Id like to take this time to wish former Vernon Vipers forward Mark Hall all the best in his final year of Junior hockey with the Penticton Vees. Hall was traded to the Vees on August 30th from the AJHL Canmore Eagles for future considerations. Hall who at the time was just 17 yrs old made the Vipers roster back in 2006-07. Hall played just 32 games with Vernon (0-4-4-74) before leaving the Vipers for his hometown Kamloops Blazers. In his first season in Kamloops Hall put up (1-2-3-26) in just 32 games with the WHL Blazers. In 2007-08 Hall played in 67 games putting up (5-7-12-68) before finishing his final season in Kamloops in 2009-10 picking up (5-5-10-45) in 65 games. Hall was in a numbers game in Kamloops to start the season this year, with only a maximum number of three 20 year olds, Hall was the odd man out. Hall expressed a desire to play in the BCHL and remain closer to home. Halls rights once owned by the Vernon Vipers, were traded to the Canmore Eagles last year for the rights to defenceman, Dan Nycholat. In a report in the Vernon Morning Star a few weeks back, Hall had told the Eagles he would like to play closer to home, and the Vipers his former team #1 on the list. By the sounds of things in the local paper here, it didnt sound like the Vipers were all that interested in the former Viper. Maybe this is why is now playing for the Penticton Vees.
Back in the 2006-07 season Hall was a player that really stood out during the Vipers training camp, just 17 years old Hall showed alot of hustle, determination and fiestyness, not backing down from the bigger, older players. With all of his hard work Hall had made the Vipers roster for that season, but wouldnt last the full season. I was a little dissapointed that Hall left the Vipers early into the season. Once reading that Hall wouldnt be back with the Blazers and wanted a return to the Vipers, I was looking forward to having the Kamloops product back in a Vipers jersey. I think Hall is a player the Vipers or any Jr team could use. Hall may not put up big numbers but plays with a big heart, gives it his all and adds alot of character to a team.
With Hall now a member of the Penticton Vees, this will just add more fuel to the fire of an already great longtime Okanagan rivalry. Hall will want to now go out and prove to Mark Ferner and the Vipers that they made the wrong decision for not trying and re-aquiring the former Viper. Let's hope this dosnt come back to haunt the Vipers.
Now if your Mark Ferner, maybe you dont need or want a player like a Mark Hall? Or maybe Canmore was asking just too much for the former Blazer? The Vipers with 4 returning 20 yr olds only have two open roster spots for another 20 year old, and dont forget the Vipers have I think two very good 20 year olds trying out for the team as we speak, so would the Vipers have room for Mark? We dont know. After watching the Vipers blue and white games last week, you have to wonder where a kid like Mark Hall would fit into this group of already very skilled young group of kids? I personally think Mark would be a big addition and would add alot to the Vipers roster.
Mark September 17th on your calendar, this is when the Vipers will face off against Mark Hall & the Penticton Vees for the first time. Let the games begin!
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