Well it's just around the corner, the defending Royal Bank Cup Champion Vernon Vipers start training camp this coming Monday, with camp running (August 24-26th) With a second straight off season with very little news on the hockey club, it looks as if Viper fans will be waiting till training camp once again to see any new faces trying out for this years team. Mark Ferner seems to keep things very quiet regarding off season signings. Just like last summer the Vipers announced two or three recruits who have signed with the Vipers, but leave the rest of the announcements for just before or during training camp.Let's take a look at what has happened with the Vipers since winning the 2009 RBC Cup. Veteran forward, Trent Dorias left the team and has signed on with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. Veteran d-man, Kyle Bigos has decided to skip his final year of junior hockey and head off to Merrimack University. Rookie forward, Sahir Gill up and left the team after joining the USHL's Chicago Steel. Gill was supose to return to Vernon and once again play on the Vipers top unit with both Connor & Kellen Jones. The Vipers announced three signings over the summer, 17 year old forward, Dylan Walchuk has committed to play for the Vipers this upcoming season. Walchuk spent last season playing for the Nelson Leafs of the KIJHL. 18 year old forward Drew George, from Regina, has committed to play in Vernon. Drew spent last season playing for the Notre Hounds AAA Midget hockey team. & finally 17 year old goaltender; Blake Voth has committed to come to Vernon. Blake Voth played last season for the Tisdale Trojans of the SMAAAHL (Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League). Last week the Vipers made their first trade of the season, sending 20-year-old forward Brian Elser and future considerations to the Victoria Grizzlies in exchange for 20-year-old forward Jonathan Milhouse.
I just heard yesterday the Vipers have already sent in their jerseys to get some names and numbers put on, 15 of the teams 22 jerseys have been lettered and numbered, wich means the team is now looking for just 7 players to fill the 2009-10 roster to start the regular season next month. I dont know how many kids will be at the Vipers camp next week but do know with just 7 spots open, it will be tough to crack a spot for opening night.
With only 4 d-men returning and already 12 forwards on the roster, the Vipers seem to be loaded up front. With camp still next week & the possibility of a young prospect or two showing his stuff at camp, the Vipers may use a forward or two as trade bait to try and aquire a veteran d-man. It will be interesting what Mark Ferner does with the defence before the season starts. This so far is the one weak spot the Vipers need to work on.
Here's a look at the returning Viper players along with new recruits
Nick Amies
Mike Collins
Cole Ikkala
Connor Jones
Kellen Jones
Bryce Kakoske
Cory Kane
Kevin Kraus
Jonathan Milhouse
Braden Pimm
Kory Roy
Rob Short
Adam Thompson
Steven Weinstein
Graeme Gordon
Drew George
Blake Voth
Dylan Walchuk
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