Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Vernon-Lindsay Trade:




This is posted on the Morning Star website:

The Vipers have acquired defenceman Elliott Richardson from the Central Canadian Hockey League Lindsay Muskies in exchange for future considerations.

The 1991-born Hanmer, Ont. native recorded seven goals for 31 points in the 2008-09 season, but missed all but five games (1-4-5) last season due to injury. He earned an invite to the World Junior A Challenge Canada East team tryouts before he was sidelined.

Vipers Cuts:

This is posted on the Morning Star website:

Released from their training camp roster after last weekend’s B.C. Hockey League exhibition series with the Trail Smoke Eaters are: netminder Zach Station, defencemen Zach McLellan, Logan Hawgood and Taylor Egan, and forwards Brady Fuller, CJ Lillies, Sean Alldridge, Rylie Gallagher, Marley Keca and Jake Wensley, who left camp early due to injury.

That leaves the Vipers with 16 forwards, nine d-men and three goalies, meaning Vipers’ head coach/GM Mark Ferner will have five more cuts to make before their regular-season opener Friday, Sept. 10 against the Salmon Arm SilverBacks at Wesbild Centre.

Here's a look at the current Vipers roster:

Steve Weinstein (Returning from last years team)
Malcolm Lyles
Phillip Patenaude
Taylor Love
Bryce Kakoske (Returning from last years team)
Dylan Walchuk (Returning from last years team)
Darren Nowick (Recruited-Committed)
Todd Skirving (Recruited-Committed)
Trevor Fitzgerald (Recruited-Committed)
Adriano Munglioni
Patrick McGillis (Returning from last years team)
Colton Sparrow (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year)
Tanner Cohrane
Adam Thompson (Returning from last years team)
Brett Corkey (Recruited-Committed)
Bennett Hambrook (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year)
Austin Sture
John Knisley
Mike Zalewski
David Robinson (Returning from last years team)
Kyle Murphy
Gus Correale
Aaron Hadley (Recruited-Committed)
Marcus Basara (Recruited-Committed)
Bryton Udy
Blake Voth (Returning from last years team)
Tyler Steel (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year)

Jim Ingrams Thoughts From The Games vs Vernon:


Smoke Eaters play by play man, Shawn Mullin interviews Trail head coach & GM Jim Ingram and gets his thoughts from this past weekends games vs Vernon. Take a listen, http://smokeeatersblog.blogspot.com/2010/08/ingram-discusses-vernon-games.html

Grizzly Adams Wolfsburg Release Former Viper Strong:


This is posted on Brian Wiebe's Merritt Centennials Blog:

F Dean Strong (Vernon, 2004-05) has been released from his tryout contract with HC Grizzly Adams Wolfsburg (German Elite League). Strong had two goals and three assists in 16 games with Worcester Sharks (AHL) and 16 goals and 21 assists in 34 games with Kalamazoo Wings (ECHL) last season.

Season Tickets Ready For Pickup:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Season tickets packages are in!

by viper staff Added 2010-08-31

Season Ticket Holders can pick up their season ticket packages at the Vipers Office from 9am-4pm, they are also invited to the Annual Ice Breaker Night on Tuesday September 7th at 6pm.

Tickets are also on sale now for the Vipers Exhibition game on September 3rd and all Vipers Regular season game tickets are available to purchase. Fans can still purchase season tickets for a discounted rate up until September 10th, great seats are still available.


Monday, August 30, 2010

Seawolves Name Former Viper Crowell Assistant Captain:


This is posted on the Seawolves website:

Shyiak names captains for 2010-11

Release: July 22, 2010

ANCHORAGE – Alaska Anchorage hockey coach Dave Shyiak announced Thursday his four captains for the upcoming campaign.

The sixth-year head coach tabbed seniors Tommy Grant and Craig Parkinson, along with junior Brad Gorham and sophomore Chris Crowell to assume the Seawolves’ leadership positions in 2010-11.

“I think we have a strong core of leaders heading into this season,” said Shyiak. “We felt as a staff and as a team that these four players will help us lead a very young team. Craig, Tommy, Brad and Chris are all young men with strong leadership traits, and we are very confident that they can help us achieve our goals this year.

“At this point in time all four of these individuals will take on the responsibility of being assistant captains,” Shyiak added. “However, at some point during the season we may see fit to name someone to carry the captaincy.”

The Seawolves begin the season Oct. 2 with an exhibition game against Windsor in Soldotna, then open the regular season against North Dakota and Air Force in the annual Kendall Hockey Classic, Oct. 8-9 at Sullivan Arena.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Rush Add Former Viper Speedster Erik Felde To Roster:


This is posted on the Rapid City website:

Rush Add Speedster Erik Felde to Roster

August 26, 2010

(Rapid City, SD) – The Rapid City Rush announced today that forward Erik Felde has signed on for the 2010-11 season. Last season was Felde’s first in the Central Hockey League (CHL), skating in 39 games for the Amarillo Gorillas.

“Erik was a player that made instant impact against us throughout the regular season,” said head coach Joe Ferras. “He has tremendous speed, along with the ability to play both forward and defense. He also has tons of family here in Rapid City that should make the transition much easier for him.”

The 5’11” 185-pound Felde is a versatile skater that can play both wing and defense. Last season, his second professional year, Felde compiled 7 goals and 20 points in 39 games for Amarillo. The Anchorage, Alaska native had a stretch of 10 points in 10 games from January 9th through the 31st.

“It’s an honor to be able to come play for a first class organization and a town that has passion for the game of hockey,” said Felde. “I’m excited to be a part of a winning team and help defend the championship title.”

Felde scored his first career CHL goal on December 19th against the Laredo Bucks and later collected his first professional two-goal with a pair of powerplay goals on January 15th versus the Arizona Sundogs.

The 22 year-old began his pro career in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) during the 2008-09 season. In that season, he suited up for the Alaska Aces and Reading Royals, collecting 9 points in 37 games. Last year, Felde appeared in 3 games for the Johnstown Chiefs before joining the Gorillas.

Felde is the third newcomer to the 2010-11 Rush roster, joining Ryan Menei and Andrew Smale. Returning players include forwards Brendon Hodge, Scott Wray, Rich Hansen, Blaine Jarvis, Luke Erickson and defenseman Riley Weselowski, Dave Grimson and Libor Ustrnul.

Vipers Snuff Smokies In Chase:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers snuff Smokies in Chase

Published: August 28, 2010

Armed with just two days of training camp experience, a rookie-laden squad of Vernon Viper hopefuls marched into B.C. Hockey League exhibition play Friday night at Art Holding Memorial Arena in Chase.

Squaring off against an equally youthful Trail Smoke Eaters lineup, netminders Tyler Steel, a Vernon product, and Calgary’s Bryton Udy shared the shutout as the Viper rookies cruised to a 4-0 win.

The two teams tangled again Saturday night in Chase.

“We found some things out. They dressed a really young lineup, but at the same time I think our guys competed pretty hard,” said Vipers’ GM/head coach Mark Ferner, who sat out his 20-year-olds, as well as Dylan Walchuk, Aaron Hadley and netminder Blake Voth.

Tanner Cochrane (Kamloops product, ‘93) opened the scoring 7:12 into the first period, assisted by Colton Sparrow (Vernon, ‘93).

Gus Correale (Prince George, ‘93) made it 2-0 Vernon midway through the second period, assists to John Knisley (Pittsford, NY, ‘92) and Cochrane.

With five minutes remaining in the frame, Adriano Munglioni (Dallas, ‘93) collected the Vipers’ third goal, assists to Darren Nowick (Los Angeles, ‘91) and Marcus Basara (Coquitlam, ‘93).

Taylor Love (Newport Beach, Cali., ‘92) completed the scoring early in the third period, assisted by Sean Alldridge (Inuvik, NU, ‘92) and Mike Zalewski (New Hartford, Conn., ‘92).

The Vipers opened their camp Wednesday at Wesbild Centre, and after a sluggish Blue & White intra-squad game that night (a 5-1 win for Team Red), Ferner said the players started to show a little more jump.

“It’s sometimes tough when you’re going out and playing against possibly your teammates,” said Ferner.

“Some of the things we were looking for right from day one, we didn’t see, but we saw them in the (exhibition) game. Certain guys competed harder in the game last night than they did since they’ve been here, which is a good thing.”

In addition to Zalewski, Nowick, Knisley and Correale, Ferner said Calgary defenceman Brett Corkey, who committed to the Vipers earlier in the year, was a standout against the Smoke Eaters.

Ferner wanted to see all of the players in exhibition before making any roster decisions. He expected to make the first round of cuts today.

Rather than burden a bunch of wide-eyed rookies with too much information at camp, Ferner decided to sit back and see what the prospects could generate on their own.

“For the first two days, we just wanted to see how guys were going to compete. We didn’t want to fill their heads with a bunch of systems... so that they’re all so worried about their positioning that they forget to go and move their feet. We wanted to see just the raw talent and competitiveness.”

In the second Blue & White game Thursday night, Team Blue earned a little redemption, salvaging a 7-5 come-from-behind win.

Steel looked sharp in the Blue net, but Team Red opened the scoring as second-year player Pat McGillis, playing on a line with fellow returnee Walchuk, pounced on a loose puck on Steel’s doorstep.

