I was at tonights Game 2 as Quesnel defeated Vernon 4-2 in front of 1,637 fans at the Wesbild Centre.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Graeme Gordon
Quesnel: Kirby Halcrow
1st Period: Just 40 seconds into the 1st Vernon went on the games first powerplay, with very little chances or shots Braden Pimm with the lone chance was stopped in close by Kirby Halcrow as Quesnel would kill off the minor. Just minutes later Graeme Gordon made a big pad save off Tyler French, back come the Vipers after Vernon product David Robinson beat Halcrow at 4:05 giving the Vipers the early 1-0 lead. Connor & Kellen Jones with the helpers. The Millionaires responded quickly just 45 seconds later Darick Ste-Marie beat Graeme Gordon at 4:50 tying the game 1-1. Trever Hertz with the lone assist. Back come the Vipers getting some good chances at the other end of the rink. Rob Short & Sahir Gill went in two on one, Short ended up setting Gill in all alone but couldnt beat Kircy Halcrow who come up with a huge toe save keeping the puck out. Halcrow then showed the Vernon fans his quick glove hand. Halcrow made two big glove saves off Bryce Kakoske and Garrett Noonon. The play then slowed down a little as both teams looked a little slow, before Quesnel turned up the pressure creating some chances in the Vernon zone. Former Vernon Vipers defenceman, Eliot Raibl's point shot was tipped in front, but somehow Gordon made the save and then with a scramble in front, Joshua Desmarais beat Gordon but hit the post. Vernon would get its second powerplay of the night but again struggle as the Mills killed off the man advantage. Late in the 1st Tyler French beat Gordon at 17:35 putting Quesnel ahead 2-1. Clayton Chessa & Spencer Graboski with the assists. The Mills took a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes of play. I thought the Mills had some chances and played well at times but Vernon with the better chances couldnt beat Halcrow. The Vipers outshot the Millionaires 20-10.
2nd Period: Trever Hertz with a great chance early to put the Millionaires ahead by two was stopped in close. The Vipers with an early powerplay again struggled as the Mills would kill off another man advantage. Shortly after Vernon fans got a bit of a scare as Graeme Gordon come way out of his net to play the puck back to his defenceman, Gordon misshandled the puck and just about put the puck into his own net, as the puck slid through the crease. Vernon seemed to get the play in deep and over the next several minutes get some good chances. Rob Short in close just missed the net, Braden Pimm from the edge of the circle somehow missed an empty net as Kirby Halcrow was going down. Cory Kane turned up the jets with a nice move ripped a quick wrist shot from the circle but couldnt beat the quick glove hand of Halcrow. The Vipers then with another powerplay looked very disorganized as the Mills killed off yet another powerplay. The Vipers then struggled for the next several minutes, taking three straight icing plays. Vernon looked disorgaized at times throughout the 2nd period. Cory Kane with another great chance beat Halcrow but hit the post-crossbar as the Vipers come oh so close to tying the game. Jacob Verheyden & Justin Hogan on a two on one, Hogan ripped his hard shot high and over Graeme Gordon and the Vipers net. The Vipers carried the edge in play, but couldnt burry their chances. Late in the period Justin Hogan carried the puck through the Vernon zone, going by Adam Thompson, Hogan went all the way around the Vipers net, feeding a nice pass out front to a wide open Taylor Holst who beat Gordon at 17:10. Holst with the lone helper. The Millionaires now with two late goals in each of the first two periods. Quesnel was up 3-1 after 40 minutes of play. The Vipers outshot the Mills 22-6.
3rd Period: Off the draw the Vipers got the play in deep, Mike Collins then walked into the slot, and wired a shot that just missed the net, the puck hit the backboards shooting back hitting Kirby Halcrow in the skates, the puck was in the crease between the legs of Halcrow as several Viper players jammed the crease but couldnt get the puck past Halcrow as the big netminder covered up the puck and stopped the play dead. Back come the Millionaires, Branden Redschlag would score his first career BCHL goal beating Graeme Gordon at 1:40 putting Quesnel up 4-1 and in full control. Taylor Holst and Trever Hertz with the assists on the play. When the Vipers needed a big save, they didnt get it tonight. Off the draw the Mills now started putting pressure on the Vipers defence, forcing them to make the quick play. Quesnel started laying the body, and getting the puck in deep, trying now to just wind down the clock. The Mills did a great job at just dumping and chasing the puck for the next few minutes killing some good time off the clock as Vernon couldnt seem to get much of anything going, looking very frustrated. The Vernon crowd now started getting on Graeme Gordon, cheering him everytime he made a save. Give credit to the Vipers they didnt quit, as Vernon got the puck in deep and come up with a few good chances. The game started to get a little chippy now as after each whistle a scrum broke out in front of the Quesnel net with some pushing and shoving. Curtis Gedig's point shot was stopped by Halcrow who once again made another glove saves. Vernon would get yet another man advantage and once again was unable to generate much of an offensive attack. Quesnel would kill off the minor. The Vipers now running out of time were trying to throw everything towards the net, but Halcrow stood his ground standing tall between the pipes. The Mills wouldnt muster much offence as they really tried clogging up the front of the Quesnel net coming up with some big blocked shots. Rob Short would get Vernon to within two goals at 16:34 after Cory Kane & Dan Nycholat collected the assists. Vernon now poured on the pressure late. The puck would come back to Dan Nycholat who stepped into his shot but once again Kirby Halcrows glove hand was their to make the huge save with about two and a half minutes left. The Vipers would get a late powerplay and pull Gordon for the extra attacker, Steve Weinstein's point shot somehow got through a ton of traffic in front of the Mills net but still couldnt get past Kirby Halcrow. Halcrow then made a big save off the rebound to stop the clock. Trever Hertz come up with a huge block late in the game. After both teams called timeouts in the dying seconds Quesnel would defeat the Vipers 4-2 to tie the series 1-1 now heading back to Quesnel for Games 3 & 4. Vernon outshot Quesnel 15-6.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Cory Kane (1 assist) For the second straight night Kane played a very strong game for the Vipers. Hit the post-crossbar in the 2nd period, again was skating strong.
Braden Pimm I thought played a hard fought game. Pimm had several good chances but couldnt find the back of the net.
Rob Short (1 goal) Had some good chances tonight, again battled and played hard.
Garrett Noonan I thought was one of Vernons better d-men tonight.
Top Players: (Quesnel)
Kirby Halcrow (55 saves) What can you say about this kid. For the second straight night Halcrow comes up making some huge saves and well over 40 plus shots in back to back games. The difference tonight was he gave his team a chance to win and they did just that. Halcrow made some big saves early in the 2nd period and late in the 3rd. Quesnel got the big save when needed, again I think you take away Halcrow and this may be a bit of a different score.
The line of Trever Hertz (2 assists), Justin Hogan (1 assist) & Taylor Holst (1 goal & 1 assist) was by far the Millionaires best line. Trever Hertz come up with several big blocked shots through out tonights game, had some good chances as well. Justin Hogan made a real smart heads up play to setup the 3rd Quesnel goal. Taylor Holst played his second straight solid game for the Mills. Holst was left wide open on the 3rd Quesnel goal.
Joshua Desmarais played a physical-In your face style of game. This kid was getting in the faces or under the skin of any Viper player he could.
Tyler French (1 goal) I thought French looked very good on his first few opening shifts last night in Game 1 but then wasnt much of a factor for the remainder of the hockey game. Tonight was a different story. I was very impressed with Tyler French. This kid has some quick wheels and can handle the puck, skates well.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
Anytime you outshot your opponent 57-22 and lose is going to be hard to take. The Vipers didnt look as sharp as they did in Game 1 last night, I didnt think they played bad, like alot of fans were saying. I think they just didnt play great. At times they struggled with and without the puck, I didnt see that crisp tape to tape passing like I did last night. I also didnt see that strong forecheck and cycle down low as well as last night. For the second straight night the Vipers struggled on the man advantage and have yet to score on the powerplay in this series. Vernon moved the puck around the perimiter for most of the powerplay, without any shots. When you get six powerplays in a Playoff game and give the other team no powerplays, this is where you have to make the other team pay. Id like to see a few more guys drive to the net and get in the grey area's. Vernon also has to be a little more physical. Dont get me wrong the Vipers had several good chances but ran into a hot goaltender. On the other end, I think the Vipers would have like to have gotten a big save from Graeme Gordon when needed. This is just the third time all season the Vipers have given up four or more goals in a game.
Game Thoughts: (Quesnel)
Well the Mills got the split, Im sure something they talked about before Game 1. Quesnel now improves to 2-3 on the road and heads home for Games 3 & 4 where they are 3-0 at the Vault. Again the Millionaires relied on Kirby Halcrow to bail them out, but unlike last night Quesnel managed a little more offence, getting just a few more chances and what counted most, is burrying their chances. The Mills may have not had a ton of good chances but scored on them when they had them. Quesnel played a fairly physical-In your face style of game, lots of pushing and shoving after whistles, getting in Vipers faces, little jabs or shots after the whistle, anything to try and get the Vipers off their game. The Mills did a great job at clogging up the middle in front of the Quesnel goal, also come up with some huge blocked shots. The Mills now have to take advantage of the smaller ice surface at the Vault and use home ice to their advantage.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Darrin Robak
Patrick McGillis
Trevor Fitzgerald
Quesnel:
Anderson White
Sam Higgins
Marley Keca
3 Stars:
1st Star: Kirby Halcrow (55 saves)
2nd Star: Taylor Holst (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Cory Kane (1 assist)
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Game Preview: Game 2: Quesnel @ Vernon:
Quesnel (4-3) @ Vernon (1-0)Last Game Played:
Tuesday March 9th Game1 : Vernon defeated Quesnel 6-2
Tonight is Game 2 of the 2nd round of the BCHL Playoffs between the defending Royal Bank Cup Champion Vernon Vipers & the Quesnel Millionaires. The Vipers lead the best of seven series 1-0. The Vipers are on a eight game winning streak, while the Millionaires are on a single game losing streak. You can listen to tonights game live with Todd Miller on 107.5 Kiss FM starting with the pregame at 6:45pm
Let’s take a look at the Vernon Vipers: (1-0)
Home Record: 1-0
Away Record: 0-0
The Vipers come into Game 2 tonight up 1-0 in the series and don’t want to give Quesnel a sniff heading up North for Games 3 & 4 Friday & Saturday. Vernon wants to put Quesnel away early and often and head out on the road up 2-0 in the series. The Vipers who picked up the first round bye didn’t look out of place last night with a big 6-2 victory. Vernon once again needs to get lots of pucks and traffic towards and in front of Mills goaltender, Kirby Halcrow. Vernon needs to keep up the strong forecheck and cycle going down low, If they keep generating and creating chances like last night, pucks will eventually go in. If the Vipers stick to the same game plan as last night, they should be alright.
Key Players To Watch:
Braden Pimm (2-0-2)
Rob Short (2-0-2)
Curtis Gedig (1-1-2)
Cory Kane (1-1-2)
Kevin Kraus (0-2-2)
Mike Collins (0-1-1)
Sahir Gill (0-1-1)
Connor Jones (0-0-0)
Dan Nycholat (0-0-0)
Jonathan Milhouse (0-0-0)
Kellen Jones (0-0-0)
David Robinson (0-0-0)
Graeme Gordon (1-0 Record, 2.00 GAA)
Let’s take a look at the Quesnel Millionaires: (4-3)
Home Record: (3-0)
Away Record: (1-3)
The Millionaires come into tonights Game 2 needing a big road win. Quesnel dosnt want to head home down 2-0 to a Vipers team who was 2-0 in Quesnel during the regular season and to a Vernon club who lost just four games on the road all regular season. The Mills need a much stronger performance tonight, every player must put in a full 60 minute effort if they want to knock off the defending RBC Cup Champions. Generating and creating chances in the offensive zone, getting more pucks to the net and trying to slow down and shut down the speedy but highpowered offensive Vipers will be key tonight and in the entire series. If the Mills want to win they need more then just nine shots in the final two periods and cant rely on Kirby Halcrow to make 40 saves every night.
Key Players To Watch:
Darick Ste-Marie (8-5-13)
Taylor Holst (3-6-9)
Justin Hogan (3-5-8)
Joshua Desmarais (3-4-7)
Trever Hertz (3-4-7)
Jacob Verheyden (1-4-5)
Eliot Raibl (1-3-4)
Skyler Smutek (0-4-4)
Clayton Chessa (1-2-3)
Kirby Halcrow (4-3 Record, 3.14 GAA)
Here’s a look at both teams rosters:
Vernon Vipers Regular Season Scoring:
Connor Jones (36-45-81)
Mike Collins (30-46-76)
Braden Pimm (25-43-68)
Cory Kane (22-33-55)
Jonathan Milhouse (19-34-53)
Kellen Jones (12-41-53)
Rob Short (22-28-50)
Dylan Walchuk (19-28-47)
Cole Ikkala (22-23-45)
Dan Nycholat (7-38-45)
Bryce Kakoske (13-28-41)
Kevin Kraus (5-22-27)
David Robinson (15-10-25)
Adam Thompson (5-20-25)
Steven Weinstein (4-18-22)
Curtis Gedig (11-10-21)
Patrick McGillis (7-14-21)
Garrett Noonan (2-16-18)
Sahir Gill (3-9-12)
Darrin Robak (2-5-7)
Blake Voth (21-2 Record, 3 Shutouts- 1.79 GAA)
Graeme Gordon (30-7 Record, 1 Shutout- 2.06 GAA)
Quesnel Millionaires Regular Season Scoring:
Trevor Hertz (35-38-73)
Taylor Holst (27-30-57)
Darick Ste-Marie (17-35-52)
Eliot Raibl (7-39-46)
Justin Hogan (15-29-44)
Joshua Desmarais (20-22-42)
Jacob Verheyden (12-23-35)
Sam Higgins (7-28-35)
Skyler Smutek (7-27-34)
Tyler French (15-17-32)
Spencer Graboski (10-9-19)
Clayton Chessa (4-13-17)
Rylan Stanyer (3-7-10)
Mitch Galbraith (6-3-9)
Chris Kerr (4-4-8)
Tyler Billon (0-7-7)
Tyson Price (1-3-4)
Marley Keca (1-3-4)
Brandon Watson (1-2-3)
Anderson White (0-3-3)
Luke Siemens (9-12 Record, 1 Shutout- 3.70 GAA)
Kirby Halcrow (13-25 Record, 0 Shutouts- 4.23 GAA)
Let’s take a look back at last night’s Game 1:
Game 1: Tuesday, March 9th @ Vernon: Vernon wins 6-2
Taylor Holst opened the scoring at 8:42 giving the Mills the early 1-0 lead before Rob Short scored two to give Vernon a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes of play. Just one goal in the 2nd as Braden Pimm’s goal at 1:12 was the game winner. After a strong Vipers attack and no goals, Chris Kerr cut the lead to 4-2 before Braden Pimm, Cory Kane & Curtis Gedig would round out the scoring in the 3rd giving Vernon the 6-2 victory, taking Game 1. Graeme Gordon made just 12 saves for the win, while Kirby Halcrow made 40 saves taking the loss.
