Wild Make Qualifying Offer To Restricted Free Agent & Former Vipers Defenceman Chay Genoway:

The Minnesota Wild have made qualifying offers to eight restricted free agents one being former Vernon Vipers defenceman Chay Genoway.

Genoway finished his first season with the AHL Houston Aeros playing in 72 regular season games this past season collecting (7-29-36) Genoway made his NHL debut this past season with the Minnesota Wild on April, 7th 2012 collecting 1 assist and being named 2nd star vs the Pheonix Coyotes. Genoway played one season in Vernon (2005-2006). In 56 regular season games with the Vipers Genoway collected (17-32-49). The Minnesota Wild signed Genoway to an entry-level contract back on April, 12th 2011.

Chay Genoway's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=92084

This is posted on the Wild website:

Wild Re-Signs Two; Extends Offers To Eight

The Wild has resigned forwards Chad Rau and Stephane Veilleux to two-way contracts

Monday, 06.25.2012

By Mike Doyle  - Digital Media Coordinator

News has trickled out over the past week as to the contract statuses of several players currently with the Minnesota Wild organization. Today, the club clarified things by announcing the re-signing of two players, and qualifying offers made to eight players. Three players did not receive qualifying offers.

Rau’s deal is for two years and Veilleux’s is a one-year contract.

The Wild made qualifying offers to the following restricted free agents: C Cody Almond, G Dennis Endras, D Justin Falk, D Chay Genoway, C David McIntyre, RW Carson McMillan, RW Jarod Palmer and RW Nick Palmieri. Almond did sign with Servette in Geneva of the Swiss League last week, making it unlikely that he would re-sign with Minnesota.

Sending offers to restricted free agents allows the team to retain their negotiating rights. If the Wild does not extend offers to restricted free agents by July 1, they become unrestricted free agents.

The Wild did not make qualifying offers to the following restricted free agents: D Kris Fredheim, RW Nick Johnson and LW Guillaume Latendresse. However, General Manager Chuck Fletcher has said the Wild has been in talks to sign a deal with Latendresse.

In nine games with Minnesota, Rau scored two goals, both memorable game winners. Rau’s first-career goal came against the Dallas Stars on Hockey Day Minnesota. On Hockey Day America in front of a national television audience on NBC, Rau scored the lone goal on a no-look shot against Tim Thomas and the Boston Bruins.

Rau spent most of the season playing for the Wild’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Houston Aeros. In 67 games with the Aeros, he scored 14 goals and 21 assists, ranking fifth on Houston with 35 points.

Rau signed as a free agent with the Wild on May 17, 2010.  The Eden Prairie native was a four-year standout at Colorado College before signing with the Minnesota. In four seasons at Colorado, Rau totaled 73 goals, 67 assists and 140 points with the Tigers.

Rau is currently on the third leg of the Wells Fargo Minnesota Wild Road Tour, making stops today in International Falls and Warroad. For a complete list of Road Tour stops, click here.

Veilleux compiled two assists and 15 penalty minutes in 21 games with Minnesota after being acquired in a trade from New Jersey on Feb. 24 along with defenseman Kurtis Foster, right wing Nick Palmieri, a 2012 second round pick and a 2013 third round pick in exchange for D Marek Zidlicky.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound native of St. Georges de Beauce, Que., skated in one game with New Jersey and recorded 22 points (11-11=22) and 53 PIM in 40 games with Albany (AHL). Veilleux has collected 101 points (46-55=101) and 317 PIM in 460 career NHL games with Minnesota, Tampa Bay and New Jersey. The 30 year old ranks eighth on the Wild’s all-time games played list and 10th in PIM. Veilleux was originally selected by Minnesota in the third round (93rd overall) of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.

Canucks Re-Sign Former Viper Aaron Volpatti:

The Vancouver Canucks have re-signed former Vernon Vipers forward Aaron Volpatti.  Volpatti finished his second season with the Canucks after only playing in 23 regular season games after shoulder surgery in December.  Volpatti played three seasons in Vernon (2003-2006) In 137 regular season games with the Vipers Volpatti collected (13-24-37).  The Canucks signed Volpatti as a free agent on March 22, 2010.

Aaron Volpatti's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=76574

This is posted on the Canucks website:

Canucks re-sign Aaron Volpatti

Friday, 15.06.2012

Vancouver, B.C. - Vancouver Canucks President and General Manager Mike Gillis announced today that forward Aaron Volpatti has been re-signed to a one-year contract.

Volpatti, 27, recorded a goal, 37 penalty minutes and 61 hits in 23 games with Vancouver in 2011.12. In 38 NHL games, all with Vancouver, the 6’1”, 185 lbs. forward has recorded three points (2-1-3), 97 hits and 53 penalty minutes.

Before joining Vancouver, he skated in 61 AHL games with the Manitoba Moose, recording 13 points (3-10-13) and 91 penalty minutes. Prior to playing professional hockey, the 6’1”, 185 lbs. forward played four years with Brown University, serving as captain in his senior year. He registered 62 points (32-30-62) and 236 penalty minutes in 123 career college games.

The Revelstoke, BC, native was originally signed by Vancouver as a free agent on March 22, 2010.

This was in the Vancouver Sun Newspaper:

Volpatti takes slight pay cut to remain with Canucks

By BRAD ZIEMER, Vancouver Sun

June 15, 2012

If winger Mason Raymond loses his arbitration case, he won't be the only Vancouver Canuck taking a pay cut.

Fellow winger Aaron Volpatti agreed Friday to a one-year, two-way contract at a slightly reduced NHL salary and nearly a 50-per-cent cut in his minor-league pay.

Volpatti's deal will pay him $600,000 at the NHL level, but only $105,000 if he gets shipped to the minors. Last season, he made $625,000 with the Canucks and $200,000 at the minor-league level.

Unlike when he came out of Brown University in the spring of 2010 and had a number of clubs seeking his services, Volpatti was not in a great bargaining position this time around.

He made the Canucks out of training camp, but the 27-year-old Revelstoke native's season was cut short when he underwent shoulder surgery in December to repair a torn left labrum. He only appeared in 23 games with the Canucks last season, scoring one goal and picking up 37 penalty minutes.

"It was bad timing, obviously, for my injury," Volpatti said Friday from his Vernon home. "I thought I was starting to carve out a niche for myself and I was looking forward to a good year. I am just going to try and build off the fact that I started the season there last year."

Volpatti will compete for a spot on Vancouver's fourth line, where he knows he must bring a physical presence. One of Volpatti's strengths is that he plays much bigger than his 6-foot-1, 185-pound frame.

But Volpatti also thinks he has more to give offensively. He has managed just two goals and three points in 38 career NHL games.

"I know what role I need to fill and I am comfortable with it," Volpatti said. "I think I can contribute more offensively. I just want to concentrate on getting better. The new-age fourth-liner isn't playing four or five minutes a night any more. You have to be able to play the game. My physical game is always going to be there. It always has."

The Canucks are enamoured with Volpatti's physical presence, but also think he has some upside.

"Aaron is a rugged, physical winger," said assistant general manager Laurence Gilman. "He's got a blend of size and physicality and has got an aggressive streak that is complementary to the rest of of our group."

Volpatti acknowledged his rehab from injury was made more difficult by the fact he was in the last year of his first pro contract.

"I thought about that quite a bit," Volpatti said. "I debated at the time when I was diagnosed with my shoulder problem, I put a lot of thought into if I should try and play just because it was my last year and I obviously wanted to set myself up for a contract. But after talking to a few people, it was a better decision for my career in the long run to get it done and make sure I didn't make it any worse."

Volpatti could have become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, but wanted to return to the Canucks.

"For me, I just thought I had something to prove in Vancouver. Obviously, I love Vancouver, I'm from B.C. and I think it was important for me to come back and prove myself. I want to play a full season in Vancouver. That's my ultimate goal."

Volpatti's $105,000 minor-league salary is significant as that is the maximum amount a player can make without being subject to re-entry or recall waivers.

Earlier this week, the Canucks confirmed they are taking Raymond to arbitration in an attempt to have his $2.6-million salary reduced by up to 15 per cent.

