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
LIAM BOARD
ReplyDeleteI think that it will be Liam Board who will leave to get them down to six 20 year olds. Plus they really want to make a spot on the team for Dallas Calvin. Williamson really likes the local guys Persley and Sparrow. I'd have to make Bird my second choice to move in a trade if they want to add Alex Gran on defense. I don't think they'll touch the goaltenders.
ReplyDeleteFor several years we have had the captain appointed over the summer. I think the guy this year will be Renz. He was on the team that lost the RBC cup final game a few years ago and, the way the winning goal was scored, he'd be really hungry to lead the team back there.
Hey VDHF, Jordan Klimek is on the Dubuque Fighting Saints roster for their 2013-14 season.
ReplyDeleteI'd be surprised to see him play in Vernon this year.
Here's a link: http://www.dubuquefightingsaints.com/team_roster.php
Cheers,
Brian
Hey Brian, Thanks for the heads up-info yesterday on Jordan Klimek going to the USHL. Much appreciated!!
ReplyDeleteCheers, vipersdiehardfan
Hey Bob, I also agree and think that Liam Board will be the odd man regarding the Vipers "too many" 20 yr old situation.
ReplyDeleteI sure hope Dallas Calvin makes the club this coming season. In the only game he played with the Vipers last year I thought was one of if not the Vipers best player that night.
I havent heard of Alex Gran and also dont think the Vipers will move or touch the goaltenders.
I heard rumors at the Vipers Spring Camp that Ryan Renz or Brendan Persley will be this year's captain. Willy really loves this kid and last season after many of the Viper post game interviews, Williamson praised the hard work, play and effort of Persley. Saying if only more kids played with the amount of effort and heard Brendan plays with. After last season I picked Persley as this year's captain! Heart and soul of the team!
Thanks for visiting my blog!
Cheers, vipersdiehardfan