Thursday, July 31, 2014

Cochran Leaves Vipers For Western Hockey League:

This is posted on the 107.5 Kiss FM website:

Vipers Staff Member Jumps To WHL

Written by Peter McIntyre Tuesday, 29 July 2014

The Vernon Vipers' trainer/equipment manager has taken a job as the assistant trainer with the Regina Pats of the WHL.

Gord Cochran has been with the club since 2009, and head coach-GM Jason Williamson has nothing but good things to say about him.

"Hoon has been one of the hardest workers in our organization over the past 5 years. He did a terrific job taking care of the players and it was an area within the organization that I never had to worry about. He will be very tough to replace but this is a great opportunity for him to move on and pursue a dream of someday working in the NHL.

Cochran, a native of Williams Lake, thanks Duncan Wray, Jason Williamson, Lon Fraser, Gavin Smart, Todd Miller, Dave Robinson, Mark Ferner, the rest of the Vipers staff, and all the players for making his time here in Vernon very special.

"It has given me the opportunity to further my career and I will be always grateful for this" he says.

The Vipers have started the search for a new trainer/equipment manager.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Former Vipers Basara & Pimm Attend Capitals Development Camp:

Former Vernon Viper forwards Braden Pimm &
Marcus Basara attended the Washington Capitals development camp in early July.

Basara finished his first season with the University of Alaska-Fairbanks last year playing in 37 games picking up (12-goals-14-assists-26-points).  Basara played parts of the two seasons in Vernon (2010-2012) before being traded along with Connor Hartley & future considerations to the AJHL Okotoks Oilers on November, 28th 2011 for Ben Gamache.  In 80 games with the Vipers Basara collected (18-goals-27-assists-45-points).

Marcus Basara's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=65270

Pimm finished his fourth and final season at Northeastern University last season before signing a amateur-tryout contract (ATO) with the American Hockey League (AHL) Milwaukee Admirals on March 27th 2014 before becoming a free-agent at the end of the season. In 37 games last season with the Huskies Pimm recorded (20-goals-17-assists-37-points). Pimm went pointless in 9 games as a rookie with Milwaukee. Pimm played three years in Vernon (2007-2010).  In 179 regular season games with the Vipers Pimm collected (64-goals-97-assists-161-points).

Braden Pimm's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=38012

This was posted on the CSNWashington.com website:

Capitals open development camp

By Chuck Gormley

July 7, 2014

With Barry Trotz and his new coaching staff watching from perches above the ice, the Capitals’ 2014 Prospect Development Camp began today at Kettler Capitals Iceplex.

Forty-four players, including top 2014 draft picks Jakub Vrana and Vitek Vanacek hit the ice for a week of training and instruction.

CAMP SCHEDULE

Monday, July 7

9 a.m.: Team White on ice

10:45 a.m.: Team Red on ice

4 p.m.: Team White on ice

4 p.m.: Team Red on ice 

Tuesday, July 8

9:15 a.m.: Team White on ice

11:30 a.m.: Team Red on ice

Wednesday, July 9

9 a.m.: Team White on ice

10:45 a.m.: Team Red on ice

3:45 p.m.: Team Red on ice (testing)

5:15 p.m.: Team White on ice (testing) 

Thursday, July 10

4:15 p.m.: Intrasquad scrimmage

Friday, July 11

10:30 a.m.: Intrasquad scrimmage

Saturday, July 12

Capitals Fan Fest

10:30 a.m.: Intrasquad scrimmage

Team Red Roster

No.  Name                                      Pos.      Ht.           Wt.        Birthdate          2013-14 Team                                                     Acquired

28        WOODLEY, Ben                        D            6’5”          230        12/6/91             Brampton (CHL)                                                   Free Agent

29        DJOOS, Christian                      D            5’11”        154        8/6/94               Brynas (SHL)                                                        Draft ‘12

30        KOZUN, Taran                          G            6’0”          168        8/29/94             Seattle (WHL)                                                       Free Agent

34        URBAS, Jan                              C/LW      6’3”          216        1/26/89             Munich EHC (German Hockey League)                Free Agent

41        VANECEK, Vitek                       G            6’1”          180        1/9/96               Liberec (Czech Jr.)                                               Draft ‘14

47        CAJKOVSKY, Michal                 D            6’4”          229        5/6/92               Reading (ECHL)                                                    Free Agent

51        KOUDYS, Patrick                      D            6’2”          198        11/15/92           PennState (NCAA)                                                Draft ‘11

53        HAAR, Garrett                          D            5’11”        190        8/16/93             Portland (WHL)                                                     Draft ‘11

54        BOYD, Travis                            C/RW     5’10”        185        9/14/93             Minnesota (NCAA)                                                Draft ‘11

62        DI PAULI, Thomas                    LW         5’10”        183        4/29/94             Notre Dame (NCAA)                                              Draft ‘12

64        VRANA, Jakub                          RW         5’11”        185        2/28/96             Linkoping (SHL)                                                    Draft ‘14

65        BURAKOVSKY, Andre               C/LW      6’1”          178        2/9/95               Erie (OHL)                                                            Draft ‘13

71        ELGESTAL, Kevin                      RW         6’1”          176        5/29/96             Frolunda (SHL)                                                     Draft ‘14

77        LEWINGTON, Tyler                    D            6’1”          189        12/5/94             Medicine Hat (WHL)                                             Draft ‘13

82        SANFORD, Zach                       C/LW      6’3”          184        11/9/94             Waterloo (USHL)                                                  Draft ‘13

87        O’BRIEN, Liam                         LW         6’0”          205        7/29/94             Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)                                      Free Agent

89        WATERSTREET, Chris               LW         6’5”          235        4/18/92             OswegoSt. (NCAA)                                                Free Agent

93        KUNNAS, Joona                       D            6’3”          195        1/8/93               Connecticut (NCAA)                                              Free Agent

94        SAAR, Zach                              RW         6’5”          235        6/22/93             PennState (NCAA)                                                Free Agent

95        BASARA, Marcus                      RW         6’0”          187        2/27/93             University of Alaska (NCAA)                                 Free Agent

96        PIMM, Braden                         C            6’0”          200        12/28/89           Northeastern (NCAA)                                            Free Agent

98        LOESCH, Zach                          D            6’5”          210        8/10/92             Lake SuperiorState (NCAA)                                 Free Agent

