Sunday, March 15, 2015

Game 1: Interior Division Finals: Penticton 4 Vernon 3 Double Overtime

For anyone who could not attend or watch tonight’s Vipers game here are my thoughts and views from tonight’s game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own view and opinion on any game we watch. This is my opinion and my thoughts on how I saw tonight’s game. I try to be unbiased and give a fare recap on both sides. Thanks for stopping by & visiting my blog.

I was at tonight's Vipers-Vees Game 1 of the Interior Division Finals as Penticton defeated Vernon 4-3 in double overtime in front of 2,217 fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Jarrod Schamerhorn
Penticton: Hunter Miska

1st Period; The Vipers come out hitting off the draw, playing physical off the opening draw before being called for two many men on the ice giving the Vees an early powerplay just two minutes into the contest.  Penticton with just a single shot on the man advantage didnt muster much of an attack as the Vipers would kill off the minor.  Vernon needed four minutes to record their first shot of the period.  Two minutes later the Vipers would get caught on a bad pinch.  The Vernon d-man went for the big hit along the side wall wich allowed former Vernon Vipers forward Demico Hannoun to break in on a two on one, Hannoun setup a pinching Dante Fabbro who beat Jarrod Schamerhorn in tight giving Penticton an early 1-0 lead at 6:02 Hannoun with the lone assist.  A minute and a half later the Vees would get their second powerplay of the night.  The Vees with good pressure moved the puck around, had some looks at the net.  But shorthanded Nicholas Rasovic setup Mackenzie Bauer in the slot who was stopped by Hunter Miska who made a big stop shorthanded.  Still on the man advantage former Vipers prospect Dakota Conroy come close to giving Penticton a two goal lead couldnt beat Jarrod Schamerhorn down low as the Vipers would kill off the penalty.  On the following shift, just past the halfway mark Luke Shiplo's point shot got through a crowd before beating Hunter Miska went off the crossbar before going up and over the Vees net as Vernon come close to tying the game.  A few minutes later the Vees would get their third shot with the PP as the Vipers getting into penalty trouble in the opening period.  Colton McCarthy taking a four minute high sticking minor gave Penticton lots of time to work with the man advantage.  Off the start of the powerplay Liam Coughlin was able to break free for the shorthanded breakaway didnt get off a good shot was stopped by Miska as the Vipers with a great opportunity shorthanded couldnt tie the game.  Penticton with a ton of pressure moved the puck around, got some good looks were unable to capitalize in the first two minutes would eventually make the Vipers pay after some nice three way passing down low setup Jack Ramsey at 14:39 giving Penticton a 2-0 lead.  Pat Newell & Mike Lee collected the helpers.  Vernon would get a late powerplay, their first of the night.  Thomas Aldworth with a great chance from the circle couldnt beat Hunter Miska as the period come to an end before the powerplay expired.  Penticton was up 2-0 after 20 minutes of play.  Five on five both teams were very evenlly matched with not alot of scoring chances.  Vernon laying the body played a physical opening period got into penalty trouble had their best chances of the 1st shorthanded.  Penticton outshot Vernon 11-7.

2nd Period: The Vipers started the middle frame with the powerplay, that was carried over from the end of the 1st period.  The Vees did good work of not allowing Vernon to get through the neutral zone were able to kill off the final eighteen seconds of the penalty.  The Vipers with a good start to the 2nd had lots of pressure early in the opening few minutes were buzzing in and around the Vees goal before Penticton would take over the period.  The Vees using their speed and skill were all over the Vipers for most of the 2nd period.  Penticton had some looks at the net didnt get alot of great opportunities carried the majority of the play.  Other then the opening few minutes the Vipers struggled offensively, had all kinds of trouble getting through the neutral zone and into the offensive zone.  Vernon's one lone bright spot come just before the halfway mark, caught the Vees standing around in their own end, Jagger Williamson setup a wide open Anthony Latina in the slot who beat Vees starting goaltender Hunter Miska cutting the Penticton lead to 2-1 at 8:47 Williamson and Liam Finlay picked up the helpers.  Penticton was the better team in the first half didnt get alot of chances but did carry the play.  The Vees would get their first PP of the period just past the midway mark, and capitalize for a second time this evening.  Just nine seconds into the man advantage Dante Fabbro with the first and only shot would get his second of the night gave Penticton a 3-1 lead at 12:13 restoring the Vees two goal lead.  Lewis Zerter-Gossage with the helper.  Johnny Coughlin wired a quick shot from the backend was robbed by the quick glove of Hunter Miska with four minutes remaining.  A few shifts later the Vipers would lose Mackenzie Bauer for the remainder of the period after the Viper rookie took a ten minute misconduct.  Vernon would get to within a goal in the dying seconds.  With the faceoff in the Penticton zone with 3.5 seconds remaining TJ Dumonceaux won the draw back to Thomas Aldworth who ripped a quick shot past Miska just inside the far post cutting the Penticton lead to 3-2 at 19:58 Dumonceaux with the assist.  Penticton was up 3-2 after 40 minutes of play.  The Vipers couldnt muster any kind of attack with a shortened powerplay to start the period responded well just after the man advantage would get some good pressure on the Vees early in the opening few minutes.  The Vipers unable to hold any sustained pressure were then outplayed for most of the 2nd period.  The Vees with a very strong 2nd period carried the majority of the play, really skating had all kinds of pressure in the Viper zone but unable to really generate any quality chances didnt get alot of pucks on Jarrod Schamerhorn.  Vernon who was in their own end most of the period outscored Penticton 2-1 and outshot the Vees 11-6.

