Viper camp heating up
By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star
Published: September 04, 2011
Head coach Jason Williamson’s message to nearly 50 Vernon Viper hopefuls attending main camp last week was simple – do something to get yourself noticed.
And those words didn’t just apply to the fresh-faced rookies that were on the ice at Wesbild Centre. While Williamson will be inclined to show some loyalty to his returning vets, the last thing he wants them to do is take their roster spots for granted.
“We have a few holes to fill, so there’s definitely jobs available. But like I told these guys, they (vets) need to come in here with the thought that someone can take their job,” said the first-year head coach, who will be assisted by Chris Shaw behind the Viper bench for the coming B.C. Hockey League season.
“And that’s what I told the younger guys – if they come in and are better than someone that’s been here, they’ll be on the team.”
As is the nature of training camps, the first day was a bit of a write-off in terms of player evaluation, but Williamson expects to see players settle in as camp continues and he pares down the roster. He anticipated trimming the starting list of six goalies, 15 defencemen and 26 forwards down to about 28 following Saturday’s annual Blue & White intra-squad game.
“It’s camp – pucks are bouncing everywhere, no one’s got any chemistry with anybody, and a lot of nerves. But hopefully those are all gone with a practice and game (Thursday) and we’ll see the camp pick up the next few days,” said Williamson, who served under Mark Ferner for four seasons before taking over as head coach/GM.
With potentially 12 returning players (forward Zach McPhee is auditioning with Ferner’s WHL Everett Silvertips), there will be plenty of opportunity for rookies and returnees alike to jump up the Vipers’ depth chart.
Second-year forwards Aaron Hadley, a Castlegar native, and Coquitlam’s Marcus Basara appear ready to take the next step.
“I’m really excited to be back after last year. We had a great year, but came up a little short, so I’m excited to get back and get after it again,” said the always-upbeat Hadley, 18.
“There’s a lot of guys that are nervous on the first day, but overall it looked good.”
Hadley, who is cousins with Viper prospect Adam Tambellini, spent the summer training in his hometown, where Tambellini’s older brother, Jeff, a former Vancouver Canuck, owns a training facility. The duo also spent time boating on Christina Lake where the Tambellini’s owns a summer cabin.
“We were pretty much attached at the hip this summer,” grinned Adam, a lanky forward who has already taken a liking to Vernon.
“It’s been great. Everyone treats you so well and the facilities they have here are unbelievable. With the guys that are coming back and the prospects that are coming in, we’re going to have a good team this year.”
Basara, one of the league’s fastest skaters, appears to be coming into camp an inch taller and with close to 10 pounds of extra muscle on his frame.
“I worked out hard over the summer and things went really well. I’m looking to have a good year and bring this team to where it was last year.”
The Vipers will spend the coming week training in preparation for their BCHL exhibition schedule, which begins Friday, 7 p.m. against the Westside Warriors at Wesbild.
SNAKE BITES: Veteran forward Mike Zalewski collected two goals and Kirby Halcrow was rock-steady in net as Team Blue banked a 5-1 win over Team White in their intra-squad scrimmage Thursday night at Wesbild. Basara had the lone goal for White...Jedd Soleway and Tanner Burns each fired a pair of goals as the Blues thumped the Whites 6-2 Friday night. Adam Tambellini and Connor Hartley answered for the Whites, who earned an extra skating session after the game.
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