a 3-1 victory on Friday, November 26th 2021
The Vipers last regular season win in Prince George was a 2-1 overtime victory on Saturday, January 29th 2022
The Spruce Kings last regular season win at home vs. Vernon was a 5-1 victory on Friday, March 11th 2022
Here's a look at last season's series vs Prince George
November 10th Prince George at Vernon: Vipers won 4-3
November 12th Vernon at Prince George: Spruce Kings won 3-2 shootout
November 26th Prince George at Vernon: Spruce Kings won 3-1
December 18th Prince George at Vernon: Vipers won 2-1
January 28th Vernon at Prince George: Vipers won 3-2 shootout
January 29th Vernon @ Prince George: Vipers won 2-1 overtime
February 21st Prince George at Vernon: Vipers won 2-1
March 2nd Prince George at Vernon: Vipers won 2-0
March 11th Vernon at Prince George: Spruce Kings won 5-1
Let's take a look at the Vernon Vipers:
The 0-2-0-0 Vernon Vipers make their first of four regular season visits to Kopar Memorial Arena. The Vipers went 2-1-0-1 in Prince George last season. Tonight's the first game of back to back games in Prince George this weekend. The Snakes & Spruce Kings will meet seven times this season. The Snakes have eleven players back from last season/ Vernon plays four of their next six games at home. Vernon sits last in the standings tied with the Merritt Centennials.
BCHL Next Generation: Vernon Vipers
Vernon Vipers Roster:
Vernon Vipers Scoring Leaders:
Julian Facchinelli (1-0-1) & Kurt Gurkan (0-1-1)
Max Borovinskiy played last season and this season with Prince George before being traded to Vernon November 29th 2021
Vernon Vipers Record/Stats:
Games Played: 2
Wins: 0
Losses: 2
Overtime Wins: 0
Overtime Losses: 0
Shootout Wins: 0
Shootout Losses: 0
Overtime Record:0-0
Shootout Record: 0-0
Home Record: 0-1-0-0
Road Record: 0-1-0-0
When the Vipers score first: 0-0
When the opponents score first: 0-2
Leading after the 1st period: 0-0
Tied after the 1st period: 0-1
Trailing after the 1st period: 0-1
Leading after the 2nd period: 0-0
Tied after the 2nd period: 0-0
Trailing after the 2nd period: 0-2
Out shooting opponents: 0-1
Out shot by opponents: 0-1
One goal games: 0-0
Goals for: 1
Goals against: 7
Longest winning streak: Two games (preseason)
Longest losing streak: Two games
Standings: 9th Place Interior Conference
Vernon Vipers Returning Players:
Max Borovinskiy 04
Luke Lavery 04
Reagan Milburn 03
Luke Pakulak 03
Seiya Tanaka-Campbell 03
Luke Ashton 05
Griffen Barr 02
Anthony Cliche 03
Ayden Third 02
Roan Clarke 03
Ethan David 03
Vernon Vipers departed & traded players from last years team:
Luke Buss 03
JoJo Tanaka-Campbell 03
Jack Glen 01
Matthew Culling 01
Tyler Chan 05
Cameron MacDonald 02
Ryan Shostak 01
Copeland Fricker 03
Zack Tonelli 02
Cade McNelly 01
Talon Zakall 02
Nicholas Kent 01
Liam Cavan 02Vernon's home record vs Prince George last season:
4-1-0-0
Vernon's road record vs Prince George last season:
2-1-0-1
Vernon's scoring leaders vs Prince George last season:
Matthew Culling (4-3-7)
Ryan Shostak (3-3-6)
Griffen Barr (1-3-4)
Nicholas Kent (1-3-4)
Zach Tonelli (3-1-4)
Cameron MacDonald (0-3-3)
Seiya Tanaka-Campbell (0-3-3)
Luke Buss (2-1-3)
JoJo Tanaka-Campebell (0-3-3)
Jack Glen (0-2-2)
Luke Lavery (0-2-2)
Max Borovinskiy (1-0-1)
Luke Pakulak (1-0-1)
Ayden Third (0-1-1)
Reagan Milburn (1-0-1)
Talon Zakall (0-1-1)
Roan Clarke (4-1 Record)
Ethan David (2-2 Record-1 shutout)
Let's take a look at the Prince George Spruce Kings:
The 2-0-0-0 Prince George Spruce Kings are coming off a 3-2 victory Saturday in Langley. Tonight's the Spruce Kings home opener after starting the 2022-23 regular season on a two game road trip. Tonight's the first game of a four game home stand. PG has ten players back from last season. These two teams will meet again October 14th in Vernon. Prince George went 3-6 vs Vernon last season. The Spruce Kings, Penticton, Salmon Arm & West Kelowna all sit atop the division with 2-0 records.
