Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Game Preview: West Kelowna @ Vernon:

West Kelowna 12-6-2-0 @ Vernon 15-5-1-0 7pm

Tonight is the third of five regular season meetings between the Vernon Vipers & West Kelowna Warriors. The season series is 1-1

Vernon's regular season record & stats vs the West Kelowna Warriors since 2006 (The Warriors moved from Langley to West Kelowna in 2006)

Since the 2006-07 regular season Vernon is W-54-L-45-OTL-4- T-6-SOL-3 vs West Kelowna

Since the 2006-07 regular season Vernon is W-35-L-20-OTL-3-T-2-SOL-1 at home vs West Kelowna

Since the 2006-07 regular season Vernon is W-21-L-25-OLT-1-T-4-SOL-2 in West Kelowna

Since the BCHL Showcase opened in 2012 Vernon is W-0-L-1-OLT-0-T-0-SOL-0 vs West Kelowna at the Showcase

The Vipers are 3-4-1-2 in their last ten games vs West Kelowna

The Vipers are 3-2-1-3 in their last ten games in West Kelowna

The Vipers are 3-6-0-1 in their last ten home games vs the West Kelowna

Vernon's last win at home vs West Kelowna was a 4-3 victory on Saturday, February 11th 2023

West Kelowna's last win at Kal Tire Place was a 4-1 victory on Friday, October 20th 2023

Vernon's last regular season win at Royal LePage Place was a 4-3 overtime victory on Wednesday, October 18th 2023

West Kelowna's last regular season win at home vs Vernon was a 4-3 shootout victory on Friday, December 2nd 2022

Vernon Vipers/West Kelowna Warriors 2023-24 schedule:

October 18th Vernon @ West Kelowna: Vipers won 4-3 overtime
October 20th West Kelowna @ Vernon: Warriors won 4-1
November 29th West Kelowna @ Vernon
December 10th Vernon @ West Kelowna
March 2nd West Kelowna @ Vernon

Let's take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The 15-5-1-0 Vernon Vipers are coming off a 2-1 shootout victory over the visiting Penticton Vees on Saturday. Tonight's the third regular season meeting vs the West Kelowna Warriors with the season series at 1-1. The last time these two teams met, the Warriors won 4-1 October 20th in Vernon. Tonight's the third game of a four game home stand, where the Vipers are 7-1-1-0 at Kal Tire Place. The Snakes have won three of their last five games and seven of their last ten games. Vernon sits 2nd in the Interior Division.

Vernon Vipers 2023-24 Roster:


Vernon Vipers 2023-24 Regular Season Scoring Leaders:

Owen Kim (6-21-27)

Vernon Vipers 2023-24 Regular Season Record/Stats:

Games Played: 21
Wins: 15
Losses: 5
Overtime Wins: 2
Overtime Losses: 1
Shootout Wins: 1
Shootout Losses: 0
Overtime Record: 2-1
Shootout Record: 1-0
Home Record: 7-2-1-0
Road Record: 8-3-0-0
When the Vipers score first: 11-1
When the opponents score first: 4-5
Leading after the 1st period: 9-0
Tied after the 1st period: 4-2
Trailing after the 1st period: 3-4
Leading after the 2nd period: 9-2
Tied after the 2nd period: 5-0
Trailing after the 2nd period: 1-4
Out shooting opponents: 7-1
Out shot by opponents: 7-4
One goal games: 3-2
Goals for: 89
Goals against: 53
Record vs Interior Division: 12-5
Record vs Coastal Division: 2-1
Longest winning streak: 7 games
Longest losing streak: 2 games
Standings: 2nd Place Interior Division

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Hank Cleaves 03
Julian Facchinelli 04
Luke Pakulak 03
Isaac Tremblay 04
Anthony Cliche 03
Connor Elliott 03
Ethan David 03

Vernon Vipers departed & traded players from last years team:

Jonathan Horn 02
Thomas Tien 04
Connor Welsh 04
Max Borovinskiy 04
Ethan Merner 06
Seiya Tanaka-Campbell 03
Ethan Sundar 03
Walker Erickson 02
Reagan Milburn 03
Lee Parks 04
Ayden Third 02
Griffen Barr 02
Dylan Compton 05
Luke Ashton 05
Anson McMaster 02
Roan Clarke 03

Vernon's 2023-24 regular season home record vs West Kelowna:

0-1-0-0

Vernon's 2023-24 regular season road record vs West Kelowna:

1-0-0-0

Vernon's 2023-24 regular season scoring leaders vs West Kelowna:

