Changes Approved At Annual General Meeting For 2012-13 Season:

Changes approved at annual general meeting for 2012-13 season
 
Monday, June 11, 2012 - Submitted by BCHL Media

The British Columbia Hockey League held its annual general meeting in Richmond June 7, 8 and 9 with governors approving a number of changes that will take effect in the coming season.

First, the new BCHL playoff format was officially unveiled. The league goes to a three-division alignment for the 2012-13 season. In the Coastal Conference, which is now made up of the Island Division and Mainland Division, the top four of the five teams in each division will qualify for post-season play (#1 vs. #4, #2 vs. #3). Best-of-five series will be played in each the first two rounds to determine conference finalists and the Coastal Conference final will be a best-of-seven.

In the Interior Conference, which consists of the six-team Interior Division, the top four teams will qualify for post-season play (#1 vs. #4, #2 vs. #3). Two rounds, each a best-of-seven, will be played to determine a conference champion. The Fred Page Cup finals will also be a best-of-seven series.

Alterations to the BCHL regulations were approved with significant changes being that the affiliate draft of 15-year-old players is discontinued, that rosters will now consist of 22 players instead of 21, that coaches are allowed to place an injured player on long-term injured reserve which would free up a spot on the 22-man roster and that penalties are now possible for players with damaged pants.

The Junior A Supplement initiative, begun in the 2010-11 season to curb fighting and checking-from-behind infractions, was also extended for two more seasons. Finally, a sub-committee made up of BCHL coaches was officially approved. This body, which brings concerns from among the league’s coaching ranks to the board of directors, is co-chaired by Mike Vandekamp of Nanaimo and Jason Williamson of Vernon.

Inaugural BCHL Showcase Schedule Announced:

Inaugural BCHL showcase schedule announced
 
Monday, June 11, 2012 - Submitted by BCHL Media

The inaugural BCHL Showcase schedule was created this weekend at the league’s annual general meeting.

The Chilliwack Chiefs are hosting the event at Prospera Centre Sept. 7 to 9. Each BCHL team will play two games that count towards regular season standings. The Chiefs feature in evening games both Friday and Saturday night against Penticton and Nanaimo respectively.

The schedule is as follows:

Date	Time	Home	Away	Rink
Fri. Sept. 7	3:30 p.m.	Alberni Valley	Langley	Secondary
	4 p.m.	Victoria	Coquitlam	Main
	7 p.m.	Powell River	Surrey	Secondary
	7:30 p.m.	Chilliwack	Penticton	Main
Sat. Sept. 8	11:30 a.m.	Victoria	Alberni Valley	Secondary
	NOON	Merritt	Prince George	Main
	3 p.m.	Westside	Salmon Arm	Secondary
	3:30 p.m.	Vernon	Penticton	Main
	6:30 p.m.	Cowichan Valley	Trail	Secondary
	7 p.m.	Chilliwack	Nanaimo	Main
Sun. Sept 9	10:30 a.m.	Vernon	Powell River	Secondary
	11 a.m.	Salmon Arm	Nanaimo	Main
	2 p.m.	Coquitlam	Cowichan Valley	Secondary
	2:30 p.m.	Trail	Merritt	Main
	5:30 p.m.	Surrey	Westside	Secondary
	6 p.m.	Langley	Prince George	Main

The remainder of the BCHL regular season schedule will commence the week following the Showcase

Insight Into The BCHL Scheduling Meeting:

This is posted on Brian Wiebe's BCHL Banter Blog:

Insight Into the BCHL Scheduling Meeting:

Sunday, June 10, 2012

I had the pleasure of sitting in and helping out with the BCHL Scheduling Meeting yesterday at the Hilton Vancouver Airport in Richmond.

The AGM was considered "in-camera", so there aren't many details I can give you prior to them being released by the league, but I can give a little insight into how the 2012-13 schedule was pieced together.

The first thing for teams within each division to go over was the interlock portion, which was on Friday night. This portion of the schedule was done in advance of the AGM by the BCHL and it means that each team will play every other team in the league both home and away in 2012-13. So for teams in the Interior Division, 20 of their games were already scheduled. And for the Mainland and Island Divisions, 22 games were already scheduled.

The BCHL Showcase schedule also needed to be sorted out. The first time event, which runs September 7 - 9, features all BCHL teams and counts as regular season games in the standings. I can't divulge too much about the Showcase schedule other than obviously the Chiefs games are considered "prime" because Chilliwack is hosting the event and there are some out-of-division match-ups. Due to the fact that all 16 teams are taking part and there are 32 games to be scheduled over three days, I can also say that there are games at different times throughout, so it's a great opportunity to get your BCHL fix!

As for the inter-divisional schedule, I was overseeing the Island Division table, just to keep the team representatives on point and to record a master copy of the schedule they hammered out. Obviously having a team like Powell River in this division represents many challenges since most games need to accommodate when the ferry runs back to Vancouver Island.

Teams also had a number of blackout dates where they didn't have ice or whatever and those needed to be accommodated too. They tried to balance things like not having too many home games on a weekend (like three in a row) or an imbalance of home and road games in a month or too many games in one month and not enough in another. The Christmas break also presented some challenges as some teams like to schedule games on the weekend before Christmas while others don't and some like games between Christmas and New Year's while others don't.

Others don't want too many Sunday games as they're not a good draw for them and they avoid scheduling games that conflict with other high profile sporting events like Grey Cup or Super Bowl. Others have special events planned for specific dates and HAVE to have a game scheduled or want to book a weekend where they have two home games on a Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday for a Parent's Weekend or similar event.

Veteran team personnel like Powell River's Doug McCormick, Victoria's Mark Wagstaff and Nanaimo's Mike Vandekamp obviously have a ton of scheduling experience, but that didn't necessarily give them an edge over anyone else as the teams tried to give and take to get the best schedule for all involved. As I observed, not one team got every single thing they wanted, but they bartered back and forth until a workable agreement could be reached.

The most interesting thing I noticed was that as the teams were negotiating their schedules, there were certain scenarios that got them really pumped up for the season, whether it was the scheduling of a home-and-home series or back-to-back games in a specific team's rink or a situation where a team plays another 3-4 times in a week, they really got excited about the possibilities from a marketing and fan's point of view.

