Fred Page Cup: Game 4 Powell River @ Vernon: (Game Preview)

Vernon (10-4) @ Powell River (9-7)

Vernon blew a great chance last night at going up 3-0 in the series as Powell River come up with a must win in Game 3 3-2 in Overtime. The Kings were outplayed for most of the game but managed to hang on, picking up the OT victory. The Vipers will now have to make another trip back to Powell River for Game 5 Friday night. Tonights Game 4 will be a big game for both clubs. A win by Vernon and they move one win away from winning the League Title, a loss and the Kings head back home with the series tied 2-2. The Vipers are going to have to come out with a better start to otnights game, Vernon needs to capitalize on their scoring chances, and play physical against a non physical Powell River hockey club. The Kings need a much better performance tonight, Carsen Chubak kept the Kings in last nights game making several big saves in the 2nd and 3rd periods. You can listen to tonights broadcast on 107.5 Kiss FM with Todd Miller, starting at 6:45pm

Heres a look at the series:

April 3rd @ Powell River: Game 1: Vernon wins 4-0

Tonight was Game 1 of the Fred Page Cup as the Vipers defeated the Kings 4-0 in front of 1,215 fans. Sahir Gill unassisted at 7:48, Connor Jones from Kevin kraus at 10:26 & James Kerr from Cory Kane at 11:41 put Vernon up 3-0 in the 1st period. Kyle Bigos from Kevin Kraus & Mike Collins at 15:39 on the powerplay put Vernon up 4-0 in the 2nd. No scoring in the 3rd as Powell River killed off a two man advantage. Ben Schmidt & Kyle Bigos would drop the gloves in the 3rd as Schmidt would receive a match penalty. Andrew Hammond would make 23 saves for his 3rd shutout of these BCHL Playoffs. Carsen Chubak would make 28 saves in the loss for the Kings. The Vipers welcomed back Cameron Brodie and Mike Collins from injuries. Game 2 is tomorrow night.

3 Stars:

1st Star: Kyle Bigos

2nd Star: Andrew Hammond

3rd Star: Reid Campbell

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=684110

April 4th @ Powell River: Game 2: Vernon wins 3-0

The Vipers are heading home with a 2-0 series lead after a big 3-0 victory tonight in front of just 960 fans. Vernon would kill off a five on three after a scorelss 1st period. Sahir Gill would open the scoring on the powerplay at 2:10 of the 2nd period, assists going to, Kellen Jones & Kyle Bigos. Just 22 seconds later Bryce Kakoske put Vernon up 2-0, with Cory Kane & Kevin Kraus picking up the assists. Braden Pimm would get Vernons final goal of the night on the powerplay at 7:09 of the 3rd period. Bryce Kakoske & Kyle Bigos would collect the assists. Andrew Hammond makes 32 saves for his 2nd straight shutout, while Carsen Chubak makes 33 saves in the loss.

3 Stars:

1st Star: Andrew Hammond
2nd Star: Bryce Kakoske
3rd Star: Kyle Leahy

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=684111

April 7th @ Vernon: Game 3: Powell River wins 3-2 (Overtime)

Kyle Leahy would open the scoring at 3:31 as the Kings finally get on the scoreboard in this series. Neil Chambers and Jordan Grant would collect the assists. The Vipers would tie the game at 16:15 as Kellen Jones would score on the powerplay with assists going to, Sahir Gill & Connor Jones. Vernon would be all over the Kings in the 2nd period but would only manage one goal past Carsen Chubak at 4:01 as Connor Jones would find the back of the net. Sahir Gill & Connor Jones would pick up the assists on the play. Mat Bodie would tie the game at 18:47 on a screened shot from the point wich beat Andrew Hammond. Andrew Pettitt and Jordan Grant would collect the assists. After some good chances by the Vipers in the 3rd both teams would head to Overtime where Jordan Grant beat Hammond blocker side at 4:05 of the extra period to give Powell River the win and get back in the series. Kyle Leahy would pick up the lone assist. Vernon leads the series 2-1.

3 Stars:

1st Star: Jordan Grant
2nd Star: Connor Jones
3rd Star: Sahir Gill

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=684112

Vernons Leading Playoff Scorers:

Connor Jones 16 pts
Kellen Jones 16 pts
Sahir Gill 15 pts

Cory Kane 11 pts
Chris Crowell 10 pts
Rob Short 9 pts
Mike Collins 9 pts
Braden Pimm 9 pts

Bryce Kakoske 8 pts
James Kerr 6 pts
Kyle Bigos 6 pts
Andrew Hammond 10-4 Record 1.47 GAA 4 Shutouts (Hammond named back to back BCHL Player of the week)

Powell Rivers Leading Playoff Scorers:

Darcy Oakes 23 pts
Kyle Bodie 21 pts
Clay Harvey 18 pts
Mat Bodie 14 pts
Erik Vos 12 pts
Jordan Grant 9 pts

Ben Schmidt 7 pts
Chad Niddery 6 pts
Darcy Huisman 6 pts
Neil Chambers 6 pts
Carsen Chubak 9-6 Record 2.39 GAA 2 Shutouts

Kings Stop Vipers In Overtime:

This was on the Morning Star web site:

Kings stop Vipers in overtime

With their all-stars silent, the Powell River Kings looked to their role players for clutch offence in a 3-2 overtime win over the Vernon Vipers Tuesday night before 2,200 fans at the Wesbild Centre.
The Vipers lead the B.C. Hockey League best-of-seven Fred Page Cup championship series 2-1. Game 4 goes Wednesday night in Vernon.
Jordan Grant took a drop pass from enforcer Kyle Leahy and beat Viper goalie Andrew Hammond with a soft wrister from the mid slot at 4:05 of the extra period. It was the first shot of overtime, and came after the Vipers had controlled the early portion of OT with some stellar cycling down low.
"I was just trying to shoot there and got it on net and got a lucky bounce, and it rolled in," said Grant, an 18-year-old Ladysmith product who asked the lowly Merritt Centennials for a trade at the dealing deadline. "That's the biggest goal of my career, that's for sure."
Grant's line opened the scoring at 3:31 of the first period when they stormed the net after winning a battle deep in the Viper zone. Leahy whacked in his third of the playoffs with Grant and Neil Chambers earning assists.
"It was great overall," said Grant, who sniped 20 goals during the regular season. "Our line, down low, we're pressuring a lot and it's going great right now. Around the net, we haven't been going to the net for rebounds and stuff. We're not taking the right shots and we're not getting our shots through."
Hammond went cross crease and somehow got his left pad on a Grant shot with six minutes left in the first period.
The Vipers equalized on the powerlay two minutes later when Kellen Jones skated hard to the net and converted a Sahir Gill feed, seconds after Connor Jones took a monster hit near the Powell River bench from Chambers.
Connor Jones gave the Snakes the lead four minutes into the middle period, finishing off a play involving Gill and defenceman Mike Leidl after what seemed an hour of dizzy cycling in the Kings' zone.
Powell River d-man Mat Bodie tied it late in the second on a slapshot from the point with nine seconds left in Rob Short's minor penalty. Grant and Andrew Pettit drew helpers.
Grant didn't figure the Vipers showed them anything different in their home building after stealing two games on the Sunshine Coast.
"We weren't prepared for the physical game they brought, and I thought tonight we competed with them in every department and it just worked out. They're a physical team but we're fast."
Powell River head coach Kent Lewis, greeted afterwards by a few former junior A teammates now living in Vernon, was smiling but hardly totally satisfied after the Kings' ninth win of the playoffs.
"I don't think we've been good yet. We're starting to figure out what kind of game we have to play here. We were stupid in Game 2 and unlucky in Game 1, and we had to fight back. We're resilent and we found a way to get it done tonight."
Lewis, who drives the Zamboni as a rink attendant in Powell River, knows his superstars like Darcy Oakes, Erik Vos and Clay Harvey are way overdue for production (no points in series).
"Having the potential is good, but they've just got to get it done. The bottom line is you're only going to go as far as your gunslingers take you, but the gunslingers have been quiet. But like any club at this point of the year, you have to have depth and other guys have to step up, and that's why we acquired Grant, and guys like Leahy are just warriors and they'll do whatever it takes."
The Vipers, who have now dropped their first home game in all three of their post-season series, gave up three goals for the first time since March 25 in Salmon Arm.
"It's disappointing," said Vipers' head coach Mark Ferner. "We had enough chances to win, but we needed more guys. I didn't think we had 20 guys playing as hard as we can and when that happens, it kind of drags you down. That's a good hockey team over there. They're not going to roll over. Just because you win two on the road doesn't mean it's going to be easier at home. They're a good hockey team for a reason. They have a lot of pride and character."
Viper veteran centre Braden Pimm, who received huge applause after a sweet penalty kill shift midway through the second period, felt the Snakes coasted in parts.
"In overtime, we gotta be simple and give 100 per cent, and we didn't do that, and it resulted in a loss," said Pimm. "We didn't play to our full potential. When we were on the road, we did all those little things, and tonight we thought we could come home and it would just happen, but it didn't. Our motto is '23 hearts, one beat.' We need everyone going. Tomorrow night, we better be ready."

