Game 4 - Express 4 Vipers 3 - OT

Another night, another good performance from the Vernon Vipers, albeit in a losing effort in overtime.  The Vipers outplayed the Express for a good part of the night, but had trouble finishing on some chances, while the Express did the very opposite.  In the end, there were quite a few positives for the Vipers who managed to tie the game late to ensure one point.

The Vipers started off the game quickly, throwing a lot of pressure and a lot of pucks at Express goaltender Tyger Howat.  At one point the shots were 7-1 and through that flurry, the Vipers were able to get on the board thanks to a powerplay goal from Jimmy Lambert, his first in the BCHL.  The Express would score their first powerplay goal of the season thanks to Erik Udahl who let a seeing eye wrister from the left circle through Jarrod Schamerhorn.  Late in the period, Jackson Cressey would sweep a backhand wrap around into the awning cage to give the road team a 2-1 lead after 1 period.

The Vipers continued their strong play despite being down a goal and again thanks to their powerplay were able to tie the game up as Colton McCarthy would redirect a point shot through Tyger Howatto tie the game up at 2.

The third was a dominant period for the Vipers who swarmed, but the found themselves behind early thanks to Jackson Cressey who tallied his second of the night off a rebound in front.  The Vipers would ramp up the energy and thanks to some brilliant goaltending from Howat still found themselves behind.  The effort finally paid off late as Joe Sacco would score his first goal in the BCHL off a nice feed from Hunter Zandee.  This game would need extra time to determine a winner.

In overtime, it takes one shot and for the Express it came off the stick of Austin McIlmurray as he picked the Viper defensemans pocket, then ripped a shot past Schamerhorn to give the road team the victory 4-3.

Here is the official box score:

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

1-0 Vernon Vipers at 5:35 (PP) - Jimmy Lambert from Riley Brandt and Mitchell Oliver

1-1 Coquitlam Express at 12:29 (PP) - Erik Udahl from Jarell Pinchuk and Jackson Cressey

2-1 Coquitlam Express at 18:06 - Jackson Cressey from Colton Kerfoot

PERIOD 2

2-2 Vernon Vipers at 1:14 (PP) - Colton McCarthy from Bo Pellah and Odeen Tufto

PERIOD 3

3-2 Coquitlam Express at 3:00 - Jackson Cressey from Cameron Bertsch and Jarell Pinchuk

3-3 Vernon Vipers at 14:49 - Joe Sacco from Hunter Zandee and Jagger Williamson

OVERTIME PERIOD 1

4-3 Coquitlam Express at 2:41 - Austin McIlmurray (unassisted)

STARS OF THE GAME
1st STAR	2nd STAR	3rd STAR
Coquitlam Express Jackson Cressey	Coquitlam Express Austin McIlmurray	Vernon Vipers Riley Brandt

POWER PLAYS
Coquitlam Express	1 for 4 (25.0%)
Vernon Vipers	2 for 6 (33.3%)

The only difference between a victory and a loss tonight was Tyger Howat.  He was an honorable mention for a star, but the man who scores the game winner and Jackson Cressey wiped that chance out.  The Vipers continue to improve on a game to game basis.  From a consistency standpoint, this was their best effort.  They didn't offer up much to the Express, but Coquitlam capitalized on the few they had.

The Vipers will continue to try build in a positive direction when they host the Chilliwack Chiefs Saturday night at KTP.  You can hear all the action on FastHockey and 107.5 KissFM in Vernon.

Game 3 - Vees 3 Vipers 2

The Vernon Vipers and Penticton Vees renewed their heated rivalry Wednesday Night at the SOEC.  The Vipers started slow and really picked up steam late, while it was the opposite for the Vees who scored on their first shot of the game, only to hang on for the 3-2 victory.

No nerves for the Vees in their home opener as their top line would pressure early and Scott Conway would snap a wrist shot from the circle passed Andrew Shortridge.  The Vipers would get it back 7 minutes later as the Vipers kept the Vees in their own zone following an icing and Odeen Tufto would slip home a Steven Jandric wrist shot.  Mitchell Brooks would fool Shortridge with a tricky backhander midway through the period to give the Vees a 2-1 lead after 1 period.

The second period was mostly controlled by the Vees.  Time of possession very much in their favour, but overall scoring chances weren't as high as you'd think.  Penticton would increase their lead though, as Scott Conway tallied his second of the night pouncing on his own rebound.

