This letter was in todays Morning Star Newspaper:
Better attitude required
Published: August 29, 2009
It's too difficult. We can't do it. There isn’t enough time. Fighting talk from the Vernon council and the business community of Vernon. The tourism manager actually told council not to do it.
The issue? Whether to hold the RBC Royal Bank Cup in Vernon. Hey, aren’t we the national champions, for the fifth time (a record)? Didn’t council meet with the Vipers on their triumphant return just outside city hall? Wasn’t it all on TV?
The Royal Bank Cup would be a super tournament for Vernon and it's two years away. Plenty of time to organize the whole show. So what’s the problem? Don’t we want the 1,000 people (five teams and their supporters) to come and stay in Vernon for 10 days or more? Don’t we want to be on national TV? Don’t the hotels want the trade? Don’t the restaurants want 1,000 people eating out for 10 days in the local economy (revenue $400,000)? So let’s organize this. Call the Wesbild Centre — "Got those dates free in 2011?”
Call Civic Arena — "Got those dates free?" Call the hotels. — "Got 500 rooms available in May 2011 (revenue $500,000)?" Vernon has the B.C. Winter Games that year. Isn’t hockey the major game for Canadians in winter? Hey, the Vipers get automatic entry if we host it — five-time champions remember.
The revenue figures indicate we will get $1 million injected into the economy (food, accommodation, etc.) for 10 days and yet the tourism manager questions, “What return Vernon would get." Who is paying your salary? A million dollars for 10 days — I think that would be enough.
But we need sponsors, I hear the cry. So we need to raise $250,000 and we can’t do it in time. Look, its two years away. The economy is improving (so we are told) and the marketing men can raise that sort of money on an improving economy, if you give them two years to do it. A solution is for the council to underwrite the deal. It’s not that much. Remember the roundabout on Pleasant Valley Road cost $300,000 and I don’t see 1,000 people and the TV companies rushing from all over the country to look at a roundabout.
What’s the matter with putting Vernon first, or putting Vernon on the national map? If we wait until the organizers are ready and the tourism manager is ready and the sponsors are ready and we wait till the economy is better, we miss our chance.
Other people have stepped in already. Never mind Vernon, we will get you something one day, when it’s easy to do.
Mike Mattinson
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Vernon 6 Salmon Arm 3 (Exibition)
Tonight was the second of a back to back meeting between the Vernon Vipers & Salmon Arm Silverbacks, after the Vipers defeated the Silverbacks last night 9-2 in Salmon Arm, Vernon swept the mini two game exibition series with a 6-3 victory over Salmon Arm tonight in Revelstoke. No stats or info on tonights game as of yet, but I will do my best and try and update this later.(Game Preview) (Exibition) Salmon Arm VS Vernon:
Salmon Arm (0-1-0) VS Vernon (1-0-0)Tonight will be the second meeting between these two hockey clubs in as many days, after Vernon defeated Salmon Arm 9-2 last night in Salmon Arm. Tonights exibition game will be played in Revelstoke starting at 7pm. The Backs went with just two veteran players last night, as Vernon went with three. Will either team go with more of a veteran lineup tonight? or get another good look at the younger kids? You may see a few fights tonight after things heated up a little through out the game. This is the Vipers and Silverbacks second game of the pre season as the Vipers will finish off the exibition schedule with a home and home series vs Westside Tuesday & Wednesday.
Here's a look at last nights game:
August 29th @ Salmon Arm: Vernon wins 9-2
Vernon would score three in the 1st and four in the 2nd period and never look back going on to the 9-2 victory. Dylan Walchuk lead the way with 2 goals, while veteran Cory Kane scored 1 goal and 2 assists. Graeme Gordon (16 saves) & Blake Voth (6 saves) split the duties between the pipes. Matt Cassidy & Devon Roesler scored the Silverbacks two goals. Adam Harris (14 saves) & Will Frolek (13 saves) each played half a game.
Here are both teams pre season rosters:
Vernon:
Frank Riddle 90
Garrett Noonan 91
Rob Florentino 89
Eric Soderlund 90
Marley Keca 93
Terrence Limbert 93
Kale Hidlebaugh 90
Nick Amies 90
Kevin Kraus 89
Dan Nycholat 89
Adam Thompson 90
Steve Weinstein 90
Dylan Walchuk 92
Cory Kane 90
Cole Ikkala 90
Brendan Persley 93
Nick Kerr 92
Patrick McGillis 91
Rob Short 89
Drew George 91
Jesse Halikas 91
Bryce Kakoske 90
Josh McKissock 92
Mike Collins 90
Connor Jones 90
Kellen Jones 90
Jonathan Milhouse 89
Braden Pimm 89
Darrin Robak 91
Blake Voth 91
Graeme Gordon 89
Tyler Steel
Salmon Arm:
Mike Puddifant 91
Matt Cassidy 90
Justin Krabben 91
Shane Hanna 94
Adam Bartsch 92
Keenan Patershuk 93
Adam Dibella 93
Cody Wiseman 93
Jordan Swetlikoff 91
Josh Manson 91
Devon Roesler 90
Gerry Fitzgerald 93
David Killip 91
Jordan Salahor 93
Michael King 93
Brendan Burge 92
Rick Soo 91
JR Krolik 92
Adam Harris 92
Will Frolek 92
Tyler Gubb 89
Levi Hantula 90
Christopher Hoe 90
Bobby Lipsett 89
Greg Noyes 90
Zac Rasmussen 89
Jayson Reardon
Travis Statchuk 90
Mark Zengerle 89
Tony Ierfino 89
Jagger Dirk 93
Josh Monk 92
Devin Gannon 91
Brett Knowles 91
Charles Vasaturo 90
Vipers Pre Season Roster:
The Morning Star had the Viper cuts from the Blue & White Game Thursday night, So I went through last nights lineup from the Salmon Arm Game and here is the Vipers Pre Season Roster.
Defence:
Frank Riddle 90 (Played Last Year With The OJHL Georgetown Raiders)
Garrett Noonan 91 (Recruited-Committed)
Eric Soderlund 90
Rob Florentino 89 (Played Last Year At Sacred Heart University)
Marley Keca 93
Terrence Limbert 93
Kale Hidlebaugh 90 (Played Last Year With The PJHL Tri Town Thunder)
Nick Amies 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Kevin Kraus 89 (Returning From Last Year)
Dan Nycholat 89 (Aquired In Trade From Canmore Eagles)
Adam Thompson 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Steve Weinstein 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Darrin Robak 91 (Attended Vipers Spring Camp Last Year)
Forwards:
Dylan Walchuk 92 (Recruited-Committed)
Cory Kane 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Cole Ikkala 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Brendan Persley 93
Nick Kerr 92 (Younger Brother Of Former Viper James Kerr)
Patrick McGillis 91 (Played Last Season With The Notre Dame Hounds)
Rob Short 89 (Returning From Last Year)
Drew George 91 (Recruited-Committed)
Jesse Halikas 91 (Was At Vipers Camp Last Year)
Bryce Kakoske 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Josh McKissock 92
Mike Collins 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Connor Jones 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Kellen Jones 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Jonathan Milhouse 89 (Aquired In Trade From Victoria Grizzlies)
Braden Pimm 89 (Returning From Last Year)
Goaltenders:
Blake Voth 91 (Recruited-Committed)
Graeme Gordon 89 (Returning From Last Year)
Tyler Steel
Defence:
Frank Riddle 90 (Played Last Year With The OJHL Georgetown Raiders)
Garrett Noonan 91 (Recruited-Committed)
Eric Soderlund 90
Rob Florentino 89 (Played Last Year At Sacred Heart University)
Marley Keca 93
Terrence Limbert 93
Kale Hidlebaugh 90 (Played Last Year With The PJHL Tri Town Thunder)
Nick Amies 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Kevin Kraus 89 (Returning From Last Year)
Dan Nycholat 89 (Aquired In Trade From Canmore Eagles)
Adam Thompson 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Steve Weinstein 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Darrin Robak 91 (Attended Vipers Spring Camp Last Year)
Forwards:
Dylan Walchuk 92 (Recruited-Committed)
Cory Kane 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Cole Ikkala 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Brendan Persley 93
Nick Kerr 92 (Younger Brother Of Former Viper James Kerr)
Patrick McGillis 91 (Played Last Season With The Notre Dame Hounds)
Rob Short 89 (Returning From Last Year)
Drew George 91 (Recruited-Committed)
Jesse Halikas 91 (Was At Vipers Camp Last Year)
Bryce Kakoske 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Josh McKissock 92
Mike Collins 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Connor Jones 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Kellen Jones 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Jonathan Milhouse 89 (Aquired In Trade From Victoria Grizzlies)
Braden Pimm 89 (Returning From Last Year)
Goaltenders:
Blake Voth 91 (Recruited-Committed)
Graeme Gordon 89 (Returning From Last Year)
Tyler Steel
Walchuk Wires Blues’ Winner:
This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:Published: August 30, 2009
The Vernon Vipers’ annual Blue & White game looked a sure bet to go to a shootout thriller Thursday night at Wesbild Centre. That is until Team Blue’s Drew George took a pass from behind the net, then quickly turned and fired from the slot to beat Team White netminder Justin Goritz with 24 seconds remaining.
The Blues, coached by the Kiss-FM tandem of Rob Abramenko and Joel Knox, earned a 5-4 decision over the Whites, coached by The Morning Star’s Graeme Corbett and Glenn Mitchell. With the win, the Blues claimed the coveted Jacques Strap Cup.
“I definitely thought it was going to go into OT,” said Team White forward Robbie Short, a Vipers’ veteran who made it 4-4 on a quick snap shot a few minutes earlier.
“It’s always hard in this type of hockey – the guys aren’t really settled in, guys don’t know each other, so sometimes it’s hard to tell individual-wise how a player’s skill is because it’s so disorganized out there.
“But as the camp goes on, the guys get more familiar, and this game was pretty good and it was good to see the guys shine through.”
Added George: “It’s nice to put one home. I kind of fanned on it, but it worked out.”
George, an 18-year-old forward who the Vipers plucked from the Notre Dame Hounds Midget program in Wilcox, Sask., knows it will take more than a pretty pre-season goal to earn a spot on the Vipers’ roster.
“It’s been an eye-opener seeing all the vets and how hard they work and what level you have to be at to be a Viper, so it’s been a good learning experience.”
While Vipers’ GM/head coach Mark Ferner agrees most of the vets came to camp well prepared, he warned there were some older players that could have shown more effort.
“For the most part, the vets came in and worked pretty hard – for the most part. Some need to come in and pick things up.”
For Ferner, developing a winning culture is as important as putting pucks in the net. That starts with the small details.
“We watch things as simple as individual skill and work ethic. I watched how players changed last night – were they lazy skating to the bench or were they skating hard?”
Of all the Vipers newcomers, Ferner says forward Dylan Walchuk, who played last season with the Nelson Leafs of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League, finishing in the top-10 in scoring as a rookie, has impressed him most.
“He stood out for me the most, but that only goes so far. You’ve got to continue to prove yourself.”
Walchuk recorded the Blues’ first goal when he raced up ice on a 2-on-1 and ripped a shot through netminder Adam Voth.
Defenceman Garrett Noonan gave Blue their first lead shortly after, firing his point shot through traffic to beat Voth.
“It’s a little tough, you’ve just got to take what they give you, make the saves when you have to,” said Voth, a recruit from the Tisdale Trojans (Saskatchewan Tier 1 Midget).
“It’s definitely a lot of bigger bodies in front of the net, and it takes a while to adjust to the harder shots, but I’m getting used to it now and starting to feel more comfortable.”
Josh McKissock extended the Blue lead midway through the second frame when his weak shot from the sidewall appeared to be redirected past netminder Justin Goritz, who played the second half for White.
Pat McGillis, on a sweet cross-ice pass from Nick Kerr, the younger brother of Viper grad James, kept White within a goal heading into the final stanza.
“It’s been pretty tough adjustment going from Midget, but going to the Telus Cup (Midget championships) it was kind of the same speed in the finals,” said McGillis, another Notre Dame Hounds prospect.
“I’m feeling pretty confident right now. They wanted me to go out there and do my thing, and I thought I did pretty well at that.”
Team White got some momentum after killing a 5-on-3 early in the third period. Jesse Halikas picked up the loose change off linemate David Sabey’s shot to equalize yet again.
However, less than a minute later, the Blues’ Braden Pimm wired a shot past Goritz from the left faceoff circle.
The Vipers trimmed their roster to 31 players after the game. The cuts included: Jeff Jones, Shaun Holliday, Colton Sparrow, Burhan Pourmokhtari, Josh McKinney, Bennett Hambrook, David Sabey, Brett Mulcahy, Kurtis Hagen, Daryl Devries, Trevor Fitzgerald and Justin Gorin.
The Snakes faced the Salmon Arm SilverBacks in B.C. Hockey League exhibition play Saturday night at the Sunwave Centre. They meet again tonight at the Revelstoke Forum.
“We’re getting down to some decent numbers and we expect it to get a little more tense, a little crisper, quicker,” said Ferner, noting they will be carrying 12 defencemen during pre-season, so they can get one more look at the younger blueliners before making a final decision.
