Nailers Place Former Viper Zurevinski On Injured Reserve:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Wheeling Nailers
have placed former Vernon Vipers forward Scott Zurevinski on the 21 day injured reserve. No official press release other then it being posted on March 20th 2013 on the transactions page on the ECHL website.

Zurevinski signed with the American Hockey League (AHL) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in early August but never played a game before the season started being sent down to the East Coast Hockey Leagues Wheeling Nailers. In 49 games this season with the Nailers Zurevinski has (12-13-25).

Zurevinski finished his fourth year at Quinnipiac University last year before signing a amateur tryout contract with the AHL St. John’s IceCaps back on March, 18th 2012. Zurevinski played in eight games with the IceCaps before being released. Zurevinski played two years in Vernon (2006-2008). In 96 regular season games with the Vipers, Zurevinski collected (47-47-94). Zurevinski attended the Pittsburgh Penguins 2011 development camp.

Scott Zurevinski's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=93311

Former Vernon Viper Schepers Eliminated From Allen Cup:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Aaron Schepers
and the Fort St. John Flyers were eliminated from the Allen Cup after a 8-2 loss to the hands of the Kenora Thistles in todays Quarter final.  Schepers picked up one assist in three games.  The Flyers finish the round robin tournament going 1-2.

For more on the 2013 Allen Cup visit the league website,

http://www.allancup.ca/   

For more on the Fort St. John Flyers visit the teams website,

http://www.fsjflyers.ca/

Schepers played one season in Vernon (2004-2005) before being traded the following season to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. In 44 regular season games with the Vipers Schepers collected (5-4-9).

Aaron Schepers Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=83862

Eagles Activate Former Vipers Defenceman Smeltzer Off Reserve:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Colorado Eagles
have activated former Vernon Vipers defenceman Isaac Smeltzer off reserve. No official press release other then it being posted on April 1st 2013 on the ECHL transactions page on the ECHL website.  Smeltzer was placed on reserve on March 22nd 2013. Smeltzer is in his second season with the Eagles. Smeltzer signed a amateur tryout contract with the Eagles last year (March.14th 2012) after completing his fourth season at Brock University before re-signing with the Eagles this season. In 58 games this year with Colorado Smeltzer has (2-5-7). Smeltzer played his first three and a half seasons in the BCHL with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs before being traded to Vernon in his final season of Junior hockey (2007-2008). Alberni Valley traded Smeltzer to Vernon on November, 29th 2007 for forward, Evan Witt and defenceman, Eliot Raibl. Smeltzer collected (6-17-23) in 29 regular season games with the Vipers.

Isaac Smeltzer's Player Profile:

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

Everblades Sign Former Vipers Goaltender Deckert:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Florida Everblades
have signed former Vernon Vipers goaltender Jesse Deckert.  No official press release other then the transaction posted on the transactions page on March, 20th 2013 on the ECHL website.  The Everblades signed Deckert to an amateur tryout agreement on March 6th 2013.  In six games with Florida Deckert is 4-2 with a 3.54 GAA

Deckert spent the past four years at the University of Manitoba actually never played with the Vipers. Deckert left the WHL Tri-City Americans in November of 2004 joining the MJHL Swan Valley Stampeders. Deckert never actually played with the Stampeders before coming to Vernon where he practised with the Vipers before signing with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks where he would finish the 2004-2005 season.

Jesse Deckert's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=69065

Komets Release Former Vipers Defenceman Nycholat:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Fort Wayne Komets have released former Vernon Vipers defenceman Dan Nycholat. No official press release but the transaction was posted on the ECHL transactions page March 21st 2013. Nycholat was placed on reserve on March.3rd 2013 before being released.  In 60 games with the Komets Nycholat collected (2-16-18). Nycholat is now eligible for waivers/waiver claims.   

The Komets invited Nycholat to Training camp on September, 19th 2012 before releasing him on October, 10th 2012 but then signed him the following day on October, 11th 2012.

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 on March, 16th 2012. Nycholat went pointless in four regular season games with Las Vegas before being released. Nycholat made the 2012 ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team in June 2012. 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

Former Vipers Defenceman Noonan Will Return For Final Year Of College Hockey:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Garrett Noonan will return to Boston University next year for his fourth and final year of College Hockey.  Noonan finished his third season at Boston University. In 34 games this season Noonan collected (6-13-19). Noonan was drafted by the Nashville Predators in round 4 #112 overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Noonan played one season in Vernon (2009-2010) collecting (2-16-18) in 58 regular season games with the Vipers.

Garrett Noonan's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=48219

This is posted on the WTBU Radio website:

M Hockey: Garrett Noonan Will Return to BU Next Season

Posted on April 1, 2013

by Jashvina Shah/Staff Beat Reporter

Boston University men’s hockey defenseman Garrett Noonan will return to the Terriers for his senior season, the junior told WTBU Sports on Monday night.

The 22-year-old said his main goal is to win a championship.

He was drafted by Nashville in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft and has accrued 61 points (26g, 35a) over three years and 110 games at BU.

As a sophomore in 2011-12, Noonan was tied for first in the nation in goal scoring amongst defensemen. He finished that year with 16 goals and 27 points.

This season, the Norfolk, Mass. native tallied 19 points and was named an assistant captain after the first half of the 2012-13 season.

He missed the Hockey East Quarterfinals with a separated shoulder but returned for the Hockey East Semifinals, where he tallied BU’s go-ahead goal in the second period en route to a 5-3 comeback win over BC.

The junior also missed two games after he was suspended for spearing UMass-Lowell’s Doug Carr.

Former Viper Murphy Wins Prestigious Aaward:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Kyle Murphy Wins Prestigious Aaward
 
Sunday, April 14, 2013 - Submitted by Don Klepp

Kyle Murphy, a prominent member of the  2010-11 Viper  championship team, has been named the Derek Hines Unsung Hero Award Winner, by the Hockey Commissioners Association (HCA) at the NCAA Frozen Four in Pittsburgh.

Hines, a former co-captain of the Army hockey team, was acknowledged as a"consummate team player and team builder." He was killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan in September 2005.

In accepting the award, Kyle said, I am extremely honored and deeply humbled to accept the Derek Hines Unsung Hero Award," Murphy said. "Derek was a great hockey player but, more importantly, he was an extraordinary person. Derek's infectious personality, natural leadership ability and genuine spirit truly embody the perfect teammate and I will strive each day to live my own life as Derek so selflessly lived his."

