Former Vipers Captain Ullrich Becomes Unrestricted Free Agent:

The ownership group of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Trenton Titans has pulled the franchise out of the ECHL.  It looks like former Vernon Vipers Captain-forward Mike Ullrich has become an unrestricted free agent.  According to a statement from the ECHL, all Titans players signed to ECHL contracts, except those owed as future considerations, are unrestricted free agents.

Ullrich played for three different teams this season, was in his first season with the Titans. In 26 games this year with Trenton Ullrich 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) Ullrich left the Vipers during the 2005-06 season before returning to Vernon the following season after a short stint with the WHL Lethbridge Hurricanes.  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 

Thanks to Gregg Drinnan for posting this article on his blog.

This was in the Times of Trenton Newspaper:

Trenton Titans minor league hockey team pulls out of Sun National Bank Arena, ECHL

Print By Jenna Pizzi/The Times of Trenton 

April 23, 2013 

TRENTON — The Trenton Titans will not return to the Sun National Bank arena for the next season and have pulled out of the East Coast Hockey League, the team announced today.

The team has struggled with low attendance, according to Phillip Miller, executive director of the Mercer County Improvement Authority, which oversees the arena. Team president and CEO Rich Lisk denied that, but would not say why the team decided not to participate in the season that was scheduled to start in October.

“It’s an issue that is bigger than me,” Lisk said. “I think the ownership group here is looking and is doing everything right to bring the team back.”

The ownership team, the Delaware Valley Sports Group, which includes investors Lisk, Jim O’Connor, Jim Cook and Tim Curran, are hoping to bring the team back after a year away, he said.

Lisk previously worked with O’Connor, Cook and Curran when they made an unsuccessful attempt to buy the Camden Riversharks, a minor league baseball team.

The team will be fully refunding tickets already purchased by fans for the upcoming season, he said.

“We fully support our fans and we appreciate all of the support that they gave us,” Lisk said.

He said players and coaches for the team were understanding when they learned that the team pulled out of the ECHL.

Miller said the team told him about the decision on Friday.

“My understanding is that they have decided not to renew,” Miller said. “The economics did not work for the ownership.”

Lisk said the shutdown was not a result of attendance problems, and claimed attendance has been up for the last three years. He said attendance has risen in each of the last two years, but could not provide numbers.

Announced attendance for the Titans averaged 2,578 fans per game at its 36 home games last season, ECHL spokesman Joe Babik said. The arena holds about 8,100 fans for hockey events.

The company that manages the reana has starting trying to book events for the 36 nights that were reserved for the Titans’ games next season, Miller said.

“We look forward to filling those open dates with other events,” he said.

The Titans are the only professional sports team based at the arena and Miller said there is no other event that books as many nights at the county-owned facility.

Babik said it is too late for the ECHL to add another team to play in the upcoming season, but the league is open to accepting applications for new teams for the season that begins in 2014.

To play in the league, a team would have to apply for a new membership and be approved by the league’s Board of Governors. He would not disclose the cost of a membership.

The Titans were originally founded under different ownership and joined the East Coast Hockey League for the 1999-2000 season. The team was later bought by the National Hockey League’s New Jersey Devils and in 2007 was renamed the Trenton Devils.

It played under that name until a new company, Blue Line Group, bought the team in 2011. Last year Blue Line Group was purchased by Delaware Valley Sports Group.

Lisk was the team’s general manager from 2001 to 2005 and returned in 2011.

The Titans finished their season at the end of March with a record of 32 wins and 40 losses.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with comments from Rich Lisk and information from the ECHL.

Former Vipers Defenceman Hambrook Commits To Hamilton College:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Bennett Hambrook has committed to the NCAA Hamilton College Continentals for next season.  Hambrook started the 2010-11 season with the Vernon Vipers before being traded to the Prince George Spruce Kings on September, 20th 2010 for future considerations, after playing in just three games with the Vipers. Prince George traded Hambrook to the Woodstock Slammers of the Maritime Junior Hockey League on July, 17th 2011 for future considerations before returning to the BCHL in 2011 after Salmon Arm aquired Hambrook from the Woodstock Slammers on August, 22nd 2011 for future considerations.  The Silverbacks traded Hambrook to the Trail Smoke Eaters for future considerations on November, 12th 2012 where he finished his Junior hockey career. 

