On Sunday, February 19 2012, the Beaver Valley Nitehawks held their annual Year End Awards banquet. It was a fun filled affair with plenty of entertainment and laughter all around. A HUGE shout-out and heartfelt thanks to banquet organizer, Darlene Jones, whos ability to throw a party rivals the best of them :)
Contributions by parents, billets, and volunteers throughout the season were outwardly appreciated by the organization and coaching staff. Hearing some of the stories from the locker room allowed some of us to share in the world that we never got to be a part of, but have a passion for just the same. The coaching staff provided several funny anecdotes while introducing players, but it was the players themselves that stole the show, and so they should!
Here is the breakdown of the awards presented:
Most Valuable Player - Chris Derochie
Top Defenseman - Nick Perez
Top Forward - Dallas Calvin and Ryan Edwards
Top Rookie - Craig Martin
Most Popular Player - Tyler Collins
Most Dedicated Player - Arie Postmus
Most Inspirational Player - Josh Peters
Most Improved Player - Archie McKinnon
Pat Corrado Award - Mike Vlancih
Award of Merit - Mason Spear and Scott Davidson
Hit Man Award - Brantley Schapansky
Most Sportsmanlike Player - Justin Niminiken
Four Nitehawks are playing their final season with the team, and as per custom, had their game jerseys given to them to keep. Mason Spear, Josh Peters, Brantley Schapanksy, and Justin Niminiken, are all striving to exit the KIJHL on the highest note possible! I wish them all the success in their future endeavors and hope to be seeing them playing in a larger venue someday :)
For some reason, I was giddy at just having the honor of being invited, and so I fully neglected to take notes, pics, and get some quotes from some of the billions of volunteers that make up the fabric of this organization! Next year, I will be more on the ball and have a whole lot more to share with you all! Until then, lets continue to fuel and support the team we love and take them all the way!
Quote of the night...."...we have 2, lets get 2 more....!!"...source?...damn near everyone!!! (everyone but me because there was NO way I was getting anywhere near that mic!!)
Sunday 26 February 2012
Saturday 25 February 2012
Postgame: Braves - 3 Nitehawks - 4 OT
(BV leads series 2-0)
Game 1: Braves 3 - Nitehawks 6
Game 2: Braves 3 - Nitehawks 4 OT
It came down to two things, focus and intensity! Both of which BV lacked, while Spokane had oodles to spare! For the first 59 minutes of regulation, Beaver Valley was outshot, outhit, and most definitely outplayed. The two goals in the 1st and 2nd by BV were against flow of play while the burst of offense by Spokane in the third was hard-work and determination for the payoff. It wasnt until the final minute of the game when something clicked and the REAL Nitehawks decided to show up. After what seemed like having an allergy to handling the puck all game, Ryan Edwards finally managed to net the cure and send the game into overtime. In the OT, it was all BV! They fully dominated like they did throughout the regular season and Max Flanagan was on the receiving end of a 2 on 1 with Edwards just 2:06 into OT to allow BV to take a 2-0 lead on the series heading back to Spokane for games 3 and 4.
Game Stars: (I actually agree with these ones!)
BV - Mike Vlanich 38 saves
SB - Uriah Machuga 2A - I dont think he took many shifts off....he seemed to always be on the ice
SB - Dylan Tappe 2A
Frustration on Spokane's behalf was apparent during the 1st and 2nd, but they managed to overcome that and have a solid third. This, however, is overshadowed by the classless acts after the final whistle. Dylan Tappe decided to stop briefly and correspond with BV fans on his way to the room. Things were done and said in both directions and I strongly disagree with the conduct of the fans, but also the lack of discipline of the player(and his coach who was behind him) to just walk away. During the game, the crowd around me mentioned several times how loud and vulgar the Spokane coach was during play. I'm not picking on him, but if it wasnt just ME that heard it, then maybe he needs to change the language up a bit....just sayin.
Now, I have no clue whether ref Eric Dasti had read my postgame report from the game he was here last, but he acted like it was never an issue and for that, deserves my respect. He handled the game efficiently and professionally, missed a few calls both ways but thats to be expected. I dont retract what I initially said, but merely say that tonight, he did a good job.
Nitehawks now travel to Spokane for games 3 and 4 on Feb 27-28 where they can finish out the first round and wait for Castlegar and Nelson to fight it out. That series is tied at 1 with a 2-1 win by Nelson tonight. Due to work, but mainly due to no passport(yet), I wont be attending the 2 away games even though I so desperately want to. So PLEASE, if anyone is going, send us some updates!!
