Game Preview: Vernon @ Merritt:

Vernon (22-12-3-4) @ Merritt (20-17-3-1) 7pm start

Tonight is the fifth game of seven meetings between the Vipers & Centennials.  The season series is tied 2-2.  The Vipers won the last meeting 4-0 on November 29th 2013  You can listen to tonight's game live with Graham Turnbull starting with the pre-game show at 6:45pm on 107.5 Kiss FM   

Last Game:

Saturday, January 11th Vernon defeated Coquitlam 3-1
Saturday, January 11th Victoria defeated Merritt 4-2

Next Game:

Friday, January 17th Vernon @ West Kelowna
Friday, January 17th Penticton @ Merritt

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon is 53-14-2-8 vs. Merritt

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon has outscored Merritt 304-186

Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 24-6-1-4 at home vs. Merritt

Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 23-5-1-5 in Merritt

The Vipers are 4-4-1-1 in their last ten games at home vs. the Centennials

The Vipers are 3-4-1-2 in their last ten games on the road vs. the Centennials

The Vipers are 4-3-1-2 in their last ten games vs. Merritt

The Vipers last win at home vs Merritt was a 4-0 victory back on Friday, November 29th 2013

The Centennials last win in Vernon was a 1-0 victory back on Saturday, October 26th 2013

The Vipers last win in Merritt was a 4-3 overtime victory on Friday, November 15th 2013

The Centennials last win at home over Vernon was a 4-3 double overtime victory on Friday, February 15th 2013

The Vipers went 2-3-1-1 vs the Merritt Centennials last season

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

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The Vernon Vipers make their second visit of the season to the Nicola Valley Arena where they won 4-3 in overtime back on November 15th 2013.  The Vipers won two out of three on a three game home stand now play three of their next four away from home where they have lost three straight.  Tonight is the first game of a two game road trip.  Vernon has two wins in their last five games are 5-5-0-0 in their last ten games.  The Vipers climbed back into 2nd place in the Interior Division after a 3-1 win over Coquitlam Saturday are eight points back of 1st place Penticton.  Vernon is just a single point up on 3rd place West Kelowna and five points up on 4th place Salmon Arm.  Dylan Chanter faces his former team for the first time since being traded to Vernon on January 3rd 2014.  Chanter played 109 games over two years in Merritt before going to the USHL.    

Michael Mcnicholas (19-34-53) leads the Vipers in goals with nineteen and in points with fifty three.

Vernon Vipers 203-14 Regular Season Stats:

Games Played: 41
Wins: 22
Losses: 12
Ties: 3
Overtime Losses: 4
Home Record: 12-4-3-3
Road Record: 10-8-0-1
Overtime Record: 3-4-3
Record vs Interior Division: 9-7-0-3
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 11-5-2-1
Record in September: 3-3-1-2
Record in October: 6-3-0-1
Record in November: 6-1-2-1
Record in December: 5-3-0-0
Record in January: 2-2-0-0
Goals For: 133
Goals Against: 121
Streak: One game winning streak
Standings: 2nd Place Interior Division

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Mason Blacklock (94)
Dexter Dancs (95)
TJ Dumonceaux (94)
Logan Mick (96)
Brendan Persley (93)
Ryan Renz (93)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Michael Statchuk (94)
Austin Smith (93)
Danny Todosychuk (94)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Liam Board (93)
Brett Corkey (92)
Bryce Eviston (94)
Andrew Tegeler (92)
Craig Martin (95)
Jason Bird (93)
Mitch McAllister (94)
Marc Hetnik (92)
Michael Roberts (95)
Braeden Russell (93)
Geoff Crisfield (93)

Vernon’s Home record vs. Merritt this season:

1-1-0-1

Vernon’s Road record vs. Merritt this season:

1-0-0-0

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Merritt this season:

Michael McNicholas (0-4-4)
Demico Hannoun (2-1-3)
Michael Statchuk (0-3-3)
Dexter Dancs (0-2-2)
Liam Coughlin (1-1-2)
Colton Sparrow (1-1-2)
Josh Bryan (0-2-2)
Riley Guenther (1-1-2)
Matty Saharchuk (1-1-2)
TJ Dumonceaux (0-1-1)
Mason Blacklock (1-0-1)
Brendan Persley (1-0-1)
Ryan Renz (0-1-1)

Austin Smith (2-1 Record- 1 Shutout)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Vernon has the leagues 16th best powerplay

-The Vipers have the BCHL's 6th best penalty kill

Lets take a look at the Merritt Centennials:

The Merritt Centennials return home after a four game road trip where the Centennials only won one of the four.  Tonight is the first game of a two game home stand where the Cents play seven of their next nine games.  Merritt is winless in their last five and are 4-5-1-0 in their last ten games.  Merritt has lost two straight to Vernon.  The Centennials sit in 5th place in the Interior Division are only two points back of 4th place Salmon Arm and six points back of 3rd place West Kelowna.  Newly aquired Jason Bird will face his former team for the first time since the trade between these two teams in early January. 

For more on the Centennials please visit Dustin Scafe's Merritt Centennials blog,

http://dustinscafe.blogspot.ca/

Scott Paterson (20-16-36) leads the Centennials in goals with twenty and in points with thirty six

Merritt Centennials 2013-14 Regular Season Stats::

Games Played: 41
Wins:  20
Losses: 17
Ties: 3
Overtime Losses: 1
Home Record: 10-5-3-1
Road Record: 10-12-0-0
Overtime Record: 4-3-1
Record vs Interior Division: 9-12-2-1
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 11-5-1-0
Record in September: 4-5-0-0
Record in October: 6-4-1-0
Record in November: 6-2-1-1
Record in December: 3-3-0-0
Record in January: 1-3-1-0
Goals For: 120
Goals Against: 118
Streak: One game losing streak
Place:  5th Place Interior Division

Merritt Centennials Returning Players:

Jeff Wight (95)
Scott Patterson (93)
Payton Schaefer (93)
Sam Johnson (94)
Tyler Martin (93)
Dane Birks (95)
Sebastien Pare (93)
Diego Cuglietta (95)

Merritt Centennials Departing & traded players from last years team:

Regan Soquila (93)
Derek Husiman (92)
Bennett Huber (94)
Russell Sanderson (94)
Silvan Harper (92)
Sean Maktaak (92)
Kevin Lohan (93)
Brendan Lamont (94)
Dylan Chanter (95)
Richard Sabourin (92)
Brent Fletcher (92)
Charlie Donlin (93)
John Saunders (94)
Tyler Steel (93)

Merritt's Home record vs. Vernon this season:

0-0-0-1

Merritt's Road record vs. Vernon this season:

2-1-0-0

Merritt's scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Sebastien Pare (0-3-3)
Gavin Gould (3-0-3)
Scott Paterson (1-2-3)
James Neil (0-2-2)
Jeff Wight (2-0-2)
Payton Schaefer (1-1-2)
Shane Poulsen (0-2-2)
Adam Tracey (0-1-1)
Malik Kaila (0-1-1)
Dylan Bowen (0-1-1)
Jake Clifford (0-1-1)

Devin Kero (1-2 Record)
Connor LaCouvee (1-0 Record)

-Centennials Head Coach-GM Luke Pierce played his final year of Junior hockey with the Vipers (2003-04)

-Merritt has the leagues 7th best powerplay

-The Centennials have the BCHL's 5th best penalty kill

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon Vipers:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224096

Merritt Centennials:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224100

Blacklock & Hannoun Listed At NHL Central Scouting:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

Latest NHL Central Scouting list has eight BCHLers

Monday, January 13, 2014 - Submitted by BCHL Media

The midterm North American player rankings from NHL Central Scouting came out Monday and ten BCHL players are included.

These rankings rate the top-210 skaters and top-34 goalies in
North America. The BCHL players are as follows:

SKATERS:

102. Alex Gillies, F, Salmon Arm
118. Jason Cotton, F, West Kelowna
134. Brett Beauvais, D, Penticton
151. Jack Ramsey, F, Penticton
158. Mason Blacklock, F, Vernon
183. Jeff Wight, F, Merritt
185. Demico Hannoun, F, Vernon
###. Luke Ripley, D, Powell River (limited viewing)

GOALIES:

26. Alec Dillon, Victoria
32. Hunter Miska, Penticton

THE COMPLETE LIST IS HERE,

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=699869

Overall, there were 19 CJHL players listed with five from the AJHL, one from the CCHL and three from the OJHL.

The 2014 NHL Entry Draft will be held June 27 and 28 at Wells Fargo Centre in Phliadelphia.

