Vipers Sign Stephenson:

It looks like the Vernon Vipers have signed-added defenceman Carter Stephenson to their roster. Stephenson is now listed on the Vipers roster.

Stephenson started the season with the Vancouver NW Giants, was an "AP" affiliated player with the Vipers this season, playing in two games.

This puts the Vipers roster at 23 players, meaning the Vipers have to release-trade a player before the January 10th BCHL Trade deadline.

Carter Stephenson's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=247455

Morning Star 2016 Predictions: Vipers Upset Vees In Playoffs:

This was in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Opinion

AT RANDOM: Predictions

by  Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star

Dec 31, 2015

The Vernon Vipers squeak into BCHL playoffs, upset Penticton in seven games in round one on an overtime goal from Odeen Tufto, then lose the conference final in Game 7 to Salmon Arm; the Silverbacks go on to win the Fred Page Cup.

Finlay Listed On Pats Prospects List:

Alan Caldwell over at small thoughts at large (WHL Blog) has posted every Western Hockey League team's 2015-16 prospects list. This only include players who were not WHL regulars last year. If a kid played more than 20-30 games or so in the WHL last year, he's not on these lists.

The WHL Regina Pats have Vernon Vipers forward Liam Finlay as one of fourty one players listed on their 2015-16 prospects list. 

Finlay is in his second season with the Vipers. The Penticton Vees traded Finlay to Vernon on October 28th 2014 for future considerations. In 32 games this season Finlay has (11-goals-19-assists-30-points).

Liam Finlay's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=202405

Bandits Sign Viper Alumni Mick:

The Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) Brooks Bandits have signed former Vernon Vipers forward Logan Mick.

Mick was playing with the Langley Rivermen prior to signing with the Bandits. In 22 games with the Rivermen Mick had (2-goals-8-assists-10-points).

Mick started the season with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks before being traded to Langley on October 6th 2015. Mick missed most of last season with a lower body injury, played in 25 games last year collected (5-goals-5-assists-10-points). Mick didn't play a single game this season with Salmon Arm before joining the Rivermen.

Mick played two years in Vernon (2012-2014) before being traded to the Merritt Centennials on May 29th 2014 as part of the future considerations from a trade in January. On January 3rd 2014 the Vipers sent defenceman Jason Bird & future considerations (Logan Mick) to Merritt for defenceman Dylan Chanter. In May the United States Hockey League (USHL) expansion Bloomington Thunder selected Mick 400th overall in Round 25 of Phase two of the USHL draft. On June 20th the Merritt Centennials traded Mick to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks for Luke Bertolucci & future considerations.

Logan Mick's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=120792

This is posted on the Bandits website:

Bandits sign Logan Mick

Posted December 30th, 2015

BROOKS, AB (December 30, 2015) – The Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) have signed 1996-born forward Logan Mick (Vernon, B.C.), the team announced today.

Mick, 19, joins the Bandits in his fourth season of Junior A hockey, most recently suiting up for the Langley Rivermen of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), for whom he had 9 points (2 goals, 7 assists) in 21 games this season.

“Logan is an experienced junior player that brings added speed to our forward group,” said Bandits head coach and general manager Ryan Papaioannou. “He will be a contributing factor to our overall depth, and we are looking forward to his addition in the new year.”

Prior to his time in Langley, Mick played for the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, notching 10 points (5 goals, 5 assists) in 25 games last season, following up two full seasons with the Vernon Vipers, including 4 games played at the 2014 RBC Cup tournament. Prior to his BCHL play, Mick played his minor hockey with Pursuit of Excellence prep school in Kelowna, B.C.

In October of 2013, in his first season in Vernon, Mick committed to Quinnipiac University. Mick is now the second Bandit player committed to the Bobcats, joining 1996-born defenceman Joe O’Connor (Hamden, CT).

He also brings the total number of players on the current Bandits roster committed to a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I institution to 14, the most of any team in the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL).

The Bandits return home January 1 for a New Year’s Day matchup at the Centennial Regional Arena against the Olds Grizzlys. Puck drop is at 7 PM, with tickets available online at tickets.brooksbandits.ca.

