Game Preview: Vernon @ Alberni Valley:

Vernon (9-9-0-1)  @ Alberni Valley (6-9-1-1) 7pm

Tonight is the first of two meetings between the Vernon Vipers & Alberni Valley Bulldogs. The Vipers went 2-0 vs Alberni Valley last season

Last Game:

Friday, October 30th Vernon defeated Trail 5-2
Saturday, October 31st Alberni Valley defeated Nanaimo 4-2

Next Game:

Saturday, November 7th Vernon @ Cowichan
Saturday, November 7th Prince George @ Alberni Valley

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 440-244-20-21

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 242-100-11-11 at home

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 198-134-9-10 on the road

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 15-5-1-2 vs. Alberni Valley

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon has outscored Alberni Valley 92-58

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 8-3-0-2 at home vs. Alberni Valley

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 7-2-1-0 in Alberni Valley

The Vipers are 7-2-0-1 in their last ten home games vs. the Bulldogs

The Vipers are 7-2-1-0 in their last ten games in Alberni Valley

The Vipers are 7-2-1-0 in their last ten games vs. Alberni Valley

Vernon's last win at home vs Alberni Valley was a 4-1 win on Saturday, January 10th 2015

Alberni Valley’s last win in Vernon was a 4-3 victory back on Saturday, December 8th 2012

Vernons last win in Alberni Valley was a 5-3 win on Saturday, December 13th 2014  

Alberni Valley's last win at home vs Vernon was a 2-0 win back on Saturday, November 17th 2012

The Vipers went 2-0-0-0 vs Alberni Valley last season

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The Vernon Vipers make their first and only visit of the regular season to the Weyerhaeuser Arena begin a three game road trip. Vernon has won seven of their last ten games in Alberni Valley. The Vipers are coming off a 5-2 win over the visiting Trail Smoke Eaters October 30th will play four of their next five games on the road. Vernon has lost three of their last five games and are 6-4-0-0 in their last ten. The Vipers sit 4th in the Interior Division are six points up on Merritt and five points back of West Kelowna. Ben Butcher & Latrell Charleson will make their Viper debuts this weekend.

Colton McCarthy (12-4-16) leads the the team in goals with twelve, while Odeen Tufto (7-13-20) leads the team in points with twenty.

Bo Pellah played 32 games with the Bulldogs during the 2012-13 season.

Graham Turnbull's Vernon Vipers Venom Blog

http://vipersvenom1.blogspot.ca/

Vernon Vipers 2015-16 regular season Stats:

Games Played: 19
Wins: 9
Losses: 9
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 1
Home Record: 6-5-0-1
Road Record: 3-4-0-0
Overtime Record: 1-1
Record vs Interior Division: 5-5-0-0
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 4-4-0-1
When the Vipers score first: 6-3-0-1
When the opponents score first: 3-6-0-0
Leading after 1st Period: 5-2-0-0
Tied after 1st Period: 2-2-0-0
Trailing after 1st Period: 2-5-0-1
Leading after 2nd Period: 7-0-0-0
Tied after 2nd Period: 1-2-0-0
Trailing after 2nd Period: 1-7-0-0
Out shooting Opponents: 4-3-0-1
Out shot by Opponents: 4-6-0-0
One goal games: 1-4-0-1
Goals For: 64
Goals Against: 55
Place: 4th Place
Streak: One game winning streak
Longest winning streak this year: Three games
Longest losing streak this year: Three games

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Liam Finlay (97)
Jagger Williamson (98)
Colton McCarthy (96)
Riley Brandt (96)
Mitchell Oliver (97)

Vernon Vipers Departing & traded players from last years team:

Liam Coughlin (94)
Anthony Latina (94)
Blaine Caton (97)
Linden Hora (96)
Nicholas Rasovic (96)
TJ Dumonceaux (94)
Luke Shiplo (95)
Luke Voltin (95)
Brandon Egli (94)
Jarrod Schamerhorn (95)
Mitch Meek (96)
Johhny Coughlin (95)
Kenny Citron (95)
Riley Guenther (94)
Mackenzie Bauer (96)
Danny Todosychuk (94)

Vernon’s Home record vs. Alberni Valley last season:

1-0-0-0

Vernon’s Road record vs. Alberni Valley last season:

1-0-0-0

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Alberni Valley last season:

