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While the Vipers again could not break through the Jeff Creaser barrier in goal for the Aces at one end, Brett Topola, at the other end, kept piling them in, scoring four goals for the Aces and leading the team to a 7 to 1 victory over the Vipers.
Even though the future is a little grim for the Vipers at the moment, all is not lost. The Snakes played with heart last night and deserved more than what they ended up with. They just can't seem to get any lucky breaks or favorable bounces. They are certainly overdue in that department. Their next game is at home on Saturday February 11th in Legal. A victory is the only option for the Vipers in order for them to extend their season. A victory would also send them back to Athabasca on the following day for the final game of the series. We need fan support on Saturday. If you are coming to the game, bring a few friends with you. Go! Vipers Go!
Ray Tremblay
A victory on the final game of the season was probably the best medicine for the Vipers as they head out for the playoff against the Athabasca Aces. One encouraging factor in last night's victory is the fact that the Vipers played a strong third period, finding the mark three times to Edson's one. Chris Brand played another strong game leading the scoring parade with one goal and three assists. Adam Gialet also did his share of the damage to the Edson Heat with a three point night. Ryan Ternowski added another point to his total, leading the Vipers in that department and second overall in the league. Matt Wilkinson took care of the net minding duties last night, stoping 23 of the 28 shots fired at him and recording another victory to his total. Overall, a promising game for the Vipers.
Another interesting factor to note from last night's victory, is the discipline the Vipers showed throughout the game. In fact they picked-up only three penalties, the last one with only one second left in the game, while the Heats were penalised eight times with six of those in the third period alone. For once the Vipers were not the victimes of their own penalties and were able to take advantage of the powerplays that came to them. Let's note here that it is of utmost importance that the Vipers continue to maintain this discipline if the want to extend their play-off season to more than a couple of games.
At this point the Vipers' Website is not aware of all the dates and locations for the play-off games but this information should be available sometimes today and will be posted in the website a.s.a.p. However we do know that the Vipers will be facing the Athabasca Aces in the opening round of the play-offs, the first game, more the likely, in Athabasca. Stay in touch with your Website for the latest information.
Ray Tremblay: Vipers' Website
Even with God in the line-up the Vipers failed to record a victory against the Winter Hawks last night. Am I kidding -you may ask? No! According to the game sheet, where I get all my information, God was definitely in the Vipers' line-up for the said game. Under "Alternate Goalie", just above the general manager's signature, it was written, very clearly, "GOD", with a capital "G". I'm not sure how the league will deal with this issue but if there are any complications we still have a few cards and we can sign Him. Of course, not having played in three regular season games, He will not qualify to play in the play-offs, but his presence in the dressing room, could very well be a positive experience for the team.
The Vipers' season is practically over with only one game left. From a winning standpoint it hasn't been a good season for the Vipers. Winning, however is only one aspect of the game. Sure we like to see the team win but first and foremost the "raison d'être" for the team is to entertain the fans while playing a game we all love to play. Saying that the Vipers did not have a good year, indicates that the emphasis is centered on winning and winning alone.It means that we choose to overlook the intentions of the founders of the team whose primary objectives where to create a team for the simple joy of playing the game. Joining a league seemed like an interesting way to add excitement to the games, but one is not to forget the "Why?" associated with the game. Remember the "one and foremost "raison d'être" mentioned before. Remember also, these young men are not playing for big money. They are not immune to injury and are not exempted from going to work the morning after. Yet they play. They play for themselves, they play for the fans. Let's enjoy the game for the game itself. Winning is a plus, no doubt, but win or lose, the game should remain a pleasant and exciting event. In that sense, the Vipers again this year were a tremendous success. Go Vipers Go!
Ray Tremblay: Vipers' Website
The Legal Vipers played hard last night but a hot Jeff Creaser in the Aces' net, repeatedly frustrated the Vipers' sharp shooters with magnificent save time after time. The diminutive goal keeper came up big again for his teamates, making key saves every time the Vipers put the pressure on him. Many a time a hot goal keeper can win a game for his team, this was the case last night. The Vipers now are at 6-12, but the record is not truly representative of the Vipers abilities. A little bit of luck this season could have made a huge difference.
However, crying over the past is not going to change anything for the Vipers. The important thing to concentrate upon now is the coming play-offs. The second season, so to speak, could be very different for the Vipers. The talent is there, the desire is there, the determination is there. Anything is possible.