Bennett Hambrook's Player Profile:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=339742&playerID=620131

This is posted on the Smoke Eaters website:

Hambrook To Join Continentals

Tuesday, April 23, 2013 - Submitted by Chris Wahl

TRAIL – The Trail Smoke Eaters are proud to announce defenseman Bennett Hambrook has committed to NCAA Division III Hamilton College for the 2013-14 season.

Hambrook, from Kimberley, BC, scored 1 goal and 11 points in 29 games as a Smoke Eater in 2012-13 after being acquired from the Salmon Arm SilverBacks in November. In 135 career BCHL games with Trail, Vernon, Prince George and Salmon Arm, the 21 year-old totalled 18 points and 183 penalty minutes. He was also a member of the KIJHL finalist Nelson Leafs during the 2009-10 season.

“I’m excited to begin my collegiate career with a first-class program at Hamilton College this fall,” Hambrook stated. “Post-secondary education has always been a priority of mine and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to continue my schooling.”

“I’m grateful for my experiences in the British Columbia Hockey League over the past three years,” Hambrook added. “I’ve had great coaching with every team I’ve played for, and the time I’ve spent in this league has helped me develop on and off the ice.”

“Bennett was a tremendous asset to the Smoke Eater organization both on and off the ice,” stated Smoke Eaters head coach/general manager Bill Birks. “His leadership qualities and work ethic are the best I’ve ever been around.”

“Hamilton is getting a quality player and I couldn’t be happier for Bennett,” Birks added.

Hamilton College is a private liberal arts college located in Clinton, New York. The Continentals skate in the 10-team New England Small College Athletic Association (NESCAC).

Former Vipers Santana & Noonan Collect Awards At Terriers Banquet:

The Boston Terriers Mens Hockey team presented former Vernon Vipers forward Ryan Santana with the Bennett McInnis Memorial award while former Vernon Vipers defence man Garrett Noonan received the Clifford P. Fitzgerald Scholarship award at the Terriers year end awards banquet.

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

Santana finished his fourth and final season with the Terriers.  Playing in 39 games collecting (2-10-12).  Santana played one season in Vernon (2008-2009) In 56 games with the Vipers Santana collected (12-13-25).

Ryan Santana's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=99416

This is posted on the Terriers website:


2012-13 Team Honored at 50th Friends of BU Hockey Banquet

BU to retire Parker's No. 6 jersey

April 24, 2013

BOSTON - The Friends of Boston University Hockey held their 50th annual banquet on Saturday at the George Sherman Ballroom to honor the 2012-13 team and send off head coach Jack Parker after his 40 years at the helm of the program.

At the beginning of the banquet, assistant vice president and director of athletics Mike Lynch announced that the University would retire Parker's No. 6, joining Travis Roy's No. 24 as the only retired numbers in program history.

Seniors Wade Megan and Sean Escoebdo shared the George V. Brown Most Valuable Player Award. The Most Improved Player Award also had two recipients, as senior Jake Moscatel and sophomore Cason Hohmann earned the honor.

The Bennett McInnis Memorial Award for Spirit was presented to senior Ryan Santana by Mike Eruzione, who won the award back in 1977. This year's Friends Albert Sidd Unsung Hero Award went to sophomore Evan Rodrigues.

A new award was established this season, as the Mike Boyle Terrier of Steel Award will be given to the player who most exemplifies character, strength, dedication and discipline in the weight room and off-ice training. The inaugural recipient was senior Ryan Ruikka.

Freshman Danny O'Regan won the Ed Carpenter Award, given the player who leads the team in scoring.

Two annual scholarship recipients were named, as junior Garrett Noonan received the Clifford P. Fitzgerald Scholarship (best upperclassman defenseman) and freshman Matt O'Connor was presented with the Regina Eilberg Scholarship (top scholar-athlete).

The Friends also gave out a Most Honored Opponent Award covering the last 25 years (1988-2013). Brian Gionta, who graduated from Boston College in 2001, earned the award, which was previously given to another Montreal Canadien - Ken Dryden - 25 years ago.

