The Time Is Ripe To Deal Vernon Vipers Alumni Hammond:

Here is an article on former Vernon Vipers goaltender Andrew Hammond. Hammond is in his first season with the American Hockey League Iowa Wild.

The Minnesota Wild signed Hammond July 1st 2018, reassigned Hammond to the Wild October 1st 2018. Hammond played the past five seasons with the Ottawa Senators/American Hockey League Binghamton Senators before being traded to the Colorado Avalanche November 5th 2017. Hammond spent last season in the American Hockey League with the Belleville Senators, San Antonio Rampage & NHL Colorado Avalanche.

After four seasons with Bowling Green University, Hammond signed his first pro contract with the Ottawa Senators on March 20th 2013. Hammond attended the Chicago Blackhawks 2012 development camp and Ottawa Senators 2013 development camp.

Hammond made his NHL debut  February 27th 2014 vs the Detroit Red Wings. Hammond was called up that night from the American Hockey League as the backup for Senators starting goaltender Robin Lehner. Hammond would replace Lehner late in the 2nd period who was pulled after giving up six goals on fifteen Detroit shots. Hammond would finish the game playing just over thirty four minutes stopping all eleven Red Wing shots in a 6-1 loss to Detroit. Hammond made his first career NHL start February 18th 2015 vs the Montreal Canadians, recorded 42 saves in a 4-2 win over the Habs for his first career NHL victory. 

Hammond played parts of two years in Vernon (2007-2009) after coming over in a trade with the Surrey Eagles during the 2007-08 season. In 52 regular season games with the Vipers Hammond posted a (33-15-1) record recording 6 shutouts. 

Andrew Hammond's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=38007

This was posted on gonepuckwild.com

Minnesota Wild: The time is ripe to deal Andrew Hammond

by Ryan Darnley 2 weeks ago Follow @rdarnley

In Andrew Hammond, the Minnesota Wild have a goaltender playing for their minor league affiliate, the Iowa Wild; despite that goalie having previously demonstrated NHL pedigree. With injuries around the league, the time is ripe to make a deal.

The Minnesota Wild, no doubt, have had goaltending struggles of their own, what with the dip in Devan Dubnyk‘s form, but they haven’t suffered the injuries that other teams around the league have. The obvious example of who could benefit from Andrew Hammond are the Wild’s future Central Division rivals, the Arizona Coyotes.

With Antti Raanta injured indefinitely, they’re relying on a motley crew of 22 yeard-old Adin Hill, who to his credit is showing good numbers thus far, former Wild backup Darcy Kuemper and Calvin Pickard.

That group by no means represents an awful time in net, but you’ve got to think that they could be a suitor for Andrew Hammond, especially should they see one of those three go down injured.

Another team that might have some interest, albeit it’d be a minor-league deal would be the Toronto Maple Leafs. Since losing both Curtis McElhinney and the aforementioned Pickard on waivers this year, their minor league team, the Toronto Marlies has looked quite lost between the pipes.

Given that Hammond wouldn’t require clearing waivers to move between AHL teams, you’ve got to think there’s an option there. If Minnesota Wild General Manager Paul Fenton could steal one of the Leafs’ speedy prospects in return, even better.

The Carolina Hurricanes just lost McElhinney to injury and have been bouncing Scott Darling between the AHL and NHL as a partner for Petr Mrazek. Maybe Andrew Hammond offers more stability in that scenario; I’d say he’s a better bet than Scott Darling personally.

In Los Angeles, Cal Peterson is backing up Jonathan Quick. You also have Peter Budaj in the system there and he performed admirably last year, but do you consider Hammond. Or are they in full tank mode, going after Jack Hughes, in which case making any deal where they potentially give up a draft pick seems unlikely.

Perhaps the biggest dark horse in terms of a team to approach is the Pittsburgh Penguins. I’d say it’s unlikely you could wrangle a one-for-one deal with them, but maybe you could package Andrew Hammond with a couple of other pieces and run a trade past Jim Rutherford.

The Minnesota Wild could gain some younger, speedier players possibly from their farm system and they could add a little experience given they’re struggling with Casey DeSmith and Tristan Jarry.

