Former Vipers Forward Murphy Makes 2012 ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Kyle Murphy made the 2012 ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team.  Murphy finished his first season with Providence.  Murphy played one season in Vernon (2010-11) In 58 games with the Vipers Murphy collected (18-24-42) was also named the Vipers Unsung Hero Award winner and Academic Excellence Award winner.

Kyle Murphy's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=43913

This is posted on the Friars website:

Eleven Men's Hockey Student-Athletes Named To Hockey East All-Academic Team

Andy Balysky shared the Hockey East Top Scholar-Athlete Award with a 4.0 GPA.

June 20, 2012

Eleven Providence College men's hockey student-athletes were named to the Hockey East All-Academic Team on Wednesday, June 20. Seniors Andy Balysky (Randolph, N.J.), Matt Bergland (Faribault, Minn.), David Brown (Centennial, Colo.), Justin Gates (Cranston, R.I.) and Daniel New (White Plains, N.Y.), juniors Myles Harvey (Orlando, Fla.), Kyle Murphy (Fairhaven, N.J.), Chris Rooney (Canton, Mass.), Steven Shamanski (Carberry, Man.) and Alex Velischek (Kinnelon, N.J.) as well as red-shirt freshman Damian Cross (Nepean, Ont.) each earned Hockey East All-Academic Team honors.

In addition to the 100 student-athletes selected for the all-academic team, Hockey East honored a team of five players with the top GPAs by position. Balysky, an accounting major, was one of the forwards on that team and he also shared the Hockey East Top Scholar-Athlete Award.

To qualify for the all-academic team, a student-athlete must earn a 3.0 grade point average or higher in each of the two academic periods during which he was actively competing.

Balysky capped off his final season at Providence by attaining a 4.0 GPA is each semester. In addition, he earned distinguished scholar honors after being named to the Hockey East All-Academic team for four seasons. Balysky, who earned the team's Thomas Eccleston Jr. Unsung Hero and the John Ferguson Academic awards, played in all 38 games as a co-captain in 2011-12. He totaled career-highs in goals (7), assists (7) and points (14). He also scored two short-handed goals and had one game winner.

For Bergland and Brown, it marked the second consecutive season that they received the honor. Bergland, a management major, had the third highest GPA on the team as he finished with a 3.78 cumulative GPA. He played in all 38 games and led the Friars in assists (16) and finished second with 23 points. Brown's 3.82 GPA (3.91 mark in the fall semester) this past season was the second highest mark on the team. He played in 35 of the 38 games as he made the transition from defense to forward. Brown, a management major, scored a career-high three goals and added four assists for a career-best seven points.

Gates garnered a 3.67 GPA in accounting this past season and made the all-academic team for the third consecutive season. The senior goalie, who finished with a 3.75 GPA during the spring semester, recorded a 2.92 goals against average. He posted a win in his first start of the season as the Friars defeated Alabama-Huntsville (11/12). For New, it marked his first appearance on the all-academic team. The finance major attained a 3.44 overall GPA, including a 3.66 mark during the fall semester. As a co-captain, New played in 36 of the 38 games and totaled a career-high 14 points and 12 assists. He also received the Ron Wilson Best Defensive Player Award.

It marks the first appearance for Harvey, Murphy and Rooney in the all-academic team. Harvey recorded a 3.22 GPA in management this past season. Harvey played in all 38 games and led all PC defensemen in scoring with career highs of seven goals, 10 assists and 17 points. Murphy, a finance major, earned a 3.63 GPA. He sat out the 2011-12 season after transferring from Notre Dame. Following one year at UND (2009-10), Murphy spent the 2010-11 season with the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL where he earned Vernon's team Unsung Hero and Academic Excellence awards. Rooney finished with a 3.19 GPA in management this past season. He battled injuries throughout the season and recorded two goals, eight assists for 10 points in 28 games.

Shamanski earned the honor for the second time, while Velischek was named to the all-academic team for the first time. Shamanski attained a 3.49 GPA as a sophomore defenseman. He played in all 38 games and recorded a career-high three goals and four points. Velischek, a political science major, earned a 3.34 GPA. He played in 32 games as a junior defenseman and recorded seven assists.

Cross is a first-time honoree as he earned a 3.10 GPA. He played in all 38 games and recorded 16 points on four goals and 12 assists.

Former Viper Twins Fall Short At BC Senior Mens Baseball Championships:

Former Vernon Vipers forwards Connor & Kellen Jones are back in Trail for the summer playing in their second season with the Trail AM Ford Orioles of the Pacific International Baseball League (PIL).  The Jones Twins and the Orioles fell short last weekend at the 2012 BC Senior mens Baseball Championships as the Trail Orioles finished in a three way tie for 3rd place with a 2-2 record.  The BC senior mens Championship was held at Citizen Field in Prince George last Friday August 3rd till Monday August 6th.

The Jones twins finished their second season with the Quinnipiac Bobcats. Connor and Kellen both played four years in Vernon (2006-2010). In 163 regular season games with the Vipers Connor collected (80-118-198) Connor also is the Vipers all-time franchise points leader (regular season & playoffs) with 228 & all-time franchise goals leader (regular season & playoffs) with 95. while in 154 regular season games with the Vipers Kellen collected (39-134-173). Kellen is also the all-time franchise assists leader (regular season & playoffs) with 150. Kellen was drafted 202nd overall by the NHL Edmonton Oilers in the 7th round of the 20010 NHL Draft. Both Kellen & Connor attended the Edmonton Oilers development camp this past June.

Connor Jones Baseball Player Profile:

http://www.pointstreak.com/baseball/player.html?playerid=365974

Kellen Jones Baseball Player Profile:

http://www.pointstreak.com/baseball/player.html?playerid=365969

Here is a look at the Orioles scores from the Senior mens Championships last weekend

Saturday, August 3rd

Trail 4 Nanaimo 2
Langley 7 Trail 0

Sunday, August 4th

Trail 10 Kelowna 9
Kamloops 16 Trail 1

In four games Kellen Jones finished with 12 AB, 4 hits, 1 homerun and 2 RBI.  Kellen also went 2-1 as starting pitcher for the Orioles finishing with a 3.97 ERA

Kellen Jones lead all pitchers with two wins and 14 strike outs

In four games Connor Jones finished with 9 AB, 3 hits and 2 RBI

BCHL Trades From The Month Of July:

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

09-Jul-12 The Trail Smoke Eaters Hockey Club acquires the playing rights of Maddison Smiley (94)(D) from the Brooks Bandits Hockey Club of the AJHL that completes the futures section of the trade between the two teams on January 1st, 2012.

