KIJHL Submits Application To Reclassify To Junior A

The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League has submitted an application to BC Hockey to have the league reclassified to the Junior A level.

Here is the story from the Vernon Morning Star,

KIJHL submits application to reclassify to Junior A - Vernon Morning Star

Here is the story from Castanet.net,

KIJHL looks to reclassify as a Junior A league - Sports - Castanet.net

Here is the story from pentictonnow.com,

Junior A hockey could be back in BC sooner than expected (pentictonnow.com)

Vipers Alumni Volpatti To Throw Out Opening Pitch At Falcons Game:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Aaron Volpatti will

throw out the opening pitch at tonight's Kelowna Falcons game. 

Here is the press release from the Kelowna Falcons website,

Bells Ring Back - Kelowna Falcons

Hete is the story from castanet.net,

https://www.castanet.net/news/Sports/433180/Falcons-help-raise-funds-for-BC-Burn-Fund-host-firefighter-night

Volpatti played four years at Brown University from 2006-2010 before signing as a free agent with the Vancouver Canucks on March 22, 2010. Volpatti played parts of two and a half seasons with the Canucks before being claimed off waivers by the Washington Capitals February 28th 2013. Volpatti played parts of five years in the NHL with Vancouver & Washington before retiring due to injury in 2015. Volpatti played two seasons with his hometown Revelstoke Grizzlies from 2001-2003. The Grizzlies retired Volpatti's jersey #19 February 17th 2018.

Volpatti played three seasons in Vernon from 2003-2006. In 137 regular season games with the Vipers Volpatti collected (13-goals-24-assists-37-points). 

Aaron Volpatti's Player Profile:

Aaron Volpatti - Elite Prospects

Ex Viper Jones Wins Stanley Cup:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Connor Jones won the Stanley Cup with the Las Vegas Golden Knights.

Here is the story from vernonmatters.ca,

Former Vernon Vipers star wins Stanley Cup with Golden Knights | Vernon Matters

Jones is in his first season as an amateur scout with the Las Vegas Golden Knights.

Jones last played professional hockey during the 2021-22 season with the ECHL Fort Wayne Komets before announcing his retirement May 13th 2022. The Komets signed Jones August 30th 2021. 

Before joining the Komets, Jones played the 2020-21 season in Sweden with Vasterviks IK, a professional hockey team from Vasterviks, Sweden that play in the Swedish Ice Hockey League. 

Jones played in the ECHL & American Hockey League from 2014-2019 before playing hockey in Sweden in 2019.

Jones played four years at Quinnipiac University from 2010-2014 before signing his first professional contract with the American Hockey League Oklahoma City Barons April 3rd 2014. Jones signed a one year-two way contract with the New York Islanders February 22nd 2017. Jones made his NHL/Islanders debut April 1st 2017 vs the Buffalo Sabres. Jones only played one game with the Islanders.

Jones played three seasons in Vernon from 2007-2010. In 163 games with the Vipers, Jones collected (80-goals-118-assists-198-points). Jones is 6th on the franchise all-time goals list with 80, is 7th on the franchise all-time assists list with 118 and 6th on the franchise all-time points list with 198.

Connor Jones Player Profile:

Connor Jones - Elite Prospects

BCHL News & Trades:

BCHL News & Trades:

Brooks-Penticton Trade:

BANDITS RE-ACQUIRE & NAME, NIC DEGRAVES CAPTAIN FOR 2023-2024 | Brooks Bandits

Smoke Eaters Owners Fully Support BCHL Independence:

Smokies Owners Fully Support BCHL Independence (iheartradio.ca)

Powell River Kings Sign Harder:

Kings sign 6’3″ forward Jace Harder | Powell River Kings Junior A Hockey Club

Petter Eckholm Commits To Capitals:

Capitals commit to Norwegian forward Lars Petter Eckholm for 2023/24 | Cowichan Capitals

Merritt Centennials Announce Partnership With Lovell Hockey:

Merritt Centennials Announce Partnership with Lovell Hockey | Merritt Centennials

Here's What The BCHL's Move Away From Hockey Canada Means For The Express:

The BC Hockey League becomes independent on June 1 - Tri-City News (tricitynews.com)

Tesink Re-Signs With Spruce Kings:

Associate Coach Brad Tesink re-signs with Spruce Kings | Prince George Spruce Kings

Trozzo Leaves Salmon Arm Silverbacks:

Trozzo steps down as Broadcaster | Salmon Arm Silverbacks (sasilverbacks.com)

Nordstrom, Lokkeberg, Hughes & Kemkaran-Humble Commit To Warriors:

NEWS: Warriors Add Four New Recruits For 2023/24 Season | West Kelowna Warriors

Butikis Commits To Cowichan Capitals:

Capitals commit to 2005 born goaltender Cody Butikis for 2023/24! | Cowichan Capitals

Kings Sign Crudale:

Kings sign goalie Owen Crudale | Powell River Kings Junior A Hockey Club

Chilliwack Chiefs In Go-For-It Mode Heading Into 2023-24 Season:

Chilliwack Chiefs in go-for-it mode heading into 2023-24 BCHL season - Hope Standard

Centennials Name Passmore New Head Coach/Assistant GM:

Centennials Hire Passmore as Head Coach and Assistant General Manager | Merritt Centennials

Vipers Alumni Herbst Named To Academic All-Big Ten Team:

Former Vernon Vipers goaltender Reilly Herbst was named to

the Academic All-Big Ten team.

Here is the press release from the Ohio State Buckeyes website,

Buckeyes Earn Academic All-Big Ten Accoldes – Ohio State Buckeyes

Herbst has spent the past two seasons at Ohio State University. In 1 game with the Buckeyes, Herbst went 0-0 with a 10.59 GAA

Prior to committing to Ohio State University, Herbst played the 2020-21 season in the United States Hockey League with the Dubuque Fighting Saints & Omaha Lancers.

Herbst started the 2020-21 season with the North American Hockey League Lone Star Brahmas. The Brahmas signed Herbst in early January 2021. Herbst never played a game with the Brahmas was released January 6th 2021. The United States Hockey League Dubuque Fighting Saints signed Herbst in January 2021. Herbst went 3-0 with a 3.33 GAA before being traded to the United States Hockey League Omaha Lancers February 2nd 2021. In 8 games with the Lancers, Herbst went 3-2 with a 3.60 GAA

Herbst was drafted 62nd overall in Round 3 of the North American Hockey League Entry Draft by the Jamestown Rebels.

Herbst played one season in Vernon with the 2019-20 Vernon Vipers. Herbst started the 2019-20 season with the United States Hockey League Chicago Steel before being acquired by the Vernon Vipers October 10th 2019. No official details were released on the trade. In 34 games with the Vipers, Herbst went 20-10 with 1 shutout and a 2.91 GAA

Reilly Herbst's Player Profile:

Reilly Herbst - Elite Prospects

A New Hockey Canada League In British Columbia?

Reports are the KIJHL & PJHL will come together and form a new Junior A League.

Here is the story from thejuniorhockeynews.com,

The Death Pool – A New Hockey Canada League in British Columbia? (thejuniorhockeynews.com)

Former Viper Commitment Rampton Named To 2023 AJHL All-Academic Team:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Greye Rampton was named to

the 2023 Inter Pipeline AJHL All-Academic Team.

Here is the press release from the AJHL website,

AJHL Announces Inter Pipeline All-Academic Team | Alberta Junior Hockey League

Rampton split the 2022-23 season with the Cowichan Capitals & Alberta Junior Hockey League Olds Grizzlys.

