1 Down 14 To Go
Building A Tower Of Care One Fan At A Time!
The Vipers will have “Two Levels Of Care” for donations; if 2500 or more fans come to each of their 15 home games, December 30-February 20, then the Vipers will donate $1000 per game to the foundation, if there are more than 3000 fans per game, though the same dates, then the Vipers will donate $2000 per game to the foundation.
“It’s a you support us, we will support you kind of promotion” says marketing manager Heidi Schrader. “The Vipers donate thousands of dollars worth of merchandise, tickets and money to most charities that ask around Vernon and its surrounding areas and we want to show the community that we do what we can to give back to the City of Vernon. With this promotion we could possibly give $30,000 to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundations “Building a Tower of Care Campaign” “.
The new “Patient Care Tower” will house Emergency, Maternity, Pediatric, Surgery, ICU, Cardiac and Ambulatory Care Departments. An additional two floors will be built to accommodate future growth.
The Vernon Vipers have a great fan base right now and if each fan brought even one extra person to the game the Vipers would have well over 3000 fans a game and the hospital would have an extra $30,000 towards their fundraising efforts. “It’s a challenge to the people of Vernon as well,” Heidi says “we challenge them to come to the game and we would like nothing more than to write a check to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation. We only need 2500 fans to come out to have $1000 go to the hospital, but 500 fans aren’t much more to double the donation.”
The official kick off for the Vipers “Strength In Numbers” fundraiser will be December 30th against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, “We picked the December 30th game for the official kick off as our attendance is usually higher over the holidays and against Salmon Arm” Heidi also added “It will also be Student Night on the 30th and all high school students get in for only $5.00 so it should be easy for the attendance to get to 2500 and hopefully 3000.”
Businesses wanting to get involved are welcome to contact Heidi at the Vipers Office. For more information or to purchase tickets please contact the Vipers Office at 250-542-6022.
Fan Buses SOLD OUT!
Thank you Vernon hockey fans!! You have filled 103 seats on 2 buses which are headed to Penticton tonight to cheer on the Vipers! The Vees and Vipes have always been a great rival to watch and I'm sure with the group going tonight the Vipers will hear the support in the stands! This is the last Vipers game before the holiday break and the Vipers will return with a home and home series against the Silverbacks starting in Salmon Arm on the 29th. The Vipers will then host Salmon Arm the following night in Vernon when the Vipers look to sell out the rink and donate $2000 to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation with Little Tex on board for another $500 if 3000 fans come out to the game! So be sure to grab all your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers and help pack the pit on December 30th!
Viper Fan Bus Looking For Fans!
The Vernon Vipers have booked ONE full bus to Penticton and are trying for a second! The price it right and it's already half full! Call the Vipers office today at 250-542-6022 and book your seat on the fan bus for only $15!! That will get you to the game and back AND a ticket to the game...for only $15!! The bus needs to be full to go (that is why the price is so fantastic!!) so grab a friend and get on the bus to Penticton to cheer on the Vipers as they play the pesky Vees in their building for the last time this regular season! We hope to have over 100 Viper fans chanting in the SOEC and you can be one of them for only $15!!!! Call now 250-542-6022!
GO VIPERS GO!!!!!
Team East Captures President’s Cup in 2010 CJHL Prospects Series
Team East has defeated Team West in two consecutive games to capture the President's Cup at the 2010 CJHL Prospects Series. Team East recorded a 2-1 shootout victory on Tuesday night, followed by a 7-1 win on Wednesday in Dauphin, Manitoba. The CJHL Prospects Series is a two-game, total goal series.
The CJHL Prospects Game was created to showcase the top 40 NHL draft eligible players in the CJHL. Player selection is a joint initiative of the CJHL and NHL Central Scouting. The event attracts scouts from the NHL, CHL and Canadian and American colleges and universities. The CJHL Prospects Game features NHL draft prospects from the CJHL's five Western leagues competing against the top prospects from the CJHL'S five Eastern leagues.
Period 1
Team East Goal #1 @ 2:19 #14 Darcy GreenAway from #19 Brian Bunnett
Team East Goal #2 @ 9:17 #16 Mitchell Deruelles from #10 Jason Lacroix
Team East Goal #3 @13:38 #10 Jason Lacroix from #16 Mitchell Deruelles and #8 Brent Norris
Team East Goal #4 @ 16:49 (PP) #20 Matthew Peca from #14 Darcy GreenAway and #17 Charles Power
Period 2
Team West Goal #1 @ 3:46 (PP) #4 Brody Luhning from #5 Luke Madill and # 9 Mitch VanTeeling.
Team East Goal #5 @ 7:51 #24 Evan Rodrigues from #22 Braedan Russell and #5 Luke Juha
Team East Goal #6 @ 12:01 #2 Curtis Leonard from #12 Scott Wilson and #22 Braedan Russell
Period 3
Team East Goal #7 @ 5:27 #22 Braedan Russell from #12 Scott Wilson and #24 Evan Rodrigues
The Player of the Game for Team East is Darcy GreenAway (OJHL), who recorded 2 goals and 1 assist over the two game series. Defenceman Sam Jardine (AJHL) is the Player of the Game for Team West.
