vees:blog

VEES vs. VIPERS

Great to see over 2000 fans at the SOEC last night. Though the game was certainly not ‘wide-open’ (it never is with Vernon’s emphasis on defense), you could see that the skill level was very high on both sides of the ice. Both teams had a fair amount of quality chances (the Vees hit two posts and Trupp missed a yawning cage, and Bonar made multiple big stops on redirected Vernon shots) and those in attendance weren’t disappointed with the quality of hockey and were treated to an extra period.

Denver Manderson’s season long point streak was halted at 12 games. The Vees captain had a glorious chance to stretch his productive run to 13 games in the first period, but could not convert.

Dylan Walchuk impressed me immensely last night. Just 17-years-old and in his first year of Jr. ‘A’, Dylan was noticeable every time he stepped on the ice. Northern Michigan has found a good one in Walchuk.

A note on the three star selection process - we in the broadcast booth (Chad Campbell, Al Formo and myself) are given a sheet to fill out with 3 minutes left in the game. Last night it was tied 1-1 when we had to select the stars. Certainly if we had named the stars following the game’s finish Rob Short would have been on the list and the Vipers would have had two of three stars. It’s not an easy thing to do while you are trying to broadcast a game, never mind when the game’s outcome hasn’t been determined yet, and we probably look a touch silly today because of it.

We called Rob Short a ‘Vees killer’ in the pre-game show last night and in his first game back from injury he certainly lived up to the billing as his OT shot bounced in off a sprawling Vees defender in front of Bonar. ‘Bones’ has allowed just 3 goals in his last 3 games (182 minutes and 30 seconds) and two have banked in off defenders.

Jake Johnson had a heck of a debut for the Vees, as he was full speed all night long and looked very comfy in his new surroundings. His shot off the crossbar in the third period was a laser!

These two clubs won’t meet again until December, I can’t wait!

CENTENNIALS VISIT VEES TONIGHT

Expect a change of pace with the Merritt Centennials in town tonight. While the Vipers have surrendered less than two points a game to their opponents the Cents haven’t been nearly as stingy. Merritt has allowed over 5 goals a game and are tied with Trail as the easiest team to score against in the BCHL.

The Vees lost 5-4 in Merritt two weeks ago with Ben Sexton, Sean Bonar, Garrett Milan, and Joey LaLeggia absent from the contest.

The Vees have killed off 18 consecutive penalties taken heading into tonight’s action and are up to 78% on the year.

Joel Rumpel gets the nod tonight for the Vees. The rookie net-minder’s only loss came in Merritt on the 29th of September, where Joel had a less than stellar outing.

The Vees have ten days with no hockey after tonight’s home game. The Vees next action is on the 21st of October in Victoria, as they make their trip only to Vancouver Island all season. Anything but two points tonight would leave a bitter taste in the mouth and too much time to look in the mirror… Not the best use of a break in the schedule.

THANKSGIVING

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving to all who have stopped by the Vees Blog. While I’ll miss the big bird with the family in Calgary this weekend, I’m heading back to the City of Cow on Tuesday for some quality time with the fam.

All the best to you and yours on Thanksgiving, as Vees fans we certainly have been treated to quite an opening of the season. Be with the ones you love and enjoy the stuffing, gravy and pumpkin pie!

For the Vees Thanksgiving traditions be sure to tune into ‘Boston Pizza Vees This Week’ on Monday night, as we find out what’s on the dinner table around across the country at the homes of the Vees. It’s mouthwatering radio!