Rampton attended the Chilliwack Chiefs Spring Prospect Camp in 2020 committed to the Vernon Vipers July 30th 2021 for the 2021-22 season. Rampton attended the Vernon Vipers 2021 training camp and played in 5 exhibition games with the Vipers before being released/cut October 4th 2021. Rampton committed to the Cowichan Capitals May 18th 2022 

Greye Rampton's Player Profile:

Greye Rampton - Elite Prospects

BCHL News & Trades:

BCHL News & Trades:

Ingemann, Ness & Nowek Commit To Penticton Vees:

Vees announce incoming goaltending class | Penticton Vees

DesRuisseaux Commits To Smoke Eaters:

Commitment – Smoke Eaters Continue to Reload Offence with SHU Commit DesRuisseaux | Trail Smoke Eaters

Winnipeg Ice Moving To Wenatchee:

Promises Unfulfilled: Winnipeg ICE Sold, Moving to Washington - The Hockey News Winnipeg Jets News, Analysis and More

Ghosheh Commits To Cowichan Capitals:

Capitals commit to 18 year old forward Ameen Ghosheh for 2023/24 | Cowichan Capitals

MacPherson Brothers Commit To Vees:

Vees land commitment from MacPherson twins | Penticton Vees

Bosland Commits To Kings:

Kings bring in committed D-man Bosland | Powell River Kings Junior A Hockey Club

Maguire Commits To Trail Smoke Eaters:

Commitment – Smoke Eaters Add Maguire for 2023/24 Season | Trail Smoke Eaters

Alberni Valley-Salmon Arm Trade:

Bulldogs Acquire Stavroff from Salmon Arm | Alberni Valley Bulldogs

Coquitlam HC U18 To Join JPHL:

Coquitlam HC U18 to join JPHL | Coquitlam Express

Wenatchee Wild Will No Longer Play In BCHL:

BCHL acknowledges Wenatchee’s acquisition of a WHL team | BCHL League Site

Muhlfeld Commits To Capitals:

Capitals commit to American forward Jack Muhlfeld | Cowichan Capitals

Penticton Names MacMilan New Assistant Coach:

Alum MacMillan joins Vees staff as an Assistant Coach | Penticton Vees

BCHL To Go With 17 Teams Next Season:

The BC Hockey League will go with 17 teams next season with the loss of Wenatchee - BCHL - Castanet.net

JPHL Academy Hockey Is Coming To Cranbrook:

JPHL Academy Hockey is Coming to Cranbrook | Cranbrook Bucks

Former Vipers Host Up My Hockey Invitational Tournament:

Former NHLer and Vernon Vipers color commentator Jason Podollan is hosting the Up My Hockey invitational tournament this weekend in Vernon.

Here is the story from Castanet.net,

Ex-NHLer Jason Podollan brings best of young talent to Vernon for tourney - Vernon News - Castanet.net

Former NHLers and former Vernon Vipers Aaron Volpatti, Jerred Smithson and Mark Ferner will also be involved this weekend.

Podollan was part time color commentator with the 2022-23 Vernon Vipers.

Jason Podollan's Player Profile:

Jason Podollan - Elite Prospects

Volpatti played three seasons in Vernon with the Vernon Vipers from 2003-2006. In 137 games with the Vipers, Volpatti collected (13-goals-24-assists-37-points).

Aaron Volpatti's Player Profile:

Aaron Volpatti - Elite Prospects

Smithson was an Assistant Coach with the 2017-18 Vernon Vipers.

Jerred Smithson's Player Profile:

Jerred Smithson - Elite Prospects

Ferner spent nine seasons in Vernon as Head Coach/GM from 2007-2011 & 2014-2019. Ferner lead the Vipers to three straight Royal Bank Cups from 2009-2011 winning back to back National Championships in 2009 & 2010.

Mark Ferner's Player/Coaching Profile:

Mark Ferner - Elite Prospects

Jason McKee Talks Offseason:

Vernon Vipers Head Coach/GM Jason McKee talks about

 the off-season.

Here is the interview from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,

Jason McKee Talks Offseason - YouTube

More Teams To Leave Hockey Canada?

Multiple sources are reporting seven to ten teams from Ontario are talking about leaving Hockey Canada.

Here is the press release from thejuniorhockeynews.com,

The Death Pool – More Teams To Leave Hockey Canada? (thejuniorhockeynews.com)

Vernon-Langley Trade:

The Vernon Vipers have traded forwards Max Borovinskiy and Thomas Tien to the Langley Rivermen for future considerations.