In Andrew Hammond, we’re talking a goalie that not that long ago posted a 0.941 save percentage across 24 NHL games. This year in the AHL, he’s rocking a 0.911 save percentage and 2.96 goals against average with the Iowa Wild; nothing to be sniffed at, especially if a deal is made with the expectation of being a minor-league swap.

You could argue that any deal would be a deal for dealing’s sake, but the Iowa Wild have a perfect ready-made replacement in Kaapo Kahkonen, who really needs to claim the net as the team’s starter. Hammond, on the other hand, has an expiring contract so you might as well make the asset work for you.

If the Minnesota Wild want to turn their season around, now is probably the time to start making some deals. Maybe Andrew Hammond could help them get the ball rolling.

Vernon Vipers Alumni-NCAA Hockey On TSN:

Former Vernon Vipers goaltender Ty Taylor (2016-2018) & former Vernon Vipers forward Joe Sacco (2015-16) and the New Hampshire Wildcats face the Bentley Falcons this afternoon at 2pm on TSN 2

Pinguine Sign Ex Vipers Defenceman Noonan:

The Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) Krefeld Pinguine (Krefeld Penguins) have signed former Vernon Vipers defenceman Garrett Noonan.

The Pinguine is an ice hockey team in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga hockey league. Their home is in Krefeld, North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany at the König Palast.

Noonan played last year with Klub hokeja na ledu Medveščak Zagreb. In 30 games last season, Noonan collected (6-goals-14-assists-20-points). Klub hokeja na ledu Medveščak Zagreb) is a Croatian ice hockey club based in Zagreb established in 1961 that currently plays in the Austrian Hockey League (EBEL).

After four seasons at Boston University Noonan signed a Entry-Level Deal with the Nashville Predators on April 22nd 2014 also signed an amateur try-out contract (ATO) with the American Hockey League (AHL) Milwaukee Admirals. Noonan has spent the past four seasons playing in the American Hockey League & East Coast Hockey League with Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Hartford & Greenville & last season in Croatia with Klub hokeja na ledu Medveščak Zagreb. Noonan was drafted by Nashville in Round 4 #112 overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. 

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 was posted on the Pinguine website:

Garrett Noonan joins the Krefeld penguins

Katharina Schneider-Bodien

News

Friday - 6. April . 2018

The Krefeld penguins have garretted Noonan, the first import agency in the defensive department.

The 27-year-old defender was drafted by the Nashville Predators in the fourth round of the NHL Entry Draft in 2011, but initially opted out of professional careers and spent the full four years at Boston University from 2011 to 2014 where he served in the NCAA Played 144 games, scored 30 goals and 51 assists. "For my family and myself, academic as well as academic education was important. In addition, we were convinced that I would still get the chance for the NHL afterwards. The NCAA is an excellent league in which I have been able to develop, especially in the athletic and tactical fields, "Garrett Noonan explains why he decided to go to college and not signed the professional contract after the second year.

As expected, the interest of the Nashville Predators was still given two years later. Between 2014 and 2016, the defender was deployed in the training teams of the Predators. For the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) he played 57 games with 4 goals and 6 assists as well as a value of +5 in the +/- statistic. For the Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL) 78 games with 10 goals and 43 assists as well as a value of +5. "I had two good years in Milwaukee and Cincinnati but did not get a chance to play in Nashville. At that time, I already thought about going to Europe. I had the first talks with Matthias Roos at the end of November 2016, but we did not get together at the time. That's why I'm all the more looking forward to Krefeld and the DEL, "continued Noonan.

After the 184cm and 93 kg heavy left shooter started the season 2017/18 still in the AHL in Hartford, he decided in December 2017 to continue his career in Europe. For Medvescak Zagreb in the EBEL, the American completed 30 games in which he scored 6 goals and 14 assists. There are also 6 games in the playoffs with a goal and three assists. "Garrett was one of our favorite players for the new season. Rarely have we received so much positive feedback about a player. His future coach also confirmed this. First Garrett had to get used to the larger ice surface and the way of playing in Europe. In the last ten games of the main round and in the playoffs, he has played outstanding in Zagreb and show his real performance potential. He is runners good, tactically disciplined and strong in defensive behavior. In addition, he has the right qualities on the offensive and is inferior - just as valuable as in overpower situations, "said the words of Matthias Roos, sports director and CEO of the penguins on the newcomer.

