Monday, June 30, 2014

Former Vernon Laker Metropolit Joins SC Bern:

Former Vernon Lakers forward Glen Metropolit has joined SC Bern.  Schlittschuh Club Bern is a hockey team based in Bern, Switzerland. 

Metropolit spent the previous two seasons with HC Lugano.  Hockey Club Lugano is a professional hockey
club based in Lugano, Switzerland.

Metropolit finished his second season with HC Lugano playing in 40 games this past season collecting (6-goals-28-assists-34-points).  Metropolit was also Captain for Team Canada at this years Spengler Cup where he picked up (1-goal-2-assists-3-points) in four games with Canada.  

Metropolit played one season in Vernon (1994-95) with the Vernon Lakers. In 60 regular season games with the Lakers Metropolit collected (43-goals-74-assists-117-points).  Mettropolit was never drafted by played eight seasons in the NHL with seven different teams (Washington, Tampa Bay, Atlanta, St. Louis, Boston, Philadelphia & Montreal).

Glen Metropolit's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=3587

This is posted on the SC Bern website:

Glen Metropolit comes in the exchange with Mikko Lehtonen

06/02/2014

The SC Bern has obliged up to the seasonal end the Canadian Glen Metropolit who was active up to now with the HC Lugano in the exchange with Mikko Lehtonen.

The 39-year-old forward has graduated in the running season for Lugano from 40 plays and has achieved 34 Skorerpunkte (6 gates / 28 Assists). Glen Metropolit played in the season 2005/06 for the first time in Switzerland and won the championship title with the HC Lugano. After he had played afterwards again in the NHL, Glen Metropolit returned in view of the season 2010/11 in Switzerland to eV train. After two seasons in the Innerschweiz he changed once more to the HC Lugano. All together the technically excellent Playmaker has graduated from plays in the Nationwide league A 266 and has achieved 318 Skorerpunkte (97 gates / 266 Assists).

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Eagles Add Former Vipers Defenceman Smeltzer To Teams Protected List:

On June 2nd the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) announced its Protected Lists as submitted by each of its member teams. The ECHL Colorado Eagles have twenty five players listed on their protected list one of is former Vernon Vipers defenceman Isaac Smeltzer.

Colorado Eagles Protected List:

A.J. Hau, Kevin Ulanski, Riley Nelson, Kyle Kraemer, Brock Nixon, Luke Fulghum, Kyle Ostrow, Greg Gardner, Alex Hudson, Trent Daavettila, Jesse Mychan, Ray Sawada, Eric Hunter, Arthur Bidwill, Mark Nemec, Isaac Smeltzer, Daniel Johnston, Jesse Forsberg, Jason Beatty, Braden Birch, Kevin Young, Paul Phillips, Dustin Butler, Eric Williams & Marc Cheverie

Smeltzer finished his third season with the Eagles.  In 40 games this past year with Colorado Smeltzer collected (1-goal-4-assists-5-points). Smeltzer signed a amateur tryout contract with the Eagles on March.14th 2012 after completing his fourth season at Brock University before re-signing with Colorado on July 30th 2013.   Smeltzer played his first three and a half seasons in the BCHL with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs before being traded to Vernon in his final season of Junior hockey (2007-2008). Alberni Valley traded Smeltzer to Vernon on November, 29th 2007 for forward Evan Witt and defenceman Eliot Raibl. Smeltzer collected (6-goals-17-assists-23-points) in 29 regular season games with the Vipers.

Isaac Smeltzer's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=80371

This is posted on the Eagles website:

Colorado Eagles Announce Protected Player List

June 2nd

WINDSOR, CO– The ECHL and the Colorado Eagles announced, on Monday, the following players to the Eagles Protected Player List:

Forwards: A.J. Hau, Kevin Ulanski, Riley Nelson, Kyle Kraemer, Brock Nixon, Luke Fulghum, Kyle Ostrow, Greg Gardner, Alex Hudson, Trent Daavettila, Jesse Mychan, Ray Sawada, Eric Hunter

Defenseman: Arthur Bidwill, Mark Nemec, Isaac Smeltzer, Daniel Johnston, Jesse Forsberg, Jason Beatty, Braden Birch, Kevin Young, Paul Phillips

Goaltenders: Dustin Butler, Eric Williams, Marc Cheverie

Teams are allowed to protect as many players as they wish provided the players protected meet the guidelines as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association which state that teams shall retain the rights to each player that:

1. Signed an SPC in 2013-14 with the Member, and has not been traded or released, OR

2. Signed an SPC in 2013-14, and was recalled to the NHL/AHL or IIHF team, and has not been traded or released, OR

3. Had received a Qualifying Offer last summer for the current Season, DID NOT sign an SPC, and has not been traded or released, OR

4. Has been suspended by the Member or League, and has not been traded or released, OR

5. Signed an SPC on or after the first day of the 2013-14 Regular Season, then subsequently signed an NHL/AHL contract, and has not been traded or released, OR

6. Has executed the ECHL Retirement Form, and has not been traded or released.

Protected lists may exceed 20 players.

The ECHL also announced that teams must complete all Future Consideration trades by 3 p.m. ET on June 13 and that teams must submit their Season-Ending Roster by 3 p.m. ET on June 15.

Season-ending rosters may include up to 20 players and cannot include any players who did not sign an ECHL contract in 2013-14.

The Colorado Eagles are now taking deposits for 2014-15 season tickets. Get the best seats for the best price with Colorado Eagles Season Tickets. Experience the tradition of Eagles Hockey and secure your seat to every Colorado Eagles home game by placing a $50 per seat deposit today! Call 970-686-SHOT for more details.

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Oilers Draft Former Vipers Forward Coughlin:

This is posted on the Oilers website:

BLOG: Oilers select Liam Coughlin

Saturday, 28.06.2014

By Chris Wescott - edmontonoilers.com / Inside the Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers have selected 6-foot-2, 190-pound forward Liam Coughlin with the 130th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft.

Coughlin played 53 games for the Vernon Vipers in the BCHL this season, recording 45 points (18-27-45) and 70 penalty minutes.

The South Boston native is committed to Boston University. He scored 51 points (27-24-51) at Catholic Memorial High School in the 2012-13 season.

Liam Coughlin's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=248303

This is in today's Edmonton Journal Newspaper:

Edmonton Oilers choose centre Liam Coughlin from BCHL at #130

June 28, 2014

The Edmonton Oilers picked another draft and follow at #130 on Saturday, picking 6’3 centre Liam Coughlin. A native of South Boston, Coughlin will play with Boston University Terriers this fall. He played with Vernon Vipers of the BCHL this past season, where he scored 18-27-45 to finish a distant third in team scoring. Listed as 6’3, 201-pound pivot led the team in penalty minutes with 70.

With a Sept 19/94 birthday, Coughlin is in his second year of eligibility, and at the very mature end of that group with a Sept 19 (1994) birthday.

According to ESPN Boston:

Former Catholic Memorial hockey standout Liam Coughlin has committed to Boston University, after de-committing from UMass-Amherst, he tells ESPN Boston. He will sign his National Letter of Intent and join the Terriers for the 2014-15 season.

The South Boston native and ESPN Boston All-State First-Team center in 2013 is currently playing with the Vernon Vipers of the British Columbia Hockey League.

In other words, he’ll be a 20-year-old freshman in 2014-15, and should be considered years away from even being a factor.

Capitals Sign Former Vernon Viper Forward Beech:

The Erste Bank Hockey League (EBHL) Vienna Capitals have
signed former Vernon Vipers forward Kris Beech. 

Beech started the 2013-14 season with the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) Straubing Tigers before joining the Capitals in February.  The Capitals are from Vienna, Austria.  In 36 games this season with the Tigers Beech recorded (8-goals-16-assists-24-points) is now joining his seventh team in the last six years.

Beech played last season with AIK Stalkholm & HC Pardubice. Beech was in his first season with HC Pardubice a professional hockey team in Czech Extraliga before leaving the team in November (2012) before signing with AIK Stalkholm. In 21 games with HC Pardubice Beech recorded (2-goals-6-assists-8-points). Beech played just 23 games with AIK Stalkholm a team based in Stockholm, Sweden. The team decided not to re-sign Beech who recorded (3-goals-2-assists-5-points) in 23 games.

Beech played parts of just one season in Vernon during the 1996-1997 season with the Vipers before leaving the team during the season for the WHL Calgary Hitmen. Beech was drafted by the Washington Capitals In Round 1 #7 overall at the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.  Beech played with five different NHL clubs (Washington, Pittsburgh, Nashville, Columbus & Vancouver).

