Former Vipers Defenceman Morgan: 'I Love It' In Japan:

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 posted on the ESPN website:

Nyjer Morgan: 'I love it' in Japan

Updated: July 31, 2013

Associated Press
NAGOYA, Japan -- Given his past as a two-sport athlete, former Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Nyjer Morgan figured he would have no trouble adjusting to Japan's unique brand of baseball.

A slow start and demotion to the minor leagues may have shaken that confidence, but Morgan is now starting to make a major impact with the Yokohama DeNa BayStars of Japan's Central League.

The 33-year-old native of San Francisco is batting .303 with 31 RBIs and a career-high seven home runs in 67 games as the No. 3 hitter for the BayStars. His progress has been so steady, the team was able to send veteran Alex Ramirez to the minor league team. Ramirez is one of the most successful foreign players in the history of Japanese baseball and earlier this season collected his 2,000th hit in Japan.

"It's all a learning process," Morgan said. "I didn't get mad because I failed in my first month here. In this game you are going to fail more than you succeed. You've just got to keep a good attitude about things and make the adjustments."

Going from the major leagues to Japan is one thing. Switching from ice hockey to baseball is something different all together, but that's what Morgan did earlier in his career.

Inspired by the 1988 Calgary Olympics when he was 7, Morgan got involved in hockey and made it all the way to the major junior level with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League.

"I was watching the Calgary Olympics and saw the great rivalries, the banging and the face washing with the gloves and said 'let's try it,' " Morgan said. "I told my old man 'Let's go to sign ups' and the next week I was on the ice."

When you've lived in the frigid conditions of Saskatchewan, the transition to Japan is not that harsh. Morgan said the main thing was getting used to the quirky tendencies of Japanese pitchers, who throw more off-speed pitches than their major league counterparts.

"The timing is different here," Morgan said. "The pitchers mess up your timing, it's not just a rapid fire like I was used to in the States."

Before coming to Japan, he spent two seasons in Milwaukee, where he was teammates with Ryan Braun, who was suspended for the rest of the MLB season for violating baseball's anti-drug policy.

"Being a former teammate and being one of his friends, it's a tough situation," Morgan said. "I'm pretty sure he's glad everything came out and he got it off his chest."

While Morgan spoke out against doping, he said he can understand the temptation for some.

"I've batted .300 twice in the major leagues and that is hard to do," Morgan said. "To consistently do that and stay on the field you've got to produce cause it's a business even though it's a game and you want to give the fans a good show, but you want to do it on a level playing field. A lot of guys do it so they can reach their dream to be a major league ballplayer."

Morgan said if things continue in a positive direction, he'd like to finish his playing career in Japan.

"I love it here," Morgan said. "The fans are great, everyone shows you so much respect and it's just a lot of fun to be here."

Dancs & Hadley Listed On Giants Prospects List:

Alan Caldwell over at small thoughts at large (WHL Blog) posted every WHL team's 2013-14 prospects list. This only include players who were not WHL regulars last year. If a kid played more than 20-30 games or so in the WHL last year, he's not on these lists.

The WHL Vancouver Giants have Vernon Vipers forward Dexter Dans & former Vernon Vipers forward Aaron Hadley as two of thirty seven players listed on their 2013-14 prospects list.

Dans is entering his second season with the Vipers.  Dancs started last season in Penticton before being traded to the Vipers on December 5th 2012 for Jedd Soleway. In 24 games with the Vipers last season Dancs collected (4-12-16).

Dexter Dancs Player Profile:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=378210&playerID=821922

Hadley is entering his first year at Western Michigan this coming season.  Hadley spent almost three seasons with the Vipers (2010-2013) before being traded to Nanaimo at last years BCHL trade deadline.  Vernon sent Hadley to the Clippers on January 10th 2013 for future considerations.  (Jordan Klimek and Michael McNicholas).  In 33 games last season with the Vipers Hadley collected (12-8-20). 

Aaron Hadley's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=48212

Everblades Give Former Vipers Goaltender Deckert Qualifying Offer:

On July 1st 2013 the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) tendered qualifying offers as submitted by each of its member teams. The ECHL Florida Everblades have six players that been tendered qualifying offers , one is former Vernon Vipers goaltender Jesse Deckert.

Deckert signed with the Everblades on March, 20th 2013 after signing a amateur tryout agreement on March 6th 2013. In eleven games with Florida last year Deckert went 9-1-1 with a 2.40 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

This is posted on the Everblades website:


‘Blades Extend Qualifying Offers to Six Players

July 1, 2013

ESTERO, FL – The Florida Everblades announced Monday that six players have been tendered qualifying offers for the upcoming 2013-14 season.   Players who had already signed a contract by June 30 did not need to receive a qualifying offer.

Players who received qualifying offers:

(F)  Adam Brace
(F)  Leigh Salters
(F)  Brayden Irwin
(D) Olivier Dame-Malka
(G) Jesse Deckert
(G) Cody Reichard

The following is information regarding what a qualifying offer is, and how the offer works:

Each team was entitled to reserve the rights to a maximum of eight qualified players. Of the eight qualified players, no more than four could be veterans (260 regular season professional hockey games played as of the start of the upcoming 2013-14 season). Players on open qualifying offers cannot be traded.

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

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

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

2013-14 Season Ticket Package Information

Ticket packages for the 2013-14 season are currently on sale!  Full season packages begin at $380, while 10 and 20 game packages start as low as $160.    Sign-up for a new season ticket package today, and receive a $20 gift card per seat to Outback Steakhouse!

For more information call 239-948-7825, or stop by the Everblades main office located at Germain Arena.  Office hours are Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Grizzlies Suspend Former Vipers Defenceman Turner Lawson:

The Victoria Grizzlies have suspended former Vernon Vipers
defenceman-forward Turner Lawson.  The BCHL website has posted saying Lawson has been suspended by the Grizzlies for failing to report to the team.  No official word on how long Lawson is suspended for.  Lawson was expected to enter his second season with the Grizzlies after playing in 44 games last season collecting (7-10-17).  In late July 2012 the Grizzlies announced that Lawson was traded to Victoria as part of the future considerations deal that involved the Vipers-Grizzlies trade from 2011-12 where the Vipers aquired Grizzlies captain Sean Robertson on December 12th 2011 for Zach McPhee and future considerations. Lawson played two games with the Vipers as an "AP" during the 2010-11 season before joining the Vipers full time during the 2011-12 season. In 52 games with Vernon Lawson collected (1-3-4).

Turner Lawson's Player Profile:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=339734&playerID=707809

Silverbacks Aquire Former Vipers Defenceman Urban From AJHL:

The AJHL Fort McMurray Oil Barons have traded former
Vernon Vipers defenceman Zach Urban to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.  Urban was recently sent to Fort McMurray back on June 11th in a trade with the Victoria Grizzlies.  Urban finished his first season with the Grizzlies last year after Penticton shipped him to Victoria on May, 31st 2012. In 54 games with Victoria last season Urban collected (3-20-23). Urban played one game as an "AP" with the Vipers during the 2010-11 season before playing one season in Penticton during the 2011-12 season.

Zach Urban's Player Profile:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=339734&playerID=721283
   
This is posted on the Silverbacks website:

'Backs Acquire RBC Cup Champion Blueliner

Friday, August 9, 2013 - Submitted by Salmon Arm SilverBacks

The Salmon Arm SilverBacks have completed a trade with the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Fort McMurray Oil Barons.

The SilverBacks have acquired defenseman Zach Urban (93) from the Oil Barons in exchange for forward Colten Meaver (93).