Three Former Vernon Vipers Attending Oilers Development Camp:

Three former Vernon Vipers will be attending the Edmonton Oilers 2012 Development Camp from June 27-July 2, 2012.  Defenceman Kyle Bigos, & Twin brothers Connor & Kellen Jones.  Bigos finished his third season at Merrimack College played two seasons in Vernon (2007-2009) collecting (10-40-50) in 116 regular season games with the Vipers. Bigos an assistant captain in his second and final season with the Vipers was drafted 99th overall by the NHL Edmonton Oilers in the 4th round of the 2009 NHL Draft.  The Jones twins both just finished their second season with the Bobcats. Connor and Kellen both played four years in Vernon (2006-2010). In 163 regular season games with the Vipers Connor collected (80-118-198) Connor also is the Vipers all-time franchise points leader (regular season & playoffs) with 228 & all-time franchise goals leader (regular season & playoffs) with 95. while in 154 regular season games with the Vipers Kellen collected (39-134-173). Kellen is also the all-time franchise assists leader (regular season & playoffs) with 150.  Kellen was drafted 202nd overall by the NHL Edmonton Oilers in the 7th round of the 20010 NHL Draft.

Kyle Bigos's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=101195

Connor Jones Player Profile:

http://www.quinnipiacbobcats.com/sports/mice/011-12/bios/jones%20connor%20gczj

Kellen Jones Player Profile:

http://www.quinnipiacbobcats.com/sports/mice/2011-12/bios/jones%20kellen%20rmzy

This is posted on the Oilers website:

Oilers set to host Development Camp

All on-ice sessions open to the public at Millennium Place in Sherwood Park

Sunday, 24.06.2012

By Edmonton Oilers Press Release

General Manager Steve Tambellini announced today the Edmonton Oilers will be hosting their 2012 Development Camp from June 27-July 2, 2012.

Millennium Place will host the Oilers top prospects, with 34 players reporting to camp.  All off-ice workouts will take place at Rexall Place. The on-ice workouts at Millennium Place in Sherwood Park will be open to the public.

Notables attending camp include 2012 1st overall draft choice, Nail Yakupov and 2011 19th overall draft pick, defenceman Oscar Klefbom.

EDMONTON OILERS DEVELOPMENT CAMP ROSTER

GOALTENDERS (5)

1 Tyler Bunz
38 Jared Coreau
50 Samu Perhonen
30 Olivier Roy
39 Frans Tuohimaa

DEFENCE (11)

86 Kyle Bigos                       
88 Brandon Davidson
85 Wade Epp
81 Taylor Fedun
78 Martin Gernat
90 Erik Gustafsson
84 Oscar Klefbom
77 Joey Laleggia
80 Martin Marincin
87 David Musil
79 Dillon Simpson

FORWARDS (18)

73 Cameron Abney
69 Cameron Critchlow
67 Travis Ewanyk
59 Brett Ferguson
70 Curtis Hamilton
72 Connor Jones
76 Kellen Jones
52 Jujhar Khaira
74 Antoine Laganiere
82 Stephane Legault
45 Brandon Magee
66 Ryan Martindale
65 John McCarron
53 Mitchell Moroz
63 Kristians Pelss
61 Tobias Rieder
64 Nail Yakupov
47 Daniil Zharkov

EDMONTON OILERS 2012 DEVELOPMENT CAMP SCHEDULE

Wednesday, June 27, 2012 9:30am - 12:00pm On-ice session (Millennium Place)
Thursday, June 28, 2012 9:30am - 12:00pm On-ice session (Millennium Place)
Friday, June 29, 2012 9:30am - 12:00pm On-ice session (Millennium Place)
Saturday, June 30, 2012 9:30am - 12:00pm On-ice session (Millennium Place)
Sunday, July 1, 2012 9:30am - 12:00pm On-ice session (Millennium Place)
Monday, July 2, 2012 9:30am - 11:00am 3-on-3 tournament (Millennium Place)

Former Viper Connor Jones Named Quinnipiac Male Athlete Of The Year:

The Quinnipiac Bobcats have named former Vernon Viper forward Connor Jones Quinnipiac male athlete of the year at the 2011-12 Quinnipiac University Athletics and Recreation Awards program in early May.

Connor just finished his second season with the Bobcats. Connor and his twin brother Kellen both played four years in Vernon (2006-2010). In 163 regular season games with the Vipers Connor collected (80-118-198) Connor also is the Vipers all-time franchise points leader (regular season & playoffs) with 228 & all-time franchise goals leader (regular season & playoffs) with 95.

Connor Jones Player Profile:

http://www.quinnipiacbobcats.com/sports/mice/2011-12/bios/jones%20connor%20gczj

This is posted on the Bobcats website:


Connor Jones and Heather Schwartzburg Named 2012 Quinnipiac Athletes of the Year At Annual Awards Banquet

May 2, 2012

2012 Quinnipiac Athletic Program

HAMDEN, Conn. – Quinnipiac University senior Heather Schwartzburg (Mission Viejo, Calif.) and sophomore Connor Jones (Montrose, British Columbia) were named the Quinnipiac Female and Male Athletes of the Year, respectively, at the 2011-12 Quinnipiac University Athletics and Recreation Awards program at the TD Bank Sports Center in Hamden, Conn.

Voted upon by administrators of the Quinnipiac Department of Athletics and Recreation, the Athlete of the Year award recognizes two student-athletes who had outstanding seasons with their respective programs. Each team’s Most Valuable Player was eligible for the award.

Heather Schwartzburg will go down as one of the most dominant pitchers in Quinnipiac and Northeast Conference softball history. She will leave the program with her name embedded in the record books, as the senior from Mission Viejo, Calif. ranks first all-time in career wins, innings pitched and strikeouts. Schwartzburg flourished last year in her junior campaign which led to a 2011 NEC Pitcher of the Year selection. The season included 23 wins and 296 strikeouts, figures that place her first all-time in the two single-season categories. Schwartzburg turned around a replicated a stellar 2011 campaign with a similar season in 2012. With a few games and the NEC Tournament left to play, she has 178 strikeouts, 17 wins and a 1.53 earned run average. The highlight of her campaign came against the NEC’s top team Robert Morris, where she allowed just one run over back-to-back complete games (14 innings). In addition, opposing hitters have endured a difficult time at the plate, posting a gloomy .168 batting average on the season.

Connor Jones, alongside his twin brother Kellen Jones, was tabbed the 2011-12 Co-Most Valuable Player for the men’s hockey team this year. In a stellar sophomore campaign, Jones became Quinnipiac's first 40-point scorer since Bryan Leitch accomplished the feat during the 2008-09 season. The sophomore center posted a team-best 12 multiple-point games while leading the team in several statistical categories and earning a trip to the All-ECAC. The program's 2010-11 Rookie of the Year led the team with 41 points, on the strength of 13 goals and 28 assists. His tremendous season was highlighted by several outstanding individual performances, including a season-high four assists in a 7-1 win over Colgate. In addition to his regular-season success, Jones duplicated his play in the postseason as well. He registered two points in a three-game series against Brown, before scoring both goals in the first game of the ECAC Hockey Quarterfinals at Colgate. In the second game, Jones scored one goal before assisting on the game-winner in a 4-2 victory.

Included in the reception were the presentations of all 21 Quinnipiac varsity athletic teams’ respective Most Valuable Player awards. In addition, members of Quinnipiac Athletic Training, Sports Information, Recreation & Fitness and Intramurals and all spirit groups also announced their MVP's of the 2011-12 academic calendar. Senior Associate Athletic Director Billy Mecca and the Voice of the Bobcats Bill Schweizer served as the Masters of Ceremonies for the evening.

The ceremony also included several additional recognitions, awards distributed to other groups within the Department of Athletics and Recreation. The Quinnipiac Bobcats Sports Network (QBSN) was the recipient of the Behind The Scenes Award, an honor given to a group of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Department of Athletics and Recreation in the past year. For the second consecutive year, women’s lacrosse earned the Positive Play Award, given to the Quinnipiac University athletic team that earned the most points in the Bobcats' Positive Play initiative, designed to encourage community involvement by the University's student-athletes. Associate Director of Athletics/Recreation Center Tami Reilly and Associate Director of Intramurals Michael Medina concluded the segment with the presentation of their Student Employees of the Year (Steve Muller and Avery David), Athletes of the Years (Mary Nelligan and Frankie DiSomma) and Official of the Year (Andrew Stubbs).