Dauphin Kings General Manager and Head Coach, Marlin Murray, led Team East while Kings Assistant Coach Marc Berry led Team West.
The Canadian Junior Hockey League continues to be a strong supplier of talent to the National Hockey League. Nineteen players from the Canadian Junior Hockey League are identified on the NHL Central Scouting "Players to Watch" list for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Five alumni of the CJHL Prospects Game have been selected in the 1st Round of the NHL Entry Draft, including Kyle Turris (BCHL), Riley Nash (BCHL), Beau Bennett (BCHL), Joe Colborne (AJHL) and Dylan Olsen (AJHL).
Team East and Team West compete annually for the President's Cup, which is awarded to the winning team at the CJHL Prospects Event.
2010 - Game 1: Team East wins 2-1 (SO); Game 2: Team East wins 7-1 in Dauphin, MB
2009 - Game 1: Team West wins 8-1; Game 2: Team East wins 2 - 0 in Winkler, MB
2008 - Team East defeated Team West 6-3 in Summerside, PEI
2007 - Team East defeated Team West 5-3 in Winkler, MB
2006 - Team West defeated Team East 6-2 in Vernon, BC
2005 - Team West defeated Team East 5-4 in Yorkton, SK
Visit http://www.cjhlhockey.com/ for more information on the 2010 CJHL Prospects Event.
Team West Announcement
Team East Announcement
Getting To Know...Malcolm Lyles
What does he miss most about Florida?
C-Weather
M-His mom
W-Weather
L-My dog Fluffy
What does he like most about Canada?
C-The friendly people
M-Weather
W-His billets and their cooking
L-All the friendly people
What is in his iPod?
C-Rap
M-Rap
W-Rap
L-Rap
When he is not at the rink he is…
C-Home sleeping
M-Sleeping
W-Home sleeping
L-Sleeping
What are his superstitions if he has any?
C-Stick handling with a puck
M-Stick handling
W-I don’t think he has any
L-Nap before a game
What is his favorite thing to eat?
C-Steak
M-Chicken
W-Grits
L-Macaroni
He can’t leave home without…
C-iPod
M-Cellphone
W-Big winter jacket
L-iPod
What is he asking Santa for Christmas?
C-Warm weather
M-New phone
W-A point streak
L-Couple more points
If he could be anywhere, doing anything, what would it be?
C-Muscle Beach working out
M-At home sleeping
W-Playing hockey
L-Be on South Beach
A Little Q&A With Halcrow
How did you react when you got the news you were traded to Vernon?
I had a big smile on my face! I am very excited to be a Viper.
Where did you start and what was your journey to Vernon?
When I was 17 I spent my rookie year in Ft. McMurray and played a full season there and in the off season I was traded to Quesnel, which was kinda out of the blue. I then spent all last season with Quesnel and it was a very up and down season, we didn’t really come together until about Christmas. Then we played our best hockey and had a great run in the playoffs and now I am here.
What was it like playing against Vernon?
It was always fun and Vernon was my favorite team to play against. It really brings your game up when you play a good team and its always a lot of fun.
Will it be easier or harder for you to face fewer shots then you did in Quesnel?
It’s is a little tough at first to adjust to but when I played in Ft. McMurray they had a really good defensive core so I was used to a lot less shots. It is a little different but even after the first game I feel adjusted.
Will it be different playing at Wesbild then the Vault?
It will be a little different but this is probably the best rink to play in for me so I am excited. I have had great personal success here and the fans are great, so I am excited to play here.
How have you adjusted so far here in Vernon?
So far it’s been good. This is a great group of guys and it’s lots of fun. So I think I have adjusted just fine so far!
The Vipers have two veteran goaltenders, how does this affect you and the team?
I think it’s great. It benefits both the team, Voth and myself. We are only going to make each other better and the team better, so it’s good.
Getting to know your team....Do you know Robinson?
The Vipers are a close bunch...they spend time together at the rink, the gym, the bus, hotel rooms. You would think by now they would have know each other really well....right? Well we put it to the test and wanted to see how well a few of the players know the captain Dave Robinson! So we asked his closest (literally) teammates...Bryce Kakoske, who has known Dave the longest growing up together and is one of his bus-mates, Kyle Murphy, his stall-mate and Adam Thompson another on of his bus-mates!(Kakoske - K Murphy - M Thompson -T Robinson - R)
How many suits does he own?
K-2
M-2
T-2
R-2
K-Moms home cooking
M-His basement
T-Being home with his friends
R-Home cooked meals from my mom
He never gets sick of...
K-Well he gets sick of most things...
M-Xbox
T-Xbox
R-Call of Duty on Xbox
If he could meet any famous person it would be...
K-Steve Yzerman
M-Wayne Gretzky
T-It would probably be an a singer
R- Elisha Cuthbert
What song would he sing on American Idol?
K-Teenage Dream (Katy Perry)
M-Live is Life (Opus)
T-You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling, from Top Gun
R-Sweet Caroline (Neil Diamond)
What is his favorite thing to eat?
K-Ribs
M-Chicken and Rice
T-Chicken Wings
R-Chicken
Who does he hang out with the most?
K-Murph (Kyle Murphy)
M- Me
T-His friends in Vernon
R-Murph (Kyle Murphy)
When he is not at the rink he is...
