It was a long time coming, but the Vernon Vipers finally received as close to a 60 minute effort as we've seen all year. That effort and a stellar outing from Austin Smith lead the Vipers to a 3-1 win.
The Vees came out hungry in the opening 8 minutes putting a ton of pressure on the Viper D and Smith. Shot blocking was a big element to both teams game early as the shot total was quite low through the opening frame. A big key in the first period was the Vipers ability to keep the Vees top line out there for a few minutes and forcing them to ice the puck 4 consecutive times. Vernon wouldn't score with that line on the ice, but right after a line change the Vipers charged down the ice and Brendan Persley would convert a nice passing play from newly acquired Riley Guenther to give the Vipers a 1-0 lead.
In the second period the ice was tilted in the Vees favour. That wasn't reflective of a poor effort from the Vipers, but 3 consecutive powerplays to an offensive team like the Vees is usually a recipe for disaster. Time of possession and shots favoured the Vees, but they couldn't score with the man advantage. The Viper PK was very good and Austin Smith made a few huge saves with his team short a man. Those powerplays seemed to spark the Vees however as they utilized their speed to break in on a short 3 on 2 and a nice quick shot from Max Coatta would beat Smith blocker side to get the game tied. That one hurt as it was in the final minute of the period.
Coming into the third, I was very interested to see what type of Vipers squad would show up. At times this season they seemed fragile, but they were far from it in the final 20. It was a well balanced period for both teams, but the momentum shifted following a Penticton penalty. Vernon couldn't score with the man advantage, but kept the puck in as it went back to even strength and a seeing eye wrist shot off the stick of Mark Hamilton, found its way through a maze of traffic, to beat Miska who didn't see it until the last second. 8 seconds later however, the Vipers took a penalty and once again the PK would kill of a crucial penalty and that sparked the Vipers again as Dexter Dancs would seal the game with a great individual effort and give Vernon an important 2 goal lead.
My 3 Key Thoughts
1) The Vipers seemed re-energized following the loss on Saturday Night. The mistakes they had made in previous games were kept to a minimum. The effort level was much improved and it showed with a victory over a very talented Vees squad.
2) The Vipers D as a whole was fantastic. Mark Hamilton seems to be coming into his own in a Vipers uniform, scoring the GWG, playing physical and making smart decisions with the puck. Also, Riley Guenther looked great in his first game as a Viper. He had an assist on the opening goal. He seems to have an offensive flare, but was very solid in his own end too and was quite mobile.
3) I'm sure anyone on the Vees staff would say they weren't at their best, but that team sure looks dangerous anytime they have the puck in the offensive zone. I was impressed with their puck movement and speed. Had the Vipers made more mistakes the game could have turned out quite differently. Max Coatta was as advertised scoring the lone goal and seems to have great chemistry with Blanchard and DePourq.
Overall a ton of positives for the Vipers as they get set for a home and home set with the defending BCHL Champs, the Surrey Eagles.
You can catch all of the Viper action on Village Green Hotel Vipers Hockey on 1075 KISS FM, starting with the pre game show at 7 and play by play at 7:15 from the South Surrey Arena.
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