Rockets Rule Out Ferner For Coaching Position:

This is posted in the Kelowna Daily Courier Newspaper:

Rockets' coaching search continues amid hires elsewhere

Kelowna had interest in Matvichuk, who took job in Prince George

Posted: Friday, June 3, 2016

Larry Fisher 

Richard Matvichuk was on Bruce Hamilton’s radar.
 
Jason McKee had also applied for the Kelowna Rockets’ coaching vacancy.

Both those guys landed jobs in the WHL’s B.C. Division this week, with Matvichuk hired by the Prince George Cougars and McKee getting the Vancouver Giants’ gig.

Hamilton, the Rockets’ president and general manager, is still searching for Brad Ralph’s replacement after Kelowna parted ways with its one-and-done bench boss on May 9 — 12 days after the Rockets were swept by the Seattle Thunderbirds in the Western Conference final.

Ralph was actually in the running for Vancouver’s job, with the Giants’ owners among those who have approached Hamilton for permission to speak with Ralph, who is still technically under contract to Kelowna.

“There’s been a couple teams contact me and ask, but I don’t know where it’s gone,” Hamilton said. “This is a young guy that I want back in the game . . . this just wasn’t the right spot right now.”

Hamilton had a productive week, returning from the Memorial Cup in Red Deer where he had duties as the WHL chairman of the board and spent his spare time researching the more than 70 candidates.

That long list now includes both of Kelowna’s current assistant coaches, Kris Mallette and Travis Crickard, neither of whom had initially applied. Mallette has another season remaining on his contract, as an assistant, while Crickard has yet to re-sign with the Rockets upon completing his two-year deal.

“I hope that he’ll stay. I think he’s waiting around to see what unfolds once we make our decisions,” Hamilton said of Crickard.

“We’ve got lots (of applicants), they have kept coming in,” Hamilton added. “I think we’ve got some good people, and now it’s time to start to dial in.”

The Rockets hope to have a head coach in place by the NHL draft — slated for June 24-25 in Buffalo — though Hamilton quipped: “If I find the guy I want next week, then we’ll get it done.”

Hamilton revealed that he does have a short list in mind.

“I think I’m down to four or five guys, and I’ll probably start to notify them that I want to meet,” he said. “I’m travelling lots the next couple weeks (for league meetings in Vancouver, then to Halifax and Toronto), so I’ll probably have guys meet me somewhere along the way.”

Matvichuk likely would have got an interview as well, with Hamilton clearly impressed by the former NHL defenceman who won a Stanley Cup with the Dallas Stars in 1999. Matvichuk made his off-season home in Kelowna for 12 years while playing, then worked four years as a firefighter at Big White ski resort before getting into coaching.

“I wouldn’t say I know him real well, but I know him, and he’s a guy that I probably would have considered bringing in,” Hamilton said of Matvichuk, who was recently named the East Coast Hockey League’s coach of the year after leading the Missouri Mavericks to a 52-win season (52-15-0-5). “I think he would have liked this spot, but I wasn’t prepared to move on that (hiring him) yet.”

The Cougars targeted Matvichuk and got their man, introducing him in Prince George on Thursday.

“He’s a great story in my mind because he’s gone back and paid his dues at the bottom end, right from minor hockey all the way up,” said a complimentary Hamilton. “I just like it when guys like him, who played in our league, go full circle and come back. I honestly think he’s going to be a good coach; I think that’s a great hire by P.G.

“I give Richard a lot of credit for going up there,” Hamilton continued. “That’s where he’s going to start and that’ll bode well for him in the future when teams are looking for guys at the pro level, that he wasn’t afraid to take that job. I think he took the first one he got.”

Not to worry Rockets fans, Hamilton assured that his short list has candidates with similar credentials and career accomplishments to Matvichuk.

“They have probably been coaching quite a bit longer than he has, and at a higher level,” said Hamilton, who wasn’t naming names or discussing rumoured applicants because most are still under contract with other teams.

As for the McKee hiring in Vancouver — or rather Langley, with the Giants relocating there for next season — that one came as no surprise to Hamilton.

“I was pretty sure that’s where he was going to land,” Hamilton said of the former Spruce Grove Saints coach and GM who won three AJHL titles in his six seasons at the helm of that program as the successor to Steve Hamilton (head coach of the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings). “Teams have been interested in (McKee) for a couple years, he’s had pretty good success, but I’m not necessarily interested in a Junior A guy.

“I’m just working away, taking my time to find what I want,” added Hamilton, who ruled out Rylan Ferster of the RBC Cup champion West Kelowna Warriors, as well as Fred Harbinson in Penticton and Mark Ferner in Vernon.

Former Vernon Lakers-Vipers Forward Whitecotton Leaves Dragons:

Former Vernon Lakers-Vipers forward Dustin Whitecotton has left the
Rouen Hockey Elite 76 also nicknamed the Rouen Dragonsto returned to Canada for personal reasons.

The Rouen Hockey Elite 76, nicknamed the Rouen Dragons, is a French ice hockey club playing in Ligue Magnus (highest level of the sport in France). Whitecotton is in his first year with the Dragons picked up (2-goals-3-assists-5-points) in ten games.

After four years at Miami University Whitecotton spent the next three seasons playing in three different leagues (AHL, ECHL & UHL) with four different teams (Mississippi, Grand Rapids, Missouri, Lowell), before spending the next twelve years playing overseas. Since 2003 Whitecotton has played in five different leagues (Germany 2, DEL, EIHL, Germany 3 & France) with six different teams (Blue Devils Weiden, SERC Wild Wings, Straubing Tigers, Belfast Giants, Deggendorfer SC & Rouen Hockey Elite 76).

Whitecotton is the youngest player ever to play for the Vernon Lakers & Vernon Vipers making the Lakers at the young age of 14. Whitecotton played three seasons in Vernon with the Vernon Lakers and Vernon Vipers from (1993-96). In 166 games with the Lakers and Vipers Whitecotton collected (52-goals-102-assists-164-points).

Dustin Whitecotton's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=15122

This is posted on the Dragons website:

Antonin Manavian AND DUSTIN Whitecotton LEAVE DRAGONS

December 3rd 2015

The Rouen Hockey Elite 76 regrets to announce the departure of Antonin Manavian and Dustin Whitecotton .

Antonin Manavian left to join the Hungarian club Székesfehérvár (EBEL), while Dustin Whitecotton wants to return to Canada with his family for personal reasons.

The club made ​​the choice to let his # 4 at his request, to try a new foreign adventure in the Austrian league.

Both players will therefore focus more yellow and black jersey today and will be replaced by 15 December (deadline for transfers).

Negotiations are already underway.  We will keep you informed of course.

Antonin Manavian : "This is a great opportunity for me to go in this championship I've changed three years ago I still had something to prove and there is also an opportunity for me.. show still more to eventually join others toughest championships.

This is not necessarily a championship noted that much Magnus League, but it is more homogeneous, where everyone can beat everyone.

It was not planned. This is an opportunity that happens to me and that is hard to refuse. I had always said that if an opportunity presented itself like that, I would discuss with the club.

That's what I did with Guy Fournier (general manager of the club). He understood my decision. He told me that the club never retain a player against his will, so he accepted my departure. We left on good terms. And I'm already gone and income, then you never know.

I particularly want to thank the club and the fans. It's never easy to thank everyone, but everyone has been very nice to me.

Continue to support your team as you do. This year, Rouen has a really great team. Encourage them to the end, because in my opinion, the team will go far this season. "

The RHE 76 also like to especially thank Dustin Whitecotton and highlight its "class" for agreeing to continue playing until next Tuesday, the time to find a replacement.

It is a hard worker who loved and had conquered the organization and the coaches.

We wish him good luck and a safe return to Canada.

Vipers Win Food Challenge:

This is posted on the BCHL & Vipers website:

Vipers win food challenge

June 1, 2016

The results have been tallied up – and a winning team has been determined – for the 2015-16 BCHL Five Hole for Food (FHFF) Challenge presented by First West Credit Union.