09-Jul-12 The Victoria Grizzlies Hockey Club acquires the playing rights of Brett Hartskamp (92) from the Swan Valley Stampeders Hockey Club of the MJHL in exchange for future considerations.

09-Jul-12 The Penticton Vees Hockey Club acquires the playing rights of Mike Sones (92) (F) from the Swan Valley Stampeders Hockey Club of the MJHL in exchange for future considerations.

09-Jul-12 The Coquitlam Express Hockey Club transfers the CJHL playing rights of Cody Castro to the Yarmouth Mariners Hockey Club of the MHL in exchange for future considerations.

09-Jul-12 The Victoria Grizzlies Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Braxton Bilous (94)(D) and Garrett Rockafellow (92)(G) to the Westside Warriors Hockey Club in exchange for the playing rights of Garrett Skrbich (93)(F) and Brady Rouleau (93)(G).

09-Jul-12 The Coquitlam Express Hockey Club transfers the CJHL playing rights of Cody Michelle (92)(F) to the Okotoks Oilers Hockey Club of the AJHL in exchange for future considerations.

14-Jul-12 The Cowichan Valley Capitals Hockey Club acquire the playing rights of Djordje Leposavic (92)(D) from the North Bay Jr Trappers Hockey Club of the NOJHL in exchange for future considerations.

18-Jul-12 The Cowichan Valley Capitals Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of David London (93)(D) and future considerations to the Dauphin Kings Hockey Club of the MJHL in exchange for the playing rights of Tyler Mueller (94)(D).

20-Jul-12 The Nanaimo Clippers Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Ryan Wells (93)(D) to the Penticton Vees Hockey Club in exchange for future considerations.

20-Jul-12 The Penticton Vees Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Grant Nicholson (93)(F) and future considerations to the Cowichan Valley Capitals Hockey Club in exchange for the playing rights of Djordje Laposavic (92)(D).

21-Jul-12 The Penticton Vees Hockey Club acquires the playing rights of Curtis Martinv (92)G) from the Drayton Valley Thunder Hockey Club of the AJHL in exchange for future considerations.

21-Jul-12 The Salmon Arm Silverbacks Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Stefan Nicholishen (F)(93) to the Nipawin Hawks Hockey Club of the SJHL in exchange for future considerations.

22-Jul-12 The Penticton Vees Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Djordje Laposavic (92)(D) and Alex Holland (92)(F) to the Trail Smoke Eaters Hockey Club in exchange for the playing rights of Sam Mellor (92)(F).

23-Jul-12 The Penticton Vees Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of DJ Jones (92)(D) to the Victoria Grizzlies Hockey Club in exchange for the playing rights of Alex Holland (92)(F).

Vipers Defence Shaping Up:

After a few months with no news or much said about this years team the Vipers finally made a few announcements last week with the signing of two new commitments.  Twenty year old forward Pearce Eviston and 17 year old d-man Kevin Guiltinan have committed to the Vipers for the 2012-13 season.  This now puts the Vipers with 16 players heading into training camp wich starts August 23rd. 

I like both signings but I hope that Eviston can stay healthy after being out for most of last season with a season ending injury.  Eviston has some decent size and put up some pretty good numbers with the Victoria Grizzlies two years ago.  Adding a twenty year old also brings experience that Pearce has at the BCHL and WHL level.  It also looks like Eviston isnt afraid to drop the gloves, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qv-K9fa_dFI  With the addition of Eviston the Vipers now have three twenty year olds (Pearce Eviston, Brett Corkey and Marc Hetnik) meaning they still have room for three more.

I remember Kevin Guiltinan at the Vipers prospects camp this spring and was very impressed with the young defenceman.  I thought he is a big kid that stood out and was one of the best players on the ice.  From doing some research online I like from what I have read about Guiltinan and saw on some youtube videos.  It looks like the kids not afraid to drop the gloves either, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiwkqeQ8VII I really like the look of the Vipers defence now with the additions of Guiltinan and Eviston. 

Im now wondering if the Vipers will bring in a veteran #1 goaltender? or are they going with Danny Todosychuk?  Will they fill all six twenty year old spots before the season starts? 

With just fifteen days until training camp it will be interesting to see if the Vipers make anymore announcements or trades before the start of training camp. 

Here's a look at the Vipers 2012-13 roster so far

Defence:

Brett Corkey  "92"
Geoff Crisfield  "93"
Kevin Guiltinan "95"
Marc Hetnik  "92"
Ryan Renz  "93"
Michael Statchuk  "94"

Forwards:

Aaron Hadley  "93"
Riley Hunt  "95"
Pearce Eviston "92"
Craig Martin  "95"
Brendan Persley  "93"
Landon Robin  "94"
Jedd Soleway  "94"
Colton Sparrow  "93"
Adam Tambellini  "94"

Goaltenders:

Danny Todosychuk  "94"

Storm Name Former Viper Priestlay New Head Coach:

The KIJHL Kamloops Storm have named former Vernon Vipers forward Brad Priestlay the teams new Head Coach.  Priestlay played parts of two seasons in Vernon (1999-2001) before leaving the Vipers during the 2000-2001 season for the WHL Portland Winterhawks.  In 89 games with the Vipers Priestlay collected (10-31-39).

Brad Priestlay's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=55412

This was posted in the Kamloops Newspaper:

Storm hire new coach

Published: July 25, 2012

Kamloops This Week - Sports

The Kamloops Storm will have a new head coach for the 2012-2013 Kootenay International Junior Hockey League campaign.

Brad Priestlay will take over from Geoff Smith, who has accepted a job with Highland Valley Copper.

Priestlay played with the Vernon Vipers of the B.C. Hockey League and the  Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League.

Todosychuk Listed On Broncos Prospects List:

Alan Caldwell over at small thoughts at large (WHL Blog) has posted every WHL team's 2012-13 prospects list. This only include players who were not WHL regulars last year. If a kid played more than 20-30 games or so in the WHL last year, he's not on these lists.

The WHL Swift Current Broncos have Vernon Vipers goaltender Danny Todosychuk as one of thirty seven players listed on their 2012-13 prospects list.  Todosychuk played with theVernon Vipers last season. In 15 regular season games with the Vipers Todosychuk went 6-3 with a 3.20 GAA
Danny Todosychuk's Player Profile:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=339739&playerID=821185&pos=G

Thunder Make Qualifying Offer To Former Viper Defenceman Cam Brodie:

On Monday July, 2nd the ECHL released the list of players who received a valid qualifying offer from ECHL teams by the July 1 deadline. Players who had already signed a contract by July 1 did not need to receive a qualifying offer. The Stockton Thunder have extended qualifying offers to six players for the 2012-2013 season. One of is former Vernon Vipers defenceman Cam Brodie.

