Devils Sign Former Viper Pelley To Minor League Contract:

The New Jersey Devils have signed former Vernon
Vipers forward Rod Pelley to a minor league contract.  Pelley played last season in the American Hockey league (AHL) with the Norfolk Admirals.  In 60 games Pelley collected (3-7-10).  Pelley spent close to five years in New Jersey with the Devils before being traded to the Anaheim Ducks in 2011-2012.  Pelley played just part of one season in Vernon (2001-2002) was traded to the Vipers during the 2001-2002 season from the Prince George Spruce Kings. Pelley played in just 19 regular season games with the Vipers collecting (10-8-18).

Rod Pelley's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=69096 

This was posted on NJ.com

Devils signed Rod Pelley, Cam Janssen to minor league contracts

By Rich Chere/The Star-Ledger

July 09, 2013

The Devils have signed Rod Pelley and Cam Janssen to minor league contracts.
Pelley, who played five seasons for the Devils, traded to Anaheim on Dec. 12, 2011, along with Mark Fraser and a draft pick for Kurtis Foster and Tim Pielmeier. In 211 games for the Devils he scored 26 points (seven goals, 19 assists) with 93 penalty minutes.

Janssen, 29, spent most of last season at Albany (AHL). In four NHL games for the Devils he had no points with two penalty minutes.

The popular Janssen, a native of St. Louis, has one goal and one assist in 147 career games with the Devils. He also has 282 PIM.

Over his NHL career, with the Devils and Blues, Janssen has 3-8-11 with 752 penalty minutes in 312 games.

Former Viper Soleway Leaves Vees For University:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Jedd Soleway is leaving the 
Penticton Vees a year early to play for the University of Wisconsin this coming season.  Soleway committed to the Badgers for the 2014-15 season but has agreed to join the University a year early.  Soleway played a season and a half in Vernon (2011-2012) before being traded to Penticton in his second season with the Vipers on December 5th 2012 for forward Dexter Dancs. In 26 games with the Vipers last year Soleway collected (5-12-17) while In 22 games with the Vees last season Soleway collected (14-15-29). Soleway was drafted 193rd overall in the 7th Round by the Phoenix Coyotes back in June. Soleway was also drafted 227th overall in the 16th Round by the United States Hockey League (USHL) Tri-City Storm back in May. Soleway attended the Chicago Blackhawks Pre-Draft combine back on June 8th and 9th.  Soleway recently attended the Phoenix Coyotes development camp July 8-11th.

Jedd Soleway's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=102264

This is posted on the Badgers website:

Soleway to join men's hockey for 2013-14

Fourth incoming frosh signs National Letter of Intent

May 29, 2013

MADISON, Wis. -- The first thought that may come to mind this fall, should one run into the latest Wisconsin men's hockey signee, is that he got lost on the way to Camp Randall Stadium and somehow ended up at the Kohl Center.

The 6-2, 208-pound Jedd Soleway casts an imposing figure and looks more like a linebacker than an ice skating hockey forward. 

"Jedd is a power forward," says Wisconsin men's hockey head coach Mike Eaves. "He has a really good presence in the corners and in front of the net. He is also very good on faceoffs."

Soleway used his size to a stellar second-half of the season last year with the Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League. The right-handed shot joined the Vees after a midseason trade from the Vernon Vipers. He totaled 19 goals and 46 points in 48 regular-season games for the season, posting 14 of those goals and 29 of those points in 22 games with Penticton. He helped the squad to an Interior Division title. He had five goals and 17 points in 26 games with Vernon.

Penticton made the BCHL playoffs, where Soleway tied for ninth in the league with 11 points in 15 games. He tallied five goals, including one power-play goal and a game-winner during the team's playoff run. The team reached the BCHL championship, but fell to the Surrey Eagles.

During the 2011-12 campaign with Vernon, Soleway finished with 13 goals and 25 points in 58 contests.

A Vernon, British Columbia native, Soleway is the fourth student-athlete to sign a National Letter of Intent for the 2013-14 school year. He joins forwards Grant Besse (Plymouth, Minn.) and Corbin McGuire (Ridgefield, Conn.), as well as defenseman Tim Davison (De Pere, Wis.), among those who have signed at Wisconsin as part of the incoming class.

Don Klepp Awarded The Duncan Jamieson Award:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Congratulations to Don Klepp

Monday, July 29, 2013 - Submitted by Vipers Staff

Special Congratulations to Don Klepp, Vipers Education Adviser, on being awarded the Duncan Jamieson Award for his outstanding volunteerism and dedication to the game of hockey.

This award was presented by the BCHHF to Don in Penticton on Friday, July 26.

The Vipers are very proud of Don who has been part of the Vipers organization since 2005. He helps our players achieve their educational goals in courses transferable to CIS and NCAA schools. Don also is a chairman on the RBC Cup Committee for the 2014 Championship to be held in our home barn, Kal Tire Place.

To read on the Duncan Jamieson Award visit http://www.bchhf.com/Duncan%20Jamieson.htm

Sharks Sign Former Vipers Defenceman Bigos:

The American Hockey League (AHL) Worcester Sharks have signed former Vernon Vipers defenceman Kyle Bigos to a one year contract.  The Edmonton Oilers traded Bigos to San Jose for Lee Moffie on July 7th 2013.  Bigos finished his fourth and final year at Merrimack College last season. In 30 regular season games Bigos collected (4-7-11). Bigos played two seasons in Vernon (2007-2009) collecting (10-40-50) in 166 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. Bigos attended the Oilers Developement Camp two out of the last three years.

Kyle Bigos's Player Profile:

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


This is posted on the Sharks website:

Worcester Sharks sign four players to AHL Deals

July 16, 2013

Kyle Bigos, Jimmy Bonneau, Riley Brace, and Lane Scheidl all signed for 2013-14 season

Worcester, MA – Worcester Sharks (@WorcesterSharks) general manager Joe Will announced today that the Worcester Sharks have signed forwards Jimmy Bonneau, Riley Brace, and Lane Scheidl along with defenseman Kyle Bigos to one year AHL contracts for the 2013-14 season. Per club policy terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Veteran forward Jimmy Bonneau (@JimmyBonneau) returns for his third season with the Worcester Sharks. The 28-year-old from Baie-Comeau, PQ has played 80 games over two seasons with the Sharks recording six points (1-5-6) and 249 penalty minutes. Bonneau (6-3,225lbs) has skated in 274 AHL games with Hamilton, Portland, Rochester, and Worcester accumulating 22 points (6-16-22), 802 penalty minutes, and 105 fighting majors.

“Jimmy is a top notch leader and quality person that sticks up for his teammates,” said Joe Will. “Bonneau is a fan favorite that adds a veteran presence and leads by example with hard work and determination.”

Rookie forward Riley Brace (@RBrace25) enters his first full season with the Worcester Sharks after spending the last five seasons with Mississauga (OHL). The 21-year-old from Ottawa, ON is the all-time leader in games played (304) for Mississauga, is tied for the franchise lead in points (89-145-234), and added 264 penalty minutes.  Last season, Brace (5-11,185lbs) led Mississauga in assists (52), points (73) and penalty minutes (89) before skating in eight games with the Worcester Sharks where he recorded six points (3-3-6) and two penalty minutes.

“Riley is a skilled, competitive, smart player that plays with an edge and impressed the Sharks staff in Worcester last season,” said Joe Will. “We look forward to Brace developing his skills in Worcester as he begins his professional career.”

