Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Vernon Vipers 2023 Halloween Quiz Video:

The Vernon Vipers come out with their annual Halloween quiz video in time for Halloween.

Here is the Vernon Vipers Halloween quiz video from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,

Smith Suspended:

Merritt Centennials forward Jacob Smith has been suspended one game

for his Illegal Check to the Head penalty on Vernon Vipers forward Owen Kim during Sunday's Vernon Vipers/Merritt Centennials game. Smith was given a five minute major and automatic game misconduct for his Illegal Check to the Head major. 

Here is the report from the BCHL website,

Discipline | BCHL League Site

Jacob Smith's Player Profile:

Jacob Smith - Stats & Facts - Elite Prospects

Monday, October 30, 2023

King Out For Season:

Vernon Vipers forward Owen King is out for the season due to injury/surgery.

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

Owen King to Miss Season Due to Surgery | Vernon Vipers

Owen King's Player Profile:

Owen King - Stats & Facts - Elite Prospects

Vernon Vipers-Merritt Centennials Highlights:

Here are the Vernon Vipers-Merritt Centennials game highlights from October 29th 2023 in front of 458 fans at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena in Merritt.

Here are the highlights from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,

Vernon at Merritt Highlights [2023-10-29] - YouTube

Sunday, October 29, 2023

Game Recap - Vernon 4 Merritt 1

The Vernon Vipers improve to 9-4-0-0 after a 4-1 victory over the 5-7-1-1 Merritt Centennials in front of 458 fans at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena in Merritt.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Vernon Vipers @ Merritt Centennials Sunday, October 29, 2023 | 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,

VernonJrAHockey.CA

Vernon Vipers Collision Of The Week - Anthony Cliche

This week's CSN Franks Collision of the Week is from Vernon Vipers

defenceman Anthony Cliche's hit on Surrey Eagles forward Aaron Schwartz October 24th 2023 from the BCHL Showcase in Seattle.

Here is the CSN Franks Collision of the Week from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,

Collision of the Week - #27 Anthony Cliche - YouTube

Game Preview: Vernon @ Merritt:

Vernon 8-4-0-0 @ Merritt 5-6-1-1 2pm

Today is the second of five regular season meetings vs the Merritt Centennials. The Vipers are 1-0 vs Merritt this season

Vernon's record & stats vs the Centennials since 2002

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 86-28-11-4 vs Merritt

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Merritt 503-325

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 44-10-2-5 at home vs Merritt

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 36-15-6-3 in Merritt

The Vipers are 9-1-0-0 in their last ten games vs Merritt

The Vipers are 9-1-0-0 vs Merritt in their last ten games in Merritt

The Vipers are 10-0-0-0 vs Merritt in their last ten games in Vernon

Vernon's last win at home vs Merritt was a 4-2 victory on Friday, September 29th 2023

Merritt's last win in Vernon was a 3-2 overtime victory on Saturday, January 5th 2019

Vernon's last regular season win in Merritt was a 14-1 victory on Saturday, March 25th 2023

Merritt's last regular season win at home vs Vernon was a 4-2 victory on Sunday, October 30th 2022

Vernon Vipers-Merritt Centennials 2023-24 Schedule:

September 29th Merritt @ Vernon: Vipers won 4-2
October 29th Vernon @ Merritt
November 10th Merritt @ Vernon
November 17th Vernon @ Merritt
March 8th Vernon @ Merritt

Let's take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The Vernon 8-4-0-0 Vernon Vipers make their first of three regular season visits to the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena, are coming off a 5-3 loss Friday night in Penticton. Tonight's the fourth and final game of a four game road trip. Vernon is 5-2 on the road this season. Tonight's the second of five regular season meetings vs the Merritt Centennials. The last time these two teams met, the Vipers won 4-2 September 29th in Vernon. After starting the season 7-1 the Vipers have lost three of their last four games. Vernon sits 3rd in the Interior Division.

Vernon Vipers 2023-24 Roster:


Vernon Vipers 2023-24 Scoring Leaders:

Owen Kim (4-11-15)

Vernon Vipers 2023-24 Regular Season Record/Stats:

Games Played: 12
Wins: 8
Losses: 4
Overtime Wins: 2
Overtime Losses: 0
Shootout Wins: 0
Shootout Losses: 0
Overtime Record: 2-0
Shootout Record: 0-0
Home Record: 3-2-0-0
Road Record: 5-2-0-0
When the Vipers score first: 4-0
When the opponents score first: 4-4
Leading after the 1st period: 3-0
Tied after the 1st period: 3-1
Trailing after the 1st period: 3-3
Leading after the 2nd period: 4-1
Tied after the 2nd period: 3-0
Trailing after the 2nd period: 1-3
Out shooting opponents: 5-1
Out shot by opponents: 2-2
One goal games: 2-1
Goals for: 51
Goals against: 38
Record vs Interior Division: 5-3
Record vs Coastal Division: 2-1
Longest winning streak: 7 games
Longest losing streak: 2 games
Standings: 3rd Place Interior Division