Game 1: Braves 3 - Nitehawks 6
Game 2: Braves 3 - Nitehawks 4 OT
It came down to two things, focus and intensity! Both of which BV lacked, while Spokane had oodles to spare! For the first 59 minutes of regulation, Beaver Valley was outshot, outhit, and most definitely outplayed. The two goals in the 1st and 2nd by BV were against flow of play while the burst of offense by Spokane in the third was hard-work and determination for the payoff. It wasnt until the final minute of the game when something clicked and the REAL Nitehawks decided to show up. After what seemed like having an allergy to handling the puck all game, Ryan Edwards finally managed to net the cure and send the game into overtime. In the OT, it was all BV! They fully dominated like they did throughout the regular season and Max Flanagan was on the receiving end of a 2 on 1 with Edwards just 2:06 into OT to allow BV to take a 2-0 lead on the series heading back to Spokane for games 3 and 4.
Game Stars: (I actually agree with these ones!)
BV - Mike Vlanich 38 saves
SB - Uriah Machuga 2A - I dont think he took many shifts off....he seemed to always be on the ice
SB - Dylan Tappe 2A
Frustration on Spokane's behalf was apparent during the 1st and 2nd, but they managed to overcome that and have a solid third. This, however, is overshadowed by the classless acts after the final whistle. Dylan Tappe decided to stop briefly and correspond with BV fans on his way to the room. Things were done and said in both directions and I strongly disagree with the conduct of the fans, but also the lack of discipline of the player(and his coach who was behind him) to just walk away. During the game, the crowd around me mentioned several times how loud and vulgar the Spokane coach was during play. I'm not picking on him, but if it wasnt just ME that heard it, then maybe he needs to change the language up a bit....just sayin.
Now, I have no clue whether ref Eric Dasti had read my postgame report from the game he was here last, but he acted like it was never an issue and for that, deserves my respect. He handled the game efficiently and professionally, missed a few calls both ways but thats to be expected. I dont retract what I initially said, but merely say that tonight, he did a good job.
Nitehawks now travel to Spokane for games 3 and 4 on Feb 27-28 where they can finish out the first round and wait for Castlegar and Nelson to fight it out. That series is tied at 1 with a 2-1 win by Nelson tonight. Due to work, but mainly due to no passport(yet), I wont be attending the 2 away games even though I so desperately want to. So PLEASE, if anyone is going, send us some updates!!
Postgame: Braves - 3 Nitehawks - 6
(BV leads series 1-0)
Game 1: Braves 3 - Nitehawks 6
The weather wasn't friendly outside with snow falling over most parts of the Kootenays this evening. This didn't stop the Nitehawk faithful as they came to watch their league leading team begin the 2011/12 playoffs against the Spokane Braves!
Going against their normal routine, the Nitehawks exited the dressing room first and took the ice. I cant think of another time at any point in any game that the Nitehawks were the first to take the ice, either home or away. Before we could drop the puck, some league awards were given out.
Beaver Valley Nitehawks - Regular Season Champion Banner (presented to C.Derochie)
Chris Derochie - Neil Murdoch Division - Top Scorer & Most Sportsmanlike Player
Craig Martin - Neil Murdoch Division - MVP & Top Rookie
Terry Jones - Neil Murdoch AND League - Top Coach
Now, my sources have said that Osoyoos Coyote Dexter Dancs received honors for League Top Rookie. Not being able to see the boy play, I cant make any determination on that. But when you have a rookie that has one of THE best seasons of any rookie in a good number of years, and he doesnt win, there is something fishy. I'm a little biased sure, but lets look at the numbers here.
Craig Martin
Dexter Dancs
I can leave you all with that and you make your own ascertation as to what is up. Now, on to the game....
Spokane stunned the crowd at the BVA just 1:20 in on a failed pinch play that allowed Machuga and N.Redding to blast in 2-on-1. Redding didnt miss and it was 1-0 Braves quickly! Nitehawk captain, Chris Derochie ties the game 3 mins later on the pp to settle the crowd down. Craig Martin gives BV the lead just past the 10 min mark and Nick Perez gets another ppg before the period is out and BV takes a 3-1 lead into the break.
The first 5 minutes of period 2 was a carry-over from the first. BV controlled the majority of the play until Machuga took a X-checking penalty and the Nitehawks head to their third power play. Having been aces on the first two, they got lax and Spokane made them pay, bigtime!! Ref was screened slightly and thus missed a slew-foot on Niminiken that allowed the puck to be sent back around the BV net where it was tossed out front to Dippolito who made no mistake finding the back of the net. Just :24 later, Dippolito was at it again. This time he returned the favor and got it to Tappe who squeaked it past the outstreched glove of Perehudoff, and suddenly we have a tie game!! Two shorties in :24 seconds and the BV crowd has been stunned once more. Craig Martin rectified that and got his 2nd of the night on that very same power play to put some life back into the crowd once more and give BV the much needed 4-3 lead. A seeing-eye slapshot from Brantley Schapansky, that had Amatto stunned for what seemed like foreever, found the 5-hole and BV regained their 2 goal lead into the 2nd intermission.
