Sharks Sign Vernon Viper Alumni Bishop:

The Erste Bank Eishockey Liga (EBEL) HC Tiroler Wasserkraft Innsbruck Sharks have signed  former Vernon Vipers forward Hunter Bishop. HC Tiroler Wasserkraft Innsbruck Sharks is an Austrian professional ice hockey team that currently plays in the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga hockey league (EBEL).

Bishop started this season with the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) Krefeld Pinguine (Krefeld
Penguins). The Pinguine is an ice hockey team in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga hockey league. Their home is in Krefeld, North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany at the König Palast. Bishop went pointless in four games with the Pinguine.

After playing just two seasons at Ohio State University Bishop played four seasons in the American Hockey League & East Coast Hockey League with six different teams (Hamilton, Wheeling, South Carolina, Lake Erie, Rochester & Manchester) before heading to Slovenia last season.  Bishop played last year with the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga (EBEL) Hokejsko Drsalno Društvo Olimpija Ljubljana. Hokejsko Drsalno Društvo Olimpija Ljubljana, commonly referred to as HDD Olimpija or simply Olimpija, is a Slovenian professional ice hockey team that plays in the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga hockey league.  HDD Olimpija play in the city of Ljubljana wich is the capital and largest city of Slovenia.

Bishop played parts of three seasons in Vernon (2005-2008). Bishop left the Vipers after two seasons and played in just four games at the University of North Dakota during the 2006-07 season before returning to Vernon during the Christmas break playing the remainder of the 2006-07 season playing his final season with the Vipers (2007-2008) before playing the next two years at Ohio State University. In 140 regular season games with the Vipers Bishop collected (93-goals-84-assists-177-points).  Bishop holds the Vipers record for most goals in a season with 57 (2007-08).  Jason Elders holds the Vernon franchise record with 67 (1990-91). On March 18th 2010 the Montreal Canadiens signed Bishop as a free agent to a two year contract. Bishop attended the Habs training camp for three straight seasons before being sent down to the American Hockey League's Hamilton Bulldogs.

Hunter Bishop's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=18249

This is posted on the Sharks website:

News

Still without new entry Bishop against Linz!

The Innsbruck sharks want to extend without new entry Hunter Bishop her strong home balance also against Linz further.

„ Our key players, but just also our other players must do a step forwards. We must bring more than 60 minutes consistently our achievement. “ The summary of Haie-Goalie Andy Chiodo after the brief 2:3 defeat in the derby against South Tirol was suitable. After the well-balanced first third, the Tyroleans had to fight in the second segment hard. Alone Chiodo was to be owed that the part was also still exciting after 40 minutes. „ He has given us a chance and has played sensational. However, unfortunately, we have found no way to get points. This is a pity “, coach Christer Olsson also knows.

Now tomorrow against Linz the maps are anew mixed Tuesday again. Heavy work is guaranteed against the top team from Upper Austria. „ Linz has a quite strong team. We must be ready and do our tasks. Then we will also have our chances “, according to Chiodo. At home the Tyroleans feel already as fit as a fiddle, six victories with eight plays speak a very positive language.

For new entry Hunter Bishop this part still comes too early. Indeed, the forward from Alaska already had the first training with the team, however, the play permission should arrive only in the course of the week. So at least the wish. „ Hockey is to be played nicely again. The last both months in field Kre were not easy for me. Now I want to attack again “, nods Bishop.

Beside the American Florian Pedevilla and Tyler Scofield (both injured) are absent furthermore.

Innsbruck HC TWK has made a find in search of a substitute for Tyler Scofield! Hunter Bishop changes from the DEL to Innsbruck.

Now it is fixed! After the passed fitness check last night with the association doctor the Innsbruck sharks are glad the transfer of Hunter Bishop of DEL club field Kre Penguins in the Inn to be allowed to announce.

Bishop will substitute for the injured Tyler Scofield in the attack of the Tyroleans. Coach Christer Olsson is pleased that it was possible at short notice for an attacker dangerous for gate such to oblige.

Bishop which as a centre as well as as a wing can be used, registered in the past season with league competitor Olimpija Ljubljana in 48 plays 20 gates and 16 Assists. When exactly the American will celebrate his debut in the dress of the sharks, however, is still open. At first the bureaucratic Modalitäten must be still cleared.