I truly thank the five teams in the Island Division (Alberni Valley, Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Powell River & Victoria) for working with me and allowing me to oversee their scheduling and as I mentioned on Twitter yesterday, I appreciate John Grisdale, Brent Mutis and the BCHL for allowing me to help out! I'm a fan of this league first and a media member second, so it was a lot of fun to see a side of the league's operations that not many fans get to see.

Now I know most fans (and broadcasters) are champing at the bit to see the 2012-13 schedule, but there are still some i's to be dotted and t's to be crossed before it can be released. As I mentioned, the basic schedule is done, but it now needs to be double and triple checked before being released, keep an eye on the blog and on the BCHL website to see it!

Junior A Supplement Extended Two More Seasons, Stronger Penalties Coming:

This is posted on Brian Wiebe's BCHL Banter Blog:

Junior A Supplement Extended Two More Seasons, Stronger Penalties Coming:

Sunday, May 27, 2012

It appears that in addition to the Supplement being extended, even stronger regulations are coming down the pike. Here's the portion of the release from Hockey Canada at the conclusion of its AGM this past weekend:

Developments at this year’s AGM included:

• the loyalty program/ Club Hockey Canada on schedule for a 2012-13 launch;
• continued progress and discussion on a renewed governance framework being developed for 2014;
• the Junior A pilot program for 2011-12 has been extended for two years for further research, with the immediate addition of stronger regulations to reduce fighting and on-ice violence;
• branch updates, constructive discussion and positive feedback on the implementation of the zero tolerance contact to the head rules in minor and female hockey across Canada in 2011-12;
• updates on Hockey Canada’s priorities: recruitment and retention, technology and e-learning.

As a refresher, back in August of 2010, the Canadian Junior Hockey League released this announcement regarding the supplement:

A group of five Member Leagues within the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) are proud to announce an unprecedented joint effort to eliminate violence and bullying from Junior A hockey.

This initiative has developed from a partnership between the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), and Maritime Junior Hockey League (MHL), who have formed together to create the Junior A Supplement, which will be launched as a pilot project in the 2010-2011 CJHL Season.

The Junior A Supplement has been created to protect junior-aged hockey players by addressing actions such as Blows to the Head, Dangerous Hits, Accumulated Major Penalties, Accumulated Misconducts, Instigating and Unnecessary Fighting. The supplement increases team, coach and player accountability through the tracking of repeat offenders, increased suspensions and significant financial penalties. It builds on the progressive regulations undertaken over the past decade by the participating Leagues and Branches to reduce bullying and violence from Junior A Hockey in Canada.

The pilot project was developed as a response to the implementation of Hockey Canada Regulation 6.7, which calls for an automatic game misconduct whenever a major penalty for fighting is assessed. The participating Member Leagues have gone one step further by targeting the types of dangerous plays that often result in fights and other types of violence. The Leagues within the pilot project will not be subject to Hockey Canada Regulation 6.7, which will be implemented across the remainder of the Leagues in CJHL.

"The five Member Leagues involved in the creation of the Junior A Supplement have taken a tremendous step in the effort to reduce and eliminate violence and bullying in Junior A hockey," said AJHL President Craig T. Cripps. "Our League and its teams, coaches and players are committed to providing a safe environment for every player while also maintaining an exciting, physical brand of hockey on the ice."

The Junior A Supplement has been developed in cooperation with the provincial branches of BC Hockey, Hockey Alberta, the Saskatchewan Hockey Association, Hockey Manitoba, Hockey North, Hockey Nova Scotia, Hockey P.E.I. and Hockey New Brunswick.

The two-year pilot project will compare data from the participating leagues using the Junior A Supplement and a control group using Hockey Canada Playing Rule 6.7. The data will determine whether fighting is reduced in the Junior A game by ejecting a player for his first fighting major and the effect on other aggressive and violent behaviour.

The CJHL called the supplement a success last year with this article, posted on its website in July 2011:

The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) has declared the Junior A Supplement Pilot Project a success after in-depth review of the new initiative. In August 2010, a group of five member Leagues within the Canadian Junior Hockey League showcased an exceptional commitment to player safety with the announcement of a joint effort to eliminate violence and bullying from Junior A hockey. The League Presidents and Commissioners recently met in Calgary, Alberta to discuss potential revisions to the Junior A Supplement for the 2011-2012 season and further review the successful results of year one.

The Junior A Supplement is an unprecedented joint initiative between the CJHL and Hockey Canada. The Junior A Supplement was created to protect junior-aged hockey players by addressing actions such as blows to the head, dangerous hits, accumulated major penalties, instigators and unnecessary fighting.

"At the start of the 2010-2011 season we implemented an innovative, proactive and responsible approach to addressing player safety issues facing hockey today, including head shots and dangerous hits," said CJHL Chairman Kirk Lamb. "The CJHL and its leagues were ahead of the curve and we have since seen other leagues, such as the NHL and the CHL, follow suit in implementing more focused and rigid regulations relating to these issues. Player safety is a concern at all levels of hockey, for a variety of different reasons, and the CJHL broke new ground with the Junior A Supplement and has set new standards - not only in Junior A hockey, but for sport at all levels."

The fundamental themes surrounding the Junior A Supplement are safety, education and communication. The Junior A Supplement increases team, coach and player accountability through the tracking of repeat offenders, increased suspensions and significant financial penalties. The Junior A Supplement dramatically heightened the awareness of issues surrounding player safety and dangerous hits throughout the League, including the players, game officials, coaches, media and fans.

Publications regarding the new Junior A Supplement were strategically dispersed at the onset of the 2010-2011 season to ensure all participants were educated of the pilot project and to further increase the chances of success. Players and game officials received handbooks created specifically to address their participation in the project. All coaches were also required to sign a 'Coaches Code of Conduct' which outlines their responsibility to the initiative and a commitment to player safety.

The five leagues involved in the Junior A Supplement experienced several positive advancements throughout the first year of the pilot project. Leagues could now clearly identify trends and repeat offenders and can also confirm that only a small percentage of players are repeating what would be considered dangerous acts. The Junior A Supplement forced these players to alter their behavior in a positive way. Staged fights and multiple fight situations were all but eliminated, and players participating in six or more fights throughout the season declined substantially across all leagues.

Competitiveness within the League from top to bottom increased in 2010-2011, "The quality of play and skill exhibited within the MJHL this past season was the best the League has seen in the past ten years," stated Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) Commissioner Kim Davis.

