Sunday, March 31, 2013

Stingrays Place Former Vipers Defenceman Brodie On Reserve:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) South Carolina
Stingrays have placed former Vernon Vipers defenceman Cam Brodie on reserve.  No official press release other then the transaction being posted on March 18th 2013 wich was posted on the ECHL website.  In 17 regular season games with the Stingrays Brodie has (1-3-4).

Brodie started the season with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Stockton Thunder before being traded on January 25th 2013 to South Caroline.  Brodie was in his third season with the Thunder. In 30 games this season with Stockton Brodie collected (1-6-7). Brodie played in 52 games with the Thunder last year as well as three games with the AHL Texas Stars before returning to Stockton. In 52 regular season games with the Thunder Brodie collected 0-7-7 & collected just one assist in eight playoff games. In 4 games with the Stingrays this season Brodie has (0-2-2). Brodie played parts of one season in Vernon (2008-2009) after being aquired from the Coquitlam Express at the BCHL trade deadline.

Cameron Brodie's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=81370

Jackals Sign Former Vernon Viper Elser:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Elmira Jackals have
signed former Vernon Vipers forward Brian Elser.  Elser started the season with the Southern Professional League's (SPHL) Fayetteville FireAntz playing in 22 games collecting (9-8-17) before being waived on March 5th 2013.

While playing with the FireAntz Elser was called up to the East Coast Hockey League's (ECHL) Gwinnett Gladiators signing a one game contract on January, 15th 2013 before returning to Fayetteville after playing just one game. Elser then signed with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) South Carolina Stingrays on February, 6th 2013 before being released on February, 27th 2013. In seven games with the Stingrays Elser collected (1-1-2).

The Vipers scouted Elser who was 18 at the time, at the U.S. Midget championships in Buffalo. Elser attended the 2008-2009 Vipers training camp making the Vipers opening day roster before being traded on September, 12th 2008 to the AJHL Drayton Valley Thunder for future considerations (cash) and a player to be named next year. In two games with the Vipers Elser collected one assist. Rumor was Elser didnt report to the Thunder and his rights were given back to Vernon. On August, 7th 2009 the Vipers traded Elser and future considerations to Victoria for Jonathan Milhouse.

Brian Elser's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=47131

This is posted on the Jackals website:

ELMIRA JACKALS PRESS RELEASE

March 6, 2013

Ray Schmitt
Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations

ray@firstarena.com

Elmira Jackals Sign Brian Elser

WHEELING, W.Va. - March 6, 2013 - The Elmira Jackals announced today that they have signed forward Brian Elser. He has joined the team in Wheeling and is expected to be in the lineup when the Jackals face the Nailers tonight.

Elser, a rookie, has spent time this season with Fayetteville of the Southern Professional Hockey League as well as Gwinnett and South Carolina in the ECHL. The 6-0, 190 pound winger has 22 points (12G, 10A) in 29 games with the FireAntz, and two points (1G, 1A) in eight games between Gwinnett (1) and South Carolina (7).
Elser joined the pro ranks out of Manhattanville College, an ECAC-W program. In two years at Manhattanville he logged 32 points (19G, 13A) in 47 games. Prior to his collegiate career Elser, a Hopewell Junction, New York native, played prep school hockey at Shattuck-St. Mary's with former Jackals defenseman Ben Blood.

Mark your calendars! The Jackals are back on First Arena ice on Saturday, March 9, 2013 to take on the Orlando Solar Bears at 7:05 p.m. The Jackals are hosting Scout Night with special ticket offers for local Scout Groups, and giving away Thunder Sticks at the game! Groups of 10 or more are eligible for discounted tickets and preferred seating based on availability.Call 607-734-7825 to book your group outing. Pro-rated season ticket packages are on sale, as well. Season tickets offer the best value for Jackals fans.     

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Former Vipers Goaltender Lee-Knight Injured In Game Five:

Former Vernon Vipers goaltender Luke Lee-Knight left
Thursdays Game five between the Tri-City Americans & Spokane Chiefs with an undisclosed inury.  The game was 2:02 into overtime when Spokane’s Adam Helewka lost control and slid into Lee-Knight after he made a save.  Lee-Knight left the game holding his left arm and didnt return.  Spokane leads the best of seven series 3-1.

Lee-Knight was invited to the Americans Training camp this year before being reassigned. In two pre-season games with the Americans Lee-Knight went 0-1 with a 5.98 GAA. Lee-Knight then signed with the SJHL Humboldt Broncos in October before leaving the Broncos for the WHL on November, 12th 2012 Lee-Knight ended up signing with the Tri-City Americans.  On November, 29th 2012 the Broncos traded the rights of Lee-Knight along with Riley Kieser to the AJHL Lloydminster Bobcats for Justin Lund. 

In five games with the Broncos Lee-Knight went 4-1 with two shutouts and a 2.56 GAA. In twenty one games with the Americans this season Lee-Knight went 11-9 in the regular season with a 3.90 GAA.  Lee-Knight attended the Vernon Vipers Training camp last year before being released-cut. Lee-Knight played last season with the WHL Spokane Chiefs and Prince Albert Raiders.

Luke Lee-Knight's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=145164

Former Vernon Viper Volpatti And Fighting:

Here is a pretty good article I found on former Vernon Vipers forward Aaron Volpatti.  Volpatti played parts of the last two and a half seasons with the Vancouver Canucks before being claimed off waivers by the Washington Capitals back on February 28th 2013.  The Canucks signed Volpatti as a free agent on March 22, 2010.    Volpatti played three seasons in Vernon (2003-2006) In 137 regular season games with the Vipers Volpatti collected (13-24-37).

Aaron Volpatti's Player Profile:

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


This is posted on russianmachineneverbreaks.com

Aaron Volpatti and Fighting: Why the New Forward’s Acquisition is Puzzling

On March 6, 2013

In Opinion, By Chris Gordon

Photo credit: Jonathan Kozub

The Washington Capitals have the third worst record in the National Hockey League.

In the past week the Caps claimed Aaron Volpatti (who had 28 penalty minutes in 16 games with the Vancouver Canucks) off waivers and signed Hershey Bears D-man Steve Oleksy (with 151 PIMs to his name in 55 games) to a three year contract. I’m not suggesting the Caps should try to fix all their woes with a call-up or waiver pick up — they can’t. I would, however, prefer if they didn’t exacerbate the team’s issues. The Caps don’t have a problem with toughness, they have a problem with talent.

Inserting a less skilled Volpatti into the lineup over Wojtek Wolski — who would not have played Tuesday had Troy Brouwer not been sick — vexes me. The same goes for playing Oleksy over Jeff Schultz and Roman Hamrlik. I’m not arguing Wolski, Schultz, and Hamrlik are fantastic hockey players, just that they’re better than the guys who are replacing them, even if Oleksy did get his first career point against the Bruins. Before the game, the Caps placed Hamrlik on waivers. He was claimed by the New York Rangers the next day.

Less than 18 minutes into his first game with Washington on Saturday, Volpatti showed what he’s here for, getting into a fight with Anthony Peluso of the Winnipeg Jets. In Volpatti’s fifth bout of the year, he was easily defeated by the bigger Peluso. The new forward finished the game with 5:24 of time on ice, the lowest total on the team.

“Obviously he didn’t get a lot of ice time, but I was really happy with him,” head coach Adam Oates said after the game in Winnipeg.