Vipers Shut Down Kings Scoring Court:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers shut down Kings scoring court

They spent 24 hours on a bus, took four ferry rides, listened to rookie Kory Roy chatter non-stop, and watched several movies.
Oh, and the Vernon Vipers arrived home Sunday holding a 2-0 lead over the Powell River Kings in the best-of-seven B.C. Hockey League Fred Page Cup championship series.
Game 3 went Tuesday night at the Wesbild Centre with the fourth game back there tonight. A fifth game, if required, would go Friday night in Powell River.
The Kings stopped at Burnaby Eight Rinks for a practice Monday afternoon before having dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory in Langley en route to Vernon.
The league’s premier offence went into Game 3 looking for their first goal after losing 3-0 Saturday night at the Powell River Rec Centre.
Viper captain Chris Crowell, who went toe-to-toe with Kings’ tough guy Kyle Leahy one second into the game, winning a decision, was expecting Powell River to play with desperation.
“Obviously, they’re down 2-0 so they’re probably feeling it a bit, but they have some older guys over there that have a lot of pride so they aren’t going to pack it in or nothing,” said Crowell, at practice Monday afternoon. “They were up on Victoria 3-1 and had to face some adversity with Game 7 on the road so they definitely have some character over there so they won’t be shutting it down.”
Kings’ head coach Kent Lewis figures his high-octane forwards just need a lucky bounce here or there to get moving.
“They deserved their luck and we haven’t been deserving of any luck,” said Lewis. “I have a lot of confidence in our group. We took three of four from Victoria on the road and we’ve been a good road team all year.”
Lewis feels the Kings, who had four of the top-10 pointgetters during the regular season, had trouble with the Vipers’ smothering defensive system.
“Vernon is kind of a throwback club, no disrespect to them, and we just haven’t adjusted. We just have to work a little harder. We were a very frustrated and undisciplined group in Game 2.”
Sahir Gill, with a tip-in off a Kellen Jones’ feed at 2:10 of the first period, was the winner before 960 fans. Bryce Kakoske, on a wrister from the top of the faceoff circle, and Braden Pimm, on Carsen Chubak’s doorstep after a pass from Kakoske, finished off the Vernon scoring.
Andrew Hammond registered his fourth shutout in the last six games, making 32 saves to earn Player-of-the-Week for the second straight time.
“Our team is just playing real well defensively, and it all starts with Hammy back there,” said Viper centre Connor Jones. “He’s playing great, he’s the best goalie in the league. It’s a great feeling, nice to come back up two games, but we’ve got two big games coming back.”
Both Jones and d-man Cody Ikkala listed the dark psychological thriller Mr. Brooks as their favourite movie on the trek to the Sunshine Coast. Fitting since it’s about a highly respected man with an alter-ego who hides the secret he’s a serial killer.
The Vipers can portray pretty much any personality they wish, but Ikkala said they kept it simple in Powell River, getting pucks deep and grinding the Kings’ d-men down.
They aren’t about to change their stifling check-till-ya-drop style.
“We just went down there with a purpose,” said Ikkala, a Philadelphia product. “We tried to shut them down defensively because we knew they had some big forwards down there.”
Leahy performed his enforcer role well, challenging a few Vipers during the warm-up.
“It was actually a really good fight,” said Ikkala. “Crowell; the kid’s strong as an ox, you can’t take him down. Props to Leahy, he put in a pretty good fight too.”
Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner said his Interior Conference champions played near-mistake free hockey, giving up few odd-man rushes and being smart in the offensive zone. He’s not totally sure why the Kings struggled in the opening games.
“Sometimes, it’s tough when you start at home. They are a very talented group up front no question about it,” said Ferner. “Our guys have done a pretty good job limiting their opportunities, probably more so in those second and third opportunities. Our dee and our forwards have done a good job collapsing and getting rid of the rebounds, and obviously Andrew is playing very well as well.”
The Vipers were a loose bunch at practice Monday, and Hammond was rarely beaten in the flow drills.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Ikkala, of Hammond’s playoff performance. “It’s something spectacular. It’s nice having him back of you. He’s always got his game face on in practice.”
The BCHL champion will meet the Alberta League champion Grande Prairie Storm, who swept the No. 1-rated Spruce Grove Saints for the Enerflex Cup, in the regional Doyle Cup series slated to start next Friday night in B.C.
Should the Vipers advance, Games 1 and 2 will be played at Civic Arena due to a logging show at Wesbild Centre. If the teams split the opening games, a third tilt would go in Vernon, back at Wesbild.
Morgan McLean scored at 11:50 of double overtime as the Storm clipped the visiting Saints 4-3 before an overflow 3,208 fans at the Canada Games Arena Saturday night.
Storm head coach/GM Mike Vandekamp, who led Vernon to their last BCHL title (in 2003) said he told his players they won the championship back in September “when they decided they were going to commit to doing it right.”
Added Vandekamp: “I’m proud of them. They sacrificed a lot – physically and socially. We really became a strong team.”
Carter Rowney, a 19-year-old forward out of Sexsmith, Alta, was the AJHL playoff MVP. He pocketed 18 points in 19 games, including three game-winners and seven powerplay goals.

Kings Win In OT:

Kings Win in OT

by Don Klepp - Apr 8, 2009

Jordan Grant’s goal at 4:05 of the first overtime period gave the visiting Powell River Kings a 3-2 victory over the Vernon Vipers Tuesday. Grant unleashed a wrist shot from just inside the Viper blue line and the puck rolled into the net after Andrew Hammond tried to smother it against his mid-section. The goal came against the run of play, after the Vipers had outplayed the Kings for most of the overtime and the third period. Carsen Chubak was very good in net for the Kings, especially in the third period when the Vipers generated 6 excellent scoring chances. Grant’s winning goal was his third point of the night. He earned an assist on Kyle Leahy’s opening goal at 3:31 of the first period after a strong forecheck by the Leahyfore check/Grant/Neil Chambers line. His other assist was on a Mat Bodie power play blast from the point at 18:49 of the second period. The Bodie goal tied the game at 2-2 after two goals by the Jones line had put the Vipers ahead by a goal. The first Jones goal, scored by Kellen Jones at 16:15 of the first period, came on the power play. Just over the centre red line, Connor Jones absorbed a hit along the boards in order to get the puck forward to Sahir Gill on the right wing. That hit put King defenceman Reid Campbell out of position, so Gill and Kellen had a two-on-one break. Gill’s pass was perfect to Kellen, who drove to the net and tipped the puck high into the net. Gill turned play maker on the second Viper goal at 4:01 of the second period. After sustained offensive-zone pressure by the Pimm line and the Kane line on successive shifts, the Jones line capped the pressure when Mike Leidl kept the puck in at the King blue line and fed Gill who in turn got the puck in front for Connor to bat it in. So, one line from each team did the damage in this game. Although the Leahy line created most of the Kings’ scoring chances, all four of the Viper lines had scoring opportunities as the Vipers out-chanced the Kings in the game, 24 to 14. Also, Rob Short and Braden Pimm had excellent scoring opportunities while killing penalties in the first and second period. In each case, Chubak bailed out his team mates. As in the two games in Powell River, high scoring forwards Kyle Bodie, Erik Vos, Clay Harvey, and Darcy Oakes were largely invisible as they were neutralized by the Viper defencemen. However, Mat Bodie, the Kings’ talented rookie D-Man, displayed the offensive skills that had been stifled in the first two games of this series. The best Viper forwards, in addition to the Jones line, were Braden Pimm and Cole Ikkala. On the Viper blue line all six D-men played well, but Kyle Bigos had a particularly strong game, rushing the puck and smothering King forwards. The series resumes in Vernon on Wednesday evening at 7.00 pm and in Powell River at 7.30 pm on Friday. If a sixth game proves necessary, it will be played in Vernon on Sunday, starting at 7.00 pm.

Fred Page Cup: Game 3 Powell River 3 Vernon 2 (Overtime)

Was at tonights Game 3 of the Fred Page Cup as Powell River defeated Vernon 3-2 in Overtime in front of 2,203 fans at the Wesbild Centre.

1st Period: In the opening minute the Vipers got a big scare after Captain, Chris Crowell would leave the ice limping towards the dressing room. Crowell looked like he may have done something to his ankle-foot. The Vipers Captain would return to the bench and see a regular shift for the rest of the game. After getting shutout in the first two games of this series the Kings would finally beat Andrew Hammond at 3:31 of the 1st after Kyle Leahy was left all alone in front, before wacking away three times at the loose puck, before finally beat Hammond. Neil Chambers & Jordan grant collected the assists. Vernon was caught standing around as Leahy was untouched. Vernon looked a little sluggish to start tonights game. The Vipers would get the first powerplay of the night but it was Powell River who looked like the team with the man advantage. The Kings with two odd man rushes couldnt connect on two good chances shorthanded. Kyle Bigos hustled back breaking up the play as Clay Harvey was in on the two on one. Vernon struggled on the man advantage as the Kings would kill off the minor. James Kerr had Vernons best scoring chance but was stopped by Carsen Chubak. Jordan Grant was stoned in front by Andrew Hammond. As the period went on the Vipers managed to get some good chances in front, Connor Jones was robbed by Chubak after making a huge right pad save, kicking out his leg at the last minute. Chubak was busy at one period as Vernon was cycling the puck well down low, getting some chances. Braden Pimm was stopped in close. The Kings with their first powerplay of the night was snuffed out by the strong penalty kill of the Vipers. Powell River come very close after beating Hammond fivehole as the puck got through but luckily come out the other end, missing the net. The Vipers with a late powerplay would tie the game 1-1 at 16:15 Connor Jones took a huge check in front of the Kings bench, wich allowed Sahir Gill & Kellen Jones in for the two on one, Gill made a nice pass over to Jones who beat Chubak in the crease. Gill & Connor Jones would pick up the assists. A fairly evened played period as the game was tied 1-1 after 20 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Powell River 10-9.