Stockton Thunder Qualifying Player List:

Jordan Fulton, Cameron Brodie, Garet Hunt, Brock Matheson, Sebastian Owuya & Dan Ringwald 

Cameron Brodie finished his second season with the Thunder, also played three games with the AHL Texas Stars this past season before returning to Stockton. In 52 regular season games with the Thunder Brodie collected (0-7-7) & collected just one assist in eight playoff games. Brodie played parts of one season in Vernon (2008-2009) after being aquired from the Coquitlam Express at the BCHL trade deadline.

Cameron Brodie's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=81370

This is posted on the Thunder website:


Thunder Issues 6 Qualifying Offers

Monday, 07.02.12

By Stockton Thunder Staff

Negotiating rights secured to six players for 2012-13 season

STOCKTON, Calif. –

The Stockton Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League, announced six players have been issued qualifying offers for the upcoming 2012-13 season.

Players who had already signed a contract by July 1 did not need to receive a qualifying offer. Each team was entitled to reserve the rights to a maximum of eight qualified players.

Players issued a qualifying offer by the Thunder are:

• (D) Cameron Brodie
• (LW) Jordan Fulton
• (LW) Garet Hunt
• (D) Brock Matheson
• (D) Sebastian Owuya
• (D) Dan Ringwald

Brodie, who turned 24 yesterday, totaled seven assists and 68 penalty minutes in 52 games last season with the Thunder. He also suited up in eight Kelly Cup Playoff games, collecting one assist and eight penalty minutes. The 6-foot-1 and 210 pound defenseman made his American Hockey League debut with the Texas Stars in 2011-12, skating in three games.

Fulton, 24, notched a career high 47 points (17g-30a) and +15 rating in 70 games last season with the Thunder, additionally collecting 111 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-1 and 195 pound forward scored a goal in a total of eight Kelly Cup Playoff games.

Garet Hunt served as alternate captain and became the Thunder all time leader in games played last season. (photo by Sean Blair)

Hunt, 24, ranked second in the ECHL with 255 penalty minutes last season and scored 19 points (7g-12a) in 69 regular season games. The 5-foot-8 and 190 pound forward was named recipient of the Thunder “Fan Favorite” Award for the fourth consecutive season and is the club’s all time leader in games played (244).

Matheson, 25, skated in 45 games with the Thunder as a rookie in 2011-12, collecting two assists and 27 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-1 and 190 pound defenseman also has appeared in five games with Binghamton and Rochester of the American Hockey League, notching one assist and six penalty minutes in two seasons.

Owuya, 20, suited up in 35 games with the Thunder as a rookie last season, racking up eight assists and 41 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-4 and 205 pound blueliner was selected in the sixth round (169th overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the Atlanta Thrashers. He also appeared in two games and was +1 with the Winnipeg Jets in the 2011 Vancouver Canucks YoungStars Tournament.

Ringwald, 25, skated in 12 games with the Thunder last season and notched eight points (2g-6a). The 6-foot-1 and 205 pound defenseman also made his AHL debut in 2011-12 with the Oklahoma City Barons and scored seven points (1g-6a) in 31 games. He was a part of the club’s appearance in the Western Conference Final and collected four assists in 14 Calder Cup Playoff games.

INFORMATION ON QUALIFYING OFFERS, FREE AGENCY

Of the qualified players, no more than four could be veterans (260 regular season professional hockey games played as of the start of the upcoming 2012-13 season). Players on open qualifying offers cannot be traded.

The qualifying offer must remain open for acceptance until Aug. 1 at which time the qualifying offer becomes null and void and the team may sign the qualified player to any salary or may elect to take no further action. Teams that extend a valid qualifying offer to a non-veteran player shall retain the rights to that qualified player for one playing season.

A team that extends a valid qualifying offer to a veteran player will retain the rights to that veteran until Aug. 1. After Aug. 1, if the veteran player is not signed to a contract by the team, the veteran shall be deemed a restricted free agent and shall be entitled to seek and secure offers of employment from other ECHL teams. Restricted free agents may not be traded.

When a restricted free agent receives a contract offer from a team other than the team with the player’s rights and the restricted free agent wishes to accept the contract offer, the restricted free agent and the offering member must, within 24 hours, notify the ECHL, the team with the player’s rights and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association. The member with the player’s rights shall have seven days after the date it is notified to exercise its right to match the contract offer.

If a restricted free agent is not signed to either an offer sheet or a contract by an ECHL team by Aug. 31, the player shall be deemed an unrestricted free agent.

OPENING NIGHT AND TICKET INFORMATION

Opening Night is Friday, Oct. 12 when the Thunder launches the 2012-13 season and the ECHL’s 25th Anniversary campaign at home against the Ontario Reign, starting at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena.

Foxes Sign Former Vernon Viper Lanny Gare:

The GDR Lusatian foxes have signed former Vernon Vipers forward Lanny Gare to a four week contract.  Gare spent the past four seasons with RT Bad Nauheim of Germany.  Gare played two years with the Vipers (1997-1999).  In 117 games with the Vipers Gare collected (67-107-174). 

Lanny Gare's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=12618

This is posted on the Foxes website:

Foxes test Lanny Gare
 
German Canadian receives 4-week test contract in white water

04.07.2012

The Lusatian foxes have agreed with Lanny done on a 4-week test contract. Last the 33-year-old forward played in the second division for bath home Nau. In 43 parts the German Canadian achieved 45 gates. Lanny done already carried in the season 2006/07 the tricot of the Lusatian foxes. Afterwards he changed to Denmark and then to Crimmitschau. His biggest success celebrated done in bath Home Nau. There he was during four years one of the most dangerous forwards of the second division. 
In the 4-week trial period, with a total of seven preparatory plays, the foxes Lanny done want to test extensively. Then decides whether the 33-year-old a contract for the new season receives.

Vipers Ink Veteran Eviston From Portland:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers ink veteran Eviston from Portland

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: August 03, 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eviston & Guiltinan Commit To Vipers:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Press Release
 
Thursday, August 2, 2012 - Submitted by Viper Staff

For Immediate Release:

August 2nd, 2012

The Vernon Vipers hockey club is pleased to announce that 20 year old defenseman Sean Robertson has committed to attend Merrimack College for the upcoming 2012-2013 hockey season.

Merrimack College is located is Massachusetts and plays in Hockey East. Robertson will join Mike Collins and Kyle Bigos as former Vipers on the current Merrimack roster.  He also adds to a large list of former BCHL players currently on the roster.

The Vernon Vipers would like to congratulate Sean on this recent accomplishment and would like to wish him continued success in the future.