The participants within the Junior A Supplement include the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), and Maritime Junior Hockey League (MHL). The two-year pilot project will compare data from the participating leagues using the Junior A Supplement and a control group from the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) using Hockey Canada Playing Rule 6.7. The data will determine whether fighting is reduced in the Junior A game by ejecting a player for his first fighting major and the effect on other violent behavior.

2014 RBC Cup Kickoff Rally:

Earlier this BCHL season when the City of Vernon & the Vipers announced they would be making a bid for the 2014 Royal Bank Cup Viper fans were asked to support the RBC Cup bid, most fans signed up to receive a RBC Cup newsletter. I received my newsletter last week and wanted to share a few articles that were posted inside the RBC Cup newsletter. Here is one of them,

RBC Cup 2014

"The Excitement Returns!"

A publication of the Vernon RBC Cup Host Committee

June 6th 2012

Let’s Kick It Off!

Would you like to celebrate Vernon’s selection as the host of the 2014 RBC Cup? Would you like to learn more about ticket packages and volunteer opportunities?

If so, come to the Kickoff Rally on June 16. The event, which will start at 12 noon, will be hosted by the Sunshine Festival.

Exactly 30 minutes has been allocated on the Main Stage at the east end of 30th Avenue. “We appreciate being added to the Festival at short notice,” says organizer Don Klepp. “We had originally planned to hold the rally at City Hall on June 2, but then we learned about the agreements that must be in place before an official announcement can be made, so we changed the date.”

The rally will be opened by Beamer Wigley’s performance of the “Hockey Tonight” song that he wrote for the 2014 RBC Cup.

Hockey Canada will send its spokesman to make an official announcement. A number of Vernon Laker and Viper players will be on hand to join with fans and minor hockey players to celebrate.

The event will also unveil a limited edition RBC Cup T-shirt. Several fans will receive a free shirt courtesy of the T-shirt cannon and other shirts will be on sale. If purchasers wish to have their T-shirts autographed, Laker and Viper players will be on hand.”

Following the rally, fans will be able to sign up for ticket packages and volunteer opportunities.

After the Kickoff Rally on June 16, come to Boston Pizza if in you want to celebrate and mingle with RBC Cup supporters.

The event will get under way at about 2 pm. If it’s a nice day, we’ll be out on the patio. If it’s dreary, Sean Matile will reserve the regular section that‘s used for Viper post game shows.

KISS FM will be on hand to celebrate with us and get our reactions.

Boston Pizza will feature $3.50 pints of Canadian, 10% of all food items for people who purchase an RBC Cup ticket, and large pizzas for the price of a medium pizza.

BP will provide gift cards for giveaways.

Also, we will have signup tables for tournament ticket package purchases and for volunteers.

Members of the Host Organizing Committee will be on hand to answer questions and talk about what happens next.

Former Vernon Viper Morgan Breaks 62 Year Old MLB Record:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman, Nyjer Morgan didn't know he'd set a dubious Major League record by beginning the season with 138 plate appearances and zero RBIs.  Morgan broke a MLB record held nearly 62 years by White Sox outfielder Herb Adams, who had no RBIs in his first 125 plate appearances in 1950.  Morgan got his first RBI of 2012 in a 8-2 loss to the visiting Pitssburgh Pirates last Friday night (June 1st). Morgan played as an "AP" as a 16 year old with the Vipers during the (1996-1997) season.  Morgan is in his second season with the Brewers is with his third major league team (Pittsburgh, Washington & Milwaukee).  Morgan frequently refers to himself as Tony Plush which he states is his "name on the field" or his "gentleman's name." Under his nickname, Morgan will occasionally make a hand signal to look like a "T" after reaching base. 

Nyjer Morgan's Player Profile:

http://brewers.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=460579#gameType='S'§ionType=career&statType=1&season=2012

This is posted on the Brewers website:

Morgan happy to finally have his first RBI of '12

By Adam McCalvy and Jeremy Warnemuende / MLB.com | 06/02/12

MILWAUKEE -- Nyjer Morgan didn't know he'd set a dubious Major League record by beginning the season with 138 plate appearances and zero RBIs. When informed, he actually took it pretty well.

"Every day, you've got a new chance to make history, so it's all good," Morgan said, breaking into a laugh.

He could laugh because the second-year Brewers outfielder has been swinging the bat much better of late. Morgan entered Saturday on a modest four-game hitting streak, and has batted .342 in his last 13 games to boost his average 45 points.

But until he hit his first-inning home run Friday night, he had zero RBIs. He broke a record held nearly 62 years by White Sox outfielder Herb Adams, who had no RBIs in his first 125 plate appearances in 1950.

"It's a new experience in the game of baseball, going this long in baseball without getting a 'steak,'" Morgan said, using baseball parlance for an RBI. "It's basically a new learning curve for me. ... It was just a matter of time. I had to stay with my approach and keep swinging, keep plugging away. Eventually, the stars are going to line up."

Manager Ron Roenicke was glad to see Morgan's RBI drought end.

"Hopefully, he won't have to think about that anymore," Roenicke said. "Guys think about that. It's there. It's easy for me to say, 'Hey, don't worry about it,' but it's there. I'm sure it was on his mind."

Thunder Add Former Viper Defenceman Brodie To Teams Protected List:

The ECHL on Friday announced the Protected Lists as submitted by each of its member teams. The Stockton Thunder have twenty three players listed on their protected list one wich is former Vernon Vipers defenceman Cameron Brodie. 

Stockton Thunder Protected List:

Jason Morgan, Mike Little, Gabriel Levesque, Garet Hunt, Kevin Baker, Jordan Fulton, Anthony Aiello, Jesse Fratkin, Matt Reber, Matt Foy, Rob Kwiet, Chris D’Alvise, Sebastian Owuya, Nathan Deck, Tony DeHart, Cameron Brodie, Brock Matheson, Pierre-Andre Bureau, Kelly Czuy, Jim McKenzie, Chris Lawrence, Dan Ringwald, Adam Maccarone

Cameron Brodie finished his second season with the Thunder, also played three games with the AHL Texas Stars this past season before returning to Stockton. In 52 regular season games with the Thunder Brodie collected (0-7-7) & collected just one assist in eight playoff games. Brodie played parts of one season in Vernon (2008-2009) after being aquired from the Coquitlam Express at the BCHL trade deadline.