Blog Surpasses 600,000 Viewers:

On Friday this blog hit 600,000 viewer's-page views. I wanted to take this time to thank all of you, the viewers who check out my blog. I first created my Vipers blog back in December of 2008 and since then have had over 600,000 viewer's visit this site. As of this morning I have had 601, 661 viewers in total visit this blog. I have a website where it tell's me how many viewer's I get per month, per day, as well as per week etc. The site also tell's me where the viewer's are from. This blog average's around 250-350 viewer's per day during the hockey season, and during the summer I average around 150 viewers a day. I get people from all across the world visiting this blog. Thank you again and thanks for the support.

Vipersdiehardfan

Sundogs Call Up Former Viper Defenceman Florentino:

The Central Hockey League (CHL) Arizona Sundogs have called
up former Vernon Vipers defenceman Rob Florentino.

Florentino was playing with the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) Huntsville Havoc before being called up to Arizona.  In 14 games this season with Huntsville Florentino has (5-goals-9-assists-14-points).  Florentino signed with the Havoc this season also recently signed with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Reading Royals in December.  

Florentino spent three years at the University of Massachusetts before leaving school and signing with the ECHL Las Vegas Wranglers on March 6th 2013 but was released on March 25th 2013. Florentino went pointless in eleven games with Las Vegas.

Florentino attended the Vernon Vipers 2009 Training Camp playing in a few exhibition games before being released. The Vipers with already the league limit six twenty year olds at that time were forced to release Florentino who was twenty. Florentino later signed with the Victoria Grizzlies where he started the 2009-2010 regular season.

Rob Florentino's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=42676

This is posted on the Havoc website:

FLORENTINO CALLED UP

Date: Dec 05, 2013

HUNTSVILLE, AL – Huntsville Havoc head coach Glenn Detulleo announced today that rookie defenseman Rob Florentino has been called up to Arizona of the CHL.

Florentino was off to a tremendous start from the blueline scoring five goals and recording 10 assists in 14 games. He was a +8.

Veteran Havoc forward Dominic Osman will move to the blueline to replace Florentino.

The Havoc will travel to Peoria this weekend to take on the Rivermen in back-to-back nights on the 6th and 7th. They will return to Breland Homes Ice on Thursday, December 12th at 7:30 against the Mississippi RiverKings.

Former Vernon Viper Ullrich Named ECHL Player Of The Week:

Former Vernon Vipers captain-forward Mike Ullrich has been named this week's East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Player of the week.

Ullrich is in his first season with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Orlando Solar Bears.

Ullrich was invited to a pro tryout with the American Hockey League (AHL) St. John's IceCaps in September before being released on September 30th 2013 returning to Orlando.  On November 15th 2013 the American Hockey League (AHL) Manchester Monarchs signed Ullrich to a professional tryout agreement  before being released after just three games.

Ullrich played for three different teams last season (South Carolina, Tulsa & Trenton) before signing with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Orlando Solar Bears on July, 1st 2013.

Ullrich become an unrestricted free agent over the off season after the ownership group of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Trenton Titans pulled the franchise out of the ECHL. According to a statement from the ECHL, all Titans players signed to ECHL contracts, except those owed as future considerations, are unrestricted free agents.

Ullrich started last season with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) South Carolina Stingrays after signing a contract over the summer. Ullrich left the Stingrays before signing with the Central Hockey League (CHL) Tulsa Oilers on November, 7th 2012. The Stingrays suspended Ullrich after leaving the club but then took Ullrich off suspension before trading the rights of Ullrich to the ECHL Trenton Titans for future considerations on January, 18th 2013. In five games with the Stingrays Ullrich collected 1 goal & 4 assists. The Oilers then suspended and then deleted Ullrich from the clubs roster on January, 17th 2013 after Ullrich left the Oilers for the ECHL Trenton Titans. In 29 games with the Oilers Ullrich collected (7-12-19). In 26 games last year with Trenton Ullrich collected (15-14-29).

Ullrich played parts of two years in Vernon (2005-2007) Ullrich left the Vipers during the 2005-06 season before returning to Vernon the following season after a short stint with the WHL Lethbridge Hurricanes. In 103 games with the Vipers Ullrich collected (39-92-131).

Mike Ullrich's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=82968


This is posted on the ECHL website:

Ullrich named Sher-Wood Hockey ECHL Player of the Week

January 7, 2014

Mike Ullrich of the Orlando Solar Bears is the Sher-Wood Hockey ECHL Player of the Week for Dec. 30-Jan. 5.

Ullrich scored three goals, had four assists and was a +5 last week as the Solar Bears went 3-0-1.

The 27-year-old had one goal in a 4-3 win against Florida on Monday, added an assist in a 3-2 overtime loss to Utah on Thursday, notched three points (2g-1a) in a 6-5 victory over Utah on Friday and recorded two assists in a 4-3 win against the Grizzlies on Sunday.

A native of Banff, Alberta, Ullrich is second on the Solar Bears with 26 points (8g-18a) in 29 games this season. He has added one goal in three games with Manchester of the American Hockey League.

Ullrich has 66 points (25g-41a) in 71 career ECHL games with Orlando, Trenton, South Carolina and Pensacola.

On behalf of Mike Ullrich, a case of pucks will be donated to an Orlando youth hockey organization by Sher-Wood Hockey, the exclusive puck supplier of the ECHL. Since beginning its sponsorship of the award in 2000-01, Sher-Wood Hockey has donated more than 29,000 pucks to youth hockey organizations in ECHL cities.
           
Runners Up: Jack Combs, Cincinnati (3 gp, 4g, 2a, 6 pts.), Kyle Kraemer, Ontario (4 gp, 5g, 1a, 6 pts.) and Trevor Parkes, Toledo (4 gp, 3g, 5a, 8 pts.)
           
Also Nominated: Andrew Carroll (Bakersfield), Peter Sakaris (Evansville), Brandon Marino (Fort Wayne), Dirk Southern (Gwinnett), Brett Robinson (Idaho), Yannick Veilleux (Kalamazoo), Sean Wiles (Reading), Peter Boyd (South Carolina), Mathieu Aubin (Utah) and Jack MacLellan (Wheeling).

Vees Strike Fast To Slip By Vipers::

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vees strike fast to slip by Vipers

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: January 12, 2014

A 63 second lapse by the Vernon Vipers was all it took for the Penticton Vees to come away with a pair of B.C. Hockey League points Friday night at Kal Tire Place.

The Vees converted a pair of quick goals late in the second period by newcomers Nic Pierog and Erik Benoit, both acquired ahead of Friday’s league trade deadline, to earn a 2-1 comeback win in front of 1,900 fans.

The Vees extended their lead atop the Interior Division at 26-9-2-3, eight points ahead of Vernon (21-12-3-4), who slipped into third place.

The West Kelowna Warriors (23-12-2-2) leapfrogged Vernon with a 7-2 win over the Coquitlam Express Friday. The red-hot Warriors are 8-1-1 in their last 10 games, while the Snakes are 5-5.

The Express (18-17-1-3) visited the Viper den Saturday night.

Pierog (26th goal), a centreman acquired from the Surrey Eagles, lost an offensive draw, but pursued the puck, created a turnover and snuck a shot past second star Danny Todosychuk (33 saves) for the 1-1 goal.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder looks to be a nice complement to the Vees’ smaller, highly skilled forward corps.

“I add a bit more size down the middle and I try to play a power forward-type role,” said Pierog, who likes Penticton’s offensive mind-set.

“If there’s an opportunity anywhere, we’re going to try and grab it and generate offence.”

Last week, Pierog and new Vernon addition Brett Mulcahy were playing together on the Eagles. Pierog said it was surreal to go up against his former teammate.

“We were good buddies in Surrey; we won a championship together. It was great playing against him and I’ll probably talk to him after, but it was definitely good to get the win against him.”

Benoit (first star), picked up as WHL free agent, pocketed his first-ever BCHL goal with 4:28 to go in period two when his wraparound attempt caromed off Vernon d-man Kenny Citron and past Todosychuk.

“We got stronger as that period went on, but they had a push-back in the third,” said Vees’ head coach Fred Harbinson, who credited his defence for withstanding some frantic pressure by Vernon late in the game.

“For us, we grab the two points, get on the bus and go home.”

Aside from the hiccup in the second period, Vernon captain Ryan Renz said it was anybody’s game.

“Any time you limit Penticton to two goals, there’s no reason we can’t win that game. We’ve got the firepower.

“It was our second period that let us down. You get behind a good team like that and it’s tough to come back. We took it to them in the third period and gave it a good run, but just ended up falling short.”

Vernon’s crash-and-bang defence did an admirable job of shutting down Penticton’s speedy forwards in the first period, but they were harder to bottle up in the middle frame.

“We need to contain them and when we get them in the corner that’s when we need to jump on them,” said Renz. “We’re stronger and we’re bigger so we’ve got to take away space and get them down low.

“We did a pretty good job of that for the most part, but if you give them too much ice, that’s what the little guys are good at and we gave them a few too many chances.”