Team Red led 2-1 after the first period.

After a summer in his hometown Calgary, McGillis is ecstatic to be back in Vernon.

“It’s nice to be out here with a bunch of guys who are high skill level, high intensity, because that was hard to find in Calgary,” he said.

Despite all the new faces in camp, the 19-year-old forward is optimistic Vernon will once again challenge for a top seed in the Interior Conference.

“As long as everybody is giving it a good honest effort every time they step on the ice, I think will only take a couple games and we’ll be back together gelling,” he said.

Team Red took a 4-3 lead heading into the third period, but despite allowing a shorthanded goal early in the frame, Team Blue rallied with three unanswered goals and an empty-netter to seal the win.

One Viper prospect who has already had a taste of success on a national level is Basara. Having claimed back-to-back Telus Cup Midget AAA Championship titles with the Notre Dame Hounds of Wilcox, Sask., Basara came into camp already knowing what it takes to win.

“Winning a national championship was such a good experience. It opened my eyes to what’s really out there in the world of winning,” said the 17-year-old forward.

“Before I went to Notre Dame, I was never really on a winning team.”

Basara looked to be one of the smoothest skaters in Thursday’s Blue & White tilt. He collected a pair of assists skating on a line with Correale and Hadley. After an initial adjustment period, he said it was a lot of fun to be out there with so much talent.

“Things happen just a little bit quicker and it takes a bit to adapt. Once you get a hold of that, the game become a lot more fun out there and things start happening for you,” he said.

In other BCHL exhibition action Friday night, the Westside Warriors hammered the Penticton Vees 6-1, the Nanaimo Clippers outgunned the Cowichan Valley Capitals 5-2, and the Surrey Eagles grounded the Langley Chiefs 3-1.

Exibition: Vernon 4 Trail 3


Sorry for the late update but the BCHL website didnt get the scores up from last night's games until very late in the evening last night. The Vipers won their second straight game of the preseason with a 4-3 victory over the Trail Smoke Eaters. Vernon improves to 2-0 while Trail falls to 0-2 in the exibition season. The Vipers will face off against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks next weekend in the teams final two exibition games of the season. No stats or details were given about last nights game, but Trails play by play man, Shawn Mullin has very little detail about the game posted here,

http://smokeeatersblog.blogspot.com/2010/08/exhibition-game-2-vernon-4-trail-3.html

Saturday, August 28, 2010

(Game Preview) Exibition: Vernon vs Trail:


Vernon (1-0-0) vs Trail (0-1-0) (Game being played in Chase)

Tonight is the second exibition meeting between these two teams as the defending back to back Royal Bank Cup Champion Vernon Vipers face off against the Trail Smoke Eaters. Vernon won the first meeting last night with a 4-0 victory.

Let's take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

Vernon finished atop the BCHL standings last season with a record of 51-6-0-3 winning the 2010 Royal Bank Cup. The Vipers have just seven players back from last years championship team. I didnt hear who played in the game last night, but it would be interesting to see who will play tonight. Will Mark Ferner play mostly rookies this weekend or get the veteran players on the ice at the same time? Vernon still has two exibition games next weekend vs Salmon Arm, will they make any cuts between now and then?

Returning Players:

Bryce Kakoske (90)
David Robinson (90)
Blake Voth (91)
Steve Weinstein (90)
Adam Thompson (90)
Dylan Walchuk (92)
Patrick McGillis (91)

Departing & traded players from last years team:

Connor Jones (90)
Mike Collins (90)
Braden Pimm (89)
Cory Kane (90)
Jonathan Milhouse (89)
Kellen Jones (90)
Rob Short (89)
Cole Ikkala (90)
Dan Nycholat (89)
Kevin Kraus (89)
Curtis Gedig (91)
Garrett Noonan (91)
Sahir Gill (92)
Darrin Robak (91)
Graeme Gordon (89)

Let's take a look at the Trail Smoke Eaters:

Trail finished the regular season last year with a record of 20-32-1-7 finishing off in 6th place in the Interior Division, but went out in five games in the first round of the playoffs to the Westside Warriors. The Smokies have eleven players returning from last years hockey club. Smoke Eaters play by play man, Shawn Mullin had a good write up on this weekends two game series on his blog yesterday. Mullin said it looked like both teams would good with more newcomers in the lineup, to give the coaches a chance to get a better look at the prospects. After a 4-0 loss to Vernon last night, will the Smoke Eaters come back with the same lineup or try and change thigs up for tonight? For more info, stats and great game coverage check out Shawn Mullins Smoke Eaters Blog, http://smokeeatersblog.blogspot.com/

Returning Players:

Thomas Abenante (90)
Scott Jacklin (90)
Steve Koshey (91)
Paul Mailey (90)
Ben Matthews (91)
Josh McEwan (91)
Sam Mellor (92)
Travis St. Denis (92)
Graeme Strukoff (91)
Curtis Tonello (90)
Eric Walker (93)
Kiefer Smiley (90)

Departing & traded players from last years team:

Nick Sandor (89)
Michael Betz (92)
Darnell Dyck (91)
Matt Wilkins (91)
Wade Bennett (90)
Mitch Kaufmann (91)
Sean Nugent (89)
Tommy Rizzardo (90)
Justin Brown (91)
Steve Oursov (91)
Taylor Swaffield (89)
Garrett Beckwith (90)

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

(Both are from the teams training camp)
(Rosters may change due to cuts prior to tonights game)

Vernon:

Steve Weinstein (Returning from last years team)
Malcolm Lyles
Phillip Patenaude
Taylor Love
Taylor Egan
Bryce Kakoske (Returning from last years team)
Dylan Walchuk (Returning from last years team)
Darren Nowick (Recruited-Committed)
Todd Skirving (Recruited-Committed)
Trevor Fitzgerald (Recruited-Committed)
Jake Wensley
Adriano Munglioni
Patrick McGillis (Returning from last years team)
Colton Sparrow (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year)
Tanner Cohrane
Brady Fuller
Marley Keca (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year)
Adam Thompson (Returning from last years team)
Brett Corkey (Recruited-Committed)
Bennett Hambrook (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year)
Zach McLellan
Austin Sture
Logan Hawgood (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year)
John Knisley
Mike Zalewski
David Robinson (Returning from last years team)
Kyle Murphy
CJ Lillies
Sean Alldridge
Gus Correale
Aaron Hadley (Recruited-Committed)
Rylie Gallagher
Marcus Basara (Recruited-Committed)

Bryton Udy
Zach Station
Blake Voth (Returning from last years team)
Tyler Steel (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year)

Trail:

D Graeme Strukoff (91)
D L. Koentges (92)
D Eric Walker (93)
D Ryan Dixon (94)
D Walker Sidoni (94)
D Easton Bodeux (94)
D Curtis Tonello (90)
D Rajan Sidhu (91)
D Clayton McEwan (91)
D Braden Hikichi (92)
D Ben Matthews (91)
D M. Carr (94)
F Thomas Abenante (90)
F Travis St. Denis (92)
F Logan Proulx (91)
F Jamie Vlanich (93)
F Keanan Patershuk (93)
F B. McDonald (93)
F Tanner Burns (93)
F Ben Greenaway (93)
F Scott Morriseau (91)
F Dylan Tappe (92)
F K. Petit (92)
F Matt Laboucaine (91)
F D. Lynum (93)
F Cullen Bradshaw (90)
F Dallas Calvin (94)
F Joey Baker (93)
F Adam Wheeldon (94)
F Jesse Knowler (94)
F Dryden Hunt (95)
F Beau Blanaru (92)
F Diego Bartlett (94)
F Adam Boytinck (92)

G Andrew Walton (91)
G Zach Perehudoff (93)
G Matt LaRose (92)
G Mike Vlanich (92)

Mark Hall Situation:

Last week former Vernon Viper forward, Mark Hall decided not to return to the WHL Kamloops Blazers for his final season as a 20 year old. Hall has decided to make a return to Junior A Hockey but wants to play close to home, wich is Kamloops, BC. Hall would like to make a return to his former Junior team, the Vernon Vipers but Halls rights are held by the AJHL Canmore Eagles. I did some research and come across an interview with the head coach and gm of the Canmore Eagles, Andrew Milne who talks about the Mark Hall situation. Take a listen,

http://www.box.net/shared/xyj3m7g6sc


Friday, August 27, 2010

Exibition: Vernon 4 Trail 0


The Vipers defeated the Smoke Eaters tonight 4-0 in Chase. The same two teams will face off against one another back in Chase again tomorrow night. No other details were given other then the final score. When I find out more info & stats from tonights game I will post them.

(Game Preview) Exibition: Vernon vs Trail:


Vernon (0-0-0) vs Trail (0-0-0) (Game being played in Chase)

Tonight is the first exibition meeting between these two teams as the defending back to back Royal Bank Cup Champion Vernon Vipers face off against the Trail Smoke Eaters. Vernon won all six meetings between these two teams last year.

Let's take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

Vernon finished atop the BCHL standings last season with a record of 51-6-0-3 winning the 2010 Royal Bank Cup. The Vipers have just seven players back from last years championship team. Some Viper fans are calling this a rebuilding season. Vernon has lost some key veterans from last years team, wich will be very hard to replace. Tonight is the Vipers first of two back to back exibition games vs Trail.