Vipers-Silverbacks Fight – Oliver vs Mitchell:

This is posted on the Hockeytube.net website:

BCHL Fight – Oliver vs Mitchell

Posted by HockeyTube on Dec 10th, 2015

It was a battle of former Okanagan Rocket BCMML players. Vernon Vipers #4 Mitchell Oliver drops the mitts to scrap Salmon Arm’s #24 Marcus Mitchell during a BCHL game between the two teams on December 9th 2015. Both players played major midget in Kelowna but were never teammates. This was the first scrap in the game…later Riley Brandt and Cam Coutre would toss some punches at each other. Much like the other fight this was a solid draw! The Silverbacks improved to 4-0 vs Vernon after the 5-2 victory.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuuQ-r-iUfs

Beast Sign Ex Vernon Viper McGregor:

The American Hockey League (AHL) Brampton Beast have signed former Vernon Vipers forward Bryan McGregor.

McGregor played with Piráti Chomutov last season. In 44 games McGregor picked up (16-goals-14-assists-30-points). Piráti Chomutov is a Czech ice hockey team from Chomutov, Czech Republic.  The team was established in 1945 play in the Czech Extraliga, the top-level league in the Czech Republic.

After four years at Minnesota-Duluth McGregor went on to play three years in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) with Pensacola, Johnstown & Idaho before having a short stint with the American Hockey League (AHL) Binghamton Senators. McGregor has spent the past six seasons playing overseas in six different leagues with seven different teams (Sport, HC Trinec, HC Innsbruck, Beibarys Atyrau, Rungsted, Szekesfehervar & Piráti Chomutov).  

McGregor played parts of one season in Vernon (2002-2003) after coming over in a trade with the Cowichan Valley Capitals for forward Josh Ciocco. In 32 games with the Vipers McGregor collected (21-goals-26-assists-47-points).

Bryan McGregor's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=13415

This is posted on the Beast website:

Brampton Beast Sign Jamie Wise, Bryan McGregor and Zach McCullough

Thursday, Sep. 24th, 2015

BRAMPTON, Ontario - The Brampton Beast announced that the team has agreed to terms with forwards Jamie Wise and Bryan McGregor along with defenseman Zach McCullough for the 2015-16 season.

Wise is entering his second season in the professional ranks, having split the 2014-15 season with the Indy Fuel and the AHL's Rockford IceHogs. Following the completion of his junior career, which he spent with the OHL's Peterborough Petes and Mississauga St. Michael's Majors, he joined the Ryerson Rams for two seasons and led the team in scoring in 2013-14 with 45 points (21g-24a) in 26 games.

McGregor returns to North America after playing abroad for the last six seasons. McGregor made stops in Finland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Kazakhstan and Denmark and helped the Piráti Chomutov to a Czech2 title in 2014-15. He's no stranger to the ECHL, having played two full seasons in the league, including a stellar 2008-09 campaign with the Idaho Steelheads, posting 82 points (38g-44a) in 66 games.

McCullough spent the last two seasons with the Elmira Jackals (2013-14) and the Kalamazoo Wings (2014-15) following a four-year CIS career with the University of Prince Edward Island. The 28-year-old scored his first professional goal last season with the Wings, an overtime winner to complete a three-goal comeback over the Allen Americans on Jan. 25.

Ex Viper Robin Commits To University Of Oklahoma:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Landon Robin has committed to the University of Oklahoma.

Robin played last season with the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) Drayton Valley Thunder & the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) Melfort Mustangs. The Thunder traded Robin to the Mustangs on November 4th 2014. In 16 games with the Thunder Robin picked up (2-goals-2-assists-4-points) and in 36 games with the Mustangs collected (12-goals-11-assists-23-points). Robin played the past three seasons with five teams (Vernon, La Ronge, Drayton Valley, Powell River & Melfort) in three different leagues (BCHL, SJHL & AJHL).

Robin was recruited by the Vipers started the 2012-13 season with Vernon before being traded to Powell River on November, 29th 2012 for future considerations. In 23 games with the Vipers Robin collected (1-goal-4-assists-5-points).

