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http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=94293

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This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vernon Vipers Holiday Skills Camp

Kal Tire Place North December 30, December 31, January 2 & January 3

Salmon Arm (20-14-1-1) @ Vernon (19-14-1-1) 6pm
Ethan Langenegger (0-2 Record)

I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and been watching/following Junior hockey in Vernon my entire life. I have had season tickets since 1990 and only missed four Vipers home games since 2004. In the past thirty years I have only missed 45 home games. I'm not a sports journalist, writer, reporter or work for the Vernon Vipers. I do not get paid for this blog and do this blog on my own personal time. I started and created this blog in November 2008 and have over 1.7 million viewers. For anyone who couldn't attend or watch tonight's Vipers game, here are my thought's and views from tonight's game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own opinion on the game. I try to be professional and give a fare game recap from both sides. Thank you for visiting my blog.

I was at tonight's Vipers-Silverbacks game as Salmon Arm defeated Vernon 5-2 in front of 2,652 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Reilly Herbst
Salmon Arm: Ethan Langenegger

To continue reading, Please click the "read more" button below,


1st Period: The Silverbacks got off to a quick start. Zach Gabruch's point shot was stopped by Reilly Herbst who couldn't control the rebound, before Lucas Breault buried the puck in front of the blue paint, giving Salmon Arm an early 1-0 lead at 0:23 Gabruch collected the lone assist. The Vipers responded with a quick push back shift and continued to press with a ton of pressure. Thirty or so seconds after the goal, Ethan Langenegger had to be sharp, was forced to make several stops on a goal mouth scramble. A minute later Viper forward/captain Connor Marritt alone at the side of the net, couldn't solve Ethan Langenegger who made a big stop. On the following play/shift Vernon with another opportunity couldn't bury the loose puck on a goal mouth scramble. Vernon product Matt Kowalski with a quick shot from the slot would be denied by Ethan Langenegger who had to be alert with the Snakes pouring on the pressure. The Vipers left Luke Mylymok alone in the slot five minutes in. Mylymok with a quick release/shot would be stopped by Reilly Herbst who made a large save, keeping this a one goal game. Just before the midway mark, Hunter Donohoe's point shot would be redirected on it's way to the goal, by Ben Helgeson, tying the game 1-1 at 7:46 Donohoe and Connor Sleeth picked up the helpers. Less then a minute later, the Vipers would get the games first power play. Cameron MacDonald with a shot from the slot couldn't beat Ethan Langenegger. Vernon with several looks, had some good chances but couldn't capitalize with the man advantage. Ethan Langenegger was solid on the Backs PK. Just as the penalty expired, Lucas Breault couldn't beat Reilly Herbst on the wrap around. Shots were 10-3 for the Snakes at this point. Two minutes later, Christian Felton setup Trey Taylor who's shot from the blueline found it's way through traffic would be stopped by the right pad of Ethan Langenegger on a shot I don't think the Salmon Arm goaltender saw. The Vipers not getting the bounces in the 1st period. The Apes slowly started to come on with about six minutes left in the opening frame, before getting there first PP of the evening. SA with several good looks, either couldn't hit the net or would be stopped by Reilly Herbst. The Gorillas with a ton of pressure on the man advantage, had the Snakes hemmed in there own end, couldn't capitalize with the PP. The Vipers struggled clearing the zone, had at least two if not three opportunities to get the puck out of the zone but couldn't. It was 1-1 after 20 minutes of play. The Backs with a quick start, opened the scoring twenty three seconds in, but it was mostly all Vipers for a lot of the 1st period. Vernon responded with a good push back shift after giving up the games first goal, had a ton of looks/quality chances, only managed one goal. The Snakes carried most of the play until about the final five minutes looked very good with the puck, were unable to bury there opportunities. Vernon was the better team for most of the period, had a ton of offensive zone time, carried the play and had a ton of quality chances. The Silverbacks saw a lot of time in there own end. The Vipers didn't look very good in there own end. Turned over the puck on several occasions. The S'Backs come back in the final five to six minutes, would generate several looks/opportunities with a late power play, couldn't take a lead into the dressing room. At one point shots were 10-3 for the Vipers halfway through the period, before SA rallied back in shots. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 13-12.