2nd Period: Vernon stepped up their play in the 2nd really skating hard. The Vipers with some good chances early and often. Braden Pimm was all alone in the slot but just wired his shot wide. The Vipers top line of Sahir Gill, Connor Jones & Kellen Jones really had the cycle going in the middle period, buzzing around the Kings net. Connor Jones with a nice hard low shot along the ice beat Chubak at 4:01 putting Vernon up 1-0. Sahir Gill and Mike Leidl recorded the assists. Off the draw Vipers had a great chance after Cole Ikkala tipped a shot in close before Chubak held on to the puck making the chest save. Vernon had a ton of jump looking and skating much better as the outplayed the Kings for most of the period. Powell Rivers offence was no where to be seen, getting very few quality scoring chances. Cory Kane on a wrap around couldnt beat Chubak down low who kept Powell River in tonights game, especially in the 2nd period. The Kings would get a scare midway through the period as Chad Niddery would leave the game and head to the dressing room, but would return to the bench later and finish the game. Vernon had many quality scoring chances but couldnt score on their chances. Darcy Oakes was robbed twice by Hammond, making two big saves in front. Powell River would get a late powerplay and finally get their first PP goal of the series. Mat Bodie would fire a wrister from the point wich beat a screened Andrew Hammond with just over a minute remaining to tie the game 2-2, Drew Pettitt & Jordan Grant would pick up the assists. Powell River didnt quit getting some good presure late in the final minute of play. Vernon was by far the stronger and better team outplaying the Kings for most of the 2nd. It was tied 2-2 heading into the 3rd. Vernon outshot Powell River 9-8.

3rd Period: Both teams got off to a bit of a slow start as the play seemed to slow down a little as neither team wanted to make the first mistake. Both teams were playing with caution as very little action in the early goings. The Vipers with the best two chances of the period, Braden Pimm and Chris Crowell went in two on one, before Pimm could make the pass across, Derek Hills with a solid defensive effort broke up the play, and then shortly after Rob Short went in two on one with Cole Ikkala. Ikkala couldnt connect on Shorts pass the puck went through the crease. The Vipers would come out with a powerplay but struggled as the Kings would kill off the minor. Vernon had the better of the scoring chances in the 3rd but couldnt capitalize on their chances. Chad Niddery with a chance from the slot was stopped by Hammond who didnt have a very busy night. The Kings couldnt muster much of an offensive attack in the final frame. A scoreless period as both teams headed to Overtime. The Vipers outshot the Kings 10-8.

Overtime: The Vipers were buzzing in and around the Kings net in the opening minute but couldnt hit the net after some close chances in front. Cameron Brodie with a shot from the circle just missed the top corner after a screened shot had Chubak beat. Just 4:05 into the extra period Jordan Grant with the Kings first shot on net, would beat Hammond blocker side giving Powell River the 3-2 OT victory, Kyle Leahy picked up the lone assist as the Kings poured off the bench. Powell River outshot Vernon 1-0.

Top Players: (Vernon)

The line of Connor Jones (1 goal & 1 assist), Sahir Gill (2 assists) and Kellen Jones (1 goal) looked very dangerous down low all night. The Kings defence had all kinds of trouble containing the Vipers top line. These three young kids were buzzing in and around the Kings net.

The line of Rob Short, Cory Kane & Cole Ikkala played well. Kane was skating hard, dangling all night. Ikkala had one of his best games of the Playoffs, getting three or four good chances. Really worked hard all game.

Mike Leidl (1 assist) Looked very solid defensivly. Stood up a few guys at the line.

Braden Pimm with a ton of energy and jump played very well at both ends of the rink. Pimm had a few good chances, was skating hard, really driving to the net. Played physical and took a few solid checks as well. Competed very hard for loose pucks.

Bryce Kakoske played a solid game at both ends of the rink, one of Kakoskes better games these Playoffs.

Top Players: (Powell River)

Jordan Grant (1 goal & 2 assists) The former Merritt Centennial played and looked very good up front for the Kings. Grant was stopped by Hammond in the slot in the 1st period. Grant had lots of jump and was skating hard.

Chad Niddery looked good up front. Was always involved in the play.

Mat Bodie (1 goal) Looked very strong on the Powell River backend. Really smooth skater, handles the puck well.

Jordan Gallea looked very solid on the Kings blueline. A solid d-man who dosnt give you much room down low and in front.

Carsen Chubak (27 saves) Was one of the main reasons the Kings went to Overtime and then won in the extra period. Chubak who was scouted by the Vernon Vipers played his best game of the series looking very sharp between the pipes. Chubak made several key saves in the 2nd & 3rd periods to keep the Kings in tonights game. A very quick goaltender.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

The Vipers come out a little slow-sluggish to start tonights game and it cost them, giving up the first goal of the game within the first few minutes, leaving Kyle Leahy all alone in front, who had three wacks at the puck before finally beating Hammond. The Vipers didnt seem to have their legs going until the 2nd period. The Vipers outplayed the Kings for most of the 2nd period but couldnt capitalize on their chances, at times Vernon played down to the level of the Kings. Vernon could have easily been up 3 or 4-1 early in the 2nd after some great chances. Heres a team that needs to play physical against a non physical team. Vipers had many chances to wear down the Kings with the physical play, but didnt. Overall Vernon was the better of the two teams, having the more quality chances but couldnt beat Carsen Chubak who was the difference. Vipers struggled on the man advantage but looked very strong on the penalty kill. Tonight was the 3rd straight game where Vernon has lost the first home game in Overtime. In the 2nd Round of the Playoffs it was Garrett Milans OT winner wich beat Vernon on home ice in Game 1, it was then Zac Rasmussen's OT winner in Game 1 of the Interior Conference Finals wich beat the Vipers on home ice and tonight Jordan Grant beat the Vipers in the first home game of this series. The Vipers were uncosistant at times and need more urgency and physical play in Game 4.

Game Thoughts: (Powell River)

Powell River made its first visit to the Wesbild Centre this yr. I cant say I was overlly impressed with the Kings. Give them credit they now are back in the series with a must win Game 3 but overall I didnt think their that great of a hockey team. If you put this team in the Interior Conference their a middle of the pack team. Penticton, Salmon Arm and Westside all looked much better and stronger as an overall team. The Kings were outplayed for most of tonights game, a non physical team with solid goaltending. The Kings defence isnt very mobile and had troubles all night with the Vipers top two units and cycle down low. A very non-entertaining hockey game with very little excitement. I think if Vernon can play a full 60 minutes like they can and could have scored on some of their chances, there is no way this game was going to Overtime. Powell River with a few good scoring chances really didnt generate much of an offensive attack, very few quality shots and chances. After leading the league with 251 goals during the regular season and clinching the Mainland Division, I was expecting alot more. Nice to see a few Powell River fans make the trip up to Vernon, enjoy your stay!

Scratches:

Vernon:

Nick Amies
Steven Weinstein
Ryan Santana (Injured)
Trent Dorias (AP)

Powell River:

Ryne Bodger
Justin Hogan
Ben Schmidt (suspended)
Alex McDougall

3 Stars:

1st Star: Connor Jones (1 goal & 1 assist)
2nd Star: Sahir Gill (2 assists)
3rd Star: Jordan Grant (1 goal & 2 assists)

Fred Page Cup: Game 3 Powell River @ Vernon: (Game Preview)

Vernon (10-3) @ Powell River (8-7)

The Vernon Vipers went into Powell River over the weekend and shutdown the Leagues highest scoring club in the Powell River Kings, going up 2-0 in the series with scores of 4-0 and 3-0 in Games 1 & 2. The Vipers are now just two wins away from winning the BCHL Title. This is a must win for the Kings tonight, Powell River dosnt want to go down 3-0 on the road in the League Final. Powell River is somehow going to have to find a way to beat Andrew Hammond who has shutdown the Kings power offence. The Kings will also have to work on the powerplay and take advantage with the Vipers in the box. The Kings are 0-8 with the man advantage in the finals. Scoring first will be huge Conversely, Powell River’s record is 2 wins, 20 losses when trailing after two periods. Vernon dosnt have to change much, the Vipers defence and goaltending has really been solid all series and will once again have a very tough task at trying and shutting down the Leagues highest scoring team. The Vipers have now won 41 games, tied one, and lost one in overtime when they’ve led going into the third period this season, including all 9 games in the postseason when they’ve led after two periods. Their other playoff win came when they were tied at the end of the second. You can listen to tonights broadcast on 107.5 Kiss FM with Todd Miller, starting at 6:45pm

Heres a look at the series:

April 3rd @ Powell River: Game 1: Vernon wins 4-0

Tonight was Game 1 of the Fred Page Cup as the Vipers defeated the Kings 4-0 in front of 1,215 fans. Sahir Gill unassisted at 7:48, Connor Jones from Kevin kraus at 10:26 & James Kerr from Cory Kane at 11:41 put Vernon up 3-0 in the 1st period. Kyle Bigos from Kevin Kraus & Mike Collins at 15:39 on the powerplay put Vernon up 4-0 in the 2nd. No scoring in the 3rd as Powell River killed off a two man advantage. Ben Schmidt & Kyle Bigos would drop the gloves in the 3rd as Schmidt would receive a match penalty. Andrew Hammond would make 23 saves for his 3rd shutout of these BCHL Playoffs. Carsen Chubak would make 28 saves in the loss for the Kings. The Vipers welcomed back Cameron Brodie and Mike Collins from injuries. Game 2 is tomorrow night.