Vernon opened the scoring late in the first frame when Mason Blacklock (17th) fired on an open net from the right faceoff dot. Vernon had Penticton’s defence scrambling, and netminder Hunter Miska (30 saves) was caught out of position. Liam Coughlin and Brendan Persley drew assists.

The Vipers whiffed on a couple of prime scoring chances that could have turned the game in their favour.

Demico Hannoun ran onto a puck chipped into the neutral zone by Josh Bryan in the opening minute of the second period, but he couldn’t settle the puck on a partial breakaway. Later in that frame, Michael Statchuk missed a wide open net after linemate Matty Saharchuk had dangled his way through traffic and onto Miska’s doorstep.

In the final minute of regulation, with Todosychuk pulled for the extra attacker, forward Michael McNicholas just missed the top corner with a wrister from the slot.

“We had some glorious opportunities,” said Vernon head coach Jason Williamson. “You see Michael McNicholas with the puck in the slot with under a minute to go, you think ‘here we go’ but that’s the game. It’s bounces, it’s hockey. They got one more break than we did.”

Meanwhile, the North Okanagan Knights suffered their sixth straight KIJHL loss as they fell 5-1 to the Summerland Steam Friday night at Nor-Val Sports Centre.

Vernon’s Blaine Caton handled the offence for the 16-19-0-1 Knights, who host the 22-14-0-1 Osoyoos Coyotes in a 3 p.m. matinee today. The Steam are 21-14-1-3.

Vernon 3 Coquitlam 1

For anyone who could not attend or watch tonight’s Vipers game here are my thoughts and views from tonight’s game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own view and opinion on any game we watch. This is my opinion and my thoughts on how I saw tonight’s game. I try to be unbiased and give a fare recap on both sides. Thanks for stopping by & visiting my blog.

I was at tonight's Vipers-Express game as Vernon defeated Coquitlam 3-1 in front of 1,923 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon:  Austin Smith
Coquitlam:  Pierce Dushenko

1st Period:  Just a minute into the opening period Colton Sparrow setup newcomer Brett Mulcahy in the slot who missed the net on a great chance to open the scoring.  Coquitlam would get an early powerplay to start the game just over three minutes in.  Actually the Express would get back to back powerplays but could only register one shot on goal as a very good penalty kill by the Vipers.  Coquitlam with an early edge in play as the Express had lots of jump, a quick team moved the puck well carried the better of the play for most of the period in a period that saw lots of scrambled play at both ends of the rink.  The Vipers didnt generate much offence as alot of the play was in the Vernon zone.  For two teams that were only facing each other for a second time this season, their was sure alot of altercations going on after the whistles with lots of pushing and shoving.  Coquitlam come very close to opening the scoring around the halfway mark after a shot from the side of the net got through traffic in front beat Austin Smith went off the crossbar.  Vernon would get its first powerplay of the game towards the end of the 1st but it was the Express who would get a great opportunity after Jace Hennig used his speed coming down the left wing got off a clean hard shot on a parcial breakaway forced Austin Smith to come out and challenge closing up the fivehole making the save.  Coquitlam with a good penalty kill would kill off the minor.  More pushing and shoving at the buzzer as Coquitlam would get their third powerplay that would begin at the start of the 2nd period.  It was scoreless after 20 minutes of play.  The Vipers struggled, took a few undisaplined penalties couldnt generate any offence or get pucks to the net as Coquitlam carried the better of the play for most of the period but the Express also had troubles creating chances.  Coquitlam outshot Vernon 8-3.

2nd Period:  The Express started the middle frame on the man advantage and would play most of the period with the powerplay.  The Express moving the puck around had a few chances but it was another strong penalty kill by the Vipers who would kill off the minor before heading right back to the penalty kill seconds later.  Coquitlam would finally capitalize and make Vernon pay with the powerplay.  Former Salmon Ar Silverbacks defenceman Mark Whiteley's point shot was stopped by Vipers starting goaltender Austin Smith, Jace Hennig would beat Smith on the reboun sliding the puck into the open cage giving the Express a 1-0 lead at 4:09 Whiteley and Bo Pieper collected the helpers.  Shortly after Michael McNicholas with a breakaway missed the net on a great chance to tie the game.  Coquitlam would head back to the powerplay and get a few good chances.  Smith was sharp making two big saves off Nicholas Rasovic and JD Cotroneo as the Vipers would almost kill off the minor before the Express would take a penalty with four seconds remaining on the powerplay.  On the play Vernon needed nine minutes to record their first shot on goal of the period.  Shorthanded it was the Express who once again would get the better of the chances after Jace Hennig again was stopped shorthanded by Austin Smith.  The Vipers couldnt get much going with the man advantage as a good kill by the Express.  Coquitlam would get a two man advantage just past the midway mark, moving the puck around the Express with a few good chances couldnt beat Smith as the Vipers penalty kill was very strong tonight killing off both minor penalties.  Less then a minute later Demico Hannoun with a long stretch pass setup Colton Sparrow who come flying down the right wing caught Express starting goaltender Pierce Dushenko back in his net ripped a high shot over the blocker tying the game 1-1 at 18:37 Hannoun with the lone assist.  This goal got the Vipers and the crowd back into the game.  It was tied 1-1 after 40 minutes of play.  Coquitlam carried most of the play playing most of the period with the powerplay as Vernon took several undisplained penalties but their also was a few myth calls that were called against the Vipers.  The Express with a chance to put the Vipers away went 1-6 with the man advantage.  Either way the Vipers were outplayed in another ugly second period.  The Express outshot the Vipers 13-5.

3rd Period:  The Vipers with a hard working shift to start the final frame would take the first lead of the night after Liam Coughlin with a nice feed setup Brett Mulcahy in front with his first goal as a Viper giving Vernon a 2-1 lead at 1:43 Coughlin and Jared Wilson with the assists.  The Express then took over and once again carried the better of the play were all over the Vipers at times.  Coquitlam with a great chance to tie the game on a two on rush, former Penticton Vee and Trail Smoke Eaters forward Brendan Lamont setup Cody Boyd who got in too deep looked to have Smith beat but hit the outside of the net.  A few minutes later Austin Smith made a huge save off Corey Mackin on a three on two rush.  The Express with good pressure were pushing for the game tying goal.  The Express once again were the better of the two teams and carried the better of the play in the first half before Vernon finally got going and come up with a few good flurries.  The Vipers with their most pressure of the entire game played well for atleast four or five minutes before the Express come right back.  The Vipers just couldnt get anything going all night looked sluggish at times.  With five minutes remaining the Vipers got caught running around in their own end allowed Coquitlam to get off to shots from the slot as both players were wide open.  Smith was able to make the save off one while the other shot missed the net.  The Vipers would get lucky and get a late powerplay but once again it was the hard work from the Coquitlam penalty kill that once again generated chances.  Corey Mackin was stoned by Smith on a big game saver while back the other way Pierce Dushenko made his biggest save of the night off Michael McNicholas whos shot from the slot was stopped after a huge toe save keeping this a one goal game.  The Express penalty kill was very good and active creating opportunities would kill off the minor before late in the dying seconds Coquitlam would get called with too many men on the ice giving Vernon a very late powerplay.  The Vipers would capitalize and add an insurance marker just for keep sakes after Colton Sparrow setup Brett Mulcahy for his second of the night at 19:57 Sparrow with the only assist.  At the buzzer both benches exchanged words before Demico Hannoun skated over towards the Express bench to get in a few last words before the linesmen were able to haul him out of harms way as Vernon would get back into 2nd place with the 3-1 win.  Well the Vipers played a little better in the final frame getting the early goal (game winner) held on for a much needed victory.  Coquitlam still was the better of the two teams and carried the better of the play.  Vernon scored on their chances in a game they may have been lucky to win.  Shots were even 11-11.

Top Players:  (Vernon)

TJ Dumonceaux was by far the Vipers most energized and best player tonight.  The Kelowna native showed a ton of energy and jump all night was really skating and working hard all night.  I didnt notice Dumonceaux as much in the final period compared to the first two.

Colton Sparrow (1 goal & 1 assist)  Played with alot of jump and hard work.  Scored a nice goal with a nice shot high blocker side tying the game late in the 2nd period, giving the Vipers some life and energy in the building.  Sparrow was lucky as he could have easily been tossed from tonight's game in the second after a check in the Express zone.  Sparrow was called for boarding and could have easily been tossed for checking from behind.

Austin Smith (31 saves)  How good has Austin Smith been playing as of late.  The Vipers goaltender kept the Vipers in tonight's game making some key saves on the penalty kill and through out the entire game.  Smith who played very well in his last start (win over Nanaimo) was very solid tonight.

