Global Okanagan Promo - RBC Cup Video:

The Vernon Vipers will be hosting the National Championship for a second time.  The city of Vernon and Vernon Lakers hosted and won the 1990 Centennial Cup will host the 2014 Royal Bank Cup May 10-18th 2014

Here is a local add from Global Okanagan on the Vipers hosting the RBC Cup

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJwwTpG309s

Back From Japan, Former Vernon Viper Morgan Fondly Remembers 2011:

Here is an article on former Vernon Vipers defenceman Nyjer Morgan.  Morgan is in his first season with the Cleveland Indians still remembers 2011 and the 2011 National League Championship Series with the Milwaukee Brewers.   

The Cleveland Indians signed Morgan to a Minor League contract on January 16th 2014.   Morgan earned a roster spot with the Indians to start opening day.

Morgan returned to the Majors after playing last season in Japan where he spent the 2013-14 season with the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Yokohama DeNa BayStars. Morgan & the Indians open the 2014-15 MLB Spring Training season Wednesday vs the Cincinnati Reds.

Morgan signed with the BayStars on January 23rd 2013 after spending the previous two seasons with the MLB Milwaukee Brewers before electing free agency, a day after the Brewers hastened his departure by outrighting him from the 40-man roster.

Morgan was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 33rd round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft. On September 1st 2007 Morgan made his major league debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the Milwaukee Brewers as a late-season call-up. On June 30 2009 Morgan was traded to the Washington Nationals along with pitcher Sean Burnett in exchange for outfielder Lastings Milledge and pitcher Joel Hanrahan. On March 27 2011 Morgan was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for prospect Cutter Dykstra (son of baseball player Lenny Dykstra). Morgan played for three MLB teams, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and Washington before heading to Japan.
Morgan attended the Vernon Vipers Training camp in 1996-97. Morgan played as an "AP" as a 16 year old with the Vipers during the (1996-1997) season while playing with the KIJHL North Okanagan Kings.

Nyjer Morgan's Player Profile:

http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=460579#gameType='R'&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2014&level='ALL'

This was in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Newspaper:

Back from Japan, Cleveland's Nyjer Morgan fondly remembers 2011

Nyjer Morgan is safe with the Cleveland Indians after a season in Japan.

By Todd Rosiak of the Journal Sentinel

March 26, 2014

Goodyear, Ariz. — Nyjer Morgan has been around the world and back again, and he still has nothing but love for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Having just made the Cleveland Indians roster this week, Morgan on Wednesday reacquainted himself with the team that he helped into the 2011 National League Championship Series with one of the biggest hits in franchise history.

It was his 10th-inning single off J.J. Putz that scored Carlos Gomez to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 5 of the NLDS at Miller Park, giving the Brewers their first post-season series victory in almost three decades.

Almost as big was Morgan's megawatt smile, the "Beast Mode" signal he helped make popular and his "Tony Plush" alter ego that made him one of the biggest Brewers fan favorites in recent memory.

"Just a great group of guys, a great organization," Morgan said before the Brewers' Cactus League game with the Indians at Goodyear Ballpark. "For me, it's still home. It's nothing but great memories of Milwaukee."

Acquired just before Milwaukee broke camp in 2011, Morgan first platooned in center field with Carlos Gomez before eventually taking over full time after Gomez went down with a broken left collarbone. He finished with a .304 average, four home runs and 37 runs batted in while serving as a catalyst atop a power-packed lineup.

His game-winning single against Arizona, after which he was mobbed by his Brewers teammates on the field, still stands as one of the enduring memories of his career.

"That's one of the best," he said. "That group of guys, just the fun we had that year, nothing could take that away."

Morgan was involved in his fair share of fireworks with opposing teams and fans, most notably late in the 2011 season with Chris Carpenter and the St. Louis Cardinals, but overall he was a positive clubhouse presence for manager Ron Roenicke.

"I thought his energy was great," Roenicke said. "Even though there was a couple things he got a little bit in trouble for... the guy means well in whatever he does. He's a really good teammate and he's got so much energy; he's contagious. I really like Nyjer.

"It's nice to have some characters on the team. It makes things loose, it gives you energy. There's a lot of things that happen. He played great for us that year and was a huge part of us winning."

Morgan was asked what made that 2011 team so special.

"I think it was just all the personalities in the clubhouse," he said. "It was just one of those things; you don't know if all the pieces of the puzzle are going to fit until you test it out."

Morgan got off to a slow start in 2012 and never really recovered, eventually being phased out in favor of Gomez and finishing with a .239 average, three homers and 16 RBI. He played last season in Japan and, not surprisingly, became a fan favorite over there as well.

"I can play the game still," he said. "It was just one of those things where I had a better opportunity to go out there, plus see another part of the world. That's why I took it."

He signed a minor-league deal with the Indians heading into this spring and with Michael Bourn injured, Morgan will make the Indians' 25-man roster for opening day. Now noticeably more muscled up, Morgan is hitting .205 this spring with six RBI.

Not a bad turnaround for a 33-year-old who most assumed had played his final game in the major leagues with Milwaukee.

"Honestly, I didn't even know," Morgan said of bouncing back after his year in Japan. "It wasn't even really a plan. It was kind of whatever happens, happens. Just kind of take it year by year."

With experience as a bench player that final year with the Brewers, Morgan is ready for whatever this season holds with the Indians. Roenicke, for one, credited Morgan for his professionalism in handling his diminished role down the stretch in Milwaukee in 2012.

"I'm just excited to do whatever role they want me to do on this team," Morgan said. "I'm happy with it."

Morgan is fitting in well in the Cleveland clubhouse these days, according to former Brewers teammate John Axford, now the Indians' closer.

"There's still flashes of T-Plush," he said. "He just picks his spots now."

That comes with maturity, according to Morgan.

"Just kind of tone it down now, you know what I mean? I don't want Tony Plush to take over who Nyjer Morgan is," he said. "It's just, I'm wiser now. You know when to bring him out and when to calm it down.

"But I still have the fun in me, going out there joking, yelling at guys. Basically bringing the hard work."

At some point, Morgan knows he'll be back in Milwaukee. And he's looking forward to it.

"I know 20 years from now when they bring us all back, I'll be a part of that group," he said with a smile. "A special moment. I know for sure I'll be coming back as an older 'T,' a wiser 'T.'"

Terriers Name Former Viper Noonan MVP:

Boston University mens hockey team held their year end awards banquet and named former Vernon Vipers defenceman the teams MVP.  Noonan the Terriers captain recently signed with the Nashville Predators on April 22nd finished his fourth and final season at Boston University attended the Nashville Predators Development Camp July 9-13th.  Noonan was drafted by Nashville in Round 4 #112 overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. In 34 games this season Noonan collected (4-goals-16-assists-20-points). Noonan played one season in Vernon (2009-2010) collecting (2-goals-16-assists-18-points) in 58 regular season games with the Vipers.

Garrett Noonan's Player Profile:

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

This is posted on the Terriers website:

Terriers Hold Annual Banquet, Name 2014-15 Captains

Noonan named 2013-14 MVP; Grezlcyk tabbed 2014-15 captain

Senior Garrett Noonan was named the team's most valuable player for the 2013-14 season.

April 19, 2014

BOSTON - Rising junior Matt Grzelcyk will serve as captain of the 2014-15 Boston University men's ice hockey team and rising seniors Cason Hohmann and Evan Rodrigues will be assistant captains, as announced by head coach David Quinn at the 51st Annual Friends of BU Hockey Banquet on Saturday evening at the George Sherman Union Ballroom.

Senior defenseman Garrett Noonan, who signed a contract with the Nashville Predators on Friday, was the recipient of this year's George V. Brown Most Valuable Player Award. Classmate and fellow co-captain Patrick MacGregor was the winner of the Friends/Albert Sidd Unsung Hero Award.

Senior goaltender Anthony Moccia was honored twice, garnering the Bennett McInnis Award for Spirit while also receiving the Regina Eilberg Scholarship for having the best grade-point average.

The Most Improved Player Award went to sophomore forward Mike Moran while senior Matt Ronan was the recipient of the Mike Boyle Terrier of Steel Award for strength and conditioning.

Robbie Baillargeon became the second freshman in as many years to win the Ed Carpenter Award, given to the team's top point-getter.

Grzelcyk was named the winner of the Clifford P. Fitzgerald Scholarship, presented annually to the top rising junior or senior defenseman.