Hurricanes Name Former Vernon Lakers-Vipers Defenceman MacNevin New Assistant Coach:

The Western Hockey League Lethbridge Hurricanes have hired-named former Vernon Lakers-Vipers defenceman Josh MacNevin new Assistant Coach. 

MaNevin joins former Vernon Vipers forward Brent Kisio who is the Hurricanes Head Coach. Kisio played one season in Vernon (2002-2003) in 59 regular season games with the Vipers Kisio collected (20-goals-46-assists-66-points).

After playing four years at Providence College, MacNevin spent parts of the next three seasons (2000-2002) playing in the ECHL & WCHL before spending the next twelve years playing overseas. From 2001-2013 MacNevin played with nine different teams (Fassa, EK Zell am See, Eisbaren Regensburg, ERC Ingolstadt, Vaxjo Lakers HC, HPK, AIK, SaiPa & TPS) in seven different leagues (Italy, Austria 2, Germany 2, DEL, Allsvenskan, Liiga & SHL). MacNevin retired from hockey after the 2012-13 season spent the 2013-14 season as an Assistant Coach with the University of Lethbridge before joining the Hurricanes this season.

MacNevin played two years in Vernon, one with the 1994-95 Vernon Lakers before finishing his final year of junior hockey winning a Royal Bank Cup with the 1995-96 Vernon Vipers.  MacNevin was drafted 101 overall in Round 4 at the 1996 NHL Draft by the New Jersey Devils.

Josh MacNevins Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=13397

This is posted on the Hurricanes website:

Hurricanes Round Out Coaching Staff

Aug 13, 2015

Lethbridge, AB - The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club have announced the hiring of Josh MacNevin as an assistant coach.

MacNevin, 38, joins new Hurricanes head coach Brent Kisio and incumbent assistant coach Mike Craig to complete the coaching staff for the 2015-2016 season. The Calgary, native most recently served as an assistant coach with the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns Men’s Hockey team in 2013-2014 as an assistant coach.

“It’s a really good opportunity to come into a great league on a team that’s on its way up. Brent seems like a really good guy and I’m really excited to join the team and try to help out wherever I can,” said MacNevin. “I’m really excited to start learning and understand the process from the other side of the bench a little bit more.”

MacNevin has a wealth of experience in the game of hockey after playing in the BCHL and NCAA before embarking on a professional career that spanned 14 seasons, spending two seasons in the East Coast Hockey League as well as 12 seasons in Europe before retiring in 2013. The former defenseman was a 1996 fourth round draft pick of the New Jersey Devils.

“We’re very excited to have him. He’ll round out our staff very well. He’s played a lot of professional hockey. His knowledge of the game seems very high,” said Hurricanes Head Coach, Brent Kisio. “We’ll see how his role goes and how much he can be around. He’ll be on the ice as much as he can helping out our guys, especially skill development. He wants to be around and is excited about the opportunity and he’s excited to help us win hockey games.”

Cakebread, Butcher Boost Vipers Past PG:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Cakebread, Butcher boost Vipers past PG

Feb 4, 2016

Morning Star Staff

The Vernon Vipers iced the Prince George Spruce Kings 6-3 Wednesday night and then rode the iron lung into Kal Tire Place at 6:30 a.m.

They now get five days to recover from bus legs, happy in knowing they are closer to securing the fourth and final playoff spot in the B.C. Hockey League’s Interior Division.

Christian Cakebread returned to the lineup after a few weeks on injured reserve and joined Ben Butcher in recording two goals before 750 fans at the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena (formerly known as the Coliseum).

“We did we wanted to and that was get two points which we needed after Trail beat Salmon Arm the other night,” said Viper assistant coach Kevin Kraus.

The Vipers have 47 points with nine games remaining, while the Smoke Eaters have 42 points with eight games left. Vernon visits the last-place Merritt Centennials Tuesday.

Vernon has four home contests, including one against the last overall Surrey Eagles. Trail has six home tilts, including a Feb. 27 date with the Vipers to close the regular season.

The Vipers dialed up three unanswered goals in the third period to officially eliminate the Spruce Kings (11-34-3-1) from playoff contention.

Prince George rookie d-man Cooper Prechel opened the scoring with his first BCHL goal, 5:55 after the anthem, set up in the slot for a one-timer by blueline partner Matthew Stief on a 3-on-2 rush.