Kristopher Beech's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=8429

This is posted on the Capitals website:

Caps travel to Villach, Kris beech new center

27.02.2014

While the UPC Vienna Capitals increased in the course of the part in Bolzano continuously and created numerous chances of the determining third hit, the Person responsible for Caps rotated in the background in the obligation of a new player – with Kris Beech a NHL-experienced centre bumps to the team.

„ If we are able to create so many chances like yesterday with continuation of the part, then we are on the right way “, Headcoach Tommy Samuelsson in spite of the third defeat en suite positive aspects lifted before. Since: After the restrained first 25 play minutes the UPC Vienna Capitals came in South Tirol obviously to the ways, dominated her opponent in the third segment and in the Overtime. „ Then, unfortunately, there we lack nowadays the assurance, but this comes again “, analyzed Tommy Samuelsson immediately after playing. While the Powerplay play does not function furthermore, the penalty kick Killing again comes to that top form which still distinguished it also in the basic passageway. In the ice wave in Bolzano a total of 100 seconds were got over in double numerical unternumber regardless of, also Weakly Zaba showed a strong achievement.

Kris Beech new centre with the UPC Vienna Capitals

Additional assurance should lend a new obligation to the team – only yesterday, one day before the transfer deadline, all details were cleared: With 33-year-old Canadian Beech there comes a NHL-experienced player, he graduated from a total of 198 plays in the best league of the world and answered there for substantial 67 points. Hence, the club name "Capitals" is also not foreign to the centre born in Salmon Arm, he played in the NHL since one and a half years for Washington Capitals. The Canadian was pulled in 1999 in the first round and at the seventh place in the NHL-Draft and decided to venture in 2008 the jump to Europe.

There Beech already could be in different leagues, among the rest, proven, operated in the Svenska Hockeyligan with HV 71 and Stockholm AIK, however, was engaged also in Finland (with Lukko) and in the Czech extra league with the HC Pardubice. Last Beech changed for the first time in the German-speaking space and played near Straubing of tiger in the DEL. After the east Bavarians have no more chance on a Playoff move, Beech now with his experience should support the UPC Vienna Capitals in the determining phase of the mastery.

Marcus Olsson is cancelled

However, the obligation of Kris Beech made an extremely difficult decision necessary – above all from human view. Marcus Olsson is cancelled for Beech. Tommy Samuelsson in addition: „ Such decisions really hurt, however, I must pay attention professionally to what is best for the team. We need a center forward for the determining phase, this position is so important for the upcoming Playoffs “.

Good recollections of Villach and Carinthia

While in the today all formalities with the first bank hockey league are done, Beech already comes along on the trip to Vienna and could slip over, perhaps, already on Friday in the Draustadt for the first time the Capitals dress. The Caps connect with the eagles very good recollections: Not only because against the Villacher SV this year the success highest up to now of the association history could be celebrated, but also because in this season up to now all plays could be formed with the eagles triumphantly. The away journeys to Carinthia have been in the running mastery anyway a good destination for the team: In all parts in Carinthia the UPC Vienna Capitals left up to now the ice as a victorious team. Especially strongly against them Villacher eagle appeared on Viennese side François Fortier and captain Benoît Gratton who could contribute both already nine points in each case against the VSV, eleven different shooters c sign up up to now against the Draustädter on the goal scorer's list. Samuelsson interest all present meeting only a little, he demands of his team an other increase: „ We know how is dangerous Villach in the offensive. The first storm row particularly, we expect a brief play once more “.

The last plays against the Villacher SV

Friday, June 27, 2014

Former Vipers Defenceman Bird Commits To Lake Superior State:

This is posted on the Centennials website:

JASON BIRD (93) COMMITS TO LAKE SUPERIOR STATE LAKERS

Wednesday, June 25, 2014 - Submitted by Dustin Scafe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Merritt Centennials of the British Columbia Hockey League(BCHL) are pleased to announce the commitment of defenceman Jason Bird(93) to the Lake Superior State Lakers NCAA Division 1 program for the 14/15 season.

Jason will join Scott Patterson on the Lakers roster next season.

The Toronto, Ontario product was acquired near the 2013/14 trade deadline by the Centennials, after previously suiting up with the Vernon Vipers and Coquitlam Express in the BCHL, and Vaughn Vipers of the OJHL.

Jason compiled 10 points in just 20 games in a Cents uniform, with over 160 Junior A games under his belt.

“In the short time Jason spent with our organization he made a significant impact with his maturity and leadership.” Centennials Head Coach Luke Pierce stated, while adding that Jason possesses a unique skillset, “His skating and ability to run an offence from the back end make him a very unique talent and I have all the confidence that he will have success at the Division 1 level.“

Jason made a special note to pass on thank you’s to Luke Pierce, Joe Martin and the entire organization, “They made me feel welcome from day 1 and made my short time there very enjoyable. Without their help and support this opportunity may not be possible.“

“Being from Toronto; it is a school that is close by and that a few of past teammates of mine have gone to over the years.” Bird said, “I am very thankful for the opportunity that they are giving me and I can't wait to get down there in a couple months and get started.”

From the entire organization we congratulate Jason, and thank him for his contributions to our organization, and our city.
For further information, please contact Cents Head Coach and GM Luke Pierce at 250-378-3607 or email luke@merrittcentennials.com

Follow the Cents on Twitter at @BCHLCentennials and on Facebook.com/MerrittCentennials

Season tickets are still available for the 2014-15 season. For more information on how to get yours, call the Cents Marketing office at 250-378-3604.

The Merritt Centennials are heading in to the 42nd consecutive year, which is the BCHL's longest continuously run franchise, and are a non-profit, community owned Junior 'A' Hockey Club run by a dedicated team of investors, directors, and volunteers.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

2014 BCHL Showcase Schedule:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

Matchups are set for the third-ever Bauer BCHL Showcase

Wednesday, June 25, 2014 - Submitted by BCHL Media

For the third straight season, the Bauer BCHL Showcase comes to Prospera Centre in Chilliwack and the dates and matchups are all set.

All 16 BCHL teams will come to the Fraser Valley Sept. 19 to 21 to start off the season with two games each that will count in the regular season standings. The first two Showcase events drew strong attendance from both NHL and NCAA scouts. The same is expected this time around.

"The Showcase has proven to be a popular event for both the people looking for talent and also the teams and players," said BCHL communications director Brent Mutis. "The chance for scouts to see all players under one roof in one weekend is extremely valuable and the City of Chilliwack has been an ideal host for this event each of the last two years."

2014 Bauer BCHL Showcase schedule:

Friday, Sept. 19:

3:30pm Vernon Vipers vs. Cowichan Valley Capitals-Secondary Rink
4pm Salmon Arm Silverbacks vs. Langley Rivermen-Main Rink
7pm Coquitlam Express vs. West Kelowna Warriors-Secondary Rink
7:30pm Penticton Vees vs. Surrey Eagles-Main Rink

Saturday, Sept. 20:

11:30am Cowichan Valley Capitals vs. Merritt Centennials - Secondary Rink
12:00pm Trail Smoke Eaters vs. Coquitlam Express-Main Rink
3pm Alberni Valley Bulldogs vs. Penticton Vees-Secondary Rink
3:30pm Victoria Grizzlies vs. Vernon Vipers-Main Rink
6:30pm Nanaimo Clippers vs. Prince George Spruce Kings - Secondary Rink
7pm Chilliwack Chiefs vs. Powell River Kings-Main Rink

Sunday, Sept. 21:

10:30am Powell River Kings vs. Trail Smoke Eaters-Secondary Rink
11am Prince George Spruce Kings vs. Alberni Valley Bulldogs - Main Rink
2pm Langley Rivermen vs. Victoria Grizzlies-Secondary Rink
2:30pm West Kelowna Warriors vs. Nanaimo Clippers-Main Rink
5:30pm Surrey Eagles vs. Salmon Arm Silverbacks-Secondary Rink
6pm Merritt Centennials vs. Chilliwack Chiefs-Main Rink

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Save The Vernon Civic Arena:

A discussion has recently come up with, what to do with the aging Vernon Civic Arena? The arena was built in 1937 and was home to the Vernon Vipers before the BCHL club moved into the Vernon Multi-Plex in October 2001. Since 2001 the Vipers were forced to play a handful of games at the Civic Arena over the years with the Milti-Plex pre-booked in advance.  Several locals in the area are looking at wanting to build a new arena in the area or add a second sheet of ice to Kal Tire Place, while others are looking to save and renovate the aging Civic Arena. Someone has gone as far as starting a facebook page "Saving the Civic Arena" check it out,

https://www.facebook.com/SaveTheVernonCivicArena

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Vernon-Okotoks Trade:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

24-Jun-14 The Vernon Vipers have transferred the CJHL playing rights of Devon Fordyce(94)(G) to the Okotokes Oilers of the AJHL in exchange for future considerations.