3rd Period: Off the opening draw the Vees got the puck deep into the Viper zone before Steen Cooper was stoned in front after Vipers starting goaltender Jarrod Schamerhorn come across the crease to make a huge pad save in the opening minute keeping this a one goal game.  The Vipers come right back, TJ Dumonceaux and Thomas Aldworth with back to back opportunities for Vernon in the opening few minutes couldnt beat Hunter Miska from in close as the Vipers come right back with a good push back shift.  Three and a half minutes into the frame the Vees thought they restored their two goal lead after a shot from the circle (I didnt see who got the shot off) looked to beat Schamerhorn hit the far post before coming out.  Schamerhorn was quick to jump on the loose puck as the goal light come on the play.  A discussion after the stopage in play as to see if the puck went in and off the post or just off the post.  On the video replay on the jumbo tron the camera angle was too far away to see if the puck had gone in or not as the play continued with the Vees up by a goal.  Penticton with a good start had some good chances in the opening few minutes.  Tyson Jost with a great look at the goal from in close couldnt beat Schamerhorn from the slot who made a big save keeping this a one goal game.  Vernon would get the only PP of the period but struggled as the Vees would kill off the minor.  The Vees had some jump early had a slight edge in play before the Vipers responded just before the halfway mark.  After the radio timeout Kenny Citron laid out a huge check inside the Vees blueline, stayed with the puck and play, managed to keep the puck inside the blueline before getting off a quick low shot that was redirected on its way to the net by Thomas Aldworth who scored his second of the night fivehole on Hunter Miska tying the game 3-3 at 10:58 as the Vipers bench erupted.  Citron & Liam Finlay with the assists.  From here on in it was all Vernon as the Vipers come in waves.  Vernon looked to have Penticton back on their heels didnt get alot of great opportunities carried the better of the play.  Penticton would take an undisaplined penalty with just 3.8 seconds remaining giving Vernon a shortened powerplay to finsh the 3rd.  TJ Dumonceaux won the draw setup Thomas Aldworth who like the end of the 2nd period ripped a quick hard shot on goal beat Miska but hit the crossbar just before the buzzer as the Vipers were just inches away from winning Game 1.  It was tied 3-3 after 60 minutes of play.  Both teams had some good chances in the opening few minutes as the Vees had the better of the play before the Vipers tied the game and carried the better of the play in the second half.  Not alot of scoring chances or shots on goal from either team as Penticton outshot Vernon 8-6.

