Robinson Back In Vipers' Den:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Robinson back in Vipers' den

By Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star

Published: January 05, 2010

A new year’s wish for an experienced power forward who plays with an edge has been granted for the Vernon Vipers.

The No. 1-ranked team in the Canadian Junior A Hockey League has gone back to the future in landing left winger David Robinson, a former Viper who left the Western League Chilliwack Bruins a month ago after a 169-game career.

Robinson, who racked up a team record 265 penalty minutes and 23 goals while playing special teams and fighting several players bigger than him in Chilliwack, attended his first Viper practice Monday at Wesbild Centre.

“I’ve been off for a while so I was sucking wind a little bit but it’s good to finally get out here,” said Robinson, 19. “I’ve been sitting at home for a while and I got the itch to play again, and I’m excited to be out here with the guys, and get to know everybody. I’m a little rusty and I’ve got to learn the systems and stuff, but it’s definitely exciting.”

Born and raised in Vernon, Robinson played minor hockey with current Vipers Bryce Kakoske and Sawyer Mick. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound Robinson doesn’t consider the Vipers a step down, and is excited about the change in scenery.

“I have nothing but good things to say about Chilliwack. They’re building for the future. I had made expectations for myself going there three years ago and things often don’t go the way they should but I made lots of good friends and I’m excited to be back here with the Vipers.”

Vipers’ acting head coach Jason Williamson said the team honoured the Bruins’ month-long suspension of Robinson before signing him.

Said Williamson: “Obviously, he’s an experienced guy who played here as a 16-year-old in the playoffs a bit, and played in the WHL, and is a little bit of what we need right now: just some character and he’s going to give us a little bit of energy out there so anytime we can add a guy like that, we’re going to do it. He can score some goals and he’ll throw his weight around and give us some leadership in the room.”

Williamson doesn’t figure the 34-4-0-2 Vipers will have any problems welcoming Robinson to their den.

“Dave knows most of these guys and has hung out with some of these guys a little bit being a local guy so it shouldn’t upset our chemistry at all. He’s a pretty likeable kid in there, and obviously, he’s going to make us better.”

Williamson said the no-nonsense, hard-nosed Robinson could eventually play with all-stars Connor and Kellen Jones. The threesome were call-ups and a major reason Vernon upset the Penticton Vees in the playoffs three years ago.

Kellen, who will wear a custom cage for two months to protect a broken jaw, is stoked about Robinson’s return.

“There are so many things he brings,” said Kellen. “He can score, he can pass. He’s going to be a great team guy and work hard every night. I can’t wait wait for him to get back and start playing. He’s going to make our team even deeper.”

Added Kakoske, who grew up playing numerous sports with Robinson on the East Hill: “Dave has been the same since we were little kids. He’s always worked hard and he’s always been determined and I’m sure he’ll keep doing that and be good for our team.”

Vipers’ four-year veteran Rob Short also knows what skill-set Robinson brings to Vernon.

“He’s just a real hard worker, he’s going to go every night, he’s willing to do whatever it takes and stand up for the guys. And most guys really know him so he’s going to fit in real good with us.”

Robinson, who said he learned to be consistent and accountable defensively in the WHL, may consider a career in fire fighting down the road.

“That might be in the cards. I’m not totally set on it. It runs in the family sort of thing so that’s probably something I’ll probably look at. I’ll see what happens after a year-and-half here.”

Meanwhile, Williamson said the Vipers are “a long ways apart” in negotiations with the USHL’s Chicago Steel for speedy winger Sahir Gill, who blossomed alongside the Jones twins last year but left the Vipers after one season. He recently left the Steel, where he had 8-18-26 in 26 games.