2nd Period: About a minute and a half into the middle frame, Matt Kowalski on an odd man rush setup Jo Jo Tanaka-Campbell looked to be in the clear before being hauled down going to the net. Antonio Andreozzi would get called for hooking, sending Vernon to an early PP. The Vipers with several looks and a goal mouth scramble couldn't convert with the man advantage as SA killed off the minor. Shortly after with the Snakes pressing, Ethan Langenegger had to be sharp made at least two big stops on a goal mouth scramble. Six minutes in, Hunter Sansbury's shot from the blueline got through traffic in front, somehow stayed out of the net. Sansbury's shot hit someone or something in front of the blue paint, that forced the puck not going into the goal. About a minute later, Salmon Arm would jump on the power play and capitalize. Akito Hirose setup Noah Wakeford alone at the side of the goal, Wakefore waited for Vipers starting goaltender Reilly Herbst to go down, before going high, giving Salmon Arm a 2-1 lead at 7:48 Hirose & Lucas Breault drew the assists. Six minutes later Noah Wakeford won the draw, spotted Daniel Rybarik in front, beat Reilly Herbst down low at the top of the crease, giving Salmon Arm a 3-1 lead at 14:11 Wakeford collected the helper. This was a big goal for the Apes, that took the wind out of the sails of the hometown Vipers. Vernon couldn't respond before taking a late penalty, giving the Silverbacks a late power play to finish the period. SA had some looks but no real quality chances, couldn't capitalize with the man advantage. It was 3-1 Salmon Arm after 40 minutes of play. The Vipers had a good start and were the better team early but once again couldn't capitalize on there opportunities. After being outplayed early, the Silverbacks got a timely goal on the PP to take the lead in a period they didn't deserve the lead. The Apes with two big goals took a 3-1 lead into the 3rd period in a game where I thought the Vipers were the better team. Salmon Arm's third goal was a turning point. The Snakes couldn't respond had the wind taken out of there sail. Vernon wasn't the same team and looked very disorganized to finish the period. Give the Silverbacks credit for capitalizing on there chances and getting some solid goaltending early in the period. The Snakes looked good early but couldn't play a full twenty minutes. The S'Backs were the better team in the second half and had Vernon on there heels to finish the period. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 10-8.

3rd Period: The Vipers with a strong start, got back to within a goal off the opening faceoff. Connor Marritt with what looked to be a no look pass from behind the goal, spotted Dawson Holt in front, beat Ethan Langenegger high, cutting Salmon Arm's lead to 3-2 at 0:31 Marritt and Jackson Caller with the assists. Holt and the Vipers with a big goal early, got the team and the crowd back into the game. Less then a minute later Landon Fuller would be called for interference on a questionable call, sending the Gorillas to an early power play. Akito Hirose spotted Lucas Breault for his second of the night, gave Salmon Arm a 4-2 lead at 2:28 Hirose and Daniel Rybarik collected the helpers. On the play/goal a scrum broke out in the crease as everyone jumped in. The officials had to jump in to break up the melay. The Snakes would come out of the altercation with the man advantage. While the the officials were sorting out the penalties, Vipers defenceman Nicholas Kent collapsed at the Viper bench. Several players and coaches all rushed in, took Kent to the dressing room where he wouldn't return. I didn't see what happened to Kent, but was told he was one of the players involved in the scrum after the Salmon Arm goal. This goal was a killer, not only did Vernon get to within a goal to start the period, but on a questionable call the Snakes are now back down two goals. Two minutes later just as the penalty expired, the Vipers turned over the puck behind the net, which allowed Coalson Wolford to scoop up the loose puck and score a between the legs highlight reel goal, giving Salmon Arm a commanding 5-2 lead at 4:27 Wolford's goal was unassisted. This was a very bad turnover inside there own end, basically putting the game away. On the following play/shift the Vipers come out down two players. Trey Taylor would pick up a ten minute misconduct while Jackson Caller would get called for holding, sending the Silverbacks to the man advantage. The Backs couldn't capitalize with the man advantage. Just as the penalty expired, the Vipers sprung Matt Kowalski in for the partial breakaway, would be denied in close by Silverbacks starting goaltender Ethan Langenegger, Shortly after tempers heated up with Vernon losing there composure. Everyone jumped in with some pushing and shoving before the altercation was broken up. The Snakes would come out of the after the whistle altercation. The Vipers would have some looks but unable to capitalize with the PP. The Vipers would carry a lot of the play to finish the period but didn't really generate or create a lot of opportunities, looked disorganised. Salmon Arm would come away with the 3-1 victory. The Vipers had a great start, scored early to get within a goal before the table and momentum changed in a hurry. SA with two quick back to back goals two minutes apart basically put the game away. The Vipers lost there cool, composure and looked disorganized after Salmon Arm's fifth goal. For lots of the remainder of the period, was more like a pond hockey game. The Vipers carried a lot of the play but the Silverbacks were sitting back with a three goal lead. The Snakes may have had a lot of the play at times but had troubles getting pucks to the net, didn't really generate or create much for offense. This was a disaster of a third period for Vernon who didn't look good in the final frame. Give credit to the Apes. After giving up an early goal, Salmon Arm scored a huge goal on the power play, to regain the two goal lead and then made the Vipers pay on a bad turnover inside there own end, to put the game away. It looked like tempers may carry over and the game get ugly but both teams settled down as the period went on. Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 9-5.

