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-Warriors game as Vernon defeated West Kelowna 3-1 in front of 2,277 fans at Kal Tire Place.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Austin Smith
West Kelowna: Andy Desautels
1st Period: The Vipers would get the games first good opportunity coming just a minute into the opening frame after Colton Sparrow setup Liam Coughlin in front who just missed the net on a close chance from the slot. Vernon would get the games first powerplay, just 2:37 into the contest and get a great chance after Liam Coughlin again in front was stopped by Andy Desautels who made the big right pad save. West Kelowna with a good penalty kill would kill off the remainder of the penalty. Both teams looked a little tenative in the opening few minutes trying to feel one another out, making sure not to make the games first mistake. The Vipers would get another great scoring opportunity eight minutes into the game after Michael McNicholas stole the puck off a Warriors turn over at the West Kelowna blueline, going in for a breakaway was stopped by Desautels who made a huge right pad save on a nice move in close by McNicholas. The Warriors come right back two minutes later with their first scoring chance of the night. Taki Pantziris with a nice long feed setup David Pope coming down the left wing was stopped by Austin Smith who made a big blocker save before making a tough save on the same shift with bodies in and around the net. A few minutes later West Kelowna would get their first powerplay of the night and come very close to opening the scoring after Taki Pantziris point shot was redirected on its way to the net just missed the open cage as Vernon got a bit of a break on that play before TJ Dumonceaux won the race for the loose puck going in shorthanded for the breakaway was stoned by Desautels who stood his ground keeping this game scoreless. West Kelowna with some good puck control was unable to generate much offence as Vernon would kill off the minor. Both teams were evenly matched in the first half before the Vipers took over the edge in play in the second half getting some great chances. Andy Desautels had to be sharp making several big saves keeping his club in the hockey game. Desautels made a big save off Michael McNicholas late in the period. The Vipers with a ton of pressure late, Demico Hannoun was stopped in front with thirty seconds remaining before Desautels made a huge save off Michael McNicholas in the slot in the dying seconds. It was 0-0 after 20 minutes of play. Both teams were evenly matched in the first half, the Vipers couldnt capitalize with two breakaways took over the edge in play in the second half couldnt beat Warriors starting goaltender Andy Desautels who was very solid. Brendan Persley with a very physical period laying out atleast two or three big checks. Vernon outshot West Kelowna 12-10.
2nd Period: Both teams very evenly matched went back and fourth with very little scoring chances before Demico Hannoun with a nice move in close couldnt finish after being stopped by Andy Desautels five minutes into the second frame. Hannoun would get revenge less then five minutes later after once again putting on a clinic with a nice toe drag down low, going around one West Kelowna defender before going upstairs on Desautels giving Vernon a 1-0 lead at 9:39 Michael McNicholas and Jared Wilson with the helpers. The Warriors come close on a few plays in and around the net couldnt seem to buy a break after a pass or a scoring opportunity just missed the net. West Kelowna with their best chance of the period come just past the midway mark after Warriors leading scorer Jason Cotton alone in the slot was stopped by Vipers starting goaltender Austin Smith who just got a peice of it with his glove making a huge save. Smith then made a quick glove save off Seb Lloyd from the high slot with four minutes remaining. Very little scoring chances in the period in a tight checking game at both ends of the rink as both teams were even all the way. The Vipers with a 1-0 lead after 40 minutes of play. Again very little scoring opportunities at both ends of the rink, Demico Hannoun's lone goal was the only goal of the game. West Kelowna outshot Vernon 13-8.
3rd Period: Just a minute into the final frame Demico Hannoun setup former Penticton Vees formward Dexter Dancs in front who just missed the far corner on a close play in the opening minute. Just over a minute later Vernon would get just their second powerplay of the game and capitalize. Jared Wilson with a seeing eye pass hit Mason Blacklock in the skates as the puck went off Blacklocks skates and into the cage giving Vernon a 2-0 lead at 3:31 Wilson with the assist. A few shifts later the Vipers with a great opportunity after some nice three way passing setup Demico Hannoun who couldnt beat Desautels from the slot. Just a few minutes later the Warriors would get just their second powerplay of the game, moving the puck around Austin Smith with a few nice saves and Vernon was able to kill off the minor. Around the halfway mark Dexter Dancs and Michael McNicholas with back to back chances were stopped by the quick glove of Andy Desautels who made back to back glove saves keeping this a two goal game. Just past the midway mark David Pope with a great chance to get the Warriors on the board couldnt beat the quick glove hand of Austin Smith who flashed the leather. Smith had to be sharp as West Kelowna was coming on strong in the second half as the Warriors had the Vipers back on their heels for most of the final ten minutes. Smith was forced to make several key saves keeping the Vipers in the game in the third. West Kelowna would call a timeout and get Andy Desautels to the bench with 1:50 remaining. With good puck possesion the Warriors couldnt get pucks to the net before Demico Hannoun setup Michael McNicholas for the empty netter giving Vernon a 3-0 lead at 19:08 Hannoun and Dexter Dancs collected the helpers. This was the Vipers first shot on net in just over seven minutes. West Kelowna would get a late powerplay and ruin Austin Smith's bid for a second shutout this season after Jason Cotton down low at the side of the net snuck one through the pads of Smith getting the Warriors on the board at 19:39 Adam Plant with the lone assist. The Vipers would kill off the remainder of the clock coming away with the 3-1 victory. Vernon with a big goal on the man advantage early grabbed the all important two goal lead and then hung on for the win after West Kelowna with a strong finish couldnt beat Austin Smith who was very good. The Warriors outshot the Vipers 15-8.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Kenny Citron played a very strong game at both ends of the rink for the Vipers tonight. I thought Citron was one of Vernon's better defencemen tonight. Was very good defensively, making some smart plays through out the game.
Liam Coughlin played very well in the opening period and parts of the second period but didnt stand out nearly as much in the third. Coughlin with a few good scoring opportunities in the opening period sees and reads the ice well and can turn on the wheels when wanting too.
Jared Wilson (2 assists) Played a very strong game on the Vipers blueline collecting two assists. I really liked Wilson's game in Salmon Arm Saturday and again tonight. Wilson looked calm and confident tonight playing very well.
Tyler Povolofskie played with alot of jump and energy tonight, was really hustling all night. Was skating hard, working hard all game.
The line of Michael McNicholas (1 goal & 1 assist), Dexter Dancs (1 assist) & Demico Hannoun (1 goal & 1 assist) was very strong collecting five points. McNicholas with several good chances couldnt buy a goal before scoring the empty netter was very good at both ends of the rink. Dancs was very good along the wall and hard to knock off the puck, made some nice plays to setup both McNicholas and Hannoun through out tonight's game. Hannoun with yet another strong game, this kid has some soft hands and makes his defenders look silly at times. Scored a highlight reel goal to open the scoring. Nice touch at the end of the game to setup McNicholas for the empty netter instead of scoring the goal himself.
Brendan Persley played a very physical game, was another player who brought lots of jump and energy to the game tonight. A real workhorse who never stops competing.
Austin Smith (37 saves) Rumors have been going around for several months now saying the Vipers still need a #1 goaltender. Well Austin Smith proved his cridicts wrong tonight making several key saves in the final period keeping the Vipers in the game. Smith was just twenty one seconds away from his second shutout of the season was very solid between the pipes tonight.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
I thought the Vipers played very well tonight in a big divisional matchup with West Kelowna. The Vipers snapping the Warriors three game winning streak get back into the win column with their 20th win of the season are now five points back of Division leading and League leading Penticton. Vernon with several great chances in the 1st could have easily been up by two or three if not four goals couldnt solve Andy Desautels who kept the Warriors in the contest. In a very close 2nd period with very little scoring opportunities the Vipers would get the games first goal wich was key and held on for the victory. A huge goal to start the third scoring with the man advantage grabbed a two goal lead before holding on for the 3-1 win. Both teams were evenly matched well for most of the game, I thought the Vipers were much more physical, had the better scoring chances in the first period but were back on their heels in the third being outplayed for most of the 3rd. Austin Smith was very good, keeping the Vipers in the game in the final frame. Both goaltenders played very well in a game where there were alot of scouts and former Vipers. Robbie Short, Kevin Kraus, Mark Ferner & Bryce Kakoske. Captain Ryan Renz returned to the lineup after being out with a shoulder injury for sometime now. Nice size crowd for a mid week game. Vernon will finish out 2013 with a tough matchup vs Powell River Saturday.
Top Players: (West Kelowna)
Taki Pantziris played a strong game on the Warriors blueline. One of West Kelowna's better d-men was very good at both ends of the rink. Was very hard to get through, made several nice breakout passes as well as made several smart defensive plays shutting down some Vipers. Really sees and reads the ice well.
The line of Seb Lloyd, Jason Cotton (1 goal) & David Pope was West Kelowna's most dangerous players tonight. All three were very good and created and generated much of the Warriors offence. Pope who can really skate and use his soft hands with several chances played very well up front. Cotton another kid who can skate, find the open lanes and seems to know where the puck is at all times was very good.
Andy Desautels (25 saves) Made several big saves in the opening period keeping this a scoreless game. Desautels with atleast four or five big saves was very solid between the pipes for West Kelowna. Stopped two breakaways in the first, made two or three big saves in the final minute of the opening period was strong through out tonight's game. A bigger kid with a quick glove is always tough to beat and plays well vs Vernon this season.
Game Thoughts: (West Kelowna)
I thought the Warriors played well were outchanced after two periods of play didnt generate alot of offence in the first two periods, pushed back in the third with a strong period getting lots of good looks at Austin Smith and the Vernon goal but couldnt find the back of the net. The Warriors didnt play very physical didnt have that in your face style of hockey tonight like in previous games. I thought they really missed former Warrior Ambrose Firkus who played very well against Vernon, getting under the skin of several Viper players. Not alot of penalties in tonight's game didnt have many if any scrums after the whistle like most Vernon-West Kelowna games. The lack of intensity lacked through out the game at times. Rylan Ferster who is usally pretty vocal behind the Warriors bench was even pretty calm and cool tonight. The Warriors with just one win in their last thirteen games in Vernon. Whats up with the Warriors new third set jerseys? They are going with the Minnesota Wild third set style jersey but the Warriors have no green in their regular home and away jerseys? So whats with the green jerseys?
Scratches:
Vernon:
Mark Hamilton (Injured)
Matty Saharchuk
West Kelowna:
Jordan Masters
Brennan Clark
Connor Bucsis
Mac Ferner
Energy player of the game:
Tyler Povolfskie
Three Stars:
1st Star: Austin Smith (37 saves)
2nd Star: Demico Hannoun (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Jared Wilson (2 assists)
For more on tonight's game visit the BCHL boxscore,
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1231408&link=bchl
For more on tonight's game and the West Kelowna Warriors visit Jon Zacks Warriors blog,
http://thegeneralsreport.wordpress.com/
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Game Preview: West Kelowna @ Vernon:
Tonight is the fourth game of seven meetings between the Vipers & Warriors. Both teams ended up in a 2-2 in the last meeting on November 23rd in Vernon as the season series is tied 1-1-1.
Last Game:
Saturday, December 14th Salmon Arm defeated Vernon 4-2
Sunday, December 15th West Kelowna defeated Powell River 4-1
Next Game:
Saturday, December 21st Powell River @ Vernon
Friday, December 20th West Kelowna @ Penticton
Since the 2006-07 regular seasonVernon is 23-20-3-3 vs. West Kelowna
Since the 2006-07 regular season West Kelowna has outscored Vernon 136-134
Since the 2006-07 regular season Vernon is 14-7-2-2 at home vs. West Kelowna
Since the 2006-07 regular season Vernon is 9-13-1-1 in West Kelowna
The Vipers are 3-6-1-0 in their last ten games vs West Kelowna
The Vipers are 2-7-0-1 in their last ten games at Royal Le Page Place vs West Kelowna
The Vipers are 8-1-1-0 in their last ten games at Kal Tire Place vs West Kelowna
The Warriors have one win in their last twelve games at Kal Tire Place
The Vipers have lost seven straight games at Royal Le Page Place
Vernon's last win at home vs West Kelowna was a 5-3 win on Friday, November 8th 2013
West Kelowna's last regular season victory at Kal Tire Place was a 5-3 win on Saturday, February 9th 2013
Vernon's last win at Royal Le Page Place was a 5-2 win back on Saturday, September 24th 2011
West Kelowna's last win at home vs Vernon was a 5-3 win back on Tuesday, September 17th 2013
The Vipers went 3-4-0-0 last season vs the Warriors
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
The Vernon Vipers return home after 4-2 loss in Salmon Arm Saturday night begin a two game home stand before the Christmas break. The 2nd place Vipers are now seven points back of Division leading and League leading Penticton have lost two of their last three games. Vernon is 6-3-1-0 in their last ten games are unbeaten in their last seven home games. The Vipers are 5-2-0-0 since a 2-2 with West Kelowna back in late November. Vernon with just two regulation losses at home will play five of their next six games at home.
