Derrick Hiebert's Newly Painted Vipers Mask:

This was posted on the Vipers facebook page:

Derrick Hiebert   ‎Vernon Vipers

December 12

For all you Vernon Vipers Fans, My tribute Goalie mask which i airbrushed recently.

Royals Release Ex Viper D-Man Robertson:

The East Coast Hockey League Reading Royals have released former Vernon Vipers defenceman Sean Robertson.

Robertson started the season with the Royals, signing a tryout agreement September 29th 2017 attended the Royals training camp never played a game before being released, signed with the Southern Professional Hockey League Fayetteville Marksmen in mid October. Robertson played just one game with the Marksmen collecting two assists was either traded or released before signing with Reading October 26 2017 for a second time this season. Robertson picked up one assist in one game with the Royals.

Robertson spent last season with the East Coast Hockey League Utah Grizzlies & Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) Fayetteville FireAntz.

Robertson played In 11 games with Merrimack College during the 2012-13 season before leaving for the University of Guelph. Robertson spent his first six seasons playing for the Victoria Grizzlies before being traded to Vernon in his final year of Junior hockey. On December 12th 2011 the Vipers traded Zach McPhee and future considerations to Victoria for Robertson.  In 31 games with the Vipers Robertson collected (0-goals-4-assists-4-points).

Sean Robertson's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=48356

This was posted on the East Coast Hockey League website:

ECHL Transactions – Oct. 30

October 30, 2017

Following are the ECHL transactions for Monday, Oct. 30, 2017:

CONTRACTED PLAYERS RELEASED (eligible for waivers/waiver claims):

Reading:    
      
Sean Robertson, D

Ex Vernon Viper Calvin Named BCHL Grad Of The Month:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Dallas Calvin has been named the British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League’s BCHL Grad of the Month for November.

Calvin is in his third season at Selkirk College. In 14 games this season Calvin has (10-goals-20-assists-30-points).

Calvin was an affiliated player "AP" with the Vipers during the 2012-13 season playing in one game before committing to the Vipers for the 2013-14 season. Calvin left the Vipers on October 5th 2013 after just 11 games for personal reasons before joining the KIJHL Beaver Valley Nitehawks. Calvin re-joined the Vipers after Christmas as an "AP" for the remainder of the season, playoffs & Royal Bank Cup. In 12 games with the Vipers Calvin recorded (3-goals-6-assists-9-points). Calvin didn't return to the Vipers the following season, committed to-played with the Trail Smoke Eaters for the 2014-15 season.  

Dallas Calvin's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=94972

This is posted on the BCHL website:

BCHL Grad of the Month

December 5, 2017

Selkirk College forward Dallas Calvin has been named the British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League’s BCHL Grad of the Month for November.

Calvin was nearly unstoppable during the month, picking up points in all eight games he played. He scored four goals and collected nine assists in total, and in the process led the Saints to a 5-2-0-1 record to maintain top spot in the league standings.

The 23-year old continues to sit atop the BCIHL scoring race and has a commanding lead on his competition. His 30 points are 13 more than the league’s next highest scorer, and his 20 assists alone trump all other skaters’ point totals.

Calvin played games over five BCHL seasons, initially as an affiliate player with the Trail Smoke Eaters before signing with Vernon at the beginning of the 2013/14 season. He scored eight points in 11 regular season games as a Viper, but his breakout season came as a 20-year old back with his hometown team in Trail.

He dressed in 32 regular season games for the Smoke Eaters during the 2014/15 campaign, scoring 16 times and picking up 29 assists. His 1.41 points per game average was sixth best in the BCHL that season. He committed to Selkirk College at the conclusion of the season and won a BCIHL championship with the Saints as a rookie in 2016.

Vernon Vipers 4th Annual Christmas Quiz:

This is posted on the Hockeytube.net

Vipers 4th Annual Christmas Quiz

December 17, 2017 HockeyTube

Vipers 4th Annual Christmas Quiz – It’s that time of year again, where we check in with the BCHL Vernon Vipers and quiz them on their Christmas knowledge. From who invented Eggnog to what colour are Mistletoe berries…we find out who had the holiday spirit and which pair of Vipers should join the Grinch on top of a mountain. Play along and see how well you do!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPirlYPzwW0

Americans Trade Former Viper Basara To Jacksonville:

The East Coast Hockey League Allen Americans have traded former Vernon Vipers forward Marcus Basara to the Jacksonville IceMen.

Basara finished his fourth and final year at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks last season, signed his first professional contract with the Americans August 24th 2017, never played a game with the Americans, before being invited to the American Hockey League San Jose Barracuda training camp in September. Basara was released during camp, before returning to the Americans.

Basara played parts of the two seasons in Vernon (2010-2012) before being traded along with Connor Hartley & future considerations to the Alberta Junior Hockey League Okotoks Oilers on November, 28th 2011 for Ben Gamache.  Basara would finish his junior career with the West Kelowna Warriors. In 80 games with the Vipers Basara collected (18-goals-27-assists-45-points).

Marcus Basara's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=65270

This was posted on the Americans website:

Allen Makes Trade, Roster Update and More

By Barry Janssen -

October 10, 2017

ALLEN, TX – Coach Steve Martinson trimmed the training camp roster by two yesterday, trading rookies Marcus Basara and Tyler Coulter to the Jacksonville IceMen for the famous “future considerations.”

The roster is now at 22 players including 12 forwards, eight defensemen and two goalies. I would expect this ends up being the opening day roster for the Allen Americans. It is not due in the league office until 2:00 pm (Allen time) on Wednesday so some changes could still take place.

I suspect this ends up being the opening day roster for the Allen Americans. It is not due in the league office until 2:00 pm (Allen time) on Wednesday so some changes could still take place.

– Just as a reminder there are three components to the total number of players on a team. The active roster can be 21 players for the first month of the season and then goes to 20. In addition, you can have two players on reserve plus you can have an unlimited number of players on a 21-day injured reserve as long as they are certified by the medical staff as injured. The 21 day IR is a minimum of 21 days, not a maximum.

– The catch on the active roster is they all have to fit under the weekly salary cap ($13,260 for the first month and $12,800 for the rest of the season). If you have a lot of rookies and AHL contracted players it is possible to carry 21 players on the active roster. Remember, AHL contracted players only count $525 toward the salary cap. After trading the two rookies Monday, Allen has just one rookie on the roster (Josh Thrower) and four AHL contracted players (Makowski, Moore, Schoenborn & Williams). With the rest of the roster made up of ECHL contracted players with a lot of experience, you can be assured coach Martinson will not have an active roster of 21 players. Martinson is a master of salary “capology,” so it will be interesting to see how many players are on the active roster for the games this weekend. In past years the active roster has typically been 18 or fewer because of the salary cap so it remains to be seen what that number will be this weekend.

– Another to-do item for Martinson is to pick the players that will wear an “A” this season to round out the on-ice leadership team. He has already named two of the leaders in captain Joel Chouinard and player/assistant coach Casey Pierro-Zabotel. There are so many leaders on this team it will be a tough decision for Martinson. He could go with the senior players in their first year in Allen, like Peter MacArthur, who was the captain of his ECHL team (Adirondack) the past two seasons or Mathieu Aubin, who wore an “A” in Utah and was captain in Cincinnati in the past. Vincent Arseneau wore an “A” in Wichita last season and returns to Allen for his third season. Maybe it is time to give David Makowski, who was captain of his college team, (University of Denver) and Spencer Asuchak, who has won three championships in Allen, an “A” for all they have done for the Americans. Any way you slice it there are many good candidates and as Chouinard told me recently it doesn’t matter who wears the letters, leadership comes in all forms and the Americans have a lot of players that will lead on and off the ice.

– Tommy Daniels hosted the annual media kickoff luncheon yesterday, and the media got to hear from Martinson, Chouinard, Pierro-Zabotel and Zach Hall. Two messages came across from everyone. First, they were impressed with the talent of the players in camp with the combination of speed, skill and toughness and second the expectations in Allen are very high. Unlike many other franchises in Allen anything less than a championship will be considered an unsuccessful season.

– Chad Costello had his knee surgery on Monday. Ashley Costello posted, “Home resting from a long day. Surgery went well, now hoping for a fast recovery. Thank you for all the love and well wishes.”

– A couple of follow-ups to the article yesterday about the bus the Allen Americans will be using this season. Several readers let me know that Big Red had problems on the maiden trip for the Tulsa Oilers which made the team late for their preseason game in Wichita. I was aware of that when I wrote the story but decided to give Big Red a break. The cat is out of the bag now.

