Mark Ferner has made his first trade of the season aquiring veteran 20 yr old forward, Jonathan Milhouse from the BCHL's Victoria Grizzlies in return for 20 yr old forward, Brian Elser & future considerations. I for one so far dont understand this trade, The Vipers traded Elser back in September of last year to the AJHL's Drayton Valley Thunder for future considerations (cash) and a player to be named next year. Rumor was Elser didnt report to the Thunder. So how does Elser end up back in Vernon to get traded to Victoria? Well I did some digging and found some info on what happened to Elser. Brian was playing with the NAHL's Bismarck Bobcats last year before being traded to the EJHL's New York Apple Core. In 28 games with the Apple Core Elser picked up 12 goals, 10 assists & 22 points, along with 28 pims. For more on the trade click the link below,The Vipers traded Brian Elser last year due to the import rule, after aquiring former WHLer Ryan DePape. DePape was later traded to the BCHL's Alberni Valley Bulldogs along with future considerations for James Kerr. DePape never reported to the Bulldogs. It was Mark Ferner who scouted Elser, 18, at the U.S. Midget championships in Buffalo. He helped Shattuck St. Mary’s win two national titles.
I was very impressed with the play of Elser at the Vipers training camp last year. Elser worked very hard, always showing alot of hustle in trying to make last year's team. Elser looked very good on a line with Braden Pimm & Chris Crowell to start the season before being traded. In just two games with Vernon Elser collected 1 assist. Always played with an edge along with having some good size. Its too bad this kid had to be traded, I think Elser would have been a great addition to the Vipers lineup, Id have Elser over Ryan DePape anyday. Id like to wish Brian all the best in Victoria with the Grizzlies and will be looking forward to watching you play when Victoria comes to Vernon.
Brian Elser's Profile & Stat's,
Milhouse started out his Junior career with the WHL's Everett Silvertips back in 2005-06 Milhouse didnt record a single point in 26 games with the Tips. The following year Milhouse would play for two different teams and leagues. In 8 games with Everett Milhouse collected 0 points, & in 19 games with the NAHL's Santa Fe Roadrunners, Jonathan would pick up (1 goal-5 assists-6 points) In 2007-08 Milhouse moved on to Victoria where he would play a full season with the Grizzlies collecting (15 goals-32 assists-47 points) Milhouse split last season with both the BCHL's Victoria Grizzlies and the WHL's Portland Winterhawks. In 42 games with Victoria Milhouse would pick up (19 goals-23 assists-42 points) & in 17 games with the Winterhawks (3 goals-7 assists-10 points)
I'm a big fan of Jonathan Milhouse and am very pleased with this trade. I had the chance to watch Milhouse play in his lone visit to the Wesbild Centre last year and then in all the Victoria games at the Royal Bank Cup. This kid is a treat to watch, quick, always creating chances, and buzzing around the net. Put up some pretty decent numbers in his two seasons with the Grizzlies. Very smooth skater and puck handler. Stats dont lie, Milhouse has had much more success playing in the BCHL over the WHL, his numbers prove it. In his two season's with the Grizz Milhouse collected 42 and 47 points, as a veteran 20 year old Viper fans should expect some big numbers from this California kid.
While at the Royal Bank Cup back in May, I heard from one Vipers fan who had talked to someone close to the team saying that Jonathan Milhouse had been talking with the Vipers all season on working out a trade. Word was Milhouse who is from Yorba Linda, California grew up playing hockey & was good buddies with Vipers forward, Ryan Santana who is also from Yorba Linda, California. Through hockey Santana's parents and Milhouse's parents all knew one another and were fairly close. Rumor was Santana had talked to Milhouse on coming to Vernon. Another rumor going around at the RBC was that Jonathan has a younger brother who is a solid hockey player and also wants to come try out for the Vipers this season. With Jonathan now a Viper, does this mean you will see his younger brother at training camp? Only time will tell.
Jonathan Milhouse's Profile & Stat's,
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