Rookie forward Lane Scheidl (@LSceidl92) enters his first full season with the Worcester Sharks after spending the last five seasons in the WHL with Vancouver, Red Deer, and Regina. The 21-year-old from Saskatoon, SK led the Regina Pats last season in goals (41), 2nd in assists (39), 1st in points (80) and played in all 72 games. Scheidl (5-11,190lbs) was named the Pats Player of the Year and the Three Stars Award Winner last season before suiting up in 11 games with the Worcester Sharks (1-1-2).

“Lane was the go-to guy last season in Regina,” said Joe Will. “Scheidl is strong, skilled, and very smart with and without the puck. He played extremely well in his short stint in Worcester last season and we look forward to his development next season.”

Rookie defenseman Kyle Bigos (@BigosK) enters his first season with the Worcester Sharks after spending the last four seasons with Merrimack College (HE) where he recorded 47 points (14-33-47) in 133 games. The 24-year-old from Upland, CA was originally drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in 2009 with the 99th pick overall. Bigos (6-5,235lbs) recorded 11 points (4-7-11) and 111 penalty minutes last season with Merrimack and was acquired by the San Jose Sharks from the Edmonton Oilers on July 6th in exchange for forward Lee Moffie.

“Kyle is a big, strong defenseman that is full of character,” said Joe Will. “The San Jose Sharks traded for him from Edmonton as he brings a lot of potential to the Sharks blue line.”

The Sharks 8th home opener at the newly renovated DCU Center will be on Saturday, October 19th! The only way you can secure your tickets for opening night is to purchase a season ticket package, book a group, or score an Opening Night T-Shirt Pack!

Stingrays Add Former Vipers Brodie & Bishop To Teams Season-Ending Roster:

On June 17th 2013 the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) announced the Season-Ending Rosters as submitted by each of its member teams. The ECHL South Carolina Stingrays have twenty players listed on their season ending roster list, two of the twenty players are former Vernon Vipers forward Hunter Bishop & former Vernon Vipers defenceman Cameron Brodie.

Bishop is currently playing with the American Hockey League's (AHL) Manchester Monarchs. Bishop started last season with East Coast Hockey League's (ECHL) South Carolina Stingrays before signing a (PTO) Professional Tryout Contract with the Monarchs on February 22nd 2013 where he finished the season. In 24 regular season games with the Monarchs Bishop collected (3-2-5).

Bishop signed with South Carolina on October, 1st 2012. In 48 games last season with South Carolina Bishop collected (24-25-49). This was Bishops third trip to the AHL last season after the Stingrays loaned Bishop to the AHL Lake Erie Monsters on January, 8th 2013 before returning to South Carolina on January, 18th 2013. Bishop went pointless in three games with the Monsters. On January, 25th 2013 the AHL Rochester Americans signed Bishop to a (PTO) Professional Tryout Contract. Bishop was released a day later after playing in just one game with the Americans.

Bishop played parts of the last three years with the ECHL Wheeling Nailers & the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs before missing the entire 2011-12 season with an undisclosed injury. Bishop played parts of three seasons in Vernon (2005-2008). Bishop left Vernon after two seasons and played in just four games at the University of North Dakota during the 2006-07 season before returning to Vernon during the Christmas break playing the remainder of the 2006-07 season playing his final season with the Vipers (2007-2008) before playing the next two years at Ohio State University. In 140 regular season games with the Vipers Bishop collected (93-84-177). On March. 18th 2010 the Montreal Canadiens signed Bishop as a free agent to a two year contract. Bishop attended the Habs training camp the last three seasons before being sent down to the American Hockey League's Hamilton Bulldogs.

Hunter Bishop's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=80970

Brodie started last season with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Stockton Thunder before being traded on January 25th 2013 to South Carolina. Brodie was in his third season with the Thunder before the trade. In 30 games last 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 picked up (0-2-2). Brodie played parts of one season in Vernon (2008-2009) after being aquired from the Coquitlam Express at the 2009 BCHL trade deadline.

Cameron Brodie's Player Profile:

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

This is posted on the Stingrays website:

Stingrays Release 2012-13 Season-Ending Roster

By: Joseph Zakrzewski

North Charleston, S.C. – The South Carolina Stingrays, proud ECHL affiliate of the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League, announced today the team’s Season-Ending Roster.

The team’s season-ending roster of players include: goaltender Ryan Zapolski, defensemen Ryan Grimshaw, Scooter Vaughan, Luka Vidmar, Damon Kipp, Cameron Brodie, Ryan Lowery and Kevin Quick and forwards Brett Olson, Alex MacLeod, Andrew Cherniwchan, Eric Alexander, Robby Dee, Patrick Gaul, Jay Silvia, Peter Boyd, Chris Langkow, Tyler McNeely, Hunter Bishop and Justin Maylan.

Season-Ending Rosters may include up to 20 players. Season-Ending Rosters cannot include any players who did not sign an ECHL contract in 2012-13.

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 2013-14 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.

Adam Tambellini Interview:

Surrey Eagles play by play man Brendan Batchelor interviews former Vernon Vipers forward Adam Tambellini after the NHL Draft.  Tambellini was drafted 64th overall in the 3rd Round by the New York Rangers at the 2013 NHL Draft.

Tambellini was recruited by the Vipers.  Started the 2011-12 season in Vernon before being traded to Surrey on the BCHL trade deadline in January along with Michael Roberts for Mason Blacklock, Jordan Klimek and Demico Hannoun. In 52 games with the Vipers & Eagles last season Tambellini collected (36-30-65). Tambellini is off to the University of North Dakota this coming season.

Adam Tambellini's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=103529

Adam Tambellini Interview:

http://surreyeaglesinsider.blogspot.ca/2013/07/adam-tambellini-interview-july-3-2013.html

Miller Signs Off From Vernon Viper Airwaves:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Miller signs off from Vernon Viper airwaves

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

Published: July 26, 2013

Todd Miller has been calling Vernon Viper hockey games since current head coach Jason Williamson was captain.

But after more than 1,000 B.C. Hockey League games, Miller is signing off the airwaves and relinquishing his role as the voice of the Vipers.

The long-time play-by-play man will now refocus his efforts on the organization’s business operations in his role as assistant general manager and alternate governor.

The shuffle will allow Miller to dedicate himself solely to the Vipers’ day-to-day operations, including everything from game-night operations to sponsorship and promotions to ticketing and security to coordinating volunteers.

With Vernon hosting the RBC Cup national Junior A championships in May, Miller said it will be important to make sure everything is running smoothly during the lead-up.

“We definitely have some room for improvement in business operations,” said Miller. “We’ll have the opportunity to make some changes and have more bodies help us with some of the issues that we’ve had.

“Like any coach will tell you, there’s room for improvement for the on-ice product. The same goes for the off-ice product.”

Added Williamson: “We’re going into a season where we’re going to be under the microscope the whole time. There’s a lot of things in the office that he takes care of. He’ll make sure it runs smoothly so I don’t have to worry about it.”

One of the main reasons for Miller’s decision to step back was his family. He has two young sons – Tanner, four, and nine-month-old Ty – who he would like to see more of. That can’t happen when he’s on the road with the Snakes, sometimes returning from trips in the middle of the night.

“I owe it to my boys to spend more time with them,” said Miller.

“My wife (Tiffany) was one of the people that wanted me to continue with play-by-play. She was playing devil’s advocate to make sure I was ready  to make this decision.”