The third period got rough! The first 10 minutes were well played with great chances and even better saves by Amatto. BV started to finish their checks and hammer their point across. Spokane tried to fight back, but their smaller size wasnt really affecting much other than to annoy the Nitehawks until an absolutely brutal shift that saw every Spokane player crushed through the boards with remarkably legal hits. After that, the frustrated Braves took several "silly" penalties that put them on the pk for the remainder of the game. In all the mix, Ryan Edwards scored a shorty of his own with the helper from Derochie.
Game Stars: (again, NOT chosen by me)
BV - Chris Derochie
BV - Craig Martin
BV - Ryan Edwards
The story of tonight was the return of rookie Scott Davidson! Having not played since Oct 15, some 42 games, Scott came out skating and hitting hard receiving a charging penalty on his very first shift of the night. Davidson was out with a knee injury that was suffered in an off-ice incident that required surgery to repair. Now that he is back, expect big things from the 16yr old in these playoffs!
I originally reported before the game, that Jacob Boyczuk and Dallas Calvin were healthy scratches. I was told that was NOT the case afterwards. Calvin is still being bothered by his lower body injury, while Boyczuks injury was undisclosed to me at this time.
Game 2 goes tomorrow, Feb 25th, at 7:30pm again at the Beaver Valley Arena. Thank You to all that braved the snow tonight to show your support for the Nitehawks!!
1-down....15 to go!!
Game 1: Braves 3 - Nitehawks 6
The weather wasn't friendly outside with snow falling over most parts of the Kootenays this evening. This didn't stop the Nitehawk faithful as they came to watch their league leading team begin the 2011/12 playoffs against the Spokane Braves!
Going against their normal routine, the Nitehawks exited the dressing room first and took the ice. I cant think of another time at any point in any game that the Nitehawks were the first to take the ice, either home or away. Before we could drop the puck, some league awards were given out.
Beaver Valley Nitehawks - Regular Season Champion Banner (presented to C.Derochie)
Chris Derochie - Neil Murdoch Division - Top Scorer & Most Sportsmanlike Player
Craig Martin - Neil Murdoch Division - MVP & Top Rookie
Terry Jones - Neil Murdoch AND League - Top Coach
Now, my sources have said that Osoyoos Coyote Dexter Dancs received honors for League Top Rookie. Not being able to see the boy play, I cant make any determination on that. But when you have a rookie that has one of THE best seasons of any rookie in a good number of years, and he doesnt win, there is something fishy. I'm a little biased sure, but lets look at the numbers here.
Craig Martin
| SEASON | TEAM | GP | G | A | PTS | P/G | +/- | PPG | SHG | GWG | GTG | PIM |
| 2011/12 | Beaver Valley Nitehawks | 50 | 48 | 48 | 96 | 1.9 | 0 | 18 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 17 |
Dexter Dancs
| SEASON | TEAM | GP | G | A | PTS | P/G | +/- | PPG | SHG | GWG | GTG | PIM |
| 2011/12 | Osoyoos Coyotes | 42 | 29 | 38 | 67 | 1.6 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 49 |
I can leave you all with that and you make your own ascertation as to what is up. Now, on to the game....
Spokane stunned the crowd at the BVA just 1:20 in on a failed pinch play that allowed Machuga and N.Redding to blast in 2-on-1. Redding didnt miss and it was 1-0 Braves quickly! Nitehawk captain, Chris Derochie ties the game 3 mins later on the pp to settle the crowd down. Craig Martin gives BV the lead just past the 10 min mark and Nick Perez gets another ppg before the period is out and BV takes a 3-1 lead into the break.
The first 5 minutes of period 2 was a carry-over from the first. BV controlled the majority of the play until Machuga took a X-checking penalty and the Nitehawks head to their third power play. Having been aces on the first two, they got lax and Spokane made them pay, bigtime!! Ref was screened slightly and thus missed a slew-foot on Niminiken that allowed the puck to be sent back around the BV net where it was tossed out front to Dippolito who made no mistake finding the back of the net. Just :24 later, Dippolito was at it again. This time he returned the favor and got it to Tappe who squeaked it past the outstreched glove of Perehudoff, and suddenly we have a tie game!! Two shorties in :24 seconds and the BV crowd has been stunned once more. Craig Martin rectified that and got his 2nd of the night on that very same power play to put some life back into the crowd once more and give BV the much needed 4-3 lead. A seeing-eye slapshot from Brantley Schapansky, that had Amatto stunned for what seemed like foreever, found the 5-hole and BV regained their 2 goal lead into the 2nd intermission.
