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 missing only 40 home games. Since 2001 I have missed 10 home games. I started and created this blog in November 2008 and have over 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 today's game between the Vernon Vipers & Salmon Arm Silverbacks as the Vipers defeated the Silverbacks 3-2 in overtime in front of 2,620 fans at Kal Tire Place.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon Vipers: Jari Kykkanen
Salmon Arm Silverbacks: Andrew Ballantyne
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2nd Period: I thought both teams were pretty even for most of the middle frame, in a period where both teams didn't generate or create much offence. Both teams didn't get many shots on goal or a whole lot of opportunities. The Apes got off to a good start and were the better team to start the period as the Vipers were standing still in there own end. SA controlled the play for the first five or so minutes before the play evened out for the remainder of the period. Maddux Martin tied the contest on a redirect from a shot from the point at 16:42 on a goal that was reviewed but counted. It was 1-1 after 40 minutes of play. Shots were 9-6 Vipers.
3rd Period: The hometown Vipers would have the better of the play for most of the first half, as Vernon would get an early but shortened two man advantage. Vernon would move the puck around and get several looks from the point before trying to cash in on the second and third opportunities. The Vipers with several chances in and around the net, couldn't capitalize on the power play. The Gorillas would get a couple of calls go there way and get there own five on three power play. Cole Cooksey would give the visiting Backs a 2-1 lead, there first of the afternoon at 12:30 Both teams would get into penalty trouble in the 3rd. With time winding down, Corban Almen on a missed play puck in the neutral zone, capitalized with a wicked shot tied the game, forcing overtime. With all the penalties the play and period was fairly even. It was 2-2 after 60 minutes of play.
Overtime: It took the hometown Snakes just twenty eight seconds to record there first overtime of the 2024-25 season on a goal from Shea Busch. Shots were 1-0 Vernon.
Vernon Vipers Top Performers:
Landon MacDonald I thought played a real gritty, hard fought game. MacDonald has been a nice pickup for the Vipers this season and has been one of the more consistent Vipers. MacDonald took a high stick, need some attention from the trainer but stayed in the game and competed and played hard all afternoon
Lucas Brennan Impressed me today as I thought was really involved in the play more often today then in recent games. I thought Brennan was in and around the net, battled, had some looks/opportunities, somehow missed an open net on a Viper PP in the 3rd period
Shea Busch (2 goals) Opened the scoring shorthanded at 11:07 of the opening frame, also score the overtime winning goal, played hard, was involved in the play, had some looks/chances, was skating and creating opportunities
Jari Kykkanen (25 saves) The Vipers signed the former Kelowna Rockets goaltender on Saturday, was the backup in a 6-4 loss Saturday in Penticton, made his Vernon Vipers debut this afternoon. A big goaltender, covers alot of the net, played very well in the OT victory. The poise/confidence shown, made some big saves in the 1st and 3rd periods, sees the ice well
Game Thought's: Vernon Vipers
- Today was the Snakes first overtime win of the season
- The Vipers are 2-2 vs Salmon Arm this season
- The Snakes were wearing there yellow alternate/3rd jersey today
- I thought both teams were pretty even in the 1st period. I really liked the Snakes start. Vernon was getting pucks to the net early, had a couple of real good looks/chances early, were buzzing, skating hard, playing with lots of jump. I didn't like the Vipers defensive play as Vernon looked a little sloppy in there own end, turned over way too many pucks, struggled defensively. Shea Busch scores a big goal, shorthanded to give the Snakes a 1-0 lead and give this Viper team some confidence playing one of the top teams
- Vernon went 0-3 with the power play
- The Vipers are 1-4 in overtime this season
- A big crowd this afternoon. Today's attendance was announced at 2,620
- The Vipers need to work on the amount of turnovers and mistakes they make in there own end
- Jari Kykkanen made 25 saves in his Vipers debut this afternoon
- Today's game couldn't have been easy for the Snakes. Coming off a tough loss in Penticton last night, the Silverbacks were rested after not playing since Friday. This Viper team didn't quit today, played hard, competed and put up an entertaining game
- The Vipers & Silverbacks play each other seven times during the regular season
- The Vipers are 3-3-3-0 at Kal Tire Place this season
- I thought both teams were pretty even in a 2nd period where both teams played hard but neither team really did much offensively. Both teams didn't get a lot of shots on goal or get a whole lot of scoring chances. The Vipers give up a late goal but play well
- The Vipers have lost three of there last five games and lost six of there last ten games
- The Vipers next game is Wednesday in Coquitlam
- A big win and an overtime victory over a very good Salmon Arm team can go a long way for a struggling Vipers team. Lets hope this OT win gives this team some confidence heading into there upcoming road trip
- For a team coming off a tough loss in Penticton last night, and a quick turn around with today's game, give Vernon full credit for showing up, competing, playing hard, showing no real signs of playing last night and coming back in the 3rd to force overtime and then win in overtime
- Will Schumacher played last night, wasn't in the lineup this afternoon. Is he sick/or injured?