Adding Volpatti’s fists, however, didn’t seem to be enough for Oates and General Manager George McPhee. Two days after the Jets game, the team called up Oleksy from Hershey, before signing him to a new multiple year, two-way contact. The tough American has 11 fights this year in the AHL. Tuesday he got the call for his first NHL game, one he notched a secondary assist in. He played 10:05, the fewest minutes of any D-man.

“The game we play is a very physical game and you gotta push back sometimes,” Oleksy said after the game. “Volpatti brings that edge and hopefully I can too.”

Oates, for his part, has said that Oleksy isn’t just playing for his fists and was called up because he’s a right handed shot. The Caps have plenty of lefty defenseman, but Oates doesn’t want them playing on their off side. I’ll give the Caps a pass on that move.

That fact that Matt Hendricks is now the first line left wing is shows how little depth the Caps have. Still, the addition of Volpatti is questionable. He’s pretty fast and pretty tough, but at least Wolski has demonstrated a knack for goal scoring in the past, something that was evident on his third period tally. While Wolski wasn’t supposed to be in the lineup, Volpatti was. I think Volpatti brings a dimension to this team that they don’t need. The Caps need all the skill that can get in their lineup, not a bruising player that takes the ice for a few minutes a game. On Tuesday, Volpatti took six shifts and played a mere 3:43, more than a minute less than the player with the second fewest minutes, Joey Crabb.

Volpatti has an interesting story. After being badly burned in a camping accident while playing in juniors, he fought his way back to hockey and eventually gained a spot in the NHL. He’s spent the past two years as a fringe NHLer with the Vancouver Canucks.

“George was looking for something from Aaron when we picked him up,” Oates said of the move. “I really like balance.”

On a team will plenty of skill, Volpatti could be a nice asset that provides some fourth-line grit. The Caps, though, aren’t that team. They’re not as bad as they were at the start of the season as Oates’s system has begun to fall into place. Washington has become a .500 squad. Per CSN, the team’s goals per game average is up more than a point in the last nine games. Their penalty kill is up 16.5 percent and their power play is up 11.6 percent in the same span. They’ve won 7 of their last 10 games.

The Caps have plenty of guys playing great hockey so far this season. What they don’t have is a cohesive team. There doesn’t seem to be much of a reason behind any of the line combinations other than a feeling of “Hey, let’s give this a try!” Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes the Caps play like a team, sometimes they look like a disjointed mess of crudely thrown together hockey players. So what is McPhee trying to accomplish with these moves — are they intended to give the Caps an identity as an abrasive, hardened team? If so, then why? As I said before, this lineup has a talent deficiency, not one of toughness. The Caps lose games because they are not as good as the other team, not because they weren’t physical enough. Washington will not be able to punch their way into relevancy.

But maybe I’m wrong. Matt Hendricks thinks so.

“They bring character to our room,” he told me of the new players. “They bring that attitude that no matter what it takes I’m gonna do it.”

“Patsy, he’s a tough, gritty guy,” Hendricks continued, referring to Volpatti. “He’s sandpaper. You need that in a room. I think Aaron made a great point the other day: it doesn’t matter what one guy can do. We need to play tough. We need to play hard as a committee. That hits the nail on the head. When you play tough as a committee, when you have more guys in there that are playing that way, the better it is for our team, the harder it is on the opponent.”

“I think that attitude is what we need,” he added of Volpatti. “I think attitude like that is great. He didn’t think he was going to come in a play hard and play tough for myself. He’s already got the team mentality: I’m going to come in and be one piece of the puzzle. I think that’s a great attitude to have. I think that’s what makes differences in hockey games — and seasons.”
They’re lacking in top-six talent and defensive depth. It struck me, then, that their last two transactions have not gone towards solving their problems, but rather have compounded them — at least in my mind.

Friday, March 29, 2013

Wranglers Sign Former Vipers Defenceman Florentino:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL)
Las Vegas Wranglers have signed former Vernon Vipers defenceman Rob Florentino.  No official press release other then the transaction posted on the transactions page on March, 6th 2013 on the ECHL website.  Florentino attended the Vernon Vipers 2009 Training Camp playing in a few exhibition games before being released.  The Vipers with already the league limit six twenty year olds at that time were forced to release Florentino who was twenty.  Florentino later signed with the Victoria Grizzlies where he started the 2009-2010 regular season.

Rob Florentino's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=116614

Everblades Sign Former Vipers Goaltender Deckert To Amateur Tryout:

Former Vernon Vipers goaltender Jesse Deckert has signed an
amateur tryout agreement with the East Coast Hockey league (ECHL) Florida Everblades.  Deckert spent the past four years at the University of Manitoba actually never played with the Vipers.  Deckert left the WHL Tri-City Americans in November of 2004 joining the MJHL Swan Valley Stampeders.  Deckert never actually played with the Stampeders before coming to Vernon where he practised with the Vipers before signing with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks where he would finish the 2004-2005 season. 

Jesse Deckert's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=69065

This is posted on the Everblades website:

‘Blades Add Goaltender Jesse Deckert

March 6, 2013

ESTERO, FL – Florida Everblades President and General Manager Craig Brush along with Head Coach Greg Poss announced Wednesday that the team has agreed to terms with goaltender Jesse Deckert.

Deckert, 26, joins the Everblades after concluding his four-year collegiate career at the Univeristy of Manitoba.  The 6-2, 205-pound netminder posted a 16-9 record, a 2.19 goals against average, and a .915 save percentage this season with the Bison. Deckert finished his career at Manitoba with a record of 23-15.

Prior to college, Deckert totaled 56 career wins in the WHL in stints the Regina Pats, Tri-City Americans, and Prince Albert Raiders from 2002-2007.

Deckert is expected to be in the lineup tonight when Florida opens up a four-game road swing in Cincinnati beginning at 7:35 p.m. The game will be broadcast on 96 K-Rock (96.1 FM).

The Everblades next home game is Wednesday, March 13 against the South Carolina Stingrays.  It will be the final Wednesday game of the regular season, and the fan’s last chance to enjoy $2 drafts, $2 wines, and $2 hot dogs all night long!

Ticket Information: The Capital Bank Box Office is open Monday thru Friday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Fans may also call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, or order online at www.ticketmaster.com

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Komets Place Former Vipers Defenceman Nycholat On Reserve:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Fort Wayne Komets
have placed former Vernon Vipers defenceman Dan Nycholat on reserve.  No official press release but the transaction was posted on the ECHL transactions page March.3rd 2013.  This is the second time the Komets have placed Nycholat on reserve.  Fort Wayne placed Nycholat on reserve back in January.  In 60 games with the Komets Nycholat has (2-16-18).   

The Komets invited Nycholat to Training camp on September, 19th 2012 before releasing him on October, 10th 2012 but then signed him the following day on October, 11th 2012.

Nycholat finished his first season (2011-12) at Dartmouth College, collecting two assists and 15 penalty minutes in 25 games before signing a amateur try-out (ATO) with the ECHL Las Vegas Wranglers on March, 16th 2012. Nycholat went pointless in four regular season games with Las Vegas before being released. Nycholat made the 2012 ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team in June 2012. Nycholat played two season's at Northeastern University before leaving the Huskies and playing one season in Vernon (2009-2010) where he won the top defenceman award. The AJHL Canmore Eagles traded Nycholat's playing right's on August, 20th 2009 to the Vipers for forward, Kory Roy and future considerations. In 58 regular season games with the Vipers Nycholat collected (7-38-45).