In addition to the award winners and most valuable players, the Department of Athletics & Recreation also honored the student-athletes who had the highest grade-point average by class. Field Hockey’s Nicole Lewis and Men’s Soccer member Brett Utley were the Senior Class recipients after posting 3.96 and 3.76 GPA’s, respectively. Women’s Volleyball member Taylor Payne, with a 3.76 GPA, and Men’s Cross Country’s Richard Stoliker, with a 3.84 GPA, carried the highest average among all juniors. The sophomore class consisted of three recipients: Women’s Volleyball’s Ashley Kopacki and Women’s Cross Country’s Jessica Soja each with a 4.0 GPA and Men’s Ice Hockey’s Kellen Jones with a 3.51 GPA. Rounding out the awards was the freshman class who garnered four student-athletes with a perfect 4.0 GPA: Acrobatics and Tumbling member Casey Block, Women’s Ice Hockey’s Anna Borgfeldt, Women’s Soccer member Angela Ellison, Baseball’s Matthew Lorenzetti and Men’s Lacrosse member Greg Pendergast.

Quinnipiac Athletics also had over 150 student-athletes honored for their academic prowess as part of the Scholar-Athlete Recognition portion of the evening. Individuals were honored by school and recognized by the deans of the respective departments. The School of Business and Dean Matthew O'Connor recognized 32 scholar-athletes, Dean Lee Kamlet of the School of Communications recognized 17 scholar-athletes, the School of Health Sciences and Dean Edward O'Connor recognized 52 scholar-athletes, Dean Hans Bergman of the School of Arts and Sciences recognized 29 scholar-athletes and Dean Jean Lange of the School of Nursing recognized eight scholar-athletes.

Volunteering For The 2014 RBC Cup:

This was in my RBC Cup Newsletter-Email:

Volunteering For the 2014 RBC Cup

A publication of the Vernon RBC Cup Host Committee

June, 6th 2012

Over 250 volunteers in about 30 different task committees are needed to run a successful national tournament like the RBC Cup.

Mike Lane is confident that “lots of qualified, enthusiastic people will volunteer. As soon as people heard of the bid, they were offering their services. Vernon is known for its excellent volunteers.” Betty Klepp, who has volunteered in a variety of capacities for several cultural and sporting events in Vernon, shares Lane’s assessment. “Our only real challenge will be placing the right people in the right roles,” she says. “And potential volunteers have to understand that they may have to put in some less
desirable shifts, so they might not get to see every game they want to see.”

She hastens to add that “there are considerable rewards when you contribute to the success of a largescale community event. You get a real sense of belonging to the community and you meet lots of really good people, too.”

Benefits. In addition to the satisfaction and camaraderie involved in being part of a successfull event, the Volunteer Program offers these benefits:

 Attractive Volunteer Apparel (Jacket and Shirt) Retail Value $150
 Pre‐event Volunteer Rally and Orientation
 Volunteer Lounge access while on shift (a punch card will be issued for beverages and snacks)
 Post‐event Volunteer Appreciation party
 Standing room access to games

Conditions of the Volunteer Rewards Program. In order to ensure that volunteers are indeed committed, the following conditions will be in place:

 Volunteers will pay a $50 Volunteer Rewards package fee, payable to Vernon 2014 Bid / Host Committee Society. This fee will be collected during volunteer registration.
 Volunteers will provide a minimum of 24 hours volunteer time, except for the set-up and takedown crews, who will work the day prior to the event and the day following the event.
 Where appropriate, volunteers will authorize the Host Organizing Committee to perform background checks.
Volunteers will adhere to conditions outlined by the RBC Cup Volunteer Manual.
 Photo identification will be required, where appropriate.

Minotauros Draft Former Viper Defenceman Taylor Love In NAHL Draft:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Taylor Love was recently drafted 63rd overall in the 3rd round of the 2012 NAHL draft by the Minot Minotauros. 

Love was at the Vipers 2010-11 training camp and played in three games with Vernon as an "AP" but was traded to the Victoria Grizzlies in early October 2010 due to the import rule.  Love started last season with the Coquitlam Express before being traded to Salmon Arm on December, 28th 2011 for future considerations.

Taylor Love's Player Profile:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=305114&playerID=695146

Gladiators Add Former Viper Defenceman Brookwell To Teams Season Ending Roster:

On Friday, June 15th the ECHL announced the Season-Ending Rosters as submitted by each of its member teams.  The Gwinnett Gladiators have fourteen players listed on their season ending roster list one of is former Vernon Vipers defenceman Cody Brookwell.

Gwinnett Gladiators Season Ending Roster:

Sean Duddy, Will Colbert, Shane Sims, Cody Brookwell, Nikita Kashirsky, Tyler Murovich, Bryan Brutlag, Joey Haddad, Dallas Jackson, Chris Clackson, Mike Bartlett, Igor Gongalsky, Andy Brandt and Evan Rankin.

Brookwell was recruited by the Vipers but only played in four regular season games during the 2004-05 season before being traded in early October of 2004 to the Williams Lake Timberwolves. Brookwell played two seasons in Williams Lake before playing the next four seasons at the University of Denver. Brookwell is in his second season with the Gladiators, In 63 regular season games this year with the Gladiators Brookwell collected (4-11-15). Brookwell went pointless in four playoff games these ECHL playoffs.

Cody Brookwell's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=83868

This is posted on the Gladiators website:

Season-Ending Roster Release

Friday, June 15, 2012

The Gwinnett Gladiators season ending roster was released today comprised of four defensemen and 10 forwards. Season-Ending Rosters cannot include any players who did not sign an ECHL contract in 2011-12.

The Gladiators Season-Ending Roster includes defensemen Sean Duddy, Will Colbert, Shane Sims, Cody Brookwell and forwards Nikita Kashirsky, Tyler Murovich, Bryan Brutlag, Joey Haddad, Dallas Jackson, Chris Clackson, Mike Bartlett, Igor Gongalsky, Andy Brandt and Evan Rankin.

Justin Milo is not included on the Gladiators season ending roster as he was traded to the Reading Royals to complete the trade for goaltender Joe Palmer. The Gladiators acquired Palmer from the Royals on January 28th.

Each team is entitled to reserve rights to a maximum of eight players from the list of 20 by extending a qualifying offer no later than July 1. Of the eight qualified players, no more than four can be veterans (260 regular season professional hockey games played as of the start of the 2012-13 season). Players on open qualifying offers cannot be traded. Teams are not required to extend a qualifying offer to players who sign a contract prior to July 1.

The qualifying offer must remain open for acceptance until Aug. 1 at which time the qualifying offer becomes null and void and the team may sign the qualified player to any salary or may elect to take no further action. Teams that extend a valid qualifying offer to a non-veteran player shall retain the rights to that qualified player for one playing season.

A team that extends a valid qualifying offer to a veteran player will retain the rights to that veteran until Aug. 1. After Aug. 1, if the veteran player is not signed to a contract by the team, the veteran shall be deemed a restricted free agent and shall be entitled to seek and secure offers of employment from other ECHL teams. Restricted free agents may not be traded. When a restricted free agent receives a contract offer from a team other than the team with the player’s rights and the restricted free agent wishes to accept the contract offer, the restricted free agent and the offering member must, within 24 hours, notify the ECHL, the team with the player’s rights and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association. The member with the player’s rights shall have seven days after the date it is notified to exercise its right to match the contract offer.

If a restricted free agent is not signed to either an offer sheet or a contract by an ECHL team by Aug. 31, the player shall be deemed an unrestricted free agent.

The Gladiators are the ECHL Affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres and the Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League and are members of the ECHL, the Premier "AA" Hockey League and play all home games at the 11,355-seat Arena at Gwinnett Center, located just off I-85 on Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth.

