Vipers Searching For Skill:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers searching for skill

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star - April 25, 2008

The B.C. Hockey League introduced four-on-four hockey to regular season overtime to wow fans with more offence. Vernon Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner is taking that strategy to the next level at this weekend’s spring camp. He will use the four-aside scenario to identify the cream of the 70 skaters and 15 goalies battling for a few precious spots on the Vipers’ 2008-09 roster.Rather than go with traditional five-on-five hockey, Ferner is hoping the extra space will allow the better skaters, both offensively and defensively, to show their stuff. Conversely, it will also expose weaker players who won’t have that extra linemate to hide behind.“We want to see the skill level of these kids coming in, so we’re going to play at four-on-four,” said Ferner. “This camp is going to be all about skill. Our goalies are going to see a lot of shots.”Camp registration starts today at 3 p.m. at Wesbild Centre, with practice sessions going at 5:15, 7:00 and 8:45 p.m.The 45 forwards and 25 defencemen will be divided into five squads, with each group getting two scrimmage sessions a day on Saturday and Sunday. There’ll also be a goalie session Saturday night at 7 p.m.There could be one extra spot in the Vipers’ lineup depending on whether or not veteran winger Scott Zurevinski decides to postpone his commitment to the NCAA Quinnipiac Bobcats. Zurevinski posted 25-28-53 in 48 games with the Vipers last season.“We have to move forward like he’s not going to be back. That’s what this league is all about… moving these kids onto the next level,” said Ferner.

Spring Camp Schedule

Friday April 25th

3 PM REGISTRATION

4 PM MEET AND GREET WITH PLAYERS AND PARENTS

5:15 PM PRACTICE #1
7:00 PM PRACTICE #2
8:45 PM PRACTICE #3

Saturday April 26th

9:00-10:30 AM 1 VS 2
10:45-12:15 AM 3VS 4
12:30-2:00 PM 5 VS 1
2:15-3:45 PM 2 VS 3
4:00-5:30 PM 4 VS 5
7:00- 8:15 GOALIE SESSION

Sunday April 27th

9:00-10:30 AM 3 VS 5
10:45-12:15 AM 2 VS 4
12:30-2:00 PM 1 VS 3
2:15-3:45 PM 2 VS 5
4:00-5:30 PM 1 VS 4