All NCAA Division 1 hockey players are eligible for award, which is coordinated by the Hockey Commissioners Association. Each of the six hockey conferences nominates a player to a national ballot. From there, sports information directors from each conference vote on a winner, "who displays exemplary sportsmanship, is supremely competitive, intelligent and extraordinarily conditioned with an unmatched work ethic. The contributions of this individual, on and off the ice, cannot be measured by statistics alone."

In the year that he played with the Vipers, Kyle earned an "A" in each of the 10 online  university classes he took in order to satisfy the NCAA transfer rules. After graduating from the Vipers, Kyle accepted a spot at Providence College. Before the 2011-12 season, word came from the NCAA that even though he excelled while taking a heavy course load while with the Vipers, Kyle was ruled a partial qualifier and allowed to participate only in Friar practices for the season.

The adversity did not deter him. He was often cited by Coach Nate Leaman as the hardest day-in and day-out worker in practice. Murphy's work ethic and leadership was so persistent throughout the 2011-12 season that before the 2012-13 season - without having played a game for the Friars - Murphy was named the team captain.

"Kyle has been extremely influential over the last two years in turning this program into a top-four program in Hockey East this season, bringing all the attributes of a winner to the team," Head Coach Nate Leaman said.

Kyle's leadership and contagious work ethic was part of the reason the 2012-13 Friars – with the second-most freshmen in the country (13) – entered the last weekend of the regular season in contention for the Hockey East title for the first time ever. Kyle and the Friars went on to earn home ice for the Hockey East Quarterfinals (for the first time in 10 seasons) and advanced to the Hockey East Championship Semi-finals for the second consecutive season.

While with the Vipers, Kyle received two honors at the 2011 Viper Awards night - Unsung Hero and Academic Excellence. He will graduate this spring from Providence College with a BS in finance. In 2012 he was a Hockey East All-Academic selection.

Mustangs Name Former Vipers Forward Fauchoux Rookie Of The Year:

The SJHL Melfort Mustangs recently held their year end awards
banquet with former Vernon Vipers forward Adam Fauchoux winning Rookie of the Year.   Fauchoux in his first year with the Mustangs played in 48 games collecting (5-14-19).

Fauchoux played the last two seasons with the Prince Albert Mintos attended the Vernon Vipers Training camp this season playing in three exhibition games before being released before the start of the BCHL regular season. Fauchoux signed with the Cowichan Valley Capitals just days after being released by the Vipers. Fauchoux went pointless in two games with the Capitals before being traded to Melfort on September 19th 2012.     

Adam Fauchoux's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=120092

This is posted on the Mustangs Blog:

Mustangs Hand Out Hardware

Posted on 03/21/2013

by bjcrowe

The Melfort Mustangs held their season wind-up at the Kerry Vickar Centre last night.

Jesse Wilkins was named the teams MVP while Godric Tham earned Playoff MVP Honors.

Governor Jim Arsenie says the bottom line will be helped after their playoff run, and the board is excited to see what the future holds for the team.

2012/2013 Award Winners

Community Involvement – Sheldon Argent, Regan Wilton.

Most Improved Player – Cole Hyrsky

Most Spirited Player – Bryden Serafini

Fans Choice Award – Sheldon Argent

Most Dedicated Player – Jesse Wilkins

Hardest Working Player – Brandon Sloan

Top Scorer – Brandon Sloan

3 Star Selection Award – Jesse Wilkins

Rookie of the Year – Adam Fauchoux

Most Valuable Defenseman – Matt Saunderson

Kyle Johnson Memorial Scholarship – Brandon Parrone

Joel Dennis Memorial Award – Jay Aasen

Crunch Award (Most Hits) – Sheldon Argent

Top Defensive Defenseman – Cody Brown

Top Defensive Forward – Anthony Pickering

Playoff MVP – Godric Tham

Most Valuable Player – Jesse Wilkins

Wolves Trade Former Viper Forward Schneider To Peoria:

The American Hockey League (AHL) Chicago Wolves have
traded former Vernon Vipers forward Stefan Schneider to the AHL Peoria Rivermen on Tuesday.  In 32 games with the Wolves this season Schneider has collected (2-6-8).  Schneider also played eight games with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Kalamazoo Wings after being loaned on November 26th 2012.  In eight games with the Wings Schneider picked up (1-1-2).  

The Vancouver Canucks signed the free agent Vernon product on March, 29th 2010. Schneider played five games as an "AP" with the Vipers during the 2006-2007 season. In five games with the Vipers Schneider went pointless.

Stefan Schneider's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=32782

This is posted on the Rivermen website:

RIVERMEN ACQUIRE SCHNEIDER AND LONGPRE

April 9, 2013

Peoria Rivermen General Manager Kevin McDonald announced today the club has acquired forwards Stefan Schneider and Nathan Longpre from the Chicago Wolves in exchange for defenseman Brent Regner.

Schneider, 23, has seven points (two goals, five assists) in 32 games this season for Chicago and two points (one goal, one assist) in eight games with ECHL Kalamazoo. The 6'5", 214-pound forward has appeared in 125 AHL games over the past three seasons with Manitoba and Chicago. He has registered eight goals and 12 assists and 27 penalty minutes over his AHL career.  Signed by Vancouver as an undrafted free agent, Schneider played three seasons in the Western Hockey League before turning pro.

Longpre, 24, has collected 12 points (four goals, eight assists) and 23 penalty minutes in 53 games for the Wolves this season. The 6'1", 194-pound forward has played for Worcester, Springfield and Chicago over the past three seasons. In 120 AHL games, the Peterborough, Ontario native has 15 goals and 19 assists and 37 penalty minutes. He played college hockey at Robert Morris University where he finished in 2011 as the school's all-time leader in assists (91) and points (138).

Regner, 23, played in 66 games this year for Peoria - his first with the organization. He registered three goals and 15 assists while also leading all Rivermen defensemen with a plus-4 rating

Jackals Place Former Viper Forward Elser On Reserve:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Elmira Jackals
have placed former Vernon Vipers forward Brian Elser on reserve.  No official release other then it being posted on March 13th 2013 on the ECHL transactions page on the ECHL website.  In four games with the Jackals Elser has just one assist.   

Elser started the season with the Southern Professional League's (SPHL) Fayetteville FireAntz playing in 22 games collecting (9-8-17) before being waived on March 5th 2013.