The Vipers would also like to announce that Pearce Eviston has committed to play in Vernon for the upcoming season. Pearce has spent the last two seasons with Portland of the WHL. Eviston will bring a lot of experience to the Vipers line-up and will add size and scoring to the roster.

The Vipers would also like to announce the commitment of defenseman Kevin Guiltinan to the line-up.  Guiltinan came to the Vipers spring camp and greatly impressed. Kevin will add size, grit, and competitiveness to the Vipers D core. He has drawn the attention of many NCAA scouts already and will be a player to watch to start the season.

The Vernon Vipers have completed the futures trade that brought Sean Robertson to Vernon.  Turner Lawson has been moved to Victoria to complete the futures.  The Vernon Vipers would like to wish Turner the best of luck and thank him for his efforts in Vernon. Turner has a bright future in the BCHL.

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

Former Vipers Defenceman Ikkala Makes 2012 ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Cody Ikkala made the 2012 ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team.  Ikkala finished his third season at Army.  Ikkala played two season's in Vernon (2007-2009).  In 96 regular season games with the Vipers Ikkala collected (1-14-15).

Cody Ikkala's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=113612

This is posted on the Black Knights website:

Leets, Rocha Among 18 Hockey Players Honored

July 9, 2012

HAVERHILL, Mass.  – Ryan Leets and Cheyne Rocha were among the 18 hockey players honored as the Atlantic Hockey Association distributed its academic awards.

Leets, a goalie and Rocha, a defenseman, were tabbed as Student-Athletes of the Year by posting at least a 4.0 grade-point average. Leets became the first player in league history to be named a Student-Athlete of the Year three times.

Leets and Rocha were among the 14 student-athletes with a GPA of 4.0 or higher and the two were included in the 179 league players who posted at least a 3.0 in both semesters of competition and a GPA of 3.0 during the 2011-12 season.

Joining Leets and Rocha on the All-Academic Team are Marcel Alvarez, Jack Barnes, Jon Bobb, John Clark, Danny Colvin, Mark Dube, Mike Hull, Cody Ikkala, Bret Larson, Kyle Maggard, Alex McRae, Josh Richards, Pat Ryan, Brian Schultz, Bryant Skarda and Matt Walsh.

Leets, from Kentwood, Mich., will enter his senior season in the fall and showed a 4.04 GPA as Civil Engineering major during his junior season.
Rocha, an Engineering Management major from Rye, N.H., registered a 4.17 GPA during his junior season.

Alvarez, a Management major from Cleveland, Ohio, collected a 3.27 grade-point average and his fourth All-Academic Team accolade. Maggard, from Columbus, Ohio, was also honored for the fourth time with a 3.85 in Engineering Management.

Clark, from Baudette, Minn., is among five players who were named to the All-Academic Team for the third time after showing a 3.4 grade-point average in Management. Colvin, a Management major with a 3.45 GPA from Vernon, N.J.; Dube, a Billerica, Mass., native with a 3.51 in Environmental Geography; Ikkala, a Philadelphia, Pa., resident with a 3.39 in Environmental Geography; and Ryan, an Engineering Management major with a 3.53 GPA from Bloomfield Hills, Mich., are also three-time honorees.

Bobb an Economics major from Phoenix, Ariz., with a 3.27 GPA collected his second All-Academic Team award, as did Schultz, a Nuclear Engineering major with a 3.66 from Aurora, Ohio and Skarda, an Engineering Management major with a 3.42 from Lake Elmo, Minn.

Barnes, an Economics major with a 3.13 from Victoria, Minn.; Hull, from Grosse Point Woods, Mich., with a 3.27 in Economics; Larson, a 3.14 Mechanical Engineering major from Marquette, Mich.; McRae, an Engineering Management major with a 3.70 from Mindoro, Wis.; Richards, a freshman from Lee, N.H., and Walsh, a 3.63 Management major from Milton, Mass., earned their first All-Academic Team nod.

Sixteen games at Tate Rink, 14 Atlantic Hockey Association games, a trek to Air Force and home dates with Penn State and Royal Military College highlight the 2012-13 Army hockey schedule.

The Black Knights, seeking their second Atlantic Hockey Association regular-season championship, can potentially play opponents from five different conferences.

Army will play a pair of neutral site games to open the season at the Icebreaker in Kansas City, Mo., and are scheduled for 15 road games.

Vipers Making Very Little Noise Over The Off Season:

With just 22 days until the Vipers training camp most of the 16 teams in the BCHL have been pretty active some more then others announcing new recruits or making trades etc except for the Vipers.  For a team missing the BCHL playoffs for the first time in ten years last year the Vernon Vipers have been one of the quietest teams in the league when it comes to making trades or announcing any new player signings etc.  

In early spring the Vipers announced three new recruits (Michael Statchuk, Craig Martin & Landon Robin) who have committed to the club for this coming season, shortly after the Vipers named David Robinson & Jason Read new Assitant Coaches but since then the Vipers have been fairly quiet making just two trades wich were from last season.  Defenceman Max Mowat was shipped to Trail as part of the future considerations deal in the Colton Cyr trade at last seasons trade deadline and then earlier this past week the Vipers sent defenceman Turner Lawson to Victoria as part of the future considerations trade in the Sean Robertson trade from last year.  Other then this not much news has come out of the Vipers office this summer as several diehard fans are wondering what the team has done over the off season.

I for one think the Vipers lost in both trades from last season.  I wasnt very pleased with Colton Cyr or Sean Robertson so when now having to give up two players off your roster from this season when both Cyr and Robertson wont be returning its hard to swollow.  I know not every trade works out in favor for each team or GM but when the Vipers aquired two former captains last season and still missed the playoffs you have to say they lost on both deals. 

I really liked Turner Lawson and was looking forward to seeing him as a 19 yr old this coming season.  A Kelowna product who played with Vernon as an "AP" two years ago held his own last season, playing very well on the blueline and then jumping up front playing on the wing when the Vipers ran into injuries.  A tough kid that isnt afraid to drop the mits or play physical will be a fan favorite in Victoria and hopefully has a sucsesfull career with the Grizzlies.  All the best Turner!

With just 22 days to go before the Vipers training camp and exibition games Viper fans are starting to wonder what have the Vipers been doing all off season.  You look at the Penticton Vees, winning the Royal Bank Cup this past May are expecting back just a handfull of returning players but have been one of the busiest teams this summer.  Fred Harbinson has made five trades alone last week.  The Vees who are already re-loading makes you wonder a team like the Vipers that missed the playoffs are doing?  How come us fans havnt heard any news regaurding the team?  Im not saying the Vipers have to announce something every day it is the summer for all but you have to keep the fans happy and interested and show the diehard fans last season was last season and they are doing whatever it takes to put together a winning team this season. It would be nice for us diehard fans to atleast hear some news regarding the hockey team, show us that you are signing new players, making trades etc trying to upgrade the team from last season. 