Gate: Klein, Pätzold

Defense: Seifert, Keussen, Bettauer, Trivellato, Noonan (A)

Storm: Grygiel, Pietta, Schymainsky, Hanson (A), Costello (A), Kuhnekath

Kamloops Blazers Spoil Ex Viper Swetlikoff's Rockets Debut:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Alex Swetlikoff went pointless in his Kelowna Rockets Debut Friday. The Rockets fell 3-2 in overtime last night in Kamloops.

Alex Swetlikoff's Player Profile:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/407589/alex-swetlikoff

This was posted on Globalnews.ca

From Vernon Viper to Kelowna Rocket, Alex Swetlikoff makes his WHL debut

December 27, 2018 

By Travis Lowe Global News

The boys are back in town. After a two-week Christmas break, the Kelowna Rockets will return to action on Friday night.

At practice Thursday, in amongst the regulars who were skating off their holiday indulgence, is new face and a new number.

That new face is Alex Swetlikoff, wearing number 17.

Back in early December, Rockets GM Bruce Hamilton announced that the team had made a trade for Swetlikoff’s WHL rights.

“Obviously we think he’s a pretty good player and would give us some depth” Hamilton said at the time.

The trade was a bit of a gamble, but one that paid off.  Swetlikoff, who was born and raised a in Kelowna, grew up cheering for the Rockets and signed almost immediately with the team.

“I just thought I needed better development. Obviously in the WHL, you are playing better players, a lot faster, more competitive and I just felt I needed to develop right now. And this is the place that is going to get me to the next level,” Swetikoff said.

And with the Kelowna Rockets hosting the Memorial Cup next season, it would have been hard for Swetlikoff to say no.

“I’m super excited for that. Obviously that’s a benefit, but you know that isn’t the reason I signed. But next year, it will be an honor to play for Kelowna in the Memorial Cup,” Swetlikoff said.

The big center had been playing just up the road in Vernon for the Vipers. But on Boxing day, he swapped his Vipers jersey for a Rockets jersey.

The question now is how will he handle the transition from junior A to major junior, where it’s bigger, faster and stronger?

“I think it’s going to take me a little bit of time. Yesterday was a little bit tough, you know, first practice, the guys, but I think everyday I am getting better and today was a little bit easier,” Swetlikoff said.

So what will Swetlikoff bring to his new WHL team?

“I’m a big 200-foot center. I’ll use my speed and size to take pucks to the net,” Swetlikoff said.

Swetlikoff will get his chance to do exactly that Friday night in Kamloops when the Rockets start the second half of the season against the Blazers.

Here is a story-video on Swetlikoff making his Rockets debut

https://globalnews.ca/news/4797762/from-vernon-viper-to-kelowna-rocket-alex-swetlikoff-makes-his-whl-debut/

This is posted on the Rockets website:

Rockets fall to Blazers in overtime 

December 28, 2018

James Porter Kaedan Korczak kamloops blazers Lane Zablocki Rockets Recap

The Kelowna Rockets were defeated by Kamloops Blazers 3-2 in overtime Friday night at the Sandman Centre in Kamloops, BC.

The two teams shook off the holiday break rust in the opening frame. They exchanged chances, but neither team could get the puck past the opposing goaltender. The Rockets and Blazers entered the first intermission in a scoreless tie.

Just when it looked like the second frame would end the same as the first, Lane Zablocki (4) got the Rockets on the board with 1:10 remaining in the period. Zablocki fired a shot that pinballed through the crowd and trickled between the legs of Blazers starter, Dylan Ferguson. Kelowna held a 1-0 lead through 40 minutes of play.

While down a man, the Blazers skated up the ice on a two on one opportunity; Brodi Stuart (10) put the puck past Rockets starter, James Porter to tie up the game 7:23 into the third. On the power play, Kaedan Korczak (3) teed up a bomb that put the Rockets up 2-1 at 15:26. The Blazers pulled their goalie while on the man advantage, Zane Franklin (18) tied the game up with 1:06 left to force overtime.

The teams went back and forth for just over four minutes to make for a thrilling three on three sudden death overtime. Franklin (19) scored his second of the night with 42 seconds left to give the Blazers the victory.