The six-foot three Urban is a veteran of 118 BCHL regular-season games with Powell River, Vernon, Penticton and Victoria, winning a BCHL Fred Page Cup, Doyle Cup and RBC Cup with his hometown Penticton Vees during the 2011-12 season. Last season, as captain of the Victoria Grizzlies, Urban scored 23 points (3-20) and had 83 penalty minutes in 54 games played. He added 2 goals and 4 points in 10 playoff games, including a series-winning overtime goal against the Powell River Kings.

“Anytime you can add a player who has won an RBC it’s a good thing,” said SilverBacks head coach/general manager Troy Mick. “You can’t recruit those types of players as it is earned by playing until early May and now our backend just got a lot tougher to play against.”

“Zach is going to be a great addition to our hockey club. He can play in all situations and obviously by being a captain in this league brings that veteran leadership to the dressing room. He has been where we want to go and he knows the sacrifices it will take to get there,” Mick added.

Meaver, a 20 year-old native of Edmonton, was acquired by the SilverBacks earlier this summer from the AJHL’s Whitecourt Wolverines.

Urban will report to SilverBacks training camp beginning Sunday, August 18th in Salmon Arm.

For more information, please contact the SilverBacks Hockey Operations office at 250-832-3856 Ext 106.

Renz & Soleway Listed On Rockets Prospects List:

Alan Caldwell over at small thoughts at large (WHL Blog) posted every WHL team's 2013-14 prospects list. This only include players who were not WHL regulars last year. If a kid played more than 20-30 games or so in the WHL last year, he's not on these lists. 

The WHL Kelowna Rockets have Vernon Vipers defenceman Ryan Renz & former Vernon Vipers forward Jedd Soleway as two of fourty one players listed on their 2013-14 prospects list.

Renz is entering his fourth season with the Vipers.  in 55 games last season Renz collected (3-23-26). 

Ryan Renz's Player Profile:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=378210&playerID=568992

Soleway is entering his first year of college with the University of Wisconsin.  Soleway played last season with the Vipers & Vees after being traded to Penticton on December 5th 2012 for Dexter Dancs.  In 26 games with the Vipers last season Soleway collected (5-12-17).

Jedd Soleway's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=102264

Former Vipers Knisley & Leidl Named To 2012-13 ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Mike Leidl and former Vernon Vipers forward John Knisley were two of the 217 athletes named to the 2012-13 ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team. 

Leidl finished his fourth and final season at Colgate University.  Leidl played just less then half a season in Vernon (2008-09) after coming over from the Burnaby Express on January 7th 2009 for future considerations.  Leidl went pointless in 17 games with the Vipers.

Mike Leidl's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=83871

Knisley finished his first season at Cornell University.  Knisley played two years in Vernon (2010-2012) playing in 106 games with the Vipers.  Knisley collected (22-48-70).

John Knisley's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=139392

This is posted on the ECAC website:

2012-13 All-Academic Team Comprises 217 Student-Athletes

July 3, 2013

ALBANY, N.Y. - Two hundred seventeen student-athletes representing the ECAC Hockey’s 12 men’s programs were named to the 2012-13 ECAC Hockey All-Academic team. One hundred twenty-one of this year’s student-athletes were also named to the team last year, 70 have the distinction of receiving the honor the last three seasons, and 26 received the recognition over the last four years. Of the 12 institutions, Rensselaer led the way with 24 honorees, followed by Quinnipiac with 23, then Princeton and Yale with 21 and Union with 20.

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

Click the link below for team-by-team list.

http://www.ecachockey.com/men/2013-14/News/M_All-Academic_Team.pdf

Ferner Eager To Rejoin Coaching Fraternity:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Ferner eager to rejoin coaching fraternity

Former Vernon Vipers' head coach Mark Ferner has signed as an associate coach with the WHL Kamloops Blazers

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: August 11, 2013

Mark Ferner joked that his wife Jody couldn’t put up with having him around the house any longer.

“I need to get out of town, or out of the country,” he chuckled.

Unemployed since January, when he was fired by the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League, Ferner landed himself a new job this week as the associate coach of the Kamloops Blazers.

More seriously, Ferner said: “I couldn’t not coach for a year. I just wanted to stay in the game.”

Kamloops has been a big part of Ferner’s life – he grew up there, played his junior hockey with the Jr. Oilers/Blazers, and was also head coach of the Blazers for two seasons (2004-06). His late father, Ed, was a longtime scout for Kamloops, and has since had his name inducted into the organization’s hall of fame, in the builders category.

“It’s a real familiar place to me,” said Ferner, 47. “My mom still lives there, Jody’s parents live there, her brother, my sister.

“I had opportunities to go elsewhere, but Mackenzie (Ferner’s son, who will play defence this season with the BCHL West Kelowna Warriors) is only 17 once and I’ll get to see him play a little bit more.”

Ferner was fired by Kamloops midway through the 2005-06 season, back when the Blazers were a community-owned team. He is confident things will be different the second time around, partly because he has matured as a coach.

“It’s always tough when you get fired for the first time,” said Ferner. “Is it for the right reasons or wrong reasons, it’s not for me to say. But because of the relationship I had with the city, growing up there and playing there, it was a tough pill to swallow.”

Ferner also has confidence in the Blazers’ ownership group, which includes current and former NHLers Mark Recchi, Jarome Iginla, Shane Doan and Darryl Sydor. It is headed by Tom Gaglardi, CEO of Northland Properties, the parent company to Sandman Hotels, Denny’s Restaurants and other real estate and hospitality businesses.

“It’s different just for the fact that they have private ownership,” he said. “I know all those people quite well.”

Between Everett and Kamloops, Ferner spent four seasons with the Vernon Vipers, posting an impeccable 165-51-24 record, and winning three consecutive Fred Page Cup championships and two consecutive RBC Cup national titles in 2009 and 2010. The Vipers were national runners-up in 2011.

“It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s very rewarding when you get a good group of kids together and they gel and they want to play for each other,” he said.

Ferner, who has spent the last few weeks instructing a hockey camp with Sandy Moger at Priest Valley Arena, still has to finalize the details of his contract with the Blazers. He first had to tidy up loose ends with the Silvertips before he could formally sign with another WHL team.

Meanwhile, there are still spots available for the Vipers’ annual charity golf tournament, Aug. 25 and 26 at The Rise.

The $150 fee includes a ticket for the Vipers vs Salmon Arm SilverBacks BCHL exhibition game on Saturday, Aug. 25 (7 p.m.) at Kal Tire Place. It also includes entry into the Texas scramble tournament (1 p.m. shotgun start) on Sunday, Aug. 26.

Golf includes dinner, prizes, tee gift, silent auction and autograph session. Confirmed for the tourney are Aaron Volpatti  of the Washington Capitals and Jerred Smithson, a free agent formerly with the Edmonton Oilers.

Tournament proceeds go to Greater Vernon KidSport and the local RBC Cup committee.

To register, contact Lee Ranger by phoning 250-545-7425, or e-mailing lee.ranger@therise.ca. Or call the Viper office at 250-542-6022.

Interview With Former Vipers Defenceman Chad Brownlee:

Sean Cowan spoke with former Vernon Vipers defenceman Chad Brownlee just before he hit the stage at Fielding Estate winery in Beamsville, Ontario.  Clink on the link below to watch the interview. 

http://www.chch.com/he-dropped-his-gloves-picked-up-the-guitar/

Brownlee a recipient of his first JUNO Award nomination back in February is a country music star, played two years in Vernon (2001-03). In 113 regular season games with the Vipers Brownlee collected (14-28-42). Brownlee was drafted in 2003 in the 6th round, by the NHL Vancouver Canucks but retired from hockey after a short stint in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) with the Idaho Steelheads before becoming a Country music star.