The other bus question I received was how much will Allen use the bus as opposed to fly to road games. The decision to bus or fly is based on cost. Some places like Rapid City are expensive to fly to. If the team is on a multi-city road trip that makes flying much more expensive. The bottom line is the team will be taking the new bus on most road trips. If there is a long trip to one city such as Idaho where the team plays two or three games and then returns to Allen, you will see them fly in that situation. Where you have a road trip to multiple cities like the Atlanta, Florida, Jacksonville trip in February they will take the bus.

Finally, I heard from several Rapid City fans what a great guy and bus driver Tim Acheson is and how lucky Allen is to have him. They also referred to Tim as “Slice.” Thought it was an interesting nickname so asked Tim how that came about.

Heat Invite Vipers Alumni Nowick To Training Camp:

The American Hockey League Stockton Heat have invited former Vernon Vipers forward Darren Nowick to training camp.

Nowick split last season between the East Coast Hockey League Missouri Mavericks & the American Hockey League Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Nowick started his second season with the Mavericks before signing a professional tryout (PTO) with the American Hockey League Bridgeport Sound Tigers March 7 2017. In 57 games last year with Missouri Nowick collected (21-goals-24-assists-45-points) while picking up (3-goals-1-assist-4-points) in 13 games with Bridgeport.

After playing four years at Northern Michigan University Nowick signed his first professional contract with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Missouri Mavericks March 16 2016.

Nowick played 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 was posted on the Heat website:

Heat Announce Training Camp Roster and Signings

September 25, 2017/in News /by Brandon Kisker

Stockton, Calif. – The Stockton Heat, proud AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Calgary Flames, announced today their initial training camp roster of 24 players including 12 forwards, 10 defensemen and two goalies. The Heat will begin training camp this afternoon. In addition, the team also announced their off-season signings including that forwards Rod Pelley and Brett Findlay, defenseman Kayle Doetzel, Adam Ollas Mattsson and Oleg Yevenko have signed AHL contracts for the 2017-18 season while forwards Darren Nowick and Mike McMurtry have been signed to a two-way, AHL/ECHL contract.

Hockey returns in preseason form to Stockton Arena this Friday as the Heat host the Bakersfield Condors at 7:00 p.m. General Admission tickets for the game are on sale now for only $10 at the Stockton Arena Ticket Office and Ticketmaster, however, you can save $2 per ticket by getting a group of 10 or more people together and calling the Heat Front Office at 209.373.1500.

The 2017-18 regular season gets underway on Friday, October 6 for our Port Proud, Stockton Proud Home Opener presented by the Port of Stockton as the Heat will host the Condors for a 7:00 start.  The first 2,500 fans to enter the building will receive a Stockton Heat stadium cup which is refillable at Stockton Arena all season long at a discounted price!  Upon exit after the game, 2,500 fans will receive a Heat Magnetic Schedule as well.

Tickets are on sale now but you can save and get a limited edition Opening Night Roster T-shirt through our Opening Weekend Combo Pack.  A $100 value, the package includes two Lower Premium tickets to the October 6 and 7 games and a pair of t-shirts for just $65.

Order your Combo Packs by visiting stocktonheat.com/homeopener2017 or to set up your groups or purchase your ticket plans, call 209.373.1500.

Sound Tigers Sign Vipers Alumni Kellen Jones:

The American Hockey League (AHL) Bridgeport Sound Tigers have
signed former Vernon Vipers forward Kellen Jones. Kellen will join his twin brother Connor who is in his third season with the Sound Tigers.

Jones will be entering his second season with the Sound Tigers after playing with three different teams during the 2015-16 season (Missouri Mavericks, Bakersfield Condors & Utica Comets).

After four years at Quinnipiac University, Kellen Jones signed his first pro contract with the American Hockey League (AHL) Oklahoma City Barons on April 3rd 2014.

Kellen Jones played four years in Vernon (2006-2010) playing in 154 regular season games with the Vipers collecting (39-goals-134-assists-173-points). Jones is also the all-time franchise assists leader (regular season & playoffs) with 150. Jones was drafted in Round 7 of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft #202 overall by the Edmonton Oilers.

Kellen Jones Player Profile:

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

This was posted on the Sound Tigers website:

Sound Tigers Add Kellen Jones and Three Others

Courtesy: SoundTigers.com
         
Release: 09/12/2017

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers announced today forwards Kellen Jones (pictured) and Matt Lane, as well as defensemen Mike Cornell and Patrick Cullity, have agreed to terms on American Hockey League contracts prior to training camp later this month.

Jones, 27, earned AHL career highs in goals (six) and points (15) in 58 games with Bridgeport last season. The Trail, B.C. native has 38 points (15 goals, 23 assists) in 144 career AHL games with the Sound Tigers, Utica Comets, Bakersfield Condors and Oklahoma City Barons.

Prior to turning pro, Jones played four seasons at Quinnipiac University and notched 127 points (53 goals, 74 assists) in 158 games with the Bobcats. He served as alternate captain during his junior and senior seasons and played all four years with his twin brother, Connor. The two brothers have also spent the majority of their professional careers together, including last season in Bridgeport. Kellen was initially selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the seventh round (#202) of the 2010 NHL Draft.

Lane, 23, played 45 games with the Elmira Jackals (ECHL) as a rookie last season and ranked fifth on the club with 24 points (11 goals, 13 assists). He also collected two assists in 15 games with the Rochester Americans during his first professional campaign.

Prior to turning pro, Lane spent four seasons at Boston University from 2012-16. The Rochester, N.Y. native registered 69 points (33 goals, 36 assists) and a plus-11 rating in 151 career games, and served as alternate captain as a senior. He also posted career highs in goals (14), assists (14) and points (28) that season, one year after helping the Huskies capture the 2015 Hockey East Championship.

On the international stage, Lane led Team USA to a gold medal at the 2012 Under-18 World Junior Championships and was named a top three player on the team. The 5'10, 176-pound forward also helped Team USA to a silver medal at the 2011 Under-17 World Hockey Championship.

Cornell, 29, played 49 games with the Straubing Tigers (DEL) last season and produced nine assists and 117 penalty minutes during his first full year outside of North America. He returns to the Sound Tigers after making 35 appearances with the team in 2013-14.

A native of Franklin, Mass., Cornell has played 130 AHL games with the Sound Tigers, Springfield Falcons, St. John's IceCaps and Charlotte Checkers, recording 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists) and 351 penalty minutes. In addition, the 5'11, 190-pound defenseman has earned 26 points (five goals, 21 assists) in 68 ECHL games with the Florida Everblades. Prior to turning pro, he spent four seasons at the University of Maine from 2009-13 and served as team captain during his senior year.

Cullity, 30, registered five assists and 52 penalty minutes in 36 games with the Sound Tigers last season. He also ranked third on the team in penalty kill time.

A Boston native, Cullity has recorded 19 points (one goal, 18 assists) in 145 AHL games between the Sound Tigers, Syracuse Crunch, Abbotsford Heat, Springfield Falcons and St. John's IceCaps. He also boasts 87 points (14 goals, 73 assists) in 295 ECHL contests with the South Carolina Stingrays, Utah Grizzlies, Idaho Steelheads and Mavericks.

Prior to turning pro, the 6'2, 200-pound defenseman played four seasons at the University of Vermont, collecting 25 points (two goals, 23 assists) in 145 games with the Catamounts.

Hottest Tickets in Town: The Sound Tigers will boast one of their most extensive and exciting promotional lineups in team history this season. This year's calendar will feature the return of Star Wars Night (Dec. 2), meet-and-greets with the Justice League (Nov. 11) and Marvel (Jan. 27) superheroes, and all-new promotions like a camouflage baseball cap (Jan. 13) and a kid's lunch box giveaway (Feb. 11). The promotional lineup kicks off with Opening Night on Oct. 21, featuring a Sound Tigers backpack giveaway to the first 3,000 kids courtesy of All Electric Construction and Communication. Click here to tickets.

Guarantee Your Seats: Season tickets and flex plans are on sale now for the 2017-18 campaign, offering the greatest savings and ultimate flexibility of all ticket packages. Pick between a full-season, 20-game, 15-game or 10-game plan and you'll also be entitled to exclusive benefits, including the ticket holder exchange policy, which means any unused tickets can be traded for future games. Seating options are broken down into six different pricing sections, giving you the flexibility to fit Sound Tigers' hockey into any kind of budget. Please contact Brad Dworin at 203-345-4813 or via brad.dworin@harboryardse.com with questions or to guarantee your seats.

