Exhibition - Vernon 2 Penticton 1 Shootout

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-Vees game as Vernon defeated Penticton 2-1 in a shootout in front of 1,800 fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre. 

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon Vipers: Ethan David
Penticton Vees: Luca Di Pasquo

1st Period: The Vipers started the hockey game on the power play after Aydar Suniev was given a two minute minor for delay of game (Didn't get off the ice before the buzzer to end warm-up). The Snakes struggled with the man advantage and the Vees penalty kill took advantage. About a minute into the PK Spencer Smith would get a quality look/opportunity but denied by Ethan David. Shortly after Bradly Nadeau with a shorthanded chance, couldn't beat Ethan David. On the same shift Callum Arnott beat Ethan David but not the post as the Vees come very close to opening the scoring shorthanded. On the same play, Bradly Nadeau couldn't solve Ethan David for a second time. Ethan David had to be alert, was forced to make three big saves and got some luck with a shot that beat him but went off the iron. Vernon had trouble's getting through the neutral zone with the PP, didn't record a shot on goal, while the hometown Penticton Vees had more control with the puck while a man down. The Vipers needed close to four minutes to record their first shot of the hockey game. About five and a half minutes in, Brett Moravec with a good look/opportunity would be denied in the slot. About six and a half minutes into the opening frame, Revy Mack would get Vernon's first scoring chance of the game, ripped a shot from the top of the circle, but Luca Di Pasquo come out to challenge, smothered the puck in his chest, stopping play. On the next shift or so the Vees would get their first PP of the evening. The Vees had a few looks but took a penalty, sending both teams to four on four. Vernon would get a late but shortened power play that didn't lead to much. Around the halfway mark, shots were 8-3. With about seven and a half minutes remaining in the 1st period, Max Borovinskiy setup Brock Krulicki on a two on one rush, but Krulicki would be stopped at the top of the crease after Luca Di Pasquo come up with a large pad save, keeping this a scoreless game. With about five minutes left in the period, Dovar Tinling with his second opportunity of the contest would be stopped by Ethan David. It was 0-0 after 20 minutes of play. It was all Vees in the first half, as Penticton was the better team, carried the better of the play, saw a lot of time in the offensive zone and had more control of the play/puck. Penticton had at least four very good chances while shorthanded at the start of the game, couldn't capitalize. The Vees veteran players stood out and Penticton's skill was a big difference, giving the Vipers defenders all kinds of trouble. The Snakes struggled to get anything going from the drop of the puck, saw a lot of time in their own end or chasing the puck. With about seven or eight minutes left in the period, Vernon slowly started to gain some traction and played much better to finish the period. Ethan David was very good and kept the Vipers in the hockey game early. Penticton outshot Vernon 13-6.

2nd Period: Inside the opening minute, the hometown Vees would get an early power play. The Snakes with a very good penalty kill, managed to hold off the Vees PP and kill off the minor. Shortly after Isaac Tremblay setup Luke Pakulak on an odd man rush, but Penticton Vees starting netminder Luca Di Pasquo come across the crease to make a big stop. Shortly after Vernon would get an early PP after the Vees would get caught with too many men. Thirty six seconds into the man advantage, Penticton would go down two bodies after taking a second penalty, giving the visiting Vernon Vipers a lengthy two man advantage. Reagan Milburn making his preseason debut setup Griffen Barr who beat Luca Di Pasquo giving Vernon a 1-0 lead at 6:10 Reagan Milburn and Seiya Tanaka-Campbell drew the assists. With the Snakes still on the PP, the Vees would take a third straight penalty, sending Vernon back to the five on three as the Vees fans were getting a little restless with the officials, letting them know what they thought about the back to back to back penalties. Penticton would manage to kill off one minor before getting caught with too many men for a second time this period. The Vipers went back on another two man advantage. Jason McKee and the Snakes called a timeout. The Vees with a very strong PK managed to escape killing off both penalties, getting back to five on five. The Vipers missed a great opportunity to build off a 1-0 lead but couldn't convert with the power play. Around the midway mark, Austin Rampone setup Brett Moravec in front but Vernon Vipers starting goaltender Ethan David stood tall, making a big stop at the top of the crease. This was just the second shot of the frame for Penticton. Towards the end of the period, the Vees would get a power play but didn't generate a whole lot as Vernon's PK was good, killing off the minor. With about two and a half minutes remaining, Luca Di Pasquo was forced to make a tough save off a scramble in front of the net. With less then two minutes remaining Ethan Mann fell into Ethan David as the Vernon goaltender wasn't happy, gave Ethan Mann a jab with his goal stick as the crowd reacted. Both players would be given minors, sending the play to four on four to finish the period. It was 1-0 Vernon after 40 minutes of play. The Vipers with a much better period, were the better of the two teams. Vernon played a lot of the first half on the power play, but only mustered one goal with the man advantage. The Snakes had more puck control, more zone time and more shots on goal and the better of the chances. The Vipers had their legs going and looked very good. Penticton got into penalty trouble, but managed to hold off the Vipers PP with a good PK. The Vees had troubles getting anything going, weren't the same team I saw in the 1st period. The Vees went a lengthy period of time without a single shot on goal. Luca Di Pasquo was very good in goal for Penticton, making 15 saves. Vernon outshot Penticton 16-6.

