Vernon Vipers
GM & Head Coach: Jason McKee
2022-23: GP 52 – 26-20-2-4, 6th Interior Division
Home: 18-6-1-2
Away: 8-14-1-2
Goals For: 145
Goals Against: 158
Powerplay: 38 for 170 – 22.4% (5th in BCHL)
Penalty Kill: 180 of 209 – 86.1% (1st in BCHL)
Season Series:
Oct. 15 vs Penticton, 8-2 L
Nov. 11 @ Penticton, 6-2 L
Jan. 1 vs Penticton, 6-3 L
Jan. 25 vs Penticton, 4-0 L
March 24 @ Penticton, 7PM
Last Game: The Vipers made it five wins in a row last Saturday with a huge 2-1 shootout win over the Trail Smoke Eaters. Luke Pakulak scored a shorthanded goal, while Ethan David turned aside 27 shots. The Viper PK was put into action more than they would have liked, but were extremely effective, killing off 7 of 7. The Vipers have killed off 15 straight powerplays.
Tonight’s Game: The Vipers come into a tough situation in a bottleneck for positioning in the BCHL Playoff standings. They are two points behind Salmon Arm and in a three way tie with West Kelowna and Prince George and just a single point ahead of Wenatchee. The Vipers have consistently put up points in their last 10 games, going 6-2-2 over that stretch. There are only 2 other teams who have a streak like the Vipers right now, Cranbrook and Penticton. Lee Parks, Reagan Milburn and Luke Pakulak have 3 points against the Vees this season.
Penticton Vees
GM & Head Coach: Fred Harbinson
2022-23: GP 52 – 48-3-0-1, 1st Interior Conference
Home: 25-0-0-0
Away: 23-3-0-1
Goals For: 295
Goals Against: 93
Powerplay: 85 for 214 – 39.7% (1st in BCHL)
Penalty Kill: 124 of 146 – 84.9% (2nd in BCHL)
Last Game: The Vees were victorious on Wednesday night in Salmon Arm, doubling the Silverbacks 6-3. Dovar Tingling tallied a hat trick, Aydar Suniev had a pair of goals, while Josh Nadeau and Frank Djurasevic registered multi point nights. Luca Di Pasquo made 18 saves for the win. The Vees powerplay was the main difference going 2 for 5.
Tonight’s Game: The Vees are unbeaten in regulation in their last 19. They are 18-0-0-1 in that span. This kicks off their last two home games of the regular season. They have yet to lose at the SOEC. The Nadeau brothers with Aydar Suniev are the driving force behind their offense with over 300 points combined this season. Luca Di Pasquo has made the bulk of the starts for the Vees with 38 appearances. He has four shutouts.
Tonight’s game will be broadcast on 107.5 Beach Radio and HockeyTV, starting with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.
