Vernon 6 Salmon Arm 5

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 thoughts 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 Vernon defeated Salmon Arm 6-5 in front of 1,587 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon Vipers: Roan Clarke

Salmon Arm Silverbacks: Carter Richardson

1st Period: The Silverbacks would get an early opportunity just less than two minutes into the hockey game. Isaac Lambert would be denied by a left pad save from Roan Clarke. Clarke was then caught out of position as the Backs couldn't capitalize with an open cage on a scramble in and around the Vipers goal. On the following play, Luke Lavery's shot from the circle handcuffed Carter Richardson who had some troubles making the save. Four minutes into the period the Snakes spotted Bowden Singleton making his Vipers home debut in front of the goal, would be stopped at the top of the crease after a big stop from backup goaltender Carter Richardson. About a minute later, Maddux Martin would be denied at the other end of the rink, after Roan Clarke come up with a big stop of his own. Back to back opportunities at both ends of the rink. Shortly after, Isaac Lambert beat Roan Clarke with a backhand, giving the visiting Salmon Arm Silverbacks an early 1-0 lead at 7:26 Owen Beckner collected the helper. Shortly after the fire alarm went off inside Kal Tire Place and rang for a good four or five minutes while the game continued, until the alarm was eventually turned off. Connor Welsh took a huge hit along the wall, was in some discomfort on his way to the bench, was attended to by the Silverbacks trainer but stayed in the hockey game. Minutes past the halfway mark, Vernon would get the game's first power play. Recently acquired Lee Parks making his Vipers debut setup Luke Pakulak in front, tying the game 1-1 at 14:05 Lee Parks and Ludovik Tardif with the assists. Five minutes later, the Snakes would get a late PP to finish the opening frame. The Vipers were unable to capitalize before the buzzer. It was 1-1 after 20 minutes of play. The Apes opened the scoring, but I thought Vernon had an edge in play and had more opportunities. The Vipers were ready to go from the opening faceoff, played with a lot of jump/energy, were physical and laying the body, played well and held their own vs a very good Salmon Arm team. The Gorillas had some looks but didn't look as sharp as the Snakes. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 13-12.

2nd Period: The Snakes started the middle frame with the man advantage, that was carried over from the 1st period. Vernon had some pressure down low but couldn't capitalize as SA killed off the remainder of the penalty. Just as the penalty expired, the Backs caught the Snakes napping. Ethan Ullrick missed the net on a three on one on a missed opportunity. Shortly after the Vipers would get an early power play. Early into the man advantage, Hank Cleaves would be denied at the side of the net on very good chance in close. Still on the man advantage, Luke Lavery gave Vernon an early 2-1 lead at 2:24 Griffen Barr and Seiya Tanaka-Campbell picked up the assists. Four minutes later, while four on four, William Lavigne beat Vernon Vipers starting goaltender Roan Clarke but not the post as the Silverbacks come very close to tying the game. Shortly after the Vipers sprung Reagan Milburn in for the breakaway, but Carter Richardson turned Milburn away with a sprawled out pad save. Shortly after, Kurt Gurkan on a harmless looking shot, beat Salmon Arm Silverbacks starting goaltender Carter Richardson from the circle, giving Vernon a 3-1 lead at 8:46 Ayden Third & Max Borovinskiy drew the helpers. About a minute and a half later, David Brandes shot found the back of the net, giving Vernon a commanding 4-1 lead at 10:28 Kurt Gurkan and Hank Cleaves collected the assists. Two quick back to back goals really got the crowd into the hockey game. 1:22 later three Vipers chased a Salmon Arm forward into the wall, which allowed Ethan Ullrick to setup a wide open Isaac Lambert who would be stopped by Roan Clarke before Owen Beckner buried the rebound, cutting Vernon's lead to 4-2 at 11:50 This was a big goal for the S'Backs who gained some life and momentum. Three and a half minutes later SA would get their first power play of the evening. The Silverbacks would capitalize after Isaac Lambert cut Vernon's lead to 4-3 at 17:50 William Lavigne and Ethan Ullrick picked up the helpers. The Snakes would get a strong shift to finish the period and in the final ten or so seconds come very close to regaining their two goal lead but Carter Richardson made a big stop in front. It was 4-3 Vernon after 40 minutes of play. The Vipers with a heck of a start, looked very good in the first half. The Snakes played with a lot of jump, were skating, making plays and the most important, scoring some goals. Vernon would pump in three goals in the first ten minutes, to take a 4-1 lead. The Vipers were the better team in the first ten minutes, before giving up a goal on a poor defensive play, allowing Salmon Arm back in the hockey game and giving the Apes some life and momentum. SA seemed to build off this turning point and come on strong in the second half. Salmon Arm carried a lot of the play, were the better team in the second half of the period. The Silverbacks clawed back to get within a goal. Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 16-11.