Kelowna’s record is now 16-17-3-0.

James Porter turned aside 26 of the 29 shots he faced, his record moves to 5-7-2-0. The Rockets outshot the Blazers 38 to 29.

Kelowna won’t have to wait long to face Kamloops again, they’ll host them tomorrow night at Prospera Place. Tickets are on sale at selectyourtickets.com, at the Prospera Place box office or by phone at 250-762-5050.

Former Vernon Viper Williamson vs Former Penticton Panther Chad Taylor:

Former Vernon Vipers forward-captain Jason Williamson #39 takes on Penticton Panthers forward #14 during a Vipers-Panthers exhibition game at the Penticton Memorial Arena during the 2000-01 season.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIhkcwrNwS8

Williamson played three years in Vernon (1999-2002) before going to Niagara University.

Williamson returned to the Vipers in 2008 spending three years as an Assistant Coach (2008-2011) before being named Head Coach-GM in 2011. Williamson was Head Coach-GM for three seasons (2011-2014) before stepping down-resigning as Head Coach-GM after two exhibition games into the 2014-15 season. Williamson is fifth on the Vipers all-time wins list as Head Coach (81-Wins 70-Losses 6-Ties). 

Williamson spent the 2015-16 season as Head Coach of the Okanagan Rockets before leaving the Rockets in April 2016. Williamson also spent three seasons with the Nanaimo Clippers as Director of Scouting and Recruitment.

Jason Williamson's Player-Coaches Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=81172

Vipers Earn Split In Washington:

This was in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers earn split in Washington

Morning Star Staff

Dec. 28, 2018 

Local Sports

The Vernon Vipers earned a split in their two-game BCHL mini-series in Wenatchee against the Wild Dec. 21 and 22.

In game one, goaltender Bradley Cooper stopped all 24 shots and the Vipers posted a 3-0 shutout. Michael Young led the scoring with a goal and an assist. Matt Kowalski and Teddy Wooding chipped in singles.

In game two, Tyler Ho scored his first goal of the season and Josh Latta added a power-play marker, but the Wild’s Brian Adams was a rock star on the night scoring three to down the Vipers 5-2.

Nathan Iannone was the first to get one past Cooper. Adams scored on a move from the corner to make it 2-0 Wild, which you could argue cut the Vipers like a knife.

Ho’s goal came in the second period from a setup from Ben Helgeson to narrow the gap.

But the Wild regained momentum late in the second period when Chad Sasaki got open and made it 3-1 heading into the third.

The Wild’s tenacity was rewarded again in the third as Adams scored another from the corner, and then netted the hattie minutes later on a scrum.

The Vipers managed to make it 5-2 on a power-play goal from Josh Latta, but that would be as close as they got.

Going into the break, the Vipers find themselves in last place in the Interior Division, one point behind Trail, but with three games in hand. The Wild improved to 48 points, three behind the leading Penticton Vees with one game in hand.

The Vipers next host West Kelowna on Friday, Jan. 4.

Maine Mariners Sign Former Vernon Vipers Forward McNicholas:

The East Coast Hockey League Maine Mariners have signed former Vernon Vipers forward Michael McNicholas.

McNicholas started the season with the Manglerud Star, commonly known as Manglerud Star and abbreviated as MS, is a Norwegian ice hockey team based in Oslo, Norway. They currently play in the GET-ligaen. 

McNicholas was in his first season with the Star signed February 6 2018 was terminated October 26 2018. In 15 games with the Star McNicholas collected (2-goals-7-assists-9-points).

McNicholas spent the past four seasons at the University of New Hampshire before signing his first professional contract with the  East Coast Hockey League Indy Fuel March 6th 2018. McNicholas picked up on assist in three games last year with the Fuel. 

McNicholas played one season in Vernon (2013-14). The Vipers traded Aaron Hadley to Nanaimo for future considerations (Michael McNicholas & Jordan Klimek) on January 10th 2013. In 56 games with the Vipers McNicholas collected (23-goals-46-assists-69-points) scored one of the biggest goals in recent Vipers history, scored the overtime winner in Game 7 of the Interior Division Finals vs Penticton in 2014.

