This was in last weeks BC Hockey Newspaper:
BCHL Interior Conference Report
Thursday, November 5, 2010
By Ryan Pinder
The Interior Conference will be represented well at the five-nation, six-team World Junior A Challenge set in Penticton from Nov. 8 to 14. While the BCHL led the way from the five western CJHL Leagues with eight players selected, seven happen to be players from the Interior Conference.
It probably didn’t hurt that General Manager Rylan Ferster has spent the bulk of his last four seasons watching the Interior, but the list of selected players also serves as ammunition for those trying to build the case that the Interior is the superior BCHL Conference.
Penticton Vees
Each year, the Vees seem to have two or three players named to the World Junior A Challenge, but with the event hosted at the SOEC this year, it’s a touch more significant. Three players will suit up for Team Canada West bumping the Vees to 12 all-time paticipants in the five years the tournament has run. Returning to the international event for the second season are F - Brendan O’Donnell (‘92) and D -Joey LaLeggia (‘92), while F -Mark MacMillan (‘92) will dawn the Hockey Canada jersey for the first time.
Trail Smoke Eaters
Travis St. Denis (‘92) and Sam Mellor (‘92) have been selected to World Junior A Challenge as members of Team Canada West, which will test the depth of the Smokies forwards. The Smokies top line accounted for 68 per cent of the goals scored in the first third of the season, and with two thirds of that top line gone for six games, Trail needs more triggermen to emerge. Would a return of Kyle St. Denis (‘90) to the Kootenays bolster the Smokies line-up? The Vernon Vipers have been shopping his rights.
Vernon Vipers
Leading scorer F - Dylan Walchuk (‘92) will be the lone representative of the Vernon Vipers on Team Canada West. The 18-year-old has had a strong sophomore season in a much larger role with the Vipers. The Vernon is proving to be the toughest team in the Interior Conference to score goals on… Again. The Snakes allow just 2.4 goals against per game. Credit the Vipers three big wins over the Penticton Vees this season as the reason they’re in a battle for top spot in the Conference standings.
Salmon Arm Silverbacks
The Silverbacks have traded disgruntled defender Josh Monk (‘92) to Surrey for F - Michael Krgovich (‘90) - which will add another sniper to Tim Kehler’s arsenel. G - Kris Moore (‘91) is still out with a broken hand after the line brawl against Merritt. With Moore out, Tim Kehler sent F - Taylor Fauchoux (‘92) to Alberta for G - Chase Martin (‘92). While Martin’s numbers haven’t been spectacular, he has earned the lion’s share of the starts ahead of G -Kurt Williams (‘91). What happens in the crowded crease when Moore returns from injury is anybody’s guess.
Westside Warriors
Forward Grayson Downing (‘92) is one of seven returnees on Team Canada West. The 18-year-old is leading the Warriors offensively and is on pace for a 45 goal season. How will the Warriors adjust without their leading scorer for the four games he will miss? With numerous quality defenders, the Warriors would be wise to parlay some depth on the blue-line into another offensive forward. F - Kyle Singleton (‘90) is the third member of the Warriors committed to Merrimack, where bench boss Darren Yopyk was previously employed.
Merritt Centennials
Luke Pierce’s squad has turned the corner since moving last year’s leading scorer F - Dustin Johnson (‘90) going (3-2-0-2) since the deal.
Newly acquired netminder Lino Chimienti (‘91) has been a welcome addition to the team, and has posted strong numbers in his first half dozen games.
Rookie F - Regan Soquilla (‘93) - whose older brother was the captain of the Cents last season – is the surprise team leader in goals. The Centennials have played the fewest home games in the Conference.
Prince George Spruce Kings
The Spruce Kings have emerged from a busy 14 games in October with a brighter outlook.
After losing eight games in a row, Prince George closed out the month with three consecutive wins thanks in large part to the play of one of their new acquisitions – Zac Ashdown. The 19-year-old forward has recorded seven points in his first half dozen games with the Spruce Kings since arriving from Coquitlam. P.G. has also cut down their goals against in recent action thanks to the return of G – Alex Wright (‘90).
Quesnel Millionaires
19-year-old goaltender Kirby Halcrow wasn’t selected to Team Canada West, and for the Millionaires, that’s probably for the better. Quesnel’s listless offense is averaging just two goals a game, meaning Halcrow has to be great for the team to have a chance to win on most nights.
The Mills powerplay is nothing short of dreadful – operating at a mind boggling seven percent. Spencer Grabowski (‘93) is putting together a great 17-year-old season, but the Mills need more talent upfront if they want to clinch a playoff spot in the Interior Conference.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
BCHL Trades From The Month Of October:
Here's a look at trades that happened in October, these have been posted on the BCHL League web site.01-Oct-10 The Surrey Eagles Hockey Club acquires the Jr A playing rights of Dale Hunt (90)(F) from the Cowichan Valley Capitals Hockey Club in exchange for future considerations.
06-Oct-10 The Victoria Grizzlies Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Ryan Stanimir (90)(F) to the St. Albert Steel Hockey Club of the AJHL in exchange for the playing rights of Kyle Aschim (90)(F).
10-Oct-10 The Nanaimo Clippers Hockey Club acquire the playing rights of Ryan Stanimir (F)(90) from the St. Albert Steel Hockey Club of the AJHL in exchange for future considerations.
12-Oct-10 The Salmon Arm Silverbacks Hockey Club acquire the playing rights of Shay Neufeld from the Battlefords North Stars Hockey Club of the SJHL in exchange for future considerations.
13-Oct-10 The Merritt Centennials Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Dustin Johnson (90)(F) to the Victoria Grizzlies Hockey Club in exchange for the playing rights of Brett Kollins (92)(D), Scott Milnthorp (92)(D) and future considerations.
13-Oct-10 The Trail Smoke Eaters Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Graeme Strukoff (91)(D) to the Victoria Grizzlies Hockey Club in exchange for the playing rights of Wesley Myron (92)(F), Jake Baker (91)(D) and future considerations.
13-Oct-10 The Penticton Vees Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Spencer Copp to the Calgary Canucks Hockey Club of the AJHL in exchange for future considerations.
14-Oct-10 The Merritt Centennials Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of recently acquired Scott Milnthorp (92)(D) and Austin Baecker (92)(D) to the Grande Prairie Storm Hockey Club of the AJHL in exchange for the playing rights of Lino Chimienti.
14-Oct-10 The Nanaimo Clippers Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Tyler Mah to the Lloydminster Bobcats Hockey Club of the AJHL in exchange for future considerations.
14-Oct-10 The Prince George Spruce Kings Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Ryan Benitez (90)(F) to the Yarmouth Mariners Hockey Club of the MJAHL in exchange for future considerations.
14-Oct-10 The Prince George Spruce Kings transfers the playing rights of Tyler Sybil (92) to the Trenton Golden Hawks in exchange for future considerations.
14-Oct-10 The Langley Chiefs transfer the playing rights of Stan Smrke to the North Bay Trappers in exchange for future considerations.
15-Oct-10 The Victoria Grizzlies Hockey Club reacquires the playing rights of Wesley Myron (92)(F) from the Trail Smoke Eaters Hockey Club in exchange for future considerations.
15-Oct-10 The Prince George Spruce Kings Hockey Club transfers the CJHL playing rights of Liam Darragh (90)(F) to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs Hockey Club in exhange for the playing rights of Trent Murdoch (90)(F) , Byron Sorensen (91)(D) and future considerations
15-Oct-10 The Surrey Eagles Hockey Club transfers the CJHL playing rights of Kyle Madsen to the Spruce Grove Saints Hockey Club of the AJHL in exchange for future considerations.
16-Oct-10 The Prince George Spruce Kings Hockey Club transfers the CJHL playing rights of Byron Sorensen (91)(D) to the Laronge Ice Wolves Hockey Club of the SJHL in exchange for future considerations.
18-Oct-10 The Coquitlam Express Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Zac Ashdown (91)(F) to the Prince George Spruce Kings Hockey Club in exchange for future considerations
18-Oct-10 The Coquitlam Express Hockey Club transfers the CJHL playing rights of Jesse Halikas to the Spruce Grove Saints Hockey Club of the AJHL in exchange for future considerations.
19-Oct-10 The Nanaimo Clippers Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Dominic Savoie (90)(F) to the Grande Prairie Storm Hockey Club of the AJHL in exchange for the CJHL playing rights of Rodger Craig and future considerations.
20-Oct-10 The Salmon Arm Silverbacks Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Taylor Fauchoux (92)(F) to the Spruce Grove Saints Hockey Club in exchange for the playing rights of Chase Martin (92)(G).
21-Oct-10 The Salmon Arm Silverbacks Hockey Club acquires the playing rights of James Friedel (91)(D) from the Drayton Valley Thunder of the AJHL in exchange for future considerations.
21-Oct-10 The Cowichan Valley Capitals Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Alexandre Peck (90)(G) to the Kindersley Klippers Hockey Club of the SJHL in exchange for the playing rights of Scott Hellyer (90)(G) and future considerations.
21-Oct-10 The Quesnel Millionaires Hockey Club transfer the playing rights of Sterling Bear (90)(F) to the Steinbach Pistons Hockey Club of the MJHL in exchange for the playing rights of Hart Marable (91) and future considerations.
26-Oct-10 The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Gus Correale (F)(93) to the Grande Prairie Storm Hockey Club of the AJHL in exchange for the playing rights of Austin Baecker (92)(D) and future considerations.
26-Oct-10 The Salmon Arm Silverbacks Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Josh Monk (92)(D) to the Surrey Eagles Hockey Club in exchange for the playing rights of Michael Krgovich (90)(F).
29-Oct-10 The Langley Chiefs Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Chris Blessing (91)(F) to the Quesnel Millionaires Hockey Club in exchange for future considerations.
30-Oct-10 The Cowichan Valley Capitals Hockey Club transfers the recently acquired CJHL playing rights of Scott Hellyer (G) to the Campbellton Tipers Hockey Club of the MJAHL in exchange for the CJHL playing rights of Ashton Bernard (90)(G) and future considerations.
30-Oct-10 The Surrey Eagles Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Erik Cooper (91)(D/F) and Ryan Luiten (92)(F) to the Trail Smoke Eaters Hockey Club in exchange for the playing rights of Steve Koshey (91)(D).
31-Oct-10 The Prince George Spruce Kings Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Chris Bodo (91)(F) to the Pembrooke Lumber Kings Hockey Club of the CHL in exchange for future considerations.
Cook Keeps RBC Connection:
This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:
Cook keeps RBC connection
By Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star
Published: November 06, 2010 11:00 AM
First thing Brad Cook did when he entered the Wesbild Centre last Saturday was look way up. There it was, in the rafters, a banner honouring the Vernon Vipers as 1996 Royal Bank Cup champions.
Cook, now an assistant coach with the BCHL Victoria Grizzlies, was a smooth-skating defenceman with Rob Bremner's Snakes that season. He had played the year before with the major junior Detroit Jr. Red Wings, and was one of several imports from back east.
He keeps in close touch with Jeff Cheeseman, captain of the '96 team, which included the likes of Dustin Whitecotton, Brent Dodginghorse, Blaine McCauley and Garth Gartner. He hangs out with Sjon Wynia from that team as Wynia has kids the same age as Cook, living in nearby Nanaimo.
"I'm really proud of what we accomplished," said Cook, 35, after the Grizzlies stunned the Vipers in double overtime. "That's something you hang your hat on for a long time. As a coach, to pass on to the guys what a special time a championship run can be and then to actually win it, and you got the ring and you got the tattoo and you got the banner and you got the pictures, the memories. It's something you'll never forget.
"You're a champion forever and how many people can say that? Not many. And to do it in a sport that I'm still involved in is pretty special."
Cook played more than 500 games in a 12-year minor pro career and after coaching the junior B Saanich Braves, joined the Grizzlies this year. He also coaches at the Spectrum High School Hockey Academy.
His No. 1 fan is his wife, Brandy Pearson, who he met during his year in Vernon.
"I had been here for maybe one week and she was the first person I met out and about and she just moved here to work up at Silver Star for the winter, from Victoria, and we've been together ever since. She travelled around with me for 10 years as a pro and we made Victoria our home and things are going really good."