3 Stars:

1st Star: Kyle Bigos

2nd Star: Andrew Hammond

3rd Star: Reid Campbell

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=684110

April 4th @ Powell River: Game 2: Vernon wins 3-0

The Vipers are heading home with a 2-0 series lead after a big 3-0 victory tonight in front of just 960 fans. Vernon would kill off a five on three after a scorelss 1st period. Sahir Gill would open the scoring on the powerplay at 2:10 of the 2nd period, assists going to, Kellen Jones & Kyle Bigos. Just 22 seconds later Bryce Kakoske put Vernon up 2-0, with Cory Kane & Kevin Kraus picking up the assists. Braden Pimm would get Vernons final goal of the night on the powerplay at 7:09 of the 3rd period. Bryce Kakoske & Kyle Bigos would collect the assists. Andrew Hammond makes 32 saves for his 2nd straight shutout, while Carsen Chubak makes 33 saves in the loss.

3 Stars:

1st Star: Andrew Hammond
2nd Star: Bryce Kakoske
3rd Star: Kyle Leahy

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=684111

Vernons Leading Playoff Scorers:

Connor Jones 14 pts
Kellen Jones 14 pts
Sahir Gill 13 pts
Chris Crowell 10 pts
Cory Kane 11 pts
Rob Short 9 pts
Mike Collins 9 pts
Braden Pimm 9 pts
James Kerr 6 pts
Kyle Bigos 6 pts
Bryce Kakoske 8 pts

Andrew Hammond 10-3 Record 1.36 GAA 4 Shutouts (Hammond named back to back BCHL Player of the week)

Powell Rivers Leading Playoff Scorers:

Darcy Oakes 23 pts
Kyle Bodie 21 pts
Clay Harvey 18 pts
Mat Bodie 13 pts
Erik Vos 12 pts
Ben Schmidt 7 pts
Jordan Grant 6 pts
Chad Niddery 6 pts
Darcy Huisman 6 pts
Neil Chambers 6 pts
Carsen Chubak 8-6 Record 2.43 GAA 2 Shutouts

Hammond Nabs Consecutive Player Of The Week Honours:

This is on the BCHL website:

Hammond nabs consecutive Player of the Week honours

Monday, April 6, 2009 - Submitted by BCHL Media

Vernon Vipers goaltender Andrew Hammond has been named the British Columbia Hockey League's Player of the Week for the week ending April 5th, the league announced Monday.

Hammond won the award for the second consecutive week after posting a pair of shutouts in the first two games of the Fred Page Cup Finals.

On Friday, the White Rock, B.C. native stopped 23 shots and earned second star honours in a 4-0 win over Powell River. One night later, he turned aside 32 shots and was named the game's first star in a 3-0 victory.

In total, Hammond has started 13 playoff games, winning 10. His postseason totals include a 1.36 goals-against average and a .952 save-percentage. He has recorded four shutouts, all in the last six games.

Hammond and the Vipers return to the ice on Tuesday when they host the Kings in Game 3 of the Fred Page Cup Finals. Face off is set for 7:00 PM from the Wesbild Centre in Vernon.

Vernon Lakers Playoff Flashbacks:

20 years ago (1989) The Vernon Lakers would make a long Playoff run, all the way to the team’s first of four straight Centennial Cup’s, in Summerside PEI I will be recapping the Lakers cup run in my version of Vernon Lakers Playoff Flashbacks.

After knocking off the Kelowna Packers in the first series 4-1, The Vernon Lakers would defeat the Merritt Centennials in the Interior Division Finals in 4 games (4-0) Vernon would outscore Merritt 19-10 to move onto the BCJHL League Finals.

For stats & rosters on Vernon Junior Hockey History, Check out Paul's Vernon Franchise website

http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html

Storm Win 2009 Enerflex Cup:

This is on the AJHL web site:

The Grande Prairie Storm captured the 2009 Enerflex Cup with a 4-0 series victory over the Spruce Grove Saints on Sunday evening in Grande Prairie. This is the second Alberta Junior Hockey League Championship in franchise history for the Storm.

The Alberta Junior Hockey League is proud to partner with Enerflex Systems Income Fund as its Championship Sponsor. The AJHL’s sixteen member teams battle annually for the honour to hoist the Enerflex Cup as League Champion. League President Craig T. Cripps presented the Enerflex Cup to the Grande Prairie Storm in front of a capacity crowd at the Canada Games Arena.

The 2009 Playoff MVP Award was presented to Carter Rowney of the Grande Prairie Storm. The 19 year-old Rowney, of Sexsmith, Alberta, recorded 18 points in 19 post-season games, including 3 game winning goals and 7 powerplay goals.

Spruce Grove Saints vs. Grande Prairie Storm – Enerflex Cup League Final

Game 1 - April 1 Grande Prairie Storm 3 Spruce Grove Saints 0
Game 2 - April 2 Grande Prairie Storm 2 Spruce Grove Saints 1
Game 3 - April 4 Spruce Grove Saints 2 Grande Prairie Storm 3
Game 4 – April 5 Spruce Grove Saints 3 Grande Prairie Storm 4OT

The Storm completed the regular season second only to the Regular Season Champion Spruce Grove Saints. The Storm advanced to the 2009 League Final by eliminating the Lloydminster Bobcats (3-1), Sherwood Park Crusaders (4-2) and Brooks Bandits (4-1).

The Grande Prairie Storm captured the 2003-2004 AJHL League Championship versus the Fort McMurray Oil Barons (4-1 in best-of-seven final). The Storm also advanced to the AJHL League Final in 2001-2002 and were defeated by the Drayton Valley Thunder (4-0 in the best-of-seven series).

The AJHL League Champion will face off against the BCHL League Champion in the 2009 Doyle Cup (Alberta / British Columbia Championship Title). The Storm will face the winner of the Vernon Vipers-Powell River Kings series in the BCHL. The 2009 Doyle Cup Series will commence in the BCHL on April 17th. The complete schedule will be announced shortly, visit www.AJHL.ca for details and updates.

The Doyle Cup Champion will qualify for the 2009 RBC Royal Bank Cup National Junior ‘A’ Championship in Victoria from May 1st - 10th, 2009. The Grande Storm were defeated by the Nanaimo Clippers in the 2004 Doyle Cup (4-1 in best-of-seven). The Storm advanced to the 2004 RBC Royal Bank Cup as the host team where they eventually lost in the Semi-Final.

Watch Game 4's Overtime winner,

http://www.gpstorm.com/association.aspx

Vipers Knock Out Kings 4-0:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers knock out Kings 4-0

POWELL RIVER – It was all systems go for the Vernon Vipers as they shut out the Powell Rivers Kings 4-0 Friday night in the B.C. Hockey League Fred Page Cup championship series opener.
Game 1 was textbook for the Interior champions as they turned in a performance that put a wide smile on the face of head coach Mark Ferner.
“We just tried to play a real road game, get pucks to the net and we were pretty fortunate to get a couple of goals early,” said Ferner.
His plan spoiled the Kings’ plan, which was to feed off the overflow crowd of 1,215 at the Recreation Complex watching the presentation of the Cliff McNabb Trophy as Coastal Conference winners.
Vernon caught a break at 7:48 of the first period when Sahir Gill threw a pass out from behind the Kings’ net and it deflected off a defenceman’s skate into the goal.
The Snakes made it 2-0 at 10:26 when Connor Jones rushed the length of the ice and with a couple of teammates barged in on Kings’ goalie Carsen Chubak.
“I kind of threw it at the net hoping for a lucky bounce,” he grinned, “and that’s the way the game was – we got a lot of good bounces.”
Just 1:16 later, Corey Kane flew down the right wing and hit James Kerr with a perfect pass that he slammed in for the Vipers’ third goal in just under four minutes.
Kings’ coach Kent Lewis quickly called a time out to settle down his team, but the Vipers were clearly in control.
The Kings tried to get back in the game in the second period but were clearly frustrated by the impenetrable wall of Vernon’s defence and the stellar goaltending by Andrew Hammond.
Hammond turned the Kings away early in the period when sniper Clay Harvey had a great scoring chance on the powerplay from the low slot.
Californian Kyle Bigos launched a drive from the blue line that deflected over the shoulder of Chubak with four minutes remaining in the period.
“Got a good one timer pass from Collins so I took the shot,” smiled the big d-man, who was named first star.
Bigos took another shot later in the game from Kings’ forward Ben Schmidt during a fight. Schmidt, frustrated with the lopsided score, got tangled up with Bigos midway through the third frame and things got ugly.
“After we were on the ground he just spit in my mouth,” winced Bigos, “which is really gross. I was really surprised by that.”
BCHL commissioner John Grisdale was in attendance and confirmed Schmidt will receive an automatic three-game suspension for his actions.
“He’s received a match,” he said, “and the referee’s report is coming in to Dave ((Sales) and we can’t change any matches so that’s automatic,” said Grisdale.
If the Kings don’t find a way to crack the Viper defence – bolstered by the return of Cam Brodie from injury reserve – Schmidt, a 20-year-old forward out of Campbell River who had 10 goals and 54 PIM during the regular season, may have seen an end to his season. The Vipers will stick to their effective style.
“We trust each other and we trust our systems,” said Ferner.
“We kept it pretty simple tonight, we got pucks deep and tried to win as many races and as many battles as we could.
“They’re a dangerous team and we’re pretty fortunate to win the first one here and tomorrow night’s going to be that much tougher.”
At the other end of the hallway, Lewis said the Kings were battling two opponents in the game.
“I don’t think we had the jump or we had the zip that we needed to be in a league final. We’ll have to definitely be better and address a few guys that just disappeared off the map and have to be a lot better tomorrow.”
The large crowd included about 30 Vernon fans.
“We were fortunate to get a couple of nice bounces and some lucky goals,” smiled Viper owner Duncan Wray, “and I think it frustrated the Kings for the large part. It was a nice start to the series for us.”
Added injured forward Ryan Santana, from the stands, early in the game: “It’s definitely a confidence booster for our team being up 3-0 at the end of the first period. I think some guys might have had some jitters, but once they got those out, it’s just getting after it and everyone starts to play their game and have some fun.”
Games 3 and 4 go Tuesday and Wednesday nights in Vernon.