Butcher, with his ninth, and blueliner Callum Volpe, with his third, responded for Vernon. Liam Finlay and d-man Bo Pellah drew assists on Butcher’s snipe, while Brett Stapley and Steven Jandric earned helpers on Volpe’s goal.

Kings captain Stephen Penner levelled the score at 2-2 three minutes into the second period with a shot from the point which fooled Viper goalie Andrew Shortridge.

D-man Mitchell Oliver (4th) and Cakebread netted goals six minutes apart later in the period. Cakebread supplied his 12th goal 3:35 into the final period before Nic Ponak replied for the Kings three minutes later. Butcher finished a 2-on-1 with Charley Michalowski with 2:58 remaining.

“It was nice to get Cakebread back,” said Kraus. “He’s very skilled and he adds an energy presence too. He goes to the areas you need to go to for goals.”

Forwards Riley Brandt and Hunter Zandee, along with goalie Brendan Barry, remain on IR.

The Vipers host the Langley Rivermen, Friday, Feb. 12.

BCHL Report - Jagger Williamson Interview:

Vernon Vipers play by play guy, Graham Turnbull talks with Vernon Vipers second year forward Jagger Williamson after a 5-3 win over the visiting Powell River Kings December 20th 2015. Williamson picked up a goal & assist in the victory.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdNaXJJMuuo

Ex Viper Hora Receives Honorable Mention For Player Of The Week:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Linden Hora receives honorable mention for this week's Player of the Week.

Hora was recruited by the Vipers, played one season in Vernon (2014-15) attended the Vipers 2015 Training Camp, played in a few exhibition games before being traded before the regular season started. Linden Hora & Tak Anholt were traded to Chilliwack on September 9th 2015 for Darren Rizzolo. In 54 games with the Vipers last year, Hora collected (1-goal-3-assists-4-points).

Linden Hora's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=180500

This is posted on the BCHL website:

Desbiens scoring spree earns him BCHL POW

February 2, 2016

in Featured Stories, Latest News, Primary News, Top Stories

West Kelowna Warriors forward Jonathan Desbiens has been named the BCHL Player of the Week for the week ending Jan. 31, the league announced Monday.

Desbiens posted one of the highest-scoring weeks in recent memory, racking up six goals and nine assists for 15 points in four games – all wins for the Warriors. The Montreal native opened with a pair of assists in an 8-1 win over Trail to start the week and followed that starting a road trip with two goals and two helpers for 1st Star in a 7-1 win in Cowichan Valley. The next night, he took 1st Star again with two goals and three assists in a 6-5 OT win in Powell River and he wrapped up the trip with another goal and two assists in a 6-3 win in Chilliwack.

Committed to Bentley University for next season, Desbiens production last week moved him up to fourth in the BCHL in goals with 35 and seventh overall in points with 67.

Honourable mentions this week:

Penticton Vees F Scott Conway: 5G, 4A, two 1st Stars, GWG

West Kelowna Warriors F Garrett Forster: 5G, 4A, hat trick, 1st Star, 3rd Star, GWG

West Kelowna Warriors F Kylar Hope: 3G, 7A, 1st Star

Alberni Valley Bulldogs F Chris Schutz: 6G, 1A, 1st Star, 2 2nd Stars, GWG

Nanaimo Clippers F Matt Hoover: 3G, 5A, 1st Star, GWG

Chilliwack Chiefs F Linden Hora: 4G, 1A, 1st Star

Vernon 6 Prince George 3

Scoring Summary:

1st Period:

5:55 PG Cooper Prechel (1) ASST: Nic Ponak, Matthew Stief 
9:54 VER Ben Butcher (9) ASST: Liam Finlay, Bo Pellah 
18:19 VER Callum Volpe (3) ASST: Brett Stapley, Steven Jandric

2nd Period:

3:11 PG Stephen Penner (3) ASST: Cavin Tilsley, Jordan Funk 
10:03 VER Mitchell Oliver (4) ASST: Jagger Williamson, Joe Sacco 
16:05 VER Christian Cakebread (11) ASST: Jimmy Lambert, Odeen Tufto

3rd Period:

3:35 VER Christian Cakebread (12) ASST: Odeen Tufto, Bo Pellah 
6:49 PG Nic Ponak (5) ASST: Matthew Stief, Cavin Tilsley 
17:08 VER Ben Butcher (10) ASST: Charley Michalowski 

Vernon outshot Prince George 36-32 Andrew Shortridge made 29 saves in the win, while Joseph McLeod made 30 saves in the loss.