K-Gaming
M-In his basement
T- At the gym
R-At the gym
What is in his iPod?
K-King of Leon
M-Backstreet Boys
T-We Speak No Americano - Yolanda Be Cool
R-Kings of Leon
He never leaves home without...
K-Cell phone
M-Peanut Butter Sandwich
T-Protein Shake
R-Cell phone
Halcrow & McDonald Join Vipers
Teddy Bear Toss This Friday Night
Strength In Numbers Just Got Stronger!
The Vernon Vipers will kick off their Strength In Numbers Campaign on December 30th when they host the Salmon Arm Silverbacks to raise money for the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation (VJHF). The goal is to have 3000 fans come to each game and for every game that the building is full the Vipers will donate $2000 to the VJHF. With the kick off date being the 30th Little Tex Restaurant will be jumping on board and has pledge $500 as well if 3000 fans come to that game. Fans are encouraged to share the news with friends, family and neighbors to help pack the pit on December 30th and help the VJHF get a check for $2500!
Other businesses are welcome to pledge a donation based on a sell out crowd and/or bring a group to the game to help fill the seats for the game on the 30th or any regular season game after that. The Vipers would like to see a sell out crowd every night, and if it happens the VJHF would get a check for over $30,000!!! If every fan brought a friend or family member or even a total stranger to a game the rink would be sold out every night and the VJHF would be $30,000 closer to their goal to build the Tower Of Care!
For more information or to get involved please contact the Vipers Office at 250-542-6022.
Vipers Here & There
Quinnipiac Men's Ice Hockey Loses To UMass, 5-2
Senior captain Scott Zurevinski (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) and Kellen Jones (Montrose, British Columbia) both scored in the loss for the Bobcats while Connor Jones (Montrose, British Columbia), Zach Hansen (White Bear Lake, Minn.) and John Dunbar (Calgary, Alberta) all picked up assists. Full StoryNo. 2 Men's Ice Hockey Skates to 4-4 Tie with Brown
Four different Terriers found the back of the net, including sophomore Ben Rosen, who collected his first collegiate goal. Senior Joe Pereira and sophomore Alex Chiasson each tallied their fifth marker of the season and freshman Garrett Noonan and junior David Warsofsky both earned a pair of assists.
The Terriers still had a one-goal deficit entering the second period, but Pereira knotted up the contest at 4:48 of the middle stanza on a 2-on-1 rush when he poked in a rebound off his own shot with assists from freshmen Sahir Gill and Noonan. Full Story
Buckeyes Downed by No. 14 Alaska, 5-2
The Buckeyes held a 1-0 lead after the first period on John Albert's fourth goal of the season. He skated down the left side and pulled Alaska goalie Scott Greenham out of position. He was able to wrap around behind the net and score before Greenham could get to the other post. Sergio Somma and Curtis Gedig assisted on the goal, as they led the breakout of the Buckeye zone. Shots were 15-11 in favor of the Buckeyes in the stanza. Full Story
2 Days Left To Crown MOvember Winner
It looks like its a race between Voth and McGillis for best Movember Stash! Be sure to cast your vote! See the rest of the best below in pictures taken from last week!
Coldstream Light Up
The Vernon Vipers were out at the annual Coldstream Light-Up on Sunday night. Here are a few pictures from the night and stay posted to Vipers TV for video and interviews from the event.
McPhee boosts Vernon content
By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star
They really are starting to look like the Vernon Vipers.
With this week’s addition of 6-foot-3 forward Zach McPhee, the Snakes now boast six local players on their roster (Dave Robinson, Bryce Kakoske, Colton Sparrow, Max Mowat and Trevor Fitzgerald are the others).
McPhee, 17, was seeing limited playing time with the WHL Tri-City Americans, and rather than risk stagnating in major junior, he decided the B.C. Hockey League might be a better move for his development.
“I wasn’t playing too much down in the States so I sat down with the coaches and thought out a plan for what would be better for me to get some playing time,” said McPhee, who had one goal in eight game with Tri-City.
Having played his minor hockey in Vernon, McPhee grew up idolizing former Vipers like Dean Strong. His aunt billeted Armstrong’s Matt Waddell and Kelowna’s Kenny Magowan.
He said being from Vernon has helped him understand the culture and what being a Viper is all about.
“It’s definitely pressure, but it’s a pressure that I like. I’m just going to work as hard as I can to get playing time and help the team out,” said McPhee, second in scoring with the Major Midget Okanagan Rockets last season with 39 points in 36 games.
“I just have to take some extra time to go over the systems with the coaches and pay attention in practice and jump into it as quick as I can.”
In recent memory, the Viper squad with the next highest local content was the 2001-02 roster that featured four local boys – David Morelli and Chad Murray, both of Vernon, Waddell and Enderby’s Brad Farynuk.
Knowing owner Duncan Wray’s willingness to bankroll a competitive lineup, these moves are not about saving on billeting or scouting expenses. As head coach/GM Mark Ferner notes, it has more to do with the level of grassroots hockey in Vernon.
“It’s a credit to Vernon Minor Hockey. It’s not like we’ve gone out and scouted these players because they’re local kids. They’re good hockey players and they’re going to help us,” said Ferner.