The third period got rough! The first 10 minutes were well played with great chances and even better saves by Amatto. BV started to finish their checks and hammer their point across. Spokane tried to fight back, but their smaller size wasnt really affecting much other than to annoy the Nitehawks until an absolutely brutal shift that saw every Spokane player crushed through the boards with remarkably legal hits. After that, the frustrated Braves took several "silly" penalties that put them on the pk for the remainder of the game. In all the mix, Ryan Edwards scored a shorty of his own with the helper from Derochie.
Game Stars: (again, NOT chosen by me)
BV - Chris Derochie
BV - Craig Martin
BV - Ryan Edwards
The story of tonight was the return of rookie Scott Davidson! Having not played since Oct 15, some 42 games, Scott came out skating and hitting hard receiving a charging penalty on his very first shift of the night. Davidson was out with a knee injury that was suffered in an off-ice incident that required surgery to repair. Now that he is back, expect big things from the 16yr old in these playoffs!
I originally reported before the game, that Jacob Boyczuk and Dallas Calvin were healthy scratches. I was told that was NOT the case afterwards. Calvin is still being bothered by his lower body injury, while Boyczuks injury was undisclosed to me at this time.
Game 2 goes tomorrow, Feb 25th, at 7:30pm again at the Beaver Valley Arena. Thank You to all that braved the snow tonight to show your support for the Nitehawks!!
1-down....15 to go!!
Thursday 23 February 2012
Follow-up: Leafs/Nitehawks Blog Post
As suspected, the blogpost following the final game of the regular season between Nelson and Beaver Valley created something of a stir. Now, allow me to elaborate a bit more.
It was said that I have no respect for the officiating, that is untrue. I respect the difficulty of their job, and while they DO officiate in BCHL and WHL, that does NOT give them automatic respect regarding the job they do here in the KIJHL. They may also do a fantastic job there, but truth be told, I can only recall a few games where the officials performed their jobs adequately. Maybe I was a bit hard on Dasti, but I am passionate about the game and the team that I support. Again, this is MY perspective and opinion and is thus beyond debate, so please stop trying.
Yes, it is a drastically different viewpoint while sitting in the stands, and I really feel no different than anyone else, I've just had the guts to make my views and opinions public. Those that post anonymously are really the ones afraid of retribution. Also, those that posted and were rude and defamatory were deleted as this is a public blog and has language rules. As always, I welcome all comments, just keep it clean with no name calling. I'm also available to talk with at any home game, so don't hesitate to find me for a discussion :)
In regards to a deleted poster, I don't agree with you that this blog is an embarassment to the town and team. As previously noted, these are MY opinions and are NOT that of the team or organization. If anything, it shook some cages and got the discussion moving!
Finally, I changed the comment rules. You now require a Google ID to post, and posts will be moderated for language. I have accountability for my own posts, so should resonders, its only fair.
GO NITEHAWKS GO!!!
We have 2 banners already, let's add 2 more!!!
It was said that I have no respect for the officiating, that is untrue. I respect the difficulty of their job, and while they DO officiate in BCHL and WHL, that does NOT give them automatic respect regarding the job they do here in the KIJHL. They may also do a fantastic job there, but truth be told, I can only recall a few games where the officials performed their jobs adequately. Maybe I was a bit hard on Dasti, but I am passionate about the game and the team that I support. Again, this is MY perspective and opinion and is thus beyond debate, so please stop trying.
Yes, it is a drastically different viewpoint while sitting in the stands, and I really feel no different than anyone else, I've just had the guts to make my views and opinions public. Those that post anonymously are really the ones afraid of retribution. Also, those that posted and were rude and defamatory were deleted as this is a public blog and has language rules. As always, I welcome all comments, just keep it clean with no name calling. I'm also available to talk with at any home game, so don't hesitate to find me for a discussion :)
In regards to a deleted poster, I don't agree with you that this blog is an embarassment to the town and team. As previously noted, these are MY opinions and are NOT that of the team or organization. If anything, it shook some cages and got the discussion moving!
Finally, I changed the comment rules. You now require a Google ID to post, and posts will be moderated for language. I have accountability for my own posts, so should resonders, its only fair.
GO NITEHAWKS GO!!!
We have 2 banners already, let's add 2 more!!!
Sunday 19 February 2012
Postgame: Leafs - 3 Nitehawks - 4 OT2
Ok, enough procrastination! Normally I save this part for later on, but this has GOT to be changed for next season.
I THOUGHT I had witnessed the poorest officiating when BV visited Summerland last month, until last night! Referee Eric Dasti has got to be the leagues most despised official. His blind inconsistency has teams cringing at the mere sight of his name on the scorecard. Last night, he didn't disappoint. That game had no business going to overtime, and had Dasti not been lackadaisical in keeping up with play, he would have been able to make the right call on the Johnson (non)goal. Combine that with the late goal after the buzzer by Nelson in the 3rd that shouldn't have counted, and its a 4-2 regulation win for BV! Last night was a perfect example of why the league should adopt the 2 ref system.