- The Snakes have at least a point in seven of there last ten games
- Both teams got into penalty trouble in the 3rd. The Vipers had some good looks/opportunities with an early two man advantage but couldn't capitalize. The Silverbacks would also get a two man advantage and take there first lead of the afternoon, scoring once on the PP. Corban Almen forced overtime in a entertaining 3rd period with both teams matching one another
- The Vipers snapped the Silverbacks five game winning streak
- The Snakes play six of there next ten games at home
- This was a very entertaining/exciting hockey game to watch
- After a big emotional overtime win over a very good Salmon Arm team, I hope the Vipers now let this team gel, bond and work on things during practice and see what they can do. Lets leave the trades/roster moves alone for a while and give this team a chance
- Vernon continues to struggle offensively, needs someone that can put the puck in the net
- The Vipers & Silverbacks play again December 28th in Vernon
- With the overtime win, Vernon improves to 7-10-4-0 sit 9th in the Interior Conference
Salmon Arm Silverbacks Top Performers:
Sawyer Prokopetz Played a strong game on the Apes blueline
Cole Cooksey (1 goal & 1 assist) Had a strong game on the blueline for Salmon Arm. This kid always seems to play well vs the Vipers and played very well today in the OT loss. This kid can skate, move the puck, has soft hands and joins the play. Can read the ice and move the puck up ice in a hurry. Gave the Vipers trouble today
Ben MacBeath (2 assists) Chipped in with two helpers, I thought was one of the better forwards
Maddux Martin (1 goal) Played very well, tied the game late in the 2nd period. This kid can skate/move the puck, is dangerous with and without the puck, was hard to contain/defend
Andrew Ballantyne (27 saves) The former Merritt Centennials goaltender, picked up an assist in the OT loss, played very well. Ballantyne has played well vs Vernon this season. Made a couple of big stops early in the 1st and several in the 3rd with the hometown Vipers on the power play
Game Thought's: Salmon Arm Silverbacks
- The Silverbacks are 1-1 in Vernon this season
- Lots of Salmon Arm fans in attendance today
- Salmon Arm really could have used another goal on the two man advantage in the 3rd to take the two goal lead, instead they settle for one and allow Vernon to tie the game three minutes later to force OT
- The Silverbacks are 8-2-2-0 on the road this season
- The Gorillas went 1-4 with the man advantage
- The Silverbacks played with a lot of jump/energy in the 1st period. Both teams were fairly even but the Backs did come on strong to finish the period, having a slight edge in play late in the period. Salmon Arm has a quick transition game, have some speed, have a strong forecheck and forced the Vipers into turning over pucks/making mistakes in there own end. The Vipers opened the scoring, shorthanded on a tough goal to give up on the PP
- The Silverbacks have won four of there last five games and won seven of there last ten games
- The Apes play there next four games at home
- Both goaltenders played very well today
- In a 2nd period where neither team could get the offence going, Salmon Arm managed to tie the game late on a redirect in front of the Vipers goal. Both teams didn't get a lot of pucks to the net or create a whole lot of scoring chances in a period that saw both teams go back and fourth
- For a team that didn't play last night, I would have thought the Backs would have jumped on a Vernon team who was coming off a tough loss last night in Penticton. Instead it was the hometown Snakes who opened the scoring and held there own vs Salmon Arm
- The Silverbacks next game is Friday vs the visiting Spruce Grove Saints
- The Silverbacks PK had to be sharp and was, killing off an early two man advantage. The Gorillas gave up some chances but got some strong goaltending from Andrew Ballantyne. The S'Backs then capitalize on a two man advantage of there own, taking there first lead of the hockey game, but the Silverbacks coulnd't hold onto the lead. SA allows Corban Almen to tie the game and force overtime. Both teams played hard in the 3rd
- The S'Backs have a strong work ethic and use that strong forecheck to wear down the Vipers defence, which results in turnovers
- With the OT loss, Salmon Arm falls to 15-4-3-0 sit 2nd in the Interior Conference
Scratches:
Vernon Vipers:
Koji Gibson
Will Schumacher
Colin Reay (Injured)
Salmon Arm Silverbacks:
Ryan Philbrick
Tanner Walos
Payton Nelson
Liam Beamish
Roenick Jodoin
Energy Player of the Game:
Landon MacDonald
Three Star's:
1st Star: Shea Busch (2 goals)
2nd Star: Cole Cooksey (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Corban Almen (1 goal)
Boxscore-Game Summary,
Game Report,
Text Box Score,
Vernon Junior Hockey History website,
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23 comments:
What did you think of today's Vipers/Silverbacks game? What are your comments/opinion on the game?