 For only the fourth time ever, the Friends of BU Hockey elected to present the Meryl Starr Herman Award. This year's recipient was The Daily Free Press for their dedicated coverage throughout each and every season.

1999 Royal Bank Cup Recap:

After being swept in the BCHL Fred Page Cup Finals by the Coquitlam Express the Vernon Vipers will be making a record 10th trip to the Centennial Cup-Royal Bank Cup (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1999, 2009, 2010, 2011 & now 2014) as the 2014 RBC Cup hosts. This is the second time the City of Vernon will be the host team of the National Championship. In 1990 the Vernon Lakers hosted and won the 1990 Centennial Cup. The Vipers have a chance at becoming the first Junior hockey team in history to win seven National Championships.

Over the next week or two leading up to the 2014 Royal Bank Cup I thought I would take a look back and go through each of the years and give a recap on all of Vernon's previous nine trip's to the National Championship starting with the Vernon Vipers sixth appearence at the 1999 Royal Bank Cup wich was hosted by the Yorkton Terriers and Yorkton, Saskatchewan.

The Vernon Vipers finished with its best season in club history. Finishing top spots in the Interior Division & #1 overall in the BCHL as the leagues best team with a record of 50-6-2 wich was good for 106 pts.  The Vipers would lose their first three games before defeating Estevan in the final game of the Round Robin to advance to the semifinals.  A 3-2 win over Bramalea got Vernon back into another RBC Cup final where they destroyed Charlottetown in the Cup final.  Here’s a rundown on how the Vipers did through the BCHL’s Playoffs to advance to the teams record sixth National Championship & 2nd in the last four years.

Interior Semifinals: Vernon defeated Merritt 4-1
Interior Conference Finals: Vernon defeated Prince George 4-0
BCHL League Finals: Vernon defeated Chilliwack 4-1
Mowat Cup: Vernon defeated Kimberly (RMJHL) 3-1
Doyle Cup: Vernon defated Calgary (AJHL) 4-1

The 1999 Royal Bank Cup is the Tier II Junior "A" 1999 ice hockey National Championship for the Canadian Junior A Hockey League.

The Royal Bank Cup was be competed for by the winners of the Doyle Cup, Anavet Cup, Dudley Hewitt Cup, the Fred Page Cup and a host city.

The tournament was be hosted by the Yorkton Terriers and Yorkton, Saskatchewan.

The Playoffs: Round Robin

Rank Team League Ticket W-L GF GA

1 x-Bramalea Blues OPJHL Dudley Hewitt Cup 3-1 14 11
2 x-Yorkton Terriers SJHL Host 3-1 12 8
3 x-Charlottetown Abbies MJAHL Fred Page Cup 2-2 16 13
4 x-Vernon Vipers BCHL Doyle Cup 1-3 11 15
5 Estevan Bruins SJHL Anavet Cup 1-3 11 17

Note: x- denotes teams who have advanced to the semi-final.

Results

Yorkton Terries defeat Estevan Bruins 6-1
Bramalea Blues defeat Vernon Vipers 4-2
Yorkton Terries defeat Charlottetown Abbies 2-1
Bramalea Blues defeat Estevan Bruins 4-3
Charlottetown Abbies defeat Vernon Vipers 6-5
Yorkton Terriers defeat Vernon Vipers 3-1
Estevan Bruins defeat Charlottetown Abbies 5-4
Bramalea Blues defeat Yorkton Terriers 5-1
Charlottetown Abbies defeat Bramalea Blues 5-1
Vernon Vipers defeat Estevan Bruins 3-2 for the Abbott Cup

Semifinals:

Vernon Vipers 3
Bramalea Blues 2

Charlottetown Abbies 6
Yorkton Terriers 5

Royal Bank Cup Final: (Live On TSN)

Vernon Vipers 9
Charlottetown Abbies 3

Note: Charlottetown defeated Yorkton in Double Overtime.

Awards

Most Valuable Player: Dennis Bassett (Yorkton Terriers)

Top Scorer: William Hubloo (Charlottetown Abbies)

Most Sportsmanlike Player: Anthony Aquino (Bramalea Blues)

Top Goalie: Dennis Bassett (Yorkton Terriers)

Top Forward: Kyle Amyotte (Bramalea Blues)

Top Defenceman: John Bradley (Vernon Vipers)

Role of League Champions

AJHL: Calgary Canucks
BCHL: Vernon Vipers
CJHL: Hawkesbury Hawks
MJHL: OCN Blizzard
MJAHL: Charlottetown Abbies
NOJHL: Rayside-Balfour Sabrecats
OPJHL: Bramalea Blues
QJAAAHL: Valleyfield Braves
RMJHL: Kimberley Dynamiters
SJHL: Estevan Bruins

Vernon Vipers Roster:

Lanny Gare
Ryan Bayda
Petr Chytka
Tyler Knight
Nick Ringstad
Scott Krahn
Mike Bussoli
Kori Davison
Josh Reed
Kenny Magowan
Joel Bresciani
Kelly Sickavish
Lennie Rampone
John Bradley
John Duggan
Jace Digel
Spence Gilchrist
Jeff Filewich
Tito Kamel
Tyler Valin
Danny Williams
Domenic La’Casse
Chris King
Derek Gustafson
Wade Dubielewicz

Owner & President Duncan Wray
GM & Head Coach Troy Mick
Assistant Coach Joe Oliver

For stats & rosters on Vernon Junior Hockey History, Check out Paul's Vernon Franchise website

http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html

Bruins Release Former Vipers Forward Collins:

The American Hockey League (AHL) Providence Bruins have released former Vernon Vipers forward Mike Collins.

Collins finished his fourth and final season at Merrimack College this season before turning pro in early March siging a Professional Try Out (PTO) contract with the Bruins on March 11th 2014.  Collins went pointless in four games with the Bruins was released on March 27th 2014.  No official press release from the Bruins but the transaction was posted on the transactions page on the AHL website.

Collins played two season's in Vernon (2008-2010) In 119 regular season games with the Vipers Collins recorded (55-goals-71-assists-126-points).

Mike Collins Player Profile:

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

Vipers Start RBC Cup Preparations:

This was in Sundays Morning Star Newspaper:

Snakes start RBC Cup preparations

By Tyler Lowey - Vernon Morning Star

Published: April 27, 2014

Thin Lizzy’s Phillip Lynott sang it best: “The boys are back in town.”

After a forgetful Fred Page Cup loss in the B.C. Hockey League final against the Coquitlam Express, the Vernon Vipers have returned from a week of relaxation.

“It felt so good to go home again,” said Liam Coughlin, a Boston native. “I haven’t been home since Christmas.”

Head coach/GM Jason Williamson and his coaching staff elected to give the team some much needed time off to charge the batteries and enjoy the holidays before the RBC Cup, May 10-18 at Kal Tire Place.

“Today (Friday) was our second practice. I skated them pretty hard last night. Today we are going to spend some time on small area skill stuff and worry about our systems later on,” said Williamson.

Fellow American Kenny Citron spent Easter in his hometown of Hartsdale, N.Y. He got the chance to take in Game 1 of the Philadelphia Flyers-New York Rangers series.

“It was so awesome. Rangers are my team; Madison Square Garden was sweet,” said Citron, overjoyed with the Rangers’ 4-1 victory.

Michael McNicholas, a Manhattan Beach, Calif. product, didn’t get the chance to head home for Easter like most of his teammates.

“I didn’t think a week was long enough to head down there. I went to Vancouver instead, saw a lot of friends, still had a great time,” said McNicholas, who spent time with former teammates from the Nanaimo Clippers.

“I had dinner with my billets from last year and attended my girlfriend’s brother’s wedding. It was a good break.”

It wasn’t just the players who had to shake off the rust, as Williamson and assistant coach Dave Robinson were out there on the Civic Arena ice in full equipment with their players Friday.

“Today was a bit of a fun day. We will see how the legs feel tomorrow,” said Williamson.

The Vipers are practising at the Civic as Kal Tire Place is prepared for the RBC Cup tournament.

Royals Release Former Vernon Viper Santana:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Reading Royals have released former Vernon Vipers forward Ryan Santana.

Santana finished his fourth and final year at Boston University last year before signing with the Royals on August 6th 2013.  After playing in just 12 games with the Royals (going pointless) Santana was released on March 6th 2014 before being re-signed on March 9th 2014 and just three days later was released on March 12th 2014 for a second time this season.  No official press release from the Royals but the transaction was posted on the transactions page on the ECHL website.

Santana played one season in Vernon (2008-2009) In 56 games with the Vipers collected (12-goals-13-assists-25-points).