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

Vipers Deal Two Players | Vernon Vipers

Here is the press release from the Langley Rivermen website,

Maxim Borovinskiy and Thomas Tien Bring Experience and Talent to Langley Rivermen In New Trade Deal | Langley Rivermen

Max Borovinskiy's Player Profile:

Maxim Borovinskiy - Elite Prospects

Thomas Tien's Player Profile:

Thomas Tien - Elite Prospects

Former Viper Seguin Named To 2022-23 AJHL All-Rookie Team:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Max Seguin was named to

the 2022-23 Alberta Junior Hockey League All-Rookie Team.

Here is the press release from the AJHL website,

AJHL ANNOUNCES 2022-2023 ALL-ROOKIE TEAMS | Alberta Junior Hockey League

Seguin played the 2022-23 season with the Alberta Junior Hockey League Bonnyville Pontiacs, has committed to Princeton University for the 2023-24 season. In 58 games with the Pontiacs, Seguin collected (26-goals-35-assists-61-points).

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Liam Cavan & forward Ludovik Tardif also played with the Bonnyville Pontiacs.

Seguin committed to the Vernon Vipers December 2nd 2021 for the 2022-23 season. Seguin went pointless in 5 preseason games with the Vernon Vipers before being released before the start of the 2022-23 regular season. Seguin joined the Alberta Junior Hockey League Bonnyville Pontiacs before the start of the 2022-23 regular season. 

Max Seguin's Player Profile:

Max Seguin - Elite Prospects

Vernon Vipers 2023-24 Schedule Coming Soon:

The Vernon Vipers 2023-24 schedule will be released soon. The Vipers home opener will be September 23rd vs the Cranbrook Bucks.

Here is the tweet from the Vernon Vipers twitter account,

Vernon Vipers on Twitter: "Our schedule is coming soon! We CAN tell you our first home game will be on Sat. September 23rd vs Cranbrook!! https://t.co/h5zDToyEA4" / Twitter

BCHL News & Trades:

BCHL News & Trades:

Moors Commits To Cowichan Capitals:

Capitals commit to 2005 born forward Kent Moors for 2023/24 | Cowichan Capitals

Merritt Centennials Announce Coaching Changes:

Centennials Announce Coaching Changes | Merritt Centennials

Wilson Commits To Clippers:

Cooper Wilson added for the 2023-2024 Season | Nanaimo Clippers

McNeil Commits To Spruce Kings:

Spruce Kings secure ‘gritty power forward’ in Delta’s McNeil | Prince George Spruce Kings

Buchbinder Commits To Penticton Vees:

Vees strengthen blue line for next season with commitment of Daniel Buchbinder | Penticton Vees

Kennedy Commits To Trail Smoke Eaters:

Commitment – Smoke Eaters Bolster Blueline With Commitment of Jack Kennedy | Trail Smoke Eaters

Ingram Commits To Capitals:

Capitals commit to forward Keenan Ingram for 2023/24 | Cowichan Capitals

Shaw Commits To Nanaimo:

Clippers add Ryan Shaw for 2023-2024 Season | Nanaimo Clippers

Kings Sign Lundie:

Carter Lundie signs with Kings | Powell River Kings Junior A Hockey Club

Pendy Commits To Trail:

Commitment – Smoke Eaters Add Brown University Commit Trip Pendy For 2023/24 | Trail Smoke Eaters

Grizzlies Look To Future With Holes To Fill Up Front:

Victoria Grizzlies look to future with holes to fill up front | Victoria Grizzlies

Wild Name New Billet Coordinator & Billet Committee:

Wenatchee Wild, Hockey Academy Announce Billet Committee For 2023-24 | Wenatchee Wild (wenatcheewildhockey.com)

Schrott Commits To Spruce Kings:

From the Sunshine State to the Northern Capital, Spruce Kings lock in Florida’s Skogen Schrott | Prince George Spruce Kings

Buss Returns To Vernon:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Luke Buss has returned to the Vipers for the 2023-24 season.

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

Luke Buss Returns | Vernon Vipers

Buss played last season in the United States Hockey League with the Muskegon Lumberjacks.

Buss played one season in Vernon with the 2021-22 Vernon Vipers. In 48 games, Buss collected (16-goals-20-assists-36-points).