Cook is a hockey survivor. He had a brief stint over in Germany, but spent most of his time blocking shots and making thrilling rushes for teams like the Dayton Ice Bandits, San Angelo Outlaws, Tulsa Oilers, Elmira Jackals, Kalamazoo Wings and Victoria Salmon Kings.
He went the extra mile to play a game he truly loved, making very little money but loving every minute of his life.
"Hockey's been very good to me and hopefully, it'll be good to me for a long time to come. I'm really enjoying the coaching part of it and once my kids start to grow up here, I would like to eventually stick here with the Grizzlies for a lot of years and hopefully one year move up."
One look at the Vipers' alumni list and you see a number of graduates who have gone into coaching or management as a career.
Troy Mick was an assistant with that '96 team, and he went on to be a head coach in the BCHL and WHL. Now, he's part of the Pursuit of Excellence program in Kelowna.
Cheeseman, a dynamite scorer who was named Most Outstanding Forward in the '96 Cup tournament in Melfort, Sask., went on to be an assistant coach with the University of Alabama Frozen Tide.
Cheesie made headlines during the 2003-04 season with the Alabama Slammers of the now-defunct World Hockey Association 2 when he fractured his leg during the first week of camp. Because the league folded that same year, he received no insurance or compensation, and wound up $97,000 in debt.
After the team evicted him from his apartment and he was threatened to be blackballed from hockey if he hired a lawyer, Cheeseman was taken in by a good friend named Valerie Kernan, who worked in the Slammers' front office at the time. They fell in love and later married.
Cheeseman is now director of hockey for the city of Pelham, Ala. – an up-and-coming suburban youth hockey program with 225 players.
Someone (nobody is sure who) once said: “The test of a good coach is that when they leave, others will carry on successfully.”
That has certainly been the case in Vernon. Men like Vern Dye and Odie Lowe set the early standard. Eddie Johnstone, Ernie Gare, George Fargher, Keith Chase, Campbell Blair, Rylan Ferster, Dennis Holland and Mick followed their lead.
More recently, former Viper captain Jason Williamson has been an assistant for the last two national RBC wins, while Luke Pierce (head coach, Merritt Centennials), Brent Kisio (assistant, Calgary Hitmen), Dale Purinton (head coach, Cowichan Valley Capitals) and Sean Matile (goalie coach, Vipers) are in the game.
Johnstone guided the Lakers to back-to-back Centennial Cup victories in 1990-91 and went on to coach in the minors.
Allan Maki of the Toronto Globe and Mail recently did an article on the painful truth about the NHL and its pensions, quoting Johnstone.
Said Johnstone: “You had to play in 30 games in 1986 and have played in 400 NHL games in your career. I had the 400 games and I was called up by Detroit that [1986] season. I played in six games, then they sat me down. I missed it by 24 games.”
Maki wrote that Johnstone was an emergency-room regular during his career. His right knee was torn up, his right shoulder separated and never operated on. He fractured a cheekbone in a collision with a teammate. That put him in a hospital for three days where he developed conjunctivitis in his eye. When the team said it needed him, Johnstone played with one good eye.
Johnstone has suffered two strokes in retirement.
“The specialist said what I had is very common among athletes,” said Johnstone. “Stress and adrenalin, those were the two main factors. I don’t begrudge the players making all this money now. I’d just like to see them do more for the guys who paved their way.”
Goalie Ken Holland worked his way up from scout to GM of the Detroit Red Wings. Dave Oliver of the 1990 Lakers never dreamed of being a GM, but the Colorado Avalanche figured he was management material and named him GM of the AHL Lake Erie Monsters in 2007. Today, Oliver is also known as Director of Player Development with the Avs.
Marty Stein and Craig Demetrick are in the game as part-time NHL scouts, Spencer Ward was an assistant coach with the Western Canadian junior B champion Richmond Sockeyes a few years ago and Tom Williamson from way back helped found the VSS Hockey Academy.
Cook keeps RBC connection
By Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star
Published: November 06, 2010 11:00 AM
First thing Brad Cook did when he entered the Wesbild Centre last Saturday was look way up. There it was, in the rafters, a banner honouring the Vernon Vipers as 1996 Royal Bank Cup champions.
Cook, now an assistant coach with the BCHL Victoria Grizzlies, was a smooth-skating defenceman with Rob Bremner's Snakes that season. He had played the year before with the major junior Detroit Jr. Red Wings, and was one of several imports from back east.
He keeps in close touch with Jeff Cheeseman, captain of the '96 team, which included the likes of Dustin Whitecotton, Brent Dodginghorse, Blaine McCauley and Garth Gartner. He hangs out with Sjon Wynia from that team as Wynia has kids the same age as Cook, living in nearby Nanaimo.
"I'm really proud of what we accomplished," said Cook, 35, after the Grizzlies stunned the Vipers in double overtime. "That's something you hang your hat on for a long time. As a coach, to pass on to the guys what a special time a championship run can be and then to actually win it, and you got the ring and you got the tattoo and you got the banner and you got the pictures, the memories. It's something you'll never forget.
"You're a champion forever and how many people can say that? Not many. And to do it in a sport that I'm still involved in is pretty special."
Cook played more than 500 games in a 12-year minor pro career and after coaching the junior B Saanich Braves, joined the Grizzlies this year. He also coaches at the Spectrum High School Hockey Academy.
His No. 1 fan is his wife, Brandy Pearson, who he met during his year in Vernon.
"I had been here for maybe one week and she was the first person I met out and about and she just moved here to work up at Silver Star for the winter, from Victoria, and we've been together ever since. She travelled around with me for 10 years as a pro and we made Victoria our home and things are going really good."
Cook is a hockey survivor. He had a brief stint over in Germany, but spent most of his time blocking shots and making thrilling rushes for teams like the Dayton Ice Bandits, San Angelo Outlaws, Tulsa Oilers, Elmira Jackals, Kalamazoo Wings and Victoria Salmon Kings.
He went the extra mile to play a game he truly loved, making very little money but loving every minute of his life.
"Hockey's been very good to me and hopefully, it'll be good to me for a long time to come. I'm really enjoying the coaching part of it and once my kids start to grow up here, I would like to eventually stick here with the Grizzlies for a lot of years and hopefully one year move up."
One look at the Vipers' alumni list and you see a number of graduates who have gone into coaching or management as a career.
Troy Mick was an assistant with that '96 team, and he went on to be a head coach in the BCHL and WHL. Now, he's part of the Pursuit of Excellence program in Kelowna.
Cheeseman, a dynamite scorer who was named Most Outstanding Forward in the '96 Cup tournament in Melfort, Sask., went on to be an assistant coach with the University of Alabama Frozen Tide.
Cheesie made headlines during the 2003-04 season with the Alabama Slammers of the now-defunct World Hockey Association 2 when he fractured his leg during the first week of camp. Because the league folded that same year, he received no insurance or compensation, and wound up $97,000 in debt.
After the team evicted him from his apartment and he was threatened to be blackballed from hockey if he hired a lawyer, Cheeseman was taken in by a good friend named Valerie Kernan, who worked in the Slammers' front office at the time. They fell in love and later married.
Cheeseman is now director of hockey for the city of Pelham, Ala. – an up-and-coming suburban youth hockey program with 225 players.
Someone (nobody is sure who) once said: “The test of a good coach is that when they leave, others will carry on successfully.”
That has certainly been the case in Vernon. Men like Vern Dye and Odie Lowe set the early standard. Eddie Johnstone, Ernie Gare, George Fargher, Keith Chase, Campbell Blair, Rylan Ferster, Dennis Holland and Mick followed their lead.
More recently, former Viper captain Jason Williamson has been an assistant for the last two national RBC wins, while Luke Pierce (head coach, Merritt Centennials), Brent Kisio (assistant, Calgary Hitmen), Dale Purinton (head coach, Cowichan Valley Capitals) and Sean Matile (goalie coach, Vipers) are in the game.
Johnstone guided the Lakers to back-to-back Centennial Cup victories in 1990-91 and went on to coach in the minors.
Allan Maki of the Toronto Globe and Mail recently did an article on the painful truth about the NHL and its pensions, quoting Johnstone.
Said Johnstone: “You had to play in 30 games in 1986 and have played in 400 NHL games in your career. I had the 400 games and I was called up by Detroit that [1986] season. I played in six games, then they sat me down. I missed it by 24 games.”
Maki wrote that Johnstone was an emergency-room regular during his career. His right knee was torn up, his right shoulder separated and never operated on. He fractured a cheekbone in a collision with a teammate. That put him in a hospital for three days where he developed conjunctivitis in his eye. When the team said it needed him, Johnstone played with one good eye.
Johnstone has suffered two strokes in retirement.
“The specialist said what I had is very common among athletes,” said Johnstone. “Stress and adrenalin, those were the two main factors. I don’t begrudge the players making all this money now. I’d just like to see them do more for the guys who paved their way.”
Goalie Ken Holland worked his way up from scout to GM of the Detroit Red Wings. Dave Oliver of the 1990 Lakers never dreamed of being a GM, but the Colorado Avalanche figured he was management material and named him GM of the AHL Lake Erie Monsters in 2007. Today, Oliver is also known as Director of Player Development with the Avs.
Marty Stein and Craig Demetrick are in the game as part-time NHL scouts, Spencer Ward was an assistant coach with the Western Canadian junior B champion Richmond Sockeyes a few years ago and Tom Williamson from way back helped found the VSS Hockey Academy.
Vipers Rebound Against Prince George:
This is posted on the Vipers website:
Vipers rebound against Prince George
by Don Klepp | Added 2010-11-06
After a tough loss in Merritt the previous night, on Saturday the Vipers found redemption in a 3-1 win over the Prince George Spruce Kings.
The Vipers surrendered a three-goal lead in Merritt, but when they got a lead in the third period versus PG, they shut down the Spruce Kings, who didn’t get a shot on goal for the first 17 minutes of the final frame.
The first period was mostly uneventful. Although each team had chances on the power play, neither team scored. The Vipers did come close, however, with the Knisley line leading the way on the Vipers’ second man advantage of the period.
Veteran Alex Wright, who has stints with the WHL Prince George Cougars, looked strong in the PG net, while Viper rookie goalie, Bryton Udy, displayed his growing confidence.
The teams exchanged goals in the second period, with the Spruce Kings drawing first blood.
RJay Berra, fresh from a three-goal performance in his team’s win over Salmon Arm on Friday night, opened the scoring from just outside the crease at 6:28. Berra’s 18th of the season was set up nicely by Nic DeSousa, who had combined with Zac Ashdown to wrest the puck away from a Viper defender in the corner.
Exactly six minutes later, Aaron Hadley equalized from the low slot as he and John Knisley exchanged passes on a smooth give-and-go. The goal came one second before a DeSousa holding penalty expired.
Partly because of consistent pressure on two power plays, the Vipers out shot the visitors 14 to 5 in the period. They had several excellent scoring chances, but Alex Wright made some sensational saves to keep the score close.
He was let down by his defence early in the third period as John Knisley and Aaron Hadley created a turnover deep in the Prince George zone. Knisley’s deft feed allowed Hadley to power the puck by Wright at 1:13.
Marcus Basara added to the Viper lead at the six-minute mark. At the end of a shift, Mike Zalewski chipped the puck forward on the right wing. With a full head of steam, Basara blew by Trevor Esau and fired a rocket over Wright’s shoulder.
For much of the game, Trevor Esau and Trevor Fitzgerald had been in each other’s face, and their physical battle blossomed into roughing at 6:35 and escalated to a fight at 9:39. The two had both been affiliated with the Vipers last year.
Aaron Hadley came close to a hat trick with six minutes remaining in the period, as he closed in again with John Knisley, but he got in too close and Wright covered the angle.
The Spruce Kings were basically smothered in the third period, but they did finally register five shots at the very end, as they pulled Wright for an extra skater. Bryton Udy had to make two sparkling saves in the last minute as he collected his first win of the year.
Game Notes:
• Dylan Walchuk (Team Canada West commitment) and Adam Thompson (family wedding) missed their second straight game for the Vipers. Patrick McGillis missed due to injury.
• Affiliated player Nicholas Kerr dressed for the Vipers.