Michael McNicholas (18-30-48) leads the Vipers in goals with eighteen and in points with fourty eight
Vernon Vipers 2013-14 Regular Season Stats:
Games Played: 35
Wins: 19
Losses: 9
Ties: 3
Overtime Losses: 4
Home Record: 9-2-3-3
Road Record: 10-7-0-1
Overtime Record: 3-4-3
Record vs Interior Division: 10-5-1-3
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 9-4-2-1
Goals For: 120
Goals Against: 104
Streak: One game losing streak
Standings: 2nd Place
Vernon Vipers Returning Players:
Jason Bird (93)
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)
Craig Martin (95)
Andrew Tegeler (92)
Mitch McAllister (94)
Marc Hetnik (92)
Michael Roberts (95)
Braeden Russell (93)
Geoff Crisfield (93)
Vernon’s Home record vs. West Kelowna this season:
1-0-1-0
Vernon’s Road record vs. West Kelowna this season:
0-1-0-0
Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. West Kelowna this season:
Michael McNicholas (2-3-5)
Liam Coughlin (1-3-4)
Mason Blacklock (3-0-3)
Josh Bryan (1-2-3)
Dexter Dancs (1-2-3)
Jason Bird (0-1-1)
Jared Wilson (0-1-1)
Ryan Renz (1-0-1)
Demico Hannoun (1-0-1)
Colton Sparrow (0-1-1)
Chase McMurphy (0-1-1)
Austin Smith (0-0-1 Record)
Danny Todosychuk (1-1 Record)
Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:
-Vernon has the leagues 15th best powerplay
-The Vipers have the BCHL's 4th best penalty kill
Lets take a look at the West Kelowna Warriors:
The West Kelowna Warriors are coming off their third straight win with a 4-1 victory over the visiting Powell River Kings Sunday afternoon. The Warriors make their third visit of the season to Kal Tire Place begin a two game road trip tonight. The 4th place Warriors are tied with Merritt are just three points back of 3rd place Salmon Arm and six points back of 2nd place Vernon. West Kelowna has won four of their last five games and are 6-3-1-0 in their last ten games. The Warriors have just three regulation losses away from home are 4-2 since their last meeting with the Vipers, a 2-2 tie back on November 23rd in Vernon. West Kelowna will finish 2013 with three of their next four games on the road.
For more on the Warriors please visit Jon Zacks West Kelowna Warriors blog,
http://thegeneralsreport.wordpress.com/
Jason Cotton (15-18-33) & Jordan Masters (15-16-31) are both tied for the with the Warriors in goals with fifteen while Cotton leads the team in points with thirty three
West Kelowna Warriors 2013-14 Regular Season Stats::
Games Played: 32
Wins: 18
Losses: 11
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 2
Home Record: 9-8-0-0
Road Record: 9-3-1-2
Overtime Record: 0-2-0
Record vs Interior Division: 11-6-1-0
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 7-5-0-2
Goals For: 111
Goals Against: 93
Streak: Three game winning streak
Place: Tied with Merritt for 4th Place
West Kelowna Warriors Returning Players:
Matt Anholt (94)
Brennan Clark (95)
Seb Lloyd (94)
Adam Plant (95)
David Pope (94)
Ben Tegtmeyer (94)
West Kelowna Warriors Departing & traded players from last years team:
Marcus Basara (93)
Max French (92)
Steven Myland (94)
Braxton Bilous (94)
Ambrose Firkus (94)
Josh Monk (92)
Devon Hascarl (93)
Shawn Hochhausen (92)
Mitch Nardi (93)
Brent Lashuk (94)
Reid Simmonds (93)
Brett Zarazun (92)
Matthew Berry-Lamonttagna (93)
Daniel Gayle (92)
Dustin Cave (94)
Tyler Briggs (92)
West Kelowna's Home record vs. Vernon this season:
1-0-0-0
West Kelowna's Road record vs. Vernon this season:
0-1-1-0
West Kelowna's scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:
Carl Hesler (2-3-5)
Seb Lloyd (2-2-4)
Adam Plant (0-2-2)
Jaden Schmeisser (0-2-2)
Ambrose Firkus (1-1-2)
Jordan Masters (2-0-2)
Brett Meaner (1-1-1)
David Pope (1-0-1)
Michael Winnitoy (0-1-1)
Jason Cotton (0-1-1)
Adam Osczevski (1-0-1)
Andy Desautels (1-1-1 Record)
-Warriors Head Coach-GM Rylan Ferster played one season in Vernon (1989-90) with the Centennial Cup Champion Vernon Lakers.
-West Kelowna has the leagues 16th best powerplay
-The Warriors have the BCHL's 16th 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
West Kelowna Warriors:
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224092
SilverBacks Double Vipers:
This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:
SilverBacks double Vipers
Published: December 18, 2013
First place has been crossed off their wish list, but the Vernon Vipers still want to wrap up their pre-Christmas schedule in good spirits.
The Snakes, second in the B.C. Hockey League’s Interior Division at 19-9-3-4, entertain the West Kelowna Warriors (18-11-1-2) tonight at Kal Tire Place, followed by the Powell River Kings (22-7-2-2) Saturday.
Vernon will resume action Friday, Jan. 3 against the host Trail Smoke Eaters.
Rylan Ferster’s Warriors enter tonight’s contest on a high after grounding the Kings 4-1 Sunday.
“They’ve got some firepower up front with (David) Pope, (Seb) Lloyd and (Jason) Cotton and their dee corps has improved a lot,” said Vernon assistant coach Dave Robinson. “It’s going to be a tough one and every division game is important.”
Vernon will look to recover from Saturday’s 4-2 loss to the shorthanded Salmon Arm SilverBacks at the Shaw Centre.
The SilverBacks, with just 16 skaters and head coach Troy Mick away scouting, rallied from two goals down to improve to 18-11-1-5.
“They were playing short, but they came out with a lot of energy and were outworking us,” said Robinson.
The Vipers jumped out to a 2-0 first-period lead on snipes by Liam Coughlin and Demico Hannoun, both with their 11th of the season.
Josh Bryan set up Coughlin’s marker at 3:32 by driving the net on a Vernon powerplay, while Michael McNicholas fed Hannoun during a 3-on-1 with 90 seconds remaining in the period.
Landon Smith jumpstarted the Salmon Arm comeback late in the second period, and then pocketed his league-leading 30th goal on a man advantage early in the third frame.
“He works very hard and he shoots everything,” said Robinson, of Smith.
Smith (30-25-55), a 6-foot, 180-pound native of Denver, is the BCHL co-scoring leader with Penticton’s Brad McLure (28-27-55).
The SilverBacks got the winner and insurance from pair of unlikely scoring heroes in Jeff Kennedy (5th goal) and Bryden Marsh (2nd).
“It was blown coverages in the dee zone,” said Robinson. “You can’t give any player those chances.”
Kennedy’s twin brother, Brendan scrapped the Vipers’ Dexter Dancs, who ran into SilverBacks’ netminder Adam Clark as he crashed the net in the dying seconds.
Meanwhile, the league-leading Penticton Vees will retain the Interior penthouse over the holidays after they bounced the host Victoria Grizzlies 3-2 Sunday at Bear Mountain Arena.
The SilverBacks fell 5-4 in overtime to the Merritt Centennials in a Sunday matinee at Nicola Valley Arena.
SNAKE BITES: Vernon captain Ryan Renz (upper body) is questionable for tonight’s game...Former Viper Michael Roberts drew an assist on Kennedy’s winner...McNicholas is riding an eight-game point streak. The Manhattan Beach, Calif. product has six goals and nine assists over that span, and leads Vernon with 18-30-48 in 35 games...The ‘Backs called up forward Logan Mostat from the KIJHL North Okanagan Knights for Saturday’s game.
SilverBacks double Vipers
Published: December 18, 2013
First place has been crossed off their wish list, but the Vernon Vipers still want to wrap up their pre-Christmas schedule in good spirits.
The Snakes, second in the B.C. Hockey League’s Interior Division at 19-9-3-4, entertain the West Kelowna Warriors (18-11-1-2) tonight at Kal Tire Place, followed by the Powell River Kings (22-7-2-2) Saturday.
Vernon will resume action Friday, Jan. 3 against the host Trail Smoke Eaters.
Rylan Ferster’s Warriors enter tonight’s contest on a high after grounding the Kings 4-1 Sunday.
“They’ve got some firepower up front with (David) Pope, (Seb) Lloyd and (Jason) Cotton and their dee corps has improved a lot,” said Vernon assistant coach Dave Robinson. “It’s going to be a tough one and every division game is important.”
Vernon will look to recover from Saturday’s 4-2 loss to the shorthanded Salmon Arm SilverBacks at the Shaw Centre.
The SilverBacks, with just 16 skaters and head coach Troy Mick away scouting, rallied from two goals down to improve to 18-11-1-5.
“They were playing short, but they came out with a lot of energy and were outworking us,” said Robinson.
The Vipers jumped out to a 2-0 first-period lead on snipes by Liam Coughlin and Demico Hannoun, both with their 11th of the season.
Josh Bryan set up Coughlin’s marker at 3:32 by driving the net on a Vernon powerplay, while Michael McNicholas fed Hannoun during a 3-on-1 with 90 seconds remaining in the period.
Landon Smith jumpstarted the Salmon Arm comeback late in the second period, and then pocketed his league-leading 30th goal on a man advantage early in the third frame.
“He works very hard and he shoots everything,” said Robinson, of Smith.
Smith (30-25-55), a 6-foot, 180-pound native of Denver, is the BCHL co-scoring leader with Penticton’s Brad McLure (28-27-55).
The SilverBacks got the winner and insurance from pair of unlikely scoring heroes in Jeff Kennedy (5th goal) and Bryden Marsh (2nd).
“It was blown coverages in the dee zone,” said Robinson. “You can’t give any player those chances.”
Kennedy’s twin brother, Brendan scrapped the Vipers’ Dexter Dancs, who ran into SilverBacks’ netminder Adam Clark as he crashed the net in the dying seconds.
Meanwhile, the league-leading Penticton Vees will retain the Interior penthouse over the holidays after they bounced the host Victoria Grizzlies 3-2 Sunday at Bear Mountain Arena.
The SilverBacks fell 5-4 in overtime to the Merritt Centennials in a Sunday matinee at Nicola Valley Arena.
SNAKE BITES: Vernon captain Ryan Renz (upper body) is questionable for tonight’s game...Former Viper Michael Roberts drew an assist on Kennedy’s winner...McNicholas is riding an eight-game point streak. The Manhattan Beach, Calif. product has six goals and nine assists over that span, and leads Vernon with 18-30-48 in 35 games...The ‘Backs called up forward Logan Mostat from the KIJHL North Okanagan Knights for Saturday’s game.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Monarchs Sign Former Viper Ullrich To Professional Tryout:
The American Hockey League (AHL) Manchester Monarchs havesigned former Vernon Vipers forward-captain Mike Ullrich to a professional tryout agreement. 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.
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 Monarchs website:
Monarchs Sign Burt, Ullrich
Posted by: Joe Levandosky
November 19, 2013
Manchester Monarchs Press Release
Manchester, NH – The Manchester Monarchs, the primary affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings, have signed defenseman Cameron Burt and center Mike Ullrich to professional tryout agreements, Monarchs Director of Hockey Operations Hubie McDonough announced today.
Burt, 26, collected nine points (2-79) and 10 penalty minutes in 14 games with the ECHL’s Ontario Reign this season. His nine points rank third on the Reign and lead the team’s defensemen. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound native of Detroit, Michigan, led Reign defensemen with 38 points (2-3638) during the 2012-13 season. A 2012 graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology, Burt recorded 138 points (43-95138) and 186 penalty minutes in 147 games from 2008-12.
Ullrich, 27, registered 14 points (4-1014) and seven penalty minutes in 14 games with the ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears this season. The 6-foot-2, 198-pound native of Banff, Alberta, split the 2012-13 season between the Central Hockey League’s Tulsa Oilers and the ECHL’s Trenton Titans. Ullrich collected 29 points (15-1429) and 26 penalty minutes in 26 games with the Titans, and 19 points (7-1219) and 36 penalty minutes in 29 games with the Oilers.