3rd Period: Just forty eight seconds into the final frame, the Snakes would get an early PP. Reagan Milburn took control of the puck and scored a highlight reel goal, driving to the front of the net, deking out Carter Richardson, giving Vernon an early 5-3 lead at 1:11 Milburn's goal was unassisted. About four minutes later, Max Borovinskiy deked out Carter Richardson going to the net, but somehow couldn't slide the puck across the goal line as the Backs catch a huge break and the score remains 5-3 Vernon. Three minutes later, Dylan Compton turns over the puck, Hayden Stavroff's shot misses the net, goes off the end glass and looks to go in and off the back of Vipers netminder Roan Clarke, cutting Vernon's lead to 5-4 at 8:04 Stavroff's goal was unassisted. The Vipers went straight to the officials looking for a high stick on the play/goal, but the goal stood. About two minutes later, Ryan Gillespie couldn't find the back of the net on a scramble in front of the Viper crease. On the following play, Ayden Third's seeing eye shot managed to find its way through traffic and into the back of the net, giving Vernon a 6-4 lead at 10:41 Anthony Cliche and Luke Pakulak collected the assists. Shortly after Ethan Ullrick with a quality look/opportunity would be stoned by Roan Clarke, making one of his bigger saves of the contest. A few shifts later, the Silverbacks would get just their third PP of the hockey game. Salmon Arm had some good looks and chances, come close but couldn't capitalize. Vernon managed to kill off the minor. SA would call a late timeout and get Carter Richardson to the bench with three minutes remaining. Brandon Santa Juana spotted Nathan Mackie in front, cuttung Vernon's lead to 6-5 at 17:23 Brandon Santa Juana and Owen Beckner picked up the helpers. The Gorillas would send Carter Richardson back to the bench for the extra attacker and get several looks in and around the goal. Lee Parks looked to have a look at the open cage but unable to get a shot off towards the goal after a strong defensive play from a Silverbacks defender. Reagan Milburn looked to put the game away with an empty netter but hit the post from the circle, keeping Salmon Arm in the contest. With time winding down, the S'Backs had two looks and one real good opportunity in front inside twenty seconds before Vernon was able to clear the zone and hang on for the 6-5 win. The Viper bench poured onto the ice collecting just their second win of the season. This was a very entertaining and exciting period with both teams evenly matched for a lot of the period. A very tight checking game with both teams exchanging goals, going back and forth. The Snakes needed every goal they got just to hang on for the win. While the Backs never quit, kept battling all 3rd pushing for the equalizer. With the goaltender pulled, the final three minutes was a nail biter. SA had lots of pressure late and some very good looks, couldn't force overtime. Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 12-5.

- Attention Vernon Vipers - Can you please turn down the music, especially during warmup and intermissions. I enjoy loud music but tonight was over the top. The music was so loud you can't have a conversation or hear the person talk sitting next to you. Can someone also please tell the PA announcer to stop yelling/screaming into the mic. With the volume cranked up and screaming into the mic, makes you sound muffled and hard to understand and very irritating. 

Vernon Vipers Top Player's:

David Brandes (1 goal) I thought played well, joined the rush and played well at both ends of the rink. I think with some confidence, experience and getting some games under his belt, playing in a new league he will be a very good d-man.

Ludovik Tardif Didn't record a single point but played very well. Played with a lot of jump/energy, was hard to contain and defend against at times. I thought he made a lot of plays happen well behind the play, that got the play rolling.

Kurt Gurkan (1 goal & 1 assist) Was another energy player that played very well for the Vipers. 

Reagan Milburn (1 goal) Scored a power play goal, early into the 3rd period, was denied on a 2nd period breakaway and hit the post on an empty net late in the 3rd. Milburn's veteran presence and skill really showed tonight.

Hank Cleaves (1 assist) I thought played very well. I liked this kid's game and thought he was engaged and involved in the play.

Lee Parks (1 assist) Made his Vipers debut tonight after being added to the team roster earlier this week. Parks looked very good and very promising. I really liked his work ethic, his skill, has some decent size and knows and plays the game. Sees the ice well and makes things happen. One of the more consistent forwards in the win tonight.

Luke Pakulak (1 goal & 1 assist) Scored Vernon's first goal of the night and assisted on the Vipers final goal of the evening. Really used his size, body and strength to find and create some open ice, was going to the net and making plays. When Luke stays out of the penalty box, he carrys this team on his back. It seems like when Luke is having a strong game, the rest of the group follows. This kid should be captain!

Roan Clarke (31 saves) The Viper netminder may have given up five goals but he's also facing a very skilled and strong Salmon Arm Silverbacks team. Clarke made some big stops throughout the game.