Returning Players:

Bryce Kakoske (90)
David Robinson (90)
Blake Voth (91)
Steve Weinstein (90)
Adam Thompson (90)
Dylan Walchuk (92)
Patrick McGillis (91)

Departing & traded players from last years team:

Connor Jones (90)
Mike Collins (90)
Braden Pimm (89)
Cory Kane (90)
Jonathan Milhouse (89)
Kellen Jones (90)
Rob Short (89)
Cole Ikkala (90)
Dan Nycholat (89)
Kevin Kraus (89)
Curtis Gedig (91)
Garrett Noonan (91)
Sahir Gill (92)
Darrin Robak (91)
Graeme Gordon (89)

Let's take a look at the Trail Smoke Eaters:

Trail finished the regular season last year with a record of 20-32-1-7 finishing off in 6th place in the Interior Division, but went out in five games in the first round of the playoffs to the Westside Warriors. The Smokies have eleven players returning from last years hockey club. Trail will be looking to compete with some of the top Interior teams this coming season. Can the Smoke Eaters stay in the top four in the Interior Division? Trail has some key veterans returning, that will try and help lead the Smokies into a long playoff run. Veteran goaltender Kiefer Smiley will be heavily relied apon to make the big save between the pipes for the Smokies. This is Trails first of two straight games vs the defending RBC Cup Champs. For more info, stats and great game coverage check out Shawn Mullins Smoke Eaters Blog, http://smokeeatersblog.blogspot.com/

Returning Players:

Thomas Abenante (90)
Scott Jacklin (90)
Steve Koshey (91)
Paul Mailey (90)
Ben Matthews (91)
Josh McEwan (91)
Sam Mellor (92)
Travis St. Denis (92)
Graeme Strukoff (91)
Curtis Tonello (90)
Eric Walker (93)
Kiefer Smiley (90)

Departing & traded players from last years team:

Nick Sandor (89)
Michael Betz (92)
Darnell Dyck (91)
Matt Wilkins (91)
Wade Bennett (90)
Mitch Kaufmann (91)
Sean Nugent (89)
Tommy Rizzardo (90)
Justin Brown (91)
Steve Oursov (91)
Taylor Swaffield (89)
Garrett Beckwith (90)

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

(Both are from the teams training camp)
(Rosters may change due to cuts prior to tonights game)

Vernon:

Steve Weinstein (Returning from last years team)
Malcolm Lyles
Phillip Patenaude
Taylor Love
Taylor Egan
Bryce Kakoske (Returning from last years team)
Dylan Walchuk (Returning from last years team)
Darren Nowick (Recruited-Committed)
Todd Skirving (Recruited-Committed)
Trevor Fitzgerald (Recruited-Committed)
Jake Wensley
Adriano Munglioni
Patrick McGillis (Returning from last years team)
Colton Sparrow (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year)
Tanner Cohrane
Brady Fuller
Marley Keca (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year)
Adam Thompson (Returning from last years team)
Brett Corkey (Recruited-Committed)
Bennett Hambrook (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year)
Zach McLellan
Austin Sture
Logan Hawgood (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year)
John Knisley
Mike Zalewski
David Robinson (Returning from last years team)
Kyle Murphy
CJ Lillies
Sean Alldridge
Gus Correale
Aaron Hadley (Recruited-Committed)
Rylie Gallagher
Marcus Basara (Recruited-Committed)

Bryton Udy
Zach Station
Blake Voth (Returning from last years team)
Tyler Steel (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year)

Trail:

D Graeme Strukoff (91)
D L. Koentges (92)
D Eric Walker (93)
D Ryan Dixon (94)
D Walker Sidoni (94)
D Easton Bodeux (94)
D Curtis Tonello (90)
D Rajan Sidhu (91)
D Clayton McEwan (91)
D Braden Hikichi (92)
D Ben Matthews (91)
D M. Carr (94)
F Thomas Abenante (90)
F Travis St. Denis (92)
F Logan Proulx (91)
F Jamie Vlanich (93)
F Keanan Patershuk (93)
F B. McDonald (93)
F Tanner Burns (93)
F Ben Greenaway (93)
F Scott Morriseau (91)
F Dylan Tappe (92)
F K. Petit (92)
F Matt Laboucaine (91)
F D. Lynum (93)
F Cullen Bradshaw (90)
F Dallas Calvin (94)
F Joey Baker (93)
F Adam Wheeldon (94)
F Jesse Knowler (94)
F Dryden Hunt (95)
F Beau Blanaru (92)
F Diego Bartlett (94)
F Adam Boytinck (92)

G Andrew Walton (91)
G Zach Perehudoff (93)
G Matt LaRose (92)
G Mike Vlanich (92)

Former Viper Tryout Musico At Vees Camp:


20 year old goaltender PJ Musico who attended the Vernon Vipers 2008 training camp, is now at the Penticton Vees training camp. Musico played last year with the NAHL Wichita Falls Wildcats. Thanks to Penticton Vees play by play man, Ryan Pinder for posting a picture of Musico on his Penticton Vees blog.

Snakes Welcome New Faces:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Snakes welcome new faces

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: August 26, 2010

It was like the first day at a new school Wednesday at Wesbild Centre.

The opening day of the Vernon Vipers’ training camp was as much about putting faces to names as it was about assembling a crew capable of defending the Royal Bank Cup national junior A hockey title.

The Snakes have just seven returning players on a 23-man roster, leaving plenty of opportunity for players to earn quality minutes when the 2010-11 B.C. Hockey League season opens Friday, Sept. 10.

Coming back on defence are Stevie Weinstein, a speedy puck mover, and Adam Thompson, who should get more opportunity to use his booming point shot this season. Both are 1990-born players.

Captain Dave Robinson (‘90), Bryce Kakoske (‘90), Pat McGillis (‘91) and Dylan Walchuk (‘92) round out the forward corps, while netminder Blake Voth (‘91) will look to build on the impressive 21-2 record he compiled in his rookie season.

After that, the Vipers have more vacancies than a Louisiana hotel during hurricane season.

With so many prime roles available, Vipers’ assistant coach Jason Williamson believes it will fuel competition amongst the 40 players attending camp.

“It’s good in some sense because they’re coming in and they’re eager and wanting to earn jobs here,” he said. “We’ve got to fill a lot of holes and there are some key opportunities for guys to step in and play huge minutes.”

After just two days of practices and Blue vs White scrimmages, the Vipers jump right into exhibition action with games tonight and Saturday night against the Trail Smoke Eaters in Chase.

The Vipers have one home exhibition tilt against the Salmon Arm SilverBacks on Friday, Sept. 3 at Wesbild. They visit the Gorillas the next night at Sunwave Centre.

Once a team is selected, the Snakes will need to gel with their new teammates in a hurry as they open the season by hosting Salmon Arm on Sept. 10. With so many new faces, Robinson said he and the other veterans will need to give a crash course in Viper hockey tradition.

“As leaders we have to be a bit more assertive. We’ve got a lot of new guys coming in so we’ve got to show them the ropes,” he said.

“As a team, it might take a couple weeks or so to gel, but Ferns (head coach Mark Ferner) and Willy (Williamson) are both great coaches so I’m sure they’ll get us going before the season starts.”

Aaron Hadley, a 17-year-old Castlegar product who committed to the Vipers during last season’s playoff run, was thrilled to finally be at camp.

“I’m excited. The team looks good, I’m coming to a great organization and I can’t wait to get the season underway,” said Hadley, a point-a-game player who amassed 94 penalty minutes with the KIJHL Beaver Valley Nitehawks as a 16-year-old.

“There are a lot of good guys leaving – the Joneses and Pimmer (Braden Pimm) – so everyone’s going to have a new role this year. It’s going to be good.”

Kakoske is coming into camp 20 pounds lighter than last season. Wanting to lead by example, the Vernon product trimmed the weight in the offseason by running lots and following a rigorous workout routine.

“We might be a bit smaller this year, but the Jonesies (Connor and Kellen Jones) did OK in this league, so we’ll be OK. There’s kids from everywhere here and there looks to be a lot of talent.”

Mick Joins Dawgs:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Mick joins Dawgs

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: August 26, 2010

Sawyer Mick’s troubled tenure with the Vernon Vipers is at an end.

Vernon general manager/head coach Mark Ferner granted Mick’s request for a release from the club.

Mick, who turns 19 next month, found himself a healthy scratch after the Vipers brought in forwards Dave Robinson and Sahir Gill at the trade deadline last season. Feeling the Vipers weren’t fulfilling a promise regarding playing time, he opted to leave the team and, ineligible to play elsewhere, sat out the remainder of the season.

The Vernon product has since decided to resume his junior career and, after considering his options, is currently training with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.

“I was contemplating all summer whether to keep going or not. I realized I have put too much effort into the sport just to throw it away,” said Mick, a forward who amassed 9-13-22 in 45 games with the Vipers.

“I’m looking forward to getting away from the Vernon scene and just focusing on hockey. I like it here, it’s a good group of guys.”

Ferner said he would prefer to have traded Mick’s rights to the Bulldogs to get either a player or future considerations in return, but eventually agreed to simply release him.

“I could have used him as an asset. I would have moved Sawyer wherever he wanted to go. As it turns out, they get a free player,” said Ferner.