This is posted on the Solar Bears website:
SOLAR BEARS AND MARLIES SWAP GOALTENDERS
Gibson and Sparks Switch Places, Ullrich Loaned to Manchester
November 19th 2013
Orlando, FL - The Orlando Solar Bears, proud affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild and Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL's Iowa Wild and Toronto Marlies, announced today that G Christopher Gibson has been recalled the the American Hockey League's Toronto Marlies while G Garret Sparks has been assigned to Orlando from the Marlies. In a separate transaction, F Mike Ullrich has been loaned to the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL.
Sparks (6-3, 205 lbs.) was drafted in the seventh round, #190 overall, by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. He has played four games for the Marlies this season, posting a 0-3-0 record with a 4.10 GAA and .848 save percentage. He made his professional debut last season with the Marlies, going 2-0-1 with a 2.53 GAA and .895 save percentage. He spent his amateur days playing three seasons (2010-13) in the OHL with the Guelph Storm where he had a 2.97 GAA and .909 save percentage to go along with a 71-48-9 record. The Elmhurst, IL, native also won a gold medal with Team USA in the World Junior Championships Under-20 Division in 2012-13. (Photo Credit: TSGphoto.com)
Gibson has played seven games for Orlando this season, posting a 2-4-0 record with a 2.70 GAA and .901 save percentage. He earned his first professional win over the Gwinnett Gladiators on October 27.
Ullrich makes his first trip to the AHL after playing in 150 professional games in the ECHL and CHL (Central Hockey League). This season with the Solar Bears, Ullrich has 14 points on four goals and 10 assists in 14 games, tying him for the team lead. He has averaged nearly a point-per-game in his professional career with 137 points on 57 goals and 80 assists with Pensacola, Tulsa, South Carolina, Trenton, and Orlando.
Surge Sign Former Vernon Viper Elser:
Elser played with four teams last season. Starting the 2012-13 season with the Southern Professional League's (SPHL) Fayetteville FireAntz playing in 22 games collecting (9-8-17) before being waived on March 5th 2013. While playing with the FireAntz Elser was called up to the East Coast Hockey League's (ECHL) Gwinnett Gladiators signing a one game contract on January, 15th 2013 before returning to Fayetteville after playing just one game. Elser then signed with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) South Carolina Stingrays on February, 6th 2013 before being released on February, 27th 2013. In seven games with the Stingrays Elser collected (1-1-2). Elser then signed with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Elmira Jackals on March 6th 2013 before being released on March 22nd 2013. In four games with the Jackals Elser had just one assist.
The Vipers scouted Elser who was 18 at the time, at the U.S. Midget championships in Buffalo. Elser attended the 2008-2009 Vipers training camp making the Vipers opening day roster before being traded on September, 12th 2008 to the AJHL Drayton Valley Thunder for future considerations (cash) and a player to be named next year. In two games with the Vipers Elser collected one assist. Rumor was Elser didnt report to the Thunder and his rights were given back to Vernon. On August, 7th 2009 the Vipers traded Elser and future considerations to Victoria for Jonathan Milhouse.
Brian Elser's Player Profile:
http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=47131
Monday, December 16, 2013
Former Viper Volpatti & The Washington Capitals Perform Christmas Jingle:
http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/washington-capitals-2013-holiday-card
Volpatti is in his second season with the Capitals after playing parts of two and a half seasons with the Vancouver Canucks. The Canucks signed Volpatti as a free agent on March 22, 2010. Volpatti was claimed off waivers by the Capitals on February 28th 2013. Volpatti played three seasons in Vernon (2003-2006) In 137 regular season games with the Vipers Volpatti collected (13-goals-24-assists-37-points).
Aaron Volpatti's Player Profile:
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=76574
Flyers Aquire Former Vipers Defenceman Eviston:
The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) Philadelphia Flyers Elite have aquired former Vernon Vipers defenceman Bryce Eviston. Eviston entering his second season in Vernon was traded to Coquitlam on September 4th 2013 for future considerations before the Express turned around trading Eviston on the same day to the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) Brooks Bandits. Eviston played one season in Vernon (2012-13) playing in 50 regular season games with the Vipers Eviston collected (1-goal-3-assists-4-points). Eviston played one game in the (2011-12) season as an "AP" with the Vipers.Bryce Eviston's Player Profile:
http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=93835
This was posted on the AJHL website:
04-Sep-13 Brooks trades Gordy Defiel to Coquitlam (BCHL) in exchange for Daniel Urbani, Garrett Forster and Bryce Eviston.
After playing in seven games with the Bandits (3 assists) Eviston was traded on October 5th 2013 to the MHL Dieppe Commandos.
This was posted on the AJHL website:
05-Oct-13 Brooks trades Garrett Forster and Bryce Eviston to Dieppe (MHL) in exchange for future considerations.
On the same day the Commonados sent Eviston to the SJHL Flin Flon Bombers. Eviston never played with the Bombers landing in Philadelphia. No official press release from either the team or the league but it was posted on the SJ Journal blog. In 18 games this season with Philadelphia Eviston has (1-goal-3-assists-4-points).
This was posted on the SJ Journal Blog:
Eviston headed south
10.10.13
by Taylor Rocca
The Flin Flon Bombers will be without the services of defenceman Bryce Eviston, following his acquisition from the Dieppe Commandos Oct. 5. Bombers head coach/general manager Mike Reagan confirmed the 19-year-old blueliner is headed south of the 49th parallel to continue his hockey career.
Eviston was acquired by the Bombers in the trade that sent forward Justin Rasmussen to Dieppe of the Maritime League Oct. 5. He had been playing for the AJHL’s Brooks Bandits before being moved to Dieppe Oct. 5 and subsequently flipped to Flin Flon the same day.
In seven games, the 5-foot-10 defenceman had posted three assists and eight PIMs.
Reagan confirmed the team has received compensation for Eviston not reporting, but did not disclose exactly what compensation was received.
The Bombers will be back in action Friday night when they host the Weyburn Red Wings.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
This Week In The BCHL – Episode 7
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 7
December 13th 2013
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 talk to Vees forward Jack Ramsey, Vipers defenseman Riley Guenther and Warriors’ goaltender Andy Desautels
http://www.ryanwatters.ca/this-week-in-the-bchl-episode-7/
Vipers Ride Powerplay To 6-3 Over Trail:
Vipers ride powerplay to 6-3 over Trail
By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star
Published: December 15, 2013
With goals in five of the last six outings, the Vernon Vipers’ powerplay is finally starting to become a factor in B.C. Hockey League games.
The Snakes went 3-for-4 on the man advantage Friday night as they torched the struggling Trail Smoke Eaters 6-3 in front of 1,675 teddy bear-wielding fans at Kal Tire Place.
Colton Sparrow brought on a deluge of stuffed animals for the KISS FM Santa’s Toy Fund as he banked Vernon’s first goal, his sixth, on a feed from third star Mason Blacklock, who spotted him lurking in the high slot at 6:54 of the first period.
Demico Hannoun (10th goal) started the powerplay parade when he redirected Jared Wilson’s slap pass from the point past former North Okanagan Knights’ netminder Dustin Nikkel (38 saves).
“The first seven or eight minutes was indicative of how it was going to be throughout,” said Vipers’ associate coach Kris Mallette. “We came out just flying.
“Things were clicking for us, but we got away from it at times.”
First star Dexter Dancs (15th, 16th) jumpstarted a two-goal, one-fight night by collecting a Jason Bird stretch pass to get behind the Smoke Eaters’ defence and beat Nikkel with a deft toe-drag chip.
Dancs turned Nikkel inside out after taking yet another heads-up feed from Bird to go in on another partial breakaway.
“He hit me up the middle and I had a little step on the d-man and made a move on the goalie. Both were from Bird; great passes,” said Dancs, who finished the night with a late third-period scrap with Bryan Basilico.
Dancs, a North Vancouver product, said it was important to get on Trail early and establish a hard tempo.
“They’re in a bit of a skid right now, but they can win any game so we’ve got to prepare just like we do for any other team.
“We weren’t happy with how we ended it with their two goals, but it was a good effort overall.”
Mallette, who coached Nikkel last season with North Okanagan, felt for his old keeper.
“That’s been the story of his year for him. The goals we scored were pretty nice goals, and that’s been the case every time he’s played against us.
“I know what he’s capable of. He wouldn’t be in this league as a 20-year-old rookie if he couldn’t play. You feel bad for him, but it can be a cruel game and we got the two points.”
Blacklock (16th), who earned third star after missing the last 16 games to injury, and Michael McNicholas (18th) each scored on the man advantage to round out Vernon’s scoring.
“Blackie’s been itching for sure,” said Mallette. “He’s been skating with us for three weeks, but it just wasn’t right. It’s good on him to be honest with himself and take his time.”
Answering with third-period goals for the Smokies were Scott Davidson (4th), Jake Kauppila (8th) and Travis Stephens (10th, powerplay).
Danny Todosychuk finished with 20 saves for his 10th win.
The Vipers, second in the Interior Division at 19-8-3-4, visited the 17-11-1-4 Salmon Arm SilverBacks Saturday night at the Shaw Centre.
The Smoke Eaters (7-25-2-1) have lost nine straight and are tied for last overall in the BCHL.
Lumby defenceman Dylan Bowen was traded to Trail on Nov. 13 from Merritt. With a new head coach (Nick Deschenes) and several players choosing not to report after being dealt to the Smokies, he said it is vital for the team to find ways to remain upbeat.
“We’re doing some stuff right, we just have to figure out some things that aren’t 100 per cent there,” said Bowen, who has been impressed by Deschenes.
“Coming here I was a bit bummed, but seeing the direction where Nick wants to go, it can only go up. He’s really hands-on, always showing us new stuff.”
Regarding Vernon, Bowen added: “You’ve got to key on certain players who can put the puck in the net with ease. You give them a little break and they’re going to score.”
Mallette praised the effort of his energy forwards TJ Dumonceaux, Tyler Povelofskie and Matty Saharchuk.
“Everybody’s contributing in the right way,” said Mallette.
Povelofskie took a hard slash from Trail’s Dylan Mascarin in front of the players’ benches in the first period, which resulted in a major and ejection for the Mascarin.
Povelofskie then battled Trail’s Sheldon Brett in a spirited all-rookie tilt early in the third period.
Meanwhile, the Penticton Vees recorded their sixth consecutive win as they stuffed the Chilliwack Chiefs 6-3 Friday night at Prospera Centre.
The Vees are first in the Interior, three points up on Vernon at 22-7-1-3, with a game in hand.
The Penticton Vees scored three goals in 2:29 in the second period as they grounded the Chiefs before 1,650 fans at Prospera Centre.
The Vees went on the goal spree just after Jake Hand and Carter Cochrane had tied the game for the Chiefs. Ben Dalpe, Steen Cooper and Mitch Newsome recorded the snipes.
Travis Blanleil, Jack Ramsey and Max Croatta also scored for Penticton, while Andeww Silard pocketed the other Chilliwack goal.
Olivier Mantha turned away 36 shots for the win.
Gerry Fitzgerald finished a natural hat trick before the Powell River Kings got on the board and it was all the Victoria Grizzlies needed in a 5-1 win before 950 fans at Bear Mountain Arena. It was the Grizzlies’ second straight win under new head coach Craig Didmon.