BCHL Next Generation: Prince George Spruce Kings
Prince George Spruce Kings Roster:
Prince George Spruce Kings Scoring Leaders:
John Herrington (3-0-3) & Jack Stockfish (1-2-3)
Prince George Spruce Kings Record/Stats:
Games Played: 2
Wins: 2
Losses: 0
Overtime Losses: 0
Shootout Losses: 0
Home Record: 0-0-0-0
Road Record: 2-0-0-0
Goals for: 6
Goals against: 2
Standings: 2nd Place Interior Conference
Prince George Spruce Kings Returning Players:
Linden Makow 04
Ty Gagno 03
Kilian McGregor-Bennett 03
Austin Fraser 03
Evan Fedele 04
John Herrington 02
Colton Cameron 02
Amran Bhabra 03
Ben LeFranc 03
Jordan Fairlie 02
Prince George Spruce Kings departed and traded players from last years team:
Luc Laylin 01
Rowan Miller 01
Kolton Cousins 01
Nathan Fox 02
Jagjeevan Phangura 04
Luke German 02
Nick Rheaume 02
Simon Labelle 02
Dylan Schives 01
Josh Wright 01
Adam Leitch 04
Nick Marciano 02
Aaron Trotter 01
Prince George's home record vs Vernon last season:
2-0-1-1
Prince George's road record vs Vernon last season:
1-3-0-0
Prince George's scoring leaders vs Vernon last season:
Nick Rheaume (5-4-9)
John Herrington (5-4-9)
Rowan Miller (4-2-6)
Simon Labelle (1-4-5)
Dylan Schives (1-3-4)
Kilian McGregor-Bennett (1-2-3)
Amran Bhabra (0-3-3)
Kolton Cousins (1-2-3)
Luc Laylin (0-3-3)
Ty Gagno (0-2-2)
Colton Cameron (0-2-2)
Josh Wright (0-1-1)
Nick Marciano (0-1-1)
Aaron Trotter (3-4 Record)
Jordan Fairlie (0-2 Record)
Thursday, September 29, 2022
Former Vipers Associate Coach Mallette Learning On The Job While Climbing National Ranks:
Here is the press release from the Kelowna Rockets website,
Kris Mallette: Always learning on the job while climbing national ranks – Kelowna Rockets
Mallette is in his third season as Head Coach of the Western Hockey League Kelowna Rockets, was an Assistant Coach with Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team this season.
Mallette is a Rockets Alumni (1996-1999) is in his ninth season with the Rockets. Mallette spent six seasons as an Assistant Coach with the Rockets from 2014-2020 before being named Head Coach March 2nd 2020.
Mallette played ten seasons in the ECHL, UHL, CHL & IHL with Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Ashville, Elmira, Colorado, Youngstown, Laredo & Flint from 2000-2009 before retiring from professional hockey in 2009. Mallette spent three seasons in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League as an Assistant Coach & Head Coach of the North Okanagan Knights.
