Was at tonights Game 4 of the Fred Page Cup as Vernon defeated Powell River 3-2 in Triple Overtime in front of 2,564 fans at the Wesbild Centre.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Andrew Hammond
Powell River: Carsen Chubak:
1st Period: For the second straight night the Vipers got off to a bit of a slow start. Powell River controlled the early play before Vernon would get the first powerplay of the night. Mike Collins would beat Carsen Chubak at 5:22 putting the Vipers up 1-0 with the all important first goal of the game. Kevin Kraus picked up the lone assist. This goal seemed to give Vernon a little jump as they would get their legs going. Some good flow at both ends of the rink with very limited chances. Sahir Gill had one of the Vipers best scoring chances but was stopped on a wrap around. Kyle Bodie somehow missed a wide open net, with Andrew Hammond down and out, Reid Campbell collected the loose puck and then was robbed by a diving Hammond who got back into the play. The Kings would tie the game 1-1 after Eric Vos beat Hammond at 10:42 Darcy Oakes & Ryan Green collected the assists. Darcy Oakes was then stopped by Hammond on another Powell River chance in close. Connor Jones with a good chance with down low, was stopped by Chubak. Powell Rivers defence stepped up their play blocking alot of shots in the period, really clogging up the middle as the Vipers couldnt seem to get pucks through. The Vipers played a physical period, something they didnt do in last nights game. Both teams had chances but were limited after a fairly even played 1st. It was tied 1-1 after 20 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Powell River 14-12.
2nd Period: The Kings started the 2nd with still 1:32 remaining on the powerplay, wich carried over from the end of the 1st. Vernons penalty kill was strong killing off the minor. Jordan Grant with a great chance to put the Kings up 2-1 was robbed by the right pad of Andrew Hammond just minutes into the period. Powell River started forcing the Vipers defence, causing many turnovers inside the line with some very poor passes. The Kings looked very good in the 2nd having the better of the play. Vernon laid off the physical play, looking tired at times through out the period. The Kings had some great chances, Jordan Grant put the Kings up 2-1 at 5:45 Kyle Leahy & Jason Yee picked up the assists. Vernons offence dissapeared having troubles breaking through the neutral zone. Darcy Oakes was stopped by Hammond after a nice scoring play. The only thing that seemed to be working for Vernon would be their penalty kill, wich looked very strong killing off a few minors this period. Kevin Kraus with a huge shot block went down and had troubles getting up, Kraus would stick with the play, trying to defend on one leg. On the whistle Kraus would struggle to skate off but stayed on the bench and would return to the ice next shift. Vernons one and only quality scoring chance came when Cory Kane rang his shot from the slot off the crossbar with five and a half minutes remaining. Justin Hogan with sheer determination come up with a huge block shot off Cameron Brodie, Hogan struggled on one leg to get off the ice. Hogan would head directly to the Kings dressing room but would return in the final period. The Vipers looked very bad getting outplayed, outworked and outhit all 2nd period as the Kings were up 2-1 after 40 minutes of play. Powell River is 31-0 during the regular season when leading after 40 minutes of play and 7-0 in these BCHL Playoffs. The Vipers outshot the Kings 13-11.
3rd Period: Just 3:14 into the period Braden Pimm with a solid effort broke down the right wing and then wired his shot over the glove of Carsen Chubak as the Vipers tied the game on Pimms unassisted goal. Vernon looked and played a much stronger period after a very poor 2nd. It was Vernon who had the early presure but couldnt score the go ahead goal. Both teams went back and forth getting some chances. Jordan Grant who played very well was once again stopped by Hammond. Darcy Oakes with a good chance in front couldnt sneak one past Hammond. Powell River with a sramble in front of Andrew Hammond couldnt slide the puck through the maze of players in the crease. Connor Jones with a wrap around couldnt get one past Chubak. Andrew Hammond had to make his biggest save of the night stopping Darcy Oakes on a breakaway. The Kings would get a late powerplay and with five and a half minutes remaining, Darcy Huisman's point shot would hit the post as Powell River come very close to taking the lead. The Kings moved the puck well on the man advantage getting some good chances, buzzing around the Vernon net. Vipers penalty kill would kill off the minor but couldnt stop the Kings, as they poured on the presure in the final six minutes. Vernon really looked tired in the final few minutes having troubles containing the Kings offensive attack. The Vipers would manage to excape the presure by the Kings as it was tied 2-2 and heading to Overtime for the second straight night. Vernon outshot Powell River 10-7.