A flawless effort from goalie Andy Desautels and second-period goals from Jordan Masters and Matt Anholt gave the West Kelowna Warriors a 2-0 win over the Merritt Centennials in front of 925 fans at Royal LePage Place.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Salmon Arm 4 Vernon 2
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-Silverbacks game as Salmon Arm defeated Vernon 4-2 in front of 964 fans at the Shaw Centre.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Austin Smith
Salmon Arm: Adam Clark
1st Period: The Vipers got off to another quick start, as this seems to be a bit of trend for the team this season. Just fifteen seconds into the opening period Mason Blacklock was alone in front but missed the net from the slot on a great chance to open the scoring. Vernon would get the games first powerplay just 3:10 into the period and capitalize. Josh Bryan setup Liam Coughlin in front who beat Adam Clark with a nice shot giving the Vipers an early 1-0 lead at 3:32 Bryan & Mason Blacklock with the assists. The Vipers with three powerplay goals last night and one again tonight seem to be improving with the man advantage. The Vipers with a good start were outshooting Salmon Arm 3-0 early as the Backs needed almost five minutes to record their first shot of the night. Salmon Arm would get their first powerplay just minutes after the Vipers powerplay goal but a good penalty kill by the Vipers would kill off the Silverbacks man advantage. Vernon carried a slight edge in play in the first half would get their second powerplay of the night just past the midway mark and get three great opportunities to grab a two goal lead. Liam Coughlin with two back to back chances in close was stopped by Adam Clark who made two back to back pad saves before Demico Hannoun with a highlight reel move down low went around his defender before beating Clark but hit the post as Vernon with some good chances couldnt capitalize. The Silverbacks come back in the second half with some better jump getting back into the game. Not alot of chances at both ends of the rink as the play went back and fourth was fairly even in the last ten minutes. Vernon Product Alex Gillies with a wicked low slapper from the high slot forced Austin Smith to kick out the left pad making a big save with three and a half minutes to go before making another big save off Salmon Arm leading scorer Landon Smith who come down the left wing getting a high snap shot off up high on Smith who was forced to make a tough shoulder save just a minute or so after the Gillies save as the Backs started to come on late with some good pressure. Late in the period the Vipers capitalized on a Silverbacks turnover coming in on a three on one. Michael McNicholas setup Demico Hannoun who beat Clark in close glove hand giving Vernon a 2-0 lead at 18:30 McNicholas and Dexter Dancs collected the helpers. After the goal Dancs and Vernon product Alex Jewell got tangled up knocking the net over before pushing and shoving behind the Backs goal as both players were sent to the penalty box. The Vipers were up 2-0 after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers got off to a quick start, scored early capitalizing on the games first powerplay. Vernon had a slight edge in play in the first half as both teams were fairly even in the second half. Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 11-8.
2nd Period: The Silverbacks down 2-0 on home ice come out fired up to start the second period with a good charge. The Vipers back on their heels quit skating got caught hemmend in their own end early as Salmon Arm with a good strong forecheck was deep in and ontop of the Vipers working them down low before Vernon would take an early penalty just over a minute into the second frame giving the Silverbacks their second man advantage. Vipers starting goaltender Austin Smith went post to post to come across the crease robbing former Vernon Vipers forward Michael Roberts at the doorstep making a huge right pad save. The Vipers defence with a smart heads up play made the quick transition feeding Dexter Dancs who went in shorthanded one on one got around his man before almost catching Silverbacks starting goaltender Adam Clark to commit out of his goal Dancs went around Clark, around the net before coming very close to beating Clark on the wrap around but the Salmon Arm goaltender recovered to get back into his crease making a huge save shorthanded. Clark looked a little shaken up on the play but was fine and stayed in the game. Vernon with a good penalty kill would kill off the penalty. The Backs looked hungry and kept pushing with a good attack carrying the better of the play for atleast the first seven or eight minutes. The Vipers finally got their legs going and come back with a good push of their own as Jason Bird with a low shot through traffic forced Adam Clark to make a tough pad save with bodies in front. Vernon now the team with the momentum and edge in play started to buzz in and around the Salmon Arm net. Demico Hannoun setup Dexter Dancs going to the net couldnt hit the net firing just wide on a great chance from in close. Just before the midway mark Austin Smith got lucky after firing the loose puck up the middle hitting Alex Gillies who was able to knock the puck down, get a rebound and a quick shot on goal as Smith was able to recover making the blocker save. Just past the halfway mark Mitchell Ferguson was tossed from the contest after hitting Brendan Persley from behind. Persley was a little slow to get up but stayed in the game. Vernon struggled with the man advantage couldnt capitalize. This period saw both teams taking over in play as the momentum seemed to go back and fourth making for an entertaining period. Just as the penalty expired Salmon Arm would get a shot with the powerplay, Austin Smith made a big save off Landon Smith with traffic in front as Vernon was able to kill off the minor. The Backs started to pull away and come on strong to finish the period. Salmon Arm with a good push late had several chances were coming close before Landon Smith with a high shot from just outside the circle found the top corner through a crowd in front cutting the Viper lead to one at 16:59 as the teddy bears hit the ice on Salmon Arm's teddy bear toss night. Alex Gillies and Taylor Maruya with the helpers. The Silverbacks with a great start to the second ended the period with a strong finish were down 2-1 after 40 minutes of play. Salmon Arm come out ready to go come the start of the 2nd and took it too the Vipers early and often as the Backs outplayed Vernon for atleast the first seven to eight minutes before the Vipers come back carrying the edge in play for atleast five or so minutes. Both teams battled hard in a one goal game. Shots were even 13-13.
3rd Period: Just like the 2nd period Salmon Arm come out charging and again for the second straight period the Vipers were caught standing around and it cost them. Vernon not skating was forced into taking another early penalty to start the period. It didnt take long before Landon Smith beat Smith tying the game 2-2 at 3:57 Cole McCaskill and Taylor Maruya with the assists. Less then a minute later the Vipers would get an early powerplay and have a great opportunity to take the lead after Demico Hannoun setup Mason Blacklock at the side of the goal but Adam Clark went post to post come across the creast to rob Blacklock at the side of the net. The Vipers with good pressure couldnt get pucks to the net as the Silverbacks were either blocking shots or collapsing to the front of the net as nothing was getting through. Salmon Arm with a very good penalty kill would kill off the minor. Less then a minute later Salmon Arm would capitalize on some missed coverage by the Vipers and take the first lead of the night. Michael Roberts with a nive feed setup Jeff Kennedy on a parcial breakaway put a nice move around Austin Smith giving the Silverbacks a 3-2 lead at 7:04 Roberts & Alex Jewell with the assists. Jason Williamson was very upset really giving it to the third line that was on the ice. Chase McMurphy didnt see a shift after the Backs third goal and Kenny Citron didnt see a shift the entire period. This goal really looked to deject the Vipers as Vernon couldnt get much going in the first seven to eight minutes as the Backs controlled the play. Two good chances, two goals. The Vipers seemed to finally get their legs moving in the second half but once again couldnt get pucks through as the Backs defence was large in the third getting in the shooting lanes, blocking lots of shots and not allowing anything to get through to the front of the net. The Vipers having all kinds of trouble getting shots on net. And with time winding down the Vipers defence was starting to jump up into the play, looking for the tying goal wich resulted in two back to back two on ones for Salmon Arm forcing Austin Smith to make two big saves keeping his club in the game and then made another big save off a third odd man rush as time was a factor for the Vipers at this point. The Silverbacks would put the game away late after Salmon Arm product Bryden Marsh ripped a hard shot from the circle beat Smith top corner at 17:30 giving the Backs a 4-2 lead. Alex Jewell and Jeff Kennedy with the helpers. Vernon with some pressure late waited until the final minute to get Smith to the bench for the extra attacker and then called a timeout with just seventeen seconds remaining. In the dying seconds Dexter Dancs started chripping with Brendan Kennedy before getting Kennedy to drop the gloves. At the same time Jared Wilson was egging on several Salmon Arm players with just two seconds remaining. The referee would wind down the clock to end the game as Salmon Arm knocked off the Vipers 4-2. Again another slow start for the second straight period. Taking an early powerplay allowed the Backs to tie the game before shortly after not being able to capitalize with the man advantage let Salmon Arm take the first lead of the night. The Vipers just couldnt must much offence in the third, having troubles getting pucks to the net. Vernon with a late push couldnt hold off Salmon Arm in the end. The Silverbacks outshot Vernon 15-9. The Backs lead the season series 3-2.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Jared Wilson I thought played one of his better games as a Viper this season. Wilson was very good defensively looked good on the man advantage. Played very steady through out tonight's game.
The line of Demico Hannoun (1 goal), Dexter Dancs (1 assist) and Michael McNicholas (1 assist) played well and created-generated most of the Vipers offence tonight. Dencs worked really hard didnt get alot of chances but had his best shorthanded in the 2nd coming very close to giving Vernon a 3-0 lead. Hannoun is a treat to watch, every game I see this kid pull off moves that blow me away. Was very hard to knock off the puck tonight, made a few nice moves tonight.
Liam Coughlin started off very good but didnt finish as strong. Coughlin was very good in the first two periods.
Austin Smith (35 saves) Didnt have to make alot of big saves but made several key saves in the first two periods to keep the Vipers up by two. I dont think you can blame the goaltender on any of the four goals. Played well.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
Up until the third period this was a very good hockey game. & Im not just saying this because the Vipers had a 2-0 lead at one point. I thought the Vipers got off to quick start, played well for most of the first two periods but got off to a slow start in the third and couldnt recover giving up three third period goals. In both the 2nd and 3rd periods the Vipers got off to a slow start, took an early penalty in both periods and quit skating. Vernon didnt have their legs moving and were burned because of it. Salmon Arm come out with a strong charge to start the 2nd period and I dont think the Vipers were ready for it. Im not sure if they thought they had this one in the bag with a 2-0 lead but they took their foot off the gas. Vernon needed that third goal either when they were up by two or up 2-1 going into the 3rd and just couldnt find the back of the net. The Vipers were standing still, not skating to start the third and it cost them giving up two early goals. David Robinson said it on the post game show and hes right, the Vipers are a very good-hard to play against team when they play a full sixty minutes but that hasnt happened much this season. Blowing a two goal lead is very dissapointing especially to hear Penticton knocked off Cowichan Valley tonight 5-1 to grab a five point lead over the Vipers in the standings.
Top Players: (Salmon Arm)
Jeff Kennedy I didnt really notice much in the first and second periods but come to play in the 3rd. Played a very strong third period picking up a goal and an assist.
The line of Landon Smith (2 goals), Alex Gillies (1 assist) & Taylor Maruya (2 assists) was by far the Backs best unit going tonight. This line was very good-dangerous and hard to defend. Alex Gillies has played very well against his home team all season. Smith is very creative and dangerous with and without the puck. I also really like Taylor Maruya. Has also played very well against Vernon this season.
Alex Jewell (2 assists) Played very well against his hometown team. Was very good with and without the puck, a good skater.
Bryden Marsh (1 goal) Played very good for Salmon Arm. Was really skating hard all night, hard to defend against and good down low.
Adam Clark (28 saves) Didnt get off to the start he wanted, giving up two goals on just six Vernon shots. But seemed to settle down as the game went on and played very well between the pipes the remainder of the game.
Game Thoughts: (Salmon Arm)
I didnt think Salmon Arm got off to the start they wanted but give them credit they didnt quit. Ive said this several times already but they come out ready to roll in the 2nd and 3rd periods giving the Vipers a good run scoring four unanswered goals for the 4-2 victory. A strong 2nd and 3rd periods pushed the Backs for the win. Salmon Arm with lots of jump and energy in the 2nd and 3rd didnt quit, they battled hard, come with a strong forecheck, pushed the Vipers back on their heels a bit, winning the battles and races. Vernon looked tired in the 3rd as the Backs speed and skill took over on numerous occasions getting atleast three maybe four odd man rushes, really moving the puck well, keeping Vernon and their speed and skill away from the puck as much as possible. Give credit to the Backs for keeping the Vipers to the outside, collapsing down low making it hard for the Vipers to get anything towards the net. Salmon Arm also did a great job at getting in the shooting lanes, blocking alot of shots. The Silverbacks were also very good on the draw, winning alot of the faceoffs tonight. This was a big Divisional game and the Silverbacks seemed to want it more then the Vipers with a hard fought come from behind win.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Mark Hamilton (Injured)
Ryan Renz (Injured)
Salmon Arm:
Max Becker
Connor Brown-Maloski
Thomas Plese
Brett Fagerheim
Evan Anderson
Troy Mick
Energy player of the game:
Jeff Kennedy
Three Stars:
1st Star: Landon Smith (2 goals)
2nd Star: Adam Clark (28 saves)
3rd Star: Dexter Dancs (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=1231397&link=bchl
I was at tonight's Vipers-Silverbacks game as Salmon Arm defeated Vernon 4-2 in front of 964 fans at the Shaw Centre.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Austin Smith
Salmon Arm: Adam Clark
1st Period: The Vipers got off to another quick start, as this seems to be a bit of trend for the team this season. Just fifteen seconds into the opening period Mason Blacklock was alone in front but missed the net from the slot on a great chance to open the scoring. Vernon would get the games first powerplay just 3:10 into the period and capitalize. Josh Bryan setup Liam Coughlin in front who beat Adam Clark with a nice shot giving the Vipers an early 1-0 lead at 3:32 Bryan & Mason Blacklock with the assists. The Vipers with three powerplay goals last night and one again tonight seem to be improving with the man advantage. The Vipers with a good start were outshooting Salmon Arm 3-0 early as the Backs needed almost five minutes to record their first shot of the night. Salmon Arm would get their first powerplay just minutes after the Vipers powerplay goal but a good penalty kill by the Vipers would kill off the Silverbacks man advantage. Vernon carried a slight edge in play in the first half would get their second powerplay of the night just past the midway mark and get three great opportunities to grab a two goal lead. Liam Coughlin with two back to back chances in close was stopped by Adam Clark who made two back to back pad saves before Demico Hannoun with a highlight reel move down low went around his defender before beating Clark but hit the post as Vernon with some good chances couldnt capitalize. The Silverbacks come back in the second half with some better jump getting back into the game. Not alot of chances at both ends of the rink as the play went back and fourth was fairly even in the last ten minutes. Vernon Product Alex Gillies with a wicked low slapper from the high slot forced Austin Smith to kick out the left pad making a big save with three and a half minutes to go before making another big save off Salmon Arm leading scorer Landon Smith who come down the left wing getting a high snap shot off up high on Smith who was forced to make a tough shoulder save just a minute or so after the Gillies save as the Backs started to come on late with some good pressure. Late in the period the Vipers capitalized on a Silverbacks turnover coming in on a three on one. Michael McNicholas setup Demico Hannoun who beat Clark in close glove hand giving Vernon a 2-0 lead at 18:30 McNicholas and Dexter Dancs collected the helpers. After the goal Dancs and Vernon product Alex Jewell got tangled up knocking the net over before pushing and shoving behind the Backs goal as both players were sent to the penalty box. The Vipers were up 2-0 after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers got off to a quick start, scored early capitalizing on the games first powerplay. Vernon had a slight edge in play in the first half as both teams were fairly even in the second half. Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 11-8.
