Congrats Robbie!

Id like to take this time to congratulate former Vernon Vipers forward, Rob Short on having his jersey #20 retired Saturday night as the first player in franchise history to have his jersey retired. The Vipers held a video tribute to Rob Short before the game Saturday before having Robbie drop the puck for the opening faceoff. A very classy move by the Vipers. Short a Vernon product played four seasons (2006-2010) with the Vipers winning back to back Royal Bank Cups in 2009 & 2010. Having his jersey retired by the Vipers is a huge accomplishment and is very special for any player. Not many players in Junior hockey get the chance at having their jersey retired, especially in the BCHL. Short was and always will be a fan favorite. One of if not the fastest kid in the league played a special role on the Vipers penalty kill lighting up goaltenders with several shorthanded goals. One of the Vipers hardest workers who competed night in and night out, played a huge role in his four years in Vernon. Robbie played every shift like it was his last, full of energy, emotion and fired up for every game. Short was a role model on and off the ice, as well as a great leader on and off the ice. Short is one who knows what it takes to be a Vernon Viper and what it takes to win. Congrats Robbie and all the best in Texas! Thanks for many great memories!

Rob Short:

309 Games Played (Vipers Record)
78 Career Goals
98 Career Assists
176 Career Points
282 Career Penalty Minutes

The last Viper to wear #20 was forward-defenceman, Erik Felde (2005-06)

Let’s take a look at a few previous Vernon Vipers who have wore #20 over the past few seasons

2005-06 Erik Felde
2004-05 Jeff Fedyck
2003-04 Andy Zulyniak
2002-03 Bryan McGregor

Having Rob Short as the first ever player in franchise history to have his jersey retired will bring up lots of debate. The Vernon franchise is loaded with history, their are many great players that played in Vernon that put up some record breaking numbers, were drafted into the NHL, even played in the NHL, or played in Germany, as well as several local players just like Short that played here for their hometown team that also could be recognized. The question is are some of these players more deserving to have their jersey retired before Rob Short? Are these players worthy of having their jersey retired? & now that Shorts #20 is retired will the Vipers retire anymore previous players jerseys?

I have been following and watching the BCJHL-BCHL since I was a young child and now in my 20th straight season with season tickets. In the many years I have been following Junior hockey in Vernon I have a few former players that I think are very worthy of having their jersey retired by the team.

#27 Forward Jason Elders (1989-1991) Played two seasons with the Vernon Lakers. In his rookie season Elders put up (23-30-53) in 56 games helping the Lakers win their first National Title winning the 1990 Centennial Cup. In his second and final season Elders put up (67-49-116) in 60 games guiding the Lakers back to the Centennial Cup helping them become the first team in history to win back to back Centennial Cup Championships. That season Elders broke two Vernon franchise records for most goals in the regular season with 67 and most goals scored in the playoffs with 20 both records that Elders still holds to this day.

#9 Forward Scott Longstaff (1990-1992) Played two seasons with the Vernon Lakers. In his first season Longstaff played just 27 games putting up (15-33-48) helping the Lakers win their second straight Centennial Cup. In his second and final season Longstaff put up record breaking numbers. In 60 games Longstaff put up (54-106-160) guiding the Lakers back to the Centennial Cup for a fourth straight year. The Lakers fell short of winning three straight Championships falling 5-2 to the Winkler Flyers in the semi-finals. In 1991-92 Longstaff broke four Vernon franchise records for most assists in the regular season with 106, most points in a regular season with 160, most assists in the playoffs with 37 and most points in the playoffs with 47 Longstaff still holds all four records to this day.

And before my time Wayne Dye who holds two records. Most career goals with 156 and most career total points with 325