Announcement
Lead Team Reporter / Assistant Coach, Dan Lower is away on training in Southern California and has asked me to help fill in for him to report this weekend’s events. I know I have some really big shoes to fill… I’m mean really, have you actually seen the size of his feet! Anyways, here it goes…
Your Red Deer Vipers had a heavy dose of competitive hockey this weekend as they continued to prepare for the up-coming Atom B playoffs. The weekend’s action was kick started late Friday night as the Viper’s faced-off against a familiar rivalry; the Sylvan Lake Atom A Lakers. The two evenly-matched teams began exactly where they left off in the previous contests as they battled each other in a punishing, penalty-filled game. The referee’s attempted to gain control of the game and clean up the play. The Zebras sent players steadily to the penalty box from both sides as special team’s play became a key factor in this game. With penalty killers becoming quickly exhausted, the two teams traded short-handed goals; grabbing two exciting markers a side. Not much was decided after 2 periods of play and the Vipers entered the 3rd period dead-locked at a 3-3 score. Around the 3 minute mark of the period, Speedster – Easton Leedahl decided “enough is enough” and regained the lead. Shortly after, blue liner – Jordon Haraldson let go of a blistering shot from the point which seen some heavy traffic provided by Leedahl and Price in front of the Lakers goaltender. The shot easily found the back of the net and the Viper’s had the highly-coveted “insurance goal”… Unfortunately, the Lakers had other ideas, as they came storming back and crashed the crease of net-minder Nolan MacGregor. The Lakers fourth goal was not without a little controversy though, as the Referee and linemen needed extra time and some further review before making their decision. The Viper’s needed to step up their defensive play and hold off the Lakers last attempts to tie the game. However, during a quick series of events, the Vipers were caught “flat-footed” and the Lakers squeaked a lucky bounce by to tie the game with 40 seconds remaining. The time clock came to an end and another great game was in the books!
On Saturday morning, the Vipers wrapped up their league play as they squared off against the resurgent Superior Propane. The Vipers controlled the game for two-solid periods. Game play was highlight by strong positional play and tape to tape passing. In spite of this, the pesky Propane players would not give up. With a great team effort and late push, the Superior Propane pulled ahead late in the 3rd period. The Vipers pulled goalie Will Gummow in a desperate effort to tie the Game; coming close on several opportunities, they fell just short and let one slip by 7-6 in favour of the opposition.
The Hockey Extravaganza continued later that afternoon as the Vipers were scheduled for Game two of their double header that day; back in Sylvan Lake. The City of Champions sent their “Big Guns” down to compete against our Vipers. The game started off with a bang as one of Edmonton’s “Gunners” took the opening faceoff and scored in 9 seconds. Viper’s fans were holding their breath as the two teams lined up for another face off. Once again, the same “Gun-man” scooped up the puck and threw it into the net only 11 seconds later! Vipers player were stunned, wondering “what just happened?” The Viper’s Coaches settled the players down and focused the troops as they looked to re-gain their composure. With some great fore-checking and strong skating, the Vipers fought back and forced a 2-2 tie heading into the 2nd period. The two teams continued their epic battle throughout the second period as the Vipers held the Edmonton team to only one goal for the period. However, in the 3rd frame, the team from “Oil Country” came out determined and added two more scores. The Vipers did not give easily though as Crazy Legs – Stuve notched a quick goal to make things interesting and the team continued to press right till the buzzer. The Vipers did not disappoint as they provided another hard fought contest and entertained their fans.
During the final day of competition in Sylvan Lake, the Vipers were slated for a Match-up with the Edson AA Eagles. Apparently, the Eagles bus driver took a few wrong turns on the way out of Edson and ended up in the Sylvan Lake tournament by mistake. Being the good sports that the Vipers are, the team decided they were up for the challenge and faced-off against the Highly-skilled Edson team. The Vipers held the Eagles in check; limiting scoring through the first two periods and adding a goal of their own. Game MVP – Goaltender Nolan MacGregor was on fire as he turned away blast after blast by the Soaring Eagles. In the end, the Viper net minder made over 50 saves as the Vipers held Edson to their lowest scoring total of the weekend!
The weekend proved to be a great learning experience for the Red Deer Vipers and learned to “never let up and never give up!”
The Vipers have secured 3rd place in League Standings and head into playoff action this Saturday against the MGM Chiefs. Viper’s fans get your face paint on and get ready to cheer as our Vipers continue the quest to the Red Deer City Championship!