Alright, enough, before I get excited again. Let's get to the actual game play shall we?
BV opened the scoring with Craig Martins 47th of the year on a scramble play in front of Defoe. Contrary to the scoresheet, the 1st period ended 1-0 BV. Neither team showed an advantage in control during the first.
The second period saw BV get into some penalty trouble with the help of above mentioned official who conveniently chose to ignore infractions by the Leafs (ahem...cough...elbow to the head...cough...cough). Credit Nelson, they made the most of their chances and buried 2 PPGs to take the lead 2-1. Martin. With his 2nd of the night ties the game at 2 and shortly afterwards, Johnson streaks down the right side and backhands a shot over Defoes left shoulder in and out of the goal. Clearly a goal, but again, called off because a lazy ref can't keep up with his job and follow play. Chis Derochie then gets his own garbage goal cleaning up in front and gives BV the 3-2 lead after 2. Nelson actually had the edge in play for that period but some key saves by Vlanich kept things tight.
Beaver Valley opened the third set on putting this game to bed! Missed chances and stellar net minding from Defoe was the only reason it remained 3-2 up until a highly controversial Leaf goal at the buzzer. I personally witnessed the buzzer going off as the puck was fired thus entering the net AFTER the period ended. Unfortunately, and ultimately not surprising, Dasti called it a good goal! I mean, come on! Give your head a shake there leroy!!! BV absolutely dominated that period with 90% of the play in the Leaf zone.
OT we go! 4on4 in the first overtime was good with chances at both ends but 5 mins settled nothing. 3on3 for 5 in the 2nd overtime was outright frantic! 2 on 1's were the name of the game here!! End to end action with brilliant saves from Vlanich and missed chances from the BV forwards. Ryan Edwards FINALLY solved Defoe to win the game and send the Leafs packing!!
Game Stars:
BV - Ryan Edwards (1G 2A) GWG
BV - Craig Martin (2G 1A)
BV - Archie McKinnon
The CCR line combined for 9 points on offense while Edwards and Derochie were in beastmode on the pk causing havoc in the Leaf zone!
I get a strong feeling there may be slight retribution to my above comments and feelings regarding the officiating so I therefore reinforce the fact that these are MY words and thoughts and in no way reflect the opinions of the Beaver Valley organization.
I THOUGHT I had witnessed the poorest officiating when BV visited Summerland last month, until last night! Referee Eric Dasti has got to be the leagues most despised official. His blind inconsistency has teams cringing at the mere sight of his name on the scorecard. Last night, he didn't disappoint. That game had no business going to overtime, and had Dasti not been lackadaisical in keeping up with play, he would have been able to make the right call on the Johnson (non)goal. Combine that with the late goal after the buzzer by Nelson in the 3rd that shouldn't have counted, and its a 4-2 regulation win for BV! Last night was a perfect example of why the league should adopt the 2 ref system.
Alright, enough, before I get excited again. Let's get to the actual game play shall we?
BV opened the scoring with Craig Martins 47th of the year on a scramble play in front of Defoe. Contrary to the scoresheet, the 1st period ended 1-0 BV. Neither team showed an advantage in control during the first.
The second period saw BV get into some penalty trouble with the help of above mentioned official who conveniently chose to ignore infractions by the Leafs (ahem...cough...elbow to the head...cough...cough). Credit Nelson, they made the most of their chances and buried 2 PPGs to take the lead 2-1. Martin. With his 2nd of the night ties the game at 2 and shortly afterwards, Johnson streaks down the right side and backhands a shot over Defoes left shoulder in and out of the goal. Clearly a goal, but again, called off because a lazy ref can't keep up with his job and follow play. Chis Derochie then gets his own garbage goal cleaning up in front and gives BV the 3-2 lead after 2. Nelson actually had the edge in play for that period but some key saves by Vlanich kept things tight.
Beaver Valley opened the third set on putting this game to bed! Missed chances and stellar net minding from Defoe was the only reason it remained 3-2 up until a highly controversial Leaf goal at the buzzer. I personally witnessed the buzzer going off as the puck was fired thus entering the net AFTER the period ended. Unfortunately, and ultimately not surprising, Dasti called it a good goal! I mean, come on! Give your head a shake there leroy!!! BV absolutely dominated that period with 90% of the play in the Leaf zone.
OT we go! 4on4 in the first overtime was good with chances at both ends but 5 mins settled nothing. 3on3 for 5 in the 2nd overtime was outright frantic! 2 on 1's were the name of the game here!! End to end action with brilliant saves from Vlanich and missed chances from the BV forwards. Ryan Edwards FINALLY solved Defoe to win the game and send the Leafs packing!!
