I was a little shocked to read that the Vipers traded rookie defenceman Kevin Guiltinan last week (Thursday). He wasnt playing alot but for a 17 yr old rookie d-man I thought he was doing pretty good and added that team toughness to the Vipers lineup. Kevin wasnt afraid to drop the gloves, stir it up, or get in the face of any player. Kevin was a very tough 17 yr old and took alot of penalties. I guess I was shocked when I heard about the trade Thursday evening because Guiltinan was one of the Vipers big recruits over the summer. I read an article on the internet somewhere after they signed him, his hometown London Knights were all over him to come and play defence in the OHL but he was very serious about taking the NCAA route. Before the pre-season even started I read that Kevin got his scholarship to Harvard so I knew he was only going to be with the Vipers for this year. Kevin's toughness and steady play on the blueline will be missed thats for sure but I think in the end the Vipers get the better of this deal with Liam Board a 19 yr old who will be returning next season as a 20 yr old. I wish Kevin all the best in Prince George.
I didnt really know much about Liam Board previous to the trade. The Spruce Kings have already played their one and only game here in Vernon this season and I dont remember Liam from that game. Board comes to the Vipers as a skilled forward who can put the puck in the net. Board had (5-9-14) in twenty three games with the Spruce Kings this season and collected (17-18-35) last year with the OJHL Oakville Blades. Board was drafted 144th overall in the 8th round by the OHL Oshawa Generals. I also read he won a Gold Medal in 2011 with the Appleby Mens College hockey team. I watched Board make his Vipers debut in Penticton Friday and again last night here in Vernon and was impressed with his play and game Friday night. Last night Board picked up two penalties and wasnt very noticable. Friday night the Vipers 4th line of Board, Michael Roberts and Brendan Persley was the teams best line and looked very strong. In Friday's game Board went hard to the net and reads and sees the ice well. Wasnt afraid to go into the corners and dig out the puck. Now fifth in scoring on the Vipers roster I think once he gets to know his linemates a little better and feels comfortable with the Vipers Board will be a great addition to the team.
Here is a writeup I read on the Prince George Spruce Kings Blog on Liam Board,
http://sprucekingscrusader.blogspot.ca/2012/07/getting-to-know-liam-board.html
Here is another article on Board who scored the the winning goal in the third overtime to win the high school tournament back in 2010
http://www.thestar.com/sports/highschool/article/752019--appleby-captures-a-real-thriller
With the BCHL Card Deadline this Friday it will be interesting to see if the Vipers are done making trades. After last night's loss the Vipers drop back to below 500 and are tied for 4th with Salmon Arm. Vernon is third from the bottom in the entire BCHL so you have to wonder if this is the team Jason Williamson wants to go with to try and make a run for the playoffs or does he want to try and make his club better to try and make a run for 2nd or 3rd place in the Interior and compete come playoff time? I like the Vipers defence & goaltending situation but I personally think the Vipers are lacking in scoring and have one too many 3rd and 4th line grinders. Yes these kids all work hard but they arnt putting up the points or contributing in the scoring much.
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