Cameron Brodie's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=81370

This is posted on the Thunder website:

2012-13 Protected List Announced

Friday, 06.01.12

By Stockton Thunder Staff

Rights retained to 23 players as roster-shaping starts for 2012-13 season

STOCKTON, Calif. – The Stockton Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League, announced its protected list of 23 players for the 2012-13 reserve system, as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association.

The protected list includes:

Jesse Fratkin (left) and Jordan Fulton (right) are two Thunder players who signed ECHL contracts and are eligible for the Season Ending roster. (photo by Sean Blair)

FORWARDS

• (RW) Kevin Baker
• (C) Pierre-Andre Bureau
• (RW) Kelly Czuy
• (C) Chris D’Alvise
• (RW) Matt Foy
• (C) Jesse Fratkin
• (LW) Jordan Fulton
• (LW) Garet Hunt
• (C) Chris Lawrence
• (C) Gabriel Levesque
• (RW) Jim McKenzie
• (C) Jason Morgan
• (RW) Matt Reber

DEFENSEMEN

• (D) Anthony Aiello
• (D) Cameron Brodie
• (D) Nathan Deck
• (D) Tony DeHart
• (D) Rob Kwiet
• (D) Mike Little
• (D) Adam Maccarone
• (D) Brock Matheson
• (D) Sebastian Owuya
• (D) Dan Ringwald

Teams are allowed to protect as many players as they wish provided the players protected meet the guidelines as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association which state that teams shall retain the rights to each player that:

1. Signed a Standard Players Contract in 2011-12 with the Member, and has not been traded or released, OR

2. Signed a Standard Players Contract in 2011-12, and was recalled to the NHL/AHL or IIHF team, and has not been traded or released, OR

3. Had received a Qualifying Offer last summer for the current season, DID NOT sign an SPC, and has not been traded or released, OR

4. Has been suspended by the Member or League, and has not been traded or released, OR

5. Signed a Standard Players Contract on or after the first day of the 2011-12 regular season, then subsequently signed an NHL/AHL contract, and has not been traded or released, OR

6. Has executed the ECHL Retirement Form, and has not been traded or released Protected lists may exceed 20 players.

The ECHL also announced that teams must complete all Future Consideration trades by 3 p.m. ET on June 13 and that teams must submit their Season-Ending Roster by 3 p.m. ET on June 15. Season-ending rosters may include up to 20 players and cannot include any players who did not sign an ECHL contract in 2010-11.

Qualifying Offers are due to the ECHL league office on July 1, 2012.

Vipers Add Offence With Commitment From Martin:

A few weeks back the Vernon Vipers announced that 17 year old forward Craig Martin has commited to play in Vernon for this coming season.  With just six returning forwards coming back from last years team, (Aaron Hadley, Riley Hunt, Brendan Persley, Jedd Soleway, Colton Sparrow & Adam Tambellini) the Vipers will be looking for some offence and Martin looks like he can put up some big numbers.  In 50 games with the KIJHL Beaver Valley Nitehawks Martin collected (48-48-96) as well as putting up 27 pts in 21 playoff games.  Martin also saw some action as an "AP" with the Trail Smoke Eaters last season putting up (5-2-7) in nine games with the Smokies. 

With tweleve players returning from last year the Vipers dont have alot of offensive punch up front.  Aaron Hadley and Adam Tambellini are basically your two returning forwards that so far are your goal scorers on the team.  Hadley entering his third season with the Vipers scored 17 goals last year putting up 40 pts while Tambellini scored 27 goals putting up 56 pts in his rookie season with the Vipers as a 17 yr old.  The Vipers also recently added forward Landon Robin after he commited to play with the Vipers this coming season.  In 33 games last year Robin put up 27 goals & 33 assists in Saskatchewan midget AAA.  Hopefully Robin can add some scoring with Vernon this season. 

Out of the other returning Viper forwards (Riley Hunt, Brendan Persley, Jedd Soleway & Colton Sparrow) I just dont see any of these kids putting up big offensive numbers.  All are hard working players that play hard, play physical and add some grit to the Vipers lineup but I just dont see alot of goals coming from any of these four players.  Brendan Persley who has shown last season he can put the puck in net at times, may contribute a little but will have to see.

The Vipers who have just two returning 20 year olds from last year still have four twenty year old roster spots open before the regular season begins in September, wich means Jason Williamson can always go out and aquire a veteran 20 yr old proven goal scorer to help out with some of the Vipers offence this season.  One question is it will be interesting to see some of the other new recruits that will be with the Vipers this year as well as any off season trades that may happen.

Ive said this before and will say it again, we have seen several so called "proven goal scorers" come up as highly touted recruits in past years wich for whatever reason cant put up the same style of numbers with the Vipers or in the BCHL.  These so called stars have been traded early into the season.  Let's hope Martin is the real deal and can put up some big numbers with the Vipers over the next few years.

Welcome to Vernon Craig and all the best with the Vipers! 

Former Viper Morgan Snaps '12 RBI Drought With Homer:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman, Nyjer Morgan got his first RBI of 2012 in a 8-2 loss to the visiting Pitssburgh Pirates Friday night.  Morgan played as an "AP" as a 16 year old with the Vipers during the (1996-1997) season.    Morgan was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 33rd round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft, On September 1, 2007, Morgan made his major league debut for the Pirates against the Milwaukee Brewers as a late-season call-up. Morgan in his second season with the Brewers is with his third major league team (Pittsburgh, Washington & Milwaukee. 

Nyjer Morgan's Player Profile:

http://brewers.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=460579#gameType='S'§ionType=career&statType=1&season=2012

This is posted on the Brewers website:

Morgan snaps '12 RBI drought with homer

By Adam McCalvy / MLB.com | 06/02/12

MILWAUKEE -- Brewers outfielder Nyjer Morgan is finally on the board.

Morgan logged his first RBI of 2012 when he homered off Pirates starter Kevin Correia in the first inning on Friday night at Miller Park to give the Brewers a 1-0 lead. It came in Morgan's 139th plate appearance this season.

His drought of 138 plate appearances to start a season without an RBI was a Major League record. The previous mark belonged to White Sox outfielder Herb Adams, who went 125 plate appearances without driving in a run to begin 1950.