Julian Facchinelli (1-2-3)
Georgios Stavrianeas (1-0-1)
Jordin Palmer (0-1-1)
Erik Pastro (1-0-1)
Linden Burrett (0-1-1)
Connor Elliott (1-0-1)
Hank Cleaves (0-1-1)
Anthony Cliche (0-1-1)
Owen Kim (0-1-1)

Ethan David (1-1 Record)

Let's take a look at the West Kelowna Warriors:

The 12-6-2-0 West Kelowna Warriors make their first of two regular season visits to Kal Tire Place, are coming off a 4-3 overtime win Friday over the visiting Merritt Centennials. Tonight's the first game of a two game road trip, where the Tribe is 6-3-0-0 on the road this season. The Warriors have won three of their last five games are 5-5 in their last ten games. West Kelowna sits 4th in the Interior Division.

West Kelowna Warriors 2023-24 Roster:


West Kelowna Warriors 2023-24 Regular Season Scoring Leaders:

Felix Caron (13-11-24)

West Kelowna Warriors 2023-24 Regular Season Record/Stats:

Games Played: 20
Wins: 12
Losses: 6
Overtime Losses: 2
Shootout Losses: 0
Home Record: 6-3-2-0
Road Record: 6-3-0-0
Goals for: 69
Goals against: 59
Standings: 4th Place Interior Division

West Kelowna Warriors Returning Players:

Brennan Nelson 03
Felix Caron 04
Michael Salandra 03
Landen Hilditch 05
Dylan Brooks 03
Isaiah Norlin 03
Justin Katz 04

West Kelowna Warriors departed and traded players from last years team:

Jake Bernadet 03
Ben MacDonald 04
Rylee Hlusiak 02
Jaiden Moriello 03
Nic Porchetta 02
Angelo Zol 05
Matthew Lee 05
Riley Sharun 03
Christopher Duclair 02
Kailus Green 04
Luke Devlin 04
Bobby May 03
Matthew Fusco 03
Noah Laframboise 05
Aiden Reeves 02
Cayden Hamming 03

West Kelowna's 2023-24 regular season home record vs Vernon:

0-0-1-0

West Kelowna's 2023-24 regular season road record vs Vernon:

1-0-0-0

West Kelowna Warriors 2023-24 regular season scoring leaders vs Vernon:

Felix Caron (3-1-4)
Isaiah Norlin (1-2-3)
Brennan Nelson (0-3-3)
Johannes Lokkeberg (1-1-2)
Michael Salandra (0-1-1)
Frederic Deschenes (1-0-1)
Simon Houge (0-1-1)
Callum Hughes (1-0-1)
Mikka Kelechian (0-1-1)
Jack Farrell (0-1-1)
Trent Wilson (0-1-1)

Rorke Applebee (1-1 Record)
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Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Bruins Assign Vipers Alumni Lambert To ECHL:

The American Hockey League Providence Bruins have assigned former

Vernon Vipers forward Jimmy Lambert to the ECHL Maine Mariners.

Here is the press release from the Maine Mariners website,


The American Hockey League Providence Bruins signed Lambert August 9th 2023 to a one-year, two-way American Hockey League contract. Lambert never played a game with the Bruins.

Lambert split the 2022-23 season with the ECHL Worcester Railers & American Hockey League Bridgeport Islanders. 

In 27 games last season with the Railers, Lambert collected (11-goals-13-assists-24-points). In 33 games last season with the Islanders, Lambert collected (1-goal-6-assists-7-points).

Lambert played four seasons at the University of Michigan from 2018-2022 before signing his first professional contract with the American Hockey League Bridgeport Islanders. The Islanders signed Lambert April 18th 2022 on an amateur tryout agreement (ATO) before signing Lambert to a professional contract April 19th 2022. 

Lambert attended the Calgary Flames development camp in 2018 & New York Islanders development camp in 2019.

Lambert played three seasons in Vernon from 2015-2018. In 156 games with the Vipers, Lambert collected (57-goals-85-assists-142-points).

Jimmy Lambert's Player Profile:

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Kalamazoo Wings Add Ex Viper MacDonald To 2023-24 Regular Season Roster:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Ayden MacDonald is one of twenty seven

players added to the ECHL Kalamazoo Wings 2023-24 regular season roster.

Here is the transaction from the Kalamazoo Wings website,


MacDonald was recently added to the K-Wings training camp roster, is entering his second season with the ECHL Kalamazoo Wings, after re-signing with the Wings August 29th 2023.

