Last week the Vernon Vipers pulled off their first trade of the off season, aquiring 18 yr old defenceman, Luke Juha from the OJHL Burlington Cougars for future considerations. In 44 games with the Cougars last season, Juha collected (9-39-48). Not the biggest d-man but a good skater and a puck moving d-man something the Vipers need for this coming season after losing several key d-men from last years team. (Malcolm Lyles, Steve Weinstein & Adam Thompson). Juha who has two years of Junior A experience as well as playing for Team Canada East at the World Junior A Challenge last season sounds like a good defenceman. The big question is, I have seen alot of kids come here from Ontario and supose to be a big impact player or all-star player from other Jr A leagues in Ontario and were nothing more then just a kid who ended up getting traded or released early into the season. For example, look at Elliott Richardson last season. Vernon picked him up in a trade and alot of hype over the former Vipers d-man that didnt really show Viper fans much of anything and before Christmas was delt to the Quesnel Millionaires, before getting shipped to the Wellington Dukes. Let's hope Juha is a solid d-man and can bring some experience and help to the Vipers backend that will some work. Welcome to Vernon Luke, and all the best with the Vipers this coming season.
In the same week the Vipers then got a committment from 17 yr old forward, Adam Tambellini for the 2011-12 season. Tambellini who collected (29-25-54) in just 34 games last season looks to be a goal scorer, something the Vipers were missing last year. Let's see how well he will do in his first year of Juniors. By the sounds of things Adam may be a kid the Vipers can count on for some big goals this season. The Vipers are losing alot of their scoring-leaders from last years club (David Robinson, Bryce Kakoske & Dylan Walchuk) so Tambellini may be leaned on to chip in the goal department in just his rookie season. Coming from a hockey family, you know Adam has all the knowlege about the game of hockey. Welcome to Vernon Adam and all the best this coming season with the Vipers.
Here's a look at what the Vipers 2011-12 roster may look like with last years possible returning players and the new recruits that have committed for this coming season.
Forwards:
Marcus Basara
Aaron Hadley
Adam Tambellini
John Knisley
Patrick McGillis
Zach McPhee
Dane Muench
Darren Nowick
Colton Sparrow
Mike Zalewski
Defence:
Luke Juha
Marc Hetnik
Brett Corkey
Max Mowat
Phillip Patenaude
Geoff Crisfield
Goaltenders:
Kirby Halcrow
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