This is posted on the ECHL website:

ECHL announces Season-Ending Rosters

June 15, 2012

PRINCETON, N.J. - The ECHL on Friday announced the Season-Ending Rosters as submitted by each of its member teams.

Season-Ending Rosters may include up to 20 players. Season-Ending Rosters cannot include any players who did not sign an ECHL contract in 2011-12.

Each team is entitled to reserve rights to a maximum of eight players from the list of 20 by extending a qualifying offer no later than July 1. Of the eight qualified players, no more than four can be veterans (260 regular season professional hockey games played as of the start of the 2012-13 season). Players on open qualifying offers cannot be traded. Teams are not required to extend a qualifying offer to players who sign a contract prior to July 1.

The qualifying offer must remain open for acceptance until Aug. 1 at which time the qualifying offer becomes null and void and the team may sign the qualified player to any salary or may elect to take no further action. Teams that extend a valid qualifying offer to a non-veteran player shall retain the rights to that qualified player for one playing season.

A team that extends a valid qualifying offer to a veteran player will retain the rights to that veteran until Aug. 1. After Aug. 1, if the veteran player is not signed to a contract by the team, the veteran shall be deemed a restricted free agent and shall be entitled to seek and secure offers of employment from other ECHL teams. Restricted free agents may not be traded. When a restricted free agent receives a contract offer from a team other than the team with the player’s rights and the restricted free agent wishes to accept the contract offer, the restricted free agent and the offering member must, within 24 hours, notify the ECHL, the team with the player’s rights and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association. The member with the player’s rights shall have seven days after the date it is notified to exercise its right to match the contract offer.

If a restricted free agent is not signed to either an offer sheet or a contract by an ECHL team by Aug. 31, the player shall be deemed an unrestricted free agent.

BCHL Moves To New Streaming Video Provider:

BCHL moves to new streaming video provider

Tuesday, June 19, 2012 - Submitted by BCHL Media/FASTHockey

The British Columbia Hockey League and FASTHockey (http://www.fasthockey.com) announced today a long-term partnership offering a rich digital media experience to BCHL fans across the globe.  The partnership begins immediately with broadcasting set for the 2012-2013 hockey season.

“Our agreement with FASTHockey not only provides us with the tools we need to raise the profile of our league but ensures our fans will have a first-rate experience watching games at home,” said BCHL commissioner John Grisdale. “We’ll continue to allow users to not only see live BCHL games but also get caught up on the latest highlights from around the league.”

Viewers will be treated to a world-class platform boasting breathtaking video, instant game archival for Video-On-Demand playback, advanced player features like pause, rewind, and fast-forward for live games, user generated instant replays, and full social integration.  Additionally, they will be able to choose from home and away broadcasts so they can truly have a professional viewing experience.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with the BCHL,” said Marc Ruskin, President of FASTHockey, “Providing BCHL fans with a high quality experience, from video delivery through an array of interactive tools, will help support the league's digital media initiatives and provide the teams and players with some great tools for promotion and advancement.”

FASTHockey will have each BCHL rink outfitted with up-to-date streaming video hardware and in addition to the regular season and playoffs, will carry all 16 games at the inaugural Showcase event in Chilliwack September 7 to 9, 2012.  Additionally, the BCHL and all of its member teams will take advantage of FASTHockey’s Content Editing and Syndication Suite empowering users to cut, share, and syndicate clips to their websites, blogs and popular social media platforms.

About FASTHockey
Based in Boston, Massachusetts, with offices in Detroit, Vancouver, and Amsterdam (planned for 2012) FASTHockey serves as a digital media partner of National Governing Bodies including Hockey Canada, USA Hockey, and the German Ice Hockey Federation; collegiate governing bodies and institutions from the NCAA and ACHA; a massive number of junior hockey leagues and teams in North America; college preparatory and high schools; and youth hockey teams.

Warriors Name Former Viper Defenceman Kyle Bigos Assistant Captain For 2012-13 Season:

Merrimack College has named former Vernon Vipers defenceman Kyle Bigos assistant captain for the 2012-13 season.  Bigos will be entering his fourth season with the Warriors played two seasons in Vernon (2007-2009) collecting (10-40-50) in 116 regular season games with the Vipers.  Bigos an assistant captain in his second and final season with the Vipers was drafted 99th overall by the NHL Edmonton Oilers in the 4th round of the 2009 NHL Draft. 

Kyle Bigos's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=101195

This is posted on the Warriors website:

Cannata Named MVP at Banquet; Captains, Schedule to Date Announced for 2012-13

May 1, 2012

NORTH ANDOVER, MA – Joe Cannata (Wakefield, MA) was named MVP of the Merrimack hockey team, while Jordan Heywood (Regina, SK), Kyle Bigos (Upland, CA), and Brendan Ellis (Kelowna, BC) were named captains for the 2012-13 season at the annual team banquet Tuesday at the Andover Country Club.

In addition, the 2012-13 confirmed schedule to date was released, which includes 34 of a possible 36 regular season games, beginning October 6 at Union, who reached the Frozen Four last season.

After selling out 15 of 17 home games at Lawler Arena in 2011-12, most in school history, Merrimack will host at least 18 regular season home games, including non-conference games against Colgate, Harvard, and Army, in addition to an exhibition game against the U.S. Under-18 Team.

Fans interested in season tickets should call the ticket office at 978-837-5324 or email at athletics@merrimack.edu. All season ticket packages will be released when the home schedule is finalized later this month.

Hosted by Eric Frede of Comcast Sports New England, Merrimack honored its senior class at the banquet, which will graduate as the most successful class in its Division I school history and the first to finish with a winning record. 

Cannata became the first-ever All-American goaltender in school history and was the first first-team all-conference selection since 1994. A two-time Hobey Baker nominee, Cannata is Merrimack's all-time leader in wins, games played, minutes played, saves, goals against and save percentage and allowed just 27 even strength goals in 27 league games. He appeared in 36 games as a senior, posting a 17-12-7 record, with a 2.18 goals-against-average and a .927 save percentage.

Captain Karl Stollery (Camrose, AB) earned the Top Defensive Player Award for the second straight season as well as the Warrior Award. A second-team Hockey East all-star, Stollery led Merrimack in ice time and led Merrimack defensemen in scoring with 21 points, while departing the as the program's all-time Division I or II leader in games played.

Senior Jeff Velleca (Waterbury, CT) won the Unsung Hero Award. Velleca was the lone Merrimack forward to play in every game this season, tallying ten goals, including the game-winner as time expired at UMass in February.

Connor Toomey (Billerica, MA) won the Rookie of the Year award after leading Merrimack newcomers in goals (7) and points (16). Toomey scored both goals in a 2-2 tie at Boston College in January and scored the game-winner in overtime, his first career goal, at Boston University in November.

Simon Demers (St. Etienne de Lauzon, QC), who appeared in the final 13 games of his senior season after playing just 15 in his first three seasons, earned the Strength and Conditioning award.

Merrimack finished the season with its second-best Division I record ever, earning a 18-12-7 mark, 13-9-5 in the league. The Warriors were ranked nationally all season for the first time ever and were ranked #1 for the first time in program history for two weeks in November after starting the season 9-0-1.

Former Vernon Viper Chad Brownlee & Brett Kissel Get In YouTube War Over Vancouver Canucks Playoff Loss:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Chad Brownlee and Brett Kissel get in YouTube war over Vancouver Canucks playoff loss to LA Kings.  Brownlee a 2011 CCMA Rising Star award winner played two years in Vernon (2001-03).  In 113 regular season games with the Vipers, Brownlee collected (14-28-42). Brownlee was drafted in 2003 in the 6th round, by the NHL Vancouver Canucks but retired from hockey becoming a Country music star.

Chad Brownlee's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=72703

For more on Chad Brownlee visit his website,

http://chadbrownlee.com/

Here is the article I read on the internet last night and even though its a few months I thought it was funny and worth posting.

Canadian Country singers Chad Brownlee and Brett Kissel get in YouTube war over Vancouver Canucks

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

As we all know, the Canucks were eliminated by the LA Kings in round 1 of the playoffs. People braced for a riot and when it didn't happen Vancouverites congratulated themselves on keeping it together (actually I don't know this as fact...but you could see why I would think this).