Adams logged his first RBI that year on a bases-loaded walk on June 11. He drove in another run with a sacrifice fly later in that game.

Morgan's RBI on Friday was his first since Game 5 of last year's National League Division Series, a game-winning single up the middle in the bottom of the 10th inning that sent the Brewers to the NL Championship Series and is the subject of the club's 2012 Media Guide cover.

Mowat Moving On To Trail:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Mowat moving on to Trail

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: June 06, 2012

The Vernon Vipers have learned the price they will have to pay for bringing in veteran forward Colton Cyr at last season’s B.C. Hockey League trade deadline.

The Vipers dealt the rights of defenceman Max Mowat to the Trail Smoke Eaters as the future considerations part of a three-way deadline transaction that brought Cyr to Vernon.

The Snakes initially acquired forward Clayton Chessa from the Smokies, and then flipped Chessa to the Nanaimo Clippers in exchange for Cyr.

“Obviously it was a bit of a shock to me,” said Mowat. “I was pretty jacked up to have heard the RBC Cup (national Junior A championships) was coming to Vernon for my 20-year-old year, but I guess that’s out of the equation now.

“My goal now is to help my new team win. I just want to close off on thanking the whole Viper organization and all the great fans for the two awesome years I got to play in my hometown.”

Added Vipers’ head coach/GM Jason Williamson: “He was the one they targeted and came after. We were in a tough spot on Jan. 10 when (forward Dylan) Walchuk left and went to Spokane (Chiefs, WHL). We had to add an older body to try and get in (to playoffs) and make a push.

“Looking back on it, Colton Cyr was a good acquisition for our club. It’s always tough when you trade a hometown kid away, but it’s part of the business.”

Over two seasons with the Vipers, Mowat, a Vernon native who turns 19 later this month, accumulated three goals for 25 points in 80 games. While not an overly physical defenceman, Mowat provided a steady presence on the blueline and could be counted on to make the simple play.

“Max is a good player and that’s the reason they wanted him,” said Williamson “He has Royal Bank Cup experience.”

SNAKE BITES: Williamson and Clippers’ head coach Mike Vandekamp are heading a newly formed coaches committee that will review league rules and policies and make recommendations for consideration at AGMs. The league’s next bi-annual AGM goes this weekend...The Salmon Arm SilverBacks have announced former Vernon resident Rob Morphy as head scout for the coming season. Morphy, now of Kamloops, was the former head scout for the Vipers where he and Troy Mick, now Salmon Arm head coach/GM, won the 1999 Royal Bank Cup in Yorkton, Sask. He also worked in the WHL with the Chilliwack Bruins and Tri-City Americans. Mick also named Brandon West as an assistant coach.

Eagles Add Former Vipers Cey & Smeltzer To Teams Protected List:

The ECHL on Friday announced the Protected Lists as submitted by each of its member teams. The Colorado Eagles have nineteen players listed on their protected list two of wich are former Vernon Vipers defenceman Isaac Smeltzer & forward Patrick Cey. 

Colorado Eagles Protected List:

Jordan Baker, Jason Beatty, Patrick Cey, Jack Combs, Chad Costello, Steve Haddon, Kyle Jones, Damien Ketlo, Jon Landry, Teegan Moore, Riley Nelson, Alex Penner, Aaron Schneekloth, Joey Sides, Isaac Smeltzer, Kevin Ulanski, Luka Vidmar, Brennan Yadlowski, Kyle Peto
Patrick Cey finished his first season with the Eagles. In 53 regular season games Cey picked up 7 goals-12 assists & 20 points but went pointless in two ECHL Playoff games. Cey played two years in Vernon (2005-2007). In 73 regular season games with the Vipers Cey collected (31-35-66).

Patrick Cey's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=92087

Isaac Smeltzer finished his first season with the Eagles after recently signing with Colorado back on March, 14th 2012. Smeltzer picked up one assist in eleven regular season games with the Eagles but went pointless in the ECHL Playoffs. Smeltzer completed his fourth season at Brock University before signing with the Eagles. Smeltzer played his first three and a half seasons in the BCHL with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs before being traded to Vernon in his final season of Junior hockey (2007-2008). Alberni Valley traded Smeltzer to Vernon on November, 29th 2007 for forward, Evan Witt and defenceman, Eliot Raibl. Smeltzer collected (6-17-23) in 29 regular season games with the Vipers.

Isaac Smeltzer's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=80371

This is posted on the Eagles website:

Colorado Eagles Declare Protected List of Players

06/01/2012

WINDSOR, Colo. - The Colorado Eagles, along with every other ECHL club that played last season, announced today their protected list of players from the just-completed 2011-12 hockey season.  Each team shall retain the ECHL rights of the listed players until June 15 when "season ending rosters" are submitted to the league.  In total, 19 players are on the Eagles' protected list (10 forwards, seven defensemen & two goaltenders).

Teams are allowed to protect as many players as they wish from their previous season's roster, provided the players meet the guidelines defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players' Association (listed below).  Players on affiliation contracts (Ben Chiarot, Michael Forney, Jake Marto & Tommy Maxwell, in Colorado's case) may not be protected on the ECHL Member's list, as their rights are owned by the AHL/NHL clubs.

The following players were included on the Eagles' protected list:

Forwards

Jordan Baker
Patrick Cey
Jack Combs
Chad Costello
Steve Haddon
Teegan Moore
Riley Nelson
Alex Penner
Joey Sides
Kevin Ulanski

Defensemen

Jason Beatty
Jon Landry
Kyle Peto
Aaron Schneekloth
Isaac Smeltzer
Luka Vidmar
Brennan Yadlowski

Goaltenders

Kyle Jones
Damien Ketlo

Protected List Player Eligibility Guidelines

1. Signed a Standard Players Contract (SPC) in the previous season with the Member, and has not been traded or released, OR

2. Signed an SPC in the previous season, and was recalled to the NHL/AHL or IIHF team, and has not been traded or released, OR

3. Had received a Qualifying Offer last summer for the current season, DID NOT sign an SPC, and has not been traded or released, OR

4. Has been suspended by the Member or League, and has not been traded or released, OR

5. Signed an SPC on or after the first day of the previous season regular season, then subsequently signed an NHL/AHL contract, and has not been traded or released, OR

6. Has executed the ECHL Retirement Form, and has not been traded or released
This is posted on the ECHL website:

ECHL announces Protected Lists

June 1, 2012

PRINCETON, N.J. - The ECHL on Friday announced the Protected Lists as submitted by each of its member teams.