Team White Roster

 No.      Name                                      Pos.      Ht.           Wt.        Birthdate          2013-14 Team                                                     Acquired

1          COPLEY, Pheonix                     G            6’3”          180        1/18/92             Michigan Tech (NCAA)                                          Free Agent

2          MACPHEE, Conor                     LW         6’3”          204        5/28/92             Providence (NCAA)                                               Free Agent

3          BREVIG, Drew                          D            6’2”          195        4/24/92             OhioState (NCAA)                                                Free Agent

15        KOULES, Miles                         RW         5’11”        189        6/25/94             Medicine Hat (WHL)                                             Free Agent

18        STEPHENSON, Chandler           LW         5’11”        200        4/22/94             Regina (WHL)/Hershey (AHL)                               Draft ‘12

39        EPP, Wade                               D            6’5”          215        6/3/89               Northern Michigan (NCAA)                                   Free Agent

40        WILSON, Cole                           RW         6’1”          190        6/19/90             University of British Columbia (CWUAA)               Free Agent

44        BARBER, Riley                         RW         5’11”        194        2/7/94               MiamiUniversity (NCAA)                                      Draft ‘12

55        BOWEY, Madison                     D            6’0”          195        4/22/95             Kelowna (WHL)                                                    Draft ‘13

57        WUTHRICH, Austin                   RW         6’1”          190        8/11/93             Notre Dame (NCAA)                                              Draft ‘12

60        HEINRICH, Blake                     D            5’10”        198        2/17/95             Sioux City (USHL)                                                 Draft ‘13

63        GERSICH, Shane                      LW         5’11”        175        7/10/96             U.S. National U-18 Team (USHL)                          Draft ‘14

68        SPINNER, Steven                     RW         5’11”        196        12/15/95           Eden Prairie (USHS)                                             Draft ‘14

72        HERBERT, Caleb                      C/RW     5’10”        185        10/12/91           MinnesotaDuluth (NCAA)                                     Draft ‘10

73        JAROS, Christian                      D            6’3”          201        4/2/96               Lulea (SHL)                                                          Free Agent

75        ANTONIETTI, Eliot                     D            6’6”          236        1/27/93             Geneve (Swiss National League A)                       Free Agent

79        WALKER, Nathan                     LW         5’10”        185        2/7/94               Hershey (AHL)                                                      Draft ‘14

80        PINHO, Brian                           RW         6’0”          173        5/11/95             Indiana (USHL)                                                     Draft ‘13

81        TIRRONEN, Rasmus                 G            6’3”          200        11/9/90             MerrimackCollege (NCAA)                                   Free Agent

85        SCHULDT, Jimmy                      D            6’0”          202        5/11/95             Omaha (USHL)                                                     Free Agent

86        BRADY, Ian                              D            6’0”          204        5/22/94             Nebraska-Omaha (NCAA)                                     Free Agent

91        WARNING, Sam                        LW         5’9”          180        9/29/92             Minnesota (NCAA)                                                Free Agent

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Blog Hits 700,000 Viewers:

Early Monday morning this blog hit 700,000 viewer's-page views. I wanted to take this time to thank all of you, the viewers who check out my blog. I first created my Vipersdiehardfan blog back in December of 2008 and since then have had over 700,000 viewer's visit this site. As of 7am this morning I have had 700,467 viewers in total visit this blog.  To follow the viewer count, check out the counter on the left hand side of this blog.  I have a website that tell's me how many viewer's I get per month, per day, as well as per week. The site also tell's me where the viewer's are from and how they contacted this blog. This blog average's around 250-500 viewer's per day during the hockey season depending on whats going on.  During the summer I average around 150-250 viewers a day.  The last few weeks I have been averaging 300-500 hits a day.  I get people from all across the world visiting this blog. Thank you again and thanks for the support.  If you would like to leave a comment, there's a comment box at the bottom of each post.

Page Views Per Month since September 2013

September 26,390
October 19,535
November 18,845
December 17,894
January 15,320
February 12,313
March 18,024
April 14,289
May 18,637
June 14,565
July 12,502


Thanks, Vipersdiehardfan

Monday, July 28, 2014

Solar Bears Re-Sign Former Vipers Captain Ullrich:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Orlando Solar Bears
have re-signed former Vernon Vipers forward-captain Mike Ullrich.

Ullrich finished his first season with the ECHL Orlando Solar Bears collecting (10-goals-25-assists-35-points) in 42 games last season. Ullrich become an unrestricted free agent after the 2012-13 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 signed as a free-agent with the Solar Bears on July, 1st 2013.

Ullrich also spent time in the American Hockey League last season playing with St. Johns, Manchester & Iowa. Ullrich was invited to a pro tryout with the AHL St. John's IceCaps in September before being released on September 30th 2013 returning to Orlando. Ullrich signed a professional tryout agreement with the AHL Manchester Monarchs on November 15th 2013 before being released after playing in three games returned to Orlando before signing a professional tryout agreement (PTO) with the AHL Iowa Wild. After picking up two assists in 9 games with the Wild Ullrich was released on March 14th 2014 finishing the season with the ECHL Orlando Solar Bears.

Ullrich played for three different teams during the 2012-13 season (South Carolina, Tulsa & Trenton).  Ullrich started the 2012-13 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-goals-12-assists-19-points). In 26 games with Trenton Ullrich collected (15-goals-14-assists-29-points).

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-goals-92-assists-131-points).

Mike Ullrich's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=13474

This is posted on the Solar Bears website:

ECHL MVP Lang, four others, sign with Solar Bears

June 17, 2014

Orlando, Fla. - The Orlando Solar Bears, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild and Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL's Iowa Wild and Toronto Marlies, announced that they have agreed to terms with forwards Mickey Lang, Mike Ullrich, Ian Slater and Alex Gallant, along with defenseman Ben Shutron, for the 2014-15 season.

Lang led the Solar Bears in goals (44) and points (77) while finishing second on the team with 33 assists. His 44 goals led the ECHL while his 77 points were third in the league. Along with being named the ECHL Most Valuable Player he was named to the All-ECHL First Team. He recorded two hat tricks as a Solar Bear, leading Orlando to a 4-3 victory over the Greenville Road Warriors on March 7, and helping the Solar Bears defeat the Evansville IceMen 5-3 on March 27. Lang scored three overtime goals for the Solar Bears last season as well (Feb. 15 vs. Gwinnett, Feb. 23 at Kalamazoo, March 4 at Florida). He was named the ECHL Player of the Week for February 10-16 after scoring eight points (7g-1a) in four games. Lang appeared in five games with the Iowa Wild last season, scoring one goal. The Reno, Nev. native has played in 192 games in his professional career for Orlando, Fort Wayne, Rockford (AHL), Iowa (AHL) and Quad City (CHL), scoring 105 goals and adding 96 assists for 201 points.