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=806856&link=bchl
Vipers Dominate Mills In Series Opener:
This is posted on the Vipers website:
Vipers dominate Mills in series opener
by Don Klepp | Added 2010-03-09
Fresh off their first-ever playoff series win, the Quesnel Millionaires were brought back to earth as they were steamrolled 6-2 by the Vernon Vipers.
The score differential could have been much greater if not for the work of Mills starter Kirby Halcrow, who was bombarded by 47 shots, 20 in the second period. He got an arm or a glove on several rockets that seemed destined for the top corner and had others glance off his big frame.
The Mills were hemmed in their end for much of the last two periods as they were unable to stay with the quick Viper forwards. Meanwhile, they were able to generate only 6 scoring chances in the contest, compared to the Vipers’ 24.
Still, the game started on a promising note for the visitors. Off a determined forecheck that prevented Viper clearing attempts, Taylor Holst swept in a rebound at 8:42. It was Quesnel’s first shot on goal.
Although the Vipers looked a little rusty in the early going, they bounced back with a Rob Short deflection at 9:29. Exerting pressure of their own, the Vipers created chaos in the Quesnel zone and Kevin Kraus had all day to walk in with a wicked wrist shot that ricocheted off Short.
From that point, the Mills were unable to generate much offence, though they worked hard on defence and blocked several shots. Short added a second first-period marker at
17:24 when Cory Kane outmuscled rookie defender Taylor Egan behind the Quesnel net and fed his wide-open winger in the high slot. Short coolly picked the top corner.
The disparity in speed and quickness really became apparent in the second period, when the Vipers outshot the Mills 20-3. Despite the one-sided play, the Vipers managed just one goal when Braden Pimm roared down the right wing on an odd-man rush with Kellen Jones. Using Jones as a decoy, Pimm surprised Halcrow with a quick shot that handcuffed the big netminder.
The onslaught continued in the final frame. The Vipers generated 11 scoring chances and scored thrice more with wrist shots from the point. The first was taken by Curtis Gedig, who nimbly stopped a pass with his right skate, kicked it to his stick and fired a shot that was redirected at waist level by Pimm. At the end of the period, Gedig released another wrister that bounced in off a Quesnel defenceman. In between the Gedig shots, Cory Kane found a rebound off an Adam Thompson slap shot and maneuvered the puck around Halcrow.
Quesnel scored a consolation goal when Chris Kerr’s flick from the side of the net bounced in off Graeme Gordon’s shoulder.
The series continues Wednesday in Vernon before heading north for games on Friday and Saturday. The Millionaires hope to quickly find an answer to the puzzle that has now seen them lose 27 straight BCHL games to the Vipers.
Vipers dominate Mills in series opener
by Don Klepp | Added 2010-03-09
Fresh off their first-ever playoff series win, the Quesnel Millionaires were brought back to earth as they were steamrolled 6-2 by the Vernon Vipers.
The score differential could have been much greater if not for the work of Mills starter Kirby Halcrow, who was bombarded by 47 shots, 20 in the second period. He got an arm or a glove on several rockets that seemed destined for the top corner and had others glance off his big frame.
The Mills were hemmed in their end for much of the last two periods as they were unable to stay with the quick Viper forwards. Meanwhile, they were able to generate only 6 scoring chances in the contest, compared to the Vipers’ 24.
Still, the game started on a promising note for the visitors. Off a determined forecheck that prevented Viper clearing attempts, Taylor Holst swept in a rebound at 8:42. It was Quesnel’s first shot on goal.
Although the Vipers looked a little rusty in the early going, they bounced back with a Rob Short deflection at 9:29. Exerting pressure of their own, the Vipers created chaos in the Quesnel zone and Kevin Kraus had all day to walk in with a wicked wrist shot that ricocheted off Short.
From that point, the Mills were unable to generate much offence, though they worked hard on defence and blocked several shots. Short added a second first-period marker at
17:24 when Cory Kane outmuscled rookie defender Taylor Egan behind the Quesnel net and fed his wide-open winger in the high slot. Short coolly picked the top corner.
The disparity in speed and quickness really became apparent in the second period, when the Vipers outshot the Mills 20-3. Despite the one-sided play, the Vipers managed just one goal when Braden Pimm roared down the right wing on an odd-man rush with Kellen Jones. Using Jones as a decoy, Pimm surprised Halcrow with a quick shot that handcuffed the big netminder.
The onslaught continued in the final frame. The Vipers generated 11 scoring chances and scored thrice more with wrist shots from the point. The first was taken by Curtis Gedig, who nimbly stopped a pass with his right skate, kicked it to his stick and fired a shot that was redirected at waist level by Pimm. At the end of the period, Gedig released another wrister that bounced in off a Quesnel defenceman. In between the Gedig shots, Cory Kane found a rebound off an Adam Thompson slap shot and maneuvered the puck around Halcrow.
Quesnel scored a consolation goal when Chris Kerr’s flick from the side of the net bounced in off Graeme Gordon’s shoulder.
The series continues Wednesday in Vernon before heading north for games on Friday and Saturday. The Millionaires hope to quickly find an answer to the puzzle that has now seen them lose 27 straight BCHL games to the Vipers.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Round 2: Game 1: Vernon 6 Quesnel 2
I was at tonights Game 1 as Vernon defeated Quesnel 6-2 in front of 1,900 fans at the Wesbild Centre.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Graeme Gordon
Quesnel: Kirby Halcrow
1st Period: During warmup Brandon Watson headed straight towards Graeme Gordon and started yapping away while Gordon was stretching. David Robinson then skated by and had words with Watson. Watson really gave a handfull to Gordon as the Vipers goaltender ignored the Mills forward. The Vipers took defence of their National Title trying to become the first team since the 1990-1991 Vernon Lakers to win back to back Centennial Cup-Royal Bank Cup Championships. The Vipers got to work early controlling the play but couldnt sustain any real solid pressure. The Vipers would get the games first powerplay but very little scoring chances Vernon would end up in the penalty box putting both teams four on four. Neither team would take advantage, as Vernon carried the better of the play as most of the play was in the Mills end early and often but Vernon couldnt generate much of an offensive attack. Quesnel did come out hitting, laying some good checks on the Vipers early. No real good quality scoring chances for either team as Vernon had the edge in play for the first six or so minutes before the Millionaires opened the scoring at 8:42. The Mills with some good puck movement in the Vipers zone, drove towards the goal, with a scramble in front of Graeme Gordon, Taylor Holst picked up the puck and beat Gordon giving the Mills the 1-0 lead. Trever Hertz with the lone assist. Under a minute later Rob Short would tip Kevin Kraus's point shot past Kirby Halcrow tying the game 1-1 at 9:29 with Kraus and Sahir Gill picking up the assists. Just after the Vipers goal both teams went back to playing four on four, once again no real quality scoring chances. Quesnel would then get their first man advantage of the night but couldnt generate any real offensive attack as the Vipers killed off the minor. Late in the period Cory Kane with great hustle beat the Millionaires d-man to the puck, Kane then fed Rob Short out front who beat Halcrow at 17:24 putting Vernon up 2-1 with Cory Kane & Adam Thompson with the assists. Vernon controlled the edge in play in the first half before both teams looked fairly even in the second half as the Vipers took a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Quesnel 10-5.
2nd Period: Off the opening faceoff a long shot from just past centre almost fooled Graeme Gordon, as he had to make an awkward save on the Mills long shot. Just 1:12 into the 2nd Braden Pimm & Kellen Jones went in two on one, Pimm decided to shoot wich beat Halcrow on a soft goal giving the Vipers an early 3-1 lead. Adam Thompson & Mike Collins collected the assists. Halcrow would like to have this one back. The Vipers then went to work early and often getting a ton of real good scoring chances. Cory Kane danced around two Mills before getting stopped by Kirby Halcrow. Kevin Kraus's point shot was stopped by Halcrow, and just shortly after Mike Collins shot from the point was tipped in front by wich looked to be a Quesnel player but somehow went just wide of the goal. Vernon was by far the better team in the middle frame dominating the play for the entire period. The Vipers on an odd man rush sent in Dan Nycholat in all alone for the parcial breakaway, but Halcrow come up with the huge blocker save. Kirby Halcrow was solid keeping the Mills in tonights game. The Mills were having all kinds of trouble with the Vipers strong aggresive forecheck. The Mills were losing most of the one on one battles and races to the puck almost the entire period. Quesnel with just two shots in the first ten minutes of the period. The Mills had a great chance to get back in the game, Taylor Holst and Trever Hertz went in two on one but Captain Kevin Kraus with a great giving poke check broke up the play. Curtis Gedig with a blast from the point couldnt beat Halcrow. Clayton Chessa come very close to making this a one goal game beating Gordon but hit the post. On the same shift, Chessa wired a shot from the circle as Gordon just got a peice of it to keep the puck out. The Vipers would get the only powerplay of the 2nd but were unable to generate much offence getting just two shots as the Millionaires penalty kill was good killing off the minor. Late in the period Trever Hertz missed the net from the slot and then with a minute and a half remaining Skyler Smutek's point shot was tipped in front but stopped by Gordon. In the dying seconds Cory Kane would go end to end with a great individual effort but couldnt beat Kirby Halcrow in the final seconds. Vernon dominated the play but only managed one goal, taking a 3-1 lead after 40 minutes of play. The Vipers outshot the Millionaires 20-3.
3rd Period: The Vipers started the 3rd right where they left off at the end of the 2nd. Vernon come out buzzing with loads of pressure in and around the Mills net. Rob Short with speed down the wing, got off a hard shot from the end of the circle but couldnt beat Kirby Halcrow who through up his arm at the last second to make the big save. David Robinson driving towards the front of the net was stopped down low. Braden Pimm would beat Halcrow at 6:12 giving Vernon the 4-1 lead with Cole Ikkala & Curtis Gedig picking up the assists. Quesnel responded just under a minute later, after Chriss Kerr beat Graeme Gordon high over the shoulder at 7:08 cutting the Vernon lead to 4-2. Brandon Watson with the lone helper. Just over a minute later Vernon would head to the powerplay, Adam Thompson with two big blast's from the point couldnt get past Halcrow as Quesnel would kill off the minor. Braden Pimm & Mike Collins went in on a parcial two on one, Pimm setup Collins who rang his long shot off the far post as the Vipers come oh so close to regaining their three goal lead. Just shortly after Kevin Kraus was stopped by Halcrow who couldnt hold onto the rebound, as Cory Kane jumped on the loose puck beating Halcrow upstairs at 10:58 giving the Vipers a 5-2 lead and now in full control. Kraus and Steve Weinstein with the assists. The Mills would get into penalty trouble taking three straight minors but were able to hold off the Vipers onslaught. Quesnel did get a great chance shorthanded as Mitch Galbraith & Chris Kerr went in two on one, but were denied by Graeme Gordon who made a nice save on the penalty kill. Quesnel would kill off all three minors. Bryce Kakoske was sent in all alone but went in too deep and was forced to shoot high and over the net after Halcrow gave him no where to shoot. Connor Jones & David Robinson went in two on one, but Jones couldnt control the puck as the Mills dodged another bullet. For the second straight period the Millionaires couldnt generate much offence having all kinds of troubles with the high powered Vipers. Late in the 3rd the Mills were getting frustrated as Kirby Halcrow gave a crosscheck to David Robinson who was standing atop the goal crease and then on Robinson's next shift Halcrow gave Robinson a shot to the face with his glove. With time winding down Curtis Gedig's point shot looked to be tipped in front wich beat Halcrow at 19:51 giving Vernon the 6-2 lead. The goal was awarded to Gedig (unassisted) The Vipers would defeat the Millionaires 6-2 taking Game 1. Vernon has now won eight straight while Quesnel's two game winning streak comes to an end. Vernon outshot Quesnel 16-6.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Dan Nycholat played a solid game on the Vipers defence.
Curtis Gedig (1 goal & 1 assist) Was by far Vernons best defenceman. Gedig looked very smooth at both ends of the rink, was skating hard, made some real nice crisp heads up passes, carried the puck well. Curtis looked to be in the zone all night.
The line of Connor Jones, Kellen Jones & David Robinson played very well up front for the Vipers. Both Jones Twins were hit or tried to be hit most of the night. This line was very good with the cycle down low, really moved the puck well, gave the Mills defence troubles all night.