“Some of these guys have earned their right to play in exhibition games. We have to worry about the future too. Are they ready now – maybe not, but some of them are going to be very good players in Junior.”
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Vernon 9 Salmon Arm 2
Was at tonights BCHL Exibition game as Vernon defeated Salmon Arm 9-2 in front of 589 fans at the Sunwave Centre.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Graeme Gordon
Salmon Arm: Adam Harris
1st Period: This was the first meeting between these two teams since last years BCHL's Interior Conference Finals, where the Vipers defeated the Silverbacks in 6 games. Both teams come out hitting in the first few minutes. Salmon Arm would get the first powerplay of the night just two minutes into the game. A quick shot from the slot by Keenan Patershuk just missed the far corner on a good scoring chance by the Backs. Salmon Arm would get two quick chances in front but Gordon stood tall making two nice saves. The Vipers would kill off the minor. Vernon would get its first good scoring chance when Rob Florentino setup Cory Kane in front but was stopped by Adam Harris. The Vipers would get their first powerplay of the night, Garrett Noonan with a quick shot from the point just missed the net on a screened play. The Backs would kill off the minor. A very quick paced 1st period with very little stopages in play. Just after the midway mark Vernon would get on the board first, Dylan Walchuk made an unreal move on Harris putting the Vipers up 1-0 at 11:45. Kale Hidlebaugh with the lone assist. Salmon Arm had a great chance as Rick Soo & Matt Cassidy went in two on one, before Drew George showed great hustle, coming back breaking up the scoring play. The Vipers would score three goals in a four minute span. Drew George put Vernon up 2-0 at 13:37 with Cole Ikkala collecting the lone assist. Just two minutes later, Terrence Limbert put Vernon up 3-0 at 15:47, Frank Riddle picked up the lone assist. The Vipers were really rolling in the second half dominating the edge in play. Adam Harris had to be sharpe making many key saves. Matt Cassidy had a good chance for the Silverbacks in the second half but was stopped by Gordon. The Vipers moved the puck well, getting some solid scoring chances. Salmon Arm seemed to have trouble with Vernons speed and skill down low, the Vipers were winning most of the battles in and along the boards. Late in the period the rough stuff picked up with some big hits, and some pushing and shoving after the whistle. Vernon would get called for two many men late in the period but it was Rob Short who would get the best chance after breaking in down the wing and then letting a shot go from the circle. The Vipers would kill off the minor. Vernon carried the better of the play and was up 3-0 after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers outshot the Silverbacks 17-9.
2nd Period: Just over a minute into the 2nd period Rob Florentino coughed up the puck in behind his own net, Matt Cassidy would beat Graeme Gordon at 1:15 putting the Backs on the board. Devon Roesler & Rick Soo would collect the assists. This goal seemed to rattle Vernon as the Vipers were having all kinds of trouble in their own end, the Silverbacks with their best presure of the night looked good in the early goings. Salmon Arm come close to cutting the lead to one after Keenan Patershuk hit the post. The Silverbacks would get a four minute powerplay after Kale Hidlebaugh took two minors. Some good puck movement by Salmon Arm, Michael King wired a shot off the bar after beating Gordon. The Backs with some decent chances couldnt take advantage on the powerplay. With just a handful of seconds remaining on the man advantage the Vipers would send another player to the box as the Silverbacks remained on the powerplay. Vernons penalty kill looked not bad after killing off three straight minors. Salmon Arm carried the edge in play in the first half but could only manage the one goal. The Silverbacks would change goaltenders halfway through the 2nd, Adam Harris looked good allowing three goals on 17 Vernon shots. Will Frolek now was in goal for Salmon Arm. This is one game Frolek may want to forget as Vernon would score four goals in just over four minutes. Cole Ikkala beat Frolek at 12:30 putting Vernon up 4-1 with Nick Kerr getting the assist. With around six minutes left in the period the Vipers now switched goaltenders as Blake Voth replaced Graeme Gordon. Gordon allowed just one goal on 16 Salmon Shots. Just under three minutes later Cory Kane with a rocket topshelf put Vernon up 5-1, Kanes goal was unassisted. & just 18 seconds later Brendan Persley beat Frolek putting the Vipers in full control up 6-1 after Kane & Marley Keca collected the assists. The Vipers didnt stop, just under a minute later Dylan Walchuk with his second of the night put Vernon up 7-1 at 16:10, Walchuks goal was unassisted. Walchuk come very close to scoring two more goals, after Drew George setup Walchuk in front but was stopped by Frolek and then late in the period Walchuk lost the handle on the puck in close. Vernons speed and skill was too much in the second half of the period as the Vipers put on a clinic scoring four 2nd period goals. Devon Roesler hit iron after beating Voth as the Backs hit three posts tonight, on the next rush up ice Nick Kerr beat Frolek but would ring one off the post. Late in the period Nick Kerr went to drop the gloves with Justin Krabben before the linesmen stepped in to break up the fight. On the next faceoff Kale Hidlebaugh dropped the gloves with Mike Puddifant, Puddifant got the better of Hidlebaugh, after he left the ice with blood coming from his face. Both players were given 5 minutes each for fighting and a game misconduct. The Silverbacks didnt record a single shot in the final eight minutes of the period. The physical play and rough stuff picked up once again. The Vipers were up 7-1 after 40 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 9-7.
3rd Period: Eric Soderlund put Vernon up 8-1 at 3:22 with Cory Kane picking up his second assist of the night. This was a bit of a slow period as the Vipers took their foot of the gas, as Mark Ferner was giving some of the younger kids lots of icetime, and even then the Vipers still carried the better of the play. Josh Manson & Devon Roesler had a great scoring chance but couldnt beat Blake Voth on the two on one. Both teams looked sloppy at times with some poor passes, or kids out of position. Not many great scoring chances as both teams just wanted to end tonights game. Devon Roesler beat Voth shortside at the side of the net at 9:58 scoring unassisted, as Salmon Arm cut the lead to 8-2. Patrick McGillis with some good moves in close looked pretty good at times for the Vipers in the 3rd, seeing lots of icetime. Brendan Persley had a good chance at the side of the net but was stopped by Frolek who made his best save of the night. Rob Short scored from the corner at 15:22 to put Vernon up 9-2, Short through the puck out front from the corner, the puck went off a Silverbacks d-man and past Frolek. A fairly boring 3rd as Vernon would win its first exibition game of the season, defeating Salmon Arm 9-2. The Vipers outshot the Backs 10-7.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Dylan Walchuk (2 goals) Walchuk was by far Vernons best player tonight, this kid was all over the ice. This kid is quick, smooth skater, had some great chances all night. Was buzzing in the Salmon Arm zone most of the night. This kid is going to be a treat to watch this year.
Drew George (1 goal) George looked very good tonight, played most of the night with Dylan Walchuk. These two looked very good together, both kids seemed to always know where the other one was, both setup each other a few times on some good chances in front. Showed great hustle in the 1st period, after getting back breaking up a two on one scoring chance.
Cole Ikkala (1 goal & 1 assist) Played a heck of a game tonight. Ikkala was skating hard, played physical, and was very hard to knock off the puck down low. Scored a real nice goal in the 2nd with a quick low wrist shot from the circle. It looks like Cole has bulked up a little over the summer.
Cory Kane (1 goal & 2 assists) Kane looked pretty good most of the night, was skating hard, scored a nice goal in the 2nd period after ripping his shot topshelf high over Frolek.
Frank Riddle(1 assist) I really like this kid, plays his position well, good skater. Played well tonight.
Josh McKissock has potential. Looked pretty good out there tonight. Shows good hustle, good skater.
Garrett Noonan played very well on the Vipers blueline. This kid looks very good with the puck, likes to carry the puck, good skater and really see's the ice well.
Eric Soderlund (1 goal) Played well at times through out tonights game. I really like this kids size and long reach. With some work and adjustments on a few things, could be a steady d-man.
Patrick McGillis saw lots of icetime in the 3rd and didnt do too bad. Played well, had a few chances.
Kale Hidlebaugh (1 assist) Looked fairly good on the backend. Played his position well, didnt back down from the rough stuff.
Top Players: (Salmon Arm)
The line of Matt Cassidy (1 assist), Rick Soo (1 assist) & David Killip was Salmon Arms best line. Soo & Cassidy played very well together, always seemed to know where one another was at all times. Cassidy and Soo has the Backs best scoring chances most of the night.
Devon Roesler (1 goal & 1 assist) Looked very strong up front. Rang a shot off the post in the 2nd after beating Voth. This kid can skate and move the puck, has some nice hands in close.
Adam Harris played well between the pipes for the Backs. Couldnt fault him on any of the Vipers three goals.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
Vernon was by far the better of the two teams. The Vipers speed, skill and depth was just too much for a young Silverbacks squad. I was very impressed with the Vipers tonight, until you see these kids play in a game vs another team and in game type situations etc you really dont know what to expect. The Vipers moved the puck well most of the night, look very solid up front with alot of scoring, and thats without most of the veterans not in the lineup. Mark Ferner was mixing and matching lines all night. It was nice to see a good turnout of Vernon fans at tonights game. Mark Ferner and Jason Williamson have some tough choices to make regarding the roster. Both these teams will play again tomorrow night in Revelstoke.
Game Thoughts: (Salmon Arm)
With just two veterans in the lineup the Backs went with a very young roster tonight. I felt sorry for a few of these kids, they just couldnt compete or play against some of the older Viper players. Salmon Arm had lots of trouble in their own end, were losing most of the one on one battles in and along the boards. The Backs had a few scoring chances but didnt seem to have much scoring in the lineup. This is just exibition, Im sure once the Backs have their vets back in the lineup they will do fine. I felt sorry for young Will Frolek, the crowd was getting on him after making a save. This kid was litup giving up six goals.
Scratches:
They didnt announce any of the teams scratches, but I know a few of the Viper scratches. The Vipers had 12 kids not playing tonight, here are the ones I reconised.
Nick Amies
Mike Collins
Connor Jones
Kellen Jones
Kevin Kraus
Jonathan Milhouse
Braden Pimm
Dan Nycholat
Adam Thompson
Steve Weinstein
Vernons Lineup:
Frank Riddle 90
Garrett Noonan 91
Eric Soderlund 90
Rob Florentino 89
Marley Keca 93
Terrence Limbert 93
Dylan Walchuk 92
Cory Kane 90
Cole Ikkala 90
Brendan Persley 93
Nick Kerr 92
Patrick McGillis 91
Rob Short 89
Kale Hidlebaugh 90
Drew George 91
Jesse Halikas 91
Bryce Kakoske 90
Josh McKissock 92
Goaltenders:
Blake Voth 91
Graeme Gordon 89
Salmon Arms Lineup:
Mike Puddifant 91
Matt Cassidy 90
Justin Krabben 91
Shane Hanna 94
Adam Bartsch 92
Keenan Patershuk 93
Adam Dibella 93
Cody Wiseman 93
Jordan Swetlikoff 91
Josh Manson 91
Devon Roesler 90
Gerry Fitzgerald 93
David Killip 91
Jordan Salahor 93
Michael King 93
Brendan Burge 92
Rick Soo 91
JR Krolik 92
Goaltenders:
Adam Harris 92
Will Frolek 92
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Graeme Gordon
Salmon Arm: Adam Harris
1st Period: This was the first meeting between these two teams since last years BCHL's Interior Conference Finals, where the Vipers defeated the Silverbacks in 6 games. Both teams come out hitting in the first few minutes. Salmon Arm would get the first powerplay of the night just two minutes into the game. A quick shot from the slot by Keenan Patershuk just missed the far corner on a good scoring chance by the Backs. Salmon Arm would get two quick chances in front but Gordon stood tall making two nice saves. The Vipers would kill off the minor. Vernon would get its first good scoring chance when Rob Florentino setup Cory Kane in front but was stopped by Adam Harris. The Vipers would get their first powerplay of the night, Garrett Noonan with a quick shot from the point just missed the net on a screened play. The Backs would kill off the minor. A very quick paced 1st period with very little stopages in play. Just after the midway mark Vernon would get on the board first, Dylan Walchuk made an unreal move on Harris putting the Vipers up 1-0 at 11:45. Kale Hidlebaugh with the lone assist. Salmon Arm had a great chance as Rick Soo & Matt Cassidy went in two on one, before Drew George showed great hustle, coming back breaking up the scoring play. The Vipers would score three goals in a four minute span. Drew George put Vernon up 2-0 at 13:37 with Cole Ikkala collecting the lone assist. Just two minutes later, Terrence Limbert put Vernon up 3-0 at 15:47, Frank Riddle picked up the lone assist. The Vipers were really rolling in the second half dominating the edge in play. Adam Harris had to be sharpe making many key saves. Matt Cassidy had a good chance for the Silverbacks in the second half but was stopped by Gordon. The Vipers moved the puck well, getting some solid scoring chances. Salmon Arm seemed to have trouble with Vernons speed and skill down low, the Vipers were winning most of the battles in and along the boards. Late in the period the rough stuff picked up with some big hits, and some pushing and shoving after the whistle. Vernon would get called for two many men late in the period but it was Rob Short who would get the best chance after breaking in down the wing and then letting a shot go from the circle. The Vipers would kill off the minor. Vernon carried the better of the play and was up 3-0 after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers outshot the Silverbacks 17-9.
