Monday, February 1, 2016

Vipers Slither into Prince George

                                                            




11-33-1-3
Record
21-24-0-3
109 (17th)
Goals For
152 (13th)
214 (16th)
Goals Against
166 (11th)
16.8% (T-14th)
Power Play
22.1% (6th)
77.2% (13th)
Penalty Kill
77.1% (14th)

Venue: Rolling Mix Concrete Arena
Game Time: 7pm
Season Series:  1-0 for Prince George. 4-2 win in Vernon back in October.

 Game Overview:
With one of his best performances of the season, Liam McCloskey stood on his head the last time the Spruce Kings played the Vernon Vipers. Making 46 saves on 49 shots the young netminder was able to hold on for a 4-3 win. Colton McCarthy scored the Viper’s 3rd goal with 59 seconds remaining in the game to make things interesting, but Prince George was able to preserve the lead for their second road win of the season. Powerplays were a huge factor in the game, Prince George scored twice while on the man advantage, and Vernon scored all three of their goals while up a man. Prince George is currently on a five game losing streak, while the Vipers just split a home and home series with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Vernon won 3-2 at home, then got trounced the following night losing 6-1 in Salmon Arm.
Prince George Home Record: 6-15-0-1
Spruce Kings Leading Scorer: Matt Stief – 4 goals / 29 assists / 33 points

Vernon Road Record: 9-13-0-1
Vipers Leading Scorer: Odeen Tufto – 21 goals / 33 assists / 55 points

Player to watch:
Spruce Kings: The third youngest member on the Spruce Kings lineup, Cavin Tilsley has been playing pest the past few games, but look for him back in front of the net tonight. He jammed in a goal for Prince George the first time they played in Vernon, and his team will need him to step up with some offence once again. A staple on the penalty kill, Jarod Hovde has also been finding the net lately with all five of his goals this season coming in the last 19 games. The Camrose player was on the top line for a few games, but has since been moved to a depth position. Facing better matchups, he will look to keep the offense flowing.

Vipers: With two goals in the last game for Vernon, look for the captain Colton McCarthy to step up for his side. He is currently on a three game point streak, and has seven points in his last 10 games. Liam Finlay didn’t pick up a point in the first game vs Prince George, but you could see why the ’97 forward is such a potent threat with his speed and quick hands. He isn’t on the path of surpassing his season totals last year of 64 points in 55 games, but will look to finish the season strong as Vernon attempts to hold onto their playoff spot.

Broadcast Info: For all games, you can listen to the action on Mixlr

 or watch live at BCHL FASTHockey

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