The Vernon Vipers gathered 6,877 pounds of food on their FHFF night Nov. 28 to claim top spot.
Altogether, the BCHL established a new record with 40,436 pounds of food raised for local food banks around B.C. and in Washington State. The league’s total has gone up each season since the campaign started in 2013-14.

“Once again, all our teams got behind this initiative and made it a huge success,” said BCHL communications director Brent Mutis. “To be able to make a difference in so many communities throughout the year is important and again shows what an impact our teams have off the ice.”

The BCHL got a boost with the addition of the Wenatchee Wild this season but even without their contribution of 1,800 pounds, the league still would have topped last year’s total of just under 37,000 pounds.

In the three years the campaign has run, the BCHL has gathered over 110,000 pounds of food.

“Congratulations to the Vernon Vipers and all of our BCHL team partners,” said Susan Byrom, senior manager, community investment with First West Credit Union. “Our organization is passionate about collecting food and raising funds to support local food banks; we are absolutely thrilled that the communities we serve will be positively impacted as a result of the success of FHFF.”

FHFF is a national non-profit organization run by volunteers. Over the last six years, FHFF has raised well over a million pounds for Canadian food banks.

About First West Credit Union

First West Credit Union offers members the financial strength, comprehensive product selection and extended branch network of a large financial institution while maintaining local brand identities and a unique grassroots approach to service. Led by Launi Skinner, First West is British Columbia’s third-largest credit union with nearly $10 billion in assets, more than 240,000 members and more than 1,700 employees. It operates 54 branches throughout the province under the Envision Financial, Valley First, Enderby & District Financial and Island Savings divisions. Visit firstwestcu.ca for more information on First West Credit Union.

HC Thurgau Sign Viper Alumni Scofield:

HC Thurgau have signed former Vernon Vipers forward Tyler Scofield.

HC Thurgau is a Swiss professional ice hockey club based in Weinfelden, Switzerland, that was founded in 1989.

Scofield will be joining his third team this season, started the season with the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga (EBEL) HC Tiroler Wasserkraft Innsbruck Sharks after signing with the Sharks May 4th 2015. The Sharks are an Austrian professional ice hockey team that currently plays in the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga hockey league (EBEL).  Scofield left Austria in January signing with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Rapid City Rush January 10th 2016. Scofield left the Rush after playing in just six games, to return to Europe, for an opportunity to play in Switzerland. In 11 games with the Sharks Scofield collected five assists, while picking up  (2-goals-3-assists-5-points) in six games with Rapid City.

After four seasons at Bemidji State University Scofield has spent the past seven seasons playing in Austria, Czech Republic, Germany & the US playing with eight different teams (HC Plzen, Klagenfurter AC, Graz 99ers, Ontario Reign, Grizzly Adams Wolfsburg, HC Innsbruck & Rapid City Rush) from 2009-2016.

Scofield played parts of two seasons in Vernon (2000-2002) before being traded to Prince George during the 2001-2002 season. The Vipers sent Scofield and Mark Nelson to the Spruce Kings in return for Rod Pelly, Dan Rossi & Josh Ciocco. In 79 games with the Vipers Scofield collected (21-goals-19-assists-40-points).

Tyler Scofield's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=34054

This is posted on the Thurgau website:

Tyler Scofield substitutes for Evan McGrath!

January 26th 2016

Hockey Thurgau obliges after the injury-conditioned failure of Evan McGrath with Tyler Scofield the third foreigner. The 31-year-old wing player is equipped with a contract till the seasonal end.

Tyler Scofield substitutes for Evan McGrath!

Hockey Thurgau obliges after the injury-conditioned failure of Evan McGrath with Tyler Scofield the third foreigner. The 31-year-old wing player is equipped with a contract till the seasonal end.

The substitute with Evan McGrath is found. From the North American ECHL Tyler Scofield bumps to the Leuen – a player who could collect a lot of experience above all in North America and Austria.

The 1.83 meter and 85 kilogram wing player began the running season near Innsbruck HC in the uppermost Austrian play class and played in the seasonal preparation already once against hockey Thurgau. Then in January Tyler Scofield changed Too rapidly city Crush in the ECHL. In 6 plays overseas he been able to draw the attention with 5 Skorerpunkten positively to himself.

Tyler Scofield will arrive on Wednesday at Weinfelden and train on Thursday the first time with his new team colleagues. Scofield might give his first appearance in the Leuen dress on Saturday in La Chaux de fund. Condition for the fact is that the international transfer and the working approval arrive for Scofield on time.

Hockey Thurgau greets Tyler Scofield warmly.

Pericos Sign Ex Vernon Viper Morgan:

The Puebla Pericos have signed former Vernon Vipers defenceman-former major leaguer Nyjer Morgan.

The Puebla Pericos (English: Puebla Parakeets) are a baseball team that has been a member of the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol since 2000. They have existed on and off since 1942 in various other leagues. They are one of the many clubs that have represented the state of Puebla since 1924.

Morgan a baseball free agent played last season with the South Korean Hanwha Eagles. Morgan signed with the Eagles on December 12th 2014 was kicked out of the Eagles preseason baseball camp in February 2015 before returning to the ball club on a later date. Morgan was released after playing in just ten games. 

Morgan was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 33rd round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft. On September 1st 2007 Morgan made his major league debut for the Pirates against the Milwaukee Brewers as a late-season call-up. On June 30 2009 Morgan was traded to the Washington Nationals along with pitcher Sean Burnett in exchange for outfielder Lastings Milledge and pitcher Joel Hanrahan. On March 27 2011 Morgan was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for prospect Cutter Dykstra (son of baseball player Lenny Dykstra). After playing for three MLB teams, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and Washington Morgan elected free agency played the 2013 season in Japan with the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Yokohama DeNa BayStars. Morgan would return to the Majors in 2014 where he played with the Cleveland Indians.  After just playing in 15 games spending most of his time with the Tribe on the DL Morgan was released on August 5th 2014 
before heading to South Korea last season.

Morgan attended the Vernon Vipers Training camp in 1996-97. Morgan played as an affiliated player "AP" as a 16 year old with the Vipers during the (1996-1997) season while playing with the KIJHL North Okanagan Kings.

Nyjer Morgan's Player Profile:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/morgany01.shtml

This is posted on the Mexico Baseball Blog:

EX-MLBer NYJER MORGAN SIGNS WITH PERICOS

Friday, December 18, 2015

From its 1531 founding by Spaniards through centuries as the scene of some of Mexico's most important historic moments (including the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, in which Mexican forced defeated French invaders in an event celebrated today as Cinco de Mayo), Puebla is known as a dignified, cultured and relatively quiet colonial city of 2.5 million residents.

Enter Nyjer Morgan.

The volatile ex-Major Leaguer has signed a deal to play for the Puebla Pericos in 2016.  Morgan had an abbreviated stay last summer with the Korea Baseball Organization's Hanwha Eagles, for whom he batted .273 in ten games.  The 2014 season was also a relatively inactive one for the San Francisco-born outfielder, who batted .341 over 15 games for the Cleveland Indians but posted just .200 in as many games for the Tribe's AAA Columbus affiliate.  He spent the entire 2013 campaign in Japan, where he hit .294 with 11 homers for the Pacific League's Yokohama BayStars.

It's been a tough few seasons for the 34-year-old, who attended high school in Canada before being picked by Pittsburgh out of Walla Walla (WA) Community College in the 33rd round of the 2002 draft.  Morgan toiled five seasons in the Pirates system before hitting .299 for Pittsburgh in a late-season call-up in 2007. He split the following year between AAA and MLB, but 2009 was his breakout year.  Despite a June trade that sent him to Washington, Morgan hit .307 for the year (.351 for the Nats) to finish tenth in the National League while his 42 stolen bases ranked second in the senior circuit. His performance dipped in 2010, however, and he was dealt again prior to the 2011 campaign, this time to Milwaukee.  As with Washington, Morgan got off to a strong start with the Brewers, batting .304 his first season, but his average fell to .239 in 2012 and he was granted free agency following the season after he refused to be assigned to the Brewers' AAA Nashville affiliate, leading to his journey to Japan.