2nd Period: The Silverbacks down 2-0 on home ice come out fired up to start the second period with a good charge. The Vipers back on their heels quit skating got caught hemmend in their own end early as Salmon Arm with a good strong forecheck was deep in and ontop of the Vipers working them down low before Vernon would take an early penalty just over a minute into the second frame giving the Silverbacks their second man advantage. Vipers starting goaltender Austin Smith went post to post to come across the crease robbing former Vernon Vipers forward Michael Roberts at the doorstep making a huge right pad save. The Vipers defence with a smart heads up play made the quick transition feeding Dexter Dancs who went in shorthanded one on one got around his man before almost catching Silverbacks starting goaltender Adam Clark to commit out of his goal Dancs went around Clark, around the net before coming very close to beating Clark on the wrap around but the Salmon Arm goaltender recovered to get back into his crease making a huge save shorthanded. Clark looked a little shaken up on the play but was fine and stayed in the game. Vernon with a good penalty kill would kill off the penalty. The Backs looked hungry and kept pushing with a good attack carrying the better of the play for atleast the first seven or eight minutes. The Vipers finally got their legs going and come back with a good push of their own as Jason Bird with a low shot through traffic forced Adam Clark to make a tough pad save with bodies in front. Vernon now the team with the momentum and edge in play started to buzz in and around the Salmon Arm net. Demico Hannoun setup Dexter Dancs going to the net couldnt hit the net firing just wide on a great chance from in close. Just before the midway mark Austin Smith got lucky after firing the loose puck up the middle hitting Alex Gillies who was able to knock the puck down, get a rebound and a quick shot on goal as Smith was able to recover making the blocker save. Just past the halfway mark Mitchell Ferguson was tossed from the contest after hitting Brendan Persley from behind. Persley was a little slow to get up but stayed in the game. Vernon struggled with the man advantage couldnt capitalize. This period saw both teams taking over in play as the momentum seemed to go back and fourth making for an entertaining period. Just as the penalty expired Salmon Arm would get a shot with the powerplay, Austin Smith made a big save off Landon Smith with traffic in front as Vernon was able to kill off the minor. The Backs started to pull away and come on strong to finish the period. Salmon Arm with a good push late had several chances were coming close before Landon Smith with a high shot from just outside the circle found the top corner through a crowd in front cutting the Viper lead to one at 16:59 as the teddy bears hit the ice on Salmon Arm's teddy bear toss night. Alex Gillies and Taylor Maruya with the helpers. The Silverbacks with a great start to the second ended the period with a strong finish were down 2-1 after 40 minutes of play. Salmon Arm come out ready to go come the start of the 2nd and took it too the Vipers early and often as the Backs outplayed Vernon for atleast the first seven to eight minutes before the Vipers come back carrying the edge in play for atleast five or so minutes. Both teams battled hard in a one goal game. Shots were even 13-13.
3rd Period: Just like the 2nd period Salmon Arm come out charging and again for the second straight period the Vipers were caught standing around and it cost them. Vernon not skating was forced into taking another early penalty to start the period. It didnt take long before Landon Smith beat Smith tying the game 2-2 at 3:57 Cole McCaskill and Taylor Maruya with the assists. Less then a minute later the Vipers would get an early powerplay and have a great opportunity to take the lead after Demico Hannoun setup Mason Blacklock at the side of the goal but Adam Clark went post to post come across the creast to rob Blacklock at the side of the net. The Vipers with good pressure couldnt get pucks to the net as the Silverbacks were either blocking shots or collapsing to the front of the net as nothing was getting through. Salmon Arm with a very good penalty kill would kill off the minor. Less then a minute later Salmon Arm would capitalize on some missed coverage by the Vipers and take the first lead of the night. Michael Roberts with a nive feed setup Jeff Kennedy on a parcial breakaway put a nice move around Austin Smith giving the Silverbacks a 3-2 lead at 7:04 Roberts & Alex Jewell with the assists. Jason Williamson was very upset really giving it to the third line that was on the ice. Chase McMurphy didnt see a shift after the Backs third goal and Kenny Citron didnt see a shift the entire period. This goal really looked to deject the Vipers as Vernon couldnt get much going in the first seven to eight minutes as the Backs controlled the play. Two good chances, two goals. The Vipers seemed to finally get their legs moving in the second half but once again couldnt get pucks through as the Backs defence was large in the third getting in the shooting lanes, blocking lots of shots and not allowing anything to get through to the front of the net. The Vipers having all kinds of trouble getting shots on net. And with time winding down the Vipers defence was starting to jump up into the play, looking for the tying goal wich resulted in two back to back two on ones for Salmon Arm forcing Austin Smith to make two big saves keeping his club in the game and then made another big save off a third odd man rush as time was a factor for the Vipers at this point. The Silverbacks would put the game away late after Salmon Arm product Bryden Marsh ripped a hard shot from the circle beat Smith top corner at 17:30 giving the Backs a 4-2 lead. Alex Jewell and Jeff Kennedy with the helpers. Vernon with some pressure late waited until the final minute to get Smith to the bench for the extra attacker and then called a timeout with just seventeen seconds remaining. In the dying seconds Dexter Dancs started chripping with Brendan Kennedy before getting Kennedy to drop the gloves. At the same time Jared Wilson was egging on several Salmon Arm players with just two seconds remaining. The referee would wind down the clock to end the game as Salmon Arm knocked off the Vipers 4-2. Again another slow start for the second straight period. Taking an early powerplay allowed the Backs to tie the game before shortly after not being able to capitalize with the man advantage let Salmon Arm take the first lead of the night. The Vipers just couldnt must much offence in the third, having troubles getting pucks to the net. Vernon with a late push couldnt hold off Salmon Arm in the end. The Silverbacks outshot Vernon 15-9. The Backs lead the season series 3-2.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Jared Wilson I thought played one of his better games as a Viper this season. Wilson was very good defensively looked good on the man advantage. Played very steady through out tonight's game.
The line of Demico Hannoun (1 goal), Dexter Dancs (1 assist) and Michael McNicholas (1 assist) played well and created-generated most of the Vipers offence tonight. Dencs worked really hard didnt get alot of chances but had his best shorthanded in the 2nd coming very close to giving Vernon a 3-0 lead. Hannoun is a treat to watch, every game I see this kid pull off moves that blow me away. Was very hard to knock off the puck tonight, made a few nice moves tonight.
Liam Coughlin started off very good but didnt finish as strong. Coughlin was very good in the first two periods.
Austin Smith (35 saves) Didnt have to make alot of big saves but made several key saves in the first two periods to keep the Vipers up by two. I dont think you can blame the goaltender on any of the four goals. Played well.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
Up until the third period this was a very good hockey game. & Im not just saying this because the Vipers had a 2-0 lead at one point. I thought the Vipers got off to quick start, played well for most of the first two periods but got off to a slow start in the third and couldnt recover giving up three third period goals. In both the 2nd and 3rd periods the Vipers got off to a slow start, took an early penalty in both periods and quit skating. Vernon didnt have their legs moving and were burned because of it. Salmon Arm come out with a strong charge to start the 2nd period and I dont think the Vipers were ready for it. Im not sure if they thought they had this one in the bag with a 2-0 lead but they took their foot off the gas. Vernon needed that third goal either when they were up by two or up 2-1 going into the 3rd and just couldnt find the back of the net. The Vipers were standing still, not skating to start the third and it cost them giving up two early goals. David Robinson said it on the post game show and hes right, the Vipers are a very good-hard to play against team when they play a full sixty minutes but that hasnt happened much this season. Blowing a two goal lead is very dissapointing especially to hear Penticton knocked off Cowichan Valley tonight 5-1 to grab a five point lead over the Vipers in the standings.
Top Players: (Salmon Arm)
Jeff Kennedy I didnt really notice much in the first and second periods but come to play in the 3rd. Played a very strong third period picking up a goal and an assist.
The line of Landon Smith (2 goals), Alex Gillies (1 assist) & Taylor Maruya (2 assists) was by far the Backs best unit going tonight. This line was very good-dangerous and hard to defend. Alex Gillies has played very well against his home team all season. Smith is very creative and dangerous with and without the puck. I also really like Taylor Maruya. Has also played very well against Vernon this season.
Alex Jewell (2 assists) Played very well against his hometown team. Was very good with and without the puck, a good skater.
Bryden Marsh (1 goal) Played very good for Salmon Arm. Was really skating hard all night, hard to defend against and good down low.
Adam Clark (28 saves) Didnt get off to the start he wanted, giving up two goals on just six Vernon shots. But seemed to settle down as the game went on and played very well between the pipes the remainder of the game.
Game Thoughts: (Salmon Arm)
I didnt think Salmon Arm got off to the start they wanted but give them credit they didnt quit. Ive said this several times already but they come out ready to roll in the 2nd and 3rd periods giving the Vipers a good run scoring four unanswered goals for the 4-2 victory. A strong 2nd and 3rd periods pushed the Backs for the win. Salmon Arm with lots of jump and energy in the 2nd and 3rd didnt quit, they battled hard, come with a strong forecheck, pushed the Vipers back on their heels a bit, winning the battles and races. Vernon looked tired in the 3rd as the Backs speed and skill took over on numerous occasions getting atleast three maybe four odd man rushes, really moving the puck well, keeping Vernon and their speed and skill away from the puck as much as possible. Give credit to the Backs for keeping the Vipers to the outside, collapsing down low making it hard for the Vipers to get anything towards the net. Salmon Arm also did a great job at getting in the shooting lanes, blocking alot of shots. The Silverbacks were also very good on the draw, winning alot of the faceoffs tonight. This was a big Divisional game and the Silverbacks seemed to want it more then the Vipers with a hard fought come from behind win.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Mark Hamilton (Injured)
Ryan Renz (Injured)
Salmon Arm:
Max Becker
Connor Brown-Maloski
Thomas Plese
Brett Fagerheim
Evan Anderson
Troy Mick
Energy player of the game:
Jeff Kennedy
Three Stars:
1st Star: Landon Smith (2 goals)
2nd Star: Adam Clark (28 saves)
3rd Star: Dexter Dancs (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=1231397&link=bchl
Game Preview: Vernon @ Salmon Arm:
Tonight is the fifth game of seven meetings between the Vipers & Silverbacks. The season series is tied 2-2. The Vipers won the last meeting between these two teams with a 2-1 win on November 1st in Vernon. 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, December 13th Vernon defeated Trail 6-3
Tuesday, December 10th Salmon Arm defeated Trail 5-2
Next Game:
Wednesday, December 18th West Kelowna @ Vernon
Sunday, December 15th Salmon Arm @ Merritt
Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 43-29-3-10 vs. Salmon Arm
Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Salmon Arm 293-282
Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 17-13-0-6 at home vs. Salmon Arm
Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 20-13-2-5 in Salmon Arm
Vernon is 4-4-0-2 in its last 10 regular season visits at the Shaw Centre
Vernon is 4-2-0-4 in its last 10 regular season games vs Salmon Arm at home
Vernon is 2-4-0-4 in its last 10 regular season games vs. Salmon Arm
The Vipers last regular season win at home vs Salmon Arm was a 2-1 victory on Friday, November 1st 2013
The Silverbacks last regular season win at Kal Tire Place was a 6-5 overtime victory on Saturday, September 14th 2013
The Vipers last regular season win at the Shaw Centre was a 3-2 victory on Saturday, October 5th 2013
The Silverbacks last regular season win at the Shaw Centre vs Vernon was a 6-1 win back on Friday, September 13th 2013
The Vipers went 1-2-0-3 vs Salmon Arm 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
The Vernon Vipers make their third visit of the season to the Shaw Centre are coming off a 6-3 victory over the visiting Trail Smoke Eaters last night. The Vipers have won four of their last five games and are 7-2-1-0 in their last ten games. Vernon has recorded atleast a point in thirteen of their last fifteen games. The Vipers have won four of their last six road games play five of their next seven games at home. Since a 2-1 win over Salmon Arm on November 1st the Vipers have gone 9-2-2-1 The Vipers sit in 2nd place three points back of Penticton and six points up on Salmon Arm.