This is posted on the Oilers website:

Oilers Acquire Goaltender Fordyce

Posted June 25th, 2014

The Okotoks Oilers are pleased to announce the acquisition of 20-year old goaltender Devon Fordyce.  Fordyce is from Cochrane, AB and has played his previous three seasons with the Prince George Cougars of the WHL, Brooks Bandits of the AJHL and most recently with the Surrey Eagles of the BCHL,   With the Bandits, Fordyce posted a 10-2-1 record with a 1.61 Goals against average and .933 Save percentage.  Last season, Fordyce had an 14-12-1 record with a 3.35 Goals against average and .895 save percentage on a rebuilding Eagles team.

“Devon brings the Oilers a quality experienced goaltender who was part of the National Championship team in Brooks two seasons ago.  Paired along with a very talented young goalie we feel we have solidified the goalie position for this upcoming season.”

The Oilers organization would like to welcome Devon and look forward to his contributions in the upcoming season.

For any questions or comments, please contact the Oilers hockey office at (403)938-0243

Former Viper Morgan Channels His Inner Hulk Hogan With Another Character, Tony Tombstone:

Here is an article I found on former Vernon Vipers defenceman Nyjer Morgan.

Morgan is in his first season with the Cleveland Indians.  Morgan signed a Minor League contract with the Indians on January 16th 2014 before earning a roster spot with the Major League Club on March 24th 2014. Morgan returns to the Majors after playing last season in Japan where he spent the 2013-14 season with the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Yokohama DeNa BayStars. 

Morgan signed with the BayStars on January 23rd 2013 after spending the previous two seasons with the MLB Milwaukee Brewers before electing free agency, a day after the Brewers hastened his departure by outrighting him from the 40-man roster.

Morgan was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 33rd round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft. On September 1st 2007 Morgan made his major league debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the Milwaukee Brewers as a late-season call-up. On June 30 2009 Morgan was traded to the Washington Nationals along with pitcher Sean Burnett in exchange for outfielder Lastings Milledge and pitcher Joel Hanrahan. On March 27 2011 Morgan was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for prospect Cutter Dykstra (son of baseball player Lenny Dykstra). Morgan played for three MLB teams, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and Washington before heading to Japan.
Morgan attended the Vernon Vipers Training camp in 1996-97. Morgan played as an "AP" as a 16 year old with the Vipers during the (1996-1997) season while playing with the KIJHL North Okanagan Kings.

Nyjer Morgan's Player Profile:

http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=460579#gameType='R'&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2014&level='ALL'

This was posted on the Cleveland.com website:

Nyjer Morgan channels his inner Hulk Hogan with another character, Tony Tombstone

By Zack Meisel, Northeast Ohio Media Group

May 13, 2014


Clubhouse confidential: Nyjer Morgan sprinted to one end of the clubhouse and leaned back. Then he bolted to the opposite side and did the same. Finally, he retreated to his starting point, motioned his arms, lifted his left elbow and dropped to the ground.

Michael Bourn's toddler son, Bryson, stared and smiled.

Morgan then dashed to one end of the clubhouse, leaned back, zoomed back toward his starting point, extended his right leg high in the air and dropped to the ground. He turned his body to pin an imaginary opponent, who sprung free from Morgan's grasp before an imaginary referee could count to three. Morgan held up two fingers.

Bryson Bourn received a tutorial about some of Morgan's favorite wrestling moves on Tuesday afternoon. The lesson included demonstrations of The Rock's "People's Elbow" and Hulk Hogan's "Leg Drop." The two discussed potential wrestling names for Bourn, but couldn't come up with a catchy one to their liking. Morgan said his own wrestling persona is Tony Tombstone -- a play off his alter ego, Tony Plush -- and his finishing move is the "T Frog Splash."

Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher jumped in on the wrestling conversation at one point. Both listed the Ultimate Warrior as their favorite wrestler growing up. Morgan opted for Hogan.

For his at-bat music at Progressive Field, Morgan uses the theme made popular by WWE superstar Daniel Bryan.

"My wife and I we were kicking back and watching 'Monday Night RAW' and Daniel Bryan came on and I kind of got a little [hyped] from him," Morgan said last month after he changed his song to that tune.

Morgan said he watched plenty of wrestling in the '90s, but drifted away from it about 10 years ago. A few months ago, his interest in the sport resurfaced.

First time: For the first time, Luis and Maria Carrasco watched their son pitch professionally in person. Carlos Carrasco's parents trekked to Tampa from their home in Venezuela and sat near the bullpen for Saturday's game, during which the right-hander tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings in a 7-1 loss to the Rays.

"They've never seen me pitch," Carrasco said, "so I felt a little different since I knew my parents were there. They were very happy."

Carrasco said his parents stayed in Tampa while the Indians journeyed to Toronto. This weekend, they will meet him in Cleveland, where they will stay for about a week. Carrasco said they have never been to Ohio. The forecast calls for temperatures in the 50s this weekend beside Lake Erie. Carrasco's parents are accustomed to mid-to-upper 80s in Venezuela.

"Every time we play on a road trip, it's hot," Carrasco said, laughing. "When we come home, it's cold."

Stat of the day: The Indians' pitching staff entered Tuesday action ranked first with 338 strikeouts, on pace for a franchise record.

Monday, June 23, 2014

CJHL Announces New Initiatives After Annual General Meeting:

This was posted on the BCHL website:

CJHL announces new initiatives after annual general meeting

Monday, June 2, 2014 - Submitted by CJHL Media

CALGARY, Alberta (June 1, 2014) – The Canadian Junior Hockey League held its Annual General Meeting on May 29th in Calgary, AB. The CJHL Board discussed several new initiatives designed to strengthen the national organization for its member leagues, teams and athletes.   Additionally, the CJHL would like to recognize the contributions and dedication of CJHL Vice President of Communications Charla Flett for all the work she had done on behalf of the organization.  She was greatly appreciated and will be sorely missed.

The CJHL will enter the 2014-2015 season with several new initiatives, including the following:

- The introduction of a Canadian Junior Hockey League All-Academic Team

- The introduction of ten $500 scholarships to be awarded to the All-Academic Team nominees

- 2016 RBC Cup awarded to Lloydminster, Alberta

- The hiring of a new Executive Director to run the day to day operations of the CJHL

- A new brand, communication & media strategy designed deliver the CJHL message and tag line, “Your FUTURE is here”

The CJHL serves on a number of Hockey Canada committees related to the development of hockey such as:

Hockey Canada Canadian Development Model Committee

USAH-HC Relations Committee

Non-Sanctioned Leagues Committee

Hockey Canada Hockey Violence and Sanctions Committee

Release Fee Committee

The CJHL will continue to be led by CJHL President and Chairman Kirk Lamb and the following representatives:

CJHL Management Committee: Ryan Bartoshyk (AJHL), John Grisdale (BCHL), Kevin Abrams (CCHL), Derryl Smith (MHL), Kirk Lamb (CJHL)

CJHL Treasurer: Rob Mazzuca (NOJHL)

CJHL Executive Director: Rick Morocco

The CJHL, in partnership with Hockey Canada, will host its premier events in Western Canada in 2014-2015. The 2014 World Junior A Challenge will be hosted by Kindersley, SK while Portage la Prairie, MB will be the host community for the 2015 RBC Cup National Junior A Championship.

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Lloydminster To Host 2016 RBC Cup:

This is posted on the AJHL website:

Lloydminster to Host 2016 RBC Cup

 Posted May 31st, 2014

The Jr. A Bobcats are very excited to announce that Hockey Canada has chosen the community of Lloydminster as host of the 2016 RBC Cup, Canada’s National Junior A Championship!

Hockey Canada’s announcement comes on the heels of official approval at the national governing body’s 2014 Annual General Meeting, which took place May 28-31 in Calgary.