Michael McNicholas's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=109871

This was posted on the Mariners website:

MARINERS SIGN FORMER UNH FORWARD MCNICHOLAS 

November 1, 2018/in News /by mainemariners

PORTLAND, ME – November 1, 2018 – The Maine Mariners bolstered their offense on Thursday, signing former University of New Hampshire forward Michael McNicholas. The 5’10, 174 pound center from Reno, Nevada played briefly in the ECHL with the Indy Fuel in 2017-18 and was playing professionally in Norway this season.

McNicholas, 24 years old, was teammates with current Mariners Jason Salvaggio and John Furgele over his four years at the University of New Hampshire (2014-18). His best offensive season was his Junior year of 2016-17, when he posted 43 points in 37 games (13 goals, 30 assists). He led the Wildcats in scoring his Senior season, with five goals and 19 assists in 36 games. In March of 2018, he signed with the Indy Fuel and appeared in three games, registering one assist.

This season, McNicholas was playing overseas in Norway with the Manglerud Star of GET-ligaen, the premier hockey league of the country. He scored two goals with seven assists in 15 games.

The Mariners also added forward Shawn St. Amant yesterday, assigned by their AHL affiliate – the Hartford Wolf Pack. St. Amant was on the 2017 and 2018 Kelly Cup Championship-winning Colorado Eagles teams, and has been a pro since 2016-17, despite being just 21 years old. He has played 69 career games in the AHL with San Antonio and Hartford, plus 46 in the ECHL with Colorado. With the Eagles, St. Amant was a big time playoff performer, with 22 points in 36 postseason games. He had one assist in seven games with the Wolf Pack this season.

With the additions of McNicholas, St. Amant, and Hayden Verbeek (assigned from AHL Laval earlier this week), the Mariners could have three new forwards in Friday’s lineup.

Bulls Sign Vipers Alumni Defenceman Crisfield:

The Southern Professional Hockey League Birmingham Bulls have signed former Vernon Vipers defenceman Geoff Crisfield.

No official press release from the Bulls but Crisfield is listed on their roster. 

Crisfield spent the past four seasons at SAIT (Southern AB Inst. of Tech) before signing with the Bulls this season. In 12 games with the Bulls Crisfield has (1-goal-7-assists-8-assists). 

Crisfield played two years in Vernon (2011-2013) before being traded to the AJHL Spruce Grove Saints June 1st 2013 for future considerations.  In 110 games with the Vipers Crisfield collected (2-goals-11-assists-13-points). 

Geoff Crisfield's Player Profile:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/48785/geoff-crisfield?sort-total=a

5th Annual Vernon Vipers Christmas Quiz:

This was posted on Hockeytube.net

5th Annual Vipers Christmas Quiz

December 14, 2018 HockeyTube 

5th Annual Vipers Christmas Quiz – The Vernon Vipers are back with their annual Christmas Quiz contest. The players compete in pair for bragging rights during the hockey season.

Spoiler – Teddy Wooding and Aidan Porter won this year’s contest…no surprise that they will be attending Yale and Princeton respectively. We think this years quiz might have been a little too easy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZgd2rlZmcg

Former Vernon Laker-Viper Mick Joins Royal LePage:

Former Vernon Lakers-Vernon Vipers forward, Assistant Coach & Head Coach-GM Troy Mick is out of the hockey business, at least for now and now focusing on real estate. Mick will be joining Royal LePage.

Mick was recently named the new president of the USA Central Hockey League and a USA Central Hockey League advisor July 23 2018. 

The USA CHL started out as a six-team league with all the teams owned by the same group. Franchises in Rio Grande Valley and Laredo have already been publicized.

Mick recently parted ways with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks June 8th 2018. Mick had spent the past six seasons with the Silverbacks.

Mick played two seasons with the Vernon Lakers (1984-1986) before leaving the Lakers for the Merritt Warriors. Mick was also an Assistant Coach and in charge of marketing with the Vernon Lakers for two seasons (1993-1995) & spent one season as an Assistant Coach with the Vernon Vipers (1995-1996) before being named the Vipers Head Coach-GM the following season. Mick was Head Coach-GM of the Vipers for four years (1996-2000) before leaving for the Western Hockey League Portland Winterhawks. Mick returned to the Vipers as GM for two seasons (2005-07) before leaving in 2007 to sell real estate in Mexico. Mick was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in round 7 #130 overall at the 1988 NHL Entry Draft.