Overtime: The Vipers started the extra frame with the man advantage that was carried over from the end of the 3rd.  With just one shot on goal Vernon struggled getting any kind of zone time, couldnt get through the neutral zone.  The Vees with a very good defensive penalty kill would excape killing off the early Viper PP.  Vernon again having trouble getting through the neutral zone before the Vees come on strong.  Penticton once again moving the puck well, using their speed and quickness were on the attack.  Setup in the Viper zone had some good looks on net, got several quick shots on goal as twice Jarrod Schamerhorn had troubles holding onto the puck with his glove.  Just over six minutes into the extra frame Tyson Jost cut wide around a Viper d-man went hard to the net ran over Schamerhorn knocking off his mask as the puck ended up in the back of the goal on the play, but referee Brandon Liefke was standing at the side of the net waived off the goal immediately saying Jost made incidental contact with the Viper netminder, and the play was blown dead as soon as Schamerhorns mask come off stoping the play before the puck had entered the goal.  This upset the Vees bench as everyone in the buliding was watching the instant replay on the jumbo tron.  Vees Head Coach-GM Fred Harbinson wasnt happy after talking with one referee about the non goal.  The game was still tied 3-3.  On the following play Penticton come very close to ending the game once again as a shot from the corner had the puck bounce through the crease.  The Vees with all kinds of pressure were buzing in and around the Vernon goal.  The Vipers excaped a good attack from the Vees would respond with a good push back.  Liam Coughlin put a bit of a scare into the Vees after a shot from just outside the slot forced Hunter Miska to make a quick glove save couldnt hold onto the puck as it got loose would roll along the the top of the crease area and into the corner.  Both teams went hard switching positions as Penticton would get a few good shifts before the Vipers come right back with some good pressure of their own.  Both teams went back and fourth with chances at both ends of the rink.  With five and a half minutes remaining in the first overtime Tyson Jost cut wide around the Vernon defenceman before going hard to the net beat Schamerhorn but hit the crossbar on a close play for the OT winner.  The Vees gained some momentum late had all kinds of pressure in the final few minutes were really buzzing looking for the OT winner.  Schamerhorn and the Viper defence had to be sharp with Penticton pressing late.  It was still tied 3-3 after 80 minutes of play.  Vernon with a great opportunity to end the hockey game struggled with a powerplay to start overtime.  The Vees gained momentum after a big penalty kill had a strong start, getting all kinds of shots and pressure on the Vipers early into the extra overtime thought they had scored the OT winner but the goal was waived off.  The Vipers seemed to settle down and come back with some good pressure-chances of their own as the play went back and fourth with Penticton having the better scoring chances.  Vernon outshot Penticton 11-10.

Double Overtime: The Vees would get the play in deep off the opening faceoff, the Vipers couldnt get out of their own end would eventually get caught with their fourth line on the ice had two opportunities to clear the zone but couldnt before Miles Gendron's shot from the point was redirected by Connor Chartier in front tipping the puck up and over Jarrod Schamerhorn giving Penticton the 4-3 double overtime victory at 2:11 as the Vees bench erupted onto the ice.  The second OT period didnt last very long after the Vipers had troubles clearing the zone before the Vees would get the game winner on the first and only shot of overtime.  Penticton outshot Vernon 1-0.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Brandon Egli I thought played a heck of a defensive game tonight, was really on his game played with alot of poise and confidence all night. 

Anthony Latina (1 goal) Was really skating hard, played with alot of energy, was also getting under the skin of several Vees especially former Viper forward Demico Hannoun.  Latina was chirping with Hannoun on almost every shift.  Latina played and battled hard all night.

TJ Dumonceaux (1 assist) Was also skating hard, was very good on the draw winning almost every faceoff.  Showed alot of hustle tonight.

Thomas Aldworth (2 goals) Really struggled the last month or more of the regular season I thought was skating hard, going to the net alot carried the puck-plays often for the Vipers.  Really used his speed and strength to out power any Vees defenders.  Scored a huge goal (his first of the night) late in the 2nd period off a draw with 3.5 seconds to go got Vernon to within a goal heading into the 3rd.  Aldworth then scored the game tying goal before coming within just inches of the game winner with just seconds left in the 3rd period hit the crossbar.

Liam Finlay (2 assists) Was another Viper who was really skating, used his speed and quickness to try and create-generate offensive chances.  Picked up two helpers in a losing cause.

Riley Brandt was by far the Vipers most physical player.  Laid out some big checks through out the game, wasnt going to back down from nobody even took a few big hits himself.