Rising country music star Brett Kissel, who is an Edmonton Oilers fan wrote something on Facebook mocking the Canucks first round loss as well as tweeted “Riot in Vancouver again? Bahaha Vancouver loses! go Kings go!  Kissel insists it’s all in good fun and even wrote a song as an apology to all the Canucks fans disappointed with his tweeted words. Canucks fans were upset before Kissel wrote an apology song to the tune of Alan Jackson's "She's Gone Country".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-PY_0sFUtNU

Chad Brownlee responsed making a video in response to Kissel's song... to the tune of the country song "Red Solo Cup".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=1x-eY0HXFCw

RBC Cup Rally Draws Interest:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

RBC Cup rally draws interest

By Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star

Published: June 20, 2012

Rain at the Downtown Vernon Association Sunshine Festival Saturday didn’t dampen hockey enthusiasm.

While 2014 RBC Cup National Junior A Hockey Championship tournament organizers had hoped for a bigger crowd for the kick-off rally at noon during the festival, they were happy with how things began.

“We were pleased with the response at the rally, at the booth where we sold ticket packages and met people who wish to volunteer,” said organizing committee chairperson Mike Lane. “There was also a good turnout at Boston Pizza later in the afternoon.”

Don Klepp, the organizing committee’s media spokesperson, said 140 people signed up to volunteer and 42 ticket packages were sold.

The rally was held on the main stage, where Beamer Wigley, nine, of Penticton, debuted his song “It’s Hockey Night Tonight,” written specifically for the RBC Cup committee, and was a big hit with the audience. (His performance is available on YouTube, at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaHJgM8CKUE) .

It was also announced that, come the fall, minor hockey associations in Vernon, Lumby and North Okanagan (Armstrong-Enderby) will sell ticket packages for the RBC Cup tournament and receive 25 per cent of the proceeds.

“We’re also talking with Winfield Minor Hockey,” said Klepp.

Many people stopped by the RBC Cup tournament booth during the Sunshine Festival in front of the downtown branch of the Royal Bank.

The financial institution brought in an inflatable interactive hockey shot display, which was a huge hit with festival goers.

Among the next steps in the tournament planning process will be announcing ways to buy tournament ticket packages online. That will happen in July.

In the meantime, three types of ticket packages are now available at the Vernon Viper office in the Wesbild Centre:

• The 13-game tournament packs at $199;


• An Early Bird pack that sells for $150, available to Viper season ticket holders until Oct. 14, and;


• A $399 VIP tournament pack that includes a premium seat, VIP access to the building, access to the VIP lounge, and souvenirs.

Currently, ticket packages can be purchased with cash, cheques, or credit cards at the Vernon Viper office.

Organizers will also continue to accept applications for people who want to volunteer.

Perhaps the biggest task will be talking to sponsors.

“That will be a big component,” said Klepp.

Talks are ongoing with Armstrong’s Interior Provincial Exhibition about having an RBC Cup tournament presence at the five-day fair.

Klepp added there will also be RBC Cup promotions at Vernon Vipers games in the fall.

Bears Sign Former Vernon Viper Curtis Fraser:

Former Vernon Vipers forward, Curtis Fraser has signed with the Zagreb Bears of Croatia.  Fraser played last season with Cortina SG of Italy.  In 34 regular season games in his first and only season with Cortina SG Fraser collected (14-14-28).  Fraser played parts of one season with the Vipers (2002-03) after getting traded to Vernon in January of 2003 from the Victoria Salsa.  In 25 regular season games with the Vipers Fraser collected (19-20-39) and lead the Vipers in scoring that season with 105 pts.  Due to his birthday and his scholarship Fraser couldnt play past his 21st birthday wich ment he was only able to play in the Vipers first two playoff rounds (eight playoff games).  The Vipers went onto the BCHL league finals and then lost in the Doyle Cup to Camrose without Fraser in the lineup.

Curtis Fraser's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=74844

This is posted on the Bears website:

Curtis Fraser is the new reinforcement in the bears den

May, 24th 2012

Canadian player Curtis Fraser is the new offensive reinforcement of the Zagreb Bears for the next season. Apart from this, Rob Davison (CAN) extended his contract at EC Red Bull Salzburg for another campaign.

Curtis Fraser was born in 1982 in Surrey (British Columbia, Canada). As a junior he played in BCHL (British Columbia Hockey League) for Victoria Salsa and Vernon Vipers with whom he won the champion titles. During the season in Vernon he played 60 games and recorded an excellent 105 points (53 goals and 52 assists). In 2003 he moved to Fairbanks, Alaska to study at University of Alaska and play for their team University of Alaska Fairbanks which competes in the highest rank of college sport – NCAA. He wore the Fairbanks jersey for four seasons, from 2003/2004 until 2006/2007, and in that period he played 148 games and recorded 114 points (59 goals, 55 assists).

Injury prevented NHL career

A successful college career has opened a door for him towards AHL so he signed his first professional contract with Chicago Wolves in 2006/2007, with whom he played in the AHL playoffs. Next season Fraser played for ECHL Las Vegas Wranglers, but after only five games in which he collected three goals and eight assists, he was invited again to an AHL team – San Antonio Rampage. He played 41 games for San Antonio and achieved six points (four goals and two assists); in that period one of his teammates for a short while was Alex Leavitt, forward with whom he’ll share the locker-room next season in the Bears’ den. In the same season, 2007/2008, he returned to ECHL playoff with the Wranglers and helped them get to Kelly Cup finals (16 games, seven goals and an assist), but unfortunately after six games the trophy was lifted by Cincinnati Cyclones.

In season 2008/2009 he wore the jersey of AHL team Peoria Rivermen for which he played 67 games, including playoff, and scored two goals and six assists. Before the start of 2009/2010 he was invited to a Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins camp, which is the second team of NHL club Pittsburgh Penguins. However, due to an injury during one preparation game, the deal with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins fell off; after recovery he began playing in ECHL for Alaska Aces where he stayed in 2010/2011 as well and won the Kelly Cup. In those two seasons with the Aces he played in 54 games including playoff, and scored 37 points (20 goals, 17 assists). Also, during 2010/2011 he played 36 games for AHL team Lake Erie Monsters in which, at that time, present Medvescak forward Tom Zanoski was also playing.

Second stop in Europe

“Curtis Fraser is a powerful forward who combines fighting spirit and skill in his game. He has outstanding leadership capabilities and if necessary he’ll run through walls for his teammates, and do whatever it takes to secure success and victory for his team on ice”, describes head coach Marty Raymond his new arrival Fraser.

30-year-old Canadian had his debut on European ice last season in the First Italian league, in the jersey of Cortina. He worked off 49 games for the Italian first-league team in Italian Championship, including playoffs, and recorded 21 goals and 25 assists, while in Italian Cup, which he won with Cortina, he played two times. Medvescak has for the next season, besides Fraser, signed goalkeepers Robert Kristan and Michael Ouzas, defensemen Dennis Bozic, Sasa Martinovic, Andy Sertich, Kenny MacAulay and forwards Tom Zanoski, Alex Leavitt and Nathan Perkovich.

Rob Davison stays in Salzburg

The Canadian defender will take the ice for Salzburg next season, too. The 32-year-old, who had joined the Bulls during the season, played 17 games (five assists) in Erste Bank Eishockey Liga last season and finished with +9. He gave Salzburg’s defense stability and led the team as Captain to victory at the Red Bulls Salute in December 2011.

K-Wings Add Former Viper Forward Dean Strong To Teams Protected List:

On Friday, June 1st the ECHL announced the Protected Lists as submitted by each of its member teams. The Kalamazoo Wings have twenty one players listed on their protected list one wich is former Vernon Vipers forward Dean Strong. 