Top Player's: (Vernon)

Matt Kowalski Was the only Viper who I saw that really did anything offensively. Played with the most jump/energy, was able to create and generate several opportunities. The local kid had some good looks/opportunities couldn't find the back of the net, when the team needed him.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

The Vipers didn't get off to the start they wanted but I really liked there push back shift after giving up the games first goal twenty three seconds into tonight's contest. I thought Vernon was the better team for the first period and early to start the middle frame. I thought the game changed after Salmon Arm's third and fourth goals. The Snakes were down 2-1 but still in the game, gave up a goal towards the end of the 2nd period which took the life out of the team. Vernon couldn't respond and wasn't the same team after the Silverbacks third goal. Dawson Holt scores thirty one seconds into the 3rd to get within a goal, but on a questionable call, the Silverbacks capitalize with the man advantage to regain there two goal lead. The Vipers come out of a scrum after Salmon Arm's goal with the PP but struggle with the man advantage before coughing up the puck as the penalty expires allowing Coalson Wolford to give Salmon Arm a 5-2 lead and basically put the game away. The Vipers lost there cool and composure and looked very disorganised for most of the remainder of the 3rd period. The Snakes didn't get any puck luck or bounces go there way tonight but needed to bury some of there opportunities in that 1st period when they were all over Salmon Arm. Shots were 10-3 in favor of Vernon but it was tied 1-1. If the Snakes could have buried a few of there opportunities in the 1st period, maybe this is a different hockey game? Scoring has been this teams problem from day one and it showed again tonight. The Vipers weren't very good defensively, had troubles clearing the zone. Several turnovers inside there own blueline. These little mistakes cant be happening at this time of the year. The Vipers looked very good at times but then didn't look very good at times. Little mistakes and details shouldn't be happening at this time of year. The Vipers have not played a full sixty minutes in there last five games and haven't been the same team since almost blowing a 7-2 lead in Merritt December 8th. Since that 3rd period collapse in Merritt the Vipers haven't played very well. This is the fourth straight home game where the Snakes haven't played sixty minutes and let down the fans. I said this several times before, I thought the Vipers should have pulled off a blockbuster trade way back in mid October-early November while on there eleven game road trip. This team needed a shakeup. Another big loss to a division rival. Back to back games the Vipers have blown a chance to try and climb the standings, gave up points to both Trail and Salmon Arm. With a win tonight the Snakes could have tied both Salmon Arm and Wenatchee in points and got to within eight points of 2nd place Trail. Instead the Silverbacks move four points ahead of Vernon. The game vs Trail before the holidays and this weekends home and home series with Salmon Arm were and are big games in the standings. How big is tomorrow's game in Salmon Arm? The Vipers played most of there games on the road in the first half of the season, play most of there remaining games on home ice and they need to take advantage of playing at home. The Snakes look to be a better team on the road and struggle at Kal Tire Place. A large crowd was on hand for tonight's game. Why do the Snakes salute the crowd after the game when they lose? I don't like this time of year as several teams seem to struggle in games leading up to the Christmas break and games returning after the holidays. In the Vipers case, they lost 4-1 to Trail in there final game before the holidays and lost tonight in there first game back from Christmas. If fans were wondering why the Vipers were wearing there away jerseys tonight, all teams switch jerseys after Christmas. Home teams will wear there away or third set jerseys at home while wearing there home white jerseys on the road. Teams will switch back come playoffs. The Vipers have lost three straight are 5-5 in there last ten games. With the loss Vernon falls to 19-15-1-1 remain 5th in the Interior Division are two points back of Wenatchee and four points back of Salmon Arm.

Top Player's: (Salmon Arm)

Hunter Sansbury I thought played a steady game on the Silverbacks backend.

Lucas Breault (2 goals & 1 assist) Was Salmon Arm's most dangerous player this evening. Breault opened the scoring twenty three seconds into the hockey game, scored a huge power play goal early in the 3rd giving Salmon Arm a 4-2 lead. Has some wheels, was hard to contain and defend against.

Coalson Wolford (1 goal) Had some looks/chances through out the game, scored a highlight reel between the legs goal early into the 3rd period on a Viper turnover. I thought played very well for the Backs.

Noah Wakeford (1 goal & 1 assist) The veteran forward setup Salmon Arm's third goal, which was a key goal of the hockey game. Was very shifty, good on the draw and played well through out the game.

Akito Hirose (2 assists) Played very well on the Silverbacks blueline.

Ethan Langenegger (26 saves) Was the difference in the 1st period. After Salmon Arm jumped out to an early lead, the veteran netminder had to be sharp with Vernon on the attack. The Vipers had several quality chances and opportunities in the 1st and 2nd periods. A big goaltender, covers a lot of the net, doesn't give up any second or third opportunities, is very well positionally.