Miller jumpstarted his play-by-play career with the Merritt Centennials in 1998, moving to the Viper den in 2003, the same year Cents’ agitator Luke Pierce was traded to Vernon.

He still recalls the infamous brawl in the hall between the Cents and Vipers in the final regular-season game of the 2002-03 season in Vernon. The game wasn’t even over and both teams started warring in the players’ tunnel, coaches and all.

Miller is probably one of the only people who heard the story from both sides.

Despite the monotony and cramped legs that come with time on the road, Miller said he will miss travelling with the Vipers. The camaraderie that comes from bussing about with a close-knit, fun-loving bunch of teenagers is truly a unique experience.

“There’s plenty that I will miss for sure,” said Miller. “There are things about the road you definitely enjoy.”

Of all the games he called, Miller said the Vipers’ three straight appearances in the RBC Cup final are his most memorable. The first time in particular.

He can still recall the 2009 final between Vernon and Humboldt at Victoria’s Bear Mountain Arena, and watching the towering Kyle Bigos dangle through pretty much the entire Bronco defence to score the goal of the tournament.

“That was the insurance marker,” said Miller. “Up to that point the game was in limbo.

“When you get to that point, you’re not calling the game on what you see, you’re calling it on pure emotion.

“There’s something extra special about getting up in the press box and calling a game and relaying that to listeners.”

Miller is one of a handful of BCHL announcers capable of calling a game with passion, but without letting his home-team bias get in the way. Those are some of the traits Williamson will be looking for in Miller’s replacement.

“Play by play is huge,” said Williamson. “We have such a loyal following and we have to keep them excited about Viper hockey when we’re not home.

“Todd did such a good job of keeping fans in tune. It’ll be important we find the right guy and keep the standard that Todd for held for 10-plus years.”

The Vipers are now accepting applications for a new broadcaster. Resumes and demos can be e-mailed to todd@vipers.bc.ca.

Meanwhile, Vipers appear to have fully addressed their surplus of 20-year-old players.

Williamson dealt 1993-born forward Liam Board to the Georgetown Raiders of the OJHL for future considerations Wednesday afternoon. The move leaves Vernon with six 20-year-old players, the maximum allowed by the B.C. Hockey League.

Board, a Burlington, Ont. native, recorded five goals and 10 assists in 33 games with Vernon. He started the season with the Prince George Spruce Kings, where he posted 5-9-14 in 23 games.

The Vipers’ remaining 20s include forwards Colton Sparrow and Brendan Persley, defencemen Jason Bird, Josh Bryan and Ryan Renz, and netminder Austin Smith.

Former Vipers Defenceman Mac Ferner Commits To Warriors:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Mac Ferner has
committed to the West Kelowna Warriors for the 2013-14 BCHL season.  Ferner played last year with the KIJHL North Okanagan Knights. In 44 games with the Knights Ferner collected (9-18-27).  Ferner also played in four games as an "AP" with the Warriors last season.  Mac Ferner the son of former Vernon Vipers Head Coach-GM Mark Ferner attended the 2011-12 Vernon Vipers Spring Camp & Training Camp before being cut. 

Mac Ferner's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=147329

This is posted on the Warriors website:

WARRIORS NAME 3 BC PROSPECTS

Thursday, July 11, 2013

The Warriors are pleased to announce the signing of three prospects for the 2013-14 BCHL season.

Liam Blackburn (Prince George Cairboo Cougars), Mackenzie Ferner (North Okanagan Knights), and Brett Mennear (Okanagan Rockets).

Blackburn(96), a Prince George native, played in 40 games last year for the Major Midget team and tallied 35 goal, and 50 assists.  He was second in BCMML scoring during the regular season.  He added 4 goals, and 5 assists, in 4 playoff games.

“Liam finished second in Major Midget scoring, and is a highly skilled young player,” adds Warriors Head Coach/GM Rylan Ferster.  “His vision, and playmaking ability, is fantastic. He was also one of the best players at our Spring Camp this past year.”

“I chose to come to West Kelowna because it’s a great city,” says Blackburn.  “The Warriors have great talent for next year, and there are lots of scouts in the area.”

Ferner (95), is from Vernon, and the 6’1 defenseman played for the North Okanagan Knights last year in the KIJHL.  He put up solid numbers with 9 goals, and 18 assists, in 44 games played.  He also had 124 penalty minutes.

“Mackenzie is a player I have paid close attention to the last couple of years,” says Ferster.  “He has steadily gotten better.  He was a key piece to the Knights drive to the KIJHL finals.  His battle and compete level is second to none. In the 4 games he played for us last year he made good decisions, and fit in very well.”

Mennear (96), a West Kelowna product, looks to be another Hometown Hero for the Warriors.  Last season he finished 10th in BCMML scoring playing for the local Okanagan Rockets.  Brett played in 38 games while scoring 24 goals, and 31 assists.

“Brett is no stranger to our program,” adds Ferster.  “He is a local West Kelowna guy that’s been an affiliate player for us.  He is a competitive two way player and plays well at both ends of the rink.  With the departure of Max French (former Captain – Bentley 2013) it`s nice to have a local player on board”

The Warriors are excited about the additions of three BC born players, and will be welcoming all of them to the organization mid-August before Training Camp begins.

Vernon-Georgetown Trade:

This is posted on the Morning Star website:

Vipers send Board to Ontario

Published: July 24, 2013

The Vernon Vipers appear to have fully addressed their surplus of 20-year-old players.

Head coach/GM Jason Williamson dealt 1993-born forward Liam Board to the Georgetown Raiders of the OJHL for future considerations Wednesday afternoon. The move leaves Vernon with six 20-year-old players, the maximum allowed by the B.C. Hockey League.

Board, a Burlington, Ont. native, recorded five goals and 10 assists in 33 games with Vernon. He started the season with the Prince George Spruce Kings, where he posted 5-9-14 in 23 games.

The Vipers' remaining 20s include forwards Colton Sparrow and Brendan Persley, defencemen Jason Bird, Josh Bryan and Ryan Renz, and netminder Austin Smith.

Miller Steps Aside As Vipers Broadcaster:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Miller Steps Aside as Broadcaster

Wednesday, July 24, 2013 - Submitted by Viper Staff

The Vernon Vipers would like to announce a re-structure within the organization.  Long time broadcaster and Business Operations Director Todd Miller is stepping down as broadcaster for the coming season but will continue to serve as the club’s Assistant General Manager and Alternate Governor.

Miller will turn his focus more to the overall business operation of the club on a day to day basis as well as continuing his current duties.  Todd has been with the Vipers since August 2003 and has called play by play in the BCHL since 1998.

“This was not an easy decision for me however one that I felt I needed to make.  With so many different things happening this coming season and so much focus on the club I believed it was time for me to really concentrate on some of those other items.”

“Duncan Wray has been very good through this process and I look forward to continuing my work with the hockey club.  I always enjoyed the broadcasts and will miss my time in the booth but with a young family at home this decision makes sense for me right now.  I would again like to thank Duncan and the Vipers for this opportunity and I look forward to the coming season.”

The Vernon Vipers are now accepting applications for the position of broadcaster.  Resumes and demos can be e-mailed to todd@vipers.bc.ca

For more information please call the Vernon Vipers Office at 250-542-6022.

Klimek Leaves Viper Den For Saints:

This was in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Klimek leaves Viper den for Dubuque Fighting Saints

Published: July 24, 2013

The Vernon Vipers’ defensive prospect list just got one name shorter.

