Vipers Trade Soderlund As Gill Returns:

Word got out last week that former Vernon Vipers forward Sahir Gill had left the USHL's Chicago Steel and was looking at returning to the Vipers. Well after the Vipers signed former Chilliwack Bruins forward, David Robinson last week, the team's roster was full with 23 players. With the BCHL's trade deadline last night, If the Vipers wanted to sign Gill, the team would have to trade or release a player to make room for Gill.

Well the BCHL trade deadline is over and the Vipers have traded 19 year old defenceman, Erik Soderlund to the Winkler Flyers for future considerations and then signed 17 year old forward, Sahir Gill.

In just 13 games Soderlund saw limited icetime collecting 1 goal & 4 assists. I really liked Soderlunds size and play during the Vipers training camp, but once the season started Soderlund didnt use his physical play much, and needs some work on his skating and defensive coverage. For being a 19 year old, I was a little surprised to see Soderlund last this long, I dont think next year being 20 the kid would crack the Vipers lineup. Here's a kid that needs more icetime and with six good d-men playing on a regular basis in front of him, Erik wont be getting the icetime here. If Soderlund can work on his skating and use his size to his advantage this kid could be a solid presence on the blueline next year.

Id like to wish Erik all the best in Winkler and would like to thank him for his time as a Vernon Viper.

The return of Sahir Gill mean's the highest scoring team in the league get's that much more stronger up front and much more harder to try and defend against. You have to think now that Sahir Gill knows he made the wrong move by going to the USHL's Chicago Steel. I questioned this move right away. Why would a young kid that just come off winning the Royal Bank Cup, playing on a line with Connor & Kellen Jones want to leave the Vipers and join the Steel? The Jones-Gill line was one of the best lines in the league last year, this line was a threat each and every time they hit the ice. Just another weapon for other teams to try and stop. If Gill would have returned to the Vipers and not gone to Chicago, you know the Jones-Gill line would be one of the top lines in the BCHL again this year.

I was trying to keep an eye on Gill and the Chicago Steel through out the season, Gill started off strong but as the season went along Gill wasnt putting up the numbers he was early in the season. Now I had no way of tracking or seeing what his icetime was or what line he was playing on, but his numbers were down. Boston University went after Gill early and signed him. Thats great news, but Gill could have got the same deal playing here in Vernon again this year.

There has been no news or mention of Gill leaving Chicago on the Steel website. No real answer was given to why Gill left in the first place. You have to wonder if Chicago wined and dined Gill, promising him the world and never fell back on their promises?

I really like Sahir Gill and think he's a great hockey player, but have to wonder why he left the Vipers and went to the USHL? What was so wrong with Vernon back in July compared to wanting to play here again now? With the return of Gill, their are now many questions. Does Gill go back on the Jones line? Rumor was David Robinson who once played with the Jones three years ago, was going to join the Twins on the Vipers #1 line. With the return of Gill and signing of David Robinson this means two players that played on a regular shift will be now sitting in the stands. Mark Ferner and Jason Williamson have a tough job ahead of them, and to try and make everyone happy and not upset the team chemistry. Who will it be? Patrick McGillis? Sawyer Mick?

Im thrilled to have Gill back with the Vipers, this adds just another scoring threat on a very dangerous Vipers team. But you have to wonder if the Vipers have enough size and toughness to make it through a long tough playoff drive? Last year Vernon had the likes of Chris Crowell, Cameron Brodie, Ryan Santana, Mike Leidl, & Kyle Bigos to name a few. This year the Vipers are loaded with scoring but do they have what it takes to battle through a tough seven game playoff series?