Game Thought's: (Salmon Arm)

The Silverbacks with a strong start, opened the scoring inside the opening minute but then fell apart. SA was lucky Vernon did get a couple of goals, managed to come out of the opening frame tied. The Apes saw a lot of action for most of the 1st period inside there own blueline, heavily relied on there goaltender to bail them out. I thought the Silverbacks were outplayed for a lot of the 1st period, were outshot 10-3 at one point, turned the game around towards the end of the opening frame. The Silverbacks dodged a bullet or two early into the middle frame with the Snakes pressing, would score a big goal on the power play to take a 2nd period lead at the time had no business to be ahead by a goal after being outplayed early. SA would get a huge goal towards the end of the period, getting Vernon off there game and down two goals heading into the final twenty minutes. The Gorillas gave up an early goal thirty one seconds into the 3rd but responded very well with two quick back to back goals two minutes apart to basically put the game away. In a game where the Backs were outplayed for lengthy periods of time, scored some timely goals in a game they may have not deserved to be leading at. Give full credit to the Backs for changing the momentum at key times in the game. How big was the third and fourth goals? Two plays/goals I thought were turning points in the hockey game. Give Salmon Arm credit, they were outplayed at times but got some solid goaltending from Ethan Langenegger, scored some timely goals, shutdown the Vipers in the third period, snapping an eight game losing streak on the road. The Silverbacks with a huge win, move two points ahead of Wenatchee and four points up on Vernon. The Backs have won back to back games after losing nine straight. Salmon Arm has only four wins in there last fifteen games. Head Coach Scott Atkinson wasn't on the bench as the Silverbacks pick up a greasy road win with two fairly rookie assistant coaches behind the bench. A small turnout of Silverbacks fans made the trip to Vernon. Penticton Vees Head Coach/GM & President Fred Harbinson was in attendance while Alberni Valley Bulldogs President David Michaud was also in attendance. Michaud use to work with the Penticton Vees before joining the Bulldogs. The Silverbacks pick up there first win over the Vipers this season as the Snakes lead the season series 2-1. These two teams will meet again tomorrow afternoon in Salmon Arm. With the win Salmon Arm improves to 21-14-1-1 are six points back of 2nd place Trail.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Brett Fudger
Keigo Hachisuka
Elan Bar-Lev-Wise
Max Palaga (Injured-Out for the season)

Salmon Arm:

Kieran Ruscheninski
Devan Newhook
Drew Bennett
Brett Balas

Energy Player of the Game:

Matt Kowalski

Three Star's:

1st Star: Lucas Breault (2 goals & 1 assist)
2nd Star: Coalson Wolford (1 goal)
3rd Star: Dawson Holt (1 goal)

Boxscore-Game Summary,

https://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/9501

Game Report,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/official-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=9501

Text Boxscore,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/text-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=9501

Please feel free to leave a suggestion or comment in the comment box below. I always enjoy and post all comments as long as there tasteful. Thank you for your comments and visiting my blog.

Here are some photo's I took before and during tonight's Vipers-Silverbacks game.

Vernon (19-15-1-1) @ Salmon Arm (21-14-1-1) 3pm
Ethan Langenegger (1-2 Record)

I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and been watching/following Junior hockey in Vernon most of my life. I have had season tickets since 1990 and only missed four Vipers home games since 2004. In the past thirty years I have only missed 45 home games. I'm not a sports journalist, writer, reporter or work for the Vernon Vipers. I do not get paid for this blog and do this blog on my own personal time. I started and created this blog in November 2008 and have over 1.7 million viewers. For anyone who couldn't attend or watch today's Vipers game, here are my thought's and views from today's game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own opinion on the game. I try to be professional and unbiased and give a fare game recap from both sides. Thank you for visiting my blog.

I was at today's Vipers-Silverbacks game as Vernon defeated Salmon Arm 4-2 in front of 1,131 fans at the Shaw Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: James Porter Jr
Salmon Arm: Ethan Langenegger