The national championship, which will feature five teams, including the host Lloydminster Bobcats, will take place at the Centennial Civic Centre in Lloydminster over the course of eight days, from May 14-21. The participating teams are the three regional champions (West, Central, East), the West Region runner-up, and the host team. The championship game will be broadcast live on TSN, once again putting Lloydminster on the national stage.

The Jr. A Bobcats would like to thank the Centennial Civic Centre, City of Lloydminster, Lloydminster Economic Development Corporation, local RBC branch, Alberta Junior Hockey League, Hockey Alberta and Canadian Junior Hockey League for their help and support throughout the bidding process.

The work immediately starts for Lloydminster’s host organizing committee, which will be co-chaired by Bobcats business manager Malcolm Radke and president Bryan Morrison. The committee will work with Hockey Canada to release further details in the near future. Anyone interested in volunteering for the tournament can contact the Bobcats head office at 780.871.0900.

The host organizing committee will be hosting a public press conference at 8 a.m. on Monday, June 2 at the local RBC branch (4716 50th Avenue). Representatives from Hockey Canada, the Jr. A Bobcats, City of Lloydminster and RBC will all be available for interviews. All hockey fans in Lloydminster are invited to this event to kick off the exciting next chapter of hockey in Canada’s Border City!

Media Contact

Malcolm Radke
306.830.7288

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Centennials Trade Former Viper Mick To Salmon Arm:

The Merritt Centennials have traded former Vernon Vipers forward Logan Mick to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks for future considerations.

Mick played two years in Vernon (2012-2014) before being
traded to the Merritt Centennials on May 29th 2014. On January 3rd 2014 the Vipers sent defenceman Jason Bird & future considerations (Logan Mick) to Merritt for defenceman Dylan Chanter.  In May the United States Hockey League (USHL) expansion Bloomington Thunder selected Mick 400th overall in Round 25 of Phase two of the USHL draft. 

Logan Mick's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=120792

This is posted on the Silverbacks website:

SALMON ARM SILVERBACKS ACQUIRE ‘96 FORWARD LOGAN MICK

Friday, June 20, 2014 - Submitted by Melanie Hart, Director of Communications

Salmon Arm, BC - The Salmon Arm Silverbacks are proud to announce that they have acquired Armstrong, BC Forward Logan Mick from the Merritt Centennials for Future Considerations.

Troy Mick, President, Governor & General Manager said, “First of all I would like to thank the Merritt organization and Luke Pierce for giving us the opportunity for Logan to play his last year of Junior Hockey in Salmon Arm.  The professionalism that they showed in making this happen shows the class of their program.”

Logan will be entering his 3rd year of Junior ‘A’ Hockey and potentially his last as he is committed to Quinnipiac University NCAA for the 2015-2016 season.

“We are very excited to announce the addition of Logan Mick to the Silverbacks. He's fresh off a great playoff run and expected to play a leadership role on our hockey team. Logan is a talented hockey player that will put you on the edge of your seat with his skill and energy,” stated Head Coach Brandon West.

Logan has played 102 BCHL regular season games and has compiled 11-12-23 points in his 2 years of Junior 'A' Hockey. He will be counted on for more offensive production this coming season as a 2-year vet and due to his RBC experience.

Welcome to the Silverbacks Logan!

Friday, June 20, 2014

Thunder Select Former Vernon Viper Mick At USHL Draft:

The United States Hockey League (USHL) expansion Bloomington Thunder have selected former Vernon Vipers forward Logan Mick 400th overall in Round 25 of Phase two of the USHL draft back in May.

USHL Draft Results:

http://ushl.rinknetcloud.com/draft41.htm 

Mick played two years in Vernon (2012-2014) before being traded to the Merritt Centennials on May 29th 2014.  On January 3rd 2014 the Vipers sent defenceman Jason Bird & future considerations (Logan Mick) to Merritt for defenceman Dylan Chanter.

Logan Mick's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=120792

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Feeney Commits To Vernon Vipers:

Mark Divver has confirmed on his twitter account yesterday that defenceman Liam Feeney has committed to the Vernon Vipers for the 2014-15 season. 

Feeney (95) from Foxboro, MA is listed at 6'2 205 lbs

In 10 games this past season with the USPHL South Shore Kings Feeney collected (1-goals-3-assists-4-points).

Liam Feeney's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?statsleague=Mestis&player=259158&team=&year=&status=&leagueid=&season=

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Fidler Commits To Vipers:

The website Eliteprospects.com has confirmed that forward Trevor Fidler has committed to the Vernon Vipers for the 2014-15 season.  Russ Bitely also made the announcement on his twitter account yesterday. 

Fidler (95) from Watertown, MA is listed at 5'10 174 lbs

In 33 games this past season with the USPHL South Shore Kings Fidler collected (7-goals-21-assists-28-points).

Trevor Fidler's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=169872

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

BCHL Makes Rule Changes To Limit Roster Changes:

This is posted on the Junior Hockey News website:

BCHL Makes Rule Changes To Limit Roster Changes

By Admin on Jun 13, 2014

In a dramatic move, the BCHL made changes to develop stability of team rosters throughout the year.

The major change is a reduction of player cards from 45 to 35 per team, combined with a transaction cap.  A “card” is used when a player is signed by a junior A team.

When a player is signed, that’s one card.

When a player is acquired, a card is required, and when a player is traded, that card is gone.

Limiting teams to 35 cards per season, will reduce player movement in the form of acquisitions, cuts, and trades.

At the same time, the BCHL is limiting teams to eight player trades during the regular season.

Each player involved in a trade counts toward that number.  So for instance, if  a team trades player A for players B, C and D, the team has burned four of those eight transactions.  They have also burned 4 cards.

One other change concerns future considerations trades.

Any player who’s dealt as future consideration can not play for his original trading team the following year.  If player A was dealt from Team A to Team B in the 2014-15 season player A could not return to Team A in the 2015-16 season.

While it may take some time for member teams to adapt, these rule changes should have the desired result of reducing roster movement.  In turn players will feel more comfortable when they sign with a team.

Joe Hughes

Monday, June 16, 2014

Vernon-Surrey Trade:

Last week I noticed Surrey Eagles 20 year old goaltender Devon Fordyce listed on the Vipers roster via the BCHL website.  With no official press release from either the Eagles or Vipers how did Vernon acquire the veteran goaltender?  Thanks to Eagles play by play man Chris Wahl, here is how the deal went down.

This is posted on Chris Wahl's Surrey Eagles Blog:

Eagles Re-Acquire Hannoun, Add Butcher

Thursday, June 12, 2014

The Eagles and Vernon Vipers announced this week the future considerations owing from a deal involving former Surrey captain Brett Mulcahy just prior to the January 10th deadline, with the Eagles acquiring two offensive catalysts in Demico Hannoun and Ben Butcher from the 2014 RBC Cup hosts.

Hannoun's CJHL rights revert to Surrey after one season in the North Okanagan. The North Delta product was a key member of the Eagles' run to the 2013 RBC Cup semi-final. Hannoun put up 44 points in Vernon last year, finishing fifth in team scoring, and in three seasons in the BCHL has tallied 103 total points. The guy can score: my first memory of Hannoun was a first-period hat-trick he scored at South Surrey Arena against my former club, Trail, back in January of 2012.

Butcher, from Bellingham, spent last season in Chilliwack, where he tallied 31 points (13-18) with the re-building Chiefs. The son of former Canuck Garth Butcher, Ben should fit nicely into Surrey's top six as a power forward. The 19 year-old has put up a total of 49 points in 111 career BCHL regular-season games with the Chiefs and Rivermen.

Welcome back Demico, and welcome to the Eagles Ben!

To complete the deal, Surrey did send goaltender Devon Fordyce to the Vipers. I'm sure "Fordy" will do well with a fresh start in Vernon; he's a first-class young man and a hard worker to boot. Good luck with the Snakes!

Sunday, June 15, 2014

BCHL Makes Move To Curb Roster Shuffle:

This is in the Chilliwack Progress newspaper:

BCHL makes move to curb roster shuffle

by  Eric Welsh - Chilliwack Progress

posted Jun 13, 2014

The BCHL’s annual general meeting passed last week with little big news.

The playoff format will stay the same, and the league is still committed to the junior A supplement, a document which determines discipline on dangerous hits and fighting.

Chilliwack Chiefs president Glen Ringdal was named the league’s 2014 executive of the year, and he’s a big reason the BCHL Showcase will return to Chilliwack for a third straight year, running Sept. 19-21 at Prospera Centre.