“The one thing I know that they know is how passionate this town is about this hockey team and the way we want to be. That helps speed up the process, especially when they’re young.”
Helping McPhee’s transition to the Viper den will be former Rocket teammates Mowatt and Sparrow.
Said Sparrow: “The first year we played together we were probably six or seven years old, and pretty much all the way up. He’s been one of my best friends since I was little so, it’s good to have him here.”
Ferner doesn’t know much about McPhee, but likes what he’s read on the scouting report.
“Everything I’ve been told is he’s a big body, skilled guy. And looking at our group, we need a little bit more of that. He’s a centreman, but he can also play the wing.”
With just one week of practice, Ferner said it is too soon to determine where McPhee will fit in the lineup. He will have a better idea when the Vipers entertain the Trail Smoke Eaters Friday night at Wesbild Centre.
“This is more about chemistry than anything else, making sure we find the right combination,” he said.
The fourth-place Vipers (14-8-1-6) trail the Smokies (19-9-0-1), who are tied for first with the Penticton Vees (, by four points in the Interior.
“We just got off one of our longer road trips, and I thought it was successful. We didn’t get all the points that we wanted, but our team played pretty well,” said Ferner.
“We’re going to have to be close to our best against a good hockey team. They’re the highest scoring team in our division (3.80 goals for average)... so we’re going to work on some things this week and hopefully we’ll be ready.”
Meanwhile, the Penticton Vees earned a share of first place with a 4-2 win over the Merritt Centennials Wednesday night at South Okanagan Events Centre. Penticton is 19-8-0-1.
In the other BCHL Wednesday nighter, the Nanaimo Clippers stunned the Powell River Kings 6-3, handing the lead-leading Kings (20-5-3-2) their third home loss of the season.
In Tuesday night action, the host Westside Warriors used two goals apiece from Tyler Brickler and Kyle Singleton to bounce the Langley Chiefs 7-3. The Warriors are four points back of Vernon at 14-9-1-2.
SNAKE BITES: Ferner will likely rest injured forward Pat McGillis for another week, saying “We’ve got some healthy bodies here, so we’re not going to inject Patty back in the lineup until he’s 100 per cent.”... The Prince George Spruce Kings have fired long-time head coach Ed Dempsey, replacing him with former Williams Lake Timberwolves bench boss Dave Dupas. The Kings are last in the BCHL at 6-22-0-2.
MOvember Vote
Some of the Vipers have been taking part in Movember, mustache month, and it's time to take a vote on who has the best 'stash! The pictures below are of the top 8 mustaches and we will let you...the fan and avid blog reader, pick who you think should be named Best Movember Stash!
Marcus Basara & Adam Thompson
Kyle Murphy & Bryce Kakoske
Trevor Fitzgerald & Dave Robinson
Blake Voth & Pat McGillis
Coming To A Vipers Game Pays Off -- Literally!
The Vernon Vipers will be kicking off a new campaign to help fill the seats at the Wesbild Centre but more importantly help build the new Tower of Care at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital. “Strength in Numbers” will start December 30, 2010 when the Vipers host the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. The goal is to raise $30,000 for the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation and all fans have to do is come and cheer on the Vernon Vipers.
The Vipers will have “Two Levels Of Care” for donations; if 2500 or more fans come to each of their 15 home games, December 30-February 20, then the Vipers will donate $1000 per game to the foundation, if there are more than 3000 fans per game, though the same dates, then the Vipers will donate $2000 per game to the foundation.
“It’s a you support us, we will support you kind of promotion” says marketing manager Heidi Schrader. “The Vipers donate thousands of dollars worth of merchandise, tickets and money to most charities that ask around Vernon and its surrounding areas and we want to show the community that we do what we can to give back to the City of Vernon. With this promotion we could possibly give $30,000 to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundations “Building a Tower of Care Campaign” “.
The new “Patient Care Tower” will house Emergency, Maternity, Pediatric, Surgery, ICU, Cardiac and Ambulatory Care Departments. An additional two floors will be built to accommodate future growth.
The Vernon Vipers have a great fan base right now and if each fan brought even one extra person to the game the Vipers would have well over 3000 fans a game and the hospital would have an extra $30,000 towards their fundraising efforts. “It’s a challenge to the people of Vernon as well,” Heidi says “we challenge them to come to the game and we would like nothing more than to write a check to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation. We only need 2500 fans to come out to have $1000 go to the hospital, but 500 fans aren’t much more to double the donation.”
The official kick off for the Vipers “Strength In Numbers” fundraiser will be December 30th against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, “We picked the December 30th game for the official kick off as our attendance is usually higher over the holidays and against Salmon Arm” Heidi also added “It will also be Student Night on the 30th and all high school students get in for only $5.00 so it should be easy for the attendance to get to 2500 and hopefully 3000.”
Businesses wanting to get involved are welcome to contact Heidi at the Vipers Office. For more information or to purchase tickets please contact the Vipers Office at 250-542-6022.