Kalamazoo Wings Protected List:

Patrick Asselin, Darryl Bootland, Joe Charlebois, Dustin Cloutier, Aaron Clarke, Trent Daavettila, Sam Ftorek, Riley Gill, Jon Harty, Dwight Helminen, Eric Kattelus, Kory Karlander, Mike Matczak, Wes O’Neill, Elgin Reid, Nick Sirota, Dean Strong, Brandon Svendsen, Justin Taylor, A.J. Thelen, Joe Tolles

Strong finished his third season with the Wings was also loaned twice to the American Hockey League this past season. In November Strong was loaned to the AHL Chicago Wolves before returning to Kalamazoo and then was loaned to the AHL Lake Erie Monsters on December 15th 2011, collecting (4-10-11) with the Monsters before once again returning to Kalamazoo after the Monsters missed the playoffs. In 21 games with the K-Wings this past year Strong collected (11-12-23) before going to the AHL. Strong played one year in Vernon (2004-05) collecting (35-56-91) with the Vipers during the regular season.

Dean Strong's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=83858

This is posted on the Wings website:

K-WINGS ANNOUNCE PROTECTED LIST

Kalamazoo Protects 21 Players

June 1, 2012 - Mike Modugno

Director of Public Relations and Broadcaster

Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Wings, proud member of the ECHL, three-time defending North Division Champions and National Hockey League affiliate to the Vancouver Canucks and New Jersey Devils and the American Hockey League’s Albany Devils, announce the club’s ECHL protected list.

Teams are allowed to protect as many players as they wish provided the players protected meet the guidelines as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association which state that teams shall retain the rights to each player that:

1. Signed a Standard Players Contract in 2011-12 with the Member, and has not been traded or released, OR

2. Signed a Standard Players Contract in 2011-12, and was recalled to the NHL/AHL or IIHF team, and has not been traded or released, OR

3. Had received a Qualifying Offer last summer for the current season, DID NOT sign an SPC, and has not been traded or released, OR

4. Has been suspended by the Member or League, and has not been traded or released, OR

5. Signed a Standard Players Contract on or after the first day of the 2011-12 regular season, then subsequently signed an NHL/AHL contract, and has not been traded or released, OR

6. Has executed the ECHL Retirement Form, and has not been traded or released

Protected lists may exceed 20 players.

The ECHL also announced that teams must complete all Future Consideration trades by 3 p.m. ET on June 13 and that teams must submit their Season-Ending Roster by 3 p.m. ET on June 15.

Season-ending rosters may include up to 20 players and cannot include any players who did not sign an ECHL contract in 2011-12.

2014 RBC Cup Ticket Packages:

Earlier this BCHL season when the City of Vernon & the Vipers announced they would be making a bid for the 2014 Royal Bank Cup Viper fans were asked to support the RBC Cup bid, most fans signed up to receive a RBC Cup newsletter. I received my newsletter last week and wanted to share a few articles that were posted inside the RBC Cup newsletter. Here is one of them,
2014 RBC Cup

"The Excitement Returns"

A publication of the Vernon RBC Cup Host Committee

June 6th 2012

RBC Cup Ticket Packages

Speaking on behalf of the Host Organizing Committee, Mike Lane has announced pricing for the 13-game ticket packages for the 2014 RBC Cup.

“ The standard ticket package will be $199, which works out to $15.31 per game. We think that’s very good value for national championship-calibre hockey,” says Lane.

Viper owner Duncan Wray agrees. “That price is pretty standard for RBC Cups, although I believe the 2010 Dauphin package cost $240. And if you compare it to this year’s Memorial Cup, which was $550 for just 9 games, the RBC Cup cost looks like a real bargain.”

Early Bird Offer. Viper season ticket holders will be able to purchase the ticket package for only $150, during the “early bird” window from mid-June to mid-October, 2012. Each season ticket holder will be able to purchase one additional package at that price.

Offer to Other BCHL Season Ticket Holders. Season ticket holders in other BCHL markets will be offered the Early Bird rate of $150 for a limited time period, October 15 to December 31, 2012.

VIP Packages. This $399 package is designed for those patrons who wish a more complete experience at the RBC Cup. They can go to the lounge to relax and to entertain guests. The package includes:

One VIP seat in a prime Wesbild Centre location, One full tournament pass to the VIP lounge, which will provide complimentary food and a lowpriced cash bar, and One draw ticket for a chance to win a Viper signed jersey and other Viper souvenirs. No more than 100 VIP packages will be sold, so there’ll be one chance in four of winning a Viper item.

Adopt-a-School Package. This $299 package will cover the sponsorship of a school group to attend and act as the designated cheering section for a visiting team during an afternoon game. The sponsor will also receive two tickets for that game and will be acknowledged through PA announcements.

Christmas Stocking Package. This $209 gift item will include one full 13-game package, Viper souvenirs, and a tournament souvenir program, wrapped as a Christmas gift. It will be offered from December 1 through December 24, 2012.

Seat Selection. Viper season ticket holders will be able to reserve their Viper seats for the RBC Cup as soon as they purchase their 2013-14 Viper season tickets, whether they purchased at the $150 Early Bird rate or at the $199 rate after the Early Bird rate expires. They will have until September 15, 2013 to make those reservations. If 2012-13 season ticket holders do not renew for the ’13-14 season, they will be placed on a priority list together with all other purchasers of ticket packages. All persons on that list will be able to select seats in the order in which they made their purchase, starting on September 16, 2013. A maximum of 100 seats will be set aside for VIP ticket packages .

Volume Discounts. Discounts will be applied as follows:

5 or more ticket packs – 5% discount
10 or more – 10% discount
15 or more – 15% discount
Volume discounts do not apply to the $150 Early Bird package.

Single Ticket Sales. If seats are available, tickets for individual games will be available during the tournament. “We anticipate that most of these tickets will be for standing room,” says Don Klepp. “The arena seats 3003, but about 200 seats are allocated for Hockey Canada and its sponsors; we must also hold 100 seats per visiting team when they play, so in effect we will have just 2600 to 2700 seats available per game and we expect that most of those will be snapped up in 13-game packages.”

Where To Buy Ticket Packages. Ticket packages will be available at a booth outside the Royal Bank during the Sunshine Festival on June 16. Later that day a ticket sales table will also operate at Boston Pizza during an RBC Cup party. After June 16, ticket packages will be available at the Viper office. Don Klepp says that “we are also assessing options to make tickets available online; hopefully, that option will be in place by the end of June.”

Ticket Partnerships. Minor hockey teams will be offered a partnership with the RBC Cup committee, to sell packages starting this September. Each ticket package sold by a minor hockey team will earn that team a significant commission. And, in October 2013 North Okanagan merchants will be invited to engage in sales and in-store display promotions that give the merchants a chance to earn substantial publicity and advertising benefits.

Brewers Honour Former Viper Defenceman Nyjer Morgan With Bobblehead Day:

It was Nyjer Morgan's bobblehead day Sunday as a select 5,000 of the figures were distributed as the former Vernon Vipers defenceman and the Milwaukee Brewers defeated the visiting San Diego Padres 6-5.  This is the third time Morgan has had his own bobblehead handed out.  Morgan twice with the Washington Nationals and now with the Brewers has had the opportunity to have his own bobblehead.  Morgan played as an "AP" as a 16 year old with the Vipers during the (1996-1997) season. Morgan was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 33rd round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft, On September 1, 2007,  Morgan in his second season with the Brewers is with his third major league team Pittsburgh, Washington & Milwaukee.

Nyjer Morgan's Player Profile:

http://brewers.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=460579#gameType='S'§ionType=career&statType=1&season=2012

This is posted on the Brewers website:

Tony Plush more elusive this season than last

By Adam McCalvy / MLB.com | 06/10/12

MILWAUKEE -- Tony Plush made a rare appearance at Miller Park on Sunday -- 5,000 appearances, actually.

It was Nyjer Morgan's bobblehead day, and a sellout crowd received figurines of the outgoing outfielder who took Milwaukee by storm in 2011 by batting .304 and driving up TV ratings with appearances by Plush, Morgan's outspoken alter ego. A select 5,000 of the figures distributed on Sunday depicted Plush, making a "T" with his arms.

But T. Plush has been elusive this season, mostly because Morgan has not had much to celebrate. He was batting .230 entering Sunday's series finale with the Padres after what he calls a "chilly" start.

"It's there. I guess when you go with the slow start that I had, you want to pick it up before you bring [Plush] out and start doing all the antics," Morgan said. "You still have to respect the game, and, plus, you don't want to rub people the wrong way."