From a hockey ops perspective, Chiefs head coach and general manager Jason Tatarnic was most interested in rule changes around transactions.

The BCHL wants to reduce player movement, and has introduced restrictions to curb deal-happy GMs.

“They want the roster you start with to be the one you finish with,” Tatarnic explained. “The goal is to make you more accountable for your roster, which I like.”

The major change is a reduction of ‘cards’ from 45 to 35 per team, combined with a transaction cap. A ‘card’ is used when a player is signed by a junior A team.

The Chiefs are allowed to carry 22 players on the regular season roster, leaving 23 cards to be spread around.

When a player is signed, that’s a card.

When a player is acquired, a card is required, and when a player is traded, that card is gone.

At the same time, the league is limiting teams to eight player trades during the regular season.

Each player involved in a trade counts towards that number. So for instance, if the Chiefs trade player A for players B, C and D, the team has burned four of those eight transactions.

And four cards.

“Say I’ve made five transactions from the first day of the season up to Jan. 10,” Tatarnic said. “If I want to make a futures deal with another league, I have to have a transaction available for each player in the deal.”

One other change concerns future trades.

Any player who’s dealt as futures can’t play for his original team the following year. So for instance, Shay Laurent was dealt to Coquitlam in the 2012-13 Phil Zielonka trade deadline deal and found his way back to the Chiefs early the next year.

That can’t happen now.

“What we’ve found is a lot of those kids never really end up with their new teams,” Tatarnic said. “I believe if you put a player up for trade, then that’s it. You’re trading him.”

Get more BCHL AGM info online at bchl.ca

Saturday, June 14, 2014

North Stars Welcome Former Viper Saharchuk:

This is posted on the North Stars website:

North Stars Welcome Saharchuk

06/11/2014

By Battlefords North Stars

North Battleford SK., June 11, 2014 – The Battlefords North Stars are excited to announce the addition of 19 year old forward Matthew Saharchuk from the Vernon Vipers to complete the futures owing from a transaction for 94 forward Josh Betinol at the beginning of the 2013/14 season.

At 6’2” and 195 lbs, Saharchuk will get an opportunity to play in all situations with the North Stars. The Fort St. James prospect played in 56 games with the Vipers last season and contributed 10 points in an energy role. Saharchuk competed in the KIJHL during the 2012/13 season and was the leading scorer for the North Okanagan Knights. During his time with the Knights, Saharchuk accumulated 60 points including 32 goals in 50 games played and helped them advance to the League Championship series.

“Saharchuk is a player with a lot of play-off experience in the last two seasons” states Coach Kevin Hasselberg. “Our team will benefit from his experiences in addition to the size and scoring he will also add to our attack.”

Saharchuk was familiar with former North Star and fan favorite Ben Greenaway. Greenaway, also a graduated player from the Knights program recently secured a commitment to play for the Concordia Falcons Mens Division III Hockey Team.

On behalf the North Stars Organization, we would like to welcome Matthew and the Saharchuk family to the team. The North Stars are scheduled to start the Fall Camp on August 30th. Fans can contact Trent Cey in the North Stars Office regarding Season’s Tickets options for the 2014/ 15 season.

For further information, please contact Head Coach/ General Manager Kevin Hasselberg at (306) 446-0046

Friday, June 13, 2014

BCHL: Meetings Focus On Reducing Player Movement:

This is in the Trail Daily Times Newspaper:

BCHL: Meetings focus on reducing player movement
           
Guy Bertrand - Trail Daily Times

posted Jun 11, 2014

The BCHL wrapped up its annual general meeting on the weekend in Richmond and the main consensus coming out the meeting focused on the players and their development.

While financial health of franchises, scheduling and playoff structure were among the usual topics of conversation, the league took a big step in corralling the constant shuffling of players that has grown over the last decade.

To that end, the number of cards available to each team has been reduced from 45 to 35. In short, this will hopefully stop the process of mass signing players only to release them or shuffle them off as more players become available.

Trail Smoke Eater president Tom Gawryletz said the move will help both franchises and players.

“I think it will stop teams moving players around like pawns,” he explained. “It will also stop teams from making promises to every kid.”

He said with 45 cards, teams were signing players who were under the impression they were on the team. However, with the flexibility of 45 cards, teams often cut many of those players before the season even started.

Gawryletz said the change is being pushed by Hockey Canada and B.C. “took the initiative,” to be the first in the country to jump on board.

“I’m completely behind that,” agreed Smokies head coach and general manger Nick Deschenes.

“It makes teams really work with the players they have. You have to be more selective and engaged with the players.”

The move will put more emphasis on scouting and recruiting and, Gawryletz said, the teams that work at it will succeed.

With that in mind, Deschenes, who considers himself a “developer” of players, was happy to focus on four local players who will have a big impact on the team next season.

“We think Jake Lucchini, Scott Davidson, Craig Martin and Dallas Calvin will be big contributors next year,” said Deschenes of the local products. “It’s rare to have so many local players. I think it says a lot about the people who helped develop them.”

He pointed to organizations like the Beaver Valley Nitehawks and the Greater Trail Minor Hockey Association as key components in developing players that move up the local chain.

“Our intentions are to work with these organizations and pave the way for more players to move up.”

While player development is a key issue for the BCHL, there’s no denying the current precarious financial situation facing many teams.

The Smokies reported over a $70,000 loss last season and the trend rippled through the league, said Gawryletz.

“We’re all in the same boat.”

He’s hoping the new schedule, which is slated to be complete by the end of the month, will help somewhat.

The league will hold its Showcase event in Chilliwack on Sept. 19 to 21 and home schedules will begin Sept. 26.

Gawryletz said getting away from an early September start should help with attendance, since most fans will be back from vacation and the weather will begin to be more suited to getting fans thinking hockey.

While the start of the home schedules is roughly two weeks later, Trail played its first home game on Sept. 13 last year, training camps will keep the usual schedule and the gap will be filled by exhibition games.

“We’re working on something right now,” said Gawryletz.

With a later start and the same March 1 finish, it will mean a more compressed schedule with more weekday games.

The task now falls on the Smokies executive to get fans to come to those tough-draw midweek games and generate game-night revenue.

The Richmond meeting also confirmed the legue will be sticking with its current playoff format featuring best-of-seven series in the first two rounds and a three-team round robin in the third round. The season will be capped off with a best-of-seven Fred Page Cup final between the two surviving teams.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Vernon Vipers-Boston Camp Schedule:

This was posted on the Vipers website back on March 20th 2014

The Vernon Vipers are holding their Boston Camp this weekend.  The camp will run from June 13th-June 15th at the BreakAway Ice Center in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. It will be open to players born between 1994-1997.  At the camp we will have information sessions about the BCHL and the Vernon Vipers program.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Vipers Sign Five Players:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers sign five players
     
by  Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star

posted Jun 11, 2014

The Vernon Vipers have re-stocked their depleted roster with the commitment of five players for next B.C. Hockey League season.

Local 17-year-old products Linden Hora and Ryley Booth, along with Americans Johnny Coughlin and Thomas Aldworth, and Ontario’s Kyle Tanev signed Monday.

Booth, a defenceman from Armstrong, posted five goals and 22 points with the North Okanagan Knights of the KIJHL. He  played one game for Vernon in the Fred Page Cup final series and a few regular-season games.

“Ryley got better and better as the season progressed,” said Viper head coach/GM Jason Williamson. “He has good patience with the puck and also has good size. We’re excited about the tremendous potential in Ryley.”

Booth, who turns 18 in July, attended the Camrose Kodiaks’ spring camp a year ago but is stoked to be a Viper.

“It will be nice to stay home and play,” said the Grade 12 Pleasant Valley student. “I try to stay calm and not panic with the puck. I’m usually pretty defensive, depending on how comfortable I am. I pick my spots on offence.”

Booth loves Drew Doughty of the Kings and cheers for the Calgary Flames. He played two years of Midget Tier 1 in Vernon.

Hora, a forward from Kelowna who started his career in Vernon, played last season with the Okanagan Major Midget Rockets. He pocketed 18 goals and 27 points with the national bronze-medalist Rockets. Hora is a two-way right winger.

“Linden played a few games for us and we think he can step in and contribute right away,” said Williamson. “He plays the game the right way and will be a fan favourite.”

Said Hora, who was born in Vernon and played four years of minor hockey here: “I’m going to bring physical play and put some pucks in the net. It’s my hometown and I’ve always wanted to play for the Vipers.”