Dan Nycholat's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=101611

Former Vipers Defenceman Brownlee Gets First Juno Award Nomination:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Chad Brownlee is the proud recipient of his first JUNO Award nomination.  Brownlee now a country music star 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 after a short stint in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) with the Idaho Steelheads before 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/

This is posted on the CMR Nashville website:

FIRST JUNO NOMINATION FOR COUNTRY MUSIC ARTIST CHAD BROWNLEE

21/02/2013
2013 Country Album of the Year Nominee -.

Chad Brownlee (MDM Recordings Inc. / Universal Music Canada), the proud recipient
of his first JUNO Award nomination, announced today during the press conference held at The Design Exchange in Toronto.  Brownlee's 2012 album release "Love Me Or Leave Me" is nominated for Country Album of the Year. .
Exclaims Brownlee, "This is obviously a big moment in a musicians career; being nominated alongside such phenomenal talent. I wouldn't be at this point today without all of those who have helped my music grow. Thank you!".

Brownlee released his new single "Crash"  today to Canadian radio, with the video currently in heavy rotation on CMT.  A Canadian with a philanthropic spirit, Brownlee has partnered with the Tim Horton Children's Foundation, performing at camps across Canada and sharing the joys of music with the campers.  In addition to his charitable work, Brownlee had a busy touring year in 2012, including co-headlining the national Boys of Fall Tour.  He will continue to tour throughout 2013, with new performance dates to be announced in the coming months..

"Once again Chad does the MDM family proud with his incredible talents and with receiving a well-deserved nod from the Canadian music industry. A genuine artist, with limitless professional commitment and true artistic passion, on behalf of the entire MDM team, congratulations!" says Mike Denney, President of MDM Recordings Inc..

The 42nd annual JUNO Awards broadcast will air on CTV from the Brandt Centre in Regina, SK on Sunday, April 21, 2013.  For a complete list of nominees, please visit www.junoawards.ca/nominees-winners..

Weblinks:           www.chadbrownlee.com            www.mdmrecordings.net           www.universalmusic.ca.

Official JUNO Awards website: www.junoawards.ca.

ABOUT MDM Recordings Inc.:  Founded in the spring of 2008, Canadian country music label, distributor and artist management company MDM Recordings Inc. (MDM) was created by Mike Denney to help independent artists with the diverse development in all aspects of their respective careers.  In his role as President, Denney has over 25 years experience in the Canadian music industry, and founded the organization through a personal drive to put themusic back in the music business, offering represented talent the tools and resources required for successful professional development. Mitch Merrett joined in partnership with MDM in the fall of 2009, bringing his vast creative, musical and business acumen to expand organizational activity and talent roster.  In strategic compliment to country music focused MDM, sister company Acronym Records is designed to support the talented artists who do not fit in the country music genre by way of offering the same level of superior service.  MDM is proudly distributed through Universal Music Canada. 

This is posted on the keeping it country blog:

Chad Brownlee gets first-ever Juno Award nomination

February 20, 2013  

Lydia Picknell 

It’s a big day for Canadian singer/songwriter Chad Brownlee (MDM Recordings Inc. / Universal Music Canada), the proud recipient of his first JUNO Award nomination, announced yesterday during the press conference held at The Design Exchange in Toronto. Brownlee’s 2012 album release “Love Me Or Leave Me” is nominated for Country Album of the Year at the Canadian music awards known as the JUNO Awards.

The former professional hockey player shares his excitement:

“This is obviously a big moment in a musicians career; being nominated alongside such phenomenal talent. I wouldn’t be at this point today without all of those who have helped my music grow. Thank you!”

Brownlee released his new single “Crash” yesterday to Canadian radio, with the video currently in heavy rotation on CMT. A Canadian with a philanthropic spirit, Brownlee has partnered with the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation, performing at camps across Canada and sharing the joys of music with the campers. In addition to his charitable work, Brownlee had a busy touring year in 2012, including co-headlining the national Boys of Fall Tour. He will continue to tour throughout 2013, with new performance dates to be announced in the coming months.

The 42nd annual JUNO Awards broadcast will air on CTV from the Brandt Centre in Regina, SK on Sunday, April 21, 2013.

Watch his JUNO-nominated single below and let us know what you think – are you a fan?        

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

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Former Viper Sanford Earns Third Star As Tigers Sweep Blades:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Cole Sanford collected a goal
& one assist was named third star tonight as the WHL Medicine Hat Tigers swept the Host of the 2013 Memorial Cup Saskatoon Blades with a 3-1 victory.  Sanford was an "AP" with the Vipers last year playing in eight games collecting no points.   The Vernon product played in 53 regular season games with the Tigers this season collecting (2-9-11) while picking up 1 goal & three assists in this years WHL Playoffs.

Cole Sanford's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=101594

This is posted on the Tigers website:

TIGERS SWEEP BLADES


Tigers defeated the Blades 3-1 in Game 4.

Wednesday 03.27.13 / 07:03 PM

GAME SUMMARY

The Tigers completed their first round sweep of the Saskatoon Blades with a 3-1 victory on Wednesday night. Cam Lanigan once again had another big night in net for the Tigers and was named the game's first star for his efforts. The Tigers will have to wait and see how the other series play out before their second round opponent and schedule are determined.

The Tigers jumped out to an early lead with a power play goal 4:23 into the game. Hunter Shinkaruk found Curtis Valk driving into the slot with a nice pass for Valk's second of the playoffs. Zach Hodder also picked up an assist on the opening goal.

Boston Leier and Cole Sanford would give the Tigers a comfortable three goal lead early in the second period. Sanford netted his first of the postseason from Leier and Logan McVeigh 2:39 into the frame. Leier would add to his point total with his first goal of the playoffs a few minutes later. This time it was Sanford returning the favor with Derek Ryckman.

The Blades would finally get on the board midway through the third period. Lukas Sutter scored his second goal at the 7:36 mark from Collin Valcourt and Nelson Nogier. Boston Leier was hauled down on a breakaway late in the period and was awarded with a penalty shot. Leier had a chance to put the game away but Andrey Makarov made a nice glove save to keep it a two goal game. It turns out the Tigers didn't need any more offence though as the defence did a great job in the remaining minutes to preserve the 3-1 win and punch their ticket to the second round.

Cam Lanigan continued his amazing series as he won his fourth straight game against this year's Memorial Cup hosts. Lanigan made 36 saves in the win and was named the first star for the third time in the series. Andrey Makarov was back in net for the Blades after getting pulled after the first period in the previous game. Despite picking up the loss Makarov played well saving 25 of the 28 shots he faced.

On the power play the Tigers went 1 for 7, while killing off all three Blades' power play opportunities.

Earls Three Stars of the Night:

1) Cam Lanigan – Medicine Hat Tigers

2) Boston Leier – Medicine Hat Tigers

3) Cole Sanford - Medicine Hat Tigers

Insurance Brokers Association of Western Canada Insurance Goal of the Game - Boston Leier

Former Vernon Viper Brisebois Named MVP:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Travis Brisebois was named the Notekeu Hockey League (NHL) MVP back in January.  Brisebois finished his first season with the NHL Kincaid Maroons after playing four years at the University of Saskatchewan.  Brisebois played in 17 regular season games collecting (29-24-53) finishing second in league scoring.  The Maroons finished the regular season with a 12-5-0-1 record.  Brisebois and the Maroons were swept in four games by the Assiniboia Rebels in the Championship finals.  Brisebois played three years in Vernon (2005-2008) In 166 regular season games with the Vipers Brisebois collected (60-66-126).

