Vipers Sign Shaw:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers sign Shaw

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: July 15, 2011

Good thing Vernon Vipers’ head coach Jason Williamson doesn’t hold a grudge.

Among the pile of applications for the vacant assistant coaching job with the Snakes this season was one from Chris Shaw, who Williamson knows all too well from his days as a hard-nosed forward and captain of the Vipers in the B.C. Hockey League.

“We’re the same age (30) so we played in the league together and we actually fought once,” recalled Williamson, as he discussed Shaw’s appointment to the assistant’s position Tuesday afternoon.

The duo were recruited by the NCAA Division 1 Niagara Purple Eagles in their 20-year-old BCHL seasons, and have since become good friends. Williamson stayed in Niagara to secure a business degree, while Shaw, who was coach/GM of the KIJHL Nelson Leafs last season, went on to play six seasons of minor pro across North America in the ECHL, CHL and UHL.

Much like the relationship he and former Viper head coach Mark Ferner developed over the last four seasons, Williamson says he shares a similar mind-set with Shaw.

“You have to trust someone who works with you and Chris and I already have a good relationship,” said Williamson.

Regarding their junior tilt, Shaw grinned: “I was a defencman with the Burnaby Bulldogs and he was a forward for the Vipers. We were both similar players, played similar roles, both captains of our team.

“We share very similar philosophies, we played the game the same way and we know what it’s like being players recently.”

Shaw, a White Rock native, says he likely wouldn’t have considered an assistant coaching job in the BCHL, but when he learned of the vacancy in Vernon, combined with Williamson’s promotion to head coach, it was a “no-brainer.”

“I couldn’t be more excited. Ever since I started coaching I’ve always wanted to progress and move to the best possible spot.”

Shaw, who has previous coaching experience with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, KIJHL Penticton Lakers and the Okanagan Hockey Academy, piloted the Leafs to a 25-22-0-3 record in 20010-11. Nelson pushed the Beaver Valley Nitehawks to Game 7, falling in the first round of the KIJHL playoffs.