The first trade saw the Vipers send Vernon product and first year Viper, Trevor Fitzgerald to the Prince George Spruce Kings. Back on the BCHL trade deadline the Vipers sent forward, Todd Skirving along with future considerations to PG for d-man, Ryan Renz. Fitzgerald who played in three games as an "AP" with Vernon during the 2009-2010 season played his first full season with his hometown Vipers this past season playing in fifty eight games. In two years with the Vipers Fitzgerald collected (8-11-19). Fitzgerald played on the Vipers fourth line with Colton Sparrow and Zach McPhee most of the year on a solid fourth line checking unit that played very well together and gave the other team troubles. I really liked Trevor Fitzgerald and was expecting big things from the local kid in his second full season in Vernon this coming September. It's always sad to see a local kid go. Fitzgerald will join former Vernon Vipers forward, Todd Skirving who was part of this deal back in January. When Renz was aquired from PG he was only coming to Vernon for the remainder of the season before heading off to school, but near the end of the regular season rumors were circling the Wesbild Centre that the Vipers defenceman, may return to Vernon for a second season. I guess will have to wait and see what happens over the summer. Trevor has the ability to be a leader and character veteran on a Spruce Kings team that will need his grit, toughness and leadership to compete with the top teams in the Interior Conference. Watch for Fitzgerald to be one of the Spruce Kings top players this coming season. All the best In PG Trevor and thanks for some great memories and being a Vernon Viper.
Trevor Fitzgerald's Player Profile:
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=267279&playerID=615780
In the second trade of the day saw the Vipers send second year 20 yr old goaltender, Blake Voth to the SJHL Battlefords North Stars. Back on the BCHL trade deadline the Vipers aquired the playing rights to forward, Dane Muench for future considerations, this being Voth. Word out of Battlefords is that the North Stars are now looking at sending the former Viper goaltender to another team in the SJHL before the season starts come September. In 2009-2010 Voth 21-2 with three shutouts as well as breaking the BCHL record for the lowest goals against average with a 1.79 GAA as the Vipers backup goaltender behind veteran 20 yr old, Graeme Gordon. This past season, Voth went 25-11-3 with four shutouts and a 2.12 GAA. Voth was given the team's #1 job to start the season with 18 yr old rookie goaltender, Bryton Udy as the Vipers backup. Voth just didnt seem to have the confidence and struggled early and often as the season went on. The Vipers who outshot most teams by wide margins were losing games as Voth or Udy were unable to come up with the big save when needed. Several games through out the season Voth would allow atleast one soft goal wich seemed to deflate the hockey club. On December, 1st (BCHL card deadline) the Vipers aquired veteran 19 yr old goaltender, Kirby Halcrow from the Quesnel Millionaires as both Halcrow and Voth split the remainder of the games through out the BCHL regular season. Voth once again struggled in the BCHL playoffs before Halcrow took over as the teams #1 man between the pipes and would lead the Vipers to the RBC Cup Final. You knew that Voth's days were numbered before the upcoming season as the Vipers wernt going to go with two 20 yr old goaltenders. Im a little surprised that the Voth was the future considerations in the Dane Muench deal. Voth a #1 goaltender could have easily been used in another trade to aquire a veteran defenceman or a goal scorer but instead was delt to Battlefords for Muench who hasnt really lived up to his potential. This is a steal of a deal for the North Stars, sending a kid like Muench who wasnt even on the teams roster at the time of the trade back In January. Blake needs to regain his confidence and get his game back that he had as a rookie with the Vipers. It will be interesting to see where Blake ends up before the 2011-12 season. Id like to thank Blake for his time as a Viper and wish him all the best where ever he lands over the summer.
Blake Voth's Player Profile:
http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=267279&playerID=568041&pos=G
With now both Fitzgerald and Voth traded, the Vipers have a possible 14 players that could return for the 2011-12 season.
Patrick McGillis
Marcus Basara
Mike Zalewski
Darren Nowick
John Knisley
Aaron Hadley
Colton Sparrow
Brett Corkey
Ryan Renz
Dane Muench
Max Mowat
Zach McPhee
Phillip Patenaude
Kirby Halcrow
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