Ullrich appeared in 42 games with the Solar Bears last season, posting 35 points (10g-25a). He had two three-point games and recorded multiple points eight times. Ullrich played in 12 games in the AHL with the Manchester Monarchs and Iowa Wild, picking up his first career AHL goal with Manchester. A native of Banff, Alberta, Ullrich has played in 191 games in his professional career, scoring 64 goals and adding 97 assists for 161 points.

Slater collected 14 points (4g-10a) to go along with a team-high 155 penalty minutes in 51 games with the Solar Bears last season. The Satellite Beach, Fla. native split the 2012-13 season between the Trenton Titans and AHL's Adirondack Phantoms, scoring seven goals and four assists along with 147 penalty minutes in 63 games. Prior to turning pro, Slater was the captain of the Western Michigan University Broncos.

Gallant enters his second professional season after leading the Southern Professional Hockey League with 251 penalty minutes in 43 games last season. Gallant played the 2012-13 season with the Summerside Western Capitals of the Maritime Junior A Hockey League where he finished fourth on the team with 106 penalty minutes in 29 games. Hailing from Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Gallant's amateur career also includes a season (2011-12) in the QMJHL with the Prince Edward Island Rocket, totaling 133 penalty minutes in 32 games. He is the younger brother of Brett Gallant, who played four games for the New York Islanders last season.

Shutron was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the fourth round (95th overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He enters his first professional season after skating the last five years (2009-14) for the University of New Brunswick (CIS) where he served as an alternate captain last season. In 101 CIS games, Shutron picked up 56 points on eight goals and 48 assists. He won the CIS University Cup in 2010-11 and was named to the CIS All-Rookie team in 2009-10. Shutron played five seasons (2004-2009) in the OHL for the Kingston Frontenacs and Windsor Spitfires, finishing with 154 points (30g-124a) and 353 penalty minutes in 298 games. The Orleans, Ontario native helped Windsor capture both the OHL Championship and Memorial Cup Championship in 2008-09, won an OHL Championship with Kingston in 2007-08 and played in the CHL Top Prospects Game in 2005-06.

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Former Vernon Lakers Captain Ramsay Signs Contract Extension With Oilers:

Former Vernon Lakers forward-captain & current Head Coach-GM  of the CHL Tulsa Oilers Bruce Ramsay signed a contract extension with the Central Hockey League (CHL) Tulsa Oilers. 

Ramsay will be entering his sixth season with the Tulsa Oilers this coming hockey seasonhas over 300 victories as Head Coach-GM with the Oilers.  Ramsay has coached four teams in four different leagues.  Ramsay played one season in Vernon helping the 1989-90 Vernon Lakers win their first Centennial Cup in a thrilling 6-5 overtime win over the highly favorite New Westminster Royals.

Bruce Ramsay's Player-Coaching Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=6007

This is posted on the Oilers website:

Ramsay Receives Contract Extension, Lutz and Obermeyer Returning for 2014-15

Posted on Wednesday, 14 May 2014

TULSA, OK – Less than a month removed from the end of the 2013-14 season, the Tulsa Oilers are already putting key pieces in place for a run at a CHL championship in the 2014-15 campaign.

Wednesday, the Oilers announced a two-year contract extension for Head Coach Bruce Ramsay which runs through the end of the 2015-16 season. The Oilers also announced the re-signing of veteran defensemen Nathan Lutz (LOOTS) and Jake Obermeyer (OH-ber-my-er).

Ramsay, who just completed his fifth season behind the Oilers bench, holds the second-longest tenure of any head coach in franchise history and his 148 victories ranks second on the team’s all-time win list. In 2013-14, Ramsay guided the Oilers to a 34-29-3 regular season record and a league-best 12-win improvement from the previous season. Under Ramsay’s leadership, Tulsa qualified for the playoffs for the first time in three years and posted its second-highest win total of the last 11 seasons.

“I love this city and our fans, and I’m very thankful to our owners, the Steven brothers, for giving me the opportunity to continue to lead this team in the right direction,” Ramsay said. “We took a huge step forward last season but we can’t be satisfied with those achievements. We’ve got to keep pushing to get this organization back to the top of the Central Hockey League and I’m already excited about next season and the work that needs to be done.” After 11 seasons of playing minor pro hockey, Ramsay began his coaching career in 2002. In 690 career games, the Dryden, Ontario native has an overall record of 345-280-65 (.533). As the Oilers bench boss, Ramsay is 148-149-29 (.499) with two postseason appearances and seven playoff victories.

As Ramsay begins to construct his team for 2014-15, he already has a proven leader in the 6-foot-1, 230-pound Lutz. Last season, the 36-year old served as the Oilers captain while anchoring the blue line and providing a stabilizing presence on both the power play and the penalty kill. A native of Mistatim, Saskatchewan, Lutz is entering his 14th season of professional hockey and has played in 766 career games. In 2013-14, Lutz recorded 34 points (8 goals, 26 assists) and was one of four Oilers to appear in all 66 regular season contests.

“Nathan Lutz is one of the most revered and respected players in minor pro hockey and played a huge role in our success last season,” remarked Ramsay. “He is a leader both on and off the ice and hockey players don’t come any tougher than Nathan Lutz. He is always in the right position, he is never shy about sticking up for his teammates, and there is no one I trust more in our defensive zone. I know he made a tremendous impression on his teammates and our fans and having him back is a great way to start our preparations for next year.”

Since turning pro in 2001, Lutz has played for 17 teams in seven leagues and five countries. The veteran defenseman has over 100 games of experience in the American Hockey League and Tulsa is Lutz’s third stop in the CHL after suiting up for the Mississippi Riverkings (2010-11) and the Wichita Thunder (2012-13).