Day 5 & 6
Hello Vipers Fans! We hope your all still with us on the final day of our trip. It’s now Sunday morning and we just got done with breakfast at the hotel. Yesterday was an identical day to Friday. We woke up and had breakfast at the hotel. This was followed by a nap or at least some rest for everyone. We had the same 2 o’clock pregame at East Side Mario’s. We then left for the rink around 4:45 as the arena was only a short drive away. As far as the game went, we obviously did not get the result we wanted. Yet, we put forth a good effort and probably deserved a better fate. After the game, we went back to East Side Mario’s for a quick meal and then headed to the hotel to get some shut eye. This morning was an 8:30 wake up for breakfast. Now, were just hanging out in the hotel and most likely going to take a nap before the game this afternoon. It’s our last game of the road trip and we’re really hoping to come away with a win. It’s been a long trip and were all looking forward to getting back to Vernon. We hope you have all enjoyed reading about our road trip and we hope we can come home with a win today! Farewell from the Baby Blue Line!
Day 4
Hey out there all you Vipers Fans! It’s the Baby Blue Line saying hi after a big win for our team. Today wasn’t as early of a wake up which was nice for everyone to get a little extra rest. After having breakfast at 9:30, the team went for a short walk which is typical for a gameday. It was actually snowing while we were on our walk which wasn’t what anyone was looking for but we fought through it. After the walk were pretty sure just about everyone went back to sleep for a while. We had a 2 o’clock pregame meal at West Side Mario’s. Then, we headed back to the hotel to hang out for a bit before we packed our bags and headed to the rink. We had to leave at 4:15 to head over to the rink because there was heavy traffic at that hour. As far as the game went, it was a good come from behind win for us. We didn’t get off to the start we wanted to but we regrouped after the first period and seemed to figure things out. The game eventually went to overtime where we saw Bryce Kakoske make a nice move and beat the goalie shortly into the fourth frame. It wasn’t our best effort but everyone was happy to come out with a win and put a hault to our three game skid. After the game we had some pizza on the bus and just headed right back to the hotel to get some sleep as we have another big game tomorrow night in Langley. That’s all we have for tonight but we’ll be checking back in tomorrow night with hopefully another good result to report.
Day 3
Zurevinski Scores Twice and Jones Adds Insurance Goal
Written by: QuinnipiacBobcats.com
Release: 11/13/2010
HAMILTON, N.Y. - Senior captain Scott Zurevinski (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) scored twice to lead the Quinnipiac men's ice hockey team to a 3-1 win against Colgate for its first ECAC Hockey victory of the season. The Bobcats improve to 1-2-1 in league action and 5-4-1 overall while Colgate drops to 2-5-1 overall and 0-3-1 in ECAC Hockey action.
Both teams played to a scoreless draw through the first period before Zurevinski scored twice in the second. His first goal tied the game at 1-1, while his second goal of the game gave the Bobcats a one-goal lead through the second period.
Quinnipiac ran its record when leading after two periods to an impressive 49-0-5 in its last 54 games in the situation. Connor Jones (Montrose, British Columbia) scored his second goal of the weekend and third of the year to give Quinnipiac a two-goal lead. Eric Hartzell (White Bear Lake, Minn.) improved to 2-0-0 on the year after stopping 30 of Colgates' 31 shots on goal.
Chris Wagner put the Raiders on the board with his second goal of the year. Colgate put a rush on Hartzell, putting several shots on the sophomore that landed in front of the Bobcats' goal. Wagner was able to pick up the puck in the crease and pop it over Hartzell to give the Raiders a 1-0 lead less than a minute into the second period.
Zurevinski tied the game at the 13:49 mark of the second period when Yuri Bouharevich (Montreal, Quebec) took control of the puck in the neutral zone, and took off down ice. The junior had company as he found himself on a three-on-one with Colgate goalie Eric Mihalik. Bouharevich skated inside the right face-off circle, faked a shot and then hit Zurevinski's stick in the slot. Zurevinski crashed the goal, dumping the puck past Mihalik to tie the game at 1-1. It was Zurevinski's second goal of the season while Bouharevich picked up his team-leading sixth assist.
Zurevinski scored again with just over a minute to play in the period. Colgate was about to be whistled for a penalty, so Quinnipiac, with control of the puck, pulled Hartzell and sent out the extra skater. Mike Glaicar (Kamloops, British Columbia) sent the puck across the ice, from one point to the other, to Zack Currie (Victoria, British Columbia). Currie sent a pass to Zurevinski below the face-off circle who one-timed a shot over the shoulder of Mihalik to give the Bobcats a one-goal lead, 2-1.
The Bobcats jumped out to a 3-1 lead when Connor Jones (Montrose, British Columbia) scored on the power play to start the third period. Zach Tolkinen (Lino Lakes, Minn.) passed the puck to Zach Davies (Smithers, British Columbia) at the point. Davies sent a shot through traffic that Jones tipped past Mihalik to give Quinnipiac a two-goal lead.
Day 2
Hey Vipers Fans, it’s Mike, John, and Aaron checking in on day two of our trip. Today started off with our team breakfast at the hotel at 9:30. After breakfast, we headed over to the rink for our pre-game skate. After a thirty minute skate we headed back to the hotel for some down time. Our line headed to the conference room to hit the books hard and stay on top of our work while away from the classroom. We had a 2 o’clock lunch at Kane’s restaurant. After a good pasta meal we headed back to the hotel where a bunch of us grabbed a nap and got ready for the game. The team headed over to the rink at 5 o’clock to prepare for the game. The game didn’t go as planned. After we got down two goals early, we worked our way back into the game and tied the game up in the third period. Unfortunately, shortly after we tied up we gave up two goals and that proved to be the too much of a gap for us to catch up. It was a tough loss for the team but we tried to learn from it and move on as we have three more big games this weekend. Tomorrow we’ll be traveling back into Vancouver where we’ll catch back up with you guys! For now, farewell from the Baby Blue Line.