Game Thoughts:  (Vernon)

I think tonight was one of the ugliest games I have seen the Vipers play this season.  From the start of the game Vernon got off to a slow start, looked sluggish and very scrambed through out the game.  The Vipers didnt look good in the 1st and 2nd periods playing a little better in the 3rd but were still outplayed most of the night.  Just three shots in the 1st? and only five in the 2nd?  Come on!!  For the second straight night Vernon's second period was ugly!  Once again the Vipers were in the penalty box alot, taking alot of undisaplined penalties.  The Vipers were very lucky Coquitlam's powerplay wasnt clicking or this game was over in the 2nd period.  Give the Vipers penalty kill a pat on the back, they have been very good most of the season and were very strong tonight.  Give the Vipers some credit they did a good job at keeping the Express to the outside, Coquitlam didnt get alot of real good chances.  Since the return after Christmas break the Vipers havnt been or looked the same as they did before the holidays.  This team is struggling right now and they better be careful or after this week-weekend they could find themselfs down the standings with some tough games this week-weekend.  Demico Hannoun didnt have a great game but was by far the Vipers most physical player.  Is the flu going through the Vipers dressing room?  because Michael McNicholas and Liam Coughlin both looked bagged especially in the 3rd period, both kids had troubles skating and keeping up with the play.  Vernon struggled tonight and didnt look very good at all.  Lots of running around in their own end, coughing up the puck, getting beat to the puck, losing the battles.  A big win but very lucky to come away with the victory.

Top Players:  (Coquitlam)

Marc Biega played very well on the backend.  Very steady all night.

Jace Hennig (1 goal) was very good for the Express.  Very quick, was always involved in the play, buzzing in and around the net, creating and generating chances.  Had several good chances, also very good on the penalty kill.        

JD Cotroneo also played very well on the blueline.  A bigger kid is hard to beat and dosnt give ya alot of room out there. 

Corey Mackin has some wheels and can skate.  Looked very good, especially in the third.  Had a few good chances was in and around the play.

Nicolas Rasovic was very good up front for Coquitlam.  Quick, can move the puck, involved in the play and another play that goes to the net.

Joey Santucci played well at times.  Seemed to play with an edge.  I noticed several Vipers were either exchanging words or giving him a little tap on the way by etc.  Not sure if he was getting under the skin of players but played well tonight.

Game Thoughts:  (Coquitlam)

For a 3rd place team the Express sure didnt play like a team that was one game above 500.  This team works extremely hard and plays hard.  Very quick, they can move the puck well from zone to zone and get pucks on net.  They didnt generate alot of grade A scoring chances but got pucks to the net and had their fare share of chances.  This is a game where I think the coaches and players know they should have won.  After a big 7-2 loss in West Kelowna last night the Express come back with a hard working sixty minute effort tonight falling on the short end of things.  The Express carried most of the play and outplayed Vernon most of the night.  Specialty teams was the difference.  Going 1-8 isnt going to win you many games, especially when you have six powerplays in the 2nd period and a great chance to put the Vipers away.  Some missed opportunities and a tough break or two cost them the game.  I did like the penalty kill, very aggresive, attacking man to man, always sending one guy in wich created a few shorthanded chances tonight.  This was a tough loss in a game they should have won.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Mark Hamilton (Injured)
Mason Blacklock

Coquitlam:

Zach Hodder
Daniell Lange

Energy player of the game:

Liam Coughlin (1 assist)

Three Stars:

1st Star:  Austin Smith (31 saves)
2nd Star:  Brett Mulcahy (2 goals)
3rd Star:  Colton Sparrow (1 goal & 1 assist)

For more on tonight's game visit the BCHL boxscore,

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1231458&link=bchl

For more on the Coquitlam Express and tonight's game visit Eddie Gregories Coquitlam Express blog,

http://expressvoice.blogspot.ca/
  

Game Preview: Coquitlam @ Vernon:

Coquitlam (18-17-1-3) @ Vernon (21-12-3-4) 7pm start

Tonight is the second and final meeting of the season between the Vipers & Express.  Coquitlam leads the season series 1-0.  The Express won the first meeting between these two teams 4-2 back on December 8th in Coquitlam.  You can listen to tonight's game live with Graham Turnbull starting with the pre-game show at 6:45pm on 107.5 Kiss FM 

Last Game:

Friday, January 10th Penticton defeated Vernon 2-1
Friday, January 10th West Kelowna defeated Coquitlam 7-2

Next Game:

Friday, January 17th Vernon @ West Kelowna
Wednesday, January 15th Surrey @ Coquitlam

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 6-2-0-0 vs. Coquitlam

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon has outscored Coquitlam 31-26

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 4-0-0-0 at home vs. Coquitlam

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 2-2-0-0 in Coquitlam

Vernons last win in Coquitlam was a 7-5 victory back on Sunday, November 18th 2012

Coquitlam's last win at home vs Vernon was a 4-2 win back on Sunday, December 8th 2013

Vernon's last win at home vs Coquitlam was a 4-3 win back on Friday, February 1st 2013

Coquitlam's last win in Vernon-The Express havnt won in Vernon since before the 2003-04 season.  (Due to the stats only going as far back as the 2003-04 regular season)

The Vipers went 1-0-0-0 last season vs Coquitlam

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

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The Vernon Vipers finish a three game home stand are coming off a 2-1 loss to the visiting Penticton Vees Friday.  With the loss and a West Kelowna win the Vipers drop to 3rd place in the Interior Division are one point back of the Warriors and three points up on Salmon Arm.  Vernon has two wins in their last six games are 5-5-0-0 in their last ten games.  The Vipers have been outscored 15-7 in their last four games.  The Vipers will play three of their next five games on the road.  The Vipers havnt lost at home to Coquitlam since before the 2003-04 season.  (Stats only go as far back as the 2003-04 season).           

Michael Mcnicholas (19-34-53) leads the Vipers in goals with nineteen and in points with fifty three.

Vernon Vipers 203-14 Regular Season Stats:

Games Played: 40
Wins: 21
Losses: 12
Ties: 3
Overtime Losses: 4
Home Record: 11-4-3-3
Road Record: 10-8-0-1
Overtime Record: 3-4-3
Record vs Interior Division: 9-7-0-3
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 10-5-2-1
Record in September: 3-3-1-2
Record in October: 6-3-0-1
Record in November: 6-1-2-1
Record in December: 5-3-0-0
Record in January: 1-2-0-0
Goals For: 130
Goals Against: 120
Streak: One game losing streak
Standings: 3rd Place Interior Division

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Mason Blacklock (94)
Dexter Dancs (95)
TJ Dumonceaux (94)
Logan Mick (96)
Brendan Persley (93)
Ryan Renz (93)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Michael Statchuk (94)
Austin Smith (93)
Danny Todosychuk (94)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Liam Board (93)
Brett Corkey (92)
Bryce Eviston (94)
Jason Bird (93)
Andrew Tegeler (92)
Craig Martin (95)
Mitch McAllister (94)
Marc Hetnik (92)
Michael Roberts (95)
Braeden Russell (93)
Geoff Crisfield (93)

Vernon’s Home record vs. Coquitlam this season:

0-0-0-0

Vernon’s Road record vs. Coquitlam this season:

0-1-0-0

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Coquitlam this season:

Riley Guenther (0-1-1)
Jared Wilson (1-0-1)
Michael McNicholas (1-0-1)
Demico Hannoun (0-1-1)
Dexter Dancs (0-1-1)

Austin Smith (0-1 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Vernon has the leagues 15th best powerplay

-The Vipers have the BCHL's 7th best penalty kill

Lets take a look at the Coquitlam Express:

The Coquitlam Express make their first and only visit of the regular season to Kal Tire place tonight wrap up a two game road trip vs Vernon.  The Express are coming off a 7-2 loss in West Kelowna Friday have just two wins in their last five games and are 4-4-1-1 in their last ten games.  The Express sit in 3rd place in the Maindland Division are five points up on Surrey and ten points back of 2nd place Prince George.  The Express are trying to sweep the Vipers after a 4-2 victory in Coquitlam on December 8th.  Coquitlam leads the league with 153 goals but has had troubles keeping the puck out giving up 165 goals this season.  Coquitlam has won more games on the road with ten wins away from home.  

For more on the Coquitlam Express please visit Eddie Gregory's Coquitlam Expressions blog,

http://expressvoice.blogspot.ca/

Ryan Rosenthal (23-24-47) leads the Express in goals with twenty three while Adam Rockwood (8-42-50) leads the Express in points with fifty.