Ryan Santana's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=38021

1996 Royal Bank Cup Recap:

After being swept in the BCHL Fred Page Cup Finals by the Coquitlam Express the Vernon Vipers will be making a record 10th trip to the Centennial Cup-Royal Bank Cup (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1999, 2009, 2010, 2011 & now 2014) as the 2014 RBC Cup hosts. This is the second time the City of Vernon will be the host team of the National Championship. In 1990 the Vernon Lakers hosted and won the 1990 Centennial Cup. The Vipers have a chance at becoming the first Junior hockey team in history to win seven National Championships.

Over the next week or two leading up to the 2014 Royal Bank Cup I thought I would take a look back and go through each of the years and give a recap on all of Vernon's previous nine trip's to the National Championship starting with the Vernon Vipers fifth appearence at the 1996 Royal Bank Cup wich was hosted by the the Melfort Mustangs and Melfort, Saskatchewan.

After new ownership and some struggling seasons the Vernon Lakers were sold once again, Duncan Wray would change the historic Lakers name to the Vernon Vipers and in 1996 win his first Royal Bank Cup. That year the historic Centennial Cup had also changed names, now was called the Royal Bank Cup. The Vernon Vipers finished in first place in the Interior Division just two pts back of the league leading Chilliwack Cheifs. The Vipers finished the season with a record of 43-13-4 wich was good for 90 pts.  The Vipers would finish 2-2 in the Round Robin before going on to win the first ever Royal Bank Cup.  Here’s a rundown on how the Vipers did through out the BCJHL’s Playoffs to advance to the teams fifth National Championship winning its 3rd National title.

Quarterfinals: Vernon defeated Nanaimo 4-1
Semifinals: Vernon defeated Cowichan Valley 4-0
BCJHL League Finals: Vernon defeated Langley 4-1
Mowat Cup: Vernon defeated Prince George (RMJHL) 3-0
Doyle Cup: Vernon defeated St. Albert (AJHL) 4-3

The Inaugural Royal Bank Cup, 1996 is the Tier II Junior "A" 1996 ice hockey National Championship for the Canadian Junior A Hockey League.

The Royal Bank Cup was competed for by the winners of the Doyle Cup, Anavet Cup, Dudley Hewitt Cup, the Fred Page Cup and a host city.

The tournament was hosted by the Melfort Mustangs and Melfort, Saskatchewan.

The Playoffs: Round Robin

Rank Team League Ticket W-L GF GA

1 x-Melfort Mustangs SJHL Host 4-0 28 5
2 x-Newmarket 87's OPJHL Dudley Hewitt Cu 2-2 18 22
3 x-Vernon Vipers BCHL Doyle Cup 2-2 17 16
4 x-Yorkton Terriers SJHL Anavet Cup 1-3 12 19
5 Moncton Beavers MJAHL Fred Page Cup 1-3 9 22

Note: x- denotes teams who have advanced to the semi-final.

Results

Melfort Mustangs defeat Yorkton Terriers 7-1
Newmarket 87's defeat Vernon Vipers 7-5
Melfort Mustangs defeat Moncton Beavers 5-0
Newmarket 87's defeat Yorkton Terriers 5-2
Vernon Vipers defeat Moncton Beavers 6-3
Melfort Mustangs defeat Vernon Vipers 5-1
Yorkton Terriers defeat Moncton Beavers 8-2
Melfort Mustangs defeat Newmarket 87's 11-3
Moncton Beavers defeat Newmarket 87's 4-3
Vernon Vipers defeat Yorkton Terriers 5-1

Semifinals:

Melfort Mustangs 7
Yorkton Terriers 3

Vernon Vipers 7
Newmarket 87’s 4

Royal Bank Cup Final: (Live On TSN)

Vernon Vipers 2
Melfort Mustnags 0

Awards

Most Valuable Player: Serge Bourgeois (Moncton Beavers)

Top Scorer: Jason Duda (Melfort Mustangs)

Most Sportsmanlike Player: Valeri Ermolov (Melfort Mustangs)

Top Goalie: Joel Laing (Melfort Mustangs)

Top Forward: Jeff Cheeseman (Vernon Vipers)

Top Defenceman: Curtis Doell (Melfort Mustangs)

Role of League Champions

AJHL: St. Albert Saints
BCHL: Vernon Vipers
CJHL: Cornwall Colts
MJHL: St. James Canadians
MJAHL: Dartmouth Oland Exports
NOJHL: Rayside-Balfour Sabrecats
OPJHL: Newmarket 87's
QPJHL: Contrecoeur Eperviers
RMJHL: Prince George Spruce Kings
SJHL: Melfort Mustangs

Vernon Vipers Roster:

Jeff Cheeseman
Doug Sheppard
Sjon Wynia
Jeff Scissons
Blaine McCauley
Dustin Whitecotton
Josh MacNevin
Brent Dodginghorse
Brad Cook
Sean Patchell
Garth Gartner
John Fife
Adam Stewart
Brian Finch
Kevin McElroy
Nathan Borega
Chad Pounder
Rich Vetter
Wayne Lougheed
Ryan Deacon
Troy Smith
Chris Gaudette
Kevin Danbrook
Igor Maydebura
Mike Millar
Rob Mace
Chad Cammock
Beau Riedel
Todd Laurin

Owner & President Duncan Wray
GM & Head Coach Rob Bremner
Assistant Coach Mike Auerbach
Assistant Coach Troy Mick

For stats & rosters on Vernon Junior Hockey History, Check out Paul's Vernon Franchise website

http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html

Former Vernon Laker-Viper Whitecotton Plays Career Game #800:

Former Vernon Lakers-Vipers forward Dustin Whitecotton
played in career game #800 with the EIHL (Elite Ice Hockey League) Stena Line Belfast Giants on February 8th 2014.  The Giants made the announcement in February on the teams twitter account. 

Whitecotton is in his first season in the EIHL after spending the last five seasons with the DEL Straubing Tigers.  The Giants are from Belfast, Northern Ireland signed Whitecotton on August 15th 2013.  In 59 games this season Whitecotton picked up (18-goals-49-assists-67-points). 

Whitecotton played the last five seasons with the DEL Straubing Tigers. Whitecotton is the youngest player ever to play for the Vernon Lakers & Vipers making the Lakers at the young age of 14. Whitecotton played three seasons in Vernon with the Vernon Lakers and Vernon Vipers from (1993-96). In 166 games with the Lakers and Vipers Whitecotton collected (52-102-164).

Dustin Whitecotton's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=15122

Whitecotton joins former Vernon Lakers defenceman Todd Kelman who played eight seasons with the Giants (2000-2008) before retiring becoming the Giants General Manager. Kelman is in his seventh season as Giants GM played one season in Vernon (1992-93) played in 48 games with the Lakers collecting 16-goals-30-assists-46-points). Kelman was drafted in Round 6 141st overall by the St. Louis Blues at the 1993 NHL Draft.

Todd Kelman's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=64909

Todd Kelman's Bio:

http://www.belfastgiants.com/coaches-and-staff/

Bruins Sign Former Viper Kane:

The American Hockey League (AHL) Providence Bruins have signed former Vernon Vipers forward Cory Kane to a PTO (player tryout) contract.

Kane finished his fourth and final season at Ferris State University.   In 38 games this season Kane registered (14-goals-18-assists-32-points).  Kane played two years in Vernon (2008-2010) In 119 regular season games with the Vipers Kane collected (42-goals-55-assists-97-points).

Cory Kane's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=119311

This is posted on the Bulldogs website:

Ferris State Skater Cory Kane Makes Professional Hockey Debut

April 7, 2014

Big Rapids, Mich. - A second Ferris State University men's ice hockey skater in the past week made his professional debut as forward Cory Kane (Irvine, Calif.), who recently concluded his senior campaign by helping the Bulldogs to the NCAA Elite Eight, played for the American Hockey League's (AHL) Providence Bruins on Sunday (April 6).

Kane signed a PTO (player tryout) contract with the Boston Bruins' AHL affiliate on Friday and tallied his first professional point with an assist in Providence's 7-2 victory over the Portland Pirates at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, R.I.

The ex-Bulldog standout joined former teammate Garrett Thompson in the professional ranks after he signed an ATO contract earlier in the week and made his pro debut with the Binghamton Senators of the AHL. Thompson tallied his first professional goal as well on Sunday, the same day in which Kane played in his first pro game.

