Vernon-Canmore Trade:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vipers acquire defenseman!

by viper staff Added 2009-08-23

August 23, 2009

The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club has acquired 20 year old defenseman Dan Nycholat from the Canmore Eagles in exchange for the playing rights of 19 year old forward Kory Roy and future considerations.

Nycholat has played the last two seasons for Northeastern University. The 6'3 defenseman has played 48 college games scoring 1 goal and 6 assists for 7 points. Prior to this Dan played for the Canmore Eagles of the AJHL where he was a heavily recruited defenseman. The Vernon Vipers would like to welcome Dan to the organization.

The Vernon Vipers would also like to thank Kory Roy for his time spent with the team. Kory was a big part of last years championship team. He will be given a great opportunity to be successful and move on in his junior career in Canmore. The Vipers wish Kory the best of luck.

Robinson Ready For Bruin Uprise:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Robinson ready for Bruin uprise

By Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star

Published: August 23, 2009 6:00 AM

David Robinson’s reputation as a natural-born leader was quickly put into play by the Chilliwack Bruins last season.
With Jadon Potter going down with a season-ending injury, the already struggling Bruins were left without a captain. They had earlier been basically pillaged when superstar Oscar Moeller made the L.A. Kings and sniper Evan Pighin bolted for the BCHL Victoria Grizzlies.
Enter Robinson, a work-till-ya-drop forward who had guided teams in Major Midget and Bantam. He took a turn as a rotating captain in Chilliwack.
“It was nice to be one of the leaders in only my second year and I got to wear the C for a little bit as an 18-year-old which was maybe a little surprising, but I’ve always been a leader on every team I’ve been on,” said Robinson, who compiled 11 goals and 17 points last season.
“It was a bit tougher leading a team that wasn’t getting in the win column every night, but I did my best to try and keep the young guys up and sort of show them even though you’re losing, you have to keep going. I had fun being a leader and having a letter on my jersey, I just felt guys looked up to me and it was nice.”
Robinson and good buddy James Dobrowolski (traded from Prince Albert to Prince George in the offseason) spent the summer laying irrigation pipe at Coldstream Ranch. They worked the early-morning shift and then hit the gym at noon.
The grandson of the late Vern Dye, who helped found the BCHL, the 5-foot-10 Robinson has added some muscle so is at the Bruins’ camp this weekend at 188 pounds, 10 more than he played at last year. He plans to be more of his old pest self all season.
“Hopefully, I have two good years here. We just hired an awesome coach in what I hear, in (Marc) Habscheid, and it’s looking good for us in Chilliwack. I hope to put up some big numbers this year and even bigger numbers my 20-year-old year, and hopefully get a tryout somewhere, and if not, then I’ll try and go wherever I can and go as far as I can in hockey, even if it’s CIS (Canadian university).”
The Bruins finished third-last in the Dub last year, at 19-46-2-5. Habscheid takes over from Rick Hiller, who signed as head coach with Tri-City this week.
“It was up and down all year,” said Robinson, whose first cousin, Ryan Harrison, plays for Prince Albert. “We had a couple of nine-game losing streaks and it wasn’t pretty to say the least. We made some strides though. We had a lot of young guys that stepped up to their play and got used to the WHL style. It’s not easy losing two of your top three scorers but we persevered and in the end, we came up short of the playoffs but made some strides at the same time.”
Vernon’s Jeff Finley, an assistant coach with the Rockets, was impressed with Robinson’s style.
“He always competed hard against us,” said Finley, who signed a contract this week to be a western scout for the Detroit Red Wings. “That’s his strength, his grittiness, work ethic and determination. You can definitely see why they would make him captain.
“He gets in people’s faces and leads by example. He’s the kid you would want on your team.”
The likeable Robinson believes teams who go through tribulation can build character, and become stronger.
“You see lots of times in sports some of the top teams get knocked off because they haven’t faced adversity, and we definitely faced adversity this year. It was probably one of the toughest years of my life and I learned the downs of hockey this year.”
Robinson talked to Habscheid and was told the Bruins will hold high-tempo 45-minute practices this season, year three for the franchise. Robinson, who played alongside fellow call-ups Kellen and Connor Jones as the Vipers stunned the Penticton Vees in the playoffs three years ago, feels solid about joining the Bruins.
“I have had two fun years. The hockey hasn’t been as good as I wanted it to be. It would have been fun playing in Vernon at the same time, playing with two great players. I don’t regret my decision. Playing WHL is something else. You’re playing against guys who are in the NHL now.
“I had Oscar Moller on my team and he’s in the NHL right now. It’s pretty neat to practise with guys like that everyday, and play against guys like that. Like I’ve said 100 times before, it was the hardest decision of my life to leave here and go there. I was back and forth about it every day, but in the end, I’m happy with the decision I made.”
A Red Wings’ fan, Robinson can’t wait to face Dobrowolski eight times instead of just once this year.
“It’s going to be fun. We see each other eight hours a day right now so we’re going to get on each other’s back and kind of smile at each other and maybe get a couple of hacks on the back of the leg.”
Robinson, who played with Sweden’s Alexander Wicklund a lot, missed six games with a concussion after taking a forearm from Kelowna’s Tyler Myers as he tried to go wide on the monster Rocket d-man last February.