Along the way, Morgan built a reputation both as a centerfielder whose speed allowed him to cover a lot of ground while being a threat on the basepaths and as a temperamental player capable of sometimes-entertaining outbursts in the middle of a game.  He once threw his glove and walked away after he thought he'd deflected a fly ball from Baltimore's Adam Jones over the fence for a home run when, in fact, he'd knocked the ball back onto the playing field and Jones ended up cruising around the bags for an inside-the-park home run.  Morgan also once threw a ball at a fan in Philadelphia, received a suspension after precipitating a brawl by charging the mound after two beanballs innings after slamming into a Marlins catcher and separating his shoulder, and he was criticized after shouting two obscenities picked up by TV microphones after the Brewers won the 2011 NL Division Series.

A career .282 hitter who appeared in seven MLB seasons, Morgan was also a very talented hockey player as a teen, reaching the Major Junior Regina Pats before settling on baseball as a career choice.  He had a Twitter following of over 80,000 during his big league days, where he gave himself the nickname of "Tony Plush" as a sort of alter-ego.

Regardless of how Nyjer Morgan performs on the field in Mexico this summer, Pueblans in the stands at Estadio Hermanos Serdan will not be bored.

BCHL News & Trades:

I found these press releases off team websites, twitter accounts, blogs or online. All Vipers news-trades are posted on this blog as soon as released-announced.

BCHL News & Trades:

Vees Unveil Big Plans For Next Season:

The Penticton Vees Jr. ‘A’ Hockey Club held a press conference Tuesday unveiling plans for the upcoming 2016-17 season. The Vees will be hosting the 2017 Western Canada Cup (WCC) which runs April 29th-May 7th, 2017, and Tuesday the team announced early bird pricing for the event. For existing season ticket holders, early bird packages are available for just $129 and $149 for the general public. Season ticket holders can buy their WCC early bird packages at this discounted rate now. The general public can purchase their early bird WCC package staring July 1st through to December 31st. Director of Player Personnel & Corporate Sales David Michaud says they wanted to encompass all fans with their pricing, “As an organization we work very hard to make our hockey as affordable as possible.  We are thrilled that we are able to offer ticket packages that are far and away the most affordable in the history of the event.  The entire week promises to be a treat for our fans both on the ice, and off.” The team also announced plans for a “Ring of Honour” that will be launched at the WCC next year, and Michaud says fans will be thrilled with the first group of honourees, “We wanted a legacy piece around the WCC and by creating the “Ring of Honour” inside the SOEC, it will provide a special reminder of all the great players, and builders who came before us.  We can’t wait to unveil the newest members during the WCC week, the fans will be so thrilled with whose coming back to celebrate with us.” More exciting news for Vees’ fans is the fact the team is freezing season ticket and playoff pricing for the 2016-17 season. Season tickets and playoff tickets will be priced the same as they were in the 2015-16 season. Season tickets are based on three pricing levels, starting at $169.  Playoff packages are $168 for adults and $140 for seniors, a savings of $4 per game over walk-up pricing. Season tickets are on sale now for season ticket holders. Deadline for season ticket holders to guarantee their seat for next season is Friday, April 22nd. Season tickets go on-sale to the general public on Monday, May 9th. President, General Manager and Head Coach Fred Harbinson also announced a restructuring of the Hockey Operations department. Steve Cawley has moved from his role as Assistant General Manager and Assistant Coach, and now will involve with the team’s Scouting department. Harbinson says Cawley was instrumental in the programs’ success, “Steve has been a part of this organization for the past six years and was big piece in what we’ve built here; his passion for the team was infectious. He’s not only a tremendous coach but a great friend and will always be a part of this team.” Cawley spent the last six seasons with the organization, helping guide the team to two Fred Page Cup championships, Doyle Cup championship, Western Canada Cup championship and the 2012 RBC Cup national championship.

West Leaves Wild For Sports Talk Radio:

My Family and I are so excited for Don as he begins this new chapter of his professional life. I have made a new lifelong friend and have also had the unique opportunity to work with someone who always makes me smile. The world needs more laughter, and Don has never let me down in that area. I will miss him terribly, but couldn’t be more excited as he moves onto to something I know he was custom made for! He still will be the biggest wild fan there is, and we look forward to working together promoting the teams in the future! We did try and get a statement from Walt…but as usual, he has no comment. Wild Fans, we have diligently been on the search for someone to lead our marketing efforts, rest assured we will have an announcement soon.

-David White

TO THE GREAT FANS OF THE WENATCHEE WILD.... These last four years working for the Wenatchee Wild have truly been incredible and life changing for my wife Terri and myself. The Wenatchee Valley has become our home and we have never been happier. There are so many people that I need to thank for making this such a special time in my life. I want to thank the greatest Owners in the world David and Lisa White for giving me this opportunity. They truly are the nicest people you will ever know and I love them dearly. Special thanks To Head Coach and General Manager Bliss Littler for your friendship and helping me become a better person. I have learned so much just from being around you every day. Thank you Dave Rayfield for being my partner in crime in the office and all the things you do. You are a great friend and one of the hardest workers I know. Thank you Coach Clark, Coach Rudrud, Coach McKelvie, Coach Obermeyer, Pepe, JT, Evelyn, Jeri and all those that I have worked with in the Office these last four years. Thank you Steve Jackson, Uncle Ernie, Ken Dale, Randy Dawson, John Meissner and all those who work so hard to put on the Show every game. Thank you to Mark Miller, Chris Berg and all the staff at the Town Toyota Center and the incredible support you give to the Wild. Thank you to all the Sponsors for your support and friendships and for making this all possible. And now to the greatest fans in the world. Thank you for all your support as you make the Town Toyota Center the best Arena in all of Junior Hockey. Terri and I have made so many lifelong friends because of the Wenatchee Wild. I have an opportunity to pursue a career that has always been my dream and passion. I will be hosting a Daily Sports Talk show with Cherry Creek Radio and am so excited about my future here in Wenatchee. I will always be the biggest Wild fan and will promote and support them tremendously in my new position. Thank you for letting Terri and I be a part of your lives. And lest I forget Thank you Walt as you truly are the greatest mascot in the world. GO WILD!!!

Merritt-Alberni Valley Trade:

The Merritt Centennials have completed their trade with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, as the Bulldogs send 1998-born defenceman Marshall Skapski to the Centennials. Picking up Marshall Skapski completes the trade that began on December 1st 2015, when Ryan Finnegan was sent to the Bulldogs for future considerations. The Abbotsford-born Skapski spent all of his first season in the BCHL with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. Skapski had one goal and five helpers for six points in 47 regular season games, along with 40 PIMs. During their playoff series Skapski had one assist and two PIMs in five games. “We’re happy to include Marshall into our veteran defensive group. Marshall’s a great player, we were happy with what we saw playing against him this year. We think he’s going to fit into our defensive core just fine.” -Head Coach Joe Martin.

Coblenz Commits To Powell River:

The Powell River Kings are excited to announce the signing of Josh Coblenz (98) from the VIJHL Campbell River Storm. While with the Storm, Josh played in 42 games, contributing 24 goals, and chipped in with 23 assists in his rookie campaign. He continued that success into the VIJHL playoffs, leading his team in scoring with 17 points in 16 games. “I had the chance to watch Josh play in the playoffs on the island, and he he was dynamic” said Kent Lewis, Kings Head Coach and General Manager, “and we are excited to add Josh to our lineup for this season.” The tenacious forward should be familiar to Kings Fans, as he suited up in five games as an alternate player this past season scoring a goal and adding an assist. “In his 5 games with us, he showed his potential and versatility playing the wall and down the middle. He brings us depth and energy to the lineup which will allow us to roll four lines” added Lewis. The Campbell River native will join fellow Campbell Riverite recruits, Andy Stevens and Gavin Rauser this upcoming season. “It was a familiar program for me, having affiliated and played in games this season. I felt it was a great fit systems wise and it truly is a first class organization” said the newest King. “With the returning players coming back and the coaching of Kent and his track record in the league, I felt the team is on the verge of winning a championship and that is intriguing” added Coblenz. Josh will join his new teammates in August when the Kings open up training camp. Be sure to check back throughout the offseason for news as it happens, or on Facebook or twitter @BCHLKings.

