vipersdiehardfan blog: 1st Round - Game 2 Vernon 5 West Kelowna 4

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 started and created this blog in November 2008 and have over 2.3 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 Vernon Vipers-West Kelowna Warriors Game 2 of the 1st Round of the playoffs as Vernon defeated West Kelowna 5-4 in front of 1,072 fans at Royal Le Page Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon Vipers: Ethan David

West Kelowna Warriors: Cayden Hamming

1st Period: Just thirty one seconds into the hockey game, the Warriors would get the games first power play. Early into the man advantage, Isaiah Norlin's point shot would be stopped by Ethan David on a difficult save with traffic in front. This was the only shot the Tribe would muster before taking a penalty of their own late in the PP. Both teams play a short period of four on four before the Vipers would get a lengthy two man advantage. Off the faceoff, Lee Parks thought he scored but the officials called no goal as Cayden Hamming made a huge goal line save early into the two man advantage. Other then Lee Parks opportunity, the Snakes had some looks but no real grade "A" opportunities. Cayden Hamming made a couple of good stops and West Kelowna's PK was very good as Vernon would register seven shots but unable to capitalize as the Warriors kill off both penalties. Shots were 7-1 Vipers at this point just minutes into the 1st period. Within the next shift or two, Thomas Tien gave Vernon an early 1-0 lead at 4:48 Julian Facchinelli & Connor Elliott drew the assists. Just before the halfway mark, Landen Hilditch's quick shot from well out, forced Ethan David into making a quick pad save, on just West Kelowna's second shot of Game 2. About two minutes later, in and around the midway mark, Thomas Tien tried beating Cayden Hamming at the side of the net, but the Tribe's goaltender stayed with the play, making a big stop from in close. Just past the halfway mark, the Snakes went to their third power play of the evening. The Vipers didn't generate much with the man advantage as WK killed off the minor. Towards the end of the period, Vernon would head back to the power play and capitalize. Connor Welsh put Vernon ahead 2-0 at 17:44 Reagan Milburn and Isaac Tremblay picking up the assists. Fifteen seconds later, Thomas Tien with his second goal of the evening, gave Vernon a 3-0 lead at 17:59 Anthony Cliche and Julian Facchinelli collected the assists. Inside the final minute of play, Anthony Cliche would be called for checking from behind and given a game misconduct, giving the Tribe a late PP to end the opening period. With good pressure and time winding down, Brennan Nelson was able to find the back of the net at 19:54 cutting Vernon's lead to 3-1. Michael Salandra & Christopher DuClair picking up the assists. It was 3-1 Vernon after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers with a very good road period, played very well and were the better of the two teams. Vernon carried the better of the play, had more puck possession, zone time and power play's. The Vipers looked engaged and showed lots of jump/energy in their game. Unlike last night, the Snakes were getting more pucks to the net and generated some chances. The Warriors got into penalty trouble, taking four minors, gave up one PP goal but otherwise the PK looked good. West Kelowna had troubles gaining any kind of traction, getting into the offensive zone, & pucks to the net. The Tribe was lucky to get a late PP goal with just six seconds left on the clock, to get within two goals, heading into the middle frame. The fans at Royal Le Page Place weren't happy with the calls and let the officials know about it through out the period. Warriors Bench Boss Simon Ferguson was also not happy with the officials and complaining on almost every play/penalty. Vernon outshot West Kelowna 17-6.

2nd Period: Just over a minute into the period, the Warriors sent Luke Devlin in for the breakaway but was denied by Vernon Vipers starting goaltender Ethan David. Just over three minutes in, Connor Welsh was given two minutes and automatic ten minute misconduct for a blow to the head. WK struggled with the man advantage, only got one shot as the Snakes killed off the early penalty. Within the next shift or two the Vipers would get an early PP and capitalize. While on the man advantage, the Warriors took a second penalty before Lee Parks gave Vernon a 4-1 lead at 7:08 Parks goal was unassisted. The Vipers went right back to the power play. Vernon couldn't get much going with the PP as West Kelowna killed off the minor. Just as the penalty expired, the Tribe went to the power play and capitalized. Isaiah Norlin spotted Christopher Duclair at the circle, who ripped a shot past Ethan David, cutting Vernon's lead to 4-2 at 10:44 Michael Salandra and Isaiah Norlin collected the helpers. Two minutes later, WK went back to the man advantage and capitalized for a third time tonight. Isaiah Norlin walked in and ripped a shot past Ethan David, cutting Vernon's lead to 4-3 at 13:20 Riley Sharun and Christopher Duclair with the assists. The Vipers would get a PP with about four and a half minutes remaining. Griffen Barr looked to give Vernon a 5-3 lead but West Kelowna Warriors starting netminder Cayden Hamming come across the crease to make a massive right pad save, keeping this a one goal game. This was the Snakes only real look/chance as the Tribe get a huge save from Cayden Hamming and a big PK towards the end of the period. Within the final minutes, Christopher Duclair come down the left wing and let a rocket of a shot go from the circle that just missed the far corner. It was 4-3 Vernon after 40 minutes of play. The Warriors responded with a much better period and come to play in the 2nd period. The Tribe was the better team, had more puck possession, zone time, and shots on goal. West Kelowna seemed to find their legs, something they didn't have in the opening frame. The Warriors used their speed and played with a ton of jump, had lots of zone time. WK didn't get a whole lot of opportunities but capitalized on their chances, especially the power play, scoring two PP goals to get back in the contest. The Tribe also got the crowd back into the game. Vernon wasn't the same hockey team, didn't see a lot of time in the offensive zone, had troubles getting out of their own end, were making poor passes and turning over pucks often. The Snakes had trouble generating chances, were more involved in the after the whistle activities as the Warriors were getting under the skin of the Vipers. Not a very good 2nd period for the Snakes. Shots were 14-7 for West Kelowna.