While playing with the FireAntz Elser was called up to the East Coast Hockey League's (ECHL) Gwinnett Gladiators signing a one game contract on January, 15th 2013 before returning to Fayetteville after playing just one game. Elser then signed with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) South Carolina Stingrays on February, 6th 2013 before being released on February, 27th 2013. In seven games with the Stingrays Elser collected (1-1-2).

The Vipers scouted Elser who was 18 at the time, at the U.S. Midget championships in Buffalo. Elser attended the 2008-2009 Vipers training camp making the Vipers opening day roster before being traded on September, 12th 2008 to the AJHL Drayton Valley Thunder for future considerations (cash) and a player to be named next year. In two games with the Vipers Elser collected one assist. Rumor was Elser didnt report to the Thunder and his rights were given back to Vernon. On August, 7th 2009 the Vipers traded Elser and future considerations to Victoria for Jonathan Milhouse.

Brian Elser's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=47131

Steelheads Release Former Vipers Goaltender Olthuis:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads have released former Vernon Vipers goaltender Jon Olthuis. Olthuis who retired from hockey last year was added as an emergency backup after Steelheads goaltender Tyler Beskorowany was called up to the American Hockey League on March 17th 2013.

Olthuis who is an accountant in Anchorage, Alaska played last season with the Central Hockey League (CHL) Tulsa Oilers and the Southern Professional League (SPHL) Augusta RiverHawks. Olthuis played one game with the Oilers going 0-1 with a 13.94 GAA while playing in 24 games with the RiverHawks going 15-6-3 with one shutout and a 2.83 GAA.

Olthuis played two seasons in Vernon (2004-2006) In 67 regular season games with the Vipers going (45-16-2) with 6 shutouts.

Jon Olthuis's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=84007

Former Vipers Forward Dylan Walchuks Junior Career Comes To An End:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Dylan Walchuk and the
Spokane Chiefs fell 5-0 to the Portland Winterhawks tonight in Game 4 of the WHL Western Conference Semi-Finals.  Portland won the best of seven series 4-0 ending Walchuk's junior hockey career.  Walchuk played parts of three seasons in Vernon (2009-2012) before leaving the Vipers for the Chiefs.  Walchuk played his first two years in Vernon (2009-2011) before going to the University of Northern Michigan for the 2011-12 season.  After 19 games Walchuk returned to the Vipers in December 2011 playing in just six games before leaving for the Western Hockey League.  In 70 regular season games with the Chiefs this season Walchuk collected (19-39-58) while in 8 playoff games collected (0-3-3).  In 117 regular season games with the Vipers Walchuk picked up (44-65-109). 
Dylan Walchuk's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=122281

Former Vipers Forward Cody Fowlie's Junior Hockey Career Ends With Overtime Loss To Kamloops:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Cody Fowlie and the
Kelowna Rockets fell 4-3 in overtime to the Kamloops Blazers tonight in Game 4 of the WHL Western Conference Semi-Finals.  Kamloops won the best of seven series 4-0 ending Fowlie's junior hockey career.  In 59 regular season games with the Rockets Fowlie collected (17-23-40).  In 11 playoff games with the Rockets Fowlie collected (3-1-4).  Fowlie started the season with the Everett Silvertips before being released.  Fowlie signed with the Vipers on October 16th 2012 playing in three games before leaving Vernon and signing with the Rockets on October 22nd 2012.  In three games with the Vipers Fowlie recorded (1-1-2).

Cody Fowlie's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=51709

Former Viper Twins Kellen & Connor Jones Have Lived Up To High Expectations:

Here is an article I found on former Vernon Vipers Connor & Kellen Jones.  The Jones twins are in their third 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.

Connor Jones Player Profile:

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

Kellen Jones Player Profile:

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

This was in the New Haven Register Newspaper:

FROZEN FOUR: Quinnipiac twins Kellen and Connor Jones have lived up to high expectations

Published: Monday, April 08, 2013

By Chris Hunn

chunn@nhregister.com / Twitter: @Chris_Hunn

HAMDEN — Yes, Quinnipiac juniors Kellen and Connor Jones are identical twins. The story has been written about a ton and will continue to be an intriguing story line as the Bobcats make their first Frozen Four appearance.

“They just know where each other is,” Quinnipiac coach Rand Pecknold said. “They’ve played together so long. They have a special chemistry.”

“Some people like to think it’s a sixth sense,” added Kellen Jones.

So while they are a unique duo, Kellen and Connor Jones are pretty good hockey players, too.

The Jones’ brothers played a critical role in Quinnipiac’s run to the Frozen Four, posting a combined two goals and six assists in the first two tournament games. Coincidentally they are both among the team leaders with 12 goals and 14 assists each on the season.

The top-ranked Bobcats will face St. Cloud on April 11 at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh.

Matthew Peca joined forces with the twins last season and the trio emerged as one of the top forward lines in the ECAC. They were involved in 11 straight goals over five games earlier this year.

Peca describes Connor Jones as the wreckless of the two. He’s the type that gets after the opponent and gets gritty. Kellen Jones runs the power play. He is more poised.

“They’re both great at different areas and both complete players,” Peca said, “So they complement each other really well.”

At 5 foot 9 and 165 pounds, Connor and Kellen Jones are relatively undersized. That hasn’t held them back though. They aren’t afraid to mix it up.

“We go in and say we’re not going to lose a battle, we’re not going to lose a race,” Connor Jones said. “That’s one thing that sets us apart. It doesn’t matter how big they are, you can always outwork somebody.”

That’s what the Jones brothers have done. Kellen and Connor came to Hamden via British Columbia with hype and high expectations. They have lived up to them, while playing regular shifts for the Bobcats since their freshman seasons.

Now they are looking to help the Bobcats win a national title together.

“Before this we won a couple of national championships (in Canada),” Connor Jones said. “We wanted to bring that to Quinnipiac. The first couple of years were learning years and we did well, but this year has gone really great and we’re excited to be here.”

Former Vipers Tambellini & Soleway Included In NHL Central Scouting Canadian Juniors/Midgets Top 10:

This is posted on Brian Wiebe's BCHL Banter Blog:

Six BCHL Players Included in NHL Central Scouting Canadian Juniors/Midgets Top 10:

Saturday, April 6, 2013

NHL Central Scouting is meeting this weekend to put together the final list of prospects for the 2013 NHL Entry Draft in New Jersey this June.

As a bit of a preview, NHL.com has released the top 10 skaters ranked in each league. For the sake of clarity, Canadian junior 'A' leagues and midget players across North America are grouped into the same "league" called "Canadian Juniors/Midgets". Of the top 10 ranked by Central Scouting, six are from the BC Hockey League.