Spruce Kings Name Howse New Assistant Coach:

The Prince George Spruce Kings are very excited to announce the hiring of Ryan Howse as an Assistant Coach.  Ryan will join Head Coach Chad van Diemen and Associate Coach Adam Maglio on the coaching staff. Ryan is from Prince George and played his minor hockey locally before graduating to the Chilliwack Bruins of the Western Hockey League. During his very successful junior career Ryan was drafted in the third round, #74 overall in the 2009 NHL draft by the Calgary Flames. For the past few seasons Ryan has been coaching minor hockey including the past season where he led the Prince George Midget Tier 1 Cougars to a very successful season including 7 tournament wins, culminating with a win at the British Columbia Provincial Midget Tier 1 Championships. Ryan had also been a scout with the Spruce Kings for the past year. “I’m thrilled to be able to add a great young coach like Ryan to our coaching staff. He has a great mind for the game and has a lot to offer our players. He’s played the game and excelled at a high level and more recently has proven that he can coach at a high level and be successful. To add his energy and enthusiasm to our group will be nothing but beneficial for our organization moving forward” said Spruce Kings General Manager Mike Hawes. “It is an honour and privilege to be joining the Spruce Kings staff.  I am very excited for the opportunity to work and learn a long side Chad and Adam and to do my best to help the Spruce Kings organization be competitive and successful in the future. I would like to thank Mike Hawes and the rest of the Spruce Kings staff for this opportunity” said new Spruce Kings Assistant Coach Ryan Howse. “Ryan brings a lot of knowledge and playing experience to our hockey club.  He’s not far removed from playing the game and he has been very successful in his first couple years of coaching minor hockey.  He has a great relationship with his players and he brings a lot of energy and passion to the rink every day. We think he is ready to make the jump to junior and believe he will make an immediate connection with our players” said Spruce Kings Head Coach Chad van Diemen.

Demin Commits To Wild:

The Wenatchee Wild, proud members of the British Columbia Hockey League, have announced that Slava Demin from Cypress, CA, has signed with the team for the 2016-2017 BCHL season. Demin was selected by USA Hockey to participate in last month’s NTDP tryouts for the top forty eight 2000 birth year players in the country. This past season, he played defense for the Anaheim Ducks where he helped the team to a fifth place finish in the twenty six team Tier One Elite League. Demin finished the year with fifteen points in thirty two games for the Ducks. Demin a 6 foot 1 inch and 185 pounds is a big kid that is growing. ”I am excited to announce I will be playing for the Wenatchee Wild in the BCHL next season. A huge thanks to my family and friends for helping me along the way,” said Demin Tom Rudrud Wenatchee Wild Associate Head coach commented “Slava is a good sized defenseman with excellent vision. He makes the transition out of his own end zone exceptionally well. Slava is also a player that has the ability to create offense. “ Bliss Littler Wenatchee Wild GM/Head coach also added “We could not be more excited to get Slava committed to come to Wenatchee. Slava is a high end kid that has high NHL draft potential. The BCHL is an excellent league to develop his skills in” The Wenatchee Wild will report to main camp August 22, 2016 to start their 2nd season in the BCHL and begin their quest for the 2016-2017 Fred Page cup.

Alberni Valley-Steinbach Trade:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs send 20-year old forward Adam Donnelly to the Steinbach Pistons of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League for Future Considerations. This move is the first step of alleviating the log-jam of 20 year olds eligible to return next season. In 56 regular season games with the Bulldogs, Donnelly scored 7 goals and added 20 assists for 27 points, adding 73 PIMs. In 5 playoff games, Donnelly scored 1 goal.

Foley Commits To Eagles:

The Surrey Eagles are pleased to announce that 19-year-old Ryan Foley of Rosemount, Minnesota has committed to the team for the 2016-2017 season. He is the fourth player to commit to the Eagles already this offseason. Foley was a redshirt for the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (NCAA Division III) this past season. Previously, he was the captain for Rosemount High School in his senior year, where he finished as one of the school’s top ten all-time leading scorers. “I’m excited to be a part of a successful program next season,” Foley said in an interview with SurreyEagles.ca “The BCHL is full of top skilled players and is a fast paced game. I’m looking forward to playing junior hockey to show what I can really do.” The 6-foot-1, 175 pound Foley is known primarily as a speedy and skilled forward, who possesses the ability to break games open with his scoring touch. He has had experience playing in all types of situations throughout his career, and looks to be a player that Eagles’ head coach Blaine Neufeld will be able to trust in the upcoming season. “We are tremendously excited to bring Ryan into our organization,” Neufeld announced. “He was a top level player at the high school level in Minnesota, and after spending a year with the Wisconsin program, we are pleased to bring his experience and maturity to our group.” Foley’s main goal is to prove himself as a 19-year-old in the league, and has his sights set on a NCAA Division I scholarship. “While talking to Ryan, I got the sense that he is very motivated to get into a Division I program. That is exactly what our culture is going to be this year.” As the long summer approaches, Foley already intends on getting himself in shape and ready for the season ahead. “Surrey is in a good location, and seems like a great hockey town. I plan on coming in top shape, and I will be out there to win every game.”

Rawnsley Leaves Kings:

Powell River Kings play by play man Alex Rawnsley has informed the Powell River Kings that he does not intend to return as broadcaster for the 2016-17 season. Rawnsley started with the Kings in 2011 said he really battled for motivation with a lot of the "extra" stuff fans don't see and needs some time away from the rink.

Fahie Commits To Clippers:

The Nanaimo Clippers are very pleased to announce that Michael Fahie has committed to play for the Team for the 2016-2017 season. The 18 year old forward joins the Clippers after playing the past three seasons at the Noble and Greenough School in Dedham, Massachussetts. During the 2015-2016 season the 5’10” 160lb Pembroke Massachussetts native tallied 19 goals and 22 assists for 41 points in 26 games played. Michael is also committed to the NCAA Division 1 Brown University Bears in the ECAC league.

Gricius Commits To Wenatchee:

The Wenatchee Wild, proud members of the British Columbia Hockey League, have announced that Jake Gricius from Colorado Springs, CO, has signed with the Wild for the 2016-2017 season. Gricus, a 1999-born player, joins the Wild after a successful midget AAA career with one of the best programs in all of midget hockey in the Colorado Thunderbirds. In 28 games this year, he posted seven goals and 15 assists for 22 points in the Tier One Elite League. Tom Rudrud, Wenatchee Wild Associate Head coach had this to say about Gricius. “Jake’s a strong skating center iceman who will make plays. At 6’3 and 180lbs, Jake also brings some needed size and strength to the Wild. He will be an asset in our chase for the Fred Page Cup” Gricius, commented that “I am really excited and looking forward to a great year in Wenatchee and playing in the BCHL” Bliss Littler, Wenatchee Wild GM/Head coach had this to say about Gricius. “After watching Jake play in the National tournament I can see why our staff has been so excited about this young man all season. I feel Jake will develop into one of the better play making big men in the BCHL in time. Jake has been very well coached. He should be able to step in and make plays and compete right away.” The Wenatchee Wild will report to main camp August 22, 2016, to start their 2nd season in the BCHL and begin their quest for the 2016-2017 Fred Page cup.

Chevrolet Power Of Play With Former Vipers Defenceman Brownlee:

Rogers Sportsnet interview's Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Chad Brownlee back in late January.

Brownlee a current Country music star is a 2011 CCMA Rising Star award winner, also a recipient of his first JUNO Award nomination in February of 2013.  Brownlee played two years in Vernon (2001-03).  In 113 regular season games with the Vipers, Brownlee collected (14-goals-28-assists-42-points). 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

This was posted on the sportsnet.ca website:

CHEVROLET POWER OF PLAY: CHAD BROWNLEE

January 26, 2016

Motivation is everything for Chad Brownlee, a former Vancouver Canucks 6th round draft pick, who decided to trade in the stick for a guitar after only one season of pro.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/chevrolet-power-of-play-motivation-chad-brownlee/

Kal Tire Place Project Goes Before Residents:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Kal Tire Place project goes before residents

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

May 29, 2016

Greater Vernon residents can have a say on the community’s newest arena.