Jordan Klimek, who was headed to the Viper den as part of the trade that sent Adam Tambellini to the Fred Page Cup champion Surrey Eagles, is reported to have joined the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the United States Hockey League.

Vernon also collected forwards Mason Blacklock and Demico Hannoun in the Tambellini deal, which saw Michael Roberts, a Vernon native, head to Surrey.

Klimek, a 5-foot-11, 165-pounder, recorded six goals and 23 assists in 52 games with Surrey last season.

With Vernon hosting the national Junior A championships this season, Klimek’s decision left Vipers’ head coach/GM Jason Williamson a little puzzled.

“If you’re hosting a Royal Bank Cup, there’s not much more you can offer,” said Williamson, who noted the Vipers will receive future considerations from Dubuque as part of an agreement between the two leagues.

“Kids have options and kids are jumping to higher levels. If you don’t want be here, we’ll move on.”

Viper camp begins Monday, Aug. 19.

Armstrong’s Dylan Chanter, who played the last two seasons with the Merritt Centennials, is also said to be joining the Saints, who will begin the 2013-14 season overseas by competing in the Junior Club World Cup, an international tournament, Aug. 24-31, in Omsk, Russia.

The 6-foot-3 Chanter registered 33 points (11-22) in 109 career BCHL games, and is committed to the University of New Hampshire. He turns 18 in September.

Meanwhile, former Viper blueliner Kyle Bigos has signed a one-year contract with the San Jose Sharks, and will be assigned to their AHL affiliate in Worcester, Mass. for the coming season.

Bigos graduated this spring after spending the last four years with the NCAA Division 1 Merrimack Warriors. The 24-year-old Upland, Calif. product posted 14-33-47 and 457 penalty minutes in 133 career games with the Warriors.

He was selected 99th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2009 Entry Draft.

Eagles Aquire Former Vernon Viper Chore From OJHL:

The Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) Oakville Blades have traded former Vernon Vipers forward Eric
Chore to the Surrey Eagles .  In 43 games last season with the Blades Chore collected (7-6-13).  Chore played in six games as an "AP" with the 2011-12 Vernon Vipers picking up (1-1-2).

Eric Chore's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=102465

This is posted on the Eagles website:

Eagles Trade For Pair of Twins

Monday, July 8, 2013 - Submitted by Brendan Batchelor

For immediate release: July 8, 2013

Surrey, BC - The Surrey Eagles Hockey Club announced on Monday that the team has acquired forwards Jonah Renouf ('94), Nathan Renouf ('94), Patrick Chore ('93) and Eric Chore ('93) from the Oakville Blades of the Ontario Junior Hockey League in exchange for goaltender Glenn Ferguson ('94), the playing rights to Devon Toews ('94), Michael Santaguida ('93) and Michael Stenerson ('93) and future considerations.

"We've lost some forwards from last year's team to NCAA schools, so we're excited to be acquiring some great skill guys who have put up great numbers in Ontario," said Eagles President, General Manager and Head Coach Peter Schaefer. "We hope they'll help out our power play as well, and we're very excited to have these young men join our organization."

The Renouf brothers hail from Mississauga, Ontario. Jonah finished second in OJHL scoring in the 2012-2013 season with 29 goals and 65 assists in 53 games while Nathan was sixth in league scoring, tallying 21 goals and 56 assists in 54 games. In the playoffs, the Renoufs combined for 11 points in six games as the Blades were eliminated by the North York Rangers in the first round. Both brothers have committed to attend Quinnipiac University for the 2014-2015 season.

The Chores are Kelowna natives who will return to their home province to play for the Eagles. Both brothers spent time with the North Okanagan Knights of the KIJHL for parts of two seasons from 2010-2012 and both had stints in the BCHL before heading to Ontario to start the 2012-2013 season. Patrick played 37 games for the Prince George Spruce Kings in 2011-2012 while Eric has suited up in 10 BCHL games split between the Spruce Kings and the Vernon Vipers.

Ferguson heads to Ontario after appearing in nine games for the Birds in the 2012-2013 season, posting a record of 4-5-0. While their playing rights have been transferred, Stenerson, Toews and Santaguida have all completed their junior careers and will be starting at NCAA schools in the fall.

The Eagles would like to welcome Jonah, Nathan, Patrick and Eric to the organization while wishing Glenn the best of luck in his future endeavours.

Vipers Forward Board & Former Vipers Goaltender Young Play In 2013 Chowder Cup:

Pro-Am Hockey’s annual 2013 Chowder Cup tournament was held over the weekend South of Boston MA. (July 18-21st)  Vernon Vipers forward Liam Board suited up for Canada West (Creme) and former Vernon Vipers goaltender Joe Young played for the Boston Generals.

Chowder Cup website:

http://www.proamhockey.com/2013-chowder-cup-s11990

Joe Young finished his first season with the EJHL Boston Junior Bruins. Young played in 11 games last season posting a 2.71 GAA. Young was recruited by the Vipers winning the backup position last season with the Vipers over Danny Todosychuk. Todosychuk was released. After playing in just two games going 0-1 with a 4.35 GAA Young was put on the trade block while the Vipers brought back Todosychuk after playing in the KIJHL. No official word on if Young was traded or released by Vernon before signing with the Bruins. Young has committed to Union College for 2014-15.

Joe Young's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=189901

Boston Generals Roster:

http://www.proamhockey.com/stats/roster.php?step=&sub=&season_id=69&division_id=0&tournament_id=0&team_id=1733

Liam Board finished his first season with the Vipers last year after coming over from the Prince George Spruce Kings. The Spruce Kings sent Board to Vernon on November 22nd 2012 for Kevin Guiltinan and future considerations. In 33 games last season with the Vipers Board collected (5-10-15).

Liam Board's Player Profile:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=378210&playerID=914174

Canada West (Creme) Roster

http://www.proamhockey.com/stats/roster.php?step=&sub=&season_id=69&division_id=0&tournament_id=0&team_id=1737

Joe Young and the Generals opened the Chowder Cup on Thursday July 18th defeating the New England Nordiques Jr A 4-1. Young was on the bench as Yoshi Kuroiwa picked up the win between the pipes.

Gamesheet

http://www.proamhockey.com/stats/official-game-report.php?game_id=3675

Game Summary

http://www.proamhockey.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=3675

Liam Board and Canada West (Creme) opened the Chowder Cup on Thursday July 18th come out with a 4-4 draw vs the New England Thrashers (Jr A).  Board went pointless in his opening game.

Game Sheet

http://www.proamhockey.com/stats/official-game-report.php?game_id=3683

Game Summary

http://www.proamhockey.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=3683

Canada West (Creme) picked up their first victory at the Chowder Cup after a 5-2 win over the Wilkes Barre Miners on Friday July 19th. Liam Board chipped in with one goal.

Game Sheet

http://www.proamhockey.com/stats/official-game-report.php?game_id=3738

Game Summary

http://www.proamhockey.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=3738

The Boston Generals went to 2-0 in the Chowder Cup with a 5-0 win over East Coast Militia on Saturday July 20th. Young split the duties with Yoshi Kuroiwa as both goaltenders played twenty five minutes.  Young made 15 saves on 15 shots.

Gamesheet

http://www.proamhockey.com/stats/official-game-report.php?game_id=3778

Game Summary

http://www.proamhockey.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=3778

The Generals improved to 3-0 at the Chowder Cup after a 13-2 victory over the Rochester Ice Hawks Saturday July 20th.  No stats were given for either goaltenders.