The Vipers are playing the Slave Lake Winterhawks tonight in Slave Lake. The Hawks lost only one game this season, and this, at the hands of the Vipers. Hopefully the Vipers can repeat the feat tonight. A victory for the Vipers would prove most beneficial to them with the play-offs just around the corner. The team is reletively healthy at the moment, nothing is out of reach for the Vipers.
In spite of taking a 3 to 1 lead early in the second period, the Vipers finished behind again on the scoreboard, in a contest last night in the Legal Arena. The Vipers played in front of the biggest crowd of the year and everything looked great until the third period when the team collapsed again to eventually lose the game. Déjà vu, you may say, nevertheless, the Vipers played well. Penalties again played an important role in the Rocky Mountain House's victory as they scored twice on powerplay situations.
The Vipers next home game is on January the 20th. The visitors for that game, will be the Athabasca Aces who so far have had the best over the Vipers but most games were very close. One thing for sure is that the Vipers will be ready for them and I hope many of you will make it a point to attend.
Ray Tremblay: Vipers' Website
With one minute and nine seconds left in the game, and sporting a two goal lead the Vipers' wagon came apart and ended up in the ditch, loosing the game in overtime by a score of 10 to 9.
A brawl in the second period, which resulted in three players being ejected from the game and bad penalties along the way, was all the Hinton team needed to spearhead a last minute comeback to first, even the score in regulation time and finally hammer the final nail in the Vipers' coffin in OT, and win the game.The Vipers' defeat in Hinton means that to end up with a 500 record this season the Vipers must win the remaining four games they have left to play. This is certainly possible but the Vipers need to be better disciplined if they want to even come close to this mark. I hate to be critical but I also hate to see games slip between our fingers because of penalties. I am not pointing fingers here at anyone. Upon looking at the scoresheets over the season I find that many of the games we lost could have easily been won, had it not been for penalties! Teams seem to be able to pierce our defences while short-handed. It seems logical to me that every effort(including self control) should be made to avoid those situations. Playing shorthanded is very difficult for the players who have to deal with the situation and I am not be holding them accountable for the scores registered while short handed. The blame goes directly to the players who take the bad penalties.
I am an ardent fan of the Vipers, probably among the top two or three, and I feel compelled as a fan to express my dissatisfaction with regards to the many penalties the team takes. We do not have many fans as it is, however we owe it them to do everything we can to accumulate victories. We will not win as a team if penalties continue to plague our chances. That is a given. It is up to the players to do something about it.
There, I said it. Take it for what it is worth. I enjoy working with this team and I appreciate each and everyone of the players. Loosing is part of the game and rest assured that I can take it. However loosing games for a lack of discipline is more difficult to accept. I think each and everyone of the players needs to think about this situation and out of respect for one another and the fans, do something about it.
The Vipers next home game is Saturday January 14th at 8:30 pm.![]() ![]() ![]() |
| The line of Brand, Ternowski and Boudreault on fire! The three combined for a total of 17 points vs the Aces last night. |
Ray Tremblay: Vipers' Website
The line of Brand, Turnowski and Boudreault burnt the Aces' "High Cards" last night and led the Vipers to an easy 9 to 1 victory over the Aces. The line collected a total of 17 points with Chris Brand finding the mark four times along with two assists, Ryan Ternowski scoring twice and assisting on four others and Sunny Boudreault contributing five assists. The victory was long overdue as the Vipers' last victory dated back to November 19th when they defeated the Winterhawks in a rare victory this year against the Hawks.
The Vipers had three new players in their line-up for this game, including local boys Tyler Nault, Brayden Arcand, both from the Morinville Jets and Cam French. It is exciting to have local players joining the Vipers as this should increase the fans' interest in the team.
The Vipers put in a strong performance last night in what may be a turning point for the team. Athabasca has a strong team and a victory against them in this fashion has to be seen as a very positive sign specially with the post season games rapidly approaching. The Vipers have six games remaining this season most of them against teams from the southern division. Four of the Vipers' six remainding games are away from home with games in Hinton, Edson, Athabasca, and Slave Lake. The final stretch of the season should be very interesting!
More photos
Ray Tremblay: Vipers Web Site
The Vipers were still unable to shake the monkey off their back as they drop yet another one to the Winter Hawks. The Vipers played with intensity, won two of the three periods but the final score ended up to be five to three for the Hawks
The Winter Hawks who were trailing 2 to 1 after one, came back strong in the second period to tally four unanswered goals. Most of the damage came at the hands of the Sinclairs who combined for a total of seven points between them with a "Hat Trick" going to Scott Sinclair. Brent Hill and Doug Barich were not in the line-up but the likes of the Proulx, Hawkins and Pichettes picked up the beat to eventually force the Vipers to take another defeat.