The City of Vernon and MQN Architects will hold several consultation sessions on expanding Kal Tire Place to include a second ice sheet.

“We will present the design to date and ask for input on that design,” said Doug Ross, the City of Vernon’s recreation manager.

The sessions will be 1 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Lakers Clubhouse, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the Coldstream Women’s Institute Hall and 1 to 2:30 p.m. Friday at the BX fire hall.

There will also be a session from 7 to 8:30 p.m. June 6 at the Kal Tire Place Grand Room

City staff and the architects are also meeting with user groups and other stakeholders.

Ross is urging Greater Vernon residents to become involved in the process.

“We want to get input from the public,” he said.

The tender for construction of the $13 million ice sheet could be issued early in 2017.

Former Vipers Pierce & Kisio Named Coaches For 2016 WHL U.S. Combine Camp:

The Western Hockey League (WHL) have named former Vernon Vipers forwards Luke Pierce & Brent Kisio two of four coaches for the 2016 WHL U.S. Combine Camp.

Pierce finished his first season with the Kootenay Ice, spent the previous six seasons as Head Coach-GM of the Merritt Centennials. Pierce was named BCHL Interior Conference Coach of the year in 2013 played his final year of Junior hockey in Vernon (2003-04) after being acquired from the Merritt Centennials for future considerations on June, 10th 2003. In 53 regular season games with the Vipers Pierce collected (7-goals-21-assists-28-points).

Luke Pierce's Player-Coaches Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=136883

Kisio finished his first season with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, was an Assistant Coach, Associate Coach & Assistant General Manager for the past eight seasons with the Western Hockey League Calgary Hitmen before being named the Hurricanes Head Coach June 4th 2015.  Kisio played one season in Vernon (2002-2003) after being acquired in August of 2002 from the AJHL Fort McMurray Oil Barons. In 59 regular season games with the Vipers Kisio collected (20-goals-46-assists-66-points).

Brent Kisio's Player-Coaches Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=78357

This is posted on the Ice website:

Rosters and Staff Named for 2016 WHL U.S. Combine Camp

April 12, 2016

Calgary, AB – The WHL announced today the rosters and staff for the 2016 WHL U.S. Combine Camp which will be held at the Anaheim Ice Facility in Anaheim, CA from April 15-17, 2016.

Powered by Under Armour, the combine marks the 11th consecutive year the WHL has hosted a camp focusing on U.S.-born prospects. The WHL U.S. Combine Camp in Anaheim will provide a unique opportunity for U.S.-born hockey players to participate with other top-ranked 2001-born players in an evaluation camp conducted by the WHL in the U.S. this season.

Four teams of U.S.-born WHL prospects will participate in a WHL Combine and team practice on Day 1 followed by a total of three games split between Days 2 and 3. All players will also have the opportunity to participate in a WHL Information Session and Under Armour Nutrition Seminar.

Luke Pierce (Head Coach, Kootenay ICE), Brent Kisio (Head Coach, Lethbridge Hurricanes), Mike Williamson (Head Coach, Tri-City Americans) and Bob Woods (Head Coach/General Manager, Saskatoon Blades) will run the benches for the Combine Camp’s four teams.

Pierce recently completed his first season as head coach of the Kootenay ICE after serving as General Manager and Head Coach of the Merritt Centennials in the BCHL. Kisio recently completed his first season as head coach of the Lethbridge Hurricanes after serving as an assistant coach for eight season with the Calgary Hitmen. Williamson recently completed his second season as Head Coach of the Americans, but has been a head or assistant coach in the WHL for each of the past 20 years and has earned both a MasterCard Memorial Cup and WHL Championship along the way. Woods capped off his second season at the helm of the Blades this year after he spent the previous five years as an assistant coach with the NHL’s Washington Capitals and Anaheim Ducks.

Jamie LeBlanc (Swift Current Broncos) and Colin Robinson (Kamloops Blazers) will attend the camp to provide equipment and athletic therapy services throughout while WHL Officials Bryan Bourdon and Ross Welner will also officiate the event to WHL standards.

The WHL represents the highest level of amateur hockey for junior-aged players in Canada and is a leading supplier of player talent to the National Hockey League and Canadian university hockey. Virtually all of the WHL’s 22 Member Clubs will be in attendance to evaluate players’ ability to play at the WHL level. The WHL U.S. Combine Camp also features an information session where players and their families will learn about the benefits of playing in the WHL and details on the WHL Scholarship program.

The WHL U.S. Combine Camp is open only to U.S. residents born in 2001, who live in the Western United States (including Alaska). Of the over 50 U.S.-born players currently on WHL rosters, the majority attended a WHL U.S. Prospects Camp in previous years. Former Medicine Hat Tiger and current Vancouver Canucks forward Emerson Etem took part at the WHL U.S. Combine Camp.

Players in attendance at the Camp will also be able to access results from the combine portion of the event through a database and compare their results with players in their age group as well as those currently playing at the WHL level. The testing will be conducted by Toronto-based Sport Testing Inc., a world leader in athlete testing systems.

For further questions about the 2016 WHL U.S. Combine Camp, please contact Kirt Hill, WHL Senior Manager, Player Development at hillk@whl.ca. For more information on playing in the WHL, please visit www.whl.ca/prospects.

Former Vipers Associate Coach Mallette Interested In Rockets Job:

Former Vernon Vipers Associate Coach Kris Mallette is interested in the Kelowna Rockets coaching position.

Mallette a Rocket Alumni & current Rockets Assistant Coach was an Associate Coach with the Vipers one season (2013-14) before leaving the Vipers for the Rockets on July 4th 2014. Mallette was selected 62nd overall in Round 3 at the 1997 NHL Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers played ten years in the Minor Pros with Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Asheville, Elmira, Colorado, Youngstown, Laredo and Flint before starting his coaching career.

Kris Mallette's Players-Coaches Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=19340

This is posted on Regan Bartels Kelowna Rockets Blog:

Mallette interested in vacant coaching position

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Kris Mallette believes he is ready to be a head coach in the Western Hockey League.

The assistant coach of the Kelowna Rockets admits he would be thrilled to take over the vacant head coaching duties with the team if given the opportunity.

Mallette is a strong candidate, considering he understood the expectations of the organization as a player and now as a coach.

"I think I have paid my dues. I did work my way up through minor hockey, junior 'B', Junior 'A' and now the WHL. You are coaching junior players. The message is the same. The X's and O's haven't changed. We are not trying to reinvent the wheel here".  

Mallette played two seasons with the Rockets in the late 90's before being traded to the Moose Jaw Warriors to close out his junior career.

"This will be my eighth year coaching junior hockey players. You pick up good, bad, new things and old things. The biggest thing, the year we went to the Memorial Cup, I say it was three seasons in one. The expectations of winning were there and so that's where I think I grew most as a coach", Mallette added.
           
General Manager Bruce Hamilton has encouraged both Mallette and assistant coach Travis Crickard to apply for the job, which came open this week when the team parted ways with Brad Ralph.

"I have had success over the years to be able to have guys that want to play for me just because of the relationships I have built with the guys off the ice and that they are not just hockey players and I treat them like a person".
  
A successor is expected to be named by the end of June.

This is posted in the Kelowna Daily Courier Newspaper:

Rockets no closer to naming new coach

Kelowna GM in Red Deer for Memorial Cup, plans to start interviews in June

Posted: Friday, May 20, 2016

Larry Fisher

The Kelowna Rockets’ coaching search is ongoing. Slow and steady thus far.
 
As of Friday afternoon, more than 70 applicants had expressed interest, with at least a couple of them jumping out as possible fits for Rockets general manager Bruce Hamilton. But he plans to do due diligence upon returning home from the Memorial Cup in Red Deer — where Hamilton is busy with his WHL chairman duties — and a hiring announcement isn’t expected until sometime in June.