I have questions about this years Vipers team.  Who is going to replace Kirby Halcrow this season?  It looks like Danny Todosychuk may return but is he your go to guy as a young 17 yr old?  Can he lead the Vipers to a long playoff run this coming spring?  I still think the Vipers made a mistake last season knowing Halcrow was finished his Jr career at the end of the season, this is when I would have brought in a 18 or 19 yr old goaltender as the teams backup, so that you have your #1 ready to go for the following season.  I like the looks of the Vipers defence so far, but who is going to do the scoring this season?  Who is going to replace Mike Zalewski, Darren Nowick or John Knisley?  Looking at the players returning the Vipers have alot of 3rd & 4th liners but other then Aaron Hadley and Adam Tambellini who is going to score your goals?   New recruit Craig Martin sure put up some big numbers in Jr B last season but what can he do at the Jr A level?  I thought the Vipers would have pulled off a few trades over the off season, bringing in a few snipers or more veteran players that can score. 

In the end it would be nice to hear from the Vipers on how the team is shaping up and looking for this coming season.  Vernon fans are use to winning and watching winning teams, we also love our team and just want to be in the know with whats going on regarding this years roster-team.  With just a few weeks until the season begins lets hope we start to hear some news regarding the team soon.

Logan Mick Listed On Oil Kings Prospects List:

Alan Caldwell over at small thoughts at large (WHL Blog) has posted every WHL team's 2012-13 prospects list. This only include players who were not WHL regulars last year. If a kid played more than 20-30 games or so in the WHL last year, he's not on these lists.

The WHL Edmonton Oil Kings have Vernon Vipers "AP" forward Logan Mick as one of thirty seven players listed on their 2012-13 prospects list. Mick played with the Pursuit of Excellene last season but also was an "AP" with the Vernon Vipers last season. In 1 regular season game with the Vipers Mick went pointless.

Logan Mick's Player Profile:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=305111&playerID=841696

Smoke Eaters Aquire Former Viper Try-Out Alex Holland:

The Trail Smoke Eaters have aquired former Vernon Vipers tryout forward Alex Holland from the Penticton Vees Tuesday . Holland attended the Vipers 2011 training camp but was released before signing with the Victoria Grizzlies. In 60 games with the Grizzlies last year Holland collected (17-17-34). 

Alex Holland's Player Profile:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=339734&playerID=823090

This is posted on the Smoke Eaters website:

Smokies Snag Two Vets In Trade
 
Wednesday, July 25, 2012 - Submitted by Chris Wahl

TRAIL -- The Trail Smoke Eaters have completed a trade with the Penticton Vees involving three players.

Trail has traded the rights to forward Sam Mellor (92) to the Vees in exchange for forward Alex Holland (92), defenseman Djordje Leposavic (92), and future considerations. Mellor, a native of Cranbrook, BC, scored 130 points in two BCHL seasons with Trail but played last season at the University of Alaska-Anchorage.

Holland, a 5-foot-11 forward from Woburn, Massachusetts, is coming off a rookie BCHL season in which he tallied 17 goals and 34 points with the Victoria Grizzlies. Holland has committed to NCAA Division I Merrimack University for the 2013-14 season.

Leposavic, a 6-foot-1, 188-pound defenseman from New Westminster, BC, spent last season with the NOJHL’s North Bay Trappers, scoring 32 points (9-23) during the regular season and adding 10 more (3-7) in 16 playoff games. He was named to the NOJHL’s Second All-Star Team.

The Smoke Eaters would like to welcome Alex Holland and Djordje Leposavic to the organization and thank Sam Mellor for his contributions to the club.

Viper Season Taking Shape:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Viper season taking shape

Published: July 29, 2012

The Vernon Vipers will battle an unfamiliar foe when they open their B.C. Hockey League exhibition schedule on Saturday, Aug. 25 at Wesbild Centre.

The Snakes, whose main camp starts Aug. 23, will start the preseason by hosting the NAHL Wenatchee Wild.

After that, it’s a home-and-home with the West Kelowna (formerly Westside) Warriors – Monday, Aug. 27 at Wesbild, and Tuesday, Aug. 28 at Royal LePage Place.

The preseason wraps up with another doubleheader against Troy Mick’s Salmon Arm SilverBacks, the first leg going Friday, Aug. 30 at the Shaw Centre. The teams battle again Saturday, Sept. 1 at Wesbild.

All 16 BCHL teams will open their regular seasons in Chilliwack for the league’s first-ever Showcase Tournament at Prospera Centre.

Vernon will tangle with the defending RBC Cup Champion Penticton Vees Saturday, Sept. 8, followed by a Sunday morning tilt against the reigning Coastal Conference champion Powell River Kings.

The Snakes return to the Okanagan for a home-and-home against the ‘Backs, starting Friday, Sept. 14 in Salmon Arm. Vernon’s home opener is Saturday, Sept. 15.

All but nine of Vernon’s 56 regular-season games (down from 60 the year before) fall on either a Friday or Saturday. Anomalies for home games include Wednesday-nighters against the Merritt Centennials on Oct. 17 and the Trail Smoke Eaters on Jan. 9, a Thursday-night tilt against the Smokies on Dec. 6, and a Sunday 4 p.m. matinee with the Victoria Grizzlies on Feb. 10 (All other Viper home games are 7 p.m. puck drops).

n Meanwhile, the Vipers are looking for sponsorship and players for their inaugural Charity Golf Tournament for KidSport, which goes Sunday, Aug. 26 at The Rise.

Entry fee for the 18-hole scramble is $150 and includes golf, power cart, dinner, tee gift and prizes. There will be a 1 p.m. shotgun start.

Entries and sponsorship at several levels are required. Interested parties may call Ranger at 250-545-7425, or e-mail lee.ranger@therise.ca, or Vipers’ marketing manager Paula Coulter at 250-542-6022 ext. 200, or marketing@vipers.bc.ca.

Roosters Sign Former Viper Alex Nikiforuk:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Alex Nikiforuk has signed with the DEL Iserlohn Roosters from Germany.  Nikiforuk played the last two seasons in Italy with the Valpellice Bulldogs.  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 (0-2-2).