Coughlin, a defenceman from Massachusetts who turns 19 in July, rang up 10 goals and 26 points in 25 games with Trinity-Pawlings Lions last season. He was the co-captain of his Prep school team and recently committed to the Holy Cross Crusaders of NCAA Division 1. He is no relation to former Viper Liam Coughlin.

“Coughlin is an offensive-minded defenceman we have been after for a while. He has great size at 6-foot-3 and skates very well. We will lean on John to be a key contributor to our back end right away.”

Tanev, a 19-year-old forward from Ontario, pocketed 18 goals and 45 points in 41 games with the Thorold Blackhawks in the Greater Ontario Junior League. He is the younger brother of Vancouver Canuck Chris Tanev.

“Kyle is a very smart player,” said Williamson. “He sees the ice very well and is very mature. He’s the type of player we were looking for, a player we can play in all situations.”

Aldworth, a 19-year-old forward from Texas, split last season between the Tri-City Storm of the USHL and the Lone Star Brahmas of the NAHL, getting six goals and 10 points in 42 games.

“Thomas has elite level speed and offensive abilities. He will be a player that will be hard on the forecheck and will be able to create offence.”

Vernon now has nine forwards, five d-men and a goalie signed for next season.

Meanwhile, Williamson completed a few trades from last year. Ben Butcher’s rights were acquired from the Chilliwack Chiefs in exchange for future considerations. Butcher’s rights, along with Demico Hannoun’s, were then traded to the Surrey Eagles for future considerations, to finalize the deal which brought Surrey captain Brett Mulcahy to Vernon.

Winger Matt Saharchuk’s rights were traded to the Battleford North Stars of the SJHL in exchange for futures, finishing a trade for Josh Betinol.

The Salmon Arm Silverbacks signed winger Karl El-Mir from the Selects Academy U18 team in St. Lambert, Que. El-Mir, 18, was voted MVP and Offensive Player of the Year in the USPHL U18 Division last season with 17 goals and 48 points. He has a scholarship to the University of Connecticut for 2015.

Karl El-Mir’s stats speak for themselves.  In 30 games played, El-Mir scored 21 goals and 37 assists for a total of 58 points.

Troy Mick, President, Governor & General Manager stated, “Karl is a high-scoring tenacious offensive winger with an explosive skill set. He’s an excellent skater with breakaway speed who loves to put points on the board. Silverback fans will love the way that he plays and how he competes every night. He is sure to be a fan favorite at the Shaw Centre this coming season.”

El-Mir will be joining his Selects teammate Chase Priskie (Quinnipiac 2015) in Salmon Arm. Priskie committed to the ‘Backs earlier this spring.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

News And Notes From The 2014 BCHL Annual General Meeting:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

News and notes from the 2014 BCHL annual general meeting

Monday, June 9, 2014 - Submitted by BCHL Media

The British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) held its annual general meeting (AGM) June 5 to 7 in Richmond, B.C. and has confirmed solidarity from all clubs on issues regarding roster composition, player safety, scheduling and playoff structure.

Roster stability and reduction of player transactions are primary goals for the BCHL. Representatives of each club at the AGM strongly supported the league’s direction to keep players on the teams they are recruited to for the start of each season.

The league will continue following the Junior A Supplement document which determines discipline on dangerous hits and fighting. Players will be ejected from a game following a fight. The Supplement was created by the four western Junior A leagues and will be followed by all 128 Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) teams across the 10 Junior A leagues next season.

The BCHL will continue with the same playoff format as this past season. Again, this will see best-of-seven playoff action in Rounds 1 and 2, a three-team round robin in Round 3 designed to eliminate one team and a best-of-seven Fred Page Cup final between the two teams surviving Round 3. Dates of game nights and structure of the best-of-seven series will be determined by competing playoff clubs when matchups are determined.

A Scheduling Committee was established that will meet during the 2014-15 regular season.  The Committee’s mandate will be to review, establish guidelines and to make recommendations to the BCHL Board of Governors for consideration and possible implementation in preparation for the 2015 BCHL AGM scheduling sessions.  The Scheduling Committee is made up of Governors and Coaches from each of the three BCHL Divisions.

For the third-straight season, the Bauer BCHL Showcase will take place, running Sept. 19 to 21 at Prospera Centre in Chilliwack. All games played at the Showcase will count in the regular-season standings and a large contingent of NCAA coaches, professional scouts and Canadian university representatives are again expected to attend.

BCHL regular-season games will begin Friday, Sept. 26 and finish Sunday, March 1, 2015.

Congratulations are also in order for Chilliwack Chiefs governor Glen Ringdal who was named the 2014 BCHL Executive of the Year. Ringdal, whose career has seen him work for the B.C. Lions and Vancouver Canucks, is a tireless worker on the league’s Strategic Planning committee and has developed several valuable initiatives that will grow the BCHL brand into the future.

Talks on each team’s 2014-15 schedule are well underway and a final league grid should be in place before the end

Monday, June 9, 2014

Vernon-Surrey Trade:

It looks like the Vipers have acquired 20 year old goaltender Devon Fordyce from the Eagles.  No official press release from either the Vernon Vipers or Surrey Eagles but Fordyce is listed on the Vipers roster on the BCHL website.  Fordyce played in 29 games this past season with the Eagles going 14-12-1 with a 3.50 GAA & 1 shutout.  Fordyce spent the 2012-13 season with the WHL Prince George Cougars & the AJHL Brooks Bandits.  The Eagles aquired Fordyce from the Bandits in early October.

Devon Fordyce's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?statsleague=ET&player=56814&team=&year=&status=&leagueid=&season

Vernon-Battlefords Trade:

Brian Wiebe has reported on his blog-twitter
account that the Vipers have traded forward Matty Saharchuk to the SJHL Battlefords North Stars as part of the Future Considerations in the Josh Betinol trade from October.  The Vipers aquired forward Josh Betinol from the SJHL Battlefords North Stars for Future Considerations on October 3rd 2013.

Matty Saharchuk's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=125564

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vipers Trades

Monday, June 9, 2014 - Submitted by Vipers Staff

The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club would like to announce several player transactions that have been made.

Matt Saharchuk’s rights were traded to the Battleford North Stars of the SJHL in exchange for future considerations.

This completes all futures trades from the 2013/2014 season. For further information please contact the Vipers office at 250 542 6022.

Vernon-Surrey Trade:

Brian Wiebe has reported on his blog-twitter account that the Vipers have traded forwards Demico Hannoun & Ben Butcher to the Surrey Eagles as the Future Considerations in the Brett Mulcahy trade from January.  The Vipers sent forward Chase McMurphy & Future Considerations to Surrey for Brett Mulcahy & Future Considerations on January 6th 2014.

Demico Hannoun's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?statsleague=WC&player=98683&team=&year=&status=&leagueid=&season

Ben Butcher's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=155966

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vipers Trades

Monday, June 9, 2014 - Submitted by Vipers Staff

The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club would like to announce several player transactions that have been made.

Ben Butcher’s rights were acquired from the Chilliwack Chiefs in exchange for future considerations. His rights, along with Demico Hannoun’s, were then traded to the Surrey Eagles for future considerations.
This completes all futures trades from the 2013/2014 season. For further information please contact the Vipers office at 250 542 6022.

Hora, Booth, Coughlin, Aldworth & Tanev Commit To Vipers:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vipers Commit 5 Players for 2014/15 Season

Monday, June 9, 2014 - Submitted by Vipers Staff

The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club is pleased to announce the commitment of 5 players for the upcoming 2014-2015 season.  Linden Hora, Riley Booth, Johnny Coughlin, Thomas Aldworth, and Kyle Tanev have all committed to the team for the upcoming season.

Hora, a forward from Kelowna, played last season with the Okanagan Rockets of the BC Major Midget League. He was a huge part of the most successful season in the history of the Okanagan Rockets. Hora is a two way player that is very physical and can score. “Linden played a few games for us and we think he can step in and contribute right away. He plays the game the right way and will be a fan favourite type of player.”

Booth, a defenseman from Armstrong BC, played last season with the North Okanagan Knights of the KIJHL. He also played a couple games last season for the Vipers which included 1 in the BCHL league final. “Riley got better and better as the season progressed. He has good patience with the puck and also has good size. We’re excited about the tremendous potential in Riley.”