Teams are allowed to protect as many players as they wish provided the players protected meet the guidelines as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association which state that teams shall retain the rights to each player that:

1. Signed a Standard Players Contract in 2011-12 with the Member, and has not been traded or released, OR

2. Signed a Standard Players Contract in 2011-12, and was recalled to the NHL/AHL or IIHF team, and has not been traded or released, OR

3. Had received a Qualifying Offer last summer for the current season, DID NOT sign an SPC, and has not been traded or released, OR

4. Has been suspended by the Member or League, and has not been traded or released, OR

5. Signed a Standard Players Contract on or after the first day of the 2011-12 regular season, then subsequently signed an NHL/AHL contract, and has not been traded or released, OR

6. Has executed the ECHL Retirement Form, and has not been traded or released

Protected lists may exceed 20 players.

The ECHL also announced that teams must complete all Future Consideration trades by 3 p.m. ET on June 13 and that teams must submit their Season-Ending Roster by 3 p.m. ET on June 15.

Season-ending rosters may include up to 20 players and cannot include any players who did not sign an ECHL contract in 2011-12.

Vernon-Trail Trade:

This is posted on the Smoke Eaters website:

Smokies Acquire Vernon Blueliner
 
Monday, June 4, 2012 - Submitted by Chris Wahl

TRAIL -- The Trail Smoke Eaters have announced the completion of a trade with the Vernon Vipers.

The Smokies have acquired the playing rights to defenseman Max Mowat (93) from the Vipers, to complete a transaction from January.

Mowat, from Vernon, BC, has played 80 games in the BCHL, totalling 3 goals and 25 points. The 5'11", 185 lb blueliner also a member of the Vipers' 2011 Fred Page Cup championship team, and appeared in 2 games at the 2011 RBC Cup in Camrose, Alberta.

"To get a guy with that kind of winning experience is huge for the players in our dressing room," stated Smoke Eaters head coach/general manager Bill Birks. "Max will be a leader on our team next year and I anticipate he will play in all situations on our blue line."
"He's a physical player with a good first pass, and very quick feet," Birks added.

The Smoke Eaters would like to welcome Max Mowat to the organization.

For further information, please contact the Smoke Eaters office at (250) 364.9994.

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vipers Complete Trade With Trail
 
Monday, June 4, 2012 - Submitted by Vipers Staff

The Vernon Vipers hockey club has completed a trade with the Trail Smoke Eaters. Max Mowat has been traded to Trail which completes the futures trade that brought Colton Cyr to Vernon at the January 10thtrade deadline.

The Vernon Vipers would like to thank Max for his contribution to the hockey club and would like to wish him well in his future endeavours.

For more information please contact the Vipers office at 250 542 6022

Vernon-Trail Trade:

Trail Smoke Eaters play by play guy Chris Wahl reported on his twitter account http://twitter.com/#!/wahlsy that the Vernon Vipers have traded 18 year old defenceman Max Mowat to the Trail Smoke Eaters.  No other info on the deal has been posted but Wahl said there will be more posted on the trade later.  The BCHL website already has Mowat listed on the Smoke Eaters roster.

At last years BCHL trade deadline the Smoke Eaters sent 20 year old forward Clayton Chessa to the Vipers for future considerations, the Vipers then sent Chessa to Nanaimo for 20 year old captain Colton Cyr.  Is Mowat the future considerations part of that trade? 

Mowat who is from Vernon played the last two years with the Vipers.  In 80 regular season games Mowat collected 3 goals-22 assists-25 pts.  Mowat attended the Kamloops Blazers training camp (2010-11) before being cut by the Blazers and joined the Vipers early during the 2010-11 regular season. 

Max Mowat's Player Profile:



http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=339744&playerID=485777

Once I hear more on the deal I will update the trade asap.  You can also check in with Chris Wahl's Trail Smoke Eaters blog for more on the trade,

http://off-the-wahl.blogspot.ca/

Mick Great Choice For Silverbacks:

When the 2012-13 BCHL regular season begins this September Viper fans will notice something different this coming season in Salmon Arm.  Former Vernon Lakers forward as well as former Lakers & Vipers Assistant Coach and Head Coach-GM Troy Mick will be behind the bench for the Silverbacks after joing the Backs this off season as the clubs new Head Coach-GM and part owner.  Salmon Arm was one of the leagues top and most sucssesfull franchises before Randy Williams took over the team a few years ago.  The Silverbacks have really struggled on and off the ice with several coaches and new faces along the way.  Salmon Arm who along with the Vipers missed the BCHL playoffs this past season will turn things around in a hurry with Mick behind the bench.

Being a huge Troy Mick fan from his days with the Lakers and then as a coach with the Lakers and the Vipers "The Micker" always put top notch teams on the ice representing the City of Vernon and the rich history of the Lakers & Vipers franchise.  Onething I noticed about Mick is he is a great coach and a super recruiter.  Mick always seemed to land some of the best tallent bringing these young men to Vernon to play for the Vipers.  I have always respected Mick and thought he has been one of the most classiest guys in the league, Troy is always the first guy walking around the rink to smile, stop and have a quick chat with you, no matter how busy the man was. 

After years of chasing away the true diehard Silverbacks fans, I sure hope the diehard Backs fans come back to the rink and help support the Micker and their Salmon Arm Silverbacks....  It may take a few years but Mick will have the Backs back to one of the top spots in the Interior Conference in no time. 

One of the leagues biggest rivalries has been dead for several years now, maybe with the hiring of Mick both cities will have the hatred and the league will welcome back a great rivalry between the Backs and Vipers. 

I would like to congratulate Troy Mick on his new positions with the Silverbacks and wish him all the best in Salmon Arm.  Over the years of getting to know Troy he always took the time to stop by and say hello and have a quick chat about the game that night.  I know the Micker follows and reads my blog, so welcome back to the league Micker!!  All the best this coming season! 

See you at the rink!

Gladiators Add Former Viper Defenceman Brookwell To Teams Protected List:

The ECHL on Friday announced the Protected Lists as submitted by each of its member teams.  The Gwinnett Gladiators have sixteen players listed on their protected list one of is former Vernon Vipers defenceman Cody Brookwell. 

