This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:
Crowell inks with Alaska-Anchorage
By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star
Published: January 20, 2009 7:00 PM
Chris Crowell is evidence that hard work pays off. The Vernon Vipers’ captain may not have the softest hands or the smoothest stride, but he comes to play every night and has earned respect around the B.C. Hockey League as a legitimate heavyweight who can do more than just fight.
In addition to racking up 570 career penalty minutes over four seasons with the Snakes, the Williams Lake product has posted 32-49-81 in 200 games.
His leadership skills and physical style of play attracted the attention of the NCAA Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves, who offered him a scholarship Monday.
“The conference they play out of is really good, and they’re not a top team, so I’ll get a chance to get in the game,” said the 20-year-old forward. “They’re mainly interested in the physical side (of my play), leadership and maybe look for me to put up some points once in a while.
“I’m definitely not going to be quarterbacking the powerplay,” laughed Crowell.
Added Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner: “He’s had to work hard for everything he gets, and this is another big step and a big accomplishment for him.”
Meanwhile, the Vipers outlasted the host Quesnel Millionaires 4-2 Sunday afternoon at the Vault.
The Snakes (32-11-1-3) shaded the Prince George Spruce Kings 3-2 Saturday night at the Coliseum.
“It wasn’t a great game in Quesnel, but we found a way to win,” said Ferner. “We seem like a real nervous group right now. We’re squeezing our sticks, we’re doing things out of character for our group.”
Still, Ferner was pleased to see his players driving the net.
“Scoring isn’t easy, and you have to go to those difficult areas if you want to score,” said Ferner.
Sahir Gill (12th goal), on a strong cycle by d-man Adam Thompson and Kellen Jones, opened the scoring at 4:56, followed by second star Cole Ikkala’s fourth less than a minute later.
Bryce Kakoske (11th) made it a three-goal cushion midway through the first when he pounced on a loose puck on the powerplay to beat Evan Karambelas.
The Mills (14-31-0-3) replied at 13:01 on Ben Payne’s 11th. Third star Brett Howe (sixth) cut the lead to one with a powerplay goal early in the second stanza.
“Quesnel came hard and played for 60 minutes and they had an opportunity there,” said Ferner. Rob Short (13th) iced the game at 17:12 of the third period.
Against Prince George (19-21-3-5), early goals by Kane (18th) and Gill chased netminder Kevin Genoe, who was replaced by Alex Wright (29 saves).
The Vipers visit the league-leading Salmon Arm SilverBacks (35-10-1-2) Friday at the Sunwave Centre before Vernon entertaining the Penticton Vees (26-14-0-6) Saturday at Wesbild Centre.
In addition to racking up 570 career penalty minutes over four seasons with the Snakes, the Williams Lake product has posted 32-49-81 in 200 games.
His leadership skills and physical style of play attracted the attention of the NCAA Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves, who offered him a scholarship Monday.
“The conference they play out of is really good, and they’re not a top team, so I’ll get a chance to get in the game,” said the 20-year-old forward. “They’re mainly interested in the physical side (of my play), leadership and maybe look for me to put up some points once in a while.
“I’m definitely not going to be quarterbacking the powerplay,” laughed Crowell.
Added Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner: “He’s had to work hard for everything he gets, and this is another big step and a big accomplishment for him.”
Meanwhile, the Vipers outlasted the host Quesnel Millionaires 4-2 Sunday afternoon at the Vault.
The Snakes (32-11-1-3) shaded the Prince George Spruce Kings 3-2 Saturday night at the Coliseum.
“It wasn’t a great game in Quesnel, but we found a way to win,” said Ferner. “We seem like a real nervous group right now. We’re squeezing our sticks, we’re doing things out of character for our group.”
Still, Ferner was pleased to see his players driving the net.
“Scoring isn’t easy, and you have to go to those difficult areas if you want to score,” said Ferner.
Sahir Gill (12th goal), on a strong cycle by d-man Adam Thompson and Kellen Jones, opened the scoring at 4:56, followed by second star Cole Ikkala’s fourth less than a minute later.
Bryce Kakoske (11th) made it a three-goal cushion midway through the first when he pounced on a loose puck on the powerplay to beat Evan Karambelas.
The Mills (14-31-0-3) replied at 13:01 on Ben Payne’s 11th. Third star Brett Howe (sixth) cut the lead to one with a powerplay goal early in the second stanza.
“Quesnel came hard and played for 60 minutes and they had an opportunity there,” said Ferner. Rob Short (13th) iced the game at 17:12 of the third period.
Against Prince George (19-21-3-5), early goals by Kane (18th) and Gill chased netminder Kevin Genoe, who was replaced by Alex Wright (29 saves).
The Vipers visit the league-leading Salmon Arm SilverBacks (35-10-1-2) Friday at the Sunwave Centre before Vernon entertaining the Penticton Vees (26-14-0-6) Saturday at Wesbild Centre.
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