Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Vernon Vipers Roster News Coming Tomorrow:

This is on the Vipers twitter account & facebook page:

Vernon Vipers
@VernonVipers
·
July 31 2019

We have some exciting roster news coming up tomorrow morning so keep your eyes peeled 

#OneGoal

Sabres Sign Vipers Alumni Hammond:

The Buffalo Sabres have signed free agent and former Vernon Vipers goaltender Andrew Hammond. 

Hammond played last year with the American Hockey League Iowa Wild. In 33 games last season Hammond went 19-14-0 with three shutouts and a 2.81 GAA Hammond & the Wild clinched a playoff spot for the first time in franchise history.

The Minnesota Wild signed Hammond July 1st 2018, reassigned Hammond to the Iowa 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. 

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 is the only goaltender in NHL history to earn 21 wins in his first 27 games.

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 the Sabres website:

Sabres sign goaltender Andrew Hammond

Netminder has played with Ottawa and Colorado during 6-year career

by Sabres PR @SabresPR / Sabres.com

July 1st, 2019

The Buffalo Sabres today announced the team has signed goaltender Andrew Hammond to a one-year contract with an AAV of $700,000. 

A six-year veteran, Hammond (6'2", 223 lbs., 2/11/1988) has 56 games of NHL experience with the Ottawa Senators and Colorado Avalanche, including two extended stays with the Senators in 2014-15 and 2015-16. During those two seasons, Hammond went 27-12-6 and ranked among the NHL's leading goaltenders with a minimum of 15 games played in save percentage (2nd, .927) and goals-against average (8th, 2.21). 

In addition to his time in the NHL, Hammond has appeared in 132 AHL contests for the Binghamton Senators, Belleville Senators, San Antonio Rampage and Iowa Wild. The Surrey, British Columbia native has a 62-55-6 career AHL record.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Cyclones Add Ex Viper Forward Walchuk To Teams Season Ending Roster:

The ECHL announced their season-ending rosters as submitted by each of its member teams. The Cincinnati Cyclones have thirteen players listed on their season ending roster list one is former Vernon Vipers forward Dylan Walchuk.

Walchuk started the 2018-19 season with KRS-ORG Beijing. HC Kunlun Red Star Heilongjiang (Chinese: 黑龙江昆仑鸿星; pinyin: Heilongjiang Kūnlún Hóngxīng is a Chinese ice hockey club based in Harbin, China and joined the Supreme Hockey League (VHL). Walchuck played only three games with KRS-ORG Beijing before signing with the ECHL Jacksonville Icemen October 9 2018. The Icemen traded Walchuk to the Adirondack Thunder December 20 2018. The Thunder traded Walchuk to Cincinnati June 17th 2019. 

Walchuk went pointless in three games with KRS-ORG Beijing and pointless in four games with the Jacksonville Icemen. In 41 games with the Adirondack Thunder Walchuk collected (14-goals-10-assists-24-points).

After playing four years at the University of Calgary (2013-2017), Walchuk played his first professional season with the Odense Bulldogs (2017-18). The Bulldogs are a professional ice hockey team based in Odense, Denmark. They currently are part of the best Danish league Metal Ligaen, and they are furthermore the only hockey team from Funen. 

Walchuk parts of three seasons in Vernon (2009-2012). Walchuk left the Vipers after the 2010-11 season for the University of Northern Michigan before returning to the Vipers in December of 2011 after playing in just 19 games with the Wolverines.  In his second stint with the Vipers Walchuk left Vernon after playing in just six games. Walchuk left the Vipers on January 10th 2012 for the Western Hockey League Spokane Cheifs where he would finish his junior hockey career (2012-2013).  In 117 games with the Vipers Walchuk collected (44-goals-65-assists-109-points).

Dylan Walchuk's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=47890

This was posted on the Cyclones website:

CYCLONES ANNOUNCE SEASON-ENDING ROSTER

June 17, 2019

For Immediate Release: June 18, 2019
CYCLONES ANNOUNCE SEASON-ENDING ROSTER

Cincinnati Also Completes Final Two Future Considerations Trades
                                                       
Cincinnati, OH- The Cincinnati Cyclones, in conjunction with the ECHL, have announced their 2019 Season-Ending Roster. The full 13-man list can be found below. 