Mallette spent one season in Vernon as an Associate Coach with the 2013-14 Vernon Vipers. Mallette left the Vipers after the 2013-14 season, returning to Kelowna in 2014. Mallette was named Rockets Assistant Coach July 4th 2014.
Predators Name Former Viper Robertson New Associate Coach/Assistant GM:
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Here is the tweet from the Saanich Predators twitter account,
Robertson spent last season as an Assistant Coach with the Cowichan Capitals.
Robertson retired from professional hockey at the end of the 2019-20 season. Robertson spent the 2019-20 season with the Elite Ice Hockey League Glasgow Clan, a Scottish professional hockey team & the Briancon Red Devils a professional hockey team from Europe.
Robertson played in 11 games with Merrimack College during the 2012-13 season before leaving for the University of Guelph in 2015. Robertson left the University of Guelph after the 2015-16 season before signing his first professional contract with the Southern Professional Hockey League Fayetteville FireAntz in 2016. From 2016-2018 Robertson played in the ECHL & Southern Professional Hockey League with six different teams (Fayetteville FireAntz, Utah Grizzlies, Knoxville Ice Bears, Fayetteville Marksmen, Reading Royals & Florida Everblades) before playing in Ferance in 2018.
Robertson spent his first six seasons in the BCHL playing for the Victoria Grizzlies before being traded to Vernon in his final season of Junior hockey. The Vipers traded Zach McPhee & future considerations to the Victoria Grizzlies December 12th 2011 for Robertson. In 31 games with the Vipers, Robertson collected (0-goals-4-assists-4-points).
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Ice Bears Sign Vipers Alumni Williamson:
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signed former Vernon Vipers forward/captain Jagger Williamson.
Here is the story from the Salmon Arm Observer,
Williamson played the past two seasons with the Federal Prospects Hockey League Columbus River Dragons. Williamson broke his leg in his first ever game with the River Dragons, missing the entire 2019-20 season. In 31 games last season, Williamson collected (14-goals-19-assists-33-points).
Williamson committed to Michigan Tech University for the 2019-20 season, but ended up signing a professional contract with the Federal Prospects Hockey League Columbus River Dragons for the 2019-20 season.
Williamson played five seasons in Vernon from 2014-2019. In 233 games with the Vipers, Williamson collected (54-goals-119-assists-173-points).
Williamson and former Vernon Lakers/Vernon Vipers forward Garth Gartner hold the franchise record for most games played with 233 games each. Gartner played four seasons in Vernon from 1994-1998 with the Vernon Lakers & Vernon Vipers.
The Vernon Lakers were around from 1980-1983 & 1984-1995 before changing their name to the Vernon Vipers in 1995.
BCHL Publishes Document Suggesting Improvements Hockey Canada Could Make For Junior A:
Here is the press release from the BCHL website,
BCHL produces document to modernize Canadian junior hockey system | BCHL League Site
The BC Hockey League says it's time to discuss Hockey Canada's Canadian Development Model.
Here is the story from Castanet.net,
The BCHL says Hockey Canada is biased towards Major Junior Hockey.
Here is the story from the Salmon Arm Observer,
BCHL says Hockey Canada is biased towards major junior – Salmon Arm Observer (saobserver.net)
The BCHL is publicly pushing for Hockey Canada to make changes.
Here is the story from the Vancouver Province,
BCHL publishes document suggesting Hockey Canada improvements | The Province
Tuesday, September 27, 2022
Vernon Vipers-Salmon Arm Silverbacks Highlight's:
Here are the highlight's from the Salmon Arm Silverbacks YouTube page,
Facchinelli Scores First Career BCHL Goal:
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goal at 17:49 of the 2nd period September 24th 2022 vs the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. The Silverbacks spoiled the Vipers home opener with a 4-1 victory.
Here is Julian Facchinelli's first career BCHL goal from the Vernon Vipers twitter account,
Monday, September 26, 2022
Vernon-Okotoks Trade:
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Junior Hockey League Okotoks Oilers for future considerations.
Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,
Vipers Acquire Singleton | Vernon Vipers
Bowden Singleton's Player Profile:
Bowden Singleton - Elite Prospects
NHL Scouts turn their eyes on Bowden Singleton,
UND Lands Bowden Singleton,
Vernon Vipers-Salmon Arm Silverbacks Highlight's:
Here are the highlight's from the Salmon Arm Silverbacks YouTube page,
BCHL News & Trades:
Cowichan-Victoria Trade:
Capitals acquire 19 year old forward Jackson Morehouse from Victoria | Cowichan Capitals
Peluso Commits To Bucks:
Bucks Commit to forward Nick Peluso | Cranbrook Bucks
BCHL Next Generation: Victoria Grizzlies
BCHL Next Generation: Victoria Grizzlies | BCHL League Site
Warriors Unveil Special Jerseys For Truth & Reconciliation Day:
NEWS: Warriors Announce Details For September 30th Home Opener | West Kelowna Warriors
Hockey Dreams Coming True For Penticton Product:
Hockey dreams coming true for Penticton product | Sports | pentictonherald.ca
Nanaimo Clippers Sign Wishart:
Latest addition fills the Clippers roster | Nanaimo Clippers
Powell River-Surrey Trade:
Kings deal Ethan Riesterer to Eagles | Powell River Kings Junior A Hockey Club
Salmon Arm Silverbacks Season Preview:
Silverbacks Season Preview with Brooks Christensen - YouTube
Vees Announce Continued Support With Youth Ticket Sponsor:
Prince George-Alberni Valley Trade:
Spruce Kings acquire Kai Greaves from Alberni Valley | Prince George Spruce Kings
Smoke Eaters Name Bushy Captain:
News – Smoke Eaters Announce 2022/23 Leadership Group | Trail Smoke Eaters
Grizzlies Goaltender Marching From The Q Centre To West Point:
Victoria Grizzlies Goaltender Holt Marching from The Q Centre to West Point | Victoria Grizzlies
Wild Make Roster Moves:
Wenatchee Wild makes moves before the season begins | Wenatchee Wild (wenatcheewildhockey.com)
Warriors Name Reeves Captain:
NEWS: Warriors Name Defenseman Aiden Reeves As Team Captain | West Kelowna Warriors
Sunday, September 25, 2022
Hytec Weekly Wrap Up With Jason McKee:
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Vipers forward Julian Facchinelli after Saturday's 4-1 loss to the visiting Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
Here is the interview from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,
Vernon Vipers-Salmon Arm Silverbacks Highlight's:
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giving Salmon Arm a 1-0 lead.
Here is Nathan Morin's goal from the Salmon Arm Silverbacks twitter account,
Silverbacks defenceman CJ Foley scores his first career BCHL goal at 4:37 of the 2nd period, giving Salmon Arm a 3-0 lead.
Here is CJ Foley's goal from the Salmon Arm Silverbacks twitter account,
Vipers Alumni Hammond Not Joining Florida Panthers:
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reporting to the Florida Panthers training camp. Hammond recently signed a professional tryout with the Panthers August 10th 2022.
Here is the story from floridahockeynow.com,
Hammond finished the 2021-22 season with the New Jersey Devils. Hammond spent the 2021-22 season with the American Hockey League Iowa Wild, Montreal Canadiens and the New Jersey Devils.
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. The Canadiens traded Hammond to New Jersey March 21st 2022.
Hammond spent the 2020-21 season on the Minnesota Wild's taxi squad. The Panthers would have been Hammond's tenth team since 2017. Hammond has also played for Ottawa, Colorado, Montreal, Minnesota, Buffalo & New Jersey. Prior to joining the Montreal Canadiens, Hammond hadn't 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.