About the Bridgeport Sound Tigers

Founded in 2001, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers Hockey Club is the top minor league affiliate of the New York Islanders. Don't miss your chance to take part in the family fun that occurs during home games at Webster Bank Arena. For further information on ticket or sponsorship opportunities, call our office at (203) 345-2300 or e-mail info@soundtigers.com. For more team information, log on to soundtigers.com.

Former Vernon Laker Poeschek Has New Trial Date Set After No-Show In Court:

Former Vernon Lakers forward Rudy Poeschek has new trial date set after no-show in court.

Poeschek was wanted on a warrant after missing a court date in June was facing a new charge. Poeschek has been on the lam since no-showing in Kamloops provincial court on June 2 for what would have been his trial on an allegation he breached his probation. A warrant for his arrest was issued and he has since been charged with one count of failing to appear in court.

Poeschek played one season in Vernon with the 1982-83 Vernon Lakers collecting (4-goals-10-assists-14-points) before leaving for the Western Hockey League.

Poeschek was drafted 238th overall by the New York Rangers in Round 12 of the 1985 NHL Entry Draft. Poeschek played eleven seasons in the National Hockey League with four different teams (New York Rangers, Winnipeg, Tampa Bay & St. Louis).

Rudy Poeschek's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=70104

This was posted on the Kamloopsthisweek.com

Former NHL enforcer Poeschek has new trial date set after no-show in court

By Tim Petruk - October 12, 2017

A former National Hockey League enforcer who missed court earlier this year is expected to stand trial in December on allegations of breaching probation and failing to appear.

Rudy Poeschek’s trial on the breach charge had been scheduled to take place in Kamloops provincial court on June 2, but he was a no show and a warrant was issued.

He was subsequently arrested and re-released, now facing an additional charge of failing to appear in court. A trial has been scheduled for Dec. 7.

Poeschek, 50, has told KTW his memory is failing him. He said the breach charge was laid after he forgot about a meeting with his probation officer. He also said he nearly forgot to show up to a previous court date last year.

Poeschek is one of a number of former NHL players suing the league, alleging officials there knew of the dangers posed by repeated head injuries and concussions.

In a series published in KTW in 2015, a Boston-based neurosurgeon suggested Poeschek may be suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease found to have afflicted many former hockey and football players.

Dr. Robert Cantu described CTE as being similar to Alzheimer’s disease. He said it can affect impulse control and memory.

“It’s essentially caused by rattling your brain around in your head — a lot,” he told KTW.

CTE played a prominent role in a lawsuit filed by former National Football League players against that league. In that case, the two sides reached a settlement in 2015 believed to have been worth more than US$1 billion. CTE can only be diagnosed after death. Researchers confirmed this week that Ty Pozzobon, the Merritt bull-rider who killed himself earlier this year, had CTE. It has also been found in the brains of dozens of former professional football players and multiple hockey players.

Poeschek was an enforcer in the NHL over parts of 12 seasons. He was selected by the New York Rangers in the 12th round of the 1985 NHL Entry Draft while playing junior hockey for his hometown Kamloops Blazers.

After a playing career that ended in 2001, Poeschek was arrested eight times while living in Tampa, Fla., culminating in a March 13, 2005, demolition derby in his upscale neighbourhood that landed him behind bars. He moved with his family to Kamloops after his release from a Florida jail.

Poeschek was on probation as part of a sentence he received after pleading guilty to a string of criminal charges — one count of assault and three of driving while prohibited — in 2015. He was jailed 45 days and placed on an 18-month probation term.

Wolf Pack Loan Ex Vipers Defenceman Noonan To East Coast Hockey League:

The American Hockey League Hartford Wolf Pack have loaned former Vernon Vipers defenceman Garrett Noonan to the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Greenville Swamp Rabbits.

Noonan split last season between the Wolf Pack & Swamp Rabbits, also attended the New York Rangers training camp last year before being assisgned to the Wolf Pack.

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 three seasons playing in the American Hockey League & East Coast Hockey League with Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Hartford & Greenville. 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 was posted on the Wolf Pack website:

Pack Loan Garrett Noonan to Greenville

Oct 23, 2017

Wolf Pack general manager Chris Drury announced today that the Wolf Pack has loaned defenseman Garrett Noonan to its ECHL affiliate, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits.

Noonan, a fourth-year pro out of Boston University, has skated in six games with the Wolf Pack this season, posting two assists and five shots on goal.  He signed an AHL contract with the Wolf Pack October 10, 2016.

The Wolf Pack’s next action is a home game against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers this Friday night, October 27.  Faceoff is 7:15 PM, and, as at all Friday-night Wolf Pack home games, fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs and $2 beers through the start of the second period, presented by Dave & Buster’s.

Tickets for all 2017-18 Wolf Pack home games are on sale now at the Agera Energy Ticket Office at the XL Center, on-line at www.hartfordwolfpack.com and by phone at (877) 522-8499.

Season ticket information for the Wolf Pack’s 2017-18 AHL campaign can be found on-line at www.hartfordwolfpack.com.  To speak with a representative about all of the Wolf Pack’s many attractive ticketing options, call (855) 762-6451, or click here to request more info.

Clippers Name Former Vernon Laker Naylor New Head Coach/GM:

Former Vernon Lakers forward Darren Naylor replaces former
Vernon Vipers head coach/gm Mike Vandekamp as the new head coach/gm of the Nanaimo Clippers.

Naylor played one season in Vernon with the 1989-90 Vernon Lakers. In 20 games with the Lakers Naylor collected (8-goals-27-assists-35-points).

Darren Naylor's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=11111

Vandekamp had been with the Clippers since 2011 was head coach/gm of the Vernon Vipers from 2001-2005 before leaving for the Western Hockey League's Prince George Cougars.

Mike Vandekamp's coaching profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=49573

This is posted on the Clippers website:

DARREN NAYLOR REPLACES MIKE VANDEKAMP AS GM AND HEAD COACH

December 22, 2017

by gdorland

Sadly, Mike Vandekamp has been replaced as GM and Head Coach of the Nanaimo Clippers with Darren Naylor assuming the roles effectively immediately. Wesley Mussio, owner of the Clippers, agonized over the decision but ultimately decided to make the mid-season move because of irreconcilable differences between Mike and Wes in regards to the direction of the team for next year. In particular, the Clippers owner had a different view of recruiting players for the 2018-19 season and beyond.

Mike has done an excellent job at the Clippers organization and will continue to be an excellent coach in future years.

Darren has 25 years of coaching experience and has been recently awarded the 2016-17 PJHL Coach of The Year. He successfully led the Delta Ice Hawks, the youngest team in the league, to the PJHL final series this past season. This year, the Delta Ice Hawks hold the best record in Junior B hockey in B.C., currently at 26-2-1for the 2017-18 season.

Darren began his Junior hockey career with the WHL’s Victoria Cougars for 3 seasons. He returned for his overage year as a member of Vernon Lakers where he won a Canadian Junior A Championship (Royal Bank Cup). Darren then embarked on a 5-year minor pro player career. Upon retirement, he immediately began coaching and has been GM/Head Coach in the BCHL, PIJHL, KIJHL as well as a WHL scout.

This was in the Nanaimo Bulletin Newspaper:

https://www.nanaimobulletin.com/sports/clippers-owner-says-lack-of-co-operation-led-to-coachs-firing/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

New Clippers owner fires long-time Head Coach Mike Vandekamp:

https://www.cheknews.ca/wasnt-really-hard-decision-new-clippers-owner-fires-long-time-head-coach-mike-vandekamp-401019/

Former Vernon Viper Connor Jones Suspended:

The American Hockey League has suspended former Vernon Vipers forward Connor Jones.

Jones is in his third season with the American Hockey League (AHL) Bridgeport Sound Tigers, signed a one-year, two-way (NHL/AHL) contract with the New York Islanders February 22, 2017 & again July 27th, 2017. Jones made his NHL debut, April 2nd 2017 with the New York Islanders after being called up from the American Hockey League (AHL) Bridgeport Sound Tigers April 1st 2017. Jones played once with the Islanders before being sent back down to the American Hockey League April 4th 2017.