Chad Brownlee's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=72703

For more on Chad Brownlee visit his website,

http://chadbrownlee.com/

BCHL Trades From Month Of July:

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

02-Jul-13 The Prince George Spruce Kings Hockey Club transfers the CJHL playing rights of David Stephens to the Weeks Crushers Hockey Club of the MHL in exchange for Future Considerations

03-Jul-13 The West Kelowna Warriors Hockey Club has transferred the CJHL playing rights of Dustin Cave(94)(D) to the Calgary Mustangs Hockey Club of the AJHL in exchange for Future Considerations

03-Jul-13 The Alberni Valley Bulldogs Hockey Club transfers the CJHL playing rights of Eric Walker(93)(D) to the Dauphin Kings Hockey Club of the MJHL in exchange for Future Considerations

08-Jul-13 The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club transfers the CJHL playing rights of Braeden Russell(93)F) to the Powell River Kings Hockey Club in exchange for Future Considerations

08-Jul-13 The Powell River Kings Hockey Club transfers the CJHL playing rights of Braeden Russell(93)F) to the Kinston Voyageur in exchange for the CJHL playing rights to Aidan Wright(93)(D) and Future Considerations

09-Jul-13 The Surrey Eagles Hockey Club have transferred the CJHL playing rights of Stephan Burzan(94)(F) to the Victoria Grizzlies Hockey Club in exchange for the CJHL playing rights of Kade Pilton(94)(D)

10-Jul-13 The Prince George Spruce Kings Hockey Club has acquired the CJHL playing rights to Alex Murray(93)(G) from the Burlington Cougars Hockey Club of the OJHL in exchange for Future Considerations

11-Jul-13 The Penticton Vees Hockey Club has acquired the CJHL playing rights to Ben Dalpe(94)(F) from Pembrooke Lumber Kings of the CCHL in exchange for Future Considerations

11-Jul-13 The Penticton Vees Hockey Club has acquired the CJHL playing rights of Tim Moore(94)(F) from the Pembrooke Lumber Kings in exchange for Future Considerations.

12-Jul-13 The Cowichan Valley Capitals have acquired the CJHL playing rights of Panayotis Pantziris(93)(D) from the North York Rangers Hockey club of the OJHL in exchange for Future Considerations

16-Jul-13 The Penticton Vees Hockey Club has acquired the CJHL playing rights of Patrick Sexton(94)(D) from the Smith Falls Bears Hockey Club of the CCHL in exchange for Future Considerations

24-Jul-13 The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club has traded the CJHL playing rights of Liam Board(93)(F) to the Georgetown Raiders Hockey Club of the OJHL in exchange for Future Considerations.

24-Jul-13 The Cowichan Valley Capitals Hockey Club has acquired the CJHL playing rights of Simon Brosseau(95)(F) from the Kemptville 73's Hockey Club of the CCHL in exchange for Future Considerations

Vernon Hosts Learn In Summerside:

This was in the RBC Cup Newsletter:

Vernon Hosts Learn in Summerside

June 11, 2013

Volume 2, Issue 2

Hockey Canada requires RBC Cup host committees to attend the previous year's event but the Vernon committee had every intention of learning whatever they could.

"It was really worth the long trip to the East Coast,"says Chairperson Mike Lane. "The Summerside hosts and the local Royal Bank managers went out of their way to show us everything and to share their ideas."

Betty and Don Klepp went early to observe the preevent preparations and to meet with various committee leaders. At the same time, they lobbied for support for the 2014 Vernon event and Betty distributed Vernon tourism literature.

They were invited to observe the coaches and managers meeting the night before the games began. "That was really good," says Don "because it set the tone for the competition itself. I've been to the last five RBC Cups, but I learned things in that meeting that I didn't have any idea about."

"One of the things Summerside did really well," he continues, was their signage. We will emulate some of Summerside's signage because it adds a degree of class that an event of this calibre deserves."

Blazers Name Former Vipers Head Coach-GM Mark Ferner New Associate Coach:

The WHL Kamloops Blazers have named
former Vernon Vipers Head Coach-GM Mark Ferner new Associate Coach.  Ferner spent four seasons with the Blazers (2002-2006) before joining the Vipers in 2007.  Ferner spent four seasons with the Vipers (2007-2011) before joining the Everett Silvertips. In four seasons with the Vipers Ferner went 165-68-7 guiding the Vipers to back to back Royal Bank Cup Championships in 2009 & 2010 before falling in the Royal Bank Cup Finals in 2011.  Ferner was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in Round 10, 194th overall in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft.  Ferner spent seven years in the NHL with Buffalo, Washington, Anaheim & Detroit.

Mark Ferner's Player-Coaches Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=1654

This is posted on the Blazers website:

BLAZERS HIRE FERNER AS ASSOCIATE COACH

7-Aug-13

BLAZERS NAME MARK FERNER ASSOCIATE COACH

Kamloops, BC – The Kamloops Blazers have added to their coaching staff with Mark Ferner joining the Blazers as the team’s new Associate Coach. Ferner comes to the Blazers after spending the past ten years coaching junior hockey as an Assistant and Head Coach in the BCHL and WHL. 

The native of Sedley, Saskatchewan brings a strong coaching pedigree to the Kamloops Blazers. Ferner’s coaching career started with the Vancouver Giants following his retirement from professional hockey in 2001. He was a member of the Kamloops Blazers coaching staff from 2002 until 2006 as an Assistant and Head Coach. Following his stint with the Blazers, he went on to coach the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL for four seasons. Under his guidance, Ferner posted a 165-51-24 record winning three consecutive BCHL Championships and two consecutive Royal Bank Cups as the Canadian Junior A Champions in 2009 and 2010. He spent the last two seasons as the Head Coach of the Everett Silvertips of the WHL.

“Mark has continued to evolve and improve as a coach over the past ten years,” commented General Manager Craig Bonner. “His hockey resume is very impressive. He has had tremendous success as a Head Coach in Junior A and we believe he will complement our coaching staff well.”

Ferner also brings a prominent playing and coaching background back to Kamloops. He played his entire junior hockey career with the Kamloops Jr. Oilers / Blazers franchise from 1982-85 before playing professional hockey for 16 seasons all over North American and in Europe. During his professional career, Ferner suited up for 91 NHL games split between the Buffalo Sabres, Washington Capitals, Anaheim Mighty Ducks and Detroit Red Wings.

“We are excited to have Mark join our coaching staff,” commented Head Coach Dave Hunchak. “He is a great addition to what we already have in place.” 

Eagles Aquire Former Vernon Viper Forward Russell:

The Surrey Eagles have aquired former Vernon Vipers forward
Braeden Russell.  The Vipers traded Russell to Powell River on July 8th 2013 for future considerations.  The Kings then turned around and shipped Russell to the Kinston Voyageur on July 8th 2013.  Russell come to Vernon last summer after playing the two previous seasons with the Oakville Blades.  In 25 games last year in Vernon Russell collected (2-5-7).

Braeden Russell's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=97086

This is posted on the BCHL website:

07-Aug-13 The Surrey Eagles Hockey Club has acquired the CJHL playing rights of Braeden Russell(93)(F) from the Kingston Voyageurs of the OJHL in exchange for the CJHL playing rights of Patrick Chore(93)(F) and future considerations

Warriors Give Former Vernon Laker Ferster Contract Extension:

The West Kelowna Warriors have given former Vernon
Lakers forward Rylan Ferster a new five year contract extension. Ferster played one season in Vernon winning a Centennial Cup with the 1989-90 Vernon Lakers.  In 28 games with the Lakers Ferster collected (8-11-19).

Rylan Ferster's Player-Coaching Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=30086

This is posted on the Warriors website:

FERSTER INKS EXTENSION

Monday, July 29, 2013

The West Kelowna Warriors are pleased to announce the 5 year contract extension of Head Coach/GM Rylan Ferster.

Rylan has a 52-42-6-16 regular season with the Warriors, and led the Warriors to the Interior Conference Final this past spring for just the second time in team history.