Overtime: The Vipers got off to a strong start, getting the puck in deep, keeping the puck down low, getting some chances in and around the net. Vernon was buzzing with some good quality shots and chances as the Kings now were having troubles with the Vipers top line of Connor Jones, Kellen Jones and Sahir Gill. Kent Lewis would call a timeout in the first few minutes to try and get his team going after being outplayed early to start the extra period. Chad Niddery and Clay Harvey with a two on one, Harvey couldnt connect on the pass through the crease as the Kings with a great chance to end it. Back come the Vipers, Kellen Jones on the breakaway was stopped by Chubak after Vernon had a great chance to end tonights game. The Kings would get a powerplay but failed as the Vipers penalty kill looked very sharp. The Vipers would get a powerplay of their own, but struggled as the Kings penalty kill would kill off the minor. Powell River had the better of the scoring chances but couldnt capitalize. Darcy Oakes with many chances was once again stopped by Hammond as both goaltenders played well in Overtime. The Vipers basically went with the top two lines for most of the Overtime. Mark Ferner would call his timeout with two minutes left to try and rally his troops. Both teams with chances in a fairly even played period. No scoring after 80 minutes of play.
Double Overtime: Both teams with a few chances early before Vernon took over and never looked back. Powell River with a scramble in front couldnt beat the heavy traffic in front as Hammond covered up the loose puck. After the first five minutes of play, it was all Vipers as the Kings were basically hanging on and relying on the solid goaltending of Carsen Chubak. Chubak was forced to stand on his head all 2nd OT making some unreal saves. Chubak stoned Connor Jones from the slot as most in the Wesbild Centre thought it was going in. Braden Pimm who played with a ton of hustle all night was stopped by Chubak. Sahir Gill who worked super hard all night, was stopped down low. Connor Jones with a wrap around couldnt beat Chubak who somehow scooped up the puck out of mid air while almost falling over and into the net. The Vipers were firing everything and anything towards the net, hoping for a rebound or funny bounce but couldnt beat Chubak. Vernon would get its 2nd PP of the extra Overtime but couldnt capitalize after some strong penalty kill by the Kings and Chubak. Reid Campbell with a massive shot block, went down like a ton of bricks. Campbell looked in pain struggling to get off the ice on one leg. This kid showed alot of guts coming back to play the final OT period. Jordan Gallea with the best chance of the night to win it for the Kings, the puck come back to the point, where Gallea snuck in from the point, being left all alone, Gallea skated into the slot and then wired his shot just wide of the net as the Vipers were caught down low, leaving the point wide open. The Kings looked very slow and tired as the period went on and would get just one shot on goal in the final 14 minutes of Overtime. This lone shot come from Darcy Oakes who went for the wrap around but Andrew Hammond made the big save, sliding across the crease. Vernon outplayed Powell River for most of the Overtime but it was still tied 2-2 after two periods of Overtime. Vipers would outshoot the Kings 16-6.
Tripple Overtime: Vernon would continue to pour on the presure firing everything at Carsen Chubak. Chubak come up with a huge save on Connor Jones and then on Braden Pimm. Cory Kane was stopped by the Kings goaltender. Mike Collins was stopped at the side of the net as once again Powell River was just hanging on. Mike Collins would setup Braden Pimm who went in two on one with Captain Chris Crowell, Pimm made the perfect pass across over to Crowell who was absolutely robbed by Chubak who come across the crease to rob the Vipers Captain on one of the biggest saves of the season. Crowell and almost everyone in attendance thought this was the game winner. On the next faceoff Chubak would stop Sahir Gill in front but couldnt handle the rebound as Gills second attempt would sneak inbehind the Kings goaltender giving Vernon the 3-2 tripple Overtime victory, putting them up 3-1 in the series. Connor Jones & Kellen Jones would pick up the assists. The Vipers would outshoot the Kings 8-1.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Kevin Kraus (1 assist) Kraus played an unreal game on the Vernon blueline. Kraus is a true warrior, this kid has taken more shots to the leg then anything I have seen before. Never is this kid afraid to get down and block a shot, Kraus has gone down several times these Playoffs after blocking a huge shot. Thinking Kraus is done and wont return, this kid shows huge character, sucking it up and getting back out their. Looked very good defensively and offensively, rushing the puck on several occasions.
Mike Collins (1 goal) played a very strong game on the wing for the Vipers. Collins played with an edge, was really driving to the net all night. Looked very good with and without the puck.
Cameron Brodie played a very physical game, laid out several thunderous checks all night.
The line of Sahir Gill (1 goal), Connor Jones (1 assist) and Kellen Jones (1 assist) looked very good. Gill looked very impressive all night. Was a force with the puck down low, battled hard all game. Showed a ton of jump and determination. Was very strong and hard to fight off the puck. Connor & Kellen Jones started off a bit slow but as the game went on, both brothers picked up their game, looking very strong in the 3rd and into the extra Overtime periods. Both brothers had some great chances in and around the net but couldnt solve Carsen Chubak. Connor was really skating hard for most of the night, driving towards the goal on almost every rush.
Cole Ikkala looked very good in the first two periods but as the game went on, Ikkala's icetime went down. Ikkala played physical, really looked good the last few games.
Braden Pimm (1 goal) Was one of the Vipers best players. Pimm showed alot of hustle and grit all night. Scored a real nice game tying goal early into the 3rd. Had some great chances, as well as setup some great plays for some good chances.