MacDonald split the 2022-23  season with the ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits & ECHL Kalamazoo Wings. MacDonald started the 2022-23 season with the Swamp Rabbits before being traded to Kalamazoo March 16th 2023. Last season In 46 games with the Swamp Rabbits, MacDonald collected (5-goals-10-assists-15-points) & in 12 games with the Wings, MacDonald collected (2-goals-7-assists-9-points).

MacDonald played five years at Brock University from 2017-2022 before signing his first professional contract with the ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits January 4th 2022.

MacDonald committed to the Vernon Vipers for the 2014-15 season. The Vipers traded MacDonald & Jake Emilio to the Victoria Grizzlies October 8th 2014 for Brandon Egli, Mitch Meek and future considerations. MacDonald went pointless in 5 games with the Vipers. MacDonald played parts of four years in the BCHL with Surrey, Vernon, Victoria and Cowichan from 2013-2017. 

Ayden MacDonald's Player Profile:

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Monday, November 27, 2023

Vernon Vipers Teddy Bear Toss Promo Video:

The Vernon Vipers will host their annual Teddy Bear Toss December 2nd 2023 vs the Prince George Spruce Kings.

Here is the Teddy Bear Toss promo video from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,

Teddy Bear Toss Game Coming 12-2-2023 - YouTube

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Cyclones Add Former Viper Andrusiak To Season-Opening Night Roster:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Zach Andrusiak is one of twenty four players

added to the ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones Season-Opening Night Roster.

Here is the press release from the Cincinnati Cyclones website,


Andrusiak was recently added to the Cincinnati Cyclones training camp roster, is entering his third season with the ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones, after re-signing with the Cyclones September 8th 2023. In 63 games last season, Andrusiak collected (32-goals-41-assists-73-points).

Andrusiak split the 2022-23 season with the ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones & American Hockey League Manitoba Moose. Andrusiak signed a Professional Try-out (PTO) with the American Hockey League Manitoba Moose March 6th 2023 was released March 11th 2023 after going pointless in 2 games.

Andrusiak played three seasons in the Western Hockey League from 2016-2019 with Tri-Cities, Seattle, Prince Albert & Everett before signing his first professional contract with the ECHL Idaho Steelheads August 8th 2019.

Andrusiak started the 2015-16 season with the Western Hockey League Tri-City Americans, was released early into the 2015-16 season. The Vernon Vipers signed Andrusiak October 1st 2015. Andrusiak was released November 5th 2015. In 15 games with the Vipers, Andrusiak collected (0-goals-2-assists-2-points).

Zach Andrusiak's Player Profile:

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Sunday, November 26, 2023

Hytec Weekly Wrap Up With Jason McKee & Ethan David:

Graham Turnbull talks with Vernon Vipers Head Coach Jason McKee & Vernon Vipers goaltender Ethan David after Saturday's 2-1 shootout victory over the visiting Penticton Vees.

Here is the interview from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,

Hytec Weekly Wrap Up [11-25-2023] - YouTube

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Former Vernon Laker Chase Sexual Assault Conviction Overturned:

Former Vernon Lakers defenceman/Assistant Coach Keith Chase found guilty of sexual assault last year has had the conviction overturned and will get a new trial.

Here is the story from the Vernon Morning Star,


Chase currently owns Chasers Bottle depot in Vernon.

Chase played parts of four seasons in Vernon from 1982-1985 before being traded to the Merritt Centennials during the 1984-85 season. Chase would return to Vernon after being traded back to the Lakers and played his final two seasons in Vernon from 1986-1988. After his junior hockey career ended, Chase joined the Vernon Lakers as an assistant coach from 1988-1991. In 94 games with the Lakers, Chase collected (3-goals-11-assists-12-points).

The Vernon Lakers were around from 1980-1995 before changing their name to the Vernon Vipers in 1995.

Keith Chase's Player Profile:

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Saturday, November 25, 2023

Game Recap - "Parents Weekend" Vernon 2 Penticton 1 Shootout

I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and been watching/following Junior hockey in Vernon my whole life. My family watched Senior men's hockey in Vernon in the 1950's and has been watching Junior hockey in Vernon since it started in 1961. I have two family members that played Junior hockey in Vernon. I have had season tickets since 1990 and missed 5 home games since 2004 and 46 home games since 1990. I started and created this blog in November 2008 and have over 2.6 million viewers. For anyone who couldn't watch or attend tonight's Vipers game, here are my thoughts and views from tonight's hockey game. You may agree or disagree, but we all have our own opinion on the hockey game and see things differently. I try to be professional and give a fare game recap from both sides. Thank you for visiting my blog.