This past season, Kane had a team-high tying 32 points for the Bulldogs, who reached the regional title game this campaign only two years after advancing to the national championship game at the NCAA Frozen Four during his sophomore season. He notched a team second-most 14 goals and added 18 assists in 38 games in 2013-14 as the Bulldogs won the Western Collegiate Hockey Association's  (WCHA) regular-season championship in its debut campaign.

As a collegian, Kane's play helped the Bulldogs win two conference regular-season titles, becoming only the third program ever to claim both WCHA and Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) crowns. FSU captured this year's WCHA Regular-Season title and was also the WCHA Five Five Championship runner-up this season before winning their NCAA Tournament opener and moving within a game of the Frozen Four once again.

Kane was a four-year letterwinner for the Bulldogs and finished his career with both 34 goals and 34 assists for 68 total points in 144 collegiate contests. Prior to his senior season at Ferris State, Kane participated in the summer prospect camp held by the NHL's Vancouver Canucks last summer.

This season, Kane's play helped the Bulldogs produce a 29-11-3 overall record. Ferris State's 29 total wins this season represented the second-most seasonal victories in school history and this year's five-member senior class, which included Kane, compiled the most wins (89) of any four-year class in school history.

Former Vernon Viper Forward Gill Finishes Sixth In ECHL Rookie Scoring:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Sahir Gill finished his rookie regular season with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Wheeling Nailers sixth in rookie scoring and lead the team in scoring collecting (13-goals-41-assists-54-points)  Gill ended the regular season on a ten-game point streak lead the Nailers into the playoffs, leading the team with 41 assists and 54 points in just 44 games.  The Nailers finished 2nd place in the Atlantic Division with a regular season record of 39-27-1-5.  Gill & the Nailers have a 3-0 series lead over the South Carolina Stingrays in the opening round of the ECHL playoffs.

Gill was suppose to enter his fourth and final season with Boston University this season but left school signing with the Nailers early in the season. Gill played parts of two seasons in Vernon (2008-2010). Gill left the Vipers in July of 2009 for the USHL Chicago Steel but after just 26 games would return to Vernon in mid January of 2010. In 71 regular season games with the Vipers Gill recorded (21-goals-30-assists-42-points).

Sahir Gill's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=119313

1992 Centennial Cup Recap:

After being swept in the BCHL Fred Page Cup Finals by the Coquitlam Express the Vernon Vipers will be making a record 10th trip to the Centennial Cup-Royal Bank Cup (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1999, 2009, 2010, 2011 & now 2014) as the 2014 RBC Cup hosts. This is the second time the City of Vernon will be the host team of the National Championship. In 1990 the Vernon Lakers hosted and won the 1990 Centennial Cup. The Vipers have a chance at becoming the first Junior hockey team in history to win seven National Championships.

Over the next week or two leading up to the 2014 Royal Bank Cup I thought I would take a look back and go through each of the years and give a recap on all of Vernon's previous nine trip's to the National Championship starting with the Vernon Lakers record fourth straight appearence at the 1992 Centennial Cup wich was hosted by the St. James Canadians and Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The Vernon Lakers finished in fourth place in the Interior Division with a record of 34-23-3 was good for 71 pts.  The Lakers fell short of becoming the first team in history to win three straight National Championships.  Vernon was the top team during the round robin with a 3-1 record but lost to Winkler in the semi-finals.  Here’s a rundown on how the Lakers did through out the BCJHL’s Playoffs to advance to the teams record fourth straight Centennial Cup.

Interior Division Semifinals: Vernon defeated Kelowna 4-2
Interior Division Final: Vernon defeated Chilliwack 4-2
BCJHL League Finals: Vernon swept Bellingham 4-0
Mowat Cup: Vernon defeated Prince George (RMJHL) 3-0
Doyle Cup: Vernon defeated Olds (AJHL) 4-3
Abbott Cup: Vernon defeated Winkler (USHL) 5-3

The Centennial Cup 1992 is the Tier II Junior "A" 1992 ice hockey National Championship for the Canadian Junior A Hockey League.

The Centennial Cup was competed for by the winners of the Doyle Cup, Anavet Cup, Central Canadian Championship, the Eastern Canadian Champion and a host city.

The tournament was hosted by the St. James Canadians and Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The Playoffs: Round Robin

Rank Team League Ticket W-L GF GA

1 x-Vernon Lakers BCHL Doyle Cup 3-1 23 17
2 x-Thunder Bay Flyers USHL Dudley Hewitt Cup 2-2 23 20
3 x-Halifax Mooseheads MJAHL Callaghan Cup 2-2 22 22
4 x-Winkler Flyers MJHL Anavet Cup 2-2 18 21
5 St. James Canadians MJHL Host 1-3 21 28

Note: x- denotes teams who have advanced to the semi-final.

Results

Thunder Bay Flyers defeated St. James Canadians 7-4
Winkler Flyers defeated Halifax Mooseheads 5-3
Vernon Lakers defeated Thunder Bay Flyers 5-4 in Double Overtime
Halifax Mooseheads defeated Vernon Lakers 6-4
Winkler Flyers defeated St. James 8-4
Vernon Lakers defeated St. James 9-3
Thunder Bay Flyers defeated Winkler 9-2
St. James Canadians defeated Halifax 10-4
Halifax Mooseheads defeated Thunder Bay 9-3
Vernon Lakers defeated Winkler 5-3 for the Abbott Cup

Semifinals

Winkler Flyers 5
Vernon Lakers 2

Thunder Bay Flyers 8
Halifax Mooseheads 1

Centennial Cup Final:

Thunder Bay Flyers 10
Winkler Flyers 1

Please Note: The semi-final, Amherst vs. Chateauguay, was won in Overtime

Awards

Most Valuable Player: Scott Longstaff (Vernon Lakers)

Top Scorer: Scott Longstaff (Vernon Lakers)

Most Sportsmanlike Player: Mike Figliomeni (Thunder Bay Flyers)

All-Star Team

Forward

Scott Longstaff (Vernon Lakers)
Michal Sup (Vernon Lakers)
Glen Thornborough (Winkler Flyers)

Defence

Dane Litke (Winkler Flyers)
Jason Wright (Thunder Bay Flyers)

Goal

Chris Burns (Thunder Bay Flyers)

Role of League Champions

AJHL: Olds Grizzlys
BCHL: Vernon Lakers
CJHL: Kanata Valley Lasers
MJHL: Winkler Flyers
MJAHL: Halifax Mooseheads
NOJHL: Powassan Hawks
PCJHL: Prince George Spruce Kings
QPJHL: Joliette Nationals
SJHL: Melfort Mustangs

Vernon Lakers Roster:

Scott Longstaff
Shawn Potyok
Michale Sup
Dusty McLellean
Troy Becker
Kevan Rilcof
Greg Buchanan
Shawn Bourgeois
Jason Switzer
Chad Schraeder
Rick Eremenko
Tommi Virgunen
Sheldon Wolitski
John Morabito
Adrian Bubola
Peter Zurba
Rick Crowe
Rolan Ramoser
Murray Caton
Dave Kilduff

Owner & GM Mel Lis
Head Coach Ed Johnstone
Assistant Coach Keith Chase

For stats & rosters on Vernon Junior Hockey History, Check out Paul's Vernon Franchise website

http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html

Selfie Pic Could Win RBC Cup Pass:

This was in Wednesday's Morning Star Newspaper:

Selfie pic could win RBC Cup pass
                 
by  Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star

posted Apr 23, 2014

Enthusiasm about the Royal Bank Cup is growing.

Kelowna International Airport’s selfie campaign is gaining momentum as hockey fans and travellers passing through the airport are attracted to the novelty of taking a self portrait next to the large RBC Cup champion’s photo on the arrivals floor.

“We invite photo takers to post their shots on Instagram while naming the Kelowna International Airport and using the hashtag #YLWRBCCup,” said Jenelle Hynes, YLW marketing manager.

YLW is a primary sponsor of the RBC Cup, which is being held in Vernon from May 10 to 18.  The event will attract the country’s top junior A hockey teams.

Photos must be posted before 10 p.m. May 6 and the winner’s photo will be randomly drawn May 7.

The winner will receive a full tournament pass for all 13 games of the RBC Cup.

Those who pop in to take a selfie can get free parking for 15 minutes in YLW’s short-term lot.

Predators Sign Former Vipers Defenceman Noonan:

The Nashville Predators have signed former Vernon Vipers
defenceman Garrett Noonan to an Entry-Level Deal.