Alex Nikiforuk's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=74700

This is posted on the Roosters website:

Nikiforuk wechselt ein Bastelraum Iserlohner Seilersee

03.07.2012:

Iserlohn – The Iserlohn Roosters from the German hockey league (DEL) have taken an other forward for the coming season under contract. From the Italian series A club from Valpellice the Canadian Alex Nikiforuk changes to the ropemaker's lake. He signed an annual contract. „ Alex is an incredibly quick, technically strong forward who wants to use his chance, in the DEL are able to be to point “, according to manager Karsten Mende.

Nikiforuk began his career in 2003 in the University of Nebraska-Omaha in the NCAA and developed there to a reliable Skorer of his team. His engagement and his working readiness provided for the fact that he was determined in the team's council and later for the assistance captain of his college team. After his university time changed the agile Canadian who never became gedrafted, on council of his manager to Europe and decided on an engagement at Finnish élite league club SaiPa from Lappeenranta. Later in the year it pulled him to the DEL club to Wolfsburg, before he came about the stopover in the Danish Herning to Italy. First in Pontebba, last two years in Valpellice, advanced Nikiforuk to a reliable Skorer of his team and always belonged to the best players of the Italian élite league.

„ We know that we have obliged a player who must learn to assert itself in our league “, according to coach Doug Mason. The Canadian still knows that his compatriot from North Vancouver has real Torjägerqualitäten and is already adapted to the ice surface in Europe and the changed living conditions very well. „ Alex will slave away up to falling down and us hopefully quickly his gate hunter-Näschen prove. “

Former Vipers Defenceman Nycholat Makes 2012 ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Dan Nycholat made the 2012 ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team.  Nycholat finished his first season (2011-12) at Dartmouth College, collecting two assists and 15 penalty minutes in 25 games before signing a amateur try-out (ATO) with the ECHL Las Vegas Wranglers back on March, 16th 2012. Nycholat went pointless in four regular season games with Las Vegas before being released. Nycholat played two season's at Northeastern University before leaving the Huskies and playing one season in Vernon (2009-2010) where he won the top defenceman award. The AJHL Canmore Eagles traded Nycholat's playing right's on August, 20th 2009 to the Vipers for forward, Kory Roy and future considerations. In 58 regular season games with the Vipers Nycholat collected (7-38-45).

Dan Nycholat's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=101611

This is posted on the Big Green website:

Men's Hockey Lands 17 on ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team 
      
Release: 06/25/2012

Official ECAC Hockey Release 

HANOVER, N.H. - The Dartmouth men's hockey program saw 17 student-athletes from this past season earn ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team honors for 2011-12.

Players are eligible for the all-academic team if they earn a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale or have a GPA over 3.00 over the past three semesters.

Four seniors and recent graduates were honored with spots on the team for the fourth time in their careers. Doug Jones (Marietta, Ga.), Paul Lee (Garden City, N.Y.), Troy Mattila (Rockford, Ill.) and Nick Walsh (Shannonville, Ontario) each were recipients of the league's academic honor in every season they played in a Dartmouth sweater.

Senior and alternate captain Jim Gaudet (Etna, N.H.) earned the distinction for the third time along with classmate Kyle Schussler (Winnipeg, Manitoba) and junior Alex Goodship (Blackfalds, Alberta).

Big Green players earning the academic recognition for the second time include senior goaltender Jody O'Neill (Nepean, Ontario), junior Jason Bourgea (South Burlington, Vt.) as well as sophomores Matt Lindblad (Winnetka, Ill.) and goalie Cab Morris (Wilmette, Ill.).

Six players were also honored for their work away from Thompson Arena and in the Dartmouth College classrooms for the first time this season. Senior Dan Nycholat (Calgary, Alberta) wrapped up his lone campaign in the Green and White with a spot on the team, while a contingent of freshmen players were also recognized.

First-year student-athletes Jesse Beamish (Mississauga, Ontario), Billy Fitzgerald (Milton, Mass.), Charlie Mosey (Prior Lake, Minn.), Eric Neiley (Warminster, Pa.) and Andy Simpson (Chesterfield, Mo.) all made the league academic honor roll in their first year in Hanover.

In all, Dartmouth's 17 names on the men's list were part of 208 student-athletes from across the league's 12 institutions to be recognized.

Sanford Listed On Tigers Prospects List:

Alan Caldwell over at small thoughts at large (WHL Blog) has posted every WHL team's 2012-13 prospects list. This only include players who were not WHL regulars last year. If a kid played more than 20-30 games or so in the WHL last year, he's not on these lists.

The WHL Medicine Hat Tigers have Vernon Vipers "AP" forward Cole Sanford as one of thirty six players listed on their 2012-13 prospects list. Sanford played his first season with the KIJHL Revelstoke Grizzlies last year but also was an "AP" with the Vernon Vipers last season. In 8 regular season games with the Vipers Sanford went pointless.  Sanford has signed a WHL education contract or otherwise committed to the WHL by playing preseason games.

Cole Sanford's Player Profile:

http://eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=101594

Gladiators Make Qualifying Offer To Former Viper Defenceman Cody Brookwell:

On Monday July, 2nd the ECHL released the list of players who received a valid qualifying offer from ECHL teams by the July 1 deadline.  Players who had already signed a contract by July 1 did not need to receive a qualifying offer.  The Gwinnett Gladiators have extended qualifying offers to seven players for the 2012-2013 season.  One of is former Vernon Vipers defenceman Cody Brookwell.

Gwinnett Gladiators Qualifying Player List:

Dallas Jackson, Cody Brookwell, Joey Haddad, Tyler Murovich, Evan Rankin, Chris Clackson and Bryan Brutlag.

Brookwell was recruited by the Vipers but only played in four regular season games during the 2004-05 season before being traded in early October of 2004 to the Williams Lake Timberwolves. Brookwell played two seasons in Williams Lake before playing the next four seasons at the University of Denver. Brookwell is in his second season with the Gladiators, In 63 regular season games this year with the Gladiators Brookwell collected (4-11-15). Brookwell went pointless in four playoff games these ECHL playoffs.

Cody Brookwell's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=83868

This is posted on the Gladiators website:

Qualifying Offers Extended

Monday, July 02, 2012

The Gwinnett Gladiators have extended qualifying offers to seven players for the 2012-2013 season. Gwinnett qualified the following seven players: Dallas Jackson, Cody Brookwell, Joey Haddad, Tyler Murovich, Evan Rankin, Chris Clackson and Bryan Brutlag.

Jackson led all Gladiators defensemen in scoring in the 2012-13 season. He earned 29 points (seven goals, 22 assists) in 62 games last season with Gwinnett. Jackson earned two call-ups to the American Hockey League where he earned one assist in five games between Lake Erie and Bridgeport.