2019 Cincinnati Cyclones Season-Ending Roster:

Forwards (9)- Shaw Boomhower, Brendan Harms, Ben Johnson, Mike Marnell, Nate Mitton, Jesse Schultz, Brady Vail, Justin Vaive, Dylan Walchuk 

Defensemen (3)- Andrew DeBrincat, Kurt Gosselin, Mitch Jones

Goaltender (1)- Ty Rimmer

Season-Ending Rosters may include up to 20 players, and cannot include any players who did not sign an ECHL contract in 2018-19. 

Each team is entitled to reserve rights to a maximum of eight players from the list of 20 by extending a qualifying offer no later than June 30. Of those eight qualified players, no more than four can be veterans (260 regular season professional hockey games played as of the start of the 2019-20 Season). Players on open qualifying offers cannot be traded, and teams are not required to extend a qualifying offer to players who sign a contract prior to June 30. 

The qualifying offer must remain open for acceptance until July 16, at which time the qualifying offer becomes null and void and the team may sign the qualified player to any salary, or may elect to take no further action. Teams that extend a valid qualifying offer to a non-veteran player shall retain the rights to that qualified player for one playing season. 

A team that extends a valid qualifying offer to a veteran player, or to a goaltender who has played more than 180 regular-season games, will retain the rights to that player until July 16. After July 16, if the veteran player or goaltender is not signed to a contract by the team, the veteran or goaltender shall be deemed a restricted free agent and shall be entitled to seek and secure offers of employment from other ECHL teams. Restricted free agents may not be traded. When a restricted free agent receives a contract offer from a team other than the team with the player’s rights, and the restricted free agent wishes to accept the contract offer, the restricted free agent and the offering team must, within 24 hours, notify the ECHL, the team with the player’s rights, and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA). The team with the player’s rights shall have seven days after the date it is notified to exercise its right to match the contract offer. 

If a restricted free agent is not signed to either an offer sheet or a contract by an ECHL team by August 1, the player shall be deemed an unrestricted free agent.

Additionally, Cincinnati completed their final two Future Considerations trades, acquiring the rights to forward Dylan Walchuk from the Adirondack Thunder to complete the deal for defenseman Andrew Tessier from October 23, and have sent the rights to defenseman Justin Lemcke to the Maine Mariners, finishing the trade for defenseman Mitch Jones from September 27. Walchuk skated in 45 games with the Thunder and Jacksonville IceMen this season, accounting for 14 goals and 10 assists. He also appeared in three games with KRS-ORG Beijing of the VHL in Europe. 

The 2018-19 season has come to an end and the 2019 Brabham Cup champion Cincinnati Cyclones want to thank you for coming along for the ride with us! Stay tuned all off-season for updates on important events, player signings, promotion and ticketing information and MORE! Call (513) 421-PUCK for tickets and more information, and stay on top of all the latest team updates and information on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram, along with our website, www.cycloneshockey.com! 

Former Vipers "AP" Ardanaz Commits To West Kelowna Warriors:

Former Vernon Vipers "AP" affiliated defenceman Nick Ardanaz has committed to the West Kelowna Warriors.

Ardanaz committed to the Vipers June 8th 2018 attended the Vipers training camp in 2017 & 2018 also played in three exhibition games last year before being one of the final cuts. Ardanaz also played three regular season games as an "AP" affiliated player with the Vipers last season.

Nick Ardanaz Player Profile:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/290337/nicolas-ardanaz

This was posted on the Warriors website:

NEWS: ARDANAZ COMMITS TO THE WARRIORS FOR 2019-2020

May 11, 2019 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WEST KELOWNA B.C. – The West Kelowna Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club is pleased to announce the commitment of defenseman Nick Ardanaz(‘02) for the 2019-2020 season.  