A late cut by the Vipers before the 2008-09 season, Mick started that year with the junior B Chase Chiefs before joining WHL Portland Winterhawks. Playing with his older brother Troy’s former club, Mick collected 7-6-13 in 48 games before returning to his hometown team in 2009-10.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Day Two From The Vipers Blue & White Game:

I was at tonights Vipers Blue & White game as Team Blue won the second and final meeting between these two teams with a 7-5 come from behind win.

Team Blue looked strong for most parts of the opening period but it was Team Red who opened the scoring. Zach Station who got the start between the pipes for Team Blue wasnt all that busy. Tyler Steel who got the start for Team Red had to be sharp early making several key saves in a matter of a few minutes to keep his team in the game. Although Team Blue was the better of the two teams, Team Red took a 2-1 lead heading into the 2nd period.

Team Red jumped out to a 3-1 lead early into the 2nd before a fairly even played middle frame. A much fore physical-fiesty game as both teams were laying the body. Bryton Udy took over the nets midway through the middle frame after Zach Station gave up three goals. On the other side, Tyler Steel gave up just the lone goal as Blake Voth took over duties for Team Red. Team Red took a 4-3 lead heading into the 3rd.

Early into the final period Team Red scored shorthanded going up 5-3 before the wheels fell off. Team Blue mounted a strong comeback with two quick goals (one on the powerplay) to tie the game 5-5 and then took a 6-5 lead before adding an empty netter with just seven seconds remaining. Both teams really stepped up their play in the 3rd. Some good checks were laid out as well as some heated moments between players took place in a very fiesty 3rd period.

Here's a look at the players that I thought stood out,

Tyler Steel once again stood out for myself, as the young goaltender looked very good in the opening period making some key saves keeping his team in the game, when Team Blue had some good presure.

Malcolm Lyles played well, but saw very limited icetime in the 3rd period. Lyles who can skate well, also carries the puck well and reads the ice well.

Phillip Patenaude didnt really stand out in my mind last night, but as I watched him tonight I was fairly impressed. This kid has some size, moves the puck well and looked alright on the backend.

Todd Skirving didnt show me much last night, but I was impressed with the Viper recruit tonight. Everytime I looked up, Skirving either had the puck or dished it off making some nice heads up plays through out tonights contest. Stole the puck at the blueline shorthanded, making a nice pass over to Viper Trevor Fitsgerald for Team Reds 5th goal.

Patrick McGillis (2 goals) Looked very solid tonight. McGillis looks like hes ready to play on a regular shift this season, showed lots of hustle tonight & last night.

Marley Keca played a fairly steady game on Team Reds blueline tonight. I think heres a kid who has a good chance at cracking the Vipers lineup this coming season.

Bryton Udy who played fairly well last night, didnt look out of place tonight. Udy gave up just two goals tonight, but made some good saves in the 3rd to give his team a chance to make the big comeback. Plays his position well, a bigger kid who covers alot of the net, dosnt give up any rebounds and looked confident between the pipes.

Mike Zalewski didnt stand out as much as he did in last nights game, but I did notice him at times through out tonights game. Like I mentioned last night, he has some good size, has some good hands and can skate. I think he has a good chance at making the Vipers.

Gus Correale who impressed me at times last night, come to play tonight and I thought was Team Blues best player. Correale looked like a veteran out on the ice, carried the puck several times, made some real nice smart plays, showed good hustle, and played very well at both ends of the rink. Scored a real nice goal in the 2nd period, has some soft hands in and around the net, really showed his play making ability tonight. Took a slapshot off his arm late in the 3rd but seemed to be alright and finished the game.

Aaron Hadley I didnt see much from the Viper recruit last night and again tonight, until the 3rd when he really stepped up his game and played a strong 3rd period. Come out hitting, with two or three real big checks to start the 3rd. Looked good with the puck in and around the net. Lets hope he keeps this up in the pre season.

Marcus Basara I didnt see much in this Viper recruit last night, but was very impressed with his play in the first two periods of tonights game. Basara really showed off his speed and skill in the first two periods, looked very good.

Bryce Kakoske has lost alot of weight, looks very slim and in shape.

Logan Hawgood is the son of former NHLer Greg Hawgood. Both Hawgood and Jarome Iginla, two former Kamloops Blazers were spot seen at the Vipers camp today.

Word is the Vipers will now make a few cuts either tonight or sometime tomorrow before the team jumps on the bus for tomorrow nights game in Chase vs Trail.

After watching both Blue & White games, I was very impressed with the amount of talent, speed and skill at this years Vipers camp. I didnt really know what to expect going in. A very strong camp with lots of good players. Mark Ferner and Jason Williamson have some very tough choices to make.

Vipers Open Camp:

This is posted on the Kiss FM website:

Vipers Open Camp

Written by Rob Abramenko

Thursday, 26 August 2010

The two time defending national champion Vernon Vipers opened their training camp Wednesday, ending the day with a scrimmage game which was won by team red led by returning forward Dylan Walchuk who scored twice.

Assistant coach Jason Williamson is impressed with the talent.

"With what we've seen so far, we're definitely going to have some long nights and some tough decisions, but we've got a few days to decide."

Williamson says while returning goalie Blake Voth could be the starter this year....he is being challenged by the other net minders.

"There's three other young, good goalies here that are going to push him and I think that's good, not just for him but players at every position. In order for returning players to get better and take the next step, they've got to get pushed."

Williamson says a number of things will weigh into their decision making when forming the team.

"We're allowed six 20 year olds and eight imports, and you're looking for a certain type of player to fill a certain role. There's 23 spots and no one is safe. You've just got to go out there and be better than one guy, at your position."

Camp continues today with another Blue-White scrimmage at 6pm at Wesbild Centre.

Fans are welcome to attend the Blue vs White games which are free but donations of non-perishable food items for the Vernon Food Bank are encouraged.

The Vipers open their pre season schedule with games against the Trail Smoke Eaters Friday and Saturday, both in Chase.

Vernon will host one exhibition game on Friday September 3rd against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, the same team they will host in the regular season opener September 10.

Head Injuries No Game For Former Viper Genoway:

This is posted on the USCHL website:

College Hockey:

Head Injuries No Game for Genoway

North Dakota Star, Out Most of Last Season With Concussion, Supports Crackdown

by Patrick C. Miller/USCHO Arena Reporter

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (Aug. 5) — When you’re a hockey player who can’t play hockey, an athlete who can’t work out and a student who can’t study, you have a lot of time to think.

North Dakota defenseman Chay Genoway has been doing a lot of thinking about head injuries, about rules, about equipment and about the upcoming college hockey season. It has been more than eight months since he suffered a concussion that ended his season after just nine games. Since receiving a medical redshirt from the NCAA, he has resumed his normal summer training routine and plans to return to the Fighting Sioux next season.

“I’m going to be little rusty on the ice because I haven’t skated for so long,” says the Morden, Manitoba, native. “I haven’t worked out as much as I would have liked in the last eight months. I’m going to lose a little bit of my timing. I think that by October, I’m feeling like I should be ready to go. I’m sure I could take a pretty good bump now.”

After seeing college hockey, the NHL and Canadian leagues grapple with the issue of hits to the head following devastating injuries to players, Genoway says: “I think these leagues need to crack down on the players and let them know that they are being serious about it. It needs to be taken care of in the right manner.

“The rules need to be in line because it’s clearly a problem in all different leagues, and it’s been going on for a couple years now,” he continues. “I think there have been enough incidents in all leagues. I don’t think there needs to be any more.”

Genoway believes that NCAA is on the right track by making hits to the head an automatic 5-minute major with either a game misconduct or game disqualification, although he says intent should also be a factor.

“It seems that there’s a major respect issue that needs to be addressed in all leagues at a high level,” he explains. “I like the hitting in the game because it’s a huge part of the game. What’s tough is the intent when players get their elbows or hands up. Defining a hit to the head, there’s a gray area that comes into it. Judging intent would be tough to actually put in a rule.”

Genoway doesn’t believe the new NCAA rule will make the game less physical or less enjoyable for the fans.

“I don’t think people come to a hockey game to watch a big hit to the head,” he says. “A big, clean body check is a shoulder-to-shoulder hit the fans can cheer about. They come to watch exciting hockey and exciting goals.”

As for the proposal by College Hockey Inc. for the NCAA to do away with full face shields and cages in favor of half-shields, Genoway agrees with it.

“I think guys play a little recklessly with a cage, as opposed to if they played their four years with a half-shield,” he says. “I think going from juniors with the half-shield to a cage and then back to a half-shield can be confusing for players. I think it can cause a bit of recklessness.

“In our league, we’re all preparing for the professional ranks,” Genoway adds. “I think all the rules and equipment and the way things are reffed and handled should be as close to the NHL or professional level as possible. I think the half-shield would be a good idea.”

Season Gone in a Flash

Last year, Genoway, the 2009 WCHA defensive player of the year and captain of the Fighting Sioux, was having the type of senior season most expected. Some considered him Hobey Baker Award material. North Dakota was 7-1-0, ranked second in the nation and Genoway was tied for the team lead in scoring with four goals and six assists.