SNAKE BITES: The Snakes outshot the Kings 32-23 with Hammond’s busiest period the second when he faced 14 shots...Hammond was second star and d-man Reid Campbell of the Kings third...D-man Kevin Kraus pocketed a pair of assists...Viper grad Ryan Kakoske, a defenceman at UBC, was named the Thunderbirds’ Rookie-of-the-Year at their year-end banquet Friday night in Vancouver.

Vandy Dandy In Alberta:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vandy dandy in Alberta

By Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star

His daughter Katie turns four at the end of April. She’s already a geography major after living in five cities.
She was hugging and bugging her dad – Mike Vandekamp – as he discussed the junior hockey playoffs on the phone early Friday afternoon.
Vandy, as he was affectionately known as head coach of the Vipers from 2002-04, has settled in nicely with the Grande Praire Storm of the Alberta Junior League.
He was running the Vipers when they last won the Fred Page Cup as B.C. Hockey League champions (in ‘03), and he realizes there is a chance he could be making a visit here sometime soon.
“We still have some work to do, but yes, we’d be excited to get the chance to come to Vernon,” said Vandekamp, whose Storm led the Spruce Grove Saints 2-0 in the AJHL Enerflex Cup final going into Saturday night action in Grande Prairie.
“Originally, we were secretly cheering for Victoria (Grizzlies, hosts of the Royal Bank Cup in May) because then we wouldn’t have to worry about winning the Doyle Cup (western regional series) so now we’re secretly cheering for Vernon.”
Vandekamp, who built teams built on an aggressive forecheck, relentless backcheck and stellar goaltending, has done the same in Grande Prairie.
The Storm, who are ranked eighth in the Canadian Junior A Power Poll, stopped the No. 1 Saints (who had a seven-loss season) 3-0 and 2-1 at Grant Fuhr Arena.
“It’s been a good move for us,” said Vandekamp, who after leaving Vernon, took a detour through Nanaimo for Prince George, and then stopped in Powell River before landing in Alberta. “We averaged 2,600 fans a game this year, which has to be tops in the country. We have a passionate fan base, very knowledgeable.”
Should the Storm and No. 4-rated Vipers end up meeting in the Doyle Cup, there will be some interesting sidenotes.
Jordon Harrison, a former BCHLer in his final year of junior and the grandson of late league founder Vern Dye of Vernon, is a winger with the Storm, who missed a few months with injury.
Brooks Robinson, another ex-BCHLer, who requested a trade from Powell River, is the son of Enderby product and Cowichan Valley Capital coach Scott Robinson. He is on a grocery list of talent headed to the NCAA Divison I Quinnipiac Bobcats near Hartford.
And Derek Ginnell of Medicine Hat is also with Grande Praire. He is the grandson of storied WHL coach and NHL scout Paddy Ginnell, who died in November, 2003, at his home in Vernon.
The Storm, unlike the Vipers and Powell River, whose travel schedule is ridiculous, don’t need to watch five full-length movies to reach Spruce Grove.
The Storm only needed a five-hour bus trip to reach the Edmonton suburb for the series openers. The worst scenario for Vandekamp and crew would be a Doyle Cup series against Powell River.
Let’s see. Six hours to Prince George. Another eight hours to Vancouver. And finally just under five hours to hit Powell River. Betcha they fly if that match-up somehow occurs.
Of course, Vandekamp must guide his troops to two more wins in a series which appears to mirror the Vipers-Kings series.
“...The Saints are a run-and-gun, wide-open style of team that skates well, are skilled and capitalize on any little mistake you make,” said Olds Grizzlys coach/GM Kevin Hasselberg, to Sun Media.
Added Brooks Bandits’ coach/GM Brian Curran, a former NHL d-man: “But Grande Prairie is built for a playoff run, they play a tremendous system and they don’t make many mistakes.”
Sounds like the Saints resemble the Kings and Vandekamp’s Storm follow the Vipers’ template.
Meanwhile, BCHL scoring crown champion Darcy Oakes of the Kings has enjoyed some past playoff success in Vernon.
He was a star with the Barrie Icemen of Ontario, who bowed 4-3 to the Port Coquitlam Pirates in double overtime in the ‘02 final of the Coca-Cola Pee Wee Classic at Civic Arena. Zach Hamill was the top Pirate that year. He eventually went to the Everett Silvertips and was chosen by the Boston Bruins in round one of the 2007 entry draft.
Oakes, like Viper twins Connor and Kellen Jones, and Colin Lidster of the Salmon Arm SilverBacks, also has a scholarship secured to Quinnipiac.

Fred Page Cup: Game 2 Vernon 3 Powell River 0

The Vipers are heading home with a 2-0 series lead after a big 3-0 victory last night in front of just 960 fans. Sahir Gill would open the scoring on the powerplay at 2:10 of the 2nd period, assists going to, Kellen Jones & Kyle Bigos. Just 22 seconds later Bryce Kakoske put Vernon up 2-0, with Cory Kane & Kevin Kraus picking up the assists. Braden Pimm would get Vernons final goal of the night on the powerplay at 7:09 of the 3rd period. Bryce Kakoske & Kyle Bigos would collect the assists. Andrew Hammond makes 32 saves for his 2nd straight shutout, while Carsen Chubak makes 33 saves in the loss.

3 Stars:

1st Star: Andrew Hammond

2nd Star: Bryce Kakoske

3rd Star: Kyle Leahy

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=684111

Vandekamps Storm One Win Away From Doyle Cup:

Former Vernon Vipers Head Coach and GM, Mike Vandekamp's Grande Prairie Storm are one win away from moving on to the Doyle Cup. The winner of the Storm & Spruce Grove Saints will face the winner of the Vernon Vipers-Powell River Kings.

Game 1 Grande Prairie 3 Spruce Grove 0
Game 2 Grande Prairie 2 Spruce Grove 1
Game 3 Grande Prairie 3 Spruce Grove 2
Game 4 (Sunday)

Vipers Playoff Video Highlights VS Powell River:

Heres highlights from Game 1 of the Fred Page Cup between Vernon & Powell River,

http://bchl.insinc.com/show/player.php

Fred Page Cup: Game 2 Vernon @ Powell River: (Game Preview)

Vernon (9-3) @ Powell River (8-6)

The Vernon Vipers come away last night with a 4-0 victory in Game 1 of the BCHL Fred Page Cup. With the win the Vipers now take over home ice advantage in the series. You can bet Vernon will be wanting to try and go home up 2-0 in the series with a win tonight. Vernon will once again have to play a smart road game, stay out of the penalty box and try and shut down the big guns of the Powell River Kings. Powell River is going to come out strong as they don’t want to be heading to Vernon down 2-0. The Kings are going to have to try and find a way to shut down the Vipers top line of Sahir Gill, Connor Jones & Kellen Jones. The Kings will also have to try and get traffic in front of Andrew Hammond who picked up his 3rd shutout of the BCHL Playoffs last night. The first goal of the game will be key once again for both teams, along with specialty teams. The Vipers have now won 40 games, tied one, and lost one in overtime when they’ve led going into the third period this season, including all 8 games in the postseason when they’ve led after two periods. Their other playoff win came when they were tied at the end of the second. Conversely, Powell River’s record is 2 wins, 19 losses when trailing after two periods. Coming into Friday’s game, the Kings’ power play had scored 13 goals in 27 chances in the playoffs at home. That record is now 13 goals in 30 home power plays. You can listen to tonights broadcast on 107.5 Kiss FM with Todd Miller, starting at 7:15pm

Heres a look at the series:

Tonight was Game 1 of the Fred Page Cup as the Vipers defeated the Kings 4-0 in front of 1,215 fans. Sahir Gill unassisted at 7:48, Connor Jones from Kevin kraus at 10:26 & James Kerr from Cory Kane at 11:41 put Vernon up 3-0 in the 1st period. Kyle Bigos from Kevin Kraus & Mike Collins at 15:39 on the powerplay put Vernon up 4-0 in the 2nd. No scoring in the 3rd as Powell River killed off a two man advantage. Ben Schmidt & Kyle Bigos would drop the gloves in the 3rd as Schmidt would receive a match penalty. Andrew Hammond would make 23 saves for his 3rd shutout of these BCHL Playoffs. Carsen Chubak would make 28 saves in the loss for the Kings. The Vipers welcomed back Cameron Brodie and Mike Collins from injuries. Game 2 is tomorrow night.