Ardanaz, 16, spent the past four seasons with the Delta Wild Academy of the Canadian Sport School Hockey League. This past season Ardanaz was able to register almost a point per game, making him one of the most sought after defensemen coming into the BCHL. “We are very excited to announce Nick’s commitment to our program”, said Warriors Head Coach and General Manager Brandon West. “Nick is a dynamic playmaking defenseman that plays strong defence as well. He’s been a key factor in the power play at Delta Academy for a few seasons and I look forward to seeing him develop here as a Warrior.”

The 5’8 150 pound defender was sought after by a handful or Junior A clubs but ultimately chose the Warriors. “Seeing myself in a Warriors jerseys felt right for my family and I”, stated Ardanaz. “With the coaching, great facilities, location and team history, I felt like it was the most comfortable fit for me to develop as a player and person.”

The Langley native recently committed to the University of New Hampshire for 2021-2022. Ardanaz is also thrilled to be playing next to his close friend and former Delta teammate John Evans who is also a recent commit of the Warriors for 2019-2020. “John and I have played with each other for as long as I remember”, stated Ardanaz. “It will be great to play out our first years of junior together on the same team. John’s a great player and a better teammate.”

Ardanaz likes to consider himself a two way defender with an offensive touch, “I try to model my game after Torey Krug. You can expect an offensive minded puck moving defender who can play a two way game. I’m not afraid to jump in and create opportunities.”

The Warriors would like to welcome Nick and his family to the City of West Kelowna and the Warriors organization.

Just a reminder that 2019/2020 season tickets are on sale now to the general public. You can purchase and pick your seats online @ http://tickets.westkelownawarriors.ca.

Monday, July 29, 2019

BCHL News & Trades:

I found these press releases off team websites, twitter accounts, blogs or online. All Vipers news-trades are posted on this blog as soon as released-announced.

BCHL News & Trades:

Hectic Off-Season On And Off Ice For Vees:

Fred Harbinson is making the most of a rare lengthy off-season triggered by a stunning six-game series defeat to the Cowichan Valley Capitals in the first round of the BCHL playoffs. The Penticton Vees president, GM and head coach has made a series of signings and trades to help ensure Penticton’s junior-A hockey season continues deep into the spring as it did for the vast majority of Harbinson’s first 10 seasons at the helm. “We’re not going to sit around and cry about what happened,” said Harbinson, who lost in the first round for the first time in his coaching career. “You’re not going to win every year, but you want to contend … be in the hunt. Some things last year were out of our control, some things were in our control. We’ve been busy … as we should be, to make sure we take care (of the latter).” The Vees are in the process of finalizing a couple of key moves this week which would leave them essentially with a set roster for the start of training camp Monday, Aug. 19 in Penticton. “We’re pretty close considering it’s only the (first week of June),” said Harbinson. “I really like how we stack up at every position, and the fact we have a bit of everything with the speed, skill, size and grit.” GOALTENDING: The Vees lose graduating veteran standout Jack LaFontaine but are well stocked with second-year man Derek Krall and top recruit Yaniv Perets, who was the top goalie in the National Collegiate Development Conference and led the Boston Jr. Bruins to the league championship. DEFENCE: The Vees are in great shape on the blueline with returning veterans Conner Hutchison, Evan McIntyre, Jonathan Smart and Carson Kosobud, along with top recruits Scott Gilowski and 6’ 6” Cade Webber. The Vees are close to bringing in another top 20-year-old, 6’ 4” defenceman, Harbinson said. The return of the speedster Hutchison is pivotal after he was limited to 22 games due to injury in his rookie season. “I really like our blend of size, speed, skill and experience back there,” said Harbinson. FORWARD: Harbinson has been busy bolstering the forward ranks. He has quality returnees in David Silye, Lukas Sillinger, Jack Barnes and Jackson Niedermayer, and secured premier young recruits Tristan Amonte, Danny Weight and Liam Malmquist. Earlier this week, the Vees acquired proven scorer Alex DiPaolo from the Coquitlam Express for future considerations. On Wednesday, the Vees acquired the rights to 20-year-old centre Colton Kalezic from the Toronto Patriots of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (see separate story). The Vees are also hoping to land 1999-born centre Jay O’Brien, who was a 2018 first-round, 19th overall pick of the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers. The gritty, two-way pivot, who played at Providence College last season, met with the Vees earlier this week. “We should know fairly soon,” said Harbinson. “It would make us incredibly deep down the middle with four top centres (Silye, Kalezic and Weight the other three) all capable of playing wing if necessary.” The Vees are also waiting on a commitment from winger Will Dineen, the son of former NHL star Kevin Dineen. Dineen impressed at the Vees Spring Camp two weeks ago. Overall, the Vees are already at five 20-year-olds and may soon find themselves with seven – and some decisions to make – if O’Brien and the unnamed defenceman join the team. Krall, Smart, Kosobud, Silye and Kalezic are the 20-year-olds currently signed. “There is going to be some competition … we might have one more guy than we’re allowed to keep,” the coach said. The Vees are likely to part ways with two forwards - 20-year-old Cassidy Bowes and 17-year-old Cole Shepard. Kelowna product Bowes is coming off a tough, injury-plagued season and the Vees already anticipate having to do some juggling with the 20-year-olds. “We haven’t made a decision yet but we’ve been communicating with Cassidy and will try to do what’s best for him and the team,” said Harbinson. Shepard is looking at some different options, one being playing in the Western Hockey League. Harbinson said the Vees would likely trade his rights if he decides to return to the BCHL. One forward in flux in 19-year-old Drew Elser. He missed practically the entire year with injuries, ultimately succumbing to a concussion and broken jaw. “He’s a gritty kid and we sure could have used him at the end of last season,” said Harbinson. “He’s leaning towards giving it another shot but where we sit with our import spots plays into it, too.” BCHL teams are allowed six U.S. imports. The Vees are fortunate to have several players with dual citizenships. The Spring Camp May 25-26 in Penticton was another big success. “We identified a lot of good players and offered a lot of (affiliated player) spots for the coming season,” said Harbinson. LEADERSHIP: Harbinson plans to wait until closer to the regular season before naming a captain. “We’ll have a new leadership group,” said Harbinson. “We need a bit of a fresh start.” In the past two seasons, the Vees practice of naming a captain early backfired as first Grant Cruikshank and then last year Massimo Rizzo missed training camp and several games due to injuries. “We’ve got a good idea of the direction we want to go, but we’re going to wait a bit,” said Harbinson. STAFF CHANGES: Off the ice, it’s been a busy few months for the Vees as well. Assistant coach Jason Becker departed to become head coach of the midget prep team at St. George’s School in Vancouver, and was replaced by former Vees captain Patrick Sexton. Sexton led the Vees to a BCHL championship and to the RBC Cup semifinals in 2015. Matt Fraser returns as the other assistant coach. Assistant GM Steve Cocker left to accept the new position of executive director of the BCHL, with director of hockey operations Adam West taking on Cocker’s duties. “It’s an awesome opportunity for Steve,” said Harbinson. “He’s a smart hockey guy. Adam will do a terrific job with his new role.” Harbinson was delighted to bring Sexton back into the fold. “He knows what it takes to win here and he will bring a lot of energy to the program,” said Harbinson. “He’s a knowledgeable guy who grew up in an NHL family. He’s a young, intense guy who can relate to the players at this level.” Also, the league held its annual general meeting in Penticton last week. While there are no major rule changes in store for the 2019-20 season, Harbinson said there is “lots of exciting stuff” going on with the BCHL. “This league is in great hands now with Chris Hebb (in his second year) as commissioner,” said Harbinson. “Everything is run so professionally. He is doing a terrific job.” Harbinson said there are still some “tweaks” being done to the schedule, which should be released in the next week or so. The Vees did finalize their pre-season slate of games. Penticton visits West Kelowna on Aug. 21 and Merritt Aug. 23, then host Merritt Aug. 24 and West Kelowna Aug. 28. The Vees will welcome the RBC Cup national champion Brooks Bandits (from Alberta) to the South Okanagan Events Centre for exhibition games Aug. 30 and 31.