The line of Cory Kane (1 goal & 1 assist), Rob Short (2 goals) & Sahir Gill (1 assist) Was another solid line for Vernon. What can you say about the play of Vernon product Rob Short. Short played a very strong game up front for the Vipers. It looked like Short tipped Curtis Gedigs point shot in the dying seconds of the 3rd period, but they gave the goal to Gedig. Short showed good hustle and physical play at both ends of the rink. Cory Kane sure has stepped up his game late in the season. Kane who was playing some of his best hockey late in the regular season, was a horse up front for the Vipers. Kane was very strong and smooth with the puck tonight, was skating hard, made some incredible moves at times. Was very hard to knock off the puck.
Braden Pimm (2 goals) When dosnt think kid have an off night. Pimm played very well defensively, scored the game winner on a soft goal early into the 2nd period.
Jonathan Milhouse played well at times. I thought Milhouse played his best in the games first two periods. Didnt see much of or notice Milhouse much in the 3rd. Milhouse was really skating hard in the 2nd period.
Kevin Kraus (2 assists) Played a strong game at both ends of the rink for the Vipers. Kraus made a great diving play to break up a Mills two on one scoring play in the 2nd period. Kraus really seems to step up his play come playoff time.
Adam Thompson (2 assists) Thompson was another Viper defenceman who played very well. Thompson with two good blasts from the point in the 3rd on the man advantage, really moved the puck well. Played very well defensively.
Top Players: (Quesnel)
Kirby Halcrow (40 saves) The Vipers seen this movie once before as Halcrow played very well in the first meeting of the season between these two teams. Halcrow made 35 saves keeping his team in the game but fell short 2-0 to the Vipers. Now again tonight the Mills keeper makes 40 saves in a 6-2 loss in Game 1 of the 2nd Round. Halcrow come up huge in the 2nd and 3rd periods making some big saves keeping his team in the contest. Without Halcrow this could have easily been a 11 or 12-2 score.
Taylor Holst (1 goal) Was another bright spot in the Millionaires lineup. Holst who has played well against the Vipers throughout the regular season scored the games opening goal in Game 1. Holst played well up front.
Terver Hertz (1 assist) Hertz with a few quality chances could have scored atleast one goal but missed on a great chance from the slot, a chance Im sure he wish he had back.
Chris Kerr (1 goal) I was impressed with what I saw from Chris Kerr. The Mills who were badly outplayed in the final two periods, still got a goal and a two on one shorthanded chance from Kerr.
Clayton Chessa looked fairly good tonight. Didnt get alot of chances or stand out but did hit the post once in the 2nd period. This kid has a wicked shot, should shoot alot more when given the chance. Played physical.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
After having the first round bye and not playing in 16 days, I was pretty impressed with the Vipers tonight. I expected alot more rust and it taking this team a good period or two to get going. Vernon dominated this game for atleast the final two periods and was by far the better team in the end. I was very impressed with the passing, very crisp, tape to tape passes coming from almost every Viper player. I thought the Vipers played very well at both ends of the rink, again if it wasnt for Kirby Halcrow the score could have been much higher. The Vipers dominated the play down low and with the cycle. Vernon won most of the one on one battles and races to the puck. I wasnt overly impressed with the teams powerplay (0-6) not enough shots, way too much passing around the perimiter. Great to see a pretty big crowd on hand for tonights game. Giving that it was a Tuesday night, and the Canucks were also on tv and they were playing Quesnel. Very nice.
Game Thoughts: (Quesnel)
I thought Quesnel was being outplayed in the opening period, atleast until the Mills opened the scoring, but give them some credit they battled back and I thought played fairly well to finish off the 1st period. Not sure what happened in the final two periods but this team couldnt compete or handle the Vipers in all areas. The Millionaires had trouble with the Vipers attack all night, Quesnels defence couldnt the strong forecheck and cycle down low. The Mills tried playing physical at times but that didnt seem to slow down the Vipers, who kept coming in waves. The Mills need to generate more offence, getting just three shots in the 2nd and six in the 3rd isnt going to win you hockey games.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Darrin Robak
Patrick McGillis
Trevor Fitzgerald
Quesnel:
Anderson White
Sam Higgins
Tyson Price
3 Stars:
1st Star: Rob Short (2 goals)
2nd Star: Braden Pimm (2 goals)
3rd Star: Cory Kane (1 goal & 1 assist)
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Graeme Gordon
Quesnel: Kirby Halcrow
1st Period: During warmup Brandon Watson headed straight towards Graeme Gordon and started yapping away while Gordon was stretching. David Robinson then skated by and had words with Watson. Watson really gave a handfull to Gordon as the Vipers goaltender ignored the Mills forward. The Vipers took defence of their National Title trying to become the first team since the 1990-1991 Vernon Lakers to win back to back Centennial Cup-Royal Bank Cup Championships. The Vipers got to work early controlling the play but couldnt sustain any real solid pressure. The Vipers would get the games first powerplay but very little scoring chances Vernon would end up in the penalty box putting both teams four on four. Neither team would take advantage, as Vernon carried the better of the play as most of the play was in the Mills end early and often but Vernon couldnt generate much of an offensive attack. Quesnel did come out hitting, laying some good checks on the Vipers early. No real good quality scoring chances for either team as Vernon had the edge in play for the first six or so minutes before the Millionaires opened the scoring at 8:42. The Mills with some good puck movement in the Vipers zone, drove towards the goal, with a scramble in front of Graeme Gordon, Taylor Holst picked up the puck and beat Gordon giving the Mills the 1-0 lead. Trever Hertz with the lone assist. Under a minute later Rob Short would tip Kevin Kraus's point shot past Kirby Halcrow tying the game 1-1 at 9:29 with Kraus and Sahir Gill picking up the assists. Just after the Vipers goal both teams went back to playing four on four, once again no real quality scoring chances. Quesnel would then get their first man advantage of the night but couldnt generate any real offensive attack as the Vipers killed off the minor. Late in the period Cory Kane with great hustle beat the Millionaires d-man to the puck, Kane then fed Rob Short out front who beat Halcrow at 17:24 putting Vernon up 2-1 with Cory Kane & Adam Thompson with the assists. Vernon controlled the edge in play in the first half before both teams looked fairly even in the second half as the Vipers took a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Quesnel 10-5.
2nd Period: Off the opening faceoff a long shot from just past centre almost fooled Graeme Gordon, as he had to make an awkward save on the Mills long shot. Just 1:12 into the 2nd Braden Pimm & Kellen Jones went in two on one, Pimm decided to shoot wich beat Halcrow on a soft goal giving the Vipers an early 3-1 lead. Adam Thompson & Mike Collins collected the assists. Halcrow would like to have this one back. The Vipers then went to work early and often getting a ton of real good scoring chances. Cory Kane danced around two Mills before getting stopped by Kirby Halcrow. Kevin Kraus's point shot was stopped by Halcrow, and just shortly after Mike Collins shot from the point was tipped in front by wich looked to be a Quesnel player but somehow went just wide of the goal. Vernon was by far the better team in the middle frame dominating the play for the entire period. The Vipers on an odd man rush sent in Dan Nycholat in all alone for the parcial breakaway, but Halcrow come up with the huge blocker save. Kirby Halcrow was solid keeping the Mills in tonights game. The Mills were having all kinds of trouble with the Vipers strong aggresive forecheck. The Mills were losing most of the one on one battles and races to the puck almost the entire period. Quesnel with just two shots in the first ten minutes of the period. The Mills had a great chance to get back in the game, Taylor Holst and Trever Hertz went in two on one but Captain Kevin Kraus with a great giving poke check broke up the play. Curtis Gedig with a blast from the point couldnt beat Halcrow. Clayton Chessa come very close to making this a one goal game beating Gordon but hit the post. On the same shift, Chessa wired a shot from the circle as Gordon just got a peice of it to keep the puck out. The Vipers would get the only powerplay of the 2nd but were unable to generate much offence getting just two shots as the Millionaires penalty kill was good killing off the minor. Late in the period Trever Hertz missed the net from the slot and then with a minute and a half remaining Skyler Smutek's point shot was tipped in front but stopped by Gordon. In the dying seconds Cory Kane would go end to end with a great individual effort but couldnt beat Kirby Halcrow in the final seconds. Vernon dominated the play but only managed one goal, taking a 3-1 lead after 40 minutes of play. The Vipers outshot the Millionaires 20-3.
3rd Period: The Vipers started the 3rd right where they left off at the end of the 2nd. Vernon come out buzzing with loads of pressure in and around the Mills net. Rob Short with speed down the wing, got off a hard shot from the end of the circle but couldnt beat Kirby Halcrow who through up his arm at the last second to make the big save. David Robinson driving towards the front of the net was stopped down low. Braden Pimm would beat Halcrow at 6:12 giving Vernon the 4-1 lead with Cole Ikkala & Curtis Gedig picking up the assists. Quesnel responded just under a minute later, after Chriss Kerr beat Graeme Gordon high over the shoulder at 7:08 cutting the Vernon lead to 4-2. Brandon Watson with the lone helper. Just over a minute later Vernon would head to the powerplay, Adam Thompson with two big blast's from the point couldnt get past Halcrow as Quesnel would kill off the minor. Braden Pimm & Mike Collins went in on a parcial two on one, Pimm setup Collins who rang his long shot off the far post as the Vipers come oh so close to regaining their three goal lead. Just shortly after Kevin Kraus was stopped by Halcrow who couldnt hold onto the rebound, as Cory Kane jumped on the loose puck beating Halcrow upstairs at 10:58 giving the Vipers a 5-2 lead and now in full control. Kraus and Steve Weinstein with the assists. The Mills would get into penalty trouble taking three straight minors but were able to hold off the Vipers onslaught. Quesnel did get a great chance shorthanded as Mitch Galbraith & Chris Kerr went in two on one, but were denied by Graeme Gordon who made a nice save on the penalty kill. Quesnel would kill off all three minors. Bryce Kakoske was sent in all alone but went in too deep and was forced to shoot high and over the net after Halcrow gave him no where to shoot. Connor Jones & David Robinson went in two on one, but Jones couldnt control the puck as the Mills dodged another bullet. For the second straight period the Millionaires couldnt generate much offence having all kinds of troubles with the high powered Vipers. Late in the 3rd the Mills were getting frustrated as Kirby Halcrow gave a crosscheck to David Robinson who was standing atop the goal crease and then on Robinson's next shift Halcrow gave Robinson a shot to the face with his glove. With time winding down Curtis Gedig's point shot looked to be tipped in front wich beat Halcrow at 19:51 giving Vernon the 6-2 lead. The goal was awarded to Gedig (unassisted) The Vipers would defeat the Millionaires 6-2 taking Game 1. Vernon has now won eight straight while Quesnel's two game winning streak comes to an end. Vernon outshot Quesnel 16-6.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Dan Nycholat played a solid game on the Vipers defence.
Curtis Gedig (1 goal & 1 assist) Was by far Vernons best defenceman. Gedig looked very smooth at both ends of the rink, was skating hard, made some real nice crisp heads up passes, carried the puck well. Curtis looked to be in the zone all night.
The line of Connor Jones, Kellen Jones & David Robinson played very well up front for the Vipers. Both Jones Twins were hit or tried to be hit most of the night. This line was very good with the cycle down low, really moved the puck well, gave the Mills defence troubles all night.
The line of Cory Kane (1 goal & 1 assist), Rob Short (2 goals) & Sahir Gill (1 assist) Was another solid line for Vernon. What can you say about the play of Vernon product Rob Short. Short played a very strong game up front for the Vipers. It looked like Short tipped Curtis Gedigs point shot in the dying seconds of the 3rd period, but they gave the goal to Gedig. Short showed good hustle and physical play at both ends of the rink. Cory Kane sure has stepped up his game late in the season. Kane who was playing some of his best hockey late in the regular season, was a horse up front for the Vipers. Kane was very strong and smooth with the puck tonight, was skating hard, made some incredible moves at times. Was very hard to knock off the puck.
Braden Pimm (2 goals) When dosnt think kid have an off night. Pimm played very well defensively, scored the game winner on a soft goal early into the 2nd period.
Jonathan Milhouse played well at times. I thought Milhouse played his best in the games first two periods. Didnt see much of or notice Milhouse much in the 3rd. Milhouse was really skating hard in the 2nd period.
Kevin Kraus (2 assists) Played a strong game at both ends of the rink for the Vipers. Kraus made a great diving play to break up a Mills two on one scoring play in the 2nd period. Kraus really seems to step up his play come playoff time.
Adam Thompson (2 assists) Thompson was another Viper defenceman who played very well. Thompson with two good blasts from the point in the 3rd on the man advantage, really moved the puck well. Played very well defensively.
Top Players: (Quesnel)
Kirby Halcrow (40 saves) The Vipers seen this movie once before as Halcrow played very well in the first meeting of the season between these two teams. Halcrow made 35 saves keeping his team in the game but fell short 2-0 to the Vipers. Now again tonight the Mills keeper makes 40 saves in a 6-2 loss in Game 1 of the 2nd Round. Halcrow come up huge in the 2nd and 3rd periods making some big saves keeping his team in the contest. Without Halcrow this could have easily been a 11 or 12-2 score.
Taylor Holst (1 goal) Was another bright spot in the Millionaires lineup. Holst who has played well against the Vipers throughout the regular season scored the games opening goal in Game 1. Holst played well up front.
Terver Hertz (1 assist) Hertz with a few quality chances could have scored atleast one goal but missed on a great chance from the slot, a chance Im sure he wish he had back.
Chris Kerr (1 goal) I was impressed with what I saw from Chris Kerr. The Mills who were badly outplayed in the final two periods, still got a goal and a two on one shorthanded chance from Kerr.