Travis Brisebois's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=80364

For more info & stats on the Notekeu Hockey League visit the league's website,

http://www.notekeuhockeyleague.com/leagues/front_pageNHL.cfm?clientid=2376&leagueid=5815

This is posted on the Notekeu Hockey League website:

Fans Final Vote for MVP
 
Thursday, January 31, 2013

The fans have spoken, with over 500 votes on their choice for league MVP.  Travis Brisebois of the Kincaid Maroons is the fans choice for MVP with 23% of the votes.  Assiniboia Rebel sniper Evan Schwabe came in a close second with 22% of the votes. Third place was close as Gravelbourg Hornets Matthew Bourgeois claimed 12% of the final votes.  Congratulations on a great season!! Now we are moving forward to the Playoffs, Good Luck.

 

Nailers Activate Former Viper Zurevinski Off Reserve:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Wheeling Nailers have activated former Vernon Vipers forward Scott Zurevinski off reserve. No official press release other then it being posted on the transactions page on the ECHL website.

Zurevinski signed with the American Hockey League (AHL) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in early August but never played a game before the season started being sent down to the East Coast Hockey Leagues Wheeling Nailers. In 47 games this season with the Nailers Zurevinski has (11-12-23).

Zurevinski finished his fourth year at Quinnipiac University last year before signing a amateur tryout contract with the AHL St. John’s IceCaps back on March, 18th 2012. Zurevinski played in eight games with the IceCaps before being released. Zurevinski played two years in Vernon (2006-2008). In 96 regular season games with the Vipers, Zurevinski collected (47-47-94). Zurevinski attended the Pittsburgh Penguins 2011 development camp.

Scott Zurevinski's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=93311

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

One On One With Former Vernon Viper John Knisley:

The Cornell University website sits down one on one with former Vernon Vipers forward John Knisley.  Knisley playing in his first season at Cornell University has played in 24 games this year collecting (2-1-3).  Knisley played two years in Vernon (2010-2012) In 106 regular season games with the Vipers Knisley collected (22-48-70).

John Knisley's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=139392

This is posted on the Cornell University website:

Freshman Friday: John Knisley

11/30/2012

Freshman Friday is a Q-and-A feature with new members of the men's hockey team. This is the fifth installment, featuring forward John Knisley. He comes to the Big Red from the Vernon Vipers, a perennial power in the British Columbia Hockey League. He discusses playing in Canada's Junior A national championship, his ties to Upstate New York, the unlikely place where he started to play hockey, and why he became a Red Sox fan.

Q: How does it feel to be close to home again, and how much did that influence your decision?

A: Being close to home is great for my parents, since I've been out in the BCHL for the last two years. I guess I'm kind of flipping the roles here. Whereas the two years I was away from home, now I'm closer to home for college. It's usually the opposite with junior hockey players. Being close to home is nice, getting see my parents every weekend. Ithaca's a beautiful city. It played a huge role in my decision.

Q: Did you make it down to Cornell games much in your time in the Rochester and Syracuse areas?

A: I usually caught one or two games a year when I could, because it was tough to get down here during the season. But whenever we had the weekend off, I'd make my way down.

Q: How about when you were a kid? How old were you when you saw your first Cornell game?

A: I remember watching on TV when Sam Paolini (also from the Rochester area) — he was on the team when they made the run (in 2003) — scored that goal in overtime against Harvard. That was the first game I saw, because I moved from South Carolina up to the Rochester area when I was eight or nine years old. It was a big cultural shock, I guess.

Q: Did you play hockey in South Carolina?

A: Yeah. It's actually a funny story. Cole Bardreau lived in Charlotte (N.C.) and I lived in Greenville, S.C., and we used to play against each other when we were down there. The hockey world's a pretty small place, I guess. It's funny that we're on the same team now.

Q: So when did you two meet up again? Was it when you were both in the Rochester area?

A: Well, I played minor hockey in Syracuse and the year after I started playing there, he was on the team that was a year younger. I was travelling back and forth between Rochester and Syracuse, and then I went back to Rochester and we played on the same travel team, and we played against each other in high school. (Knisley played for Pittsford; Bardreau played for neighboring Fairport).

Q: Was the decision to go to British Columbia for Junior A a hard one?

A: It was pretty tough at first, but I went out there with one of my good friends, Mike Zalewski who now plays for RPI, and I'd known him for eight or nine year by that point. So that really helped me adjust. Also, I had a great billet family out there who were above and beyond anything I could have asked for. I still keep in touch with them today. It made the transition a lot easier being away from home.

Q: You mention a Zalewski name that should seem familiar to Big Red fans since his older brother, Steve, was quite a player for Clarkson. How weird is it going to be to play against Mike after so many years of being his teammate?

A: It's definitely going to be different lining up against him. I've always been on his team, or even on his line. But it should be fun playing against him.

Q: Did you guys look at schools together, or was the whole process separate?

A: It was all separate. I had already committed to Cornell before he started looking at schools. I didn't try to persuade him, by any means. At the end of the day, he made the decision that was best for him.

Q: Your first year in Vernon was particularly noteworthy, winning the league title and making it to the Royal Bank championship game. How was that experience?

A: I went out there knowing the team had won the RBC the past two years and expectations were high, but it was a good learning experience. There were a lot of older veterans that helped me along the way. They taught me the right mentality when coming to the rink and taught me about preparation. There were a lot of valuable things that I learned that season. We didn't have a great year last year, but they taught me the stuff that could help me excel in college.

Q: To switch gears a little bit, how did you become a Boston Red Sox fan being born in South Carolina and growing up in Upstate New York?

A: I don't know. My dad's a Yankees fan, but a good friend of mine is a huge Red Sox fan. I guess he just talked me into it. I've been to a bunch of Red Sox games and I just love Fenway Park. That kind of swayed my decision.

Q: I understand you have a history with the No. 12. Were you taking notice from afar that it might be open your freshman year?

A: You know, I did look last year to see who was wearing it and see if it was going to be available this year and luckily enough, it was. It's funny how things work out. I really haven't worn a different number my whole life.

Q: And what's the significance of the number to you?

A: Nothing, really, other than that my dad wore it when he played hockey when he was younger. I started wearing it at a young age and it's kind of worked out ever since.

Q: How would you describe your playing style for the fans who haven't necessarily seen you yet?

A: I think I'm a quick, aggressive forward who sees the ice well and has playmaking abilities. I'm just looking to set up my linemates, play the body and play within the system.

FireAntz Waive Former Vernon Viper Elser:

The Southern Professional League's (SPHL) Fayetteville FireAntz have waived former Vernon Vipers forward Brian Elser.  Elser started the season with the FireAntz playing in 22 games collecting (9-8-17).

Elser was called up to the East Coast Hockey League's (ECHL) Gwinnett Gladiators signing a one game contract on January, 15th 2013 before returning to the FireAntz after playing just one game.  Elser then signed with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) South Carolina Stingrays on February, 6th 2013 before being released on February, 27th 2013.  In seven games with the Stingrays Elser collected (1-1-2).