After four years at Quinnipiac University Jones signed his first pro contract with the American Hockey League (AHL) Oklahoma City Barons April 3rd 2014. Jones has spent the past two seasons playing with three teams in three different leagues. (ECHL-Bakersfield Condors, AHL-Oklahoma City Barons & the AHL-Bridgeport Sound Tigers).

Jones played In 163 regular season games with the Vipers collecting (80-goals-118-assists-198-points) Jones is the Vipers all-time points leader (regular season & playoffs) with 228 & all-time goals leader (regular season & playoffs) with 95.

Connor Jones Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=38011

This was posted on the American Hockey League website:

AHL announces suspension

December 3, 2017

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League today announced that Bridgeport Sound Tigers forward Connor Jones has been suspended for three (3) games as a consequence of a slew-footing incident in a game at Utica on Dec. 1.

Jones was suspended under the provisions of AHL Rule 28.1 (supplementary discipline).

He will miss Bridgeport’s games today (Dec. 3) vs. Providence, Saturday (Dec. 9) at Springfield at Dec. 10 vs. Rochester.

Vernon Vipers Ugly Christmas Jersey's:

Lisa Mazurek has posted several game photos on her twitter account from the Vipers-Smoke Eaters game Saturday. The Vipers unveiled their ugly Christmas jersey's Saturday night in a 5-2 victory over Trail December 16th 2017.

https://twitter.com/LisaMPhotos

Sabres Place Ex Viper Tryout Moulson On Waivers:

The Buffalo Sabres have placed former Vernon Vipers forward Matt Moulson on waivers.

Moulson was in his fourth season with the Sabres, went pointless in 14 games this season before being placed on waivers.

Moulson has played the past eleven seasons in the NHL with four different teams (Los Angeles, New York Islanders, Minnesota and Buffalo. Moulson was drafted 263rd overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 9th round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Moulson attended the 2001 Vernon Vipers training camp, was released during camp.

Former Vernon Vipers forward Justin Bourne (2001-2003) write's a good story on his blog about Matt Moulson and the two attending the Vipers training camp in 2001.

http://www.jtbourne.com/tag/vernon-vipers/

Matt Moulson's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=9744

This was posted on the Sabres website:

Moulson placed on waivers by Sabres

Forward has no points, minus-9 rating in 14 games this season

NHL.com @NHL

December 4th, 2017

Forward Matt Moulson was placed on waivers by the Buffalo Sabres on Monday. If he is unclaimed by noon ET on Tuesday, he will be assigned to Rochester of the American Hockey League.

Moulson, 34, has no points, 13 shots on goal and a minus-9 rating in 14 games this season. He's been scratched 13 times.

"We talked quite a bit throughout the last two weeks," Sabres coach Phil Housley told the Buffalo News. "Just the direction that our team's going, we have to make roster spots and try to push some other buttons and try to get some internal competition within our team."

Moulson is in the fourth season of a five-year, $25 million contract, with an average annual value of $5 million.

The Sabres have lost four straight games (0-4-0) and are last in the NHL with 16 points (6-17-4).

"Just with the position we're in we've got to make some decisions about our team and our lineup," Housley said. "Sometimes they're tough decisions. I think we need to focus as a group on our own game as an individual, but certainly these are the tough ones that you have to make in this business."

A three-time 30-goal scorer, Moulson has 369 points (176 goals, 193 assists) in 650 games in 11 NHL seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, Minnesota Wild and Sabres.

Reading Royals Sign Vipers Alumni Robertson:

The East Coast Hockey League Reading Royals have signed former Vernon Vipers defenceman Sean Robertson.

Robertson started the season with the Royals, signing a tryout agreement September 29th 2017 attended the Royals training camp never played a game before being released, signed with the Southern Professional Hockey League Fayetteville Marksmen in mid October. Robertson played just one game with the Marksmen collecting two assists was either traded or released before signing with Reading October 26 2017 for a second time this season.

Robertson spent last season with the East Coast Hockey League Utah Grizzlies & Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) Fayetteville FireAntz.

Robertson played In 11 games with Merrimack College during the 2012-13 season before leaving for the University of Guelph. Robertson spent his first six seasons playing for the Victoria Grizzlies before being traded to Vernon in his final year of Junior hockey. On December 12th 2011 the Vipers traded Zach McPhee and future considerations to Victoria for Robertson.  In 31 games with the Vipers Robertson collected (0-goals-4-assists-4-points).

Sean Robertson's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=48356

This was posted on the Royals website:

Swavely loaned to Royals, Robertson signs contract

October 26, 2017/in News /by David Fine

Royals host Toledo tonight at 7 p.m.

Reading, PA – Forward Steven Swavely has been loaned to the Reading Royals from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL) and defenseman Sean Robertson has signed an ECHL Standard Player Contract with Reading, the team announced Thursday. Swavely will wear #12 and Robertson will don #55.

Swavely, a native of Reading, PA, generated 18 goals and 39 points with the Royals last season. He has registered an assist in two games with Lehigh Valley this year. The former University of Maine Captain is in his second professional season.

Robertson was in training camp with the Royals on a tryout agreement. He started the season Fayetteville (SPHL) and had a goal and two points in his only game. He has seven games of ECHL experience and played with Utah last season.

Reading plays its third straight home game Thursday at 7 p.m. against Toledo. Thursday’s game is a postgame photo and autograph session with four Royals players, courtesy of Rieck’s Printing. The Royals complete a four-game home stand this Sunday, Oct. 29 at 4:00 p.m. against Adirondack. It’s a Halloween Game, featuring dollar-dog day, special Halloween jerseys, a Halloween costume contest and a team photo giveaway to the first 2,500 fans, brought to you by Rieck’s Printing.

The Best Ticket Deal in Sports
Call 610-898-7825 to learn more about the best ticket deal in sports! Join the #PurplePride at www.royalshockey.com for single-game tickets, promotions and how we can get your group out to a Royals game!

About the Royals
The Royals have been owned by serial entrepreneur Jack Gulati since 2014 and are in their 17th ECHL season. Proudly affiliated with the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers and AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Reading plays in the Santander Arena, located in downtown Reading, PA at 700 Penn Street. The Royals won the Kelly Cup in 2013, have made the playoffs in eight straight seasons and are four-time division champions.

Reading Royals Mobile App
Head to the App Store and Google Play to download the new Reading Royals app on your smartphone! Stay up-to-date with team news, receive notifications and purchase tickets for your next experience at Santander Arena.

Broadcast Coverage
All Royals game can be heard on Rumba 1340 AM and the iHeartRadio app by searching “Rumba 1340”. The pregame show starts 15 minutes before puck drop. Watch Royals games on ECHL.tv. Reading away games locally on BCTV.

Marlies Invite Ex Viper Forward Skirving To Training Camp:

The American Hockey League Toronto Marlies have invited former Vernon Vipers forward Todd Skirving to training camp.

Skirving spent the previous four years at Rochester Institute Of Technology (RIT) before signing his first professional contract with the East Coast Hockey League Orlando Solar Bears August 3rd 2017, before being invited to the Marlies training camp in September.

Skirving was recruited by the Vipers played just half a season in Vernon (2010-11) before being traded. The Prince George Spruce Kings traded Ryan Renz to Vernon January 10th 2011 for Todd Skirving & future considerations. In 34 regular season games with the Vipers Skirving collected (4-goals-5-assists-9-points).

Todd Skirving's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=93822

This was posted on the Marlies website:

Toronto Marlies training camp invite list is out

Some obvious names, some interesting ones.

By elseldo@ElSeldo

Sep 25, 2017

This morning the Toronto Marlies have announced their list of invitees to camp, which begins tomorrow at the Mastercard Centre for Hockey Excellence, and pre-season games begin in Rochester against the Sabres affiliate on the 29th.

Below is the list of invitees, you can see the document from the Marlies here.

Nikita Korostelev is there, as he was with Leafs camp. Korostelev is a free agent after re-entering the draft and going up picked this summer.

Matt Hackett is there after a year in San Diego playing for the Ducks affiliate. Hackett only sticks in my mind as he got annoyed with my brother and I mimicking his chart work he was doing while playing back up at a Whalers vs IceDogs game.

Another very important addition is former Niagara IceDog Aleksander Mikulovich joining the Marlies camp. Everyone needs an IceDog on their team.

A fun fact is Jordan Caron, invited to camp, was a first round pick by the Boston Bruins and Brandon Gormley was one by the Coyotes. Oops.