Saturday, September 24, 2022
Vernon Vipers Home Opener - Salmon Arm 4 Vernon 1
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 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 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 and see things differently. 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-Silverbacks game as Salmon Arm defeated Vernon 4-1 in front of 2,118 fans at Kal Tire Place.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon Vipers: Ethan David
Salmon Arm Silverbacks: Matthew Tovell
1st Period: About a minute and a half into the opening period the Vipers come very close to opening the scoring on a goal mouth scramble at the top of the crease. Matthew Tovell had to be alert, somehow managed to keep the puck out with bodies in and around the blue paint, digging for the loose puck. Shortly after CJ Foley setup Nathan Morin who beat Ethan David giving Salmon Arm an early 1-0 lead at 3:05 CJ Foley and Maddux Martin collected the assists. This took the crowd out of the game early. About seven minutes later, Nathan Morin would be denied by Ethan David before Owen Beckner looked to bat the puck out of midair, giving Salmon Arm a 2-0 lead at 10:45 With just under seven minutes remaining, Owen Desilets ripped a shot from the high slot that beat Ethan David but not the post. Shortly after the Silverbacks would get the game's first power play. Ryan Gillespie and Nathan Morin both with quality chances but the Vipers would kill off the penalty. Just seconds after the penalty expired, the Apes would head back to the PP. Vernon would struggle with the man advantage before Owen Beckner would hit Julian Facchinelli from behind in front of the Salmon Arm bench. Facchinelli would be ok, but Owen Beckner would be given two minutes for checking from behind and a game misconuct. SA would lose their power play as both teams went to four on four. The Snakes would finish the period on the power play but generate very little offence. It was 2-0 Salmon Arm after 20 minutes of play. The Silverbacks were by far the better team as the Gorillas outskated, outworked and out chanced the Snakes for the majority of the 1st period. The S'Backs carried the better of the play, had a ton of zone time/puck possession. The Silverbacks were strong on the boards, hard to knock off the puck, hard to defend against and have a very strong work ethic. Aidan Lindblad went to the ice with a Viper player and was a little slow getting to his feet. Lindblad went straight to the Silverbacks bench but seemed to be ok and stayed in the hockey game. The Vipers didn't record a single shot in the second half of the period. Vernon had troubles getting pucks to the net, weren't skating and didn't play with any jump/energy. Vernon struggled offensively, saw a lot of action in their own end. A very disappointing period by the Vipers. Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 15-4.
2nd Period: The Vipers started the middle frame on the PP that was carried over from the opening period. Off the opening faceoff, Luke Lavery would be denied on a breakaway inside the opening minute of play. A big stop from Salmon Arm Silverbacks starting netminder Matthew Tovell. Salmon Arm would kill off the minor. Early into the period, the Backs couldn't sneak a puck at the side of the goal past Vernon Vipers starting goaltender Ethan David who almost lost his footing, had to struggled to get back to his feet and manage to stay tight against the post to keep the puck out with traffic at the side of the net. Shortly after it looked like the Silverbacks were getting an early power play but seconds into the man advantage, Salmon Arm would take a penalty, sending the play to four on four. Eight seconds later the Snakes get caught giving up an odd man rush. CJ Foley led the attack on a two on one, decided to keep and shot, beating Ethan David glove side, giving Salmon Arm an early 3-0 lead at 4:37 Owen Desilets drew the helper. This was a goal I think Ethan David wants back. 1:13 later the Vipers lose the battle along the wall, turn over the puck. William Lavigne setup Silverbacks forward/captain Nathan Mackie, giving Salmon Arm a 4-0 lead at 5:50 William Lavigne and Brandon Santa Juana collected the assists. Viper fans started getting a little restless, let their team know how they felt. On the following play, Reagan Milburn with a good look/opportunity would be denied by Matthew Tovell. Shortly after the Apes would head to the power play. The Silverbacks with a few good looks couldn't capitalize as Vernon kills off the minor. About a minute later the Snakes would get just their second man advantage of the evening. The Vipers had a look or two but that was it as SA killed off the penalty. With about seven minutes left in the 2nd period, Nathan Morin couldn't convert on a odd man rush after Ethan David made a big left pad save. Late in the period, Kurt Gurkan with a very solid shift, did all the work to setup Julian Facchinelli who deked out Matthew Tovell, cutting Salmon Arm's lead to 4-1 at 17:49 Kurt Gurkan picked up the lone assist. Inside the final minute of play, Jake Lammens beat Ethan David but hit the post. Lammens then tried to beat Ethan David at the buzzer to end the period. It was 4-1 Salmon Arm after 40 minutes of play. The S'Backs were the better of the two teams. Salmon Arm carried a lot of the play, were much quicker, outskated the Vipers, were winning the races/battles for pucks, making plays, creating/generating chances and played with a ton of jump/energy. Brandon Santa Juana blocked a shot during the period, was in some discomfort but stayed in the game. The Vipers looked a wee bit better but still didn't play or look very good. Vernon was outskated for a second straight period, were losing a lot of the puck battles and races to the puck. The Snakes were able to get more pucks to the net but didn't get a whole lot of opportunities. Shots were 10-10.
