Friday, March 8, 2024

Game Recap - Vernon 5 Merritt 4 Overtime

The Vernon Vipers improve to 28-18-1-0 after a 5-4 overtime victory over the 19-23-4-1 Merritt Centennials at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena. 

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Vernon Vipers @ Merritt Centennials Friday, March 08, 2024 | 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

4 comments:

vipersdiehardfan said...

I watched the Centennials/Vipers game on Flo Hockey this evening. These two teams were fairly evenly matched through out tonight's game but also both teams were better then the other at times with an edge in play. This was an intense/physical game with lots of rough stuff and altercations after the whistle. Several scrums broke out as well. The Centennials get back to back power plays to start the hockey game but don't score. The Vipers jump out to a 4-0 lead and look to run away with the score but instead the Cents with a big push back, tie the game, sending it to overtime before Owen Kim's overtime winner.

Since November the Vipers have been inconsistent and it showed again tonight. The Vipers were up 4-0 in the 2nd period should have never allowed Merritt back into the hockey game. At this time of the year and this late in the season, fighting for home ice advantage and trying to catch 3rd place Salmon Arm, the Vipers can't be grinding out an overtime win just to grab two points to stay ahead of Trail and still try and stay in reach of the Silverbacks. Give Vernon credit for battling, not giving up and gutting out a huge overtime win! The Vipers are 5-0 vs Merritt. The Vipers with another huge game tomorrow night in Trail.

Jason McKee wasn't behind the Vipers bench for a third straight game and rumors/speculations are going around Vernon like an Okanagan brush fire. No official word from the Vipers on why McKee hasn't been behind the bench as the teams Head Coach/GM is still listed on the Vipers lineup sheets on game day and is still listed as the teams Head Coach/GM on the team website. Why didn't someone from the Vipers social media team make a comment or statement on why McKee wasn't behind the bench after the Vipers 7-5 victory over Prince George last weekend? Lots of rumors/speculation McKee has been fired, let go, sent home, away with family issues, on leave of absence.

The Centennials have been playing their best hockey of the season and winning some big games as of late. Give the Centennials credit for not throwing in the towel after going down 4-0 and clawing their way back not only to tie the contest but get a point in overtime.

Will this be the final time the Vipers play Merritt? I have heard from a reliable source the Centennials are leaving the BCHL after this season and applied to play in the KIJHL next season.

Anonymous said...

If coach McKee was fired the team would have made an announcement. The so called rumours and reliable sources are not so reliable . Glenn made an arrangement with McKee to step away for a while . He will be back .

Anonymous said...

He stepped away because if he didn't he would have been fired by big brother. Johnny boy and McGoof are joined at the hip. The BCHL has a real problem on their hands right now. Ownership who condones McGoofs methods. YOU are done McGoof. See you in the Mcdonalds drive through window when you give me my order!!! You are also done Johnny boy. There is absolutely no way the BCHL can have a liabilty like you when they are trying to form a league of their own. Won't it be interesting when the BCHL talks to the players from the last 5 years... How these clowns are still in control of young boys I have no idea. For those of you who continue to support this ownership SHAME on you.

BINGO said...

I can just hear the boos and chants should Mckee return. I can hear the fans throughout the arena saying about the Glens what horrible owners and what horrible management to allow Jason Mckee to return to the vipers as he just is not wanted. It is like the conservative leader Pierre says about Justin Trudeau. After this many years he is just not worth the cost. Do the right thing and leave the Vipers because like trudeau goverment nothing has helped or show to help the vipers as improving. The vipes play with the same mistakes at the start of the year as they do now. Jason has not in any year improved this time. Do the right thing release him .