Liam Coughlin (3-3-6)
Thomas Aldworth (1-4-5)
Liam Finlay (1-3-4)
TJ Dumonceaux (2-1-3)
Kenny Citron (0-2-2)
Luke Shiplo (1-1-2)
Riley Brandt (1-0-1)
Riley Guenther (0-1-1)

Jarrod Schamerhorn (2-0 Record)

-Vernon has the leagues 10th best powerplay

-The Vipers have the leagues 6th best penalty kill
 

Lets take a look at the Alberni Valley Bulldogs:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are coming off a 4-2 victory over the visiting Nanaimo Clippers Saturday are playing their second game of a current four game home stand. The Bulldogs have won three of their last five home games are 4-3-0-1 at home. Alberni Valley has just two wins in their last five games & are 4-4-1-1 in their last ten, sit 4th in the Island Division are two points up on last place Victoria and six points back of Powell River. The Bulldogs last win at home vs Vernon was a 2-0 win back on November 17th 2012. Alberni Valley has lost seven of their last eight games vs the Vipers. The Bulldogs will play in Vernon on the 22nd in their final meeting of the regular season.

Josh Adkins (7-9-16) & Nathan Dingmann (7-4-11) sahre the team lead in goals with seven each, while Josh Adkins (7-9-16) leads the team in points with sixteen.

Evan Hammond's Alberni Valley Bulldog's Blog,

http://www.hammersdogs.blogspot.ca/

Alberni Valley Bulldogs 2015-16 regular season Stats:

Games Played: 17
Wins: 6
Losses: 9
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 1
Home Record: 4-3-0-1
Road Record: 2-6-1-0
Goals For: 40
Goals Against: 59
Place: 4th Place
Streak: One game winning streak

Alberni Valley Bulldogs Returning Players:

Josh Adkins (95)
Scott Clark (95)
Eric Margo (95)
Chris Schutz (95)
Troy Dobbs (96)

Alberni Valley Bulldogs Departing & traded players from last years team:

Mitch Makin (94)
Kurt Gosselin (94)
Brett Stewart (96)
Evan Tironese (95)
Dylan Haugen (94)
Garrett Halls (95)
Drew Weich (95)
Drew Blackmun (96)
Tyler Povelofskie (96)
Marcus Russell (96)
Braden Fuller (95)
Eric Therrrien (94)
Justin Marreck (96)
Drake Brown (94)
Taylor Derynck (97)
Billy Christopoulos (94)
Nathan Warren (95)

Alberni Valley's Home record vs. Vernon last season:

0-1-0-0

Alberni Valley's Road record vs. Vernon last season:

0-1-0-0

Alberni Valley's scoring leaders vs. Vernon last season:

Mitch Makin (1-1-2)
Everett Putz (0-2-2)
Kurt Gosselin (0-1-1)
Justin Marreck (0-1-1)
Eric Margo (1-0-1)
Chris Shutz (1-0-1)
Josh Adkins (1-0-1)
Brett Stewart (0-1-1)

Billy Christopoulos (0-2 Record)

-Alberni Valley has with the leagues 9th best powerplay

-The Bulldogs have the league's 15th best penalty kill

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon Vipers:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224096

Alberni Valley Bulldogs:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&teamid=224088

Vipers Trade For Big D-Man:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers trade for big d-man
       
by  Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star

Nov 6, 2015

The Vernon Vipers got older and bigger by signing 20-year-old defenceman Latrell Charleson as a B.C. Hockey League free agent Thursday afternoon.

Charleson played last season for the Surrey Eagles and was suspended indefinitely last February after he collided with, and pushed referee Kirk Wood, from behind at the close of a game against the Chilliwack Chiefs.

Charleson addressed the hit on Twitter last year.

“For those who have seen the video of me running into the ref, I’d like to say it was not intentional and I meant in no way to hurt the ref,” he wrote. “After the game I apologized to the ref and we shook hands. All ended well.”

Said Viper head coach/GM Mark Ferner: “He’s a pretty good player. For a big man, he’s got some good hands and he can shoot it a ton.”

The Viper bus picked up Charleson Thursday afternoon as they headed to Port Alberni to start a three-game road trip Friday night against the Bulldogs.

Charleson is a 6-foot-4, 229-pound Surrey product who registered 11 goals and 23 points in 23 games last year with the Eagles.

He produced 5-22-27 with Battlefords North Stars in Saskatchewan the year before and got in 51 games with the Prince George Spruce Kings and Coquitlam Express as an 18-year-old. He's ready to start a fresh start with Vernon.