Day 1 - Vipers Road Trip
Hey there Viper fans! It’s Aaron, John, and Mike checking in on our first night on the road. We just got to the hotel in Powell River after a long day of travel. The day started off with a 7 am departure from the Wesbild Centre. On our bus ride to Vancouver, we saw our first snow of the season up here. Once in Vancouver, we hopped on our first ferry from Horseshoe Bay Terminal to the Sunshine Coast. This ferry ride was very interesting for the rookies. The rookies were split into two teams (Americans vs Canadians) and we had to compete in a scavenger hunt that was put together by the veterans. Each team had to try and get all 10 items on the list. Some of these items were more embarrassing than others, such as a few pictures with random passengers on the ferry. Both teams ended up getting all ten items so it went to a joke off to see who won the competition. The Americans proved to be the funnier of the rookies as they won the joke off and the overall competition. After a short drive we boarded our next ferry. This ride was not as eventful but it provided some beautiful scenery. We landed ashore just outside of Powell River. We then had our final leg of the trip which was a short thirty minute bus ride to Powell River Towns Centre Hotel. Once we got here we grabbed some dinner and many of us headed over to Safeway to grab some candy and snacks for the week. We’d also like to note that Malcolm ‘Styles’ Lyles was in hibernation for all 11 hours of the trip. Were now just hanging out in the Hotel, getting some down time with the boys as we prepare for a big game tomorrow night against Powell River. Hope all you readers got some good insight on our first day and we’ll be checking back in tomorrow. Farewell from the Baby Blue line!
Vernon Viper Dylan Walchuk at WJAC
CAN West’s Player of the Game on why the team came up short, and playing for bronze.
Dylan Walchuk Interview
Next Game Friday November 26th
You On The Bus?
Get on the Fan Bus to Salmon Arm this Saturday! Tickets are only $20 which includes your ride and ticket to the game! Be loud and proud on the road and show the opponent who has the best fans in the league! Book today at the Vipers Office or on the phone with Visa or Master Card at 250-542-6022 be sure to help fill the bus and all fans will get a rally hat for the trip!
Vipers Alumni From Around The World Wide Web
Here is Mike Collins’ waived off goal as time expired in the second period, the green light lit up just milliseconds before Collins’ shot crossed the line.
Mike Collins Highlight Reel Goal from Warrior Rink Rat Blog.
Watch a video from Oilers On Demand of Conner and Kellen Jones at Oilers Camp in July.
Oilers TV - Connor & Kellen Jones
Hammond Makes October Headlines
Hammond Named Papa John's Athletes Of The Week
10/18/2010 12:58:33 PM
Each week, the Bowling Green State University Athletic Department names the Papa John's Athletes of the Week, as selected by the athletic communications department based on their athletic performances from the previous week. This week's winners are hockey player Andrew Hammond and women's cross country runner Abby Koch.
Male Athlete of the Week
Andrew Hammond, a sophomore goalkeeper from Surry, British Columbia, earned his first collegiate win Saturday against Clarkson. With Hammond's perfect 31-save performance against the Golden Knights, the Falcons earned their first win of the season after defeating Clarkson 3-0 at Cheel Arena (Potsdam, N.Y.). Hammond shut down the opposition to achieve his first career shutout. He made seven saves while the Falcons were on the penalty kill, keeping the Knights unsuccessful in four power play attempts during the game.
Falcons Earn First Win in Shutout At Clarkson
by Ryan Gasser, Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant
10/16/2010 9:56:30 PMPOTSDAM, N.Y. -- Backed by an aggressive offense and a defense that fought tough to the very end, Bowling Green Hockey earned its first win of the season, Saturday night. The Falcons posted a 3-0 shutout win over Clarkson University with the aid of 31 saves by sophomore Andrew Hammond.Andrew Hammond (Surrey, British Columbia) earned his first win as a Falcon. He saved 31-of-31 shots against, including a 14-save first period. The perfect night between the pipes also marked his first career shutout.
Hammond did his part in stopping the Clarkson power play cold. The Golden Knights went 0-for-4, including back-to-back CU power plays in the second period. Hammond stopped seven shots when the Knights were a man up. Marc Rodriguez put the Falcons on top with his first goal of the season on a break-away effort following a Clarkson turnover in the BG zone. On the all-sophomore goal, Jerry Freismuth (Grosse Point, Mich.) and Jordan Samuels-Thomas (South Windsor, Conn.) touched the puck up the ice to Rodriguez, the Aurora, Ill. native who fought through two Golden Knight defenders on a straight path to the net. On his approach, Rodriguez went stick-side on Clarkson goaltender Paul Karpowich and wristed home the game’s opening goal giving BGSU a 1-0 lead in the 15th minute. Bowling Green’s defense faced severe pressure all game from the Clarkson offense. The Knights had plenty of scoring opportunities and clear looks to the net, but sailed many of their open shots wide of the cage while being stoned by Hammond’s hot hand.