Noonan was drafted by Nashville in Round 4 #112 overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.  Noonan finished his fourth and final season at Boston University attended the Nashville Predators Development Camp July 9-13th . In 34 games this season Noonan collected (4-goals-16-assists-20-points).  Noonan played one season in Vernon (2009-2010) collecting (2-goals-16-assists-18-points) in 58 regular season games with the Vipers.

Garrett Noonan's Player Profile:

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

This was posted on the Predators website:

Nashville Predators Sign Garrett Noonan to an Entry-Level Deal

Tuesday, 04.22.2014

By Press Release  - Nashville Predators

Nashville, Tenn. – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed defenseman Garrett Noonan to a two-year entry-level contract.

Noonan, 23 (1/28/91), spent the past four seasons at Boston University, amassing 81 points (30g-51a) and 271 penalty minutes in 145 games. On Saturday, the Norfolk, Mass., native was named the Terriers’ most valuable player for the 2013-14 season; he served as team captain and tied for ninth among Hockey East defensemen in points (4g-16a-20pts) as a senior, his third consecutive season ranking among the conference’s Top 10 blueliners in the category. The 6-1, 205-pounder also tied for first in the nation among defensemen in goals (16) and power-play goals (8) during his sophomore season at BU in 2011-12, en route to Second-Team Hockey East All-Star honors.

Nashville’s fourth choice, 112th overall (fourth round), in the 2011 Entry Draft, Noonan helped the Vernon Vipers capture the 2010 RBC Cup, Doyle Cup and Fred Page Cup in his lone junior season. He is on Twitter @GarrettNoonan13.

Former Viper Marino Named To 2013-14 All-ECHL First Team:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Brandon Marino has been
named to the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) 2013-14 All-ECHL First Team. 

Marino is in his second season with the ECHL Fort Wayne Komets after signing with the Komets on July, 17th 2012. In 72 games this season Marino collected (30-goals-58-assists-88-points).  Marino finished as the ECHL's regular season leading scorer with 88 points.

Marino spent the past 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 the 2012 CHL all-star game. Marino had a breakout season 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 Komets website:

Brandon Marino named ECHL First Team Forward

04/10/2014

Fort Wayne, IN ---  The ECHL announced Thursday that Komet right winger Brandon Marino has been named to the 2013-14 All-ECHL First Team.

Marino, 27, leads the ECHL with 57 assists (career-year high) and 86 points and is tied for second with 29 goals.  Marino ranks third in the league with 21 power play points (7 goals, 14 assists) and leads the Komets with six game winning markers while appearing in all 70 games to date.

The fifth-year pro is skating his second season with the Komets after leading Fort Wayne with 74 points last year and named Fort Wayne's Most Valuable Player of Year for 2012-13.  Marino has reached career milestones this season of 100 goals, 200 assists, 300 points and 300 games.

Marino is one of three Eastern Conference players to be named to this year's All-ECHL First Team as selected by ECHL coaches, public relations directors, broadcasters and media members.

2013-14 All-ECHL First Team

G – Jeff Jakaitis, South Carolina Stingrays (40 gp, 24-12-3, 2.16 GAA, .924 save pct.)
D – Sam Ftorek, Kalamazoo Wings (67 gp, 12g, 32a, 44 pts., +3)
D – Matt Register, Ontario Reign (65 gp, 14g, 29a, 43 pts., +20)
F – Brandon Marino, Fort Wayne Komets (70 gp, 29g, 57a, 86 pts., Even)
F – Peter Sivak, Alaska Aces (64 gp, 28g, 50a, 78 pts., +42)
F – Mickey Lang, Orlando Solar Bears (58 gp, 44g, 31a, 75 pts., +6)

Komets to finish regular season slate with home double-header weekend-- The Komets have two games remaining on the 2013-14 schedule, both at home this weekend.  Friday the Komets face the IceMen from Evansville at 8pm.  Saturday the Toledo Walleye will visit for the season finale at 7:30pm.  Komet End of Season Player Awards will be presented at the conclusion of the game.

Hottest Ticket In Town-- Komet tickets are on sale at the Coliseum Ticket Office and online at www.ticketmaster.com.  For ticket information on 2014-15 season tickets and special savings on Komet Group Ticket packages, visit www.komets.com or call the Komet office at 260-483-0011.

Former Vipers Van Teeling & Stiliadis Advance To Western Canada Cup As Host Team:

Former Vernon Vipers goaltender Michael Stiliadis and former Vernon Vipers forward
Mitch Van Teeling lost 5-1 last week (Tuesday) to the Winnipeg South Blues who advanced to the Western Canada Cup after winning the Turnbull trophy as MJHL Champions taking the series 4-1.  Van Teeling & Stiliadis also advanced to the Western Canada Cup as the host team (Dauphin Kings) who are this years Western Canada Cup Hosts.

Van Teeling started last season with the MJHL Virden Oil Capitals before being traded to Vernon on September, 4th 2012 for Brendan Persley and Future Considerations. The Vipers then traded Van Teeling to Dauphin on December, 1st 2012 for Future Considerations. In 25 games with the Vipers Van Teeling collected (2-goals-3-assists-5-points). In 13 games this season with the Kings Van Teeling collected (5-goals-3-assists-8-points).

Mitch Van Teeling's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=56615

Stiliadis in his first season with the Kings was traded to Vernon from the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) Georgetown Raiders for future considerations on October, 10th 2013 before being sent to Dauphin on November, 13th 2013 for future considerations. In 3 games with the Vipers this season Stiliadis went 1-2 with a 2.87 GAA

Michael Stiliadis's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=96045

This was posted on the Blues website:

Winnipeg Blues Are MJHL Champions

April 16, 2014

Hail the champions − the Winnipeg Blues!

The Blues captured the prestigious Turnbull Trophy Tuesday night with a 5-1 win over Dauphin Kings. Before a mad house crowd of more than 1,100 at Winnipeg’s MTS Iceplex, the Blues jumped out to a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes and never looked back.

After two periods the Blues had padded their lead to 4-1 and the countdown to a championship began in earnest for the pro-Winnipeg audience. The last time the Blues captured the Turnbull was back in 2006.

One of the happiest people in the rink had to be Blues’ GM/Head Coach Don MacGillivrary, who captured his second MJHL title. His first coming in 2005 with Portage.

"It was special to win at home," he said. "I was nice for our players to win a championship in front of their friends and family. It will be something they'll remember for a very long time. Winning a championship is always a great feeling.

"I thought we were a bit nervous early in the game. But as we scored a few, I could see the guys were playing the game we had talked about. Get pucks deep. Good line changes."

MacGillivrary admitted he was clock watching with about five minutes remaining. "We were up three goals, I knew our goaltender (Spriggs) wasn't going to let in three goals. But, I was focused on the next shift and who I was going to put out on the ice. But, in the last minute I admit it was great to see all the guys smiling, knowing they had won the MJHL championship."

Known as Donnie Mac, the highly respected coach has now coached more than 100 career playoff wins. And he's looking for more. Blues will have a few days off to enjoy the championship, but hit the ice later this week to prepare for the Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup later this month in Dauphin.

For the Blues, the playoffs have been a ride of Cinderella proportions. The club actually had to win a Survivor Series against to Winkler to even qualify to play the first-place Selkirk Steelers. Just as they did against Selkirk and then Steinbach, Blues won the best-of-seven series against Dauphin in five games.

The Blues now advance to the Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup in Dauphin later this month. The Kings will be participating as the host club.

It was déjà vu for the Kings, who were also runners-up last year to the Steinbach Pistons.

Blues were led offensively by Kamerin Nault, who scored a pair, his second coming on the powerplay. Clay Tait, Warren Calis (shorthanded) and Mitch Hansen rounding out the scoring.

Kings’ veteran Brent Wold scored his last ever MJHL goal, ending what has been an outstanding Junior A career. He had previously won two Turnbull Trophies with Portage.

1991 Centennial Cup Recap:

After being swept in the BCHL Fred Page Cup Finals by the Coquitlam Express the Vernon Vipers will be making a record 10th trip to the Centennial Cup-Royal Bank Cup (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1999, 2009, 2010, 2011 & now 2014) as the 2014 RBC Cup hosts. This is the second time the City of Vernon will be the host team of the National Championship. In 1990 the Vernon Lakers hosted and won the 1990 Centennial Cup. The Vipers have a chance at becoming the first Junior hockey team in history to win seven National Championships.