The Marlies play two pre-season games against the Rochester Americans, both in New York. Friday night they’ll be playing at the Rochester Institute of Technology, and Saturday night will be at the HarbourCentre in Buffalo.

Former Vernon Laker Ferster Has Championship Rings Stolen:

Former Vernon Lakers forward Rylan Ferster has had his two National Championship rings stolen last week.

Ferster is in his sixth season as Head Coach/GM of the West Kelowna Warriors, 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 Kelowna Now website:

Sentimental championship rings stolen from West Kelowna Warriors' head coach

December 14, 2017

by Josh Duncan

A year and a half ago, Rylan Ferster coached the West Kelowna Warriors to its first-ever RBC Cup, emblematic of the Canadian junior A hockey championship.

Nearly three decades earlier, he was a key member of the Vernon Lakers team that won the same national title, then called the Centennial Cup.

As is often the case in sports, both victories were commemorated with irreplaceable and sentimental championship rings.

On Saturday, those rings were stolen when Ferster’s truck was broken into outside of his house near Kelowna General Hospital (KGH).

“It’s not common practice for me to leave them (in the truck), of course, that’s what everyone’s probably thinking,” Ferster told KelownaNow.

“I was showing them to a friend and I had forgotten them in there. They weren’t in sight, they were in the console.”

When his girlfriend first told Ferster about the break-in, he wasn’t too concerned about losing a couple of pairs of sunglasses, some change and other small stuff.

It hit him later in the day that he had left the rings in the truck and when he rushed out to check the truck, he realized they were gone.

Ferster says he already looked into a few ways to replace the 2016 Warriors ring, which may be possible, but that will prove a lot more difficult with the 1990 championship ring.

“I won it as a player in 1990 and that’s the one that’s really special because that’s the one that’s going to be really hard to replace,” said Ferster.

“The tough thing is that I promised one each to my daughters, I have twin daughters who are 12-years old and they both have picked one already that they get, so that’s the tough thing.”

It’s been a tough few days for Ferster, but he says the response from the community has been amazing and overwhelming.

He wanted to give a shout out to Global’s Klaudia Van Emmerik, who convinced a reluctant Ferster to go public with the story, as well as his very good friend Troy Mick whose post about the theft has been shared over a hundred times on Facebook.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of the ring or if you saw anything suspicious on Francis street near KGH on Saturday night, call the Kelowna RCMP.

Ferster says he's been too busy with the Warriors this week to think of an exact reward, but if anyone can help him get the rings back they will surely be compensated.

Barracuda Release Former Viper Basara:

The American Hockey League San Jose Barracuda have released
former Vernon Vipers forward Marcus Basara. Basara attended the Barracuda training camp in September, was released from camp. Basara will return to the East Coast Hockey League Allen Americans.

No official press release from the Barracuda but Basara is listed on the Americans roster.

Basara finished his fourth and final year at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks last season, signed his first professional contract with the East Coast Hockey League Allen Americans August 24th 2017, never played a game with the Americans, before being invited to the Barracuda training camp in September.

Basara played parts of the two seasons in Vernon (2010-2012) before being traded along with Connor Hartley & future considerations to the Alberta Junior Hockey League Okotoks Oilers on November, 28th 2011 for Ben Gamache.  Basara would finish his junior career with the West Kelowna Warriors. In 80 games with the Vipers Basara collected (18-goals-27-assists-45-points).

Marcus Basara's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=65270

Vipers Spending Christmas In First:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper

Vipers spending Christmas in first

Kevin Mitchell

Dec. 19, 2017

They are first overall in the B.C. Hockey League, ranked 15th in the 132-team Canadian Junior A League and showing extreme signs of a long playoff run.

The Vernon Vipers go into the Christmas layover in a pretty festive mood. They stretched their winning streak to four games by upending the Trail Smoke Eaters 5-2 before 1,885 fans Saturday night at Kal Tire Place.

Rookie forward Josh Prokop, a Ohio State Buckeye commit, pulled his third hat trick of the season and was named the BCHL Player of the Week. He also added one assist, giving him a seven-point weekend on the dynamite Triple-J line with Jagger Williamson and Jesse Lansdell.

Vernon has 25 wins and 55 points atop the Interior Division, six points ahead of the Wenatchee Wild and seven up on the Penticton Vees.

The Vipers have 21 games remaining, including 11 in January. They face the last-place Salmon Arm Silverbacks in a home and home series starting Friday, Dec. 29 at the Shaw Centre. The Silverbacks lost 10-2 to the Wild before 3,179 fans Saturday in Wenatchee.

Assistant coach Kevin Kraus took control of the bench with Mark Ferner scouting a Midget tournament in Phoenix and was naturally happy with the winning weekend.

“I know it’s tough this time of the year: Christmas is looming and the head coach is away,” said Kraus. “It can go one of two ways and I’m glad they chose the right way.”

Kraus said it’s fairly easy to step in and run this ultra talented group because of the structure in place and a deep bench.

As for the Triple J unit, Kraus says they earn every point they are given.

“They work hard and if we’re maybe not having much energy, they go out and it starts with Lansdell just laying the body and Jagger follows and then Josh is right behind them. They have the ability to put the puck in the back of the net so that’s a pretty deadly combination if you can play physical and finish.”

Said Lansdell: “We had a game-plan and we stuck to it and played simple. The biggest thing is everyone’s on the same page.”

The Vipers, who wore their red ugly Christmas jerseys, struck first Saturday after a number of good shifts to start the game as Williamson set up Prokop at 11:27. Vernon product Blaine Caton replied for the Smokies with his seventh on a powerplay with 21 seconds left in the opening period.

The Vipers had a solid second period and generated a lot of quality chances, but ran into some great goaltending by Adam Marcoux. Prokop tapped in a loose puck with eight seconds to play in the middle stanza. Trail’s only serious chance came on a 2-on-1 with Anthony Yamnitsky recording the stop.

Ryan Murphy snapped a shot five hole on Yamnitsky to level the score 2:32 into the final 20 minutes.

Lansdell finished off some nifty passing plays for his ninth of the year six minutes later on the powerplay. Just 80 seconds later, Niko Karamanis banked a puck in off Marcoux from below the red line to make it 4-2. Prokop hit the empty net with 38 seconds remaining.

Caton, a former Viper, says the Smokies, who slipped from first to fourth place in the last five weeks, are stoked about the new year after going through some adversity. They were again without leading scorers Russ Armour and Kale Howarth, a Columbus Blue Jacket draft.

Armour and Vernon’s Brett Stapley were helping Team Canada West ice the Americans 5-1 Saturday for gold in the World Junior A Hockey Challenge in Nova Scotia, while Howarth was home in Red Deer focussing on some school work. Armour rang up four tournament goals, while Stapley had three.

“He’s (Howarth) coming back on the 27th,” said Caton. “Those two give us such a different element of attack. They’re the two best players in the league. We had seven forwards hurt at one time so we’ve been playing with nine forwards and two (affiliates) APs and we’ve never really recovered from that. It’s probably good we went through this adversity at this point of the season.”

SNAKE BITES: Former Viper F Zack Andrusiak registered his 17th snipe of the season as the Seattle Thunderbirds stopped the host Spokane Chiefs 10-3 in WHL play Sunday night. Andrusiak, 19, has 30 points in 33 games…Vernon’s Michael Lenoury, a D, has 3-6-9 with the Junior B Nelson Leafs, who lead the Neil Murdoch Division with 21 wins…The Kelowna Chiefs iced the North Okanagan Knights 3-1 in Junior B action Saturday night at Nor-Val Sports Centre in Armstrong. Dean Whitcomb scored for the Knights, who are 11 points behind the Chiefs for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Okanagan Division. Zack Willms made 35 saves to earn MVP for the Knights, who host the Chiefs Friday night.

Stapley, Prokop & Former Viper Evans Selected To CJHL Prospects Game:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

Rosters named for Jan. 23

December 18, 2017

CANADIAN JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE

Release date: Monday, December 18, 2017

CJHL Prospects Game rosters announced

40 NHL Draft prospects to compete Jan. 23 in Mississauga, Ont.

CALGARY, Alta. – The Canadian Junior Hockey League, in partnership with the National Hockey League and Hockey Canada as well as in conjunction with NHL Central Scouting, announced Monday its playing rosters for the upcoming CJHL Prospects Game, which will be held on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. ET in Mississauga, Ont., at Port Credit Memorial Arena.

Each of the players chosen to participate in the CJHL Prospects Game were selected through the efforts of NHL Central Scouting and are
currently among the top 40 CJHL prospects heading into the 2018 NHL Draft in Dallas.

