Robak Heading To The Island:

On October 25th The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Drew George (91)(F), Nick Aimes (92)(D) and future considerations to the Cowichan Valley Captials Hockey Club for the playing rights of Curtis Gedig (91)(D) and future considerations. Yesterday the future considerations part of the Vernon side of the trade was reported on the Cowichan Capitals website with 2nd year defenseman, Darrin Robak heading to the Island as part of the futures. Rumors of Robak heading to Cowichan were going around just after the Vipers won the Royal Bank Cup. The question now is, Cowichan owes Vernon future considerations in this trade, I wonder who or if the Vipers will get someone from the Caps in return?

The Vipers just lost a future steady defenseman in Darrin Robak, as the Cowichan Capitals now have two former Vipers d-men in Robak & Nick Amies, both who have RBC Cup rings. The Caps are getting a steady 2nd year d-man who can play both on the point and up front. Robak has some good size, can skate well and handle the puck. Robak was called upon last year to play forward on occasion with the Vipers and did a fine job. Actually in the games I did watch Darrin play up front, I was very impressed. Due to a veteran Vipers roster Robak saw limited ice time seeing most of the action from the stands last year. With some work Robak will be a steady defenseman for the Capitals. Robak needs a bit of work defensively in his own end but with some playing time in Cowichan will improve as the season goes on. I really liked Darrin and was looking forward to watching him play in a Vipers jersey for the next season or two.

With the Vipers losing most of their roster this coming season, Robak was one of three veteran d-men returning to the backend. Veterans Adam Thompson and Steve Weinstein are the two remaining defensemen on the Vipers blue line with the loss to Robak.

After looking at the Capitals roster on the BCHL website it looks as if the Caps now have seven d-men for this coming season.

Nick Amies
Brett Apted
Alex Halloran
Rajan Sidhu
Shayne Taker
Nicholas Wong
Darrin Robak

The Vipers will now be looking at filling their blue line via new recruits or some off season trades. It will be interesting to see who Mark Ferner and the Vipers scouting staff have brought in on defence for this coming season.

With four new recruits committed and a possible eight returning veterans back from last year’s championship team, let’s take a look at the Vipers updated roster.

Forward Bryce Kakoske 20 yrs old
Forward Patrick McGillis 19 yrs old
Forward David Robinson 20 yrs old
Forward Dylan Walchuk 18 yrs old
Forward Trevor Fitzgerald 17 yrs old
Forward Aaron Hadley 16 yrs old
Forward Todd Skirving 18 yrs old
Forward Marcus Basara 17 yrs old

Defence Steve Weinstein 20 yrs old
Defence Adam Thompson 20 yrs old

Goaltender Blake Voth 18 yrs old

Alot of Viper fans never liked this trade from Day 1 nor did they like Curtis Gedig. If the Vipers never pulled off this trade, word was Penticton, Westside & even Salmon Arm were all very interested in Gedig. Were the Vipers a better team with or without Gedig? Nobody will know, would the Vipers still have won the RBC Cup without Gedig? Most likely. The Vipers had 13 veterans back from the previous season and had a very veteran skilled hockey club. I have to say whether you liked or disliked Curtis Gedig or this trade, Vernon still won the RBC Cup and Gedig was one of if not the Vipers best player at the RBC Cup. Curtis really stepped up his game come the Royal Bank Cup and was by far Vernon’s best d-man and again one of if not the Vipers best player. Sure the Vipers are losing two great kids in Amies & Robak but Mark Ferner took a chance with this trade and in the end I think you have to say it paid off as Vernon won their second straight National Championship.

Mark Ferner said in yesterday’s paper he was going to announce some more new recruits over the next two weeks.

I’d like to thank Darrin for his stay in Vernon and being part of the Vipers RBC Cup team. I wish you all the best in Cowichan and hope you never forget your time as a Viper.