Clayton Chessa looked fairly good tonight. Didnt get alot of chances or stand out but did hit the post once in the 2nd period. This kid has a wicked shot, should shoot alot more when given the chance. Played physical.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
After having the first round bye and not playing in 16 days, I was pretty impressed with the Vipers tonight. I expected alot more rust and it taking this team a good period or two to get going. Vernon dominated this game for atleast the final two periods and was by far the better team in the end. I was very impressed with the passing, very crisp, tape to tape passes coming from almost every Viper player. I thought the Vipers played very well at both ends of the rink, again if it wasnt for Kirby Halcrow the score could have been much higher. The Vipers dominated the play down low and with the cycle. Vernon won most of the one on one battles and races to the puck. I wasnt overly impressed with the teams powerplay (0-6) not enough shots, way too much passing around the perimiter. Great to see a pretty big crowd on hand for tonights game. Giving that it was a Tuesday night, and the Canucks were also on tv and they were playing Quesnel. Very nice.
Game Thoughts: (Quesnel)
I thought Quesnel was being outplayed in the opening period, atleast until the Mills opened the scoring, but give them some credit they battled back and I thought played fairly well to finish off the 1st period. Not sure what happened in the final two periods but this team couldnt compete or handle the Vipers in all areas. The Millionaires had trouble with the Vipers attack all night, Quesnels defence couldnt the strong forecheck and cycle down low. The Mills tried playing physical at times but that didnt seem to slow down the Vipers, who kept coming in waves. The Mills need to generate more offence, getting just three shots in the 2nd and six in the 3rd isnt going to win you hockey games.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Darrin Robak
Patrick McGillis
Trevor Fitzgerald
Quesnel:
Anderson White
Sam Higgins
Tyson Price
3 Stars:
1st Star: Rob Short (2 goals)
2nd Star: Braden Pimm (2 goals)
3rd Star: Cory Kane (1 goal & 1 assist)
Series-Game Preview: Game 1: Quesnel @ Vernon:
Series-Game Preview: Quesnel & Vernon:The defending Royal Bank Cup Champion Vernon Vipers & Quesnel Millionairies meet in the 2nd round of the BCHL Playoffs for the first time in team history. Vernon went 4-0 against Quesnel during the regular season. The Vipers are coming off a 1st round bye, & have won seven straight games. The Millionaires are coming off a huge upset knocking off the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in six games, and are on a two game winning streak.
Vernon’s Home & Away Record vs. Quesnel:
At Home: 2-0
On The Road: 2-0
Quesnel’s Home & Away Record vs. Vernon:
At Home: 0-2
On The Road: 0-2
Vernon outscored Quesnel at home 5-2
Vernon outscored Quesnel on the road 16-2
Vernon’s Powerplay vs. Quesnel This Season:
4-14
Quesnel’s Powerplay vs. Vernon this season:
2-17
Lets take a look at both teams,
Vernon Vipers:
The Vipers clinched top spot in the BCHL and the Interior Division with a record of 51-6-0-3 and was ranked #2 in all of Canada. Vernon scored a league high 298 goals and broke the Penticton Vees BCHL record for least amount of goals, giving up just 119. Vernon was 25-4-0-1 at home & 26-2-0-2 on the road during the regular season. The Vipers are 9-0-0-1 in their last 10 games. The Vipers had three players in the leagues top 20 in regular season scoring. Connor Jones (36-45-81), Mike Collins (30-46-76) & Braden Pimm (25-43-68). Blake Voth lead the league as the BCHL’s top goaltender. Voth has a record of 21-2 with 3 shutouts and broke the BCHL record with the lowest GAA with 1.79 Graeme Gordon was 3rd in the leagues top 10 goaltenders with a record of 30-7 with 2 shutouts and a GAA of 2.06
For just the second time in franchise history, the Vipers have clinched more than 50 wins in a regular season. The Vipers hit the 51-win mark this season one shy of the team and league record. The Vipers won 52 games in the 1998-99 campaign, which they followed up with a national Junior A title. The 51-6-0-3 Vipers also set a new BCHL record for the fewest goals allowed (119). The previous record of 137 was set by the Penticton Vees in 2005-06. Goaltender Blake Voth etched his name into the BCHL annals, setting a record 1.79 goals against average. The rookie tender bettered Nanaimo Clipper net detective Simon Nolet’s 1.98 GAA in 2004-05. Vernon at one time during the regular season went on a 21 game winning streak, one shy of the teams record before falling in overtime to Westside. This years version of the Vernon Vipers has to be one of if not the best Vernon Junior Hockey team Viper fans have ever seen.
The Vipers are loaded up front in the goal scoring department scoring a league high 298 goals. Vernon also gave up a new BCHL record 119 goals against but cridicts say the Vipers defence and goaltending isn’t as good as last years RBC Cup Winning team. Blake Voth seems to have taken over the #1 job late in the regular season starting 10 out of the last 11 games. Voth a rookie with Vernon finished the season with an amazing record of 21-2 and a GAA of 1.79 The defending National Champions have four good lines that can play on a regular shift. The Vipers who with a first round bye may be a little rusty. The Vipers can’t take Quesnel lightly after the Mills upset Salmon Arm in the first round. Look for Quesnel to jump on the Vipers early and go for a split in games 1 & 2. Vernon is loaded with experience with 14 veterans back from last years championship team and will be hard to knock off in a seven game series. Vernon needs to stick to their game plan and not allow the Mills to hang around.
Vernon Vipers Regular Season Scoring:
Connor Jones (36-45-81)
Mike Collins (30-46-76)
Braden Pimm (25-43-68)
Cory Kane (22-33-55)
Jonathan Milhouse (19-34-53)
Kellen Jones (12-41-53)
Rob Short (22-28-50)
Dylan Walchuk (19-28-47)
Cole Ikkala (22-23-45)
Dan Nycholat (7-38-45)
Bryce Kakoske (13-28-41)
Kevin Kraus (5-22-27)
David Robinson (15-10-25)
Adam Thompson (5-20-25)
Steven Weinstein (4-18-22)
Curtis Gedig (11-10-21)
Patrick McGillis (7-14-21)
Garrett Noonan (2-16-18)
Sahir Gill (3-9-12)
Darrin Robak (2-5-7)
Blake Voth (21-2 Record, 3 Shutouts- 1.79 GAA)
Graeme Gordon (30-7 Record, 1 Shutout- 2.06 GAA)
Vernon Vipers Regular Season Scoring Leaders vs. Quesnel:
Mike Collins (1-5-6)
Jonathan Milhouse (1-4-5)
Braden Pimm (3-2-5)
Kevin Kraus (1-4-5)
Connor Jones (3-2-5)
Patrick McGillis (1-4-5)
Bryce Kakoske (1-3-4)
Cory Kane (2-2-4)
Kellen Jones (0-3-3)
Dylan Walchuk (1-2-3)
Rob Short (1-2-3)
Dan Nycholat (1-1-2)
Garrett Noonan (1-1-2)
Darrin Robak (1-1-2)
Steven Weinstein (0-1-1)
Graeme Gordon (4-0 Record, 1 Shutout)
Quesnel Millionaires:
The Millionaires finished the regular season in 5th place in the Interior Division with a record of 22-32-0-6 The Millionaires scored 208 goals and gave up 245 goals. Quesnel was 12-16-0-2 on home ice & 10-16-0-4 on the road during the regular season. The Mills are 3-0 at home & 1-2 on the road during these Playoffs. Quesnel is 4-4-0-2 in their last 10 games. The Mills had one player in the leagues top 20 in regular season scoring. Trevor Hertz lead the way with (35-38-73)
Quesnel comes into these BCHL Playoffs having their best regular season in team history with a 5th place finish in the Interior Division. The Millionaires are in the 2nd round of the BCHL Playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Quesnel went 0-4 against Vernon during the regular season but did pull off the upset vs. 4th place Salmon Arm, so will be ready and willing to try and knock off the defending champs. Quesnel dosnt have the scoring or defence that I think can matchup against the Vipers but do have two goaltenders that when playing well and on their game, may be able to steal a win in this series and give the Mills a chance at a huge upset. The Mills have several kids who can put the puck in the net, up front, Trevor Hertz, Taylor Holst, Darick Ste-Marie, Joshua Desmarais and Justin Hoggan all are legit goal scorers. Former Vipers defenceman Eliot Raibl is solid on the Mills backend. Skyler Smutek had 128 pims during the regular season and isn’t afraid of the rough stuff. The Vipers will have to try and get lots of traffic and pucks towards the net in order to beat Kirby Halcrow. Quesnel had chances to beat Vernon in two of the four meetings between these two teams, falling 2-0 and 3-2 in overtime during the regular season. In the 2-0 loss to Vernon, Halcrow made 35 saves giving the Mills a chance for the win but fell short. In the 3-2 OT loss to the Vipers 17 yr old Luke Siemens made 47 saves getting 2nd star but still fell short of the victory. Both goaltenders will have to be at their best in order to try and stop the Vipers offensive attack. The Millionaires have yet to see David Robinson & Sahir Gill who arrived before facing the Mills. Quesnel is going to have a very tough task at trying to stop the highest scoring team in the league, as well as shutting down the Jones-Robinson line who is very dangerous with the puck on the cycle. The Mills need to jump on the Vipers early in Game 1 and try and continue to play like they did against Salmon Arm.
Quesnel Millionaires Regular Season Scoring:
Trevor Hertz (35-38-73)
Taylor Holst (27-30-57)
Darick Ste-Marie (17-35-52)
Eliot Raibl (7-39-46)
Justin Hogan (15-29-44)
Joshua Desmarais (20-22-42)
Jacob Verheyden (12-23-35)
Sam Higgins (7-28-35)
Skyler Smutek (7-27-34)
Tyler French (15-17-32)
Spencer Graboski (10-9-19)
Clayton Chessa (4-13-17)
Rylan Stanyer (3-7-10)
Mitch Galbraith (6-3-9)
Chris Kerr (4-4-8)
Tyler Billon (0-7-7)
Tyson Price (1-3-4)
Marley Keca (1-3-4)
Brandon Watson (1-2-3)
Anderson White (0-3-3)
Luke Siemens (9-12 Record, 1 Shutout- 3.70 GAA)
Kirby Halcrow (13-25 Record, 0 Shutouts- 4.23 GAA)
Quesnel Millionaires Regular Season Scoring Leaders vs. Vernon:
Taylor Holst (0-2-2)
Darick Ste-Marie (0-2-2)
Skyler Smutek (1-0-1)
Sam Higgins (0-1-1)
Eliot Raibl (0-1-1)
Luke Siemens (0-2 Record)
Kirby Halcrow (0-2 Record)
Quesnel Millionaires Playoff Scoring:
Darick Ste-Marie (8-5-13)
Justin Hogan (3-5-8)
Taylor Holst (2-6-8)
Joshua Desmarais (3-4-7)
Trever Hertz (3-3-6)
Jacob Verheyden (1-4-5)
Eliot Raibl (1-3-4)
Skyler Smutek (0-4-4)
Clayton Chessa (1-2-3)
Tyler French (1-2-3)
Spencer Graboski (2-0-2)
Sam Higgins (1-1-2)
Mitch Galbraith (0-2-2)
Chris Kerr (1-0-1)
Kirby Halcrow (4-2 Record, 0 Shutouts- 2.67 GAA)
Here’s a look at the box scores from the 1st round Playoff matchup between Quesnel & Salmon Arm:
Game 1 Friday, February 26th @ Quesnel: Quesnel wins 4-3 overtime
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=802921&link=bchl
Game 2 Saturday, February 27th @ Quesnel: Quesnel wins 4-1
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=802964&link=bchl
Game 3 Monday March 1st @ Salmon Arm: Salmon Arm wins 5-2
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=802970&link=bchl
Game 4 Tuesday March 2nd @ Salmon Arm: Salmon Arm wins 5-3
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=802971&link=bchl
Game 5 Thursday, March 4th @ Salmon Arm: Quesnel wins 8-1
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=802980&link=bchl
Game 6 Friday, March 5th @ Quesnel: Quesnel wins 6-1
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=802981&link=bchl
Here’s video of the final 40 or so seconds in Game 6 as Quesnel upsets Salmon Arm four games to two to win the series.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9ShrRl_XhQ
Heres a look at the season series between Vernon & Quesnel:
Friday, September 25th @ Vernon: Vernon wins 2-0
Drew George scored the game winner at 5:02 of the 1st period. Dylan Walchuk and Kevin Kraus collected the assists. Cory Kane sealed the victory with a goal at 1:45 of the 3rd period Connor Jones and Dan Nycholat picked up the assists. Vernon outshot Quesnel 37-29. Graeme Gordon picked up his first shutout of the season making 29 saves. Kirby Halcrow took the loss making 35 saves.
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712544&link=bchl
Thursday, October 15th @ Quesnel: Vernon wins 9-1
Connor Jones with two, Dan Nycholat, Cory Kane, Braden Pimm, Drew George, Kevin Kraus, Bryce Kakoske and Patrick McGillis scored for the Vipers. Connor Jones, Cory Kane, Jonathan Milhouse & Bryce Kakoske all picked up three points each. Graeme Gordon made 25 saves in the win. Skyler Smutek scored the Mills lone goal. Luke Siemens made five saves giving up three goals while, Kirby Halcrow made 26 saves taking the loss. Vernon outshot Quesnel 40-26.
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712610&link=bchl
Saturday, October 24th @ Vernon: Vernon wins 3-2 Overtime
Connor Jones & Braden Pimm scored in the 2nd period giving Vernon a 2-0 lead before Taylor Holst (shorthanded) & Matthew Herskovitz tied the game for the Mills in the 3rd sending it to Overtime. Garrett Noonan scored at 4:41 giving the Vipers the 3-2 OT victory. Vernon outshot Quesnel 50-26. Graeme Gordon made 24 saves for the win, while Luke Siemens made 47 saves in the loss.
