Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Vernon-Langley Trade:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vipers Acquire Veteran Ben Butcher from Langley

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

The Vernon Vipers have traded Defenceman Austin Cho to the Langley Rivermen in exchange for 20 year old Forward Ben Butcher.

Cho was in his rookie season with the Vipers having recorded one assist in 17 games this season.

Butcher is a BCHL veteran having appeared in 184 regular season games and another 9 playoff games.  The product of Bellingham Washington has 5 goals and 5 assists for 10 points in 17 games this season.

At 6 foot 3 200 pounds he will add size and leadership to the Vernon forward group.  The son of former NHL Defenceman Garth Butcher will be joining his 4th BCHL team, but his first outside of the Mainland Division.

The Vipers would like to wish Austin the best of luck and welcome Ben to the team.

For more information please call the Viper office at 250-542-6022.

Vernon is on the road for three straight this weekend beginning with a stop in Alberni Valley on Friday, Cowichan on Saturday and Surrey on Sunday.

Next home action for Vernon is November 10th (First Responders Night) when the Vipers host the Merritt Centennials.

This is posted on the Rivermen website:

RIVERMEN MAKE TWO TRADES: ACQUIRE AUSTIN CHO

By Brandon Astle

Township of Langley, BC (Tuesday, November 3, 2015) – The Langley Rivermen have announced two trades today. The team has acquired defenseman Austin Cho (1997 born) from the Vernon Vipers in exchange for forward Ben Butcher (1995 born). In addition, the Rivermen have traded defenseman Domenic Masellis (1997 born) to the Penticton Vees for future considerations.

Cho, a native of Mississauga, Ontario, is in his first season in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). In 17 games with Vernon, he recorded one assist and 15 penalty minutes. He is committed to RPI (NCAA Div.1) for 2017-18. Last season, the 6 foot 1, 195 pound defenseman played for the St. Andrews College Saints and racked up 12 goals and 52 assists for 64 points in 80 games, and was listed at #100 on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings for the 2015 Draft.

“Austin is a guy that has been on our radar since his St. Andrews College days. He is a very highly touted player that will bring a lot to our lineup. He is a bigger body that moves the puck well and will really help stabilize the back-end for us,” said Rivermen Head Coach and General Manager Bobby Henderson.

Butcher appeared in 17 games with the Rivermen this season and recorded 5 goals and 5 assists for 10 points and 21 penalty minutes. Masellis also played in 17 games and registered three assists and 36 penalty minutes.

The Rivermen would like to thank Ben and Domenic for their contributions to the Rivermen and welcome Austin to the franchise.

1 comment:

vipersdiehardfan said...

I really like this trade. Ive said it from Day 1 of Training Camp, this years team is too small and too young-inexperienced. Why the Vipers went with such a young-small team I have no idea. They are getting knocked around-pushed around by some of the bigger teams in the league, are having troubles getting bodies in front of the net, the smaller players are getting pushed out of the way. The problem going with a much younger team is the experience-leadership, you need those veteran players in big games to lead by example and lead the team.

Bringing in Butcher adds size, experience & some veteran leadership. Its funny, the Vipers acquired Butcher from Chilliwack back in 2014 but traded him to Surrey before the season started.

Austin Cho just didnt pan out this season. Didnt really stand out, never played physical or hit anyone and one of the more slower Viper d-men. No surprise here to see him traded.

I dont know alot about Butcher, with only seeing the Coast-Island teams once a year. Looking forward to seeing what he can do-bring to the Vipers lineup.