Vipers Welcome Kerr To Den:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers welcome Kerr to den

Published: November 13, 2008 6:00 PM

The Vernon Vipers had a new right winger at practice Thursday afternoon. James Kerr, the 18-year-old son of former NHLer Alan Kerr, was obtained from the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in exchange for 20-year-old forward Ryan DePape and future considerations. “I was a little surprised at first, but excited to be moving to a second-place team,” said Kerr, who had 14 goals and 43 points with the Dawgs a year ago, and has 4-3-7 with the last-place team this year. “It’s a fresh start.” Kerr, a Penticton product, played with Canada West at last week’s World Junior A Hockey Challenge in Camrose, Alta. “He was an assistant (captain) at the World Challenge, and I think it’s a good fit for us,” said Vipers’ head coach/GM Mark Ferner. “It’ll give us a bit of a shakeup that gives us a real energy-type of player. “He’s got more of that penalty killing, finish-your-check mentality, which is what we want more of.” Ferner added DePape will likely have a larger role with the Bulldogs, which is what he wants. “We wish Ryan luck because he’s been very good for us,” said Ferner. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Kerr, who is committed to the NCAA Division 1 Princeton Tigers of the ECAC for next season, was skating on a line with Sahir Gill and Rob Short at his first Vipers’ practice. “It seems like a good group of players, and I think I’ll fit in good here,” said Kerr, a New York Islander and Sergei Fedorov fan who will wear jersey No. 8. “I’d like to wish James well as he continues his career with the Vipers,” said Alberni Valley head coach/GM Bryant Perrier, on the Bulldogs’ webiste. “We felt as an organization that to be fair to James, we needed to make this move. His commitment and dedication to the game is second to none. “In exchange we get Ryan DePape, who will be an immediate impact player. He is offensively talented player who won’t shy away from the physical side of the game. He was off to a good start to the season with the Vipers and we expect him to continue where he left off.” Salmon Arm SilverBacks’ head coach Rylan Ferster was an assistant coach with Team West and liked what Kerr brought to the squad. “We used him as a checker,” said Ferster. “He killed penalties and played really well. He’s a very good, coachable kid. Vernon got a solid guy.” DePape, a former captain of the Prince Albert Raiders with four years of Western Hockey League experience, recorded 6-7-13 in 19 games with the Vipers after he was acquired from the Regina Pats in September.