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712648
Saturday, November 7th @ Quesnel: Vernon wins 7-1
Vernon took a 2-1 lead after the opening period before blowing the gates wide open in the final two periods. Drew George & Darrin Robak with goals for Vernon in the first, Matthew Herskovitz with the lone Mills goal on the powerplay. Jonathan Milhouse & Braden Pimm (powerplay) in the 2nd put Vernon up 4-1. In the 3rd, Rob Short, Mike Collins and Sawyer Mick scored for the Vipers in the 7-1 win. Mike Collins, Braden Pimm & Patrick McGillis all with three points, Darrin Robak, Drew George & Jonathan Milhouse had two point nights each. Graeme Gordon made 24 saves for the win, while Luke Siemens made 11 saves taking the loss. Michael Smith also saw some action giving up one goal on 11 shots. Vernon outshot Quesnel 29-25.
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=712689&link=bchl
Monday, March 8, 2010
Congrats Dan!
Id like to take this time to congratulate Vipers defenceman, Dan Nycholat on his scholarship to Dartmouth College. Nycholat was aquired over the summer from the AJHL Canmore Eagles for forward, Kory Roy. Nycholat spent the last two seasons playing at Northeastern University before returning to Junior Hockey. I have been very impressed with Nycholat as one of if not the best Vipers d-man all season. Ive heard nothing but good things about Dan on and off the ice. Congrats Dan and all the best next year at Dartmouth!
Nycholat Committs To Dartmouth College:
This is posted on the Vipers website:Nycholat committs to Dartmouth!
by Viper staff Added 2010-03-08
The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club is pleased to announce that Dan Nycholat has committed to play for Dartmouth College for the 2010/2011 season. The 20 year old Nycholat has been very steady for the Vipers this season compiling a team leading plus/minus as well as leading the team in scoring for defenseman.
Dartmouth College is an Ivy league institution that plays out of the ECAC conference. Dartmouth College, located in Hanover, New Hampshire, has had some very successful BCHL grads as of late. Tanner Glass of the Vancouver Canucks and David Jones of the Colorado Avalanche both are Dartmouth and BCHL grads.
The Vernon Vipers would like to congratulate Dan on his latest achievement. He has worked very hard this season at achieving this goal and the Vipers would like to wish him luck in the playoffs and next season.
Interior Conference Playoff Preview:
Interior Preview: Vipers, Vees headline semi-final match-ups
Monday, March 8, 2010 - Submitted by BCHL Media
The Interior Conference semi-finals face off Tuesday with a pair of intriguing matchups. The top-ranked Vernon Vipers begin defence of their Fred Page Cup championship against the Quesnel Millionaires, who come into the series off their recent upset of Salmon Arm. In Penticton, the heated rivalry between the Vees and Warriors will come to a head in a best-of-seven playoff series, a much-anticipated meeting which also starts Tuesday at the South Okanagan Events Centre.
#1 – Vernon Vipers vs. #5 – Quesnel Millionaires
Vernon: 51-6-0-3; 105 points
Quesnel: 22-32-0-6; 50 points
Recent Form: The Vipers return to the ice for the first time since their regular season finale on February 21st, but the defending champs enter the second round on an eight-game winning streak and have only lost four games in 2010. Vernon’s last defeat came on February 4th in a 3-2 overtime loss in Powell River. Quesnel, meanwhile, is fresh off a six-game quarter-final series win over Salmon Arm. The Millionaires won the opening two games on home ice before taking the last two lopsided affairs, 8-1 in Game 5 and 6-1 in a series-clinching Game 6 effort.
Head-to-Head Record: The Vipers and Millionaires faced off four times during the regular season, and Vernon took all four early-season meetings. Their last meeting, on November 7th, was won handily by the Vipers at the Quesnel Twin Arenas, where Vernon also won 9-1 on October 15th. The Millionaires, however, were able to keep it close on the road at the Wesbild Centre, dropping a 3-2 overtime affair on October 24th and losing 2-0 September 25th.
Players to Watch: Vernon boasts three lines of solid scoring, led by Connor Jones who averaged 1.6 points per game with 36 goals and 81 points despite missing nine games. Forwards Mike Collins and Braden Pimm also have the ability to make a big impact on the series after 76 and 68-point seasons for the Vipers. Quesnel’s Darick Ste-Marie was the go-to player for the Millionaires in the first round of the playoffs, leading his team with eight goals and 13 points in the six games. Netminder Kirby Halcrow, who averaged 2.67 goals-against versus Salmon Arm, will need another standout series to give Quesnel a shot to knock off the Vipers.
Game 1: Tuesday, March 9th at Vernon - 7:00 PM, Wesbild Centre
Game 2: Wednesday, March 10th at Vernon - 7:00 PM, Wesbild Centre
Game 3: Friday, March 12th at Quesnel - 7:30 PM, Quesnel Twin Arenas
Game 4: Saturday, March 13th at Quesnel - 7:30 PM, Quesnel Twin Arenas
Game 5: Monday, March 15th at Vernon - 7:00 PM, Wesbild Centre
Game 6: Tuesday, March 16th at Quesnel - 7:30 PM, Quesnel Twin Arenas
Game 7: Wednesday, March 17th at Vernon - 7:00 PM, Wesbild Centre
#2 – Penticton Vees vs. #3 – Westside Warriors
Penticton: 48-8-0-4; 100 points
Westside: 38-18-1-3; 80 points
Recent Form: The Vees and Warriors enter their second-round series on a roll after confidence-building wins to open the BCHL playoffs. The Vees became the first Interior squad to punch their ticket to the second round with a four-game sweep of the Merritt Centennials, while the Warriors pulled off four straight wins to finish off the Trail Smoke Eaters following a playoff-opening loss at home. Westside scored four goals in each of their victories and held Trail to no more than two goals. Penticton exploded for 15 goals in the final two games of the series, while holding the Centennials to only a goal in Games 3 and 4 at the Nicola Valley Arena.
Head-to-Head Record: The teams met eight times during the regular season with the Vees taking the series 5-3. After the Warriors won three of four against the Vees to start the year, Penticton bounced back to win the final four, including a 5-4 victory in the second-last regular season contest on February 19th. The Vees' four-game winning streak over Westside in the second half included a pair of road victories at Royal LePage Place.
Players to Watch: Penticton sports the BCHL’s two top scorers in captain Denver Manderson and Interior Conference Rookie of the Year Beau Bennett, who combined for 233 points this season. Manderson, who missed the final 10 games of the regular season due to injury, had a nice return in the first round against Merritt, tallying 10 points in the four game sweep. The Warriors also boast quality goal-scorers, most notably Trevor Bailey who piled up 41 goals during the regular season. Grayson Downing and Tyler Krause led the team with seven points in their five-game series with Trail, while defenseman Brendan Ellis notched three goals and two helpers in the first round. Westside and Penticton are both backstopped by tremendous goaltending; the Warriors’ Kevin Jebson (2.21) and Vees’ starter Sean Bonar (1.25) both sported solid goals-against averages in the first round of the playoffs.
Game 1: Tuesday, March 9th at Penticton - 7:05 PM, South Okanagan Events Centre
Game 2: Wednesday, March 10th at Penticton - 7:05 PM, South Okanagan Events Centre
Game 3: Friday, March 12th at Westside - 7:00 PM, Royal LePage Place
Game 4: Saturday, March 13th at Westside - 7:00 PM, Royal LePage Place
Game 5: Monday, March 15that Penticton - 7:05 PM, South Okanagan Events Centre
Game 6: Tuesday, March 16th at Westside - 7:00 PM, Royal LePage Place
Game 7: Wednesday, March 17th at Penticton - 7:05 PM, Penticton Memorial Arena
Monday, March 8, 2010 - Submitted by BCHL Media
The Interior Conference semi-finals face off Tuesday with a pair of intriguing matchups. The top-ranked Vernon Vipers begin defence of their Fred Page Cup championship against the Quesnel Millionaires, who come into the series off their recent upset of Salmon Arm. In Penticton, the heated rivalry between the Vees and Warriors will come to a head in a best-of-seven playoff series, a much-anticipated meeting which also starts Tuesday at the South Okanagan Events Centre.
#1 – Vernon Vipers vs. #5 – Quesnel Millionaires
Vernon: 51-6-0-3; 105 points
Quesnel: 22-32-0-6; 50 points
Recent Form: The Vipers return to the ice for the first time since their regular season finale on February 21st, but the defending champs enter the second round on an eight-game winning streak and have only lost four games in 2010. Vernon’s last defeat came on February 4th in a 3-2 overtime loss in Powell River. Quesnel, meanwhile, is fresh off a six-game quarter-final series win over Salmon Arm. The Millionaires won the opening two games on home ice before taking the last two lopsided affairs, 8-1 in Game 5 and 6-1 in a series-clinching Game 6 effort.
Head-to-Head Record: The Vipers and Millionaires faced off four times during the regular season, and Vernon took all four early-season meetings. Their last meeting, on November 7th, was won handily by the Vipers at the Quesnel Twin Arenas, where Vernon also won 9-1 on October 15th. The Millionaires, however, were able to keep it close on the road at the Wesbild Centre, dropping a 3-2 overtime affair on October 24th and losing 2-0 September 25th.
Players to Watch: Vernon boasts three lines of solid scoring, led by Connor Jones who averaged 1.6 points per game with 36 goals and 81 points despite missing nine games. Forwards Mike Collins and Braden Pimm also have the ability to make a big impact on the series after 76 and 68-point seasons for the Vipers. Quesnel’s Darick Ste-Marie was the go-to player for the Millionaires in the first round of the playoffs, leading his team with eight goals and 13 points in the six games. Netminder Kirby Halcrow, who averaged 2.67 goals-against versus Salmon Arm, will need another standout series to give Quesnel a shot to knock off the Vipers.
Game 1: Tuesday, March 9th at Vernon - 7:00 PM, Wesbild Centre
Game 2: Wednesday, March 10th at Vernon - 7:00 PM, Wesbild Centre
Game 3: Friday, March 12th at Quesnel - 7:30 PM, Quesnel Twin Arenas
Game 4: Saturday, March 13th at Quesnel - 7:30 PM, Quesnel Twin Arenas
Game 5: Monday, March 15th at Vernon - 7:00 PM, Wesbild Centre
Game 6: Tuesday, March 16th at Quesnel - 7:30 PM, Quesnel Twin Arenas
Game 7: Wednesday, March 17th at Vernon - 7:00 PM, Wesbild Centre
#2 – Penticton Vees vs. #3 – Westside Warriors
Penticton: 48-8-0-4; 100 points
Westside: 38-18-1-3; 80 points
Recent Form: The Vees and Warriors enter their second-round series on a roll after confidence-building wins to open the BCHL playoffs. The Vees became the first Interior squad to punch their ticket to the second round with a four-game sweep of the Merritt Centennials, while the Warriors pulled off four straight wins to finish off the Trail Smoke Eaters following a playoff-opening loss at home. Westside scored four goals in each of their victories and held Trail to no more than two goals. Penticton exploded for 15 goals in the final two games of the series, while holding the Centennials to only a goal in Games 3 and 4 at the Nicola Valley Arena.
Head-to-Head Record: The teams met eight times during the regular season with the Vees taking the series 5-3. After the Warriors won three of four against the Vees to start the year, Penticton bounced back to win the final four, including a 5-4 victory in the second-last regular season contest on February 19th. The Vees' four-game winning streak over Westside in the second half included a pair of road victories at Royal LePage Place.
Players to Watch: Penticton sports the BCHL’s two top scorers in captain Denver Manderson and Interior Conference Rookie of the Year Beau Bennett, who combined for 233 points this season. Manderson, who missed the final 10 games of the regular season due to injury, had a nice return in the first round against Merritt, tallying 10 points in the four game sweep. The Warriors also boast quality goal-scorers, most notably Trevor Bailey who piled up 41 goals during the regular season. Grayson Downing and Tyler Krause led the team with seven points in their five-game series with Trail, while defenseman Brendan Ellis notched three goals and two helpers in the first round. Westside and Penticton are both backstopped by tremendous goaltending; the Warriors’ Kevin Jebson (2.21) and Vees’ starter Sean Bonar (1.25) both sported solid goals-against averages in the first round of the playoffs.
Game 1: Tuesday, March 9th at Penticton - 7:05 PM, South Okanagan Events Centre
Game 2: Wednesday, March 10th at Penticton - 7:05 PM, South Okanagan Events Centre
Game 3: Friday, March 12th at Westside - 7:00 PM, Royal LePage Place
Game 4: Saturday, March 13th at Westside - 7:00 PM, Royal LePage Place
Game 5: Monday, March 15that Penticton - 7:05 PM, South Okanagan Events Centre
Game 6: Tuesday, March 16th at Westside - 7:00 PM, Royal LePage Place
Game 7: Wednesday, March 17th at Penticton - 7:05 PM, Penticton Memorial Arena
Coastal Conference Playoff Preview:
Coastal Preview: Bulldogs enter the fray as second round begins
Monday, March 8, 2010 - Submitted by BCHL Media
The Constal Conference semi-finals are set to begin as the Alberni Valley Bulldogs join first-round winners Powell River, Langley and Nanaimo to form a pair of exciting second round series. The Bulldogs will look to shake off the rust of a 17-day lay-off when they host the Clippers on Tuesday, while the Langley Chiefs begin their series with the second-seeded Powell River Kings on the Sunshine Coast.
#1 - Alberni Valley Bulldogs vs. #6 - Nanaimo Clippers
Alberni Valley: 45-12-1-2; 93 points
Nanaimo: 24-25-1-10; 59 points
Recent Form: The Clippers enter the series on a high after a six-game first round series win over the Victoria Grizzlies. Nanaimo showed a great deal of resiliency following a pair of home losses that had temporarily evened the series at two games apiece, battling back for a 4-1 road win before closing out the series on Friday at the Frank Crane Arena. Alberni Valley, meanwhile, is well-rested on the heels of a first-round bye. The Bulldogs were the Coastal Conference's hottest team down the stretch, losing just a pair of games in their final 25 contests.
