Goliath vs David

Written by Rob Abramenko Wednesday, 10 March 2010 06:37

'Everybody pulls for David, nobody roots for Goliath' - Wilt Chamberlain. First off...I know its supposed to be David vs Goliath...but when it comes to hockey in this province...lets not kid ourselves Vernon fans...we are rootin' for the big guy. In this Blog....Goliath vs David takes a look at the BCHL playoffs, and in particular our beloved Vernon Vipers who are on the hunt for a SIXTH National Championship.

GOLIATH VS DAVID - Why sometimes the little guy should get crushed!:

    Yes, if you are a Vernon Vipers fan, you know what it means to 'cheer for Goliath'. I am not just talking about this season where the team racked up the second best finish in franchise history, or last year when they won their record 5th National Championship. I mean, if you have cheered for the team since the late 80's you'll know that the Vipers are the most hated team in the province. I did play by play and colour for about 10 years...and in that time I called several BCHL championships, a couple of Doyle Cups and a National Championship. And what I found out on the road is...that much like the Montreal Canadians...Vernon's franchise is loathed for its success.
   Vernon is Goliath, and everyone wants one of the little guys to take him out. Its not good enough if its Penticton or Nanaimo...it has to be a Quesnel, a Williams Lake or a Trail. Its great to see the Quesnel Millionaires advance to the next round, its good for the city's fans and its good for the BCHL where there is not much parity between the top 6 or seven teams and the rest of the league. But now that Quesnel is up against the Vipers...sorry...Goliath needs to take care of business before he finds himself flat on his back. I predict the Vipers will win this in four straight games. I like that the Vipers are not cocky going into the playoffs but confident. As defending National Champs, they're not taking teams lightly. On the same hand, they're not trying to flip the script and play the underdog role either. They are the best team in the league, ranked number two in the country, posted 51 wins this season and set a BCHL record for least goals allowed. They expect to win. period. But that's why we play and watch the game, because anything can happen. But once again, I will be rooting for the favourites...hoping they can do it one more time.  Penticton will be in the Interior Conference final, look for Nanaimo to upset and Powell River to advance. Also check out the video my friend Stan and I put together for the Vipers playoff run this year..its a good one if I don't say so myself.

ROB VS THE RIM - and why you should never say that out loud!

I am off to an incredible start this year. Maybe Tim Horton's has heard my whining in the far corner of the building. For years I usually get destroyed by the Roll Up The Rim contest, 0-for-35, 1 for 29, 1 for 33, never more than a free coffee. Well, this year I am off to a smokin' 2 for 6. Now both are free coffees but who cares! I AM A WINNER BABY! Hmm...I must have no life to get this excited over a paper cup contest...who cares...I AM A WINNER BABY!!! WOOO HOOOO. Eat it doubters! (not sure who this refers to...just know all the cool winners say it). 

PICTURE OF THE DAY - girls play hockey too:  (click to enlarge picture)

Lori with Tori and Zenna from the Rocket Stars

ODDS AND ENDS:

I am still giving tickets away to the Vernon Vipers playoffs. Drop me a line here if you want to take in a playoff game. The only thing I ask is make sure you give me a prediction or something like that. Its always fun to compare notes. Also check in this Friday, as we introduce a brand new video feature called 'Paint The Town Greene' with KISS FM's David Greene.