Heartlanders Place Ex Viper Hanson On Reserve:

The ECHL Iowa Heartlanders have placed former Vernon Vipers

goaltender Darion Hanson on reserve.

Here is the report from the ECHL website,

ECHL Transactions - March 21

Hanson has split this season between the ECHL Iowa Heartlanders, ECHL Savannah Ghost Pirates & the American Hockey League Cleveland Monsters. In 8 games with Iowa, Hanson is 2-5 with a 5.05 GAA. 

Hanson started the 2022-23 season with the ECHL Savannah Ghost Pirates. The Ghost Pirates signed Hanson August 9th 2022 before trading Hanson to the Iowa Heartlanders February 1st 2023. The American Hockey League’s Cleveland Monsters signed Hanson twice to a professional tryout (PTO) contract November 3rd 2022. The Monsters returned Hanson to the ECHL November 8th 2022. The Monsters signed Hanson to a professional tryout (PTO) contract for a second time January 13th 2023 before returning Hanson to the ECHL January 19th 2023.

Hanson played the 2021-22 season at the University of Conneticut, before signing his first professional contract with the American Hockey League Lehigh Valley Phantoms March 29th 2022. Hanson didn’t play a game with the Phantoms was released April 8th 2022. The ECHL Reading Royals signed Hanson April 8th 2022. The Royals loaned Hanson to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms April 9th 2022. Hanson never played a game with the Phantoms.

In 35 games at the University of Conneticut, Hanson went 20-15 with a 2.24 GAA Hanson become the first Huskies goaltender to record 20 wins in a season, setting a new school record. 

Hanson was nominated for the Hobey Baker Award in 2020 was invited to the Philadelphia Flyers development camp in 2017, Toronto Maple Leafs development camp in 2018 and the Buffalo Sabres development camp in 2019.

Hanson played parts of one season in Vernon with the 2016-17 Vernon Vipers. The Vipers acquired Hanson from the United States Hockey League Youngstown Phantoms November 18th 2016. No details on the trade were released. In 21 games with the Vipers, Hanson went 14-4 with 2 shutouts and a 1.84 GAA

Darion Hanson’s Player Profile:

Darion Hanson - Elite Prospects

Stavrianeas Commits To Vernon Vipers:

17 year old forward George Stavrianeas has committed to the Vernon Vipers for the 2023-24 season.

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

Stavrianeas Commits To Vernon | Vernon Vipers

George Stavrianeas's Player Profile:

Georgios Stavrianeas - Elite Prospects

Exclusive Q&A With BCHL Commissioner Steven Cocker: BCHL Leaves Hockey Canada

BCHL Commissioner Steven Cocker answers questions regarding the BCHL's decision to leave Hockey Canada.

Here is the Q&A from the BCHLnetwork.ca,

Exclusive Q&A with BCHL Commissioner Steven Cocker: BCHL leaves Hockey Canada – BCHLNetwork

Vipers Alumni Glen Named To Canada's World Cup Of University Hockey Team:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Jack Glen is one of four Ohio University players

headed to the World Cup of University Hockey in Carta, Romania.

Here is the story from The Post,

Hockey: Ohio sends four players to World Cup of University Hockey - The Post (thepostathens.com)

Glen recently finished his first season at Ohio University. In 33 games, Glen collected (6-goals-14-assists-20-points).

Glen played three seasons with the Vernon Vipers from 2019-2022 before committing to Ohio University June 15th 2022. In 92 games with the Vipers, Glen collected (10-goals-13-assists-23-points).

Jack's father Tom & his Uncle John are the owners of the Vernon Vipers.

Jack Glen's Player Profile:

Jack Glen - Elite Prospects

Jacksonville Icemen Place Ex Vernon Viper Martin On Injured Reserve:

The ECHL Jacksonville Icemen have placed former Vernon Vipers forward

Craig Martin on Injured Reserve.

Here is the press release from the ECHL website,

ECHL Transactions - March 3

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

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

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

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

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

Craig Martin's Player Profile:

Craig Martin - Elite Prospects

Growlers Loan Former Viper Forward Skirving To Toronto Marlies:

The ECHL Newfoundland Growlers have loaned former Vernon Vipers

forward Todd Skirving to the American Hockey League Toronto Marlies. 

Here is the press release from the ECHL website,

ECHL Transactions - April 4

Skirving is in his fourth season with the ECHL Newfoundland Growlers. In 70 games, Skirving has (31-goals-27-assists-58-points).

Skirving didn't play professional hockey during the 2020-21 season as the Growlers decided to opt out of the 2020-21 season under the ECHL's COVID-19 Voluntary Suspension Policy. Skirving spent the 2020-21 season as an Assistant Coach with the BCHL expansion Cranbrook Bucks. Skirving and the Bucks went 3-16-0-1 during the 2020-21 pod season.