“To be honest, I’m not any closer (to naming a new coach),” Hamilton said. “I’m filing them all and I’ll take some time probably next week to go through some things. It’s a research project now . . . and then the personal interviews will probably be what settles it.

“There’s a couple guys that I’m very interested in right off the hop,” he added, without name-dropping any candidates. “I take everything in confidence because the majority of them have jobs right now. Out of respect to them, I don’t (discuss individuals).”

The Rockets are searching for their fourth bench boss in as many seasons after parting ways with Brad Ralph on May 9. Ralph wasn’t hired until August last year and his tenure was short-lived for a variety of reasons.

Ralph had no prior experience coaching junior — he came from Idaho and the East Coast Hockey League — but that isn’t deterring Hamilton from potentially hiring out of the professional ranks again.

“No, it doesn’t really matter to me,” Hamilton said. “They’re coming in from all over the place, and a lot of guys that applied last year.”

Hamilton is casting a wide net, noting that he has business in Toronto next month and could end up meeting with candidates from Eastern Canada or the Northeastern United States. Others will be brought into Kelowna for face-to-face interviews as well.

Worth noting, neither of the Rockets’ current assistants — Kris Mallette nor Travis Crickard — have applied for the vacant position. Crickard’s contract is up for renewal and Hamilton hopes to retain both on next season’s staff regardless of who takes the head-coaching reins.

“They may (still apply), but my meeting with Travis was excellent — he has a full understanding of what I’m thinking about,” Hamilton said. “I think he did a wonderful job with the goalies and I thought Kris did a pretty good job with the defence. To be fair, I think they need some more time, some more mentorship.”

In saying that, Mallette and Crickard would be an invaluable resource to somebody hired from outside the organization. Hamilton hasn’t finalized any decisions but doesn’t anticipate the new coach would demand the opportunity to handpick his assistants.

“If I’m bringing a guy back from pro to here, he needs somebody who’s been here that can totally understand how it works here,” Hamilton said. “It’s such a dramatic change from what you’re doing up above. In pro, you’re not in charge of (the players) once they leave the rink. Here, once mom and dad drop them off, we’re in charge of looking after them 24 hours a day.”

Clearly, Hamilton is in no rush to find the right coach.

Asked if he planned to conduct any interviews in Red Deer, Hamilton said no — at least not formal ones.

“There will be guys that will approach me, that’s going to happen,” he said.

Hamilton doesn’t plan to expedite the process given the Vancouver Giants’ recent hiring of Glen Hanlon as general manager — they still need a head coach too — or Mike Johnston’s return to Portland in a dual role.

Prince George is also in the market for a coach, but Hamilton believes time is on his side through the month of June. He’d like to make a hire prior to the NHL draft, which begins June 24 in Buffalo, N.Y.

“I don’t think I’m going to lose anybody to other teams necessarily,” Hamilton said. “I think most of the guys probably see our (job) as a pretty good landing spot, so they’re going to wait and see what we do probably.”

Ex Vipers Head Coach Holick Shortlisted For Vancouver Giants Job:

It sounds like the Western Hockey League Vancouver
Giants and former Vernon Vipers Head Coach-GM Mark Holick are talking.

The Giants are currently looking for a new head coach, while Holick is currently looking for work after mutually parting ways with the Prince George Cougars April 12th 2016.

Holick spent the past three seasons in Prince George, received a two-year extension (July, 16 2014).

Holick was Head Coach-GM of the Vipers for one season (2006-07) before leaving for the WHL Kootenay Ice.  Holick left the Vipers for the Ice a week before the Vipers Training Camp during the 2007-08 season. Holick posted a record of (37 wins-19 losses-1 tie-3 overtime losses) guided the Vipers to the BCHL League finals where Vernon fell in six games to the Nanaimo Clippers. 

Mark Holick's Player-Coaching Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=2331

This was in the Vancouver Province Newspaper:

Where do the Vancouver Giants go from here? Owner Ron Toigo hopes to have staff in place by end of month

May 11, 2016

Posted by: Steve Ewen

Former Prince George Cougars bench boss Mark Holick is one of several names who has been linked to the Vancouver Giants' vacant coaching spot.

The Vancouver Giants wanted to hire Marc Crawford. The Ottawa Senators beat them to it.

The Giants, who are looking for both a GM and a coach, coveted Mike Johnston for the combo job. He opted to return to his last WHL team, the Portland Winterhawks, instead in that dual role.

So where do the Giants go from here?

Vancouver owner Ron Toigo said Wednesday that he still plans to have someone in place by the end of the month. Ideally, he’d like to have two people for the two spots, but he reiterated that wasn’t a deal breaker for him.

Names that have been linked to the Giants over this process include former Canucks goalie and onetime Giants assistant Glen Hanlon, former Prince George Cougars coach Mark Holick, former Everett Silvertips general manager Doug Soetaert, former Winterhawks GM and coach Jamie Kompon and longtime Alberta Junior A Spruce Grove Saints coach Jason McKee.

Toigo says that he believes that the Giants had a legit shot at Johnston, who loved living in the area when he was an assistant to Crawford with the Canucks. Toigo realized how loyal Johnston was to Portland, where he coached before taking the Pittsburgh Penguins’ job two summers ago, and wonders if Kompon had stuck it out there whether Johnston might have signed on with the Giants instead.

Complicating matters for Vancouver is the fact that the Cougars and the Kelowna Rockets are also on the hunt for coaches.

Hanlon was a name that seemed to come up early on, but it’s not been nearly as prevalent on the rumour mill of late. Holick, in particular, seems to getting traction when it comes to scuttlebutt about possible coaches. McKee has been mentioned for previous openings with Vancouver, in large part because he was a favourite of outgoing GM Scott Bonner.

Bonner, the only GM the team has ever known, resigned on Dec. 8. He agreed to stay on until last week. He handled the Jan. 10 trade deadline, and he helped scout for last week’s WHL bantam draft, but didn’t stand in with the actual selection process. He believed it was a conflict of interest, since he’s now working for Edmonton-based agent Gerry Johannson, and Johannson represented players in the draft.

Vancouver is looking for a coach to replace Lorne Molleken, who was fired with two games to go in the regular season. Molleken was hired last summer, replacing Claude Noel, who had replaced Troy Ward 25 games into the 2014-15 season. Ward was hired two summers ago, succeeding Don Hay, who had been at the helm for 10 years.

Doing the math, guys like Thomas Foster, Alec Baer, Ty Ronning and Tyler Benson are coming up on their fifth head coach.

For those scoring at home, Ward was hired by the Giants on July 17, 2014, and the Molleken was hired on June 30, 2015. Getting people in place by the end of the month would be a step forward this time.

This is posted on The Coaches Site website:

May 24th 2016

The Prince George Cougars are looking for a head coach after parting company with Mark Holick, who had been there since Jan. 23, 2013.

Holick now is believed to be on a four-man shortlist compiled by the Vancouver Giants as they look to replace Lorne Molleken, who was fired with two games left in the regular season. It also is believed that Holick has at least two European options on his plate.

The Giants might name a head coach at some point this week.

Wolves Sign Ex Vipers Goaltender Musico:

The American Hockey League (AHL) Chicago Wolves have signed
former Vernon Vipers goaltender PJ Musico.

After playing four years of University at Penn State Musico signed his first professional contract with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Greenville Swamp Rabbits October 13th 2015 before being traded February 9th 2015 to the ECHL Quad City Mallards.

Musico attended the Vernon Vipers 2008 Training Camp before being released.

PJ Musico's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=59168

This is posted on the Wolves website:

NILSSON AND MUSICO JOIN WOLVES

 February 27, 2016

The Chicago Wolves announced Saturday that goaltenders Anders Nilsson and P.J. Musico have been added to the roster prior to the team’s Amtrak Rivalry game versus the Milwaukee Admirals at Allstate Arena. Nilsson has been loaned by St. Louis (NHL) while Musico has signed a professional tryout contract (PTO).

Nilsson joins the Wolves after a trade Saturday between Edmonton (NHL) and St. Louis. The 25-year-old from Lulea, Sweden, has spent most of this season with Edmonton, where he posted a 10-12-2 record, 3.14 goals-against average and .901 save percentage. He also appeared in 2 games for Bakersfield (AHL).