“We at the CJHL extend our congratulations to each of the players on their selection to compete in the 2018 CJHL Prospects Game in Mississauga,” stated CJHL President Brent Ladds.

“We also thank and commend NHL Central Scouting for their significant contributions in helping formalize the Team East and Team West rosters,” added Ladds.

CJHL PROSPECTS GAME ROSTERS

TEAM EAST

GOALTENDERS   CJHL TEAM   LEAGUE

Christian Purboo Oakville Blades OJHL
Jett Alexander North York Rangers OJHL

DEFENCE   CJHL TEAM   LEAGUE

Evan White St. Stephen Aces MHL
Peter Muzyka North York Rangers OJHL
Mason Snell Wellington Dukes OJHL
Matthew Kellenberger Oakville Blades OJHL
Dustyn McFaul Pickering Panthers OJHL
Harrison Rees North York Rangers OJHL

FORWARDS   CJHL TEAM   LEAGUE
Zachary Tupker Carleton Place Canadians CCHL
Jack McBain Toronto Jr. Canadiens OJHL
Jesse Tucker North York Rangers OJHL
Ethan Manderville Ottawa Jr. A Senators CCHL
Owen Robinson Blind River Beavers NOJHL
Ben Tupker Carleton Place Canadians CCHL
Logan O'Neil South Shore Lumberjacks MHL
Riley McCutcheon Whitby Fury OJHL
Matt Hayami Oakville Blades OJHL
Derek Dicaire Braves de Valleyfield LHJAAAQ
Finn Evans Ottawa Jr. A Senators CCHL
Cole Edwards Kingston Voyageurs OJHL

TEAM WEST

GOALTENDERS   CJHL TEAM   LEAGUE

Jacob Wasserman Humboldt Broncos SJHL
Matt Thiessen Steinbach Pistons MJHL

DEFENCE   CJHL TEAM   LEAGUE

Maxwell Crozier Nanaimo Clippers BCHL
Sean Comrie Spruce Grove SaintsAJHL
Stanislav Demin Wenatchee Wild BCHL
Jonathon Tychonik Penticton Vees BCHL
Jacob Bernard-Docker Okotoks Oilers AJHL
Seth Barton Trail Smoke Eaters BCHL

FORWARDS   CJHL TEAM   LEAGUE

Damon Zimmer Spruce Grove Saints AJHL
Brett Stapley Vernon Vipers BCHL
Josh Prokop Vernon Vipers BCHL
Austin Wong Okotoks Oilers AJHL
Ben Sanderson Okotoks Oilers AJHL
Angus Crookshank Langley Rivermen BCHL
Brendan Budy Langley Rivermen BCHL
Riese Gaber Steinbach Pistons MJHL
Simon Boyko Brooks Bandits AJHL
Ethan De Jong Prince George Spruce Kings BCHL
Chrystopher Collin Flin Flon Bombers SJHL
Corey Andonovski Chilliwack Chiefs BCHL

Tickets for the CJHL Prospects Game, which are all general admission, are just $10 and are available now via the following:

Phone: (905) 919-3623 Extension 3
Email: rcorneau@theojhl.ca
In Person: At all Mississauga Chargers (OJHL) Home Games

The coaching staffs and on-ice officials for the CJHL Prospects game will be announced in the coming days.

ABOUT THE CJHL PROSPECTS GAME

The CJHL Prospects Game is one of the premier Junior A hockey events in the country and provides tremendous exposure for CJHL players to play in front of scouts from all over the hockey world – including the NHL, CHL, NCAA and Canadian universities and colleges.

The President's Cup is awarded to the winning team in the CJHL Prospects Game.

From 2005 until 2008, the event ran as a single game, but starting in 2009 the President's Cup was played as a two-game series where the combined score of the games determined the winner of the title.

The contest has now gone back to a single-game format along with player testing, both on-ice and off-ice, having been introduced. Since its inception, Team West has won seven times while Team East has come away victorious on five occasions.

All-Time CJHL Prospects Game President's Cup results

2006: Team West 5 Team East 4 (Yorkton, Sask.)
2007: Team West 6 Team East 2 (Vernon, B.C.)
2008: Team East 5 Team West 3 (Winkler, Man.)
2009: Team East 6 Team West 3 (Summerside, P.E.I.)
2010: Team West 8 Team East 3 (8-1, 0-2) (Winkler, Man.)
2011: Team East 9 Team West 2 (2-1 SO, 7-1) (Dauphin, Man.)
2012: Team West 9 Team East 6 (4-3 OT, 5-3) (Langley, B.C.)
2013: Team West 8 Team East 6 (5-0, 3-6) (Digby/Yarmouth, N.S.)
2014: Team East 8 Team West 4 (4-2, 4-2) (Digby/Yarmouth, N.S.)
2015: Team West 3 Team East 2 (Oakville, Ont.)
2016: Team East 3 Team West 1 (Surrey, B.C.)
2017: Team West 4 Team East 3 (Cornwall, Ont.)
2018: Team East vs. Team West • Tuesday, January 23, 2018 • 7:30 p.m. ET (Mississauga, Ont.)

The CJHL Prospects Game will also be streamed live online via HockeyTV.com.

Vernon Vipers Alumni Noonan Returning To Hartford:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Garrett Noonan will be returning to the American Hockey League Hartford Wolf Pack for a second season.

Noonan split last season between the Wolf Pack & East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Greenville Swamp Rabbits, also attended the New York Rangers training camp last year before being assisgned to the Wolf Pack.

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 three seasons playing in the American Hockey League & East Coast Hockey League with Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Hartford & Greenville. 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 was posted on the Wolf Pack website:

Wolf Pack Announce Training Camp Roster

Sep 25, 2017

Wolf Pack general manager Chris Drury today announced the Wolf Pack’s roster for the team’s 2017 training camp.

The roster includes 30 players, 18 forwards, nine defensemen and three goaltenders:

Goal (3):           Alexandar Georgiev, Eric Levine, Chris Nell

Defense (9):      Alexei Bereglazov, Brandon Crawley, Sean Day, Sean Flanagan, John Gilmour, Brenden Kotyk, Garrett Noonan, Vince Pedrie, Sergey Zborovskiy

Forwards (18):   Joe Basaraba, Dan Catenacci, Adam Chapie, Dan DeSalvo, Ryan Gropp, Caleb Herbert, Scott Kosmachuk, Robin Kovacs, Dawson Leedahl, Jack Nevins, Henrik Samuelsson, Carter Sandlak, Cole Schneider, Eric Selleck, Malte Stromwall, Adam Tambellini, Branden Troock, Joe Whitney

Wolf Pack training camp practice sessions continue tomorrow, Tuesday, September 26, at the XL Center.  The squad will be split into two groups, with one group practicing from 10:30-11:15 AM, the two groups scrimmaging one another from 11:30 AM-12:20 PM and the second group practicing from 12:30-1:15.

The Wolf Pack open their 2017-18 regular season Friday, October 6, with their home-ice opener vs. the Charlotte Checkers.  Faceoff is 7:15 PM.  Tickets for that, and all 2017-18 Wolf Pack home games, are on sale now at the Agera Energy Ticket Office at the XL Center, on-line at www.hartfordwolfpack.com and by phone at (877) 522-8499.

Season ticket information for the Wolf Pack’s 2017-18 AHL campaign can be found on-line at www.hartfordwolfpack.com.  To speak with a representative about all of the Wolf Pack’s many attractive ticketing options, call (855) 762-6451, or click here to request more info.

Prokop Named Player Of The Week:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

Prokop piles up points for BCHL POW nod

December 18, 2017

Vernon Vipers forward Josh Prokop has been named the BCHL Player of the Week for the week ending Dec. 17, the league announced Monday.

Prokop totaled three goals and four assists in two games, helping the Vipers to a pair of wins on home ice. The hometown Vernon product had three assists in a 4-2 win over the Merritt Centennials where he was 2nd Star and bettered that the next night with a hat trick and a helper plus 1st Star in a 5-2 win over the Trail Smoke Eaters.

It’s the second hat trick this month for Prokop and he now leads the Vipers with 18 goals on the season. He accepted an NCAA offer from Ohio State earlier this season and will head to college for the 2019-20 season.