2nd Period: Just over a minute into the 2nd period Rob Florentino coughed up the puck in behind his own net, Matt Cassidy would beat Graeme Gordon at 1:15 putting the Backs on the board. Devon Roesler & Rick Soo would collect the assists. This goal seemed to rattle Vernon as the Vipers were having all kinds of trouble in their own end, the Silverbacks with their best presure of the night looked good in the early goings. Salmon Arm come close to cutting the lead to one after Keenan Patershuk hit the post. The Silverbacks would get a four minute powerplay after Kale Hidlebaugh took two minors. Some good puck movement by Salmon Arm, Michael King wired a shot off the bar after beating Gordon. The Backs with some decent chances couldnt take advantage on the powerplay. With just a handful of seconds remaining on the man advantage the Vipers would send another player to the box as the Silverbacks remained on the powerplay. Vernons penalty kill looked not bad after killing off three straight minors. Salmon Arm carried the edge in play in the first half but could only manage the one goal. The Silverbacks would change goaltenders halfway through the 2nd, Adam Harris looked good allowing three goals on 17 Vernon shots. Will Frolek now was in goal for Salmon Arm. This is one game Frolek may want to forget as Vernon would score four goals in just over four minutes. Cole Ikkala beat Frolek at 12:30 putting Vernon up 4-1 with Nick Kerr getting the assist. With around six minutes left in the period the Vipers now switched goaltenders as Blake Voth replaced Graeme Gordon. Gordon allowed just one goal on 16 Salmon Shots. Just under three minutes later Cory Kane with a rocket topshelf put Vernon up 5-1, Kanes goal was unassisted. & just 18 seconds later Brendan Persley beat Frolek putting the Vipers in full control up 6-1 after Kane & Marley Keca collected the assists. The Vipers didnt stop, just under a minute later Dylan Walchuk with his second of the night put Vernon up 7-1 at 16:10, Walchuks goal was unassisted. Walchuk come very close to scoring two more goals, after Drew George setup Walchuk in front but was stopped by Frolek and then late in the period Walchuk lost the handle on the puck in close. Vernons speed and skill was too much in the second half of the period as the Vipers put on a clinic scoring four 2nd period goals. Devon Roesler hit iron after beating Voth as the Backs hit three posts tonight, on the next rush up ice Nick Kerr beat Frolek but would ring one off the post. Late in the period Nick Kerr went to drop the gloves with Justin Krabben before the linesmen stepped in to break up the fight. On the next faceoff Kale Hidlebaugh dropped the gloves with Mike Puddifant, Puddifant got the better of Hidlebaugh, after he left the ice with blood coming from his face. Both players were given 5 minutes each for fighting and a game misconduct. The Silverbacks didnt record a single shot in the final eight minutes of the period. The physical play and rough stuff picked up once again. The Vipers were up 7-1 after 40 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 9-7.
3rd Period: Eric Soderlund put Vernon up 8-1 at 3:22 with Cory Kane picking up his second assist of the night. This was a bit of a slow period as the Vipers took their foot of the gas, as Mark Ferner was giving some of the younger kids lots of icetime, and even then the Vipers still carried the better of the play. Josh Manson & Devon Roesler had a great scoring chance but couldnt beat Blake Voth on the two on one. Both teams looked sloppy at times with some poor passes, or kids out of position. Not many great scoring chances as both teams just wanted to end tonights game. Devon Roesler beat Voth shortside at the side of the net at 9:58 scoring unassisted, as Salmon Arm cut the lead to 8-2. Patrick McGillis with some good moves in close looked pretty good at times for the Vipers in the 3rd, seeing lots of icetime. Brendan Persley had a good chance at the side of the net but was stopped by Frolek who made his best save of the night. Rob Short scored from the corner at 15:22 to put Vernon up 9-2, Short through the puck out front from the corner, the puck went off a Silverbacks d-man and past Frolek. A fairly boring 3rd as Vernon would win its first exibition game of the season, defeating Salmon Arm 9-2. The Vipers outshot the Backs 10-7.
Top Players: (Vernon)
Dylan Walchuk (2 goals) Walchuk was by far Vernons best player tonight, this kid was all over the ice. This kid is quick, smooth skater, had some great chances all night. Was buzzing in the Salmon Arm zone most of the night. This kid is going to be a treat to watch this year.
Drew George (1 goal) George looked very good tonight, played most of the night with Dylan Walchuk. These two looked very good together, both kids seemed to always know where the other one was, both setup each other a few times on some good chances in front. Showed great hustle in the 1st period, after getting back breaking up a two on one scoring chance.
Cole Ikkala (1 goal & 1 assist) Played a heck of a game tonight. Ikkala was skating hard, played physical, and was very hard to knock off the puck down low. Scored a real nice goal in the 2nd with a quick low wrist shot from the circle. It looks like Cole has bulked up a little over the summer.
Cory Kane (1 goal & 2 assists) Kane looked pretty good most of the night, was skating hard, scored a nice goal in the 2nd period after ripping his shot topshelf high over Frolek.
Frank Riddle(1 assist) I really like this kid, plays his position well, good skater. Played well tonight.
Josh McKissock has potential. Looked pretty good out there tonight. Shows good hustle, good skater.
Garrett Noonan played very well on the Vipers blueline. This kid looks very good with the puck, likes to carry the puck, good skater and really see's the ice well.
Eric Soderlund (1 goal) Played well at times through out tonights game. I really like this kids size and long reach. With some work and adjustments on a few things, could be a steady d-man.
Patrick McGillis saw lots of icetime in the 3rd and didnt do too bad. Played well, had a few chances.
Kale Hidlebaugh (1 assist) Looked fairly good on the backend. Played his position well, didnt back down from the rough stuff.
Top Players: (Salmon Arm)
The line of Matt Cassidy (1 assist), Rick Soo (1 assist) & David Killip was Salmon Arms best line. Soo & Cassidy played very well together, always seemed to know where one another was at all times. Cassidy and Soo has the Backs best scoring chances most of the night.
Devon Roesler (1 goal & 1 assist) Looked very strong up front. Rang a shot off the post in the 2nd after beating Voth. This kid can skate and move the puck, has some nice hands in close.
Adam Harris played well between the pipes for the Backs. Couldnt fault him on any of the Vipers three goals.
Game Thoughts: (Vernon)
Vernon was by far the better of the two teams. The Vipers speed, skill and depth was just too much for a young Silverbacks squad. I was very impressed with the Vipers tonight, until you see these kids play in a game vs another team and in game type situations etc you really dont know what to expect. The Vipers moved the puck well most of the night, look very solid up front with alot of scoring, and thats without most of the veterans not in the lineup. Mark Ferner was mixing and matching lines all night. It was nice to see a good turnout of Vernon fans at tonights game. Mark Ferner and Jason Williamson have some tough choices to make regarding the roster. Both these teams will play again tomorrow night in Revelstoke.
Game Thoughts: (Salmon Arm)
With just two veterans in the lineup the Backs went with a very young roster tonight. I felt sorry for a few of these kids, they just couldnt compete or play against some of the older Viper players. Salmon Arm had lots of trouble in their own end, were losing most of the one on one battles in and along the boards. The Backs had a few scoring chances but didnt seem to have much scoring in the lineup. This is just exibition, Im sure once the Backs have their vets back in the lineup they will do fine. I felt sorry for young Will Frolek, the crowd was getting on him after making a save. This kid was litup giving up six goals.
Scratches:
They didnt announce any of the teams scratches, but I know a few of the Viper scratches. The Vipers had 12 kids not playing tonight, here are the ones I reconised.
Nick Amies
Mike Collins
Connor Jones
Kellen Jones
Kevin Kraus
Jonathan Milhouse
Braden Pimm
Dan Nycholat
Adam Thompson
Steve Weinstein
Vernons Lineup:
Frank Riddle 90
Garrett Noonan 91
Eric Soderlund 90
Rob Florentino 89
Marley Keca 93
Terrence Limbert 93
Dylan Walchuk 92
Cory Kane 90
Cole Ikkala 90
Brendan Persley 93
Nick Kerr 92
Patrick McGillis 91
Rob Short 89
Kale Hidlebaugh 90
Drew George 91
Jesse Halikas 91
Bryce Kakoske 90
Josh McKissock 92
Goaltenders:
Blake Voth 91
Graeme Gordon 89
Salmon Arms Lineup:
Mike Puddifant 91
Matt Cassidy 90
Justin Krabben 91
Shane Hanna 94
Adam Bartsch 92
Keenan Patershuk 93
Adam Dibella 93
Cody Wiseman 93
Jordan Swetlikoff 91
Josh Manson 91
Devon Roesler 90
Gerry Fitzgerald 93
David Killip 91
Jordan Salahor 93
Michael King 93
Brendan Burge 92
Rick Soo 91
JR Krolik 92
Goaltenders:
Adam Harris 92
Will Frolek 92
(Game Preview) (Exibition) Vernon @ Salmon Arm:
Vernon (0-0-0) @ Salmon Arm (0-0-0)The exibition season got underway last night with six games on tap around the league. Tonight will be the first for both the Vernon Vipers & Salmon Arm Silverbacks. The last meeting between these two teams was in last year's BCHL's Interior Conference Final's where the Vipers held off the Silverbacks in 6 games to win the 2009 Interior Conference Championship. Vernon is heading into a new season as the defending Royal Bank Cup Champions, the Vipers have 13 returning players from last year's Championship team. Salmon Arm is coming into this season with 10 returning players from last year's team. The Vipers have made two big trades over the off season, adding some scoring upfront, aquiring veteran 20 yr old forward, Jonathan Milhouse from the Victoria Grizzlies. Vernon then added some strength and size to their blueline, picking up veteran 20 yr old defenceman, Dan Nycholat from the AJHL's Canmore Eagles. Nycholat has been playing the past two seasons with Northeastern University. The Silverbacks also made two trades over the summer, landing 20 yr old forward, Tyler Gubb from the Victoria Grizzlies and Lumby, BC Product Jayson Reardon a 19 yr old steady d-man who played last year with the Trail Smoke Eaters. The biggest news in Backs land came over the summer when the hockey club announced Matt Hughes will become the new Head Coach while Rylan Ferster will be the General Manager. Previously, Ferster held both titles while Hughes was the Associate Coach/Assistant GM. Randy Quakenbush will return as the teams Assistant Coach. Im sure both teams will have a few veterans playing in tonights game but will mostly be looking at some of their younger kids fighting for a spot on the team. It's really hard to say what kind of a game fans at the Sunwave Centre are going to see.
Heres a look at last year's season series:
September 5th @ Vernon: Vernon wins 4-1
The Vipers & Silverbacks clashed in the Vipers home opener. The Vipers were carried out onto the ice in the teams opening ceremonies in the back of the Vernon RCMP pickup trucks with the lights flashing as they introduced each player. Then a swat team member come shooting down a rope from the rafters, the officer then ran to a RCMP van on the ice and opened the back doors as the Vipers Captain & Assistant Captains jumped out from the back of the van. Salmon Arm opened the scoring just eleven seconds into the period, with a goal from Conor Morrison. This was the one and only goal the Backs would score as Vernon would beat Bryan Gillis four times going on to the 4-1 victory. Steve Tresierra, Cory Kane, Kellen Jones & Adam Thompson led the attack for Vernon. Andrew Hammond picked up his first win of the season making 27 saves.
September 6th @ Salmon Arm: Salmon Arm wins 5-4 (Overtime)
This was the back of a home and home series between these two Okanagan rivals. Tonight was Salmon Arms home opener and they didn’t let the home town crowd down. Just 1:41 into Overtime, Zac Rasmussen scored the game winner as the Silverbacks record the 5-4 OT win. Mark Zengerle & Conor Morrison collect three points each. Bryan Gillis picks up his first win of the season making 23 saves. John Digness picks up two points in the loss for Vernon.
September 20th @ Salmon Arm: Salmon Arm wins 7-2
This was an ugly game if you’re a Vernon fan. Salmon Arm destroys Vernon in a big 7-2 victory. The Silverbacks outplayed the Vipers as 1st star, Mark Zengerle collects four points. 2nd star, Keenan Desmet scores two goals and picks up two assists. 3rd star, Conor Morrison picks up (1 & 3). Andrew Hammond was given the hook after giving up four goals on just 17 shots. Backup Mark Segal didn’t do much better, allowing three goals
November 7th @ Vernon: Salmon Arm wins 4-3
The Backs win there third straight against Vernon, in a 4-3 win. David Killip & Colin Lidster each pick up two points in the win. Bryan Gillis makes 31 saves between the pipes collecting the victory. Kellen Jones leads the way for the Vipers with one goal and one assist. The Silverbacks lead the season series 3-1.
December 19th @ Vernon: Salmon Arm wins 4-3
Salmon Arm wins there fourth straight against Vernon with a 4-3 victory, there 11th win in a row. Mark Zengerle led the way with a goal and 2 assists. Zengerle was all over the ice. D-man, Ashford McMaster picked up 2 assists in the win, looking very solid. Bryan Gillis was steady, having to make his best saves for last, in the 3rd period, facing 15 Vernon shots. Matt Walters & Zac Rasmussen played a feisty role, getting under the skin of some Vipers. Walters & Rasmussen both played with that in your face style of hockey. The Vipers played about 7-8 minutes of the game, inwich they made a late rally, but it wasn’t enough as they fell to the Silverbacks on the scoreboard and in the standings. Salmon Arm with the win, moves 5 pts up on Vernon for first in the Interior.