Title Defence Approaching:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Title defence approaching

Published: August 23, 2009

Vernon Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner has some sage advice for the players returning from their Royal Bank Cup national Junior A championship season – it’s time to move forward.
Those words hold especially true as the Vipers open training camp Monday morning at Wesbild Centre in preparation for a B.C. Hockey League title defence. While Ferner says he holds a certain amount of loyalty to his veteran players, they still have to show they deserve to be on the team.
“When you come back from a season like we had, all that stuff goes out the window. You can’t rest on your laurels – it’s a new year,” said Ferner, who is entering his third season behind the Snakes’ bench along with assistant coach Jason Williamson.
“Regardless of the players that were on the team last year, we have a responsibility to put the best players on the ice. We’re going to have some very good 16- and 17-year-old players coming, and if they’re better than the 18- and 19-year-olds, they’re going to play. There are no guarantees.”
The three-day camp, which is open to the public, begins Monday, with daily practices going 8-9 a.m., and 3-4 p.m. Scrimmages will run daily from 9:15-11 a.m., and 4:15-6 p.m.
The annual Blue & White game takes place Thursday night (6 p.m.) at Wesbild. The Morning Star and KISS-FM will take on coaching duties for the game.
Ferner says roughly 50 players will take part in this year’s camp.
As with every year, the Snakes lost an experienced corps of veteran players to graduation. This year, it was forwards Chris Crowell, Ryan Santana and James Kerr, defencemen Kyle Bigos, Cody Ikkala, Cameron Brodie and Mike Leidl, and netminder Andrew Hammond who moved on.
While Ferner says it’s difficult to lose players of their calibre, he knows what they brought to the organization will have a lasting impression.
“We lost a lot with the players that left, but they set the culture and I have no worries that it’s just going to continue to get stronger,” said Ferner.
The Vipers open the exhibition season with a pair of games against the Salmon Arm SilverBacks. Game one goes Saturday at the Sunwave Centre, followed by a Sunday-night rendezvous at Revelstoke Arena.

Mark Ferner Fighting Highlights:

October 12th 1986 Mark Ferner (Rochester Americans) VS Kris King (Binghamton Whalers)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGvxxUUgvg8

February 11th 1987 Mark Ferner (Rochester Americans) VS Warren Young (Baltimore Skipjacks)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6ExXiXLEQw

Kane Commits To Bulldogs:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Kane commits to Bulldogs

Published: August 18, 2009

The Ferris State Bulldogs have just signed one of the best shots in the B.C. Hockey League.
Vernon Vipers’ forward Cory Kane has committed to play with the Bulldogs of the NCAA’s Central Collegiate Hockey Association for the 2010-11 season.
Kane, a 6-foot-3, 190-pound Irvine, Calif. product, recorded 20 goals for 44 points and 44 penalty minutes in his rookie season.
“They treated me very well and it seemed like they really wanted me,” said the 18-year-old, who recently returned from a flydown to Big Rapids, Mich. “They seemed like genuine people that you can trust, and that’s what I was looking for.”
While getting a scholarship signed is one less thing to worry about, Kane says there is still pressure to perform.
“You can relax a little bit, you’ve got that pressure off your back, but you’ve still got to have a big year. They’ll be counting on me as a second-year player.”
Vernon head coach Mark Ferner sees solid potential in Kane, and is looking forward to seeing him develop for one more season in a Vipers’ jersey.
“He’s got all the tools to be not only a good junior player, but a good college player and pro as well.
“All the tools are there, it’s just a matter of putting it all together.”
The Bulldogs were 9-14-5 last season.

6 Days Till Vipers Training Camp!

Well it's just around the corner, the defending Royal Bank Cup Champion Vernon Vipers start training camp this coming Monday, with camp running (August 24-26th) With a second straight off season with very little news on the hockey club, it looks as if Viper fans will be waiting till training camp once again to see any new faces trying out for this years team. Mark Ferner seems to keep things very quiet regarding off season signings. Just like last summer the Vipers announced two or three recruits who have signed with the Vipers, but leave the rest of the announcements for just before or during training camp.

Let's take a look at what has happened with the Vipers since winning the 2009 RBC Cup. Veteran forward, Trent Dorias left the team and has signed on with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. Veteran d-man, Kyle Bigos has decided to skip his final year of junior hockey and head off to Merrimack University. Rookie forward, Sahir Gill up and left the team after joining the USHL's Chicago Steel. Gill was supose to return to Vernon and once again play on the Vipers top unit with both Connor & Kellen Jones. The Vipers announced three signings over the summer, 17 year old forward, Dylan Walchuk has committed to play for the Vipers this upcoming season. Walchuk spent last season playing for the Nelson Leafs of the KIJHL. 18 year old forward Drew George, from Regina, has committed to play in Vernon. Drew spent last season playing for the Notre Hounds AAA Midget hockey team. & finally 17 year old goaltender; Blake Voth has committed to come to Vernon. Blake Voth played last season for the Tisdale Trojans of the SMAAAHL (Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League). Last week the Vipers made their first trade of the season, sending 20-year-old forward Brian Elser and future considerations to the Victoria Grizzlies in exchange for 20-year-old forward Jonathan Milhouse.

I just heard yesterday the Vipers have already sent in their jerseys to get some names and numbers put on, 15 of the teams 22 jerseys have been lettered and numbered, wich means the team is now looking for just 7 players to fill the 2009-10 roster to start the regular season next month. I dont know how many kids will be at the Vipers camp next week but do know with just 7 spots open, it will be tough to crack a spot for opening night.

With only 4 d-men returning and already 12 forwards on the roster, the Vipers seem to be loaded up front. With camp still next week & the possibility of a young prospect or two showing his stuff at camp, the Vipers may use a forward or two as trade bait to try and aquire a veteran d-man. It will be interesting what Mark Ferner does with the defence before the season starts. This so far is the one weak spot the Vipers need to work on.