Head-to-Head Record: If the regular season series between the clubs is any indication, the Clippers and Bulldogs may be treating fans to a handful of overtime thrillers. The teams faced off a total of eight times during the year and went beyond regulation on five occasions, with the most recent match-up resulting in a 3-2 OT win for Alberni Valley on February 19th. Nanaimo failed to beat the Coastal Conference leaders in regulation over the course of the season series, but did pick up a pair of overtime victories at the Weyerhaeuser Arena.
Players to Watch: Teal Burns has been a cluth performer for Nanaimo since joining the team early in the season from the Victoria Grizzlies. The 17-year old notched five game winners during a 49-point regular season and counted a team-leading three goals in the Clippers' first-round triumph over his old club. Alberni Valley's Mitch MacMillan enjoyed one of the most prolific goal-scoring runs in recent memory during his 20-year old season, hitting the 50-goal mark in 49 games and finishing the year with 61 tallies. The Coast's leading point-getter was magic on a line with brother Mark and David Dziuzynski, as the trio combined for 247 points during the regular season.
Game 1: Tuesday, March 9th at Alberni - 7:00 PM, Weyerhaeuser Arena
Game 2: Wednesday, March 10th at Alberni - 7:00 PM, Weyerhaeuser Arena
Game 3: Thursday, March 11th at Nanaimo - 7:00 PM, Frank Crane Arena
Game 4: Saturday, March 13th at Nanaimo - 7:30 PM, Frank Crane Arena
Game 5: Monday, March 15th at Alberni - 7:00 PM, Weyerhaeuser Arena
Game 6: Tuesday, March 16th at Nanaimo - 7:00 PM, Frank Crane Arena
Game 7: Wednesday, March 17th at Alberni - 7:00 PM, Weyerhaeuser Arena
#2 – Powell River Kings vs. #4 – Langley Chiefs
Powell River: 36-14-1-6; 79 points
Langley: 33-22-2-3; 71 points
Recent Form: Powell River did what they do best in a first-round series against Cowichan Valley, limiting the Capitals to just nine goals in five games. Defence has been the key all season for the Kings, whose 160 goals allowed were the fourth fewest in the BCHL. The Chiefs were inconsistent down the stretch during the regular season but played strong in a six-game series win over the Surrey Eagles. Langley's two losses came as a result of overtime and empty net finishes, while the Chiefs scored fewer than three goals just once during the series.
Head-to-Head Record: The Kings got the better of Langley during six regular season match-ups, winning four games while losing and tying once. Powell River was particularly strong on home ice, where they scored 23 goals in three wins. The Chiefs' long victory over their second round opponents came on home ice on September 19th. One constant when Langley and Powell River got together was scoring, and lots of it. The teams combined for 54 goals -- or nine per game -- in their six meetings.
Players to Watch: Langley's Colton Beck established himself through the regular season as one of the Coast's most dangerous offensive performers. His 86 points trailed only Alberni Valley's Mitch MacMillan amongst the conference's top scorers, and he continued his fine campaign with 11 points in six opening round games. Powell River is blessed with a great deal of offensive depth, but rookie Matt Garbowsky stood out from the pack with 12 points in five games against Cowichan Valley. The Kings' blueline foursome of Mat Bodie, Darcy Huisman, Justin Dasilva and Reid Campbell combined for 146 points, better than any other group in the conference.
Game 1: Tuesday, March 9th at Powell River- 7:00 PM, P.R. Recreation Complex
Game 2: Wednesday, March 10th at Powell River- 7:00 PM, P.R. Recreation Complex
Game 3: Friday, March 12th at Langley- 7:00 PM, Langley Events Centre
Game 4: Saturday, March 13th at Langley- 7:00 PM, Langley Events Centre
Game 5: Monday, March 15th at Powell River- 7:00 PM, P.R. Recreation Complex
Game 6: Tuesday, March 16th at Langley- 7:00 PM, Langley Events Centre
Game 7: Wednesday, March 17th at Powell River- 7:00 PM, P.R. Recreation Complex
Monday, March 8, 2010 - Submitted by BCHL Media
The Constal Conference semi-finals are set to begin as the Alberni Valley Bulldogs join first-round winners Powell River, Langley and Nanaimo to form a pair of exciting second round series. The Bulldogs will look to shake off the rust of a 17-day lay-off when they host the Clippers on Tuesday, while the Langley Chiefs begin their series with the second-seeded Powell River Kings on the Sunshine Coast.
#1 - Alberni Valley Bulldogs vs. #6 - Nanaimo Clippers
Alberni Valley: 45-12-1-2; 93 points
Nanaimo: 24-25-1-10; 59 points
Recent Form: The Clippers enter the series on a high after a six-game first round series win over the Victoria Grizzlies. Nanaimo showed a great deal of resiliency following a pair of home losses that had temporarily evened the series at two games apiece, battling back for a 4-1 road win before closing out the series on Friday at the Frank Crane Arena. Alberni Valley, meanwhile, is well-rested on the heels of a first-round bye. The Bulldogs were the Coastal Conference's hottest team down the stretch, losing just a pair of games in their final 25 contests.
Head-to-Head Record: If the regular season series between the clubs is any indication, the Clippers and Bulldogs may be treating fans to a handful of overtime thrillers. The teams faced off a total of eight times during the year and went beyond regulation on five occasions, with the most recent match-up resulting in a 3-2 OT win for Alberni Valley on February 19th. Nanaimo failed to beat the Coastal Conference leaders in regulation over the course of the season series, but did pick up a pair of overtime victories at the Weyerhaeuser Arena.
Players to Watch: Teal Burns has been a cluth performer for Nanaimo since joining the team early in the season from the Victoria Grizzlies. The 17-year old notched five game winners during a 49-point regular season and counted a team-leading three goals in the Clippers' first-round triumph over his old club. Alberni Valley's Mitch MacMillan enjoyed one of the most prolific goal-scoring runs in recent memory during his 20-year old season, hitting the 50-goal mark in 49 games and finishing the year with 61 tallies. The Coast's leading point-getter was magic on a line with brother Mark and David Dziuzynski, as the trio combined for 247 points during the regular season.
Game 1: Tuesday, March 9th at Alberni - 7:00 PM, Weyerhaeuser Arena
Game 2: Wednesday, March 10th at Alberni - 7:00 PM, Weyerhaeuser Arena
Game 3: Thursday, March 11th at Nanaimo - 7:00 PM, Frank Crane Arena
Game 4: Saturday, March 13th at Nanaimo - 7:30 PM, Frank Crane Arena
Game 5: Monday, March 15th at Alberni - 7:00 PM, Weyerhaeuser Arena
Game 6: Tuesday, March 16th at Nanaimo - 7:00 PM, Frank Crane Arena
Game 7: Wednesday, March 17th at Alberni - 7:00 PM, Weyerhaeuser Arena
#2 – Powell River Kings vs. #4 – Langley Chiefs
Powell River: 36-14-1-6; 79 points
Langley: 33-22-2-3; 71 points
Recent Form: Powell River did what they do best in a first-round series against Cowichan Valley, limiting the Capitals to just nine goals in five games. Defence has been the key all season for the Kings, whose 160 goals allowed were the fourth fewest in the BCHL. The Chiefs were inconsistent down the stretch during the regular season but played strong in a six-game series win over the Surrey Eagles. Langley's two losses came as a result of overtime and empty net finishes, while the Chiefs scored fewer than three goals just once during the series.
Head-to-Head Record: The Kings got the better of Langley during six regular season match-ups, winning four games while losing and tying once. Powell River was particularly strong on home ice, where they scored 23 goals in three wins. The Chiefs' long victory over their second round opponents came on home ice on September 19th. One constant when Langley and Powell River got together was scoring, and lots of it. The teams combined for 54 goals -- or nine per game -- in their six meetings.
Players to Watch: Langley's Colton Beck established himself through the regular season as one of the Coast's most dangerous offensive performers. His 86 points trailed only Alberni Valley's Mitch MacMillan amongst the conference's top scorers, and he continued his fine campaign with 11 points in six opening round games. Powell River is blessed with a great deal of offensive depth, but rookie Matt Garbowsky stood out from the pack with 12 points in five games against Cowichan Valley. The Kings' blueline foursome of Mat Bodie, Darcy Huisman, Justin Dasilva and Reid Campbell combined for 146 points, better than any other group in the conference.
Game 1: Tuesday, March 9th at Powell River- 7:00 PM, P.R. Recreation Complex
Game 2: Wednesday, March 10th at Powell River- 7:00 PM, P.R. Recreation Complex
Game 3: Friday, March 12th at Langley- 7:00 PM, Langley Events Centre
Game 4: Saturday, March 13th at Langley- 7:00 PM, Langley Events Centre
Game 5: Monday, March 15th at Powell River- 7:00 PM, P.R. Recreation Complex
Game 6: Tuesday, March 16th at Langley- 7:00 PM, Langley Events Centre
Game 7: Wednesday, March 17th at Powell River- 7:00 PM, P.R. Recreation Complex
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Mills For Vipers:
This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:
Mills for Vipers
Published: March 07, 2010
So much for the leisurely one-hour jaunt up Highway 97 that many pundits had predicted for the Vernon Vipers.
Instead, they’ll face at least one 1,000-kilometre round trip as they tangle with the Quesnel Millionaires in the B.C. Hockey League Interior Conference semifinals. Games 1 and 2 go Tuesday and Wednesday night at Wesbild Centre.
The Mills played the spoiler, upending the Salmon Arm SilverBacks 6-1 in Game 6 of their best-of-seven B.C. Hockey League elimination series Friday night at the Vault, earning a 4-2 series decision.
Netminder Kirby Halcrow turned in a 39-save performance to earn first star for Quesnel, who hammered the ‘Backs 8-1 in Game 5 Thursday night at the Sunwave Centre.
Darick Ste-Marie and Joshua Desmarais each collected 2+2 for the Mills, who got three helpers from Jacob Verheyden.
Christopher Hoe had the lone goal for Salmon Arm, who limped into the post-season with a 2-7-1 record in their last 10 regular-season tilts.
In the other Interior semi, the Penticton Vees host the Westside Warriors, while on the coast, the Alberni Valley Bulldogs meet the Nanaimo Clippers, and the Powell River Kings square off with the Langley Chiefs.
Mills for Vipers
Published: March 07, 2010
So much for the leisurely one-hour jaunt up Highway 97 that many pundits had predicted for the Vernon Vipers.
Instead, they’ll face at least one 1,000-kilometre round trip as they tangle with the Quesnel Millionaires in the B.C. Hockey League Interior Conference semifinals. Games 1 and 2 go Tuesday and Wednesday night at Wesbild Centre.
The Mills played the spoiler, upending the Salmon Arm SilverBacks 6-1 in Game 6 of their best-of-seven B.C. Hockey League elimination series Friday night at the Vault, earning a 4-2 series decision.
Netminder Kirby Halcrow turned in a 39-save performance to earn first star for Quesnel, who hammered the ‘Backs 8-1 in Game 5 Thursday night at the Sunwave Centre.
Darick Ste-Marie and Joshua Desmarais each collected 2+2 for the Mills, who got three helpers from Jacob Verheyden.
Christopher Hoe had the lone goal for Salmon Arm, who limped into the post-season with a 2-7-1 record in their last 10 regular-season tilts.
In the other Interior semi, the Penticton Vees host the Westside Warriors, while on the coast, the Alberni Valley Bulldogs meet the Nanaimo Clippers, and the Powell River Kings square off with the Langley Chiefs.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Regular Season Champion Vipers Preparing For A Deep Playoff Run:
This is posted on the BCHL website:Regular season champion Vipers preparing for a deep playoff run
Saturday, March 6, 2010 - Submitted by Chad Klassen
Are the Vernon Vipers the best team in Junior A hockey? There are a number of factors that point to yes: they are the reigning RBC Cup champions, recent winners of the Chevrolet Cup for the BCHL's best regular season record, and enter the Fred Page Cup playoffs with a certain championship swagger as they prepare to defend their title.
“They got a taste of it, they liked what they tasted, and now they want to win another one. We’re not afraid to talk about it either. Our expectations are to win another National Championship, and anything less will be disappointing,” says Vipers head coach and GM Mark Ferner.
Vernon posted the league’s best regular-season record and won the Interior on the strength of a tremendous 51-win campaign. In the BCHL, the top teams in each of the two conferences are rewarded with a bye for their outstanding regular seasons.
“We knew we had up to 16 days off, so we've been managing our time and making sure we’re getting healthy,” Ferner says. “It’s been good for us to make sure we’re completely healthy, to make sure our conditioning is where we want it to be.”
Vernon, who earned a bye last year en route to a Fred Page Cup banner, feels that the rest will be of benefit as the playoff grind intensifies.
“Last year, I thought it was good for our group,” notes Ferner. “It’s always about, are you going to be rusty? What we’ve done is some simulation as far as game situations in practice. It’s an opportunity to get on the ice and to get better, and the only we will get better is if we compete against each other.”
The Vipers just completed another flawless regular season campaign in 2009/2010, posting a 51-6-0-3 record to finish tops in the Interior. They finished five points ahead of the Penticton Vees, who will be joining the Vernon in the semi-final round after a sweep of Merritt.
As the defending champs, they will certainly have a target on their back through the playoffs, and Penticton is one of the teams that could potentially knock them off. The Vipers and Vees would meet in the Interior Conference Final should both teams advance.
“They’ve had that target all year, they really have. We’ve played some very good hockey teams, no question about it, and we feel like we faced them at their best,” says Ferner. “Like I tell our group, we don’t care who we play, we care how we play, and if we play the way we can and are supposed to we feel we have a good opportunity to win.”