BCHL Game Summary,

http://bchl.ca/game-summary?game_id=7040

Game Preview: Vernon @ Prince George:

Vernon (21-24-0-3)  @ Prince George (11-33-1-3) 7pm 

Tonight is the second and final regular season meeting between the Vernon Vipers & Prince George Spruce Kings. The Spruce Kings lead the season series 1-0.

Last Game:Saturday, January 30th Salmon Arm defeated Vernon 6-1
Saturday, January 30th Merritt defeated Prince George 5-2

Next Game:

Tuesday, February 9th Vernon @ Merritt
Friday, February 5th Surrey @ Prince George

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 436-241-20-21

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 239-96-11-11 at home

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 197-135-9-10 on the road

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon is 39-20-2-4 vs. Prince George

Since the 2002-03 season Vernon has outscored Prince George 256-183

Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 15-6-2-4 at home vs. Prince George

Since the 2003-04 season Vernon is 16-11-0-1 in Prince George

The Vipers are 6-3-1-0 in their last ten games at home vs. the Spruce Kings

The Vipers are 6-4-0-0 in their last ten games on the road vs. the Spruce Kings

The Vipers are 5-4-1-0 in their last ten games vs. Prince George

The Vipers last win at home over Prince George was a 5-3 win on Saturday, January 9th 2015

Prince George's last win in Vernon was a 4-3 victory on Saturday, October 10th 2015

The Vipers last win in Price George was a 3-0 win on Wednesday, November 12th 2014

Prince George's last win at home over Vernon was a 3-0 victory on Friday, October 4th 2013

The Vipers went 2-0-0-0 vs Prince George last season

Lets take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The Vernon Vipers make their second and final visit to the Prince George Coliseum are coming off a 6-1 loss Saturday in Salmon Arm. The Vipers won 5-3 in PG during the pre-season September 5th to take the home & home Exhibition series, lost to the Spruce Kings 4-3 at home in the regular season back on October 10th. Tonight is the second game of a three game road trip. The Vipers will finish the trip in Merritt February 9th. Vernon has won four of their last five games finish the regular season playing six of their final ten games on the road.  The Vipers are 6-4-0-0 in their last ten games have won three of their last five games away from home. The Vipers sit 4th in the Interior Division are six points up on last place Merritt, three points back of 5th place Trail & twelve points back of 3rd place Salmon Arm.

Odeen Tufto (21-34-55) leads the the team in goals with twenty one and  in points with fifty five.

Graham Turnbull's Vernon Vipers Venom Blog

http://vipersvenom1.blogspot.ca/

Vernon Vipers 2015-16 regular season Stats:

Games Played: 48
Wins: 21
Losses: 24
Ties: 0
Overtime Losses: 3
Home Record: 12-11-0-2
Road Record: 9-12-0-2
Overtime Record: 3-4
Record vs Interior Division: 11-17-0-3
Record vs Island & Mainland Divisions: 10-6-0-1
When the Vipers score first: 10-5-0-2
When the opponents score first: 11-19-0-1
Leading after 1st Period: 9-2-0-2
Tied after 1st Period: 5-7-0-0
Trailing after 1st Period: 8-15-0-1
Leading after 2nd Period: 12-0-0-1
Tied after 2nd Period: 5-5-0-1
Trailing after 2nd Period: 4-19-0-0
Out shooting Opponents: 10-8-0-2
Out shot by Opponents: 10-16-0-1
One goal games: 6-6-0-3
Record in September: 3-3-0-1
Record in October: 6-6-0-0
Record in November: 4-6-0-1
Record in December: 3-5-0-1
Record in January: 5-4-0-0
Goals For: 152
Goals Against: 166
Place: 4th Place
Streak: One game losing streak
Longest winning streak this year: Four games
Longest losing streak this year: Five 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. Prince George this season:

0-1-0-0

Vernon’s Road record vs. Prince George this season:

0-0-0-0

Vernon’s scoring leaders vs. Prince George this season:

Colton McCarthy (2-0-2)
Mac Ferner (0-2-2)
Mitchell Oliver (0-1-1)
Bo Pellah (0-1-1)
Riley Brandt (0-1-1)
Odeen Tufto (1-0-1)

Brendan Barry (0-1 Record)