Gamesheet

http://www.proamhockey.com/stats/official-game-report.php?game_id=3758

Game Summary

http://www.proamhockey.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=3758

Canada West with their second win at the Chawder Cup come away with a 6-1 victory over the Avitators Junior Selects (Black) on Saturday July 20th in their final game. Board went pointless in todays game.

Game Sheet

http://www.proamhockey.com/stats/official-game-report.php?game_id=3799

Game Summary

http://www.proamhockey.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=3799

The Generals dropped their first game of the Chowder Cup and were eliminated from the Preliminary Round of the Playoffs after a 2-1 loss to the CC Cougars (Jr A) on Sunday July 21st.  Joe Young was on the bench as Yoshi Kuroiwa took the loss.  

Gamesheet

http://www.proamhockey.com/stats/official-game-report.php?game_id=3841

Game Summary

http://www.proamhockey.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=3841

Klimek Leaves Vipers For USHL:

Thanks to Brian Wiebe for contacting me yesterday with the
news that Vernon Vipers defenceman Jordan Klimek has joined the USHL Dubuque Fighting Saints.  Klimek was part of the Vipers-Surrey trade that took part last season at the BCHL trade deadline.  The Vipers sent forwards Adam Tambellini & Michael Roberts to the Eagles in return for forward Mason Blacklock, defenceman Jordan Klimek and d-man Demico Hannoun.

Jordan Klimek's Player Profile:

http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_profile.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&teamID=378210&playerID=823972

This is posted on the Saints Roster:

Dubuque Fighting Saints Name Junior Club World Cup Roster

Thursday July 11, 2013

24 players, including eight returners, to international tournament in Omsk, Russia

by Zack Fisch, Dubuque Fighting Saints

The Dubuque Fighting Saints will begin the 2013-2014 campaign overseas, and today the club announced the group of 24 players that will be making the trip across the globe. The Fighting Saints have named its roster for the 2013 Junior Club World Cup, an international tournament in Omsk, Russia on August 24-31 that brings together eight of the world’s top junior hockey teams, each from different countries.

“It was obviously a tough decision to get to 24 players for our trip to Russia, and there are still decisions to be made down the road,” said Fighting Saints Head Coach and General Manager Matt Shaw. “On this trip, we are going to go over and learn about each other. It’s a good group with the ability to go over and be competitive and answer any questions that may be had about our team.”

The Fighting Saints roster features eight players returning from the 2012-2013 Clark Cup and Anderson Cup championship team including goaltender Arthur Brey. The Yorba Linda, California native was among the USHL’s statistical leaders last season, racking up a 24-6-4 record with a 2.22 goals against average and a .904 save percentage. Brey helped lead Dubuque to a Clark Cup title by going 9-1-0 in the playoffs with a sparkling 1.65 GAA and .935 SV%. Brey’s goaltending partner Christian Frey also returns after going 7-2-2 last season.

Forwards Seamus Malone, Jarrid Privitera, Karson Kuhlman, and Dylan Gambrell are all back for another year with the Fighting Saints. Gambrell led the returning forwards with 27 points last season while Malone and Privitera both had 26 points. Kuhlman looks to continue his strong push made during the playoffs. After arriving in Dubuque following his high school season in Minnesota, Kuhlman adjusted to USHL play with one goal and eight assists in 16 regular season games. In the postseason, Kuhlman scored four goals and added two assists in 11 contests.

On the blueline, Dubuque’s roster for the Junior Club World Cup features a pair of returning players. Keegan Ford put together an impressive rookie season with Dubuque in 2012-2013, registering four goals and 12 assists for 16 points, to go along with 94 penalty minutes in 43 games. The scrappy blueliner will be complimented by Phil Boje, who also returns for Dubuque. The Shoreview, Minnesota native had a goal and three assists for Dubuque in 48 games. Boje can also play forward.

"It’s very important to have that group of eight returning," said Shaw. "A lot of the championship returners are still young guys. They have earned the right to play, and they have experience coming back to help our team grow.”

One of the team’s top new additions is forward Shane Eiserman who was an affiliate player last season for Dubuque. Eiserman spent the 2012-2013 season with Team USA and in 22 USHL games he tallied four goals and three assists for seven points. Overall with Team USA U-18 he notched 21 points in 56 games. He is committed to the University of New Hampshire. Other previous affiliate list players advancing to Dubuque’s roster for the Omsk trip includes forward Jason Ford, Keegan’s older brother who skated in five games for Dubuque last year, defenseman Matt McArdle from Shattuck St. Marys, and forwards Andrew Gaus and Jacob Benson who both had stints for Dubuque last season.

New additions to the team include several top selections from the 2013 USHL Draft. Dubuque’s 1st Round selection in the Phase I draft, forward Gordie Green from Ann Arbor, Michigan, will skate for Dubuque. Eric Robinson, a 3rd Round selection (via Sioux Falls) in Phase II of the draft, is also featured on the roster.

Dubuque’s blueline will also be bolstered by 2013 draft picks Blake Hillman and import players Dylan Chanter and Jordan Klimek. Chanter brings his veteran experience, and 6-foot-3 frame, south of the border after spending a pair of seasons with Merritt of the British Columbia Hockey League. During his time in the BCHL, the native of Armstrong, British Columbia put up 11 goals and 22 assists from the blueline. In 2012-2013, he struck for nine goals and added another tally in the playoffs. Chanter is committed to the University of New Hampshire and was Dubuque's 5th Round selection in Phase II this past year. Klimek is another highly touted blueliner from Canada who played in the BCHL. With South Surrey, Klimek scored six goals and added 17 assists for 23 points. The Langley, British Columbia native was Dubuque's 10th Round selection in Phase II in the 2013 USHL Draft.

Dubuque has also added a pair of veteran players who were born in 1993. Defenseman Alexx Privitera, older brother of Jarrid, was acquired from Muskegon after leaving Boston University where he spent two seasons. He was an Eastern Conference All-Star in the USHL with Muskegon in 2011 and scored 34 points for the Lumberjacks that year. The addition of Alexx, plus the influx of players such as Chanter and Klimek will help Dubuque rebuild its strong defense that was a trademark last season.

Another 1993 born player joining Dubuque is talented forward Matt Marcinew who scored racked up 33 goals and 25 assists for 58 points last season in the Alberta Junior Hockey League in 59 games split between Lloydminster and Olds. Marcinew hails from Calgary, Alberta.

The Fighting Saints will depart for Russia on August 20. The team will travel to Moscow where they are slated to play an exhibition game prior to flying to Omsk. In the Junior Club World Cup, Dubuque will play HC Riga from Latvia, the Vitkovice Steel from the Czech Republic, and the hometown Omsk Hawks in pool play.

The Fighting Saints are coming off a team best 45-11-8 season that saw them claim the Anderson Cup, the USHL's regular season title, as well as the earn the Clark Cup championship with a 3-0 series sweep of the Fargo Force in the Final. Information on how to follow the team in Russia, as well as a complete 2013-2014 season schedule will be available in the near future.