Former head coach Jack Kelley, who was behind the creation of the Friends of BU Hockey, was a guest of honor at the banquet and addressed the crowd to talk about the legacies of both the Friends and Parker.

Captains for the 2013-14 season will be named after David Quinn officially becomes head coach of the BU program in May.

Former Vernon Viper Tambellini Advances To Royal Bank Cup:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Adam Tambellini & the Surrey Eagles have advanced to the 2013 Royal Bank Cup Saturday after a 4-1 victory over the AJHL Brooks Bandits to win the first-ever Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup.  Tambellini played his first year with the Vipers last season before being traded to Surrey on the BCHL trade deadline in January for Mason Blacklock and future considerations.  

Adam Tambellini's Player Profile:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=339737&playerID=821203

This is posted on the BCHL website:


Eagles capture 2013 Western Canada Cup

Saturday, May 4, 2013 - Submitted by CJHL Media

The Surrey Eagles are the Champions of the first-ever Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup and will now advance to the 2013 RBC Cup National Junior A Championship.  The Eagles defeated the AJHL Champion Brooks Bandits 4-1 on Saturday night in Nanaimo, BC to claim the title.

Demico Hannoun (1 goal, 1 assist) of the Surrey Eagles was awarded the Player of the Game Award by BCHL Commissioner John Grisdale.  AJHL Commissioner Ryan Bartoshyk presented the Player of the Game Award to Team Captain Cam Maclise, who scored the lone goal for the Brooks Bandits.  Goaltender Michael Santaguida stopped 39 of 40 shots to record the win for the Surrey Eagles.

Full Game Summary

The Surrey Eagles captured the 2012-13 BCHL Championship with a win over the defending RBC Cup Champion Penticton Vees. Surrey's victory marked the fourth BCHL title for the franchise and the first since 2005.

The Brooks Bandits will battle the Yorkton Terriers of the SJHL on Sunday for the final spot in the 2013 RBC Cup National Junior A Championship.   The game will be played at 4:00pm local time in Nanaimo, BC and broadcast live on www.fasthockey.com

The 2013 RBC Cup National Junior A Championship will be played in Summerside, PEI from May 11th – 19th, 2013.  The Minnesota Wilderness, Truro Bearcats, Surrey Eagles and Summerside Western Capitals have already secured their spot in the National Championship.

Former Viper Soleway Collects Award At Vees Banquet:

The Penticton Vees named former Vernon Vipers forward Jedd Soleway best conditioned athlete at the Vees year end awards banquet.  Soleway played last year & this season with the Vipers before being traded to Penticton on December 5th 2012 for forward Dexter Dancs.

Jedd Soleway's Player Profile:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=339730&playerID=821199

This is posted on the Vees website:

12-13 Year-End Awards

Thursday, April 25, 2013 - Submitted by Fraser Rodgers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Thursday, April 25, 2013

VEES HAND OUT YEAR-END HARDWARE

PENTICTON, BC–The Penticton Vees Jr. ‘A’ Hockey Club handed out their team awards for the 2012-2013 season Thursday night at the BC Hockey Hall of Fame inside the SOEC. 15 awards were handed out recognizing several players in a variety of categories.

Four Vees were multiple award winners, led by Captain Troy Stecher who won three awards, including Most Valuable Player. The following players took home hardware:

Robert Skinner Courage Award:Troy Stecher
Most Improved Player:Louie Nanne
Best Conditioned Athlete:Jedd Soleway
Academic Achievement Award:Sam Mellor
Humanitarian Award:Louie Nanne
Unsung Hero:Brad McClure
Most Inspirational Player: Travis Blanleil
Fan Favourite Award:Cody DePourcq
Most Sportsmanlike:Cam Amantea
Leading Scorer:Wade Murphy
Vees-on-Vees Most Popular Player: Cam Amantea
Best Defenseman Award:Troy Stecher
Rookie of the Year:Ryan Gropp
Playoff MVP:Travis Blanleil
MVP:Troy Stecher

The Vees organization would like to thank all the fans, sponsors and media partners for taking part in tonight’s festivities. The Vees first step in preparing for next year is their 2013 Spring Camp which runs May 23rd-May 26th at the SOEC. For the latest news on the team throughout the summer, visit our website www.pentictonvees.ca or follow us on Twitter: @PentictonVees

Former Vernon Viper Forward Reaney Back In Finals:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Les Reaney and the Central Hockey League's (CHL) Wichita Thunder advanced to the CHL Finals (Ray Miron President Cup) for the sixth time in franchise history defeating the Fort Worth Brahmas sweeping the best of seven series Conference Semifinals 4-0.   