To continue reading, Please click the "read more" button below,


1st Period: The hometown Silverbacks got the early jump on the Vipers. Salmon Arm with a ton of pressure and zone time early had the early jump and momentum. About three minutes in, a shot from the top of the circle forced James Porter Jr into making a big stop early. A few minutes later James Porter Jr was forced to make a difficult save off a shot from the high slot that handcuffed the Vipers netminder as the Silverbacks couldn't bury the rebound. The Apes had several good looks but had trouble hitting the net. Just before the halfway mark, Christian Felton took a high stick and was forced to leave the game and didn't return for the remainder of the period. The Snakes would get a four minute double minor on the games first power play. Seconds into the man advantage, Ethan Langenegger come across the blue paint to rob a Viper forward at the side of the crease, before having to make a second save off a shot from in close. Two big stops on the PK before the Gorillas forecheck went to work. Salmon Arm's forwards poured on the pressure, had the Vipers hemmed deep inside there own end, killing valuable time off the clock. SA was able to kill off the first two minutes of the double minor, before Vernon had some good pressure and looks down low. Once again Ethan Langenegger had to be sharp, made another big stop before Cameron MacDonald buried the loose puck, giving Vernon a 1-0 lead at 12:38 Connor Marritt and Dawson Holt collected the helpers. Ethan Langenegger and the Backs were not happy with the goal as they figured MacDonald and the Snakes interfered with the Salmon Arm goaltender. Langenegger and a Salmon Arm defenceman went straight to the officials but the goal stood. Salmon Arm was outshooting Vernon 11-3 at the midway point, after the goal shots were now 12-10 in favour of the Silverbacks. Vernon's lead didn't last as fourty seconds later. On a turnover inside there own blueline, Noah Wakeford setup Silverbacks captain Akito Hirose who's shot from well out beat James Porter Jr, tying the game 1-1 at 13:18 Wakeford and Devan Newhook drew the assists. Less then two minutes later, the Snakes responded with a good push back shift. Connor Marritt and Jo Jo Tanaka-Campbell with a hard working shift down low, did all the work to keep the puck alive spotted Cameron MacDonald in the high slot, ripped a quick shot past Ethan Langenegger, giving Vernon a 2-1 lead at 14:53 Tanaka-Campbell picked up the lone assist. With just less then five minutes remaining the Vipers setup Matt Kowalski on an odd man rush. The Vernon product tried sending a pass through the slot to Dawson Holt but a strong defensive play by an Apes defender broke up the attack/play. With about three and a half minutes remaining, Lucas Breault's shot from the slot would be stopped by former Kelowna Rockets goaltender James Porter Jr. The Vernon goaltender thought he had the puck covered but the whistle wasn't blown and a Salmon Arm player went behind Porter Jr tried banging home the loose puck on a wild scramble in the crease. Somehow the Backs couldn't hit the open cage as Porter Jr and the Vipers catch a huge break as the game remained 2-1. The Gorillas pressed hard down the stretch, pushing for the game tying goal. Hunter Sansbury's heavy shot from well out, looked to handcuff James Porter Jr who was forced to make a difficult save with about a minute and a half remaining. It was 2-1 Vernon after 20 minutes of play. The Silverbacks jumped on Vernon off the opening faceoff and dominated the play for the first half as it was all SA. The Apes carried the play, had a ton of pressure/zone time and a lot of puck possession. Salmon Arm had several good looks/opportunities, also missed the net on several occasions. The game/momentum changed when the Vipers went to work with the games first and only power play of the 1st period. The Vipers created and generated some chances, were outshot and outplayed to this point, managed to open the scoring and gain some life. The Snakes played much better in the second half, but the S'Backs didn't go away and finished the opening frame strong, pushing hard for the game tying goal in the final minutes. Overall the Silverbacks were the better of the two teams. Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 18-12.

2nd Period: Christian Felton returned to the game after being high sticked halfway through the 1st period. Felton returned with a full face shield and was now wearing jersey #3 with no name bar. The Snakes with a strong start, jumped on the S'Backs early before the Vipers would get an early PP inside the opening minute. The Snakes only needed five seconds to grab a two goal lead. Connor Sleeth won the draw, setup Trey Taylor at the point, before going to the front of the net. Taylor's shot from the blueline beat Silverbacks starting goaltender Ethan Langenegger, giving Vernon a 3-1 lead at 1:01 Sleeth drew the only assist. Langenegger couldn't get set and may have been slightly screened with Connor Sleeth standing in front. Just over a minute later, Salmon Arm would eventually get there first man advantage of the afternoon. Vipers starting goaltender James Porter Jr had to be sharp, was forced to make several big stops while on the PK as Vernon killed off the minor. Minutes later the Snakes went back to work with the man advantage. The Vipers setup Dawson Holt at the circle who's shot beat Ethan Langenegger may have grazed the far post. Vernon unable to really generate much on the PP as SA killed off the minor. Just as the penalty expired, the Backs went back to the power play as both teams were playing musical chairs in the penalty box. Once again James Porter Jr had to be sharp, was forced into making some big stops, one off the mask. The Vipers sprung Dawson Holt for the breakaway, couldn't solve Ethan Langenegger five hole. How big was this save? Well shortly after just as the power play expired, Akito Hirose waited and waited before sending Daniel Rybarik a cross crease backdoor pass. Rybarik would be stopped by James Porter Jr before burying the rebound, cutting Vernon's lead to 3-2 at 11:15 Hirose & Hunter Sansbury collected the helpers. Daniel Rybarik was Landon Fuller's man. Fuller left Rybarik unattended, which resulted in the goal. This goal brought the crowd back into the hockey game, which got the rowdy fans in Section I going as they started chanting "Porter""Porter""Porter" Three minutes later Salmon Arm went back to work on the power play and everyone in the Shaw Centre thought the Backs had tied the game. James Porter Jr come across crease to rob Lucas Breault at the side of the goal, making a highlight reel stop, keeping this a one goal game. SA had several good looks from in close range, but fired high and over the goal or wide of the net, missing on several missed opportunities. The Vipers would get some solid goaltending from James Porter Jr and kill off the penalty. With about two minutes left in the 2nd period Dawson Holt sprung Matt Kowalski in for the partial breakaway, but Ethan Langenegger made the stop before having to make a second attempt at the second shot on a goal mouth scramble before tempers heated up with some pushing and shoving in the Gorillas crease. Ben Helgeson and Holden Knights would both get sent to the sin bin. It was 3-2 Vernon after 40 minutes of play. This was a very good entertaining period with chances at both ends of the rink. Both teams were matched fairly even as the play was fairly even for a lot of the middle frame. Both goaltenders were solid between the pipes. Shots were 16-12 for Salmon Arm.