The Vipers, who are missing some key players at the moment, played a good game and were not humiliated. Far from it! Even with a trail of defeats in their wake, the Vipers still are contenders for the post season play. A healthy team could prove devastating to any team in the league. Sure this is my opinion, but I've witnessed a lot of hockey over the years, and I am confident that the show is not over.
It would however be more rewarding to see more fans at the games. We are fortunate to have "AA" hockey in Legal, but for it to survive, fan support is a necessity. Think about it.
Ray Tremblay: Vipers' Website
The Legal Vipers ended their loosing string at three game last night after a hard fought battle with the Athabasca Aces. The Aces were first to draw blood scoring while short handed thanks to a long clearing pass from Sean Wrush to Chris Fraser, at the 7:11 mark . The first period ended at 1-0 for Athabasca and remained such until the 13th minute of play in the second when Sunny Boudreault found the mark for the Vipers during a power play situation, and evened the score at one apiece. Some five minutes later, the Aces, this time with a one man advantage, took the lead again and force the Vipers to retire to their dressing room, after two, again with a one goal deficit. Matt Wilkinson was strong in net for the Vipers coming up with great saves throughout the two periods.
The third period saw an inspired Vipers' team hit the ice. They were trailing by one goal but outshooting the Aces roughly 2 to 1. The hard work eventually paid off and the Vipers scored twice in the third to take the lead for the first time with less than 7 minutes left in the game. Unfortunately, the Aces, with a power play advantage, scored with a little over two minutes left in the game to eventually force, again, an overtime period. But this time the Vipers were not to be denied. Taking advantage of a penalty assigned to the Aces, the Vipers, in a three men rush,carried the puck from their own end all the way to the Aces' net and after a short scramble in front of the net, Cody Berg finally got it in completing a play engineered by Jeremiah Burak and Ryan Martin at 2:13 of the overtime period.
Ray Tremblay: Vipers Web Site
The week-end proved very difficult for the Legal Vipers who came up short on both home and home games against the WinterHawks. Both games were hard fought affairs but the Hawks' third period efforts bested the Vipers as they out-scored them 5 to 2 in the last frame of the two games combined. The Vipers are hoping to put an end to their three game losing string this coming week-end as they visit the Athabasca Aces Friday night. Athabasca which is posting a 2 & 0 record versus the Vipers this season will try to extend the Vipers' misfortunes to 0 & 4 as they attempt to better their own performance to 6 & 3 with a victory at home Friday night.
The Vipers on the other hand, even with three defeats in a row, are far from turning over and play dead. They played good hockey even in defeat and they are due for a turn around starting this week-end. Count on them to do just that. Remember the Vipers last defeat against the Aces was after a ten player shoot-out in Athabasca. Now its the Vipers' turn. Go Vipers Go!
The Vipers played well and stayed in the game till the end but the Wild Cats' claws were a little too sharp for the Vipers last night as they eventually won by a score of four to two. The Wilds cats remain undefeated but the victory was not easy.The Vipers threaten all night long coming back time and time again keeping the score within one. With four minutes left in the game and the score 3 to 2 for the Cats, Cory Colwell scored and nailed the game for the Wild cats allowing them to pick-up two additional points in the standings.
The game was very exciting to watch but most of all it showed that the Vipers can skate with the best. Good work Vipers
Ray Tremblay: Vipers' Website
After a long ride on the bus heading to RMH, the Vipers rewarded themselves and their coaches, with a hard earned victory against the Rams. It was a very determined team that jumped on the ice against the RMH Rams last night and after a hard fought battle against an equally determined Rams' team the Vipers ended with two more points in the standing. With five games under their belts the Vipers are now playing 500 hockey.
The game was most interesting with the outcome uncertain untill the last minute of the game when Ryan Ternowski scored an empty netter to basically seal the deal for the Vipers. Final score: 4 to 2 for the Vipers.