Games Played: 39
Wins: 18
Losses: 17
Ties:  1
Overtime Losses: 3
Home Record: 8-11-1-2
Road Record: 10-6-0-1
Overtime Record: 3-3-1
Record vs Interior Division: 5-4-0-0
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 12-13-1-3
Record in September: 3-2-0-2
Record in October: 5-6-0-0
Record in November: 6-4-0-0
Record in December: 4-4-0-1
Record in January: 0-1-1-0
Goals For: 153
Goals Against: 165
Streak: One game losing streak
Standings: 3rd Place (Mainland Division)

Coquitlam Express's Returning Players:

Adam Rockwood (95)
Joey Santucci (94)
Marc Biega (94)
Zach Hodder (93)
Jace Henning (95)
Cameron Marks (95)

Coquitlam Express's Departing & traded players from last years team:

Justin Georgeson (93)
Bradley Ryan (92)
Zachary Pryzbek (94)
Brandon Morley (94)
Ben Israel (94)
Adam Rossingnol (93)
Travis Stephens (93)
Lars Hepso (92)
Garrett Forster (95)
Will Cook (94)
Cal Hofford (94)
Malcolm McKinney (92)
Mitchell Fyffe (94)
Michael Macaig (92)
Sam Majka (93)
Cole Huggins (92)
Daniel Urbani (95)

Coquitlam's Home record vs. Vernon this season:

1-0-0-0

Coquitlam's Road record vs. Vernon this season:

0-0-0-0

Coquitlam's scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Marc Biega (1-1-2)
Adam Rockwood (0-2-2)
Corey Mackin (0-2-2)
Zach Hodder (0-1-1)
Ben Israel (1-0-1)
Canon Pieper (1-0-1)
Ryan Rosenthal (1-0-1)
Joey Santucci (0-1-1)

Gordie Defiel (1-0 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Coquitlam has the BCHL's 9th best powerplay

-The Express have the league's 10th best penalty kill

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon Vipers:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224096

Coquitlam Express:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=267274

Penticton 2 Vernon 1

For anyone who could not attend or watch tonight’s Vipers game here are my thoughts and views from tonight’s game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own view and opinion on any game we watch. This is my opinion and my thoughts on how I saw tonight’s game. I try to be unbiased and give a fare recap on both sides. Thanks for stopping by & visiting my blog.

I was at tonight's Vipers-Vees game as Penticton defeated Vernon 2-1 in front of 1,913 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Danny Todosychuk
Penticton: Hunter Miska

Before tonight's game Vipers owner presented Vipers defenceman Jared Wilson as the Vernon Vipers player of the month for December.

1st Period: The Vees got off to a quick start, winning the draw Penticton got the puck in deep, with a strong forecheck the Vees went to work hard along the wall battling hard down low. The Vees with good pressure were in the Vipers zone for a good minute or two before the Vipers were able to get through the neutral zone. Both teams playing a very tight defensive game early allowing neither team much room as very little opportunities come about in the opening ten minutes of play. The Vipers with two shots from the point were the only shots of the game in the first four or five minutes as Penticton needed just over six minutes to record their first shot of the night. Vernon would get the early jump on things as the Vipers would be the first team to get things rolling. The Vipers slowly started getting their game going carrying the play and having the better of the play. Vernon didnt generate alot of chances but were getting pucks to the net, as Hunter Miska was having all kinds of trouble with his rebound control and catching glove. Miska was letting out big rebounds on almost every Vernon shot and was having troubles closing his hand on the puck with his catching glove. The Vipers were the more physical team early as the Vees were dropping to the ice almost everytime they were hit. Just before the midway mark Josh Bryan's wrist shot from the point was redirected by a Penticton player in front that just went wide of the goal on a close call for the Vees. The Vipers in control of the play in the first half were outshooting Penticton 7-3 at this point. The Vees would come right back just shortly after the halfway mark, veteran Cody DePourcq with a shot from in close at the side of the net was stopped by Danny Todosychuk before the Vees stormed the crease as Todosychuk had to be strong shutting the fivehole keeping the puck out on the Vees first opportunity of the night. This seemed to get the Vees going as Penticton slowly started to push back with a strong second half. The Vees slowly got their legs going and used their speed and quickness buzzing in and around the Vipers zone. Just like Vernon in the first half the Vees carried the edge in play but were limited to their scoring chances. The Vees who were outshot 7-3 in the first half climbed all the way back were outshot at this point 8-7. With a few minutes remaining Penticton captain Brad McClure with a wicked shot from the circle beat Todosychuk but hit the post as the Vees were very close to opening the scoring. Less then two minutes later the Vipers would take the first lead of the night after very little offence in the second half Hunter Miska made a big right pad save off the draw but couldnt hold onto the rebound. Liam Coughlin setup Mason Blacklock in the slot who hit the empty cage as Miska was down and out, giving Vernon the 1-0 lead at 18:27 Coughlin and Brendan Persley collected the helpers. The Vees come right back with a strong push to finish the period. Penticton with good pressure were pressing late. Defenceman Brett Beauvais rushed the puck up ice stepping over the Vernon blueline ripping a hard shot that was stopped by the quick glove of Danny Todosychuk with thirty three seconds left. Vernon would come back with a late flurry jamming the net near the buzzer but couldnt get anything through the bodies in and around the Vees goal. The Vipers with a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes of play. I thought the Vees got off to a strong start, had a good opening shift or two with some good pressure deep in the Vipers couldnt generate any offence before both teams played a very defensive game for the next few minutes. The Vipers would get going and played well in the first half carried the better of the play holding a bit of an edge in play didnt get alot of scoring opportunities before the Vees come back in the second half and carried the better of the play, with a few good chances. Vernon would open the scoring late after being outplayed in the second half. The Vipers outshot the Vees 12-11.

2nd Period: Off the opening faceoff Jack Ramsay with a hard low shot was stopped by Vernon goaltender Danny Todosychuk before former Cowichan Valley Capital Steen Cooper jumped on the rebound but couldnt beat Todosychuk who made a big save keeping this game at 1-0. Demico Hannoun with a breakaway about a minute into the period didnt get off a great shot was stopped by Miska. The Vees would get the games first powerplay, getting an early man advantage to start the middle frame. The Vees with the league's best powerplay had a few chances but the Vipers did fairly well killing off the penalty. Just ten seconds after the powerplay the Vipers would get their first shot with the man advantage but it was a hungry Vees penalty kill that would get the better of the chances. Matt Serratore and Riley Alfred would get a two on one, Serratore would keep and shoot was stopped by Todosychuk. The Vees wernt done there, Penticton would get a three on two opportunity but would miss the goal. The Vipers struggled as Penticton with the league's best penalty kill was very good getting two shorthanded chances before killing off the minor. Just after the penalty expired newly aquired Erik Benoit with an odd man rush would shoot getting stopped by Danny Todosychuk who just got a piece of the puck as it rolled out from under his arm rolling just wide of the far corner on a close call. A few minutes later Vees leading scorer Brad McClure walked around Ryan Renz going in for the breakaway shot high and over the goal on another missed opportunity. Penticton buzzing was all over the Vipers early and often. The Vipers may be big but the smaller Vees speed and quickness burned Vernon in the 2nd period as most of the play was in the Vernon end. The Vees outworked, outplayed and outhit the Vipers the entire period as Vernon was caught standing around getting skated circles around. The Vipers quit skating in the second period.  Penticton was winning all the battles, the races for the puck and simply outhustling the Vipers shift to shift. The Vipers were really mixing up their lines all night going with several different line combonations all game. Danny Todosychuk had to be sharp as the Vees looked to be on one very long powerplay. Todosychuk made several key saves keeping the Vipers in the contest. Vernon looked tired and out of gas the entire period as the Vees controlled the entire period. Max Coatta would collide with a Vernon player as he was falling to the ice and looked to take a knee or leg to the head on his way to the ice on a clean play. Coatta was very slow moving-trying to get up before laying on the ice with no motion as trainer Dan McDowell was out to help Coatta off the ice and to the Penticton dressing room where he did not return to the game. With six minutes remaining the Vees were pressing and would eventually tie the game at one after the puck looked to hit or go off a player or two in front before newly aquired Nic Pierog beat Todosychuk at 14:29 Brad McClure with the lone assist. Just sixty three seconds later the Vees would take their first lead of the night after a poor defensive play allowed former Moose Jaw Warriors forward Erik Benoit to beat Todosychuk on the wrap around giving the Vees a 2-1 lead at 15:32 Brett Beauvais and Steen Cooper picked up the assists. This was one of if not the worst period of hockey I have seen this season by Vernon as the Vipers showed very little intensity and emotion through out the second period. Vernon needed almost eight minutes to record a shot on goal had just two shots on net in the final twelve minutes of play. The Vipers with very little play in the Penticton zone would get a great chance late with two-three minutes remaining. Michael Statchuk with a nice move in the slot looked to have Hunter Miska beat dished off to another Vernon player (I didnt catch his #) somehow missed the open cage. At the buzzer Brendan Persley and Chris Rygus exchanged words before mixing it up in front of the Vees bench. This drew a bit of a crowd as players from both teams skated over before the little scrum was quickly broken up. Penticton outshot the Vipers 13-2 in the final twelve minutes of play were up 2-1 after 40 minutes of play. This period was ugly off the opening faceoff. The Vipers were outplayed, outworked, outskated, lost almost every draw, every battle for the puck, and were very poor defensively making a ton of defensive mistakes. Vernon gave up several odd man rushes were outshot 20-8.