Forwards Adam Tambellini (Surrey), David Pope (West Kelowna) and Jedd Soleway (Penticton) along with defencemen Dane Birks (Merritt), Nolan De Jong (Victoria) and Luke Ripley (Powell River) are the BCHLers represented.

Here's the complete article as posted on NHL.com, I've bolded the BCHL players:

TORONTO -- It's early Saturday morning and the men of NHL Central Scouting have returned to the board room at the League office in Toronto to continue ranking the top prospects for the 2013 NHL Draft.

The scouts will begin the process of ranking all the players after careful discussion and healthy debate Friday that established the six league lists in North America.
As promised, here are the top 10 skaters Central Scouting ranked in each league. In order to maintain some level of confidentiality, the players are listed in alphabetical order rather than numeric.

Keep in mind, this is the closest thing you'll get to a finalized list until the actual release of the 'Big Chart' later this month. The numeral in parenthesis beside each league represents the number of potential first-round picks within that league's top 10.

Western Hockey League (10 potential first-rounders)

Madison Bowey, D, Kelowna
Dillon Heatherington, D, Swift Current
Seth Jones, D, Portland
Morgan Klimchuk, LW, Regina
Curtis Lazar, C/RW, Edmonton
Joshua Morrissey, D, Prince Albert
Mirco Mueller, D, Everett
Ryan Pulock, D, Brandon
Hunter Shinkaruk, C/LW, Medicine Hat
Shea Theodore, D, Seattle

Ontario Hockey League (10)

Chris Bigras, D, Owen Sound
Max Domi, C/LW, London
Ryan Hartman, RW, Plymouth
Bo Horvat, C, London
James Lodge, C, Saginaw
Sean Monahan, C, Ottawa
Zach Nastasiuk, RW, Owen Sound
Darnell Nurse, D, Sault Ste. Marie
Kerby Rychel, LW, Windsor
Nikita Zadorov, D, London

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (9)

William Carrier, LW, Cape Breton
Laurent Dauphin, C, Chicoutimi
Jonathan-Ismael Diaby, D, Victoriaville
Jonathan Drouin, LW, Halifax
Adam Erne, LW, Quebec
Frederik Gauthier, C, Rimouski
Nathan MacKinnon, C, Halifax
Anthony Mantha, RW, Val-D'Or
Samuel Morin, D, Rimouski
Valentin Zykov, LW, Baie-Comeau

USA East (0)

Ryan Fitzgerald, C, Valley Junior
Anthony Florentino, D, South Kent
Nick Hutchinson, C, Avon Old Farms
Ryan Lomberg, LW, University of Maine
Brett Pesce, D, University of New Hampshire
Brian Pinho, C, St. John's Prep
Zachary Sanford, LW, Islanders Hockey Club
Ryan Segalla, D, Salisbury Prep
Wiley Sherman, D, Hotchkiss Prep
Miles Wood, LW, Noble and Greenough School

USA West (3)

J.T. Compher, LW, USA U-18, USHL
Michael Downing, D, Dubuque, USHL
John Hayden, C, USA U-18, USHL
Connor Hurley, C, Edina HS
Ian McCoshen, D, Waterloo, USHL
Michael McCarron, RW, USA U-18, USHL
Gustav Olofsson, D, Green Bay, USHL
Steven Santini, D, USA U-18, USHL
Keaton Thompson, D, USA U-18, USHL
Thomas Vanelli, D, Minnetonka HS

Canadian Juniors/Midgets (0 )

Dane Birks, D, Merritt
Matt Buckles, C, St. Michaels
Blaine Byron, C, Smiths Falls
Alexandre, Coulombe, D, Stanstead College
Nolan De Jong, D, Victoria
Troy Josephs, C, St. Michaels
David Pope, LW, West Kelowna
Luke Ripley, D, Powell River
Jedd Soleway, C, Penticton
Adam Tambellini, C, Surrey

Senators Sign Former Vipers Goaltender Hammond To Amateur Try-Out:

The American Hockey League (AHL) Binghamton Senators
have signed former Vernon Vipers goaltender Andrew Hammond to a amateur try-out contract.  Hammond finished his fourth and final season at Bowling Green University before signing with the NHL Ottawa Senators on March 20th 2013.

Hammond attended the Chicago Blackhawks development camp In July went (10-15-3) with three shutouts and a 2.47 GAA this year at Bowling Green. Hammond 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 posted on the Senators website:

B-SENS ANNOUNCE ROSTER MOVES

03/27/2013

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. – The Binghamton Senators have announced the following transactions today: Defenseman Ben Blood has been reassigned by the club’s National Hockey League affiliate Ottawa Senators from Binghamton to the Elmira Jackals of the ECHL, forward Jakub Culek has been reassigned by Ottawa from the Cape Brenton Screaming Eagles of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League to Binghamton and goaltender Andrew Hammond has been signed to an amateur try-out contract.

Blood, 24, was reassigned to Binghamton for the seventh time this season on Feb. 16. He has appeared in 24 games with the B-Sens this season, recording no points.

The 6-3, 232-pound defenseman has scored one goal and amassed 19 penalty minutes in 29 games with the Jackals this season.

Culek, 20, was Ottawa’s third-round pick (76th overall) in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. His Screaming Eagles concluded their 2012-13 season with a loss to the Halifax Mooseheads on March 17.

The 6-3, 186-pound forward played in nine games this season, recording seven points on four goals and three assists.

The Plzen, Czech Republic native has appeared in 182 career QMJHL games with Cape Brenton and the Rimouski Oceanic, scoring 37 goals, 79 assists and adding 154 penalty minutes.

Hammond, 25, signed a two-year entry-level contract with Ottawa on March 20. He recently completed his fourth and final season of college eligibility at the Central Collegiate Hockey Association’s Bowling Green State University.

The 6-1, 196-pound goaltender posted a 10-15-3 record with a 2.47 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage in 29 games with the Falcons this past season.

The Surrey, B.C. native earned a record of 30-68-13 in 111 games over four seasons at Bowling Green.

The B-Sens return to action tonight as they travel to Wilkes-Barre to take on the Penguins at 7:05 p.m. Fans can listen live on “Binghamton’s Classic Hits” BIG 107.5 (WBBI-FM) beginning 15 minutes before game time as Grady Whittenburg, the voice of the B-Sens, hosts the Countdown to Faceoff.