Game Stars:
BV - Ryan Edwards (1G 2A) GWG
BV - Craig Martin (2G 1A)
BV - Archie McKinnon
The CCR line combined for 9 points on offense while Edwards and Derochie were in beastmode on the pk causing havoc in the Leaf zone!
I get a strong feeling there may be slight retribution to my above comments and feelings regarding the officiating so I therefore reinforce the fact that these are MY words and thoughts and in no way reflect the opinions of the Beaver Valley organization.
Saturday 11 February 2012
Postgame: Rockets - 1 Nitehawks - 6
For a team that has the regular season league points lead, one would think that bench boss, Terry Jones, would have the boys take it easy. If you DID think that, you would be sorely mistaken!
The first period started slow and conservative for Beaver Valley, until the scent of blood filled their nostrils in the form of a Jacob Boyczuk goal and all hell broke loose on a helpless Cole Henson. It became a shooting gallery with the Nitehawks controlling the play almost effortlessly. Henson, as helpless as he was with no sort of defense to speak of in front of him, was truly the only reason this game did not turn into a Grand Forks type of debacle! Against the flow of play, Golden scored one of their own on a rush to tie it up with just over 5 mins gone. Still, the Nitehawks pressed and were rewarded 2 times more on goals from Ryan Edwards and Dallas Calvin before the period was out to take a 3-1 lead the break.
While first period actual recorded shots on net were close, they favored BV 12-10. The second period was a different story completely! BV fully owned the Rockets, outshooting them 15-5 and collecting the only goals in that frame. Tyler Collins got the only ppg of the game for either team just over 3 min in. Max Flanagan potted the other late in the period to give BV a 5-1 lead after two.
The third period turned out to be a "coasting" period of sorts as BV turned the intensity down a few notches but still managed to control the play. After taking a slapshot off the ankle, Ryan Edwards limped to the bench in pain but would return for his very next shift. Several shifts later, he would show no effects of the shot block as he walked in past the D and snapped a wrister high glove-side just past the mid point.
Game Stars:
BV - Ryan Edwards 2G 1A
BV - Zach Perehudoff
BV - Jacob Boyczuk 1G
I have to wholly agree with the choice of Boyczuk for game star as he showed more poise and confidence tonight than I have personally witnessed all season! I was pleasantly surprized to watch and see him make decisions with the puck that even weeks ago he wouldn't make.
Tonight, I have to admit, was probably the best officiated game I have seen so far this season. There wasn't a penalty called until early in the second, and both teams received equal opportunities.
Congrats to the boys!!!
Tonights win was overshadowed by Revelstokes loss lst night to Kamloops. With that loss, BV moved into an uncatchable position atop the KIJHL, and clinched 1st place overall!!
Next game is tomorrow afternoon, 1pm at the Beaver Valley Arena!
On a final note, I humbly apologize for any and all writing/spelling errors that may be present in the above rabble as this was all done from my phone and it does not like me right now :(
Friday 10 February 2012
Lead-up to Year End
The 2011/12 KIJHL season is coming to a close soon, and with just 4 games remaining the Beaver Valley Nitehawks are poised to take explicit control of the regular season lead. After a split with Castlegar last weekend, the Nitehawks secured their first Neil Murdoch Division regular season title since 2006.
With an all-star line-up, they now stand just 1 point away from a guaranteed regular season League title! Technically, Revelstoke can tie BV in points, wins, losses, and even OT losses. But, since they havent played each other this season, they cannot go with the standard season series win-loss or goal-differential in games played together. The only mitigating factory that i can surmise is overall goal differential. Since BV has a HUGE lead in that aspect, it should be a lock....SHOULD!
The game vs Golden here at home on Saturday night will be the deciding game unless of course the Kamloops Blazers put a halt to their uncontrolled slide from the top and defeat Revelstoke Friday night. Regardless of how it happens, it WILL happen!!
After the season is over and finished, the Nitehawk organization has set up a banquet for the team, family, and friends. All are welcome to attend. Tickets are available to be purchased for $20/person up until Feb. 12th. After that, tickets will be $25/person. If you are interested, please contact Darlene Jones (250) 368-9858. The event will be held at the Riverbelle on Feb.19, 2012 at 5pm.
Last 4 games of the season breakdown like this:
With an all-star line-up, they now stand just 1 point away from a guaranteed regular season League title! Technically, Revelstoke can tie BV in points, wins, losses, and even OT losses. But, since they havent played each other this season, they cannot go with the standard season series win-loss or goal-differential in games played together. The only mitigating factory that i can surmise is overall goal differential. Since BV has a HUGE lead in that aspect, it should be a lock....SHOULD!
The game vs Golden here at home on Saturday night will be the deciding game unless of course the Kamloops Blazers put a halt to their uncontrolled slide from the top and defeat Revelstoke Friday night. Regardless of how it happens, it WILL happen!!