Then, in the blink of an eye, it all changed. At Ralph Engelstad Arena in a game against St. Cloud State, an elbow from behind stapled Genoway’s head to the glass. It happened so fast that the officials at first threw the wrong Huskies player out of the game.

Eventually, SCSU center Aaron Marvin was assessed a major for checking from behind and a game misconduct. The WCHA later added a one-game suspension for the hit on Genoway.

“I never lost consciousness,” Genoway says. “I knew I had my bell rung. I’d had my bell rung before. It seemed a little different. I knew where I was and all that. It was one of those things. I knew I probably shouldn’t finish the game. I kind of had the idea that something was wrong. I had a headache.

“The following day, I actually went out for the pregame skate to see how I felt,” he remembers. “I just didn’t quite feel right. I thought I’d take a couple days off. I thought maybe in a week I’d be ready to go.”

But that was not to be. The headaches got worse. Genoway couldn’t use a computer. Bright lights bothered him and he had difficulty sleeping.

Genoway, a management major, took his studies seriously. He was named to ESPN The Magazine’s Academic All-America third team in 2009, becoming just the second Sioux player to earn that honor. He was also a WCHA scholar athlete in 2008 and 2009.

When he couldn’t play hockey, couldn’t work out and his school work began to suffer, his stress level went up, which only exacerbated the problems stemming from the concussion. He watched a Sioux team that got off to a hot start go 2-5-2 without him in the lineup.

“You can’t do schoolwork. You go from being at the rink for six hours a day, and that’s taken away from you,” Genoway says. “You’ve got a lot of time to do and try things. I tried it all, but it seemed like nothing worked.

“The worst thing with a concussion is that you get more stress and then you get more headaches,” he notes.

“I’m kind of a high-strung person,” he continues. “I care about the team a lot. I was trying not to stress out, but there I was, worried about how they were doing when the coaches were telling me not to worry about things. I was worried about coming back to help them.”

No Way Back

When UND caught fire and went 12-1-0 from mid-February and into the NCAA tournament, it didn’t make the situation any easier for Genoway. He yearned even more to be back out on the ice with the Sioux.

“I told my teammates I’d try,” he says. “We were making that run and it was hard to just sit there. I’d try to get on the ice, but my heart rate would get to a certain place, and then I’d get the headaches. So I tried to come back in the months of February and March.”

Despite the difficulties, there were highlights. Although Genoway had played few games during the season, he was named to the All-WCHA third team. And then at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn., during the WCHA Final Five tournament, the Sioux became just the second team to win the Broadmoor Trophy by winning three games, defeating SCSU in the championship game. His teammates wouldn’t accept the trophy without him.

“I did not want to go up and get that trophy because it was not mine to get,” Genoway says. “For them to push me out there was pretty special. It’s something I’ll never forget.”

When Yale ended UND’s season on March 27 in the NCAA regionals, trying to get back on the ice to play became a moot point. Genoway focused on resting through April. He also finished his exams from the previous semester and the current one.

“That was really tough to do,” he says. “It still bothered me to use a computer. School was tough, but I survived it.”

Working Through It

During May, he started thinking about why his recovery was taking so long.

"Rest was the best thing, but it turned out, in the end, that exercise was the best way to get out of my funk,” Genoway says. “I worked my way out of it in the end.”

He resumed full workouts before the month ended. And he started getting better.

“It occurred to me that for six months, my body was doing something I wasn’t used to,” Genoway says. “I’d been idle. Any other injury — a shoulder injury, a knee injury — at least you can be somewhat active to work your way out of it.

“Here I’d gone from being an extremely active athlete to doing nothing,” he says. “My body was like, ‘What’s going on?’ I was out of shape.

“As I started working out, I still had mild headaches,” Genoway says. “As I worked my way out of it for a couple weeks, the headaches started being less and less. Here we are and now I don’t get them.”

Genoway won’t discuss the medical details of his current status, and coaches are prohibited by federal law from disclosing such information. But he plans to be playing for North Dakota when the season begins in October, and he hopes his teammates give him the opportunity to captain the team again.

“Summer feels like it’s gone by fast, but not fast enough,” Genoway says. “I’m ready for October. It’s been too long.”

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Vipers Blue & White Game Rosters:

I did some research and come up with some info on most of the Vipers Blue & White rosters.

Team Red:

Steve Weinstein (Returning from last years team)

Malcolm Lyles (5'10 177 lbs, from Miami Gardens, Florida. Played last year at Boston College) Profile posted below,
http://bceagles.cstv.com/sports/m-hockey/mtt/lyles_malcolm00.html

Phillip Patenaude (1990 from Aurora, CO Found his profile on a NAHL future prospects website)

Taylor Love (1992 6'3 195 lbs, played last year with the Dallas Stars U18 AAA team)

Taylor Egan (I found a Taylor Egan who is a 1991 6" 195 lbs from Kelowna, BC Played last year with the AJHL Brooks Bandits before being traded to the AJHL Calgary Canucks. Not sure if this is the same kid)

Bryce Kakoske (Returning from last years team)

Dylan Walchuk (Returning from last years team)

Darren Nowick (Recruited-Committed)

Todd Skirving (Recruited-Committed)

Trevor Fitzgerald (Recruited-Committed)

Jake Wensley

Adriano Munglioni (1993 from Dallas Texas, 5'9 155 lbs, Played last year with the Okanagan Hockey Academy)

Patrick McGillis (Returning from last years team)

Colton Sparrow (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year)

Tanner Cohrane (1993 5'9 128 lbs, Played last year with the BCMML Thompson Blazers)

Brady Fuller (The only Brady Fuller name that comes up on google is one that played last year in the BCHL with Williams Lake. Is this the same kid?)

Marley Keca (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year. Played last year with the BCHL Quesnel Millionaires & the KIJHL North Okanagan Knights)

Goaltenders:

Blake Voth (Returning from last years team)

Tyler Steel (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year, Played last year with the KIJHL Sicamouse Eagles)

Team Blue:

Adam Thompson (Returning from last years team)

Brett Corkey (Recruited-Committed)

Bennett Hambrook (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year)

Zach McLellan (Played last year with the KIJHL Columbia Valley Rockies)
Austin Sture (1992 from Anchorage Alaska, Played last year with the Alaska Wolves 18 AAA team)

Logan Hawgood (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year, Played last year with the BCMML Thompson Blazers)

John Knisley

Mike Zalewski (I found a good article on Mike Zalewski on a USA Junior Hockey website) Posted below

MIKE ZALEWSKI

At the beginning of the season, Syracuse Stars forward Mike Zalewski showed flashes of brilliance. Despite a couple of injuries and the resulting cold spells, Zalewski demonstrated that on any given day, he was more than capable of putting the puck in the net or setting up a teammate. However, his inconsistency seemed to be as much a part of his game as his scoring touch and as a result, scouts never paid him the attention he deserved. Zalewski did not stay under the radar for long. Late in December, he registered an eight-point weekend against the Jersey Hitmen and never slowed down. In the last 19 games, Zalewski was held scoreless in only five of them, registering 29 points in that time. Unlike the first half of the season, Zalewski commanded scouts’ attention and the New Hartford, N.Y., native made a splash at 150th on the Central Scouting Final Rankings. Should he remain healthy, the sky is the limit for Zalewski. His strong second half illustrated his potential and, given his rapid ascent up the rankings, it would hardly be a surprise for an NHL team to scoop him up on Draft Weekend.

David Robinson (Returning from last years team)

Kyle Murphy (The only info I found on Kyle Murphy was a kid who played last year with the University of Notre Dame. Im not sure if this is the same player but all links keep coming up with the same player. Heres his profile,
http://www.und.com/sports/m-hockey/mtt/murphy_kyle00.html

CJ Lillies

Sean Alldridge (1992 5'8 160 lbs from Inuvik, Northwest Territories. Played last year with the Okanagan Hockey Academy. Alldridge was at Merritt's spring camp this year)

Gus Correale (Played last year with the KIJHL Nelson Leafs)

Aaron Hadley (Recruited-Committed)

Rylie Gallagher (1993 5'11 175 lbs from Summerland BC, Played defense last year with the KIJHL Champion Revelestoke Grizzlies)

Marcus Basara (Recruited-Committed)

Goaltenders:

Bryton Udy (1993 from Calgary, Alberta Played last year with the Calgary midget AAA Buffaloes. Was at this years Sun Valley Show Case)

Zach Station (Played last year with the Notre Dame AAA Argos)

Vipers Blue & White Game:

I was at tonights Vipers Blue & White game, Team Red defeated Team Blue 5-1

A fairly even opening period with both teams getting some chances in a fairly non physical game. It was tied 1-1 after 20 minutes of play.

Team Blue got off to a quick start getting a few real good chances in close but couldnt hit the net, before Team Red took over most of the play and took a 4-1 lead heading into the 3rd.

Team Red continued to look like the stronger of the two teams as the game went on. Team Blue had a few chances in the second half of the 3rd but was unable to make any kind of a comeback falling 5-1.

Alot of skill, speed and decent size at this years camp so far.