3rd Period: Dawson Holt and Matt Kowalski on an odd man rush just over a minute into the final frame couldn't put Vernon ahead by two after a big stop from Ethan Langenegger. SA with a strong push back shift on the following rush. Coalson Wolford with a quick shot from the circle forced James Porter Jr into making a big pad save. Two good quality chances at both ends of the rink, early into the 3rd period. Shortly after Colby Feist setup Brett Fudger on an odd man rush but Fudger had to really stretch to try and connect on the pass didn't get off a quality shot. Shortly after the Apes would get the only PP of the period. A strong PK from Vernon ragged a lot of time off the clock, while James Porter Jr made a couple of stops as the Snakes killed off the minor. Just before the midway mark, Matt Kowalski and Dawson Holt on an odd man rush couldn't solve Ethan Langenegger. Shortly after Lucas Breault would be denied by James Porter Jr. The play really starting to open up as both teams were going back and fourth with chances and opportunities at both ends of the rink. Shortly after the halfway mark, William Poirier found his way behind the Vernon defence, looked to have James Porter Jr beat, Porter Jr was down and out tried sliding across the blue paint, managed to only get his goal stick in the way as Poirier couldn't corral the puck, missed an open cage on a missed opportunity to tie the game. With about five minutes remaining, Ben Sanderson driving to the goal hard, would be stopped down low as bodies went crashing into Ethan Langenegger. Shortly after Akito Hirose's point shot found it's way through traffic but somehow managed to stay out on a big stop from James Porter Jr. Salmon Arm slowly started to pull away towards the end of the period, were attacking strong, pouring on the pressure. The Snakes were hemmed in there own end at times but managed to keep SA to the outside and limit there time and space. Jason McKee and the Vipers would call a late timeout before the Silverbacks would also call a timeout inside the final two minutes. Inside the final two minutes, Lucas Breault with a quick release would be denied by James Porter Jr down low on a quality chance for SA. The Backs would get Ethan Langenegger to the bench with about 1:35 remaining for the extra attacker. The Apes with a strong push, had the Snakes hemmed in there own end but Salmon Arm was unable to get pucks to the net. Vernon had troubles clearing the zone, would eventually get the puck into the neutral zone twice inside the final minute of play. The Gorillas had troubles getting through the neutral zone, before turning over the puck, that allowed Dawson Holt to hit the open cage, giving Vernon a 4-2 lead at 19:56 Holt's goal was unassisted. This basically put the game away as fans started making there way to the exits. The Vipers would hang on for the 4-2 victory. This was a wild and very exciting 3rd period. Both teams went back and fourth for most of the final twenty minutes. Both teams with some quality opportunities. As the period went along, the play really opened up. Both goaltenders were solid in the final frame. This period could have gone either way, as both tenders made some timely saves. The Silverbacks started a big push with about four minutes remaining but couldn't force overtime. SA had some good looks, either missed the goal or couldn't solve James Porter Jr. The Viper defence was very strong down the stretch, especially in the final minutes, kept the S'Backs to the outside, took away the shooting lanes and limited Salmon Arm from getting pucks to the net. The Vipers come up with a few big shot blocks late, hung on for a big win in a big divisional game. Shots were 11-11.

Top Player's: (Vernon)

The line of Connor Marritt (1 assist), Ryan Shostak & Cameron MacDonald (2 goals) Was very good up and down the ice for Vernon. These three kids really stepped up there play this afternoon and lead the charge the entire game. I thought Vipers forward/captain Connor Marritt was very good along the wall and down low. Won several battles along the wall or in and around the net, come out with the puck. MacDonald scored twice was always involved in the play, while Shostak returned to the Vipers lineup last night, played very well today.