3rd Period: Vernon started the period on a very short PP that was carried over from the 2nd period. I think the Vipers had eleven seconds to play with on the man advantage. Off the puck drop, Reagan Milburn got into the offensive zone and ripped a high shot that beat Matthew Tovell, going off the crossbar as the Snakes come close to scoring early. Salmon Arm would kill off the shortened penalty. Shortly after Brandon Santa Juana thought he gave Salmon Arm a 5-1 lead early into the 3rd but the net was knocked off way earlier then the puck going in, as the goal was waived off immediately. Shortly after Barret Joynt took a high stick from Kurt Gurkan. Gurkan was given a double minor for high sticking, Joynt went to the dressing room with the trainer for some repairs but returned to the Backs bench. SA couldn't get much of anything going with the lengthy power play. I think the Silverbacks only managed two shots on goal? While a very good penalty kill from the hometown Vipers as Vernon killed off the double minor. Just before the halfway mark, Julian Facchinelli with a very good opportunity couldn't solve Matthew Tovell. On the following play, Isaac Lambert would come back the other way on an odd man rush but be denied by Ethan David. Minutes past the midway mark, Julian Facchinelli fooled the crowd after ringing a shot off the far post as most Viper fans in the building thought the puck went in. On the following play, Nathan Mackie come back the other way but couldn't beat Ethan David who made a big stop. The Vipers would finish the hockey game with back to back power plays. Vernon had a couple of looks but unable to capitalize. Inside the final minute of play, Vernon turned over the puck, allowing Salmon Arm an odd man rush back the other way. William Lavigne would beat Ethan David from the slot but not the goal post. Salmon Arm would sweep the home & home series with a 4-1 victory. With a three goal lead heading into the final frame, the Gorillas took their foot off the gas for a lot of the period. The Vipers carried a lot of the play, had their best scoring chances all in the 3rd period. Vernon seemed to get their legs going and were able to get some zone time and puck possession and create/generate some opportunities, something they didn't do much of in the two previous periods. The Silverbacks were ahead by three goals, sitting back on a decent lead. The Apes weren't pressing or gunning for more goals, were playing a more cautious/defensive style of game in the final period. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 9-6.
Vernon Vipers Top Player's:
Julian Facchinelli (1 goal) Scored the Vipers lone goal, was one of the better players in the loss. I thought really stood out in the 3rd period with a handful of looks/opportunities.
Kurt Gurkan (1 assist) Not the biggest kid but was one of the more consistent Vipers tonight. I thought played hard, competed, battled and never gave up. It was Gurkan's shift/hard work that started/created Vernon's only goal of the game.