Landon Robin's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=84455

This is posted on the Mustangs website:

Landon Robin Commits to University of Oklahoma

10/13/2015

By Tayler Tluchak

Landon played one season with the Melfort Mustangs and got a total of 36 GP with 12 goals, 11 assists, giving him 23 Points for the 2014-2015 season. Landon Robin has committed to the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) where he is enrolled in the College of Business and will play hockey for the Bronchos.  UCO is a major university with over 17,000 students and located in Edmond, OK,a suburb of Oklahoma City. The UCO Bronchos play Division 1 hockey in the ACHA Western Collegiate Hockey League and are defending ACHA national champions.

Congrats Landon! Best of luck!!

BCHL News & Trades:

I found these press releases off team websites, other hockey blogs or online.

BCHL News & Trades:

Victoria-Winkler Trade:

The Winkler Flyers have acquired 19 year old forward Luc Soares (96) from the Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL) in exchange for a Player Development Fee. The Delta, B.C. product suited up this season for both the Grizzlies and Prince George Spruce Kings after recording over a point per game with the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners (NOJHL) last season. The 5’10”, 175lbs forward recorded three points (1 goal – 2 assists) in 14 games with the Grizzlies, after playing the first six games of the year in Prince George. Soares had a tremendous rookie season with Kirkland Lake in 2014-15 recording 52 points (24 goals – 28 assists) in 49 regular season games played. He also had five points (2 goals – 3 assists) in six playoff games. His solid play last season earned him an invite to the Canada – East try out camp for the 2014 World Junior A Challenge. The Flyers would like to welcome Luc and his family to the organization.

Vees Stars Happy In Penticton:

Fred Harbinson wasn’t upset about Sportsnet’s Damien Cox suggesting during a TV game Friday night that the Kelowna Rockets might conceivably trade for Tyson Jost’s and Dante Fabbro’s Western Hockey League rights. He also insisted Rockets president and GM Bruce Hamilton would be “just doing his job” if he investigated acquiring the rights to Jost (from Everett) and/or Fabbro (from Seattle) ahead of the Jan. 10 trade deadline. What irritated the Penticton Vees president, GM and head coach is the “arrogance” of some who suggested Jost and Fabbro should leave their teammates and their program in the middle of what has been a magnificent season for the Vees. “It’s shocking and offensive to those kids that people think of them in that light,” said Harbinson. “They are both tired of hearing about all this stuff.” Harbinson said Jost and Fabbro already told Everett and Seattle they are not interested in being traded to another WHL or Major Junior team. Whether it’s Everett, Seattle, Kelowna, Swift Current or even Erie, they’re content, happy and proud to be playing in Penticton. “That’s the thing … this was never anything against playing in Everett or Seattle,” said Harbinson. “They wanted to play here, they wanted to go the college route. They shouldn’t be made to feel like they made a bad choice.” Jost’s idol is Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews, who starred at University of North Dakota before being picked in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft by Chicago and winning three Stanley Cups in the last six seasons. “He wants to follow that path,” said Harbinson. “And Dante is also going to a great school (Boston University) that could have as many as five first-round picks in the upcoming draft.” Jost and Fabbro are both 17 and both are expected to be picked in the first round of the 2016 draft. Jost leads the BCHL in scoring, Fabbro leads all defencemen in scoring. Their Vees team is ranked No. 1 in Canada with a 26-2 record. Could they help push a contending team like Kelowna over the top in a bid for a Memorial Cup? Absolutely. But they’re more interested in helping Penticton win an RBC Cup, which they came agonizingly close to doing as 16-year-olds last season. Harbinson certainly impacted their decision to play in Penticton, but choosing the college route over Major Junior were careful and informed decisions made by Jost, Fabbro and their respective families. “I’m a big supporter of both NCAA and Major Junior,” stressed Harbinson. “First and foremost, I’m a hockey coach, and I can understand the reasons why some choose to go one way and some go the other.”