The line of Dawson Holt (1 goal & 1 assist), Matt Kowalski & Ben Helgeson were also very good. Holt had one of his best games as a Viper. I was really impressed with his hard work, compete level and determination today. He was hard to knock off the puck, hard to contain and defend against. At times he powered his way through a few Salmon Arm defenders. Kowalski & Holt seemed to feed off one another all afternoon, had very good chemistry today. These two were generating and creating a ton of opportunities and odd man rushes.

Ben Sanderson I thought was another veteran forward that stepped up his game today and played very well in the win. Really used his upper body strength and power to get by the Silverbacks defence and win the battles going to the goal.

Connor Sleeth (1 assist) I thought played pretty good and had a fairly good game this afternoon.

James Porter Jr (43 saves) Was very solid between the pipes for the Vipers today. The former Western Hockey League netminder was sharp, confident and seeing pucks all day. Had some luck with him today on a few saves. Was one of the key players on the Viper PK. Porter Jr's numbers don't show it, but the kid has been very good since arriving from the Kelowna Rockets in November. In the games he's lost, his team hasn't given him any offence.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

The Snakes didn't get off to a good start, were outplayed early and often. The Vipers played most of the first half in there own end, had to rely on James Porter Jr to keep them in the contest early. Vernon was outshot 11-4 at one point in the 1st period, managed to open the scoring and played much better in the second half of that opening frame. Overall I really liked the Vipers game today, I thought they improved defensively, didn't cough up or turnover the puck in there own end as much as last night and in past games. I counted only two turnovers in there own end today. Other then the first ten minutes, I thought Vernon played with a lot more consistency, energy and compete level. The Snakes were generating & creating lots of chances but also played well defensively. I thought all four lines contributed and played well. The power play was generating some opportunities with some sustained pressure and the PK was also good. After getting off to a slow start and being outplayed for the first half of the opening period, how big was Cameron MacDonald's power play goal to open the scoring? Vernon played with the lead most of the afternoon. The Snakes did catch some breaks and get the bounces go there way, were lucky on a few saves from Porter Jr and loose pucks in the crease. The Vipers haven't looked or been the same team since almost blowing a 7-2 lead in Merritt December 8th, played one of there better and more consistent games in a while. After losing 5-2 to the Silverbacks in a big home & home series, it was nice to see the Snakes get some revenge and get within two points of 3rd place Salmon Arm. A fair size of Viper fans made the trip to Salmon Arm this afternoon. The Vipers with a quick turn around, only get two days off until hosting the Penticton Vees New Years day. The Vipers snapped there three game losing streak, have lost three of there last five and won six of there last ten games. With the win Vernon improves to 20-15-1-1 move into 4th in the Interior division are now tied in points with Wenatchee, are two points back of 3rd place Salmon Arm and eight points back of 2nd place Trail.

Top Player's: (Vernon)

The line of Lucas Breault, Noah Wakeford (1 assist) & Daniel Rybarik (1 goal) Was the top unit for the S'Backs today. This line like last night, was dangerous, hard to contain and defend against. All three created/generated opportunities today. This line is quick, move the puck up ice in a hurry and seem to always know where each other are. Gave the Vipers troubles often.

William Poirier I thought played with a ton of jump, had some spark in his game.

Akito Hirose (1 goal & 1 assist) The Silverbacks captain played very well in Salmon Arm's 5-2 win in Vernon Saturday, had another strong game today. Really sees and reads the ice well, very patient with the puck. Has soft hands and plays well at both ends of the rink.

Zach Gabruch Played well on the Backs blueline.

Ethan Langenegger (31 saves) Played well last night, had another strong game between the pipes. Was tested more often today and forced to make a few more saves today over the win Friday in Vernon. Both goaltenders were very good. This kid is big, covers a lot of the net, doesn't give up many if any second or third opportunities. Wasn't pleased with Vernon's first goal, thought he was interfered with, made a large save off Dawson Holt on a 2nd period shorthanded breakaway.

Game Thought's: (Salmon Arm)