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Hank Cleaves 03
Julian Facchinelli 04
Luke Pakulak 03
Isaac Tremblay 04
Anthony Cliche 03
Connor Elliott 03
Ethan David 03

Vernon Vipers departed & traded players from last years team:

Jonathan Horn 02
Thomas Tien 04
Connor Welsh 04
Max Borovinskiy 04
Ethan Merner 06
Seiya Tanaka-Campbell 03
Ethan Sundar 03
Walker Erickson 02
Reagan Milburn 03
Lee Parks 04
Ayden Third 02
Griffen Barr 02
Dylan Compton 05
Luke Ashton 05
Anson McMaster 02
Roan Clarke 03

Vernon's 2023-24 regular season home record vs Merritt

1-0-0-0

Vernon's 2023-24 regular season road record vs Merritt

0-0-0-0

Vernon's 2023-24 regular season scoring leaders vs Merritt:

Shea Busch (1-2-3)
Julian Facchinelli (1-1-2)
Owen Kim (0-2-2)
Hank Cleaves (1-1-2)
Georgios Stavrianeas (0-1-1)
Anthony Cliche (0-1-1)
Isaac Tremblay (1-0-1)

Ethan David (1-0 Record)

Let's take a look at the Merritt Centennials:

The 5-6-1-1 Merritt Centennials are coming off a 5-4 overtime loss Thursday in Seattle to the Coquitlam Express at the BCHL Showcase. Today is the first game of a three game home stand. The Centennials are 2-2-1-0 on home ice this season. The Cents have lost four of their last five games. Merritt sits 6th in the Interior Division.

Merritt Centennials 2023-24 Roster:


Merritt Centennials 2023-24 Scoring Leaders:

Michael Felsing (5-11-16)

Centennials Goaltending Coach Tyler Steel attended the Vernon Vipers 2011-12 training camp

Merritt Centennials 2023-24 Record/Stats:

Games Played: 13
Wins: 5
Losses: 6
Overtime Losses: 1
Shootout Losses: 1
Home Record: 2-2-1-0
Road Record: 3-4-0-1
Goals for: 47
Goals against: 53
Standings: 6th Place Interior Division

Merritt Centennials Returning Players: 

Jonathan Wong 04
Aidan Lindblad 04
Damon Jugnauth 03

Merritt Centennials departed and traded players from last years team: 

Carter Schmidt 04
Dylan Emerson 05
Christian Lowe 02
Jacob Smith 04
Maddix McCagherty 06
Ryan Spinale 04
Jackson Krill 04
Jaxon Murray 03
Mark Thurston 03
Connor Farren 03
Diego Johnson 06
Aleksey Chichkin 05
Kyle Isenberg 04
Michael Shara 03
Tyler Bates 02
Jackson Murphy-Johnson 02
Eril Sollied 05
Johnny Hicks 05
Connor Sullivan 03

Merritt's 2023-24 regular season home record vs Vernon 

0-0-0-0

Merritt's 2023-24 regular season road record vs Vernon 

0-1-0-0

Merritt Centennials 2023-24 regular season scoring leaders vs Vernon 

Zachary Losier (1-0-1)
Aidan Lindblad (0-1-1)
Timothy Kim (0-1-1)
Michael Felsing (0-1-1)
Easton Ryan (1-0-1)

Karlis Mezsargs (0-1 Record)

Saturday, October 28, 2023

Cyclones Re-Sign Ex Vernon Viper Andrusiak:

The ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones have re-signed former Vernon Vipers forward

Zach Andrusiak.

Here is the press release from the Cincinnati Cyclones website,


Andrusiak played the 2022-23 season with the ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones. In 63 games last season, Andrusiak collected (32-goals-41-assists-73-points).

Andrusiak has spent the past two seasons with the Cyclones, signed a Professional Try-out (PTO) with the American Hockey League Manitoba Moose March 6th 2023 was released March 11th 2023 after going pointless in 2 games.

Andrusiak played three seasons in the Western Hockey League from 2016-2019 with Tri-Cities, Seattle, Prince Albert & Everett before signing his first professional contract with the ECHL Idaho Steelheads August 8th 2019.

Andrusiak started the 2015-16 season with the Western Hockey League Tri-City Americans, was released early into the 2015-16 season. The Vernon Vipers signed Andrusiak October 1st 2015. Andrusiak was released November 5th 2015. In 15 games with the Vipers, Andrusiak collected (0-goals-2-assists-2-points).