Over the next week or two leading up to the 2014 Royal Bank Cup I thought I would take a look back and go through each of the years and give a recap on all of Vernon's previous nine trip's to the National Championship starting with the Vernon Lakers third straight appearence at the 1991 Centennial Cup wich was hosted by the Sudbury Cubs and Sudbury, Ontario.

The Vernon Lakers finished third place in the Interior Division with a record of 37-20-3 good for 77 pts just 4 pts shy of the first place Chilliwack Cheifs.  With just four returning players from the 1990 Centennial Cup winning team the Lakers would advance to their third straight Centennial Cup.  Vernon would finish 2-2 in the round robin before winning back to back Centennial Cups.  Here’s a rundown on how the Lakers did through out the BCJHL’s Playoffs to advance to the teams third straight Centennial Cup.

Interior Division Semifinals: Vernon swept Kelowna 4-0
BCJHL League Finals: Vernon defeated Powell River 4-0
Mowat Cup: Vernon defeated Prince George (PCJHL) 3-0
Abbot Cup: Vernon defeated Yorkton (SJHL) (5-4 OT)

The Centennial Cup 1991 is the Tier II Junior "A" 1991 ice hockey National Championship for the Canadian Junior A Hockey League.

The Centennial Cup was competed for by the winners of the Doyle Cup, Anavet Cup, Central Canadian Championship, the Eastern Canadian Champion and a host city.

The tournament was hosted by the Sudbury Cubs and Sudbury, Ontario.

The Playoffs: Round Robin

Rank Team League Ticket W-L GF GA

1 x-Yorkton Terriers SJHL Anavet Cup 3-1 22 15
2 x-Halifax Jr. Canadians MJAHL Callaghan Cup 2-2 15 14
3 x-Sudbury Cubs NOJHL Host 2-2 16 21
4 x-Vernon Lakers BCJHL Doyle Cup 2-2 14 20
5 Thunder Bay Flyers USHL Dudley Hewitt Cup 1-3 20 17

Note: x- denotes teams who have advanced to the semi-final.

Results

Yorkton Terriers defeated Sudbury Cubs 8-4
Halifax Jr. Canadians defeated Thunder Bay Flyers 5-4
Halifax Jr. Canadians defeated Vernon Lakers 8-3
Thunder Bay Flyers defeated Sudbury Cubs 10-4
Yorkton Terriers defeated Halifax Jr. Canadians 5-2
Vernon Lakers defeated Thunder Bay Flyers 3-2
Vernon Lakers defeated Yorkton Terriers 5-4 in Overtime for the Abbott Cup
Sudbury Cubs defeated Halifax Jr. Canadians 2-0
Yorkton Terriers defeated Thunder Bay Flyers 5-4
Sudbury Cubs defeated Vernon Lakers 6-3

Semifinals:

Vernon Lakers 7
Yorkton Terriers 5

Sudbury Cubs 5
Halifax Jr. Canadians 3

Centennial Cup Final:

Vernon Lakers 8
Sudbury Cubs 4

Awards

Most Valuable Player: Andrew Backen (Thunder Bay Flyers)
Top Scorer: Ryan Reynard (Thunder Bay Flyers)
Most Sportsmanlike Player: George Burton (Sudbury Cubs)

All-Star Team

Forward

Wayne Strachan (Thunder Bay Flyers)
Jason Elders (Vernon Lakers)
Dana Drake (Halifax Jr. Canadians)

Defence

Barry Cummins (Yorkton Terriers)
Andrew Backen (Thunder Bay Flyers)

Goal

Jocelyn Provost (Halifax Jr. Canadians)

Role of League Champions:

AJHL: Calgary Royals
BCHL: Vernon Lakers
CJHL: Hawkesbury Hawks
IJHL: Charlottetown Abbies
MJHL: Winkler Flyers
MVJHL: Halifax Jr. Canadians
NLJHL: St. John's 50's
NOJHL: Sudbury Cubs
PCJHL: Prince George Spruce Kings
QPJHL: Montreal Olympiques
SJHL: Yorkton Terriers

Vernon Lakers Playoff Roster:

Todd Jones
Marcel Aubin
Phil Esposito
Trevor Forsythe
Rob Shypitka
Kris Bjornson
Mike Fischer
Scott Longstaff
Troy Becker
Shawn Potyok
Lorne Kanigan
David Vecchio
Dusty McLellan
Jeff Goren
Corey Spring
Drew Sawtell
Rick Eremenko
Jason Elders
Kevan Rilcof
Murray Caton
Mirko Pellizzari

Owner-GM Mel Lis
Head Coach Ed Johnstone
Assistant Coach Keith Chase

For stats & rosters on Vernon Junior Hockey History, Check out Paul's Vernon Franchise website

http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html

Wild Release Former Vernon Viper Ullrich:

The American Hockey League (AHL) Iowa Wild have released
former Vernon Vipers forward-captain Mike Ullrich.  The Wild signed Ullrich on January 17th 2014 to a professional tryout agreement (PTO) before being released on March 14th 2014.  In 9 games with the Wild Ullrich picked up (0-goals-2-assists-2-points).  No official press release from the Wild but the transaction was posted on the transactions page on the AHL website.  Ullrich will return to the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Orlando Solar Bears.

Ullrich is in his first season with the Solar Bears. Ullrich was invited to a pro tryout with the American Hockey League (AHL) St. John's IceCaps in September before being released on September 30th 2013 returning to Orlando & then signed a professional tryout agreement with the American Hockey League (AHL) Manchester Monarchs on November 15th 2013 before being released after playing in three games. 

Ullrich played for three different teams last season (South Carolina, Tulsa & Trenton) before signing with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Orlando Solar Bears on July, 1st 2013.

Ullrich become an unrestricted free agent over the off season after the ownership group of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Trenton Titans pulled the franchise out of the ECHL. According to a statement from the ECHL, all Titans players signed to ECHL contracts, except those owed as future considerations, are unrestricted free agents.

Ullrich started last 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). In 26 games last year with Trenton Ullrich collected (15-14-29).

Ullrich played parts of two years in Vernon (2005-2007) Ullrich left the Vipers during the 2005-06 season before returning to Vernon the following season after a short stint with the WHL Lethbridge Hurricanes. 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

Gladiators Release Former Vipers Forward Elser:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Gwinnett Gladiators have released former Vernon Vipers forward Brian Elser.

Elser was released on February 23rd 2014 No official press release from the Gladiators but the transaction was posted on the transactions page on the ECHL website.  In 16 games with Gwinnett Elser collected just one assist.  Elser signed with the Gladiators on December 19th 2013 is now eligible for waivers and can be claimed off waivers by another ECHL team.

Elser started the season with the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) Mississippi Surge signing on November 1st 2013 playing in just six games collecting (1-goal-3-assists-4-points) before being waived on November 22nd 2013.

Elser joined his second team this year after signing with the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) Huntsville Havoc on December 5th 2013. In five games with the Havoc Elser recorded (1-goal-4-assists-5-points) before joining the Gladiators. Elser has now played with three teams this season and sixth team in the last two years.

Elser played with four teams last season. Started the 2012-13 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). Elser then signed with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Elmira Jackals on March 6th 2013 before being released on March 22nd 2013. In four games with the Jackals Elser had just one assist.

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

Former Viper Hunt & The Terriers Advance To Western Canada Cup:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Riley Hunt and the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) Yorkton Terriers have advanced to the Western Canada Cup after a 4-0 win over Melville Wednesday to win the series in four games winning the SJHL Canalta Cup.

Hunt was recruited by the Vipers played parts of two seasons in Vernon (2010-2012) before being traded to Salmon Arm on September 25th 2012 for future considerations. In 53 games with the Vipers Hunt collected (1-goal-5-assists-6-points).

Due to an injury Hunt never played his first season with the Silverbacks played in just 18 games this season (2013-14) before being sent down to the KIJHL on December 2nd 2013 Hunt played with the Summerland Steam was an "AP" with the SilverBacks during the season before the Terriers signed Hunt on January 9th 2014 where in 10 games this season collected (4-goals-6-assists-10-points). In 18 games with Salmon Arm this season Hunt picked up just two assists. In 12 games with the Steam Hunt collected (5-goals-8-assists-13-points). 
 
Rile Hunt's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=142795

This is posted on the Terriers website:

TERRIERS REPEAT: CANALTA CUP CHAMPIONS

04/16/2014

By Craig Stein


For a second straight season, and fourth in the last ten years, the Yorkton Terriers are SJHL Canalta Cup Champions.

The Terriers finished off a series sweep of the Melville Millionaires with a 4-0 decision on Wednesday night to take the crown.