• The Spruce Kings had AP D-man Derek Grimm in the lineup as Derek Henderson (suspension) and Bennett Hambrook (ankle injury) were missing.
• After notching his 18th goal of the campaign, RJay Berra is now tied with Mike Hammond, Josh Myers, and Travis St. Denis for third spot in BCHL sniping behind Bradley McGowan (20) and Sam Mellor (22).
• Aaron Hadley’s first two-goal game in the league earned him first star, while John Knisley and Alex Wright got the other two stars.
Vipers rebound against Prince George
by Don Klepp | Added 2010-11-06
After a tough loss in Merritt the previous night, on Saturday the Vipers found redemption in a 3-1 win over the Prince George Spruce Kings.
The Vipers surrendered a three-goal lead in Merritt, but when they got a lead in the third period versus PG, they shut down the Spruce Kings, who didn’t get a shot on goal for the first 17 minutes of the final frame.
The first period was mostly uneventful. Although each team had chances on the power play, neither team scored. The Vipers did come close, however, with the Knisley line leading the way on the Vipers’ second man advantage of the period.
Veteran Alex Wright, who has stints with the WHL Prince George Cougars, looked strong in the PG net, while Viper rookie goalie, Bryton Udy, displayed his growing confidence.
The teams exchanged goals in the second period, with the Spruce Kings drawing first blood.
RJay Berra, fresh from a three-goal performance in his team’s win over Salmon Arm on Friday night, opened the scoring from just outside the crease at 6:28. Berra’s 18th of the season was set up nicely by Nic DeSousa, who had combined with Zac Ashdown to wrest the puck away from a Viper defender in the corner.
Exactly six minutes later, Aaron Hadley equalized from the low slot as he and John Knisley exchanged passes on a smooth give-and-go. The goal came one second before a DeSousa holding penalty expired.
Partly because of consistent pressure on two power plays, the Vipers out shot the visitors 14 to 5 in the period. They had several excellent scoring chances, but Alex Wright made some sensational saves to keep the score close.
He was let down by his defence early in the third period as John Knisley and Aaron Hadley created a turnover deep in the Prince George zone. Knisley’s deft feed allowed Hadley to power the puck by Wright at 1:13.
Marcus Basara added to the Viper lead at the six-minute mark. At the end of a shift, Mike Zalewski chipped the puck forward on the right wing. With a full head of steam, Basara blew by Trevor Esau and fired a rocket over Wright’s shoulder.
For much of the game, Trevor Esau and Trevor Fitzgerald had been in each other’s face, and their physical battle blossomed into roughing at 6:35 and escalated to a fight at 9:39. The two had both been affiliated with the Vipers last year.
Aaron Hadley came close to a hat trick with six minutes remaining in the period, as he closed in again with John Knisley, but he got in too close and Wright covered the angle.
The Spruce Kings were basically smothered in the third period, but they did finally register five shots at the very end, as they pulled Wright for an extra skater. Bryton Udy had to make two sparkling saves in the last minute as he collected his first win of the year.
Game Notes:
• Dylan Walchuk (Team Canada West commitment) and Adam Thompson (family wedding) missed their second straight game for the Vipers. Patrick McGillis missed due to injury.
• Affiliated player Nicholas Kerr dressed for the Vipers.
• The Spruce Kings had AP D-man Derek Grimm in the lineup as Derek Henderson (suspension) and Bennett Hambrook (ankle injury) were missing.
• After notching his 18th goal of the campaign, RJay Berra is now tied with Mike Hammond, Josh Myers, and Travis St. Denis for third spot in BCHL sniping behind Bradley McGowan (20) and Sam Mellor (22).
• Aaron Hadley’s first two-goal game in the league earned him first star, while John Knisley and Alex Wright got the other two stars.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Vernon 3 Prince George 1
I was at tonights BCHL game as Vernon defeated Prince George 3-1 in front of 1,669 fans at the Wesbild Centre.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Bryton Udy
Prince George: Alex Wright
1st Period: Prince George would get the games first powerplay of the night just over two minutes into the contest. PG moved the puck well but was unable to get any real good quality scoring chances as the Vipers killed off the minor. Vernon come out hard laying the body early and often as the Vipers played one of their more physical periods in a long time. Just minutes later Vernon would get its first shot on the man advantage, the Vipers moved the puck around well but the Spruce Kings penalty kill was very sharp keeping the Vipers to the outside. Vernon was unable to get any good quality shots through as PG killed off the minor. No real good scoring chances at either ends of the rink as both teams played a tight checking game with not a whole lot of room out there to dangle. Both teams played very well defensively early. Just before the midway mark Jeff Earnest ripped a quick shot just before the Viper blueline, Earnest's shot handcuffed Bryton Udy as the puck went awkwardly off Udys glove and into the corner. The Spruce Kings would get another shot on the man advantage but again come up empty. With five minutes remaining Jeremy Wiebe's point shot took a funny bounce wich gave Bryton Udy a little trouble, the Vipers were lucky as the puck stayed out of the net. Vernon would get a late powerplay, moving the puck around well the Vipers got the puck down low and come up with two or three real good chances but Alex Wright shut the door. Kyle Murphy with a quick shot from the circle graized the outside of the post-crossbar as the puck went into the mesh above the glass stopping the play. Prince George would kill off the penalty as both teams went 0-2 on the powerplay. A very even played opening period with very little scoring chances. It was scoreless after 20 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Prince George 9-6.
2nd Period: Off the draw Kyle Murphy, David Robinson and Bryce Kakoske would get a three on two, Kakoske with two chances from the slot coundlt beat Wright on a good chance for the Vipers. PG would get an early powerplay but again the Vipers would kill off the minor. Malcolm Lyles made a nice move in the neutral zone, skated over the PG blueline, made a nice move around the Spruce Kings defenceman and then took a hard shot from just outside the circle but couldnt beat Alex Wright who got down and made the save. The Spruce Kings would open the scoring after some hard work down low, Zac Ashdown and Nic DeSousa battled hard along the end boards, coming away with the puck feeding Rjay Berra in the slot who roofed his shot high and over Udy at 6:28 giving PG a 1-0 lead. DeSousa & Ashdown collected the helpers. Just minutes later Vernon would get a powerplay, the Vipers moved the puck well and this time finally were able to get some quality shots through. Mike Zalewski was robbed in the slot after Wright come across the crease getting his glove on the puck to keep it from going in, making his biggest save of the night. The Vipers with some good presure were unable to capitalise on their best powerplay of the night. Just as PG killed off the penalty the Vipers went right back on the powerplay getting another man advantage. Another strong powerplay by Vernon would tie the game. Aaron Hadley wearing Scott Krahns old jersey #14 beat Wright down low at 12:28, John Knisley with the lone assist. Prince George didnt sit back, the Spruce Kings come right back getting the play in deep and forechecking the Vipers in their own end. The Spruce Kings had the Vipers hemmed in their own end for a good four or five minutes as PG with some good presure was unable to get anything towards the goal. The Vipers were lucky PG didnt capitalise and re-take the lead. The play then got real scrambly as both teams couldnt seem to do much with the puck, some missed passes, and sloppy play made for some ugly hockey. In the final minute of play David Robinson on a wrap around couldnt beat Wright down low, as the veteran PG goaltender kept his pad tight against the post keeping the puck out. Prince George couldnt seem to get much going in the middle frame as the Vipers had the better the chances. It was tied 1-1 after 40 minutes of play. The Vipers outshot the Spruce Kings 14-5.
3rd Period: Off the draw the Vipers turned over the puck in their own end, but luckily the Spruce Kings couldnt capitalise, back come the Vipers getting the play in deep, John Knisley setup Aaron Hadley in front who beat Alex Wright for his second of the night at 1:13 giving Vernon a 2-1 lead. Knisley with the only helper. Vernon looked good to start the 3rd controling the play. Trevor Fitzgerald and Trevor Esau exhcnaged words and shots with one another before both players were sent off. Jujhar Khaira & Trent Murdoch with a great chance to tie the game went in two on one, Khaira would keep and shoot beating Udy but hit the post, back come the Vipers the other way, Marcus Basara would come down the wing and then roof his shot high and upstairs beating Alex Wright at 6:00 giving Vernon a 3-1 lead. Mike Zalewski with the only assist. Just minutes later Zalewski would get a parcial breakaway but Wright stayed with the Viper rookie all the way making a huge pad save. Darren Nowick down low with a great chance couldnt beat Wright as the Vipers were all over PG. Just before the midway mark Fitzgerald and Esau exchanged words again before dropping the mits. The Spruce Kings couldnt seem to get anything going as Vernon played a very tight defensive 3rd period shutting down the Spruce Kings. Mike Zalewski and Elliott Richardson with a great chance on a two on one, Zalewski setup Richardson who was stopped in close by Wright who was now keeping the Spruce Kings in the hockey game. In the final three minutes John Knisley setup Aaron Hadley who missed a wide open net on a great opportunity to record his first career hat trick. PG would finally get its first shot of the 3rd with just under three minutes remaining. The Vipers were the better of the two teams in the final frame as most of the play as deep in the PG zone. The Spruce Kings would get the play deep in the Vernon zone, getting a whistle with 38 seconds remaining PG would call a timeout and get Alex Wright to the bench for the extra attacker. The Spruce Kings with some good presure down low and in front fired three or four quick shots through a maze of players in the Vipers crease as somehow the puck stayed out. I dont think Bryton Udy saw any of the PG shots as their was a ton of traffic in front of the Vernon goaltender. Bryce Kakoske with a shot at the empty net with just seconds remaining missed the goal as the buzzer sounded. Vernon would snap Prince George's four game winning streak with a 3-1 victory. The Vipers outshot the Spruce Kings 11-5.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Elliott Richardson played his best game as a Vernon Viper. Richardson who has struggled this season looked very impressive at both ends of the rink. Seemed to be a little more relaxed out their tonight, jumped up into the play but managed to get back and not get caught on the pinch. Had a great chance for his second goal of the year but couldnt beat Alex Wright on the two on one.
Nick Kerr (AP) Nick the younger brother of former Vernon Vipers forward, James Kerr played fairly well tonight. Playing in just his second game with Vernon as an "AP" didnt light up the score sheet or anything but finished his checks, battled hard and didnt back down from the physical play. Took a huge hit in the 2nd period but got right back up and come back with a shot of his own on the same shift. Was very responsible with and without the puck. Kerr who was at the Vipers training camp last year has some good size.
The line of John Knisley (2 assists), Aaron Hadley (2 goals) and Darren Nowick looked very good. Knisley was setting guys up all night, seemed to know where everyone was. Hadley battled hard and played hard down low and in front of the net. Missed his 3rd goal of the night on a wide open net. Nowick also looked good with and without the puck through out tonights game. Nowick always plays with alot of hustle, never quits skating.
Mike Zalewski (1 assist) Played very well tonight. Had a great chance on a 3rd period breakaway but just couldnt get the puck up and over Alex Wright.
Colton Sparrow didnt see alot of icetime but when he did, battled, skated and worked hard on all of his shifts. Played physical, didnt back down from the physical play, plays with alot of energy and showed it again tonight.
Top Players: (Prince George)
Trevor Esau played a tough physical game on the PG blueline. Esau and Trevor Fitzgerald dropped the gloves in a 3rd period scrap.
Rjay Berra (1 goal) Was on of if not the best Spruce King tonight. Scored a nice goal to open the scoring early in the 2nd period.
Alex Wright (31 saves) Made his first start against the Vipers this year. Wright who played with the Spruce Kings last season joined the WHL Prince George Cougars to start the season this year before just coming back to the Spruce Kings a few weeks ago. Wright played very well between the pipes for PG tonight, gave his team a chance to win.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
After blowing a 3-0 lead in Merritt last night with about eight minutes remaining the Vipers played fairly well tonight with a good rebound victory over the Spruce Kings. Vernon who battled back after going down 1-0 scored three straight and played a very solid defensive 3rd period giving up just five shots in the final frame. Vernon who's passes were a bit off to start the game, seemed to get better with their passing in the 3rd. I thought the Vipers powerplay was very good playing against a very good PG penalty kill. Hadleys powerplay goal was the first powerplay goal scored against Prince George this season as Vernon is now 1-19 vs the Spruce Kings this season. I liked Vernons hitting-physical play, thought they finished their checks for most of the evening and didnt back down from the physical play either. After a very dissapointing loss last night in Merritt, its nice to see the team regroup and come out with a solid win tonight. Congrats to Vipers goaltender, Bryton Udy who made just 14 saves for his first career BCHL victory. Lets hope this gives the young kid some confidence.