Honourable Mentions this week:

Victoria Grizzlies G Kurtis Chapman: 2W, T, SO, 97 saves/102 shots, .951 sv%, 1.58 GAA, 1st Star

Victoria Grizzlies D Carter Berger: 2G, 1A, 2 GWGs, 1st Star

Nanaimo Clippers F Brady Lynn: 3G, 1A, GWG

Surrey Eagles F Desi Burgart: 2G, 2A, GWG

Wenatchee Wild F Jasper Weatherby: 2G, 4A, 3rd Star

Merritt Centennials F Zach Zorn: 2G, 2A, 2 GWGs, 1st Star

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:

Prince George-Alberni Valley Trade:

The Prince George Spruce Kings have acquired defenseman Tyson Slater (97) from the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in exchange for defenseman Luc Salem (99). Slater is in his 2nd full season in the BCHL, with 6 assists in 27 games. The 6’2”, 207 lbs Courtenay, BC product played last season with the Trail Smoke Eaters before joining the Bulldogs this season. General Manager Mike Hawes “We’re excited to add another older veteran defenseman to the group. Tyson is a great character kid that will give us some more size and experience on the back end.” The Spruce Kings would like to thank Luc for his contributions to the hockey club, and would like to welcome Tyson and his family to the area and the organization. Slater will not be in the lineup on Friday night against the Victoria Grizzlies, but may suit up for his first game with the Spruce Kings Saturday against Salmon Arm.

Harbinson 'Very Disappointed' In Fans:

On what was the annual Teddy Bear Toss Night on Saturday, Penticton Vees fans were anything but soft and cuddly. A lacklustre Vees power play against the Nanaimo Clippers in the third period at the South Okanagan Events Centre drew a round of boos from some of the 3,000-plus fans in attendance. Fred Harbinson, Vees general manager and coach, was visibly frustrated after the game. "I'm very disappointed in our fans booing 16 to 20 year olds when we have five guys out of the lineup," Harbison said. "In 10 years in this building (it’s only) the 38th time that we've lost on home ice and they want to sit there and boo our kids." Fans didn't have to wait long to toss their bears, with Taylor Ward quickly knocking one past Clippers netminder Taz Burman just 4:14 into the opening frame with the assist from Owen Sillinger. After hundreds of teddy bears and toys were tossed onto the ice for the Salvation Army, it was downhill for the Vees with Brad Lynn and Maxwell Crozier knocking two past Vees goaltender Adam Scheel in the second. It was a tough night injury-wise for the Vees with forward Grant Cruikshank likely out for the season and defenceman Ryan O'Connell set to miss a significant amount of time after suffering a broken arm while at the World Junior A Challenge. "It had a big impact, we had five guys out of the line-up. I thought our guys played hard," Harbison said. The two second-period goals by the Clippers put the Vees in a hole they couldn't dig their way out of, going two-for-five on the power play and the prompting fans to voice their frustration. "I guess if they want to act like NHL fans then we can turn the prices up," Harbinson said. "It's the cheapest ticket in the league. I have thick skin. It's not about me. It's about my players and the way they treated my players tonight makes me sick." The Vees looked for a late-game rally with Dakota Boutin scoring at 16:23 in the third off the assist from Ward to bring the Vees within one, but Parker Colley knocked in an empty-net goal for the Clippers at 18:20 to dash the Vees’ hopes. "I'm sure these comments are going to stir up some people who think, 'Well, we have every right,' and all this stuff. These are kids. I thought it was absolute spoiled brats the way they acted when we've won over 200 games to 38 in our own building," Harbinson said. "They want to act like that with the cheapest ticket in town? Guess what? Ticket prices are going to go up if that's the way they want to act." Harbinson took no more questions from the media. The Vees head into the Christmas break with a 22-7-1-2 record and return to the ice Dec. 29 and 30 in Wenatchee. Their next home game is Jan. 5 against Prince George.

Merritt-Humboldt Trade:

The Merritt Centennials announced today that 19-year-old forward McKullen Astill has been traded to the Humboldt Broncos of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League for future considerations. “We truly appreciate McKullen’s time in Merritt over the last few months,” said Cents GM and Head Coach Joe Martin. “This is a move we feel will benefit him as he’s going to a strong organization where he’ll receive more ice time in a bigger role than we were able to offer here in Merritt.” Astill played 15 career BCHL games in Merritt, posting one assist and two penalty minutes. The Edmonton native was recruited by the Centennials from the Stavanger Oilers U20 team in Norway.

Coquitlam-Pembroke Trade:

The Coquitlam Express have transferred the CJHL playing rights to Jake Brien(97)(D) to the Pembroke Lumber Kings of the CCHL in exchange for future considerations

Alberni Valley-Thief River Trade:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Brock Lefevbre(97)(G) from the Thief River Norskies of the SIJHL in exchange for the CJHL playing rights to Gregg Lee(98)(F)

2018 BCHL Exposure Camp:

The BCHL is excited to announce, together with Elite Hockey Players, the 2018 BCHL Exposure Camp which will provide a valuable recruiting platform for elite players born in 2003 and 2004. There will be two camps upcoming – one in Richmond May 19 to 21 and one in West Kelowna July 18 to 20. Based on the success of the inaugural camp held this past July, the BCHL and Elite Hockey Players anticipate more applicants and scouting presence. “The BCHL Exposure Camp provides talented prospects the ability to showcase their skills directly to BCHL coaches, scouts and management,” said BCHL commissioner John Grisdale. “Prospects will gain valuable insight to the opportunities and benefits available to them while playing in the BCHL.” New for the upcoming camps is the Elite 40. Pro scouts in attendance will have an unbiased opportunity to identify the top 40 players and the selected athletes will be invited to participate at the Elite 40 game that will take place during the 2018 Bauer BCHL Showcase in September. The BCHL Showcase is heavily attended by over 200 scouts including the NCAA and the National Hockey League. To qualify to participate in a BCHL Exposure Camp, you must meet the following criteria: You are born in 2003 or 2004 You are currently playing at the A1, AAA, Canadian Sports School Hockey League, or US Prep School level.

Alberni Valley-Grande Prairie Trade:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Carter Harris(99)(F) from the Grande Prairie Storm of the AJHL in exchange for future considerations

Warriors Acquire Paivarinta:

The West Kelowna Warriors have acquired the CHL/BCHL list rights to Cody Paivarinta(98)(D) in exchange for future considerations

Smoke Eaters Acquire Sidoni & Byers:

The Trail Smoke Eaters have acquired the rights to forwards, Blake Sidoni (98) and Mack Byers (99). Sidoni, a Trail native was initially brought up as an AP from the KIJHL’s Beaver Valley Nitehawks and has 1 goal and 4 assists in his 9 BCHL games with the Smokies. Mack, from Long Lake, Minnesota, will be joining the Smoke Eaters in Wenatchee for tomorrow night’s game against the Wild.

Rivermen Acquire Dawson:

Rivermen will have newly signed defensemen Jordan Dawson in the lineup this weekend making his debut with the Rivermen. Dawson, the Delta BC native has played the last 3 seasons in the WHL with the Edmonton Oil Kings.

MacDonald Commits To Prince George Spruce Kings For 2018-19 Season:

The Prince George Spruce Kings have added some local flavour to next year’s edition of the club, as forward Craig MacDonald (’00) has committed to the team for the 2018/2019 season. MacDonald is in his first full year with the Cariboo Cougars of the BC Major Midget League, where he has amassed 9 goals and 16 assists for 25 points in 20 games. The 5’9”, 170 lbs MacDonald has also played 2 games for the Spruce Kings as an affiliate player this season, and is expected to be in the lineup this weekend as well as both Kyle Johnson and Ethan de Jong represent Team Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge in Truro, Nova Scotia. General Manager Mike Hawes is excited about the addition “We’re thrilled to announce the commitment of Craig to our program. He is a tremendous young man from a great family and has great core values that are in line with what we expect from a Spruce Kings player. On the ice, he is a terrific skater and a student of the game. He will fit in well with our players that will be returning next season and will thrive in the systems and up tempo style of play that we like to utilize.”

Trail-Cowichan Trade:

The Trail Smoke Eaters announced that they have acquired goaltender Adam Marcoux from the Cowichan Valley Capitals. Marcoux will be joining the team against the Wenatchee Wild tonight. As a result of this acquisition, Brandon Wells has been released from the Smokies active roster. The entire Smoke Eaters organization wish Brandon the very best.