Game Thought's: Vernon Vipers

- I really like the Snakes start and 1st period

- The Vipers played with a lot of jump/energy, were physical, finished checks, and played very well for most of tonight's game

- Vernon had troubles breaking out of their own end and were turning pucks over coming through the neutral zone

- I thought other then the final ten minutes of the 2nd period, the Vipers played very well, held their own vs Salmon Arm and played much much better compared to the home opener September 24th

- Tonight's attendance was announced at 1,587

- The Vipers made some mistakes but overall tonight was a big step and a much needed win early in the season to help this team grow, mature, gain confidence, know they can beat teams ahead of them in the standings and hold their own at times vs a team like Salmon Arm

- The Vipers have won back to back games

- Tonight is the first game of a four game home stand

- The Snakes host the Victoria Grizzlies on Saturday

- After getting into penalty trouble in the first four regular season games, Vernon played a much more disciplined game tonight

- The Viper power play, was clicking going 3-6 with the man advantage

- Prior to tonight (preseason & regular season) Salmon Arm was 4-0 vs the Vipers this season

- The Vipers started the season 0-3 

- The Vipers have struggled offensively, have now scored eleven goals in their last two games

- The last time these two teams met, Salmon Arm won 4-1 September 24th

- I would have to say tonight was the Vipers best effort and performance of the season

- With the win, Vernon improves to 2-3-0-0 and sit 8th in the Interior Division

- Listening to the post game show on my way home after tonight's game, I really enjoyed Jason Podollan on the Viper broadcast

- I'm not a fan of this year's schedule. The Vipers have played five games and only played two teams (Prince George & Salmon Arm) Prince George is in Vernon next Friday

- The Snakes play five of their next seven games at home

Salmon Arm Silverbacks Top Player's:

William Lavigne (1 assist) Not the biggest kid but had a few looks and made some plays happen. Hit the goal post while four on four in the second period.

Owen Beckner (1 goal & 2 assists) Played and looked very good recording three points in the loss. A big body that was always in and around the net.

Ethan Ullrick (2 assists) Always seems to play well vs the Vipers. One of the better forwards for Salmon Arm. This kid is hard to contain and defend against. Really sees and reads the ice well, knows where his mates are and very skilled. Had several opportunities this evening.

Isaac Lambert (2 goals & 1 assist) Was the Silverbacks best player. This kid was all over the ice, another forward who gave Vernon's defenders all kinds of troubles. Hard to defend, contain and stop. 

Jake Lammens Played well on the blueline.

Game Thought's: Salmon Arm Silverbacks

- I didn't think the Silverbacks played their best game or had their best performance tonight

- Salmon Arm fell behind 4-1 midway through the 2nd period but didn't quit or pack it in. The Backs kept battling and got to within a goal several times but couldn't tie the game

- A good turnout of Silverbacks fans made the trip up for tonight's game and made a lot of noise

- Including the preseason, Salmon Arm is 4-1 vs Vernon this year

- Tonight's the first game of a three game road trip

- The Silverbacks have played two road games, both games have been played in Vernon

- With the loss, Salmon Arm falls to 3-2-0-0 and sit 5th in the Interior Division

- A big pat on the back to the Silverbacks marketing crew who went back to the team's original jerseys last season. I really like the purple and silver over the black/silver Los Angeles Kings look alike jerseys

- SA took way too many penalties and some costly ones. Vernon went 3-6 on the power play

- Carter Richardson from Salmon Arm, BC made his Silverbacks/BCHL debut tonight, looked a little shaky early and was fighting the puck. The youngster didn't look very confident between the pipes did manage to come away with a few big stops throughout the hockey game

- Specialty teams were a factor after Salmon Arm went 0-4 with the man advantage, while Vernon went 3-6

- After opening the scoring, Salmon Arm was forced to play catch up and had to play from behind the remainder of the game

- The Backs were missing some key veteran players tonight (Owen Desilets, Mathieu Bourgault & Aidan Lindblad)

- The Apes have a very good skilled team, just didn't play a full sixty minutes tonight

- The Silverbacks pushed towards the end of the 3rd, had some good looks/chances but couldn't get the equalizer 

- The Silverbacks next game is Saturday in Penticton

- These two teams play seven times this season, will meet again December 9th in Vernon

- Both teams made mistakes but overall, this was a very entertaining and exciting hockey game

Scratches:

Vernon Vipers:

Dane Weston

Julian Facchinelli (Injured)

Revy Mack (Injured)

Will Blackburn (Injured)

Salmon Arm Silverbacks:

Owen Desilets

Mathieu Bourgault

Barret Joynt

Lian Gayfer

Aidan Lindblad

Energy Player of the Game:

Reagan Milburn (1 goal)

Three Star's:

1st Star: Luke Pakulak (1 goal & 1 assist)

2nd Star: Isaac Lambert (2 goals & 1 assist)

3rd Star: Ayden Third (1 goal & 1 assist)

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Salmon Arm Silverbacks @ Vernon Vipers Friday, October 07, 2022 | BCHL League Site

Game Report,

Game Report (hockeytech.com)

Text Box Score,

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

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-Silverbacks game.