3rd Period: The Vees would get an early PP and capitalize. The Vipers couldn't clear the zone, allowing Bradly Nadeau setting up Aydar Suniev in the high slot, who ripped a shot past Ethan David, tying the game 1-1 at 5:02 Bradly Nadeau & Spencer Smith collected the helpers. On the following shift/play, Mason Poolman's shot from the blueline would be stopped by Ethan David, that drew a big crowd in the crease with bodies pushing and shoving, scrambling for the puck. On the following play, Kurt Gurkan's shot from the goal line, handcuffed Luca Di Pasquo before Hank Cleaves tried beating Luca Di Pasquo on the wrap around. Shortly after Dovar Tinling would be robbed at the side of the goal, after Ethan David was forced to come across the blue paint, making a large save, keeping this game tied. The Vees would gain a little momentum and take over the edge in play for the following four or five minutes, getting some good looks/chances. Just past the halfway mark, the Vipers sprung Reagan Milburn for the breakaway but the veteran forward couldn't get the puck up and over a sprawling Luca Di Pasquo. The Vees would get a few flurries/opportunities towards the end of the period. Late in the period, Reagan Milburn took an undisciplined boarding minor with less then two minutes remaining. Penticton poured on the pressure, had some good looks but Vernon managed to get a few timely saves from Ethan David. It was 1-1 after 60 minutes of play. The Vees had more of the edge in play at times and more puck control but didn't dominate by no means. Penticton was firing almost everything towards the goal, while Vernon was looking to try and make the pretty pass or play. The Vees did play much better and looked good at different times through out the period. Penticton created/generated some quality chances. The Snakes had trouble with Penticton's skilled forwards and speed. Vernon did manage to hold their own at times and generate some chances of their own. The Vipers had troubles getting pucks to the net. Penticton outshot Vernon 19-4.

Overtime: The Vees started overtime with the power play, that carried over from the end of the 3rd period. With only twenty one seconds left with the man advantage, Penticton moved the puck around, but Vernon would kill off the remainder of the penalty. With about two and a half minutes remaining in the extra frame, Brett Moravec with a great opportunity to put the game away, would be denied by Ethan David. With 1:19 left in the hockey game, Anthony Cliche would get called for tripping, sending the Penticton Vees to a late power play and a chance to put the game away. Penticton's PP unit was firing everything towards the goal. Ayden Third blocked a shot and went down in some obvious pain, immediately went to the Viper bench holding his arm. In the final seconds, the Vees worked the puck around to Dovar Tinling who would be robbed at the buzzer at the side of the net. Ethan David managed to come across the crease to make the save right at the buzzer. It would have been close but I'm not sure the puck would have crossed the goal line in time to beat the buzzer, but it would have been very very close. It was 1-1 after 65 minutes of play. The Vees started overtime with the PP and ended overtime with the PP. Penticton had the better of the play, due to having two power play's. The Vees with two very good opportunities, couldn't solve Ethan David. The Vipers PK was good as Vernon escaped overtime. Penticton outshot Vernon 3-0.