At the same time, he knows that boasting the best record in the regular season means home-ice advantage but nothing more: “Certainly this is going to be a grind through this whole thing,” Ferner says. “Regardless, you’re going to get nicked up. If you’re playing the game the way the game’s supposed to be played, you’re going to get your bumps and bruises.”
Like their Coastal counterparts in Alberni Valley, the Vipers have engaged in team-building activities to break up the training regiment. Ferner took the boys curling on Wednesday to have a good time and ease the anxiety that’s slowly been building over the last week.
“It’s a long time and I know our guys are getting antsy and practices are getting a little owly, and we still have six days to go,” he says.
The Vipers have won eight in a row entering the playoffs and have lost a mere four regulation games in 2010 – the last defeat coming in a 3-2 overtime loss in Powell River on February 4th.
“The way we play is pretty simple: we want to be a north-south hockey team, we want to get pucks in deep, we want to bang bodies, win races, and win battles. And our guys understand that. We have enough guys coming back from last year who know the expectations, what I want, and how we have to play.”
“Hopefully that kind of hockey will benefit us in a long series,” adds Ferner.
Looking ahead, if all the Interior quarter-final series are to play out according to seed, the the Vipers will start defence of their RBC Cup title against Salmon Arm or Quesnel in the second round, starting on Tuesday, March 9.
Millionaires Advance To Round Two For The First Time In Their BCHL History:
This is posted on the Quesnel website:Millionaires advance to round Two for the first time in their BCHL history
Friday, March 5, 2010 - Submitted by Al Manderson
The Quesnel Millionaires dumped the Salmon Arm Silverbacks 6-1 to clinch the quarterfinal series 4 games to 2 and advance to the second round against the Vernon Vipers. Quesnel scored the first goal of the game for the 4th time in 6 games as Josh Desmarais beat Tony Ierfino with a wrap around in the first period at 6:18 with an assit to Darick Ste-Marie. It was 2-0 Quesnel when Justin Hogan jumped on a rebound at 17:32 with the assists to Taylor Holst and Trever Hertz.
Quesnel opened the second with a high light reel goal by Josh Desmarais scoring as he took the puck in one on one, beat the defenceman and then deked out Ierfino to electrify the crowd at 2:44 to make it 3-0. Salmon Arm got on the board with their only threat of the night, a tap in by Christopher Hoe at 5:17 of the second.
Quesnel scored early in the third to make it 5-1 as Trever Hertz took a pass from Hogan and Skylar Smutek as they scored at 5l seconds of the third period. Darick Ste-Marie wrapped up the scoring at 7:02 of the third with his 8th goal of the series and temporarily took over top spot in scoring in the play offs for the BCHL.
Kirby Halcrow was again strong for Quesnel in net, stopping 39 of 40 shots fired his way. Quesnel will now move on to take on the Defending National Junior 'A' Champion Vernon Vipers starting with games 1 and 2 March 9 and 10 at the Wesbild Centre, before returning to Quesnel for games 3 & 4 March 12th and 13th.
Former Viper Outfielder's Hobbies Extend Outside Of Baseball:
Surf's up: Morgan a wave aficionadoSpeedy outfielder's hobbies extend outside of baseball
By Bill Ladson / MLB.com
02/28/10 10:45 AM EST
VIERA, Fla. -- Baseball and hockey are not the only sports Nationals center fielder Nyjer Morgan loves to play. It turns out he is a big-time surfing fan and will sometimes ride the waves.
Morgan became a fan when he went to play in the Hawaii Winter Baseball in 2006. It was there he met Devin Ivany, then a prospect for the Nats and now a Spring Training invitee for the club.
The two became fast friends, and Morgan, then a Pirates prospect, noticed that Ivany was going out every morning to go surfing. One day, Ivany asked Morgan if he wanted to ride the waves with him. Morgan agreed, but he got seasick on his first day.
"It was pretty funny his first day," Ivany said. "But Nyjer enjoyed it. He's a real trouper. He kept at it. Most people wouldn't have gone back in the water. He said, 'Let's go.'"
Morgan became infatuated with the sport after Ivany took him to Sunset Beach in Hawaii to see surfing great Gerry Lopez in 2006.
Today, Morgan is by no means a surfing champion, but he still loves to ride the waves.
"I just fell in love with it," Morgan said. "Devin took me to Sunset Beach, and when I saw those guys out there, it's unreal. The surfers really don't get recognition. It's such a struggle to get out there. The paddling is the hard part."
After Washington acquired Morgan from Pittsburgh last June, Morgan became friends with right-hander Collin Balester after finding out that Balester also loved to surf.
"Nyjer is a great guy. He can relate with a lot of guys," Balester said. "He is knowledgeable about that kind of stuff. He likes to have fun -- surfing, hockey and all that kind of stuff. You can always talk to him about anything."
Morgan then learned that Balester's father, Tom, built custom-made surfboards. Morgan wanted to own his first one.
Tom Balester made a special surfboard for Morgan, which has Morgan's nickname, Tony Plush, on the front of the board. The last time Morgan went surfing was during the offseason.
"I sent the money out to Collin's father and he mailed the board back to me, and I have a board now," Morgan said.
Bill Ladson is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
Vipers Face Quesnel In 2nd Round:
The 5th place Quesnel Millionaires (22-32-0-6) upset the 4th place Salmon Arm Silverbacks (29-25-3-3) four games to two in the 1st Round of the BCHL Playoffs tonight with a huge 6-1 victory. The Millionaires will now move onto the 2nd round and face the defending Royal Bank Cup Champion Vernon Vipers. I will have more posted on my blog tomorrow.Here's the box score from tonights Salmon Arm-Quesnel game,
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=802981&link=bchl
Friday, March 5, 2010
Millionaires One Win Away From Facing Vipers:
Warriors close the deal while Mills score big on road
Friday, March 5, 2010 - Submitted by BCHL Media
Less than a week after looking shaky in their 2010 postseason debut, the Westside Warriors looked well prepared for the pressures of playoff hockey with a series-clinching 4-2 come-from-behind victory over the Trail Smoke Eaters at Royal LePage Place.
It was only last Friday when the Smokies rolled to a 6-3 victory in Game 1, but Westside reverted to defensively sound hockey in winning four consecutive games while allowing just eight total goals against.
Alex Grieve opened the scoring for the Warriors on Thursday, converting on a power-play just 1:53 into regulation. That 1-0 lead held up through the intermission, but Trail got on the board with goals from Nick Sandor and Matt Wilkins in the second that had the visitors ahead after 40 minutes.
With the game on the line, Westside received the offence they needed on back-to-back unassisted goals from Tyler Krause and Dru Morrison early in the third and were able to hold on until Trevor Bailey scored into an empty net with less than a minute remaining.
The series win sets Westside up for a second round series against the Penticton Vees, who were impressive in a sweep of seventh-seeded Merritt. The match-up between the conference's second and third place finishers is set to begin in Penticton on Tuesday evening.
Meanwhile, the Quesnel Millionaires put in a powerful offensive performance on Thursday night to grab a 3-2 series lead over Salmon Arm with a lopsided 8-1 victory.
After a scoreless first period, the SilverBacks took a brief lead early in the second on a David Killip power-play marker. But the Mills, who had been outshot and outscored in Games 3 and 4, quickly turned on the jets with a pair of goals from Taylor Holst and singles from Darick Ste-Marie and Tyler French before intermission.
Quesnel then efforted one of their strongest periods of the season in the game's final 20 minutes, scoring four more times while outshooting their hosts by a 15-1 margin. Ste-Marie capped his hat trick with two goals in the span of 5:40 before Chris Kerr and Spencer Graboski converted on late power-play opportunities.
With the victory, Quesnel will have the chance to close out the series with a win on home ice on Friday night. Gametime is 7:30 PM.
Friday, March 5, 2010 - Submitted by BCHL Media
Less than a week after looking shaky in their 2010 postseason debut, the Westside Warriors looked well prepared for the pressures of playoff hockey with a series-clinching 4-2 come-from-behind victory over the Trail Smoke Eaters at Royal LePage Place.
It was only last Friday when the Smokies rolled to a 6-3 victory in Game 1, but Westside reverted to defensively sound hockey in winning four consecutive games while allowing just eight total goals against.
Alex Grieve opened the scoring for the Warriors on Thursday, converting on a power-play just 1:53 into regulation. That 1-0 lead held up through the intermission, but Trail got on the board with goals from Nick Sandor and Matt Wilkins in the second that had the visitors ahead after 40 minutes.
With the game on the line, Westside received the offence they needed on back-to-back unassisted goals from Tyler Krause and Dru Morrison early in the third and were able to hold on until Trevor Bailey scored into an empty net with less than a minute remaining.
The series win sets Westside up for a second round series against the Penticton Vees, who were impressive in a sweep of seventh-seeded Merritt. The match-up between the conference's second and third place finishers is set to begin in Penticton on Tuesday evening.
Meanwhile, the Quesnel Millionaires put in a powerful offensive performance on Thursday night to grab a 3-2 series lead over Salmon Arm with a lopsided 8-1 victory.
After a scoreless first period, the SilverBacks took a brief lead early in the second on a David Killip power-play marker. But the Mills, who had been outshot and outscored in Games 3 and 4, quickly turned on the jets with a pair of goals from Taylor Holst and singles from Darick Ste-Marie and Tyler French before intermission.
Quesnel then efforted one of their strongest periods of the season in the game's final 20 minutes, scoring four more times while outshooting their hosts by a 15-1 margin. Ste-Marie capped his hat trick with two goals in the span of 5:40 before Chris Kerr and Spencer Graboski converted on late power-play opportunities.
With the victory, Quesnel will have the chance to close out the series with a win on home ice on Friday night. Gametime is 7:30 PM.
Vipers Broaden Ice Sport Horizons:
This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:Vipers broaden ice sport horizons
By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star
Published: March 04, 2010
Apparently, being masters of one winter sport isn’t enough for the Vernon Vipers. Feeding off the feel-good vibe of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, the Snakes took to the ice at the Vernon Curling Club Wednesday afternoon for an impromptu session of Canada’s “other” national winter pastime.
Olympic champion Kevin Martin won’t have to worry about losing his title to this lot though. The majority of the Vipers didn’t know a hack from a hog line before Wednesday. Heck, most of the Vipers’ seven American import players didn’t really know what curling was until they started watching Canadian coverage of the Olympics.
The closest Vipers’ captain Kevin Kraus had come to curling was a game of shuffleboard.
Yet for athletes more used to toe drags than tap backs, the Vipers had smiles plastered on their faces the whole time.
“I don’t think there is curling in California,” said Los Angeles product Stevie Weinstein.
“At first when I got up here I really hated it, and then the Olympics got me into it. I was watching hockey and when that wasn’t on that’s what I watched. My billet dad (Brian De Boice) was right. He said I’d end up liking it and he was right.”
Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner says the speedy, puck-moving d-man is one of the reasons they decided to hit the curling ice. Ferner had been looking for something the players could do to let off some steam and work on team building as they gear up for another B.C. Hockey League playoff run.
Vernon hosts Games 1 and 2 of the Interior Conference semifinals, Tuesday and Wednesday night respectively at Wesbild Centre.
Said Ferner: “Stevie Weinstein was watching curling alone in the office downstairs. I said ‘Chewy, what are you doing?’ and he says ‘you know what, I’ve never really seen this game, but I’m watching it more and more.’ That’s where it all kind of stemmed from.
“We had a lot of guys that didn’t really understand the game, but they found themselves watching it, so we thought we’d take them here. It’s probably once in a lifetime for some of these guys, and they’re having a ball.”
Vernon’s Kyle Anderson, who is gearing up for a playoff run of his own – he’s curling with Darren Heath’s rink at the B.C. Mixed Curling Championships, starting March 15 in Chilliwack – came down to show the Vipers a few pointers.
“They’re definitely better on the hockey ice, but there’s a few guys out here that I could definitely recruit and teach,” smiled the lanky 20-year-old. “(Garrett) Noonan has the skills down pretty good, and the Jones twins (Connor and Kellen) are good at everything they do.”
Added Noonan, a Norfolk, Mass. product: “I’m not gonna lie, I’m probably our best curler. I pulled a double-takeout a little earlier, and I’ve got a few more coming up.
“It’s pretty fun when you get to throw, but I don’t really like the other stuff.”
Not to be outdone, Bryce Kakoske nailed a clutch hit-and-stick for a point in his game. The veteran Vernon product still feels the sting of his first-ever curling encounter while doing a promotional event with his former club, the Westside Warriors.
“I curled against a blind curling team in Kelowna and they did a pretty good job against us. We lost pretty handily,” smiled Kakoske.
Local curlers on the neighbouring sheets must have been wondering what a bunch of teens with blond mohawks were doing hooting and hollering on the ice. Yes, the Vipers are officially in playoff-mode, sporting the same hairstyles that won them a Royal Bank Cup championship last year.
“Don’t fix what’s not broken, right?” said Kraus. “We did a team vote and got everyone’s ideas involved, but the other ideas weren’t as good so we went with the same ol’ blond mohawks.”
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Last Years RBC Cup Finalist Knocked Out Early:
This is posted on the SJHL website:BRONCOS DETHRONED
Monday, March 01, 2010
The Humboldt Broncos have been unseated as SJHL Credit Union Cup champions, meaning the SJHL will have a new champ for the first time since 2006.
The La Ronge Ice Wolves completed a three game series sweep on Monday night by blanking the Broncos 3-0 in game three of the best of five Bauer Conference Survivor Series.
Goalie Adam Bartko shutout the Broncos for the final 98:33 of the series as he helped La Ronge win in double overtime on Saturday and then posted a shutout tonight (Monday).
Doug Lindensmith and Marc-Andre Carre each had two goals and two assists in the series.