BCHL Next Generation: Coquitlam Express

All summer we’ll be going team-by-team to profile new players coming in for the 2019-20 season with recaps of offseason commits and acquisitions. We will also have interviews and scouting reports from the coaches.

Next up is the Coquitlam Express.

The Express have 11 new players committed for next season, but their biggest offseason moves came through trades, highlighted by acquiring former Penticton Vees captain and Carolina Hurricanes draft pick Massimo Rizzo. Last year, Coquitlam had 13 players committed to Division I NCAA programs and seven of those came in-season while they were playing for the Express. The team’s head coach Jason Fortier believes that the right mix of players with and without college commitments can go a long way to creating a winning atmosphere. “To play in the BCHL is a privilege,” he said. “We want to surround ourselves with the right ingredients and the right type of players. We want players that are going to appreciate the fact that we’ve given them an outstanding opportunity to put themselves in a position to grow, to be in a position to promote themselves and chase down a championship. I feel that you have a better opportunity to find that appreciation when you have a group of players that are not committed already. I think you need a mix and you want to have the right balance.” A lot of the new faces Fortier has brought in do not have commitments and that includes a large contingency of B.C.-born players. The coach said it wasn’t a conscious effort to recruit local talent, but he’s identified the importance of bringing in players from within the province. “We want to make sure we’re building our reputation amongst our local contingency” said Fortier. “We want to make sure we’re competitive and find the best players that will represent the organization. We’re looking for like-minded individuals that have the right mindset and that want to play within a structure and have enough accountability and desire to become successful, not just next year, but the years moving forward.”
Acquired via trade

Massimo Rizzo (2001, F)

Hometown: Burnaby, B.C.
  • Previous team: Penticton Vees
  • Commitment: University of North Dakota (2020-21)
  • Drafted: 7th Round (216th overall) by the Carolina Hurricanes

  • Not a player new to the BCHL, but new to the Express, Rizzo brings two years of league experience and plenty of offence to Coquitlam. After a late start to the season last year due to injury, he finished at over a point per game with 40 in 37 contests and in June he was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes.

Fortier’s scouting report:

“I think anytime your organization can acquire an asset as talented as Massimo it’s a huge thing. Coming off an injury, we’re very fortunate that Penticton was willing to work with us and work with the Rizzo family so he can get the treatment and stay local for the year so he can be around his therapist. He expressed interest that he was happy with the direction of our organization and we were all in once we knew we were a place he would be willing to come and play.”

Adam Trotman (2000, F)

Hometown: Concord, Ont.
  Previous team: Newmarket Hurricanes (OJHL)

Trotman played parts of three seasons in Newmarket before being acquired by the Express this offseason. He had his best offensive output last year when he had 51 points in 50 games.

Fortier’s scouting report:

“He’s a big guy who plays a very honest game and is an extremely good character kid who I’ve had the pleasure of knowing before. I think he’s going to have a big impact in our lineup.”

Tyler Schleppe (2001, F)

Hometown: Vancouver, B.C.
  • Previous team: Prince George Spruce Kings

  • Another player coming to the Express from within the BCHL, Schleppe comes with a championship pedigree having won a Fred Page Cup title with Prince George last year. He had nine points in 51 regular-season games with the Spruce Kings and added one assist in nine playoff contests.

Fortier’s scouting report:

“He’s got a big body and a lot of upside. We’re hoping that this year is going to be a big year for him. He’s coming from a Prince George team that was extremely well-coached and played with a lot of structure. When we were able to acquire Tyler, it was a big addition to get a guy with that experience. I’m sure he has a burning desire to play a little bit more of a role.”

Jack Watson (2000, G)

Hometown: Toronto, Ont.
  • Previous team: St. Michael’s Buzzards (OJHL)

  • Watson played the last two seasons with the Buzzards and posted impressive numbers, finishing with a .919 and a .921 save percentage in consecutive years. He will compete with returning Express goalie Clay Stevenson for time in the crease.

