Vipers Ink Buffaloes:

This was in Fridays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers ink Buffaloes

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star - April 04, 2008

Vernon Vipers’ head coach/GM Mark Ferner wasted no time in stocking the cupboard for next year’s B.C. Hockey League season. Centreman Brett Switzer and defenceman Adam Thompson, both from the provincial Midget AAA champion Calgary Buffaloes, have committed to play for the Vipers next season. “We’re pretty excited that they’ve committed,” said Ferner, adding that the announcement was delayed by a week so as not to conflict with the Ford World Women’s Curling Championship. “Switzer’s more of an offensive-minded skill guy, but he’s a really smart hockey player, and Thompson’s a guy that eats up real quality minutes.” Switzer, a 5-foot-9 forward who led the Buffaloes offensively all season, said: “They (Vipers) talked to me and Adam early, and it was nice to get that interest.” The Buffaloes are currently playing the Cariboo Cougars for the Pacific Regional Championship, the winner advancing to the nationals. Before that, Switzer led the Alberta Midget Hockey League in playoff scoring with 12 goals and eight assists in 12 games, helping the Buffaloes clinch the provincial title. He also bagged 28 goals and 20 assists in 36 regular season games, earning a selection to the AMHL All-star team. “I had a really good year this year, which really helped my confidence,” said Switzer. “I try my best to make sure I get into a good offensive position. The past couple of years I’ve been more of a playmaker, but we lost a few guys to injury, so I’ve stepped up more as a goal scorer this year.” Switzer has also been a clutch performer at the prestigious Mac’s AAA midget hockey tournament in Calgary. For the past two tournaments he has been named a second team all-star, putting him in a very elite group. With a solid core of returning players, Switzer is looking forward to joining the fold. “(The Vipers were) a really good young team this year, so I’m really excited to see what we can do next year,” said Switzer. “I really like Mark as a coach. He’s a really approachable guy, and if there’s a problem, he’ll let you know, but he won’t let the whole arena know.” Thompson, a 6-foot-1 blueliner, has been solid on the back end for the Buffaloes while chipping in on offence from the point. Thompson logged a ton of minutes throughout the playoffs, leading his team to the provincial championship. “I want to get into junior hockey and play at that level,” said Thompson, who pocketed three goals and four assists in 12 AMHL playoff games. He was just as steady in the regular season where he collected 11 goals and 17 assists for 28 points in 36 games. Thompson was selected as a starter for the AMHL All-Star game, and at the skills competition, he finished second in the hardest shot. He joined Switzer as a second team All-Star at the Mac’s tournament, attended by Ferner and head Viper scout Larry Black.“I can’t wait to get on the ice and prove myself. I’m more of an offensive defenceman. I like to jump up on the rush.”The Vipers brought the Calgary duo, who will play as 18-year-olds next season, over for a visit in late January, where they watched a couple of home games. Vipers’ captain Chris Crowell happened to be serving a suspension at the time, so he was able to roll out the welcome wagon for the Alberta prospects, who both said they were thrilled with Wesbild Centre, the fans and the organization.Added Thompson: “My dad won the 50/50, which was great.”Ferner and assistant coach Jason Williamson are currently in Buffalo to scout the U.S. Midget AAA Nationals, along with some teams in Southern Ontario.“Even though we haven’t announced too much, we’ve certainly identified some really good players,” said Ferner.Along with veteran forwards Travis Brisebois, Greg Beller, and Interior Conference MVP Hunter Bishop, the Vipers are also losing two sturdy defencemen in Isaac Smeltzer and Ryan Kakoske.“Certainly they’re all really good players, but what they leave behind is the way they showed what had to be done. All five of them have been tremendous in that area.”The possible return of gritty veteran Scott Zurevinski, who has committed to play NCAA hockey with the Quinnipiac Bobcats in Connecticut, but still has a year of B.C. Hockey League eligibility left, is a question mark said Ferner.“We’d certainly love to get him back.”