-Vernon has the leagues 6th best powerplay

-The Vipers have the leagues 14th best penalty kill

Lets take a look at the Prince George Spruce Kings:

The Prince George Spruce Kings are coming off a 5-2 loss to the visiting Merritt Centennials Saturday are 1-2 vs the Vipers this season. The Spruce Kings lost 5-3 September 4th & 3-0 September 5th in a Exhibition home & home series before winning 4-3 in Vernon October 10th. Tonight is game seven of a current nine game home stand where the Spruce Kings have lost five straight and are 2-6-1-1 in their last ten games. The Spruce Kings have won just six games at the Coliseum, have lost five straight on home ice. PG has lost eight of their last ten home games. Prince George sits 5th in the Mainland Division are twelve points up on last place Surrey are nineteen points back of 4th place Coquitlam.

Tanner Campbell (10-11-21) leads the team lead in goals with ten, while Matthew Stief (4-29-33) leads the team in points with thirty three.

Joseph McLeod attended the Vipers Training camp before being released during the Exhibition games.

Ryan Lep's Prince George Spruce Kings blog

http://sprucekingscrusader.blogspot.ca/

Prince George Spruce Kings 2015-16 regular season Stats:

Games Played: 48
Wins: 11
Losses: 33
Ties: 1
Overtime Losses: 3
Home Record: 6-15-0-1
Road Record: 5-18-1-2
Goals For: 109
Goals Against: 214
Place: 5th Place (Mainland Division)
Streak: Five game losing streak

Prince George Spruce Kings Returning Players:

Braiden Epp (96)
Ryan Fritz (96)
Nick Guerra (96)
Stephen Penner (95)
Alex Stoley (96)

Prince George Spruce Kings Departing & traded players from last years team:

Jeremiah Luedtke (94)
Chad Staley (94)
Alex Brooks-Potts (95)
Michael Buonincontri (94)
Jake LeBrun (95)
Rider Stoglin (96)
Jarryd Leung (94)
Adam Clements (95)
Matthew Stief (96)
Justin Rai (94)
Brogan O'Brien (97)
Viktor Domborvskiy (96)
Cole McCaskill (96)
Cole Todd (95)
Daniel Nachbaur (95)
Marco Ballarin (95)
Greydon Robinson (96)
Riley Hawes (95)
Karan Toor (94)
Jesse Jenks (95)

Prince George’s Home record vs. Vernon this season:

0-1-0-0

Prince George’s Road record vs. Vernon this season:

0-1-0-0

Prince George’s scoring leaders vs. Vernon this season:

Rylan Betchtel (0-2-2)
Braiden Epp (1-1-2)
Corey Hoffman (1-1-2)
Kyle Johnson (0-2-2)
Alex Stoley (0-1-1)
Adam Brubacher (1-0-1)
Matthew Stief (0-1-1)
Cavin Tilsley (1-0-1)

Liam McCloskey (1-0 Record)

-Prince George has the leagues 15th best powerplay

-The Spruce Kings have the league's 13th best penalty kill

Here's a look at both teams rosters:

Vernon Vipers:

http://bchl.ca/roster?team=21

Prince George Spruce Kings:

http://bchl.ca/roster?team=14

Vipers Look To Final 10

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers look to final 10
                        
Feb 3, 2016

Morning Star Staff

Putting that 6-1 loss to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks Saturday night on the shelf, the Vernon Vipers have been a team on the rise in the B.C. Hockey League.

The Vipers are 5-2 in their last seven games and face the 11-win Prince George Spruce Kings tonight at the Coliseum with forward Christian Cakebread returning from injured reserve.

“We’re disappointed with the effort in Salmon Arm, but they’re a good hockey team and I don’t think they had won in seven or eight games,” said Viper head coach/GM Mark Ferner. “We’ve done some good things in our last seven games. Our powerplay went 8-for-31 and we gave up one goal on 19 penalty kills.”

The coaching staff has asked the Vipers to find a higher level for the remaining 10 regular-season games. After playing Prince George, Vernon gets a five-day break before visiting the last-place Merritt Centennials Tuesday night at Nicola Valley Arena.

“We gotta worry about how we play and not who we play,” said Ferner. They’re (Spruce Kings) gonna come out hard and I respect that. We have to focus on our job.”

The Vipers left injured forwards Hunter Zandee and Riley Brandt and goalie Brendan Barry at home. The Vipers, at press time Tuesday afternoon, had not found a back-up for Andrew Shortridge.