Farynuk Staying Sharp For Blades:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Farynuk staying sharp for Blades

By Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star

Published: April 07, 2013

With a double engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Brad Farynuk is well prepared for the job market. Hockey, however, is keeping the Enderby product from joining the work force full time.

Farynuk, a 31-year-old former Edmonton Oilers farmhand, just helped the Tohoku Free Blades shock the top-ranked OJI Eagles in the Asian Ice Hockey League playoff championship series.

He and his wife, Kathy, leave next week to Australia to sightsee and visit Brad’s aunt, a trip postponed in 2011 due to the Tohoka earthquake/tsunami the Farynuks witnessed first-hand.

After a season in Italy last year and a few seasons of minor-pro, Farynuk has experienced a few different hockey cultures and he’s in no hurry to give up the game.

“I’m going to take a month or so to assess my life ambitions and hockey,” he told The Morning Star. “I plan on working at AMS Solutions when I get back, an automation engineering company in Enderby headed by ex-Viper/North Okanagan King Richard Vetter and electrical engineers Roland Davyduke and Ron Pobuda.

“AMS has projects all over North America and many with Tolko. I have played professionally seven years now so I’m preparing myself for the transition to an engineering career. The only problem with the idea of retiring is that I love hockey so much. Once I’m back and see what hockey offers are available to me, I’ll weigh out my career options.”

Farynuk, a defencemen, racked up 105 points in 135 games with the BCHL Vernon Vipers from 1999-2002, getting 19 goals and 59 points his final season. He racked up 79 points in four years at RPI in Troy, N.Y.

In the best-of-five Asian finals, Farynuk scored both goals in Game 2 as the Free Blades bounced the Eagles 2-1 in overtime after losing the opener in OT. He finished with 5-7-12 in eight playoff tilts, earning three game winners.

Farynuk pocketed 16 goals and 43 points in the regular season, where the Blades lost 13 games and finished second behind the Eagles, who lost just twice in regulation. He made the first all-star team while missing just four games with a tricep tear.

“My dee partner’s name is Kyohei Kikuchi and is a very steady, hard-working defensive player so I can play very offensive,” said Farynuk, a 6-foot, 210-pounder who wears No. 44. “He speaks very little English but we both understand each other when communicating on the ice, using a mix of Japanese and English hockey terms.

“We had a very hard in-season training program that wore on us bigger players just trying to keep up with our speedy Japanese teammates who never stop working. Practices are usually at least 45 minutes longer than North American pro standards but you only play 42 regular-season games.

The Blades had U.S. defenceman Justin Fletcher and forward David Wrigley of Toronto. They both played in the DEL (Germany’s top pro loop) the past few seasons.

They also had a very eager d-man from China who constantly questioned Farynuk on hockey in hopes of improving his game.

Farynuk goes to a computer to keep track of what’s happening in the NHL.

“Part of being a pro hockey player is constantly trying to be better everyday and learn from what the best are doing. I watch the highlights on TSN.ca almost daily and I can usually watch the third period of Canucks games when I get home from our daily workouts/practices. It’s tough with the time change here as our mornings are when games are on so pubs/restaurants don’t cover much.”

Farynuk is impressed at how Japan has moved forward since the major carnage of 2011. Close to 16,000 people were killed and 129,000 buildings were knocked down. The World Bank’s estimated economic cost was US$235 billion, making it the costliest natural disaster in world history.

“The Japanese are a resilient people,” said Farynuk, who rushed out of an arena, with his skates on, to avoid being hurt in the earthquake. “The way the people handled the tsunami and quake was phenomenal. It isn’t in the Japanese culture and discipline to panic or overreact – even in sport.

“I couldn’t believe how calm people remained during the catastrophe, and have held such demeanor and strength through their rebuilding of the Tohoku coast. There are obviously many people who lost family members and their homes, which was so upsetting, but if there is any country in the world that could rebound from that, it is Japan. The clean-up jobs near cities like Sendai have been tremendous but the rebuilding process will be slow especially with the economic recession here as well.”

Catching up with family and friends, and doing some fishing, are also on his offseason menu.

Titans Activate Former Vipers Captain Ullrich Off Reserve:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Trenton Titans have activated former Vernon Vipers forward-captain Mike Ullrich off reserve. No official press release other then it being posted on March 7th 2013 on the transactions page on the ECHL website.  Ullrich was placed on reserve on February 21st 2013. In 26 games this year with the Titans Ullrich has collected (15-14-29).

Ullrich started the season with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) South Carolina Stingrays after signing a contract over the summer. Ullrich left the Stingrays before signing with the Central Hockey League (CHL) Tulsa Oilers on November, 7th 2012. The Stingrays suspended Ullrich after leaving the club but then took Ullrich off suspension before trading the rights of Ullrich to the ECHL Trenton Titans for future considerations on January, 18th 2013. In five games with the Stingrays Ullrich collected 1 goal & 4 assists. The Oilers then suspended and then deleted Ullrich from the clubs roster on January, 17th 2013 after Ullrich left the Oilers for the ECHL Trenton Titans. In 29 games with the Oilers Ullrich collected (7-12-19).

Ullrich played last year with the CHL Tulsa Oilers. In 66 games as a rookie with the Oilers Ullrich collected (29-35-64) and was named to the CHL All-Rookie team. Ullrich was near the top of the rookie scoring list for the entire season. Ullrich also was a finalist for the CHL Rookie of the Year award. In 29 games this season with the Oilers Ullrich has collected (7-12-19). Ullrich played parts of two years in Vernon (2005-2007) In 103 games with the Vipers Ullrich collected (39-92-131).

Mike Ullrich's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=82968

Kal Tire Drives Off With Arena Name:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Kal Tire drives off with arena name

By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star

Published: April 05, 2013

An international corporation with deep local roots is expanding its community presence.

As of June 1, Wesbild Centre on 43rd Avenue will have a new name — Kal Tire Place.

“It’s all about the community,” said Tracy Cobb, communications director for Canada’s largest independent tire dealer, which operates in a total of 19 countries.

“Vernon has been Kal Tire’s hometown for 60 years and we want to celebrate our hometown.”

As part of the naming rights, Kal Tire will pay $40,000 annually, over four years, to the Regional District of North Okanagan.

“They are a great local business and they have shown interest in recreation,” said Tannis Nelson, RDNO’s community development co-ordinator.

Just as occurred with Wesbild Holdings in 2008, Kal Tire has been given a $15,000 reduction in the first-year payment to help with the costs of signs for the building.

