Vipers are Shutout in PG

It was a game to forget for the Vernon Vipers as they were shut out 3-0 by the Prince George Spruce Kings on Friday night.

The offense couldn't muster much in the opening period as they would only get 2 shots on Alex Murray.  Both teams were doing a great job of clogging up the neutral zone and really slowing the pace of the game down.  Overall an uneventful first period.

The second period didn't see much difference as there really wasn't much flow.  On numerous occasions however, Danny Todosychuk made some key saves.  Brendan Persley would try to spark his team by dropping the mitts with Riley Hawes, but the spark fizzled after the spirited tilt.  The Vipers got a little lucky after the Spruce Kings had a goal disallowed and the game would remain tied heading into the final frame.

The 3rd period would be marred by boarding call on Mark Hamilton 12 minutes into the third period.  At that point, Prince George had a 3 goal lead.  Its hard to analyze the play in question as Jake LeBrun would end up injured at the end of the play.  It was the type of play that, depending on who you ask, was either a solid hockey check, or a dirty hit.  At the end of the day, Hamilton would be ejected from the game and LeBrun would be helped off the ice.  The Vipers would kill of the 5 minute major, but the final horn would sound to end regulation 3 nothing Prince George.

My 3 Key thoughts

1) No bite in the Snakes - Its hard to say, but this thought was echoed by Jason Williamson, but the team looked disinterested.  There was no tenacity on the forecheck, the physical game just wasn't there and overall were just not into the game.  That fact was reflected on the shot clock as Vernon would only get 20 shots on goal.

2) Danny Todyschuk was very solid all night and couldn't be faulted on any of the 3 goals.  He did his part to keep his team in the game and did so until the very end.

3) Controversy - there were two hits in this game that neither team liked very much.  Brendan Persley would be injured on a late hit, he would leave the game and not return.  Then there was the hit on Jake LeBrun.  I firmly believe there was no intent to injure on either side, but its a fast and dangerous game at times and injuries happen.

In the end it was a very disappointing effort from the Vipers and they will need a much better effort Saturday Night when they head to Salmon Arm to face the Silverbacks.