Vipers Ink Veteran Eviston From Portland:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers ink veteran Eviston from Portland

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: August 03, 2012

The Vernon Vipers are keeping up with the B.C. Hockey League arms race with the signing of WHL forward Pearce Eviston and defensive prospect Kevin Guiltinan of London, Ont.

Vernon Vipers’ head coach/GM Jason Williamson announced the commitments Thursday.

Eviston, a 6-foot, 190-pounder, was hampered by injuries last season with the Portland Winterhawks, managing just one goal and 34 penalty minutes in 18 games. He split the previous season between the Hawks and BCHL Victoria Grizzlies, where he posted 58 points in just 44 games.

Williamson is confident Eviston, who turns 20 in November, can rediscover his scoring touch with the Vipers, who tried to trade for him two years ago.

“He did have a nagging injury and could just never seem to get quite healthy,” he said. “When he was healthy, he was a pretty good player for them.

“We know a lot about him from when he played in our league. He’s a kid that will be able to step in and add scoring and some good size. It might take him a little bit, but he’ll find a way to get his game back for sure.”

Guiltinan, 17, who played last year with The Hill Academy prep team out of Vaughan, Ont., came to Vipers’ spring camp and made an impression with his physical style.

“Kevin’s a big, physical d-man that wants to go the NCAA route,” said Williamson. “He’s a kid that’s gonna keep the other team honest, and he’s got some pretty good skills too.”

Meanwhile, Viper grad Sean Robertson, a defenceman who joined the club at the BCHL trade deadline from Victoria last season, has signed with the Merrimack Warriors for the coming season.

Robertson, a Cobble Hill product, posted four assists in 31 games after joining Vernon. He will join former Vipers Kyle Bigos and Mike Collins on Massachusetts-based Merrimack, battling in the Hockey East Conference.

As part of the deal that brought Robertson to Vernon, the Vipers have sent Turner Lawson to Victoria as future considerations (the Grizzlies also acquired the rights to Zach McPhee in the deal).

Lawson played both forward and defence last season, recording a goal and three helpers in 50 games. He also brought a much-needed physical element to the Vipers, entertaining fans with several spirited scraps.