3rd Period: Just over a minute into the final frame, Lee Parks setup Reagan Milburn going to the net. Milburn would be stopped in close by Vernon product Cayden Hamming before somehow missing what looked like an open net, on a missed opportunity. Less then two minutes later, Lee Parks with his second goal of the hockey game, gave Vernon a 5-3 lead at 3:57 Connor Elliott and Hank Cleaves drew the helpers. Just before the midway mark, Jaiden Moriello cut Vernon's lead to 5-4 at 9:21 Riley Sharun and Ben MacDonald with the assists. About two minutes later, Ayden Third and Julian Facchinelli went in for the breakaway as the two passed the puck back and fourth before Ayden Third would be denied by Cayden Hamming. A massive save to keep this a one goal game. Less then a minute later, Luke Pakulak with a quick shot from the dot, forced Cayden Hamming into making a quick right pad save. Two big back to back saves from the Warriors netminder. With about five minutes remaining, Luke Pakulak would get a second opportunity from the circle but just shoot high and over the net. The Snakes were pressing in the second half, had some real good looks/opportunities. With about three and a half minutes remaining, former Salmon Arm Silverbacks forward Connor Welsh with a good look, couldn't solve Cayden Hamming. Hamming was keeping the Tribe in the hockey game down the stretch with Vernon pressing. The Warriors would call a late timeout and get Cayden Hamming to the bench for the extra attacker with about 1:52 left in Game 2. West Kelowna had some good pressure but no real good looks before Viper captain Seiya Tanaka-Campbell dove to try and redirect the puck into the open cage, missed as the play continued. Inside the final minute, Isaiah Norlin's point shot got through traffic but couldn't beat Ethan David. The Vipers were able to clear the zone and wind down the clock to end the game and send the series back to Vernon tied 1-1. The Snakes responded with a solid 3rd period, played very well defensively, scored a timely goal early into the period which turned out to be the game winner. Vernon played smart, improved on their passing and didn't make a whole lot of mistakes to finish the hockey game. The Vipers forecheck was very good as was their defensive play. Vernon kept West Kelowna's forwards to the outside and limited their chances. The Snakes had several opportunities to put the game away in the second half, couldn't solve Cayden Hamming. The Warriors didn't get a lot of zone time, didn't get a whole lot of looks/chances. Cayden Hamming kept his team in the game in the second half with several big stops, giving the Tribe a chance to force overtime. West Kelowna outshot Vernon 8-5.

Vernon Vipers Top Player's:

Ayden Third played a physical, solid game on Vernon's blueline. Third was getting under the skin of several Warriors players after laying out some solid checks

Griffen Barr I thought played very well for a second straight night

Thomas Tien (2 goals) Not the biggest kid but plays big and plays hard, never stops skating, plays with a ton of jump/energy. Was all over the rink tonight, had a heck of a game

Connor Welsh (1 goal) Returned to the lineup after being a scratch in Game 1. I thought played well, was another forward who played with some jump, was involved in the play

Lee Parks (2 goals) What a series Lee Parks is having so far. This kid has been the Vipers best forward in the first two games of the series. Was hard to contain and defend tonight and all over the ice

Luke Pakulak went into the boards in the 1st period, took a high hit from behind and went down and didn't get up instantly before being attended to by the team trainer. Pakulak didn't see much ice in the 2nd period but played a gutsy game/effort in the 3rd, had two very good looks/opportunities, battled hard in the final period

Isaac Tremblay (1 assist) Was good down low and on the forecheck, always seem to have the puck on his stick in and around the West Kelowna goal, played well through out the game