The Vipers scouted Elser who was 18 at the time, at the U.S. Midget championships in Buffalo. Elser attended the 2008-2009 Vipers training camp making the Vipers opening day roster before being traded on September, 12th 2008 to the AJHL Drayton Valley Thunder for future considerations (cash) and a player to be named next year. In two games with the Vipers Elser collected one assist. Rumor was Elser didnt report to the Thunder and his rights were given back to Vernon. On August, 7th 2009 the Vipers traded Elser and future considerations to Victoria for Jonathan Milhouse.

Brian Elser's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=47131

This is posted on the Fay Observer website:

Published: Tue Mar 05, 2013

Fayetteville FireAntz waive Elser to reach 18-man roster limit

By Thomas Pope
Sports editor

With only eight regular-season games remaining, the Fayetteville FireAntz roster is all but set in stone.

So says first-year coach Mark DeSantis, whose team has clinched a berth in the Southern Professional Hockey League playoffs.

"Unless something completely unexpected happens, I'm good with what we've got," DeSantis said, whose team will finish the regular season March 23.

On Monday, DeSantis made a roster move to get back to the SPHL roster maximum of 18 players. He waived Brian Elser, a forward who had been on loan to the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL since Feb. 6.

Elser scored 22 points in 29 games for the FireAntz. DeSantis said that Elser told him the Stingrays waived him Thursday - he scored two points in seven games - though that transaction does not appear on either the team or the league's website.

"I didn't want to lose anybody because I like the way we're going," DeSantis said of Monday's move. "But I had to do something."

DeSantis' team is 30-15-3 after a 2-1-0 road trip last weekend. The journey began with a loss at Knoxville on Thursday with Kyle Rank in net. The road trip concluded with a pair of games in Southaven, Miss., and Marco Emond was pulled Friday against the Mississippi RiverKings after allowing three goals in the first 3 1/2

"Rank played great in all three games," DeSantis said.

Emond, who is 20-10-1, has been bothered by a sprained thumb on his stick hand for a couple of weeks. He said Monday that his thumb is fine, and that it had no effect on his play Friday.

"It was one of those freak things," he said. "The first shot of the game was a 2-on-1, the guy shot through the defense, the shot hit the post and went in. The second one, the guy shot through the crowd. The third goal, I actually made four saves that weren't accounted for and wound up with about eight people on top of me.

"It was just one of those nights. In 15 years of hockey, you'll have all kinds of games."

The FireAntz, who trail SPHL-leading Louisiana for the top spot by four points, return to action Friday and Saturday in Pensacola, Fla. The Ice Flyers are in third place, five points behind the Antz, at 27-15-4, and are 0-3-0 against Fayetteville.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Former Vipers Defenceman Lyles Wins Hockey East Championship:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Malcolm Lyles and the UMass Lowell River Hawks won the 2013 Hockey East Tournament Championship Saturday with a 1-0 win over Boston University.  Lyles in his second season at UMass Lowell played in just one game this season.  Lyles played one season in Vernon (2010-2011) playing in 54 regular season games with the Vipers Lyles collected (8-22-30). 

Malcolm Lyles Player Profile:

http://www.goriverhawks.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1969&path=mhockey

This is posted on the Hockey East website:

UMASS LOWELL CLAIMS FIRST HOCKEY EAST TITLE WITH 1-0 WIN OVER BOSTON UNIVERSITY

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Freshman goaltender Connor Hellebuyck stops 36 shots and is named Bill Flynn Hockey East Tournament MVP

It took 29 years from the genesis of Hockey East, but the UMass Lowell River Hawks are finally champions. Just two weeks removed from clinching their first-ever Hockey East regular season title, the River Hawks have added the league's tournament championship trophy to their mantle, courtesy of Saturday's 1-0 win over long-time nemesis Boston University. The Terriers had won eight of the nine Hockey East tournament meetings vs. Lowell all-time, including the championship games in 1994 and 2009, but this night belonged to the Hawks.

The TD Garden crowd of 13,738 had to wait until the 11:09 mark of the final frame to see a goal scored in this one, as two first-year netminders were nevertheless up for the toughest task in the most critical situation. UMass Lowell's Connor Hellebuyck (Commerce, Mich.) stopped all 36 shots he faced en route to claiming the William Flynn Award as the tournament's Most Valuable Player. At the other end, Boston University's Sean Maguire (Powell River, B.C.) was nearly Hellebuyck's equal, stopping 28 of 29 with just one blemish.

The winning goal came on a determined backhanded wraparound off the stick of River Hawk junior Derek Arnold (Foxboro, Mass.) Arnold started the play with a breakout from his own zone, sending the puck up to Chad Ruhwedel (San Diego, Calif.) Ruhwedel traded up-ice passes with Arnold before a final pass attempt from the slot that deflected off the stick of teammate Scott Wilson (Oakville, Ont.) and ended up behind the net. Arnold alertly picked up the puck, strode to the other side, and deposited it off of a scrambling Maguire.

The Terriers had a couple of mad scramble chances to tie the score in the final seconds, the most heart-stopping of which was a point blank opportunity for sophomore Cason Hohmann (Arlington, Tx.) who found himself alone with time and the puck just five feet away from Hellebuyck. But like his Terrier teammates, Hohmann couldn't solve the upstart stopper, and the horn blew to end the contest.

After an uneventful first period, the two teams upped the intensity in the second, and the result was a much wider-open frame with plenty of opportunities. The best chance came midway through when UML senior Riley Wetmore (Swanton, Vt.) had a long-armed wraparound that he almost tucked just inside the left post after Maguire lost the puck in traffic on the right. Both teams more than doubled their shot totals of the opening period, with BU firing 18 pucks on UML rookie Connor Hellebuyck and Lowell testing Maguire with 15, but both freshmen were still unbeatable at that point.

That streak nearly ended when UML's Colin Wright (Burlington, Ont.) found himself lurking at center ice after finishing up a penalty very early in the third. Wilson made a quick centering breakout pass and Wright was off to the races. He skated into the slot and shot back against the grain, cleanly beating Maguire but ringing it off the middle of the left post.

Ruhwedel and Wilson joined Hellebuyck on the All-Tournament team. The Terriers also had three members on the squad in forwards Danny O'Regan (Needham, Mass.) and Evan Rodrigues (Etobicoke, Ont.) and defenseman Matt Grzelcyk (Charlestown, Mass.)

The Terrier loss almost certainly concludes the illustrious 40-year career of BU head coach Jack Parker, who has eight Hockey East tournament championships to his credit sprinkled among countless other titles. As the tournament winner, UMass Lowell is granted an automatic berth into the NCAA championship tournament, marking its fifth appearance and second consecutive.

Former Vipers Defenceman Noonan Returns To Terriers Lineup:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Garrett Noonan returned to the Terriers lineup Friday after missing the last four games with a separated shoulder in a win over Northeastern March 8th 2013.   Noonan and the Terriers season come to an end Saturday night after falling 1-0 to UMass Lowell in the 2013 Hockey East Tournament Championship  game.  Noonan is in his third season at Boston University. In 32 games this season Noonan has collected (5-13-18). Noonan was drafted by the Nashville Predators in round 4 #112 overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Noonan played one season in Vernon (2009-2010) collecting (2-16-18) in 58 regular season games with the Vipers.