It was a much different Viper team that came out of the dressing room to start the third.  They would get a powerplay and make quick work as Steven Jandric went bar down off a nice feed from Liam Finlay.  The Vipers would push the pace in efforts to get the game tied and came within an eyelash of tying it as Riley Brandt clanked the crossbar with just seconds left in the game.

Here is the official box score:

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

1-0 Penticton Vees at 0:42 - Scott Conway from Chris Gerrie and Tyson Jost

1-1 Vernon Vipers at 7:45 - Odeen Tufto from Liam Finlay and Steven Jandric

2-1 Penticton Vees at 11:12 - Mitchell Brooks from Jason Lavallee and Gabe Bast

PERIOD 2

3-1 Penticton Vees at 4:32 - Scott Conway from Tyson Jost and David Eccles

PERIOD 3

3-2 Vernon Vipers at 6:00 (PP) - Steven Jandric from Liam Finlay and Odeen Tufto

Here are tonight's 3 Stars:

STARS OF THE GAME
1st STAR	2nd STAR	3rd STAR
Penticton Vees Scott Conway	Penticton Vees Tyson Jost	Vernon Vipers Odeen Tufto

POWER PLAYS
Vernon Vipers	1 for 2 (50.0%)
Penticton Vees	0 for 4 (00.0%)

This wasn't an instant classic in the Viper/Vee history books, but it didn't lack for entertainment.  The Vees looked sharp in terms of controlling the puck, but the Vipers also proved that their young team can hang with a very talented Penticton team.

Both goaltenders were very solid all night, each making a couple of game savers.

The Vipers return home for a matchup with Coquitlam Express Friday night.   Its an internet only game, you can catch it on FastHockey or on the Viper MixLR.

Game 2 - Vipers 5 Smokies 2

A day after a very disappointing effort on home ice, the Vipers were determined to get back to basics, back to what they worked on for the last two weeks and back to Viper hockey.  That determination was evident in the Vipers 5-2 win over the Trail Smoke Eaters.  A night after losing their home opener, the Vipers spoiled the Trail home opener in a very tidy road performance that saw contributions up and down the lineup, some nice defensive efforts and some stellar goaltending.

The Vipers would open the scoring early as Mike Roberts would pounce on a loose puck in the high slot and rifle it high over the glove of Bailey MacBurnie.  Less than 4 minutes later, Joey Cipollone would have some skating room down the left wing and snapped a hard wrist shot far post and in to double the Snake lead.  Trail veteran, Kurt Black would cut the lead in half as he would crash the crease and deposit his first goal of the season.  Moments later on a powerplay Colton McCarthy would chip home a rebound to make it 3-1.  Four goals in less than 10 minutes.  Play would settle down a little bit and both teams seemed to be skating well.  The end of 20 minutes had the score remain 3-1 Vipers.

An entertaining second period some some good structure and speed from both sides as they tried to generate answers.  A parade of penalties thwarted the games momentum for a good part of the frame, but ironically the only goal of the period was an even strength goal from Jake Kauppila as he parked himself in front for a nice pass from Kurt Black from behind the net to make it 3-2 after 2.

In the third, and only leading by a goal I thought the Vipers did a nice job of containing the Smoke Eater pressure.  At times Trail had trouble gaining the Viper zone and actually spent a good chuck of the period in their own end.  Liam Finlay would restore a two goal lead as he showed off some nice hand eye coordination to kick a puck towards the goal, then make sure to touch it with his stick before it crossed the line, making the score 4-2.  Riley Brandt would ice it into an empty net to finish the game off at 5-2.

Here is the official box score:

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

1-0 Vernon Vipers at 3:44 - Michael Roberts from Joe Cipollone

2-0 Vernon Vipers at 6:08 - Joe Cipollone (unassisted)

2-1 Trail Smoke Eaters at 8:25 - Kurt Black from Jake Kauppila

3-1 Vernon Vipers at 9:27 (PP) - Colton McCarthy from Bo Pellah and Riley Brandt

PERIOD 2

3-2 Trail Smoke Eaters at 5:03 - Jake Kauppila from Kurt Black

PERIOD 3

4-2 Vernon Vipers at 5:43 - Liam Finlay from Peter Tufto and Steven Jandric

5-2 Vernon Vipers at 16:45 (EN)- Riley Brandt from Colton McCarthy and Jimmy Lambert

Here are tonight's 3 Stars:

STARS OF THE GAME
1st STAR	2nd STAR	3rd STAR
Vernon Vipers Liam Finlay	Trail Smoke Eaters Kurt Black	Vernon Vipers Michael Roberts

POWER PLAYS
Vernon Vipers	1 for 7 (14.3%)
Trail Smoke Eaters	0 for 5 (00.0%)

The Vipers did a nice job of shaking off the bus legs early in the game and were able to generate a lead that they would not relinquish despite Trails best efforts.