Dubuque Fighting Saints Roster for 2013 Junior Club World Cup

Goaltenders
Arthur Brey                  6-0        155       2/12/1994          Yorba Linda, CA
Christian Frey              5-10      185       6/12/1993          Arlington, TX
Hayden Stewart            6-2        184       9/22/1994          Rockford, IL

Defensemen

Phil Boje                      5-10      190       4/13/1994          Shoreview, MN
Dylan Chanter              6-3        200       9/17/1995          Armstrong, BC
Keegan Ford                5-9        180       5/30/1996          Waunakee, WI
Blake Hillman               6-1        155       1/26/1996          Elk River, MN
Jordan Klimek              5-10      150       8/18/1995          Langley, BC
Matt McArdle                6-0        180       7/11/1995          Annapolis, MD
Alexx Privitera              5-11      195       1/18/1993          Old Tappan, NJ

Forwards

Jacob Benson              5-10      182       2/1/1996            Grand Forks, ND
Brett Boeing                 5-7        154       1/14/1995          Barrington, IL
Rob Darrar                   5-10      185       7/30/1994          Monroe Township, NJ
Shane Eiserman           6-1        180       10/10/1995        West Newbury, NH
Jason Ford                   6-0        180       6/2/1994            Waunakee, WI
Dylan Gambrell            5-11      178       8/26/1996          Bonney Lake, WA
Andrew Gaus               5-11      165       2/23/1995          Wexford, PA
Gordie Green               5-7        143       2/24/1997          Ann Arbor, MI
Shane Kavanagh          5-11      185       1/5/1995            E. Providence, RI
Karson Kuhlman          5-10      165       9/26/1995          Cloquet, MN
Seamus Malone           5-10      160       5/6/1996            Naperville, IL
Matt Marcinew              5-9        177       10/7/1993          Calgary, AB
Jarrid Privitera             5-5        150       7/19/1994          Old Tappan, NJ
Eric Robinson              6-1        170       6/14/1995          Bellmawr, NJ  

Two Down, One To Go:

The Vernon Vipers started this off season with nine 20 yr olds, well after two trades the Vipers are now down to seven 20 yr olds, meaning the team still has to trade or release another twenty year old before the start of the season. 

Over the summer the Vipers traded 20 yr old defenceman Geoff Crisfield to the AJHL Spruce Grove Saints for future considerations before trading 20 yr old forward Braeden Russell last week to the Powell River Kings for future considerations.

So the big question....  Who is next? 

Here is a look at the Vipers remaining seven 20 year olds still on the roster,

Jason Bird
Josh Bryan
Brendan Persley
Austin Smith
Liam Board
Ryan Renz
Colton Sparrow

The Vipers aquired Russell last summer after he played two previous years with the Oakville Blades.  Russell a 19 yr old veteran had some good size and put up pretty good numbers in Ontario but struggled after an early season injury in Vernon.  Russell looked very good at the Vipers Training Camp last year but was injured in the teams first pre-season game after getting in a fight vs Wenatchee.  Russell would miss almost the next two months of the season and never really fully recover and didnt seem to be the same player.  Only putting up two goals and seven points in a very dissapointing first season.  Very uncosistant and never really found a role on the team, I wasnt too impressed with his play.  I thought the Vipers should have delt Russell last year as he didnt really do much number wise.  So after hearing about this trade last week I wasnt shocked to see he was one of the 20 yr olds moving on.  With Training camp starting August 19th the Vipers are two players over the league limit, meaning one 20 yr old and someone else has to be traded or released.  Training camp should be very competitive with most of the veteran players from last season fighting for a roster spot this year.

Here is a look at the Vipers current and possible roster to date.

Defence:

Jason Bird (93)
Mark Hamilton (94)
Josh Bryan (93)
Kenny Citron (95)
Bryce Eviston (94)
Ryan Renz (93)
Michael Statchuk (94)
Jordan Klimek (95)

Forwards:

Mason Blacklock (94)
Tyler Povelofskie (96)
Liam Board (93)
Demico Hannoun (95)
Dexter Dancs (95)
TJ Dumonceaux (94)
Craig Martin (95)
Mitch McAllister (94)
Liam Coughlin (95)
Logan Mick (96)
Brendan Persley (93)
Matt Saharchuk (95)
Colton Sparrow (93)
Michael McNicholas (94)

Goaltenders:

Austin Smith (93)
Danny Todosychuk (94)

Who do you think will be the final 20 yr old traded or released before the start of this season?  Feel free to make a comment on the comment box below

Komets Add Former Vipers Forward Marino To Teams Season-Ending Roster:

On June 17th 2013 the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) announced the Season-Ending Rosters as submitted by each of its member teams. The ECHL Fort Wayne Komets have nine players listed on their season-ending roster list, one is former Vernon Vipers forward Brandon Marino.

Fort Wayne Komets Season ending roster List:

Daniel Maggio, Mathieu Gagnon, Jeremy Gates, Matt Firman, Jean-Michel Rizk, John Dunbar, Chris Auger, Brandon Marino & Kaleigh Schrock.

Marino finished his first season in the ECHL after signing with the Komets on July, 17th 2012. In 71 games last season  Marino collected (20-54-74). The Komets named Marino the teams MVP at the end of the season. Marino was invited to the AHL Norfolk Admirals training camp on September, 26th 2012 but was released on October, 4th 2012. Marino was then called up to the Admirals but only played in one game before being released.

Marino spent the last three seasons with the Central Hockey League (CHL) Quad City Mallards before signing with the Komets. Marino was named the 2011-12 Central Hockey League Most Valuable Player, as well as took home MVP at last year's CHL all-star game. Marino had a breakout season during which he led the league with 41 goals and finished second with 90 points. The 5’ 9”, 185-pound Riverside, California native also led the league in power play goals (13), ranked fourth in assists (49) and finished tied for fourth in shorthanded goals (3) and game winning goals (7) while also posting a plus/minus rating of +9. Marino played just two games with the 2002-2003 Vernon Vipers.

Brandon Marino's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=93732


This is posted on the ECHL website:

ECHL announces Season-Ending Rosters

June 17, 2013

The ECHL on Monday 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 2012-13.

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 June 30. 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 2013-14 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 June 30.

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.

Bobcats Trade Former Vipers Goaltender Lee-Knight To SJHL:

The AJHL Lloydminster Bobcats have traded former Vernon
Vipers goaltender Luke Lee-Knight to the Battleford Stars of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.  Lee-Knight spent last season with the WHL Tri-City Americans and the SJHL Humboldt Broncos. 

Lee-Knight was invited to the Americans Training camp last 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.  Knight would never play with the Bobcats and spent the remainder of the season with the Americans. 

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 last season Lee-Knight went 11-9 in the regular season with a 3.90 GAA. Lee-Knight attended the 2011-12 Vernon Vipers Training camp before being released-cut.

Luke Lee-Knight's Player Profile:

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

This is posted on the Bobcats website:

Bobcats continue to make room

2013 July 8th

While coach VanHereweghe remains tight-lipped, early reports are that his team’s recruiting season for puck drop in September is going well. The eight-year AJHL coach and general manager continues to make room for this upcoming young talent, as he has announced that 19 year old forward Robin Carlson and 20 year old former WHL goaltender Luke Lee-Knight have been moved to the Battleford Stars of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League in exchange for future considerations.

As an 18 year old rookie with the Bobcats last season, Carlson collected 4 goals and 5 assists for 9 points in 41 games played. The Bobcats would like to thank Robin for his contributions to the Bobcats organization both on and off the ice, and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours. “Robin is a committed player that should fill a power forward role with the Stars organization. He will also be an active and respected participant within the community,” said VanHereweghe.

