A few weeks back the Vernon Vipers announced that 17 year old forward Craig Martin has commited to play in Vernon for this coming season. With just six returning forwards coming back from last years team, (Aaron Hadley, Riley Hunt, Brendan Persley, Jedd Soleway, Colton Sparrow & Adam Tambellini) the Vipers will be looking for some offence and Martin looks like he can put up some big numbers. In 50 games with the KIJHL Beaver Valley Nitehawks Martin collected (48-48-96) as well as putting up 27 pts in 21 playoff games. Martin also saw some action as an "AP" with the Trail Smoke Eaters last season putting up (5-2-7) in nine games with the Smokies.
With tweleve players returning from last year the Vipers dont have alot of offensive punch up front. Aaron Hadley and Adam Tambellini are basically your two returning forwards that so far are your goal scorers on the team. Hadley entering his third season with the Vipers scored 17 goals last year putting up 40 pts while Tambellini scored 27 goals putting up 56 pts in his rookie season with the Vipers as a 17 yr old. The Vipers also recently added forward Landon Robin after he commited to play with the Vipers this coming season. In 33 games last year Robin put up 27 goals & 33 assists in Saskatchewan midget AAA. Hopefully Robin can add some scoring with Vernon this season.
Out of the other returning Viper forwards (Riley Hunt, Brendan Persley, Jedd Soleway & Colton Sparrow) I just dont see any of these kids putting up big offensive numbers. All are hard working players that play hard, play physical and add some grit to the Vipers lineup but I just dont see alot of goals coming from any of these four players. Brendan Persley who has shown last season he can put the puck in net at times, may contribute a little but will have to see.
The Vipers who have just two returning 20 year olds from last year still have four twenty year old roster spots open before the regular season begins in September, wich means Jason Williamson can always go out and aquire a veteran 20 yr old proven goal scorer to help out with some of the Vipers offence this season. One question is it will be interesting to see some of the other new recruits that will be with the Vipers this year as well as any off season trades that may happen.
Ive said this before and will say it again, we have seen several so called "proven goal scorers" come up as highly touted recruits in past years wich for whatever reason cant put up the same style of numbers with the Vipers or in the BCHL. These so called stars have been traded early into the season. Let's hope Martin is the real deal and can put up some big numbers with the Vipers over the next few years.
Welcome to Vernon Craig and all the best with the Vipers!
Pearce Eviston is pretty certain to be one of the 20 year olds. His younger brother Bryce is a possible for making the team on defense, but it's still crowded on defense.
ReplyDeletePearce Eviston. 20 year old.
ReplyDeleteHis brother Bryce is a younger D.
Pearce Eviston will be a 20 year old on the team. Brother Bryce on defense.
ReplyDeletePearce Eviston will be one of the 20 year olds. And his younger brother Bryce will likely be the last defender added.
ReplyDelete