Garrett Noonan's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=48219

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Former Viper Collins Named To Hockey East 2012-13 All-Star Team:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Mike Collins was named to the Hockey East Conference 2012-13 All-Star Team.  Collins was one of seventy seven players up for this years Hobey Baker Award. The Hobey Baker Award is an annual award given to the top National Collegiate Athletic Association men's ice hockey player. Collins finished his third season at Merrimack College. In 38 games this season Collins collected (17-21-38). Collins played two season's in Vernon (2008-2010) In 119 regular season games with the Vipers Collins recorded (55-71-126)

Mike Collins Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=122117

This is posted on the Hockey East website:

HOCKEY EAST ANNOUNCES 2012-2013 ALL-STAR TEAMS

March 21, 2013

Nine of the 12 First and Second Team All-Stars in action this weekend at Garden

Wakefield, Mass. - The Hockey East Association announced its 2012-2013 All-Star Teams on Thursday night at the Hockey East Championship banquet at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge, Mass.

Two freshman goaltenders highlight the All-Star selections, which are uncharacteristically dominated by underclassmen. For the first time in Hockey East history, a first-year player was selected as the first-team goaltender. Providence College rookie Jon Gillies (South Portland, Maine) becomes only the third freshman at any position to be named to the first team, joining Hockey Hall-of-Fame defenseman Brian Leetch (BC, 1986-87) and Hobey Baker winner Paul Kariya (Maine) in a truly exclusive group. He was the Friars' unquestioned starter from the first day of the season, and finished with four shutouts in league play.

Fellow freshman Connor Hellebuyck (Commerce, Mich.) of UMass Lowell was selected as the second-team goaltender. Hellebuyck was a major part of the River Hawks' late season surge to the Hockey East regular season title, going 8-1 over the final nine games on the schedule, and finishing with a 1.38 GAA and .948 save percentage over 13 total league games, both good for second all-time in Hockey East history (to Jimmy Howard of Maine in 2003-04.) Hellebuyck and Gillies will face off in Friday's first Hockey East semifinal match, just as they did in a split home-andhome series on the final weekend of the regular season.

Hellebuyck is joined by two other River Hawks on the second team, which includes junior Joseph Pendenza (Wilmington, Mass.) and forward Riley Wetmore (Swanton, Vt.), who round out the trio of forwards alongside Boston University sophomore Evan Rodrigues (Etobicoke, Ont.). Jordan Heywood (Regina, Sask.) of Merrimack College and Patrick Wey (Pittsburgh, Pa.) of Boston College were the second-team blueliners.

For the third consecutive season, BC has multiple representatives on the first team, sniper Steven Whitney (Reading, Mass.), the only senior on the top All-Star squad, and Athletic Republic Hockey East Player of the Year Johnny Gaudreau (Carneys Point, N.J.), a sophomore. Fellow second-year player Trevor van Riemsdyk (Middletown, N.J.), a defenseman from the University of New Hampshire, was the only Wildcat All-Star this season. The other first-team defenseman was UMass-Lowell's Chad Ruhwedel (San Diego, Calif.), giving the top-seeded River Hawks four total All-Stars, the most of any program this season. Merrimack junior forward Mike Collins (Boston, Mass.) rounded out the squad, joining goaltenders Martin Legault (1996-97) and Joe Cannata (last year) as the only Warriors to ever qualify for First-Team honors.

2013 Hockey East Honorable Mention All-Stars

G: Casey DeSmith, New Hampshire (So. Rochester, N.H.)
D: Matt Grzelcyk, Boston University (Fr., Charlestown, Mass.)
D: Steven Shamanski, Providence College (Jr., Carberry, Man.)
F: Joey Diamond, Maine (Sr., Long Beach, N.Y.)
F: Kevin Goumas, New Hampshire (Jr., Long Beach, N.Y.)
F: Branden Gracel, Massachusetts (Jr., Calgary, Alb.)
F: Wade Megan, Boston University (Sr., Canton, N.Y.)
F: Chris McCarthy, Vermont (Jr., Collegeville, Pa.)

Willy Searching For Cup Chemistry:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Willy searching for Cup chemistry

By Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star

Published: March 24, 2013

So you wanna play for the Vernon Vipers in the 2013-14 B.C. Hockey League season? Get in line kid. The list is long and getting longer.

Head coach/GM Jason Williamson can welcome back all but three players from a season where Vernon finished 13th overall in a 16-team circuit. They were dead-last on the powerplay. They were dead-last in goals scored.

He will put the “best 22 on the ice” as the Vipers go about building a dream team for the 2014 Royal Bank Cup, May 10-18, at Wesbild Centre.

The Snakes are rock-solid in net with Austin Smith and Danny Todoyschuk. However, should a net detective with proven creditionals call the Viper Den looking for a place to play, he will be given a fair look.

Once the Surrey Eagles are done in the playoffs, the Vipers will officially announce the four players they have coming this way to complete those major deals which sent Adam Tambellini to the Eagles and Aaron Hadley to Nanaimo Clippers.

They won’t be fourth-line forwards or depth d-men. They will be impact players.

Williamson’s problem is a good one. He will soon have too many players. Some will have to be traded, including a few veterans who underachieved in a 21-win season.

“Our goal is to win the BCHL, to front-door this thing,” said Williamson, over lunch at Earls this week. “In our exit meetings, there was a lot of anxiety with some players. I think they learned how to win down the stretch. At the beginning, we were losing a lot of one-goal games. We would panic and lose. We told the guys, ‘If you’re not here for the right reasons, you’re gone.’ Every player in North America wants to be here. Don’t let them take your jobs.”

In the final year of a three-year contract, Williamson earned an education degree from Niagara University in New York, where he played hockey on a scholarship. He has never taught a day since, choosing hockey over math and phys-ed classes.

“It was a tough year because I wanted to win as bad as anybody. Did I enjoy going to the rink everyday? Yes. Did I enjoy being around the coaches and players? Yes. I expressed to (owner Wray) Duncan that I wanted to be here. This is home. Vernon is very passionate about its team; it’s like Little Montreal.

“When things were going south, Duncan told me, ‘I believe in you, I believe in this team.’ Duncan is a guy who comes in the dressingroom and on the bus. He sees what we’re doing. He’s always been in my corner. We had a good meeting at the end of the season and he’s still really entrenched in this team.”

Williamson, 32, knows he has to upgrade in most areas. The quartet headed here from Surrey and Nanaimo will address much of the team’s weaknesses.

Prospects are aplenty. From the skate-till-they-drop Junior B Knights in Armstrong there are power forwards Morgan Johnston and Colton Thibault and skilled forwards Matty Saharchuk, Mat Lambert and 15-year-old Blaine Caton. Rugged d-man Mac Ferner will also get a look.

Also from the Junior B ranks are big scoring wingers Dallas Calvin and Kurt Black in Beaver Valley. Both players had strong cups of mocha with the Vipers this season.

Toss in tough, offensive d-man Alex Gran from the Okanagan Major Midget Rockets and the competition for spots will be fierce come Aug. 19 training camp.

Williamson has contacts in the Boston area, where the Vipers once plucked Mike Collins and Garrett Noonan. He has also amped up his scouting in Ontario and is heading to the USA Midget Nationals, April 3-7, in Pittsburgh on his own.

“I’m looking for kids in Ontario and Saskatchewan and we’ll take the best of the best. Penticton has done a good job recruiting in Ontario and we gotta do a good job there too.”