Here's a look at the returning Viper players along with new recruits

Nick Amies
Mike Collins
Cole Ikkala
Connor Jones
Kellen Jones
Bryce Kakoske
Cory Kane
Kevin Kraus
Jonathan Milhouse
Braden Pimm
Kory Roy
Rob Short
Adam Thompson
Steven Weinstein
Graeme Gordon
Drew George
Blake Voth
Dylan Walchuk

Congrats Cory!

Id like to take the time to congratulate Vipers forward, Cory Kane on his scholarship to Ferris State University. Kane is very quick, a smoother skater with a wicked wrist shot. This kid is very dangerous with the puck in the offensive zone. Im expecting some big numbers from Kane this year, in his 2nd season with the Vipers. Congrats Cory all the best this year in Vernon and next year with Ferris State!

Cory Kane's Profile & Stat's,

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=224096&playerID=451013

Vernon Vipers Training Camp Schedule:

This is posted on the Vipers website:




Vernon Vipers Training Camp Schedule:


Sunday August 23rd


Registration 7PM


Optional Light Skate 8-10 PM


Monday August 24th



8-9 AM Team 1 Practice
9:15-11 AM Team 2 VS Team 3


3-4 PM Team 2 Practice
4:15-6 PM Team 1 VS Team 3


Tuesday August 25th



8-9 AM Team 3 Practice
9:15-11 AM Team 1 Vs Team 2


3-4 PM Team 1 Practice
4:15-6PM Team 2 VS Team 3


Wednesday August 26th


8-9 AM Team 2 Practice
9:15-11 Team 1 VS Team 3



3-4 PM Team 3 Practice
4:15-6 PM Team 1 VS Team 2

Thursday August 27th

6-9 PM Annual Blue VS White Game

Any players who can't make the registration on Sunday night are asked to email Jason Williamson at jason@vipers.bc.ca All players are asked to be prepared to be able to participate in off ice training. All players are also asked to bring a shirt and tie for a picture to be taken Monday August 24th.

Kane Committs To Ferris State:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Kane committs to ferris state

by viper staff Added 2009-08-18

The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club is pleased to announce that 18 year old forward Cory Kane has committed to play for Ferris State University.

Ferris State University is located in Big Rapids, Michigan. They play out of the prestigious CCHA conference. The Bulldogs alumni includes Chris Kunitz, a recent Hobey Baker Award finalist.

Kane will enter his second season with the Vipers. In his rookie season, Kane scored 20 goals and 22 assists. He produces one of the best shots in junior hockey and is a threat to score from anywhere in the offensive zone.

The Vipers would like to congratulate Cory on this achievement and look forward to seeing him in a Vipers jersey for one more season.

Former Viper Fratkin Traded:

This is posted on Brian Wiebe's Merritt Centennials Blog:

The Merritt Centennials continue to make news off the ice as I've learned that the team has traded F Casey Fratkin (89) to the Nanaimo Clippers for future considerations.

Fratkin debuted with the Cents as a rookie at the start of the 2006-07 season and played 47 games, posting five goals and five assists. The Burnaby product was traded to Vernon at the start of the 2007-08 season, but only skated with the Vipers for just over a month before being dealt to North Bay of the NOJAHL. Fratkin was then signed by the KIJHL's Chase Chiefs in January of 2008 and played 14 games with them. He was invited to Cents camp last season and made the roster as fourth line energy player before then-coach Al Glendinning asked him to switch to playing defence. Once he made the switch, Fratkin played some of his best hockey on the blueline.

Heading into this season, Fratkin was a victim of the numbers game. As a 1989 born player, his fate likely hindered on the performance of the other 20-year-olds.

Former Viper Holick Coaches U-18 To Gold:

This is posted on Jeff Bromley's Kootenay Ice Blog:

Holick coaches U-18 to gold

by Jeff Bromley

Kootenay Ice head coach Mark Holick returned home from Piestany, Slovakia Sunday after a stint as assistant coach to Canada's U-18 team with somewhat heavier luggage. Souvenirs for the family will do that. His biggest souvenir however was the gold medal around his neck and it’s one he’ll cherish for a very long time.

Team Canada’s U-18 entry in the Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament - formerly the Junior World Cup - in the Czech Republic and Slovakia came away with yet another gold medal after the squad dumped Team Russia in the final by a lopsided 9-2 score. “We were as good against the Russians as anytime in the tournament,” said Holick following a gruelling 20-hour trip home through Vienna, Frankfurt, Calgary and finally Cranbrook Sunday afternoon. “We studied some video our guys got from Russia’s game the night before in Braclav and they like to skate, make the pretty pass and make the long-bomb down the ice. We took that away and were very physical with them and once we got the lead it didn’t seem like they wanted any part of it anymore.”

Team Canada ran the table with four wins at the eight-team tournament with their closest game a 3-2 decision against Team Sweden to open the annual summer gathering of 17-year-olds. The next night they doubled Switzerland 6-3 before trouncing the Czech Republic 9-0 Thursday night to gain a berth in the tournament championship. Though you’ll never hear him say it, from afar it looked very much like one of the easiest gold medals Canada’s ever won at this tournament. Though things almost got derailed in an early battle with Sweden. “We viewed the start of the tournament with Sweden as potentially the gold medal game right out of the gate,” continued Holick. “We were fortunate and after the first five minutes it easily could’ve been 2-0 Sweden. Our goalie, Calvin Pickard, played really well for us in the opening minutes and allowed us to get our legs. We were a little bit shell-shocked.”