Shootout:

Vernon Vipers Shooters:

Max Borovinskiy - scored
Luke Pakulak - no goal
Isaac Tremblay - no goal

Penticton Vees Shooters:

Aydar Suniev - no goal
Hiroki Gojsic - no goal
Bradly Nadeau - no goal

Vernon wins 2-1 in Shootout

Vernon Vipers Top Player's:

David Brandes I thought played very well on the Snakes backend. Not the biggest kid but can skate, move the puck and generate some open ice. Was one of Vernon's better defencemen tonight.

Anthony Cliche I thought was another d-man that played very well in the victory. Saw a lot of minutes. Cliche was signed in early January of last season and played well for the Vipers for the remainder of the 2021-22 season. 

Isaac Tremblay Played well at different times through out the contest. 

Luke Pakulak has impressed me in his two exhibition games so far this season. Has been physical, laying the body, plays with an edge and lots of jump/energy. Played a hard nosed game tonight, with a few big checks and a couple of opportunities.

Kurt Gurkan I thought was Vernon's best forward. This kid never stopped skating, competed, worked hard every shift, won some races/battles for pucks, opened up some ice, created/generated some plays in the offensive zone. I really liked this kid's game this evening.

Ethan David (40 saves) Returning for a second season, bounced back after allowing six goals in the Vipers preseason opener last Sunday in a 6-3 loss in Salmon Arm. Great to see a young goaltender brush off a 6-3 loss and come back with a 40 save performance in his next start and in Penticton of all cities. David made some big stops through out the hockey game and was called upon to bail the Snakes out on a few occasions. After stopping Bradly Nadeau on the final shot in the shootout, David pumped his fists and skated straight towards the Viper bench to celebrate the win with his team mates. 

Game Thought's: Vernon Vipers

- This was a very exciting and entertaining preseason game

- The Vipers were outplayed the first half of the opening period but gained some momentum and played much better in the second half.

- Vernon looked good and was the better team in the 2nd period, had four power play's and carried the better of the play. 

- The Vipers were outshot badly in the 3rd but held their own at times. Ethan David with some big stops in the 3rd period, gave the Snakes a chance to force overtime

- The Vipers PK was good in overtime

- Vernon struggled with the man advantage, going 1-6 on the power play

- Ethan David was solid between the pipes, making 40 saves in the victory

- I saw only five Viper fans in attendance

- The Snakes dressed all 11 players returning from last season

- After starting the preseason 0-2 this has to be a big win and confidence booster, even if it's only preseason hockey

- Vernon had trouble defending the Vees veteran/skilled forwards

- The Vees went with their lineup you will see opening night, while the Vipers still have a few players to cut

- The Vipers had troubles getting pucks to the net

- The Vipers have been outscored 11-7 in three preseason games

- Reagan Milburn and Seiya Tanaka-Campbell made their preseason debuts

- Former Vernon Vipers defenceman/captain Lennie Rampone's nephew Austin Rampone made his Penticton Vees debut tonight

- One of Vernon's biggest problems early into the preseason, they don't have any scoring/goal scorers

- Head Coach/GM Jason McKee and new Assistant Coach Lukas Lomicky were behind the Vipers bench

- With the win, Vernon improves to 1-2 in the preseason

- The Snakes have three exhibition games remaining (West Kelowna twice and Penticton)

- The Vipers finish their two game road trip Saturday in West Kelowna

Penticton Vees Top Player's: 

Dovar Tinling Was one of the Penticton Vees more skilled/dangerous forwards. This kid had at least three or four real quality chances in the shootout loss. Not the biggest kid but he gave the Viper defenders all kinds of trouble this evening. Vees fans will enjoy watching this kid this season.

Aydar Suniev (1 goal) Played well, had some looks/chances through out the hockey game. Another skilled forward that's hard to defend against and contain.

Brett Moravec Looked good/had some quality opportunities tonight. Gave the Snakes trouble in and around the goal.

Bradly Nadeau (1 assist) This kid had three very good chances shorthanded on a Viper power play to start the hockey game. Another forward that's skilled, dangerous with the puck and hard to defend against. 

Luca Di Pasquo (25 saves) Wasn't nearly as busy as Vernon's Ethan David but was still called upon to make some saves through out the game. Saw his most action in the middle frame when the Snakes fired sixteen shots on goal. Not a very big goaltender but doesn't give up any real rebounds or second opportunities.