Surrey-Cowichan Trade:

The Surrey Eagles have announced the acquisition of forward Rhett Willcox from the Cowichan Valley Capitals in exchange for future considerations. Willcox ('96) began the year with the Trail Smoke Eaters, where he scored three goals in three games before being moved to Cowichan Valley. In total this season, he has scored six goals and eight assists in 25 games. The 5-foot-10 Surrey native is known for his agitating style of play, and finished the 2014-2015 season with 73 penalty minutes in 56 games. He will be a welcome addition to the current group of forwards, according to Eagles head coach Blaine Neufeld. "We are thrilled to bring a player in such as Rhett. We like his maturity and experience that he brings to our group. We are in a spot where we have a very bright future and know that Rhett is a piece we need in that process." "He brings skill and will be in a position to perform offensively for us while playing the game the right way. We also anticipate him to bring a sense of leadership to our group."

Penticton-Surrey Trade:

The Penticton Vees Jr. ‘A’ Hockey Club has acquired forward Darius Davidson (96) from the Surrey Eagles for future considerations, the team announced Wednesday. President, General Manager and Head Coach Fred Harbinson sees a good fit with the power forward, “Darius is a proven contributor on the offensive side of the game and his numbers reflect that. We feel his blend of skill and size will make him a very effective player at both ends of the ice.” “With the amount of injuries we’ve had in recent weeks, we felt this move made more and more sense going forward.” Davidson, 19, led the Eagles in scoring this season with 11 goals and 25 points through 30 games; he had a team-best four power-play goals too. The 6’1, 195 pound winger had a breakout sophomore season a year ago, when he racked up 25 goals and 51 points in 58 games for a struggling Surrey squad. He finished in the top 40 in the BCHL scoring race last season and was tied for 19th in goals. Since the start of last season, the Surrey, BC, native has put up 36 goals and 76 points in 88 games. Impressive numbers considering Surrey finished 16th in the BCHL with nine wins and 22 points one season ago. To make room on the roster, the Vees put injured forward Demico Hannoun (95) on the 30-day Injured Reserve after he sustained a broken arm in last Friday’s game against Vernon; Hannoun is expected to be out six-weeks. Davidson is expected to join the Vees today and make his debut on Friday in Salmon Arm.

Surrey-Alberni Valley Trade:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs trade 1996-born defenseman Tyler Cooper to the Surrey Eagles for 1995-born defenseman Owen Johnson. The Alberni Valley Bulldogs would like to thank Tyler for his contributions to the organization and are excited to welcome Owen to the Bulldogs family.

Salmon Arm-Coquitlam Trade:

The Salmon Arm Silverbacks have acquired the BCHL/CHL list rights to Ayrton Nikkel(95)(D) from the Coquitlam Express in exchange for future considerations.

West Kelowna-Tri-City Trade:

The Warriors have acquired G Matthew Greenfield (95) from the Tri-City Storm (USHL) in exchange for Future Considerations.

Chilliwack-Tri-City Trade:

The Chiefs have acquired forward Aaron O'Neill from the Tri-City Storm of the USHL. He is expected to be in the lineup Sunday.

Westgard Leaves Surrey Eagles For Western Hockey League:

The Victoria Royals are pleased to announce that 1998-born forward Ty Westgard has agreed to join the club. Westgard was originally selected by the Royals in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft in the eighth round, 165th overall. “Ty is a smart and skilled forward who will be an excellent addition to the team.” General Manager Cameron Hope said. “We are excited to welcome him to the club.” The native of Surrey, BC started the 2015-16 season with the Surrey Eagles of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). Over 23 games with the Eagles Westgard recorded 21 points (6g-15a) and was tied for second on the team in scoring. Westgard leaves the BCHL as the fourth highest scoring 1998-born player in the league. The 6-0, 180 lb forward spent last season with the Eagles where he amassed nine points (5g-4a) in 17 games played. Westgard was named as a C-ranked skater by NHL Central Scouting and is projected to be taken in either the fourth, fifth, or sixth round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. The newest Royal was shortlisted by Team Canada West for the upcoming 2015 World Junior A Challenge and recently attended their selection camp in Leduc, AB.