After the season is over and finished, the Nitehawk organization has set up a banquet for the team, family, and friends. All are welcome to attend. Tickets are available to be purchased for $20/person up until Feb. 12th. After that, tickets will be $25/person. If you are interested, please contact Darlene Jones (250) 368-9858. The event will be held at the Riverbelle on Feb.19, 2012 at 5pm.
Last 4 games of the season breakdown like this:
| 7:30P | Golden Rockets | Beaver Valley Nitehawks | Fruitvale - Beaver Valley Arena | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1:00P | Spokane Braves | Beaver Valley Nitehawks | Fruitvale - Beaver Valley Arena | |||||||||||||||||||
| 7:00P | Beaver Valley Nitehawks | Nelson Leafs | Nelson Community Complex | |||||||||||||||||||
| 7:30P | Nelson Leafs | Beaver Valley Nitehawks | Fruitvale - Beaver Valley Arena | |||||||||||||||||||
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Saturday 4 February 2012
Postgame: Rebels - 3 Nitehawks - 4 (OT)
Welcome to February!! Its the last month of the KIJHL regular season and Beaver Valley kicks it off with a visit from their nemesis, Castlegar Rebels, and a chance at clinching the Neil Murdoch Division title for the first time since 2006!
Game 7 of the season series was nothing short of heart-stopping! It takes all I have to NOT just jump to the juicy details that brought this game to a soul churning climax. Instead, I will muddle through as best I can without getting too far ahead of myself. :)
Once again, BV lunges out to an early lead that has been something of a hallmark for them as of late. Justin Niminiken put home a Mason Spear offering :54 seconds into the game to give BV that customary early lead. Nitehawks have scored first in 11 of their last 12, with 5 of those within the first 1:30 of the game(only happened 2 other times all season). Interestingly, it was Niminiken that scored the opening goal in the LAST game vs the Rebels as well, also in the first minute(:56). BV went on to win that one 7-3. A mysterious bench minor for the Nitehawks would materialize less than 2 mins later and Castlegar made no mistake about making it count. Riley Henderson collected the garbage lying in the crease and tied the game 4 mins in. Two more BV penalties and a Rebel 4 min high-stick got us through the rest of the period with both team knotted at 1.
The first half of the second was uneventful with both team playing with emotion considering what was at stake. Dallas Calvin broke the back and forth action with an unassisted wrister on the power play over a cowering Beauchamp at 11:49 to give the Nitehawks their 2nd lead of the night. Craig Martin (The Phenom) added some insurance 3 minutes later and the crowd is jubilant! More penalties, and once again Castlegar make good on it with Scott Morisseau pulling the Rebels to within 1 after 40 minutes.
With a 3-2 lead starting the 3rd, Beaver Valley came out with a purpose. Coining a Bieksa phrase "Shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots!". Thats what the Nitehawks sent towards the Rebel goal, but the CG defense blocked a boat-load of them and more. Furious action at both ends with both goalies making fabulous stops. Fraser Stang and Cody Disher locked horns in a decent battle with Stang coming out on top in my books. Disher was probably trying to pull another player with him as he was already slated to sit for roughing prior to the fight, ref saw through it and BV got the pp. In the last minute of the game, Castlegar did, once again, what they have done in the 2 of the last 3 games between these two, they scored in the last minute of play to tie it. This time it was Anthony Delong with the bank-shot off Vlanich from behind the net with :36 left. Both of those previous games ended with OT goals by CG.
Five minutes of 4-on-4 OT would solve nothing so off to 5 minutes of 3-on-3. Visions of OT's past vs CG screamed through my head as I watched Rebel after Rebel after Rebel find themselves wide open moving in on Vlanich only to have him turn them aside time and again! FINALLY, at 1:34 of the 2nd OT, fate found the "Spark Plug" Christian Johnson alone with the puck facing off with Beauchamp and, unlike the aforementioned failed attempts by CG, he made NO mistake with the Rebel minder flopping like a fish and found the back of the net to send the barn into an unbelievable uproar.
Game Stars:
BV - Mike Vlanich - rightfully so as he made some unbelievable saves in OT!!
BV - Ryan Edwards 1A
BV - Christian Johnson 1G
This was a hard fought win for BV and although with the single point to CG that didnt allow the clinch tonight, they need only to acquire 1 more point over the last 5 games, or have the Rebels drop a point, to clinch the division AND the conference. Kamloops lost tonight in OT as well, so BV now only needs 5 points or have Kamloops drop 5 to claim their first League title since 2004.
I overheard some CG fans following the game saying that the Rebels "outplayed" the Nitehawks. Well, lets address that shall we?
Outhit - Yes, I think Castlegar was more physical and surely won the hit count.