“First off I’d like to thank the Cheyne family for their gracious offer,” says Ferster.  “I’ve been fortunate enough to coach in the BCHL for a long time now.  West Kelowna is obviously a great place to coach, and one of the premier franchises in the league.”

Ferster added he is excited about the long term deal because he wanted to stay close to his twin daughters, Brooke & Alyssa, which is of the utmost importance to him.

“We knew what we were getting when we initially signed Rylan in 2011,” adds Team Owner Mark Cheyne.  “He is great for the team, the community, and the franchise.  We couldn’t be happier to keep him around and build some stability.”

“The staff have all been here a while now, and will continue to be here.  That’s so important for the recruiting process, and I think future players and parents will appreciate that,” added Ferster.

Rylan said he is busy now getting prepared for the start of Main Camp on August 22nd at RLP when over 40 players arrive in West Kelowna.

Former Vipers Cyr & Ikkala Named To The 2012-13 Atlantic Hockey All-Academic Team:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Cody Ikkala & former Vernon Vipers forward Colton Cyr were both named to the 2012-13 Atlantic Hockey All-Academic Team. 

Ikkala finished his fourth and final season at West Point University. In 10 games last season Ikkala went pointless. Ikkala played two season's in Vernon (2007-2009). In 96 regular season games with the Vipers Ikkala collected (1-14-15).

Cody Ikkala's Player Profile:

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

Cyr finished his first year with American International University.  In 11 games last season Cyr collected (1-2-3).  Cyr played half of one season in Vernon (2011-12) after coming over at the BCHL trade deadline (January 10th 2012).  The Vipers sent forward Clayton Cheesa to Nanaimo for Colton Cyr.  In 24 games with the Vipers Cyr collected (8-9-17).

Colton Cyr's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=33729

This is posted on the Atlantic Hockey website:

Atlantic Hockey announces All-Academic Team and Student-Athletes of the Year

July 2, 2013

Click the link below for the 2012-13 All-Academic Team Release (PDF).

http://www.atlantichockeyonline.com/news/2012-13_News/12-13_All-Academic.pdf

HAVERHILL, Mass. -- In the tenth year of existence Atlantic Hockey has set a new standard has been set in the classroom for the student-athletes, as 184 have earned a spot on the All-Academic Team. The 184 student-athletes eclipses the mark of 179 that were honored after the 2011-12 season.  This season 103 student-athletes have been named multiple times on the All-Academic Team, with 17 players earning their fourth appearance. In addition, 38 are appearing for the third time, while 48 are being honored for the second time.

Atlantic Hockey is proud to honor 11 student-athletes as the Student-Athletes of the Year for the 2012-13 season, by posting a 4.0 or better GPA during the season.  Of the 11 student-athletes, there are four seniors; three juniors and four freshmen.  American International and Robert Morris have three student-athletes honored as Student-Athletes of the Year, while Army, Canisius, Holy Cross, Niagara and Sacred Heart each have one.

Seniors Chenye Rocha (Army) and Jason Beattie (Niagara) will be honored for the second straight season as Atlantic Hockey Student-Athlete of the Year.  The three student-athletes from American International are juniors Nick Campanale and Blake Peake, along with freshman Chris Porter.  Representing Robert Morris are senior Tyler Hinds, and freshmen Brandon Denham and Zac Lynch.  The final three student-athletes that have been named Student-Athlete of the Year are: Stephen Miller (Canisius), Jeffrey Reppucci (Holy Cross) and Eric Delong (Sacred Heart).

Robert Morris led the way with 25 members on the All-Academic Team with American International following the Colonials with 24.  AIC had the most members returning, 18, while Robert Morris followed with 15.  There were 10 student-athletes that garnered both All-Academic and All-Conference awards.  All five members of the All-Rookie Team were also named to the Atlantic Hockey All-Academic squad.

To qualify for the Atlantic Hockey All-Academic Team an individual must post a 3.0 grade point average or higher in all of the academic semesters during which his team was actively competing. Atlantic Hockey’s Top Scholar Athlete is an award given annually to the player or players who achieves the highest grade point average over the course of the academic semesters of competition.

The Atlantic Hockey Association was formed when nine institutions joined together in 2003, to found a new Division-I men’s ice hockey conference. The league currently consists of twelve members: Air Force Academy, American International College, Army, Bentley University, Canisius College, the University of Connecticut, the College of the Holy Cross, Mercyhurst College, Niagara University, Robert Morris University, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Sacred Heart University.

2012-13 Atlantic Hockey All-Academic Team

AIR FORCE (12/5): David Bosner # (Sr; G; Chesterfield, Mo.); Stephen Carew @ (Sr; F/D; Eden Prairie, Minn.); Chris Dylewski (Fr; G; Colorado Springs, Colo.); Max Edson (Fr; F; Hermosa Beach, Calif.); Jason Fabian (Jr; F; Roseau, Minn.); Casey Kleisinger # (Jr; F; Edwards, Colo.); Adam McKenzie # (Jr; D; Petaluma, Calif.); Jacob Musselman (Jr; D; Littleton, Colo.); Ben Persian @ (So; F; Orono, Minn.); Tony Thomas (Jr; F; South Lyon, Mich.); Ryan Timar @ (Jr; F; Novi, Mich.); Jason Torf @ (Jr; G; Hermosa Beach, Calif.).

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL (24/18): Nick Campanale # (Jr; F; Chester Springs, Pa.); Matt Cassidy @ (So; F; London, ONT); Jeff Ceccacci $ (Sr; D; Placentia, Calif.); Colton Cyr (Fr; F; Nanaimo, BC); Brandon Fagerheim (So; F; Calgary, ALB); David Gandara (Fr; F; Canyon Lakes, Calif.); Derek Henderson (Fr; D; Smithfield, R.I.); Steven Hoshaw (So; D; Vista, Calif.); Ryan Kerpan # (Jr; G; Saskatoon, SASK); Chandler Long @ (So; G; Point Lookout, N.Y.); Brandon Lubin (Fr; D; Commerce Township, Mich.); Alex MacMillan @ (So; F; Calgary, ALB); Chris Markiewicz $ (Sr; D; Calgary, ALB); Ben Meisner $ (Sr; G; Halifax, NS); Steve Mele $ (Sr; F; Bronx, N.Y.); Whitney Olson # (Jr; D; Eagan, Minn.); Blake Peake # (Jr; F; Lethbridge, ALB); Adam Pleskach $ (Sr; F; Beausejour, MAN); Jason Popek @ (Hamilton, ONT); Chris Porter (Fr; F; Stouffville, ONT); Jon Puskar # (Jr; F; Grosse Ile, Mich.); Jakub Simicek # (Sr; F; Treneianska Turna, Slovakia); Nathan Sliwinski @ (So; F; Castle Rock, Colo.); Jake Williams @ (So; D; Duluth, Minn.).

ARMY (17/7): Jon Bobb # (Sr; F; Phoenix, Ariz.); Willie Faust (Fr; F; Stillwater, Minn.); Thane Heller (Fr; F; Elizabethtown, Pa.); Cody Ikkala $ (Sr; D; Philadelphia, Pa.); Luke Jenkins (Fr; D; River Falls, Wisc.); Joe Kozlak (Fr; F; Duluth, Minn.); Mac Lalor (So; D; Needham, Mass.); Ryan Leets $ (Sr; G; Kentwood, Mich.); Andrew O’Leary (Fr; F; Norwich, Vt.); Josh Richards @ (So; F; Lee, N.H.); Cheyne Rocha $ (Sr; D; Rye, N.H.); Mike Santee @ (Jr; F; Park Ridge, Ill.); Brian Schultz # (Jr; F; Aurora, Ohio); Michael St. Denis (Fr; F; Auburn, Maine); Rob Tadazak (So; G; Lapeer, Mich.); Matt Walsh @ (Sr; G; Milton, Mass.); Zak Zaremba (So; F; Parma, Ohio).