"That (referee incident) was kind of a freak thing and I'm trying to put it behind me and keep playing hockey," said Charleson, who enjoys pick-up hoops. "I'm a big body, physical and I like to get offensively active and use my shot. Hopefully, I can get some good numbers like last season."

Charleson said he had been renting ice to get in some skating in the hopes of playing his final year of Junior A. He is a big fan of the Vancouver Canucks and Nashville d-man Shea Weber.

The Vipers earlier in the week traded for 20-year-old centre Ben Butcher of the Langley Rivermen. Butcher and Charleson were once teammates in Surrey.

To make room for Butcher and Charleson, the Vipers released winger Zach Andrusiak Thursday morning. The 5-foot-9 Armstrong product had two assists in 11 games.

“That was tough to do,” said Ferner. “If Zach chooses to play Junior B, we would love to AP him and bring him back next year.”

The Vipers are without No. 1 goalie Andrew Shortridge (hip flexor) and were hoping to bring Tavin Grant of the Kamloops Storm on the trip to back up Brendan Barry. Grant, however, was ill, forcing the Vipers to make some urgent calls to Junior B teams on the coast Thursday.

Meanwhile, rookie Jimmy Lambert has committed to the University of Alaska-Fairbanks Nanooks for the 2017-18 season.

The Saskatoon product has produced five goals and seven assists for the Vipers in 18 games. The Nanooks have seven BCHL alums on their roster this season, including former Vipers forwards Colton Sparrow and Marcus Basara.

Vipers Sign Charleson-Release Andrusiak:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vipers Make Roster Moves

Thursday, November 5, 2015 - Submitted by Viper Staff

Just ahead of a weekend road trip the Vipers have completed a pair of roster moves.

Vernon has signed BCHL veteran Defenceman Latrell Charleson.  The 20 year old from Surrey will bring size and experience to the back end having played over 100 games in the BCHL measuring in at 6’4 and 230 pounds.

The big man also has some offensive punch as he scored 11 goals in 40 games last season as a member of the Surrey Eagles.  He will join the team on road in time for tomorrow’s game in Port Alberni.

With the addition of Charleson the Vipers needed to make room on the roster and have released 98 born forward Zack Andrusiak.

The Vipers would like to welcome Latrell to the club and wish Zack the best of luck in the future.

For more information please call the Viper office at 250-542-6022.

McCarthy Scores From Knees:

This is posted on the Hockeytube.net website:

Viper’s McCarthy Scores From Knees

Posted by HockeyTube on Oct 31st, 2015

Vernon Vipers Captain Colton McCarthy doesn’t give up on this play as he scores a highlight goal against the BCHL Trail Smoke Eaters Friday night (10-30-15). McCarthy who not only has to make a quick footed move to try and split the defencemen but also had to take the shot while on his knees.

As Graham Turnbull makes the call…the shot goes off the netminder, then bar down across the goal line. It was one of three goals the Salmon Arm native scores against the Smokies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iL3pkKwIJg

Lambert Commits To University Of Alaska-Fairbanks:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

Vipers forward Lambert lands deal to Alaska

Wednesday, November 4, 2015 - Submitted by BCHL Media

Jimmy Lambert moved west to play with the Vernon Vipers and his work so far has earned him the right to go north in 2017, when he'll join the University of Alaska-Fairbanks on a hockey scholarship.

Lambert has produced five goals and seven assists for the Vipers in 18 games. It's his first season of Junior A hockey after playing midget hockey in Saskatoon last season; he'll play one more season before heading off to college.

Currently, Lambert is one of two BCHLers comitted to UAF along with Salmon Arm forward Ross Heidt. The Nanooks have seven BCHL alums on their roster this season, including former Vipers forwards Colton Sparrow and Marcus Basara.

The Nanooks play in the NCAA's Div. I Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) against schools such as Bowling Green, Lake Superior State, Minnesota State and and Michigan Tech.

Williamson Listed On Thunderbirds Prospects List:

Alan Caldwell over at small thoughts at large (WHL Blog) has posted every Western
Hockey League team's 2015-16 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 Seattle Thunderbirds have Vernon Vipers forward Jagger Williamson as one of fourty three players listed on their 2015-16 prospects list. Williamson is in his second season with the Vipers, has (1-goal-8-assists-9-points) in 14 games this season.