Luke Buss's Player Profile:

Luke Buss - Elite Prospects

Musketeers Select Ashton 233rd Overall At USHL Draft:

The United States Hockey League Sioux City Musketeers have selected

Vernon Vipers defencemen Luke Ashton 233rd overall in Round 16 at the USHL Draft.

Here is the press release from siouxlandproud.com,

Sioux City Musketeers add 23 players through USHL Phase II Draft | SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports

Here is the full USHL Draft from the USHL website,

2023 USHL Drafts are in the Books - USHL

Ashton has played the past two seasons in Vernon. In 81 games with the Vipers, Ashton collected (2-goals-7-assists-9-points).

Luke Ashton's Player Profile:

Luke Ashton - Elite Prospects

Fargo Force Select Former Viper Parks 93rd Overall At USHL Draft:

The United States Hockey League Fargo Force selected former Vernon Vipers

 forward Lee Parks 93rd overall in the sixth round at the USHL Draft. 

Here is the press release from the Fargo Force website,

2023 PHASE II DRAFT RECAP - Fargo Force

Parks joined the Vernon Vipers October 4th 2022. Parks was added to the Vipers roster October 4th 2022. In 50 games with the Vipers, Parks collected (23-goals-25-assists-48-points). 

Parks has committed to UMass-Lowell University for the 2023-24 season.

Lee Parks Player Profile:

Lee Parks - Elite Prospects

BCHL Updates Frequently Asked Questions Document Regarding Status As Independent League:

The BC Hockey League has updated frequently asked questions about the BCHL going independent. 

Here is the press release from the BCHL website,

BCHL updates Frequently Asked Questions document regarding status as independent league | BCHL League Site

Blog Hits 2.4 Million Viewers:

On June 8th 2023 Vipersdiehardfan Blog hit 2.4 million viewers. 

I would like to take this time to thank everyone who visit's my Vipersdiehardfan Blog and thank the fans and viewers for leaving comments.

I created and started this blog in November 2008

Blogger tells me how many viewers I get per minute, per hour, per day, per week, per month and per year. During this past Vipers season I averaged between 350-1100 viewers a day, sometimes more. Since the BCHL has left Hockey Canada, I have been getting between 1100 and 1800 views a day. 

To follow the view count, check out the view counter on the left hand side of my blog.

Thank you for your support,

Vipersdiehardfan

Brooks Bandits Sign Former Viper Compton:

The Alberta Junior Hockey League Brooks Bandits have signed former

Vernon Vipers defenceman Dylan Compton.

Here is the press release from the Brooks Bandits website,

Northeastern commit Dylan Compton signs with Bandits | Brooks Bandits

Compton played one season in Vernon with the 2022-23 Vernon Vipers. In 40 games, Compton collected (4-goals-14-assists-18-points. Compton committed to the Vipers June 27th 2022 for the 2022-23 season.

Compton has committed to Northeastern University for the 2023-24 season.

Dylan Compton's Player Profile:

Dylan Compton - Elite Prospects

BCHL News & Trades:

BCHL News & Trades:

Cummings Commits To Cowichan Capitals:

Capitals commit to 2005 born forward Brock Cummings for 2023/24 | Cowichan Capitals

Russo Commits To Clippers:

Clippers add new recruit Cam Russo | Nanaimo Clippers

Harbinson Becomes BCHL All-Time Playoff Series Wins Leader:

Penticton Vees’ coach makes BCHL history - Penticton Western News

Spruce Kings Extecd Contracts To General Manager & Head Coach:

Spruce Kings extend contracts to GM Mike Hawes and HC Alex Evin | Prince George Spruce Kings

Trail Smoke Eaters Sign Four Players After Successful ID Camp:

Roster News – Smoke Eaters Sign Four Players After Successful ID Camp in Trail | Trail Smoke Eaters

Silverbacks Fans Enjoy Centennial Cup In Portage:

British Columbia hockey fans enjoy Portage during 8th Centennial Cup - PortageOnline.com - Local news, Weather, Sports, Free Classifieds and Job Listings

Romano Commits To Capitals:

Capitals commit to 2004 born defenceman Eddie Romano for 2023/24 | Cowichan Capitals