After the 3-2 win against Sweden Canada took Team Switzerland for granted somewhat in the second contest. Tied 2-2 going into the second period the score garnered the club a less than cordial motivational speech from head coach Bob Bougher along with Holick and the other assistant coach, Oshawa Generals bench boss Chris Dipiero. “We had to get after the guys in the intermission and made sure where their focus was,” said Holick. “We had a couple words to say and Bob (head coach Bougher) took charge and obviously nothing you can print but certainly he got their attention and why they were there and that there were people sacrificing their time and energy for those players to get together. When you put that Maple Leaf on your chest be prepared to battle. After that we were better in the second, took care of it in the third and got better as the tournament wore on.”

The tournament win continues a growing tradition for both Ice players and coaches who have struck gold in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, including Brayden McNabb and Nathan Lieuwen last year, John Negrin, Ben Maxwell, Nigel Dawes, Jarrett Stoll and Steve McCarthy before them but also former Ice head coach Cory Clouston, presently the Ottawa Senators head coach, who won gold as an assistant in 2005 and then as head coach in 2006.

http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/65264/la_id/1.htm

Snakes Load Up Front End With Milhouse Trade:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Snakes load up front end with Milhouse trade

Published: August 13, 2009

The Vernon Vipers have added another sniper to an already impressive corps of returning forwards for the 2009-10 B.C. Hockey League season.
The Snakes traded 20-year-old forward Brian Elser and future considerations to the Victoria Grizzlies in exchange for 20-year-old forward Jonathan Milhouse.
The Vipers had originally traded Elser to the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Drayton Valley Thunder last September for future considerations. Elser didn’t report, so the Snakes didn’t collect, and instead retained his rights.
Milhouse, a Yorba Linda, Calif. product, had a stint with the Western Hockey League’s Portland Winter Hawks last season before finishing his campaign with the Grizzlies.
In 42 games with Victoria, Milhouse collected 19 goals for 42 points. The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder posted 10 points in 17 games with Portland.
“Any time a good player becomes available who wants to play for your club, you’ve got to take a look at it,” said Vipers’ assistant coach Jason Williamson. “He makes us quicker, he’s got great hands, he works hard... he’s a good kid.”
Williamson adds Milhouse was a standout at the National Junior A Championships in Victoria.
“At the Royal Bank Cup, we felt he was Victoria’s best player.”
With the addition of Milhouse, the Vipers now have 10 returning forwards, plus a pair of top prospects in Dylan Walchuk (Kootenay International Junior Hockey League’s Nelson Leafs) and Drew George (Notre Dame Midget Tier 1 Hounds).
Registration for the Vipers’ main camp goes Aug. 23, with on-ice sessions running Aug. 24-26.
“It’s going to be an interesting camp,” said Williamson. “They’ll sort things out in camp for themselves.”
On the Grizzlies’ website, head coach Victor Gervais said Milhouse “has great hands and skill... but his heart wasn’t playing in Victoria this season.”
Elser, a Hopewell Junction, N.Y. product, recorded 12-10-22 in 28 games with the Eastern Junior Hockey League’s New York Apple Core last season.
Meanwhile, Walchuk hasn’t even played a game with the Vipers and he has already committed to the NCAA Northern Michigan Wildcats for the 2011-12 season.
The 5-foot-9, 170-pound McBride native led the Leafs with 29-36-65 and was top-10 in KIJHL scoring as a 16-year-old. He was an integral part of their run to the KIJHL championship and appearance in the Cyclone Taylor Cup.
“He was highly sought after by many junior teams and he was getting interest from a lot of big schools,” said Williamson.
“Not too many ‘92s commit out of Junior B, so he’ll be a good player. And he’s got high expectations of himself, so hopefully he’ll be able to jump in and contribute right away.”
Wildcats’ head coach Walt Kyle coached Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner when he played with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Walchuk says he appreciates the effort Kyle put into meeting him.
“He (Kyle) came down to meet me and told me all about their program,” said Walchuk, who has spent the last few weeks at a conditioning camp in Penticton. “I felt like I could fit in there, which is why I picked it.”

Walchuk Committs To Northern Michigan University:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Walchuk committs to nmu!

by viper staff Added 2009-08-12

The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club is pleased to announce that 17 year old forward Dylan Waclhuk has accepted a scholarship from Northern Michigan University.

Dylan played last season for the Nelson Leafs of the KIJHL. He led the team in scoring and was an integral part of their run to the KIJHL championship and appearance in the Keystone Cup.

Northern Michigan is a prestigious school that plays out of the CCHA. Their head coach, Walt Kyle also coached Vipers Head Coach Mark Ferner when they were both parts of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks Organization.

Dylan will suit up for the Vipers for the next two seasons before he plans to attend class in the fall of 2011.

Digness Call's It Quits:

I just come across tonight that former Vernon Vipers forward, John Digness is calling it quits. It was indicated that John Digness may not return to the Express for the 09-10 season. Well it's official now that he will not be back. Digness has decided to move on with his life. He has enrolled in school at SAIT in Alberta in an engineering program.

Digness was recruited by the Vipers and never dissapointed. Let's look at some of his numbers, In Digness's first season in Vernon (2007-08) In 60 games John would collect (10 goals-10 assists-20 points) In 2008-09 Digness would play in just 39 games before being traded to the Express. With Vernon (7 goals-12 assists-19 points) In 18 games with Burnaby (8 goals-13 assists-21 points) John Digness was one of my favorite Vipers, in his two seasons here in Vernon, John always played with his heart on his sleve, giving it 100% every shift. Digness played a very special role with the Vipers, great on the penalty kill, was one of if not Vernons best penalty killer. John played with alot of hustle and gave it his all. Digness was very well liked by his team mates and fans, a true down to earth young man who was always involved with the community. On the day of the big trade, I heard Digness come down to the Vipers office to say goodbye and was a mess, his eyes were so red from crying after hearing the news. I felt especially bad when the Vipers ended up winning the Royal Bank Cup, and John wasnt apart of it. Digness was expected to be a key part of the re-built Express for this coming season & will be missed. Id like to thank John for two great years in a Vipers uniform & wish him all the best with school and whatever he does in life after hockey.