It was a scoreless tie late in the second period until Kailum Gervais was sprung on a breakaway for the Terriers, and Melville goalie Isaiah Plett stumbled, Gervais opened the scoring, and Plett left the game.  Dylan Baer scored shortly after to make it 2-0 Terriers through two periods.  Tyler Giebel and Brett Boehm put it out of reach in the third.

Terrier Defenseman Chase Norrish was named SJHL Playoffs MVP, finishing with 15 points (7g-8a) in 14 post season games.

Kale Thomson made 22 saves for the shutout, and gave up just three goals in four games during the final, finishing the series with a 4-0 record, 0.68 GAA, and a saver percentage of .972%, to go along with the shutout in Game 4.

The Terriers advance to the Western Canada Cup in Dauphin, MB, starting April 26th.  They'll face the MJHL Champion Winnipeg Blues that afternoon to kick off the event.  The top two finishers in Dauphin move on to the RBC Cup in Vernon, BC.

1990 Centennial Cup Recap:

After being swept in the BCHL Fred Page Cup Finals by the Coquitlam Express the Vernon Vipers will be making a record 10th trip to the Centennial Cup-Royal Bank Cup (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1999, 2009, 2010, 2011 & now 2014) as the 2014 RBC Cup hosts. This is the second time the City of Vernon will be the host team of the National Championship. In 1990 the Vernon Lakers hosted and won the 1990 Centennial Cup. The Vipers have a chance at becoming the first Junior hockey team in history to win seven National Championships.

Over the next week or two leading up to the 2014 Royal Bank Cup I thought I would take a look back and go through each of the years and give a recap on all of Vernon's previous nine trip's to the National Championship starting with the Vernon Lakers second straight appearance at the 1990 Centennial Cup wich was hosted by the Vernon Lakers and the city of Vernon, British Columbia.

The Vernon Lakers were this years host for the 1990 Centennial Cup. Vernon finished first place in the Interior Division with a record of 33-20-5 good for 71 pts The Lakers finished #3 overall in the BCJHL standings.  The Lakers were elinianted in the BCJHL League Finals in six games by New Westmister but advanced to the Centennial Cup as the host team.  Vernon would finish 3-1 in round robin play before winning their first of six National Championships with a come from behind overtime win over New West in the Centennial Cup Final.  Here’s a rundown on how the Lakers did through out the BCJHL’s Playoffs to advance to the teams second straight Centennial Cup.

Preliminary Roundrobin Series:

Vernon finished off with a record of 5-2.

BCJHL League Finals: New Westminster defeated Vernon 4-2

Vernon would advance to its second straight Centennial Cup as the host team.

The Centennial Cup 1990 is the Tier II Junior "A" 1990 ice hockey National Championship for the Canadian Junior A Hockey League.

The Centennial Cup was competed for by the winners of the Doyle Cup, Anavet Cup, Dudley Hewitt Cup, the Callaghan Cup, and a host city.

The tournament was hosted by the Vernon Lakers and Vernon, British Columbia.

The Playoffs: Round Robin

Rank Team League Ticket W-L GF GA

1 x-New Westminster Royals BCJHL Doyle Cup 4-0 28 8
2 x-Vernon Lakers BCJHL Host 3-1 19 9
3 x-Nipawin Hawks MJHL Anavet Cup 2-2 12 10
4 x-Longueuil College Francais QJAAAHL Dudley Hewitt Cup 1-3 12 24
5 Amherst Ramblers MJAHL Callaghan Cup 0-4 7 27

Note: x- denotes teams who have advanced to the semi-final.

Results

Vernon Lakers defeated Longueuil Sieurs 6-1
Nipawin Hawks defeated Amherst Ramblers 4-3 in overtime
New Westminster Royals defeated Longueuil Sieurs 11-3
New Westminster Royals defeated Amherst Ramblers 9-0
Vernon Lakers defeated Nipawin Hawks 2-1 in overtime
Nipawin Hawks defeated Longueuil Sieurs 5-2
New Westminster Royals defeated Vernon Lakers 5-3
Vernon Lakers defeated Amherst Ramblers 8-2
Longueuil Sieurs defeated Amherst Ramblers 6-2
New Westminster Royals defeated Nipawin Hawks 3-2 for the Abbott Cup

Semifinals:

New Westminster Royals 10
Longueuil Sieurs 4

Vernon Lakers 11
Nipawin Hawks 5

Cetennial Cup Final:

Vernon Lakers 6
New Westminster Royals 5

Please note: Final was won in overtime.

Awards

Most Valuable Player: Marc Alain Duchaine (Longueuil Sieurs)

Top Scorer: Kelly Jones (New Westminster Royals)

Most Sportsmanlike Player: Kelly Jones (New Westminster Royals)

All-Star Team

Forward

Mark Karpen (New Westminster Royals)
David Oliver (Vernon Lakers)
Al Monitowy (Nipawin Hawks)

Defence

Andrew Wolf (New Westminster Royals)
Dean Zayonce (Vernon Lakers)

Goal

Lauren Belland (Nipawin Hawks)

Role of League Champions:

AJHL: Calgary Canucks
BCJHL: New Westminster Royals
CJHL: Hawkesbury Hawks
IJHL:
MJHL: Portage Terriers
MVJHL: Amherst Ramblers
NOJHL: Sudbury Cubs
PCJHL: Prince George Spruce Kings
QPJHL: Longueuil College Francais
SJHL: Nipawin Hawks

Vernon Lakers Playoff Roster:

Dave Oliver
Brad Neumeier
Troy Ewanchyna
Shane Morson
Rob Atkinson
Paul MacLEAN
Duane Dennis
Darren Naylor
Dean Zayonce
Don Monteith
Bruce Ramsay
Lorne Kanigan
Mike Knapton
Chad Schraeder
Garth Geddes
Cam Sylven
Jason Elders
Mike Dennis
Marcel Aubin
Rylan Ferster
Barry MacLeod
Stacy Paulson
John Hancock
Murray Caton
Dean Kutz

Owner-GM Mel Lis
Head Coach Ed Johnstone
Assistant Coach Keith Chase

For stats & rosters on Vernon Junior Hockey History, Check out Paul's Vernon Franchise website

http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html

Former Vipers Defenceman Crisfield & The Saints Advance To Western Canada Cup:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Geoff Crisfield and the
Alerbta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) Spruce Grove Saints have advanced to the Western Canada Cup after defeating the Drumheller Dragons 2-1 in overtime Wednesday to sweep the series winning the AJHL Gas Drive Cup.

Crisfield played the last two years in Vernon (2011-2013) before being traded to Spruce Grove on June 1st 2013 for future considerations.  In 51 games last season with the Vipers Crisfield collected (1-2-3).  In 38 games with the Saints this season Crisfield picked up (2-goals-6-assists-8-points).   

Geoff Crisfield's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?statsleague=AHL&player=48785&team=&year=&status=&leagueid=&season=

This is posted on the Saints website:

2014 Gas Drive Cup Champions!

Posted April 16th, 2014

For the 3rd time in the past 5 years, the Spruce Grove Saints can claim they are the best team in the AJHL.

Jake Mykitiuk broke a tied game (1 - 1) and scored the winner in OT on a breakaway goaing 5 hole on Drumheller Dragons tender Devin Buffalo.  Buffalo who played a nearly flawless game, made sensation save after save to give the Dragons a chance to win, and was the Drumheller, Star of the Game.

For the Saints, many players stepped up throughout the playoffs and played what could be their best hockey of the season to this point. In the end though, the Playoff MVP trophy was presented by AJHL League Comissioner Ryan Bartoshyk to Saints captain Corey Chorneyko.  Chorneyko, who early this season was a finalist for Defensemen of the Year,  showed throught out the AJHL playoffs why he is a elite level player.

The Saints now have a couple days rest before they make the journey to Dauphin Manitoba for the Cresent Point Energy - Western Canada Cup, April 25th - May 4th

Former Vipers Goaltender Stiliadis Named Player Of The Month:

Former Vernon Vipers goaltender Michael Stiliadis was named
the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) Player of the Month for the Month of March. 

The Vipers aquired Stiliadis from the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) Georgetown Raiders for future considerations on October, 10th 2013 before trading the backup goaltender to the MJHL Dauphin Kings on November, 13th 2013 for future considerations.  In 3 games with the Vipers this season Stiliadis went 1-2 with a 2.87 GAA

Michael Stiliadis's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=96045

This was posted on the Kings website:

Kings Players of the Month

Wednesday, 02.04.2014

March. For some people, March signifies the change of seasons from Winter to Spring. (Still waiting) For people south of the border it means the start of the NCAA Basketball “March Madness”. But chances are if you’re reading this, March to you means Junior Hockey Playoffs.