Obermeyer, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound defenseman, is on his way back to Tulsa for a second season after posting two goals and nine assists in 47 games during the 2013-14 campaign. A product of Chanhassen, Minnesota and Robert Morris University, Obermeyer quickly became a staple on the Oilers’ penalty kill as he established himself as one of the best shot-blockers in the CHL. A reliable, physical defender, Obermeyer tied for third on the Oilers roster with a +14 rating.

“Jake is a smart, steady defenseman who is capable of shutting down the top forwards in our league and we feel fortunate to have him back on board for the upcoming season,” Ramsay commented. “He is one of the most fearless players I’ve ever coached and it was incredible to watch how often he put his body on the line to block a shot. The guy is an absolute warrior who plays as hard as he can each and every night.

Lutz and Obermeyer become the first players officially signed to the Oilers 2014-15 roster and announcements of more player signings, schedule release, and special promotional nights will follow as the offseason continues.

The Oilers are entering their 23rd consecutive season in the Central Hockey League and their 7th straight season as the main tenant of the BOK Center. In 2013-14, the Oilers’ average attendance rose to 4,986, a 20-percent increase over the previous season and the third-highest average in the Central Hockey League.

Season tickets for 2014-15 are on sale now. To purchase your tickets or request more information, call the Oilers office at 918-632-7825 or log on to www.tulsaoilers.com.

Saturday, July 26, 2014

South Carolina Stingrays Add Former Vernon Viper Santana To Teams Protected List:

On June 2nd the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) announced its Protected Lists as submitted by each of its member teams. The ECHL South Carolina Stingrays have twenty seven players listed on their protected list one of is former Vernon Vipers forward Ryan Santana.

Santana finished four years at Boston University before signing his first pro contract with the East Coast Hockey League Reading 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 last season. 

The Stingrays picked up Santana off waivers on March 15th 2014. No official press release from the Stingrays but the transaction was posted on the transactions page on the ECHL website. In 12 games last season with South Carolina Santana collected two assists.

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

This was posted on the Stingrays website:

Stingrays Announced Protected List of Players

By: Joseph Zakrzewski

North Charleston, S.C. – The South Carolina Stingrays, celebrating 22 seasons of hockey in the Lowcountry, announced today the team’s Protected List.

The team’s protected list of players include: goaltender Jeff Jakaitis, Allen York and David LeNeveu, defensemen Brendan Ellis, Dylan King, Kevin Quick, Kevin Ryan, Derrick Pallis, Jeremy Price, Scooter Vaughan, Ryan Grimshaw and Luka Vidmar along with forwards Chris Langkow, Marc Hagel, Jordan Owens, Louke Oakley, Igor Gongalsky, Wayne Simpson, Jack Downing, Patrick Gaul, Ryan Santana, Stephan Vigier, Dale Mitchell, Chad Painchaud, Peter Boyd, Andrew Cherniwchan and Justin Maylan.

Teams are allowed to protect as many players as they wish provided the players protected meet the guidelines as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association which state that teams shall retain the rights to each player that:

1. Signed an SPC in 2013-14 with the Member, and has not been traded or released, OR

2. Signed an SPC in 2013-14, and was recalled to the NHL/AHL or IIHF team, and has not been traded or released, OR

3. Had received a Qualifying Offer last summer for the current Season, DID NOT sign an SPC, and has not been traded or released, OR

4. Has been suspended by the Member or League, and has not been traded or released, OR

5. Signed an SPC on or after the first day of the 2013-14 Regular Season, then subsequently signed an NHL/AHL contract, and has not been traded or released, OR

6. Has executed the ECHL Retirement Form, and has not been traded or released.

Protected lists may exceed 20 players.

The ECHL also announced that teams must complete all Future Consideration trades by 3 p.m. ET on June 13 and that teams must submit their Season-Ending Roster by 3 p.m. ET on June 15.

Season-ending rosters may include up to 20 players and cannot include any players who did not sign an ECHL contract in 2013-14.

Celebrate your favorite hockey dad this Father’s Day with a Stingrays Father’s Day 5-Pack! Each pack includes five Premium or Gold-Level ticket vouchers that can be redeemed for any 2014-15 South Carolina Stingrays home game, a Stingrays beach towel for his favorite Lowcountry beach destination and team bottle koozie to help enjoy those warm summer afternoons! Packages start as low as $91! Click here, or call the Stingrays Office at (843) 744-2248 to order!

Do not miss a second of the action! 2014-15 Stingrays Ticket Plans are on sale NOW! Save money off of box office prices and receive great benefits like FREE parking, Buddy Passes, discounts off of merchandise, advanced ticket purchases to North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center events and more! Click here to sell all the benefits and options!

Become a “Fan” of the Stingrays on Facebook at Facebook.com/SCStingraysHockey and join the conversation on Twitter at Twitter.com/SCStingrays. Stingrays Hockey – Let it out! 

Friday, July 25, 2014

Guenther Named Viper Captain:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Guenther named Viper captain

by  Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star

Jul 25, 2014

Dependable, dedicated, dynamic and determined on defence.

Just a few adjectives which best describe Riley Guenther, the new captain of the B.C. Hockey League Vernon Vipers.

Forward TJ Dumonceaux and d-man Kenny Citron will serve as the alternate captains.

“Our team is in great shape with this core group of leaders,” said Viper head coach/GM Jason Williamson. “They all play the game at a very high level and compete each and every day at an even higher level. I am extremely excited to be able to lean on these three throughout the season.”

Guenther, contacted by The Morning Star Wednesday night as he headed out to golf at McCall Lake, is stoked about the new role.

“Jason talked to me quite a while ago about being part of the leadership group, but he never said I would be captain; I’m pretty excited. I’ve been an assistant captain or captain on most teams growing up.

“We’re going to have pretty much an entire new team and we’re going to have a lot of young guys so I will be showing them the ropes and what it takes to win. It’s not just a sometimes job, it’s an all-the-time job. It will be our role to making the transition from Midget or Junior B easier for them.”

Guenther, who turns 20 in September, joined the Vipers after playing 67 games for the Western League Prince Albert Raiders. He rang up six goals and 23 points, along with 44 penalty minutes for the Snakes. He shared the team’s Top Defenceman award with Josh Bryan.

Guenther, a strong skater, also played lacrosse, hoops and volleyball growing up. The Oiler fan enjoys strumming the guitar, listening to Kenny Chesney and challenging teammates to ping pong.

“I’ve always admired Dustin Brown (of Stanley Cup champion Kings). I don’t think he’s that vocal, but he wears his heart on his sleeve every shift and goes balls to the walls.”