December 20th @ Salmon Arm: Vernon wins 6-4
The Backs jumped out to a early 2-0 lead with goals from, Mark Zengerle and Keenan Desmet before the Vipers scored three straight goals in the 2nd period and went on to the 6-4 victory. Brothers Connor & Kellen Jones lead the way for Vernon with 3 pts each along with Vernon product Bryce Kakoske also putting up 3 pts in the win. Former Silverbacks goaltender, Graeme Gordon makes 21 saves beating his former club, improving his record to 9-0 as a Viper.
December 29th @ Salmon Arm: Salmon Arm wins 7-3
Vernon got off to a good start, scoring first with a goal by Mike Collins, but on the next rush the Silverbacks would score four quick goals just over the next three minutes jumping ahead 4-1 and in full control. Anytime the Vipers would score to climb back to within two goals, Salmon Arm answered right back within minutes after the Vernon goal, re-taking the three goal lead once again. Former Silverback goaltender Graeme Gordon allowed all seven goals, suffering his first loss as a Viper. Viper killer Mark Zengerle lead the way with a goal & a assist. Jason Beatie added two assists, and Captain Matt Walters pitched in with a goal and some physical play. Vernon played most of the 3rd period shorthanded as tempers flared in the final period. Salmon Arm was the far better team, looking very strong on home ice. Should be a war tonight.
December 30th @ Vernon: Vernon wins 2-1 (Overtime)
Tonight was the fourth straight meeting between these two hockey teams during the holiday break. Travis Statchuk opened the scoring putting Salmon Arm up 1-0 in the 1st period. Backs goaltender Bryan Gillis stood on his head all night, making some big saves, but couldn’t stop Cory Kane with two minutes remaining as the Vipers tied the game after firing 38 shots on Gillis after three periods of play. The game would head to overtime before Mike Collins beat Gillis 44 seconds into the extra frame giving Vernon the 2-1 OT victory. Gillis would make 39 saves in the loss. Andrew Hammond made 26 saves getting the win before 2,994 fans at the Wesbild Centre.
January 23rd @ Salmon Arm: Vernon wins 4-2
A big crowd of 1,782 packed the Sunwave Centre to catch the final home meeting between these two clubs. Salmon Arm jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead early in the 1st period with goals from, Justin Cseter & Mark Zengerle but Vernon battled back, scoring four unanswered goals to defeat the Silverbacks 4-2. Cameron Brodie scored his 1st goal as a Viper on a funny bounce inbehind the Backs net. Other Vernon goals come from, Mike Collins (2) & Connor Jones. Andrew Hammond made 22 saves between the pipes for the victory, while Bryan Gillis made 25 saves taking the loss.
January 31st @ Vernon: Vernon wins 2-0
The biggest corwd of the season packed the Wesbild Centre to watch the Vernon Vipers defeat the Salmon Arm Silverbacks 2-0 in the final meeting of the year. Braden Pimm in the 2nd and Kory Roy in the 3rd lead the scoring attack for the Vipers. Bryan Gillis makes 33 saves in the loss, Andrew Hammond made 37 saves in the win. Vernon goes 0-5 for on the powerplay while Salmon Arm goes 0-5. The Silverbacks outshoot the Vipers 37-35.
Here's a look at both team's rosters:
Vernon:
Nick Amies (Returning From Last Year)
Mike Collins (Returning From Last Year)
Cole Ikkala (Returning From Last Year)
Connor Jones (Returning From Last Year)
Kellen Jones (Returning From Last Year)
Bryce Kakoske (Returning From Last Year)
Cory Kane (Returning From Last Year)
Kevin Kraus (Returning From Last Year)
Jonathan Milhouse (Picked Up In Trade)
Braden Pimm (Returning From Last Year)
Rob Short (Returning From Last Year)
Dan Nycholat (Picked Up In Trade)
Adam Thompson (Returning From Last Year)
Steve Weinstein (Returning From Last Year)
Graeme Gordon (Returning From Last Year)
Dylan Walchuk (Recruited-Committed)
Drew George (Recruited-Committed)
Blake Voth (Recruited-Committed)
Brian Noonan (Recruited-Committed)
Salmon Arm:
Tyler Gubb (Picked Up In Trade)
Levi Hantula (Returning From Last Year)
Christopher Hoe (Returning From Last Year)
David Killip (Returning From Last Year)
Bobby Lipsett (Returning From Last Year)
Greg Noyes (Returning From Last Year)
Mike Puddifant (Returning From Last Year)
Zac Rasmussen (Returning From Last Year)
Jayson Reardon (Picked Up In Trade)
Travis Statchuk (Returning From Last Year)
Mark Zengerle (Returning From Last Year)
Tony Ierfino (Returning From Last Year)
Jagger Dirk (Recruited-Committed)
Josh Monk (Recruited-Committed)
Josh Manson (Recruited-Committed)
Devin Gannon (Recruited-Committed)
Brett Knowles (Recruited-Committed)
Justin Krabben (Recruited-Committed)
Charles Vasaturo (Recruited-Committed)
Friday, August 28, 2009
Wautier Joins Capitals:
This is posted on the Cowichan Valley Capitals website:The Cowichan Valley Capitals are proud to announce the hiring of Andrew Wautier as the Team’s new Head Medical Trainer. Andrew is a graduate of the University of Manitoba and spent last season with the Vernon Vipers. Andrew is currently working as the trainer for the Winnipeg Goldeyes of the Northern Baseball League. "Andrew will provide professional calibre support and attention to the players", said Head Coach Scott Robinson. "Andrew will bring a solid presence to our hockey operations staff; we are very pleased to have him with our Club".
Vipers Exibition Schedule:
Vernon Vipers 2009-10 Exibition Schedule:2009-08-29 at Salmon Arm Silverbacks 7:00pm
2009-08-30 at Revelstoke vs Salmon Arm Silverbacks 7:00pm
2009-09-01 vs Westside Warriors 7:00pm
2009-09-02 at Westside Warriors 7:00pm
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Vipers Blue & White Game:
I went to tonights Vipers Blue & White game as Team Blue defeated Team White 5-4 in a fairly entertaining hockey game. Team Blue had the better of the play, getting the better of the chances early on before Team White stepped up there play as both teams looked fairly even as the game went on. The physical play started to get going in the second half of the 2nd period and then tempers started to heat up a little in the 3rd as the rough stuff continued. Team Blue scored the winner with just 24 seconds remaining on the clock. This is one of the strongest camps I have seen in many years, Mark Ferner and Jason Williamson have some very tough decisions to make before the season starts.
Here are the team rosters,
Team Blue:
Rob Florentino 89
Garrett Noonan 91
Steve Weinstein 90
Mike Collins 90
Kale Hidlebaugh 90
Marley Keca 93
Darrin Robak 91
Dylan Walchuk 92
Nick Amies 92
Cory Kane 90
Cole Ikkala 90
Braden Pimm 89
Bryce Kakoske 90
Josh McKissock 92
Brendan Persley 93
Jeff Jones 91
Shaun Holliday 93
Colton Sparrow 93
Burhan Pourmokhtari 93
Goaltenders:
Graeme Gordon 89
Tyler Steel
Team White:
Kevin Kraus 89
Adam Thompson 90
Eric Soderlund 91
Frank Riddle 90
Josh McKinney 91
Terrence Limbert 93
Bennett Hambrook 92
Pat McGillis 91
Connor Jones 90
Jesse Halikas 91
David Sabey 91
Nick Kerr 92
Kellen Jones 90
Brett Mulcahy 93
Kurtis Hagen 92
Daryl DeVries 92
Jonathan Milhouse 89
Rob Short 89
Trevor Fitzgerald 92
Goaltenders:
Justin Goritz 92
Blake Voth 91
Scratches:
Dan Nycholat 89 (Injured)
Cole Ikkala 90 (I didnt see Ikkala out there tonight)
Scoring Summary:
Team Blue:
1st Period: Drew George from Garrett Noonan & Colton Sparrow
1st Period: Garrett Noonan from Braden Pimm & Josh McKissock
2nd Period: Josh McKissock from Braden Pimm & Mike Collins
3rd Period: Braden Pimm from Mike Collins & Josh McKissock
3rd Period: Drew George from Dylan Walchuk
Team White:
1st Period: Brett Mulcahy from Rob Short & Daryl DeVries
2nd Period: Nick Kerr from Pat McGillis
3rd Period: Jesse Halikas (shorthanded) from David Sabey & Adam Thompson
3rd Period: Rob Short from Brett Mulcahy
Here are the players who I thought stood out,
Rob Florentino 89 Ive been very impressed with this 20 yr old defenceman all training camp and once again tonight. Plays his position very well. The Vipers are at the league limit with six 20 yr olds (Kevin Kraus, Graeme Gordon, Braden Pimm, Jonatahan Milhouse, Dan Nycholat, & Rob Short) One of these six kids would have to be moved first if the Vipers wanted to keep Florentino. Will a 20 yr old be traded or will Florentino be cut?
Garrett Noonan 91 Noonan has been signed by the Vipers. I didnt really get a good look at him during training camp but was very impressed with his play tonight. A smooth skater, handles the puck well and likes to carry the play. Had a nice rush going up ice, getting a solid scoring chance. Solid defenceman.
Steve Weinstein 90 Weinstein has come to camp this season with some weight, Stevie has bulked up over the summer and has been playing-looking very well all camp and again tonight.
Dylan Walchuk 92 This kid is the real deal and by far the best Viper at camp. Walchuck has speed, skill and all the moves in and around the net, going to be one of Vernon's top point getters this season. Very very impressive.
Nick Amies 92 Amies has really improved on his skating and played very well tonight.
Braden Pimm 89 (1 goal & 2 assists) Pimmer looked very good in and around the net. Was skating hard, looked to be ready for the season.
Josh McKissock 92 (1 goal & 2 assists) This young kid has alot of potential, reads the ice well, seems to know where everyone is at all times. Looked very good tonight.
Jeff Jones 91 I heard many fans talking about this kid at training camp, I didnt get a good chance to watching him play. I really set my eyes on him tonight and was impressed. Has some wheels, smart with the puck and plays heads up hockey. Here's a kid who could surprise some fans and coaches.
Eric Soderlund 91 This kid is huge, one of if not the biggest kid at camp. Made a nice rush up ice early in the 1st period, has some potential. Has that long reach, plays his position well. Needs a little improvement to his game, but could be a surprise, once again I really like his size and smarts with the puck.
Frank Riddle 90 I was impressed with this kid during training camp and once again he played well tonight.
Pat McGillis 91 (1 assist) Rumors say this kid has signed with the Vipers. I was impressed with his play, shows signs of potential.
Nick Kerr 92 (1 goal) The younger brother of former Viper James Kerr. I didnt get much of a look at Nick during main camp but kept my eye on him tonight. A bigger kid who skates well, a better skater then James. Plays with an edge, isnt afraid to dig in the corners, or mix it up a little after the whistle. Could be a solid 3rd or 4th line grinder for the Vipers.
Justin Goritz 92 This kid is very quick, quick on his feet, dosnt let out many if any rebounds. Made some big saves tonight, his one weakness is his puck handling outside of the crease. Was caught two or three times in behind his net, after having troubles trying to clear the puck. With some work on his stick handling, this kid could give Blake Voth a good run for the backup position.
Here are the team rosters,
Team Blue:
Rob Florentino 89
Garrett Noonan 91
Steve Weinstein 90
Mike Collins 90
Kale Hidlebaugh 90
Marley Keca 93
Darrin Robak 91
Dylan Walchuk 92
Nick Amies 92
Cory Kane 90
Cole Ikkala 90
Braden Pimm 89
Bryce Kakoske 90
Josh McKissock 92
Brendan Persley 93
Jeff Jones 91
Shaun Holliday 93
Colton Sparrow 93
Burhan Pourmokhtari 93
Goaltenders:
Graeme Gordon 89
Tyler Steel
Team White:
Kevin Kraus 89
Adam Thompson 90
Eric Soderlund 91
Frank Riddle 90
Josh McKinney 91
Terrence Limbert 93
Bennett Hambrook 92
Pat McGillis 91
Connor Jones 90
Jesse Halikas 91
David Sabey 91
Nick Kerr 92
Kellen Jones 90
Brett Mulcahy 93
Kurtis Hagen 92
Daryl DeVries 92
Jonathan Milhouse 89
Rob Short 89
Trevor Fitzgerald 92
Goaltenders:
Justin Goritz 92
Blake Voth 91
Scratches:
Dan Nycholat 89 (Injured)
Cole Ikkala 90 (I didnt see Ikkala out there tonight)
Scoring Summary:
Team Blue:
1st Period: Drew George from Garrett Noonan & Colton Sparrow
1st Period: Garrett Noonan from Braden Pimm & Josh McKissock
2nd Period: Josh McKissock from Braden Pimm & Mike Collins
3rd Period: Braden Pimm from Mike Collins & Josh McKissock
3rd Period: Drew George from Dylan Walchuk
Team White:
1st Period: Brett Mulcahy from Rob Short & Daryl DeVries
2nd Period: Nick Kerr from Pat McGillis
3rd Period: Jesse Halikas (shorthanded) from David Sabey & Adam Thompson
3rd Period: Rob Short from Brett Mulcahy
Here are the players who I thought stood out,
Rob Florentino 89 Ive been very impressed with this 20 yr old defenceman all training camp and once again tonight. Plays his position very well. The Vipers are at the league limit with six 20 yr olds (Kevin Kraus, Graeme Gordon, Braden Pimm, Jonatahan Milhouse, Dan Nycholat, & Rob Short) One of these six kids would have to be moved first if the Vipers wanted to keep Florentino. Will a 20 yr old be traded or will Florentino be cut?