Skirving played four years at Rochester Institute of Technology from 2013-2017 before signing his first professional contract with the ECHL Orlando Solar Bears August 3rd 2017. Skirving spent the 2017-18 season playing with Orlando, Utah and Atlanta before signing a professional contract with the ECHL Newfoundland Growlers October 16th 2018.

Skirving committed to the Vernon Vipers for the 2010-11 season. Skirving played with the 2010-11 Vernon Vipers. The Vipers traded Skirving and future considerations to the Prince George Spruce Kings January 10th 2011 for Ryan Renz. In 34 games with the Vipers, Skirving collected (4-goals-5-assists-9-points).

Todd Skirving's Player Profile:

Todd Skirving - Elite Prospects

Allen Americans Place Ex Viper Finlay On Reserve:

The ECHL Allen Americans have placed former Vernon Vipers

forward Liam Finlay on reserve.

Here is the report from the ECHL website,

ECHL Transactions - April 7

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

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

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

Finlay attended the Vancouver Canucks development camp in July 2019.

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

Liam Finlay's Player Profile:

Liam Finlay - Elite Prospects

BCHL To Become Independent League:

The BC Hockey League is leaving Hockey Canada.

Here is the press release from the league website,

BCHL to become independent league | BCHL League Site

Here is the story from Castanet.net,

BCHL pulling out of Hockey Canada to become independent league - BCHL - Castanet.net

Here is the story from the BCHL YouTube page,

EXPLAINED: BCHL to become an independent league - YouTube

BC Hockey League Talks About Expansion:

According to the BCHLNetwork the BCHL has been talking about expansion.

Here is the story from BCHLnetwork.ca,

Chris Hebb: BC Hockey League talks “a lot” about expansion – BCHLNetwork

Day 3 Report From Vernon Vipers Spring Camp:

I have had season tickets since 1990 and been watching/following Junior hockey in Vernon my whole life. Here are my thought's from Day 3 of Vernon Vipers Spring ID Camp.

I stopped by Kal Tire Place this morning to watch the final two scrimmages of Spring Camp. 

Each scrimmage is two thirty minute non-stop running periods with a full ice clean between periods. All penalties are an automatic penalty shot. 

No rosters/lineup sheets were available today or have been available all weekend. 

In the first scrimmage/game I saw Team Gold defeat Team Blue 3-2 in a shootout. It was 2-2 after one period with very little action or chances in the 2nd period before both teams went through a lengthy shootout to end the scrimmage in front of around 80 or so fans in attendance.

In the second and final scrimmage of Spring Camp saw Team Red defeat Team White 4-3 in a shootout. Team White held a 2-1 lead after the 1st period before Team Red took a 3-2 lead in the 2nd with Team White tying the game late. Both goaltenders that played in the second half of the game made some big stops in the 2nd period. Close to 100 or so fans in attendance this afternoon.

Side Notes:

With no rosters or lineup sheets in real hard to follow the teams/players and know who's who

Here are some pictures I took from Spring Camp this morning and afternoon,

Third Commits To University of Regina:

Vernon Vipers defenceman Ayden Third has committed to the University

of Regina for next season.

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

Third Commits To Regina | Vernon Vipers

Ayden Third's Player Profile:

Ayden Third - Elite Prospects

Day 2 Report From Vernon Vipers Spring Camp:

I have had season tickets since 1990 and been watching/following Junior hockey in Vernon my whole life. Here are some thought's from Day 2 of Vernon Vipers Spring ID Camp.

I stopped by Kal Tire Place this morning to watch two out of the three morning scrimmages. 

Each scrimmage/game is two thirty minute non-stop running periods with a full ice clean between periods. All penalties are an automatic penalty shot.

I missed the first game of the morning but saw the second and third games of the mornings. Team Green defeated Team Gold 7-3 It was 2-1 Team Green after one period before blowing the game open in the second and final period. 

In the final game of the morning I watched Team Red defeat Team Blue 4-2. It was 3-1 Team Red after the 1st before coming away with the 4-2 win.

No players really stood out in either of the two games this morning.

I stopped by Kal Tire Place this afternoon to watch two of the final three games. 

Team Black beat Team Gold 6-1 It was 1-0 Team Black after the 1st period before Black blew the game open in the 2nd period with five goals in front of about 70 people in attendance

In the second game of the afternoon Team White defeated Team Blue 8-2 It was 2-1 Team White after one period in a lopsided game. Around 50-60 fans were attended this game.

#13 on Team Blue was and has been the only kid that has caught my attention and stood out at Camp so far. 

No rosters/lineup sheets were available today.

Side Notes:

The entire Vipers coaching staff/ownership have been at Camp while most fans watching are parents/family members. I only spotted two or three other Viper fans at Camp this weekend.