Game Thoughts: (Prince George)
I thought the Spruce Kings played very well in the opening period keeping up with the Vipers but as the game went on, you could see who was the better of the two teams. Prince George has a pretty big team with two solid goaltenders and a great penalty kill. The turning point was when Jujhar Khaira hit the post on the two on one, back come the Vipers and Marcus Basara would score giving Vernon the 3-1 lead. If Khaira's shot goes in, we have a 2-2 game with lots of time left. The Spruce Kings didnt generate enough scoring chances to win tonights game, coming up with just a handfull of good chances. The Spruce Kings had troubles getting pucks through to the net most of the net. PG who has been playing its best hockey as of late snapped their four game winning streak tonight.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Dylan Walchuk
Patrick McGillis (Injured)
Adam Thompson
Prince George:
Derek Henderson
Bennett Hambrook
3 Stars:
1st Star: Aaron Hadley (2 goals)
2nd Star: John Knisley (2 assists)
3rd Star: Alex Wright (31 saves)
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Bryton Udy
Prince George: Alex Wright
1st Period: Prince George would get the games first powerplay of the night just over two minutes into the contest. PG moved the puck well but was unable to get any real good quality scoring chances as the Vipers killed off the minor. Vernon come out hard laying the body early and often as the Vipers played one of their more physical periods in a long time. Just minutes later Vernon would get its first shot on the man advantage, the Vipers moved the puck around well but the Spruce Kings penalty kill was very sharp keeping the Vipers to the outside. Vernon was unable to get any good quality shots through as PG killed off the minor. No real good scoring chances at either ends of the rink as both teams played a tight checking game with not a whole lot of room out there to dangle. Both teams played very well defensively early. Just before the midway mark Jeff Earnest ripped a quick shot just before the Viper blueline, Earnest's shot handcuffed Bryton Udy as the puck went awkwardly off Udys glove and into the corner. The Spruce Kings would get another shot on the man advantage but again come up empty. With five minutes remaining Jeremy Wiebe's point shot took a funny bounce wich gave Bryton Udy a little trouble, the Vipers were lucky as the puck stayed out of the net. Vernon would get a late powerplay, moving the puck around well the Vipers got the puck down low and come up with two or three real good chances but Alex Wright shut the door. Kyle Murphy with a quick shot from the circle graized the outside of the post-crossbar as the puck went into the mesh above the glass stopping the play. Prince George would kill off the penalty as both teams went 0-2 on the powerplay. A very even played opening period with very little scoring chances. It was scoreless after 20 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Prince George 9-6.
2nd Period: Off the draw Kyle Murphy, David Robinson and Bryce Kakoske would get a three on two, Kakoske with two chances from the slot coundlt beat Wright on a good chance for the Vipers. PG would get an early powerplay but again the Vipers would kill off the minor. Malcolm Lyles made a nice move in the neutral zone, skated over the PG blueline, made a nice move around the Spruce Kings defenceman and then took a hard shot from just outside the circle but couldnt beat Alex Wright who got down and made the save. The Spruce Kings would open the scoring after some hard work down low, Zac Ashdown and Nic DeSousa battled hard along the end boards, coming away with the puck feeding Rjay Berra in the slot who roofed his shot high and over Udy at 6:28 giving PG a 1-0 lead. DeSousa & Ashdown collected the helpers. Just minutes later Vernon would get a powerplay, the Vipers moved the puck well and this time finally were able to get some quality shots through. Mike Zalewski was robbed in the slot after Wright come across the crease getting his glove on the puck to keep it from going in, making his biggest save of the night. The Vipers with some good presure were unable to capitalise on their best powerplay of the night. Just as PG killed off the penalty the Vipers went right back on the powerplay getting another man advantage. Another strong powerplay by Vernon would tie the game. Aaron Hadley wearing Scott Krahns old jersey #14 beat Wright down low at 12:28, John Knisley with the lone assist. Prince George didnt sit back, the Spruce Kings come right back getting the play in deep and forechecking the Vipers in their own end. The Spruce Kings had the Vipers hemmed in their own end for a good four or five minutes as PG with some good presure was unable to get anything towards the goal. The Vipers were lucky PG didnt capitalise and re-take the lead. The play then got real scrambly as both teams couldnt seem to do much with the puck, some missed passes, and sloppy play made for some ugly hockey. In the final minute of play David Robinson on a wrap around couldnt beat Wright down low, as the veteran PG goaltender kept his pad tight against the post keeping the puck out. Prince George couldnt seem to get much going in the middle frame as the Vipers had the better the chances. It was tied 1-1 after 40 minutes of play. The Vipers outshot the Spruce Kings 14-5.
3rd Period: Off the draw the Vipers turned over the puck in their own end, but luckily the Spruce Kings couldnt capitalise, back come the Vipers getting the play in deep, John Knisley setup Aaron Hadley in front who beat Alex Wright for his second of the night at 1:13 giving Vernon a 2-1 lead. Knisley with the only helper. Vernon looked good to start the 3rd controling the play. Trevor Fitzgerald and Trevor Esau exhcnaged words and shots with one another before both players were sent off. Jujhar Khaira & Trent Murdoch with a great chance to tie the game went in two on one, Khaira would keep and shoot beating Udy but hit the post, back come the Vipers the other way, Marcus Basara would come down the wing and then roof his shot high and upstairs beating Alex Wright at 6:00 giving Vernon a 3-1 lead. Mike Zalewski with the only assist. Just minutes later Zalewski would get a parcial breakaway but Wright stayed with the Viper rookie all the way making a huge pad save. Darren Nowick down low with a great chance couldnt beat Wright as the Vipers were all over PG. Just before the midway mark Fitzgerald and Esau exchanged words again before dropping the mits. The Spruce Kings couldnt seem to get anything going as Vernon played a very tight defensive 3rd period shutting down the Spruce Kings. Mike Zalewski and Elliott Richardson with a great chance on a two on one, Zalewski setup Richardson who was stopped in close by Wright who was now keeping the Spruce Kings in the hockey game. In the final three minutes John Knisley setup Aaron Hadley who missed a wide open net on a great opportunity to record his first career hat trick. PG would finally get its first shot of the 3rd with just under three minutes remaining. The Vipers were the better of the two teams in the final frame as most of the play as deep in the PG zone. The Spruce Kings would get the play deep in the Vernon zone, getting a whistle with 38 seconds remaining PG would call a timeout and get Alex Wright to the bench for the extra attacker. The Spruce Kings with some good presure down low and in front fired three or four quick shots through a maze of players in the Vipers crease as somehow the puck stayed out. I dont think Bryton Udy saw any of the PG shots as their was a ton of traffic in front of the Vernon goaltender. Bryce Kakoske with a shot at the empty net with just seconds remaining missed the goal as the buzzer sounded. Vernon would snap Prince George's four game winning streak with a 3-1 victory. The Vipers outshot the Spruce Kings 11-5.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Elliott Richardson played his best game as a Vernon Viper. Richardson who has struggled this season looked very impressive at both ends of the rink. Seemed to be a little more relaxed out their tonight, jumped up into the play but managed to get back and not get caught on the pinch. Had a great chance for his second goal of the year but couldnt beat Alex Wright on the two on one.
Nick Kerr (AP) Nick the younger brother of former Vernon Vipers forward, James Kerr played fairly well tonight. Playing in just his second game with Vernon as an "AP" didnt light up the score sheet or anything but finished his checks, battled hard and didnt back down from the physical play. Took a huge hit in the 2nd period but got right back up and come back with a shot of his own on the same shift. Was very responsible with and without the puck. Kerr who was at the Vipers training camp last year has some good size.
The line of John Knisley (2 assists), Aaron Hadley (2 goals) and Darren Nowick looked very good. Knisley was setting guys up all night, seemed to know where everyone was. Hadley battled hard and played hard down low and in front of the net. Missed his 3rd goal of the night on a wide open net. Nowick also looked good with and without the puck through out tonights game. Nowick always plays with alot of hustle, never quits skating.
Mike Zalewski (1 assist) Played very well tonight. Had a great chance on a 3rd period breakaway but just couldnt get the puck up and over Alex Wright.
Colton Sparrow didnt see alot of icetime but when he did, battled, skated and worked hard on all of his shifts. Played physical, didnt back down from the physical play, plays with alot of energy and showed it again tonight.
Top Players: (Prince George)
Trevor Esau played a tough physical game on the PG blueline. Esau and Trevor Fitzgerald dropped the gloves in a 3rd period scrap.
Rjay Berra (1 goal) Was on of if not the best Spruce King tonight. Scored a nice goal to open the scoring early in the 2nd period.
Alex Wright (31 saves) Made his first start against the Vipers this year. Wright who played with the Spruce Kings last season joined the WHL Prince George Cougars to start the season this year before just coming back to the Spruce Kings a few weeks ago. Wright played very well between the pipes for PG tonight, gave his team a chance to win.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
After blowing a 3-0 lead in Merritt last night with about eight minutes remaining the Vipers played fairly well tonight with a good rebound victory over the Spruce Kings. Vernon who battled back after going down 1-0 scored three straight and played a very solid defensive 3rd period giving up just five shots in the final frame. Vernon who's passes were a bit off to start the game, seemed to get better with their passing in the 3rd. I thought the Vipers powerplay was very good playing against a very good PG penalty kill. Hadleys powerplay goal was the first powerplay goal scored against Prince George this season as Vernon is now 1-19 vs the Spruce Kings this season. I liked Vernons hitting-physical play, thought they finished their checks for most of the evening and didnt back down from the physical play either. After a very dissapointing loss last night in Merritt, its nice to see the team regroup and come out with a solid win tonight. Congrats to Vipers goaltender, Bryton Udy who made just 14 saves for his first career BCHL victory. Lets hope this gives the young kid some confidence.
Game Thoughts: (Prince George)
I thought the Spruce Kings played very well in the opening period keeping up with the Vipers but as the game went on, you could see who was the better of the two teams. Prince George has a pretty big team with two solid goaltenders and a great penalty kill. The turning point was when Jujhar Khaira hit the post on the two on one, back come the Vipers and Marcus Basara would score giving Vernon the 3-1 lead. If Khaira's shot goes in, we have a 2-2 game with lots of time left. The Spruce Kings didnt generate enough scoring chances to win tonights game, coming up with just a handfull of good chances. The Spruce Kings had troubles getting pucks through to the net most of the net. PG who has been playing its best hockey as of late snapped their four game winning streak tonight.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Dylan Walchuk
Patrick McGillis (Injured)
Adam Thompson
Prince George:
Derek Henderson
Bennett Hambrook
3 Stars:
1st Star: Aaron Hadley (2 goals)
2nd Star: John Knisley (2 assists)
3rd Star: Alex Wright (31 saves)
(Exibition) Team USA 5 Team Canada West 3
Former Vernon Vipers forward, Drew George and Vernon Vipers forward, Dylan Walchuk and Team Canada West lost to Team USA 5-3 in exibiton action in Penticton tonight.First Period
04:19 CAN W 18 Grayson Downing (10 Reed Linaker, 6 Ben Gallacher)
06:29 CAN W 18 Grayson Downing (10 Reed Linaker, 21 Drew George) PP
Second Period
07:18 USA 14 Jimmy Mullin (18 Ryan Dzingel)
15:56 USA 9 Cason Hohmann (19 Caleb Herbert, 20 Seth Ambroz)
16:41 USA 20 Seth Ambroz (21 Nick Mattson, 7 Jordan Schmaltz)
19:36 CAN W 11 Joey Laleggia (23 Brendan O'Donnell, 17 Clarke Breitkreuz)
Third Period
06:44 USA 15 Max McCormick (7 Jordan Schmaltz) PP
09:27 USA 10 Garrett Allen (14 Jimmy Mullin, 2 Scott Mayfield)
Team USA outshot Team Canada West 43-29
http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/75138/la_id/1/season_id/138493/game_id/146851/ss_id/68000.htm
(Game Preview) Prince George @ Vernon:
Prince George (6-15-0-2) @ Vernon (11-5-1-5)Tonight is the fourth meeting of the season series between the defending Royal Bank Cup Champion Vernon Vipers & the Prince George Spruce Kings. Vernon is coming off a 4-3 overtime loss to the Merritt Centennials last night in Merritt and are riding a two game losing streak, while Prince George is coming off a 4-1 win in Salmon Arm last night as the Spruce Kings are riding a four game winning streak.