I was at tonight's Vernon Vipers-Penticton Vees game as the Vipers defeated the Vees 2-1 in a shootout in front of 2,541 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon Vipers: Ethan David
Penticton Vees: Will Ingemann

1st Period: The visiting Penticton Vees were the better team for most of the period. The Vees controlled and carried the better of the play, had more puck possession and zone time. The Vees carried the better of the play, had lots of time in the offensive zone but didn't really get a lot of quality chances. The Vipers showed up tonight unlike last night, were skating and played hard but were up a much stronger and better team in the Penticton Vees. The Vipers needed three minutes to get their first shot on goal, saw a lot of the period in their own end, didn't get a whole lot of time in the offensive zone or get any real opportunities but thanks to Maks Percic's seeing eye shot, gave the Snakes a 1-0 lead at 14:29 It was 1-0 Vernon after 20 minutes of play. The Vees outshot the Vipers 11-7.

2nd Period: The Vees dominated the middle frame as it was like men against boys. Penticton was all over the hometown Vipers from start to finish. The Vees played almost the entire period in the offensive zone, were skating circles around Vernon. Penticton's speed and skill took over as the Vees put on a clinic, generating a ton of quality opportunities. The Vees couldn't catch a break or get a bounce go their way in a lopsided 2nd period. The Snakes were totally outplayed, needed thirteen and a half minutes to get their first shot of the period, were lucky if they got into the offensive zone three times? Vernon struggled the entire period. Vipers starting netminder Ethan David was tall and solid between the pipes, made numerous large saves keeping the Snakes in the hockey game. Parker Murray tied the game on the power play at 14:40 The Vees went 1-1 with the man advantage. It was 1-1 after 40 minutes of play. Penticton outshot Vernon 14-1.

3rd Period: Forty five seconds into the final frame, the Snakes would jump on an early PP, their first power play of the night. Brock Reinhart was given four minutes for high sticking. The Vipers struggled with the man advantage, recorded just one shot on goal in the first two minutes, as the Vees killed off the double minor. Vernon and Penticton seemed to go back and fourth at times but it was the Vipers that had a bit of an edge in play at times. For the first time this evening, the Vipers created/generated some chances. Vees starting goaltender Will Ingemann was sharp in goal. Penticton needed seven and a half minutes to record their first shot of the 3rd period. When the Vees did get puck possession and pressure in the offensive zone, the Viper defence did a good job at shutting down Penticton's skilled forwards as the Vees struggled offensively to generate opportunities. The Vipers went 0-1 with the man advantage. It was 1-1 after 60 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Penticton 14-7.

Overtime: Just like the 2nd period, it was all Penticton to start and finish overtime. The Vees dominated the extra frame, playing most of OT in the offensive zone. The Vees with some slick passing, had several quality opportunities to put the game away but Ethan David was stellar in goal. The Snakes didn't see a lot of time with the puck or in the offensive zone but did register two grade A chances but couldn't solve Will Ingemann. The Vees controlled and carried most of overtime as it was like men against boys. It was 1-1 after 70 minutes of play. Penticton outshot Vernon 10-2.

Shootout:

Vernon Vipers:

Adam Csabi
Erik Pastro
Anthony Cliche (Goal)
Isaac Tremblay
Owen Kim
Georgios Stavrianeas (Goal)

Penticton Vees:

Callum Arnott
Thomas Pichette (Goal)
Cade Littler
Simon Meier
James Fisher
Attila Lippai

Vernon Vipers Top Performers:

Ethan David (41 saves) Was by far the difference, making 41 saves and several large saves, keeping his team in the hockey game. Back to back nights the Vipers goaltenders have had to be solid in goal and keep their team in the hockey game. If it wasn't for David, this game would have been over in the 2nd period. The crowd was chanting "David" "David" "David" at the end of overtime.

Game Thought's: Vernon Vipers

- The Vipers were very lucky to head to overtime/shootout in a game they were badly outplayed for most of it

- The Snakes are 1-1-0-0 vs Penticton this season

- The Vipers come to play tonight, were skating and showed a lot of effort but couldn't compete vs a much stronger and better Penticton Vees team

- Tonight was the Vipers first shootout of the season

- The Vipers needed thirteen and a half minutes in the 2nd period to record their first and only shot of the period

- Vernon went 0-1 with the power play

- Give the Snakes credit for battling, staying focused and not giving up as they played a much better 3rd period, giving them a chance for at least a point

- The last time these two teams met, the Vees won 5-3 in Penticton October 27th

- The Vipers lone power play struggled

- The Vipers have won three of their last five games and won seven of their past ten games