John Digness's Profile and Stat's,

http://bchl.bc.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=224091&playerID=331618

Correale In... Digness Out:

This is posted on the Burnaby Expressions Blog:

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

CORREALE IN... DIGNESS OUT

There has been plenty of speculation this off-season about where Dan Correale will play this coming season. He spent some time last season with the Prince George Spruce Kings before being sent back down to Major Midget by the Spruce Kings. Earlier this off-season the Express acquired his rights in a 3 way trade involving Burnaby, Nanaimo and Prince George.

In the meantime, the defending AJHL champion Grande Prairie Storm believed they had signed him. The Storm believed he was a free agent after being sent down to Major Midget by Prince George. That set off a conflict about who had Correale's Junior A rights. Burnaby or Grande Prairie.

Well, I did some digging today and learned that Correale is property of the Burnaby Express and will hit the ice with the Express when camp opens in a few weeks.

I spoke with BCHL Commissioner John Grisdale today. He told me that Correale is property of the Express.

Correale was placed on a special protected list when he was sent down by Prince George last season. Therefore still property of the Spruce Kings when the season ended. Then when Correale was part of the 3 team trade involving, Burnaby, Nanaimo and Prince George, his Junior A rights were transferred to the Express.

Correale was placed on a special protected list when he was sent down by Prince George last season. Therefore still property of the Spruce Kings when the season ended. Then when Correale was part of the 3 team trade involving, Burnaby, Nanaimo and Prince George, his Junior A rights were transferred to the Express.

Meanwhile, when I spoke with Express Head Coach Dave Mclellan earlier this summer, he indicated to me that John Digness may not return to the Express for the 09-10 season. Well it's official now that he will not be back. Digness has decided to move on with his life. He has enrolled in school at SAIT in Alberta in an engineering program.

Digness was acquired by the Express at the trade deadline last season in a deal that saw Mike Leidl and Cam Brodie head to Vernon. Digness made an immediate impact upon coming to the Express, putting up 20 points in 16 games. He was expected to be a key part of the re-built Express for this coming season. This obviously leaves a hole upfront for the Express as camp approaches.

To listen live to Express Head Coach, Dave Mclellan on Correale and the loss of Digness go to the Burnaby Expressions Blog,

http://expressvoice.blogspot.com/

Vipers Aquire Veteran 20 Year Old:

Mark Ferner has made his first trade of the season aquiring veteran 20 yr old forward, Jonathan Milhouse from the BCHL's Victoria Grizzlies in return for 20 yr old forward, Brian Elser & future considerations. I for one so far dont understand this trade, The Vipers traded Elser back in September of last year to the AJHL's Drayton Valley Thunder for future considerations (cash) and a player to be named next year. Rumor was Elser didnt report to the Thunder. So how does Elser end up back in Vernon to get traded to Victoria? Well I did some digging and found some info on what happened to Elser. Brian was playing with the NAHL's Bismarck Bobcats last year before being traded to the EJHL's New York Apple Core. In 28 games with the Apple Core Elser picked up 12 goals, 10 assists & 22 points, along with 28 pims. For more on the trade click the link below,

http://www.easternjunior.com/news.php?action=fullnews&showcomments=1&id=388

The Vipers traded Brian Elser last year due to the import rule, after aquiring former WHLer Ryan DePape. DePape was later traded to the BCHL's Alberni Valley Bulldogs along with future considerations for James Kerr. DePape never reported to the Bulldogs. It was Mark Ferner who scouted Elser, 18, at the U.S. Midget championships in Buffalo. He helped Shattuck St. Mary’s win two national titles.

I was very impressed with the play of Elser at the Vipers training camp last year. Elser worked very hard, always showing alot of hustle in trying to make last year's team. Elser looked very good on a line with Braden Pimm & Chris Crowell to start the season before being traded. In just two games with Vernon Elser collected 1 assist. Always played with an edge along with having some good size. Its too bad this kid had to be traded, I think Elser would have been a great addition to the Vipers lineup, Id have Elser over Ryan DePape anyday. Id like to wish Brian all the best in Victoria with the Grizzlies and will be looking forward to watching you play when Victoria comes to Vernon.

Brian Elser's Profile & Stat's,

http://bchl.bc.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=224090&playerID=451011

Milhouse started out his Junior career with the WHL's Everett Silvertips back in 2005-06 Milhouse didnt record a single point in 26 games with the Tips. The following year Milhouse would play for two different teams and leagues. In 8 games with Everett Milhouse collected 0 points, & in 19 games with the NAHL's Santa Fe Roadrunners, Jonathan would pick up (1 goal-5 assists-6 points) In 2007-08 Milhouse moved on to Victoria where he would play a full season with the Grizzlies collecting (15 goals-32 assists-47 points) Milhouse split last season with both the BCHL's Victoria Grizzlies and the WHL's Portland Winterhawks. In 42 games with Victoria Milhouse would pick up (19 goals-23 assists-42 points) & in 17 games with the Winterhawks (3 goals-7 assists-10 points)

I'm a big fan of Jonathan Milhouse and am very pleased with this trade. I had the chance to watch Milhouse play in his lone visit to the Wesbild Centre last year and then in all the Victoria games at the Royal Bank Cup. This kid is a treat to watch, quick, always creating chances, and buzzing around the net. Put up some pretty decent numbers in his two seasons with the Grizzlies. Very smooth skater and puck handler. Stats dont lie, Milhouse has had much more success playing in the BCHL over the WHL, his numbers prove it. In his two season's with the Grizz Milhouse collected 42 and 47 points, as a veteran 20 year old Viper fans should expect some big numbers from this California kid.

