Vipers Add Former NHL'er To Staff
Written by Peter McIntyre Monday, 25 August 2014
Vernon Vipers start their BCHL Training camp Friday morning at Kal Tire Place, with coach and GM Jason Williamson saying it will be a new look team.
"It's a totally fresh team, players that I have 100% recruited them all. It's a fresh staff. I'm excited about working with Kevin Kraus (assistant coach), and officially we've actually brought Eric Godard on too (as an assistant coach), so I'm excited about that," says Williamson.
The 34 year old Godard is a Vernon native who played 335 games in the NHL with the New York Islanders, Calgary Flames and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
He was known as an enforcer with 833 career penalty minutes.
"He'll be a guy that works mainly with the forwards, but just an assistant to help with whatever we need, really," says Williamson.
Both Kraus and Godard were with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks last season.
The Vipers will host the Penticton Vees in their pre-season opener Saturday at 5 pm a Kal Tire Place.
This is a huge addition for the Vipers coaching staff. Anytime you can bring in a former NHLer and especially one that has won the Stanley Cup brings in alot of exerpience and professionalism. Godard who is from Vernon knows the history of the Vipers franchise will be a great addtion to the Vipers bench but also in the dressingroom. Godard can also add some insight to Kevin Kraus and Jason Williamson.
ReplyDeleteI remember watching Godard's older brother play goal with the Vernon Lakers back in the early 90s.
Welcome aboard Eric!