BENTLEY (15/7): Gabe Antoni (Fr; G; Lansdale, Pa.); Matt Blomquist (Fr; D; Blaine, Minn.); Justin Breton @ (Jr; F; Fitchburg, Mass.); Joe Campanelli (Sr; F; Pierrefornds, QUE); Blake Dougherty @ (So; G; East Amherst, N.Y.); Andrew Gladiuk (Fr; F; White Rock, BC); Brett Gensler (Jr; F; St. Charles, Mo.); Alex Grieve @ (So; F; Calgary, ALB); Brett Hartung (Sr; F; Tallahassee, Fla.); Dan Koudys # (Sr; F; Grimsby, ONT); Tyler Krause (Fr; F; Kelowna, BC); Alex Kubiak @ (So; F; Tinley Park, Ill.); Zach Ledford (Jr; D; Folsom, Calif.); Jared Rickord # (Jr; F; Skokie, Ill.); Brett Switzer @ (So; F; Calgary, ALB).

CANISIUS (19/12): Chris Barrea (Sr; D; West Seneca, N.Y.); Ryan Bohrer # (Jr; F; West St. Paul, Minn.); Tony Capobianco @ (Jr; G; Mississauga, ONT); Cody Freeman @ (So; F; Toronto, ONT); Kyle Gibbons @ (Jr; F; Westlake, Ohio); Matthew Grazen @ (So; F; East Amherst, N.Y.); Adam Harris (Fr; G; Penticton, BC); Doug Jessey @ (So; D; Langdon, ALB); Carl Larsson (So; F; Anderstop, Sweden); Taylor Law # (Jr; F; Markham, ONT); Torrey  Lindsay # (Sr; F; Grosse Ile, MAN); Mitch McCrank @ (So; F; Haileybury, ONT); Stephen Miller (Fr; F; Boxborough, Mass.); Ben Parker $ (Sr; D; Port Perry, ONT); Braeden Rigney (So; F; Singhampton, ONT); Chris Rumble (Fr; D; Chesapeake, Va.); Preston Shupe $ (Sr; F; Weyburn, SASK); Patrick Sullivan # (Jr; F; Derby, N.Y.); Tyler Wiseman @ (So; F; Burlington, ONT).

CONNECTICUT (7/1): Joe Birmingham (Fr; F; Medford, N.J.); Christopher Bond (Fr; D; Centerville, Va.); Joey Ferriss (Fr; F; Novi, Mich.); Tyler Helton (Fr; F; Colorado Springs, Colo.); Kyle Huson (Fr; D; Parker, Colo.); Tom Janosz (Sr; D; Elma, N.Y.); Jordan Sims # (Jr; F; Fort Wayne, Ind.).

HOLY CROSS (19/7): Karl Beckman (Fr; D; Okemos, Mich.); Tim Driscoll (Fr; F; Hingham, Mass.); Kyle Fletcher (Sr; F; Kanata, ONT); Sean Gustin (Fr; F; Stoneham, Mass.); Ben Kaplan (Fr; D; Burlington, Vt.); Derek Kump # (Jr; G; Falmouth, Maine); Rob Linsmayer (@ (Sr; F; Winnetka, Ill.); Brett Lubanski (Fr; F; Farmington Hills, Mich.); Ryan McGrath # (Jr; D; Pittsburgh, Pa.); Joe McNamara (Fr; D; Chestnut Hill, Mass.); Mike McNamara @ (So; F; Chestnut Hill, Mass.); Nilan Nagy (So; D; Canonsburg, Pa.); Brandon Nunn $ (Sr; F; Fairport, N.Y.); Jeffrey Reppucci # (Jr; D; Newburyport, Mass.); Castan Sommer (Fr; F; Shrewsbury, Mass.); Thomas Tysowsky # (Sr; G; Amherst, N.Y.); Matt Vidal (Fr; F; Manorville, N.Y.); Erik Vos # (Sr; F; Carlisle, ONT); Mark Williamson (Jr; F; Centennial, Colo.).

MERCYHURST (15/11): Daniel Bahntge @ (So; F; Westlake, Ohio); Grant Blakey $ (Sr; F; Canton, Mich.); Chris Bodo (So; F; St. Thomas, ONT); Kyle Cook (Fr; F; Middleburg Heights, Ohio); Zac Frischmon @ (So; F; Ham Lake, Minn.); Grant Gettinger @ (So; D; North Olmsted, Ohio); Kyle Johnson @ (So; F; Buena Vista, SASK); Nick Jones # (Jr; D; Cranberry Township, Pa.); Kyle Just @ (Jr; F; Arnprior, ONT); Ryan Misiak (So; F; Shelby Township, Mich.); Mychal Monteith (Fr; D; Toledo, Ohio); Jimmy Sarjeant @ (So; G; Aurora, Colo.); Tyler Shiplo @ (So; D; Oakville, ONT); Max Strang $ (Sr; G; Gilbertsville, Pa.); Jake Williams @ (So; G; Montreal, QUE).

NIAGARA (15/8): Jason Beattie # (Sr; D; Newmarket, ONT); Michael Benedict (So; F; Eden, N.Y.); C.J. Chartrain @ (Sr; D; Pointe-Claire, QUE); Matt Chartrain (Fr; F; Pointe-Claire, QUE); Matt Dineen (Fr; D: Newmarket, ONT); Nick Gawron @ (So; D; Lemont, Ill.); Rocky Gruttadauria (Fr; F; Rochester, N.Y.); Jeff Hannan # (Sr; F; Pittsburgh, Pa.); Dan Kolenda (Fr; F; Superior, Wisc.); Chris Paulin (Fr; G; Lockport, N.Y.); Ryan Rashid # (Jr; F; Farmington Hills, Mich.); Kevin Ryan # (Jr; D; Eden, N.Y.); Hugo Turcotte (Fr; F; Laval, QUE); Dan Weiss @ (Sr; D; St. Louis, Mo.); Matt Williams @ (Jr; D; Kitchener, ONT).

ROBERT MORRIS (25/15): Andrew Blazek # (Jr; D; Pittsburhg, Pa.); Matt Cope (Fr; F; Lakewood, Colo.); Brandon Denham (Fr; F; Milton, ONT); Eric Ferber # (So; G; Scottsdale, Ariz.); David Friedmann (Fr; F; Toronto, ONT); Ryan Gayso (So; G; Pittsburgh, Pa.); Jimmy Geerin # (Jr; D; Anchorage, Alaska); Greg Gibson (Fr; F; Burlington, ONT); Chase Golightly (Fr; D; Temecula, Calif.); Zach Hervato # (Sr; F; Stittsville, ONT); Tyler Hinds # (Sr; D; Orleans, ONT); Scott Jacklin @ (So; F; Kimberley, BC); Brendan Jamison # (Sr; D; Pittsburgh, Pa.); Jeff Jones @ (So; F; Revelstoke, BC); Eric Levine # (Sr; G; Wheeling, Ill.); Jay Llewelyn (Fr; F; Saginaw, Mich.); Zac Lynch (Fr; F; Pittsburgh, Pa.); Evan Moore (Fr; D; Grosse Point, Mich.); Evan Renwick # (Jr; D; Calgary, ALB); David Rigatti @ (So; F; Pittsburgh, Pa.); Mac Roy (Jr; F; Chilliwack, BC); Colin South # (Jr; F; Sewickley, Pa.); John Walton @ (Jr; D; West Chester, Pa.); Tyson Wilson @ (So; D; Brockville, ONT); Cody Wydo @ (So; F; Southgate, Mich.).

ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (12/4): Stuart Brownell (So; D; Burlington, ONT); Nolan Descoteaux (Jr; D; Dallas, Texas); Anthony Hamburg (So; F: Phoenix, Ariz.); Adam Hartley (Sr; F: West Vancouver, BC); Alexander Kuqali (Fr; D; Pittsburgh, Pa.); Andrew Miller (Fr; F; West Dendee, Ill.); Greg Noyes # (Jr; D; Lucan, ONT); Eliot Rabil @ (Jr; D; Vancouver, BC); Brad Reid @ (So; F; Delta, BC); Chris Saracino @ (Sr; D; St. Louis, Mo.); Dan Schuler (Fr; F; Webster, N.Y.); Josh Watson # (Jr; G; Litiz, Pa.).

SACRED HEART (11/5): Andrew Bodnarchuk (So; G; Saskatoon, SASK); Morgan Bonner (Fr; F; Aurora, ONT); Tommy Castonguay $ (Sr; F; Rimouski, QUE); Eric Delong $ (Sr; F; Oakville, MAN); Jared Eng (So; F; North Vancouver, BC); Steven Legatto $ (Sr; G; Kelowna, BC); Jake Lynes (Fr; F; Ellicott City, Md.); Frederik Melander (Fr; G; Uppsala, Sweden); Josh Phillips (Fr; D; Toronto, ONT); Ryan Stanimir (So; F; West Vancouver, BC); Alex Stuart $ (Sr; D; Sauk Rapids, Minn.).

@ -- Two-Time Honoree

# -- Three-Time Honoree

$ -- Four-Time Honoree

Saharchuk & McNicholas Listed On Silvertips Prospects List:

Alan Caldwell over at small thoughts at large (WHLBlog) has posted every WHL team's 2013-14 prospects list. This only include players who were not WHL regulars last year. If a kid played more than 20-30 games or so in the WHL last year, he's not on these lists.

The WHL Everett Silvertips have Vernon Vipers forwards Matt Saharchuk & Michael McNicholas as two
of fourty five players listed on their 2013-14 prospects list. 

Saharchuk is entering his first season with the Vernon Vipers after playing last season with the KIJHL North Okanagan Knights.

Matt Saharchuk's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=163107

McNicholas is also entering his first season with the Vipers after playing last year in Nanaimo.  McNicholas is coming to Vernon as part of the trade that saw Aaron Hadley being sent to the Clippers last January at the BCHL trade deadline.

Michael McNicholas's Player Profile:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=378210&playerID=932602

Former Vipers Goaltender Walkaluk Commits To University Of Massachusetts:

Former Vernon Vipers goaltender Alex Wakaluk has committed to the University of Massachusetts for the 2013-14 season.  Wakaluk finished his second season with the  Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) Melville Millionaires last year going 28-15-3 with five shutouts and a 2.32 GAA. Wakaluk led all goalies in wins and was second in both minutes played and shutouts. Wakaluk faced more rubber than any other goalie in the SJHL, seeing an average of well over 32 shots a night.  On May 19th 2013 the Millionaires traded Walkaluk to the SJHL La Ronge Ice Wolves.  Walkaluk was a late addition to the Vipers 2011 pre-season roster but was released prior to the start of the 2011-12 BCHL regular season. Walkaluk signed with Melville on September, 27th 2011.

Alex Wakaluk's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=145226

UMass head coach John Micheletto comments on Alex Walkaluk,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMfwh_ea7QY

This is posted on the UMass website:

UMass Hockey Signs Alex Wakaluk

The goaltender is the reigning MVP of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.

June 19, 2013

AMHERST, Mass. - Alex Wakaluk, a 5-9, 175-pound goaltender from Bellevue, Alberta, has signed a National Letter of Intent with the UMass hockey program, head coach John Micheletto announced on Wednesday. Wakaluk joins Marc Hetnik and Brandon Wahlin as the third player to join the Minutemen's Class of 2017.

"Alex Wakaluk, a southern Alberta native, played for coach Jamie Fiesel and the Melville Millionaires of the Saskatchewan Junior League," said Micheletto. "A durable and technically sound goaltender with great anticipation and quickness, he will certainly add to our talented goaltending corps. Alex comes from great bloodlines, his father, Darcy, played close to 10 years in the NHL and has worked as a goaltending coach since his retirement. We're certainly looking for good things out of Alex over the course of his career."

Wakaluk backstopped the Melville Millionaires to one of the best records in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) in 2012-13 en route to SJHL MVP honors in his second season with the squad. One of the league's busiest netminders, Wakaluk finished in the top-three in virtually every major statistical category as he was first in the SJHL in wins (28), second in save percentage (.930), saves (1,385), shutouts (five) and minutes played (2,721), while ranking third in goals-against average (2.32).

By virtue of his SJHL MVP recognition, Wakaluk was a finalist for the RBC Canadian Junior Hockey League Player of the Year award. In 13 SJHL playoff games this season, the goaltender logged a 2.22 goals-against average and a .930 save percentage with 397 stops.

In 2011-12, Wakaluk appeared in 26 contests for Melville and recorded a 2.97 GAA and a save percentage of .910. He is the son of former NHL netminder Darcy Wakaluk.

Solar Bears Sign Former Vipers Captain Ullrich:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Orlando Solar Bears have
signed former Vernon Vipers forward-captain Mike Ullrich.  Ullrich become an unrestricted free agent over the off season after the ownership group of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Trenton Titans pulled the franchise out of the ECHL.  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 last season (South Carolina, Tulsa & Trenton).
Ullrich started last 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). In 26 games last year with Trenton Ullrich collected (15-14-29).

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


This is posted on the Solar Bears website:

SOLAR BEARS SIGN SEVERYN, MUROVICH, ULLRICH

Qualifying Offers Extended to Eight Players

July 1st 2013

Orlando, FL - The Orlando Solar Bears announced today that they have agreed to terms with forwards C.J. Severyn, Tyler Murovich, and Mike Ullrich. Last season, the three players combined for 47 goals, 54 assists, and 101 points in 135 ECHL games. In addition, the team has sent Qualifying Offers to eight players.

"We are pleased to have three important players in place," said Head Coach Vince Williams. "Each brings something different to our lineup and all three have had success in the ECHL."

Severyn (6-1, 185 lbs.) finished second on the Solar Bears with 22 goals and was third on the team in points with 44. The Beaver, PA, native represented the Solar Bears at the 2013 ECHL All-Star Classic in Colorado where he registered a goal and an assist as the ECHL All-Stars defeated the Colorado Eagles 7-3. He earned his first call-up to the AHL (American Hockey League) when he skated in six games with the Charlotte Checkers in March. Severyn recorded two separate four-point games for Orlando last season, with a goal and three assists against the Trenton Titans on February 2, and a goal and three assists against the Evansville IceMen on February 20.

 "I couldn't be more excited to be coming back to Orlando," said Severyn. "I had a great time with the Solar Bears last season and loved playing in front of such a passionate fan base. The Solar Bears ownership and management are outstanding and all of those factors made it an easy decision to return to Orlando."

Murovich (5-9, 178 lbs.) comes to the Solar Bears after playing each of the last two seasons with the Gwinnett Gladiators. Orlando acquired the rights to Murovich in the transaction that sent F Ryan Ginand to the Gladiators at the trade deadline. Murovich played 42 games for the Gladiators last season, scoring nine goals and 14 assists for 23 points. He also appeared in 18 games with the Hamilton Bulldogs in the AHL last season, notching three goals along with one assist. In 2011-12 with Gwinnett, he tallied 47 points on 16 goals and 31 assists in 71 games.

His ECHL experience also includes time with the Wheeling Nailers and Reading Royals, both in 2010-11, scoring nine goals and 11 assists in 34 games split between the two clubs. That year, Murovich skated in two games for the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins and Springfield Falcons of the AHL, picking up two goals and two assists. He made his professional debut during the 2009-10 season with the Syracuse Crunch, earning six points (2 goals, 4 assists) in five games. In 147 ECHL games, Murovich has totaled 90 points on 34 goals and 56 assists while his AHL experience includes seven goals and seven assists for 14 points in 50 games.

