Its been a longer summer than I'm sure the Vernon Vipers would have preferred. It was a heart breaking loss in Penticton in Game 7 of last years Interior Division Final. That series was fantastic to watch with two teams so evenly matched, the hockey gods had to get involved for both sides to determine a winner. In the end it was the Vees ending the Vipers season and the junior careers of many Vipers who had been with the organization for a long time.
This years version of the Vernon Vipers can almost be summed up in one word..."YOUTH". If one were to take a look at the Vipers current roster, they may notice the number of 97 birth year players. They have 8 '97 birth year players, 3 '98 birth year players and even a '99.
The team has only 7 returning players from last season and no one who's been with the team longer than one season.
What this team seemingly lacks in BCHL experience, it makes up in talent and hockey IQ. They players brought in by the Vipers coaching staff aren't just talented players, but smart hockey players.
Up front, returnees Liam Finlay, Jagger Williamson, Riley Brandt and Colton McCarthy will be looked upon to improve on great seasons a year before. New Vipers to watch in terms of offensive prowess would be Peter Tufto who had great chemistry with Finlay in the preseason. Steven Jandric on some occasions will round out that line as he's a bigger body who can really shoot the puck. Joe Cipollone and Jimmy Lambert have an impressive skill set and it will be interesting to see how they adapt to the speed and physicality of the BCHL game.
On the blueline aside from Mac Ferner, Bo Pellah and Mitchell Oliver, the backend is brand new. The new defenders including, Austin Cho, Griffin James and Callum Volpe all move the puck extremely well and carry impressive shots in their arsenal. Another addition just a day ago is Darren Rizzolo (98) from the Chilliwack Chiefs. If this team has question marks its on the blueline, but thats solely based on the unknown. It will only be a matter of time and number of games before they start to feel really comfortable.
Other players who will look to have good seasons and more ice time are Hunter Zandee and Nic Rasovic. Both are 19 years old and looking to make a big leap.
In goal is where this team may have the advantage over most and its a bit unconventional. The Vipers will carry two 20 year old goalies to start the season. Returning is Jarrod Schamerhorn who was fantastic last season in his first with the Vipers. Andrew Shortridge is the other goalender, a 20 year old from Alaska. He had an impressive season with Aberdeen of the NAHL last season. Both goalies were very solid in the pre season and it will be interesting to watch how the coaching staff manages two goalies who would be starters on any other teams.
The opposition tonight is the Trail Smoke Eaters. Each season under Head Coach and GM Nick Deschenes the team has gradually improved. Unfortunately for them, they play in the most difficult division in the BCHL. Their record last season against the Interior wasn't very good and that single handily prevented them from making headway in the standings.
Last seasons Smokies, could score at will, their issue was on defense and in goal. So far on paper, it appears they were able to address those issues. They've added toughted Cooper Sande and Evan Korizis. Returnees Jeremy Lucchini, Evan MacEachern, and Ryan Swanson will hope the experience last season allows them to tighten up their game.
Ironically, there are now big holes up front with Jake Lucchini, Dallas Calvin and Craig Martin moving on. The Smokies acquired Jake Kauppila who will be relied upon to score, but there are also a lot of new faces who will get a chance to showcase themselves for coach Deschenes.
In goal, the Smokies brought in a 20 year old goalie, Bailey MacBurnie. He had very impressive numbers with Salisbury School in the USHS last season. I would expect him to get a lot of work this season with the back up, Linden Marshall to spell him off.
Tonight is the first of a home and home set that will see these two teams play again tomorrow night in Trail.
You can listen live starting at 6:45 on 107.5 KissFM with myself and Don Klepp. Fasthockey will also have the game.
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