Ross Heidt pulled the hat trick as the Silverbacks won in front of a raucus crowd of 1,688 fans at the Shaw Centre on Hockey Day in Salmon Arm. The Vipers clipped the Silverbacks 3-2 Friday night at Kal Tire Place.

“Despite the result on Friday night, I think the boys response on Saturday was great,” said Silverbacks head coach Brandon West. “Our depth was really hard to handle and we wore them down.

“We took our chances well, we made the most of the opportunities we had, as opposed to Friday where we missed three empty nets and ran into a goalie (Shortridge) who played very well.”

Nick Hutchison, d-man Kodi Schwarz and Jared Turcotte also scored for the Gorillas, who outshot the Snakes 40-29. Colton McCarthy rang up his 18th goal of the season for Vernon.

The Vipers hold down the fourth and final playoff spot in the Interior Division, five points ahead of the Trail Smoke Eaters, who lost 4-3 to Penticton.

Chris Crowell's Jersey Retirement Ceremony-Tribute Video:

This is posted on the Hockeytube.net website:

Vernon Vipers Retire #18

Posted by HockeyTube on Jan 31st, 2016

The BCHL Vernon Vipers who have won a record 6-National Junior A Championships since 1990, retired only their second jersey in the team’s history. On January 29th, 2016 the Vipers raised former captain Chris Crowell’s #18 jersey to the rafters, honouring one of the fiercest players to ever wear a Viper’s uniform. During a time when fighting was a big part of the sport…Crowell was one of the toughest players Vernon fans have ever watched. In fact you can see his highlights video below,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TtMZUzT3Zc

The Williams Lake native played for Vernon for four years and was captain of the 2009 RBC champion team. He earned a scholarship that year and attended the University of Alaska Anchorage. The 27 year old now lives in Kamloops with his wife.

The only other player to have his Vipers jersey retired is #20 Rob Short.

Chris Crowell's Jersey Retirement Ceremony-Tribute Video,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hAyd_l7B7c

Former Viper Defenceman Bird Leaves Lakers:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Jason Bird has left Lake Superior State
University.

Bird was in his second season with the Lakers, never played a game this season before leaving the University. Bird played parts of two seasons in Vernon (2013-2014) was released by the Coquitlam Express before signing with the Vipers on January 10th 2013. Bird played in 49 games over parts of two seasons with the Vipers collecting (8-goals-21-assists-29-points) before being traded along with future considerations to Merritt on January 3rd 2014 for Dylan Chanter.

Jason Bird's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=62736

This is posted on the USCHO website:

Lake Superior State sophomore blueliner Bird leaves team

USCHO Staff Report •  Nov. 12, 2015

Lake Superior State announced Wednesday that sophomore defenseman Jason Bird has left the team.

Bird appeared in 23 games as a freshman and tallied a goal and four assists.

He has not played yet this season for the Lakers.

“We would like to thank Jason for the commitment and service he put into the program,” said LSSU coach Damon Whitten in a statement. “We wish him the best of luck in all of his future endeavors.”

Condors Sign Ex Viper Forward Kellen Jones:

The  American Hockey League (AHL) Bakersfield Condors have signed former Vernon Vipers forward Kellen Jones to a Professional Try-Out Contract (PTO).

Just days after signing with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Missouri Mavericks (September 24th 2015) Kellen Jones landed a try out with the American Hockey League (AHL) Bridgeport Sound Tigers (September 30th 2015) but was later released- ent back down to the Mavericks. In 16 games this season with the Mavericks Kellen has (4-goals-13-assists-17-points) & in 12 games with the Condors Jones has (1-goal-2-assists-3-points).

Kellen & his twin brother Connor played their first pro-season last year with two different teams in two different leagues. Connor & Kellen started last season with the American Hockey League (AHL) Oklahoma City Barons also spent time with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Bakersfield Condors. The Condors moved to the AHL for the 2015-16 season. In 41 games last season with the Barons Connor collected (4-goals-6-assists-10-points) and in 27 games with the Condors picked up (10-goals-16-assists-26-points). In 48 games with the Barons Kellen collected (5-goals-9-assists-14-points) and in 27 games with the Condors recorded (7-goals-18-assists-25-points). After four years at Quinnipiac University, the Jones Twins signed their first pro contract with the Barons on April 3rd 2014. The Barons assigned Connor & Kellen to Bakersfield after Training camp last year before the pair went back and fourth between the ECHL & AHL. Connor & Kellen both played four years in Vernon (2006-2010). 