3rd Period: Former West Kelowna Warriors forward Travis Blanleil with a great chance early to start the 3rd would get a breakaway but couldnt beat Todosychuk who made a nice save keeping this a one goal game. Penticton would get an early powerplay but it was the Vipers with a great chance shorthanded, Michael McNicholas with a parcial breakaway ripped a hard high shot from the circle went high and just missed the far corner. Vernon with a good penalty kill would keep this a one goal game killing off the penalty. The Vipers would finally get their game going after a hard working energy line seemed to generate and create a little spark. The Vipers with a flurry of chances in and around the Penticton goal couldnt get the tying goal. Hunter Miska who had troubles with his rebounds and glove hand played much better as the game went on, especially in the third made three or four quick glove saves off, Michael McNicholas, Demico Hannoun, Matty Saharchuk and Mason Blacklock. Vernon who didnt use the body much stepped up the physical play in the third. The Vees with just four shots in the first half went almost seven or eight minutes without a shot as Vernon carried the edge in play and was over the Penticton for most of the final frame. Give the Vees credit they played very well down low collapsing in and around the net not giving the Vipers any grade A scoring chances. Most of Vernon's shots-opportunities were from outside. Jack Ramsay took a hit along the side wall was favoring his one leg, was able to finish his shift and stay in the game. At the midway mark Demico Hannoun and Travis Blanleil exchanged a few shots as tempers heated up a little as both players headed to the penalty box. Late in the game Brad McClure with a great opportunity to give the Vees a much needed two goal lead was stopped by Danny Todosychuk before stopping Ben Dalpe on the rebound on one of Penticton's very few shots-scoring chances of the period. With time winding down Demico Hannoun would be stopped by the quick glove of Hunter Miska. Penticton would kill off almost a full minute late not allowing Vernon to get Todosychuk to the bench. The Vipers would eventually get the extra man out with just less then a minute to go. With good pressure deep the Vipers couldnt get pucks to the net as the Vees defence did a great job at keeping Vernon to the outside. With seconds remaining Michael McNicholas with a shot from the slot missed the net on a great opportunity as Penticton would hold onto the 2-1 lead for the victory as a crowd gathered deep in the Vees zone at the buzzer as some pushing and shoving occured before both teams were seperated. After being outplayed the entire 2nd period the Vipers come back with a much needed better effort in the third but couldnt get the game tying goal. The Vipers with some good chances didnt get alot of great opportunities played much better in the third outplayed the Vees carrying the play for most of the final twenty minutes. Penticton with a solid defensive third period fully deserved the win. Vernon outshot Penticton 11-4.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Michael McNicholas was the Vipers best and most consistant player tonight. The former Nanaimo Clipper had the better opportunities of any Vipers tonight did have troubles hitting the net. Generated several good chances played very well.

Matty Saharchuk really stepped up his game come the 3rd and played very well in the final twenty minutes. I thought Saharchuk was one of Vernon's better players in the third other then McNicholas. Played with alot of jump, had a ton of energy was going hard to the net, putting pucks on net and laying the body.

Danny Todosychuk (33 saves) Got the start tonight in wich I would have thought Austin Smith would have played. Smith who has recently played the majority of the games for the Vipers looked to have taken over the #1 job was the backup. Give Danny credit, he come into tonight's game hasnt played much latley played very well giving his team a chance to win and kept the Vipers in tonight's game especially in the 2nd period. Todosychuk with several big saves in the second was the difference in this game being 2-1 rather then 5 or 6-1.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

The Vipers played very well in October and November going 12-4-2-1 have struggled in December and now into early January going 6-4-0-0 In the last month the Vipers have had troubles putting teams away after a strong opening period as well as blowen several two goal leads in games where they ended up losing. My biggest concern is inconsistancy. The Vipers have really had troubles the last month playing a full sixty minutes and it showed again tonight. I thought Vernon played very well in the first half of the opening period played one of if not their worst period of the year (2nd period) before bouncing back with a solid 3rd period. The Vipers outplayed Penticton for most of the final frame worked hard, were physical and started skating again couldnt get the game tying goal on some good chances. But where was this effort and performance in the 2nd? A very dissapointing second period for sure.  The Vipers were just bad and need to be better with hosting the RBC Cup this year.  The Vipers need to play physical against a quick fast skating team like Penticton. Vernon who has a bigger club had troubles, especially in the 2nd slowing down the Vees. If Penticton is going to win, make them earn the two points. A bad 2nd period, giving up two goals in sixty three seconds cost the Vipers a win and two points, putting them now eight points back of Penticton and dropping them into 3rd place after a West Kelowna 7-2 win over Coquitlam tonight. A strong surge by the Warriors and some inconsistant play by the Vipers has pushed West Kelowna into second place in the Division. The Vipers are struggling now have just two wins in their last six games. Dylan Chanter and Brett Mulcahy made their Viper debuts tonight. Tonight was a huge test for the Vipers as well as a big game (trying to catch Penticton). Tonight's loss could be the Division as Penticton has a strong eight point lead and will be hard to catch late in the season. The Vipers need to rebound tomorrow night with a full sixty minute game vs a Coquitlam team they lost too earlier this season.

Top Players: (Penticton)

Brett Beauvais (1 assist) Played a very strong game on the Vees blueline. A bigger kid, can handle the puck, likes to jump up into the play, smooth skater gets involved in the rush-play played well at both ends of the rink. Very hard to beat on one one.

Steen Cooper played well up front for Penticton. This kid is quick, reads the ice well and really gets involved in the play. Made some smart plays tonight.

Ben Dalpe played well at times. I thought he was in and around the net at times getting some looks.

Cody Depourcq who plays very well against Vernon over the years made it difficult for the Vipers to slow him down. One of the smaller players can skate, hard to knock off the puck and is always in and around the net.

Erik Benoit (1 goal) Who was recently signed after being cut by the WHL Moose Jaw Warriors played very well. Good with the puck creating a few good chances, scored the game winner.

Chris Rygus played very well on the backend. A steady d-man keeps the game simple, dosnt get too carried away trying to make the big play. Eats alot of minutes and hard to play against.

Patrick Sexton also played very well defensively. A big kid is also hard to beat one on one, good down low and in his own end.

Nic Pierog who was recently aquired from the Surrey Eagles played very well scored the games tying goal on going to the net. A bigger kid can skate and handle the puck well. Really sees and reads the ice well. I thought was very good in the opening frame.

Hunter Miska (30 saves) Had troubles with his rebounds and glove hand early but rebounded well especially in the third. Didnt see much action at all in the 2nd period made several key saves (three or four glove saves) in the 3rd keeping his team in the game and giving them a chance to hold onto the 2-1 lead for the victory.

Brad McClure had a strong game for Penticton and is one of those players that seems to always be at his best vs Vernon.  The Vees captain was very good with and without the puck, hitting the post once, missing the net on a breakaway had several opportunities to score but couldnt find the back of the net.  The Vipers had a hard time defending against McClure most of the net.  Was dangerous with the puck.

Game Thoughts: (Penticton)

Tonight was a huge game for both teams. A win by the Vees and they grab a eight point lead over Vernon. A loss and the Vipers are within four points for the Division lead. I really liked the Vees tonight. Not the biggest team but they have speed and team quickness. This team can move the puck well, break out of their own end in a hurry as well as get back in a hurry with a strong defensive game. The Vees were very good with and without the puck for most of the night. A strong 2nd period as they dominated the entire period were all over Vernon. Penticton won the races, the battle along the boards, outplayed, outhit and outworked the Vipers outshooting them 20-8. Penticton could have put the game away in the 2nd period missing on several opportunities.  Give Penticton credit they capitalized on their chances and took advantage of some defensive breakdowns by the Vipers in the 2nd period scoring twice in just over a minute. The Vees played very well defensively keeping Vernon to the outside, collapsing down low and not giving the Vipers alot of grade A chances. The Vees looked hungry tonight and it showed.  The Vees are very good defensivly, collapse down low, move the puck well and get contribution from all four lines.  A very good hockey team.  The Vees did a great job at shutting down Dexter Dancs and Demico Hannoun.  Penticton has now won three straight over the Vipers and leads the season series 3-1. The Vees played hard and fully earned tonight's win.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Mark Hamilton (Injured)
Michael Povolofskie

Penticton:

Blake Butzow
Josh Blanchard

Energy player of the game:

Jared Wilson

Three Stars:

1st Star: Erik Benoit (1 goal)
2nd Star: Danny Todosychuk (33 saves)
3rd Star: Hunter Miska (30 saves)

For more on tonight's game visit the BCHL boxscore,

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1231451&link=bchl

For more on the Penticton Vees and tonight's game visit Fraser Roger's Penticton Vees blog,

http://pentictonvees.wordpress.com/
                            

Vipers Name Sparrow Assistant Captain:

The Vernon Vipers announced yesterday the team has named four year veteran 20 year old forward Colton Sparrow new Assistant Captain who will take over wearing the "A" from Jason Bird (former Assistant Captain) who was recently traded to Merritt.  In 32 games this season Sparrow has collected (6-goals-13-assists-19-points).