Here are the team rosters,

Team Red:

Steve Weinstein (Returning from last years team)
Malcolm Lyles
Phillip Patenaude
Taylor Love
Taylor Egan
Bryce Kakoske (Returning from last years team)
Dylan Walchuk (Returning from last years team)
Darren Nowick (Recruited-Committed)
Todd Skirving (Recruited-Committed)
Trevor Fitzgerald (Recruited-Committed)
Jake Wensley
Adriano Munglioni
Patrick McGillis (Returning from last years team)
Colton Sparrow (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year)
Tanner Cohrane
Brady Fuller
Marley Keca (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year)

Goaltenders:

Blake Voth (Returning from last years team)
Tyler Steel (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year)

Team Blue:

Adam Thompson (Returning from last years team)
Brett Corkey (Recruited-Committed)
Bennett Hambrook (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year)
Zach McLellan
Austin Sture
Logan Hawgood (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year)
John Knisley
Mike Zalewski
David Robinson (Returning from last years team)
Kyle Murphy
CJ Lillies
Sean Alldridge
Gus Correale
Aaron Hadley (Recruited-Committed)
Rylie Gallagher
Marcus Basara (Recruited-Committed)

Goaltenders:

Bryton Udy
Zach Station

Here is a list of players who I thought stood out,

All four goaltenders didnt have to stand on there heads, but played very well.

Blake Voth who started for Team Red let out a few big rebounds early in the game but seemed to settle down as the game went on. Voth looked very good in close and in and around the net.

Tyler Steel who Mark Ferner mentioned in the newspaper has a very good chance at making the team this season as the Vipers backup, looked very good with his glove making atleast two maybe three quick glove saves.

Bryton Udy who started the game for Team Blue is a bigger goaltender who played well.

Zach Station who is very small is very quick and made the biggest save of the night after robbing Tanner Cochrane on a cross crease save.

Steve Weinstein looked very steady-strong on the backend. Wrang a hard long shot from the point off the crossbar in the 2nd period.

Malcolm Lyles isnt the biggest d-man, but played fairly well. I was impressed with his skating and position play.

Taylor Love didnt really catch my attention until about midway through the 2nd period, I tried to watch this kid and really noticed his stick handling and nice hands when carrying the puck.

Dylan Walchuk (2 goals) Was by far the best player on the ice tonight. Walchuk was flying all game, scored two goals, was stopped several times on some other great chances. Very impressed with the second year Viper.

Darren Nowicks speed, quickness and play making ability really caught my attention. I was impressed with this newcomer.

Trevor Fitzgerald didnt really stand out in the opening period but stepped up his play as the game went on, looked late in the 2nd and through out the 3rd period.

Patrick McGillis (1 goal) Looked very good up front, had alot of jump in his game and looked ready to play on a regular shift this season with the Vipers.

Zach McLellan caught my eye through out tonights contest and played fairly well on the blueline. Looked quick at times and made some smart heads up plays through out the game.

Mike Zalewski impressed me most of the night. Really stood out in the 1st period. Has some decent size, nice hands and isnt afriad to battle and go into the grey areas.

David Robinson didnt see much of the puck, or action but looked to be game ready.

Gus Correale caught my eye several times through out tonights game. Looks like this kid has some wheels, played a fairly strong game.

Vipers Training Camp Starts Today:

The defending back to back National Champion Vernon Vipers start there season today with the teams training camp starting this morning, Wednesday, August 25th and finishes on Thursday, August 26th with the teams anual Blue & White Games going tonight and tomorrow both at 6pm. The Vipers first exibition game is Friday, August 27th vs Trail but played in Chase.

Former Viper Mick Joins Bulldogs:


This is posted on Hammers Bulldogs Blog:

Dogs add Sawyer Mick

No, it's not the surprise I talked about earlier. You will get that once I'm back on BC soil sometime tonight!

This isn't much of a surprise anyway as it's been on the message board for a couple of days, but now that everything is official, here goes! The Dogs have added Sawyer Mick, most recently with the Vernon Vipers.

I am very excited about this edition - Sawyer is a player that I haven't seen play very much, but he made an immediate impression on me in the 2008-2009 season when the Dogs were in Salmon Arm and Mick was an affiliate player for the Silverbacks. He was all over the place in that game. He ran over about 4 different guys with big hits, he had several great scoring chances and he was hustling all over the ice. If he plays like that every night, they will love him in the 'Pound.

Sawyer is the younger brother of Troy Mick, who has played and coached through the BCHL, WHL, ECHL, and IHL.

Here's the official release from the Bulldogs website...

Bulldogs Add Mick

PRESS RELEASE

August 25th, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs would like to announce that 91 F Sawyer Mick has committed for the 2010-2011 season.

Mick, a Vernon native played for the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL last season. The 6’1”, 200 pound Mick posted 9 goals, 13 assists and 31 penalty minutes in 45 games.
“ We are very excited about Sawyer signing with us. He is big, strong power forward that adds grit and toughness to the lineup, “ comments GM/Head Coach Paul Esdale. “ Sawyer also has a scoring touch and will be counted on for offense as well, “ adds Esdale

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Questions That Need To Be Asked Before Training Camp:

-How many kids will be at this years training camp?

-With just 7 veterans returning from last years RBC Cup Championship Team (Bryce Kakoske, Dylan Walchuk, Adam Thompson, Blake Voth, Steve Weinstein & Patrick McGillis) will the Vipers try and aquire or add a few more experienced vets to the team before the season starts?

-With just 6 new recruits comitting to the Vipers for this coming season, (Trevor Fitzgerald, Aaron Hadley, Darren Nowick, Brett Corkey, Marcus Basara, & Todd Skirving) are there anymore new recruits that have yet to be announced?

-David Robinson has been named this years Vipers Captain, who will be named this years Assistant Captains?

-In a so called rebuilding year, will the Vipers be able to compete and contend in the Interior Division for top spot?

-Can the Vipers become the first team in history to three-peat as National Champions?

-Will the Vipers fill both empty 20 yr old spots before the season starts?

-Will Mark Ferner try and make a trade for forward Mark Hall?

-Who from last years team will step up this season and lead by example?

-Will we see former Vernon Viper & current Kelowna Rockets forward, Kyle St.Denis back in Vernon?

Former Viper Goaltender Olthuis Signs With Dayton:




This is posted on the Dayton Gems website:

Dayton Adds More Depth to Roster

Posted on August 20, 2010
by Administrator

Dayton, OH- The Dayton Gems Ownership Group, proud member of the Central Hockey League, announced today the signings of Goaltender Jon Olthuis (Ol-tise) and defensemen Adam Maccarone and Jamie Dowhayko. Terms of the deals were not disclosed due to league and team mandates.

Olthuis, 24, enters his rookie season in professional hockey after spending the past four seasons between the pipes for the University of Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves. While at UAA, Olthuis appeared in 89 games, (second most in school history) finished with an overall record of 23-47-12 and a save percentage of .880. Also while at UAA, Olthuis set career highs in saves in a single period (18) and total saves in a single game (46). During his sophomore season in 2007-08, he played in 32 games (tied for second-most all time by a UAA goaltender) earning 31 starts. As a senior in 2009-10, he started 25 of 26 games played. Olthuis excelled in the classroom just as much as he did on the ice by being named to the WCHA Scholar-Athlete team three times. Prior to his tenure at UAA, he posted a record of 30-14-2 in 48 games, recorded a 2.85 goals against average and a .905 save percentage for the Vernon Vipers of the British Columbia Junior Hockey League (BCHL) in 2005-06. Olthuis was selected to be a BCHL All-Star and earned the Vipers Unsung Hero Award that same season.

“After speaking to Jon’s college coaches, they love his size and ability and are confident that he can transfer his movement and skill to the next level,” said Head Coach and General Manager Brian Gratz. “We really feel like he hasn’t tapped into his full level of potential and when he does he will be a major addition to our hockey club.”

Monday, August 23, 2010

Former Viper Mick Joins Bulldogs?


I just got information this evening that former Vernon Vipers forward, Sawyer Mick will be playing hockey in Port Alberni with the Bulldogs this coming BCHL season. The Vernon product quit the Vipers just a few days last year after the BCHL trade deadline once he was a healthy scratch. Once I find more info out, I will post more later.

Sawyer Mick's Profile & Stat's,

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=267279&playerID=463206


Blue & White Game-Time Update:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Blue & White game-time update!

by viper staff | Added 2010-08-20

The Blue & White game-times have been changed! The Vernon Vipers will hold both games at 6pm on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Vernon Vipers will be holding their Main Camp this week starting Wednesday morning at the Wesbild Centre and will finish the week with a pair of exhibition games in Chase against the Trail Smoke Eaters.

Wednesday;
6PM Blue vs White

Thursday;
6PM Blue vs White

Friday;
7PM game in Chase vs Trail Smoke Eaters

Saturday;
7 PM Game in Chase vs Trail Smoke Eaters

Fans are welcome to attend the Blue vs White games and are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the Vernon Food Bank as there will be no charge for admission.

The Vipers will host one exhibition game on Friday September 3rd against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

BCHL To Participate In Junior A Program To Reduce Violence & Bullying:

BCHL to participate in Junior A program to reduce violence and bullying

Thursday, August 19, 2010 - Submitted by CJHL Network

A group of five Member Leagues within the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) are proud to announce an unprecedented joint effort to eliminate violence and bullying from Junior A hockey.