Guenther said he became more vocal as the Viper season progressed. He says Dumonceaux and Citron are worthy alternates.

“They are both hard-working guys in practices and games, guys who give it their all. Kenny is very serious and focused and determined all the time. TJ is a little more laid back and a guy everybody likes.”

Dumonceaux, a speedy member of the big bicep brotherhood, is blessed with a canon shot and skates until he drops. The 20-year-old Kelowna product compiled seven goals, 20 points and 66 PIM last season.

Citron, a 19-year-old New Yorker with a scholarship to the Colgate Raiders for 2015, is a tough stay-at-home blueliner who racked up one goal, seven points and 61 PIM.

“They are both hard-working guys in practices and games, guys who give it their all. Kenny is very serious and focused and determined all the time. TJ is a little more laid back and a guy everybody likes.”

Dumonceaux, a speedy member of the big bicep brotherhood, is blessed with a canon shot and skates until he drops. The 20-year-old Kelowna product compiled seven goals, 20 points and 66 PIM last season.

Citron, a 19-year-old New Yorker with a scholarship to the Colgate Raiders for 2015, is a tough stay-at-home blueliner who racked up one goal, seven points and 61 PIM.

Guenther is working four days a week at the Country Hills Golf Club and will return to Vernon a week or so before camp opens Aug. 29.

Vernon plays a home and home with the Salmon Arm SilverBacks Sept. 5-6 with the first game at the Shaw Centre.

The Vipers have acquired the CJHL playing rights to goalie Jarrod Schamerhorn ( ‘95) from the Merritt Centennials in exchange for future considerations

Meanwhile, former Viper d-man Jason Bird will skate for the Lake Superior State Lakers NCAA Division I program for the 2014-15 season.

A Toronto product, Bird was acquired near the 2013-14 trade deadline by the Cents, after previously playing for Vernon and Coquitlam Express in the BCHL, and Vaughn Vipers of the OJHL.

Bird garnered eight goals and 29 points in 49 games for Vernon and compiled 10 points in 20 games with the Cents.

“In the short time Jason spent with our organization he made a significant impact with his maturity and leadership,” said Cents’ head coach Luke Pierce, a Vernon Viper grad. “His skating and ability to run an offence from the back end make him a very unique talent and I have all the confidence that he will have success at the Division I level.“

Said Bird, who is headed to Williamson’s alma-mater:  “Being from Toronto; it (LSSU) is a school that is close by and that a few past teammates of mine have gone to over the years. I am very thankful for the opportunity that they are giving me and I can’t wait to get down there in a couple months and get started.”

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Former Viper Alumni Zalewski Attends Vancouver Canucks Prospects Development Camp:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Mike Zalewski
attended the Vancouver Canucks Prospects development camp in early July.

Zalewski left his third year at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) last season signing with the Canucks on March 17th 2014.  Zalewski skated in his first NHL practice with the Canucks on March 21, 2014 before making his NHL debut on Saturday April 12 2014 in a 5-2 loss in Edmonton. Zalewski picked up his first career NHL point (assist) in a 5-1 win over the visiting Calgary Flames the following night.  Zalewski played two season's in Vernon (2010-2012) In 106 regular season games with the Vipers Zalewski collected (50-goals-54-assists-104-points).

Mike Zalewski's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=60363

This is posted on the Canucks website:

2014 Development Camp primer

Monday, 07.07.2014

By Tyson Giuriato

NHL hopefuls will be put through the paces as the 2014 Vancouver Canucks Prospects Development Camp gets underway on Monday.

Players will go through on-ice workouts, off-ice workouts, run the Grouse Grind, learn to cook, and maybe do a little yoga here and there.

There are a lot of new names on the roster this year, so Canucks.com went to work, breaking the roster down for your viewing pleasure:

-Thirty-five players will be attending the camp: 17 forwards, 13 defenceman and five goalies.

-Of the 35 players at camp, 19 of them are drafted or signed by the Canucks.

-Of the 19 players that are drafted or signed by the Canucks, 10 of them attending camp in 2013.

-Matthew Beattie, Brendan Gaunce, Ben Hutton (pictured right), and Evan McEneny are all on their third trip to the camp.

-Michael Zalewski is the lone prospect with NHL experience, having played two games with the Canucks last season.

-Four different countries will be represented as 26 players call Canada home, six hail from the United States, two from Sweden and one from Russia.

-Eleven players are coming from the OHL, 10 players laced them up in the WHL last season, while 10 players also played in the NCAA last year.

-Invitee Daniel Ciampini (Nov. 25, 1990) is the oldest player in camp at 23-years-old, while Jake Virtanen (Aug. 17, 1996) is the youngest at 17-years-old.

-Seven players stand 6-foot-3 or taller, with another seven standing at 6-foot-2. Nikita Tryamkin, the Canucks third-round pick this year, is the tallest player at the camp, measuring up at 6-foot-7.

-Fifteen players tip the scale at over 200-pounds. Mackenze Stewart, the Canucks seventh-round pick this year, weighs in at 240-pounds, the most of any player.

-Dane Fox (pictured right) led all camp prospects with 64 goals last season for Erie. Curtis Valk checks in next as he lit the lamp 47 times, followed by Jake Virtanen with 45.

-Fox also had the most points out of any camp participant last season, registering 107. Valk was next with 92, while Bo Horvat rounds out the Top 3 as he had 74.

-Three players had triple-digit penalty minutes last season: Dane Fox (122), Jonathan Martin (105), and Jake Virtanen (100).

-Mackenze Stewart leads the roster in the fighting department, as he dropped the gloves 10 times last season. Invitee Jon Martin is close behind with nine fighting majors under his belt last season, while Josh Thrower had eight.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Vernon-Merritt Trade:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

22-Jul-14 The Vernon Vipers have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Jarrod Schamerhorn (95)(G) from the Merritt Centennials in exchange for future considerations.

Jarrod Schamerhorn's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=102229

Here are a few articles I found on the newly acquired Viper goaltender.