Game Thought's: Vernon Vipers
- A very disappointing performance from the Vipers
- The Vipers didn't show up and looked dreadful for most of the hockey game
- A large crowd on hand for the Vipers home opener
- Vernon showed very little emotion, didn't play with any jump or energy through out the game
- The Snakes were outskated, outworked, outplayed, outcoached, out skilled and outshot
- The Vipers are lacking scoring and it's showed during the preseason and now into the regular season
- A handful of Vernon Junior hockey alumni were on hand for tonight's home opener
- The Vipers didn't look good defensively
- Jason McKee and the coaching staff have to be blamed for not having these kids/team ready to go. Tonight, was ugly and very disappointing
- Ethan David looked off tonight and didn't have a lot of confidence
- Isn't Roan Clarke the #1 goaltender? Why wasn't he playing tonight?
- The Vipers are 0-4 vs Salmon Arm this season (preseason/regular season)
- This was a completely different Viper team I saw play tonight over the Viper team I watched in Salmon Arm last night
- Great to see the Vernon Junior hockey alumni more involved with the team and a group of them at tonight's home opener
- Watching the Vipers tonight, reminded me a lot of the Vipers team from last year
- There wasn't much to cheer about tonight, the Vipers looked pretty bad
- A lot of upset and disappointed Viper fans leaving the game tonight
- The Vipers were wearing their navy blue road jerseys tonight
- Jason McKee was completely outcoached tonight
- The Vipers took way too many penalties
- With the loss, Vernon falls to 0-2-0-0
- The Vipers play back to back games in Prince George next weekend
Top Player's: Salmon Arm Silverbacks
CJ Foley (1 goal & 1 assist) Played very well in both games vs the Vipers this weekend. This kid can skate, sees the ice and plays well at both ends of the rink. A very good defender.
Nathan Morin (1 goal & 1 assist) Opened the scoring tonight, picked up two points, I thought was one of the better Silverbacks. Had some looks/chances, played very well at both ends of the rink.
Aidan Lindblad I thought battled and competed, played hard, went to the grey areas and didn't stop skating. Finished his checks, was hard to play against.
Isaac Lambert Was another forward who played well in the home & home series. Competed and played very well in the win this evening.
Jake Lammens Was solid on the Silverbacks blueline. Played well at both ends of the rink, joined the rush occasionally, had a few looks as well. Played well in both games vs the Snakes this weekend.
Matthew Tovell (22 saves) Wasn't tested much but made the saves when called upon. Played well between the pipes this weekend.
Game Thought's: Salmon Arm Silverbacks
- The Silverbacks were by far the better team
- Salmon Arm is very quick, has some skill and very well rounded team
- These two teams will meet again, October 7th in Vernon
- I spotted about fifteen-twenty Silverbacks fans in attendance tonight
- The Silverbacks outskated Vernon all night, won most of the races/puck battles
- The Apes have a very strong work ethic and compete level
- The Silverbacks were hard to defend against
- Salmon Arm took advantage of Vernon's mistakes
- Salmon Arm's recruits/committed players were much better then Vernon's recruits/committed players
- The Gorillas play three of their next five games on the road
- With a three goal lead heading into the 3rd period, SA took their foot off the gas
- Salmon Arm & Vernon meet seven times this season
- With the win, Salmon Arm improves to 2-0-0-0
- The Silverbacks host Penticton & Wenatchee next weekend
Scratches:
Vernon Vipers:
Revy Mack
Will Blackburn
Will Blackburn
Anthony Cliche
Salmon Arm Silverbacks:
Nic Leggett
Mathieu Bourgault
Lian Gayfer
Hayden Stavroff
Jayden Grier
Energy Player of the Game:
Ethan Merner
Three Star's:
1st Star: CJ Foley (1 goal & 1 assist)
2nd Star: Nathan Morin (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Julian Faccjinelli (1 goal)
Boxscore-Game Summary,
Game Report,
Text Box Score,
Vernon Junior Hockey History website,
Please feel free to leave comments or suggestions in the comment box below. Please be respectful when leaving comments.
Here are some photo's I took before and during tonight's Vipers-Silverbacks game.
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