Gwinnett Gladiators Protected List:

Nikita Kashirsky, Tyler Murovich, Bryan Brutlag, Justin Milo, Joey Haddad, Dallas Jackson, Chris Clackson, Shane Sims, Cody Brookwell, Mike Bartlett, Sean Duddy, Igor Gongalsky, Andy Brandt, Evan Rankin, Pat Galivan, Will Colbert

Brookwell was recruited by the Vipers but only played in four regular season games during the 2004-05 season before being traded in early October of 2004 to the Williams Lake Timberwolves. Brookwell played two seasons in Williams Lake before playing the next four seasons at the University of Denver. Brookwell is in his second season with the Gladiators, In 63 regular season games this year with the Gladiators Brookwell collected (4-11-15). Brookwell went pointless in four playoff games these ECHL playoffs.

Cody Brookwell's Player Profile:

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

This is posted on the ECHL website:

ECHL announces Protected Lists

June 1, 2012

PRINCETON, N.J. - The ECHL on Friday announced the Protected Lists as submitted by each of its member teams.

Teams are allowed to protect as many players as they wish provided the players protected meet the guidelines as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association which state that teams shall retain the rights to each player that:

1. Signed a Standard Players Contract in 2011-12 with the Member, and has not been traded or released, OR

2. Signed a Standard Players Contract in 2011-12, and was recalled to the NHL/AHL or IIHF team, and has not been traded or released, OR

3. Had received a Qualifying Offer last summer for the current season, DID NOT sign an SPC, and has not been traded or released, OR

4. Has been suspended by the Member or League, and has not been traded or released, OR

5. Signed a Standard Players Contract on or after the first day of the 2011-12 regular season, then subsequently signed an NHL/AHL contract, and has not been traded or released, OR

6. Has executed the ECHL Retirement Form, and has not been traded or released

Protected lists may exceed 20 players.

The ECHL also announced that teams must complete all Future Consideration trades by 3 p.m. ET on June 13 and that teams must submit their Season-Ending Roster by 3 p.m. ET on June 15.

Season-ending rosters may include up to 20 players and cannot include any players who did not sign an ECHL contract in 2011-12.

This is posted on the Gladiators website:

Glads Release Protected List

Friday, June 01, 2012

The Gwinnett Gladiators protected list has been released and includes 16 players. Gwinnett protected five defensemen, 11 forwards and no goaltenders. The players on the Gladiators protected list are defensemen Will Colbert, Sean Duddy, Shane Sims, Cody Brookwell, Dallas Jackson. Forwards on the protected list include Nikita Kashirsky, Tyler Murovich, Bryan Brutlag, Justin Milo, Joey Haddad, Chris Clackson, Mike Bartlett, Igor Gongalsky, Andy Brandt, Evan Rankin and Pat Galivan.

Teams are allowed to protect as many players as they wish provided the players protected meet the guidelines as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association which state that teams shall retain the rights to each player that has signed a Standard Players Contract in 2011-12 with the Member, and has not been traded or released, or signed a Standard Players Contract in 2011-12, and was recalled to the NHL/AHL or IIHF team, and has not been traded or released, or had received a Qualifying Offer last summer for the current season, DID NOT sign an SPC, and has not been traded or released, or has been suspended by the Member or League, and has not been traded or released, or signed a Standard Players Contract on or after the first day of the 2011-12 regular season, then subsequently signed an NHL/AHL contract, and has not been traded or released, or has executed the ECHL Retirement Form, and has not been traded or released.

The ECHL also announced that teams must complete all Future Consideration trades by 3 p.m. ET on June 13 and that teams must submit their Season-Ending Roster by 3 p.m. ET on June 15. Season-ending rosters may include up to 20 players and cannot include any players who did not sign an ECHL contract in 2010-11.

The Gladiators are the ECHL Affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres and the Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League and are members of the ECHL, the Premier "AA" Hockey League and play all home games at the 11,355-seat Arena at Gwinnett Center, located just off I-85 on Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth.

Former Vernon Viper Morgan One Of Six Brewers In MLB All-Star Game Ballot Form:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman, Nyjer Morgan is one of six Milwaukee Brewers to be selected from this years 2012 MLB All-Star game ballot form.  The 2012 MLB All Star Game will be held in Kansas City at Kauffman Stadium on July 10th, 2012.  Morgan played as an "AP" as a 16 year old with the Vipers during the (1996-1997) season.    On September 1, 2007, Morgan made his major league debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the Milwaukee Brewers as a late-season call-up.  Morgan in his second season with the Brewers was traded to Milwaukee on March, 27th 2011 in exchange for prospect Cutter Dykstra.  On January 16, 2012, Morgan signed a one-year, $2.35 million deal during his first run-through of arbitration eligibility.  In the off season Morgan got the chance to skate-practice with his hometown team the San Jose Sharks back in early February of this year.   

Nyjer Morgan's Player Profile:

http://brewers.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=460579#gameType='S'§ionType=career&statType=1&season=2012

This was posted on the MLB website:


Major League Baseball fans can now vote on www.mlb.com for this years 2012 MLB All-Star game. In each league, fans can select one player for each infield position and up to three outfielders. For the American League, fans can also vote for a designated hitter. To vote for a player, click on his name. "Write-in" votes may be entered in the area provided at the bottom of each voting page. A maximum of 25 ballots may be submitted per person. Vote a maximum of 25 times. Voting ends at 11:59 PM ET on Thursday, June 28, 2012

You can make your vote on the link below,

http://milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2012/ballot.jsp?tcid=hpMW-asgballot-2012

McGillis Stoked About Queen's Gig:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

McGillis stoked about Queen's gig

Published: May 31, 2012

Patrick McGillis has never visited Queen’s University, but he already has the inside scoop on his future hockey home in Kingston, Ont.

“I have a ton of alumni in my family that graduated from Queen’s, which influenced my decision,” said the former Vernon Viper captain, who committed to play with the Golden Gaels for the coming season.

“(I have) a lot of relatives living in the Toronto and Ottawa area. It’ll be nice to have a lot of family that’ll come and watch the games.”

McGillis endured a second straight injury-plagued B.C. Hockey League season as a 20-year-old in Vernon. After missing time with a shoulder injury in 2010-11, a high ankle sprain limited him to just 31 games this season.