Jagger Williamson's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=247144

Thunderbirds Trade Former Vernon Viper Wagner To AJHL:

The NOJHL Soo Thunderbirds have traded former Vernon Vipers forward Branden Wagner to the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) Grande Prairie Storm.

Wagner started the season with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks before being traded to the Thunderbirds on October 7th 2015.   

Wagner was pointless in six games this season with Salmon Arm, played parts of one season in Vernon (2014-15) before being traded to Salmon Arm on December 1st 2014. Wagner who was recruited by the Vipers played in just 24 games collecting (3-goals-1-assist-4-points).

Branden Wagner's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=102531

This is posted on the Storm website:

Storm announce player movement

Posted October 22nd, 2015 

The Grande Prairie Storm would like to announce that they have completed 3 trades as well as had 2 other player movements in the past couple of days. The following trades have happened:

Oct. 19, 2015: The Storm trade Brett Doiron (96) to the Woodstock Slammers (MHL)

Oct. 20, 2015: The Storm acquire Oliver Trachsel (97) from the Prince George Spruce Kings (BCHL)

Oct. 22, 2015: The Storm acquire Branden Wagner (96) from the Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL)

Coach/GM Kevin Higo: "It has been a busy week for player movement as the team battles through player injuries. At this point we have 6 regulars out of the line up and all of them will be out 2-3-4 weeks. So we needed to add players and make sure they were players we felt could come in and contribute. Trachsel is a big body forward that can play in many different situations. He skates well for a 6'3" player and will give us some added size up front. He comes from a very strong Iowa Wild U18 program and has had a good start to his Junior career. Wagner is a strong 2 way forward that is good on face offs and the penalty kill. Both of those areas we were trying to upgrade. He has played over 60 Junior A games and was the captain of his Kelowna Midget AAA team. We came to a mutual agreement with Brett Doiron for him to move back closer to home and wish him the best of luck in Woodstock. All of the moves were for futures."

The Storm also have released Sheldon Hubbard to the Peace River Navigators (NWJHL) so he can continue his schooling and work. As well have released Jack Lofroth from the roster.

Oliver Trachsel and Branden Wagner are expected to arrive in Grande Prairie on Thursday and be in the line up this weekend when the Storm host the Bonnyville Pontiacs. 

Vernon-Langley Trade:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vipers Acquire Veteran Ben Butcher from Langley

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

The Vernon Vipers have traded Defenceman Austin Cho to the Langley Rivermen in exchange for 20 year old Forward Ben Butcher.

Cho was in his rookie season with the Vipers having recorded one assist in 17 games this season.

Butcher is a BCHL veteran having appeared in 184 regular season games and another 9 playoff games.  The product of Bellingham Washington has 5 goals and 5 assists for 10 points in 17 games this season.

At 6 foot 3 200 pounds he will add size and leadership to the Vernon forward group.  The son of former NHL Defenceman Garth Butcher will be joining his 4th BCHL team, but his first outside of the Mainland Division.

The Vipers would like to wish Austin the best of luck and welcome Ben to the team.

For more information please call the Viper office at 250-542-6022.

Vernon is on the road for three straight this weekend beginning with a stop in Alberni Valley on Friday, Cowichan on Saturday and Surrey on Sunday.

Next home action for Vernon is November 10th (First Responders Night) when the Vipers host the Merritt Centennials.

This is posted on the Rivermen website:

RIVERMEN MAKE TWO TRADES: ACQUIRE AUSTIN CHO

By Brandon Astle

Township of Langley, BC (Tuesday, November 3, 2015) – The Langley Rivermen have announced two trades today. The team has acquired defenseman Austin Cho (1997 born) from the Vernon Vipers in exchange for forward Ben Butcher (1995 born). In addition, the Rivermen have traded defenseman Domenic Masellis (1997 born) to the Penticton Vees for future considerations.

Cho, a native of Mississauga, Ontario, is in his first season in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). In 17 games with Vernon, he recorded one assist and 15 penalty minutes. He is committed to RPI (NCAA Div.1) for 2017-18. Last season, the 6 foot 1, 195 pound defenseman played for the St. Andrews College Saints and racked up 12 goals and 52 assists for 64 points in 80 games, and was listed at #100 on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings for the 2015 Draft.

“Austin is a guy that has been on our radar since his St. Andrews College days. He is a very highly touted player that will bring a lot to our lineup. He is a bigger body that moves the puck well and will really help stabilize the back-end for us,” said Rivermen Head Coach and General Manager Bobby Henderson.