Michael McNicholas (18-29-47) leads the Vipers in goals with eighteen and in points with fourty seven.
Vernon Vipers 203-14 Regular Season Stats:
Games Played: 34
Wins: 19
Losses: 8
Ties: 3
Overtime Losses: 4
Home Record: 9-2-3-3
Road Record: 10-6-0-1
Overtime Record: 3-4-3
Goals For: 118
Goals Against: 100
Streak: One game winning streak
Standings: 2nd Place
Vernon Vipers Returning Players:
Jason Bird (93)
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)
Mitch McAllister (94)
Marc Hetnik (92)
Michael Roberts (95)
Braeden Russell (93)
Geoff Crisfield (93)
Vernon’s Home record vs. Salmon Arm this season:
1-0-0-1
Vernon’s Road record vs. Salmon Arm this season:
1-1-0-0
Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Salmon Arm this season:
Dexter Dancs (1-6-7)
Michael McNicholas (2-4-6)
Mason Blacklock (1-3-4)
Jason Bird (1-1-2)
Jared Wilson (0-2-2)
Mark Hamilton (1-1-2)
Demico Hannoun (0-2-2)
Matty Saharchuk (1-0-1)
Josh Bryan (1-0-1)
Logan Mick (1-0-1)
Colton Sparrow (0-1-1)
Liam Coughlin (1-0-1)
Danny Todosychuk (2-1 Record)
Austin Smith (0-1 Record)
Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:
-Vernon has the leagues 14th best powerplay
-The Vipers have the BCHL's 4th best penalty kill
Lets take a look at the Salmon Arm Silverbacks:
The Salmon Arm Silverbacks host the Vernon Vipers on the Silverbacks teddy bear toss night. Salmon Arm is coming off a 5-2 win in Trail Tuesday has won four of their last five games and are 5-3-0-2 in their last ten games. The Backs are 2-2 vs Vernon after winning the first two games of the season between the two teams sit in 3rd place six points back of Vernon and two points up on West Kelowna. Since a 2-1 loss in Vernon on November 1st the Backs have gone 7-4-0-3 Salmon Arm has four Vernon kids on the Silverbacks. The Silverbacks have won three of their last five home games.
Landon Smith (27-25-52) leads the Silverbacks in goals with twenty seven and in points with fifty two.
Salmon Arm Silverbacks 2013-14 Regular Season Stats:
Games Played: 33
Wins: 17
Losses: 11
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 4
Home Record: 10-5-0-2
Road Record: 7-6-1-2
Overtime Record: 1-4-1
Goals For: 115
Goals Against: 100
Streak: One game winning streak
Standings: 3rd Place
Salmon Arm Silverbacks Returning Players:
Evan Anderson (94)
Blake Box (93)
Brett Fagerheim (94)
Mitchell Ferguson (94)
Alex Gillies (95)
Alex Jewell (94)
Riley Hunt (95)
Brendan Kennedy (94)
Jeff Kennedy (94)
Bryden Marsh (94)
Adam Clark (93)
Angus Redman (95)
Former Vernon Lakers forward and Vernon Vipers Assistant Coach, Head Coach & GM Troy Mick is the Silverbacks new Head Coach-GM & Part Owner.
Former Vernon Vipers captain Kevin Kraus is the Silverbacks new Assistant Coach this season
Former Vernon Vipers Head scout Larry Black is the Silverbacks new Assistant GM & Director of player personnel
Michael Roberts played for the Vipers (2012-13) before being traded to Surrey in the off season
Riley Hunt played for the Vipers (2011-12) before being traded to Salmon Arm last season
Salmon Arm Silverbacks Departing & traded players from last years team:
Shane Hanna (94)
Harlon Orr (95)
Steven Iacobellis (93)
Brandon Mistal (92)
Jordan Levesque (95)
Brayden Sherbinin (93)
Josh Bowes (94)
Ryan Schwalbe (94)
Carter Lukenda (93)
Anthony Croston (94)
Spencer Loverock (95)
Salmon Arm’s Home record vs. Vernon this season:
1-1-0-0
Salmon Arm’s Road record vs. Vernon this season:
1-1-0-0
Salmon Arm’s scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:
Alex Gillies (6-0-6)
Landon Smith (0-4-4)
Thomas Plese (1-2-3)
Colton Thibault (2-1-3)
Taylor Maruya (1-2-3)
Evan Anderson (1-2-3)
Andrew Farny (0-2-2)
Mitchell Ferguson (0-2-2)
Jeff Kennedy (1-1-2)
Blake Box (0-1-1)
Connor Brown-Maloski (1-0-1)
Jack Berezan (1-0-1)
Max Becker (0-1-1)
Angus Redmond (2-0 Record)
Adam Clark (0-2 Record)
Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:
-Salmon Arm has the BCHL's 6th best powerplay
-The Silverbacks have the league's 8th 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
Salmon Arm Silverbacks:
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224097
Friday, December 13, 2013
Vernon 6 Trail 3
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 BCHL game as Vernon defeated Trail 6-3 in front of 1,675 fans at Kal Tire Place.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Danny Todosychuk
Trail: Dustin Nikkel
Before tonight's game former Vipers captain Lennie Rampone awarded forward Dexter Dancs with the Vipers player of the month award for November.
1st Period: Mason Blacklock returned to the Vipers lineup after missing the last sixteen games with an injury and got the games first opportunity of the night just twenty one seconds into the game. Liam Coughlin setup Blacklock in front who was stopped by Dustin Nikkel. The Vipers come ready to play getting atleast two or three good looks from the point, getting some long shots from the backend with bodies in front were outshooting the Smokies 4-1 early. Trail come right back just a few minutes into the period. Scott Davidson on an odd man rush kept and fired but was stopped by Danny Todosychuk who gave up a big rebound with no Smoke Eater players around for the loose puck. Vernon didnt take long before opening the scoring after Mason Blacklock setup Vernon product Colton Sparrow in front who beat Dustin Nikkel fivehole giving the Vipers a 1-0 lead at 6:54 as the teddy bears hit the ice on Kiss FM teddy bear toss night. Blacklock and Liam Coughlin picked up the helpers as a minor delay in the game to help collect and pick up all the bears off the ice. Vernon carried the better of the play for most of the 1st. Demico Hannoun with a nice slick move went inside-outside went through two Trail defencemen couldnt beat Nikkel in close who just got a peice of it. The Vipers would get the games first powerplay just past the halfway mark and capitalize. Jared Wilson with a nice pass setup Demico Hannoun giving Vernon a 2-0 lead at 12:10 Wilson and Michael McNicholas collected the assists. Less then two minutes later Dylan Mascarin with a wicked two handed slash on a Vernon player forced Josh Bryan to come across the ice taking Mascarin into the Trail bench as the Smokies door was open as everyone was no getting involved. Even both benches were trying to get their fare if shots in as players from both benches were exchanging words and sticks. Things could have got alot worse and out of hand but once everything was all settled Mascarin was tossed from the game and given five minutes for slashing. Demico Hannoun and Bryan Basilico were both given ten minute misconducts. Josh Bryan was given a two minute penalty. After two minutes of four on four the Vipers wound up with a five minute powerplay (three minutes remaining). But it was the Smoke Eaters who would get the best chance after Jared Wilson got tangled up with two Smokies Dylan Bowen stole the loose puck going in for the shorthanded breakaway but was stopped by Danny Todosychuk who made a big pad save with about three and a half minutes to go in the opening frame. While still on the powerplay Vernon would take a penalty as both teams would go back to four on four before the Vipers were left with a very shortened powerplay with just seconds remaining. Trail down two goals would get lucky and excape giving up no goals on the five minute major. The Smokies come on late in the final minute to minute and a half getting some good pressure before Scott Davidson with his second opportunity of the night was once again stopped by Todosychuk in the final minute. The Vipers were up 2-0 after 20 minutes of play. I thought Vernon carried most of the play, dominated the period scoring twice getting several good chances. The Smoke Eaters with very little puck possesion did get three good chances but couldnt capitalize. Vernon outshot Trail 10-6.
2nd Period: Both teams got off to a bit of a slow start as neither team could get much of anything going. The play was very scrambly on and off in the opening few minutes. Trail slowly started to come on as the Vipers got sloppy in their own end making several mistakes turning over the puck. Vernon quit skating and were standing still watching the Smoke Eaters skate-win the battle for the puck. Trail with good possesion and pressure deep in the Vipers zone couldnt generate much offence. The Smokies best opportunity came after some hard work down low, Trail setup Braden Pears who jumped up into the play but was stoned by Vipers starting goaltender Danny Todosychuk who made a big save at the side of the net. Trail would get their second powerplay of the night. With good puck control the Smokies had troubles getting the pucks to the net as Vernon was able to easily kill off the minor. The Smoke Eaters with a good attack in the first half just couldnt muster any offence outplayed Vernon in the first ten minutes before Jason Bird with a long stretch pass found Dexter Dancs who wheeled in and around his man went hard to the net put a nice move in close beat Smokies starting goaltender Dustin Nikkel on a highlight reel goal gave Vernon a 3-0 lead at 12:09 Bird and Michael Statchuk picked up the helpers. This goal seemed to turn the tables a little as the Vipers seemed to gain a little confidence and momentum back. Demico Hannoun with a highlight reel drive beat Nikkel in tight but hit the post. Later Logan Mick got inbehind the Trail defence for a parcial breakaway couldnt beat the former Salmon Arm Silverback goaltender in close. The Vipers with just three shots in the first eight or so minutes starting skating and getting back to their game in the second half coming on strong to finish the middle frame. Late in the period Trail would get their second powerplay of the period after Colton Sparrow would take a penalty and pick up a ten minute misconduct on the play but a strong penalty kill by Vernon would kill off the minor. Mason Blacklock with a great chance in close in the dying seconds was stopped by Dustin Nikkel with just four seconds to go. The Vipers with a 3-0 lead after 40 minutes of play. Both teams struggled early before Trail got their game going and took it to Vernon early and often as the Vipers quit skating, got caught making several sloppy mistakes in their own end were outplayed the first half of the period but come back with a strong push in the second half scoring once, getting some good chances played much better in the final ten minutes. Vernon outshot Trail 11-9.