Winterhawks Sign Schamerhorn (This is posted on the Portland Winterhawks website)

http://www.winterhawks.com/article/winterhawks-sign-jarrod-schamerhorn

Schamerhorn Traded To Lethbridge (This is posted on the Portland Winterhawks website)

http://www.winterhawks.com/article/jarrod-schamerhorn-traded-to-lethbridge

Schamerhorn Assigned To Centennials (This is posted on Dustin Scafe's Merritt Centennials Blog)

http://dustinscafe.blogspot.ca/2014/01/schamerhorn-officially-assigned-to.html

New Centennials netminder Schamerhorn finally in Merritt (This was in the Merritt Herald Newspaper)

http://www.merrittherald.com/new-centennials-netminder-schamerhorn-finally-in-merritt/

Vipers Name 2014-15 Captains:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vipers Name 2014-15 Captains

Wednesday, July 23, 2014 - Submitted by Vipers Staff

The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club is excited to announce Riley Guenther, TJ Dumonceaux, and Kenny Citron will serve as the team Captains for the upcoming season.

Head Coach and General Manager Jason Williamson says “Our team is in great shape with this core group of leaders. They all play the game at a very high level and compete each and every day at an even higher level. I am extremely excited to be able to lean on these three throughout the season.”

Riley Guenther will serve as the Captain. The Calgary Native has tremendous leadership qualities and leads both on and off the ice. He played on last year’s top D pairing and will be one of the elite defenseman in the BCHL this upcoming season.

TJ Dumonceaux will be one of the alternate Captains. The third year Viper has become a fan favourite and is a very exciting player to watch each and every night. His speed is dangerous each and every night. Dumonceaux is always heavily involved in the community and will be relied in all aspects in the upcoming season.

Ken Citron will also be an alternate Captain. Citron will be entering his second season in Vernon and has quickly become a solid defensive Dman in the BCHL.  Kenny competes very hard each and every day. He has served as a Captain throughout his career and will be relied upon to carry over the Viper culture.

For further information please contact the Vipers office at 250 542 6022. 

Kraus Back In Vipers' Den:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Kraus back in Vipers' den

posted Jul 22, 2014

Morning Star Staff

Kevin Kraus is the new assistant coach of the B.C. Hockey League Vernon Vipers.

“This is where Kevin has always wanted to be,” said Viper head coach/GM Jason Williamson. “His heart has always been with the Vernon Vipers organization and I know he will bring that passion to coaching this team.  Kraus has run his own program at the Junior B level and has experience coaching in the BCHL. He will add a lot to our program and the development of our players.”

Kraus, a 24-year-old native of Huntington Beach, California, spent last season as an assistant coach with the Salmon Arm SilverBacks.

Prior to that he was the head coach and GM of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League Revelstoke Grizzlies for two seasons. Kraus replaces Kris Mallette, who joined the WHL Kelowna Rockets as an assistant.

He has an extensive playing career which began in the WHL with Kamloops and Tri-City. After two seasons there, he spent the rest of his junior career with the Vernon Vipers, winning two national championships one of which he was the captain. He played 154 games, including playoffs.

Said Kraus: “I am very excited about this opportunity.  This is always where I have wanted to be and I am very excited to become a Viper again. I am looking forward to working with Jason and the rest of the Vipers staff on building another championship team.”

Kraus is currently in California and will be back here in early August.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Coughlin Returning To Vipers?

Vernon Vipers forward Liam Coughlin committed to Boston University last year for the 2014-15 season.  Several reports on different twitter accounts and college hockey blogs over the summer have reported that Coughlin will now join the Terriers for the 2015-16 season. Where will Coughlin play this coming season?  Will Viper fans see Coughlin return to Vernon as a 20 year old for the 2014-15 season? 

Coughlin played his one and only season in Vernon last year with the Vipers, playing in 53 games collecting (18-goals-27-assists-45-points).  Coughlin was drafted this past June by the Edmonton Oilers in the 5th Round 130th overall.

Liam Coughlin's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=248303

Monday, July 21, 2014

Vernon Viper's Highlight Hall Of Fame - #18 Chris Crowell

This Summer, Hockeytube.net will be releasing a number of highlight compilations of former Vernon Vipers. The first Viper’ Highlight Hall of Famer is former Captain #18 Chris Crowell. He still holds the record for most franchise penalty minutes. He spent four seasons with the BCHL club, leading the team to a National Championship in 2009. He earned an NCAA scholarship to the University of Alaska-Anchorage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TtMZUzT3Zc

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Former Vipers Defenceman Noonan Attends Predators Development Camp:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Garrett Noonan attended the Nashville Predators development camp for a second year in a row during the second week of July. Noonan attended the Predators Development Camp last July.

Noonan finished his fourth and final season at Boston University last year, signed a Entry-Level Deal with the Predators on April 22nd 2014 also signed an amateur try-out contract (ATO) with the American Hockey League (AHL) Milwaukee Admirals in April.  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) in 58 regular season games with the Vipers Noonan collected (2-goals-16-assists-18-points).

Garrett Noonan's Player Profile:

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


This is posted on the Predators website:

Nashville Predators Development Camp Opens Monday, July 7

Many of the club’s top prospects, including Fiala and Forsberg to attend

Wednesday, 07.02.2014

By Press Release  - Nashville Predators

Nashville, Tenn.  – Many of the Nashville Predators top prospects – including 2014 11th overall selection Kevin Fiala and 2012 11th overall selection Filip Forsberg – will be on hand when the team’s 2014 Development Camp officially opens on Monday, July 7 with off-ice testing and physicals. Prospects will take to ice for more testing on Tuesday morning, July 8, with the first group practice to come at 9 a.m. CT on Wednesday, July 9. All sessions will take place at Bridgestone Arena culminating with a game and open house on Saturday, July 12 at 3:30 p.m.

The purpose of the camp is to educate and direct players in their pro development and conditioning programs, and the week’s events will be presided over by Predators Director of Player Development Scott Nichol and Strength and Conditioning Coach David Good, with assistance from the rest of the Nashville Predators and Milwaukee Admirals (AHL Affiliate) coaching and hockey operations staffs. The scheduled training regimen includes a variety of on- and off-ice testing, dry-land activities and workouts, on-ice fundamentals work, video sessions, media and nutrition education, and team-building activities. The players will also receive instruction on training principles such as sport-specific power and strength enhancement, flexibility and off-ice conditioning.

Players will also participate in community relations activities on Thursday afternoon; a full release with times and locations will be available in the coming days.