Last Game Played:
Friday, November 5th Merritt defeated Vernon 4-3 (Overtime)
Friday, November 5th Prince George defeated Salmon Arm 4-1
Next Game:
Friday, November 12th Salmon Arm @ Vernon
Thursday, November 11th Westside @ Prince George
Let's take a look at the Vernon Vipers:
Games Played: 22
Wins: 11
Losses: 5
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 5
Home Record: 4-2-1-3
Road Record: 7-3-0-2
Streak: Two game losing streak
Last Ten Games: 6-1-0-3
Goals For: 73
Goals Against: 55
Standings: 3rd place
Since the 2002-03 season Vernon is 29-14-1-4 vs. Prince George
Since the 2002-03 season Vernon has outscored Prince George 196-124
For more stats & former Vernon Junior Hockey Team rosters & lineups please visit Paul’s Vernon Junior Hockey History website,
http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html
Returning Players:
Bryce Kakoske (90)
David Robinson (90)
Blake Voth (91)
Steve Weinstein (90)
Adam Thompson (90)
Dylan Walchuk (92)
Patrick McGillis (91)
Departing & traded players from last years team:
Connor Jones (90)
Mike Collins (90)
Braden Pimm (89)
Cory Kane (90)
Jonathan Milhouse (89)
Kellen Jones (90)
Rob Short (89)
Cole Ikkala (90)
Dan Nycholat (89)
Kevin Kraus (89)
Curtis Gedig (91)
Garrett Noonan (91)
Sahir Gill (92)
Darrin Robak (91)
Graeme Gordon (89)
Vernons Powerplay vs. Prince George this season:
0-14
Vernons Home record vs. Prince George this season:
0-0-0-1
Vernons Road record vs. Prince George this season:
1-1
Vernons scoring leaders vs. Prince George this season:
Bryce Kakoske (0-3-3)
Marcus Basara (0-3-3)
Malcolm Lyles (1-2-3)
Dylan Walchuk (2-0-2)
Trevor Fitzgerald (2-0-2)
John Knisley (0-2-2)
Aaron Hadley (1-1-2)
Darren Nowick (0-1-1)
David Robinson (0-1-1)
Elliot Richardson (1-0-1)
Kyle Murphy (1-0-1)
Todd Skirving (1-0-1)
Colton Sparrow (0-1-1)
Adam Thompson (0-1-1)
Michael Zalewski (0-1-1)
Blake Voth (1-1 Record)
Bryton Udy (0-1 Record)
Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:
-The Vipers are 1-1-0-1 vs. the 7th place Spruce Kings this season
-The Vipers need to use their speed and forecheck to their advantage
-Vernon cant play down to the level of the Spruce Kings, The Vipers need to play a full 60 minutes
-Goaltending will be key, the Vipers who have peppered the PG goaltenders with a ton of shots in the first three games need their goaltender to come up with the big save when needed
-The Vipers play twelve out of their next seventeen games on the road
-The Vipers are coming off back to back overtime losses to Merritt and Victoria and have lost their last three games all in overtime
-Forward, Dylan Walchuk (World Jr A Challenge) defenceman, Adam Thompson (Wedding) & forward, Patrick McGillis (Injured) wont be playing tonight
-Vernon is coming off a very disappointing 4-3 overtime loss to the Merritt Centennials last night after blowing a late 3-0 lead in the 3rd. You can bet Mark Ferner wont be too pleased with the loss. Watch for a much better performance tonight
-The Vipers have just one win in their last four games
-Vernon has struggled in overtime going 1-5-1
-The Vipers have atleast a point in twelve straight games
-The Vipers are just two points out of top spot in the Interior Division
-Blake Voth is second in the leagues top goaltenders with a 2.20 GAA
Let's take a look at the Prince George Spruce Kings:
Games Played: 23
Wins: 6
Losses: 15
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 4-7-0-1
Road Record: 2-8-0-1
Streak: Won four straight
Last Ten Games: 4-6-0-0
Goals For: 61
Goals Against: 100
Standings: 7th Place
For more coverage and info on the Prince George Spruce Kings, please visit the Spruce Kings Crusader blog, http://sprucekingscrusader.blogspot.com/
Since their last meeting with Vernon back on October 24th the Spruce Kings have made one trade.
31-Oct-10 The Prince George Spruce Kings Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Chris Bodo (91)(F) to the Pembrooke Lumber Kings Hockey Club of the CHL in exchange for future considerations.
Returning Players:
Nic DeSousa (90)
Justin Fillion (90)
RJay Berra (90)
Kyle Manlow (91)
Jeff Earnest (91)
Jeff Datoff (92)
Luke Hannas (91)
Jeremy Wiebe (91)
Departing & traded players from last years team:
Sam Muchalla (90)
Zac Rasmussen (89)
Joe Morgan (89)
Brad Bourke (89)
Jonathan Gibson (90)
Jesse Scrimbit (0)
Stewart Lambert (90)
Reid Blinkhorn (91)
Kyle Nielsen (90)
Andrew Walsh (90)
Prince Georges Powerplay vs. Vernon this season:
4-14
Prince Georges Home record vs. Vernon this season:
1-1
Prince Georges Road record vs. Vernon this season:
1-0
Prince Georges scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:
RJay Berra (1-2-3)
Zac Ashdown (1-2-3)
Justin Fillion (2-1-3)
Chris Bodo (2-0-2)
Jujhar Khaira (0-2-2)
Trent Murdoch (0-1-1)
Kyle Manlow (0-1-1)
Kirk Thompson (1-1 Record)
Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:
-The Spruce Kings defeated Vernon 3-2 in overtime in their last meeting back on Sunday, October 24th. This was the Spruce Kings first win in Vernon in over three years, going back to a 3-1 victory on September 13th 2008
-Former Vernon Vipers defenceman, Bennett Hambrook makes his return to Vernon after being traded to Prince George earlier in the season.
-Since the last meeting between these two teams back on October 24th PG has won four straight with wins over Vernon, Salmon Arm and Merritt twice
-After tonights game the Spruce Kings are home for three straight before heading out on a five game road trip
-PG with a 2-1 record against Vernon has some confidence and knows they can knock off the defending champs
-On this current four game winning streak, Prince George has outscored their opponents 13-6
-Getting off to a good start is always key
-The Spruce Kings penalty kill has been very sharp vs. Vernon this season, shutting down the Vipers powerplay (0-14)
-Goaltending will be key
-Forward RJay Berra (17-10-27) is 17th in league scoring
Here’s a look at the season series between these two teams:
Friday, September 24th @ Prince George: Prince George wins 3-1
SCORING SUMMARY
PERIOD 1
Prince George Spruce Kings at 10:13 (PP) - Chris Bodo from Jujhar Khaira
Prince George Spruce Kings at 17:08 (PP) - Chris Bodo from Jujhar Khaira and RJay
Berra
PERIOD 2
No Scoring
PERIOD 3
Vernon Vipers at 12:52 - Elliot Richardson from Marcus Basara and Bryce Kakoske
Prince George Spruce Kings at 14:58 - Justin Fillion from Kyle Manlow
Vernon outshot Prince George 45-15. Ryan Bentiez made 44 saves for the win, while Blake Voth made 10 saves in the loss.
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840255&link=bchl
Sunday, September 26th @ Prince George: Vernon wins 6-0
SCORING SUMMARY
PERIOD 1
Vernon Vipers at 0:31 - Malcolm Lyles from Aaron Hadley and John Knisley
PERIOD 2
Vernon Vipers at 6:38 - Trevor Fitzgerald (unassisted)
Vernon Vipers at 15:24 - Todd Skirving (unassisted)
Vernon Vipers at 17:48 - Dylan Walchuk from Darren Nowick and Bryce Kakoske
PERIOD 3
Vernon Vipers at 13:07 (SH) - Trevor Fitzgerald (unassisted)
Vernon Vipers at 16:54 - Kyle Murphy from Marcus Basara
Vernon outshot Prince George 40-16. Blake Voth made 16 saves for his first shutout of the season, while Kirk Thompson made 34 saves taking the loss.
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840256&link=bchl
Sunday, October 24th Prince George @ Vernon: Prince George wins 3-2 in overtime
SCORING SUMMARY
PERIOD 1
No Scoring
PERIOD 2
Vernon Vipers at 10:16 - Aaron Hadley from John Knisley and Michael Zalewski
Vernon Vipers at 12:39 - Dylan Walchuk from Marcus Basara and Malcolm Lyles
Prince George Spruce Kings at 15:22 - RJay Berra from Zac Ashdown and Justin Fillion
Prince George Spruce Kings at 18:59 (PP) - Justin Fillion from Trent Murdoch and Zac Ashdown
PERIOD 3
No Scoring
OVERTIME PERIOD 1
Prince George Spruce Kings at 1:25 (PP) - Zac Ashdown from RJay Berra and Chris Bodo
Vernon outshot Prince George 41-32. Kirk Thompson made 39 saves picking up the win, while Bryton Udy made 29 saves in the loss.
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840116&link=bchl
Here's a look at both teams rosters:
Vernon:
Dylan Walchuk (11-13-24)
Bryce Kakoske (7-12-19)
John Knisley (6-13-19)
David Robinson (9-8-17)
Kyle Murphy (5-9-14)
Michael Zalewski (6-8-14)
Malcolm Lyles (3-9-12)
Adam Thompson (3-8-11)
Marcus Basara (5-5-10)
Aaron Hadley (3-8-11)
Steven Weinstein (2-7-9)
Patrick McGillis (4-4-8)
Trevor Fitzgerald (5-3-8)
Brett Corkey (0-7-7)
Max Mowat (1-6-7)
Darren Nowick (0-7-7)
Todd Skirving (2-3-5)
Elliot Richardson (1-3-4)
Colton Sparrow (0-2-2)
Philip Patenaude (0-1-1)
Bryton Udy (0-3 Record, 3.84 GAA)
Blake Voth (11-7-1 Record, 2 Shutouts, 2.20 GAA)
Prince George:
RJay Berra (17-10-27)
Nic DeSousa (6-17-23)
Justin Fillion (6-15-21)
Zac Ashdown (7-14-21)
Jujhar Khaira (5-12-17)
Faiz Khan (5-6-11)
Jeff Earnest (3-8-11)
Connor Tiechko (2-6-8)
Kyle Manlow (4-2-6)
Trent Murdoch (2-4-6)
Derek Henderson (0-5-5)
Brendon Fornwald (0-4-4)
Stephen Ryan (0-3-3)
Trevor Esau (0-3-3)
Riley Spraggs (1-1-2)
Isaac Davies (0-2-2)
Bennett Hambrook (1-0-1)
Jeff Datoff (1-0-1)
Jeremy Wiebe (0-0-0)
Luke Hannas (0-0-0)
Kirk Thompson (2-8 Record, 3.58 GAA)
Alex Wright (2-4 Record, 3.87 GAA)
Cents Beat Vipers In Overtime:
This is posted on the Vipers website:
Cents beat Vipers in overtime
by Don Klepp | Added 2010-11-06
Each of the three games this season between the Merritt Centennials and the Vipers has gone to overtime. On Friday in Merritt, the Centennials came back from a three-goal deficit to defeat the Vipers, 4-3.
Steve Tresierra, a former Viper, started the rally with a power play goal at 12:45 of the third period when his big shot from the high slot overwhelmed goalie Blake Voth.
Up to that point in the game, it looked like the Vipers had the game under control, but the Tresierra goal gave his team life. Playing with renewed hope, they scored again at 16:43.