When healthy, the Calgary native was a reliable two-way winger, using a deceptively quick release to rack up 11 goals (five on the powerplay) and 14 assists. In 115 career games, he recorded 31-40-71.

McGillis originally hoped to land an NCAA Division 1 hockey scholarship, but the injuries kept him from showcasing his potential. However, he is thrilled to be joining the Gaels, whose blueline features former Viper Steve Tresierra. The Gaels went 13-13-2 for eighth place last year.

“I’ve been talking to a few schools for a while now and came to the decision that that would be the best fit both academically and hockey-wise,” said McGillis.

“NCAA would have been nice, but I’m still going to be playing CIS (Canadian Interuniversity Sport), the top level in Canada and getting probably one of the best educations you can get out of a Canadian university.”

Despite reverting to rookie status, McGillis, who will visit the Kingston campus in a few weeks, hopes to earn top-six or top-nine minutes at Queen’s.

“They don’t have a lot of new recruits coming in; only about five or six guys,” he said. “Every year will be a learning experience over there.”

Meanwhile, McGillis will spend the summer working at Predator Ridge, while implementing his new workout program (courtesy of the Gaels’ training staff) at Fitness West.

“The next few months is going to be a lot of hard training,” he said. “It’s a little more offseason specific training. This is a lot more strength training and explosion stuff.”

Former Vipers Goaltender Mark Segal Leaves McGill University To End Hockey Career:

Former Vernon Vipers goaltender, Mark Segal has decided to end his competitive hockey career and leave McGill University.  Segal left the WHL Vancouver Giants last summer to attend McGill University.  Segal was the Vipers backup goaltender to Andrew Hammond to start the 2008-09 season before being reassigned to the Richmond Sockeyes in early October 2008 after the Vipers aquired goaltender, Graeme Gordon in a trade with the Merritt Centennials. Segal then went on to play with the BCHL Nanaimo Clippers before joining the WHL Vancouver Giants.

Mark Segal's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=124413

This was posted last week on Gregg Drinnan's Blog:

Thursday, May 24th 2012

Goaltender Mark Segal, who played in 36 games with the Vancouver Giants in 2009-10 and 55 the next season, has decided to end his competitive hockey career. Segal spent this season with the McGill Redmen, who won the school’s first CIS championship since its hockey program began in 1877. . . . Segal got into 11 games with McGill, going 9-2, .924, 2.27. . . . Segal, who is from Vancouver, has chosen to move to the U of Victoria but doesn’t plan on playing hockey, unless it’s of the intramural variety.

With The Addition Of Robinson Vipers Have Two Former Captains Behind The Bench:

Last week the Vernon Vipers announced the hiring of former Vipers captain David Robinson and former Vipers scout Jason Read as the teams two new Assistant Coaches.  After Chris Shaw was released by the Vipers it was a waiting game to see who Jason Williamson would bring in-hire as his new Assistant Coach. 

You gotta like former Vernon Vipers captain David Robinson as one choice for behind the bench.  Sure Robinson dosnt have any coaching experience but his knowlege of the game as a former Viper and his class that he showed on and off the ice with the Vipers in the past will be good for the young kids coming to play in Vernon.  Robinson who is a Vernon product, knew what it was to be a Viper, wore his heart on his sleeve and is a true leader on and off the ice.  He wanted nothing more then to bring Vernon another RBC Cup back in 2010 and now hopefully will have a shot as an Assistant Coach.  Robinson a heart and soul player played with alot of heart & emotion giving it his all every shift, Im sure he will now bring that behind the bench this coming season.  Robinson being younger was very well liked by everyone, will be able to approach the younger kids almost like a team mate, he will be able to relate to them on and off the ice.  I like the idea of having a third set of eyes behind the bench.  Robinson and Head Coach-GM Jason Williamson are now two former Viper captains that hopefully can turn around this Vipers team around after missing the BCHL playoffs for the first time in ten years.

As for Jason Read I dont really know much about him other then what was said in the media.  I think getting a guy that has 18 years of coaching experience and someone who strickly works with the defence is someone who the Vipers need and were lacking this past season.  The Vipers defence wasnt that good this past season and never improved much through out the season.  Sure a few kids improved very late in the season but defence was an area that the Vipers needed some work.  I think with Jason Williamson in just his second season as a head coach and GM and now David Robinson as the teams new rookie Assistant Coach, Read is the more veteran guy behind the bench that maybe both Robinson and Williamson and learn from and all three can add a little bit of their own hockey experiences to this years coming Vipers team.  Im excited to see both Robinson and Read behind the bench with Williamson.

Best of luck to the Vipers new coaching staff this coming season!

Here is a look back at some previous former Vernon Laker-Viper players that also got behind the bench in past years with the Lakers & Vipers (If Im missing any please let me know)

Jason Williamson

(Player) Vernon Vipers 2000-2002 (Assistant Coach) Vernon Vipers 2008-2011 (Head Coach-GM) Vernon Vipers 2011-

David Robinson

(Player) Vernon Vipers 2009-2011) (Assistant Coach) Vernon Vipers 2012-

Troy Mick

(Player) Vernon Lakers 1984-1986 (Assistant Coach) Vernon Lakers-Vipers 1993-1996 (Head Coach-GM) Vernon Vipers 1997-2000 & 2005-06

Spencer Ward

(Player) Vernon Lakers 1992-1995 (Assistant Coach) Vernon Vipers 2000-2001

Bob Dever

(Player) Vernon Lakers 1986-87 (Assistant Coach) Vernon Vipers 2001-2004

Shawn Bourgeois

(Player) Vernon Lakers 1991-1993 (Assistant Coach) Vernon Vipers 2001-2004

Keith Chase

(Player) Vernon Lakers 1982-1988 (Assistant Coach) Vernon Lakers 1988-1991

Kori Davison

(Player) Vernon Vipers 1996-2000 (Assistant Coach) Vernon Vipers 2005-06

Ed Johnstone

(Player) Vernon Essos 1970-71 (Assistant Coach) Vernon Lakers 1987-88 (Head Coach-GM) Vernon Lakers 1988-1992

Ernie Gare

(Player) Vernon Essos 1970-1972 (Head Coach) Vernon Lakers 1986-1988