Zach Andrusiak's Player Profile:

Vernon Vipers-Penticton Vees Highlights:

Here are the Vernon Vipers-Penticton Vees game highlights from October 27th 2023 in front of 3,064 fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton.

Here are the highlights from the Penticton Vees YouTube page,

Highlights 27-10-23 vs. Vernon - YouTube

Here are the highlights from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,

Vernon at Penticton Highlights [10-27-2023] - YouTube

Game Recap - Penticton 5 Vernon 3

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 2.6 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-Penticton Vees game as the Vees defeated the Vipers 5-3 in front of 3,064 fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon Vipers: Ethan David
Penticton Vees: Will Ingemann

1st Period: This was a fairly evenly matched period other then the hometown Vees were up by three goals. I thought the Vipers had a bit of the edge in zone time and had the better of the chances. Owen Kim (shorthanded) & Isaac Fecteau were denied on breakaways. Vernon had some good looks/chances but couldn't capitalize on their opportunities. Penticton didn't generate a whole lot of offence but scored on their chances. It seemed like every time the Vees had a look or opportunity, they found the back of the net. Vernon really needed a couple of big saves and didn't get them. Connor MacPherson hit the post on the power play. The Vees were the more physical team, laying out at least four or five big checks. Something was up with the ice as several players from both teams were falling for no reason. The Vees went up 2-0 before scoring very late. It was 3-0 Penticton after 20 minutes of play. Penticton outshot Vernon 11-10.

2nd Period: I thought the Snakes were the better team in the first half, had more zone time, more puck possession and some good looks/opportunities. Both teams were a little more even in the second half other then the Vees on a two man advantage would get some zone time, pucks to the net and some opportunities. Thomas Pichette hit the post. Owen Kim's undisciplined penalty early to start the period, cost the team a goal and the Snakes were down three at this point, instead of only two. Vipers starting goaltender Ethan David was pulled early to start the middle frame after giving up four goals on twelve Penticton shots. Colin Reay made a big save on a late penalty kill, dropped to the ice in a lot of pain and was down for several minutes. After being attended to by the team trainder, Reay finished the period. It was 4-2 Penticton after 40 minutes of play. Penticton outshot Vernon 13-8.

3rd Period: Ethan David come out to start the final frame as Colin Reay didn't leave the dressing room. The Vipers were the better team, carried the better of the play, had more puck possession, zone time, more scoring chances, played and looked good. The only problem Vernon was trailing by two goals. Newly acquired Noah Dorey would be denied on an early breakaway. The Snakes only mistake of the period cost them. Vernon got caught running around in their own end, couldn't clear the zone before the puck ended up in the back of their net. The Vees played a lot of the 3rd in their own end, relied on Will Ingemann. Penticton struggled offensively, didn't get a lot of zone time or puck possession but did manage to put the game away with their lone goal of the period. The Vees got some good defensive play at times as well as solid goaltending. The Vipers would get Ethan David to the bench for the extra attacker with 1:43 remaining but couldn't capitalize. The Vees come away with the 5-3 victory. Vernon outshot Penticton 16-10.

Vernon Vipers Top Performers:

Noah Dorey making his Vipers debut tonight, didn't look out of place and played very well on the Snakes blueline. Joined the rush, was involved in the play and also denied on an early 3rd period breakaway.

Adam Csabi (2 goals) Used his speed and skill, was making plays and always involved in the play.

Owen Kim (2 assists) I sound like a broken record, but I really like this Kim kid. It seems like every game he is one of the Vipers hardest working players or better players that night. Kim really used his speed and determination this evening, played with a ton of jump/energy. Was stopped on a 1st period shorthanded breakaway. Kim doesn't back down either, was involved in some scrums in and around the net.

Anthony Cliche (1 goal) Is playing his best hockey as a Viper this season and played very well in the loss tonight. Cliche was moving the puck, joining the rush, played well at both ends of the rink. Don't look now but Cliche is second in team scoring.

Colin Reay replaced Ethan David early into the middle frame, was forced to stop all twelve Penticton shots before leaving the game between periods and didn't return to the ice or bench to start the 3rd period. Reay was forced to make some key saves on a Vees two man advantage, gave the Snakes a chance to stay in the contest.