Williamson and assistants Dave Robinson and Jason Read had high expectations for this season. They quickly learned after a bunch of one-goal losses, they had a very fragile group.

“We changed the culture and we ended the season on a high (winning four straight against top teams) so we have a good sense of where we are going into one of the most exciting seasons ever in Vernon.”

While only 32, Williamson has heard and seen all the whispers, rumours and Network 54 comments calling for his head. He’s got thick skin and realizes there are holes in his game. He strives for excellence and watches NHL games every night looking for a way to better his coaching.

He wants to prepare his players better. Get them to pay attention to detail more. Get them to compete harder.

Besides Wray and anybody who really knows the man, Williamson finds unconditional support from his wife Kristin. The couple had their first child, Maddex, on Saturday, Jan. 26, a day off for the Vipers.

“You can’t not take the job home. I get phone calls every night and I’m making calls asking guys for advice on things all the time. She’s very supportive. She understands.”

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Former Vipers Captain Crowell College Career Comes To An End:

Former Vernon Vipers captain Chris Crowell & the UAA Seawolves season came to an end last weekend after falling in the first round of the playoffs to St. Cloud State Saturday.  Crowell finished his fourth and final season with the UAA Seawolves played in 36 games this season collecting (0-3-3). Crowell played four seasons in Vernon (2005-2009) was captain with the Vipers in his final two seasons of Junior hockey. In 213 regular season games with the Vipers Crowell collected (33-57-90) guiding the Vipers to the 2009 RBC Cup Championship.

Chris Crowell's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=92086

This is posted on the Seawolves website:

#8 SCSU ends Seawolf hockey season

Release: March 17, 2013

Courtesy: UAA Sports Information 


ST. CLOUD STATE – The co-MacNaughton Cup Champions and No. 8-ranked St. Cloud State Huskies ended the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves’ season with a 5-1 win in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association First Round Playoffs at the National Hockey & Event Center on Saturday evening.

Despite a career-high 41 saves from junior Chris Kamal, the Seawolves’ (4-25-7, 2-22-6 WCHA) season came to a conclusion when the Huskies (23-14-1, 18-9-1 WCHA) erupted for four goals in the final frame to advance to the 2013 Red Baron WCHA Final Five next weekend.

After the Huskies’ Drew LaBlanc – the WCHA Player of the year – scored in the first six minutes of play, the score remained 1-0 until 4:56 of the third period when David Morley gave SCSU a two-goal lead off a deflection. The momentum swung in favor of UAA 58 seconds later when freshman forward Blake Tatchell, UAA’s point leader, poked in the Seawolves’ lone tally at 5:58.

Seawolf assists went to senior forward Alex Gellert and sophomore defenseman Derek Docken.

UAA had picked up the pace and hopes were high until senior Tyler Currier was called for elbowing, sending the Huskies on a 2-minute power-play at 8:32. Nic Dowd was able to capitalize on the man advantage 41 seconds later, retuning the lead to two for SCSU.

The Huskies would secure the win with an even-strength goal by Cory Thorson at 13:20, before following it up with an empty-netter by Ben Hanowski from center ice at 18:47.

Kamal’s 41 saves tops his previous best of 39, registered earlier this month against Alaska Fairbanks. In net for SCSU was Ryan Faragher, who furnished 19 saves for the win. The Huskies outshot UAA, 46-20.

The Seawolves will say goodbye to seniors Chris Crowell, Currier, Gellert, Daniel Naslund and Scott Warner.

Former Viper Josephs Named KIJHL Rookie Of The Year:

The KIJHL announced the leagues 2012-13 year end awards at the end of the regular season.  Former Vernon Vipers tryout forward Nick Josephs took home three awards.  Josephs was named "Most Sportsmanlike" "Rookie of the Year" & "Top Rookie"

Josephs attended the Vernon Vipers Training camp this season playing in two BCHL pre-season games with the Vipers picking up one goal before being released.  Josephs signed with the Nanaimo Clippers but didnt play with the Clippers before playing five games with the AJHL Okotoks Oilers and finishing the season with the KIJHL Kelowna Chiefs.  In 41 games with the Chiefs Josephs collected (33-43-76).

Nick Josephs Player Profile:

http://www.kijhl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=2223&leagueID=5221&teamID=342937&playerID=963195

 

Friday, March 22, 2013

Steelheads Sign Former Vernon Viper Goaltender Olthuis:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Idaho Steelheads have signed former Vernon Vipers goaltender Jon Olthuis as an emergency backup.  Olthuis retired from hockey after last season and is currently an accountant in Anchorage, Alaska.   

Olthuis played last season with the Central Hockey League (CHL) Tulsa Oilers and the Southern Professional League (SPHL) Augusta RiverHawks.  Olthuis played one game with the Oilers going 0-1 with a 13.94 GAA while playing in 24 games with the RiverHawks going 15-6-3 with one shutout and a 2.83 GAA. 

Olthuis played two seasons in Vernon (2004-2006) In 67 regular season games with the Vipers going (45-16-2) with 6 shutouts.

Jon Olthuis's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=84007

This was in the Anchorage Daily News:

Notes: (Greenham, McBride, Lovdahl; and Johnny Olthuis in the house!)

Published: March 14, 2013

By Doyle Woody, dwoody@adn.com — Anchorage

Former UAF goaltender Scott Greenham of the ECHL's Bakersfield Condors has been loaned to the St. John's IceCaps of the AHL, who are coached by former Alaska Aces bench boss Keith McCambridge.

Greenham is 11-18-2 with a 3.33 goals-against average and .910 save percentage for the Condors, who are last in the Western Conference. He played four AHL games last season as a rookie. Greenham has stopped 25 of 26 shots in shootouts this season, which is stupid ridiculous.

In other notes, the Hull Stingrays of the Great Britain-based EIHL say defenseman Shane Lovdahl, the former Seawolf from Anchorage is retiring. And former Alaska Aces forward Brock McBride, according to eliteprospects.com, has signed a two-year deal with Austrian team Villacher, moving over from Olimpija Ljublajana in the same circuit. McBride this season went 15-39--54 in 51 games.

And, on the local ECHL front, the Idaho Steelheads, in town for a three-game series with the Aces, have added former UAA goaltender Jon Olthuis as an emergency backup goalie. That became necessary when the AHL Texas Stars recalled Tyler Beskorowany. Olthuis will back up Josh Robinson, who was excellent in Idaho's 4-3 OT win over the Aces on Wednesday.

Olthuis has a Steelheads connection -- he played for their first-year head coach, Brad Ralph, in the Southern Professional Hockey League and speaks highly of Ralph. Olthuis, one of the good guys, is an accountant in Anchorage.

Titans Place Former Vipers Captain Ullrich On Reserve:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Trenton Titans have placed former Vernon Vipers forward-captain Mike Ullrich on reserve.  In 20 games this year with the Titans Ullrich has collected (10-9-19). 

Ullrich started the season with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) South Carolina Stingrays after signing a contract over the summer.  Ullrich left the Stingrays before signing with the Central Hockey League (CHL) Tulsa Oilers on November, 7th 2012. The Stingrays suspended Ullrich after leaving the club but then took Ullrich off suspension before trading the rights of Ullrich to the ECHL Trenton Titans for future considerations on January, 18th 2013. In five games with the Stingrays Ullrich collected 1 goal & 4 assists.   The Oilers then suspended and then deleted Ullrich from the clubs roster on January, 17th 2013 after Ullrich left the Oilers for the ECHL Trenton Titans.  In 29 games with the Oilers Ullrich collected (7-12-19). 