Alberni Valley-Cowichan Trade:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce the acquisition of Rhett Willcox from the Cowichan Valley Capitals in exchange for Future Considerations. Willcox is a gritty two-way forward with 130 games of BCHL experience who previously spent time with the Merritt Centennials, the Trail Smoke Eaters, and the Capitals. This season Willcox has 19 points in 33 games. Prior to that, Willcox was a standout player for the Valley West Hawks in the British Columbia Major Midget League where he scored 21 goals and 52 points in 2012-13. The 5-foot-10, Surrey, BC, native is expected to join the Bulldogs immediately and make his debut against his former team, the Trail Smoke Eaters, tonight at 6pm on Teddy Bear Toss night.

Silverbacks Sign Nikkel:

The Salmon Arm Silverbacks are proud to announce that they have signed D-Man Ayrton Nikkel from Kelowna, BC . Ayrton’s rights were acquired last week from the Coquitlam Express and GM Troy Mick has been in contact with Ayrton ever since and is on his way to Salmon Arm to make his season debut Friday night in Trail with his new teammates and followed by his home debut Saturday vs the Powell River Kings. “I have known Ayrton and his family for many years as I coached him at the Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy in Kelowna 4 years ago,” stated Troy Mick. “He is a leader and one of the toughest competitors on the ice I have seen, he will be able to play in all situations for us and with his 4 years of WHL experience will add to the veteran leadership in the dressing room” continued Mick. Nikkel says, "I am extremely excited to be a part of the Silverbacks organization, and look forwarding to helping the team push for the playoffs."

Penticton-Cowichan Trade:


Before their game Saturday against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, the Penticton Vees announced they traded defenseman Sam Jones (97) to the Cowichan Valley Capitals for future considerations. Jones, 18, had four assists in 27 games this season, whilst patrolling the Vees blue-line.Jones had spent the last three seasons at the Okanagan Hockey Academy next door netting 31 points (7-24-31) in 28 games last season for OHA Prep Red. The move does leave the Vees with four defensemen avaialble for their remaining three games before the Christmas break. To help fill the void on the backend, the Vees will have two Osoyoos Coyotes in the line-up Tuesday, when the team travels to Vernon to face the Vipers. AP's Daniel Stone (96) and Ryan Morrell (97) have been called up from the KIJHL. Morrell is the top-scoring defenseman on the Coyotes, with 22 points (7-15-22) in 28 games. Stone has 19 points (8-11-19) in 26 games. Stone has played in six games this season with the Vees and Morrell has played in a pair, picking up an assist in one of those two games. The Vees are missing defensemen Gabe Bast and Seamus Donohue due to injury and Dante Fabbro, who's playing at the 2015 World Junior 'A' Challenge.

Storm Add Ex Vipers D-Man Halvorson:

The Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) Grande Prairie Storm have added former Vernon Vipers defenceman Matt Halvorson to their roster. No official press release but Halvorson is listed on their roster.

Halvorson attended the Vernon Vipers training camp the past three seasons was released-cut each year played one game with the Vipers (2012-13) as an "AP" affiliated player. Halvorson started the season with the KIJHL North Okanagan Knights before joining the Storm. In 18 games this year Halvorson has (2-goals-2-assists-4-points).

Matt Halvorson's player profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=169543

Penguins Sign Viper Alumni Gill:

The American Hockey League (AHL) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have signed former Vernon Vipers forward Sahir Gill. 

Gill attended the Montreal Canadians Training camp last season was released before playing with three different teams last season. Gill played in 26 games with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Wheeling Nailers collected (9-goals-20-assists-29-points) also played in 25 games with the  American Hockey League (AHL) Hamilton Bulldogs picking up (2-goals-2-assists-4-points) finished the season with the American Hockey League (AHL) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins had (1-goal-2-assists-3-points) in 12 games with the Penguins.  

Gill played his first pro season (2013-14) with the ECHL Wheeling Nailers. Gill finished sixth in rookie scoring and lead the team in scoring collecting (13-goals-41-assists-54-points). Gill was suppose to enter his fourth and final season at Boston University (2013-14) 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 United States Hockey League (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.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=38017    

This is posted on the Penguins website:

SAHIR GILL SIGNS WITH PENGUINS

October 8, 2015

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. - The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins announced today that they have signed forward Sahir Gill to an American Hockey League contract.