3 Stars:

1st Star: Kyle Bigos

2nd Star: Andrew Hammond

3rd Star: Reid Campbell

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=684110

Vernons Leading Playoff Scorers:

Connor Jones 14 pts
Kellen Jones 13 pts
Sahir Gill 12 pts
Chris Crowell 10 pts
Cory Kane 10 pts
Rob Short 9 pts
Mike Collins 9 pts
Braden Pimm 8 pts
James Kerr 6 pts
Bryce Kakoske 6 pts

Andrew Hammond 9-3 Record 1.47 GAA 3 Shutouts

Powell Rivers Leading Playoff Scorers:

Darcy Oakes 23 pts
Kyle Bodie 21 pts
Clay Harvey 18 pts
Mat Bodie 13 pts
Erik Vos 12 pts
Ben Schmidt 7 pts
Jordan Grant 6 pts
Chad Niddery 6 pts
Darcy Huisman 6 pts
Neil Chambers 6 pts
Carsen Chubak 8-5 Record 2.38 GAA 2 Shutouts

Vernon Vipers Playoff Flashbacks:

10 years ago (1999) The Vernon Vipers would make a long Playoff run, all the way to the team’s sixth National Championship, in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. I will be re-capping the Vipers cup run in my version of Vernon Vipers Playoff Flashbacks.

The Vernon Vipers finished the regular season clinching top spot in the Interior Division with a 50-6-2 record collecting 106 pts. The Vipers would defeat the Merritt Centennials in the (Interior Division Semi-Finals) in 5 games (4-1) Vernon would outscore Merritt 31-18 to move onto the Interior Conference Finals.

For stats & rosters on Vernon Junior Hockey History,

Check out Paul's Vernon Franchise Hockey website

http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html

Fred Page Cup: Game 1 Vernon 4 Powell River 0

Tonight was Game 1 of the Fred Page Cup as the Vipers defeated the Kings 4-0 in front of 1,215 fans. Sahir Gill unassisted at 7:48, Connor Jones from Kevin kraus at 10:26 & James Kerr from Cory Kane at 11:41 put Vernon up 3-0 in the 1st period. Kyle Bigos from Kevin Kraus & Mike Collins at 15:39 on the powerplay put Vernon up 4-0 in the 2nd. No scoring in the 3rd as Powell River killed off a two man advantage. Ben Schmidt & Kyle Bigos would drop the gloves in the 3rd as Schmidt would receive a match penalty. Andrew Hammond would make 23 saves for his 3rd shutout of these BCHL Playoffs. Carsen Chubak would make 28 saves in the loss for the Kings. The Vipers welcomed back Cameron Brodie and Mike Collins from injuries. Game 2 is tomorrow night.

3 Stars:

1st Star: Kyle Bigos
2nd Star: Andrew Hammond
3rd Star: Reid Campbell

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=684110

Fred Page Cup: Game1 Vernon @ Powell River: (Game Preview)

Vernon (8-3) @ Powell River (8-5)

Tonight the Vipers & Kings will be battling one another for the Fred Page Cup. Powell River is looking at capturing their first league Title while Vernon is going for a league record 10th BCHL Championship. This is just the second time in history both teams will be facing off against one another in the BCHL Playoffs. Powell River lost the League Final to the Vernon Lakers back in 1991 going down 4-0 Both teams are coming off hard fought victories, Vernon defeated Salmon Arm in 6 games to win the Interior Conference Championship, while Powell River is coming off a 7 games series with the Victoria Grizzlies, winning the Coastal Conference Championship. Both teams don’t know much about one another after only facing off against each other once back on September 24th in Powell River with the Kings skating away with a 4-2 victory. The Kings have a ton of scoring up front with two of the best lines in the league, Powell River scored a league high 251 goals during the regular season. Watch out for the Kings deadly powerplay as well. Vernon will try and shutdown the Kings hot scorers with one of if not the leagues best defence. The Vipers defence proved they can shutdown some of the leagues top lines, in both Rounds 2 and 3 shutting down the Vees & Silverbacks top units. Andrew Hammond the leagues best goaltender and Vipers MVP will also be very hard to beat, looking very solid between the pipes during the Vipers Playoff run. Vernon is missing some key players due to injuries, Cameron Brodie, Mike Collins & Ryan Santana are out of the lineup, a few other Vipers have been playing hurt. The Vipers will be limping into Game 1 with a battered and bruised hockey club. The highest scoring team against the stingiest. The Kings score an average of 4.33 goals per game to the Vipers 3.81. Against it’s 2.33 versus 1.64. Special teams are tight with Powell River’s PP 27.59% and a 89.80% PK to Vernon’s 27.66 PP and 85.42 PK. You can listen to tonights broadcast on 107.5 Kiss FM with Todd Miller, starting at 7:15pm

Heres a look at the series:

September 24th @ Powell River: Powell River wins 4-2

With the league going with a new look to the schedule this season, this was the only meeting between these two teams all season. This was just the Vipers 7th game of the season and the 2nd game of a five game road trip. With the game tied 2-2 in the 3rd, Darcy Oakes would score the game winner at the midway mark of the 3rd and then add an empty netter to give the Kings a 4-2 victory. Erik Vos & Brooks Robinson score the other Kings goals. Rob Short & Steve Tresierra scored the Vipers two goals. Chad Ketting picked up the win making just 17 saves, while Andrew Hammond took the loss making 35 saves. Powell River outshot Vernon 38-19.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=573402

Vernons Leading Playoff Scorers:

Kellen Jones 13 pts
Connor Jones 13 pts
Sahir Gill 11 pts
Chris Crowell 10 pts
Cory Kane 9 pts
Rob Short 9 pts
Mike Collins 8 pts
Braden Pimm 8 pts
Bryce Kakoske 6 pts
Andrew Hammond 8-3 Record 1.60 GAA 2 Shutouts

Powell Rivers Leading Playoff Scorers:

Darcy Oakes 23 pts
Kyle Bodie 21 pts
Clay Harvey 18 pts
Mat Bodie 13 pts
Erik Vos 12 pts
Ben Schmidt 7 pts
Jordan Grant 6 pts
Chad Niddery 6 pts
Darcy Huisman 6 pts
Neil Chambers 6 pts
Carsen Chubak 8-4 Record 2.25 GAA 2 Shutouts

Vipers Amped For Cup Showdown:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers amped for Cup showdown

One look at the B.C. Hockey League scoring leaders gives a pretty good indication what the Powell River Kings are all about.
The Kings have four snipers in the top-10 – Darcy Oakes, Kyle Bodie and Clay Harvey occupy the top-three, and Mat Bodie is at No. 8 – of both regular- and post-season scoring. Powell River also had a league best 4.2 goals-per-game.
The Vernon Vipers, who made the marathon two-ferry bus ride to Powell River for Games 1 and 2 of the Fred Page Cup Championship, going tonight and Saturday, roll into the best-of-seven series boasting the league’s best defence.
The Snakes allowed a stingy 2.4 goals against in the regular season, and, backed by the stellar play of netminder Andrew Hammond and a team-first approach to defence, have lowered that to an iron-clad 1.6 in the postseason.
“Do we think we can out-run-and-gun them?” pondered Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner. “Maybe not, but we’re pretty good defensively. The powerplay and penalty kill are going to play a big part in this.”
The Vipers allowed just one goal on 26 penalty kills, while capitalizing six times on 36 powerplay attempts in the Interior Conference final against the Salmon Arm SilverBacks.
Ferner took a reconnaissance trip to watch Game 7 of the Coastal Conference final where the Kings grounded the Victoria Grizzlies 4-1 Tuesday night at Bear Mountain Arena.
“From what I saw in the final game, both teams didn’t want to go to the penalty box, but (the Kings) have some physical players.
“Until you get on the ice with them, you can only make so many assessments from the stands. We’ll let the players sort it out on the ice.”
Harvey (2), Bodie and Jordan Grant scored for Powell River in Game 7. Cody Bremner replied for the Grizzlies with four minutes remaining.
Kings’ goalie Carson Chubak, who joined the Bodie brothers, Oakes and Harvey in the all-star game in Vernon, made some monster saves as the Grizzlies pressed in the second period. Chubak, a Prince Albert product, stopped former Kelowna Rocket Myles MacRae on a breakaway and robbed Jonathan Milhouse by going cross crease.
The Vipers lost a trio of players to injury in their gruelling six-game war against the ‘Backs, and before Thursday’s skate, Ferner said rugged defenceman Cameron Brodie and forwards Mike Collins and Ryan Santana were questionable for Game 1.
The Vipers also had a bit of misfortune in finding accommodation in Powell River because of a jazz festival.
“It’s been planes, trains and automobiles to get here, and now we don’t have proper accommodation,” fretted Ferner, adding that a 2-3-2 format might have been more suitable for this series. “We’re all at one hotel (Thursday), and then we’ve got to split up tomorrow.”
Games 3 and 4 go Tuesday and Wednesday respectively in Vernon. If necessary, the series would return to the Sunshine Coast, Friday, April 10 for Game 5. And due to lengthy travel times, Game 6 would go Sunday, April 12 in Vernon, followed by Game 7, Tuesday, April 14 in Powell River.
Vernon (Lakers) last faced Powell River (Paper Kings) in a Fred Page Cup in 1991, when the Lakers went on to win a Centennial Cup title. This will be the Vipers’ first cup final since 2006-07, when they bowed to the Nanaimo Clippers in six games.
The Vipers faced the Kings just once in the regular season in Powell River, a 4-2 loss way back in September.
Kings’ head coach/GM Kent Lewis, who was also bench boss when Powell River bowed to Vernon in ‘91, said his speedy bunch didn’t celebrate like rock stars after surprising Victoria.
“They had a quick little cheer in the dressing room, and then it was like it was game 20 in the regular season, and they went off for something to eat,” said Lewis, 42. “They are dialed in right now. They like being David and playing Goliath if that’s what people want to think.
“Sure, we blew a 3-1 (series) lead, but this group has a lot of guts, and it showed going into Victoria, and winning a Game 7 in front of 3,000 fans.”
Vipers’ d-man Mike Leidl got to play the Kings three times with the Burnaby Express before he was dealt to Vernon at the trade deadline.
“We know that they’ve got some dangerous forwards up front, but if we can get pucks deep and get their d-men running and get a good forecheck on them, they won’t be able to stay with our forwards,” said the Fort St. James product. “Powell River all year hasn’t really played a physical game. It’s not really their style down on the Coast to play as physical as we do in the Interior, so hopefully we can wear them down through the series.”
Hammond doesn’t expect things to be much different than the Salmon Arm series.
“Salmon Arm was pretty offensive too, so I don’t know if it’ll be much different. In the next couple of days we’ll get a better read on them.
“Our physicality will be there, just like it was in the Salmon Arm games. I don’t know if they have any forwards like Salmon Arm’s (Matt) Wray and (Colin) Lidster who are going to constantly pound you, but they do have (Kyle) Leahy and few other guys who are pretty tough.
“We won’t be deterred by people trying to take the body on us or trying to hurt us. Salmon Arm was a lesson for all our guys to learn that if we just keep sticking to our game and only worry about the stuff you can control, a lot of times your game will prevail and you’ll come out on top.”
Lewis, in his second tour of duty with the Kings after brief coaching stints in Victoria and Nanaimo, said his club found a “good identity” by taking the Cliff McNabb Trophy as Coastal champions in dramatic fashion. He’s not overly worried about how the Vipers play the game.
“There should be no surprises at this time of year,” said Lewis, once a power forward who played two years with the Western League Victoria Cougars and one year with the BCHL Nanaimo Clippers. “I think you can sometimes worry too much about what the other team does instead of just focussing on what got you here and do what you do best.
“At this age, we’re a work in progress. We’re finding out good things about our club, and I think Mark would say the same thing.”