Musico comes to the Wolves from Quad City (ECHL). The 25-year-old from Orange, California, is in his first year as a professional and posted a 7-3-1 record with a 2.35 goals-against average and .925 save percentage for Greenville (ECHL) before being acquired by Quad City on Feb. 9.

They join the team in the wake of goaltender Niklas Lundstrom being recalled from loan by St. Louis (NHL). Lundstrom, 23, appeared in 4 games for the Wolves and posted a 1-1-0 record with a 2.75 GAA and .901 save percentage. The Varmdo, Sweden, native was sent to Edmonton as part of the Nilsson trade.

Mavericks Sign Viper Alumni Nowick:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Missouri Mavericks have signed former Vernon Vipers forward Darren Nowick.

Nowick finished his fourth and final year at Northern Michigan University after spending two years in Vernon (2010-2012) played in 109 games with the Vipers collected (36-goals-50-assists-86-points).

Darren Nowick's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=93823

This is posted on the Mavericks website:

JOSH ROBINSON RETURNS TO MAVERICKS

03/16/2016

JOSH ROBINSON RETURNS TO MAVERICKS ROSTER

Missouri Adds Amateur Darren Nowick

INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI (March 16, 2016)— The Missouri Mavericks announced Wednesday afternoon that Josh Robinson has been returned on loan from the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League.

Robinson, 26, was signed to a professional tryout with the Falcons on Feb. 17, 2016, and appeared in 3 games with the AHL team before his return to the Missouri Mavericks.  The Frankenmuth, MI native actively maintains the longest ECHL goaltender win streak record with 21 straight wins for the Mavs this season.  Robinson is currently ranked 2nd in the league amongst top net-minders with an overall record of 25-0-0-1, a 1.85 goals-against average (GAA), and a .928 save percentage (SV%).

The Mavericks also announced on Wednesday that they have signed forward Darren Nowick to an amateur tryout (ATO) contract.  Nowick, 24, joins the Mavs from Northern Michigan University (NCAA). Through 37 games this season, the Long Beach, California native scored 32 points (14G,18A).  He will wear number 49 for Missouri.

The Mavericks play their next four games on the road, beginning tonight with a 7:05p.m. contest against the Allen Americans in Allen, TX.

Missouri returns home to Silverstein Eye Centers Arena on Wednesday, Mar. 23 when they will face-off against the visiting Evansville IceMen at 7:05p.m.  Tickets for all Missouri Mavericks home games are available online at Ticketmaster.com and in-person at the arena box office. GO MAVS!

About the Missouri Mavericks: The Missouri Mavericks are a professional ice hockey team based in Independence, Missouri and the proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Islanders (NHL) and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. The Mavs are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the ECHL—the Premier ‘AA’ Hockey League in North America, led by General Manager Brent Thiessen and Head Coach Richard Matvichuk.  Founded in 2009, the Mavericks are entering into their seventh season in franchise history at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena.  Missouri competed for five seasons in the (now defunct) Central Hockey League (CHL) before formally joining the ECHL on Oct. 7, 2014 ahead of their 2014-15 campaign.  Lamar Hunt Jr. was announced as the new President and Owner of the Missouri Mavericks on Feb. 6, 2015.  The Mavs have made playoff appearances in five of their past six seasons, and have been honored numerous community and league awards including the Harry S. Truman Special Community Service Recognition Award, the Bud Poile Governors’ Cup (CHL), and the CHL Franchise of the Year Award for four consecutive seasons.

Former Vernon Laker Ferster Wins Second National Championship:

Former Vernon Lakers forward Rylan Ferster & the West Kelowna Warriors won the 2016 Royal Bank Cup with a 4-0 victory over the Alberta Junior Hockey League Lloydminster Bobcats Sunday. This is the Warriors first National Championship since moving to West Kelowna in 2006 from Langley.

Ferster is in his fifth season as Warriors Head Coach-GM played one season in Vernon winning a Centennial Cup with the 1989-90 Vernon Lakers.  In 28 games with the Lakers Ferster collected (8-goals-11-assists-19-points).

Rylan Ferster's Player-Coaching Profile:

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

This is posted on the Warriors website:

RBC CUP CHAMPIONS

May 23, 2016

by kylea

The West Kelowna Warriors are the Best in Canada.

Jonathan Desbiens scored the winning goal in the first period and Matthew Greenfield made 48-saves for a shutout as the Warriors beat the Lloydminster Bobcats 4-0 in the Royal Bank Cup National Junior A Hockey Championship Game on Sunday May 22nd in Lloydminster, AB/SK.

Just over five minutes into the first period, Desbiens buried a rebound past Alex Leclerc off a nice play from Brett Mennear and Kylar Hope driving the puck to the net and getting the big bounce needed.

West Kelowna would be on its heels for stretches after that, but that is where Greenfield started becoming the story of the afternoon. He made a huge save off Christian Lloyd to keep it a 1-0 lead.

In the second, Garrett Forster chased down a loose puck and managed to find the trailer Reed Gunville, who hammered one past Leclerc from the slot as it was set up right on a tee for the Prince Albert, SK product.

Liam Blackburn scored short-handed halfway through the third period taking advantage of a miscue at the side of the net. Rylan Yaremko iced it with a 190-foot empty netter that got up and on edge and found the back of the net.

The loud and crazy Warriors fans brought it home in the final two minutes, as West Kelowna picked up it’s first National Championship to go along with the Western Canada Cup, and RBC Cup victories.

West Kelowna will travel home on Monday and further celebrations will be announced this week.

Game Highlight's,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLmiM_S3yY_OtxfNBwGOAIdB5RxW0-N1Wb&v=tL7Yxk6gmIY

Warriors Celebration,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLmiM_S3yY_OtxfNBwGOAIdB5RxW0-N1Wb&v=BwWXR96X5Y4

Comets Sign Ex Viper Forward Marino:

The American Hockey League (AHL) Uitca Comets have signed former Vernon Vipers forward Brandon Marino.

This is Marino's second stint with the Comets this year. Marino started the season with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Brampton Beast, picked up (13-goals-28-assists-41-points) in 40 games before signing a Professional Tryout Contract (PTO) with the Comets January 12th 2016. Marino was released February 10th 2016 after scoring once in eight games with Utica. Marino will join former Vipers Kellen Jones (2006-2010) & Michael Zalewski (2010-2012) who are also with the Comets.

Marino spent last season with the Austrian Erste Bank Hockey League (AEBHL) SAPA Fehérvár AV19.  SAPA Fehérvár AV19, is a Hungarian ice hockey team. After four years with Bemidji State University Marino spent the next five seasons playing in four different leagues (IHL, CHL, ECHL & AHL) with three different teams (Quad City, Fort Wayne & Norfolk) before playing in Hungary last season.

Marino played just two games with the 2002-2003 Vernon Vipers.

Brandon Marino's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=39227

This is posted on the Comets website:

Comets Sign Brandon Marino to PTO

Feb 26, 2016

Utica Comets Director of Hockey Operations Pat Conacher announced today that the club has signed forward Brandon Marino to a professional tryout contract (PTO).

Marino, 29, scored once and picked up four penalty minutes in eight games for the Comets earlier this season. He has also recorded 41 points (13-28-41) in 40 games for the Brampton Beast of the ECHL this season.

Last year, the Riverside, CA native played in 50 games in Austria for the Szekeshfehervar Alba Volan Hockey Club, where he scored 11 goals and added 28 assists. With the Fort Wayne Komets in 2013-14, he paced the league with 58 assists, and won the league scoring title with 88 points (30-58-88).

During the 2010-11 season with the Quad City Mallards of the CHL, he scored a league high 41 goals, and 13 power-play goals, en route to league MVP honors.

Sound Tigers Sign Ex Viper Juha:

The American Hockey League (AHL) Bridgeport Sound Tigers have signed
former Vernon Vipers defenceman Luke Juha.