Brookwell completed his second professional season with Gwinnett last year. He had a career best 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) in 63 games with the Gladiators. Brookwell notched seven points (two goals, five assists) in 48 games with the Gladiators in his rookie campaign in 2010-11.

Haddad split time last year between the Gladiators and the AHL. he notched 35 points (17 goals, 18 assists) in 43 games with the Gladiators. He had one goal in 11 games with Hamilton of the AHL and skated in eight games with Bridgeport of the AHL last season.

Murovich finished third in scoring on the Gladiators last season. He tallied 47 points (16 goals, 31 assists) in 71 games for the Gladiators last season. In his rookie campaign in 2010-11, Murovich split time with four different clubs in the ECHL and the AHL. He earned 20 points (nine goals, 11 assists) in 34 ECHL games with Reading and Wheeling and had four points (two goals, two assists) in 27 AHL games with Springfield and Wilkes-Barre.

Gwinnett acquired the rights to Rankin in a three way deal from the Toledo Walleye via Utah on January 19th. In 15 games with Toledo last season, Rankin notched 18 points off of 10 goals and eight assists. He also earned 29 points (15 goals, 14 assists) in 35 AHL games with Rochester.

Chris Clackson split time between the Gladiators and the AHL with Houston and Rochester last season. He earned 23 points (10 goals, 13 assists) in 31 games with the Gladiators. With Rochester and Houston, Clackson posted one goal and one assist for two points in 29 AHL games.

Brutlag ranked first in scoring among Gwinnett rookies last season with 46 points (20 goals, 26 assists) in 65 games with Gwinnett. He was one of just two 20 or more goal scorers with the Gladiators last year. The Lakeville, Minnesota native skated in eight games with the eventual Calder Cup Champion Norfolk Admirals last season but did not register a point while in the AHL.

Players who had already signed a contract by July 1 did not need to receive a qualifying offer.

Each team was entitled to reserve the rights to a maximum of eight qualified players. Of the eight qualified players, no more than four could be veterans (260 regular season professional hockey games played as of the start of the upcoming 2012-13 season). Players on open qualifying offers cannot be traded.

The qualifying offer must remain open for acceptance until Aug. 1 at which time the qualifying offer becomes null and void and the team may sign the qualified player to any salary or may elect to take no further action. Teams that extend a valid qualifying offer to a non-veteran player shall retain the rights to that qualified player for one playing season.

A team that extends a valid qualifying offer to a veteran player will retain the rights to that veteran until Aug. 1. After Aug. 1, if the veteran player is not signed to a contract by the team, the veteran shall be deemed a restricted free agent and shall be entitled to seek and secure offers of employment from other ECHL teams. Restricted free agents may not be traded. When a restricted free agent receives a contract offer from a team other than the team with the player’s rights and the restricted free agent wishes to accept the contract offer, the restricted free agent and the offering member must, within 24 hours, notify the ECHL, the team with the player’s rights and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association. The member with the player’s rights shall have seven days after the date it is notified to exercise its right to match the contract offer.

If a restricted free agent is not signed to either an offer sheet or a contract by an ECHL team by Aug. 31, the player shall be deemed an unrestricted free agent.

The Gladiators are the ECHL Affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres and the Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League and are members of the ECHL, the Premier "AA" Hockey League and play all home games at the 11,355-seat Arena at Gwinnett Center, located just off I-85 on Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth.

Vernon-Victoria Trade:

This is posted on the Grizzlies website:

GRIZZLIES TRADE ALEX HOLLAND TO VEES FOR DJ JONES

July 24, 2012 Victoria Grizzlies -

The Victoria Grizzlies are pleased to announce the acquisition of 1994 Forward Turner Lawson from the Vernon Vipers.  Turner is a versatile Forward with a strong work ethic and team commitment.  Turner was the future player to be named later in the Sean Robertson trade.

GM and Head Coach Bill Bestwick commented, "Turner is an outstanding team player with strong character and willingness to compete.  We are excited to have Turner join our team for the upcoming season."

Another player acquisition took place Tuesday in the form of a player for player trade with the Penticton Vees.  The Grizzlies traded 20 year old forward Alex Holland to the Vees in exchange for 20 year old defenseman DJ Jones. 

Jones will join former Vees teammate Zach Urban patrolling the blue line for the Grizzlies this season.

Bestwick commented, "The opportunity to acquire DJ was something we could not pass up.  He is a quality player on both sides of the puck with considerable upside on the offensive blue line, something we were definitely searching for.  DJ also plays with a competitive edge and to have two full time defensemen join the Grizzlies from the National Championship Vees gives us quality minutes on the blue line in experience and knowledge.

A press conference to announce next seasons Captain is planned for Thursday 12 noon at Bear Mountain.

Former Viper Twins Make 2012 ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team:

Former Vernon Vipers forwards Connor & Kellen Jones made the 2012 ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team.  The Jones twins finished their second season with the Bobcats. Connor and Kellen both played four years in Vernon (2006-2010). In 163 regular season games with the Vipers Connor collected (80-118-198) Connor also is the Vipers all-time franchise points leader (regular season & playoffs) with 228 & all-time franchise goals leader (regular season & playoffs) with 95. while in 154 regular season games with the Vipers Kellen collected (39-134-173). Kellen is also the all-time franchise assists leader (regular season & playoffs) with 150. Kellen was drafted 202nd overall by the NHL Edmonton Oilers in the 7th round of the 20010 NHL Draft.  Both Kellen & Connor attended the Edmonton Oilers development camp this past June.

Connor Jones Player Profile:

http://www.quinnipiacbobcats.com/sports/mice/011-12/bios/jones%20connor%20gczj

Kellen Jones Player Profile:

http://www.quinnipiacbobcats.com/sports/mice/2011-12/bios/jones%20kellen%20rmzy

This is posted on the Bobcats website:

Quinnipiac Men's Ice Hockey Places 21 On ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team

June 26, 2012

ECAC Hockey 2012 All-Academic Team

Quinnipiac Men's Ice Hockey Places 21 On ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team
Bobcats One of Four Programs To Feature 20 Players

ALBANY, N.Y. – Quinnipiac men's ice hockey was one of four league teams to place 21 student-athletes on the 2012 ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team, as announced by ECAC Hockey on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. The Bobcats join Brown and Yale, with 24 student-athletes, and Rensselaer with 22, as the only four programs out of the 12 member institutions to place 20 or more student-athletes on the honor roll.