It was a much more relaxed Ray DeChamplain who prepared the lines for the game against RMH last Saturday evening. Since I had a few moments to spare and in view of the relaxed atmosphere in the room, I took the time to chat some with Ray "the coach". It was obvious to me that he seemed much more at eaze this year than during the previous years, so I asked him the question. "Ray how do you feel with the coaching situation as it is? You know a coach, two assistant coaches a general manager..." I didn't even have the time to finish my sentence when he took over. "This is a perfect arrangement". He went on to explain that one coach to cover all the bases is not enough. People are all different and they think and react differently. What works well with some is unsatisfactory to others. With a group of some twenty young men, each with his own individuality, it is important to identify the best approaches to use to ensure good communication without frustrating anyone. Between the three of us we can do this better. We can discuss issues and come up with better solutions. Generally, Mark who is very fluent with words does most of the talking and communicates very well with the boys. Doug is very knowledgeable when it comes to hockey and I like to discuss matters with him along with Mark. Together, we form a unified group. And that is important for a hockey
team.
Ray and I continued to talk while he completed the lines and starting line-up. At the conclusion of the game we had a happy coaching staff and a happy bunch of players not to forget the five Viper fans present at the game.
Sheeee... He's sleeping
Ray Tremblay: Vipers' Website
The Legal Vipers hope to bounce back this evening as they will face-off against Rocky Mountain House for the first time this season. The team is playing well, even with an under 500 record at the moment, with three points out of a possible eight. The results could have been much better but the team has a bit of an unlucky streak going on at the moment with over ten goal-posts in the last two and a half games. Excuses, you might say. No. Goal posts are part of the game and in fact a minor adjustment in target shooting could see the Vipers increase their chances considerably. It's not like they are missing the net by five feet constantly!
The Vipers and Slave Lake played through a scoreless first period last night with both teams missing opportunities on several occasions. Both goalkeepers played very well, keeping their respective team in the game.
The second period saw the Winterhawks score three times while the Vipers remained unable to beat Gauthier in net for the WinterHawks. Matt Wilkinson played a solid period as well and cannot be blamed for the Hawks successes. The third period saw the Vipers register their first and, as it turned out, only goal of the game. The game ended up 5 to 1 for the Winterhawks as the battle between these two teams continues to be most exciting.
Vipers Score
Photos by Marie
Ray Tremblay: Vipers' site
Following the heart breaking defeat of the night before to the Athabasca Aces, the Vipers rebounded strongly against the Hinton Heat in a one way contest that saw the Vipers score a bakers dozen to the Heat's four tallies.
Ryan Ternowski, Sunny Boudrealt, Landon Way and Paul DeChamplain led the pack with four, four, four and five point performances respectively. Ternowski collected a hat trick in the process
as the Vipers crushed the Heat 13 to 4. A variety of players for the Vipers ended up on the score sheet including the young rookie, Yanick Forcade, who collected a goal and one assist. Overall the whole team played well collectively to the coaches' delight. Mark Nystevold, the Vipers' trainer, was pleased with the players' performance. "They played well" he said. I didn't have the opportunity to talk with Ray DeChamplain(coach) nor Doug Nystevold(assistant coach)but they were all smiles after the game in the dressing room.
The Vipers are now at 1-1-1, for a total of 3 points out of a possible six thus playing 500 hockey after three contests. They will attempt to improve their record next Friday, at home, as they will face-off against their arch rivals the Slave Lake Winterhawks. This will mark the return of former Vipers Doug Barich and Chris Gauthier who are now with the Winterhawks. This should add a little bit of salt to the rivalry.
More Snap Shots below"
2.-Second period:-Highway Services Westlock
3.-Third period:- Westlock Terminals
More photos Slave Lake vs Legal
For those of you, who might have had doubts about the Vipers' abilities or character following last week's defeat to the Aces, do not fear the true Vipers are here! Yes they are here and they will be a force to recon with over the season. Last night, their second game together as a team, proved beyond a doubt that the team's chemistry is taking shape. The boys are really putting it together and fast. In fact the Vipers, win or lose, will be an exciting team to watch again this season and they will give you your money's worth every game.
Now coming to last night's game, the Vipers played superbly even though they lost a game that they deserved to win. They scored twice in the first period to the Aces' one and headed to the dressing room with a two to one lead after one. The Vipers outshot the Aces 11 to 9 in the first, a stat that they improved throughout the game finishing with 34 shots to 23 after three periods of hockey.
The Aces came back strong in the second, scoring the equalizer right off the start at the 19:23 mark. From then on the game remained scoreless. In my opinion, the Vipers outplayed the opposition but were unable to beat a red hot Creaser in the Aces' net. Jeff Creaser played an outstanding game and repeatedly saved his teammates with unbelievable stops. After three periods of thrilling hockey with end to end rushes the teams headed to overtime. However within the five minute overtime period neither team was able to seal the game. Finally it took ten shooters from both teams to end the game. Unfortunately the Vipers ended up at the losing end of the stick in a game that they deserved to win. Nevertheless the game proved to be a very positive step for the Vipers' players and coaching staff. Obviously the Vipers are here!!