3rd Period: Just 2:20 into the final frame Tyler Povolofskie dropped the gloves with Sheldon Brett. Just over two minutes later Jason Bird with a nice play to avoid being checked made a smart heads up play to get out of his own end before setting up Dexter Dancs with a long stretch pass as Dancs with a nice move in close scored his second of the game giving Vernon a 4-0 lead at 4:27 Bird with the lone assist. Off the next faceoff Liam Coughlin setup Dexter Dancs at the side of the net for a great chance for the hat-trick but Dancs just missed the goal. But just thirty three seconds later Scott Davidson found the back of the net getting Trail on the board at 5:01 Sean Davies and Braden Pears collected the assists. Davidson's shot looked like a slow floater going through the air went up and over Danny Todosychuk. On the next shift the Smoke Eaters would get an early powerplay but once again couldnt capitalize with the man advantage. The Vipers played a much better third after a sloppy second carried the play for most of the period. Trail playing most of the period in their own end couldnt slow down the Viper attack as Vernon with several chances. Just past the midway mark Trail would get into penalty trouble and the Vipers would make the Smokies pay. Moving the puck around Riley Guenther setup Mason Blacklock down low who sniped a quick low snap shot that beat Dustin Nikkel giving Vernon a 5-1 lead at 11:44 Guenther and Josh Bryan with the helpers. Less then three minutes later Demico Hannoun setup Michael McNicholas on the powerplay giving Vernon a 6-1 lead and in full control of the game. Hannoun and Jason Bird picked up the assists. On the next shift Trail would get a late powerplay and capitalize. Nathan Browne's point shot was redirected by Travis Stephens in front cutting the lead to four. Browne and Jake Kauppila with the helpers. Just over a minute later Jake Kauppila was able to walk around the net and tuck one home past Todosychuk making it 6-3 Vernon at 17:28 on a defensive letdown by the Vipers. Jesse Knowler and Nathan Browne with the asissts. The Vipers figured the game was over as Vernon quit skating allowing the Smokies to walk all over them getting several shots as the Vipers were having troubles clearing the zone in the final few minutes. Dustin Nikkel took a puck to the mask and was shaken up on the play but stayed in the game. Late in the game Dexter Dancs dropped the gloves with Bryan Basilico as both players were tossed from the game. The Smoke Eaters would get a late powerplay in the final minute but the Vipers were able to kill off the penalty coming away with a 6-3 victory. Other then the final few minutes when the game was long but over Vernon dominated the play and was all over the Smokies as most of the play was deep in the Trail zone. The Vipers third and fourth lines seeing alot of icetime was firing anything and everything on Dustin Nikkel. Vernon outshot Trail 23-8. The Vipers lead the season series 4-0.
Top Players: (Vernon)
The line of Dexter Dancs (2 goals), Mason Blacklock (1 goal & 1 assist) & Liam Coughlin (1 assist) was very good tonight. This line was dangerous most of the night, creating and generating opportunities most of the night. Dancs who was named the Vipers player of the month for November prior to tonight's game scored twice and was in a scrap worked hard all night. Blacklock who returned to the Vipers lineup after being out with a long term injury didnt look out of place was involved in the play all game looked very good. Coughlin with one helper really sees the ice well, made several nice plays for goals or scoring chances. This kid when wanting too can really turn on the jets and move, very quick when he gets them wheels going.
The fourth line of Logan Mick, Tyler Povolofskie and Matty Saharchuk played very well this evening. TJ Dumonceaux was added into this line in the 3rd when the Vipers started juggling the lines around. This fourth line plays with alot of energy, plays physical and keeps the other team on their toes. Mick played a strong game getting a few good chances was going hard to the net most of the night.
Josh Bryan (1 assist) Played very well on the Vipers blueline.
Demico Hannoun (1 goal & 1 assist) Played a very strong game up front for Vernon. I really enjoy watching this kid play, hes a real treat to watch. The fellow in front of me said a few games ago Hannoun is the most skilled player Vernon has had here in the last twenty years. Hannoun with some highlight reel moves tonight could have had two or three goals.
Jason Bird (3 assists) Played a very strong game on the backend. Bird made atleast one maybe two mistakes before recovering coming back hard to make up for his mistakes made a nice defensive play at the other end. Two very nice long stretch passes for goals tonight as well. Was in the zone most of the night, when on his game is a very solid-steady d-man. Im still puzzled as to why Coquitlam released him last season.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
The Vipers got off to a quick start and looked very good early and often outplaying the Smokies for most of the first period were up 2-0. Vernon with several good chances in the first didnt start the second period as they would have liked. Sitting back, quit skating made several sloppy mistakes in their own end were lucky Trail didnt capitalize and get back into the hockey game. The Vipers seemed to get back to their game jumping out to a three goal lead looked much better in the second half. In the third it was all Vernon until the final few minutes. The Vipers with twenty three shots in the final frame outplayed and dominated the Smoke Eaters. Nice to see the powerplay clicking scoring three times. I also thought the Vipers penalty kill was very good as it has been most of the season. Nice to also see Brendan Persley and Mason Blacklock return to the lineup. This was a must win tonight, these are games that are hard to get up for but even worse if you dont come away with the two points. The Vipers have some key Interior Division opponents here in the next week and need to start to distance themselves from the rest of the teams below them in the standings. The Vipers are now unbeten in their last seven home games have a big Divisional game in Salmon Arm tomorrow night.
Top Players: (Trail)
Braden Pears (1 assist) Always seems to play hard for the Smokies played a strong game on the blueline tonight. A veteran kid is very steady on the backend game in and game out.
Scott Davidson (1 goal) Was by far the Smokies best player this evening. Davidson with atleast three scoring chances tonight got the Smokies on the board early to start the third. Played hard most of the night, didnt back down and used his body to get through and to the net.
Game Thoughts: (Trail)
The Smoke Eaters dropped their ninth straight game have just two wins in their last twenty one games. Trail coming off a hard fought 3-2 loss in Penticton didnt get off to the start they wanted. Going down by two on the road having to battle back vs one of the top teams is tough especially when you only have seven wins on the season. I thought Trail was outplayed and outskilled in periods one and three did finally get going in the 2nd but couldnt get any offence going. The Smokies with very little puck possesion all night struggled with the man advantage as specialty teams went to the Vipers. Sure the Smokies were down 2-0 in the 1st but Trail did have atleast three good opportunities to get on the board or even get back into the game. A goal here or a goal there and its a different game. The Smoke Eaters struggled to get pucks on goal and struggled offensively had troubles containing the Vipers speed and skill most of the night. I thought Trail gave Vernon a much better run two weekends ago when they also lost 6-3 to the Vipers. This was a different hockey club I saw tonight compared to that afternoon game here two Sundays ago.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Kenny Citron
Mark Hamilton (Injured)
Ryan Renz (Injured)
Trail:
Adam Wheeldon
Energy player of the game:
Tyler Povolofskie
Three Stars:
1st Star: Dexter Dancs (2 goals)
2nd Star: Mason Blacklock (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Jason Bird (3 assists)
For more on tonight's game visit the BCHL boxscore,
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1231391&link=bchl
For more on tonight's game and the Trail Smoke Eaters visit Josh Hoffman's Smoke Eaters blog,
http://trailsmokies.blogspot.ca/
I was at tonight's BCHL game as Vernon defeated Trail 6-3 in front of 1,675 fans at Kal Tire Place.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Danny Todosychuk
Trail: Dustin Nikkel
Before tonight's game former Vipers captain Lennie Rampone awarded forward Dexter Dancs with the Vipers player of the month award for November.
1st Period: Mason Blacklock returned to the Vipers lineup after missing the last sixteen games with an injury and got the games first opportunity of the night just twenty one seconds into the game. Liam Coughlin setup Blacklock in front who was stopped by Dustin Nikkel. The Vipers come ready to play getting atleast two or three good looks from the point, getting some long shots from the backend with bodies in front were outshooting the Smokies 4-1 early. Trail come right back just a few minutes into the period. Scott Davidson on an odd man rush kept and fired but was stopped by Danny Todosychuk who gave up a big rebound with no Smoke Eater players around for the loose puck. Vernon didnt take long before opening the scoring after Mason Blacklock setup Vernon product Colton Sparrow in front who beat Dustin Nikkel fivehole giving the Vipers a 1-0 lead at 6:54 as the teddy bears hit the ice on Kiss FM teddy bear toss night. Blacklock and Liam Coughlin picked up the helpers as a minor delay in the game to help collect and pick up all the bears off the ice. Vernon carried the better of the play for most of the 1st. Demico Hannoun with a nice slick move went inside-outside went through two Trail defencemen couldnt beat Nikkel in close who just got a peice of it. The Vipers would get the games first powerplay just past the halfway mark and capitalize. Jared Wilson with a nice pass setup Demico Hannoun giving Vernon a 2-0 lead at 12:10 Wilson and Michael McNicholas collected the assists. Less then two minutes later Dylan Mascarin with a wicked two handed slash on a Vernon player forced Josh Bryan to come across the ice taking Mascarin into the Trail bench as the Smokies door was open as everyone was no getting involved. Even both benches were trying to get their fare if shots in as players from both benches were exchanging words and sticks. Things could have got alot worse and out of hand but once everything was all settled Mascarin was tossed from the game and given five minutes for slashing. Demico Hannoun and Bryan Basilico were both given ten minute misconducts. Josh Bryan was given a two minute penalty. After two minutes of four on four the Vipers wound up with a five minute powerplay (three minutes remaining). But it was the Smoke Eaters who would get the best chance after Jared Wilson got tangled up with two Smokies Dylan Bowen stole the loose puck going in for the shorthanded breakaway but was stopped by Danny Todosychuk who made a big pad save with about three and a half minutes to go in the opening frame. While still on the powerplay Vernon would take a penalty as both teams would go back to four on four before the Vipers were left with a very shortened powerplay with just seconds remaining. Trail down two goals would get lucky and excape giving up no goals on the five minute major. The Smokies come on late in the final minute to minute and a half getting some good pressure before Scott Davidson with his second opportunity of the night was once again stopped by Todosychuk in the final minute. The Vipers were up 2-0 after 20 minutes of play. I thought Vernon carried most of the play, dominated the period scoring twice getting several good chances. The Smoke Eaters with very little puck possesion did get three good chances but couldnt capitalize. Vernon outshot Trail 10-6.
2nd Period: Both teams got off to a bit of a slow start as neither team could get much of anything going. The play was very scrambly on and off in the opening few minutes. Trail slowly started to come on as the Vipers got sloppy in their own end making several mistakes turning over the puck. Vernon quit skating and were standing still watching the Smoke Eaters skate-win the battle for the puck. Trail with good possesion and pressure deep in the Vipers zone couldnt generate much offence. The Smokies best opportunity came after some hard work down low, Trail setup Braden Pears who jumped up into the play but was stoned by Vipers starting goaltender Danny Todosychuk who made a big save at the side of the net. Trail would get their second powerplay of the night. With good puck control the Smokies had troubles getting the pucks to the net as Vernon was able to easily kill off the minor. The Smoke Eaters with a good attack in the first half just couldnt muster any offence outplayed Vernon in the first ten minutes before Jason Bird with a long stretch pass found Dexter Dancs who wheeled in and around his man went hard to the net put a nice move in close beat Smokies starting goaltender Dustin Nikkel on a highlight reel goal gave Vernon a 3-0 lead at 12:09 Bird and Michael Statchuk picked up the helpers. This goal seemed to turn the tables a little as the Vipers seemed to gain a little confidence and momentum back. Demico Hannoun with a highlight reel drive beat Nikkel in tight but hit the post. Later Logan Mick got inbehind the Trail defence for a parcial breakaway couldnt beat the former Salmon Arm Silverback goaltender in close. The Vipers with just three shots in the first eight or so minutes starting skating and getting back to their game in the second half coming on strong to finish the middle frame. Late in the period Trail would get their second powerplay of the period after Colton Sparrow would take a penalty and pick up a ten minute misconduct on the play but a strong penalty kill by Vernon would kill off the minor. Mason Blacklock with a great chance in close in the dying seconds was stopped by Dustin Nikkel with just four seconds to go. The Vipers with a 3-0 lead after 40 minutes of play. Both teams struggled early before Trail got their game going and took it to Vernon early and often as the Vipers quit skating, got caught making several sloppy mistakes in their own end were outplayed the first half of the period but come back with a strong push in the second half scoring once, getting some good chances played much better in the final ten minutes. Vernon outshot Trail 11-9.