Coughlin, a defenceman from Massachusetts, played last season with Trinity-Pawlings. He was the captain of his Prep school team and recently committed to Holy Cross. “Coughlin is an offensive minded defenseman we have been after for a while. He has great size at 6’3” and skates very well. We will lean on John to be a key contributor to our back end right away.”

Tanev, a forward from Ontario, played last season in the GOJHL. He is the younger brother of Vancouver Canuck Chris Tanev. “Kyle is a very smart player. He sees the ice very well and is very mature. He’s the type of player we were looking for, a player we can play in all situations.”

Aldworth, a forward from Texas, split last season between the Tri-City Storm of the USHL and the NAHL. “Thomas has elite level speed and offensive abilities. He will be a player that will be hard on the forecheck and will be able to create offense.”

For further information please contact the Vipers office at 250 542 6022.

Abbott Inducted Into Saskatchewan Sports Hall Of Fame:

Lyman (Hick) Abbott will be remembered next Friday, June
13th when he is among the 2014 inductees into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in Regina. 

The Abbott Memorial Cup, commonly referred to as the Abbott Cup, was awarded annually from 1919 through 1999 to the Junior "A" Champion for Western Canada was awarded following a round-robin game between the two western teams at the then-Centennial Cup.

The Cup was named after Captain E.L. (Hick) Abbott who was a noted hockey player in Western Canada. He captained the Regina Victorias when it won the Junior Championship of Canada in 1913 and 1914. Captain Abbott died in active service in the First World War and the trophy was presented in his memory in 1919 by the Saskatchewan Amateur Hockey Association.

The concept of a Western Canada Junior A Championship continued in 2013 with the creation of the Western Canada Cup.

The Vernon Lakers - Vernon Vipers won the Abbott Cup four times (1989,1991,1992 & 1999)

This is posted on Gregg Drinnans Blog:

ATTABOY, HICK! Abbott going into Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame

Saturday, June 7, 2014

It began with a column I wrote that appeared in the Regina Leader-Post on Nov. 10, 1994.

The column was headlined: Abbott Cup deserves a much better fate.

The Abbott Cup, once the most sought-after trophy in Western Canadian hockey circles, had by now become something of an after-thought, awarded following a round-robin game between the two western teams at the then-Centennial Cup national junior A championship tournament.

At one time, it had gone to the winning team in a best-of-seven showdown with the winner representing the West in the Memorial Cup championship series.

That column lit a fire in two men -- Lyman Potts and Tom (Scotty) Melville, the latter a former columnist, sports editor and editor-in-chief of The Leader-Post.

Before we were done, the Abbott Cup, named in honour of Regina’s own Lyman

(Hick) Abbott, a First World War hero who died on Aug. 14, 1918, during the Battle of Amiens, had been retired to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

Melville, who was a lieutenant when he joined the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders during the Second World War, was one of 167 men who were captured during a messy raid on the French port of Dieppe. He ended up in a Bavarian prisoner-of-war camp, at one point spending 13 months and 13 days in handcuffs.

It’s little wonder then that Melville, who died in 2005, had a soft spot for Abbott.
Here’s Melville, in the last column he wrote for The Leader-Post (Nov. 10, 1998):
“It was during (the First World War) when a fine Regina athlete turned in his hockey stick for a gun and lost his life in a charge against enemy trenches a few months before the Nov. 11, 1918 armistice put an end to hostilities. Captain Lyman Abbott, winner of two Military Crosses for bravery, had been the star of the Regina Vics hockey team that had won the Allan Cup and the Canadian hockey championship in March of 1914.
“Nicknamed Hickory, which became Hick, Abbott was an all-round athlete, excelling in football and baseball. But it was in hockey that he is best remembered -- by some.”
Hick Abbott will be remembered next Friday, June 13, when he is among the 2014 inductees into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in Regina.

But it was Potts, a much-decorated career broadcaster who is a member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and an Order of Canada recipient, who got the ball rolling. Potts, who lives in Burlington, Ont., also is a member of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. (Google him and you will learn that he has been called the Godfather of Canadian recording.) Potts is 98 now and, as he told Paul Wilson of CBC News a year ago: “I’m the oldest living broadcaster in the Hall of Fame.”

Potts started things off by writing an Aug. 2, 1995 letter to Ed Chynoweth, then the president of the WHL.

The Abbott Cup had been conceived by Joe Potts, Lyman’s father, who was a mentor to Abbott. Joe Potts thought so highly of Abbott that he named his son after him -- Joe Lyman Potts.

In that letter, Lyman Potts pointed out that the Abbott Cup had been put into competition “on the understanding with the CAHA that they would accept it for annual competition in the Junior Hockey Championship of Western Canada. . . .

“I understand that the Abbott Cup is no longer being used for its designated purpose, but assigned to a second grade of hockey . . .”

Over the ensuing four years, Potts kept up regular correspondence with officials at the Canadian Hockey Association, primarily Scott Smith, the vice-president, operations, and Phil Pritchard of the Hockey Hall of Fame, who is best known today as the keeper of the Stanley Cup.

Then, in a letter dated Oct. 20, 1999, Smith informed Potts that “during a conference call of October 5, 1999, the Officers of this association moved the following motion: To retire the Abbott Cup and to ensure that this trophy is placed in the Hall of Fame (either Hockey Hall of Fame or the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame), as per the wishes of the family.”

Meanwhile, in August 1996, I had nominated Abbott for entry into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame. The nomination wasn’t accepted, and life went on . . . until a couple of years ago when, out of the blue, Dave Thomson phoned me.

Thomson, from St. George, Ont., has an affinity for military medals and, according to a Leader-Post story of April 21, “is trying again to generate support for a public campaign to buy (Abbott’s) medals in hopes they can be donated to the (Saskatchewan) Sports Hall of Fame.”

Abbott. Joe Potts thought so highly of Abbott that he named his son after him -- Joe Lyman Potts.

A deal to get the medals -- a military medal and Military Cross with bar, the latter being the equivalent of two crosses -- fell through two years ago.

At the same time, Thomson, who had discovered that Abbott was the highest-decorated Reginan from the First World War, nominated Abbott for inclusion in the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame.

This time, the nomination was accepted.

Next Friday, Abbott will be inducted into the Hall, along with three other athletes -- hockey’s Bob Bourne and Keith Magnuson, and basketball’s Jacqueline Lavallee. Brian Clark (athletics) and Claude Petit (boxing) will be inducted as builders. There also will be four teams going in -- Randy Bryden’s 1996 mixed curling rink and the Saskatoon Hilltops football teams of 2001, 2002 and 2003.

As I got more and more involved in researching the life of Lyman (Hick) Abbott, I came to wish I had known him. A law student when he left for overseas, he was one of those people who excelled at everything he did. I really feel that had Abbott returned from the First World War, he could have been whatever he wanted to be. Premier of Saskatchewan? Prime Minister of Canada? Hey, if he had been so inclined . . .

Melville wrote in that Nov. 10, 1998 column:

“I did not know Hick Abbott but I knew a few of those who played on the (Regina) Vics with him -- Charlie Otton, Fred Wilson, Austin Creswell and Al Hammond -- and a lot of other Reginans from that era. All were unanimous in saying that Hick Abbott was a gentleman on and off the ice and a credit to the city and the sports in which he was involved.”

One of the things I stumbled upon as I spent hours reading old issues of newspapers was a column by the legendary Ralph Allen that appeared in the Winnipeg Tribune in April 1936.

Allen was preparing to cover the Western Canadian junior hockey final between the Elmwood Millionaires of Winnipeg and the Saskatoon Wesleys, who were managed by Charlie McCool, a man who had a long history as an executive with the Saskatchewan Amateur Hockey Association.

“Most of the really good stories happen back of the scenes,” Allen wrote. “It is there, in the dim half world between reality and what might have been, that Charlie McCool is preparing to keep his rendezvous with Hick Abbott. He’ll be 18 years late, will Charlie McCool, but this is a standing date. This is an appointment that will keep, because Hick Abbott has nothing to do but wait and Charlie McCool is not the type to forget.

“In the third year of the war, Charlie McCool of Saskatoon and Hick Abbott of Regina were together in the ‘A’ company of the 52nd battalion. Abbott, one of western Canada’s favorite athletic sons, commanded the company. During the hectic days of late 1917-early 1918 both won the Military Cross for valor. Small wonder that between these two youngsters from Saskatchewan, distinguished by the same standards of heroism, there developed a strong feeling of comradeship. In the fall of 1918, Abbott led his company over the top, and when McCool came back there was a white cross to say that Hick Abbott had been killed in action.