This initiative has developed from a partnership between the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), and Maritime Junior Hockey League (MHL), who have formed together to create the Junior A Supplement, which will be launched as a pilot project in the 2010-2011 CJHL Season.

An audio feature explaining the Junior A Supplement can be heard HERE.

The Junior A Supplement has been created to protect junior-aged hockey players by addressing actions such as Blows to the Head, Dangerous Hits, Accumulated Major Penalties, Accumulated Misconducts, Instigating and Unnecessary Fighting. The supplement increases team, coach and player accountability through the tracking of repeat offenders, increased suspensions and significant financial penalties. It builds on the progressive regulations undertaken over the past decade by the participating Leagues and Branches to reduce bullying and violence from Junior A Hockey in Canada.

The pilot project was developed as a response to the implementation of Hockey Canada Regulation 6.7, which calls for an automatic game misconduct whenever a major penalty for fighting is assessed. The participating Member Leagues have gone one step further by targeting the types of dangerous plays that often result in fights and other types of violence. The Leagues within the pilot project will not be subject to Hockey Canada Regulation 6.7, which will be implemented across the remainder of the Leagues in CJHL.

“The five Member Leagues involved in the creation of the Junior A Supplement have taken a tremendous step in the effort to reduce and eliminate violence and bullying in Junior A hockey,” says BCHL Commissioner John Grisdale. “Our League and its teams, coaches and players are committed to providing a safe environment for every player while also maintaining an exciting, physical brand of hockey on the ice.”

The Junior A Supplement has been developed in cooperation with the provincial branches of BC Hockey, Hockey Alberta, the Saskatchewan Hockey Association, Hockey Manitoba, Hockey North, Hockey Nova Scotia, Hockey P.E.I. and Hockey New Brunswick.

The two-year pilot project will compare data from the participating leagues using the Junior A Supplement and a control group using Hockey Canada Playing Rule 6.7. The data will determine whether fighting is reduced in the Junior A game by ejecting a player for his first fighting major and the effect on other aggressive and violent behavior.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Vipers Training Camp Schedule:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Main camp begins

by viper staff | Added 2010-08-20

The Vernon Vipers will be holding their Main Camp next week starting Wednesday morning at the Wesbild Centre and will finish the week with a pair of exhibition games in Chase against the Trail Smoke Eaters.

Wednesday;
4-6PM Blue vs White

Thursday;
3-5 Blue vs White

Friday;
7PM game in Chase vs Trail Smoke Eaters

Saturday;
7 PM Game in Chase vs Trail Smoke Eaters

Fans are welcome to attend the Blue vs White games and are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the Vernon Food Bank as there will be no charge for admission.

The Vipers will host one exhibition game on Friday September 3rd against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.

Vipers Headline Hall’s Wish List:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers headline Hall’s wish list

Published: August 19, 2010

Former Vernon Viper Mark Hall is looking for a new home.

After spending the last three seasons with the Kamloops Blazers, the 20-year-old forward asked to be released by the Western Hockey League organization. Realizing he would be hard pressed to secure one of the three over-age roster spots with the Blazers, the hard-hitting winger felt his best option would be a return to junior A hockey.

“We had a good chat and I expressed where he was at,” Blazers’ general manager Craig Bonner told the Kamloops Daily News Tuesday. “I was honest with him and said he was going to be in tough. He was a man about it and decided he should pursue junior A . . . I respect his decision.”

Hall’s junior A rights are held by the AJHL’s Canmore Eagles, however, the Kamloops product said he would prefer to play closer to home in the B.C. Hockey League.

“I’m not going to rule it (Canmore) out totally, but it’s definitely not in my top three,” Hall told the Daily News, adding a return to the Vipers would be at the top of his list.

The Vipers already have four returning 20-year-olds from last year’s national championship squad – defencemen Stevie Weinstein and Adam Thompson, and forwards Dave Robinson and Bryce Kakoske – leaving just two 20-year-old roster spots.

While Vipers’ GM/head coach Mark Ferner didn’t rule out the possibility of bringing Hall back to Vernon, he added there are other 1990-born players available that wouldn’t require him to make a trade.

“We don’t own his rights, so it’s out of our hands right now,” said Ferner. “We don’t know what they plan on doing with him.”

Hall, who fled the Vipers for the Blazers midway through the 2006-07 season, played 164 regular-season games with Kamloops, totaling 25 points, including 11 goals, and 139 penalty minutes.

Meanwhile, the Vipers open training camp Wednesday, Aug. 25. Their pre-season schedule includes a pair of games against the Trail Smoke Eaters in Chase on Friday, Aug. 27 and Saturday, Aug. 28.

The Snakes wrap up their exhibition schedule with a home-and-home series against the Salmon Arm SilverBacks, staring Friday, Sept. 3 at Wesbild Centre. They visit the Gorillas Saturday, Sept. 4 at Sunwave Centre.

Vernon opens the regular season by hosting the ‘Backs Saturday, Sept. 10 at Wesbild.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Nationals Reinstate Former Vernon Viper Morgan From Disabled List:

This is posted on the Nationals website:

08/19/2010

Nationals Reinstate Nyjer Morgan From Disabled List:

The Washington Nationals today placed outfielder Josh Willingham on the 15-Day Disabled List, retroactive to Aug. 16, with a left knee medial meniscus tear and returned from rehab and reinstated outfielder Nyjer Morgan from the 15-Day Disabled List. Nationals Senior Vice President & General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Morgan, 30, rejoins the Nationals after a two-game rehab stint with Single-A Potomac (0-for-3) and Single-A Hagerstown (0-for-3, walk). Morgan is batting .261 (103-for-394) with 12 doubles, six triples, 20 RBI and 29 stolen bases in 103 games with Washington this season. A .288 (326-for-1130) career hitter, Morgan has posted a .348 on-base percentage and swiped 87 bases during his 309-game big league career, which spans four seasons.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Former Vernon Viper Forward Hall Won't Return To Blazers:

This is posted on Gregg Drinnans Blog:

Hall won't return to Blazers

By GREGG DRINNAN

Daily News Sports Editor

After a conversation with general manager Craig Bonner, veteran forward Mark Hall has decided not to attend the Kamloops Blazers’ training camp, which opens with rookie registration on Aug. 26.
“We had a good chat and I expressed where he was at,” Bonner said Tuesday. “I was honest with him and said he was going to be in tough. He was a man about it and decided he should pursue junior A . . . I respect his decision.”
Hall’s junior A rights are held by the AJHL’s Canmore Eagles, whose GM/head coach is former Blazers assistant coach Andrew Milne. However, Hall, who is from Kamloops, isn’t likely to play in the AJHL; it’s more likely that Milne will trade his rights to a BCHL team.
“I’m not going to rule it out totally, but it’s definitely not in my top three,” Hall said of Canmore. He added that his top three choices all are in the BCHL, with the Vernon Vipers at No. 1. Hall joined the Blazers midway through 2006-07 after opening the season with the Vipers.
Hall went on to play 164 regular-season games with the Blazers, totaling 25 points, including 11 goals, and 139 penalty minutes. He missed all of 2008-09 with a knee injury suffered just prior to the opening of training camp.
Last season, Hall scored five goals, with four of them coming in a late-season burst when he put together a four-game goal-scoring streak.
“That was fun,” he said of those four games. “But I think my highlight, for the most part, was all the different people that I met and the experience.”
Hall’s departure leaves forward Ryan Hanes, 18, as the only Kamloops native on the Blazers’ roster.
“It was awesome,” Hall said of playing for his hometown team. “I’ve nothing bad to say about anything here. It was awesome. The organization was the best. It was four of the best years of my life.”

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Former Vipers Gill & Noonan Welcomed To Boston University:




This is posted on the Boston University website:

Men's Ice Hockey Set to Welcome Eight-Member Class of 2014

Five forwards, three defensemen to join 2010-11 roster

BOSTON - The Boston University men's ice hockey program will welcome eight freshmen to its roster for the 2010-11 season, head coach Jack Parker announced today. Forwards Yasin Cisse (Westmount, Que.), Charlie Coyle (East Weymouth, Mass.), Sahir Gill (Terrace, B.C.), Matt Nieto (Long Beach, Calif.) and Matt Ronan (Woburn, Mass.) will join defensemen Adam Clendening (Wheatfield, N.Y.), Patrick MacGregor (Hamden, Conn.) and Garrett Noonan (Norfolk, Mass.) to make up this year's class.

Two of the incoming freshmen were selected in last month's NHL Entry Draft. Coyle became the 10th Terrier to be drafted in the first round when San Jose picked him 28th overall and Cisse was taken by the Florida Panthers with the final pick of the fifth round (150th overall). Clendening and Nieto, who joined Coyle at the U.S. Junior National Team Development Camp earlier this month, were two of the top scorers for the U18 program that has won each of the last two World U18 Championships and both are among the group of 33 top 2011 Draft-eligible prospects that will be attending the NHL Research, Development and Orientation Camp this week (Aug. 18-19) in Toronto.

Gill and Noonan helped the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL claim their second consecutive RBC Cup this past spring, MacGregor was a key member of the Avon Old Farms team that won the 2010 New England prep title and Ronan will become the third member of his family to play for the Terriers, joining his brother, Dan, and his cousin, Ed.