After a scoreless second period, the Falcons wasted no time in adding to their total when James McIntosh (Holland Landing, Ontatio) plugged his first goal of the season past Karpowich. After Bowling Green pressured the puck into the CU zone, the Knights retook possession but not for long. McIntosh entered a scrum in front of the crease and retook possession of the rock before turning a backhand shot into a goal just 22 seconds into the final period. Clarkson became more aggressive and chippy in the final five minutes of the contest by pressing into the BG defensive zone late. At 17:30 in the third period, Clarkson pulled Karpowich out of the net and created a 6-on-5 attack. Bowling Green could have had a third goal recorded earlier when Cameron Sinclair (Windsor, Ontario) took a turnover down the ice en route to an easy empty-net goal.
Sinclair was tripped up from behind while the puck sailed wide, causing a roar for a penalty shot or an automatically awarded goal. The referee’s whistle stayed quiet and the play was allowed without any damage done. Bowling Green captain David Solway (Green Bay, Wisc.) put the game away by taking a loose puck along the far end boards before sliding home BG’s third goal to definitively close the game for the Falcons.
Bowling Green (1-3-0, 0-2-0-0) ends the weekend with its first shutout since Feb. 21, 2009 when they beat Michigan State at the BGSU Ice Arena, 4-0. The last time Bowling Green shut out an opponent on the road was on Feb. 6, 2009 at Northern Michigan after a Falcon 3-0 win. BGSU will return to Bowling Green to begin preparing for a home series with Alabama-Huntsville beginning on Oct. 22 at the BGSU Ice Arena.
QBSN Athlete of the Week: Kellen Jones
(photo:WJAC 2009-Hockey Canada)
This week’s QBSN Athlete of the Week honors are awarded to Kellen Jones (Montrose, British Columbia) of Quinnipiac University’s men’s ice hockey team.
The freshman forward, and top recruit for the Bobcats this year, had a career day this past weekend, putting on a show for the 3,891 fans packed into the TD Bank Sports Center, a non-conference opponent attendance record. Jones netted two goals on the afternoon against Holy Cross; his first two goals of his collegiate career. The Bobcats wound up winning the game 3-1. The other goal came from junior forward Spencer Heichman (Yorba Linda, Calif.), his second of the season.
With his two goals, Jones jumps up to tie Heichman for the team lead in goals with two, and is now in sole possession of the team lead in points with five. Second on the team in points is Kellen’s twin brother, Connor Jones (Montrose, British Columbia), who has four points on the year.
In the offseason, Kellen Jones was drafted in the 7th round of the NHL Amateur Draft by the Edmonton Oilers. Jones passed on the opportunity to sign with the Oilers, and instead opted to come to Quinnipiac and play alongside his brother, whom he has played with his entire life.
The win over Holy Cross for the Bobcats improved their record to 3-1 on the year, as they now embark on a six game road trip. Next up for Quinnipiac is a two game set this Friday and Saturday night against No. 17 St. Cloud State in St. Cloud, Minn. The Huskies are 2-3-1 on the year, but remain the highest ranked opponent that the Bobcats have played so far this season. Quinnipiac’s next home game falls on Nov. 19th, when they play host to the Dartmouth College Big Green. That game will be broadcasted live here on the Quinnipiac Bobcats Sports Network.
Friends or Enemies?
Dylan Walchuk can’t quite decide whether his BCHL team mates on the Canada West team are his friends or his enemies.
On October 21, he and seven other BCHL players were announced as members of the squad that will represent Western Canada at the World Jr. A Championships in Penticton, November 8-14. Players were drawn from leagues in western Ontario,, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and B.C.
The selection has posed a bit of a dilemma for Walchuk, an intense competitor who gears himself up to play against Vernon’s BCHL rivals.
“Especially in the interior division,” he said after practice on Thursday, “we see each other a lot, and the teams are pretty evenly matched, so it’s a dog fight every game.”
“It’s a little bit easier to get pumped for games when you have a hate built up. I’m sure the Penticton guys don’t care much for Vipers, and I’ll be tempted to mention our 3-0 record against them this year. But now Laleggia and O’Donnell and MacMillan are my team mates, so I guess we’d better get along.”
He admits that “now that I’m getting to know them, I have to admit that they’re pretty good guys. That’s something I wouldn’t have said last week!”
He continues, “Yeah, I played with MacMillan when we were kids, and with the other Penticton guys in last year’s Prospects game, but you put that behind you when you play against them.”
He’s full of praise for Westside’s Grayson Downing, who was also on the 2009 CJHL Top Prospects roster: “That guy’s really smooth. Give him the puck and you’ll get it back in a good position. That’s the best thing about playing on a team like this. There’s so much skill.”
Walchuk is not sure about his relationship with Sam Mellor. “I think we beat them every time last year, but they’ve taken two of three this fall, so he might be trash talking me a little. He’d be good to play with, though. Give him the puck and it’s in the net.”
The Viper scoring leader is certain of one thing: “We’ll have a pretty good hate for Canada East, probably more than any other team in the tourney.”