Fred Page Cup: (Series Preview)

The Fred Page Cup is set as the Interior Conference Champion Vernon Vipers (42-14-1-3) face off against the Coastal Conference Champion Powell River Kings (39-16-1-4) starting with Games 1 & 2 Friday & Saturday in Powell River. Vernon is looking for their league best 10th BCHL Championship while Powell River is going for their first League Title. Vernon is coming off a first round bye, then knocking off the defending BCHL Fred Page Cup Champion Penticton Vees in Round 2 4 games to 1 outscoring the defending champs 25-10. The Vipers went on to winning the Interior Conference Championship defeating the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in 6 games, outscoring the Backs, 17-8. The Powell River Kings are coming off a first round bye, knocked off the Surrey Eagles in the 2nd Round 4-1 outscoring the Eagles 25-3. The Kings almost blowing a 3-1 series lead before knocking off the Victoria Grizzlies in 7 games, outscoring the RBC Hosts, 27-25.

I think with the new schedule this season, and not seeing all the teams atleast once, its a little harder to pick or judge the other teams from other Divisions. No matter what with Powell Rivers scoring and Vernons strong defence and goaltending, should make for one heck of a final.
Vernon played in Powell River once back on September 24th losing 4-2 This was just the Vipers 7th game of the season and the 2nd game of a five game road trip. It was tied 2-2 in the 3rd before Darcy Oakes gave the Kings the lead midway through the period and then added an empty netter to give the Kings the win. Powell River outshot Vernon 38-19. Andrew Hammond took the loss, while Cha Ketting picked up the win. With only facing one another just once and very early in the season, this will be a hard series to predict.

If you look at both teams rosters from that game there are a lot of new faces on both teams.

Here is the box score from that game,

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=573402

Lets take a look at whos now gone and whos new since these two teams last played one another.

Vernon Vipers:

Old Faces:

Steve Tresierra
Mark Segal
Ryan DePape
John Digness

New Faces:

Graeme Gordon
Cameron brodie
Mike Leidl
James Kerr
Bryce Kakoske

Powell River Kings:

Old Faces:

Brooks Robinson
Chad Ketting
Chris Walker

New Faces:

Jordan Grant
Darcy Huisman
Taylor Pears
Justin Hogan
Ryne Bodger
Alex McDougall


With not seeing the Kings play this year, its hard to get a good read on the team. I don’t know much about the hockey club other then a few things. The Kings (39-16-1-4) claimed top spot in the Mainland Division with 83 pts and have two of the best if not the best top two lines in the league. Powell River scored a league high 251 goals during the regular season giving up 184 goals. The Kings are lead offensively by Darcy Oakes with 99 pts. A very offensive team with lots of scoring power with the likes of Kyle Bodie (87 pts) Erik Vos (83 pts) and Clay Harvey (79 pts) Powell River will have to try and shutdown the Vipers top line of Sahir Gill, Connor Jones & Kellen Jones, who can cycle the puck down low like no other team. The Vipers are much strong team when they play with the cycle, when getting away from the cycle Vernon is a totally different hockey club. and get traffic and lots of pucks on Andrew Hammond who has been solid for the Vipers in these Playoffs. Specialty teams will play a difference in this series as well. The Powell River PP has been a force of nature this season and the second season has been no different with the extra-man success rate at over 34% (wow). Not to be overlooked is their PK which is 34/39

Heres a look at the Kings regular season scoring leaders.

G A PTS

Darcy Oakes 42 57 99
Kyle Bodie 29 58 87
Erik Vos 39 44 83
Clay Harvey 38 41 79
Chad Niddery 20 30 50
Mat Bodie 1 41 42
Jordan Grant 20 21 41
Jordan Gallea 4 22 26
Ryan Green11 14 25
Kyle Leahy 10 11 21
Reid Campbell 1 20 21
Ben Schmidt 10 9 19
Andrew Pettitt 10 9 19
Darcy Huisman 3 14 17
Neil Chambers 9 4 13
Jason Yee 3 10 13
Ryne Bodger 2 11 13
Mark McKamey 4 6 10
Justin Hogan 0 6 6
Derek Hills 2 3 5
Alex McDougall 0 2 2

GP W L SO GAA SV%

Carsen Chubak 39 28 10 1 2.53 90.66

Taylor Pears 12 3 5 0 3.46 89.71


The Vipers (42-14-1-3) claimed top spot in the Interior Division with 88 pts just two pts back of the BCHL regular season champion Victoria Grizzlies. The Vipers only gave up 145 goals, wich was a leagues best. Vernon can roll four solid lines inwich anyone is capable of putting the puck in the net. Vernon has one if not the strongest defence in the league and can shutdown any teams top line, for example we seen it in the Penticton & Salmon Arm series. The Vipers also have the leagues best goaltender in Andrew Hammond. Hammond was the leagues top goaltender during the regular season with a record of 27-12-1 collecting 5 shutouts. Hammond who was the Vipers MVP had a GAA of 2.30 and a SV% of 91.22 Vernon also had the leagues best goaltending duo with Andrew Hammond & Graeme Gordon. In the 41 games that the Vipers have led going into the third period this season, they have won 38, tied 1, and lost 1 in overtime. Vernon will have to try and shut down the big guns from the Kings top two lines, also try and get to Carsen Chubak who has played well in the Playoffs. Vipers will have to stay out of the penalty bix with the Kings leathal powerplay.

Heres a look at the Vipers regular season scoring leaders.

G A PTS

Connor Jones 19 41 60
Braden Pimm 24 30 54
Kellen Jones 15 37 52
Mike Collins 25 25 50
Chris Crowell 12 31 43
Cory Kane 20 22 42
Sahir Gill 18 21 39
Bryce Kakoske 12 25 37
Rob Short 16 18 34
Kyle Bigos 8 25 33
Ryan Santana 12 13 25
Cameron Brodie 6 18 24
Adam Thompson 7 15 22
Kevin Kraus 1 18 19
Cole Ikkala 8 9 17
Mike Leidl 1 15 16
James Kerr 8 5 13
Steven Weinstein 1 12 13
Cody Ikkala 0 10 10
Kory Roy 2 2 4
Nick Amies 0 2 2

GP W L T SO GAA SV%

Andrew Hammond 43 27 12 1 5 2.30 91.22

Graeme Gordon 23 14 6 0 2 2.92 88.57

BCHLers Boost Bemidji State To Frozen Four Berth:

This is on the BCHL website:

BCHLers boost Bemidji State to Frozen Four berth

Monday, March 30, 2009 - Submitted by BCHL Media

The Bemidji State Beavers made history Sunday, becoming the first team from outside NCAA Division I's 'Big Four' conferences to clinch a spot in the Frozen Four. And they pulled it off with a foursome of British Columbia Hockey League grads leading the way.

Former Vernon Vipers, Prince George Spruce Kings and Alberni Valley Bulldogs forward Tyler Scofield was named Tournament MVP after he scored two goals -- including the game winner -- and added an assist to lead the Beavers to a 4-1 upset win over Cornell in the Midwest Regional final.

Scofield was joined by Burnaby Express grad Brad Hunt, who scored 32 points in 36 games as a freshman, Matt Francis (Surrey Eagles) and Cody Bostock (Vernon Vipers) amongst Bemidji State's top six regular season scorers and foremost playoff performers.