Wesbild Holdings had the option to renew its naming rights contract but it had earlier expressed some reservations about the extent of events occurring at the facility.

According to Nelson, the goal of the regional district is to provide an array of recreational opportunities.

“We’re constantly working with promoters,” she said, adding that RDNO had a positive relationship with Wesbild Holdings.

“We want to celebrate the partnership with Wesbild. That kind of community support is invaluable.”

The soon-to-be called Kal Tire Place has an NHL-sized ice surface with more than 3,000 seats. It also provides a year-round indoor walking area and regularly hosts trade shows and other events. The parking lot is home to the Vernon Farmers Market.

“We’re happy to support a facility for active families that encourages sport and healthy lifestyles,” said Robert Foord, Kal Tire president.

The agreement includes an option for Kal Tire to renew after four years.

“Anything beyond that will be assessed at a future date,” said Cobb.

Jets Claim Former Viper Forward Santorelli Off Waivers:

The NHL Winnipeg Jets have claimed former Vernon
Vipers forward Mike Santorelli off waivers yesterday from the Florida Panthers.  Santorelli spent this season with the American Hockey League's (AHL) San Antonio Rampage & Florida Panthers.  Santorelli was entering his third season with the Panthers.  In 7 games with San Antonio Santorelli collected (2-3-5).  In 24 games this season with Florida Santorelli has (2-1-3).  In 60 games last year with the Panthers Santorelli collected (9-2-11). Santorelli was drafted by the Nashville Predators in round 6 178th overall at the 2004 NHL Entry Draft before being traded to the Florida Panthers on August, 5th 2010. Santorelli played one season in Vernon (2003-2004). In 60 regular season games with the Vipers Santorelli collected (43-53-96).

Mike Santorelli's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=76527

This is posted on the Jets website:

Jets claim Mike Santorelli off waivers

The Jets have claimed Santorelli from the Florida Panthers.

Wednesday, 03.04.2013

The Winnipeg Jets are pleased to announce they have claimed forward Mike Santorelli off waivers. Santorelli was placed on waivers by the Florida Panthers and will now report to the Jets.

Santorelli, 27, has played in 24 games with the Florida Panthers this season. In that time, the Vancouver, B.C. native has recorded three points (2G, 1A) and two penalty minutes. He has played in 198 career NHL games between Nashville and Florida for 58 career points (33G, 25A) and 50 penalty minutes.

He was originally drafted by the Nashville Predators in the sixth round, 178th overall, in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

Mike Santorelli

Center
Born Dec 14 1985 -- Vancouver, BC
Height 6.00 -- Weight 190 -- Shoots R
Selected by Nashville Predators round 6 #178 overall 2004 NHL Entry Draft

Former Vernon Vipers Forward Beech Wont Be Back With AIK Next Season:

AIK Stalkholm wont be re-signing former Vernon
Vipers forward Kristopher Beech.  Beech left HC Pardubice back in November before signing with AIK Stalkholm. HC Pardubice is a professional hockey team in Czech Extraliga. Beech was in his first season with HC Pardubice. In 21 games Beech recorded (2-6-8). In 23 games with AIK Stalkholm Beech recorded (3-2-5).  Beech played last season in Finland with Lukko Rauma. In 59 games Beech collected (15-20-35). Beech played parts of the 1996-1997 season with the Vernon Vipers before leaving the team during the season for the WHL Calgary Hitmen. Beech was drafted by the Washington Capitals In Round 1 #7 overall at the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.

Kristopher Beech's Player Profile:

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

This is posted on the AIK website:

The situation in troop: three players leave

published: 2013-03 to 28

The discussions with the players who have closing contracts is in full swing. But already now it is clear that three players leave Reed Elsevier. Andreas Fresh, crisis Beech and David Lillieström may not their contracts extended.

It is now clear that Andreas Fresh, Kristopher Beech and David Lillieström does not play in Reed Elsevier next season. Sports editor Daniel Rudslätt on:

Andreas sound

, it is always extremely sad to say no to a player with a large Reed Elsevier-heart.
But, unfortunately, we have chosen not to renew the contract with Andreas.

Kristopher Beech

- We are grateful for his operations during the difficult period that we were in when he came to the club. We know, however, that we want to focus on young talents.

David Lillieström

- David must get playing time for their own development. He had a rough season with much of the damage and now has to be continuous playtime at a senior level. We will, of course, keep in touch and follow his development.
"We want the players the best of luck in their continuing hockeykarriärer.

There are more players with closing contracts, but there is still no is clear. Rudslätt says the following about:

Nils Bäckström

, we have a dialog.

Tobias Viklund

- we had a conversation last yesterday. There is a strong interest from both sides with an extension.
See 'Gulf' are attracted by the challenge of KHL. feeling is that Reed Elsevier is his first option if he chooses games in Elitserien.

Fredrik Carlsson

, we have a good dialog with 'fish' and hope to come to a decision next week.

Stefan Johansson
, we have given a kontraktsförslag. But with that it is taking time is the feeling that there are other options that we do not have the opportunity to match.

Christopher Aspeqvist

- "Aspen" has been a kontraktsförslag. We see that he has a great potential and hope that he chooses to stay.

Edgars Klavins

, 'Eddie' are young players that have shown that he manages elitserienivån. interest for an extension is available from both sides.

Broc Little

, his first choice is games in north America. We hope that he chooses Reed Elsevier if he continues to play in Sweden.

Nailers Place Former Viper Forward Zurevinski on Reserve:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Wheeling Nailers have placed former Vernon Vipers forward Scott Zurevinski on reserve. No official press release other then it being posted on March 16th 2013 on the transactions page on the ECHL website. This is the second time this season the Nailers have placed Zurevinski on reserve.  

Zurevinski signed with the American Hockey League (AHL) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in early August but never played a game before the season started being sent down to the East Coast Hockey Leagues Wheeling Nailers. In 47 games this season with the Nailers Zurevinski has (11-12-23).

Zurevinski finished his fourth year at Quinnipiac University last year before signing a amateur tryout contract with the AHL St. John’s IceCaps back on March, 18th 2012. Zurevinski played in eight games with the IceCaps before being released. Zurevinski played two years in Vernon (2006-2008). In 96 regular season games with the Vipers, Zurevinski collected (47-47-94). Zurevinski attended the Pittsburgh Penguins 2011 development camp.