Rizzo Commits To Chilliwack Chiefs:

Chiefs Sign Zach Rizzo for 2023/24 Season - Chilliwack Chiefs

City Turns Out To Celebrate Vees BCHL Championship:

City turns out to celebrate Vees | Sports | pentictonherald.ca

Reilly Commits To Trail:

Commitment – Smoke Eaters Add Princeton Commit, Reilly To Blueline | Trail Smoke Eaters

Cosantino Commits To Nanaimo Clippers:

Ben Costantino new recruit for 2023-2024 | Nanaimo Clippers

O'Donnell Commits To Capitals:

Capitals commit to import scorer Ronan O’Donnell for 2023/24 | Cowichan Capitals

Odyniec Commits To Coquitlam Express:

Joseph Odyniec Commits to the Express for the 2023-2024 season | Coquitlam Express

Crusaders Sign Former Viper Merner:

The Alberta Junior Hockey League Sherwood Park Crusaders have

signed former Vernon Vipers forward Ethan Merner.

Here is the press release from the Sherwood Park Crusaders website,

Ethan Merner Signs for 2023/2024 Season | Sherwood Park Crusaders

Merner played one season in Vernon with the 2022-23 Vernon Vipers. In 38 games, Merner collected (3-goals-7-assists-10-points). 

Merner has committed to Merrimack College for the 2024-25 season.

Ethan Merner's Player Profile:

Ethan Merner - Elite Prospects

Larkin Commits To Vernon Vipers:

18 year old defenceman Nick Larkin has committed to the Vernon Vipers for the 2023-24 season.

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

Larkin Commits To Vernon | Vernon Vipers

Nick Larkin's Player Profile:

Nicholas Larkin - Elite Prospects

Pinguine Sign Vipers Alumni Tufto:

The Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) Krefeld Pinguine have

signed former Vernon Vipers forward Odeen Tufto.

Here is the article from the Rheinische Post,

Krefeld Pinguine sign Odeen Tufto (rp-online.de)

The Pinguine is a professional ice hockey team in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga hockey league. Their home is Krefeld, North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

Tufto started the 2022-23 season with the the American Hockey League Tucson Roadrunners. Tufto never played a single game with the Roadrunners was assigned to the  ECHL Atlanta Gladiators December 17th 2022. Tufto played 12 games with the Gladiators before heading to Germany. In 12 games with the Gladiators, Tufto collected (3-goals-4-assists-7-points).

The Tampa Bay Lightning decided in July 2022 not to make a qualifying offer to Tufto who was a restricted free agent signed with the American Hockey League Tucson Roadrunners August 31st 2022. 

Tufto split the 2021-22 season between the ECHL Orlando Solar Bears & American Hockey League Syracuse Crunch.

Tufto played four seasons at Quinnipiac University from 2017-2021 before signing his first professional contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning March 31st 2021. The Lightning assigned Tufto to the American Hockey League Syracuse Crunch after his college season ended in 2021. Tufto has yet to play for the Lightning.

Tufto played one season in Vernon with the 2015-16 Vernon Vipers. In 57 games with the Vipers, Tufto collected (25-goals-40-assists-65-points). Tufto left the Vipers after one season for the United States Hockey League. Tufto played one season in the USHL with Fargo, Tri-City & Sioux City before committing to Quinnipiac University for the 2017-18 season.

Odeen Tufto's Player Profile:

Odeen Tufto - Elite Prospects

Ex Viper Finlay Runner-Up For ECHL Rookie Of The Year:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Liam Finlay was one of five

 finalists for the ECHL Rookie of the Year and the recipient of the John A. Daley Memorial Trophy. 

Here is the press release from the ECHL website,

Allen's Crone receives John A. Daley Memorial Award as ECHL Rookie of the Year

Finlay is in his first season with the ECHL Allen Americans. The Americans signed Finlay September 27th 2022. In 54 games, Finlay collected (33-goals-37-assists-70-points).

On April 12th 2023 Finlay was named to the ECHL 2022-23 All-Rookie team.

Finlay played the past two seasons in Europe playing with four different teams (KOVEE, HK Nitra, Tingsryds AIF & EHC Freiburg) from 2020-2022.