Ullrich (6-2, 201 lbs.) skated in 26 games for the Trenton Titans last season after starting the season with a five game stint (1 goal, 4 assists) with the South Carolina Stingrays. He also played 29 games (7 goals, 12 assists) with the Tulsa Oilers of the Central Hockey League (CHL) last year. In 26 games with Trenton, where he played for Solar Bears Head Coach Vince Williams, Ullrich ranked fifth on the team with 15 goals and 29 points. He spent the entire 2011-12 season with the Tulsa Oilers, tying for first on the team in goals (29), assists (35), and points (64) in 66 games. His ECHL experience also includes 11 games with the Pensacola Ice Pilots in the 2007-08 season.

A native of Banff, Alberta, Ullrich played four seasons for the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (2008-11), notching 40 goals and 99 assists for 139 points in 81 games. He split time from 2004-06 with the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL (British Columbia Hockey League) and Lethbridge Hurricanes (Western Hockey League). With Vernon, Ullrich skated in 142 games and finished with 164 points (49 goals, 115 assists) and in 36 games with Lethbridge he scored two goals and added four assists for six points.

Orlando extended Qualifying Offers to eight players. Those players include John Curry, Ryan Donald (rights acquired from Gwinnett), Mike Liambas, Nick McParland, Rob Mignardi, Mark Nemec, Mathew Sisca, and Scott Tanski.

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

Visit OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for future player transactions.

The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild and AHL's Iowa Wild, play all of their home games at the 2012 Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center.

Follow the Solar Bears at www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com, Facebook, and Twitter (@OrlandoHockey) for all the latest news and updates.

Giants Sign Former Vipers Defenceman Brookwell:

The Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) Stena Line Belfast Giants have
signed former Vernon Vipers defenceman Cody Brookwell. Brookwell finished his third season with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Gwinnett Gladiators. In 68 regular season games last year with the Gladiators Brookwell collected (6-12-18).  Brookwell was recruited by the Vipers but only played in four regular season games during the 2004-05 season before being traded in early October of 2004 to the Williams Lake Timberwolves. Brookwell played two seasons in Williams Lake before playing the next four seasons at the University of Denver.

Cody Brookwell's Player Profile:

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

This is posted on the Giants website:

Giants Complete Defensive Corp With Cody Brookwell

Posted on Friday, June 21st, 2013

The Stena Line Belfast Giants are pleased to announce the addition of Cody Brookwell for the 2013/14 Elite League Season.

Defenceman Cody Brookwell turned pro in 2009 and has played all 3 years of his professional career for the Gwinnett Gladiators, affiliate of the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes, in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL),

Prior to Gwinnett, he starred with the University of Denver, one of the premier University Programmes in the United States in the top Division of NCAA Ice Hockey.  While at University of Denver, Brookwell won a league title in 2008 and was selected to the All-Academic team in 2009/10.

In three years with Gwinnett, Brookwell has played in 179 regular season games and 14 playoff games.  He has 12 goals and 28 points in 3 seasons, with his best career point total coming last season when he tallied 6 goals and 12 assists in 68 games.

At 6’4” tall, he is a huge presence on the blueline.  His size and strength have made him a valuable commodity and the Giants Coach Paul Adey is pleased to get him signed in Belfast for the upcoming season.

“I was looking for a big body for our final spot on the blueline, but not just someone with size.  I wanted someone with size and the skill to skate on the big ice at the Odyssey Arena.

“Cody is a very good skater and very mobile, qualities that don’t always come hand in hand with a player who is 6’4” but with him, we have a very complete player.

“He blocks a lot of shots, and is very strong, so he doesn’t get pushed around in his own end.  I can see him as a key to controlling opposing teams power forwards and having the ability to clear the front of our net, something that Todd and I both agreed needed to be addressed after last season.”

Brookwell completes a very solid defensive unit for the 2013/14 Belfast Giants joining Calvin Elfring, Jeff Mason, Rob Sandrock and the Phillips brothers Davey and Kevin.

General Manager Todd Kelman believes that the strength of the defence is the first step in building a championship team.

“Cody is the last piece of the puzzle as far as completing a great group of defencemen.  We needed someone with the size and strength to be that defensive defenceman that can shut down top lines and is committed to that aspect of his game.

“His coaches said there is some offensive upside as well, and Cody is still young and improving every year.  Gwinnett were very high on him as a player and so were other coaches from around his league.

“I am pleased that Paul was able to find him and convince him to come to the Giants to be part of the new era here in Belfast.  When we won the league in 2012, it was on the back of a very solid defensive unit and I believe that Paul has put together a group of guys that will again make us extremely solid in front of Stephen Murphy in net.”

Vipers' Klepp Honoured By Shrine:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers' Klepp honoured by shrine

Published: August 04, 2013

Don Klepp makes sure the Vernon Vipers are on the right track in education. Helps them line up the proper courses in high school or college and answers tough questions regarding studies.

The longtime education adviser was awarded the Duncan Jamieson Award for his outstanding volunteerism and dedication to the game at the B.C. Hockey Hall of Fame banquet last Friday night in Penticton.

“The Vipers are very proud of Don who has been part of the Vipers organization since 2005.,” said head coach/GM Jason Williamson. “He helps our players achieve their educational goals in courses transferable to CIS and NCAA schools.

“Don also is a chairman on the RBC Cup Committee for the 2014 Championship to be held at Kal Tire Place.”

The award is presented in the memory of Jamieson, a longtime supporter of minor hockey in Penticton and throughout B.C.

Jamieson earned lifetime memberships in the Penticton Minor Hockey and the Okanagan Mainline Amateur Hockey Associations. He was also a member of the B.C. Amateur Hockey Association and one of the founding members of the B.C. Hockey Hall of Fame Society.

For Klepp, 69, volunteerism is all about making Vernon a better place.

“Basically, I want to give back to the community, and partly because of my passion for hockey” said Klepp. “The players understand the need for education. While hockey is their No. 1 love, they are not fooled by the whole picture. They know the odds of reaching the NHL are against them.”

Klepp, who was born in Canwood, Sask., was in teaching for 36 years. He previously was an instructor with Okanagan University College, teaching English and communications. He taught at the University of Saskatchewan before moving here.

He will step down as colour analyst for Viper broadcasts to focus on his RBC Cup volunteer work this season.

The 2013 shrine inductees included: Nancy Wilson, the first even woman to be inducted, former NHLers Mark Recchi and Paul Kariya, former Vancouver Canucks’ head coach and player Marc Crawford, amateur coach Colin Patterson of Cranbrook, and the 1994 and 1995 Western Hockey League (WHL) champion Kamloops Blazers.

Wilson (London, Ont.) was captain of the University of Western Ontario and later played with Vancouver senior teams before embarking on an impressive coaching career.

Facing A Tough Economic Reality, The CCHL Will Charge Players Thousands To Play:

This has nothing to do with the Vernon Vipers or the BCHL but I thought this was a very interesting and good article. I found a link to a article just like this back in late June that was on Gregg Drinnan's Blog that I posted on this blog.   This article I found in the Ottawa newspaper.  The OJHL will now be charging players to play. It is suggested it would likely be between $3,000 and $4,000 for next season. Will we see this in the BCHL or through out the rest of the Junior A Teams across Canada in the future? 

This was in the Ottawa Citizen Newspaper:

Facing a tough economic reality, the CCHL will charge players thousands to play

By Don Campbell, OTTAWA CITIZEN

June 18, 2013

It’s a concept that never would have been imagined in the days when young coaches like Bryan Murray, Archie Mulligan, Jim Farelli, and Mac MacLean were making their names in the Central Junior Hockey League.