Ethan David (24 saves) Got the start in goal after Roan Clarke took the loss in Game 1. David gave up four goals but three were on the man advantage, I thought made some key saves at different points in the contest

Game Thought's: Vernon Vipers

- Tonight was a must win as the Vipers didn't want to go home down 2-0 in the series

- Another big turnout of Viper fans in attendance tonight

- Just like in Game 1 I really liked the Snakes 1st period. I thought the Vipers were the better team in tonight's opening frame and were able to get three goals to jump out to a 3-0 lead, taking the crowd out of the game

- Vernon went 2-7 with the man advantage

- The Vipers penalty kill that was very very good during the regular season, struggled tonight as the Warriors scored three power play goals

- I thought Vernon had more opportunities and the better of the scoring chances

- I thought Vernon looked very good and played very well in periods 1 and 3 it was the 2nd period that got away from them as they seemed to get rattled and more engaged in the after the whistle activities more then concentrating building on a three goal lead

- Emotions and intensity were very high tonight from both teams

- Tonight was Vernon's first win in West Kelowna since a 5-2 win in Game 1 of last year's playoffs

- Games 3 & 4 go Tuesday and Wednesday in Vernon

- I thought the Vipers did a much better job at getting more pucks to the net tonight and generating more opportunities

- Vernon's passing was much better tonight other then a small relapse during the 2nd period. Last night the Vipers had trouble making a pass coming out of their own end and were turning over pucks often, where as tonight they did a much better job with both

- During the 2nd period it looked like the game could get ugly if the Snakes blew the game open in the 3rd but luckily with the score close the game didn't get out of hand

- With the Vipers up a goal in the 3rd period and how the Warriors battled back down 4-1 it made for some tense moments before the final buzzer

- With seven power plays and only scoring twice the Vipers need to make the Tribe pay and capitalize with the man advantage

- Give the Vipers full credit for not only evening the series but winning in West Kelowna for the first time this season and responding after a tough 4-3 loss in Game 1

- Including the regular season and playoffs, the Vipers are 1-1-0-2 in West Kelowna this season

Top Player's West Kelowna Warriors:

Jake Bernadet played with some jump, seemed to be involved in the play often

Isaiah Norlin (1 goal & 1 assist) Looked good in last night's Warriors victory, played well in the loss this evening.

Matthew Lee was another West Kelowna forward that played with a lot of jump/energy and played well

Riley Sharun (2 assists) Was one of the better Warrior forwards in Game 2. This kid is skilled and seems to make plays happen almost every time he touches the puck. Was stopped early in the middle frame on a breakaway, setup two assists in the loss

Christopher Duclair (1 goal & 2 assists) Looked good in most of the regular season games vs the Vipers, has looked good and been hard to defend/contain in the first two games of this series. Duclair always seems to find the open ice and has that quick release that goaltenders can't stop

Cayden Hamming (24 saves) In his first season with the Warriors, was very good between the pipes. Was busy early to start the game with Vernon on an early two man advantage but also had to be sharp to finish the hockey game with the Snakes pressing in the second half of the 3rd period

Game Thought's: West Kelowna Warriors

- For a second straight game the Warriors didn't get off to a good start or play well in the opening period

- The Warriors will get another shot with home ice as Game 5 is schedule for Friday in West Kelowna

- The Warriors went 3-5 with the power play

- Another good size crowd on hand in Game 2 as tonight's attendance was 1,072

- West Kelowna's power play was clicking and looked good

- This was an exciting/entertaining hockey game

- The Tribe didn't generate a whole lot of opportunities but scored on their chances

- WK took some undisciplined penalties in the 1st period and need to play more disciplined in the next game

- Warriors Assistant Coach Josh Gorges played 14 seasons in the NHL with Buffalo, San Jose and Montreal

- Give the Warriors credit for not giving up down 4-1 but battled back to get within a goal and make for a wild finish

- I can't believe the officials allow Simon Ferguson to complain on almost every play, hit, goal or stoppage in play. You don't see other coaches do this so why do the referee's ignore him or give him a bench minor

- Warriors forward Christopher Duclair's older brother plays with the Florida Panthers

- West Kelowna was down 4-1 but with a strong 2nd period, battled back to cut Vernon's lead to 4-3 heading into the 3rd period

- The Tribe need to be more consistent and play closer to sixty minutes

- The Warriors didn't look as sharp as they did in Game 1

- The Warriors have lost six of their last eight home games (regular season & playoffs)

Scratches:

Vernon Vipers:

Jonathan Horn

Ethan Merner

Ethan Sundar (Injured)

West Kelowna Warriors:

Matt Fusco (Injured)