Jeff Jones deposited his own rebound past Voth after being set up by Regan Soquila to get the crowd of 772 at the Nicola Valley Arena rocking.
A slashing call on Vernon’s Mike Zalewski at 18:31 gave the Cents further hope. That hope was nearly dashed 30 seconds later.
With Merritt goalie on the bench for a sixth attacker, Viper David Robinson found himself in the Merritt zone looking at an empty net. However, as he was about to pull the trigger, his stick was lifted and the Centennials roared back in the other direction.
Sean Maktaak squeezed in a rebound of a Steve Tresirra shot at 19:06 to complete the comeback.
No doubt in shock, the Vipers gave up the winning goal 1:45 into overtime. From a draw in the Viper zone, the puck went back to Brandon Pfeil at the left point. His shot went through the traffic in front for the Cents’ second OT 4-3 win over the Vipers this fall.
The game left a sour taste in the Vipers’ mouths because they had played a strong road game prior to the third period collapse. In the first period, they created the bulk of the scoring chances, but neither team was able to score.
In the second period, the line of John Knisley, Mike Zalewski, and Aaron Hadley led the charge with two goals that resulted from their speed and ferocious forecheck. Zalewski got the first one, 29 seconds into the period, on a rocket from the top of the circle that gave Tyler Steel no chance.
Knisley added to the lead at 8:44, converting a pretty back pass from Hadley.
The Vipers continued to press. Nicholas Kerr, skating just inside the Merritt blue line, found Todd Skirving lurking behind the Merritt defence. Skirving beat Steel through the five-hole at 10:05.
The Cents, who were depleted on defence when Jeff Smurchyk left the team earlier in the day, went with five D-men. Facing the Viper relentless forecheck, they looked tired in the second period and nearly gave up a fourth goal when Darren Nowick rang one off the post.
However, the Vipers retreated to the neutral zone in the third period, instead of trying to add to their three-goal lead.
Cents beat Vipers in overtime
by Don Klepp | Added 2010-11-06
Each of the three games this season between the Merritt Centennials and the Vipers has gone to overtime. On Friday in Merritt, the Centennials came back from a three-goal deficit to defeat the Vipers, 4-3.
Steve Tresierra, a former Viper, started the rally with a power play goal at 12:45 of the third period when his big shot from the high slot overwhelmed goalie Blake Voth.
Up to that point in the game, it looked like the Vipers had the game under control, but the Tresierra goal gave his team life. Playing with renewed hope, they scored again at 16:43.
Jeff Jones deposited his own rebound past Voth after being set up by Regan Soquila to get the crowd of 772 at the Nicola Valley Arena rocking.
A slashing call on Vernon’s Mike Zalewski at 18:31 gave the Cents further hope. That hope was nearly dashed 30 seconds later.
With Merritt goalie on the bench for a sixth attacker, Viper David Robinson found himself in the Merritt zone looking at an empty net. However, as he was about to pull the trigger, his stick was lifted and the Centennials roared back in the other direction.
Sean Maktaak squeezed in a rebound of a Steve Tresirra shot at 19:06 to complete the comeback.
No doubt in shock, the Vipers gave up the winning goal 1:45 into overtime. From a draw in the Viper zone, the puck went back to Brandon Pfeil at the left point. His shot went through the traffic in front for the Cents’ second OT 4-3 win over the Vipers this fall.
The game left a sour taste in the Vipers’ mouths because they had played a strong road game prior to the third period collapse. In the first period, they created the bulk of the scoring chances, but neither team was able to score.
In the second period, the line of John Knisley, Mike Zalewski, and Aaron Hadley led the charge with two goals that resulted from their speed and ferocious forecheck. Zalewski got the first one, 29 seconds into the period, on a rocket from the top of the circle that gave Tyler Steel no chance.
Knisley added to the lead at 8:44, converting a pretty back pass from Hadley.
The Vipers continued to press. Nicholas Kerr, skating just inside the Merritt blue line, found Todd Skirving lurking behind the Merritt defence. Skirving beat Steel through the five-hole at 10:05.
The Cents, who were depleted on defence when Jeff Smurchyk left the team earlier in the day, went with five D-men. Facing the Viper relentless forecheck, they looked tired in the second period and nearly gave up a fourth goal when Darren Nowick rang one off the post.
However, the Vipers retreated to the neutral zone in the third period, instead of trying to add to their three-goal lead.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Merritt 4 Vernon 3 (Overtime)
SCORING SUMMARYPERIOD 1
No Scoring
PERIOD 2
Vernon Vipers at 0:29 (PP) - Michael Zalewski from John Knisley and Malcolm Lyles
Vernon Vipers at 8:44 - John Knisley from Michael Zalewski and Aaron Hadley
Vernon Vipers at 10:05 - Todd Skirving from Nicholas Kerr and Darren Nowick
PERIOD 3
Merritt Centennials at 12:45 (PP) - Steve Tresierra from Evan Stack and Brent Fletcher
Merritt Centennials at 16:43 - Jeff Jones from Regan Soquila and Reece Willcox
Merritt Centennials at 19:06 (PP) - Regan Soquila (unassisted)
OVERTIME PERIOD 1
Merritt Centennials at 1:45 - Brandon Pfeil from Chad Brears and Sean Maktaak
Merritt outshot Vernon 38-25. Tyler Steel made 22 saves in the win, while Blake Voth made 34 saves taking the loss.
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840248&link=bchl
(Exibition) Team Canada East 7 Team Canada West 2
Vernon Vipers forward, Dylan Walchuk & Canada West lost 7-2 in exibition action tonight to Canada East 7-2 at the Wesbild Centre.Game Summary
First Period
None
Second Period
2:01 CAN E 15 Evan Rodrigues (22 Robert Polesello, 10 Scott Wilson)
05:49 CAN E 10 Scott Wilson (6 Brennan Serville)
10:14 CAN E 15 Evan Rodrigues PP
10:50 CAN E 18 Mitch Zion (11 Tyson Spink, 14 Tylor Spink)
11:15 CAN E 9 Phil Hampton (5 Matt Chiarantano)
Third Period
07:44 CAN W 22 Sam Mellor (9 Travis St. Denis)
08:11 CAN W 14 Madison Dias (11 Joey Laleggia)
18:11 CAN E 12 Zach Hyman (9 Phil Hampton, 3 Luke Juha) 92273
19:38 CAN E 22 Robert Polesello (14 Tylor Spink, 16 Matthew Peca) PP
Canada East outshot Canada West 25-22.
http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/75138/la_id/1/season_id/138493/game_id/146847/ss_id/68000.htm
Kerr Added As AP Player To Vipers Roster:
The Vernon Vipers have added 18 year old forward Nicholas Kerr as an "AP" to the teams roster. Kerr the younger brother of former Vernon Vipers forward, James Kerr will be looking at making his second attempt to crack the Vipers lineup. Nicholas attended the Vipers training camp last year but was cut during the exibition schedule. Kerr played in five games last year with the Quesnel Millionaires as well as three games with the Mills this season. Defenceman Austin Baecker who was aquired from the AJHL Grande Prairie Storm last week was listed on the Vipers roster. It looks as if Baecker will stay with the WHL Seattle Thunderbirds as Baeckers name has now been taken off the Vipers roster, this leaving the Vipers with just a 22 man roster.Nicholas Kerrs player profile
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=267279&playerID=606829
(Game Preview) Vernon @ Merritt:
Vernon (11-5-1-3) @ Merritt (4-11-0-5)Tonight is the third meeting of the season series between the defending Royal Bank Cup Champion Vernon Vipers & the Merritt Centennials. Tonight is the first of three straight at home for Merritt, and the first of back to back games for Vernon (one at home, one on the road) You can listen to tonights game live with Todd Miller & Don Klepp, starting at 7:15pm on 107.5 Kiss FM.
Last Game Played:
Saturday, October 30th Victoria defeated Vernon 3-2 in overtime
Sunday, October 31st Prince George defeated Merritt 3-1
Next Game:
Saturday, November 6th Prince George @ Vernon
Saturday, November 6th Westside @ Merritt
Let's take a look at the Vernon Vipers:
Games Played: 21
Wins: 11
Losses: 5
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 4
Home Record: 4-2-1-3
Road Record: 7-3-0-1
Last Ten Games: 6-1-1-2
Streak: One game losing streak
Goals For: 70
Goals Against: 51
Standings: Tied for 2nd place with Trail
Since the 2002-03 season Vernon is 44-6-0-4 vs. Merritt
Since the 2002-03 season Vernon has outscored Merritt 247-124
Merritts last win at home vs Vernon was back on Saturday, November 4th 2006 in a 4-3 overtime win
For more stats & former Vernon Junior Hockey Team rosters & lineups please visit Paul’s Vernon Junior Hockey History website,
http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html
Returning Players:
Bryce Kakoske (90)
David Robinson (90)
Blake Voth (91)
Steve Weinstein (90)
Adam Thompson (90)
Dylan Walchuk (92)
Patrick McGillis (91)
Departing & traded players from last years team:
Connor Jones (90)
Mike Collins (90)
Braden Pimm (89)
Cory Kane (90)
Jonathan Milhouse (89)
Kellen Jones (90)
Rob Short (89)
Cole Ikkala (90)
Dan Nycholat (89)
Kevin Kraus (89)
Curtis Gedig (91)
Garrett Noonan (91)
Sahir Gill (92)
Darrin Robak (91)
Graeme Gordon (89)
Vernons Powerplay vs. Merritt this season:
1-6
At Home vs. Merritt:
0-0-0-1
On The Road vs. Merritt:
1-0
Vernons scoring leaders vs. Merritt this season:
Dylan Walchuk (2-2-4)
David Robinson (2-2-4)
Marcus Basara (2-1-3)
Steven Weinstein (1-1-2)
Bryce Kakoske (1-1-2)
Max Mowat (0-2-2)
John Knisley (0-2-2)
Kyle Murphy (0-1-1)
Philip Patenaude (0-1-1)
Malcolm Lyles (0-1-1)
Aaron Hadley (0-1-1)
Michael Zalewski (0-1-1)
Bryton Udy (0-1 Record)
Blake Voth (1-0 Record)
Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:
-The Vipers will be without forward and second year player Dylan Walchuk. Walchuk will be playing at home for Team Canada in the World Junior A Challenge Exibition game that is being playing tonight at the Wesbild Centre.
-The Vipers who have had troubles putting pucks in the net, need to find ways offensively to start scoring some goals.
-Vernon plays eight of its next ten games on the road
-The Vipers have two losses in the their last three games
-Vernon has atleast a point in their last eleven games
-Forward Dylan Walchuk (11-13-24) is 19th in league scoring
-Goaltender Blake Voth is 2nd in league goaltenders with a 2.11 GAA
-Getting off to a good start will be key
-The Vipers have to stay out of the penalty box as Merritt has gone 3-4 against the Vipers on the powerplay this year
-The Vipers are just a point up on 3rd place Salmon Arm and two points back of first place Penticton
-Vernon has had its troubles vs. some of the weaker teams in the league this season, tonight they need to play a full 60 minutes and forget about who they are playing
Let's take a look at the Merritt Centennials:
Games Played: 30
Wins: 4
Losses: 11
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 5
Home Record: 2-3-0-3
Road Record: 2-8-0-2
Streak: Three game losing streak
Goals For: 50
Goals Against: 84
Last ten games: 3-3-0-4
Standings: 5th Place
For more info, stats and great coverage on the Centennials, please visit Brian Wiebe’s Merritt Centennials blog, http://merrittcentennials.blogspot.com/
Since the Vipers defeated the Centennials 4-3 back on October, 3rd Merritt has made a few major changes to their lineup. Lets take a look at their moves.
13-Oct-10 The Merritt Centennials Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Dustin Johnson (90)(F) to the Victoria Grizzlies Hockey Club in exchange for the playing rights of Brett Kollins (92)(D), Scott Milnthorp (92)(D) and future considerations.
14-Oct-10 The Merritt Centennials Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of recently acquired Scott Milnthorp (92)(D) and Austin Baecker (92)(D) to the Grande Prairie Storm Hockey Club of the AJHL in exchange for the playing rights of Lino Chimienti.
