Gordon patrols Clan crease
By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star
Published: June 24, 2011
Graeme Gordon thought his days of playing competitive hockey were all but over.
After enduring a lukewarm season playing marginal minutes with the UBC Thunderbirds, the former Vernon Viper netminder thought he might be relegated to rec league status.
That’s when he rekindled a dialogue with Jeff Dubois, general manager of the Simon Fraser University Clan men’s team, and secured himself a scholarship for the coming season.
“I just went and found a better situation. Less bridges to travel over to get to school too,” grinned Gordon.
The 22-year-old North Vancouver product will play in the B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League, a step below Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) where the T-Birds play, but he’s fine with that.
“It’s part of who I am and I can’t imagine not playing it, so it’s nice to be able to keep playing and have some fun.”
Last season, the Clan finished second in the seven-team BCIHL at 18-4-2, and then won the playoff championship by grounding the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack 5-2 in the final game.
“It’s not as deep, but most teams’ top two lines are pretty good junior A players. It should be some decent hockey,” said Gordon, who is working construction in the offseason.
Playing with the Clan, Gordon says he will be reunited with several teammates from his Midget days. There are also a few former BCHL grads on the roster, including Mitch Labreche (Victoria Grizzlies/Powell River Kings), Christopher Hoe (Salmon Arm SilverBacks), Taylor Swaffield (Trail Smoke Eaters) and Mike Krgovich (Coquitlam Express).
Gordon will likely start behind fourth-year tender Justin Mulholland, a Coquitlam native who played with the Surrey Eagles in 2007-08. He faced a similar situation when he came to the Vipers in 2008-09 with Andrew Hammond already established as the No. 1.
After paying his dues that season, Gordon settled into the starter role and backstopped Vernon to its second straight Royal Bank Cup title.
“Jeff said I’d have an opportunity to battle for the starter position,” said Gordon, of the coming season.
Gordon spent three seasons in the BCHL, compiling a 60-35-2 record with the Snakes, Merritt Centennials and Salmon Arm. In his final campaign, he went 30-7 with a 2.06 goals against average and .911 save percentage before recording another 19 playoff wins.
“It’s exciting to be able to add a player of Graeme’s calibre and experience,” said Dubois. “He brings a winning background and has played in lots of big games and high-pressure situations. We’re looking forward to him filling a large role at SFU over the next number of seasons.”
Like many Viper alumni, Gordon continues to follow the team’s success, including this year’s remarkable run to the RBC in Camrose.
“My girlfriend actually cried when they lost in the final game (against the Pembroke Lumber Kings),” he said.
Gordon also credits the organization for giving him a better outlook on life.
“It was amazing; it’s not just the hockey, it’s the people. Ferns (Mark Ferner, head coach), Willy (Jason Williamson, assistant) and Duncan (Wray, owner) don’t just teach you how to be a better hockey player, they make you a better person.
“It’s the best thing that could have happened.”
Gordon will study communications at SFU, and then plans to transfer into BCIT’s Broadcast and Media Communications program once he has attained his degree.
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