The two Canadian teams lock horns in a pre-tournament exhibition tilt at Vernon’s Wesbild Centre at 7 pm, November 5. Tickets are just $10. Plenty of good seats are still available through the Viper ticket office, at 250-542-6022.
Twin Blades
By Alex Lippa
Quinnipiac University Quad News Sports
With the loss of five senior forwards, three of whom are playing at the professional level, many wondered who would provide for the scoring in their absence.
Enter the Jones twins.
The Quinnipiac men's ice hockey team landed highly touted freshmen Connor and Kellen Jones to play this fall, and they are perhaps two of the best recruits in Bobcat history. Kellen was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the seventh round of this past June's NHL Entry Draft, while Connor also has a chance to play professionally in the future. Both twins attended the Oilers' development camp over the summer.
The brothers have played together on the same team for their entire lives. Connor was originally a defenseman when the two were little, but was turned into a winger, and the two have been inseparable on the ice ever since. It was a package deal for the Bobcats to get them and they are ecstatic about the Jones' decision to play at Quinnipiac.
"The coaching staff are great and were honest with us," Connor said. "The campus is beautiful, and they were one of the only ones to offer free schooling and a full ride."
It doesn't hurt of course that Quinnipiac also has one of the most state-of-the-art facilities in college hockey as well at the TD Bank Sports Center.
"The rink here is unreal," Kellen said. "Our workout facilities are great. We came down with [junior captain Scott Zurevinski] during our fly-down, and we had such a good time with the guys. It seemed like we were already part of the team. So it was a pretty easy decision to come down here. Other schools were here but Quinnipiac was always a little bit higher."
Not only are they identical in their looks, their skill set is identical as well. Both players are only 5'9", yet they are not afraid to throw their body around to deliver rocking hits against the glass. This, and their ability to get to the front of the net, is a reason why the coaching staff put them on the first line with Zurevinski.
"The [physical game] is their biggest asset," said Quinnipiac associate head coach Ben Syer. "They're not very big, but their grittiness level is through the roof. In certain areas you might say that one is grittier than the other slightly, but not enough to make any significant difference between the two."
The line of the Jones twins and Zurevinski has been involved in five of the team's eight goals so far this season which has the junior captain gushing about them.
"They're both really good players," Zurevinski said. "They're good with the puck and away from the puck. They create plays pretty much every shift. You just don't find one player or even two that make plays every time they're on the ice. They are really dynamic players and they will be very exciting for the Quinnipiac community to watch."
Each twin has been hot to start the season. The twins are the top two Bobcats in scoring through four games as Kellen has two goals and three assists, with two goals coming this last Saturday against Holy Cross. Connor meanwhile has a goal and three assists.
While they're here at Quinnipiac now, the biggest thrill in Kellen's life was being drafted this past June by the Oilers.
"It's still quite a shock to be drafted by an NHL team," Kellen said. "You grew up as your dream to be part of an NHL team, so it's still really surreal."
The twins faced adversity throughout their life because of their small stature, and not even their own mother believed in them.
"The day of the draft, my mom told me there's no way either of you get drafted," Kellen said. "You're too small, you're not good enough, you're too short. We went up to play a baseball game and I got about 20 calls and texts saying congratulations, and I heard that I had been drafted in the seventh round."
With Kellen being drafted, and Connor also being highly regarded by NHL teams, there is always the likelihood that the NHL will come knocking on their doors with a contract offer to turn pro before their four years at Quinnipiac are up. But for now they are just centered on being a part of the Bobcats.
"It would be a very tough decision," Kellen said. "To be here four years and to get a free education, that doesn't come to everyone. I'd have to really be able to fill in, in Edmonton and be an impact player. I don't really think about that now though, I kind of just focus on being here and doing well here."
The Jones twins have an opportunity, and the potential, to become two of the most decorated Bobcat athletes of all time, as they attempt to help lead the Quinnipiac men's ice hockey team back to the NCAA tournament.
Thank You Valley Auction!
With the tremendous help from Peter and Rodney from Valley Auctions and the great fans of the Vernon Vipers, we raised over $15,000.00 for the Canadian Cancer Society on Sunday afternoon! It was a great weekend all together with the Vipers Parents in town, the Vipers getting 5 of 6 points over the weekend and a huge donation to the Canadian Cancer Society! Thank you to everyone who made this weekend spectacular!
Vipers Alumni Quick Update!
Kyle Bigos and Mike Collins both got assists in the home opener for Merrimack on October 16th. Read Full Story Here
In Boston, Sahir Gill has 1 goal and 4 assists in 3 games played while Garrett Noonan had 1 assist in his 3 games played. The Terriers won their first two games on the road and tied UMass 2-2 for in their home opener.
The Boys Play Ball
After practice on Wednesday the Vipers gathered up some gloves, bats and balls and hit the field to play some baseball. Here are a few pictures from their day out of the rink.
Nowick, Lyles and Voth ready to play ball
The Vipers divide into two teams
Keeping track of the score on iPhone
Murphy swings...
Patenaude takes on pitching duties
McGillis takes a ball
Kakoske looking to steal 2nd
Patenaude's big hits gets him a home run
Celebrating the home run
Nowick watches his ball go straight up for an out
Thompson showing off his form
Weinstein and Murphy take a minute to pose
Down on his knees, Richardson catches the ball to end the the inning
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