While at the Royal Bank Cup back in May, I heard from one Vipers fan who had talked to someone close to the team saying that Jonathan Milhouse had been talking with the Vipers all season on working out a trade. Word was Milhouse who is from Yorba Linda, California grew up playing hockey & was good buddies with Vipers forward, Ryan Santana who is also from Yorba Linda, California. Through hockey Santana's parents and Milhouse's parents all knew one another and were fairly close. Rumor was Santana had talked to Milhouse on coming to Vernon. Another rumor going around at the RBC was that Jonathan has a younger brother who is a solid hockey player and also wants to come try out for the Vipers this season. With Jonathan now a Viper, does this mean you will see his younger brother at training camp? Only time will tell.

Jonathan Milhouse's Profile & Stat's,

http://bchl.bc.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=224096&playerID=341661

Vernon-Victoria Trade:

This is posted on the Victoria Grizzlies website:

August 07, 2009

The Victoria Grizzlies have traded forward Jonathan Milhouse to the BCHL Vernon Vipers for Brian Elser. Brian a 20 year old from Hopewell Junction, New York played 20 games in the EJHL last season where he scored 12 goals and 10 assists for 22 points.
20 year old Milhouse who has played for the Grizzlies on and off for the last 2 seasons tried a shot with the WHL's Portland Winterhawks last season then returned to the Grizzlies.
Jonathan has great hands and skill commented Grizzlies head coach Victor Gervais but his heart wasn't playing in Victoria this season.
In exchange we get a 6' 0" power forward in Brian that should play on the top two lines.
The Grizzlies wish Jonathan the best and are excited to have Brian come in to their training camp which starts on August 23rd 2009.

BCHL Trades For The Month Of July:

Here's a look at trades that have happened in the month of July, these have been posted on the BCHL League web site.

17-Jul-09 The Alberni Valley Bulldog Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Liam Gorges (90) and Jackson Garrett (91) to the Lloydminster Bobcats Hockey Club of the AJHL in exchange for the playing rights of David Dziurzynski (89).

17-Jul-09 The Cowichan Valley Capitals Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Chad Hohmann (89) to the Llyodminster Bobcats Hockey Club of the AJHL in exchange for the playing rights of Jackson Garrett (91).

St. Denis Given Free Agent Tryout With Stars:

This is posted on Regan Bartels Kelowna Rockets Blog:

Kelowna Rockets forward Kyle St. Denis has been given a free agent tryout with the NHL's Dallas Stars. St. Denis played in just 5 games as an "AP" player with the BCHL's Vernon Vipers back in the 2005-06 season, before playing his first full season with the Vipers in 2006-07 collecting 61 pts in his rookie season. St. Denis would leave Vernon the following season to join the WHL's Kelowna Rockets.

For great coverage of the Kelowna Rockets visit Regan Bartels Kelowna Rockets Blog,

http://reganbartel.blogspot.com/

Get Your Vipers Season Tickets!

This is on the Vipers website:

Vipers season tickets

by viper staff Added 2009-07-23

Don't miss your chance to see your Vernon Vipers defend the RBC Cup! Get your season tickets for the 2009-2010 Vipers Season today and cheer on your record breaking 5 Time National Champions. Don't miss a minute of Vipers action and guarantee your same great seat for all Vernon Vipers home games for the 2009-2010 season. Season tickets are available by calling the Vipers Office at 250-542-6022 or download your ticket form by following the "Tickets" tab at the top of the Vipers website. All Season Ticket Holders enjoy: Savings on regular walk-up prices. Guaranteed seat locations for all Vipers home games. 2 Raincheck nights. Invite to “Ice Breaker Night” Option to purchase your same seats for home playoff games. First right to renew seats for the 2010 season. Exclusive draws and prizes VIP Discount Card. Now is the time to get your seats. For season ticket information and to get the best seats available, call 250-542-6022 or follow the "Tickets" tab at the top of the website and click on "Ticket Prices."

Change Is Good:

I for one is in favor and like the new changes to this year's version of the BCHL All-Star Game. I would like to try and make the trip out to Nanaimo just to check out the game. I have been to three All-Star/Prospect Games and all have ended up the same, in the end it ends up being one long boring non hitting hockey game with very little intensity. In past years their has been very little interest amongst fans wich has resulted in small crowds. Change is good and it's worth a shot, many hockey fans are saying this wont be the same Vernon hockey team that won the 2009 RBC Cup, of course it wont, but with a possible 14 returning players, the Vipers roster will still have a fair amount of veterans from last year's championship team. After winning a Championship everyone wants to defeat or knock off the defending champs, this coming season the Vipers will have to remember each game wether it means something or not, everybody will want to get their shot at defeating the defending champs. In this case the Vipers will be challenged by the BCHL All-Stars wich will hopefully provide a little more excitement and entertainment, along with some checking and a little more intensity wich hasnt been seen in previous games. This will also be a great challenge for the Vipers to see how they stand up against the League's best. The only down side on this game will be the schedule for the Vipers. The BCHL All-Star Game will be held on the 13th of January, after the All-Star Classic the Vipers will then head off on a very tough Island road trip starting off on the 15th in Nanaimo, then moving onto Victoria on the 16th, Cowichan Valley on the 17th and then finishing off the trip on the 19th in Port Alberni. These are young men and Mark Ferner will have his troops ready and very well prepared.