Game Thought's: (Vernon)

It was exactlly one year ago today that the Vipers took Game 1 of the Interior Division Finals last year 4-3 in Penticton.  The Vipers got into penalty trouble early were down 2-0 after the 1st period were outplayed most of the 2nd period somehow were still in the hockey game down 3-2 heading into the 3rd.  I thought the Vipers were evenlly matched well against the Vees in the opening frame five on five, didnt get alot of scoring chances, had their best opportunities shorthanded.  The Vipers were outplayed most of the 2nd period somehow outscored and outshot the Vees were only down a goal heading into the 3rd.  I thought the Vipers got a little lucky in the middle frame could have easily been down by two or three goals but give Vernon credit they only allowed the one Penticton goal.  Once Vernon got going I thought the Vipers were the better of the two teams in the 3rd, the Vees had a better start got some good chances early before the Vipers got going.  Vernon with a blown opportunity started overtime with the PP managed just one shot had all kinds of trouble getting through the neutral zone couldnt capitalize with the man advantage in the extra session.  The Vipers were back on their heels early to start OT as Penticton was on the attack.  Give Vernon credit they held off the Vees before getting back into the game, didnt get as good of opportunties as Penticton but held their own at times.  Lots of back and fourth action in overtime made for some very tense-nerve racking moments.  Double overtime didnt last very long after the Vipers were caught with their fourth line on the ice, couldnt clear the zone before the puck was in the back of the net.  Give the Vipers full credit for coming back twice tonight, down two goals twice.  Down 2-0 and 3-1 Vernon didnt quit, battled and competed, played a very physical game could have easily won Game 1.  I thought Vernon was the more physical team and very strong-dominate on the draw winning most of the faceoffs tonight.  I didnt think the Vipers got enough traffic-bodies in front of the Vees goal, as Hunter Miska saw most of Vernon's shots.  The Vipers four game winning streak now over.  Vernon is now 1-4 at the South Okanagan Events Centre this year and 1-7 vs Penticton this season (regular season & playoffs). Nice to see a fair amount of Viper fans in attendance tonight.  I noticed backup "AP" goaltender Mitch Profeit has his name on the back of his jersey.

Top Players: (Penticton)

Dante Fabbro (2 goals) The young defenceman had a heck of a game on the Vees blueline.  Scoring twice was very solid at both ends of the rink.  Jumped into the play at times as well was a rock on the backend.  Has a quick release, likes to get that puck towards the goal every chance he gets. 

Mike Lee (1 assist) Was another Penticton d-man that played very well in Game 1.  Collected one helper really moved the puck up ice-out of his own end in a hurry.  Made that first quick pass from out of his own end, to start the transition game up ice.

Gabe Bast played very well on the blueline.  Dosnt give you alot of room in front.

Tyson Jost I thought was the Vees best player tonight.  Seemed to get stronger as the game went on.  Had several good scoring chances through out the contest, none bigger then in the third and overtime.  Was very hard to contain at times, likes to drive wide before cutting to the net. 

Hunter Miska (32 saves) Is now 7-1 vs Vernon this season (regular season & playoffs) Played well between the pipes made the saves when needed.  Miska wasnt forced into making alot of highlight reel saves did come up with a few big saves when called apon.

Game Thought's: (Penticton)

The Penticton Vees have now played in six playoff games with four of those going to overtime.  The Vees winning three out of the four OT games so far these BCHL playoffs.  Penticton has now won six straight playoff games.  Going back to the regular season the Vees have now won twelve of their last thirteen games (regular season & playoffs).  The Vees dominace over the Vipers continues as Penticton is now 7-1 vs Vernon this season.  Both teams didnt get alot of scoring chances or shots in the first three periods had more of their better chances in the overtime periods.  A very tight checking game in a game where both teams could have won.  Looking at it from a Vees perspective Penticton could have put this game away in the 2nd period when they were all over the Vipers at one point.  The Vees carried the better of the play for most of the 2nd period but didnt generate alot of shots or offensive chances were outscored and outshot.  Penticton could have put this game away in the middle frame but allowed Vernon to hang around.  The Vees were really skating, moving the puck well had alot more zone time and sustained pressure then the Vipers.  Penticton was by far the more quicker team.  The Vees had the better of the scoring chances through out the game.  Overall a very entertaining, exciting but nerve racking game to watch.  A great turnout of over 2200 fans in attendance.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Danny Todosychuk (Injured)
Mitchell Oliver
Blaine Caton
Michael Roberts "AP"

Penticton:

Cam Amantea

Energy player of the game:

Jarod Hilderman

Three Stars:

1st Star: Dante Fabbro (2 goals)
2nd Star: Thomas Aldworth (2 goals)
3rd Star: Connor Chartier (Overtime winning goal)

BCHL Boxscore,

http://www.vipers.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=1437163&link=bchl

Fraser Rodgers Penticton Vees Blog,

https://pentictonvees.wordpress.com/
         

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