The Beavers began their improbable weekend with a 5-1 win over Notre Dame, who came into the game as the #1 seed in their bracket and the second-ranked team in the nation. Bemidji, meanwhile, was the 16th ranked team in a tournament field of 16.

They will now face CCHA powerhouse Miami-Ohio for a spot in the National Championship game. Their semi-final match-up faces off at 2 PM Pacific on Thursday, April 9th.

NCAA Roundup: Strong Leadership Moves Vermont Ahead:

This is on the BCHL website:

NCAA Roundup: Strong leadership moves Vermont ahead

Monday, March 30, 2009 - Submitted by BCHL Media

News and highlights from around NCAA Division I Hockey featuring British Columbia Hockey League grads for the weekend of March 23rd to 29th:

NCAA Tournament -- Vermont vs. Yale/Air Force

Former Vernon Viper and current Catamounts captain Dean Strong is making the most of his final season at Vermont. Strong, who tallied 28 points in 39 games as a senior, is going to the Frozen Four after his team knocked off the ECAC and Atlantic Hockey champs.

On Friday, Vermont topped Yale by a 4-2 score, setting up a dramatic double-overtime thriller with Air Force. In that game, play continued for more than six minutes before a video review showed that Catamounts blueliner Dan Lawson had put a shot into the net -- and out through the mesh -- to win the game.

NCAA Tournament -- Boston University vs. Ohio State/New Hampshire

The Terriers opened the tournament with an impressive 8-3 win over former BCHLers Zac Dalpe, Hunter Bishop and Taylor Stefishen's Ohio State squad. In that game, Express grad Brandon Yip scored once and added an assist.

One night later, BU topped Salmon Arm SilverBacks alum Damon Kipp and New hampshire by a 2-1 margin.

Yip is joined by Trail Smoke Eaters grad Grant Rollheiser on the Terriers roster. Rollheiser has played 12 games in his freshman season while backing up starting goaltender Kieran Millan.

Vermont and Boston University will now meet in the Frozen Four semi-finals on Thursday, April 9th for a spot in the NCAA Division I National Championship two days later.

Fred Page Cup Finals Set Between Vipers And Kings:

This is on the BCHL website:

Fred Page Cup Finals set between Vipers and Kings

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 - Submitted by BCHL Media

They took different routes to arrive at this point, but the Powell River Kings and Vernon Vipers will now have to go through one another to capture the Fred Page Cup.

The series, which begins Friday on the Sunshine Coast, features a match-up between the BCHL's top offensive and defensive units. The Kings scored a league-high 251 goals during the regular season and counted four players amongst the top-six in overall scoring. Vernon, on the other hand, held opponents to league-low 145 goals and cut that number severely since the playoffs began. The Vipers have averaged 1.6 goals against in 11 postseason games.

The teams met only once during the regular season, with that game taking place just three weeks into the 2008/09 campaign. Powell River won by a 4-2 margin on home ice that night, with the Kings' duo of Darcy Oakes and Clay Harvey each picking up two points in the victory. But with a number of roster additions and deletions on both squads since September, both clubs will have little more than video and scouting reports to go on come Friday.

For the Vipers, the series marks an opportunity to win the team's first Fred Page Cup since 2003. While the gap may not seem an extended one, it is the longest that the team has waited between championships since the franchise won it all in 1988. That year, the club began a run that saw them win their first of seven titles in a 16-year span. They'll hope that the third time is the charm after recent FPC losses to Surrey (2005) and Nanaimo (2007).

The Kings, meanwhile, are looking to capture their first league championship after two previous finals appearances. In 1991, Powell River advanced to their first BCHL Finals before losing out to Vernon. Four years later, on their second trip, they were beaten out by the Chilliwack Chiefs.

This year's Fred Page Cup Final begins on Friday in Powell River before shifting north to Vernon on Tuesday, April 7th. Should the series go a full seven games, it would end on April 14th on the Sunshine Coast.

Fred Page Cup Schedule:

Game One: Friday, April 3rd -- 7:30 PM -- Powell River Recreation Centre

Game Two: Saturday, April 4th -- 7:30 PM -- Powell River Recreation Centre

Game Three: Tuesday, April 7th -- 7:00 PM -- Wesbild Centre, Vernon

Game Four: Wednesday, April 8th -- 7:00 PM -- Wesbild Centre, Vernon

Game Five: Friday, April 10th -- 7:30 PM -- Powell River Recreation Centre

Game Six: Sunday, April 12th -- 7:00 PM -- Wesbild Centre, Vernon

Game Seven: Tuesday, April 14th --7:00 PM -- Powell River Recreation Centre

Vipers Play Waiting Game For BCHL Final:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers play waiting game for BCHL final

Vernon Morning Star

SALMON ARM – Connor Jones has had a target on his back throughout the B.C. Hockey League Interior Conference finals. The speedy Kootenay kid has taken a beating on pretty much every shift courtesy of the Salmon Arm SilverBacks. In Game 6, he got major payback.
Jones turned the hat-trick as the Vernon Vipers iced the SilverBacks 3-1 to clinch the Interior title Saturday night before 2,108 fans at the Sunwave Centre.
“We’re targets out there,” said Jones, of he and twin brother Kellen. “We’re not the biggest guys, but we battle through it and lead by example.
“Crow (Vipers’ captain Chris Crowell) and all our veterans showed everybody the way it’s done, and I just try my best to do the same.”
The Vipers await the winner of the Victoria Grizzlies-Powell River Kings Coastal Conference final, which went to Game 7 Tuesday night in Victoria.
The winner of the Coastal series will host Games 1 and 2 of the best-of-seven Fred Page Cup Championship starting Friday. The series returns to Vernon for Games 3 and 4, April 7 and 8 respectively at Wesbild Centre.
Connor, sporting a few stitches across the bridge of his nose, put the Snakes on the board at 2:58 of the first. After winning a draw back to Vipers’ defenceman Adam Thompson, he deflected the point shot far side past netminder Bryan Gillis.
Connor, who took a vicious hit from behind from Zac Rasmussen midway through the second period, collected his second goal on a goalmouth scramble. Collecting the loose puck, Connor cooly slid the puck under Gillis, who earned second star for his 35-save performance.
The 5-foot-9, 165-pounder sealed the win with an empty-netter from just inside his blueline with 44 seconds remaining.
“Win – That’s all I was thinking,” said Jones, as he watched his rink-long lob shot at the open net. “It feels amazing... there’s no words to describe it.
“Both teams played hard. That (Mark) Zengerle line (with Keenan Desmet and Conor Morrison), they had a ridiculous amount of points (in the regular season), and we did a great job of holding them down.”
Added Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner: “They’re (Jones brothers) relentless, they love to play the game, and they play the game hard. That’s something that’s rubbing off on our hockey team.
“We knew this was going to be a long series, and to be able to do it in six surprises me a little. You look at the season series up until the last two games, and we were tied.
“I’m extremely proud of (the team’s) effort. They’ve been great kids all year long, they care about the right things and they care about each other.”
After the Vipers’ second goal, it looked as though Salmon Arm might be ready to call it a season. That is until Gorillas’ forward Colin Lidster chipped a puck over Vipers’ netminder Andrew Hammond from the slot. It renewed the SilverBacks’ momentum, and brought their fans back to life.
Salmon Arm then threw everything they had at the Vipers, but Hammond and the Vipers’ disciplined defensive play responded well.
“There’s no question they earned everything they got,” said SilverBacks’ captain Matt Walters. “They worked hard and played great all series.
“You can’t look past Hammond (30 saves) – he was awesome throughout the whole series. No matter what we threw at him, we just couldn’t seem to get those bounces going past him. He always seemed to get a piece of it.
“They clog up the middle so well, and they’re blocking shots, and they just sort of sit back and wait for you to make a mistake and capitalize on their chances.”
That the Vipers did it without injured players Mike Collins, Cameron Brodie and Ryan Santana is a testament to their depth. They dressed Enderby product Nick Amies as a seventh defenceman.
Ferner credited the Vipers’ veteran leadership – Crowell in particular – for rising above the injuries and grinding out a series win.
“(Crowell) is a tremendous leader and his game has grown so much. He wouldn’t let that room go in the wrong direction.
“Credit him and the core guys who have been here for a couple years. We feel like we’ve created the right culture, and that’s why teams win.”
The SilverBacks were without Bobby Lipsett and Brent Vandenberg, who was suspended for a brutal open-ice hit he put on Collins in Game 5.
“Both teams played hard throughout the series, and congratulations to Vernon,” said Salmon Arm head coach Rylan Ferster. “Full marks to them. To have success in the playoffs, you need some good health, some good luck and great goaltending, and they got it.
“They got a couple tipped goals – their first one (in Game 5) and their first one tonight. They were getting some good hockey bounces.”
The Snakes last competed for the Fred Page Cup in 2006-07, falling to the Nanaimo Clippers in six games. They last won it in 2003.
Meanwhile, Brian Nugent recorded the winner as the Grizzlies grounded the host Kings 5-2 Saturday night at the Recreation Complex to force Game 7.
Trailing by one after first-period goals by Kyle Leahy and Jordan Grant, the Grizz rattled off four straight goals.
Snipers Derek Lee and Evan Pighin led Victoria with a goal and two helpers each. Netminder Anthony Greico made 29 saves, while Kings’ netminder Carsen Chubak made 25 stops.

SNAKE BITES: Hammond earned BCHL Player-of-the-Week honours. The 20-year old White Rock product posted two shutouts, a 1.00 GAA and a .969 save percentage, and was named a game star three times during the week.