Juha just finished his fourth and final year at Penn State University, was up for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award this year, also one of nine Canadian Junior Hockey League alumni who were selected out of the twenty candidates for the 2015-16 Senior CLASS Award in collegiate hockey.

Juha played one season in Vernon (2011-12). Juha played in just ten games picking up two assists, missed most of the season due to two long term injuries. 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 is posted on the Sound Tigers website:

SOUND TIGERS SIGN JUHA AND WOTHERSPOON TO ATOs

Courtesy: SoundTigers.com

Release: 03/24/2016

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers announced today that defensemen Luke Juha and Parker Wotherspoon have been signed to Amateur Tryout contracts. The team also announced that defenseman Graeme McCormack has been released from his ATO.

Juha, 23, completed his college career with Penn State University on Friday after appearing in 33 games for the Nittany Lions, recording eight goals and 16 assists for 24 points. In 101 games with Penn State, the Mississauga, Ontario native posted 15 goals and 45 assists to go along with 18 penalty minutes.

Wotherspoon, 18, has played the past three years for the Tri-City Americans of the Western Hockey League, putting up 11 goals and 45 assists in 71 games this season. In 210 career WHL games, Wotherspoon has 22 goals and 94 assists from the blue line.

The Islanders’ fourth-round selection (112nd overall) in the 2015 NHL Draft, Wotherspoon served as an alternate captain for Tri-City the 2015-16 season. The 6-foot, 171-pound defenseman won a Bronze Medal with Canada’s at the 2015 Under-18 World Junior Championship and a Silver with Canada at the 2014 World Hockey Championship. A Surrey, British Columbia native, Wotherspoon’s older brother Tyler is currently a defenseman for the Calgary Flames.

A Centennial Cup Champion As Player, Former Vernon Laker Ferster Wants To Add An RBC Cup To His Trophy Case As Coach:

This is posted on the Hockey Canada-RBC Cup website:

Different experiences, same goal

A Centennial Cup champion as a player, Rylan Ferster wants to add an RBC Cup to his trophy case as a coach

Derek Jory-May 18, 2016

A lot has changed for Rylan Ferster over the last 26 years, but his focus has remained largely the same: win Canada’s National Junior A Championship.

In 1990, Ferster was part of a talented Vernon Lakers team that won the Centennial Cup (now the RBC Cup); the host Lakers outlasted the New Westminster Royals 6-5 in overtime in the championship game.

The 20-year-old Ferster spent a year away from hockey before playing for and graduating from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. Six years playing overseas concluded with a longing to continue his hockey career, albeit behind the bench instead of on the ice.

This season was Ferster’s fifth as head coach and general manager of the British Columbia Hockey League champion West Kelowna Warriors and he has guided his team to its first RBC Cup – and his second.

“I remember how special it was, playing for a national championship,” said Ferster. “It meant a lot then and it means a lot now. They say the Stanley Cup is the hardest trophy to win in sports, but getting here isn’t easy.”

Playing for the hosts in 1990, Ferster and the Lakers received an automatic entry into the tournament, whereas the Warriors won the BCHL championship and Western Canada Cup, earning the right to compete in Lloydminster.

The way in which his teams entered the tournament isn’t all that is different, but much has changed since Ferster was a feisty forward who had 21 points in 28 games with the Lakers.

“Hockey is a science now,” said Ferster. “Players take care of themselves so much better now and preparation overall has really improved. Technology has changed everything.

“Back in those days you went to training camp to get in shape basically, now we’re breaking down video and analyzing as many aspects of the game and conditioning as possible.”

He also used to sleep a lot better.

“As a player you only have one person to worry about, yourself, but as a coach, you have a lot more on your plate,” he laughed. “It feels like I haven’t slept in two months, but I’d take that 100 times out of 100!”

Going to the rink, although tough at times during long seasons, is a privilege to Ferster, who doesn’t take it for granted. Even a bad day at the rink is still a day at the rink and with hockey seemingly in his blood, his seamless transition into coaching seems to have been written in the stars.

Ferster recalls working hockey camps as a Midget player and enjoying helping younger players. In Europe he’d help the coaching staff whenever possible, before acting as player-coach for a season in Germany before retiring.

That’s when he took off his equipment and put on a suit.

“I don’t know anything else; I played and now I do this,” Ferster said. “Take away a few odd jobs here and there and this is all I’ve ever done. I still really appreciate being able to go to the rink every day, as cliché as that sounds. I’m fortunate to be in a great spot in Kelowna and I have to travel over that bridge [across Okanagan Lake] every day to go to work and I’m just happy I get to go to the rink.”

The Warriors are very happy to have him as coach.

West Kelowna has won 132 regular-season games over the last four seasons, with this year’s 79-point performance putting them third in the BCHL standings. It closed the season by winning 12 of their last 13 games, led by a 242-goal offence, the league’s third-best.

On defence, the 180 goals against were sixth-best, and special teams were both top-five finishers – the power play clicked at a 24.6% success rate (third) and penalty kill was at 83.2% (fourth).

Now all that stands between the Warriors and the perfect ending to their season are four other teams at the RBC Cup.

Ferster hasn’t spoken to the Warriors about his championship and he doesn’t think he will. That was then and this is now.

“My message is mainly about short-term competition. I was fortunate to be with [Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge] for a few years, so I know the ins and outs of short-term competition. I stick to that, they don’t need to hear about back in my day.”

Agree to disagree.

Viper Alumni Noonan Returns To Cincinnati:

The American Hockey League (AHL) Milwaukee Admirals have reassigned former Vernon Vipers defenceman Garrett Noonan to the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Cincinnati Cyclones.

Noonan started the season with the Cyclones, split this season with Cincinnati & Milwaukee after being called up to the Admirals twice this season before returning to the ECHL. In 55 games with Cincinnati Noonan has (9-goals-34-assists-43-points) & one assist in 17 games with Milwaukee.

After four seasons at Boston University Noonan signed a Entry-Level Deal with the Nashville Predators on April 22nd 2014 also signed an amateur try-out contract (ATO) with the American Hockey League (AHL) Milwaukee Admirals. Noonan has spent the past two seasons playing with Cincinnati & Milwaukee. Noonan was drafted by Nashville in Round 4 #112 overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

Noonan played one season in Vernon (2009-2010) In 58 regular season games with the Vipers Noonan collected (2-goals-16-assists-18-points).

Garrett Noonan's Player Profile:

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

This is posted on the Admirals Roundtable Blog:

Garrett Noonan Returning to Cincinnati

Posted on March 9, 2016 by Daniel Lavender

The numbers game appears to be working against defenseman Garrett Noonan once again. As first reported by Dakota Johnson of Sin Bin Cyclones Noonan will be returning to the Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL) from the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL).

This news comes after the Admirals loss last night which saw Noonan sit out as a healthy scratch for the fourth consecutive game. Patrick Mullen, who has missed the Admirals last eight-games due to a skate cut to his right hand that required thirteen stitches to repair, has been back practicing with the Admirals since Saturday and is possible to return this weekend. The Admirals already added defensive depth at the NHL Trade Deadline when the Nashville Predators acquired Corey Potter from the Arizona Coyotes organization. From the moment of his arrival it pushed Noonan out as a healthy scratch. Now he’s due back to the ECHL.

It is slightly unfortunate for Noonan that he hasn’t had a decent enough spell in the AHL to see if he could catch the same level of fire he’s bringing to the ECHL this season. With the Cyclones Noonan has produced 31 points (7 goals, 24 assists) in 40 games. He is the Cyclones best offensive defenseman this season. Sadly, his career numbers with the Admirals don’t match up with that: 10 points (4 goals, 6 assists) in 57 AHL games.

I would love to see Noonan’s hot run in the ECHL continue on with the Cyclones and, hopefully, see him brought back as a restricted free agent this off-season with a spot in the AHL there for him. I could see Taylor Aronson‘s 2013-14 season being a great model of how Noonan could progress into the Admirals lineup. Still, there might be a fear that what the Predators thought they drafted in Noonan back in 2011 they received this past off-season with Trevor Murphy. It’s hard to tell where Noonan’s story is going to really go.

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