"We're obviously very pleased with the incoming freshman class," said Parker. "It's a big class - both figuratively and literally - and we filled a lot of shoes with a good balance of forwards and defensemen. It's a young class, too, with a lot of 18-year-olds that are projected to be real good players."

Sahir Gill -- F • 5-10 • 180 • Terrace, B.C. • Vernon Vipers (BCHL)

Helped Vernon claim back-to-back RBC Cup titles in 2009 and 2010 ... Totaled 51 points (21g, 30a) over 71 games in his two seasons with Vernon ... Tallied seven points (3g, 4a) in the 2010 RBC tournament ... Played in 26 contests with the USHL's Chicago Steel at the beginning of the 2009-10 season and averaged a point per game (8g, 18a) before returning to Vernon ... Teammate of current Terrier Ryan Santana with Vernon in 2008-09 ... Played midget hockey for the Okanagan Hockey Academy and posted a 43-56-99 line in 58 games.

Parker on Gill: "Sahir's a very clever player who can play both center and left wing. He makes the people around him much more productive, but he can score on his own as well. It's possible that he could center an all-freshman line this year."

Garrett Noonan -- D • 6-1 • 205 • Norfolk, Mass. • Vernon Vipers (BCHL)

Tallied 27 points (6g, 21a) last season with the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL to help them capture their second consecutive RBC Cup title ... Former standout and co-captain at Catholic Memorial High School, where he posted 34 points (12g, 22a) in 30 contests during the 2008-09 season ... Was named the co-MVP of the Catholic Conference in 2009 after helping Catholic Memorial win the Massachusetts Super 8 Championship ... 2009 Boston Globe All-Scholastic honoree.

Parker on Noonan: "Garrett's a Brian Strait, stay-at-home type of defenseman with a great sense of how to defend and how to get the puck out of the zone. He can also make some plays on the offensive side of the blue line."

For the entire write up, click on the link below

http://www.goterriers.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/081710aac.html

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Former Viper Perkins Gets Tryout With Odense:

This is posted on Brian Wiebe's Merritt Centennials Blog:

D Sean Perkins is trying out with Odense Bulldogs (Denmark Oddset Ligaen). Perkins played just one season in Vernon back in 2006-07. Perkins is from Commerce, Michigan and spent the 2009-10 season with Missouri Mavericks (CHL), Allen Americans (CHL) and Edinburgh Capitals (United Kingdom EIHL). He had two goals and seven assists in 25 games with Missouri, two goals and one assist in seven games with Allen, and four goals and three assists in 16 games with Edinburgh.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Vernon Vipers 2009 Royal Bank Cup Championship Rings:

I found a picture of last years Vernon Vipers 2009 Royal Bank Cup Championship rings. I had yet to see them until coming across this picture, so I thought I would share it with you. I wonder what this years 2010 RBC Cup Rings will look like.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Former Viper Zaba Signs With Bolzano-Bozen:


This is posted on Brian Wiebe's Merritt Centennials Blog:

G Matt Zaba (Penticton/Vernon, 2001-03) signed a one-year contract with Hockey Club Bolzano-Bozen (Italy Serie A). Zaba played just one season in Vernon back in 2002-03. Zaba played 24 games last season with Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL), sporting a record of 6-12-2 with a 3.15 GAA and a .899 save percentage. He also played three games with Charlotte Checkers (ECHL) with a 2-1-0 record, a 3.58 GAA and a .884 save percentage. Zaba played one game with New York Rangers (NHL), coming on in relief of Henrik Lundqvist. His NHL record is 0-0-0 with a 3.56 GAA and a .875 save percentage.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Former Vernon Laker Metropolit Has No Regrets:

This was in the Montreal Gazette Newspaper:

Montreal Canadiens' Metropolit has no regrets

Gritty centre will carry fond memories of Montreal with him to Switzerland

By DAVE STUBBS, The Gazette August 5, 2010

MONTREAL - "No more chipping the puck in when I get to centre ice," departing Canadien Glen Metropolit was saying through his laughter. "I can actually carry it and make a play!"

The popular, well-travelled centre-man is setting sail again, last week having signed a two-year contract with EV Zug in Switzerland's 12-team National A League.

It's a return to that tiny country, in fact. Metropolit earned league MVP honours for winning the scoring title while leading HC Lugano to the 2005-06 championship, arriving there from two seasons with Jokerit Helsinki.

"It's a great opportunity for me and my family," he said this week, preparing to drive with his wife, Michlyn, and three young children to near Atlanta, from where he'll fly next week to Switzerland.

"It came to the point that I could stick around and probably get a one-year deal here, but what for? ... I'm leaving the NHL as a Montreal Canadien. What more can I say? I've been blessed with all the teams I've played for and all the people I've met."

Swiss-league salaries are not disclosed, but figure that Metropolit will do better with Zug, tax-free and with many perks, than he did with the Canadiens, Quebec taxes having gutted his $1-million contract of last season.

Good luck finding anyone in hockey who'll say a bad word about the lion-hearted Metropolit, 36, who has played 407 regular-season games for seven NHL teams since he arrived in the league with Washington in 1999-2000 as an undrafted free agent.

He's the consummate pro -a keep-things-loose, forever buoyant sparkplug who will skate through the boards if that's his role. And he can be productive, given some ice -his 10 power-play goals last season tied for the team lead with Brian Gionta; his 16 goals overall were an NHL career high.

"I feel like I've won the lottery," he said with typical glee after practice one day last season, refusing to grouse about having just been busted from the first line to the fourth.

You saw Metro's joy in the hours before the Dec. 4 centennial game, chasing Canadiens legends around the Bell Centre like a boy to collect their autographs, and at a full-house open practice in the fall when he brought the arena roof down, vaporizing four targets with as many pucks to win a precision-shooting contest.

He worked furiously to recover from a late-season shoulder injury to return for the playoffs -"I probably rushed it back, but you want to be part of the war with the guys," he said -yet he was given little duty, used more than 10 minutes only once in his 16 postseason games, seven times for less than six minutes.

Metropolit understands the cap-tight Canadiens' decision to cut him adrift this summer, even if he calls it "pretty frustrating" that general manager Pierre Gauthier told him before July 1 that he'd not be offered a new contract.

"It seems like teams forget about the intangibles you need to have a good club," he said. "I think a lot of GMs don't have the pulse of the dressing room. I see that as an important thing.

"But I see what they're thinking, too. This is a business. They have young kids in the system, they can give them the minutes and groom them."

The February acquisition of the now-departed Dominic Moore cut deeply into Metro's ice time, though picking up Moore "gave our team a much better look that helped us," he said.

"But it got to the point where I was thinking: 'Am I on the power play now? Should I just hop on the ice?' It didn't really know what was going on, (coaches) didn't talk to me about it and I didn't want to ruffle feathers. I just wanted to do my part if I was called on."

Metropolit's agent, Larry Kelly, suggested to him this summer that he might have to wait awhile for a contract offer, teams wringing every penny out of a dollar.

"I finally thought: 'Why am I hanging around? Why am I doing this?' " Metropolit said. "When I was in the minors, I only wanted to play in the NHL. But at my age and the minutes I finally was playing last season, it wasn't fair to the team or myself."

He had often crossed paths in the minors and in roller-hockey with Doug Shedden, now head coach of EV Zug. The team includes a familiar face in Paul DiPietro, a former Canadien, and equally appealing was Zug's third-place finish last season, just four points out of first.

"Hopefully," he said, "I can add a different dimension

and win a Swiss championship again. I can go over there, play 20 minutes a night, not worry about being traded and enjoy hockey."

The change of scenery is nothing new for Michlyn, who has packed and moved the couple and a growing family an estimated 60 times around the minors, NHL and Europe since she met Metropolit in Florida in 1996.

Last month, she told her husband "you deserve better" than to warm an NHL bench. They considered the Swiss experience for children Alivia, 8, Max, 6, and Esther, almost 4, and the excellent education system. Already, the kids are studying photos, eager to begin skiing and tobogganing.

It's another huge change, in culture and address, for a family that knows little else. Metropolit views it all philosophically and, of course, with contagious enthusiasm.

"I had a great year and I feel

good leaving the NHL as I am," he said. "It's not my fault I'm not playing in the league any more, I got squeezed out a bit.

"I wish everybody could experience being a Canadien. It's something special, that's for sure, and I've been all over the place."

Metro's family will join him in Switzerland mid-month, the 50-game season starting on Sept. 10. He'd have gathered the clan for a going-away photo if the kids weren't in camp and their lives weren't now in boxes.

"I was thinking about waiting around to see what kind of deal I could get here," he said. "But school starts late August so we decided: 'Let's just do it. Let's enjoy it.'

"I'll be home every night. We're a short flight from Greece, a short drive to Austria. This'll be great for the kids. And I can kind of kick back a bit, enjoy life, not be so stressed out that I'll bring the game home. I'll be playing a lot and if I do, I'll produce."

Metropolit leaves Montreal with not a single regret, his 110 games with the Canadiens more than he played with any other NHL club.

"It's a good team, with a good group of guys," he said. "I'm kind of sad not being a part of it, but I'm also old enough to know that leaving is part of the game."

He has sent text messages to his now former teammates, wishing them well. And the motto of his life was something he thought was worth sharing with them all:

"Things don't just happen," Metro suggested. "You have to make them happen."