Volpatti backing Vernon cup bid
By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star
Published: January 27, 2012
Aaron Volpatti’s return to Wesbild Centre tonight will be bittersweet for the Vancouver Canucks’ rookie left winger.
In the midst of a lengthy recovery from shoulder surgery, the former Viper is making the most of an unfortunate situation by throwing his name behind the team’s bid to host the 2014 Royal Bank Cup national Junior A hockey tournament.
The 26-year-old Volpatti, who is back in Vernon to rehab the injury, will drop the puck as the Snakes (19-19-1-2) entertain the Westside Warriors (16-21-2-5) in a B.C. Hockey League tilt. He will also be signing autographs and greeting fans in the first, and part of the second, intermission.
Volpatti, a punishing power forward who amassed 37 points and 279 penalty minutes in 135 career BCHL games (between 2003-06), all with Vernon, says it will be strange to revisit his old Junior A home.
“It’s definitely a surreal feeling. It doesn’t seem like that long ago that I was playing there, but it has been; it’s been six or seven years.”
People who have signed up to support Vernon’s bid for the RBC Cup have had their names entered into a draw to win a signed Volpatti Canucks jersey, which the gritty forward will present in the second intermission. People can still sign up (and be entered for the draw) at tonight’s game.
Anyone who wants to help bring the RBC Cup to Vernon can also contribute at Chris Collard’s Sun Life office, at 209-2411 Highway 6, just behind the Tim Hortons location.
Donors can also contribute (and be eligible to win Volpatti’s jersey, a Vipers signed jersey, or Viper season tickets) online at https://www.registrationlogic.com/secure/Register.aspx?ID=146
Todd Miller, Vernon’s assistant GM and radio play by play announcer, had originally approached Volpatti asking him to donate a signed jersey to promote the cup bid. When an MRI in early December revealed a torn labrum that required surgery, followed by a four-to-six month recovery period, Volpatti agreed to be there in person to present it.
“It just happened that I was back in Vernon for a while to rehab. Now they’re trying to make a night out of it, so it’s nice,” said the Revelstoke product.
“It’s kinda tough to be here, but at the same time, I left to do some rehab because you’d drive yourself crazy being at the rink (Rogers Arena in Vancouver) every day, and being in the way of the guys that are playing.”
Volpatti, who signed with the Canucks as a free agent out of Brown University in March 2010, has always maintained an interest in the Vipers, and even attended a game between Vernon and the Eagles at South Surrey Arena earlier in the season. The visit stirred up some emotions for the hard-hitting winger, whose team fell to the Eagles in the 2005 Fred Page Cup final.
“Surrey’s kind of a special place. We lost there in the finals, so it brings back memories, both bad and good,” he said.
Volpatti said the Vipers were blessed with talent that year, playing with the likes of Mike Santorelli (Florida Panthers), Mark Nelson, Dean Strong and Matt Watkins.
“We only had nine losses all year, so we were definitely the favourites, but Surrey was the favourite in that division.”
Volpatti hopes to begin skating again sometime in March, but isn’t about to rush his return.
“It’s not something you can rush back from for precautionary reasons. Come March I’m going to feel close to 100 per cent, but I might not be,” he said.
In 38 games with Vancouver, Volpatti has two goals and an assist to go along with 53 penalty minutes. After a strong main camp, he was just starting to carve out an identity as a reliable energy player.
“Obviously, it’s frustrating. It was bad timing because I was just trying to get my feet under me,” he said.
Shortly after the injury was revealed, Vancouver head coach Alain Vignault told Canadian Press: “He was a real disappointed young man. He was finding his rhythm in this league and on our team. (He) was well appreciated in his role by his teammates and his coaches.”
SNAKE BITES: Following tonight’s game, the Vipers will jump on the bus for two weekend games against the Prince George Spruce Kings (21-17-2-3)...Former Viper and Vernon minor hockey product Trent Dorais, now captain of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, has committed to the SAIT Trojans of Calgary...Wade Murphy collected the hat trick as the league-leading Penticton Vees pummelled the host Merritt Centennials 9-0 Wednesday night at Nicola Valley Arena. The Vees (38-3-0-2) have posted 26 straight wins...The Warriors helped Vernon’s playoff hopes by grounding the Chilliwack Chiefs 5-2 Wednesday at Royal LePage Place. Former Viper Marcus Basara recorded a goal and second star for Westside.
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