Butcher appeared in 17 games with the Rivermen this season and recorded 5 goals and 5 assists for 10 points and 21 penalty minutes. Masellis also played in 17 games and registered three assists and 36 penalty minutes.

The Rivermen would like to thank Ben and Domenic for their contributions to the Rivermen and welcome Austin to the franchise.

Unicorn Drives Zamboni:

This is posted on the Hockeytube.net website:

Unicorn Drives Zamboni

Posted by HockeyTube on Oct 31st, 2015

File this under ‘I Just Watched That’ category. On October 30th 2015 at the Vernon Vipers-Trail Smoke Eaters game in Vernon, the Zamboni driver decided to make it a special Halloween flood for fans of the Vipers. Not only did he put on his Sunday best but also an uber-cool unicorn mask as well. We tip our horn to you Mr. Zamboni driver!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0j-hLbmEhM

Bobcats Trade Ex Viper Bauer To Kodiaks:

The Alberta Junior Hockey League Royal Bank Cup Host Lloydminster
Bobcats have traded former Vernon Vipers forward MacKenzie Bauer to the Alberta Junior Hockey League Camrose Kodiaks.

Bauer played last season with the Vipers, was traded July 21st 2015 to the
Cowichan Capitals for future considerations.   In 27 games with the Vipers Bauer collected (5-goals-4-assists-9-points). Bauer never played a game with Cowichan was traded to Lloydminster on September 9th 2015. In 7 games with the Bobcats Bauer recorded (1-goal-1-assist-2-points).

Mackenzie Bauer's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=107866

This is posted on the Bobcats website:

Mackenzie Bauer Traded to Camrose Kodiaks

Posted October 15th, 2015

The Lloydminster Bobcats have announced that ’96 forward Mackenzie Bauer has been traded to the Camrose Kodiaks of the AJHL in exchange for future considerations.

Bauer was acquired from the Cowichan Capitals of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) on September 9th in exchange for Patrick Geary and future considerations. Appearing in seven games for the Bobcats, Bauer scored one goal and added one assist for two points. Last season, Bauer skated in 27 games with the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL, picking up nine points on five goals and four assists.

The Bobcats wish Mackenzie all the best in his future.

This is posted on the Kodiaks website:

Kodiaks acquire Bauer!

Posted October 15th, 2015

The Camrose Kodiaks would like to welcome Mackenzie Bauer and his family to the organization. The Three Hills product comes to Camrose from Lloydminster where he was playing with the Bobcats. 'We are excited to have Mackenzie here in Camrose as with the rash of injuries we have had, Mackenzie will fill the void that we were looking for. He competes at both ends of the ice and that is something that is important to us." Welcome Mackenzie!

Crusaders Sign Former Vipers Goaltender Dyment:

The Alberta Junior Hockey League Sherwood Park Crusaders have signed former Vernon Vipers goaltender Zach Dyment.

Dyment started the season with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks was released on September 28th 2015 after playing in just one game. Dyment was an affiliated player "AP" with the Vipers during the 2013-14 season. Dyment never played a game with the Vipers but was called up as a backup goaltender for four games during the season.

Zach Dyment's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=160143

This is posted on the Crusaiders website:

Crusaders Add Goaltender

Posted October 6th, 2015 


The Sherwood Park Crusaders have added '96 born Goaltender Zach Dyment to their roster.  Dyment, the Abbotsford B.C native, spent last year with Salmon Arm of the BCHL appearing in 11 games posting a 3.47 G.A.A and a .892 Save Percentage.  The Crusaders also released Goaltender Austin McGrath to the Loydminster Midget AAA Bobcats of the AMHL.

Viper Alumni Hammond’s New Mask Honours Brave Young Fan:

Former Vernon Vipers goaltender Andrew Hammond painted his new mask to honour a special young Senators fan.

 Hammond who was set to become an unrestricted free agent July 1 2015 re-signed with the Ottawa Senators on May 20th 2015.

Hammond attended the Ottawa Senators development camp last July before being released from the Sens Training camp was sent down to the AHL. Hammond was in his second season with the Binghamton Senators before being recalled from the American Hockey League on January 29th 2015 where he would finish the remainder of the season in the NHL with the Senators. 

Hammond made his first career NHL start February 18th 2015 vs the Montreal Canadians, recorded 42 saves in a 4-2 win over the Habs for his first career NHL victory. 