Game Thought's: Penticton Vees

- Tonight was the Vees first of three preseason games

- The Vees looked very strong and dangerous in the opening period

- Penticton allowed the Vipers back in the game in the second half of the 1st period and couldn't recover until the 3rd period

- The Vees PK was very good, created/generated three or four real good chances on a Vernon PP to start the contest

- The Vees went 1-6 with the man advantage

- Penticton had two very good opportunities to put the game away in overtime

- With a new logo/jerseys the Vees wore last season's alternate jerseys for tonight's game

- A large crowd of 1,800 was announced at tonight's game

- Give Vees fans a huge pat on the back! 1,800 for a preseason game is amazing and goes to show you how well the Vees promote and market the hockey team. This puts the Vipers 340 fans at Tuesday's game to shame!

- All kids 18 and under get into Vees games for free all season/playoffs. 90% of them spend the entire game walking/running around the concourse, talking/texting, taking selfies or chasing other young boys/girls

- The Vees and Vipers will play once more in the preseason, September 16th in Vernon

- The Vees have two exhibition games left (Chilliwack & Vernon)

- Penticton has 14 players returning from last season's Championship team

- The South Okanagan Events Centre makes a great burger/fries combo

- The Vees are once again loaded with skill/talent and speed

- Tonight was the Vees first preseason game, but watching them it looked like this team has played ten games. Crisp tape to tape passes, a very good transition game, specialty teams looked good, overall I was impressed with the Vees from what I saw tonight

- Judging by the Vees roster on the league website, it looks as if the Vees have their 2022-23 regular season roster ready to go

- One of the nicest arena's in the league and a great place to watch a hockey game

- The Vipers had 340 fans at Tuesday's home game, while the Vees announced 1,800 fans tonight

- The Vees have a much more veteran/skilled team compared to Vernon

- Most of the advertising around the rink boards has been removed, other then behind the one goal. No Vees logo or any advertising on the ice

- The Vees have added more display cases to the BC Hockey Hall of Fame and is well worth the visit to check out while attending your next Vees game

- With the loss, Penticton falls to 0-0-0-1

- The Vees & Vipers will meet five times this regular season

Vernon Vipers Roster/Lineup:

Goaltenders:

Roan Clarke 03
Ethan David 03

Defence:

Ayden Third 02
Griffen Barr 02
David Brandes 04
Dane Weston 03
Luke Ashton 05
Anthony Cliche 03

Forwards:

Reagan Milburn 03
Hank Cleaves 03
Julian Facchinelli 04
Seiya Tanaka-Campbell 03
Isaac Tremblay 04
Luke Pakulak 03
Luke Lavery 04
Max Borovinskiy 04
Brock Krulicki 02
Max Seguin 04
Kurt Gurkan 04
Revy Mack 02

Scratches:

Will Blackburn 03
Ethan Merner 06
Ludovik Tardif 04
Connor Chalmers 03
Justin Chaput 03
Dylan Compton 05

Penticton Vees Roster/Lineup:

Goaltenders:

Luca Di Pasquo 03
Hank Levy 02

Defence: 

Ryan Hopkins 04
Mason Poolman 02
Frank Djurasevic 02
Josh Niedermayer 04
Owen Simpson 03
Gabriel Guilbault 06

Forwards:

Billy Nocross 03
Ethan Mann 03
Austin Rampone 05
Aydar Suniev 04
Dovar Tinling 03
Jackson Nieuwendyk 02
Brett Moravec 03
Callum Arnott 04
Bradly Nadeau 05
Thomas Pichette 03
Hiroki Gojsic 06
Spencer Smith 02

Scratches:

Ben Brunette 02
Beanie Richter 04
Josh Nadeau 03
Derek Sparks 05

Three Star's:

1st Star: Luca Di Pasquo (25 saves)
2nd Star: Ethan David (40 saves)
3rd Star: Aydar Suniev (1 goal)

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Vernon Vipers @ Penticton Vees Friday, September 09, 2022 | BCHL League Site

Game Report,

Game Report (hockeytech.com)

Text Box Score,

Official statistics powered by LeagueStat.com (hockeytech.com)

Here is the game recap from the Penticton Vees website,

Game Recap: Vees drop Exhibition opener to Vernon in the shootout | Penticton Vees

Vernon Junior Hockey History website,

Home Bench (vernonjrahockey.ca)

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Here are some photo's I took before and during tonight's Vipers-Vees game.