“McCool succeeded to the command of the 52nd battalion’s ‘A’ company. They brought him in a few weeks later with his right arm missing. When the armistice was signed and Charlie McCool went back to Saskatoon, he hadn’t forgotten his friend Hick Abbott, nor had the rest of western Canada. By popular subscription a trophy was presented to the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association to commemorate the name of the clean boy who had been one of the prairie’s outstanding athletes.

“To Charlie McCool, the winning of the Abbott Cup would signify, perhaps, the term ‘Attaboy, Hick!’ which military discipline bade him to keep locked in his heart on the day 18 years ago when Hick made his last advance. Charlie McCool, white of head now and far more proud of the 768 young hockey players who performed under his control this year than of his Military Cross, doesn’t put it that way. Anyhow that is one reason why I, as a secret admirer of the Elmwoods, could stand to see Charlie McCool and the Wesleys win the Abbott Cup for the first time in three tries.”
The Wesleys won the Abbott Cup that year, but went on to lose the Memorial Cup to the West Toronto Nationals.

Still, it is obvious through Allen’s writing just how much Abbott meant to McCool.
As I wrote on Nov. 10, 1994:

“It must have been special the night the Wesleys won the Abbott Cup. There must have been tears in McCool’s eyes -- or, at the very least, a lump in his throat -- as he remembered his good friend, Hick Abbott.”

It was Joe Potts who spearheaded the movement to fund and found the Abbott Cup. Among his son Lyman’s possessions are Hick Abbott’s last two letters to Joe, both of them, according to Lyman, “written by pencil at the Front.”

June 21, 1918

Dear Old Piece of Cheese:

Just a note to say that I am jake. Played a game of lacrosse -- got trimmed 16-1 -- sore as the dickens but old tummy doing a great business as we have moved into a town vacated recently by the civvies who left a lunch of great gardens behind them, and the fighting troops are not hollering about rations. My best to all. . . .

August 5, 1918

Dear Old Joe:

General Currie’s platoon has moved away north, south, east and west during the last 2 weeks and if the Bosche knows where we are or where we are going to, he has a mighty fine intelligence system because we don’t know where we are ourselves -- well, hardly.

Just to let you know that I am all OK and like the lads sporting to mix it with the Bosche. If we ever do, I think you will find the Canucks corps will go to it with a hop -- and if ever we get into the big thing we want nothing better than to catch him on the run -- and if we do there won’t be any sore feet on that march.

Poor old Sammy Taylor. How awful for the people he knew at home -- and yet I’d bet that Sam didn’t give a hang.

Will send you a whiz bang in about a week. Goodbye to all.

P.S. How is that young blood (Lyman)? Don’t think we are going to need him for this war after all.

Nine days later, Capt. Lyman (Hick) Abbott was dead, killed in action during the Battle of Amiens.

For more on Hick Abbott, click the link below

http://vipersdiehardfan.blogspot.ca/2010/11/story-of-hick-abbott.html

Sunday, June 8, 2014

SC Langenthal Sign Former Vipers Forward Nikiforuk:

SC Langenthal have signed former Vernon
Vipers forward Alex Nikiforuk.  The Swiss ice hockey team play in the National League B in the Switzerland Professional ice hockey League.  Nikiforuk played his first full season with GC Küsnacht Lions (Swiss Professional ice hockey team) this season before signing with SC Langenthal. 

Nikiforuk played one season as an "AP" with the Vipers (1999-2000) before being traded the following season to the Burnaby Bulldogs. In just 6 games with the Vipers Nikiforuk collected (0-goals-2-assists-2-points).

Alex Nikiforuk's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=11415

This is posted on the SC Langenthal website:

http://www.sclangenthal.ch/20140217_basel-nikiforuk.html

This is posted on the Swiss hockey news website:

LATEST NEWS & RUMORS   

GCK's Alex Nikiforuk joins SC Langenthal for playoffs

SOURCE  SC Langenthal PUBLISHED  17 February 2014

NLB - As SC Langenthal announces, they have signed GCK Lions' topscorer Alex Nikiforuk with immediate effect. The 30yr-old Canadian will reinforce them during the playoffs.

Alex Nikiforuk came to Zurich from Denmark (Esbjerg) during last summer. In 43 games with the GCK Lions this season, he was able to score a total of 11 goals and 30 assists.

The 30yr-old joins SC Langenthal as their third import-player, along with NLB-topscorer Jeff Campbell and Brent Kelly.

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Vernon-Chilliwack Trade:

This is posted on the Chiefs website:

Butcher traded to Vipers

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

The Chilliwack Chiefs have transferred the playing rights of forward Ben Butcher to the Vernon Vipers in exchange for future considerations.

Chiefs Head Coach and GM Jason Tatarnic says this move came as a result of a few factors. “We had to make a few moves due to the CJHL import quota and moving Ben was one those moves. It's always tough to move a player of Ben's quality. You have hard decisions to make when selecting six import players and this was a tough decision."

The Chiefs entire organization would like to thank Ben for his commitment to Chiefs Hockey on and off of the ice in Chilliwack and wish him the best of luck in his future hockey endeavors.

Ben Butcher's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=155966

Friday, June 6, 2014

Former Vipers Captain Kraus Leaves Silverbacks:

This was in the Morning Star Newspaper:

Notes and Quotes:

Kevin Micthell-Vernon Morning Star

May 4th 2014

Kevin Kraus, who captained the Vernon Vipers to the 2010 RBC title, has left the Salmon Arm Silverbacks after one year as assistant coach and returned home to California.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

2014 RBC Cup Review:

RBC Cup Review

Published on May 21, 2014

Shaw TV Okanagan recaps the 9 day RBC Cup tournament at Vernon's Kal Tire Place. Plus, reaction from the host Vernon Vipers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALKoL0-PjXg

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Mick Moved To Merritt As Part Of Chanter Trade:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Mick moved to Merritt as part of Chanter trade

Published: June 04, 2014

The Vernon Vipers have sent forward Logan Mick to the Merritt Centennials to complete the future considerations in a previous deal for defenceman Dylan Chanter

Mick, 17, brings 102 B.C. Hockey League regular-season games experience to the Centennials, along with 16 playoff games and four games at the Royal Bank Cup. He missed the Vipers’ semifinal RBC game versus the Yorkton Terriers with the flu.

The hard-hitting Mick rung up 11 goals and 23 points, along with 63 penalty minutes with Vernon.

Mick has committed to Quinnipiac University Bobcats for the 2015-16 season. His father, Troy, a former Viper coach, was a member of the Merritt Warriors in the 1984-85 season.

“It’s a tough one,” said Vipers’ head coach/GM Jason Williamson. “He’s a local with ties to the community, but it’s a business sometimes. He was an energy player and he’s got a great career ahead of him. One more year and then he’s off to university.”

Mick, who turns 18 in July, is well known for finishing all his checks and driving the net with pro speed.

“He skates as well as anyone in the league and once he puts together the whole package, he’s going to be dangerous,” said Williamson.

Cents’ head coach/GM Luke Pierce, a former Viper, is stoked to add Mick, who was not available for comment.

“We are excited to add a player of Logan’s ability to our group,” said Pierce. “He gained tremendous experience this year in a long playoff run and playing at the RBC. He plays with a lot of energy and brings a skillset that I believe is ready to break through.”

Troy Mick, meanwhile, has stepped down as head coach of the BCHL Salmon Arm SilverBacks. Mick, 45, will take over as governor, also serving as president and GM.

“Having just completed our first year as the new ownership group of the SilverBacks, we have realized that Troy was wearing too many hats and we wanted to make some changes as we quickly approach the 2014/2015 season,” said Dale Unruh, outgoing governor.

“The rule in the BCHL states that no one in the position of head coach can be a team governor. We believe that Troy is an integral part of our organization and will be even more effective in his newly defined role and will prove beneficial in this role for the long-term viability of the franchise.”

Current associate head coach Brandon West will take over as the new bench boss.

Said Mick: “Brandon is ready to take this next step in his career. I have worked with him for the last two years and I know he is going to do a stellar job as head coach. His work ethic and technical abilities are second to none and his passion is shown every day at the rink.”

West has been building on his coaching abilities for over a decade, working with several teams from Major Midget to BCHL teams.

West also coached internationally with Hockey Canada at the World Under 17 Challenge in 2013.