 Gill recently participated in training camp with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and was the only player to dress in all four of the Penguins preseason games. He earned two goals and two assists in exhibition play.

 A native of Terrace, BC, Gill appeared in 12 games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins during the 2014-15 season while on loan from the Wheeling Nailers, netting three points (one goal, two assists.)

In two seasons with Wheeling, the former Boston University Terrier amassed 22 goals, 61 assists for 83 points in 93 games. Gill led the Nailers in points (54) during his first professional season after college, 2013-14.

Gill also dressed in 25 games for the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2014-15, scoring two goals and adding two assists.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton season ticket packages, including Full Season, 22-game, 12-game and Flexbook plans, are available by contacting the Penguins directly at 570-208-7367. 

Retro Highlights – Ferner VS Martinson:

This is posted on the Hockeytube.net website:

Retro Highlights – Ferner Fights Martinson

Posted by HockeyTube on Nov 11th, 2015

My head coach can beat up your head coach! Roll back the clock to about 1987  during an AHL game between the Rochester Americans and the Adirondack Red Wings. Current Vernon Vipers (BCHL) coach Mark Ferner gets accosted by former NHL enforcer Steve Martinson in the exit tunnel…words are exchanged and then punches! Even Ferner’s teammate Scott Metcalfe was about to scale the glass to get in to help.

Straight out of the pages of Slapshot, both men toss some bombs before security and staff get involved to break it up. Martinson who once racked up 432 PIMS in just 69 games with Hershey just recently coached the ECHL Allen Americans to a league championship last year. Ferner meanwhile has taken the Vipers to the RBC cup three times wining twice and a runner up finish.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=ORNObvSGAuw

Former Vernon Viper George Leaves Orlik Opole:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Drew George has left Orlik Opole. MUKS Orlik Opole is an ice hockey team in Opole, Poland. They play in the Polska Hokej Liga, the top level of ice hockey in Poland. 

George played in eight games in his first season with Orlik Opole before leaving the team collected (3-goals-11-assists-14-points). George spent the past four seasons with Sacred Heart University before playing in Poland. 

George played parts of one season in Vernon (2009-10) was recruited by the Vipers. George was traded to Cowichan Valley on November, 25th 2009 along with Nick Amies and future considerations for Curtis Gedig & future considerations.  George wouldnt report to the Capitals before Cowichan Valley traded George the SJHL Weyburn Red Wings on December, 27th 2009 for Chris Daniels and future considerations.

Drew George's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=48218

This is posted on the Orlik Opole website:

2015-09-24 

Drew George left the team Orlik Opole

Orlik Opole hockey players in tomorrow's challenge on GKS Tychy will have to cope without Drew George. 24-year-old Canadian packed up his things and returned d

- Drew could not find in Poland and longing for family. That's why we made this decision - told us one of the players Orlik.

It's a big loss for the team led by Jack Szopińskiego. George together with Alex SZCZECHURA and Michael Cichy has created a great complementary fit. Joining forces have won as many as 17 goals, which is half of the entire shooting achievements Opolan! The balance of Regina Canadian-born player was six matches, three goals and as many as ten assists.

The question remains, who will play in place of Drew George. There are two options. The first one assumes that in the formation of Quiet and SZCZECHURA is set Branislav Fabry, and the other states that will take place Canadian American of Polish descent.

Ex Viper Meek Listed On Oil Kings Prospects List:

Alan Caldwell over at small thoughts at large (WHL Blog) has posted every Western Hockey League team's 2015-16 prospects list. This only include players who were not WHL regulars last year. If a kid played more than 20-30 games or so in the WHL last year, he's not on these lists.

The WHL Edmonton Oil Kings have former Vernon Vipers defenceman Mitch Meek as one of thirty eight players listed on their 2015-16 prospects list. 