Grisdale On All-Star Game Changes:

Thanks to Trail's play by play man Shawn Mullin for talking with the BCHL commish last night. Here's Grisdale on the changes to the 2010 BCHL All-Star Game in Nanaimo,

http://smokeeatersblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/grisdale-on-all-star-game-big-smokies.html

Vipers vs All-Stars:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers vs All-Stars

Published: August 04, 2009

The Fred Page Cup champion Vernon Vipers will send 20 players to the B.C. Hockey League’s 2010 All-Star Game on Wednesday, January 13th at the Frank Crane Arena in Nanaimo.
“The British Columbia Hockey League is very excited to announce a new All-Star Game format that will make for a tremendous event in a great hockey city,” said BCHL commissioner John Grisdale. “We’re looking forward to an intense and highly-skilled contest.”
The game marks a first for the league, and a departure from the Coastal versus Interior conference structure that has long been in place for the BCHL’s annual All-Star showcase.
“This new and improved All-Star format will be a huge hit with players and fans alike,” says Nanaimo Clippers General Manager Bill Bestwick. “The concept of having the previous season’s champion play the BCHL All-Stars will prove to be extremely competitive and the Clippers are looking forward to hosting Vernon and the rest of the league in this first-ever event.”
The Vipers will be the first defending Fred Page Cup champion to participate in the game under the new format. The Vipers went on to hoist the Doyle and Royal Bank Cups earlier in 2009, marking the team’s fifth national championship victory.
“I think this is a fun concept and a great twist for an All-Star Game,” says Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner. “I know our players will be excited and it’s a nice reward for them and for the organization for winning a league championship.”
Registration for the Vipers’ training camp goes Aug. 23 at the Wesbild Centre.
Vernon opens the exhibition season Saturday, Aug. 29 against the host Salmon Arm SilverBacks. The same two teams meet the next night at the Revelstoke Forum.

Tigers Snag Silver In Esquimalt:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Tigers snag silver in Esquimalt

Published: August 04, 2009

You’ve heard of underdogs – what about undercats?
The Vernon Re/Max Tigers are happy to walk away from the B.C. Junior B Lacrosse Championships as silver medalists.
The Tigers, who went 3-1 in round-robin play, bowed 9-5 to the powerhouse Port Moody Thunder in the gold-medal game Monday afternoon at Archie Browning Arena in Esquimalt.
The Tigers opened the scoring, but the Thunder fired several quick goals to steal the momentum and never looked back.
“Those first couple goals we let in kind of killed us in the end,” said Tigers’ captain Robbie Short. “They’ve got a lot of good shooters and have good ball movement on offence.
“They got a few lucky goals and we took a few penalties, but a few lucky bounces and we could have turned it around.”
Added Tigers’ head coach Rich Zecchel: “Losing 9-5 to a team like Port Moody is OK, but the guys were disappointed they lost. We still had a pretty outstanding year.
“They’re (Thunder) a highly-skilled, strong side. They’d be a very competitive Junior A team. A lot of those kids play A1 all through minor – we don’t even have an A1 team.”
Zecchel adds there is always an element of uncertainty heading into provincials, and after bowing 14-3 to the Thunder in preliminary action, he is proud of the way the Cats responded.
“It’s an unknown,” said Zecchel. “You know you’ll be competitive with the Island, but the Lower Mainland will be the toughest always because of their numbers.
“I think we all surpassed our expectations. Winning the (Thompson Okanagan Junior Lacrose League) was the most important thing. That’s what you compete for all season every year.
“Going to provincials is a bonus, and winning a silver medal is a bonus on top of that.”
Short says the silver medal is all the more satisfying knowing the Cats, who finished third in the TOJLL standings, weren’t expected to get as far as they did at provincials.
“Historically, the Okanagan teams are usually pretty underrated, but we always do fairly well.
“We were definitely underdogs going in and I think we surprised a few teams. I don’t think they expected us to be as physical as we were, or as fast.”
The Cats, who last earned silver in 2003, iced the Westshore Bears of Juan de Fuca 10-4 Saturday morning, clipped the host Esquimalt Eagles 5-4 Sunday morning and thumped the Prince George Posse 9-5 that afternoon.
Against the Eagles’ net, the Tigers’ Brennan Plante connected with Ryan Landels as he cut through the middle for the winner late in the third to secure a berth in the gold-medal game.
“It was back and forth right until a few minutes left,” said Zecchel. “As the host team, they were hoping to make it to the gold-medal game, but by beating them, we got there instead.”
Landels posted 9-2-11, including four powerplay goals in four games, and Zecchel says he was the Tiger who perhaps raised his game the most at provincials.
“That nearly reached his totals for the regular season (14 points) in just one weekend,” grinned Zecchel.
The Cat’s Jordan Jarvis (4-8-12) and Miles Jespersen (5-4-9) also chipped in on offence. But Zecchel says the Tigers’ defence, the play of netminder Josh Phillips and a team-first attitude are what got them to the medal round.
“Our goaltending got us there,” said Zecchel. “Josh Phillips was a second team all-star. He’s got a couple years left with us, so that’s good for us.
“Our defence was strong, our goaltending was strong – it was just an all around team effort.”
Zecchel thanked team sponsors – Re/Max, Coca-Cola, Boston Pizza, Canaccord Capital and Kal Tire.