In 47 regular season games this year with the Thunder Reaney collected (9-13-22). In 7 playoff games this season Reaney has (4-3-7). Reaney spent parts of the last five seasons with the CHL Rapid City Rush before being traded to Wichita in November. In 52 regular season games with the Rush last season, Reaney collected 14 goals, 30 assists & 44 points. Reaney played parts of two seasons in Vernon (2002-2004) after coming over to the Vipers in a trade with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. In 2003-04 Reaney along with Jordan Starke were traded at the BCHL trade deadline to Williams Lake for Jeff Royston.

Les Reneay Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=76516

This is posted on the CHL website:

Former Playoff MVP Reaney Back in the Finals

Keep up with all the news and notes from the post-season at the CHL Playoff Head QuartersIn what was a tough regular season, Wichita forward Les Reaney has seemingly found his groove in the playoffs.  He prepares as the Thunder get ready to take on the Allen Americans in the Ray Miron Presidents’ Cup Finals with Game 1 on Tuesday, April 30 in Allen.

The Ceylon, Saskatchewan native was rewarded for his outstanding post-season in 2010 by being named the CHL Playoff Most Valuable Player.Reaney is no stranger to the CHL Finals and in fact, it was against Allen that he and the Rapid City Rush hoisted the Cup with a thrilling Game 6 double overtime win.

This season with Wichita, the 6-2, 227-pound forward struggled at times in the regular season scoring a career low nine goals to go with 13 assists in 47 games.  He was a minus player (-11) for the first time in his pro career and went the last 26 games of the regular season without a goal (scored last goal on Dec. 31, 2012).In that post-season, Reaney scored nine goals with 17 helpers and had four game winning goals and was a +13 in the post-season.  He was a constant thorn in the side of his opponent  and gave his team life with that in your face style and also strategically by being strong in the face-off circle.

Reaney is one of three Thunder players to have previously won a CHL title (Todd Griffith with Laredo and Kevin Young with Bossier-Shreveport) and his experience and style should make him a big factor in the series against Allen.   But in the playoffs, Reaney has new life scoring four goals (one game winner) with three assists in eight games and he is a +4.

The Finals schedule is as follows:

2013 Ray Miron Presidents’ Cup Finals Schedule

Allen Americans vs. Wichita Thunder

Game 1 – Tue., Apr. 30 – Wichita at Allen, 7:05 PM

Game 2 – Thu., May 2 – Wichita at Allen, 7:05 PM

Game 3 – Sat., May 4 – Allen at Wichita, 7:05 PM

Game 4 – Sun., May 5 – Allen at Wichita, 5:05 PM

*Game 5 – Tue., May 7 – Wichita at Allen, 7:05 PM

*Game 6 – Fri., May 10 – Allen at Wichita, 7:05 PM

*Game 7 – Sat., May 11 – Wichita at Allen, 7:05 PM

* if necessary

**all times CT

Former Vipers Defenceman Brodie Injured Heading Into Playoffs:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Cam Brodie was injured in the Stingrays last regular season game and may not play in Game 1 of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Playoffs. In 18 regular season games with the Stingrays Brodie has (1-3-4).

Brodie started the season with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Stockton Thunder before being traded on January 25th 2013 to South Caroline. Brodie was in his third season with the Thunder. In 30 games this season with Stockton Brodie collected (1-6-7). Brodie played in 52 games with the Thunder last year as well as three games with the AHL Texas Stars 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. In 4 games with the Stingrays this season Brodie has (0-2-2). 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 in the South Carolina Post & Courier Newspaper:

South Carolina Stingrays limping into Kelly Cup playoffs

Andrew Miller Posted: Sunday, March 31, 2013 

The Stingrays face the Gwinnett Gladiators in the ECHL Kelly Cup playoffs beginning on Friday. (Wade Spees/postandcourier.com) Buy this photo

The South Carolina Stingrays might be literally limping into the Kelly Cup playoffs.