With no rosters or lineups it's really difficult to follow the players

Spring Camp ends tomorrow with the first scrimmage/game starting at 8am

Here are some pictures I took today from Spring Camp

67 Years Ago Today......

On April 29th 1956 The Vernon Canadians won the Allen Cup Canadian Senior Hockey Championship at the Vernon Civic Arena, defeating the Chatham Maroons four games to one.

Day 1 Report From Vernon Vipers Spring Camp:

I have had season tickets since 1990 and been watching/following Junior hockey in Vernon my whole life. Here are some thought's from Day 1 of the Vernon Vipers Spring ID Camp today.

I stopped by Kal Tire Place this afternoon to catch the final two scrimmages of the day. 

Each scrimmage/game is two thirty minute non-stop running periods with a full ice clean between periods. All penalties are an automatic penalty shot.

I arrived at the rink just before 4:30pm and saw the final five minutes between Team White & Team Green. Team White defeated Team Green 2-1 in front of about 50 or so fans in attendance. 

In the second and final scrimmage of the evening was between Team Gold & Team Red. It was 0-0 after one period before Team Gold jumped out to a 2-0 2nd period lead. Team Red scored the next two goals before Team Gold won 4-2 in front of around 50 or so fans in attendance. 

No players really stood out in either scrimmage/game. No rosters/lineup sheets were available.

Side Notes:

Day 2 of Vipers Spring Camp continues on Saturday, starting with the first scrimmage/game at 8am

Here are a few pictures I took from Spring Camp,

Vernon Vipers 2023 Spring ID Camp Schedule:

Vernon Vipers 2023 Spring ID Camp Schedule:

Friday, April 28th

12-1pm Goalie Session
1:30-3pm Black vs Blue
3:15-4:45pm White vs Green
5-6:30pm Red vs Gold

Saturday, April 29th

8-9:30am Black vs White
9:45-11:15am Green vs Gold
11:30-1pm Blue vs Red
1:30-2:30pm Goalie Session
3-4:30pm Black vs Gold
4:45-6:15pm Blue vs White
6:30-8pm Green vs Red

Sunday, April 30th

8:30-10am Black vs Green
11-12:30pm Blue vs Gold
1:30-3pm White vs Red

Vernon Vipers Player Profile - #19 Walker Erickson

#19 Walker Erickson's Player Profile (Grad Edition) is presented by Wise Guys Car Wash. Walker talks about the great friends he's made playing junior hockey, his best advice for rookies coming into the league and a final round of Rapid Fire.

Here is Walker Erickson's Player Profile from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,

Vipers Player Profile - #19 Walker Erickson - YouTube

Vernon Vipers: Graduating Players And Eligible Returnees

The Vernon Vipers have 11 players eligible to return for the 2023-24 season.

Here is the story from BCHLnetwork.ca,

Vernon Vipers: Graduating players and eligible returnees – BCHLNetwork

Vernon Vipers Player Profile - #9 Jonathan Horn

#9 Jonathan Horn's Player Profile (Grad Edition) is presented by Match Eatery & Public House. Jonathan talks about coming to Vernon from Wenatchee, how he's grown as a player and his commitment to Umass Lowell for next season.

Here is Jonathan Horn's Player Profile from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,

Vipers Player Profile - #9 Jonathan Horn - YouTube

Vernon Vipers 2022-23 Award Winners:

The Vernon Vipers held their annual 2022-23 Year end awards banquet on April 23rd 2023. 

Here is the story from Vernonmatters.ca,

Vipers honour players with season-ending awards | Vernon Matters

Vernon Vipers Player Profile - #28 Anson McMaster

#28 Anson McMaster's Player Profile (Grad Edition) is presented by Parnell's Appliance. Anson talks about his first impressions of Vernon, the people who helped him along his career and the Viper who would look good in #28.

Here is Anson McMaster's Player Profile from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,

Vipers Player Profile - #28 Anson McMaster - YouTube

Road Renamed For Former Vernon Vipers Owner, Duncan Wray:

Former Vernon Vipers owner Duncan Wray will have a road renamed after him.

Here is the story from the Vernon Morning Star,

Road renamed for former Vernon Vipers owner, Duncan Wray - Vernon Morning Star

Here is the story from Castanet.net,

Former Vernon Vipers owner to be honoured with road in his name - Vernon News - Castanet.net

Here is the story from Vernonmatters.ca,

Late Vipers owner to be honoured with road at arena | Vernon Matters

Vernon Vipers Player Profile - #5 Griffen Barr

#5 Griffen Barr's Player Profile (Grad Edition) is presented by Applewood Heating & Air Conditioning. Barr talks about his earliest memories as a Viper, what advice he would give to a rookie Griffen and who could wear #5 next season.

Here is Griffen Barr's Player Profile from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,

Vipers Player Profile - #5 Griffen Barr - YouTube