Of the 208 student-athletes that landed on the team from the 12 member schools, 30 were honored for the fourth straight year. Of those 30 seniors, Quinnipiac's Yuri Bouharevich (Montreal, Quebec), Kevin Bui (Edmonton, Alberta), Dan Clarke (Belleville, Ontario) and Michael Glaicar (Kamloops, British Columbia) all collected their fourth honors of their careers. In addition, Ben Arnt (Oakdale, Minn.), Zack Currie (Victoria, British Columbia), Mike Dalhuisen (Nymegen, Holland), Spencer Heichman (Yorba Linda, Calif.) and Jeremy Langlois (Tempe, Ariz.) were honored for the third straight year.

Players are eligible for the All-Academic team if they earn a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.00 on a 4.00 scale or have a GPA over 3.00 over the past three semesters.

Former Vipers Goaltender Hammond Won’t Give Up Goal:

Former Vernon Vipers goaltender Andrew Hammond attended the Chicago Blackhawks development camp two weeks ago. Hammond who finished his third season with Bowling Green University played parts of two years in Vernon (2007-2009) after coming over in a trade with the Surrey Eagles during the 2007-08 season. In 52 regular season games with the Vipers Hammond posted a (33-15-1) record recording 6 shutouts.

Andrew Hammond's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=113948

This is in the Chicago Sun-Times Newspaper:

Blackhawks goalie prospect Andrew Hammond won’t give up goal

BY BEN MEYER-ABBOTT bmeyer-abbott@suntimes.com

July 12, 2012

Burnt out on hockey shortly after graduating from high school, Andrew Hammond considered quitting the game for a time.

Instead, the Surrey, British Columbia, native took a step back, and it was the key to taking the next step up.

“The team I was on at the time was having a lot of success, but kind of the fun component was taken out of it,” said Hammond, a goalie and undrafted free-agent invitee to the Blackhawks’ prospect camp. “I went back to a lower level where I knew the coach really well, and I started having fun again. It kind of turned on that burning desire for me, and I figured out hockey was what I wanted to pursue as a career.”

That pursuit took him to Bowling Green, where he underwent a baptism of fire during a winless freshman year before wresting the starting job away from an older goalie his sophomore season.

“He’s not willing to accept mediocre or just OK,” Bowling Green coach Chris Bergeron said. “He wants to be great, and to him, that’s not just about words. It’s about the willingness to do what it takes every day.”

That willingness is a trait Hammond has had ever since he got his start in goal as a kid playing street hockey with his older brother.

“My brother is about five years older, so when I wanted to play with him and his friends, the only way they’d let me is if I was in net,” Hammond said. “So he kind of put me out there and strapped the pads on me, and I just kind of started from there. It’s a funny way to get into it, but I’m glad it happened that way.”

Hammond will return in the fall for his senior season at Bowling Green, where he started every game as a junior. He had a 14-25-5 record but set the program record for minutes in a season to go along with a 2.73 goals-against average and .903 save percentage. Hammond also stopped the second-most shots in Bowling Green history.

At 24, Hammond is the oldest player at the prospect camp. That, coupled with the fact that he has gone undrafted, would suggest a likely career in the minors.

But Hammond, who said he always has been a late bloomer, isn’t interested in what others believe is his most likely career trajectory.
“It’s kind of been the story of my hockey career,” Hammond said. “I’ve kind of always been one of the older guys, whether it’s been looking for a scholarship or now looking to play in the National Hockey League. It’s just kind of been the way it’s gone for me. …

“[Others] very well may [count me out], I don’t know. No one has ever told me that. That’s up to them; if they want to do that, they can. I’m just here to play my game. It’s something that I’ve gotten used to and something I’m going to continue doing. I’m just going to keep working hard, and whatever happens, happens. My goal is to make it to the National Hockey League.”

Former Vipers Goaltender Bryton Udy Hanging Up The Skates?

Rumors going around some junior hockey message boards and blogs are that former Vernon Vipers goaltender Bryton Udy is hanging up the skates & goal stick and trading them in for a guitar.  Udy who started the 2010-11 season with the Vipers was traded along with defenceman Elliot Richardson to the Quesnel Millionaires on the December 1st BCHL card deadline for veteran goaltender Kirby Halcrow.  In 7 games with the Vipers Udy posted a (1-4-1 record) with a 3.33 GAA.  The Millionaires moved to Chilliwack to for the 2011-12 season where Udy went (10-9-2) with a 3.38 GAA.  I was unable to find any official word on Udy's retirement.

Bryton Udy's Player Profile:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=305115&playerID=688447&pos=G

Bryton Udy's Website:

http://brytonudy.com/

Bryton Udy & Madi Allen do a Chris Brown cover song (Yeah x3)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKwZN6fnmXo&feature=youtube_gdata

Bryton Udy does a great job on signing "Somebody like you"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aut_Ot742Q4&feature=player_embedded

Former Vipers Tryout Alex Holland Commits To Merrimack College:

Former Vernon Vipers tryout forward Alex Holland has committed to Merrimack College for the 2013-14 season.  Holland attended the Vipers 2011 training camp but was released before signing with the Victoria Grizzlies.  In 60 games with the Grizzlies last year Holland collected (17-17-34).  Holland will join former Vipers forward Mike Collins (2008-2010) & former Vipers defenceman Kyle Bigos (2007-2009).

Alex Holland's Player Profile:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=339734&playerID=823090

This is posted on the ESPN website:

Woburn's Alex Holland commits to Merrimack

June, 8, 2012

By Scott Barboza | ESPNBoston.com

Former Woburn High hockey standout Alex Holland has committed to Merrimack College, The Eagle-Tribune's Mike McMahon reported on Thursday.

Holland will join the Warriors for the 2013-14 season and played last season with the Victoria Grizzlies of the British Columbia Hockey League, where he posted 17-17-34 totals.

The forward helped lead the Tanners to a Super 8 appearance as as senior and is the second member of that team to gain a Hockey East offer, along with Casey Shea (UMass-Lowell). Holland scored 43 points during his senior season at Woburn, playing alongside his younger brother Danny.

 

Soleway & Renz Listed On Rockets Prospects List:

Alan Caldwell over at small thoughts at large (WHL Blog) has posted every WHL team's 2012-13 prospects list. This only include players who were not WHL regulars last year. If a kid played more than 20-30 games or so in the WHL last year, he's not on these lists.

The WHL Kelowna Rockets have Vernon Vipers forward, Jedd Soleway & Vipers defenceman Ryan Renz as one of fourty three players listed on their 2012-13 prospects list.  Soleway played his first season with the Vipers last year. In 58 regular season games Solway collected (13-12-25).  Renz is entering his third year with the Vipers played in 57 games last year collecting (1-19-20).

Jedd Solway's Player Profile:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=339739&playerID=821199

Ryan Renz's Player Profile:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=339739&playerID=568992