Colton Sparrow's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=59883

Game Preview: Penticton @ Vernon:

Penticton (25-9-2-3) @ Vernon (21-11-3-4) 7pm start

Tonight is the fourth game of seven meetings between the Vipers & Vees.  Penticton leads the season series 2-1.  The Vees won the last meeting 5-2 in Penticton on November 20th 2013   

Last Game:

Saturday, January 4th Vernon defeated Nanaimo 3-2
Sunday, January 5th Penticton defeated Merritt 6-2

Next Game:

Saturday, January 11th Coquitlam @ Vernon
Saturday, January 11th Penticton @ Trail

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 36-28-2-6 vs. Penticton

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Penticton 223-210

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 19-9-1-1 at home vs. Penticton

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 14-15-1-2 in Penticton

Vernon is 1-7-1-1  in their last ten visits to Penticton

Penticton is 4-6-0-0 in their last ten visits to Vernon

The Vipers are 3-5-0-2 in their last ten games vs. Penticton

Vernon's last win at home vs Penticton was a 3-1 victory back on Wednesday, September 25th 2013

Penticton's last win at the Kal Tire Place was a 3-1 victory back on Friday, December 14th 2012

Vernon's last win at the South Okanagan Events Centre was a 2-1 victory back on Friday, November 23rd 2012

Penticton's last win at home vs Vernon was a 5-2 victory back on Wednesday, November 20th 2013

The Vipers went 2-5-0-0 vs Penticton last season

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

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The Vernon Vipers begin a two game home stand this weekend playing their second of three straight at Kal Tire Place host Division leading Penticton.  The Vipers are coming off a 3-2 win over the visiting Nanaimo Clippers Saturday have won two of their last five games and are 6-4-0-0 in their last ten games.  At this point last season the Vipers only had just thirteen wins.  After defeating the Vees in the first matchup of the season Vernon has lost back to back games vs Penticton being outscored 11-7.  The Vipers sit in 2nd place six points back of Penticton are one point up on 3rd place West Kelowna and three points up on 4th place Salmon Arm.  Hosting the Royal Bank Cup the Vipers have been busy tweaking their lineup making two trades in the past week.  Vernon aquired Armstrong product (defenceman) Dylan Chanter from the Merritt Centennials before picking up former Surrey Eagles captain Brett Mulcahy on Monday.        

Michael Mcnicholas (19-34-53) leads the Vipers in goals with nineteen and in points with fifty three.

Vernon Vipers 203-14 Regular Season Stats:

Games Played: 39
Wins: 21
Losses: 11
Ties: 3
Overtime Losses: 4
Home Record: 11-3-3-3
Road Record: 10-8-0-1
Overtime Record: 3-4-3
Record vs Interior Division: 9-6-0-3
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 10-5-2-1
Record in September: 3-3-1-2
Record in October: 6-3-0-1
Record in November: 6-1-2-1
Record in December: 5-3-0-0
Record in January: 1-1-0-0
Goals For: 129
Goals Against: 118
Streak: One game winning streak
Standings: 2nd Place Interior Division

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Mason Blacklock (94)
Dexter Dancs (95)
TJ Dumonceaux (94)
Logan Mick (96)
Brendan Persley (93)
Ryan Renz (93)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Michael Statchuk (94)
Austin Smith (93)
Danny Todosychuk (94)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Liam Board (93)
Brett Corkey (92)
Craig Martin (95)
Bryce Eviston (94)
Jason Bird (93)
Andrew Tegeler (92)
Mitch McAllister (94)
Marc Hetnik (92)
Michael Roberts (95)
Braeden Russell (93)
Geoff Crisfield (93)

Vernon’s home record vs. Penticton this season:

1-0-0-0

Vernon’s road record vs. Penticton this season:

0-1-0-1

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Penticton this season:

Demico Hannoun (0-4-4)
Dexter Dancs (2-1-3)
Riley Guenther (1-1-2)
Matty Saharchuk (0-2-2)
Logan Mick (0-2-2)
Mark Hamilton (1-0-1)
Michael McNicholas (0-1-1)
Mason Blacklock (0-1-1)
Brendan Persley (1-0-1)
Josh Bryan (0-1-1)
Jared Wilson (1-0-1)
TJ Dumonceaux (1-0-1)
Kenny Citron (1-0-1)
Ryan Renz (0-1-1)

Danny Todosychuk (0-1 Record)
Austin Smith (1-1 Record)

Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:

-Vernon has the leagues 16th best powerplay

-The Vipers have the BCHL's 8th best penalty kill

Lets take a look at the Penticton Vees:

The Penticton Vees begin a two game road trip starting tonight in Vernon where they will make their second visit of the season.  The Vees are coming off a 6-2 victory over the visiting Merritt Centennials Sunday sit atop of the Interior Division six points up on the Vipers are tied with Langley for second overall in the league just two points back of league leading Victoria.  The Vees and Powell River have the lowest goals against with just 96.  Penticton has two wins in their last five games and are 7-2-1-0 in their last ten games.  The Vees lead the season series over Vernon 2-1 knocked off the Vipers at home 5-2 back on November 20th.  With the BCHL trade deadline later tonight the Vees were busy recently aquiring Nicholas Pierog from Surrey, Michael Rebry from Coquitlam and signed four year ex-WHLer Erik Benoit.

For more on the Penticton Vees please visit Fraser Rodgers Three Vees blog,

http://pentictonvees.wordpress.com/

Brad McClure (31-27-58) leads the Vees in goals with thirty one and in points with fifty eight.

Penticton Vees 2013-14 Regular Season Stats::

Games Played: 39
Wins:  25
Losses: 9
Ties: 2
Overtime Losses: 3
Home Record: 14-3-0-2
Road Record: 11-6-2-1
Overtime Record: 2-3-2
Record vs Interior Division: 11-5-1-1
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 13-4-1-2
Record in September: 6-2-0-0
Record in October: 5-2-1-1
Record in November: 6-3-0-2
Record in December: 7-2-0-0
Record in January: 1-0-1-0
Goals For: 144
Goals Against: 96
Streak: One game winning streak
Place: 1st Place Interior Division

Penticton Vees Returning Players:

Brad McClure (93)
Cam Amantea (94)
Cody Depourcq (95)
Travis Blanleil (94)

Penticton Vees Departing & traded players from last years team:

Wade Murphy (93)
John Siemer (92)
Ryan Gropp (96)
Brock Balson (93)
Sam Mellor (92)
Troy Stecher (94)
Jedd Soleway (94)
Louie Nanne (94)
Michael Rebry (93)
James De Haas (94)
Sean Flanagan (92)
Bryan Sinz (92)
Jordan McCallum (93)
Thomas Nitsche (92)
Robert Mann (92)
Brayden Park (96)
Nick Renyard (94)
Chad Katunar (93)

Penticton's Home record vs. Vernon this season:

2-0-0-0

Penticton's Road record vs. Vernon this season:

0-1-0-0

Penticton's scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Cody DePourcq (3-3-6)
Max Coatta (4-1-5)
Anthony Conti (1-4-5)
Travis Blanleil (1-3-4)
Brett Beauvais (1-2-3)
Brad McClure (2-1-3)
Josh Blanchard (0-2-2)
Paul Stoykewych (0-2-2)
Ben Dalpe (0-1-1)
Riley Alfred (0-1-1)

Olivier Mantha (1-0 Record)
Hunter Miska (1-1 Record)

-Penticton has the leagues best powerplay

-The Vees have the BCHL's best penalty kill

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon Vipers:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224096

Penticton Vees:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224101

New Viper Chanter Puts Scary Seizure Behind Him:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

New Viper Chanter puts scary seizure behind him

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: January 10, 2014

Armstrong’s Dylan Chanter watched the video a couple of times and then filed the startling imagery in the recesses of his memory bank.

The footage was of him suffering a two-minute seizure on the ice after he was hurt in an Oct. 12 U.S Hockey League fight with Corey Petrash of the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders.

Chanter, then of the Dubuque Fighting Saints, lost his balance and fell backward, hitting his helmetless head on the ice and breaking his collar bone, the convulsions following shortly after.

“It wasn’t as hard for me as it was for my parents and my family,” said Chanter, an 18-year-old defenceman who has since made a full recovery.