The hometown Silverbacks come out with a ton of jump/energy, jumped on the Vipers. It was all SA for most of the first half but the Apes couldn't find the back of the net. A lot like what happened last night. The Vipers had the early jump on Salmon Arm, but only managed one goal in a period where they were the better team. The Gorillas were all over Vernon, even outshooting the Snakes 11-4 at one point, found themselves down 1-0. If SA would have been able to open the scoring and maybe get a goal or two early, this may have been a different hockey game. Instead the Vipers survive the first ten minutes, manage to open the scoring and then take the lead into the dressing room. The S'Backs battled and competed just like the Vipers, didn't get the puck luck or bounces go there way. James Porter Jr got lucky on a few saves. I noticed Salmon Arm missed the net a lot today, five on five and on the PP. The amount of good looks the Silverbacks had, but shot high or wide of the goal was amazing. The Silverbacks had some very good chances ran into a hot goaltender today. Today's game could have easily gone the other way and Salmon Arm could have come out on top with the victory. Both goaltenders made some timely saves. I really liked the chatter from the Apes bench. Salmon Arm has a very lively bench, a lot of chatter and talking going on with the players, coaches and officials. You could hear the Salmon Arm bench giving it to the officials often, through out the game. Rumors going around the Shaw Centre today that the Silverbacks have fired Head Coach & GM Scotty Atkinson. Atkinson wasn't behind the bench in both games this weekend and a sign behind the end glass appeared in the 3rd period, saying "Where's Scotty?" No official press release from the Silverbacks. A great turnout for a Sunday afternoon game, I was very surprised to see the fans show up and come out for today's game. Most teams have trouble drawing well on Sunday afternoons, but a crowd of over 1,000 people were out today. The loss snapped the Silverbacks two game winning streak. With the loss Salmon Arm falls to 21-15-1-1 remain in 3rd place are two points ahead of Vernon & Wenatchee and six points back of 2nd place Trail.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Jack Glen
Nicholas Kent (Injured)
Elan Bar-Lev-Wise
Max Palaga (Injured-Out for the season)

Salmon Arm:

Kieran Ruscheinski
Simon Tassy
Jarrod Semchuk
Brett Balas

Energy Player of the Game:

William Poirier

Three Star's:

1st Star: James Porter Jr (43 saves)
2nd Star: Akito Hirose (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Cameron MacDonald (2 goals)

I have picked a victory song for the Vernon Vipers this season. After every Vipers win this year, I will play Tarzan Boy by Baltimora

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_r0n9Dv6XnY

Boxscore-Game Summary,

https://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/9503

Game Report,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/official-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=9503

Text Boxscore,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/text-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=9503

Please feel free to leave a suggestion or comment in the comment box at the bottom of this post. I always enjoy and post all comments. Thank you for your comments and visiting my blog.

Here are some photo's I took before and during today's Vipers-Silverbacks game.

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=23803

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/281709/josh-prokop



Injuries/Unavailable: LW Jesse Seppala (upper body, two-to-three weeks), D Jacson Alexander (upper body, three-to-four weeks) (as of December 17, 2019)

Injuries/Unavailable: RW Hunter Campbell (lower body, week-to-week, C Mark Kastelic (lower body, day-to-day), D Egor Zamula (World Juniors)

*Indicates CHL on Sportsnet broadcast

The Surrey Eagles are proud to announce that forward Holden Cardinal has committed to the team for the 2020-21 season. The 16 year old forward from Surrey, BC will look to be an offensive driver next season, and is the 2nd new player to commit to the team for next season, following defenseman Matt Connor who committed earlier this year. This season, Holden has been playing for the Delta Hockey Academy Wild of the CSSHL, and has 11 goals and 17 points in 18 games this season. Cardinal has also appeared in 3 games for the Eagles as an affiliated player, going scoreless in the contests, but showing the speed and skill which made him such an intriguing prospect. Last year as a 15 year old, Cardinal had 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists) in 31 games playing with the Delta Hockey Academy’s U15 elite squad. It was all smiles for Holden when he signed the paperwork for next season, admitting “I’m excited! Next season, [I’ll] come here and play, looking forward to it.” Cardinal expects to be “…hard working, fun to watch and a lot of energy in the game.” However, in saying all that Holden understands it won’t be easy to adjust to the BCHL. Holden admits he’ll need to adjust to certain aspects of the game. “Definitely the pace, the physicality. It’s going to be a lot different from midget hockey. It’ll be a bit of a jump but I’ll be able to adjust to it.” Finally, Holden admits there’s a lot of excitement being able to play for his hometown team. “Very exciting. All my friends and family live close, and will be able to support me.” Cam Keith was also very excited about landing the young Surrey native, explaining “Yea, [Holden] was a kid that probably could’ve made our team this year, but we thought it was better for him to play with Delta, play those big minutes in a big role. He’s a kid who’ll flourish on the olympic ice, extremely offensive, and he’s a kid who we’re expecting to jump in right away and make an impact.” Cam’s quick scouting report for Eagles fans describes Holden as “High pace, he’s a playmaker but he knows how to put the puck in the back of the net. For his lack of size (5’6, 132lb), you wouldn’t know it because he goes to the hard areas. A kid who doesn’t mind when the physicality gets going, he doesn’t shy away from it. If you want to compare him to a NHL player, he’s got a Johnny Gaudreau feel to him.” Welcome to the flock Holden!

This was posted on the Clippers website:

Penticton (27-10-1-1) @ Vernon (20-15-1-1) 2pm
Carl Stankowski (0-1 Record)