Word today was that Cents defenceman, Jeff Zmurchyk has left the team and gone home. For more on this move please visit Brian Wiebes Merritt Centennials Blog.
Returning Players:
Silvan Harper (92)
Jeff Jones (91)
David Sabey (91)
Steve Wall (91)
Steve Tresierra (90)
Jeff Zmurchyk (90)
Kameran Crawford (91)
Departing & traded players from last years team:
Dustin Johnson (90)
Colton Sobchak
Derek Hills
Alex Valenti
Mitch Jones
Matt Mazzarolo
Ryne Bodger
Daniel Chang
Lucas Daoust
Sam Gemmell
Austin Baecker
Keith Hamilton
Cole Holowenko
Jeff Zmurchyk
Merritts Powerplay vs. Vernon this season:
3-4
At Home vs. Vernon:
0-1
On The Road vs. Vernon:
1-0
Merritts scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:
Max Vallis (2-1-3)
Jeff Jones (1-2-3)
Regan Soquila (2-0-2)
Stephen Wall (0-2-2)
Kameran Crawford (0-1-1)
Evan Stack (0-1-1)
Jakob Reichert (0-1-1)
Chad Brears (0-1-1)
Tyler Steel (1-0 Record)
Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:
-Merritt has five former Vipers on their team. David Sabey, Jeff Jones and Tyler Steel who all were cut from the Vipers training camp. & Steve Tresierra & head coach-gm Luke Pierce who both played in Vernon.
-Will Tyler Steel face off against his former team again? Steel made 30 saves in Merritt’s only victory against Vernon this year
-The Cents picked up their first win of the season over Vernon this year and their first win over the Vipers since January 14, 2007.
-Tonight is the first of four straight home games for Merritt
-The Centennials are coming off a three game road trip, dropping all three games. Two of the three games were in overtime
-Defenceman Jeff Zmurchyks only goal of the season was an overtime winner against Vernon back in September
-The Cents need to use the smaller ice surface to their advantage
-Merritt needs to jump on the Vipers early and try and get off to a good start
-Merritt is just two points up on last place Quesnel and a single point up on Prince George
Here’s a look at the season series between these two teams:
Tuesday, September 21st @ Vernon: Merritt wins 5-4 (double overtime)
SCORING SUMMARY
PERIOD 1
Vernon Vipers at 3:34 - Dylan Walchuk from Marcus Basara and David Robinson
Merritt Centennials at 5:50 (PP) - Regan Soquila from Stephen Wall
Merritt Centennials at 19:43 (PP) - Dustin Johnson from Kameran Crawford and Jeff Jones
PERIOD 2
Vernon Vipers at 11:17 (PP) - Steven Weinstein from Bryce Kakoske and Kyle Murphy
PERIOD 3
Vernon Vipers at 3:53 - Marcus Basara from Dylan Walchuk and David Robinson
Merritt Centennials at 6:44 (PP) - Jeff Jones from Dustin Johnson and Max Vallis
Merritt Centennials at 16:52 (PS) - Dustin Johnson (unassisted)
Vernon Vipers at 19:28 - Dylan Walchuk from John Knisley and Philip Patenaude
OVERTIME PERIOD 2
Merritt Centennials at 2:20 - Jeff Zmurchyk from Stephen Wall
Vernon outshot Merritt 34-24. Tyler Steel made 30 saves picking up his first career BCHL win, while Bryton Udy took the loss in his BCHL debut.
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=839996&link=bchl
Sunday, October 3rd @ Merritt: Vernon wins 4-3 (Overtime)
SCORING SUMMARY
PERIOD 1
Merritt Centennials at 2:34 - Regan Soquila (unassisted)
PERIOD 2
Merritt Centennials at 3:28 - Max Vallis from Jeff Jones and Jakob Reichert
Vernon Vipers at 4:28 - Bryce Kakoske from Michael Zalewski
Vernon Vipers at 10:02 - Michael Zalewski from Adam Thompson
Merritt Centennials at 12:48 - Max Vallis (unassisted)
PERIOD 3
Vernon Vipers at 1:53 - Marcus Basara from Max Mowat and John Knisley
OVERTIME PERIOD 1
Vernon Vipers at 4:36 - David Robinson from Dylan Walchuk and Adam Thompson
Vernon outshot Merritt 31-18. Blake Voth made 15 saves getting the win, while Jared Anderson made 27 saves taking the loss.
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=840247&link=bchl
Here's a look at both teams rosters:
Vernon:
Dylan Walchuk (11-13-24)
Bryce Kakoske (7-12-19)
David Robinson (9-8-17)
John Knisley (5-12-17)
Kyle Murphy (5-9-14)
Michael Zalewski (5-7-12)
Adam Thompson (3-8-11)
Malcolm Lyles (3-8-11)
Marcus Basara (5-5-10)
Aaron Hadley (3-7-10)
Steven Weinstein (2-7-9)
Patrick McGillis (4-4-8)
Trevor Fitzgerald (5-3-8)
Brett Corkey (0-7-7)
Max Mowat (1-6-7)
Darren Nowick (0-6-6)
Elliot Richardson (1-3-4)
Todd Skirving (1-3-4)
Colton Sparrow (0-2-2)
Philip Patenaude (0-1-1)
Bryton Udy (0-3 Record, 3.84 GAA)
Blake Voth (11-6-1 Record, 2 Shutouts, 2.11 GAA)
Merritt:
Jeff Jones (6-11-17)
Max Vallis (7-7-14)
Regan Soquila (8-4-12)
Steve Tresierra (2-8-10)
David Sabey (2-7-9)
Jakob Reichert (4-4-8)
Dustin Lebrun (4-1-5)
Brandon Pfeil (3-2-5)
Stephen Wall (2-3-5)
Chad Brears (1-4-5)
Kameran Crawford (1-3-4)
Silvan Harper (2-1-3)
Brent Fletcher (2-1-3)
Evan Stack (0-3-3)
Billy Marshall (0-2-2)
Richard Sabourin (0-2-2)
Sean Maktaak (0-2-2)
Reece Willcox (0-1-1)
Dylan Playfair (0-0-0)
Brett Kolins (0-0-0)
Lino Chimienti (2-4 Record, 3.17 GAA)
Tyler Steel (2-7 Record, 3.88 GAA)
Former Viper Goaltender Zaba To Suit Up For Canada:
This is on the BCHL website:Zaba, Kariya to suit up for Canada
Friday, November 5, 2010 - Submitted by BCHL Media
A pair of British Columbia Hockey League graduates will don the red and white of Team Canada in a week's time when a squad of European-based Canadian pros face Switzerland at the annual Swiss Challenge in Kloten.
Representing Canada between the pipes in former Vernon Vipers netminder Matt Zaba. The 27-year old is currently suiting up for Bolzano HC in Italy following three seasons of minor pro hockey in the American and East Coast Hockey Leagues. Zaba made his National Hockey League debut on January 24, 2010 against the Montreal Canadiens.
Zaba was a four-year starter at Colorado College after completing his final season of junior hockey in Vernon. The Yorkton, SK product compiled a 55-42-10 record in the NCAA after being drafted by the Los Angeles Kings out of the Vipers organization in the eighth round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.
Forward Martin Kariya will also represent Canada against Switzerland. Kariya is in his first season with Ambri-Piotta in the Swiss Elite League after a year spent in the KHL with Riga Dynamo. The 29-year old starred for the Victoria Salsa before embarking on a four-year NCAA career at the University of Maine.
The North Vancouver, B.C. native spent his first two years of pro hockey in the American Hockey League with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and Peoria Rivermen. He has also spent time in Finland with Blues and in Switzerland with Langnau.
The Swiss Challenge is a one-game showdown that will give Canadian players an opportunity to impress head coach Mark Messier prior to the roster being announced for the 2010 Spenger Cup, which will take place from December 26th to 31st in Davos, Switzerland.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Former Viper Twins Top Of The Line:
This was in last weeks Quinnipiac Chronnicle Newspaper:Top of the line
Posted on Oct 26, 2010
by Tim O'Donnell in Ice Hockey, Sports
Jones twins carry hockey tradition to first line
Growing up in Montrose, British Columbia, there was never a doubt that Kellen and Connor Jones, the twin sons of Loretta and Terry Jones, would play hockey.
Terry played for the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League and moved on to play in Germany, while his father, Terry Jones Sr., was drafted in 1963 and played for the New Haven Blades, the former AHL affiliate of the New York Rangers.
The road to hockey success started early and often for Terry’s sons, the newest additions to Quinnipiac’s men’s team.
“There were always sticks around when we were really young,” Connor said.
Even their grandmother encouraged them to play hockey.
“We’re 2 years old and my grandma was throwing us balls and we were shooting tennis balls against the wall,” Kellen said.
And they haven’t stopped shooting since. Three full seasons with the Vernon Vipers built the Jones twins quite the résumé. Connor compiled 198 points while Kellen accumulated 173.
Still, Kellen feels that Connor is the better goal-scorer of the two.
But no matter who is better at scoring, they make for one skillful combination. And this has them playing on Quinnipiac’s top line with Scott Zurevinski this season.
“They have a great chemistry,” head coach Rand Pecknold said. “They’ve played together for a long, long time. They’re a couple plays ahead of the other players.”
And the brothers are perfectly fine with that. It gives them a chance to push each other to be the best, Kellen said.
“We expect perfection from each other,” Connor said. “If he doesn’t make a behind-the-back, through-the-legs pass, I’m going to be pretty mad.”
This drive for perfection attracted Pecknold, even though they aren’t the biggest players on the ice. Both are listed at 5-foot-9.
“Their compete level is off the chart,” Pecknold said.
The twins made waves at Quinnipiac before they even stepped foot on the ice. On June 26, 2010 Kellen was drafted in the seventh round of the NHL draft by the Edmonton Oilers, just the second Quinnipiac player to be drafted.
Kellen was not expecting to be drafted. He wasn’t even aware he had been drafted until he started receiving congratulatory messages.
“I was actually playing ball and decided to check what time it was,” he said. “I had a bunch of messages on my phone, probably four or five text messages saying ‘congrats.’ I’m like what the heck is going on, why are these people saying congrats?”
Only after he listened to a voicemail did he realize what had happened.
“After that the game went out the window,” Kellen said. “I just started to unravel.”
There were no hard feelings between the two when Connor was not drafted.
“I was just happy for him,” Connor said. “He deserves everything he got.”
The twins were invited to the Oilers’ Development Camp, where they got to play with some current and future NHL players. Included in that group was this year’s No.1 overall draft pick Taylor Hall.
“It was a great experience to see [the current players] and skate with all the new players,” Connor said.
Now that the twins have seen what lies ahead for them, there is only one thing on their minds.
“We came here to win,” Connor said.
NHL May Go To BCHL Three-On-Three Overtime:
I saw this article posted on the Coquitlam Expressions blog the other day.This was in Sundays Vancouver Province Newspaper:
NHL may go to three-on-three to decide overtime
Junior A league introduced revised format in 2000-01
By Jim Jamieson, The Province October 31, 2010
The Canucks are finally getting around to working on their shootout skills, but it seems the league may be looking at de-emphasizing the breakaway competition to decide tied games.
Detroit GM Ken Holland is proposing changes to the NHL's current overtime rules where teams play four aside for five minutes before going to the shootout if no winner has been determined.
Holland's suggestion is to go to an eight-minute overtime, with the first four minutes at four-on-four and the second four minutes three-on-three.
A shootout would still be held if no goal is scored.
The idea, of course, is that if four-on-four doesn't produce a winner, then three-on-three certainly will.
Interestingly, the concept is a variation of the OT system used by the B.C. Hockey League since the 2000-01 season.
The BCHL instead uses a 10-minute overtime, with the first five minutes at four-on-four and the next five at three-a-side.
What happens if there is a penalty during the three-on-three?
It's a penalty shot.
The idea came from Dr. Duncan Wray, the longtime owner/governor of the Vernon Vipers. Apparently, he made the proposal two times before it was accepted by BCHL governors.
The BCHL does't do shootouts and the OT format certainly doesn't leave many tie games. Last season, the junior league played 510 games and only seven resulted in ties.
