The Vernon Vipers I think made a good move this past week by picking up 18 yr old defenceman Spencer Morse who was let go by the WHL Red Deer Rebels. After trading second year defenceman Bryce Eviston to Coquitlam for future considerations just before the start of the BCHL regular season, you knew Vernon would be looking for a 7th d-man.
I wasnt surprised to see Eviston delt. I thought for a rookie last season he struggled at times but also improved in areas but I really watched him during Training camp and the exhibition schedule and he was by far the Vipers weakest player. I was just surprised they didnt deal him before Camp was over and keep one of them other defenceman before making all there final cuts and then making the trade with only six defencemen.
Morse is joining his third team in less then a month. The Moose Jaw Warriors recently traded Morse to Red Deer for a conditional 10th round draft pick in late August.
Here is that story,
http://www.mjtimes.sk.ca/Sports/Hockey/2013-08-21/article-3358374/Warriors-trade-Morse-for-draft-pick/1
Morse is by far a big kid that was hard to get a good read on in this weekends home and home series vs Salmon Arm. Im sure he just arrived in town on Friday before getting into the lineup on short notice, not knowing any of the players, systems etc. He struggled at times in Salmon Arm Friday night but played much better Saturday night. I thought he would use his size a little more and be a little more physical. Maybe once he settles in and feels comfortable we will get a better read on him.
I really like his size and knowing hes only 18 yrs old. My biggest question is and all BCHL fans have seen it before, these ex WHLers come into this league thinking there going to a lower league thats almost a slap in the face to them, they think there the greatest player and act like the top dog. Alot of these ex WHLers come down to Jr A with a big attitude. Lets hope Morse is level headed and wants to be here and play here. My second concern is how many times have we seen the Vipers aquire a WHLer that was recently cut but only to lose him after another WHL team comes along picking him up. Last season the Vipers picked up 20 yr old Cody Fowlie who was released by the Everett Silvertips, after just three games the Kelowna Rockets scooped him up from the Vipers. Many years ago the Vipers had picked up defenceman Stewart Thiesen from the WHL, but later on lost him after the Rockets picked him up. The Vipers also lost a few other WHLers who left Vernon for the WHL (Brad Priestley & Mark Hall) to name a few.
Spencer Morse's Player Profile:
http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=62200
Spencer Morse vs Tanner LeSann
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx3RkVlJRks
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