But with teams struggling under the weight of increasing costs, it has become the only way to survive.

The Central Canada Hockey League, as it is now called, will charge its players a registration fee of several thousand dollars to play in the league in 2013-14.

CCHL commissioner Kevin Abrams says the league will charge $3,750 per player across the board, an increase of more than 400 per cent over the $800 (plus HST) it charged players to play in 2012-13.

It’s a far cry from the league’s glory days when players could pocket several hundred dollars a week in pursuit of a Centennial Cup, now renamed the RBC Cup.

Abrams says it’s this simple: all 12 owners in the league are losing money, some in excess of $100,000 against budgets of $200,000, and the league faces either contraction or a revolving door of owners if it doesn’t address the ever-increasing costs of Junior A hockey.

“There are 127 Junior A teams in Canada and about 100 are losing money,” Abrams said Tuesday.

“Hockey at this level has just got so expensive, there must be some sharing of expenses.

“In the last 10 years, the model has changed. We don’t want to see the league cut in half, like it almost was when it went down to five teams in the 1980’s.

“It’s still a fraction of the cost of minor hockey and people have to look at the value in our product.”

The registration fee is broken down into three categories:

The first $1,000 goes to equipment. Each player will, at the end of the day, have purchased his own equipment through the league in an exclusive deal with Reebok-CCM as its official supplier.

The next $1,000 will go toward a “league fee” that will guarantee all players gym memberships, concussion baseline testing, the services of educational advisors, a minimum number of hours of ice-time a week for practice, and post-game meals as outlined in the official CCHL contract.

The next $1,750 will offset club operating expenses, meaning owners can expect a windfall of about $40,000, considering most teams carry about 23 players.

Abrams said the fundamental changes in the way Tier II teams operate began when he and a committee of three-four owners met with owners of the Ontario Junior Hockey League, hoping to come up with some interlocking play.

All agreed that the owners needed a subsidy and they looked at models of junior hockey in the United States, where Abrams says some teams charge more than $10,000, putting the entire onus on the players to pay for the program.

They also looked at how entire leagues could deal directly with suppliers to get better deals on equipment and sticks.

“I’m from the days where they threw you a pair of used gloves and you were never sure if they were going to even have palms,” said Abrams.

“There are different issues now and this way players get new equipment that is their own.

“So we are giving back value.”

The OJHL has yet to set its fee but it’s expected to be in the range of $3,000 to $4,000 for the upcoming year, in addition to the $300 players already pay to the Ontario Hockey Association and $750 to the OJHL.

That makes it about $1,000 more expensive than the CCHL.

Most CCHL teams have held their spring training camps so the rosters have been selected to within a player or two, and it’s up to the general managers to sell the kids and their parents on the value of playing in the league.

A Closer Look At This Years Vipers Schedule:

Let's take a closer look at the Vernon Vipers 2013-14 BCHL Regular season schedule

The Vipers are hosting the 2014 Royal Bank Cup.

The Vipers open the 2013-14 regular season in Chilliwack at the BCHL Showcase vs the defending Fred Page Cup Champion Surrey Eagles on Saturday, September 7th before finishing the regular season in Merritt March 1st

For a fifth straight season the Vipers will host the Salmon Arm Silverbacks on Saturday, September 14th in the teams home opener

Former Vernon Vipers captain Kevin Kraus will make his first return to Vernon as a member of the Salmon Arm Silverbacks on September 14th.  Kraus is entering his first season in Salmon Arm as the teams new Assistant Coach

The defending Fred Page Cup Champion Surrey Eagles will make their first and only visit to Kal Tire Place on September 28th

The Vipers will play 20 games on Friday nights  (8 Home-12 Away)

The Vipers will play 22 games on Saturday nights  (13 Home-9 Away)

The Vipers will play 7 games on Sunday afternoons-nights  (3 Home-4 Away)

The Vipers will play 3 games on Tuesday nights  (1 Home-2 Away)

The Vipers will play 6 games on Wednesday nights  (3 Home-3 Away)

The Vipers play 9 games in September  (4 Home-5 Away)

The Vipers play 10 games in October  (3 Home-7 Away)

The Vipers play 10 games in November  (7 Home-3 Away)

The Vipers play 8 games in December  (4 Home-4 Away)

The Vipers play 11 games in January  (5 Home-5 Away)

The Vipers play 9 games in February  (4 Home-5 Away)

The Vipers play 1 game in March  (1 Away)

Vernon will play four home and home series this season

The Vipers will face Penticton on the BCHL trade deadline day (January 10th)

The Vipers & Silverbacks will play their first ever game vs one another on a Sunday.  Vernon heads to Salmon Arm on Sunday, January 19th

The Vipers longest road trip of the regular season will be a four game road trip to Powell River, Nanaimo, Alberni Valley & Penticton in late October.

The Vipers longest home stand of the regular season will be a four game home stand vs Salmon Arm, Victoria, West Kelowna & Prince George in early November.

Mick Listed On Oil Kings Prospects List:

Alan Caldwell over at small thoughts at large (WHL Blog) has
posted every WHL team's 2013-14 prospects list. This only include players who were not WHL regulars last year. If a kid played more than 20-30 games or so in the WHL last year, he's not on these lists.

The WHL Edmonton Oil Kings have Vernon Vipers forward Logan Mick as one of fourty five players listed on their 2013-14 prospects list.

Mick is entering his second season with the Vernon Vipers. In 48 games last season Mick collected (4-5-9).

Logan Mick's Player Profile:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=378210&playerID=841696

New Vipers Bring Big Game Smarts:

This was in the RBC Cup Newsletter:

New Vipers Bring Big Game Smarts

June 10th 2013

Four of the five players who came in trades for Adam Tambellini and Aaron Hadley at the trading deadline gained valuable experience in the post season this
past season.

Surrey's Jordan Klimek and Demico Hannoun and Nanaimo's Mike McNicholas and Josh Bryan all played well in the Western Canada Cup and the Surrey duo went on to play important roles at the RBC Cup. Hannoun's hat trick sparked Surrey to a 7-0 opening win over Truro. The slick winger showed some grit throughout the tournament as well.

Meanwhile, Klimek showed why Surrey Coach, Matt Erhardt, was reluctant to include the defenceman in the Tambellini trade. "He's very mature for a '95," said Erhardt after a practice at the Summerside
tourney.

Klimek, whose physique and playing style are very similar to Surrey all-star Devon Toews, says that he has tried to incorporate aspects of Toews's game: "he's so smart, seeing how the play develops. Also, he has a really good stick and is efficient in his
positioning. That's what I've tried to do, too."

Klimek, an offensive-minded player who quarterbacked Surrey's second-unit power play, is ready to accept a leadership role this year. One of the things he learned in the Surrey season was to "not look too far ahead. We set short-term goals and when we
achieved those goals, we set new ones. Also, when you get to the big games, especially in front of big crowds, you have to get rid of the nerves right away by getting pucks deep and handing out some big checks, and then take it from there."

Josh Bryan, a 20-year-old has three BCHL seasons under his belt. He has scored nine goals each of the last two seasons and is another candidate to man the point on the power play.

McNicholas, who hails from the California beach city of Manhattan Beach, likens himself somewhat to former Viper, Darren Nowick. "Speed and skill with the puck, that's the best part of my game," he says. Before getting injured in a January 6 game
vs. Prince George, he had 32 points in 35 games centering Greg Fraser and Kyle Kramer, Nanaimo's most productive line.

His broken ankle now anchored by "a plate and four screws," he says he's back to 100 percent healthy. He says he was "really excited" when he heard that he would get a chance to contribute to an RBC Cup team: "it's going to be a big year and I've heard good things about the city and the fans. I loved the intensity at the WCC and the RBC
should be even better!"