Just a thought...it seems the stars are always the players that get a goal or two, which should be recognized, but sometimes players that play well defensively or create chances deserve recognition too. Sometimes players who score are also guilty of turnovers that result in goals against or dumb penalties that lead to opposition goals.
The Vipers defense is absolutely aweful, they can't make a pass or even skate out of their own zone without turning the puck over. And you just love watching the PP, 5 on 3 and can't even carry the puck in over the blue line. Every period the line combinations change so how does anyone create chemistry with their line mates. Someone suggested that we were basically spoiled having Mark Ferner here as coach and yes we were because he was a superior recruiter and we had an owner who cared about the team. So as long as the Glenn's are owners it will a sub standard brand of hockey that we will be watching in Vernon. Oh yeah we Won in OT today
That was a good game
Cooper cleves, again in the home sweet home penalty box. Playing making again home sweet home making dumb decisions with the puck. If it was my decision I would have traded him along time ago. He is more a liability rather than a asset. Other than that a enjoyable game with the win.
We must give the Vipers credit, they eked out a win over a team with a far better record. The offence played well, at times controlling the play in the Silverbacks end, the defence resembled their usual helter skelter style but got it done. Kykkanen was excellent, very confident and relaxed looking. I can see him starting the majority of the games from here on, or at least as long as he is here. Overall, a pretty entertaining game to watch.
The Vipers do, however, still play with a lack of discipline. There are a lot of selfish plays and rarely any consequences for the coach's favorites, not a recipe for long term success. I will not mention names but I still say there are Viper D-men who are not as good as they think they are. They could be far more effective if they keep their game simple. It is also easy to see why some of the latest additions were available at this time of the season.
As a regular "teddy bear toss" participant I was surprised to see it was "gloves & toque" night. I completely missed the memo on this promo, or maybe it was just another poorly communicated attempt by the Viper's marketing department. Lots of work to by this struggling franchise off the ice as well as on the ice.
With the changes in the NCAA Div 1 eligibility rules the player shuffle was inevitable. As frustrating as the line change ups may seem I think the coaches really have no choice but to move these boys around to see who clicks with who. Hopefully they can settle the lines in another game or two.
Tough fought game last night, was really happy to see the jump in the third as that’s been when the team has had its toughest losses.
60 mins of hockey makes all the difference.
Congrats to the team on a very entertaining win in OT in front of the biggest crowd of the year!
VLV
There was a ton of promotion regarding the toque and mitten toss…social media, radio, they announced it at previous games. How else do you suggest they get the word out?
How about something as simple as a blanket e-mail memo to all their season ticket holders?
Certainly the NCAA eligibility rule changes did throw a curve ball at the BCHL, some teams greatly affected and others not. The Vipers lost 2 players. To be clear though, I think the player shuffling is created less regarding the NCAA and more due to the coaches indecision with players. VDHF stated under the "Mugaas Joins Aberdeen Wings" post that "Since training camp 14 players are no longer with the Vipers". These were players scouted and recruited but were subsequently released or moved on. What changed? What did the Scout/Coach see that they now couldn't live with?
"The coaches really have no choice but to move these boys around to see who clicks with who. Hopefully they settle the lines in another game or two". Sunday was game 20 of a 54 game season (24 of 58 counting the 4 exhibition games). Let's hope they do figure this out real soon as time is running out.
Could part of the Viper defence inconsistency be due to the fact that they regularly dress 7 D-men? I would suggest going back to 3 pairing so the players are with only one partner. Just a thought.
So, regarding the Vernon Vipers, someone says to me “Why can’t you focus on the positive instead of the negative?” so I reply “OK, I’m positive the Vipers suck!”.
Like I said before it all comes down to the terrible job that John Glenn and Colton Sparrow have done evaluating talent thus the revolving door of players. And don't forget about the billet families, no consistency in their homes also.
I enjoyed the game, it will be a big boost for our guys to start this road trip
Now that BCHL teams can dress 21 players for each game, it makes sense to have an extra defenceman to supplement the three defence pairings and the 12 forwards.
That’s not a bad idea. Even so, don’t think the shot at the marketing desperate is fair. For something new, that was a pretty big haul of winter wear for the homeless - obviously the message did indeed get out to a lot of fans.
Agree. Some of the defence need to be taught how to play defence. Too much freedom for some of them.
100%
Had no idea about skate afterwards!
Blaming players shuffle on NCAA? This has been happening well before that announcement. Players cannot form chemistry. How about teach a 5 man game instead of allowing selfish players continuing playing this way.They aren't in minor hockey anymore. Coach these players!
Head coach doesn't coach either
I did.
There is an obvious disconnect between the recruiter and the coach. I cannot believe that so many of the recruited players were bad evaluations. Hard to really evaluate when so many of the new players were getting no chance to play before being traded, released or banished to the stands. Need a real coach!
See now short sighted
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