After four seasons with Bowling Green University Hammond signed his first pro contract with the Ottawa Senators on March 20th 2013. 

Hammond made his NHL debut was called up to the Ottawa Senators on February 27th 2014 vs the Detroit Red Wings. Hammond was the backup for Senators starting goaltender Robin Lehner that night but made his NHL debut after Lehner was pulled late in the 2nd period giving up six goals on fifteen Detroit shots. Hammond would finish the game playing just over thirty four minutes stopping all eleven Red Wing shots in a 6-1 loss to Detroit. Hammond attended the Chicago Blackhawks 2012 development camp and attended the Ottawa Senators 2013 development camp playing in a few exhibition games with the Senators that season. (no stats)

Hammond played parts of two years in Vernon (2007-2009) after coming over in a trade with the Surrey Eagles during the 2007-08 season. On January 9th 2008 the Vipers acquired Hammond from the Surrey Eagles for future considerations. In 52 regular season games with the Vipers Hammond posted a (33-15-1) record recording 6 shutouts.

Andrew Hammond's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=38007

This was posted on the Sportsnet website:

Andrew Hammond’s new mask honours brave young fan

EMILY SADLER   AUGUST 19, 2015, 

Andrew Hammond is one step closer to being ready for a new NHL season. He revealed his new goalie mask via Twitter yesterday, showing off a helmet that creatively checks off all the boxes for a guy nicknamed “The Hamburglar.”

A closer look, however, will reveal the mask’s most meaningful feature: a butterfly and the initials “JP”, a tribute to 15-year-old Jonathan Pitre.

The mask designer, Jason Bartziokas, posted the following photo of the back of Hammond’s helmet to Instagram with the caption “Jonathan Pitre. An inspiration to us all.”

Pitre suffers from Epidermolysis bullosa, a rare and incredibly painful genetic skin disease. Children with this condition are often known as “butterfly children” because of their extremely fragile skin.

“I wanted him to feel special and let him know how much he has inspired me, the fans of Ottawa, and the entire hockey world,” Hammond told The Ottawa Citizen.

http://ottawacitizen.com/sports/hockey/nhl/the-hamburgler-honours-ottawas-butterfly-boy 

“I think Senators fans attached themselves to Jonathan and his story because he teaches us all a lesson: a reminder that we are only given this one chance at life — and we have to enjoy the moments we have.”

The Senators first met the then-14-year-old hockey fan when general manager Bryan Murray invited him to the rink to watch a game with the team’s scouting staff.

“I’m done with the dream of trying to play sports,” Pitre told the Citizen back in November. 


http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/butterfly-child-dreams-of-the-northern-lights

“I knew I’d never be able to play sports, but I tried to have hope that I would. Now I know what’s reality. But I still would like to do something in sports. I’d like to be a scout, or a sportscaster on Sportsnet, you know, one of the commentators.”

Pitre’s hockey dreams didn’t stop there. In January, the Senators invited him back for another game — this time, with the chance to call the Senators-Canadiens game from the broadcast booth.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/14-year-old-jonathan-pitre-montreal-canadiens-ottawa-senators-calls-game-broadcast/


You can read The Ottawa Citizen’s full feature on Pitre,

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/butterfly-child-dreams-of-the-northern-lights

Former Viper Defenceman Booth Suspended:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Ryley Booth has been suspended for his blow to the head on Vipers forward-captain Colton McCarthy during Wednesday night's Vipers-Silverbacks game. Booth was given five minutes and a game misconduct in the 1st period after crosschecking McCarthy in the face-mouth. Salmon Arm went on to win the game 6-2.

Booth played one game as an afiliated player "AP" with the Vipers during the 2013-14 season before playing with the Vipers last year. Booth was traded to Salmon Arm on October 28th 2014 for future considerations. In 9 games with the Vipers Booth collected (1-goal-2-assists-3-points).

This is posted on the BCHL website:

30-Oct-15 Salmon Arm Silverbacks Ryley Booth is suspended 2 games for receiving a major penalty for a Blow to the Head.

Ryley Booth's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=247559

McCarthy Line Lifts Vipers Past Smokies:

This is in todays Moring Star Newspaper:

McCarthy line lifts Vipers past Smokies

by  Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star

Oct 31, 2015 

They are supposed to finish the night as plus players while disturbing the peace in every zone on the ice. Call them blue-collar workers whose refuse-to-lose attitude makes them complete hockey players.