“After it happened, I just tried to have a positive spirit about it. It was a freak accident, something that doesn’t happen every day. I was lucky to come out of it OK and I was back in about four weeks.”

The incident made North American headlines and renewed the debate on whether fighting should be a part of hockey. Chanter, who has a handful of BCHL scraps on his resume, believes it still has a place in the sport.

In a Nov. 7 interview with USA Today, Chanter joked that the only lasting effect from the injury was on his Twitter account, which rose by more than 400 followers.

“It was pretty weird, but now that I’m back on the ice it doesn’t bother me too much,” he said.

However, after his return to the Saints’ lineup, Chanter sensed things weren’t working out in Dubuque, where he registered one goal and one assist, along with 21 penalty minutes, in 14 games.

“I want to go to college next year and be ready, and I didn’t feel I was going to be ready if I stayed for the rest of the season there,” said Chanter, who is committed to the NCAA Division 1 New Hampshire Wildcats.

Chanter secured his release from the Saints, and that’s when Vernon Vipers’ head coach/GM Jason Williamson came calling. In order to sign Chanter, Williamson first had to secure his BCHL rights by shipping 20-year-old d-man Jason Bird and future considerations to the Merritt Centennials.

“Dylan’s a big boy, he skates well and he brings all aspects to our game,” said Williamson, who hopes to have Chanter in the lineup tonight as Vernon hosts the Interior-leading Penticton Vees at Kal Tire Place.

The Snakes entertain the Coquitlam Express (18-16-1-3) Saturday night.

“He’s a big, nasty defenceman and he’s one more right shot that we were looking for. He’s probably going to be more of a PK and shutdown guy, but he did score three powerplay goals for Merritt last year so he has that ability.”

Before Dubuque, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Chanter played two full seasons with Merritt, where he posted 11 goals and 33 points. He is all too familiar with the high-octane Vees.

“I had a lot of good matchups with them through my two years in Merritt,” he said. “There’s nothing but excitement for my part. I can’t wait to get out there.”

Chanter attended a prospects camp in Vernon at age 14. He said it is an honour to finally pull on a Viper jersey.

“It’s my hometown team, essentially. It’s been a lifelong thing to play here, and growing up watching them I never thought I would get the chance to. Now I’ve got that chance and I’m going to make the most of it.”

Both the Vees (25-9-2-3) and Vipers (21-11-3-4) have already been active ahead of today’s 8 p.m. BCHL carding deadline (6 p.m. for trades outside the BCHL). In addition to Chanter, Williamson also plucked forward Brett Mulcahy from the Surrey Eagles in exchange for 19-year-old forward Chase McMurphy.

While the deadline for player trades is today, Williamson has until the Feb. 10 roster freeze to use up his one remaining card. With one spot available on his 22-man roster, he could add a free agent without having to ship another player out.

Ideally, Williamson would like to add a veteran forward, possibly from the WHL.

Penticton, meanwhile, added some firepower last weekend with the addition of Eagles’ forward Nicolas Pierog in exchange for forward Anthony Conti and future considerations. Last Friday, Vees’ head coach/GM Fred Harbinson signed WHL free agent Erik Benoit.

“Two teams that are big rivals and have made some huge acquisitions to go head-to-head,” said Williamson. “Penticton’s had a lot of success of late so we’ve got to make sure we’re up for it.”

On Pierog, Harbinson said: “Nic played a big part in stopping us short of repeating as Fred Page Cup champions last spring. The addition of Nic not only adds scoring to our lineup but he also gives us much needed size at the centre position.”

Other BCHL pre-deadline transactions involving Interior teams included: the Salmon Arm SilverBacks sending Mark Whiteley (93) (D) to Coquitlam in exchange for future considerations; Trail Smoke Eaters sending Travis Stephens (93) (F) to the Victoria Grizzlies for future considerations; Smoke Eaters acquired Zane Shartz (94) (F) from the West Kelowna Warriors for Braden Pears (93) (D) and future considerations; West Kelowna Warriors acquired Nathan Craft (94) (F) from the Langley Rivermen for future considerations; Penticton sent Brendan Lamont (94) (F) to Coquitlam for Michael Rebry (93) (F).

Meanwhile, the SilverBacks plucked the KIJHL scoring leader Nick Josephs from Kelowna Chiefs Thursday. Josephs, who attended the Vipers’ main camp, recorded 37-38-75 in just 33 games with the Chiefs.

SNAKE BITES: Ex-Viper Adam Tambellini, who was traded to Surrey at last year’s deadline, has decommitted from the University of North Dakota just 16 games into his freshman year. The 18-year-old forward scored in his WHL debut Wednesday night at the Calgary Hitmen rallied to upend the host Saskatoon Blades 6-4. Calgary acquired Tambellini’s WHL rights earlier that day from the Portland Winterhawks for a first-round pick in the Bantam draft. Tambellini, a New York Rangers draft, had 2-2-4 with UND.

Silverbacks Sign Former Viper Forward Josephs:

The Salmon Arm Silverbacks have signed former Vernon Vipers
tryout forward Nick Josephs. 

Josephs attended the 2012-13 Vernon Vipers Training camp playing in two BCHL pre-season games with the Vipers picking up one goal before being released. Josephs signed with the Nanaimo Clippers but didnt play with the Clippers before joining the AJHL Okotoks Oilers playing in five games before joining the KIJHL Kelowna Chiefs where he would finish the season. In 41 games with the Chiefs last season Josephs collected (33-goals-43-assists-76-points).  In 33 games this season with the Chiefs Josephs has (37-goals-38-assists-75-points).

Nick Josephs Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=145472

This is posted on the Silverbacks website:

Josephs Brings Talents To Shuswap

Thursday, January 9, 2014 - Submitted by Scott Campbell

The Salmon Arm SilverBacks are very excited today to announce the signing of 19 year old Forward Nick Josephs, out of the KIJHL's Kelowna Chiefs.

Josephs, a native of Calgary, joins the SilverBacks while maintaining a seven point lead of the next highest scorer in the entire KIJHL, as the talented Forward has posted 37 goals, and 75 points, in 33 games with the Chiefs this season, one year after recording 76 points as a rookie in the KIJHL.

SilverBacks General Manager, and Head Coach, Troy Mick says added Josephs to the roster provides his squad with added offensive depth "Nick has all the offensive talent that any player could ever want, his numbers in Junior 'B' have been absolutely remarkable, and we've been very happy with his play in the games he's had with us as an affiliate player."

Mick says Josephs will be put in a position to succeed with the 'Backs "We're going to do our best to make sure that he has an appropriate amount of ice-time, so he can be the force that he was with the Chiefs; we're really hoping he can find some chemistry with some of our other talented offensive Forwards.

The 'Backs would like to welcome Nick, and his family, to the SilverBacks organization, as the team pushes towards the Playoffs with less than two months of Regular Season hockey remaining.

This Week In The BCHL – Episode 10

A brand new feature that will run weekly on Ryan Watters website. Watters is the broadcaster for the Okanagan Sun football team as well as Director of broadcasting & media relations with the Kelowna Falcons baseball team as well has worked with the WHL Kelowna Rockets.

This has a similar format and look to the BCHL this Week that runs on the TEAM 1410. Every week Vernon Vipers play by guy Graham Turnbull, West Kelowna Warriors play by play guy Jon Zacks and Penticton Vees play by play man Fraser Rodgers will bring you up to date with whats going on with the three local Okanagan teams.

This is posted on Ryan Watters website:

This Week in the BCHL – Episode 10

January 8th 2014

A detailed look around the Interior Division of the BC Hockey League.   “This Week in the BCHL” is a special presentation of the Okanagan Sports Network and will focus on the West Kelowna Warriors, Vernon Vipers and Penticton Vees on their quest to the RBC Cup.

The Show is hosted by the voice of the Vipers Graham Turnbull and produced by the Okanagan Sports Network

This week on the show, we hear from newly acquired Viper Dylan Chanter, Vees new forward Erik Benoit and West Kelowna Warriors sniper Jordan Masters

http://www.ryanwatters.ca/this-week-in-the-bchl-episode-10/

BCHL Clarifies Stance On Media Access To Information For Roster Deadline:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

BCHL clarifies stance on media access to information for roster deadline

Wednesday, January 8, 2014 - Submitted by BCHL Media

The British Columbia Hockey League examined its media policy from last year regarding media access to information on transactions occurring on the Jan. 10 roster deadline. The league has altered the regulation for this season.

The regulation now reads:

BCHL coaches and general managers will be allowed to discuss the details of any team transaction once all players involved in a given transaction have been notified.

Teams caught in contravention of this regulation are subject to a fine.

Transaction deadlines are as follows:

Jan. 10, 6 p.m. PST - deadline for inter-branch (BCHL to CJHL) transactions

Jan. 10, 8 p.m. PST - deadline for transactions within the BCHL