Victoria-Calgary Trade:

The Victoria Grizzlies are pleased to announce they have acquired a veteran goaltender from the Calgary Mustangs of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Kurtis Chapman 1998 born goaltender from Airdre, Alberta was acquired for a player development fee. Grizzlies GM/Head Coach, Craig Didmon, decided to acquire Chapman, after learning that both of the Grizzlies current goalies would be off the roster for December. Starting goaltender Zach Rose, was chosen to represent Western Canada in the World Junior A Challenge and will now not be back until January, and Shawn Parkinson has been placed on the Injured Reserve. “It is a tough situation as both goalies have played well in their rookie seasons, and continued to improve. Shawn has been fighting injuries over the last month and needs to rest and heal. We are very happy for Zach, however there are six games remaining before the break, so we felt we needed to bring in some stability,” said Didmon. Chapman is a proven Jr . A goalie who led the Portage Terriers of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League to a league championship last season. Chapman has also spent time in the Western League with the Regina Pats and the Kootenay Ice during the past three seasons. “I like that he has experience with success. He has won at Midget and at the Junior A level,” added Didmon. Chapman won a Provincial Championship with the UFA Bisons Midget AAA team taking them to the Telus Cup (Midget Nationals) in 2015. Fans can expect to see Chapman in the net for both Grizzlies home games this weekend as they host the Nanaimo Clippers for their Teddy Bear toss on Saturday and then host the Division leading Powell River Kings on Sunday for a 1 pm start. There is also a chance that Chapman may be in the lineup tonight versus the Cowichan Valley Capitals.

Alberni Valley-Brooks Trade:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Liam Lytton(99)(F) from the Brooks Bandits of the AJHL in exchange for future considerations

Cost Commits To Langley Rivermen For 2018-19:

A BCHL team has committed to Castlegar Rebels’ forward Brandon Cost for the 2018-19 season. The Langley Rivermen have committed to Costa, who will join former Rebel Daneel Lategan, who signed with the Rivermen prior to this season. “I am very excited to have been committed by the Langley Rivermen. I am looking forward to learning from my new coaches and teammates, and I know this organization is a great fit for me. Thank you to the Castlegar Rebels organization for being such a big part of my development and preparing me for this opportunity. I cannot wait to contribute to a deep playoff run and bring that experience to the next level,” Costa said in a press release. Costa was affiliated with the BCHL last season when he finished the season with the Trail Smoke Eaters after the Rebels were eliminated from the playoffs. “We are thrilled for Brandon. We were surprised to have him back this season,” Bill Rotheisler, Rebels general manager, said in the release. “I thought he did a lot of good things with his opportunity affiliating in the BCHL last season, and to be able to be with an organization like Langley, where I know their staff appreciate and will benefit a great deal from his unique blend of skill and grit. He did great things for us the past two seasons’ and he is going to do great things in the BCHL for the next three years. We hope this gives Brandon some extra motivation off finish this season off strong as a Rebel”. Costa signed with the Rebels as a 16-year-old, prior to the 2016-17 season. He finished the 2016-17 season with 33 points in 40 games.

Johnson Comitts To Trail For 2018-19 Season:

The Trail Smoke Eaters are pleased to announce the commitment of 2002-born Kent Johnson for the 2018-2019 season. Johnson, a forward, currently plays for the Burnaby Winter Club Academy Midget Prep team alongside other Smokie commit Sean Donaldson. The native of Port Moody, BC has had a productive season to date posting 26 points in 20 games which ranks him third in team scoring as a first year midget-aged player and was a much sought-after recruit across the league. Head Coach and General Manager, Cam Keith saw Johnson play first-hand earlier this season and came away impressed. “Kent thinks the game at an elite level. When you watch him play, [Johnson] makes right decision after right decision, with and without the puck. Impressive at any age, let alone as a 15-year-old rookie in that league.” Keith went further saying, “[Johnson] has the head, the heart and the hands to one day develop into an elite player in the BCHL, with that day coming sooner rather than later.” Johnson visited Trail last week, when he suited up for the Smoke Eaters for an away game against Vernon and a home game against Merritt where he did not look out of place against players up to 5 years his senior.  Kent had a very positive experience during his visit to Trail which helped solidify his decision. “My time in Trail was an awesome experience for me; seeing the amazing facilities, as well as getting to play in such a great hockey town in front of the best fans in the BCHL, in an awesome rink. After this experience I was sure I wanted to play for Trail. I’m very excited to get to play for this historic franchise next season,” said Johnson. The Smoke Eaters organization would like to welcome Kent and his family to our team and look forward to following his progress for the remainder of this season with the Burnaby Winter Club and are excited to see him wear a Smoke Eaters uniform next fall.

Glass Explodes In Chilliwack:

During a BCHL game between the Chilliwack Chiefs and the Alberni Valley Bulldogs…the side glass completely vanishes when Chiefs forward Kaden Pickering is taken high into the glass on a hip check from the Bulldogs Connor Welsh. A couple of great angles and you can see the glass just shower down on both players.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaXgZm6WGBg

Warriors Sign Paivarinta:

The West Kelowna Warriors announced on Tuesday afternoon that the team has added defenseman Cody Paivarinta (’98) to their roster from the Western Hockey League (WHL). Paivarinta, 19, has 95 career WHL games under his belt, registering 2 goals and 9 points along with 77 penalty minutes in that span with the Prince Albert Raiders. The 6’6”, 192-pound defender is no stranger to playing hockey in British Columbia as the Abbotsford, BC played in 29 games between the Nelson Leafs and Richmond Sockeyes in the Junior ‘B’ circuit where he amassed 3 goals and 7 points along with 39 penalty minutes. “Adding another defenseman like Cody gives us more size on the back end,” said Ferster, “He skates really well and has a good stick.” The Warriors would like to congratulate Jake on the achievement and welcome Cody and his family to the Warriors and the city of West Kelowna.

Cougars Sign Holowko:

The Prince George Cougars have made several roster moves ahead of the WHL Christmas break, General Manager Todd Harkins announced Tuesday. The Cougars have signed 20-year-old forward Nic Holowko off of WHL waivers. Holowko started the season with the Kamloops Blazers before being released, before joining the BCHL Coquitlam Express. In seven games with the Blazers, Holowko had three goals and four points. The Burnaby, BC, product is a veteran of over four seasons and over 200 games in the WHL with Seattle, Kamloops and Prince Albert. In 208 career regular season games, Holowko has compiled 21 goals and 53 points to go along with 100 penalty-minutes. In a corresponding move, the Cougars have placed fellow 20-year-old forward Brogan O’Brien on the Injured Reserve (lower-body) and he is listed as month-to-month. O’Brien suffered a lower-body injury Sunday in the Cougars’ game against Victoria. The Prince George native was fourth in team scoring with 10 goals and 21 points in 29 games. The 6’1, 190-pound Holowko will add some much-needed size and experience says General Manager Todd Harkins, “He’s a veteran piece that we can insert into our line-up after losing O’Brien on the weekend. Nic is a power-forward, who fits in very well with our style of play and he’ll add some grit to our forward group.” “Losing Brogan is significant, as he’s such a terrific leader on and off the ice, and he was really coming into his own. You can’t replace that type of character in your dressing room but we know we have a group that can rally around their injured teammate.” Prince George has also recalled 16-year-old Cole Beamin from the Saskatoon Contacts of the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League (SMAAAHL). The 6’3, 210-pound rear-guard is an Alternate Captain with the Contacts and has a pair of goals and six points in 18 games in the SMAAAHL. Beamin was the Cougars second-round pick, 31st overall, in the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft. His call-up coincides with Captain Dennis Cholowski being at Canada’s National Junior Team Sport Chek Selection Camp in St. Catherines, Ontario. Holowko will wear number 17 and Beamin will wear number 19, and both could make their Cougar debuts tonight against the Victoria Royals.

Penticton Vees Sign Wiesblatt:

The Penticton Vees are excited to announce the signing of 1999-born forward Ocean Wiesblatt. Wiesblatt, from Vancouver, has spent the last year and a half with the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Last season he was limited to just 14 games, scoring two goals and adding three assists. He then skated in 28 games with the Bandits this season adding two more goals to go along with six assists and 48 penalty minutes. Wiesblatt is committed to the University of Vermont in the future. “Ocean will add energy to our lineup,” said Vees head coach and general manager Fred Harbinson. “He’s 18 years old and has a lot of room to grow over the next few seasons.” The 5’9’’, 170-pound forward will wear jersey number 27 and will make his Vees debut Friday when the team travels to play the West Kelowna Warriors for the final time this season.