Andrew Shortridge was very good in goal for the Vipers turning aside 35 of 37 shots for his first BCHL Regular Season win.  He didn't have to be spectacular, but stopped the ones he was supposed to and his rebound control was impeccable.

Again, I thought Trail was impressive.  They refused to go away and seemed at times, like they were a bounce away from swinging the momentum back in their favour.

Next up for the Vipers is another road game and another home opener as they head to the SOEC to face Tyson Jost, and the Penticton Vees.  Pregame show starts at 6:45, puck drop at 7 in Penticton.

Game 2 Preview - Vipers @ Smokies

At times, being an athlete you need to have a short memory.  This may be the case for the Vipers as they hit the road to Trail.  Not all aspects of the game last night was poor, but there was definitely room for improvement.  Sometimes the pressure of playing in front of your home crowd can be daunting, so this trek to the Kootenay's may be coming at just the right time.

Vipers Leading Scorers:

1. Liam Finlay - 1 G 1 A 2 PTS
2. Peter Tufto - 0 G 2 A 2 PTS
3. Steven Jandric - 0 G 1 A 1 PT
4. Hunter Zandee - 0 G 1 A 1 PT
5. Joe Sacco - 0 G 1 A 1 PT
6. Jagger Williamson - 0 G 1 A 1 PT

Viper Goalie Stats:

1. Jarrod Schamerhorn - 0-1-0-0 - 5.07 GAA, .875Sv%

On the other side of the ice, the Trail Smoke Eaters look to build on a solid road win.  They never trailed at any point of the game and really spread their scoring around.  Defensively they were able to cut down on mistakes, and when mistakes were made, Bailey MacBurnie was up to the challenge.  Will the home pressure affect the home team?

Smokies Leading Scorers:

1. Rhett Willcox - 2 G 0 A 2 PTS
2. Kienan Scott - 1 G 1 A 2 PTS
3. Kurt Black - 0 G 2 A 2 PTS
4. Harlan Orr - 1 G 0 A 1 PT

Smokies Goalie Stats:

1. Bailey MacBurnie - 1-0-0-0 - 3.00 GAA, .923 Sv%

It will be interesting to see what adjustments are made by both teams coming into the back half of the home and home set.  

You can hear all the action on 107.5 KissFM starting at 7:15 with the pregame show.

Game 1 - Smokies 5 Vipers 3

Even if you didn't have a calendar or any access to a form of media, it wouldn't take you very long to determine it was the first game of the regular season.  A combination of rust, sloppiness, and mistakes were the name of the game on Friday night as the Trail Smoke Eaters defeated the Vernon Vipers in the 2015-16 season opener.  It was far from a pretty affair, but the winning team made fewer mistakes.

The Trail Smoke Eaters would open the scoring as Ross Armour would steal the puck from Liam Finlay, then fire back door to Rhett Willcox who was wide open in front of Jarrod Schamerhorn to make it 1-0.  The Vipers would get the game tied late as Joe Sacco put a sharp angle shot right at the feet of goaltender Bailey MacBurnie who kicked the puck right out to Hunter Zandee who would slide it home and tie the game with just 23 seconds left in the period.

Trail took over to start the second period by controlling the puck and using their forecheck to hem the Vipers in their own zone.  That would directly lead to a goal as Nick Halloran scored a very pretty goal moving from his left to his right in the slot then firing across his body short side on Schamerhorn.  That lead lasted 11 seconds as Steven Jandric would score a goal while standing right in crease to make it 2-2.  The game was only tied for 2 minutes before Rhett Willcox scored his second of the night off a nice 2 on 1 feed from Kienan Scott to make it 3-2 for the road team.  While on a powerplay the Vipers would again tie the game this time off the skate of Liam Finlay who was driving hard to the net.  The goal would be discussed by the officials, but appeared to go off the outside of Finlay's skate, negating a kicking motion.

Again, the Smoke Eaters would take a lead and this time there was no come back from the Vipers as Harlan Orr finished off a nice passing play from Kurt Black to make it 4-3.  The Vipers got themselves in some penalty trouble as Mac Ferner would be assessed a 5 minute major for a blow to the head.  The Smokies wouldn't score, but it took significant time off the clock.  The PK was impressive, but very late in the game Kienan Scott would score into the empty net to give the Smoke Eaters a 5-3 victory.