Outshot - On paper? Yes. BV put more rubber towards the Rebel net, but most were blocked.
Outplayed - No, but then neither did BV outplay CG. It was a close game that could have gone either way. Puck control favored BV as they are more methodical, while CG attacks mercilessly with or without the puck.
A little bit on the officiating. Early on I was mentally preparing to explode on the refs here as the stuff they were NOT calling specifically on Castlegar was ridiculous. But as the game progressed, things balanced out as he allowed some blatant infractions to slide in favor of BV as well. This of course incensed the Rebels crowd sitting down in front of me. Seeing that the ref was indeed evening things out, I changed my perspective on him and allowed him to escape the wrath.
Game 7 of the season series was nothing short of heart-stopping! It takes all I have to NOT just jump to the juicy details that brought this game to a soul churning climax. Instead, I will muddle through as best I can without getting too far ahead of myself. :)
Once again, BV lunges out to an early lead that has been something of a hallmark for them as of late. Justin Niminiken put home a Mason Spear offering :54 seconds into the game to give BV that customary early lead. Nitehawks have scored first in 11 of their last 12, with 5 of those within the first 1:30 of the game(only happened 2 other times all season). Interestingly, it was Niminiken that scored the opening goal in the LAST game vs the Rebels as well, also in the first minute(:56). BV went on to win that one 7-3. A mysterious bench minor for the Nitehawks would materialize less than 2 mins later and Castlegar made no mistake about making it count. Riley Henderson collected the garbage lying in the crease and tied the game 4 mins in. Two more BV penalties and a Rebel 4 min high-stick got us through the rest of the period with both team knotted at 1.
The first half of the second was uneventful with both team playing with emotion considering what was at stake. Dallas Calvin broke the back and forth action with an unassisted wrister on the power play over a cowering Beauchamp at 11:49 to give the Nitehawks their 2nd lead of the night. Craig Martin (The Phenom) added some insurance 3 minutes later and the crowd is jubilant! More penalties, and once again Castlegar make good on it with Scott Morisseau pulling the Rebels to within 1 after 40 minutes.
With a 3-2 lead starting the 3rd, Beaver Valley came out with a purpose. Coining a Bieksa phrase "Shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots!". Thats what the Nitehawks sent towards the Rebel goal, but the CG defense blocked a boat-load of them and more. Furious action at both ends with both goalies making fabulous stops. Fraser Stang and Cody Disher locked horns in a decent battle with Stang coming out on top in my books. Disher was probably trying to pull another player with him as he was already slated to sit for roughing prior to the fight, ref saw through it and BV got the pp. In the last minute of the game, Castlegar did, once again, what they have done in the 2 of the last 3 games between these two, they scored in the last minute of play to tie it. This time it was Anthony Delong with the bank-shot off Vlanich from behind the net with :36 left. Both of those previous games ended with OT goals by CG.
Five minutes of 4-on-4 OT would solve nothing so off to 5 minutes of 3-on-3. Visions of OT's past vs CG screamed through my head as I watched Rebel after Rebel after Rebel find themselves wide open moving in on Vlanich only to have him turn them aside time and again! FINALLY, at 1:34 of the 2nd OT, fate found the "Spark Plug" Christian Johnson alone with the puck facing off with Beauchamp and, unlike the aforementioned failed attempts by CG, he made NO mistake with the Rebel minder flopping like a fish and found the back of the net to send the barn into an unbelievable uproar.
Game Stars:
BV - Mike Vlanich - rightfully so as he made some unbelievable saves in OT!!
BV - Ryan Edwards 1A
BV - Christian Johnson 1G
This was a hard fought win for BV and although with the single point to CG that didnt allow the clinch tonight, they need only to acquire 1 more point over the last 5 games, or have the Rebels drop a point, to clinch the division AND the conference. Kamloops lost tonight in OT as well, so BV now only needs 5 points or have Kamloops drop 5 to claim their first League title since 2004.
I overheard some CG fans following the game saying that the Rebels "outplayed" the Nitehawks. Well, lets address that shall we?
Outhit - Yes, I think Castlegar was more physical and surely won the hit count.
Outshot - On paper? Yes. BV put more rubber towards the Rebel net, but most were blocked.
Outplayed - No, but then neither did BV outplay CG. It was a close game that could have gone either way. Puck control favored BV as they are more methodical, while CG attacks mercilessly with or without the puck.
A little bit on the officiating. Early on I was mentally preparing to explode on the refs here as the stuff they were NOT calling specifically on Castlegar was ridiculous. But as the game progressed, things balanced out as he allowed some blatant infractions to slide in favor of BV as well. This of course incensed the Rebels crowd sitting down in front of me. Seeing that the ref was indeed evening things out, I changed my perspective on him and allowed him to escape the wrath.
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