Scott Zurevinski's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=93311

Former Vipers Forward Sheppard Will Return To Bisons Next Season:

The EIHL Basingstoke Bison have confirmed that former Vernon
Vipers forward Doug Sheppard will return as head coach for the Basingstoke Bison and will continue to play during the 2013-14 season.  Sheppard was named Bisons player-coach April 26th 2012.  Sheppard was the Head Coach of the EPL Slough Jets in 2011. Sheppard played one season in Vernon (1995-96) before attending Providence College. In 59 games with the Vipers Sheppard collected (38-65-103) as the teams second leader scorer. Sheppard scored the first ever goal in Vernon Vipers history. The Vernon Lakers changed their name to the Vernon Vipers in the summer of 1995. Sheppard scored the Vipers first ever goal on opening night of the 1995-96 season in a 5-3 victory over the hometown Trail Smoke Eaters.

Doug Sheppards Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=29968

This is posted on the Bisons website:

Bison confirm Sheppard to lead Herd for next Season

21st of March 2013

Doug Sheppard has confirmed that he will return as head coach for the Basingstoke Bison and will continue to play during the 2013-14 season.

With the Bison having now confirmed second place in the English Premier Ice Hockey league, their highest ever, Doug said;

“Although we didn’t reach our ultimate goal of a league title, I still feel we have achieved a great deal this year. I will be working closely with Bison Programme Director, John Neville, over the closed season to recruit a team capable of winning the league. ”

“By working together with our loyal group of volunteers, booster club committee and Planet Ice staff we have delivered improved crowds and have laid the foundations of a successful team and are looking to build a reputation not only for winning, but also for playing entertaining, competitive hockey” added Doug.

John Neville, Bison Programme Director remarked;
 “Second in the league is a great result but Doug and I won’t be satisfied until we’ve delivered a league title. Having built a strong relationship with Doug we are confident that we have the resources and abilities to deliver silverware to Basingstoke”

“Although it is the end of the season we still have winning the play-offs open to us. It would be a fantastic end to a great season if we could deliver the play-off trophy for the herd faithful”.

The Herd will also be releasing both next seasons matchday ticket prices and season ticket packages before the end of the current season with a great end of season offer for all supporters.

For all the latest news on the Herd, follow us on Twitter at @BisonHockey or view our website at www.bstokebison.co.uk

Trophy Unveiled For Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

Trophy unveiled for Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup
 
Monday, March 25, 2013 - Submitted by CJHLhockey.com

The Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup was unveiled for the first time at a VIP Reception in Calgary, AB on Wednesday evening.  The reception was hosted by the Canadian Junior Hockey League and the four western leagues competing for the inaugural championship in 2013.

The trophy designed for the Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup Championship is a direct reflection of the Western Canada Cup logo and embodies the same ideals and principles. The stars on the base will showcase the victors of each championship. The four transparent pillars are representative of each league being the foundation of the WCC, strengthened by uniting to hoist the cup. The acrylic posts give the illusion of a floating shield, a prized possession which should be cherished and coveted. The maple leaf represents Canada which is the heart of the trophy.

The concept of the Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup event logo is based on the classic shield and banner motif, and reflects the participating leagues through the four stars in the banner. The bold graphic outline and overall balanced composition provide a solid, confident icon to represent the ideals of sportsmanship and excellence in Junior A Hockey. The choice of red within the text represents Canada, and the centre line on the ice reinforced by the light blue lines and white background within the shield. The colours used within the Western Canada Cup logo pay homage to the existing palette of the CJHL and Crescent Point Energy.

Impello Inc. was commissioned to design the Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup logo and trophy. Impello has been working with the Canadian Junior Hockey League for over five years and was the firm who rebranded the CJHL in 2008.

The 2013 Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup will be held from April 26 - May 5, 2013 at the Frank Crane Arena in Nanaimo, BC and hosted by the Nanaimo Clippers and the BCHL. The champions of the British Columbia Hockey League, Alberta Junior Hockey League, Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, and Manitoba Junior Hockey League will participate in a five-team tournament with the host Nanaimo Clippers for the 2013 Western Canada Cup at the inaugural event. The Western Canada Cup Champion and the runner-up will both represent western Canada at the RBC Cup National Junior A Championship beginning in 2013.

The Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup will be hosted by the Dauphin Kings of the MJHL in 2014, followed by the AJHL (2015), and SJHL (2016). A Site Selection Committee will be responsible for selecting a host team annually, upon the recommendation of the host league.

Eagles Place Former Vipers Defenceman Smeltzer On Reserve:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Colorado Eagles have
placed former Vernon Vipers defenceman Isaac Smeltzer on reserve.  No official press release on then it being posted on March 22nd 2013 on the ECHL transactions page on the ECHL website.  Smeltzer is in his second season with the Eagles. Smeltzer signed a amateur tryout contract with the Eagles last year (March.14th 2012) after completing his fourth season at Brock University before re-signing with the Eagles this season. In 58 games this year with Colorado Smeltzer has (2-5-7). Smeltzer played his first three and a half seasons in the BCHL with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs before being traded to Vernon in his final season of Junior hockey (2007-2008). Alberni Valley traded Smeltzer to Vernon on November, 29th 2007 for forward, Evan Witt and defenceman, Eliot Raibl. Smeltzer collected (6-17-23) in 29 regular season games with the Vipers.

Isaac Smeltzer's Player Profile:

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

Familiar Faces Greet Former Viper Genoway With Hershey Bears:

Here is an article I found on former Vernon Vipers defenceman Chay Genoway.  The NHL Minnesota Wil have traded Genoway to the Washington Capitals March 14th 2013. Genoway was in his second season with the AHL Houston Aeros before joining the AHL Hershey Bears. In 53 games this season Genoway has (4-15-19) last year in 72 regular season games Genoway collected (7-29-36). The Minnesota Wild signed Genoway to an entry-level contract back on April, 12th 2011. Genoway made his NHL debut last season with the Minnesota Wild on April, 7th 2012 collecting 1 assist and being named 2nd star vs the Pheonix Coyotes. Genoway played one season in Vernon (2005-2006). In 56 regular season games with the Vipers Genoway collected (17-32-49).

Chay Genoway's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=92084

This was posted on the Pennlive.com website:

Familiar faces greet Chay Genoway with Hershey Bears

By Tim Leone | tleone@pennlive.com


March 16, 2013

Though Chay Genoway switched teams and conferences, he had a sense of familiarity
when he joined the Hershey Bears this week.