Hardly flashy, the line of Colton McCarthy, Riley Brandt and Jagger Williamson usually does all the right things.

And they were brilliant Friday night, ringing up 10 points as the Vernon Vipers dispatched the Trail Smoke Eaters 5-2 in B.C. Hockey League action Friday night before 1,535 fans at Kal Tire Place.

The Vipers (9-9-0-1) snapped a three-game losing streak. The Smokies dipped to 6-10.

McCarthy (hat trick), Riley Brandt (1+2) and Jagger Williamson (4 assists) did most of the damage. McCarthy scored 10 times in a partial season with Vernon last year after getting eight goals in 110 Western League tilts. He registered 22 snipes with the Junior B Nelson Leafs as a 16-year-old.

“We’re definitely a happy bunch in there right now,” said McCarthy. “We’ve battled through a lot the last couple games but tonight, I’d say we played for 50 minutes and that’s what it took to get the win.”

McCarthy, a 19-year-old captain, gave props to his linemates for his career night. He has scored most of his 11 snipes this year from in tight, but went top cheddar from his knees for the prettiest goal of the year.

“I can’t remember the last hat trick I had. Playing with Riley Brandt and Jagger Williamson, they really helped me out tonight, and I’ll take the three goals I guess. I usually don’t score goals from my knees. We clicked tonight for sure. We’ve been working all week together and we finally put it all together in a game that helped the team win tonight.”

Both teams recorded 42 shots with Andrew Shortridge improving to 8-5. Bailey McBurnie fell to 3-9. The Smokies registered goals 2:06 apart late in the game with Nick Halloran scoring on a breakaway seven seconds into a Trail penalty kill. Halloran, a Utah product who has a scholarship to Air Force, went five-hole on Shortridge for his seventh snipe of the season.

Kurt Black flew down the left wing and beat Shortridge with a hard snap shot with 3:09 to play. Black has five goals on the year.

The Vipers led 3-0 after 20 minutes and went up 4-0 5:20 into the third when rookie d-man Callum Volpe converted on a bomb from the point. D-man Bo Pellah had his second starry game in a row, pocketing three assists, helping McCarthy twice.

“They’re (Smokies) below us in the standings, but it’s definitely a huge win and we’ll build off that this week in practice and carry it on to the road trip down on to the Island. We needed a big game from everyone and that’s what we got tonight.”

Halloran praised Shortridge and felt the Smokies lost their urgency once falling behind 3-0.

“I thought we played well,” said the shifty Halloran. “Their goalie stood on his head and I think we needed to get a couple more bodies in front so he couldn’t see it. He’s a good goalie if he can see it. That’s the bottom line. They got more greasy goals than we did and won the game.”

Vernon is a solid fourth in the Interior Division, six points ahead of the Merritt Centennials, 3-0 losers to the Penticton Vees. Penticton is 16-1.

Brandt fired his eighth of the year on a low deflection of a Williamson shot with 6:44 left in the opening 20. Volpe got the secondary assist.

McCarthy made it 2-0 two minutes later from his knees and then increased the lead with 1:36 to play in the period after Williamson drove the net hard. He whacked in a mid-air pass from Brandt for the hatty.

“We were doing the simple things out there and everyone was shooting the puck and Colton was where he always is in front of the net banging them home,” said Williamson. “That one from his knees was a highlight goal, good for him. Good bounces came our way tonight and we capitalized.”

Vernon gets a week off before opening a three-game road swing Friday in Alberni Valley against the Bulldogs. They also visit the Cowichan Valley Capitals and Surrey Eagles.

In KIJHL action, Tyler Garcia scored on a penalty shot at 3:10 of OT as Nelson clipped the North Okanagan Knights 4-3 Friday night.

Colin Robin, Austin Fournier, on a powerplay, and Trent Redschlag had goals for the Knights, who are 3-11-0-3. Nelson improved to 11-5. The Knights visit Osoyoos Coyotes today.

ICE CHIPS: Smooth d-man Mitch Stapley, recently acquired from Cowichan, played against his younger brother, Brett, a rookie 16-year-old F with the Vipers...Viper W Hunter Zandee rocked Trail blue liner Cooper Sande with the biggest hit of the night, late in the first period...Shortridge stymied John Laurito from 'gimme' range with 4:54 left in the first period...The Smokies entertain the Vees in a Sunday matinee.