Game Thought's: Vernon Vipers 

- The Vipers have lost fourteen straight games to Penticton

- The Snakes last win over the Vees, was a 2-0 victory in Vernon on December 13th 2019

- Vernon went 1-3 with the man advantage

- I thought the Vipers played very well this evening and were the better team in the 2nd and 3rd periods

- I spotted about fifteen or so Viper fans in attendance

- The Vipers have given up twelve goals in their last two games

- The Vipers had the better of the chances but couldn't capitalize on their opportunities

- The Snakes didn't get the big save when needed

- The Snakes took a couple of undisciplined penalties tonight, and two cost them two goals

- Vernon's last win in Penticton was a 2-1 overtime victory on October 18th 2019

- Goaltender Colin Reay didn't return to the ice/bench to start the 3rd period after taking a puck high late in the 2nd period

- The Vipers need to get more traffic/bodies in front of the Vees net as Will Ingemann was seeing a lot of Vernon's shots 

- Tonight's the third game of a four game road trip

- Falling behind 2-0 halfway through the 1st period was tough and then giving up a late goal with 18 seconds remaining to end the opening frame was a killer

- Give the Snakes credit, for battling back and getting to within a goal 

- The Vipers gave the Vees a good run and held their own against Penticton for a lot of tonight's hockey game

- The Vipers went 0-5 vs Penticton last season

- Tonight is the first of five regular season meetings vs the Vees

- Ethan David has given up twelve goals in his last two games

- The Vipers have played four games in eight days

- Vernon's next game is Sunday afternoon in Merritt

- Giving up three goals and falling behind 3-0 in the 1st period was a big blow

- It seemed like the Vipers would get several chances/zone time and come away with no goal, Penticton would come down the other way and score on one or two shots

- After starting the season 7-1 the Snakes have lost three of their last four games

- The Vipers didn't get any real puck luck or bounces go their way

- With the loss, Vernon falls to 8-4-0-0 sits 3rd in the Interior Division

Penticton Vees Top Performers:

Callum Arnott (1 goal & 1 assist) Is the nephew of former NHLer and Stanley Cup Champion Jason Arnott. I thought played very well, was involved in the play, played with pace and gave the Viper defenders trouble.

Franceso Dell'Elce (2 assists) Played very well on the Vees backend, saw a lot of minutes and looked very good.

Thomas Pichette (1 goal) Hit the goal post in the 2nd period, was a Vees forward who stood out, played well and involved in and around the goal.

James Fisher (3 goals) Lead the Penticton attack with a hat trick. Gave Vernon's defence trouble all evening.

Will Ingemann (31 saves) Was the difference, made some big saves and made the big saves when needed. Was seeing a lot of the shots but also in the right position. Stopped all three Viper breakaways, was in the zone, playing with confidence and got some help from his defence.

Game Thought's: Penticton Vees

- The Vees improve to 5-0-0-0 at home this season

- These two teams will meet again November 25th in Vernon

- Penticton went 2-6 with the power play

- The Vees have made all missing previous championship banners from all previous years and hung them from the rafters. Prior to this season, only Penticton Vees banners were hung from the rafters. 

- The Vees only have two players returning from last seasons BCHL Championship team

- A large crowd on hand tonight. Tonight's attendance was announced at 3,064

- Penticton's next game is November 3rd vs Cranbrook 

- Penticton played well and come away with the win but this is not the same Vees team your use to dominating the entire hockey game. This season's Vees are good but no where near as dangerous/powerful as previous seasons. Tonight's game could have gone either way

- If you want a good burger during a Vees game, you gotta try the hamburger/fries at the concession

- The Vees didn't get a ton of zone time or a whole lot of chances but Penticton did capitalize on their opportunities and that was one of the differences tonight

- Penticton's veterans lead the way tonight

- I thought Penticton played well and looked good at times but I thought Vernon was the better of the two teams in the 2nd and 3rd periods

- Tonight's 50/50 was over $3000

- Tonight's the first game of a two game home stand

- The Vees are quick but don't seem to have the skill/fire power they have had in previous seasons

- I talked to one older fellow between periods who's god father was an Assistant Coach with the 1955 World Champion Penticton Vees and his uncle was a manager with the 1961 & 1962 World Champion Trail Smoke Eaters.

- This was an entertaining and exciting hockey game that could have gone either way

- The Vees have won seven straight games

- With the win, Penticton improves to 10-1-1-1 and sits 1st in the Interior Division

Scratches:

Vernon Vipers:

Julian Facchinelli (Injured)
Owen King (Injured)
Linden Burrett

Penticton Vees:

Leon Matthiasson
Nate McIsaac
Parker Murray
Carson Lesiuk
Sharky Nowek

Energy Player of the Game:

Callum Arnott (1 goal & 1 assist)

Three Star's:

1st Star: James Fisher (3 goals)
2nd Star: Thomas Pichette (1 goal)
3rd Star: Adam Csabi (2 goals)

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 Vernon Vipers-Penticton Vees game.