Chris Crowell started off slow but really picked up his game and physical play, especially in the 3rd and extra Overtimes. Crowell had a few chances down low, but had his best chance just seconds before Gills OT winner. Crowell was robbed by Chubak on the two on one.
Andrew Hammond (41 saves) Looked a little shaky at times, especially in the first two periods. Hammond didnt seem to have that confidence that he has showed in these Playoffs. Had some troubles with a few rebounds and second chances, looked a little gittery at times you could say. Made some big saves at times.
Top Players: (Powell River)
Reid Campbell was very impressive on the Kings blueline. Campbell looked very good defensively and with the puck. Moves the puck well, made that first pass out of the zone, tape to tape everytime. This kid was a warrior blocking some big shots, looked as if he was done for the night after struggling to get off in the 2nd OT but battled back and returned to the ice come the 3rd OT.
Eric Vos (1 goal) Vos hasnt done much all series but looked good tonight. Vos was involved in the play in the first 3 periods but wasnt seen much in the Overtimes.
Jordan Grant (1 goal) Grant played his second straight game where he stood out. Grant had numerous chances all night, getting one puck past Hammond. Grant with some great scoring chances was by far one of the Kings best players.
Kyle Bodie played well up front. Missed a wide open net in the first period.
Darcy Oakes is another kid who has been quiet all series till tonight. Oakes looked very strong up front, getting a ton of chances but couldnt beat Andrew Hammond. Oakes with a breakaway in the 3rd had a great chance to score the goal ahead goal.
Chad Niddery looked good for the second straight night. Very shifty, really reads and see's the ice well. Setup Clay Harvey in the first OT for a chance to win.
Mat Bodie played very well on the Powell River Blueline.
Darcy Huisman played well defensively and offensively. Huisman with a chance to get the goal ahead goal rang his point shot off the post on the PP with five and a half minutes remaining.
Carsen Chubak (67 saves) was by far the best Powell River player, without Chubak this game was over. This kid was amazing in both games in Vernon. Im very impressed. Chubak looked very good last night but looked truly amazing tonight, making some acrobatic like saves in the 3rd and Overtime periods keeping the Kings in the game. Chubaks save on Chris Crowell seconds before the OT game winner, is one of the best saves I have seen all season. Chubak put on a goaltending clinc tonight.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
Wow what a very exciting-entertaining hockey game. Fans got their money's worth tonight! After not playing up to par last night, other then the 2nd period the Vipers played well and seemed to get stronger as the game went on. Both teams matched up well in the 1st and 3rd periods but once OT hit it was Vernon who was by far the better of the two clubs. Chance after chance after chance, I didnt think the Vipers would ever be able to beat Crasen Chubak in OT. This was a much needed win for Vernon, they didnt want to head back to Powell River with the series tied 2-2. Now one win away from the Fred Page Cup, the Vipers are in the drivers seat. At times the Vipers defence made some poor decisions, some very poor passes, wich resulted in many turnovers and odd man rushes. The Vipers need to tighten up defensively. Vernon really needs to work on the powerplay, way too many passes and not enough shots. The Vipers waisted many of there powerplays tonight, but passing the puck around looking for the pretty one timer goal. Vernon now needs to put the nail in the coffen Friday night. The Vipers need to end this series, you dont want to give the Kings momentum and life again.
Game Thoughts: (Powell River)
This was a much better effort and performance from the Kings tonight. I wasnt very impressed with Powell River in Game 3 but they made me change my mind tonight. The Kings played well and seemed to change there game plan. The Kings were really forcing the play for most of the night, attacking the Viper defence, wich resulted in many turnovers. Powell Rivers defence also stepped up their play, looking much improved from last night. The Vipers had troubles getting pucks through early and often in the 1st and 2nd periods. The Kings defence paid more attention to the Vipers top line, playing a little more tighter defensively down low. Before tonight the Kings were 31-0 during the regular season and 7-0 in these Playoffs when leading after 40 minutes of play. A pretty amazing stat, wich means nothing this time of yr. The Kings battled hard for most of tonights game but like I said as the game went on, Powell River was basically just hanging on. Without Chubak I dont think we would be going to Powell River for a Game 5.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Steven Weinstein
Nick Amies
Ryan Santana (Injured)
Trent Dorias (AP)
Powell River:
Ryne Bodger
Ben Schmidt (suspended)
Alex McDougall
3 Stars:
1st Star: Sahir Gill (OT Winner)
2nd Star: Carsen Chubak (67 Saves)
3rd Star: Andrew Hammond (41 Saves)
The Grande Prairie Storm will meet the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL in the 2009 Doyle Cup. The series will commence in Vernon at the Vernon Civic Arena on Friday, April 17th. The winner of the 2009 Doyle Cup will represent the Pacific Region at the 2009 RBC Royal Bank Cup National Junior ‘A’ Championship. 
