Despite being without 3 top players, the Vernon Vipers had a very nice performance at this year's Bauer BCHL Showcase, taking 3 of a possible 4 points.
To open the season, the Snakes effectively dominated the Cowichan Valley Capitals. The team used their speed and aggressive forecheck to hem the Caps in their own zone many times, most noticeably in the first period. They caused turnovers and really forced the issue all afternoon long. Had it not been for Lane Michasiw in goal for Cowichan, the game very well could've been a blow out.
The scoring didn't get started until the third period as Thomas Aldworth would go end to end and finish a beautiful move, while shorthanded to make it 1-0. Just sixty-six seconds later, it was Riley Brandt, stealing a puck in the slot and rifling it home to make it 2-0.
That was all the scoring they would need as they really limited any offensive chances from the Caps.
It was exactly the performance the team need to kick start the 2014-2015 campaign.
Here is the scoring summary:
Period 3
Vernon Vipers - Thomas Aldworth (1) - (unassisted) - shorthanded - 7:09
Vernon Vipers - Riley Brandt (1) - (unassisted) - 8:17
Shots - Vernon 41 Cowichan Valley 13
Powerplays - Vernon 0 for 7 Cowichan Valley 0 for 4
The Vipers would then hope to continue the momentum into Saturdays game against the Victoria Grizzlies. They were able to do that in the first 20 minutes as they caused many defensive zone turnovers and would strike three times.
Anthony Latina finished off a beautiful play with his first of the campaign, inside the first 5 minutes. The Grizzlies responded later in the frame on the PP as Kevin Massy put home his own rebound to equalize the game. The Vipers would re-take the lead just 57 seconds later as Liam Coughlin banged home his first of the season. That lead would increase 3 minutes later as Trevor Fidler would snap home his first off a great stretch pass from Kenny Citron.
The Vipers then seemed to fatigue a little bit as well as the Grizzlies finding another gear. Only one goal would go up on the board as Garrett Forster would find a loose puck and it was 3-2 after 2 periods.
It was all Grizzlies to start the third as Brett Gruber would score on the PP and then Forster would score again while shorthanded to give last years Island Division Champions a 4-3 lead. That momentum held until Anthony Latina would jam home his second of the night. The goal would be reviewed, but was upheld and this game was destined for OT.
In the extra frame, the Vipers had trouble clearing the zone and Mitch Meek would find himself wide open in front of the net and slip it home to give the Grizz the 5-4 win.
Here is the Scoring Summary:
1st period
Vernon Vipers - Anthony Latina (1) - (Fidler, Schamerhorn) - 4:49
Victoria Grizzlies - Kevin Massy (1) - (PP) - (Gruber, Mackie) - 15:37
Vernon Vipers - Liam Coughlin (1) - (Latina, Booth) - 16:34
Vernon Vipers - Trevor Fidler (1) - (Citron) - 19:32
2nd period
Victoria Grizzlies - Garrett Forster (1) - (Pickup, Barker) - 3:22
3rd period
Victoria Grizzlies - Brett Gruber (1) - (PP) - (Massy, Mackie) - 5:04
Victoria Grizzlies - Garrett Forster (2) - (SH) - (unassisted) - 7:31
Vernon Vipers - Anthony Latina (2) - (unassisted) - 18:44
Shots - Victoria 35 Vernon 24
Powerplays - Victoria 2 for 5 Vernon 0 for 7
Overall a solid showing for the Vipers who now get set for a busy weekend in the Interior with a home and home set with West Kelowna and a Sunday matinee with the Langley Rivermen. Throw in the return of Mark Ferner to the Vipers and its going to be a weekend of hockey you don't want to miss.
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