Troy Mick's Player-Coach Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=94293

This is posted on Gregg Drinnan's Blog:

Mick back home

December 22 2018

Troy Mick is out of the hockey business, at least for now, and focusing on real estate. Mick revealed on Facebook on Saturday that he has moved back to his hometown of Vernon, B.C., where he will join Royal LePage “an an unlicensed assistant to realtor Darcy Sochan” in the new year. Mick plans on becoming licensed and said he will continue to work with Sochan afterwards. . . . Mick, 49, began this season as the president of the USA-Central Hockey League, a new junior circuit whose season was cancelled earlier this month. . . . Mick played four seasons in the WHL — three with the Portland Winterhawks and one with the Regina Pats — and put up 204 goals and 262 assists in 267 games. Any chance at a successful pro career was shelved by knee problems. . . . He turned to coaching in 1993 and spent most of the next 25 years as a general manager, head coach or both, making stops in Vernon, Portland, Tri-City, Kamloops, Revelstoke and Salmon Arm.

Flyers Sign Ex Viper Forward Basara:

The Elite Ice Hockey League Fife Flyers have signed former Vernon Vipers forward Marcus Basara.

The Flyers are a professional ice hockey team that is from Kirkcandy, Scotland.

Basara started the season with the British Elite Hockey League Manchester Storm before being released October 24 2018. In 12 games with the Storm Basara had two points. The Storm are a British, professional ice hockey team founded in 2015. They are members of the Elite Ice Hockey League and are based at the Silver Blades Ice Rink in Altrincham, Greater Manchester.

Basara attended the University of Alaska-Fairbanks before signing his first professional contract with the East Coast Hockey League Allen Americans August 24th 2017.

Basara started his first professional season last year with with the East Coast Hockey League Allen Americans. Basara never played a game, was invited to the American Hockey League San Jose Barracuda training camp in September 2017, was released during camp, before returning to the Americans. The Americans traded Basara to the East Coast Hockey League Jacksonville IceMen October 10th 2017 before the 2017-18 regular season started. Basara never played a game with the IceMen before being placed on waivers. 

Basara was claimed off waivers by the East Coast Hockey League Orlando Solar Bears November 20th 2017. Basara collected one assist in four games with the Solar Bears before being released November 30th 2017. Basara would return to Allen after signing with the Americans for a second time last season, December 10th 2017. In 18 games with the Americans Basara collected (3-goals-3-assists-6-points) was traded to the East Coast Hockey League Wheeling Nailers February 17th 2018. 

Basara was released March 12th 2018. In 6 games with the Nailers Basara picked up (1-goal-3-assists-4-points). Basara signed with the East Coast Hockey League Fort Wayne Komets March 15th 2018 Played in 5 games collected (2-goals-1-assist-3-points) before being placed on waivers March 28th 2018.

Basara played parts of the two seasons in Vernon (2010-2012) before being traded along with Connor Hartley & future considerations to the Alberta Junior Hockey League Okotoks Oilers on November, 28th 2011 for Ben Gamache.  Basara would finish his junior career with the West Kelowna Warriors. 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

This was posted on the Flyers website:

SIGNING | Flyers Bring In Basara 

October 26 2018

Fife Flyers, sponsored by Arnold Clark Mercedes Benz, can confirm the signing of Canadian forward Marcus Basara following his release from Manchester Storm earlier this week.

Basara initially joins the club on a tryout contract following news the club received this week regarding Chase Schaber's injury which will see him out for the foreseeable future.

Assistant coach Jeff Hutchins said the following today "Chase was injured during the Nottingham game on the weekend. The results have come back and they aren't great, he will be out for a significant amount of time.

"He is an important player for us and this is a blow to the promising start we have had this season. He will work hard with the medical team to get back asap. In the meantime we have brought in cover for him.

"We have picked up Marcus Basara who had recently been released from Manchester. He will be here on an initial tryout with the aim of staying beyond that period.

"He has a big frame and a good skill set, he skates well and on our big ice should be an asset to his game. Something that he may not have had an opportunity to show on Manchester's smaller ice pad.

"We want to thank the directors for supporting this swift move in difficult circumstances."