Vipers Keep Streak Alive With Third Straight Win

With week seven in the bag, there is a three-way tie between teams with the most points. The North County Surfers, Mission Bay Ospreys, and Temecula Vineyard Vipers all have a 4-3 record and eight points on the campaign. A slight edge goes to the Surfers with their league-leading goal differential, but the Vipers are feeling pretty good and confident after coming off a big 7-6 win over the Surfers. 

The Vipers have surely hit their mid-season stride, and we’re all looking forward to seeing how far they can take it. 

Week Seven Recap

Mission Bay Ospreys vs. Del Mar Bandits
The players who showed up for the Bandits played with heart, but they simply did not have the engine to outpace the Ospreys who were playing with their characteristic speed and team-oriented play. After ending the first half in a 2-2 tie, the Ospreys went on to score the next four goals, putting the game out of reach for the Bandits, despite their exciting late-game push with back-to-back breakaway goals from sub player Caden Dance to bring the final score to 6-4.

Despite the loss, there were still shining moments for the Bandits. Colton Grover and Noah Meni connected for a titillating goal as a quick response to the Ospreys early lead. Both players showed off their dangles and speed during the play, getting the most of a two-on-two situation that resulted in a backdoor pass from Meni and a crafty backhanded smash from Grover. The duo carried this momentum, and shortly after, Meni fired a shot on goal that led to a juicy rebound that Colton found and buried for his second goal of the game. After going down 1-0, the Bandits showcased nice neutral zone pressure and offensive zone speed to take a 2-1 lead with 5:15 remaining in the first half. But with a short bench, that energy expenditure would come back to haunt them in the second half, when they just didn’t have the legs to keep up with the attacking Ospreys. 

The Ospreys attacked all game long. And they did it with speed, movement, and snipes that put the Bandits in a hole too deep to recover. The Ospreys used their speed well to gain zone entry and find open space and cross-seam passing lanes in the offensive zone. This caused the Bandits to play too deep in their defensive zone, allowing the Ospreys to rip rockets in high scoring areas. 

The whole team played well, with notable performances from Joe Kubani, Noe Santos, and Danny Carlos. All three were flying in both zones, putting on pressure when they didn’t have possession and creating lanes when they did. Carlos’ skill was on full display, showing off speed, tenacity, and sniping finesse, ending the game with two goals and an assist. This was a strong bounce-back game for the Ospreys. With their speed and chemistry, it’s no surprise that they’re in the mix for the top seed in the league.  

For his three-point performance and demonstrating finesse, creativity, and hustle, Danny Carlos was recognized as player of the game. 

“I try to do different things when I’m feeling like myself out there… creative stuff and using my speed. I’m feelin’ it cause definitely our chemistry is getting there. We are getting into a good cycle, and it’s coming at the perfect time of the season.”
Danny Carlos, Mission Bay Ospreys
Player of the Game 

Final Score
Mission Bay Ospreys: 6
Del Mar Bandits: 4

Temecula Vineyard Vipers vs. North County Surfers
Besides denying enthusiastic hockey fans the opportunity to see the first overtime play in San Diego Elite Draft League history, this game had all the ingredients of an exhilarating showdown. Finesse goals and grinding goals. Fast break opportunities and controlled pressure. Flashy saves and breakaway daggers. Through it all, the Vipers came out on top with a 7-6 victory over the Surfers, keeping their streak alive and officially declaring that their depth scoring can crack any team in the league.

This game had heavy momentum swings, but the Surfers never led. Chad Lewis initiated scoring–first with an unassisted breakaway and then with a slick redirection shot from an uncontested spot in the slot, courtesy of a strong forecheck and pass from teammate Wes Langeloh. Then Rylan Farwell potted a goal after being on the receiving end of a nice pass from Anthony Mata. Reed Kinsey got the Surfers on the board with a deceptive shot from a tough angle, which then spurred momentum for the Surfers, with Brian Pino potting a nice goal shortly after. Vipers’ Langeloh struck back with a dagger though, carving through the Surfers D and firing a hard backhand shot that beat goaltender Bryce Runyan to put the Vipers up 4-2 going into intermission. 

The Vipers’ Logan Wise got the first goal of the second period, punching in his own rebound with classic Wisian persistence. Although he didn’t make it on the scoresheet in the first half, Wise made his presence felt all over the rink. His relentless forechecking pressure created turnovers and frustrated the Surfers, and when he had the puck, he knifed through defensemen with quick hands and bursts of speed. 

But after Wise’s goal put the Vipers up 5-2, the Surfers surged back, getting a goal from Anthony Dykes and two goals from Ray Kinsey, to tie the game at 5-5. The Vipers answered back with good puck movement that resulted in a backdoor tap-in for John Quirk. Then Ray Kinsey scored again to complete the hat trick and bring things to a 6-6 tie. And just when we thought overtime was coming, the Vipers put on a flurry of offensive pressure that ended with Wise firing in a shot from the goal line. 

As incredible as this game was for the Vipers, another thing that they can be proud of was the way they won without captain Matt Hamilton. Hamilton’s return to the lineup undoubtedly sparked the Vipers’ resurgence this season, but now they are rolling with confidence and getting impactful contributions up and down the lineup. 

For getting the game-winning-goal and getting under the opponent’s skin with unmatched tenacity, Logan Wise was recognized as player of the game. 

“I’m feeling good, in shape, ready to play. All our energy is up and we’ve really picked it up defensively, so that’s helped us out huge. I’m feeling ready to win next week, too.”
Logan Wise, Temecula Vineyard Vipers
Player of the Game 

Final Score
Temecula Vineyard Vipers: 7
North County Surfers: 6

Looking Ahead: Keys to the Game

These are the key ingredients deemed necessary for each respective team to find success, as analyzed by the San Diego Elite Draft League back office.

Del Mar Bandits: Avoid allowing opponents to gain access to high-scoring areas by playing higher and more structured in the defensive zone. Activate depth scoring by focusing on what makes hockey the best sport in the world--team.  

Mission Bay Ospreys: Use the strong team chemistry and don't stray far from the basics. Shoot to score, and skate to maintain possession.

North County Surfers: Outcompete opponents in the physical department and stay vocal on the rink to boost team energy.

Temecula Vineyard Vipers: Keep doing what you're doing. Stay committed to the defensive side of the game, in both zones, and take advantage of breakdowns by the opposition. Keep up the scoring depth.