A list of on-ice workouts is as follows:

TUESDAY, July 8 (testing) 7:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. (media avail. after each players’ test)
WEDNESDAY, July 9 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m. (media avail. at approx. 10:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.)
FRIDAY, July 11 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m. (media avail. at approx. 10:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.)
SATURDAY, July 12 3:30-5 p.m. (media avail. for all following game)

Sessions on July 9, 11 and 12 are open to the public. Sessions on July 9 and 11 will see two groups go for roughly an hour and 15 minutes with media to follow.

The development camp schedule and roster are attached. Please note that players will be available for interviews after the events/activities take place; please contact the Nashville Predators Communications Department for more information on specific events/activities. The schedule is subject to change.

A few storylines regarding Development Camp attendees:

• Pontus Aberg and Johan Alm are expected to play their first seasons in North America after spending time in the Swedish Hockey League. Aberg was a finalist for league Rookie of the Year in 2012, while Alm has won back-to-back SHL titles with Skelleftea.

• 2014 draftee Viktor Arvidsson was a teammate of Alm's on both Skelleftea title-winning teams. He was a 2013 SHL Rookie of the Year finalist and the 2013 Swedish Junior Hockey Player of the Year.

• 2014 first-round pick Kevin Fiala was a finalist for the 2014 SHL Rookie of the Year Award and became just the third player ever to participate in the Under-18 World Championship, World Junior Championship and World Championship all in the same year. He was teammates of Preds defenseman Roman Josi and forward Simon Moser at Worlds.

• Filip Forsberg, Colton Sissons, Marek Mazanec all spent time with Nashville in 2013-14 and will enter their second North American pro seasons in 2014-15. Sissons and Forsberg will contend for jobs at the NHL level.

• Jonathan Diaby, Garrett Noonan, Jaynen Rissling and Mikko Vainonen will all likely start their first pro seasons with Milwaukee, forming the bulk of the team's blue lines corps.

• Vainonen, Saku Maenalanen and Janne Juvonen were all part of the Finnish National Team that won Gold at the 2014 World Junior Championship. Maenalanen led the 2014 World Junior Championship in goals (7), ranked second in plus/minus rating (+9), and tied for third in points (11)

• Brendan Leipsic enters the professional ranks in 2014-15 after a four-season junior career with the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks that saw him amass 302 points in 261 games which included a CHL scoring title in 2012-13. He also made an appearance in the 2013 Memorial Cup on a team that also included Seth Jones.

• Aaron Irving helped the Edmonton Oil Kings win the 2014 WHL and Memorial Cup titles.

• Jonathan Diaby's father, Sékana, played soccer professionally in France and Turkey from 1986-97, and represented Ivory Coast in international competition, including the 1992 FIFA Confederations Cup and 1994 FIFA World Cup Qualifier.

• Vladislav Kamenev is the first Russian drafted by the Predators since 2004. He played for former NHL head coach Mike Keenan with Metallurg Magnitogorsk in 2013-14.

• Miikka Salomaki led the Milwaukee Admirals in points last season during his first campaign in North America.

• Zach Stepan and Jimmy Vesey have both represented the United States at the World Junior Championship. Vesey won Gold in 2013 (along with Predators defenseman Seth Jones and Assistant Coach Phil Housley) and will play his junior season at Harvard in 2014-15, while Stepan - the younger cousin of the NY Rangers' Derek - will be a sophomore at Minnesota State.

• Felix Girard is a back-to-back winner of the Guy Carbonneau Trophy as the QMJHL's Best Defensive Forward in 2013 and 2014. He will play for Milwaukee in 2014-15.

• Justin Kirkland is a Kelowna Rocket, the same program that produced Shea Weber and Colton Sissons, and has been compared to former Rocket and 2014 NHL First-Team All-Star Jamie Benn. He also played for the prestigious Notre Dame Hounds program in Wilcox, Sask., whose alumni include 19 current NHLers such as Brad Richards, Vincent Lecavalier, Jaden Schwartz, Rene Bourque, Willie Mitchell, Jordan Eberle, Sean Couturier and Tyler Myers, and former All-Stars Wendel Clark, Rod Brind'Amour and Curtis Joseph.

Nashville Predators Development Camp Schedule July 7-12, 2014

MONDAY, July 7

1:00 p.m. Off-ice testing Bridgestone Arena
5:30 p.m. Physicals Vanderbilt University

TUESDAY, July 8

7:30-10:30 a.m. On-Ice testing Bridgestone Arena
3:00-6:00 p.m. Workout/Breakout Sessions Bridgestone Arena

WEDNESDAY, July 9

7:00-10:00 a.m. Bike testing Bridgestone Arena
9:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. On-ice sessions Bridgestone Arena
3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Workout/Breakout Sessions Bridgestone Arena

THURSDAY, July 10

9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Yoga Bridgestone Arena
10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Team/Player presentations Bridgestone Arena
1:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Community activities Nashville Area (release with details to follow)
4:00 p.m. Team Building Camp Widjiwagon

FRIDAY, July 11

7 a.m. Track Training Vanderbilt University
9:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. On-ice sessions Bridgestone Arena
3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Workout/Breakout Sessions Bridgestone Arena

SATURDAY, July 12

7:00 a.m. Track Training Vanderbilt University
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Workout/Breakout Sessions Bridgestone Arena
3:30 p.m. Game/Predators Open House Bridgestone Arena

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Former Vipers Coach Ferner Joining Flames Coaching Staff?

Reports are that former Vernon Vipers Head Coach-GM
Mark Ferner will be joining the Calgary Flames American Hockey League's farm club Adirondack Flames coaching staff. 

Ferner spent last season as an Associate Coach with the WHL Kamloops Blazers.  Ferner spent four seasons with the Blazers prior to last year (2002-2006) before joining the Vipers in 2007. Ferner spent four seasons with the Vipers (2007-2011) before joining the WHL Everett Silvertips.   Ferner was fired by the Silvertips in January 2013.  In four seasons with the Vipers Ferner went 165-68-7 guiding the Vipers to three straight National Championships winning back to back Royal Bank Cup Championships in 2009 & 2010 before falling in the Royal Bank Cup Finals in 2011. Ferner was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in Round 10, 194th overall in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. Ferner spent seven years in the NHL with Buffalo, Washington, Anaheim & Detroit.