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Last night the Vipers lost to the Aces again
October 15th2011
Ray tremblay: Vipers Website
The Legal Vipers lost to Athabasca last night but the score is not truly representative of the type of game they played. After one period with the score at three to two for Athabasca the game was a battle between to teams of about equal ability. The second period continued to be an all out contest until the four minute mark of the second period when the Vipers seemed to collapse and allowed the Aces to skate freely and tally four times in less than five minutes of play.
Losing the game is certainly not what we were hoping for but without trying to make excuses, one has to remember that the Vipers line-up last night had only six players from last season and had yet to play as a team in a game situation this year. In effect this is a totally new team. I don't mean to take anything away from the Aces, for they came prepared and played a solid game but had the Vipers had the opportunity to play together once or twice before the season opener, things could had been different. Basically what I am saying is that there is no reason to panic. This team has potential and it will show in the games to come. Go Vipers Go!!
Tim Hortons; Sturgeon Valley Fertilizer; Martin Deerline
Ray Tremblay: Vipers' Website
Well, the Vipers are A & W (Alive and Well). However the 2011-12 Vipers' edition is much different from the previous years. As was previously mentioned on this site, a large number of veteran Vipers have chosen to retire this season. Needless to say that they will be missed but that's the way the games goes. Work and family commitments have to take priority over play. Hopefully some of them may come back in the future if conditions permit it. In any case the Vipers' executive and support teams along with their many fans wish to thank, warmly, these young men who have given us many good years of entertaining hockey over the last five years
The Vipers home opener and first game of the season, will take place on Saturday of this week at 8:30 p.m. Come and support your Vipers. Heading into their sixth year of existence, the Vipers should again be a team capable of offering a brand of hockey that will proved most exciting and competitive. Old rivalries like the Vipers vs Winter Hawks should be fans' favorites again this year. These two teams will meet six times this season. Athabasca will also be a strong rival for the Vipers in the North Division this season and my friends, these two teams will face-off five times over the season with three of the games right here in Legal. Games between the north and south divisions should be most interesting as well. Hinton proved to be amongst the top teams of the league last year and should again be a force to recon with this year.
I haven't seen all the rosters yet but I believe that there will be parity between the teams in both Divisions. No team should be taken for granted. That could lead to big surprises.
All things considered, this season should be most exciting. Welcome to the NCHL 2011-12.
Ray Tremblay: Vipers' Website reporter
It is now official, the Onoway Ice Dogs will not be operating this year. At the last League meeting on October 1st, the Onoway Rep did mention that the team had lost many of its core players this year and that consequently it was in the middle of a rebuilding process. However, at that time it was not mentioned that the team's existence was in jeopardy. Sad to say but the rebuilding process proved to be more difficult than expected and the team's executives eventually informed the League that the Ice Dogs would not be in this season.
This being said, we can only hope that the team's leave of absence will be only for one year as the Ice Dogs proved to be a valuable asset to the League over the years. The Ice Dogs were a highly competitive and entertaining team and they will be dearly missed. We wish them best of luck in terms of reconstructing and hopefully they will be back for the next season.
Ray Tremblay: Website's reporter
Head hits have become a major concern to Hockey Canada, hockey players, officials, families and fans at all levels of the game in the last few years, as more and more players fall victims to severe head hits. In fact one of our players has decided to hang up the skates somewhat prematurely this year as a result of a head hit received at a hockey game. Others are considering doing the same and understandably so. These young men, playing the game we love, have families and need to remain healthy in order to provide for them. With the rash of head injuries in the last few years alone, you can't blame them for considering quitting.
However not everything is bad.
Rule 6.5 Clause C:
In Junior and Senior, a Minor and Miscdonduct penalty or a Major and a Game Misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the Referee based on the degree of violence of impact, shall be assessed to any player who checks an opponent in the head in any manner.
Rule 6.5 Clause D:
A Major and a Game Misconduct penalty, or a Match penalty shall be assessed any player who injures an opponent under this rule.
Rule 6.5 Clause E:
A Match penalty shall be assessed any player who deliberately attempts to injure or deliberately injures an opponent under this rule.Well this new rule will undoubtedly generate a lot of discussion and possibly controversy, but in my opinion, it is a huge positive for the game of hockey for the players and the fans!
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