Kevin Marshall, center, was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs organization on Thursday. JOE HERMITT, The Patriot-News (2012) 

The defenseman's Thursday trade reunited him with former Houston Aeros teammates Jon DiSalvatore, Jeff Taffe and Casey Wellman.

“Definitely, that helps,” Genoway said. “Just someone to chat with. They're older guys already as it is, so they've been around the league a lot. They've been a help already.”

Recent scratches gave Genoway an inkling that a trade might be a possibility before the Minnesota Wild sent him to the Washington Capitals in exchange for a conditional seventh-round draft pick in 2014.

“At first, it's a lot of different emotions running through your mind,” Genoway said. “I'm really excited. I've heard nothing but great things about Hershey. You just hear the name and there's just so much history. Every person I've ever talked to says it's a great place to play.”

The second-year pro led Houston in scoring among defensemen as a rookie (7-29-36). The 5-9, 177-pounder produced 4-15-19 in 53 games with the Aeros this season before the trade.

“He can produce,” DiSalvatore said. “He can play. He sees the ice well. He will be a good offensive defenseman for us. We expect, once he gets familiar with the systems, that he can really help us.”

The 26-year-old is expected to make his Hershey debut Saturday night when the Bridgeport Sound Tigers visit Giant Center.

“I'm a puck-moving D-man,” Genoway said. “I try to get the puck in the forwards' hands. I think my assets are trying to break the puck out as soon as possible and using my feet to get up in the play and help out. Hopefully, I'll help out a little bit on specialty teams. Besides that, just stopping the puck from going in the net.”

In a separate Thursday trade, the Bears acquired left winger Nicolas Deschamps from the Toronto Maple Leafs organization in exchange for defenseman Kevin Marshall.

The 6-2, 186-pound Deschamps, who began the 2011-12 season with the Syracuse Crunch before being traded by the Anaheim Ducks to Toronto, produced 3-9-12 in 17 playoff games with the Toronto Marlies, who lost in the Calder Cup finals to the Norfolk Admirals.

“I like his speed,” Bears head coach Mark French said. “He plays the game with good pace. My best recollections were early last year when he was having success [in Syracuse]. He seemed to be a dangerous player who was a very complementary player to his linemates. I also like that he had a very successful Calder Cup run last year with Toronto, where he put up some real good numbers.”

French said news of the trade hit Marshall hard.

“Yeah, it's tough,” French said. “I guess the old adage, you have to give something up to get something. We gave up a lot.

“He invested a lot into this group. He was rightfully emotional for the type of investment he had.”

NOTEBOOK

Genoway said former Bears defenseman Joe Finley, a University of North Dakota teammate, contacted him after the trade. “He did text me and gave me a little bit of the low down,” Genoway said.

Freezers Re-Sign Former Viper Forward Festerling:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Garrett Festerling has signed a
one-year contract extension with the Hamburg Freezers (Germany DEL).  Festerling has 12 goals and 21 assists in 43 games for the Freezers this season.  Festerling played parts of two seasons in Vernon (2002-2004) before leaving the Vipers for the WHL Portland Winterhawks.  In 77 regular season games with the Vipers Festerling collected (12-25-37).

Garrett Festerling's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=74645

This is posted on Gregg Drinnan's Blog:

F Garrett Festerling (Portland, Regina, 2003-07) signed a one-year contract extension with the Hamburg Freezers (Germany, DEL). He has 12 goals and 21 assists in 43 games for the Freezers this season. Festerling also has made five appearances with the German National Team this season, getting one goal and one assist. Festerling was under contract with Hamburg through the 2013-14 season, so this extension keeps him under contract through the 2014-15 season.

Bauer Hockey Partners With BCHL:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

Bauer Hockey partners with BCHL as official provider of equipment, apparel
 
Thursday, March 14, 2013 - Submitted by Bauer Hockey

 EXETER, NH– March 14, 2013 – Bauer Hockey, Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of ice hockey equipment, announced today that it has become the new official uniform, equipment and apparel provider for the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), one of the top junior organizations in North America.  This exclusive three-year partnership starting with the 2013-14 season will include uniforms, equipment and apparel for the BCHL’s approximately 360 players.

“As one of the premier Junior ‘A’ leagues in Canada, we’re proud to be partnering with Bauer Hockey because they consistently deliver the best quality and performance in hockey equipment and have recently expanded into uniforms,” said John Grisdale, who played eight seasons in the NHL and is now Commissioner of the BCHL.  “Bauer is a known and trusted brand that is demanded by our elite players, and I’m looking forward to this partnership.”

With a storied tradition dating back to 1961, the BCHL currently has 16 teams in the province of British Columbia.  This agreement includes 22 players per team, plus an estimated 10 front office staff and volunteers per team and about 40 on-ice officials across the league.

Between 2000 and 2010, 69 players were drafted directly from the BCHL by teams in the NHL, and it is the No. 1 feeder league into college hockey in the United States.  Each year the league sends between 100 and 130 graduates on to NCAA and CIS scholarships.

“We’re excited about this new opportunity that offers growth for our company as well as the chance to showcase our innovative products in this elite junior league,” said Kevin Davis, President and CEO of Bauer Performance Sports.  “This exclusive agreement is a significant step forward for our new but growing team apparel program.  We are a one-stop shop for associations, teams and leagues with our ability to now provide uniforms as well as high performance equipment.”

This agreement includes team uniforms, helmets, visors, sticks, gloves, pants, apparel and bags.  Bauer Hockey’s new team program provides convenience and consistent branding to its partners and to both youth programs and the most elite level teams around the world.

ABOUT BAUER HOCKEY

Bauer Hockey is the world’s most recognized designer, marketer and manufacturer of hockey equipment. Founded in Kitchener, Ontario in 1927, Bauer Hockey developed the first skate with a blade attached to a boot, forever changing the game of hockey. Since then, Bauer Hockey has continued to develop the most sought after products in the industry, including the widely successful SUPREME, VAPOR and NEXUS lines of products. Bauer Performance Sports, a publically traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange, is the parent company of Bauer Hockey, and its affiliated entities own Mission Roller Hockey, Maverik Lacrosse, Cascade Sports and Inaria.  For more information, visit Bauer Hockey’s website at www.BAUER.com.

ABOUT THE BCHL

The BCHL is in its 51st season of operation and has 16 franchises around the province of B.C. The league is noted for its strong coaching and player development and is heavily scouted every season by evaluators at the college and professional level. This season, there are 28 league graduates playing in the NHL, about 250 others playing collegiate hockey in Canada and the United States along with countless others playing professionally in North America and Europe.