Finlay played four years at Denver University from 2016-2020 before signing his first professional contract with Koovee September 7th 2020. Koovee is a Finnish ice hockey team that plays in the Mestis, second-tier league where the team is based in Tampere, Finland. 

Finlay attended the Vancouver Canucks development camp in July 2019.

Finlay played parts of two seasons in Vernon (2014-2016) after coming over in a trade with the Penticton Vees. The Vipers traded the Junior A playing rights of Dakota Conroy & future considerations October 28th 2014 to the Penticton Vees for Liam Finlay. In 96 games with the Vipers, Finlay collected (39-goals-69-assists-109-points).

Liam Finlay's Player Profile:

Liam Finlay - Elite Prospects

The BCHL Misinformation Campaign Has Begun:

Some "Advisors" or "Consultants" are assisting in spreading false information about the NAHL and NCDC as it compares to the BCHL.

Here is the press release from thejuniorhockeynews.com,

An Advisers Life – The BCHL Misinformation Campaign Has Begun (thejuniorhockeynews.com)

Icemen Activate Former Viper Martin From Reserve:

The ECHL Jacksonville Icemen have activated former Vernon Vipers forward

Craig Martin from reserve.

Here is the press release from the ECHL website,

ECHL Transactions - April 21

Martin started the 2022-23 season with HC Grotto before signing with the Icemen December 13th 2022. In 32 games with the Icemen, Martin has (13-goals-21-assists-34-points).

HC Grotto is an ice hockey team playing in the Slovak Extraliga. They play in the city of Prešov, Slovakia. In 20 games, Martin collected (4-goals-5-assists-9-points). HC Grotto signed Martin June 6th 2022. 

Martin played the past three seasons with the ECHL Jacksonville Icemen before going to Slovakia for the 2022-23 season.

Martin played four seasons at Quinnipiac University from 2015-2019 before signing his first professional contract with the American Hockey League Springfield Thunderbirds April 2nd 2019. Martin didn't play a game with the Thunderbirds, was released, later signing with the ECHL Adirondak Thunder July 8th 2019. The Thunder traded Martin to Jacksonville November 26th 2019.

Martin played parts of two seasons in Vernon from 2011-2013. The Vipers traded Martin and future considerations to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs October 1st 2013 for Jared Wilson. In 46 games with the Vipers, Martin collected (10-goals-13-assists-23-points). Martin played parts of four seasons in the BCHL with Vernon, Alberni Valley & Trail from 2011-2015.

Craig Martin's Player Profile:

Craig Martin - Elite Prospects

Letter To The Editor: Ferner Fan

Long time season ticket holder Derek F. Allen sent a letter into yesterday's Vernon Morning Star letter to the editor regarding the Vernon Vipers coaching staff.

Here is the letter to the editor from the Morning Star,

Ferner Fan

June 1 2023

So the Vernon Vipers playing season has come to an end. 

I must say I feel very sorry for the young players. Each one of them got to Junior A status because they had the talent as a player. So why did we have such a lackluster season, ending in sixth place out of nine in the Interior Division? 

There were games where they played with absolute dtermination and thewinning score proved that.

However, upon reflection I can only suggest we need a coaching staff that can train these young players to able to play team hockey. So far they have failed to do this.

My wife and I have had season tickets for close to 25 years and we will continue being season ticket holders in hopes that one season (soon we hope) the Vipers will improve and become real contenders in the league as they were before.

It can be done. We won three Fred Page Cups and Two Royal Bank Cups when Mark Ferner was the coach.

I'm sorry but I don't think the present coaching staff will be the ones to bring the Vipers back to a winning group of young hockey players.

Possibly our current owners could make an effort to bring back winning hockey to Vernon by finding and convincing Ferner to return as the head coach of the Vernon Vipers.

Derek F. Allen

BCHL Announces Roster Rules And Important Dates For 2023-24

With the BC Hockey League becoming an independent league June 1st, here are some different and new changes coming for the 2023-24 season.

Here is the press release from the BCHL website,

BCHL announces roster rules and important dates for 2023-24 | BCHL League Site