Garrett Noonan 91 Noonan has been signed by the Vipers. I didnt really get a good look at him during training camp but was very impressed with his play tonight. A smooth skater, handles the puck well and likes to carry the play. Had a nice rush going up ice, getting a solid scoring chance. Solid defenceman.
Steve Weinstein 90 Weinstein has come to camp this season with some weight, Stevie has bulked up over the summer and has been playing-looking very well all camp and again tonight.
Dylan Walchuk 92 This kid is the real deal and by far the best Viper at camp. Walchuck has speed, skill and all the moves in and around the net, going to be one of Vernon's top point getters this season. Very very impressive.
Nick Amies 92 Amies has really improved on his skating and played very well tonight.
Braden Pimm 89 (1 goal & 2 assists) Pimmer looked very good in and around the net. Was skating hard, looked to be ready for the season.
Josh McKissock 92 (1 goal & 2 assists) This young kid has alot of potential, reads the ice well, seems to know where everyone is at all times. Looked very good tonight.
Jeff Jones 91 I heard many fans talking about this kid at training camp, I didnt get a good chance to watching him play. I really set my eyes on him tonight and was impressed. Has some wheels, smart with the puck and plays heads up hockey. Here's a kid who could surprise some fans and coaches.
Eric Soderlund 91 This kid is huge, one of if not the biggest kid at camp. Made a nice rush up ice early in the 1st period, has some potential. Has that long reach, plays his position well. Needs a little improvement to his game, but could be a surprise, once again I really like his size and smarts with the puck.
Frank Riddle 90 I was impressed with this kid during training camp and once again he played well tonight.
Pat McGillis 91 (1 assist) Rumors say this kid has signed with the Vipers. I was impressed with his play, shows signs of potential.
Nick Kerr 92 (1 goal) The younger brother of former Viper James Kerr. I didnt get much of a look at Nick during main camp but kept my eye on him tonight. A bigger kid who skates well, a better skater then James. Plays with an edge, isnt afraid to dig in the corners, or mix it up a little after the whistle. Could be a solid 3rd or 4th line grinder for the Vipers.
Justin Goritz 92 This kid is very quick, quick on his feet, dosnt let out many if any rebounds. Made some big saves tonight, his one weakness is his puck handling outside of the crease. Was caught two or three times in behind his net, after having troubles trying to clear the puck. With some work on his stick handling, this kid could give Blake Voth a good run for the backup position.
Chiefs Add Speed With Former Viper Felde:
This is posted on the Johnstown Chiefs website: Chiefs Add Speed With Felde
08/27/2009
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – The Johnstown Chiefs announced today that they have signed forward Erik Felde for the 2009-10 season.
“Erik is a versatile player who can play on the wing or defense. He has great vision and offensive skill, but his greatest strength is his skating ability. We’re very happy to have him with the Chiefs this season,” said Vice President and General Manager Bill Bredin.
The Chiefs originally acquired the rights to Felde as the future considerations portion of the Dec. 2008 trade that sent the rights to Max Taylor to Reading. The Chiefs obtained Taylor’s rights, along with David Schulz, in the Aug. 2008 trade that sent Andrew Martens to Ontario.
Standing 5-11 and weighing 185 pounds, Felde split his rookie season between his hometown Alaska Aces and the Reading Royals. He netted seven points (5G, 2A) in 29 games with the Aces before he was traded to Reading in exchange for the rights to defenseman Tyson Marsh. With the Royals Felde played defense and wing over eight games and produced two points (1G, 1A). He played two games against the Chiefs on March 27 and 29 at Reading and scored his lone Royals goal in the game on the 27th.
Before turning pro, Felde spent his junior career in Junior A and Canadian Major Junior leagues. After one season in the NAHL with the U.S. National Under-18 Team, he moved on to Cedar Rapids of the USHL and then Vernon of the BCJHL where he led the team with 81 points (32G, 49A) for the 2005-06 season. That vaulted him to the WHL where he had two successful seasons between Tri-City and Swift Current. Felde netted 109 points (49G, 60A) in 144 WHL games between 2006 and 2008.
The Anchorage, Alaska native joins David Schulz, Matt Robinson, Sean Berkstresser, Ryan Menei, Mike Knight, Greg Gallagher, and Kyle Bushee as Chiefs under contract for the 2009-10 season.
Erik Felde
Left Wing
Born Dec 29 1987 -- Anchorage, AK
Height 5.11 -- Weight 185 -- Shoots L
Regular Season Playoffs
Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2003-04 U.S. National Under-18 Team NAHL 41 4 9 13 34
2004-05 Cedar Rapids RoughRiders USHL 60 16 15 31 80 11 1 1 2 10
2005-06 Vernon Vipers BCHL 61 32 49 81 44
2006-07 Tri-City Americans WHL 72 24 28 52 38 6 0 2 2 4
2007-08 Tri-City Americans WHL 3 3 0 3 4
2007-08 Swift Current Broncos WHL 69 22 32 54 34 11 0 3 3 4
2007-08 Texas Wildcatters ECHL -- -- -- -- -- 1 0 0 0 0
2008-09 Alaska Aces ECHL 29 5 2 7 16
2008-09 Reading Royals ECHL 8 1 1 2 0
Fox New Voice Of The Vipers:
This is posted on the Vipers website:Vipers new voice
by viper staff Added 2009-08-27
The Vernon Vipers are very happy to announce that they have a new voice for all their home games! Mike Fox, whos been watching Vipers hockey since 1994, works as a Financial Consultant in Vernon, and will now be the voice the fans hear during the Vipers home games.
Married to his wife Deborah for 16 years, they have 4 children (ages 3-13, 2 boys, 2 girls). The 2 oldest play hockey, the younger 2 will be learning to skate soon and they are also play soccer. Mike has coached Rugby and Football (in is hometown of Kamloops) and currently coaches minor soccer in Armstrong.
"I enjoy being at the rink and quite often do timekeeping for the kids games. I have spoken in front of many groups and do enjoy it. When the opportunity arose to be apart of the Vipers organization, watch every game and do what I enjoy; Deborah and I decided I should go for it. The Vipers are a class organization; I am excited to be a part of it. Plus I get one of the best seats in the house."
As the Vipers welcome Mike into his new role of PA Announcer, the Vernon Vipers have to say goodbye to long time announcer Wayne Buck. "Bucky", as we all knew him by, will be missed as he was a huge part of Vipers game days. The Vipers wish all the best for Bucky, and we know we will still see him at all the games, now enjoying the game from a different seat beside his wife.
Vipers Blue & White Game:
Vipers Blue & White Game:
The Vernon Vipers are please to announce that the annual Blue and White inter-squad games is set for tonight, August 27th at 6 PM. The game will be held at the Wesbild Centre. This will be a great chance for Viper fans to see the 2009/2010 Viper hopefuls compete against each other for a spot on the team. The game will be of regular length and will be treated as any other exhibition game.
The Vernon Vipers are please to announce that the annual Blue and White inter-squad games is set for tonight, August 27th at 6 PM. The game will be held at the Wesbild Centre. This will be a great chance for Viper fans to see the 2009/2010 Viper hopefuls compete against each other for a spot on the team. The game will be of regular length and will be treated as any other exhibition game.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Former Viper Brodie Visit's Express Camp:
This is posted on the Burnaby Expressions Blog:2009 RBC Cup champion Cam Brodie got some ice today skating at the opening day of Express training camp. I was able to catch up with Cam to talk about winning the RBC with Vernon last year, and what's next in his hockey career. It may surprise you. Click the link below to listen to Mr. Brodie.
Former Viper Mark Hall Involved In Trade:
It looks as if former Viper and current Kamloops Blazers forward, Mark Hall is now involved in the Vernon-Canmore trade.This is posted on the AJHL website:
22-Aug-09 The Canmore Eagles trade the rights of Dan Nycholat to the Vernon Vipers (BCHL) for Kory Roy, future considerations, and the rights of Mark Hall.
Mark Hall played in 32 games with the Vernon Vipers back in 2006-07 recording 4 assists before leaving the team to join the WHL Kamloops Blazers.
Day 3 From Vipers Training Camp:
I stopped by the third and final day of Vipers training camp after work tonight and caught the final 10 minutes of the camp. Team White defeated Team Red 5-2. With only catching the last 10 minutes of camp tonight, it was not enough time to really get a good look at anyone. I wish camp would have been on the weekend, like in past years. This way giving most people who work during the week a chance at catching a full game if they wanted too. With camp now over it was hard to get a good read on many of the players, as I only had about 30 minutes or so after work to catch the remainder of the games. Im really looking forward to the Blue & White game tomorrow night, this way I can get a good look at the teams after some cuts from the past 3 days.
In the few shifts I watched, Nick Amies looked very solid in front of the net. Amies skating is much improved and looks a little more confident out there.
Justin Goritz 92 played on Team White and for a kid I havnt really got to watch much of, in the final few minutes Goritz made several saves in close and then come up with a nice glove save in the final minute. This kid plays his angles very well, didnt look to give up much of any kind of rebounds. I wonder if the Vipers will keep him along for the exibition games?
In the few shifts I watched, Nick Amies looked very solid in front of the net. Amies skating is much improved and looks a little more confident out there.
Justin Goritz 92 played on Team White and for a kid I havnt really got to watch much of, in the final few minutes Goritz made several saves in close and then come up with a nice glove save in the final minute. This kid plays his angles very well, didnt look to give up much of any kind of rebounds. I wonder if the Vipers will keep him along for the exibition games?
Vipers Bolster Blueline:
This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:Published: August 25, 2009
Just two weeks after adding some offensive firepower in veteran sniper Jonathan Milhouse, the Vernon Vipers tuned up their backend by adding 20-year-old defenceman Dan Nycholat.
It came at the expense of forward Kory Roy, who was traded along with future considerations to the Canmore Eagles for Nycholat, who was at Vipers’ camp Monday at Wesbild Centre, but did not skate because of a sore ankle.
The younger brother of Lawrence Nycholat, a defenceman with the Vancouver Canucks, Dan is a former top-10 NCAA prospect and was rated in the top-200 by Central Scouting.
The 6-foot-2, 190 pounder spent the last two seasons playing NCAA hockey with the Northeastern Huskies, posting 1-6-7 and 41 penalty minutes in 48 games. He struggled through a bout of mononucleosis in his rookie year.
Nycholat felt the decision to sever his ties with Northeastern and return to Junior A hockey would be best for his development.
“I’m really excited. It was either stay in college or come to Vernon, and it worked out for me.
“I’d like to be more of a contributor, playing a bigger role and helping the team win.”
Nycholat has spent his summer between his hometown of Calgary and training with Lawrence and some other pros in Minneapolis.
“He just said have fun and work hard,” said Nycholat, of his big brother’s advice. “He has been a lot of help.”
With the hopes of landing another NCAA scholarship, Nycholat plans to keep his academic standing intact by enrolling in local college courses.
“It’ll be starting the process all over again,” grinned Nycholat, who has also played in the World Junior A Challenge.
Said Vipers’ GM/head coach Mark Ferner: “It’s kind of what the doctor ordered. We needed to add another experienced puck-moving defenceman.
“We knew that we had to address a situation with our back end, and to be honest, I haven’t seen him play, but we’ve done our homework on him.”
With a talent-laden front end, the Vipers were able to part with Roy. The Anchorage product played in only 14 regular-season B.C. Hockey League games last year, and would have been hard-pressed to earn a more prominent role with the Vipers this season.
“He’s a good player, but he didn’t play a whole bunch,” said Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner. “This team (Canmore) wants him. He’s a great kid and a good character guy. But he needs to play. This is a big year for him, it’s a scholarship year.”
Meanwhile, the speedy Milhouse is settling in well with the Vipers and expects big things for the coming season.
“I’m excited to get here – there’s still a lot of guys left from the championship team.
“With all the guys that are here, I don’t think it’s out of the question to make it back to the (Royal Bank Cup).”
The Snakes acquired the Yorba Linda, Calif. product by shipping the rights to 20-year-old forward Brian Elser and future considerations to the Victoria Grizzlies.
“He’s a very dynamic forward. When you have the ability to add one of the better 20-year-olds in the league, you’ve got to try to do it,” said Ferner.
“We felt he was one of their (Grizzlies’) better players at the Royal Bank Cup. He looks after himself and he’ll certainly fit real well into the culture of our hockey team.”