This out-of-province trade ensures the Bobcats will not have to play against Lee-Knight, who was released from the Tri-City Americans of the WHL earlier in the summer. With returning 19 year old goaltender Devin Green anticipated to be the team’s starter after taking over the role from graduating goaltender Chase Martin (U of A, Augustana), Lee-Knight would simply not fit with the Bobcats if he were to end up back in the CJHL for the 2013-14 season. “Devin is coming off of a fine finish to the 2012-13 season and is expected to take over the #1 spot to start the upcoming season. Although Luke Lee-Knight has proven he is capable of being a starter at this level, his age just did not fit,” said VanHereweghe. The 20 year old goaltender’s CHA rights were acquired along with the CHA rights of Riley Kieser in a November 28th transaction with the Humboldt Broncos in exchange for forward Justin Lund.

This transaction gives VanHereweghe and his scouting staff some flexibility as the team heads into its first ever summer combine this weekend in Cremona, Alberta. Designed as a team builder for returning and prospective players, the weekend combine will give the Bobcats coaching staff an opportunity to view returning players’ development and to have a look at some prospects ahead of main camp in August. “We are looking forward to spending some quality time with both veteran and prospective players as they will be put through fitness testing, on-ice scrimmages, and team building exercises,” said VanHereweghe.

The Lloydminster Bobcats 2013-14 regular season is set to kick off on Friday, September 6th, when the team plays host to the Bonnyville Pontiacs. Season tickets can still be purchased by contacting the Bobcats office at 780.871.0900.

Former Vipers Forward Zalewski Attending Winnipeg Jets Development Camp:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Mike Zalewski is currently
attending the Winnipeg Jets Development Camp July 15th-19th.  Zalewski finished his first season at RPI.  In 36 games last season Zalewski collected (12-9-21).  Zalewski was recruited by the Vipers playing two seasons in Vernon (2010-2012).  In 106 games with the Vipers Zalewski recorded (50-54-104).

Mike Zalewski's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=139391

This is posted on the Jets website:

Jets host 2013 Development Camp

Thursday, 04.07.2013

The Winnipeg Jets are pleased to announce the club will hold their 2013 Development Camp from Monday, July 15 to Friday, July 19, 2013 at MTS Iceplex. The camp will bring together several of the team’s top prospects including 2013 first round draft pick Josh Morrissey, 2012 first round draft pick Jacob Trouba, 2011 first round draft pick Mark Scheifele, and many others. In addition, all 10 players selected at the 2013 NHL Draft on Sunday, June 30 in New Jersey will also participate in the camp.

2013 WINNIPEG JETS DEVELOPMENT CAMP ROSTER

GOALTENDERS (6)

Eric Comrie, Connor Hellebuyck, Jason Kasdorf, Charlie Lindgren, Jamie Phillips, Juho Olkinuora

DEFENCE (15)

Ben Chiarot, Kevin Czuczman, Luke Eibler, Marcus Karlstrom, Brenden Kichton, Jan Kostalek, Zach Loesch, Julian Melchiori, Josh Morrissey, Tucker Poolman, Brennan Serville, Cody Sol, Peter Stoykewych, Jacob Trouba, Michael Young

FORWARDS (22)

Matt Bailey, Austen Brassard, Mark Cooper, Andrew Copp, Austin Czarnik, David Johnstone, Ronalds Kenins, Scott Kosmachuk, Tanner Lane, J.C. Lipon, Jimmy Lodge, Adam Lowry, Dylan Margonari, Ryan Olsen, Nic Petan, Josh Pitt, Mark Scheifele, Tyler Sikura, Lukas Sutter, Ivan Telegin, Matt White, Michael Zalewski

Mon, July 15, 2013

2:15 pm
1:15 pm
3:45 pm

Tues, July 16, 2013

9:30 am
11:00 am
12:15 pm

Wed, July 17, 2013

11:00 am
9:30 am
12:15 pm

Thurs, July 18, 2013

9:30 am
11:00 am
12:15 pm

Fri, July 19, 2013

10:45 am
10:45 am
12:30 pm

Former Vipers Murphy & Robertson Named To Hockey East's 2012-13 All-Academic Team:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Kyle Murphy and former Vernon Vipers defenceman Sean Robertson were two of 100 athletes named to Hockey East's 2012-13 All-Academic Team. 

Kyle Murphy finished his second and final year at Providence College last season.  In 38 games last year Murphy collected (3-8-11).  Murphy spent the 2009-2010 season with the University of Notre Dame before leaving school to join the Vipers for one season in (2010-2011).  In 58 games with the Vipers Murphy collected (18-25-43).

Kyle Murphy's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=43913

Sean Robertson finished his first season with Merrimack College last year.  In 11 games Robertson picked up (0-1-1).  Robertson spent his first six seasons playing for the Victoria Grizzlies before being traded to Vernon in his final year of Junior hockey on December 12th 2011 for Zach McPhee and future considerations.  In 31 games with the Vipers Robertson collected (0-4-4).

Sean Robertson's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=114072

This is posted on the Hockey East website:

100 STUDENT-ATHLETES HONORED ON LEAGUE ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM

June 25, 2013

Wakefield, Mass. - Hockey East is proud to announce 100 student-athletes were named to the league's 2012-13 All-Academic Team in the conferences 29th season of play, which was announced on Tuesday afternoon. Each student-athlete achieved a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better in each of the two academic periods during which he was actively competing.

Maine freshmen Devin Shore (Ajax, Ont.) and Kyle Williams (Bowdoinham, Maine) were named the recipient of the league's Top Scholar-Athlete Award with a perfect 4.0 grade point average for the season.

The league also honored six student-athletes that received "Distinguished Scholar" status. Those earning "Distinguished Scholar" status achieved a 3.0 or better in each semester over four varsity seasons. Maine's Mark Nemec (Rouses Point, N.Y.), Vermont's Ben Albertson (Williston, Vt.), Boston College's Brooks Dyroff (Boulder, Col.), Northeastern's Bryan Mountain (Bryn Mawr, Pa.), New Hampshire's Scott Pavelski (Plover, Wis.) and Boston University's Ryan Ruikka (Chelsea, Mich.) were bestowed the prestigious honor.

The Hockey East Association is a 10-team Division I college men's hockey conference founded in 1984 and an eight team Division I women's league which began play in 2002-03. The men's league has won eight NCAA championships in the past 21 years.

2012-13 HOCKEY EAST ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM

Alber, Patch (Boston College, D)
Albertson, Ben (Vermont, F) +
Anthoine, Mark (Maine, F) **
Arnold, Bill (Boston College, F) **

Bahe, Ben (Merrimack, F)
Barone, Brad (Boston College, G)
Behling, Brooks (Providence, F)
Belonger, Ryan (Northeastern, F)
Bly, Rhett (Merrimack, F) **
Brown, Patrick (Boston College, F) ***
Bruneteau, Brett (Vermont, F) **

Camper, Jay (New Hampshire, F) **
Carr, Doug (UMass Lowell, G) ***
Cerretani, Andrew (Maine, F) **
Colantone, Michael (UMass Lowell, F)
Correale, Dan (New Hampshire, F)
Cronin, Matt (Merrimack, D)

DeAngelo, Peter (Massachusetts, F) **
DeCenzo, Anthony (Vermont, F) ***
Doerring, Blake (Vermont, D) **
Dyroff, Brooks (Boston College, F) +

Fallon, Michael (UMass Lowell, F)
Folin, Christian (UMass Lowell, D)
Franzon, Anders (Vermont, D)

Gaudreault, Maxim (New Hampshire, F)
Gordon, Nick (UMass Lowell, F)
Gould, Quinn (Merrimack, F) **
Goumas, Kevin (New Hampshire, F) **