Meek played parts of one season in Vernon last year, playing in 50 games with the Vipers collecting (6-goals-10-assists-16-points) after coming over in a trade with the Victoria Grizzlies.  On October 8th 2014 the Grizzlies traded Brandon Egli, Mitch Meek & Future Considerations to the Vipers for Aydan Macdonald & Jake Emilio. Over the off season the Vipers traded Meek in a three way deal with West Kelowna & Prince George.  On July 9th 2015 the Vipers traded Meek to West Kelowna for Mac Ferner before the Warriors traded Meek to Prince George for Luke Harrison.  The Spruce Kings traded Meek to Cowichan on August 12th 2015. In 33 games this season with Cowichan Meek has (4-goals-23-assists-27-points).

Mitch Meek's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=120807

Three Former Vernon Junior Hockey Players Named WHL Top 125:

The Western Hockey League unveiled its list of top 125 players in WHL history as selected by a committee of League historians. Three former Vernon Junior hockey players were selected. Former Vernon Essos forward Dave "Tiger" Williams, former Vernon Essos-Vernon Vikings forward Don Murdoch & former Vernon Lakers forward Dennis Holland. 

Williams played one season in Vernon (1970-71) with the Essos also played three seasons (1971-74) with the Swift Current Broncos. Williams was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in Round 2 31st overall in the 1974 NHL Amateur Draft. Williams would play fourteen seasons in the NHL with five different teams (Toronto, Vancouver, Detroit, Los Angeles & Hartford). Williams was inducted into the Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame in July.    

Dave "Tiger" Williams Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=52429

Murdoch played two seasons in Vernon (1972-1974) playing with the Vernon Essos & Vernon Vikings also played three seasons (1973-1976) with the Kamloops Chiefs & Medicine Hat Tigers. Murdoch was drafted by the New York Rangers in Round 1 6th overall in the 1976 NHL Amateur Draft.

Don Murdoch's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=3848

Holland played one season in Vernon (1985-86) with the Vernon Lakers also played three seasons (1986-1989) with the Portland Winterhawks. In 51 games with the Lakers Holland picked up (43-goals-62-assists-105-points). Holland was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in Round 3 52nd overall in the 1987 NHL Draft. 


Dennis Holland's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=94291

This was posted on the WHL website:

WHL ANNOUNCES TOP 125 PLAYERS

Tue Sep 22

Calgary, AB – The Western Hockey League unveiled today its list of the top 125 players in WHL history as selected by a committee of League historians.

The list includes WHL greats from the League’s inception in 1966 through to players that suited up as recently as last season. In total, 88 forwards, 27 defencemen, and 10 goaltenders made the list. Players were selected based on a combination of the impact they had while playing in the WHL and their careers upon graduating from the League.

The committee was comprised of members of the media and individuals who have demonstrated long-standing contributions to the WHL, along with members the WHL Office staff. The WHL would like to thank Gregg Drinnan, Norm Dueck, Peter Loubardias, Bob Ridley, Dan Russell, Rob Vanstone, Dean Vrooman and Bill Willms for their assistance with this project.

As a part of the WHL’s 50th Season celebrations, fans will be able to have their say in October alongside the committee by way of an online vote available at www.WHL.ca. Beginning in January, the WHL will count down and release the Top 50 WHL Players of All-Time.

This article takes up a full page, so I had to shorten the article.  In order to read the full story-article, click on the "read more" near the bottom left corner of this post.

Devils Assign Viper Alumni Pelley To American Hockey League:

The New Jersey Devils have assigned former Vernon Vipers forward Rod Pelley to the American Hockey League (AHL) Albany Devils. 

In 27 games this year with the Devils Pelley has (2-goals-1-assist-3-points). Pelley has spent the past three seasons in the American Hockey League with Albany & Norfolk, has played six seasons in the NHL with New Jersey & Anaheim.

Pelley played parts of one season in Vernon (2001-2002) On January 10th 2001 the Vipers traded Mark Nelson & Tyler Scofield to Prince George for Josh Ciocco, Rod Pelley & Dan Rossi. Pelley played in 19 regular season games with the Vipers collecting (10-goals-8-assists-18-points).