Ullrich played last year with the CHL Tulsa Oilers. In 66 games as a rookie with the Oilers Ullrich collected (29-35-64) and was named to the CHL All-Rookie team. Ullrich was near the top of the rookie scoring list for the entire season. Ullrich also was a finalist for the CHL Rookie of the Year award. In 29 games this season with the Oilers Ullrich has collected (7-12-19). Ullrich played parts of two years in Vernon (2005-2007) In 103 games with the Vipers Ullrich collected (39-92-131).

Mike Ullrich's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=82968

This is posted on the Titans website:

Ullrich Placed On Reserve

February 21st 2013

Mike Ullrich was placed on reserve today.  Ullrich suffered an off-ice back injury — no truth to the rumor it came from carrying the team — and had been outstanding for the Titans, posting a gaudy 8-7-15 line in 14 games.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Former Vipers Defenceman Weinstein Named To Atlantic Hockey 2nd-Team All-Star:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

Vipers grad Weinstein is All-2nd Team for Falcons in Atlantic Hockey
 
Thursday, March 21, 2013 - Submitted by BCHL Media/Bentley University

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Steve Weinstein has been recognized as an Atlantic Hockey 2nd-Team all-star.

The Los Angeles native was Bentley's most consistent defenseman this season and finished with a 6-19-25 scoring line in 35 games played. The 19 assists were good for third on the team, and his 25 points fourth on the squad. He's currently third in scoring among Atlantic Hockey defenseman and 15th nationally in points per game among defenseman (0.71).

Weinstein also produced a +8 rating during the season, second on the team.

With the Vipers, Weinstein won three straight Fred Page Cup league titles and back-to-back RBC Cup national championship in 2009 and 2010. In 159 games in the BCHL, the 22-year-old registered 10 goals and 49 assists.

Nailers Place Former Viper Zurevinski On Reserve:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Wheeling Nailers have placed former Vernon Vipers forward Scott Zurevinski on reserve.  No official press release other then it being posted on the transactions page on the ECHL website. 

Zurevinski signed with the American Hockey League (AHL) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in early August but never played a game before the season started being sent down to the East Coast Hockey Leagues Wheeling Nailers. In 47 games this season with the Nailers Zurevinski has (11-12-23).

Zurevinski finished his fourth year at Quinnipiac University last year before signing a amateur tryout contract with the AHL St. John’s IceCaps back on March, 18th 2012. Zurevinski played in eight games with the IceCaps before being released. Zurevinski played two years in Vernon (2006-2008). In 96 regular season games with the Vipers, Zurevinski collected (47-47-94). Zurevinski attended the Pittsburgh Penguins 2011 development camp.

Scott Zurevinski's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=93311

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Senators Sign Former Vipers Goaltender Hammond:

The NHL Ottawa Senators have signed former Vernon Vipers goaltender Andrew Hammond. Hammond finished his fourth and final season at Bowling Green University. Hammond attended the Chicago Blackhawks development camp In July went (10-15-3) with three shutouts and a 2.47 GAA this year. Hammond played parts of two years in Vernon (2007-2009) after coming over in a trade with the Surrey Eagles during the 2007-08 season. In 52 regular season games with the Vipers Hammond posted a (33-15-1) record recording 6 shutouts.

Andrew Hammond's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=113948

This is posted on the Senators website:

News Release: Senators sign goaltender Andrew Hammond to a two-year contract

Wednesday, 20.03.2013

OTTAWA - The Ottawa Senators announced today the club has signed free agent goaltender Andrew Hammond to a two-year entry-level contract. Hammond recently completed his senior collegiate season when his Bowling Green Falcons fell to Notre Dame in the second round of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association playoffs. Hammond has signed an amateur tryout agreement and will report to the club’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Binghamton Senators.

Hammond, 25, posted a 10-15-3 record with a 2.47 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage in 29 games with the Falcons this past season. He was the recipient of the team’s Jim Sears Award (most valuable player) and Jim Ruehl Award (best defensive player) after both the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons.

A native of Surrey, B.C., Hammond earned a record of 30-68-13 in 111 games over four seasons at Bowling Green and attended the Chicago Blackhawks’ prospect camp in 2012.

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This is posted on the BCHL website:

Vipers alum Hammond signs pro contract with Ottawa Senators
 
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 - Submitted by BCHL Media/Bowling Green State University

Four years ago, he was helping the Vernon Vipers to their first of back-to-back RBC Cup national championships and after a stellar career at Bowling Green, Andrew Hammond has signed a contract with the Ottawa Senators.

(READ THE RELEASE ON THE OTTAWA SENATORS WEBSITE)

Hammond, 25, posted a 10-15-3 record with a 2.47 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage in 29 games with the Bowling Green Falcons this past season. He was the recipient of the team’s Jim Sears Award (most valuable player) and Jim Ruehl Award (best defensive player) after both the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons.

Hammond’s career ranks among the best in a number of goaltending categories in Bowling Green history, including a 2.84 goals against average that ranks second all-time, trailing only Brian Stankiewicz’s 2.49 GAA set in just 34 career games. Hammond’s goals-against average is the lowest of any BG goaltender to play in over 100 career games. He also currently sits at 3,030 saves in his career, joining Gary Kruzich (3,580), Tyler Master (3,286) and Jordan Sigalet (3,147) in the 3K-Save Club.

The White Rock, B.C. native played 85 games in the BCHL, 52 of those with the Vipers. He finished with a 48-30-2 mark, a .904 save percentage and 2.74 goals-against average to go along with eight shutouts.

In 2009, he and Graeme Gordon teamed up to win the Wally Forslund Trophy as the league's best goalie duo.

Hammond backstopped the Vipers to the RBC Cup when it was hosted by Victoria in 2009.

Stingrays Release Former Viper Elser:

The East Coast Hockey League's (ECHL) South Carolina Stingrays have released former Vernon Vipers forward Brian Elser.  The Stingrays signed Elser on February, 6th 2013 before releasing him on February, 27th 2013.  No official press release from the Stingrays but it's posted on the Transactions page on the ECHL website.  In seven games with South Carolina Elser collected (1-1-2).  Elser is now eligible for waivers/waiver claims by any ECHL team or can return to the Southern Professional League's (SPHL) Fayetteville FireAntz.

Elser started the season with the Southern Professional League's (SPHL) Fayetteville FireAntz playing in 22 games collecting (9-8-17) before being called up to the East Coast Hockey League's (ECHL) Gwinnett Gladiators. The Gladiators signed Elser on January, 15th 2013 to a one game contract before returning Elser to the SPHL Fayetteville FireAntz after playing just one game. 

The Vipers scouted Elser who was 18 at the time, at the U.S. Midget championships in Buffalo. Elser attended the 2008-2009 Vipers training camp making the Vipers opening day roster before being traded on September, 12th 2008 to the AJHL Drayton Valley Thunder for future considerations (cash) and a player to be named next year. In two games with the Vipers Elser collected one assist. Rumor was Elser didnt report to the Thunder and his rights were given back to Vernon. On August, 7th 2009 the Vipers traded Elser and future considerations to Victoria for Jonathan Milhouse.

Brian Elser's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=47131