3rd Period: Just 2:20 into the final frame Tyler Povolofskie dropped the gloves with Sheldon Brett. Just over two minutes later Jason Bird with a nice play to avoid being checked made a smart heads up play to get out of his own end before setting up Dexter Dancs with a long stretch pass as Dancs with a nice move in close scored his second of the game giving Vernon a 4-0 lead at 4:27 Bird with the lone assist. Off the next faceoff Liam Coughlin setup Dexter Dancs at the side of the net for a great chance for the hat-trick but Dancs just missed the goal. But just thirty three seconds later Scott Davidson found the back of the net getting Trail on the board at 5:01 Sean Davies and Braden Pears collected the assists. Davidson's shot looked like a slow floater going through the air went up and over Danny Todosychuk. On the next shift the Smoke Eaters would get an early powerplay but once again couldnt capitalize with the man advantage. The Vipers played a much better third after a sloppy second carried the play for most of the period. Trail playing most of the period in their own end couldnt slow down the Viper attack as Vernon with several chances. Just past the midway mark Trail would get into penalty trouble and the Vipers would make the Smokies pay. Moving the puck around Riley Guenther setup Mason Blacklock down low who sniped a quick low snap shot that beat Dustin Nikkel giving Vernon a 5-1 lead at 11:44 Guenther and Josh Bryan with the helpers. Less then three minutes later Demico Hannoun setup Michael McNicholas on the powerplay giving Vernon a 6-1 lead and in full control of the game. Hannoun and Jason Bird picked up the assists. On the next shift Trail would get a late powerplay and capitalize. Nathan Browne's point shot was redirected by Travis Stephens in front cutting the lead to four. Browne and Jake Kauppila with the helpers. Just over a minute later Jake Kauppila was able to walk around the net and tuck one home past Todosychuk making it 6-3 Vernon at 17:28 on a defensive letdown by the Vipers. Jesse Knowler and Nathan Browne with the asissts. The Vipers figured the game was over as Vernon quit skating allowing the Smokies to walk all over them getting several shots as the Vipers were having troubles clearing the zone in the final few minutes. Dustin Nikkel took a puck to the mask and was shaken up on the play but stayed in the game. Late in the game Dexter Dancs dropped the gloves with Bryan Basilico as both players were tossed from the game. The Smoke Eaters would get a late powerplay in the final minute but the Vipers were able to kill off the penalty coming away with a 6-3 victory. Other then the final few minutes when the game was long but over Vernon dominated the play and was all over the Smokies as most of the play was deep in the Trail zone. The Vipers third and fourth lines seeing alot of icetime was firing anything and everything on Dustin Nikkel. Vernon outshot Trail 23-8. The Vipers lead the season series 4-0.
Top Players: (Vernon)
The line of Dexter Dancs (2 goals), Mason Blacklock (1 goal & 1 assist) & Liam Coughlin (1 assist) was very good tonight. This line was dangerous most of the night, creating and generating opportunities most of the night. Dancs who was named the Vipers player of the month for November prior to tonight's game scored twice and was in a scrap worked hard all night. Blacklock who returned to the Vipers lineup after being out with a long term injury didnt look out of place was involved in the play all game looked very good. Coughlin with one helper really sees the ice well, made several nice plays for goals or scoring chances. This kid when wanting too can really turn on the jets and move, very quick when he gets them wheels going.
The fourth line of Logan Mick, Tyler Povolofskie and Matty Saharchuk played very well this evening. TJ Dumonceaux was added into this line in the 3rd when the Vipers started juggling the lines around. This fourth line plays with alot of energy, plays physical and keeps the other team on their toes. Mick played a strong game getting a few good chances was going hard to the net most of the night.
Josh Bryan (1 assist) Played very well on the Vipers blueline.
Demico Hannoun (1 goal & 1 assist) Played a very strong game up front for Vernon. I really enjoy watching this kid play, hes a real treat to watch. The fellow in front of me said a few games ago Hannoun is the most skilled player Vernon has had here in the last twenty years. Hannoun with some highlight reel moves tonight could have had two or three goals.
Jason Bird (3 assists) Played a very strong game on the backend. Bird made atleast one maybe two mistakes before recovering coming back hard to make up for his mistakes made a nice defensive play at the other end. Two very nice long stretch passes for goals tonight as well. Was in the zone most of the night, when on his game is a very solid-steady d-man. Im still puzzled as to why Coquitlam released him last season.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
The Vipers got off to a quick start and looked very good early and often outplaying the Smokies for most of the first period were up 2-0. Vernon with several good chances in the first didnt start the second period as they would have liked. Sitting back, quit skating made several sloppy mistakes in their own end were lucky Trail didnt capitalize and get back into the hockey game. The Vipers seemed to get back to their game jumping out to a three goal lead looked much better in the second half. In the third it was all Vernon until the final few minutes. The Vipers with twenty three shots in the final frame outplayed and dominated the Smoke Eaters. Nice to see the powerplay clicking scoring three times. I also thought the Vipers penalty kill was very good as it has been most of the season. Nice to also see Brendan Persley and Mason Blacklock return to the lineup. This was a must win tonight, these are games that are hard to get up for but even worse if you dont come away with the two points. The Vipers have some key Interior Division opponents here in the next week and need to start to distance themselves from the rest of the teams below them in the standings. The Vipers are now unbeten in their last seven home games have a big Divisional game in Salmon Arm tomorrow night.
Top Players: (Trail)
Braden Pears (1 assist) Always seems to play hard for the Smokies played a strong game on the blueline tonight. A veteran kid is very steady on the backend game in and game out.
Scott Davidson (1 goal) Was by far the Smokies best player this evening. Davidson with atleast three scoring chances tonight got the Smokies on the board early to start the third. Played hard most of the night, didnt back down and used his body to get through and to the net.
Game Thoughts: (Trail)
The Smoke Eaters dropped their ninth straight game have just two wins in their last twenty one games. Trail coming off a hard fought 3-2 loss in Penticton didnt get off to the start they wanted. Going down by two on the road having to battle back vs one of the top teams is tough especially when you only have seven wins on the season. I thought Trail was outplayed and outskilled in periods one and three did finally get going in the 2nd but couldnt get any offence going. The Smokies with very little puck possesion all night struggled with the man advantage as specialty teams went to the Vipers. Sure the Smokies were down 2-0 in the 1st but Trail did have atleast three good opportunities to get on the board or even get back into the game. A goal here or a goal there and its a different game. The Smoke Eaters struggled to get pucks on goal and struggled offensively had troubles containing the Vipers speed and skill most of the night. I thought Trail gave Vernon a much better run two weekends ago when they also lost 6-3 to the Vipers. This was a different hockey club I saw tonight compared to that afternoon game here two Sundays ago.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Kenny Citron
Mark Hamilton (Injured)
Ryan Renz (Injured)
Trail:
Adam Wheeldon
Energy player of the game:
Tyler Povolofskie
Three Stars:
1st Star: Dexter Dancs (2 goals)
2nd Star: Mason Blacklock (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Jason Bird (3 assists)
For more on tonight's game visit the BCHL boxscore,
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1231391&link=bchl
For more on tonight's game and the Trail Smoke Eaters visit Josh Hoffman's Smoke Eaters blog,
http://trailsmokies.blogspot.ca/
Game Preview: Trail @ Vernon:
Tonight is the fourth game of eight meetings between the Vipers and Smoke Eaters. Vernon leads the season series 3-0.
Last Game:
Sunday, December 8th Coquitlam defeated Vernon 4-2
Wednesday, December 11th Penticton defeated Trail 3-2
Next Game:
Saturday, December 14th Vernon @ Salmon Arm
Thursday, December 19th Trail @ Cowichan Valley
Since the 2003-04 pre season Vernon is 3-0 vs Trail
Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 55-14-1-3 vs. Trail
Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Trail 301-167
Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 27-5-0-2 at home vs. Trail
Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 21-7-1-1 in Trail
The Vipers are 6-2-0-2 in their last ten games at home vs. the Smoke Eaters
The Vipers are 8-1-0-1 in their last ten games In Trail
The Vipers are 6-2-0-2 in their last ten games vs. Trail
Vernon's last win in Trail was a 4-1 victory on Friday, November 22nd 2013
Trail's last win at home vs Vernon was a 3-0 win on Saturday, September 29th 2012
Trails last win in Vernon was a 5-4 win on Wednesday, January 9th 2013
Vernon's last win at home vs Trail was a 6-3 win on Sunday, December 1st 2013
The Vipers went 3-2-0-2 vs Trail 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 return home after a three game road trip where they went 2-1-0-0 The Vipers are coming off a 4-2 loss Sunday afternoon in Coquitlam sit in 2nd place three points back of Penticton and are four points up on 3rd place Salmon Arm. Vernon has won four of their last five and are 7-2-1-0 in their last ten games. The Vipers have points in twelve of their last fourteen games. Vernon will play three of their final four games before the Christmas break at home. The Vipers are undefeated in their last six home games. Viper fans are seeing the Smokies for the second game in a row after Vernon's last home game was a 6-3 victory over Trail on December 1st.
Michael McNicholas (17-27-44) leads the Vipers in goals with seventeen and in points with fourty four
Vernon Vipers 2013-14 Regular Season Stats:
Games Played: 33
Wins: 18
Losses: 8
Ties: 3
Overtime Losses: 4
Home Record: 8-2-3-3
Road Record: 10-6-0-1
Overtime Record: 3-4-3
Record vs Interior Division: 7-4-0-3
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 9-4-2-1
Goals For: 112
Goals Against: 97
Streak: One game losing streak
Standings: 2nd Place
Vernon Vipers Returning Players:
Jason Bird (93)
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)
Craig Martin (95)
Andrew Tegeler (92)
Mitch McAllister (94)
Marc Hetnik (92)
Michael Roberts (95)
Braeden Russell (93)
Geoff Crisfield (93)
Vernon’s Home record vs. Trail this season:
2-0-0-0
Vernon’s Road record vs. Trail this season:
1-0-0-0
Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Trail this season:
Michael McNicholas (1-4-5)
Mason Blacklock (2-2-4)
Colton Sparrow (3-1-4)
TJ Dumonceaux (1-3-4)
Riley Guenther (1-3-4)
Jared Wilson (0-4-4)
Dexter Dancs (2-2-4)
Demico Hannoun (1-2-3)
Jason Bird (1-2-3)
Brendan Persley (1-0-2)
Chase McMurphy (1-1-2)
Josh Bryan (1-1-2)
Liam Coughlin (0-1-1)
Logan Mick (0-1-1)
Tyler Povolofskie (1-0-1)
Danny Todosychuk (1-0 Record)
Austin Smith (2-0 Record)
Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:
-Vernon has the leagues 16th best powerplay
-The Vipers have the BCHL's 4th best penalty kill
Lets take a look at the Trail Smoke Eaters:
The Trail Smoke Eaters make their third visit of the season to Kal Tire Place are coming off a 3-2 loss in Penticton Wednesday night. Tonight is the second game of a five game road trip for Trail who sits in last place in the Interior Division. The Smoke Eaters have lost eight straight and are 2-8-0-0 in their last ten games. Trail has just two wins in their last twenty games have lost four straight on the road. The Smokies are the lowest scoring team with just 80 goals and are second in the league with 138 goals against. Trails last win was a 3-2 overtime victory over Salmon Arm on November 16th.
For more on tonight's game and the Trail Smoke Eaters visit Josh Hoffman's Trail Smoke Eaters blog,
http://trailsmokies.blogspot.ca/
Travis Stephens (9-14-23) leads the team in goals with nine and in points with twenty three.
Trail Smoke Eaters 2013-14 Regular Season Stats:
Games Played: 34
Wins: 7
Losses: 24
Ties: 2
Overtime Losses: 1
Home Record: 4-14-2-0
Road Record: 3-10-0-1
Overtime Record: 1-1
Record vs Interior Division: 3-15-0-0
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 4-8-1-1
Goals For: 80
Goals Against: 138
Streak: Eight game losing streak
Standings: 6th Place
Trail Smoke Eaters Returning Players:
Scott Davidson (95)
Jesse Knowler (94)
Braden Pears (93)
Adam Wheeldon (94)
Jake Lucchini (95)
Adam Todd (94)
Trail Smoke Eaters Departing & traded players from last years team:
Brent Baltus (92)
Luke Sandler (93)
Valik Chichkin (94)
Braeden Jones (94)
Garrett McMullen (92)
Curtis Toneff (93)
Tyler Berkholtz (92)
Connor Collett (93)
Shane Poulsen (94)
Austin Adduono (93)
Marley Keca (93)
Djordje Leposavic (92)
Mitch Foyle (96)
Riley McDougall (93)
Bennett Hambrook (92)
Bryce Knapp (94)
Trail's Home record vs. Vernon this season:
0-1-0-0
Trail's Road record vs. Vernon this season:
0-2-0-0
Trail's scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:
Jake Lucchini (1-2-3)
Joel Webb (0-2-2)
Greyson Reitmeier (1-1-2)
Braden Pears (0-2-2)
Valik Chichkin (0-1-1)
Tyson Witala (1-0-1)
Travis Stephens (0-1-1)
Bryan Basilico (0-1-1)
Jake Kauppila (1-0-1)
Adam Wheeldon (1-0-1)
Dylan Bowen (0-1-1)
Colby Livingstone (1-0-1)
Riley Brandt (0-1-1)
Dustin Nikkel (0-1 Record)
Adam Todd (0-1 Record)
Key’s and Notes to tonight’s game:
-Trail has the BCHL's 10th best powerplay
-The Smoke Eaters 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
Trail Smoke Eaters:
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224099
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