Hardowa, Connor (New Hampshire, D) **
Harvey, Myles (Providence, D) **
Hellebuyck, Connor (UMass Lowell, G)
Heywood, Jordan (Merrimack, D) ***
Hoffman, Brody (Vermont, G)
Holmstrom, Josh (UMass Lowell, F) ***
Hussar, Justin (Merrimack, F)
Hutton, Ben (Maine, D)

Kamrass, Zach (UMass Lowell, D) **
Knodel, Eric (New Hampshire, D)

Leen, Connor (Maine, F) **
Lenz, H.T. (Vermont, F) ***
Lomberg, Ryan (Maine, F)

MacDonald, Collin (New Hampshire, F)
MacLeod, Isaac (Boston College, D) ***
Mansfield, Justin (Merrimack, F/D) **
Marotta, Sam (Merrimack, G) **
McCarthy, Chris (Vermont, F)
McCarthy, Tom (Merrimack, D) ***
McCoy, Derek (UMass Lowell, F)
McMullen, Peter (Boston College, F)
McParland, Steven (Providence, F)
Merchant, Will (Maine, F)
Milner, Parker (Boston College, G)
Moccia, Anthony (Boston University, G)
Montagna, Mike (Vermont, F) **
Mountain, Bryan (Northeastern, G) +
Murphy, Kyle (Providence, F) **

Nemec, Mark (Maine, D) +
Nilsson-Roos, Tobias (Vermont, F) **

O'Connor, Brice (Maine, D) ***
O'Connor, Matt (Boston University, G)
Oskroba, Ben (Northeastern, D) **
Ouellette, Martin (Maine, G)

Paliotta, Michael (Vermont, D)
Pavelski, Scott (New Hampshire, F) +
Pesce, Brett (New Hampshire, D)
Pereira, Michael (Massachusetts, F) **
Pryor, Nick (Maine, D)

Quast, Harry (New Hampshire, D)

Randall, Ryan (New Hampshire, D) **
Regan, Jamie (New Hampshire, G)
Riley, Conor (Maine, F/D)
Robertson, Sean (Merrimack, D)
Ruhwedel, Chad (UMass Lowell, D) ***
Ruikka, Ryan (Boston University, D) + (5)

Scotti, Vinny (Merrimack, F)
Shea, Colin (Massachusetts, D)
Shamanski, Steven (Providence, D) ***
Shemansky, Adam (Maine, F) **
Shore, Devin (Maine, F)

(Hockey East Top Scholar-Athlete) 4.00

Silengo, Jeff (New Hampshire, F) **
Sit, Michael (Boston College, F) **
Smith, Kyle (New Hampshire, F)
Stack, Evan (Massachusetts, F)
Sullivan, Dan (Maine, G) ***
Swavely, Jon (Maine, F) ***
Swavely, Steven (Maine, F)

Teglia, Jeff (Massachusetts, G) ***
Tiefenwerth, K.J. (Massachusetts, F)
Thompson, Shayne (UMass Lowell, F) ***
Turk, Jonathan (Vermont, F)

van Riemsdyk, Trevor (New Hampshire, D) **
Vrolyk, Robbie (Northeastern, F) **

Walls, Caylen (Vermont, D)
Wells, Dylan (Providence, G)
Wetmore, Riley (UMass Lowell, F)
White, Matt (Vermont, F)
Williams, Kyle (Maine, D) 4.00

(Hockey East Top Scholar-Athlete)

Wills, Mike (Merrimack, D)
Wright, Colin (UMass Lowell, D) **
Yevenko, Oleg (Massachusetts, D) **

** (denotes two-time honoree)
*** (denotes three-time honoree)
+ (denotes "Distinguished Scholar, 3.0 GPA in each semester over four varsity seasons)

2012-13 Hockey East Academic All-Star Team

(Top GPA by Position)

G: Anthony Moccia, Boston University (3.81)
D: Kyle Williams, Maine (4.00)
D: Ryan Ruikka, Boston University (3.95)
F: Ben Albertson, Vermont (3.94)
F: Brett Bruneteau, Vermont (3.94)
F: Evan Stack, Massachusetts (3.97)
F: Devin Shore, Maine (4.00)
 

Former Vernon Viper Correale Commits To Lake Superior State:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Gus Correale has committed to
Lake Superior State University. Correale finished his third and final season with the AJHL Grande Prairie Storm last year.  In 60 games last season with the Storm Correale collected (25-32-57).  Correale was recruited by the Vipers started the 2010-11 season in Vernon before being traded to the Storm on October, 26th 2010 for defenceman Austin Baecker & future considerations. Correale went pointless in nine regular season games with the Vipers. 

Gus Correale's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=48386


This is posted on the AJHL website:

Correale Commits to Lake Superior State

June 4th 2013

The Grande Prairie Storm are pleased to announce that 19 year old Gus Correale has committed to Lake Superior State University in Michigan for the 2013-14 season.

Correale, a 1993-born, 5’10”, 175 pound forward from Prince George played in 60 games for the Storm this season, scoring 25 goals and adding 32 assists with 22 penalty minutes. He added a goal and three assists in four playoff games. With his commitment, Gus will play for the Lake Superior State Lakers under Head Coach Jim Roque.

“Gus is a very dynamic and very talented hockey player,” said Storm Head Coach Blaine Bablitz. “In his time with the Storm he has progressed immensely both on and off the ice. Gus will be greatly missed by our team and very hard to replace for the upcoming season.  Gus's hard work has lead him to this great opportunity with a very strong program at Lake Superior State University. It has been a pleasure to work both with Gus and his brother Dan over the years, and watch them develop and reach their goals of playing Division 1 hockey. They come from a great family and I am so pleased to see him be rewarded for all his hard work. We wish Gus the best of luck.”

The Grande Prairie Storm would like to congratulate Gus and his family on his accomplishment and wish him the best of luck in his future athletic and academic endeavours.

For more information contact the Storm office at 780 538 4919.

Everblades Add Former Vipers Goaltender Deckert To Teams Season-Ending Roster:

On June 17th 2013 the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) announced the Season-Ending Rosters as submitted by each of its member teams.   The ECHL Florida Everblades have twenty players listed on their season-ending roster list, one is former Vernon Vipers goaltender Jesse Deckert.

Deckert signed with the Everblades on March, 20th 2013 after signing a amateur tryout agreement on March 6th 2013. In eleven games with Florida last year Deckert went 9-1-1 with a 2.40 GAA

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:

Everblades Announce Season Ending Roster

June 17, 2013

ESTERO, FL – The Florida Everblades announced today their season ending roster for the 2012-13 season. The Everblades season ending roster is comprised of 11 forwards, seven defensemen, and two goaltenders. 
Season-Ending Rosters may include up to 20 players. Season-Ending Rosters cannot include any players who did not sign an ECHL contract in 2012-13.

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 June 30. 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 2013-14 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 June 30.

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 following is a complete list of players protected by the Everblades. 

Forwards (11)

Mike Merrifield
Shawn O’Donnell
Daniel Koger
Adam Brace
Brandon MacLean
Trevor Bruess
Leigh Salters
Brayden Irwin
Patrick Knowlton
Mathieu Roy
Matthew Pistilli

Defensemen (7)

Bobby Raymond
Mike Cornell
Tyson Gimblett
Mike Ratchuk
Maury Edwards
Olivier Dame-Malka
Mike Brennan

Goaltenders (2)

Jesse Deckert
Cody Reichard