"I never really liked the shootout," said Wray. "We had it in the 1990s and I think it took us three years to win one. To me a shootout is like settling a baseball game with a home-run derby. Ken Holland asked me about it a couple of years ago, so that might be where this comes from."
Canucks forward Jeff Tambellini's played in the BCHL when the system was first introduced.
"There were not too many ties," he said. "The game opens up so much when you get to three-on-three. It's pretty exciting and sooner or later somebody is going to score. It's fun to watch."
Even though Tambellini is an excellent shootout player, he said he still prefers to win a game the traditional way.
"I like to win a game in overtime," he said. "It feels that much better."
Canucks captain Henrik Sedin is leery of the extra three minutes that would be added onto OT in an already long and demanding season.
"I would like a game to be decided playing hockey," he said. "But that's an extra three minutes. That's a long time [to add]. A three-on-three is almost like a shootout -- you'd have a guy going down and shooting and, if he misses, it's a two-on-one the other way. It's exciting but it's a lottery just the same."
Goaltender Roberto Luongo said he doesn't really care either way.
"Shootouts are fun, except when you lose," he said. "I think the fans enjoy it. Three-on-three, I don't know what it would look like, really. I know when we do that in practice for fun there's a lot of ice out there and a lot of scoring chances. It really doesn't matter to me."
jjamieson@theprovince.com
© Copyright (c) The Province
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
The Hot List: Gill Power:
Former Vernon Vipers forward, Sahir Gill has been listed by International Scouting as one of the top players listed to be seen in the NHL. Gill played two seasons in Vernon (2008-2010) helping the Vipers win back to back Royal Bank Cups.I found this article on www.nhl.com wich was on the Hockey News website last week.
Ryan Kennedy
2010-10-26
The Hot List: Gill power
International Scouting Services released its October rankings, giving the prospect world something of an early cheat sheet to work off. And though fast starts by some players are challenging the positions, it’s good to see a lot of international talent making the elite list. Here’s a look at some of the players we’re excited to see in the NHL one day.
Sahir Gill, C – Boston University Terriers (Hockey East)
The Terriers came into the season with five highly-touted freshmen and even though power forward Yasin Cisse will miss the year due to an ankle injury sustained in the first period of his first game, BU has firepower. On top right now is Gill, a smart playmaking pivot who went from Jr. A’s Vernon Vipers of the British Columbia League to the United States League’s Chicago Steel, then back last year.
But don’t think the USHL competition was too fierce for him; Gill racked up a point-per-game in 26 contests with the Steel.
“There were some personal factors back home,” Gill said, “and playing in Vernon was good for that. It’s all resolved now.”
Now the B.C. native is making noise on the East Coast, tallying six points in his first five games for the Terriers. That puts him as the frosh leader on a team also boasting potential 2011 first-rounders Matt Nieto and Adam Clendening, plus San Jose Sharks 2010 first-rounder Charlie Coyle.
“As the season started, we just wanted to contribute and not make too many mistakes,” Gill noted. “It’s pretty exciting. Matt and Adam were highly ranked coming in and it gives me someone to talk to. And it’s been nice for me to gauge where I am in comparison.”
Wherever he ends up this summer, he’s already shown folks in Boston what he can do in short order. Draft eligible in 2011 (Undrafted in 2010).
For a list of the other players that were listed please check out the link below,
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/35941-.html
Snakes’ Overtime Woes Continue:
This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:Snakes’ overtime woes continue
Published: November 02, 2010
As the new-look Vernon Vipers head into the second third of the B.C. Hockey League season, they have learned a few things about their identity.
They are a speedy team built on a quick transition and relentless forecheck. The Vipers also struggle in overtime – lost 3-2 to the Victoria Grizzlies Saturday night at Wesbild Centre for their fourth OT loss – and their powerplay needs some tweaking.
Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner, who often goes with three forwards and one d-man in overtime, doesn’t see the point in settling for a tie, even if it means they might be a little more exposed defensively.
“It’s an opportunity to get an extra point. We’re not going to sit back, especially at home,” he said.
After 21 BCHL games, Ferner believes his young squad is a little ahead of expectations in terms of development, and he likes the effort he is seeing on a nightly basis.
“I like the way our group is playing right now,” he said. “It’s being accountable for your work. Your work ethic is not negotiable. We expect guys to empty the tank every night, and for the most part they are.”
Vernon, tied for second spot in the Interior with Trail Smoke Eaters, at 11-5-1-4, heads to Merritt Friday night before hosting the Prince George Spruce Kings Saturday night. The Penticton Vees lead the conference by two points.
Said Ferner: “As we found out, anybody can beat anybody. There are no freebies this year. We’ve been in a lot of close games and that is a very good thing for our group.”
The Grizzlies got a 40-save showing from goalie Matt Ginn, who stoned Dylan Walchuk, Malcolm Lyles and Bryce Kakoske in the overtime.
Ginn, 19, is a Lindsay, Ont. product who played for Team Canada East in last year’s World Junior A Hockey Challenge in Summerside, PEI.
“He has been our rock all year, he’s pretty special,” said Victoria assistant coach Brad Cook, who helped the Vernon Vipers win the 1996 Royal Bank Cup. “He’s going to have some well-deserved rest I think.”
Ginn made 34 saves Friday night as the Grizz stopped the host Trail Smoke Eaters 5-2, and came in to relieve rookie Tanner McGaw after the sixth Salmon Arm goal in a 10-7 loss Wednesday night.
“He’s a helluva player,” said d-man Taylor Love, traded to the Grizzlies by Vernon earlier in October. “He’s excellent and that was a good win.”
Lyles and Mike Zalewsky for the Vipers, and Joel Lowry and Madison Dias for the Grizzlies, traded regulation goals before 1,900 fans. Victoria d-man Sean Robertson scored his second goal of the season on a backhander that fooled Blake Voth at 3:58 of double overtime.
Love, a California product with 2-3-5 in 11 games with Victoria, gave the Grizzlies a brief scouting report on the Snakes.
“I just told them they work hard, they’re one of the hardest-working teams in the Interior Conference and will battle all the way through the third period.”
On the move to Victoria, Love said: “My role is just to be a physical guy, make a good first pass and battle hard...Yes, I was disappointed (with the trade), but everything happens for a reason and things are working out. I like it in Victoria.”
Cook, a married father of two who played 12 years of minor pro, also works as head coach with the hockey academy at Spectrum Secondary in Victoria.
“It was nice to come in during hockey season and it was nice to see that banner that we won in ‘96,” said Cook, a smooth-skating d-man in his day. “I’d never saw it before. What a great atmosphere here. We were a tired bunch here and so were they. It was two teams trying to gut it out and what a fun way to finish.”
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Former Viper Kellen Jones Named Athlete Of The Week:
Former Vernon Vipers forward, Kellen Jones has been named Quinnipiac Bobcats athlete of the week. Kellen Jones played four seasons in Vernon (2006-2010) helping the Vipers win back to back National Championships in 2009 and 2010.This article was posted last week on the Quinnipiac Bobcats Sports Network website:
Thursday, October 28, 2010
QBSN Athlete of the Week: Kellen Jones
This week’s QBSN Athlete of the Week honors are awarded to Kellen Jones (Montrose, British Columbia) of Quinnipiac University’s men’s ice hockey team.
The freshman forward, and top recruit for the Bobcats this year, had a career day this past weekend, putting on a show for the 3,891 fans packed into the TD Bank Sports Center, a non-conference opponent attendance record. Jones netted two goals on the afternoon against Holy Cross; his first two goals of his collegiate career. The Bobcats wound up winning the game 3-1. The other goal came from junior forward Spencer Heichman (Yorba Linda, Calif.), his second of the season.
With his two goals, Jones jumps up to tie Heichman for the team lead in goals with two, and is now in sole possession of the team lead in points with five. Second on the team in points is Kellen’s twin brother, Connor Jones (Montrose, British Columbia), who has four points on the year.
In the offseason, Kellen Jones was drafted in the 7th round of the NHL Amateur Draft by the Edmonton Oilers. Jones passed on the opportunity to sign with the Oilers, and instead opted to come to Quinnipiac and play alongside his brother, whom he has played with his entire life.
The win over Holy Cross for the Bobcats improved their record to 3-1 on the year, as they now embark on a six game road trip. Next up for Quinnipiac is a two game set this Friday and Saturday night against No. 17 St. Cloud State in St. Cloud, Minn. The Huskies are 2-3-1 on the year, but remain the highest ranked opponent that the Bobcats have played so far this season. Quinnipiac’s next home game falls on Nov. 19th, when they play host to the Dartmouth College Big Green. That game will be broadcasted live here on the Quinnipiac Bobcats Sports Network.
(courtesy of Marc Schwartz)
Former Vipers Defenceman Brodie Signs With Thunder:
Former Vernon Vipers defenceman, Cameron Brodie has signed with the ECHL Stockton Thunder. Brodie played one season in Vernon (2008-09) helping the Vipers win the 2009 Royal Bank Cup. Brodie played last year with the UBC Mens Hockey team before getting a tryout with the NHL San Jose Sharks this past September. Brodie played two exhibition games with the Sharks in Penticton at the young stars tournament, before being sent down to the AHL Worcester Sharks. Brodie then signed as a free agent with the ECHL Stockton Thunder back on October, 4th 2010.Monday, November 1, 2010
Salmon Kings Sign Former Viper MacMurchy:
Former Vernon Vipers forward, Ryan MacMurchy has signed with the ECHL Victoria Salmon Kings. MacMurchy played just one season in Vernon (2000-01) before going on to the University of Wisconsin. MacMurchy is now the second former Vernon Viper playing in Victoria, as former Vipers forward, Jonathan Milhouse also signed with the Salmon Kings this season.Here is the article that was posted on the Salmon Kings website:
Salmon Kings Sign Ryan MacMurchy
Former NCAA Champion forward signs in Victoria for 2010-11.
For Immediate Release
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Victoria, BC – The Victoria Salmon Kings, proud affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks and Manitoba Moose, announced today that they have signed forward Ryan MacMurchy for the 2010-11 season.
The Regina, SK native spent his entire 2009-10 campaign in the American Hockey League (AHL) under contract to the Springfield Falcons. In 56 contests last year he scored 14 points (2g-12a) while serving 38 minutes in penalties. MacMurchy just finished participating in the Chicago Wolves’ training camp.
“Ryan is a versatile forward who competes at both ends of the rink,” General Manager and Head Coach Mark Morrison said. “He adds scoring and grit to our lineup.”
The 6-2, 207 lb. forward donned a Stockton Thunder jersey in the ECHL for both the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons. In 78 total games as a member of the Thunder, MacMurchy netted 32 goals and 39 assists for 71 points with 127 penalty minutes. During the 2007-08 campaign, he led all Stockton skaters with 23 goals, and was named to the 2008 ECHL All-Star Game.
The 27-year-old split his 2006-07 campaign between the AHL (Peoria Rivermen) and ECHL (Alaska Aces). The majority of the season was spent in Peoria where he registered five points (4g-1a) and 20 penalty minutes in 24 games played. MacMurchy also appeared in 18 contests with the Aces, tallying four goals and assisting on six other for 10 points, while accruing 52 minutes in penalties. He also dressed for 15 Kelly Cup Playoff contests that spring in Alaska, accumulating five points (4g-1a) and 63 penalty minutes.
MacMurchy was a ninth-round selection (#284 overall) of the St. Louis Blues in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. For his professional career, he has amassed 100 points (42g-58a) and 237 minutes in penalties in 176 games.
Prior to turning professional, MacMurchy spent a four-year career (2002-03 thru 2005-06) in the NCAA with the University of Wisconsin. In 164 career appearances as a Badger he notched 110 points (44g-66a) and 342 penalty minutes. In his senior year in Wisconsin, MacMurchy helped lead the Badgers to an NCAA Championship.
MacMurchy began his junior hockey career with one season (2000-01) in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) as a member of the Vernon Vipers. In 55 games played he registered four goals and 16 assists for 20 points while serving 27 minutes in penalties.
Malcolm Lyles Talks About Loss To Victoria:
Michael Fox interviews Vipers defenceman, Malcolm Lyles on his thoughts after a tough 3-2 overtime loss to the Victoria Grizzlies Saturday night.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OPPEjIKHfE
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