South Carolina Stingrays vs. Gwinnett Gladiators

No. 3 Gwinnett Gladiators vs. No. 6 South Carolina Stingrays

Game 1: April 5 at Gwinnett (7:30 p.m.)

Game 2: April 6 at Gwinnett (7:05 p.m.)

Game 3: April 10 at South Carolina (7:05 p.m.)

Game 4: April 12 at South Carolina (7:05 p.m.)

*Game 5: April 13 at South Carolina (7:05 p.m.)

*Game 6: April 16 at Gwinnett (7:05 p.m.)

*Game 7: April 17 at Gwinnett (7:05 p.m.)

*-if necessary

The Stingrays will take on the Gwinnett Gladiators in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarterfinal playoff series beginning next weekend.

The Stingrays will be without several key players, including defenseman Ryan McGinnis, who suffered a season-ending knee injury this past Thursday night against Greenville. Defenseman Cam Brodie is also expected to be out of the lineup, suf fight through the injuries and still come out with good results. That’s one of the strengths of our team.”The series features a 2-3-2 format and begins at The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth, Ga., with Game 1 on Friday (7:35 p.m.) and Game 2 on Saturday (7:05 p.m.).

The goaltending tandem of Ryan Zapolski, an ECHL first team selection last week, and Jeff Jakaitis, the reigning ECHL goalie of the year, have been a key for the Stingrays all season.Playing defense is another. The Stingrays gave up an ECHL-low 171 goals during the regular season.

“We’re going to have to be very solid defensively against Gwinnett. They have three lines that can score. I think their forward group is second to none in our league.”“You build a team from the net out and we think we’ve got the two best goaltenders in the league in Ryan and Jeff,” Carbery said.

While the Gladiators’ roster is littered with familiar faces from the playoff series a year ago, only Andrew Cherniwchan and Damon Kipp are left for the Stingrays.The Stingrays finished the regular season series against the Gladiators with a 6-6-2 record. This is the fifth postseason series between the two teams with the Stingrays holding a 3-1 all-time series record and 9-8 all-time postseason record against their South Division rivals. This is an ECHL record 19th time the Stingrays have made the postseason.

“We’ve put together a nice little run the last couple of months,” said Stingrays captain Kevin Quick, who was a member of Florida Kelly Cup championship last season. “It kind of reminds me of the way we were playing in Florida going into the playoffs.”Since Jan. 20 when South Carolina was in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, the Stingrays have been one of the hottest teams in the ECHL, going 19-5-4 over their final 28 games.

The series moves to the North Charleston Coliseum for Game 3 on April 10 (7 p.m.) and Game 4 on April 12 (7 p.m.) and, if necessary, Game 5 on April 13 (7 p.m.). The series shifts back to Gwinnett for Game 6 (7 p.m.) on April 16 and Game 7 on April 17 (7 p.m.), if necessary.

Brahmas Waive Former Vernon Viper Forward Chytka:

The Central Hockey League's (CHL) Fort Worth Brahmas have
waived former Vernon Vipers forward Petr Chytka.  No official press release other then it being posted on March 24th 2013 on the transactions page on the CHL website.  The Brahmas signed Chytka on March 23rd 2013.  Chytka played just one game with Forth Worth before being waived.  Chytka hasnt played professionally since the 2003-2004 season in his native Czech Republic.  Chytka played two seasons in Vernon (1997-1999) In 92 regular season games with the Vipers Chytka collected (30-43-73). 

Petr Chytka's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=49706

Former Vipers Defenceman Morgan Hopes To Aid BayStars’ Climb Out Of CL Cellar:

Here is an article on former Vernon Vipers defenceman Nyjer Morgan.  Morgan played the last two seasons with the MLB Milwaukee Brewers before electing free agency, a day after the Brewers hastened his departure by outrighting him from the 40-man roster.  Morgan signed with the Japan's Central League's Yokohama BayStars on January 23rd 2013.  