Here is the official box score:

PERIOD 1

1-0 Trail Smoke Eaters at 15:19 - Rhett Willcox from Kale Howarth

1-1 Vernon Vipers at 19:37 - Hunter Zandee from Joe Sacco and Jagger Williamson

PERIOD 2

2-1 Trail Smoke Eaters at 5:26 - Nick Halloran from Evan MacEachern and Kurt Black

2-2 Vernon Vipers at 5:47 - Steven Jandric from Liam Finlay and Peter Tufto

3-2 Trail Smoke Eaters at 7:37 - Rhett Willcox from Kienan Scott and Jeremy Lucchini

3-3 Vernon Vipers at 17:59 (PP) - Liam Finlay from Peter Tufto

PERIOD 3

4-3 Trail Smoke Eaters at 9:31 - Harlan Orr from Kurt Black and Cooper Sande

5-3 Trail Smoke Eaters at 19:52 - Kienan Scott from Jake Kauppila

Here are tonight's 3 Stars

STARS OF THE GAME
1st STAR	2nd STAR	3rd STAR
Trail Smoke Eaters Rhett Willcox	Vernon Vipers Liam Finlay	Trail Smoke Eaters Kurt Black

POWER PLAYS
Trail Smoke Eaters	0 for 6 (00.0%)
Vernon Vipers	1 for 7 (14.3%)

Mark Ferner stated in the pregame show that this Viper team may take its lumps early in the season as the team tries to find its identity.  The youth on the backend definitely showed at times, but it will be time that corrects those mistakes.

In goal, Jarrod Schamerhorn was very solid and was hung out to dry on all 4 goals the Smokies scored.  At the other end, Bailey MacBurnie was very impressive in his first BCHL regular game.

This Trail team doesn't appear to be the Smokies team of previous seasons.  They appear to be balanced in all 4 lines and responsible in their own end.

The rematch of the home and home set goes Saturday night from the Cominco Arena in downtown Trail.  You can hear all the action with Johnston Meier Insurance Viper Hockey on 107.5 KissFM starting at 7:15 with the pregame show.

Game 1 Preview - Vipers vs Smoke Eaters

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.

The 2015-2016 Vernon Vipers

On the eve of the 2015-2016 Regular Season, I thought I would go into a bit of detail as to the Vernon Viper lineup that will take the ice Friday Night against the Trail Smoke Eaters.  It would be doing an injustice not to reference last years team, so here's a look at who's in, who's out and who's still here as the season is just around the corner.

Who's Still Here?

• Riley Brandt
• Liam Finlay
• Colton McCarthy
• Mitchell Oliver
• Nic Rasovic
• Jagger Williamson
• Jarrod Schamerhorn

Who's In?

• Austin Cho
• Joe Cipollone
• Mac Ferner
• Griffin James
• Steven Jandric
• Jimmy Lambert
• Bo Pellah
• Darren Rizzolo
• Joe Sacco
• Brett Stapley
• Peter Tufto
• Callum Volpe
• Hunter Zandee
• Andrew Shortridge

Who's Out?

• Liam Coughlin (Unversity of Vermont)
• Thomas Aldworth (Quinnipiac)
• Anthony Latina (aged out)
• TJ Dumonceaux (Bentley)
• Luke Shiplo (Quinnipiac)
• Luke Voltin (traded to Langley)
• Brandon Eglis (aged out)
• Mitch Meek (traded to PG, traded to Cowichan)
• Johnny Coughlin (Holy Cross)
• Ken Citron (Colgate University)
• Riley Guenther (aged out)
• Mackenzie Bauer (traded to Cowichan, traded to Lloydminster)
• Blaine Caton (released)
• Linden Hora (traded to Chilliwack)
• Danny Todosychuk (Grant MacEwan University)

I will have a full game preview up on the blog tomorrow as the Vipers get set to kick off the 2015-2016 BCHL regular season, but it is safe to say with only 7 returning players this Viper lineup will be quite different.

One could call it a youth movement with 1 or 2 open spots for 20 year olds, but there is plenty of talent on this team and it will be very interesting to see how they grow together.

Also of note, the team will roll two 20 year old goaltenders.  Both guys will be leaned on heavily, especially early in the season with the young defencemen getting accustomed to the league and its speed.