Kellen played in 154 regular season games with the Vipers collecting (39-goals-134-assists-173-points). Kellen is also the all-time franchise assists leader (regular season & playoffs) with 150. Kellen was drafted in Round 7 of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft #202 overall by the Edmonton Oilers.

Kellen Jones Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=38013

This is posted on the Condors website:

Kellen Jones returns to Condorstown

November 23, 2015

in News & Releases by condors

CONDORSTOWN, Calif. – The Bakersfield Condors announced today that the team has signed C Kellen Jones to a Professional Try-Out Contract (PTO). A PTO is valid for up to 25 games.

JONES – stats (25 years old, 5-10, 185 lbs., Montrose, British Columbia) •Third on the Missouri Mavericks in scoring with 17 points (4g-13a) in 16 games

•Tied for 9th in the ECHL in points, 3rd in assists

•Was under AHL contract with the Oilers last season, and posted 5g-9a-14pts in 48 AHL games with Oklahoma City in 2014-15

•Posted 7g-18a-25pts in 27 games as a rookie with ECHL Bakersfield in 2014-15

Viper Alumni Juha Named Big Ten Third Star Of The Week:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Luke Juha was named Big Ten Third Star of the Week.

Juha is in his fourth year at Penn State University, played one season in Vernon (2011-12). Juha played in just ten games picking up two assists, due to two long term injuries that season. The Vipers acquired Juha from the OJHL Burlington Cougars on June 27th 2011 for future considerations.

Luke Juha's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=75054

This was posted on the Penn State website:

Juha Nabs Big Ten Third Star of the Week

Senior defenseman Luke Juha named Big Ten Third Star of the Week for four-point week at Three Rivers Classic

Jan. 5, 2016

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State men’s hockey senior defenseman Luke Juha (Mississauga, Ontario) was named the Big Ten’s Third Star of the Week on Tuesday morning by the conference office. Juha had a conference-leading four-point week at the Three Rivers Classic with a plus-4 rating to earn a spot on the All-Tournament Team.

Juha collected his first weekly honor of his career by notching back-to-back multi-point games for the first time in his career. His outstanding play at both ends of the ice allowed him to tally four points on a goal and three assists. Juha scored and had a helper in a loss to Robert Morris before adding two assists in a 5-1 win over Clarkson the following night.

Additionally, Juha had six blocks over the week and he currently leads the team (29) in the category. Juha is the most productive blueliner with 13 points on three goals and 10 assists, reaching double digits in the category for the first time in his career. Juha leads the team with a plus-15 rating and has yet to take a penalty this season.

Juha is the seventh different Nittany Lion to earn weekly plaudits from the Big Ten. Over the past two seasons, Penn State has received 17 weekly laurels, 10 of which came during 2014-15. This week’s other two stars are both goaltenders: Ohio State’s Christian Frey and Steve Racine of Michigan, first and second, respectively.

The Nittany Lions, who continue to be ranked in both national polls return to the ice on Friday to face Big Ten foe Minnesota inside Pegula Ice Arena. Game time is set for 6:30 p.m. with a national broadcast on Big Ten Network and streaming through BTN2Go. Saturday’s game will be played at 3 p.m. with video streaming through BTN Plus ($).

Both games will carry a radio broadcast on the Penn State Sports Network with live audio streaming through GoPSUnow and the Penn State Sports App.

Head coach Guy Gadowsky, who is one win shy of 225 for his collegiate career, will host his weekly radio show, The Penn State Coaches Show, on Tuesday night at 6 p.m. The show will originate from Lettermans Sports Grill on at 1031 East College Avenue in State College. That show will also air live on GoPSUnow and the Penn State Sports App as well as the opening 30 minutes on 1450 AM ESPN Radio in State College.

Penn State’s 2015-16 Big Ten Stars of the Week

 Oct. 13 – Curtis Loik (First)
 Oct. 20 – Alec Marsh (Second)
 Oct. 27 – Chase Berger (Third)
 Nov. 24 – Andrew Sturtz (Second)
 Dec. 1 – Eamon McAdam (First)
 Dec. 15 – Tommy Olczyk (Second)
 Jan. 5 – Luke Juha (Third)