Morgan was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 33rd round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft. On September 1, 2007, Morgan made his major league debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the Milwaukee Brewers as a late-season call-up.  On March 27, 2011, Morgan was traded to the Brewers in exchange for prospect Cutter Dykstra (son of baseball player Lenny Dykstra).  Morgan played for three MLB teams, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and Washington. Morgan played as an "AP" as a 16 year old with the Vipers during the (1996-1997) season.

Nyjer Morgan's Player Profile:

http://brewers.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=460579#gameType='S'§ionType=career&statType=1&season=2012

This is in the Japan Times Newspaper:

Morgan hopes to aid BayStars’ climb out of CL cellar

by Jason Coskrey
Staff Writer

Apr 12, 2013

There are so many written and unwritten rules around baseball that sometimes people in the sport tend to take things a little too seriously.

That’s not a problem for new Yokohama BayStars outfielder Nyjer Morgan, who has the utmost respect for his craft, but is careful to remember that baseball is a game, and games are supposed to be fun.

“It’s all from when I was a kid,” Morgan said recently. “When they said go out there, it’s a game. I never forgot that it’s still a game, and you gotta have fun. Even though I know it’s our job and our career, but it always goes back to when I was playing in little league and just going out there and having fun.”

Morgan and the BayStars hope to keep the good times rolling all the way into the Central League Climax Series.

The BayStars haven’t had much to smile about since 1998, when then-manager Hiroshi Gondo’s machine-gun offense led them to the CL Pennant and Japan Series title. Yokohama finished with wining record in each of the next three seasons, but haven’t ended a year above .500 since 2001.

Morgan sees no reason the ‘Stars can’t snap their string of futility this season

“We all believe in each other,” he said. “We came together in Spring Training, and it’s been a lot of fun. We understand you gotta have fun to be successful in this game and you can just tell, ever since I got here, it’s just been a lot of fun.

“No matter how down and out the game is, we’re all going to pull for each other and that’s what it takes to be a winning, successful team.”

Morgan’s reputation precedes him. The 32-year-old has a fun-loving personality and it shows. He celebrates successful plays with zeal and his alter-ego “Tony Plush,” is usually only a nice catch or big hit away from making his presence felt.

Morgan is still finding his way in Japan, and BayStars fans have already taken a liking to his exuberance. He’s has done what’s been asked of him so far, including laying down bunts to advance runners.

“That’s part of my game,” he said. “Whatever I can do to help set the table for the big boys like (Tony) Blanco and Rami-Chan (Alex Ramirez). I feel that’s part of my job. If I can take care of what I can do on the field and do all of the little things, then it’s going to be a beautiful year.

Learning the ropes: Shohei Otani is still waiting to make his ichi-gun debut as a pitcher, but the rookie has already been in and out of the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters’ lineup as a position player.

While Otani got the chance to face the Seibu Lions’ Takayuki Kishi and reigning Sawamura Award winner Tadashi Settsu, of the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks, as a batter during the Fighters’ first two series of the season, this past Wednesday brought an entirely different challenge: Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles ace Masahiro Tanaka.

Tanaka began Otani’s first at-bat of Wednesday’s game with three straight balls, then struck the rookie out on his next three pitches. Otani grounded out in his second at-bat, and Tanaka struck him out in their final showdown of the night.

“He has a great fastball,” Otani said afterward. “His pitches are pretty consistent, and he’s especially focused when there are runners on base. That was impressive. His fastball was the fastest among the pitchers I have faced.”

Otani looked out of sorts against Tanaka, but the night was a learning experience for the 18-year-old star, who isn’t yet a month into his professional career.

“Tanaka looked like he was sending Otani a message as a professional ballplayer,” Fighters manager Hideki Kuriyama said. “I can tell from watching his combination of pitches against Otani.

“Otani must have felt something by facing Japan’s ace pitcher. He can learn a lot from that. He should make the best of that to improve. That is one of the reasons I put him in the lineup despite the fact he mainly practiced his pitching today.”

Shining ‘Stars: Three players joined Japanese baseball’s 2,000-hit club last season as Atsunori Inaba, Shinya Miyamoto and Hiroshi Kokubo all reached the mark in 2012.

This year should end with at least three more players achieving the milestone, and all three will have strong ties to the Yokohama BayStars.

Current BayStars outfielder Alex Ramirez has already done his part, recording his 2,000th hit with a home run on April 6 at Jingu Stadium.