It may also be a function of the team. Last year's "Beast Mode" Brewers, who demonstratively celebrated big hits on the bases, are gone, and so is their most fiery player, Prince Fielder. This year's club is quieter, and also struggling to the tune of a 27-32 record as of Sunday morning.

"It's still a great group of guys here. I can't really pinpoint it," Morgan said. "I just think because it's a new crowd, we have to understand each other more and more as we work together."

Personally, Morgan has picked things up lately, "slowly chipping away," he said, by hitting .304 over his last 10 games before Sunday. After going without an RBI in his first 138 plate appearances, a Major League record, Morgan drove in a run with a solo homer on June 1 against the Pirates, one of his former teams. He went deep again two days later.

But Morgan was not in Milwaukee's starting lineup Sunday. Norichika Aoki, riding a hot streak, started in center field, and manager Ron Roenicke put Corey Hart in right field and Taylor Green at first base, preferring Green's power potential in the five-hole. Had Roenicke started Hart at first base and Morgan in right, he would have had second baseman Rickie Weeks hitting fifth and Morgan sixth.

"I respect the manager's decision to do whatever he has to do to win," Morgan said. "It's all about winning. ... As an older player now, I understand the situation."

Morgan says he learned that lesson from Nationals manager Jim Riggleman, who mixed and matched outfielders in 2010, the year before Washington traded Morgan to Milwaukee.

Roenicke has had a number of conversations with Morgan about channeling his inner T. Plush in a positive way.

"The spark he gives us is really important to this club," Roenicke said. "But he wants to make sure it's always on the positive end. In that way, I think he's matured. He's gone through a tough season this year. Last year, he came out and things were great from the get-go. This year, he's going through a trial here, where, really, your character is tested and the emotions are tested. I think he's done a real nice job with it."

Morgan counted the bobblehead day as an honor. The Brewers gave him 100 to distribute to friends and family.

"It's cool for the fans, too," he said. "Personally, it's just a lot of hard work to get to this moment. I'm embracing it. Words don't explain just how I feel."

Kraus Heads Grizz Bench:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Kraus heads Grizz bench

Published: June 15, 2012

This time last year, former Vernon Vipers defenceman Kevin Kraus was making ends meet by bartending and landscaping.

That was before the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League’s Revelstoke Grizzlies offered him a position as assistant coach.

After just one season behind the bench, Kraus, a native of Garden Grove, Calif., has landed his first head coaching gig. The former Viper captain and two-time RBC Cup champion will take over the reigns from Randy Quakenbush for the coming season.

“Even when I was still playing in the BCHL, I always thought about getting into coaching,” said Kraus, 22. “I got a call (last summer) to apply for Revelstoke, went from there and I’ve never looked back. I always thought I was a better teacher than a player.”

Kraus, who spent time in the WHL with the Kamloops Blazers and Tri-City Americans before coming to Vernon, says two of his biggest influences were from his time with the Vipers.

“Early on in my career, I had some guys take me under their wing and teach me some stuff. Mark Ferner (former Viper head coach, now with the WHL Everett Silvertips) is an unbelievable teacher and a great coach, so I respect what I learned in Vernon with Jason (Williamson) and Mark.”

Kraus didn’t learn he was getting the head coach title until after all other KIJHL teams had held their spring camps, which makes his job of attracting players that much more difficult.

“The hardest part is trying to recruit kids; being a young coach trying to convince kids to come play is challenging,” he said.

Chiefs To Host Inaugural Showcase:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Chiefs to host inaugural Showcase

Published: June 15, 2012

All but one B.C. Hockey League team will be starting the 2012-13 season on the road.

The Chilliwack Chiefs will host the inaugural BCHL showcase, with each of the 16 teams playing a pair of weekend games, Sept. 7-9, at Prospera Centre.

Each game counts towards the regular-season standings. The Vipers will open the mini-tourney against the defending RBC Cup champion Penticton Vees in a 3:30 p.m. matinee, Saturday, Sept. 9. They then battle the Coastal Conference champion Powell River Kings Sunday morning (10:30).

“It’s a good start to our league where we can get all the players, refs and teams together and get on the same page,” said Vipers’ head coach/GM Jason Williamson.

The Showcase will also serve as a potential recruiting tool for college scouts.

“It’s good for the scouts,” said Williamson. “We’re a developmental league and it’s good to get those guys to see our players first and get it in their head that there are a lot of good players in our league.”

Nailers Add Former Viper Andrew Lord To Teams Protected List:

On Friday, June 1st 2012 the ECHL announced the Protected Lists as submitted by each of its member teams. The Wheeling Nailers have twenty four players listed on their protected list one wich is former Vernon Vipers forward Andrew Lord.

Lord who hasnt played with the Nailers since the 2010-11 season finished his second season with the AHL Oklahoma City Barons missed the entire 2011-2012 season after suffering from concussion like symptons. In 2010-11 Lord started the season with the Nailers playing in 26 regular season games as captain of the team collecting (7-12-19) before being called up to play in the American Hockey League with Milwaukee and Oklahoma City.  In two games with the Milwaukee Admirals Lord went pointless while also playing in 34 regular season games with the Oklahoma City Barons collecting (1-6-7).  Lord would remain in the AHL with Oklahoma City for the remainder of the 2010-11.  Lord played two years in Vernon (2002-2004) In 116 regular season games with the Vipers Lord collected (22-50-78).

Andrew Lord's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=76450

This is posted on the Nailers website:

Nailers Announce Protected List

June 1st, 2012 | Press Release

The Wheeling Nailers, proud member of the ECHL, have announced their protected list for the 2012-13 season. If the Nailers named a player to this list, that means that they have the ability to sign said player, before another team in the ECHL can. Players under NHL and AHL contracts do not have to be protected, as they would still be able to play for Wheeling, as long as they are signed by Pittsburgh, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Montreal, or Hamilton. This season's protective list consists of 24 players.
To start off, the Nailers have protected both of their top two scorers from last season, following an ECHL All-Rookie Team season by leading scorer Chris Barton (29-31-60), and a 23-goal performance by captain and third year pro, Paul Crowder.

Fellow 20-goal scorer Peter Lenes is also on the list, after arriving in Wheeling with a bang last January, posting 30 points in 38 games with the club. Matt Schepke, Jordon Southorn, Adam Ross, and Chase Watson complete the list of players who were acquired via trade, and made a strong impact to be included in this group.

Along with Barton, the Nailers' rookie class made incredible strides during the 2011-12 season, leading eight additional players to appear on the protected list. The highest scoring player among those eight is Denver Manderson, who battled his way into the lineup in early November, and never looked back, posting 18 goals and 40 points in 52 games. Ben Farrer also established himself as the season progressed, and ultimately finished with 11 goals and 19 points, while also netting the winning goal in the opening game of the playoffs. Zach Hansen carried his success over from the end of the 2010-11 season, and is joined on the list by Patrick Johnson, Nick Plastino, Scooter Vaughan, Tim Priamo, Cam Fergus, and Eric Kroshus.

Five of the remaining players joined Wheeling's roster this season with prior professional experience, either with the Nailers, or elsewhere. Zack Torquato played his first full season in the pros with the Toledo Walleye in 2010-11, before coming to Wheeling last season, where he matched Denver Manderson, with a 40-point campaign. After starting the year in the AHL with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Cody Chupp came to the Nailers in stride, recording 17 goals and 34 points in 43 games. Peter Merth provided a second consecutive year of defensive stability, as his plus-20 rating was the best on the team. Matt Lombardi added 11 goals and 22 points, while Christiaan Minella produced a solid balance of scoring and toughness.

AHL mainstays Matt Rust, Andrew Lord, and Brandon DeFazio complete the 2012-13 protected list for the Wheeling Nailers.

