This is posted on the Vipers website:
Welcome Back Max Palaga
June 18, 2019
Vernon, BC: The Vernon Vipers are pleased to announce that goaltender Max Palaga will rejoin the team for this upcoming season.
The Kamloops product played in 5 games with the Vipers last season posting a 1.77 goals against average and .943 Save Percentage.
“Max is a big, athletic goaltender who I believe with consistent playing time will continue to grow his game even further,” says Head Coach and GM of the Vipers Jason McKee.
The 6’1 goalie surrendered just 13 goals against in 13 games played with the Everett Silvertips last season, including one shutout.
Coach McKee says Max’s calming influence with have a big impact on the rest of the group. “The calmness which Max shows will allow our players to play with confidence in front of him. We are very excited to welcome Max back to the Vernon Vipers.”
Max Palaga's Player Profile:
Palaga was excellent last year before bolting for the WHL. He will be a nice addition this year if he stays. I do, however, question why an 19 year old goalie with decent numbers (1.65 GAA & .942 SV% in 13 games) would return to the BCHL. He already has 3 years of Canadian University education credits and could add to that if he remains in the WHL another year. Pretty confusing decision!!! Time will tell whether he is satisfied at this level or leaves again for the WHL.
ReplyDeleteThis is big news! I really liked Max Palaga last year and thought he was a heck of a goaltender! I was sad to see him leave the Vipers for the Western Hockey League last year. I'm super excited he's coming back! Do the Vipers have a goaltending issue? Bradley Cooper is suppose to return as a 20 yr old goaltender. I personally think Palaga is the better of the two and my choice as the team's #1 goaltender. The question is, will Cooper want to be a backup for a second season and a backup at 20 yrs old? Or if Cooper gets the #1 job, will Palaga want to sit on the bench as a 19 yr old? Will we see Cooper or one of these goaltenders traded before the season starts?
ReplyDeleteThe Vipers have a possible 15 player's returning from last year. With six new recruits and two new additions, Here is a look at the Vipers 2019-20 roster.
Forwards
Connor Marritt
Ben Helgeson
Logan Cash
Brett Fudger
Coleton Bilodeau
Matt Kowalski
JoJo Tanaka-Campbell
Ben Sanderson
Tyler Ho
Nick Cherkowski
Cameron MacDonald
Elan Bar-Lev-Wise
Defence
Landon Fuller
Ryan MacLean
Trey Taylor
Nicholas Kent
Christian Felton
Brendan Kim
Jack Judson
Keigo Hachisuka
Will Dow-Kenny
Goaltenders
Bradley Cooper
Max Palaga
Palaga was playing second fiddle in Everett the entire time he was there and it was going to be the same again this season again. I'm surprised they didn't try to move him to another team like Kelowna cause they could sure use a goaltender. With that being said he could still leave the Vipers again if his rights are traded
ReplyDeleteIf you only knew how many of those players don't want to come back with this new owner.... As of right now they couldn't even ice a team!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhy don't the players returning want to come back?
ReplyDelete