In 42 games with Victoria, Milhouse collected 19 goals for 42 points. The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder posted 10 points in 17 games with Portland.
Vipers’ camp concludes today – practices go at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., with scrimmages at 9:15 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. The annual Blue & White game goes Thursday night 6 p.m. at Wesbild. The Morning Star and KISS-FM will act as guest coaches.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Day 2 From Vipers Training Camp:
I stopped by the second day of Vipers training camp after work tonight and caught the final 30 minutes of the camp. Team Red defeated Team Blue 5-2. With only being able to catch the final 30 minutes or so of camp, it's hard to get a good look-read on these kids.
Here are some players who I thought stood out,
Rob Florentino 89 Looked very impressive tonight. Played solid on Team Red's backend, looking very comfortable in and outside the defensive zone. I heard from a few people at the camp tonight that the Vipers are seriously looking at this kid. Only problem is, the Vipers already have the league limit of 20 yr old's at six.
Patrick McGillis 91 Caught my eye tonight, good skater, played well in the final period of the evening.
Steve Weinstein 90 Played and looked very solid for the second straight night. Weinstein carried the puck alot tonight, made one nice end to end rush, but was stopped by Vipers goaltender, Graeme Gordon, the play would come back up ice, where Weinstein showed great hustle getting back into the play, breaking up the odd man rush.
Jesse Halikas 91 Looked very good, this kid has some soft hands, putting some nice moves out there. Looked very slick cutting through the neutral zone. Took a high stick late in the final game but seemed to be alright.
Cole Ikkala 90 Looked very good this evening. Ikkala seemed to be involved in the play most of the night, carried the puck alot, had some nice chances in close, getting stopped by Graeme Gordon in close on the two on one.
Nick Kerr 92 Nick is the younger brother of former Viper James Kerr. I didnt notice Nick out there last night, so really tried keeping an eye on him tonight. Kerr didnt really stand out much, but did score a real nice goal going upstairs over Gordon. On the play Kerr made a nice move towards the net, and then beat the one defender in close to score.
Blake Voth 91 Voth was recruited and signed over the summer by the Vipers but didnt look very solid tonight. Vipers veteran Rob Short scored two soft goals on the Vipers rookie backup tender. Shorts long shot from just over the blueline beat Voth and then a quick shot from the circle by Short beat Voth gloveside. Lets hope the kid is just nervous and settles down as camp continues.
News & Notes:
Viper newcomer Dan Nycholat 89 wasnt in the lineup for the second straight night. Heard a few people talking, said he isnt even in town yet.
Here are some players who I thought stood out,
Rob Florentino 89 Looked very impressive tonight. Played solid on Team Red's backend, looking very comfortable in and outside the defensive zone. I heard from a few people at the camp tonight that the Vipers are seriously looking at this kid. Only problem is, the Vipers already have the league limit of 20 yr old's at six.
Patrick McGillis 91 Caught my eye tonight, good skater, played well in the final period of the evening.
Steve Weinstein 90 Played and looked very solid for the second straight night. Weinstein carried the puck alot tonight, made one nice end to end rush, but was stopped by Vipers goaltender, Graeme Gordon, the play would come back up ice, where Weinstein showed great hustle getting back into the play, breaking up the odd man rush.
Jesse Halikas 91 Looked very good, this kid has some soft hands, putting some nice moves out there. Looked very slick cutting through the neutral zone. Took a high stick late in the final game but seemed to be alright.
Cole Ikkala 90 Looked very good this evening. Ikkala seemed to be involved in the play most of the night, carried the puck alot, had some nice chances in close, getting stopped by Graeme Gordon in close on the two on one.
Nick Kerr 92 Nick is the younger brother of former Viper James Kerr. I didnt notice Nick out there last night, so really tried keeping an eye on him tonight. Kerr didnt really stand out much, but did score a real nice goal going upstairs over Gordon. On the play Kerr made a nice move towards the net, and then beat the one defender in close to score.
Blake Voth 91 Voth was recruited and signed over the summer by the Vipers but didnt look very solid tonight. Vipers veteran Rob Short scored two soft goals on the Vipers rookie backup tender. Shorts long shot from just over the blueline beat Voth and then a quick shot from the circle by Short beat Voth gloveside. Lets hope the kid is just nervous and settles down as camp continues.
News & Notes:
Viper newcomer Dan Nycholat 89 wasnt in the lineup for the second straight night. Heard a few people talking, said he isnt even in town yet.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Vipers Sign Noonan:
This is posted This posted on the Beantown Bullies website:August 3rd, 2009
'91 Bullies defenseman Garrett Noonan has signed with the Vernon Vipers of the British Columbia Junior Hockey League.
I did some digging, Garrett Noonan played last season with Catholic Memorial School. Noonan, who tied fellow All-Scholastic Derek Colucci for the team lead with 25 points, was named Co-MVP of the Catholic Conference. Noonan was one of the most physical players in the state. He plans to continue his career in juniors or prep school.
Here's the teams website,
I will try my best to find some more into & stats on Noonan.
Day 1 From Vipers Training Camp:
I stopped by the first day of Vipers training camp after work tonight and caught the final 30 minutes of the camp. Team White defeated Team Blue 7-4 as Team White carried the better of the play and had the better of the scoring chances. I did some digging and tried my best to find some info on most of the players at camp.
Here's the team roster's:
Team White:
Kevin Kraus 89 (Returning From Last Year)
Frank Riddle 90 (Played Last Year With The OJHL Georgetown Raiders)
Adam Thompson 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Eric Soderlund 91
Cody Kostecki 91
Burhan Pourmokhtari 93
Darrin Robak 91 (Attended Vipers Spring Camp Last Year)
Erik Alden 93
Connor Jones 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Dylan Walchuk 92 (Recruited-Committed)
Bryce Kakoske 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Brendan Persley 93
Kellen Jones 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Sina Pourmokhtari 92
Daryl Devries 92
Devon Hascarl 93
David Sabey 91 (Played Last Season With The KIJHL Columbia Valley Rockies)
Derek Hascarl 92
Goaltenders:
Justin Goritz 92
Team Red:
Rob Florentino 89 (Played Last Year At Sacred Heart University)
Garrett Noonan 91 (Played Last Year With The Beantown Bullies)
Nick Amies 92 (Returning From Last Year)
Mike Collins 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Terrence Limbert 93
Marley Keca 93
Kale Hidlebaugh 90 (Played Last Year With The PJHL Tri Town Thunder)
Jeff Jones 91 (Played Last Season With The KIJHL Revelstoke Grizzlies)
Patrick McGillis 91 (Played Last Season With The Notre Dame Hounds)
Drew George 91 (Recruited-Committed)
Braden Pimm 89 (Returning From Last Year)
Trevor Fitzgerald 92 (Played Last Season With The Okanagan Rockets)
Jared Barendregt 93
Shawn Holliday 93
Kurtis Hagen 92 (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year)
Rob Short 89 (Returning From Last Year)
Jake Soleway 92
Goaltenders:
Graeme Gordon 89 (Returning From Last Year)
Team Blue:
Steve Weinstein 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Dan Nycholat 89 (Aquired In Trade From Canmore Eagles)
Bennett Hambrook 92 (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year)
Josh McKinney 91 (Played Last Season With The KIJHL Revelstoke Grizzlies)
Quinn Gallacher 91 (Played Last Season With The Okanagan Rockets)
Logan Hawgood 93
Riggs Young 93
Tye Sanford 93
Jesse Halikas 91 (Was At Vipers Camp Last Year)
Cory Kane 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Cole Ikkala 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Colton Sparrow 93
Brett Mulcahy 93
Nick Kerr 92 (Younger Brother Of Former Viper James Kerr)
Kevin Swales 92
Kyle Garcia 91
Jonathan Milhouse 89 (Aquired In Trade From Victoria Grizzlies)
Josh McKissock 92
Goaltenders:
Blake Voth 91 (Recruited-Committed)
Here are some players who I thought stood out,
The line of Connor Jones 90, Kellen Jones 90 and Dylan Walchuk 92 looked very strong up front. Kellen Jones scored a nice goal while on the breakaway going topshelf. Dylan Walchuk scored a real nice goal cutting towards the net, with a d-man all over him and still got the puck past Justin Goritz.
Bennett Hambrook 92 played well on the blueline. Looked very solid, carries the puck well, likes to jump up into the rush.
Frank Riddle 90 Played well on the backend. Was impressed with his play most of the evening.
Steve Weinstein 90 Looks like Weinstein has bulked up over the summer, played well.
Burhan Pourmokhtari 93 Is a smaller kid but has some quick wheels. Good skater.
News & Notes:
Viper newcomer Dan Nycholat 89 wasnt in the lineup this evening.
I did some digging and come across an interesting write up on Josh McKissock who is attending Vipers training camp. The scouting news says McKissock (Best undiscovered 1992 in BC? NCAA upside?) Click on the link below for the story.
http://www.thescoutingnews.com/index.php?option=com_content_archive&task=view&id=7282&Itemid=2
Here's the team roster's:
Team White:
Kevin Kraus 89 (Returning From Last Year)
Frank Riddle 90 (Played Last Year With The OJHL Georgetown Raiders)
Adam Thompson 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Eric Soderlund 91
Cody Kostecki 91
Burhan Pourmokhtari 93
Darrin Robak 91 (Attended Vipers Spring Camp Last Year)
Erik Alden 93
Connor Jones 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Dylan Walchuk 92 (Recruited-Committed)
Bryce Kakoske 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Brendan Persley 93
Kellen Jones 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Sina Pourmokhtari 92
Daryl Devries 92
Devon Hascarl 93
David Sabey 91 (Played Last Season With The KIJHL Columbia Valley Rockies)
Derek Hascarl 92
Goaltenders:
Justin Goritz 92
Team Red:
Rob Florentino 89 (Played Last Year At Sacred Heart University)
Garrett Noonan 91 (Played Last Year With The Beantown Bullies)
Nick Amies 92 (Returning From Last Year)
Mike Collins 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Terrence Limbert 93
Marley Keca 93
Kale Hidlebaugh 90 (Played Last Year With The PJHL Tri Town Thunder)
Jeff Jones 91 (Played Last Season With The KIJHL Revelstoke Grizzlies)
Patrick McGillis 91 (Played Last Season With The Notre Dame Hounds)
Drew George 91 (Recruited-Committed)
Braden Pimm 89 (Returning From Last Year)
Trevor Fitzgerald 92 (Played Last Season With The Okanagan Rockets)
Jared Barendregt 93
Shawn Holliday 93
Kurtis Hagen 92 (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year)
Rob Short 89 (Returning From Last Year)
Jake Soleway 92
Goaltenders:
Graeme Gordon 89 (Returning From Last Year)
Team Blue:
Steve Weinstein 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Dan Nycholat 89 (Aquired In Trade From Canmore Eagles)
Bennett Hambrook 92 (Attended Vipers Camp Last Year)
Josh McKinney 91 (Played Last Season With The KIJHL Revelstoke Grizzlies)
Quinn Gallacher 91 (Played Last Season With The Okanagan Rockets)
Logan Hawgood 93
Riggs Young 93
Tye Sanford 93
Jesse Halikas 91 (Was At Vipers Camp Last Year)
Cory Kane 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Cole Ikkala 90 (Returning From Last Year)
Colton Sparrow 93
Brett Mulcahy 93
Nick Kerr 92 (Younger Brother Of Former Viper James Kerr)
Kevin Swales 92
Kyle Garcia 91
Jonathan Milhouse 89 (Aquired In Trade From Victoria Grizzlies)
Josh McKissock 92
Goaltenders:
Blake Voth 91 (Recruited-Committed)
Here are some players who I thought stood out,
The line of Connor Jones 90, Kellen Jones 90 and Dylan Walchuk 92 looked very strong up front. Kellen Jones scored a nice goal while on the breakaway going topshelf. Dylan Walchuk scored a real nice goal cutting towards the net, with a d-man all over him and still got the puck past Justin Goritz.
Bennett Hambrook 92 played well on the blueline. Looked very solid, carries the puck well, likes to jump up into the rush.
Frank Riddle 90 Played well on the backend. Was impressed with his play most of the evening.
Steve Weinstein 90 Looks like Weinstein has bulked up over the summer, played well.
Burhan Pourmokhtari 93 Is a smaller kid but has some quick wheels. Good skater.
News & Notes:
Viper newcomer Dan Nycholat 89 wasnt in the lineup this evening.
I did some digging and come across an interesting write up on Josh McKissock who is attending Vipers training camp. The scouting news says McKissock (Best undiscovered 1992 in BC? NCAA upside?) Click on the link below for the story.
http://www.thescoutingnews.com/index.php?option=com_content_archive&task=view&id=7282&Itemid=2
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Vipers Aquire Veteran Defenceman:
Mark Ferner has made his second trade of the season in just over two weeks. Ferner who just picked up 20 yr old forward, Jonathan Milhouse from the Victoria Grizzlies for 20 yr old forward, Brian Elser now has picked up veteran 20 yr old defenceman, Dan Nycholat from the Canmore Eagles of the AJHL for Kory Roy and future considerations. This puts the Vipers roster at six 20 yr olds wich is the league limit. Here's a look at the Vipers six 20 yr old's, (Kevin Kraus, Braden Pimm, Graeme Gordon, Dan Nycholat, Rob Short & Jonathan Milhouse)Let's take a look at Dan Nycholat's stats over the last three season's
2006-07 Canmore Eagles 58 GP 7 goals, 17 assists, 24 points, and 84 pims
2007-08 Northeastern University 21 GP 1 goal, 4 assists, 5 points, and 6 pims
2008-09 Northeastern University 27 GP 0 goals, 2 assists, 2 points, and 14 pims
I did some digging and come across a very good article on Nycholat.