Playoff time for hockey players is pressure time.  For 2 Kings Players, their efforts in the first 2 rounds of the MJHL Playoffs have not gone unnoticed.

Dylan Butler is the MJHL “RBC Player of the Month” for March. His 6 goals and 5 assists lead the Kings in post season scoring.  The 20 year old from Thunder Bay, ON has been good all season for the Kings, but has elevated his game in the first 2 rounds of playoffs.

“This is the time of year these types of players excel.” Stated Kings HC/GM, Marlin Murray. “We knew when we traded for Dylan, he was a big game player. With the added attention the playoffs bring, Butsy has found another gear and really lead the way for us.”

Michael Stiliadis is the “MGEU Goaltender of the Month” for March. Stiliadis posted some pretty remarkable numbers as the Kings won the Sher-Wood Division. Stiliadis went 8-0 with an even 1.00 GAA and a .952 SV%. Not to be forgotten, Stiliadis recorded 4 shutouts in the Kings 4 game sweep of the OCN Blizzard in round one.

“I’d say this is a no brainer.” Said Kings AC Marc Berry, “I’ve never heard of a team shutting out another in 4 straight games. I know it was a complete team effort and there was some luck involved, but you have to give Stilly his dues. He’s been excellent all playoffs.”

The Kings will be looking to both of these 2 players as they move on to the Turnbull Cup Final vs the Winnipeg Blues. The final round will kick off Sunday, April 6th in Winnipeg at the Ice Plex

 

Ice Flyers Sign Former Vipers Defenceman Lyles:

The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) Pensacola
Ice Flyers have signed former Vernon Vipers defenceman Malcolm Lyles.  No official press release by the Ice Flyers but the transaction is posted on the SPHL website under transactions and posted on the Ice Flyers facebook page. 

Lyles started this season with the Federal Hockey League (FHL) Danville Dashers before joining the Ice Flyers.  In 16 games with the Dashers Lyles picked up (3-goals-13-assists-16-points).  In 31 games this season with Pensacola Lyles has (7-goals-7-assists-14-points). 

Lyles left Boston College after two seasons played one season in Vernon (2010-2011) playing in 54 games with the Vipers collecting (8-goals-22-assists-30-points) before finishing his schooling (2011-2013) at UMass-Lowell University.

Malcolm Lyles Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=38119

This was posted on the Ice Flyers facebook page:

Ice Flyer Nation

December 27, 2013

Ice Flyers Add Defenseman Malcolm Lyles

The Ice Flyers add former Boston College and UMass-Lowell defenseman to the roster. Malcolm has been plating in the FHL this season for the Danville Dashers.
 

1989 Centennial Cup Recap:

After being swept in the BCHL Fred Page Cup Finals by the Coquitlam Express the Vernon Vipers will be making a record 10th trip to the Centennial Cup-Royal Bank Cup (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1999, 2009, 2010, 2011 & now 2014) as the 2014 RBC Cup hosts.  This is the second time the City of Vernon will be hosts of the National Championship.  In 1990 the Vernon Lakers hosted and won the Centennial Cup.  The Vipers have a chance at becoming the first Junior hockey team in history to win seven National Championships.

Over the next week or two leading up to the 2014 Royal Bank Cup I thought I would take a look back and go through each of the years and give a recap on all of Vernon's previous nine trip's to the National Championship starting with the Vernon Lakers first of four straight appearences at the Centennial Cup (1989-1992).  The first starting at the 1989 Centennial Cup wich was hosted by the Summerside Western Capitals in the city of Summerside, Prince Edward Island.

The Vernon Lakers finished first place in the Interior Division with a record of 40-19-1 good for 81 pts The Lakers finished #2 overall 10 pts behind the #1 ranked New Westminster Royals who collected 91 pts.  The Lakers would finish last in the round robin at 0-3 at the 1989 Centennial Cup.  Here’s a rundown on how the Lakers did through out the BCJHL’s Playoffs to advance to the teams first ever Centennial Cup.

Interior Division Semifinals: Vernon defeated Kelowna 4-1
Interior Division Final: Vernon swept Merritt 4-0
BCJHL League Finals: Vernon defeated New Westminster 4-1
Mowat Cup: Vernon defeated Williams Lake (PCJHL) 2-0
Doyle Cup: Vernon defeated Red Deer (AJHL) 4-2
Abbot Cup: Vernon defeated Humboldt (SJHL) 4-2

The Centennial Cup 1989 is the Tier II Junior "A" 1989 ice hockey National Championship for the Canadian Junior A Hockey League.

The Centennial Cup was competed for by the winners of the Abbott Cup, Dudley Hewitt Cup, the Callaghan Cup, and a host city.

The tournament was hosted by the Summerside Western Capitals in the city of Summerside, Prince Edward Island.

The Playoffs: Round Robin

Rank Team League Ticket W-L GF GA

1 # Thunder Bay Flyers USHL Dudley Hewitt Cup 2-1 18 9
2 x Moncton Hawks MVJHL Callaghan Cup 2-1 13 11
3 x Summerside Western Capitals IJHL Host 2-1 13 14
4 Vernon Lakers BCJHL Abbott Cup 0-3 8 18

Note: # - denotes team advanced to the final.
Note: x - denotes teams who have advanced to the semi-final.

Results

Thunder Bay Flyers defeated Vernon Lakers 8-2
Summerside Western Capitals defeated Thunder Bay Flyers 5-4
Moncton Hawks defeated Vernon Lakers 5-2
Moncton Hawks defeated Summerside Western Capitals 6-3
Thunder Bay Flyers defeated Moncton Hawks 6-2
Summerside Western Capitals defeated Vernon Lakers 5-4 double overtime

Semifinals:

Summerside Western Capitals 3
Moncton Hawks 2

Cetennial Cup Final:

Thunder Bay Flyers 4
Summerside Western Capitals 1

Please note: Semi- Final was won in 14:51 of 3rd overtime period

Awards

Most Valuable Player: Todd Hendersen (Thunder Bay Flyers)

Top Scorer: Greg Johnson (Thunder Bay Flyers)

Most Sportsmanlike Player: Cam Sylven (Vernon Lakers)

All-Star Team

Forward

Greg Johnson (Thunder Bay Flyers)
Ken Murchison (Summerside Western Capitals)
Jason Bortolussi(Thunder Bay Flyers)

Defence

Rodney Gallant (Summerside Western Capitals)
Stephane Duval (Moncton Hawks)

Goal

Darin Baker (Moncton Hawks)

Role of League Champions:

AJHL: Red Deer Rustlers
BCJHL: Vernon Lakers
CJHL: Pembroke Lumber Kings
IJHL:
MJHL: Winnipeg South Blues
MVJHL: Moncton Hawks
NOJHL: Sudbury Cubs
PCJHL: Williams Lake Mustangs
QPJHL: Longueuil College Francais
SJHL: Humboldt Broncos

Vernon Lakers Roster:

Tony Szabo
Duane Dennis
Rob Atkinson
Cory Carlson
Dave Oliver
Garth Geddes
Todd Demchuk
Bill Lindsay
Shawn Hendry
Cam Sylven
Jason Marshall
Scott Salmond
Adrian Markin
Lance West
Mike Dennis
Sandy Renwick
Dean Zayonce
Sean Stewart
Craig Daley
David Zakal
Randy Muise
Kevin Zakal
Kevin Cox
Greg Olson
Rob Shypitka
Paul Faganello
Brian Langlot
Randy McGrew
Curtis Head
Mark Shmigelsky
Jim Inkster
Bart Kuntz
Chris Fairlie
Kevin Baldridge

GM-Owner Mel Lis
Head Coach Ernie Gare
Assistant Coach George Farhger
Assistant Coach Keith Chase

For stats & rosters on Vernon Junior Hockey History, Check out Paul's Vernon Franchise website

http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html

Vipers-Express Game 4 Highlight's:

The Coquitlam Express eliminated the Vernon Vipers from the BCHL Playoffs after a 4-3 win Tuesday winning the series 4-0 and the teams first Fred Page Cup Championship.

Here are some highlight's from Game 4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9O7WciNn8U

Here is the final seconds & celebration from Game 4 as the Coquitlam Express advance to the Western Canada Cup in Dauphin Manitoba

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL3zXOj5Sis