Vipers Lose Chance At Bid For 2011 RBC Cup:

Reading last weeks front page of the Vernon Morning Star Newspaper, It's too bad the Vipers & the City of Vernon didnt have more time to try and get a bid in for the 2011 Royal Bank Cup. With the team already hosting the 1990 Centennial Cup and now just winning the 2009 RBC Cup and being a record 5 time National Champion, the Vipers and the city of Vernon would be perfect to host the 2011 RBC Cup in one of the leagues best arena's. I do have to ask this question, why did they just find out about the 2011 bidding now, when the due date is just weeks away? How come nobody knew about this sooner, so they would have a chance at making a strong bid for the RBC? I dont remember the exact year but I do remember Troy Mick and the Vipers making a bid for the RBC Cup shortly after the Multi-Plex opened and the Vipers & the City of Vernon lost out to Grande Prairie I think? Correct me if I'm wrong. With the Multi-Plex fairly new and the strong history behind the Vipers I was a bit surprised the Vipers lost out in the bidding wars. I sure hope the City of Vernon and the Vipers start acting now and come up with a solid bid to host the 2012 Royal Bank Cup. With Vernon not putting in a bid for 2011 you have to wonder if any of the other BCHL teams-cities will or have submitted a bid to host the RBC. Maybe Penticton? Guess time will tell.

Vipers To Face The BCHL's Best At 2010 All-Star Game:

This is on the BCHL website:

Vipers to face the BCHL's best at 2010 All-Star Game

Tuesday, August 4, 2009 - Submitted by BCHL Media

The British Columbia Hockey League’s 2010 All-Star Game will see the defending Fred Page Cup champion Vernon Vipers take on a team of league All-Stars on Wednesday, January 13th at the Frank Crane Arena in Nanaimo.

"The British Columbia Hockey League is very excited to announce a new All-Star Game format that will make for a tremendous event in a great hockey city," BCHL Commissioner John Grisdale says. "We’re looking forward to an intense and highly-skilled contest."

The game marks a first for the league and a departure from the Coastal versus Interior conference structure that has long been in place for the BCHL’s annual All-Star showcase.

"This new and improved All-Star format will be a huge hit with players and fans alike," says Nanaimo Clippers General Manager Bill Bestwick. "The concept of having the previous season’s champion play the BCHL All-Stars will prove to be extremely competitive and the Clippers are looking forward to hosting Vernon and the rest of the league in this first-ever event."

The Vernon Vipers will be the first defending Fred Page Cup champion to participate in the game under the new format. The Vipers went on to hoist the Doyle and RBC Cups earlier in 2009, marking the team’s fifth National Championship victory.

"I think this is a fun concept and a great twist for an All-Star Game," says Vipers Head Coach Mark Ferner. "I know our players will be excited and it’s a nice reward for them and for the organization for winning a league championship."

Former Viper Hunt Back With Creston:

The Creston Valley ThunderCats are very excited to announce bringing back Assistant Coach Grady Hunt of Vernon B.C. Grady once played nets for the Creston Valley Thunder in the RMJHL days and was the last Thunder player to receive the MVP award before Wade Waters won it last season. Hunt also helped lead the Fernie Ghostriders of AWHL to 31 consecutive wins... Named AWHL second-team All-Star and helped Fernie to a Borne Cup victory... & RMJHL league MVP. Since then Grady attended Bemijdi State University on scholarship and graduated with a teachers degree. After a few years of semi-pro in the U.S Grady helped coach the U.S Air Force Academy to a NCAA Atlantic Hockey Association Championship. Hunt also played for the Vernon Vipers & Merritt Centennials in the 1997-98 BCHL season. In 5 games with the Vipers that season, Hunt went 0-4 giving up 21 goals with a 5.53 GAA

Grady Hunt's Bemidji State Hockey Bio,

http://www.bemidjistate.edu/athletics/sports/mhockey/roster/2003-04/Hunt-Grady.html

Grady Hunt's Hockey Stat's,

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=55566

Billets Needed:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Billets needed! by viper staff Added 2009-07-31

The Vernon Vipers players are in need of homes for the upcoming hockey season! If you are interested in becoming a billet family please contact Jason Williamson at 250-542-6022 or email him at jason@vipers.bc.ca He will be able to help you out with any questions you may have.

Jones Baseball Season Comes To An End:

This is posted on Shawn Mullins Smoke Eaters Blog:
http://smokeeatersblog.blogspot.com/

Mountain FM news reported yesterday that the Trail Jays lost 12-6 to Treasure Valley last night and were eliminated from the American Legion Baseball Idaho State AA Tournament. The loss ends Trail's seasons and the junior ball careers of all their 1990 born players. This was Trail's first trip to state since 2002 and a season to be very proud of. It marks the peak of a great turn around under President Ed Ferraro and Manager Nick Schuerman. Congrats to all involved. We'll have more on this on Overtime this Tuesday.

Tigers Fall In B.C. Playoff Opener:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Tigers fall in B.C. playoff opener

Published: August 02, 2009

The Vernon Tigers got a wake-up call as they bowed 14-3 to the Port Moody Thunder in their opener at the B.C. Junior B Lacrosse Championships Friday night at Archie Browning Arena in Esquimalt.
“There’s a lot of good teams here, so we’ve got our work cut out for us,” said Tigers’ head coach Rich Zecchel.
“We got into penalty trouble and they can bury the ball, so it just got ugly.
“We played poorly, and we’ve really got to raise our level to be competitive. It was an eye-opener for our guys, but it will be a good experience – we’re here to learn, too.”
Zecchel noted that three of Port Moody’s players racked up roughly 25 points each in just five West Coast Junior Lacrosse League playoff games.
Miles Jespersen, Jordan Jarvis and Steve Clark handled the Cats’ attack. Jespersen missed the Tigers’ Saturday afternoon game against the Westshore Bears (Pacific North West Junior Lacrosse League champions) after he earned a one-game suspension for fighting Friday night.
The Cats face the host Victoria-Esquimalt Eagles this morning and end round-robin play tonight against the Great White North Junior Lacrosse League champions Prince George Posse.
The medal round games start Monday morning.