This article is from Hockey Futures, The #1 online prospects resource, This website has featured the Top 10 NCAA 2008 Prospects. Dan Nycholat was rated tied at #10
T10. Dan Nycholat, D
Freshman, Northeastern University
6’3 180 lbs.
DOB: 6/2/89 Shoots: Left
Central Scouting final ranking: N/A
Nycholat may be one of the best up and coming Hockey East defensemen that nobody is talking about. The younger brother of defenseman Lawrence Nycholat in the Ottawa Senators system enjoyed a very good rookie campaign despite battling mononucleosis this season. The Calgary, AB native appeared in 21 games with the Huskies, posting five points (one goal, four assists).
Talent Analysis: Nycholat moves remarkably well for such a tall, lanky man. While he may eventually develop into an offensive defenseman, he is a very good two-way defenseman right now. The challenge of newcomers to acclimate themselves to the faster, more rigorous collegiate game can be tough, but for Nycholat it was made even tougher because of his battle with mono in the first half of the season that resulted in significant weight loss. While Nycholat played the remainder of the season exceedingly well, the lack of muscle and especially physical strength was clearly noticeable. As he grows into his 6’3 frame, many of Nycholat’s size and strength issues should resolve themselves.
One of his Nycholat’s best features is his skating. He’s mobile, can get up and down the rink very well and skates with long, smooth, powerful strides. However, he could use some work on his transitioning. He does a very good of keeping his feet moving and showed noticeable improvement in areas such as his agility by the end of the season.
Another one of Nycholat’s best attributes is his puck skills. He is remarkably poised and patient with the puck and moves quite well with it. He can make some nice tape-to-tape passes and his outlet passes are also very good. He possesses a very heavy shot and can get shots to the net. Nycholat also possesses a very quick wrist shot.
Nycholat takes great advantage of his size and long reach, particularly in one-on-one situations or in transitioning plays. While he’s not an overly physical player, Nycholat doesn’t shy away from playing the body. But his lack of strength has limited his effectiveness in that area this season. He is smart, hard-working and keeps things relatively simple. As his confidence grew this season, so did his game. He is defensively responsible and he has shown that he can make good decisions as well. While Nycholat is very much a work in progress, he has a great upside that will become more apparent with further growth and development.
Northeastern University head coach Greg Cronin’s comments on Nycholat: “What Dan is going to have to improve on is his agility. His footwork got better down low, particularly defending in the corners and I think that really led to a lot of confidence. We’re trying to make him more efficient as a player. When he came back from having mono, I think Dan was really rejuvenated and was determined to correct the mistakes that he had made earlier in the year. I felt by the last three or four weeks of the season he was one of our best defensemen, which is a credit to his growth as a person.”
To view the entire list,
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/10425/top10_ncaa2008_prospects/
From what I have read I like this trade, as I stated on my blog last week I figured with a possible 12 forwards already basically on the team, you had to wonder with only 4 d-men returning that one or if not more of these forwards could or would be used as trade bait. I was a little worried with the Vipers blueline going into training camp, with only 4 d-men returning you had to wonder why the Vipers havnt addressed the defence? With the addition of Nycholat, this adds size and experience to the Vipers backend that needed some upgrade. You have to ask why would Nycholat leave Northeastern after two seasons and now play in the BCHL with the Vipers? Nycholat is now the third Viper to leave school and play for Vernon. Hunter Bishop returned to Vernon after just one season with the University of North Dakota back in 2006-07. & then Greg Beller left Yale University in 2007-08 after playing just 2 games to join the Vipers halfway through the season. Current Viper forward, Braden Pimm is heading to Northeastern next season on a scholarship.
Im glad Mark & Jason have brough in Nycholat a veteran 20 yr old defenceman wich the club needs. This now puts Vernon with 5 d-men heading into camp tomorrow (Dan Nycholat, Kevin Kraus, Adam Thompson, Steven Weinstein, & Nick Amies) It would be nice if Ferner could pull off another trade and aquire a solid 19 yr old d-man to try and solidify the backend.
Canmore Eagle fans keep an eye on Kory Roy, you wont be dissapointed and will be thrilled with his strong work ethic. Roy who watched most of his games from the stands played in just 16 regular season games with the Vipers collecting (2-2-4) Due to injuries Roy would play 12 games with the Vipers in the Playoffs scoring one lone goal. I was a big fan of Kory Roy and am sad to see him go. Here's a kid who come to play when called apon and didnt dissapoint, Roy was a hard worker, always skating hard playing on the Vipers fourth line. This kid didnt back down from the rough stuff, battling hard in the corner and in front of the net. After seeing very little icetime last season, Roy was one of those kids you knew was going to get his chance this year to really prove himself. It's too bad he wont be able to do it in a Vipers jersey. Roy may have scored just 2 goals in the regular season but both goals were huge both vs Salmon Arm. One of his goals was late in the 3rd to tie the game and then send it to Overtime where Mike Collins scored the OT winner to put the Vipers atop 1st place over Salmon Arm who held the Division lead for sometime. Id like to wish Kory all the best in Canmore, thanks for the memories as a Viper. All the best!
Kory Roy's Stats and Profile,
http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=173502&playerID=459441
Dan Nycholat's Stats and Profile,
http://gonu.com/mhockey/roster/mh-nycholat.shtml
I did some digging and come across a very good article on Nycholat.
This article is from Hockey Futures, The #1 online prospects resource, This website has featured the Top 10 NCAA 2008 Prospects. Dan Nycholat was rated tied at #10
T10. Dan Nycholat, D
Freshman, Northeastern University
6’3 180 lbs.
DOB: 6/2/89 Shoots: Left
Central Scouting final ranking: N/A
Nycholat may be one of the best up and coming Hockey East defensemen that nobody is talking about. The younger brother of defenseman Lawrence Nycholat in the Ottawa Senators system enjoyed a very good rookie campaign despite battling mononucleosis this season. The Calgary, AB native appeared in 21 games with the Huskies, posting five points (one goal, four assists).
Talent Analysis: Nycholat moves remarkably well for such a tall, lanky man. While he may eventually develop into an offensive defenseman, he is a very good two-way defenseman right now. The challenge of newcomers to acclimate themselves to the faster, more rigorous collegiate game can be tough, but for Nycholat it was made even tougher because of his battle with mono in the first half of the season that resulted in significant weight loss. While Nycholat played the remainder of the season exceedingly well, the lack of muscle and especially physical strength was clearly noticeable. As he grows into his 6’3 frame, many of Nycholat’s size and strength issues should resolve themselves.
One of his Nycholat’s best features is his skating. He’s mobile, can get up and down the rink very well and skates with long, smooth, powerful strides. However, he could use some work on his transitioning. He does a very good of keeping his feet moving and showed noticeable improvement in areas such as his agility by the end of the season.
Another one of Nycholat’s best attributes is his puck skills. He is remarkably poised and patient with the puck and moves quite well with it. He can make some nice tape-to-tape passes and his outlet passes are also very good. He possesses a very heavy shot and can get shots to the net. Nycholat also possesses a very quick wrist shot.
Nycholat takes great advantage of his size and long reach, particularly in one-on-one situations or in transitioning plays. While he’s not an overly physical player, Nycholat doesn’t shy away from playing the body. But his lack of strength has limited his effectiveness in that area this season. He is smart, hard-working and keeps things relatively simple. As his confidence grew this season, so did his game. He is defensively responsible and he has shown that he can make good decisions as well. While Nycholat is very much a work in progress, he has a great upside that will become more apparent with further growth and development.
Northeastern University head coach Greg Cronin’s comments on Nycholat: “What Dan is going to have to improve on is his agility. His footwork got better down low, particularly defending in the corners and I think that really led to a lot of confidence. We’re trying to make him more efficient as a player. When he came back from having mono, I think Dan was really rejuvenated and was determined to correct the mistakes that he had made earlier in the year. I felt by the last three or four weeks of the season he was one of our best defensemen, which is a credit to his growth as a person.”
To view the entire list,
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/10425/top10_ncaa2008_prospects/
From what I have read I like this trade, as I stated on my blog last week I figured with a possible 12 forwards already basically on the team, you had to wonder with only 4 d-men returning that one or if not more of these forwards could or would be used as trade bait. I was a little worried with the Vipers blueline going into training camp, with only 4 d-men returning you had to wonder why the Vipers havnt addressed the defence? With the addition of Nycholat, this adds size and experience to the Vipers backend that needed some upgrade. You have to ask why would Nycholat leave Northeastern after two seasons and now play in the BCHL with the Vipers? Nycholat is now the third Viper to leave school and play for Vernon. Hunter Bishop returned to Vernon after just one season with the University of North Dakota back in 2006-07. & then Greg Beller left Yale University in 2007-08 after playing just 2 games to join the Vipers halfway through the season. Current Viper forward, Braden Pimm is heading to Northeastern next season on a scholarship.
Im glad Mark & Jason have brough in Nycholat a veteran 20 yr old defenceman wich the club needs. This now puts Vernon with 5 d-men heading into camp tomorrow (Dan Nycholat, Kevin Kraus, Adam Thompson, Steven Weinstein, & Nick Amies) It would be nice if Ferner could pull off another trade and aquire a solid 19 yr old d-man to try and solidify the backend.
Canmore Eagle fans keep an eye on Kory Roy, you wont be dissapointed and will be thrilled with his strong work ethic. Roy who watched most of his games from the stands played in just 16 regular season games with the Vipers collecting (2-2-4) Due to injuries Roy would play 12 games with the Vipers in the Playoffs scoring one lone goal. I was a big fan of Kory Roy and am sad to see him go. Here's a kid who come to play when called apon and didnt dissapoint, Roy was a hard worker, always skating hard playing on the Vipers fourth line. This kid didnt back down from the rough stuff, battling hard in the corner and in front of the net. After seeing very little icetime last season, Roy was one of those kids you knew was going to get his chance this year to really prove himself. It's too bad he wont be able to do it in a Vipers jersey. Roy may have scored just 2 goals in the regular season but both goals were huge both vs Salmon Arm. One of his goals was late in the 3rd to tie the game and then send it to Overtime where Mike Collins scored the OT winner to put the Vipers atop 1st place over Salmon Arm who held the Division lead for sometime. Id like to wish Kory all the best in Canmore, thanks for the memories as a Viper. All the best!
Kory Roy's Stats and Profile,
http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=173502&playerID=459441
Dan Nycholat's Stats and Profile,
http://gonu.com/mhockey/roster/mh-nycholat.shtml
Vernon-Canmore Trade:
This is posted on the Vipers website:Vipers acquire defenseman!
by viper staff Added 2009-08-23
August 23, 2009
The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club has acquired 20 year old defenseman Dan Nycholat from the Canmore Eagles in exchange for the playing rights of 19 year old forward Kory Roy and future considerations.
Nycholat has played the last two seasons for Northeastern University. The 6'3 defenseman has played 48 college games scoring 1 goal and 6 assists for 7 points. Prior to this Dan played for the Canmore Eagles of the AJHL where he was a heavily recruited defenseman. The Vernon Vipers would like to welcome Dan to the organization.
The Vernon Vipers would also like to thank Kory Roy for his time spent with the team. Kory was a big part of last years championship team. He will be given a great opportunity to be successful and move on in his junior career in Canmore. The Vipers wish Kory the best of luck.
Robinson Ready For Bruin Uprise:
This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:Published: August 23, 2009 6:00 AM
David Robinson’s reputation as a natural-born leader was quickly put into play by the Chilliwack Bruins last season.
With Jadon Potter going down with a season-ending injury, the already struggling Bruins were left without a captain. They had earlier been basically pillaged when superstar Oscar Moeller made the L.A. Kings and sniper Evan Pighin bolted for the BCHL Victoria Grizzlies.
Enter Robinson, a work-till-ya-drop forward who had guided teams in Major Midget and Bantam. He took a turn as a rotating captain in Chilliwack.
“It was nice to be one of the leaders in only my second year and I got to wear the C for a little bit as an 18-year-old which was maybe a little surprising, but I’ve always been a leader on every team I’ve been on,” said Robinson, who compiled 11 goals and 17 points last season.
“It was a bit tougher leading a team that wasn’t getting in the win column every night, but I did my best to try and keep the young guys up and sort of show them even though you’re losing, you have to keep going. I had fun being a leader and having a letter on my jersey, I just felt guys looked up to me and it was nice.”
Robinson and good buddy James Dobrowolski (traded from Prince Albert to Prince George in the offseason) spent the summer laying irrigation pipe at Coldstream Ranch. They worked the early-morning shift and then hit the gym at noon.