PROTECTED LIST

F Chris Barton 69 GP, 29 G, 31 A, 60 PTS, 40 PIM, +13
F Cody Chupp 43 GP, 17 G, 17 A, 34 PTS, 14 PIM, +11
F Paul Crowder 57 GP, 23 G, 27 A, 50 PTS, 50 PIM, +5
F Brandon DeFazio (spent entire season in AHL)
F Ben Farrer 57 GP, 11 G, 8 A, 19 PTS, 19 PIM +5
F Cam Fergus 8 GP, 0 G, 3 A, 3 PTS, 2 PIM, -1
D Zach Hansen 68 GP, 2 G, 22 A, 24 PTS, 55 PIM, +3
F Patrick Johnson 24 GP, 6 G, 11 A, 17 PTS, 16 PIM, +2
F Eric Kroshus 3 GP, 0 G, 1 A, 1 PTS, 0 PIM, +1
F Peter Lenes 70 GP, 22 G, 20 A, 42 PTS, 28 PIM, -1
F Matt Lombardi 40 GP, 11 G, 11 A, 22 PTS, 12 PIM, -1
F Andrew Lord (spent entire season in AHL)
F Denver Manderson 52 GP, 18 G, 22 A, 40 PTS, 44 PIM, +11
D Peter Merth 50 GP, 3 G, 9 A, 12 PTS, 54 PIM, +20
F Christiaan Minella 52 GP, 8 G, 14 A, 22 PTS, 49 PIM, -7
D Nick Plastino 13 GP, 4 G, 5 A, 9 PTS, 12 PIM, +12
D Tim Priamo 22 GP, 1 G, 3 A, 4 PTS, 6 PIM, Even
D Adam Ross 69 GP, 2 G, 13 A, 15 PTS, 131 PIM, +9
F Matt Rust 3 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 PTS, 0 PIM, -4
F Matt Schepke 70 GP, 16 G, 26 A, 42 PTS, 38 PIM, -1
D Jordon Southorn 50 GP, 8 G, 13 A, 21 PTS, 44 PIM, +8
F Zack Torquato 60 GP, 12 G, 28 A, 40 PTS, 78 PIM, +14
F Scooter Vaughan 20 GP, 1 G, 5 A, 6 PTS, 21 PIM, -2
F Chase Watson 25 GP, 3 G, 8 A, 11 PTS, 6 PIM, -2

This is posted on the ECHL website:

ECHL announces Protected Lists

June 1, 2012

PRINCETON, N.J. - The ECHL on Friday announced the Protected Lists as submitted by each of its member teams.

Teams are allowed to protect as many players as they wish provided the players protected meet the guidelines as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association which state that teams shall retain the rights to each player that:

1. Signed a Standard Players Contract in 2011-12 with the Member, and has not been traded or released, OR

2. Signed a Standard Players Contract in 2011-12, and was recalled to the NHL/AHL or IIHF team, and has not been traded or released, OR

3. Had received a Qualifying Offer last summer for the current season, DID NOT sign an SPC, and has not been traded or released, OR

4. Has been suspended by the Member or League, and has not been traded or released, OR

5. Signed a Standard Players Contract on or after the first day of the 2011-12 regular season, then subsequently signed an NHL/AHL contract, and has not been traded or released, OR

6. Has executed the ECHL Retirement Form, and has not been traded or released

Protected lists may exceed 20 players.

The ECHL also announced that teams must complete all Future Consideration trades by 3 p.m. ET on June 13 and that teams must submit their Season-Ending Roster by 3 p.m. ET on June 15.

Season-ending rosters may include up to 20 players and cannot include any players who did not sign an ECHL contract in 2011-12.

Vipers Trade Mowat But Still Need To Aquire A Veteran Goaltender:

Last week the Vipers made their first trade of the off season, wich saw second year defenceman & Vernon product Max Mowat head to the Trail Smoke Eaters in a trade that was continued from last season.  At last years BCHL trade deadline the Vipers aquired 20 yr old forward Clayton Chessa from the Smokies for future considerations before sending Chessa to the Nanaimo Clippers for 20 yr old Clippers captain Colton Cyr.  Mowat is the future considerations part of that trade going back the other way. 

In Mowat Trail is getting a pretty good two year BCHL veteran who isnt the biggest kid but plays steady, can skate and move the puck well but does need to bulk up a little as well as work on his defensive play-coverage.  Mowat who has seen his fair share of injuries-concusions over his two years with the Vipers hope can stay in the Smoke Eaters lineup and contribute.  Towards the end of the regular season I was talking with some friends who also have season tickets and we all wondered if Mowat would be 100% to return to the Vipers this season or with the few concusions even be able to play hockey this coming season.  Great to see Max is healthy and Id like to wish him all the best in Trail.

With the loss of Mowat the Vipers now have twelve players returning from last years club that missed the BCHL playoffs for the first time in ten years. 

Defence:

Brett Corkey (92)
Geoff Crisfield (93)
Marc Hetnik (92)
Turner Lawson (94)
Ryan Renz (93)

Forwards:

Aaron Hadley (93)
Riley Hunt (95)
Brendan Persley (93)
Jedd Soleway (94)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Adam Tambellini (94)

Goaltenders:

Danny Todosychuk (94)

The BCHL website has Mike Zalewski (92) & John Knisley (92) both twenty year olds who were going to University this coming season listed on the Vipers roster.  Is this a mistake or do the Vipers have two solid veteran twenty year olds returning for their final season of junior hockey?

Looking back at the Mowat trade, the Vipers made a several trades involving future considerations.  Will the Vipers have to give up any other players off their current roster to teams who they were involved in trades with last year or will the teams Vernon sent players to owe the Vipers any players in return?

Let's take a look at some of these deals,

27-Jun-11 The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club acquires the CJHL playing rights of Luke Juha (93)(D) from the Burlington Cougars Hockey Club of the OJHL in exchange for future considerations. 

02-Aug-11 The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Dane Muench (92)(F), Phillip Patenaude (91)(D) and future considerations to the Kindersley Klippers Hockey Club in exchange for the playing rights of Jarryd Ten Vannholt and Justin Elliot.

19-Sep-11 The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Jarryd Ten Vaanholt (91)(F) to the Victoria Grizzles Hockey Club in exchange for future considerations. 
28-Nov-11 The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Marcus Basara (93)(F), Connor Hartley (93)(F) and future considerations to the Okotoks Oilers Hockey Club of the AJHL in exchange for the playing rights of Ben Camache (91)(F).

29-Nov-11 The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Alex Hagen (92)(C) to the Surrey Eagles Hockey Club in exchange for future considerations.

12-Dec-11 The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Zach McPhee (93)(F) and future considerations to the Victoria Grizzlies Hockey Club in exchange for the playing rights of Sean Robertson (91)(D).

07-Jan-12 The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Peter McMullen (F)(93) to the Langley Rivermen Hockey Club in exchange for future considerations.

Looking at the Vipers current roster I think the Vipers need to go out and aquire a veteran goaltender.  Ive always said that you need that veteran 19 or 20 yr old goaltender between the pipes if you want to make a long playoff run.  The question is who do the Vipers trade?  Picking up a veteran goaltender isnt cheap unless Duncan Wray wants to open up his wallet and pay cash for one.  I also think the Vipers made a mistake last season.  The Vipers knew Kirby Halcrow was finished his junior career at the end of the season, so they bring in a young 16 yr old Danny Todosychuk.  I like Todosychuk and no offence to the kid but now you need to go out and make a trade for that veteran goaltender.  They could have easily brought in a 18 yr old as Halcrow's backup last season, wich would make him your 19 yr old starter this season.  Another question, Todosychuk attended the WHL Swift Current Broncos camp last August, is he returning to Vernon or is he looking at the WHL?  Also if the Vipers do pick up a veteran goaltender, is Todosychuk willing to sit on the bench again for a second season?  Todosychuk knows Vernon is hosting the 2014 RBC Cup, if he sticks around another season as the teams backup, you have a 19 yr old Todosychuk maybe as your #1 for the RBC Cup.

Still looking at trades the Vipers have just two twenty yr old players (Brett Corkey & Marc Hetnik) will Jason Williamson go out and aquire a few more twenty year old players before the start of the new season?  Another question, with the 2014 RBC Cup just two years away what kind of lineup-roster will the Vipers have for this years team?  Will they go with a younger team this season, take their lumps and prepare and build a strong team ready for the RBC Cup in two years?