Rod Pelley's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=69096  

This is posted on the Devils website:

DEVILS ASSIGN SEVEN TO ALBANY (AHL)

Thursday, 09.24.2015 

The Devils have assigned seven players to their top development team, the American Hockey League's Albany Devils.

Assigned to Albany were: goaltender Yann Danis; defensemen Dan Kelly and Jacob Sweeney; and forwards Graham Black, Chris McKelvie, Rod Pelley, and Ben Thomson.

Brampton Beast Sign Former Viper Marino:

The American Hockey League (AHL) Brampton Beast have signed former Vernon Vipers forward Brandon Marino.

Marino spent last season with the Austrian Erste Bank Hockey League (AEBHL) SAPA Fehérvár AV19.  SAPA Fehérvár AV19, is a Hungarian ice hockey team.

After four years with Bemidji State University Marino spent the next five seasons playing in four different leagues (IHL, CHL, ECHL & AHL) with three different teams (Quad City, Fort Wayne & Norfolk) before playing in Hungary last season.

Marino played just two games with the 2002-2003 Vernon Vipers.

Brandon Marino's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=39227

This is posted on the Beast website:

Beast Sign ECHL Scoring Champion Brandon Marino

08/19/2015 

Brampton, ON – The Brampton Beast are excited to announce the acquisition of 2012 CHL MVP and 2014 ECHL Top Scorer, Brandon Marino. During those years, from 2012 – 2014, Marino scored more points than any other AA hockey player at the CHL and ECHL level.

The California native will be the first American-born player signed by the Beast in franchise history, demonstrating the Beast's focus on building the best team possible regardless of nationality.

“Brandon Marino is an elite ECHL scorer and simply one of the league's best all-around players,” said Beast President and General Manager Cary Kaplan. “We wanted the first US player that the Brampton Beast have ever signed to make a statement on our commitment to winning for our fans. With Brandon, Yannick Tifu, Scott Howes and Cal Wild as our four veteran players, we are confident in our powerful leadership core."

The fourth veteran player signed to the Beast this offseason (out of a maximum of four veteran spots allowed per team), Marino is an elite forward with a proven ability to score, having notched 162 points in 143 ECHL games across two seasons with the Fort Wayne Komets. He was named Team MVP and “Mr. Hustle” for being the hardest working player on the squad both years he was with the Komets, in addition to bringing home one of the league’s most coveted awards as the ECHL’s top scorer in 2013-2014.

“I was given the opportunity to play on the first line and on the powerplay, much of the time with Chris Auger,” said Marino of his success with the Komets. “Having good teammates to play with, that’s what its all about. You’re only as good as the guys you’re playing with, and I think with the group [Colin] Chaulk is putting together we are going to be a tough team to beat.”

After spending last season overseas in the EBEL, Austria’s top tier hockey league, it was largely the recruiting of Head Coach Chaulk that brought the former scoring champion to Brampton.

“Chaulk was definitely a huge part of it, there was a lot of mutual respect from our time together in Fort Wayne,” said Marino. “His demeanor in the room when he was playing, and then the way he took on the assistant coaching duties when he wasn’t able to play, I saw how good of a coach he is going to be. The intelligence he has for the game, his commitment to winning, and the fact that he played at this level for so many years are a dangerous combination.”

Prior to suiting up for the Komets, Marino spent two years playing for the Quad City Mallards of the CHL. In his second season with the team, he led the league in goals (41) and was second in points (90) in just 65 regular season games, earning him the title of CHL MVP in 2011-2012.

“Marino is a former league MVP and scoring champion, whose speed and will to win are unmatched,” said Coach Chaulk. “Most importantly he can play in all situations, and will be a valuable asset for the Beast this season."
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Download for and Trial Packs for the 2015-16 season are now available starting at $39.99 that include three game tickets. For more information or general media inquiries on the Brampton Beast please contact Jacob Hall, Communications Coordinator at (905) 564-1684 ext. 210 or jhall@bramptonbeast.com.


(Note: Brampton did have another US player, Dan Milan, with the team in 2014, however he was under contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.)