Mark Ferner's Player-Coaches Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=1654

This is posted on Gregg Drinnan's Taking Note Blog:

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

The Abbotsford Heat, of course, have relocated to Glens Falls, N.Y., where they now are the Adirondack Flames. The parent Calgary Flames reached into Kelowna and signed Rockets head coach Ryan Huska to replace Troy Ward as the head coach of their AHL affiliate. . . . Calgary has yet to sign any assistant coaches for Adirondack and a source told me Tuesday night that Mark Ferner will be joining the AHL team’s staff. Ferner, 48, spent last season as the associate coach with the Kamloops Blazers. . . . He and Huska, 39, both played junior in Kamloops.

Friday, July 18, 2014

VSV Pulls Option On Former Vernon Viper Forward Fraser:

EC Villacher SV (VSV) has pulled the option on former Vernon Vipers forward Curtis Fraser for the upcoming season. 

Fraser finished his first season with VSV an ice hockey team from Villach, Austria that plays in the Erste Bank Hockey League.  In 54 games with VSV Fraser picked up (21-goals-13-assists-34-points).  Fraser spent the 2012-13 season also in Austria played with the Zagreb Bears. 

After playing four years at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Fraser spent six seasons between the East Coast Hockey League (Las Vegas & Alaska) & American Hockey League (Chicago, San Antonio & Lake Erie) before playing hockey in Italy and Austria.  Fraser captured the ECHL Kelly Cup Championship with the Alaska Aces in 2011.  

Fraser played parts of one season with the Vipers (2002-03) after the Victoria Salsa sent Fraser to Vernon on January 10th 2003 for Marc Fulton & future considerations.   In 25 regular season games with the Vipers Fraser collected (19-goals-20-assists-39-points) and lead the Vipers in scoring that season with 105 points. Due to his birthday and scholarship Fraser couldnt play past his 21st birthday wich ment he was only able to play in the Vipers first two playoff rounds (eight playoff games) before sitting out the remainder of the Vipers playoff run. The Vipers went onto the BCHL league finals and then lost in the Doyle Cup to Camrose without Fraser in the lineup.

Curtis Fraser's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=14835

This is posted on the VSV website:

VSV signs contract with Ruslan Gelfanov and pulls option on Curtis Fraser

Article from the 9th April, 2014

Ruslan Gelfanov

Incredibly the engagement of the VSV in the promising area of the FIRST BANK is a HOCKEY LEAGUE. In spite of big ambitions for the coming season one inserts further strictly player from own younger generation in the fight team. What one has allowed in the last Saisonen Göhringer, Platzer, smoking wood and Brunner, now one also allows Ruslan Gelfanov. In St. Petersburg, Russia born Jung's eagles however grown up in Villach has the Austrian one as well as the Russian citizenship and plays for a long time in the younger generation VSV. Gelfanov has completely made a mistake to the hockey, trains incredibly hard and has only one purpose: To become a professional player. To this wish subordinates 18-year-old everything and lives for his dream.

„ It is nice wanted to become such players not believe player, the stars and, they are already one. Gelfanov is an honest and more well young fellow which has a purpose with eyes which wants to reach something. This fits perfectly to the VSV. He should get his chance. “ if explains Hannu Järvenpää.

Ruslan is 1.81 ms, has 85 kg and played this year 25 plays for the U20 and 14 plays in the EBEL.

Curtis Fraser

The VSV pulls the option on Curtis Fraser for the coming season. About Cortina and Zagreb to Villach come forwards has set up in the Draustadt and has taken a short-cut in the past season well. In 63 plays the Canadian from Vancouver achieved 39 points. Merely his/-statistics of-6 the "warrior" of the VSV could improve. Fraser is a hard worker, played in the Play out of vision in spite of broken metatarsal, and a good character in the cabin. It is a straight and honest type, what one also in his easy however efficient play in the ice wiederspiegelt.

VSV.WIR REACH IN!

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Vipers Restocking Talent:

This is posted on the 107.5 Kiss FM website:

Vipers Restocking Talent

Written by Peter McIntyre

Wednesday, 16 July 2014

Bit of a rebuild for the Vernon Vipers this off-season after hosting the RBC Cup last season.

Head coach and GM Jason Williamson expects to get just five players back.

"TJ Dumonceaux, Michael Statchuk, Riley Guenther, Kenny Citron and Danny Todosychuk, and we could get one more back," says Williamson.

Williamson says home town product Todosychuk will be their number one goalie.

"He deserves it. He's paid his dues and he's a kid we have to reward a little bit. He's got to perform when the season starts, but I think he's up to the task."

Williamson says he likes the look of their defense, but is still searching for a few more forwards.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Former Viper Alumni Soleway Attends Arizona Coyotes Development Camp:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Jedd Soleway attended the Arizona Coyotes development for a second time camp last week.  Soleway was at the Coyotes development camp last year.

Soleway will be entering his second season with the University of Wisconsin Badgers this coming season attended the Chicago Blackhawks 2013 Pre-Draft combine last year.  In 35 games last year with the Badgers Soleway collected (1-goal-7-assists-8-points).  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 84 games with the Vipers Soleway collected (18-goals-24-assists-37-points).  Soleway was drafted 193rd overall in the 7th Round by the Phoenix Coyotes at the 2013 NHL entry Draft.   

Jedd Soleway's Player Profile:

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

This is posted on the Coyotes website:

Coyotes to Hold Prospect Development Camp July 8-10 at Ice Den

Monday, 06.30.2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 7 2014

GLENDALE, ARIZONA – GLENDALE, ARIZONA – Arizona Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes will hold their prospect development camp July 7-11 with on-ice sessions starting tomorrow, July 8, at the Ice Den (9375 East Bell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85260). The on-ice sessions, set for July 8-10, are from 2:15 - 3:45 p.m. and are free and open to the public.

Among the top prospects expected to attend the camp include former first round draft choices Brendan Perlini (2014), Max Domi (2013), and Henrik Samuelsson (2012). In addition, prospects including forwards Ryan MacInnis, Laurent Dauphin and Arizona natives Zac Larraza and Brendan Burke will participate. Tyler Gaudet, who signed with the Coyotes as a free agent in 2013 along with all of the Coyotes 2014 draft choices will also attend the camp.

The camp will provide players with NHL coaching and instruction in both on and off-ice workout sessions. Players will be available to the media following their on-ice training sessions.

Click here to view camp roster

http://coyotes.nhl.com/v2/ext/2014%20DCamp%20NumericalRoster.pdf