The grandson of the late Vern Dye, who helped found the BCHL, the 5-foot-10 Robinson has added some muscle so is at the Bruins’ camp this weekend at 188 pounds, 10 more than he played at last year. He plans to be more of his old pest self all season.
“Hopefully, I have two good years here. We just hired an awesome coach in what I hear, in (Marc) Habscheid, and it’s looking good for us in Chilliwack. I hope to put up some big numbers this year and even bigger numbers my 20-year-old year, and hopefully get a tryout somewhere, and if not, then I’ll try and go wherever I can and go as far as I can in hockey, even if it’s CIS (Canadian university).”
The Bruins finished third-last in the Dub last year, at 19-46-2-5. Habscheid takes over from Rick Hiller, who signed as head coach with Tri-City this week.
“It was up and down all year,” said Robinson, whose first cousin, Ryan Harrison, plays for Prince Albert. “We had a couple of nine-game losing streaks and it wasn’t pretty to say the least. We made some strides though. We had a lot of young guys that stepped up to their play and got used to the WHL style. It’s not easy losing two of your top three scorers but we persevered and in the end, we came up short of the playoffs but made some strides at the same time.”
Vernon’s Jeff Finley, an assistant coach with the Rockets, was impressed with Robinson’s style.
“He always competed hard against us,” said Finley, who signed a contract this week to be a western scout for the Detroit Red Wings. “That’s his strength, his grittiness, work ethic and determination. You can definitely see why they would make him captain.
“He gets in people’s faces and leads by example. He’s the kid you would want on your team.”
The likeable Robinson believes teams who go through tribulation can build character, and become stronger.
“You see lots of times in sports some of the top teams get knocked off because they haven’t faced adversity, and we definitely faced adversity this year. It was probably one of the toughest years of my life and I learned the downs of hockey this year.”
Robinson talked to Habscheid and was told the Bruins will hold high-tempo 45-minute practices this season, year three for the franchise. Robinson, who played alongside fellow call-ups Kellen and Connor Jones as the Vipers stunned the Penticton Vees in the playoffs three years ago, feels solid about joining the Bruins.
“I have had two fun years. The hockey hasn’t been as good as I wanted it to be. It would have been fun playing in Vernon at the same time, playing with two great players. I don’t regret my decision. Playing WHL is something else. You’re playing against guys who are in the NHL now.
“I had Oscar Moller on my team and he’s in the NHL right now. It’s pretty neat to practise with guys like that everyday, and play against guys like that. Like I’ve said 100 times before, it was the hardest decision of my life to leave here and go there. I was back and forth about it every day, but in the end, I’m happy with the decision I made.”
A Red Wings’ fan, Robinson can’t wait to face Dobrowolski eight times instead of just once this year.
“It’s going to be fun. We see each other eight hours a day right now so we’re going to get on each other’s back and kind of smile at each other and maybe get a couple of hacks on the back of the leg.”
Robinson, who played with Sweden’s Alexander Wicklund a lot, missed six games with a concussion after taking a forearm from Kelowna’s Tyler Myers as he tried to go wide on the monster Rocket d-man last February.
With Jadon Potter going down with a season-ending injury, the already struggling Bruins were left without a captain. They had earlier been basically pillaged when superstar Oscar Moeller made the L.A. Kings and sniper Evan Pighin bolted for the BCHL Victoria Grizzlies.
Enter Robinson, a work-till-ya-drop forward who had guided teams in Major Midget and Bantam. He took a turn as a rotating captain in Chilliwack.
“It was nice to be one of the leaders in only my second year and I got to wear the C for a little bit as an 18-year-old which was maybe a little surprising, but I’ve always been a leader on every team I’ve been on,” said Robinson, who compiled 11 goals and 17 points last season.
“It was a bit tougher leading a team that wasn’t getting in the win column every night, but I did my best to try and keep the young guys up and sort of show them even though you’re losing, you have to keep going. I had fun being a leader and having a letter on my jersey, I just felt guys looked up to me and it was nice.”
Robinson and good buddy James Dobrowolski (traded from Prince Albert to Prince George in the offseason) spent the summer laying irrigation pipe at Coldstream Ranch. They worked the early-morning shift and then hit the gym at noon.
The grandson of the late Vern Dye, who helped found the BCHL, the 5-foot-10 Robinson has added some muscle so is at the Bruins’ camp this weekend at 188 pounds, 10 more than he played at last year. He plans to be more of his old pest self all season.
“Hopefully, I have two good years here. We just hired an awesome coach in what I hear, in (Marc) Habscheid, and it’s looking good for us in Chilliwack. I hope to put up some big numbers this year and even bigger numbers my 20-year-old year, and hopefully get a tryout somewhere, and if not, then I’ll try and go wherever I can and go as far as I can in hockey, even if it’s CIS (Canadian university).”
The Bruins finished third-last in the Dub last year, at 19-46-2-5. Habscheid takes over from Rick Hiller, who signed as head coach with Tri-City this week.
“It was up and down all year,” said Robinson, whose first cousin, Ryan Harrison, plays for Prince Albert. “We had a couple of nine-game losing streaks and it wasn’t pretty to say the least. We made some strides though. We had a lot of young guys that stepped up to their play and got used to the WHL style. It’s not easy losing two of your top three scorers but we persevered and in the end, we came up short of the playoffs but made some strides at the same time.”
Vernon’s Jeff Finley, an assistant coach with the Rockets, was impressed with Robinson’s style.
“He always competed hard against us,” said Finley, who signed a contract this week to be a western scout for the Detroit Red Wings. “That’s his strength, his grittiness, work ethic and determination. You can definitely see why they would make him captain.
“He gets in people’s faces and leads by example. He’s the kid you would want on your team.”
The likeable Robinson believes teams who go through tribulation can build character, and become stronger.
“You see lots of times in sports some of the top teams get knocked off because they haven’t faced adversity, and we definitely faced adversity this year. It was probably one of the toughest years of my life and I learned the downs of hockey this year.”
Robinson talked to Habscheid and was told the Bruins will hold high-tempo 45-minute practices this season, year three for the franchise. Robinson, who played alongside fellow call-ups Kellen and Connor Jones as the Vipers stunned the Penticton Vees in the playoffs three years ago, feels solid about joining the Bruins.
“I have had two fun years. The hockey hasn’t been as good as I wanted it to be. It would have been fun playing in Vernon at the same time, playing with two great players. I don’t regret my decision. Playing WHL is something else. You’re playing against guys who are in the NHL now.
“I had Oscar Moller on my team and he’s in the NHL right now. It’s pretty neat to practise with guys like that everyday, and play against guys like that. Like I’ve said 100 times before, it was the hardest decision of my life to leave here and go there. I was back and forth about it every day, but in the end, I’m happy with the decision I made.”
A Red Wings’ fan, Robinson can’t wait to face Dobrowolski eight times instead of just once this year.
“It’s going to be fun. We see each other eight hours a day right now so we’re going to get on each other’s back and kind of smile at each other and maybe get a couple of hacks on the back of the leg.”
Robinson, who played with Sweden’s Alexander Wicklund a lot, missed six games with a concussion after taking a forearm from Kelowna’s Tyler Myers as he tried to go wide on the monster Rocket d-man last February.
Title Defence Approaching:
This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:Title defence approaching
Published: August 23, 2009
Vernon Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner has some sage advice for the players returning from their Royal Bank Cup national Junior A championship season – it’s time to move forward.
Those words hold especially true as the Vipers open training camp Monday morning at Wesbild Centre in preparation for a B.C. Hockey League title defence. While Ferner says he holds a certain amount of loyalty to his veteran players, they still have to show they deserve to be on the team.
“When you come back from a season like we had, all that stuff goes out the window. You can’t rest on your laurels – it’s a new year,” said Ferner, who is entering his third season behind the Snakes’ bench along with assistant coach Jason Williamson.
“Regardless of the players that were on the team last year, we have a responsibility to put the best players on the ice. We’re going to have some very good 16- and 17-year-old players coming, and if they’re better than the 18- and 19-year-olds, they’re going to play. There are no guarantees.”
The three-day camp, which is open to the public, begins Monday, with daily practices going 8-9 a.m., and 3-4 p.m. Scrimmages will run daily from 9:15-11 a.m., and 4:15-6 p.m.
The annual Blue & White game takes place Thursday night (6 p.m.) at Wesbild. The Morning Star and KISS-FM will take on coaching duties for the game.
Ferner says roughly 50 players will take part in this year’s camp.
As with every year, the Snakes lost an experienced corps of veteran players to graduation. This year, it was forwards Chris Crowell, Ryan Santana and James Kerr, defencemen Kyle Bigos, Cody Ikkala, Cameron Brodie and Mike Leidl, and netminder Andrew Hammond who moved on.
While Ferner says it’s difficult to lose players of their calibre, he knows what they brought to the organization will have a lasting impression.
“We lost a lot with the players that left, but they set the culture and I have no worries that it’s just going to continue to get stronger,” said Ferner.
The Vipers open the exhibition season with a pair of games against the Salmon Arm SilverBacks. Game one goes Saturday at the Sunwave Centre, followed by a Sunday-night rendezvous at Revelstoke Arena.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Mark Ferner Fighting Highlights:
October 12th 1986 Mark Ferner (Rochester Americans) VS Kris King (Binghamton Whalers)February 11th 1987 Mark Ferner (Rochester Americans) VS Warren Young (Baltimore Skipjacks)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Kane Commits To Bulldogs:
This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:Kane commits to Bulldogs
Published: August 18, 2009
The Ferris State Bulldogs have just signed one of the best shots in the B.C. Hockey League.
Vernon Vipers’ forward Cory Kane has committed to play with the Bulldogs of the NCAA’s Central Collegiate Hockey Association for the 2010-11 season.
Kane, a 6-foot-3, 190-pound Irvine, Calif. product, recorded 20 goals for 44 points and 44 penalty minutes in his rookie season.
“They treated me very well and it seemed like they really wanted me,” said the 18-year-old, who recently returned from a flydown to Big Rapids, Mich. “They seemed like genuine people that you can trust, and that’s what I was looking for.”
While getting a scholarship signed is one less thing to worry about, Kane says there is still pressure to perform.
“You can relax a little bit, you’ve got that pressure off your back, but you’ve still got to have a big year. They’ll be counting on me as a second-year player.”
Vernon head coach Mark Ferner sees solid potential in Kane, and is looking forward to seeing him develop for one more season in a Vipers’ jersey.
“He’s got all the tools to be not only a good junior player, but a good college player and pro as well.
“All the tools are there, it’s just a matter of putting it all together.”
The Bulldogs were 9-14-5 last season.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
6 Days Till Vipers Training Camp!
Well it's just around the corner, the defending Royal Bank Cup Champion Vernon Vipers start training camp this coming Monday, with camp running (August 24-26th) With a second straight off season with very little news on the hockey club, it looks as if Viper fans will be waiting till training camp once again to see any new faces trying out for this years team. Mark Ferner seems to keep things very quiet regarding off season signings. Just like last summer the Vipers announced two or three recruits who have signed with the Vipers, but leave the rest of the announcements for just before or during training camp.Let's take a look at what has happened with the Vipers since winning the 2009 RBC Cup. Veteran forward, Trent Dorias left the team and has signed on with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. Veteran d-man, Kyle Bigos has decided to skip his final year of junior hockey and head off to Merrimack University. Rookie forward, Sahir Gill up and left the team after joining the USHL's Chicago Steel. Gill was supose to return to Vernon and once again play on the Vipers top unit with both Connor & Kellen Jones. The Vipers announced three signings over the summer, 17 year old forward, Dylan Walchuk has committed to play for the Vipers this upcoming season. Walchuk spent last season playing for the Nelson Leafs of the KIJHL. 18 year old forward Drew George, from Regina, has committed to play in Vernon. Drew spent last season playing for the Notre Hounds AAA Midget hockey team. & finally 17 year old goaltender; Blake Voth has committed to come to Vernon. Blake Voth played last season for the Tisdale Trojans of the SMAAAHL (Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League). Last week the Vipers made their first trade of the season, sending 20-year-old forward Brian Elser and future considerations to the Victoria Grizzlies in exchange for 20-year-old forward Jonathan Milhouse.
I just heard yesterday the Vipers have already sent in their jerseys to get some names and numbers put on, 15 of the teams 22 jerseys have been lettered and numbered, wich means the team is now looking for just 7 players to fill the 2009-10 roster to start the regular season next month. I dont know how many kids will be at the Vipers camp next week but do know with just 7 spots open, it will be tough to crack a spot for opening night.
With only 4 d-men returning and already 12 forwards on the roster, the Vipers seem to be loaded up front. With camp still next week & the possibility of a young prospect or two showing his stuff at camp, the Vipers may use a forward or two as trade bait to try and aquire a veteran d-man. It will be interesting what Mark Ferner does with the defence before the season starts. This so far is the one weak spot the Vipers need to work on.
Here's a look at the returning Viper players along with new recruits
Nick Amies
Mike Collins
Cole Ikkala
Connor Jones
Kellen Jones
Bryce Kakoske
Cory Kane
Kevin Kraus
Jonathan Milhouse
Braden Pimm
Kory Roy
Rob Short
Adam Thompson
Steven Weinstein
Graeme Gordon
Drew George
Blake Voth
Dylan Walchuk
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