- A large crowd tonight as tonight's attendance was announced at 2,541

- The Snakes best period/performance was the 3rd period

- Prior to tonight, the Vipers had lost fifteen straight games to the Vees

- I thought Vernon's effort and compete was there, they just couldn't compete vs a good Vees team

- Tonight was the second game of a four game home stand

- The Vipers & Vees will play again December 31st in Vernon

- It's too bad the Vipers didn't play the entire game like they did in the 3rd period

- Vernon has at least a point in four straight games

- The Vipers played a much better defensive game in the 3rd, limiting the Vees opportunities and taking away time and space

- Tonight was the Vipers first win over Penticton since a 2-0 victory on December 13th 2019

- The Snakes are missing some key veterans, have five players out of the lineup due to injury

- The Snakes improve to 7-1-1-0 at Kal Tire Place

- The Vipers next game is Wednesday vs the visiting West Kelowna Warriors

- In a game where Vernon was outplayed for most of the contest, playing without some key veterans due to injury, tonight's win will go a long way

- Since the 2017-18 regular season, the Vipers are 7-19-2-3 vs Penticton

- With the win tonight, Vernon improves to 15-5-1-0 sit 2nd in the Interior Division

Penticton Vees Top Performers

Matthew Biotti Has some size, played well on the Vees backend

Ryan Macpherson Drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers looked good and played well for the Vees

Max Heise Was another Penticton forward that I thought played well and looked good

Callum Arnott The Vees captain played very well, had a strong night in the shootout loss

Connor Macpherson The twin brother to Ryan Macpherson also looked good and played well

Simon Meier Was another forward who stood out and had a good game in the loss tonight

Thomas Pichette (1 assist) Scored in the shootout, was dominate and one of the better players on the ice this evening. Very skilled, hard to contain/defend

Will Ingemann (23 saves) Wasn't nearly tested as often as Ethan David, still played well in goal for the Penticton Vees

Game Thought's: Penticton Vees

- Tonight was the second of five regular season meetings vs the Vipers this season

- Penticton's jerseys and logo are very similar to the Toronto Maple Leafs

- Overall Penticton was the better team tonight 

- The Vees went 1-2 on the power play

- For most of tonight it was like watching men play against boys as the Vees are just that much better then the Snakes

- I really liked the Vees PP. Quick tape to tape passes with a quick shot and traffic in front. The Vees really move the puck well and seem to know where everyone is on the man advantage

- Tonight was Penticton's second shootout loss of the season

- If it wasn't for Ethan David, the Vees could have easily had seven or eight goals

- The Vees have at least a point in nineteen straight games

- I spotted several Vees fans in attendance tonight

- Tonight is the first of two regular season visits to Kal Tire Place. The Vees will make their second and final visit on New Years Day

- Penticton didn't get any breaks or bounces go their way

- The Vees have lost back to back games on the road

- The Vees had numerous opportunities to blow this game open but couldn't solve Ethan David

- Penticton has only two players returning from last seasons BCHL Championship team

- It seems like year after year no matter what the Vees put together a very strong hockey team and it showed again tonight. The Vees will be hard to beat this season as they seem to have a step above everyone else

- The Vees have won three of their last five games and won eight of their last ten games

- The Vees have a quick transition game, move the puck incredibly well, have a strong defence and don't give you much time or space

- The Vees haven't lost in regulation since a 5-3 loss in West Kelowna on opening night, September 22nd

- The Vees did a good job at clogging up the neutral zone, not allowing Vernon to generate any speed or create a play coming into the offensive zone

- Penticton did a good job at keeping the Snakes to the outside, limiting their chances and taking away time and space

- The Vees are 6-1-2-2 on the road this season

- The Vees have won fifteen of their last sixteen games vs the Vipers

- The Vees next game is Wednesday at home vs Trail

- With the loss, Penticton falls to 15-1-2-2 sit atop the league standings

Scratches:

Vernon Vipers:

Noah Dorey (Injured)
Julian Facchinelli (Injured)
Isaac Fecteau (Injured)
Hank Cleaves (Injured)
Luke Pakulak (Injured)

Penticton Vees:

Jack Bakker
Nate McIsaac
Austin Cameron
Carson Lesiuk
Sharky Nowek

Energy Player of the Game:

Shea Busch 

Three Star's:

1st Star: Ethan David (41 saves)
2nd Star: Georgios Stavrianeas
3rd Star: Parker Murray (1 goal)

Boxscore-Game Summary,


Game Report,


Text Box Score,


Vernon Junior Hockey History website,


Please feel free to leave comments or suggestions in the comment box below. Please be respectful when leaving comments.

Here are some photo's I took before and during tonight's Vernon Vipers-Penticton Vees game.





















































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