Humboldt won the 2007, 2008, and 2009 league crowns. They were RBC Cup champs in 2003, 2008 and RBC Cup bridesmaids in 2009.
La Ronge will now travel to Flin Flon for game one of the Bauer Conference Semi-Final Series, believed to be Friday night (watch SJHL website for schedule posting).
Meanwhile, the Yorkton Terriers (winners of the two previous SJHL Championships in 2005 & 2006) are on the brink of eliminating the Melville Millionaires.
The Terriers beat Melville 3-1 to take a 2-games-to-1 lead in the series. They can wrap it up at home on Tuesday. Should they do that, the Weyburn Red Wings would host the Terriers Friday night for game one of the Sherwood Conference Semi-Final Series.
Melfort is at Battlefords on Saturday in the other Bauer Conference Semi-Final.
Kindersley is in Notre Dame on Saturday in the other Sherwood Conference Semi-Final.
AJHL To Implement Two-Referee System:
This is posted on the AJHL website:AJHL to Implement Two-Referee System
March 3rd, 2010 – The Alberta Junior Hockey League announced today that the two-referee system will be implemented throughout Round Two of the 2010 AJHL Enerflex Cup Playoffs. The two-referee system adds a fourth official for a total of two referees and two linesmen.
The two-referee system is used regularly in the National Hockey League (NHL), Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and at all levels of professional hockey. The Alberta Junior Hockey League has implemented the two-referee system in the post-season since 2006.
The two-referee system decreases the chance of high impact calls being missed and assists in the development of officials. The two referee system will utilize the knowledge of the more experienced referees and enable them to become actively involved in the development of young officials during the post season.
As hockey leagues across Alberta conclude the 2009-2010 season, a growing number of quality officials will become available to the AJHL and allow the League to increase use of the two-referee system.
A complete schedule for the 2010 AJHL Enerflex Cup Playoffs is available on the AJHL website http://www.ajhl.ca/.
Now will we see the BCHL take a look at the two referee system? Would you like to see the two referee system in the BCHL? What are your thoughts? Leave a comment below in the comment box.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Top 10 Vernon Junior Hockey Teams:
For just the second time in franchise history, the Vipers have clinched more than 50 wins in a regular season. The Vipers hit the 51-win mark this season one shy of the team and league record. The Vipers won 52 games in the 1998-99 campaign, which they followed up with a national Junior A title. The 51-6-0-3 Vipers also set a new BCHL record for the fewest goals allowed (119). The previous record of 137 was set by the Penticton Vees in 2005-06. Goaltender Blake Voth etched his name into the BCHL annals, setting a record 1.79 goals against average. The rookie tender bettered Nanaimo Clipper net detective Simon Nolet’s 1.98 GAA in 2004-05. This years version of the Vernon Vipers has to be one of if not the best Vernon Junior Hockey team Viper fans have ever seen. I have gone through and listed the top 10 Vernon Junior Hockey Teams going by stats and regular season records. I have then gone and listed the ten top Vernon Junior Hockey teams in Two different catagories in goals for and goals against.Top 10 Vernon Junior Hockey Teams:
1. 1998-99 Vernon Vipers (52-6-0-2) 106 pts GF 305 GA 145 (Won Interior Division Pennant, League Pennant, Interior Division Champions, League Champions, Mowat Cup, Doyle Cup, & Abbot Cup Champions & Royal Bank Cup Champions)
2. 2009-10 Vernon Vipers (51-6-0-3) 105 pts GF 298 GA 119 (To Be Determined)
3. 2002-03 Vernon Vipers (47-12-0-1) 95 pts GF 273 GA 150 (Won Interior Division Pennant, League Pennant, Interior Division Champions, League & Mowat Cup Champions, Lost To Camrose In Doyle Cup)
4. 1975-76 Vernon Vikings (47-18-1) 95 pts GF 390 GA 247 (Won League Pennant, Lost To Penticton in Semi_Finals)
5. 2004-05 Vernon Vipers (42-9-3-6) 93 pts GF 232 GA 156 (Won Interior Division Pennant & Interior Division Champions, Lost to Surrey in League Final)
6. 1995-96 Vernon Vipers (43-13-4) 90 pts GF 324 GA 219 (Won Interior Division Pennant, Interior Division & League Champions, Mowat & Doyle Cup Champions, Won Royal Bank Cup)
7. 1983-84 Vernon Rockets (45-15-0) 90 pts GF 452 GA 276 (Lost In 1st Round Of Playoffs)
8. 2008-09 Vernon Vipers (42-14-1-3) 88 pts GF 223 GA 145 (Won Interior Division Pennant, Interior Division Champions, League Champions, Mowat & Doyle Cup Champions, Won Royal Bank Cup)
9. 1996-97 Vernon Vipers (43-14-5) 87 pts GF 339 GA 212 (Won Interior Division Pennant, Interior Division Champions, Lost to Surrey in League Final)
10. 1971-72 Vernon Essos (42-17-1) 85 pts GF GA (Won League Pennant, League Champions, Lost to Red Deer in the Doyle Cup)
Top Ten Highest Scoring Vernon Junior Hockey Teams:
1. 1983-84 Vernon Rockets 452 Goals
2. 1975-76 Vernon Vikings 390 Goals
3. 1986-87 & 1987-88 Vernon Lakers 381 Goals
4. 1988-89 Vernon Lakers 376 Goals
5. 1990-91 Vernon Lakers 359 Goals
6. 1991-92 Vernon Goals 348 Goals
7. 1978-79 Vernon Vikings 345 Goals
8. 1973-74 Vernon Vikings 340 Goals
9. 1996-97 Vernon Vipers 339 Goals
10. 1985-86 Vernon Lakers 338 Goals
Top Ten Vernon Junior Hockey Teams With Lowest Goals Against:
1. 2009-10 Vernon Vipers 119 Goals Against
2. 1964-65 Vernon Blades 132 Goals Against
3. 1962-63 Vernon Blades, 1998-99 & 2008-09 Vernon Vipers 145 Goals Against
4. 2002-03 Vernon Vipers 150 Goals Against
5. 1969-70 Vernon Essos 151 Goals Against
6. 2004-05 Vernon Vipers 156 Goals Against
7. 2005-06 Vernon Vipers 165 Goals Against
8. 2003-04 Vernon Vipers 182 Goals Against
9. 2007-08 Vernon Vipers 185 Goals Against
10. 1968-69 Vernon Essos 191 Goals Against
And Then There Were Three:
The Vernon Vipers clinched top spot in the BCHL & the Interior Division, giving them a first round bye. The Vipers knew they could face any of the following four teams in the 2nd round wich starts Tuesday March 9th & Wednesday March 10th with Games 1 & 2 in Vernon. Depending on who comes out of the 1st round Vernon would either face Merritt, Trail, Salmon Arm or Quesnel. Well as of last night there are only three teams on that list as the 2nd place Penticton Vees swept the 7th place Merritt Centennials. Penticton now moves onto the 2nd round of the Playoffs awaiting their opponent. The Vipers will now face either Trail, Salmon Arm or Quesnel depending on the outcome of the 1st round playoff matchups. As of today Westside leads Trail 3 games to 1, & Salmon Arm & Quesnel are tied 2-2.Former Viper Morgan Learning To Slide Feetfirst:
Morgan learning to slide feetfirstOutfielder has set goals of 200 hits, stolen-base crown
By Bill Ladson / MLB.com
VIERA, Fla. -- Nationals center fielder Nyjer Morgan is determined that this season is going to be his best year ever. He believes he is capable of collecting 200 hits and winning his first stolen-base crown.
But he has to make a serious change for his dream season to happen. Morgan must change his style of sliding. Last year, he missed the final 34 games because of a broken right hand sliding headfirst into third base against the Cubs on Aug. 27.
Morgan had hand surgery two days later and missed the rest of the season. The hand injury cut short a season that had taken off since Morgan came to the Nationals in a trade from Pittsburgh on June 30. Morgan hit .351 with one homer, 12 RBIs and 24 steals for Washington. The team finished 13-21 during his absence.
The Nationals didn't have to tell Morgan what he has to do to stay on the field and make an impact on the team: Learn how to slide feetfirst.
"I have to be a little smarter," Morgan said. "I figured I'm a little more older now, so I don't have to do the reckless things anymore."
Morgan has been in camp since early January, and on Tuesday, he was seen doing sliding drills. Morgan was seen sliding, but had a tough time getting both hands up in the air. Morgan's right hand was still on the ground during the slide. The coaching staff had to remind him to keep his hands up while making the slide. Still, manager Jim Riggleman felt Morgan did a good job.
"I really don't think he's going to lose any speed [sliding feetfirst]," Riggleman said. "If we are fortunate to have him all year, he is a difference maker because of his defense."
Bill Ladson is a reporter for MLB.com.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Vipers Alumni Update With Ryan Santana:
Former Vernon Vipers forward, Ryan Santana is in his first season with Boston University. Santana played last year with the Vernon Vipers winning the Royal Bank Cup. In his previous season before joining the Vipers, Santana played with the Des Moines Buccaneers of the USHL & the Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the NAHL. In 24 games this year the Boston Terriers are 14-15-3 In 24 games this season Santana has 1 assist.Ryan Santana’s Bio,
http://www.goterriers.com/sports/m-hockey/mtt/santana_ryan00.html
Alberni Valley Shortlisted For 2012 RBC Cup:
Alberni Valley shortlisted for 2012 RBC CupTuesday, March 2, 2010 - Submitted by Alberni Valley Bulldogs
The Alberni Valley Bid Committee for the 2012 RBC Cup is pleased to announce that the community’s bid has been selected to the short list of candidate cities from across Canada. Alberni Valley joins Humbolt, Saskatchewan, Fort McMurray, Alberta and Kingston, Ontario in the next step of the Hockey Canada selection process.
The RBC Cup is Canada's Junior A Hockey National Championship, bringing together the winners of four regional play downs – BC/Alberta, Saskatchewan/Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec/Maritimes along with the host team in a five-team tournament.
"We have put together a strong bid package thanks to the work of many people," says Bid Committee Chair Tom McEvay. "We know that our community has a tremendous amount of credibility with Hockey Canada after the success of the 2009 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge and we also realize that the outstanding season being had by the Alberni Valley Bulldogs has raised their national profile considerably."
The next phase in the selection process will be formal presentations by the four bid communities to Hockey Canada in Calgary on March 17th. McEvay and committee member Ron Paulson will be joined by Bulldogs President Andy Oakes as they represent the local bid committee in Calgary. The final announcement is expected in May.
"The support our community gives to the Bulldogs and to all events of this magnitude is well chronicled across Canada," says McEvay. "We encourage everyone to continue this support and fill the Multiplex for the upcoming Bulldogs playoff games. We are up against some stiff competition from three great hockey towns but we are confident that we have every chance of being the successful bid.”
Monday, March 1, 2010
Former Vernon Laker Rylan Ferster Selected Team West GM:
Coaching staffs appointed for Canadian entries at World Jr A ChallengeMonday, March 1, 2010 - Submitted by CJHL Network
The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) in partnership with Hockey Canada announced today the Coaching Staffs for Team Canada East and Team Canada West at the 2010 World Junior A Challenge.
Larry Wintoneak (Kindersley Klippers, SJHL) will return as Head Coach of Team Canada West after serving as an Assistant Coach in 2009. The assistant coaches for the West squad include Jomar Cruz (OCN Blizzard, MJHL), Andrew Milne (Canmore Eagles, AJHL) and Kevin Hasselberg (Olds Grizzlies, AJHL).
Jomar Cruz held the position of Video Coach at the 2009 World Junior A Challenge. Andrew Milne and Kevin Hasselberg were both members of the Coaching Staff for Team Pacific at the 2010 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.
Rylan Ferster of the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL) was recently selected as Team West General Manager. Rylan Ferster represented Team Canada West as an Assistant Coach in 2008 and Head Coach in 2009. Former General Manager Leonard Strandberg has been appointed as Head Scout.
Head Coach Todd Gill of the Brockville Braves (CJHL) will lead Team East alongside General Manager Troy Ryan (Halifax Lions, MJAHL). Gill returns for his second season as Head Coach while Troy Ryan has served as an Assistant Coach for Team Canada East since the inaugural World Junior A Challenge in 2006.
For a third consecutive year, Patrice Bosch (Inouk de Granby, LHJAAAQ) has been selected as Assistant Coach. Curtis Hodgins (Bowmanville Eagles, CCHL) will also join Team East as an Assistant Coach.
The Head Coaches of Team Canada East and West are both relying on experience to better their respective teams at the 2010 tournament. “Last year I enjoyed the experience and learned a lot, but did not achieve the goal we set out for our team,” said Head Coach Todd Gill. “The experience I earned through competing at such a high level of international competition, and the knowledge I gained of the selection process and team building was invaluable.”
“This is a great opportunity to enhance my coaching career and to represent my country. I look forward to having a second shot,” stated Gill.
“It was a tremendous opportunity to be involved in the World Junior A Challenge and work with Hockey Canada last year,” said Head Coach Larry Wintoneak. “Experience is everything and it will benefit me as a Head Coach and our entire staff in the preparation for this year’s tournament. The expectation to win remains the same.”
“It’s all about privilege and responsibility,” said Wintoneak. “It is a great privilege to be involved, and with that you have a responsibility to your country as a Coach and a player.”
The international tournament will feature the best 19 and under Junior A aged players from six competing countries. The World Junior A Challenge tournament will be held in November 2010, the respective dates and location will be announced shortly.
Created to showcase the talent in Canada's 11 Junior A leagues, the World Junior A Challenge debuted in 2006. Canada West has appeared in all four gold medal games, winning twice, while Canada East is a two-time silver medallist.
For more information on the 2010 World Junior A Challenge, visit www.hockeycanada.ca/wjac or www.cjhlhockey.com.
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