Teammate Norihiro Nakamura isn’t far behind, with 1,979 hits.

The doors will also open for Chunichi Dragons catcher Motonobu Tanishige, who may beat Nakamura to the goal.

Nakamura was 0-for-2 for Yokohama on Thursday, while Tanishige recorded a pair of hits to bring his career total to 1,984.

Tanishige may currently play for the Dragons, but the veteran is one of two active players to have once worn the uniform of the Yokohama Taiyo Whales. BayStars pitcher Daisuke Miura the other.

The 42-year-old Tanishige was a Whale for four seasons and remained in Yokohama for nine years after the team was rechristened as the BayStars in 1993.

Former Vernon Viper All-Star Bishop Looks Like Hes Found A New Home In Manchester:

Here is a article I found on a blog about former Vernon Vipers
forward Hunter Bishop.  Bishop is currently playing with the American Hockey League's (AHL) Manchester Monarchs.  Bishop started the season with East Coast Hockey League's (ECHL) South Carolina Stingrays before signing a (PTO) Professional Tryout Contract with the Monarchs on February 22nd 2013.  In 24 regular season games with the Monarchs Bishop collected (3-2-5) and in two playoff games so far Bishop has gone pointless.

Bishop signed with South Carolina on October, 1st 2012. In 48 games this season with South Carolina Bishop has collected (24-25-49).  This is Bishops third trip to the AHL this season after the Stingrays loaned Bishop to the AHL Lake Erie Monsters on January, 8th before returning to South Carolina on January, 18th. Bishop went pointless in three games with the Monsters. On January, 25th 2013 the AHL Rochester Americans signed Bishop to a (PTO) Professional Tryout Contract before being released a day later after playing in just one game with the Americans.

Bishop played parts of the last three years with the ECHL Wheeling Nailers & the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs before missing the entire 2011-12 season with an undisclosed injury. Bishop played parts of three seasons in Vernon (2005-2008). Bishop left Vernon after two seasons and played in just four games at the University of North Dakota during the 2006-07 season before returning to Vernon during the Christmas break playing the remainder of the 2006-07 season playing his final season with the Vipers (2007-2008) before playing the next two years at Ohio State University. In 140 regular season games with the Vipers Bishop collected (93-84-177). On March. 18th 2010 the Montreal Canadiens signed Bishop as a free agent to a two year contract. Bishop attended the Habs training camp the last three seasons before being sent down to the American Hockey League's Hamilton Bulldogs.

Hunter Bishop's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=80970

This is posted on the "Circling the Wagon" blog:

Hunter Bishop-Manchester Monarchs

By Shredboston

April 15, 2013

Undrafted, 2nd year left wing Hunter Bishop(11) signed with South Carolina Stingrays to begin 2012/2013 after an injury put him on the sidelines for all of the previous season.

It just so happened to be the final year of his 2-year entry level deal with Montreal Canadiens. He became an unrestricted free agent at the end of the contract.

He put up great numbers: 2 goals and 3 assists in 9 games with minor league affiliate Hamilton Bulldogs, when he joined the team after leaving his college career at Ohio State University on the shelf. Come Calder Cup Playoff time though, he was unable to duplicate the success scoring only one assist in 12 contests.

The 6′ 196 lbs. forward started his rookie season on the injured reserve list and was reassigned to Wheeling Nailers, when he was ready to return and duplicated his output on an ato in higher league just six months earlier.

He was recalled and stuck in the AHL through the entire campaign but was limited to only 4 goals and 4 assists in 34 games.

The 25-year old struck stats gold again in the ECHL with the Stingrays hitting the back of the net on 24 occasions and offering up 25 helpers in 48 games. He finished the season as their leading scorer with a +13 rating.

He received a brief pair of call-ups to Lake Erie Monsters and Rochester Americans but was held scoreless.

It wasn’t until a couple of months ago that he found another home in the AHL with Manchester Monarchs. He has been with the club for 21 games on a pto putting up 3 goals and 2 assists (another 5 point mark).

He meshes well with team chemistry and will likely play out the regular season, or return home to Alaska as his lower league team was bounced from the playoff picture in the first round.

He is likely to be on an AHL roster out of training camp in 2013/2014.