2019-20 commits

Christian MacDougall (2001, F)

Hometown: Toronto, Ont.
  • Previous team: St. Andrew’s College (CAHA)
  • Commitment: Canisius College

  • MacDougall had 66 points in 52 games for St. Andrew’s last year and was named the team’s playoff MVP.

Fortier’s scouting report:

“He’s a kid I coached when he was younger in Toronto. He’s a sparkplug with a lot of energy. He plays very physical, smart, two-way hockey and brings the puck into the dirty areas. He’s the type of guy that helps you win championships. He does so many little things and has so much intensity, courage and compete.”

Nicholas Carabin (2000, D)

Hometown: Mahwah, N.J.
  • Previous team: North Jersey Avalanche (T1EHL U18)
  • Commitment: Princeton University

  • Fortier’s scouting report:

“He comes from a well-run organization. Their coach does a great job of instilling structure, work ethic, commitment and accountability – some of the things we preach. There are some similarities in the way we play. We’re expecting a guy that can play both ways and contribute.”

Dante Ballarin (2001, F)

Hometown: Burnaby, B.C.

  • Previous team: Vancouver NE Chiefs (BCMML)

  • He captained his major midget team last season and finished second in scoring with 46 points in 39 games. He also scored one goal in three games with the Express as an affiliate in 2018-19.


  • James Bohn (2002, D)

    Hometown: Coquitlam, B.C.
    • Previous team: Vancouver NE Chiefs (BCMML)

    • Another member of the Chiefs major midget squad, Bohn led all defencemen on his team with 40 points in 40 games. He also played three games with Coquitlam last season.

    Joe Borthwick (2000, D)

    Hometown: Northville, Mich.
    • Previous team: Detroit Catholic Central (USHS-MI)

    • Last year with his high-school team, Borthwick tied for the lead in goals by a defenceman with six and points from the blueline with 27.

    Luke Burke (2000, F)

    Hometown: Dexter, Mich.
    • Previous team: Belle Tire U18 (TIEHL U18)
    Burke had 28 points in 28 games last season for Belle Tire U18.

    Noah de la Durantaye (2000, D)

    Hometown: Beaconsfield, Que.
    • Previous team: Deerfield Academy (USHS-Prep)

    • The Quebec native moved to Massachusetts in 2017 to play for Deerfield Academy where he played for two seasons. He had 28 points in 52 games from the backend over his two years there.

    Logan Kurki (2001, F)

    Hometown: Maple Ridge, B.C.

  • Previous team: Vancouver NE Chiefs (BCMML)

  • Kurki played the last two years for the Chiefs, most recently finishing fourth in team scoring with 42 points in 36 games. He skated in a pair of games for the Express as an affiliate last year and had a goal and an assist.


  • Ryan Tattle (2001, F)

    Hometown: Port Moody, B.C.
    • Previous team: Vancouver NE Chiefs (BCMML)

    • The fourth and final player on our list to come from the Vancouver NE Chiefs major midget team, Tattle led them in points with 48 and goals with 24. He also played two games for Coquitlam last year.

    Thomas Wardle (2002, G)

    Hometown: West Vancouver, B.C.

  • Previous team: Notre Dame Hounds Midget AAA (SMHL)

  • Wardle had a 2.41 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage in 27 games for Notre Dame last year. He will compete for playing time with Express goalie Clay Stevenson and newly acquired Jack Watson.


  • Casey Whintors (2000, F)

    Hometown: Langley, B.C.
    • Previous team: Langley Trappers (PIJHL)

    • The sixth player on our list of newly-committed players to come from B.C., Whintors has spent the last three seasons playing at the Junior B level. Last season he led Langley in scoring with 51 points in 36 games.

    Lasers Trade Ex Viper Defenceman Dow-Kenny To Langley Rivermen:

    The CCHL Kanata Lasers have traded former Vernon Vipers defenceman Will Dow-Kenny to the Langley Rivermen.

    Dow-Kenny attended the Vipers spring camp and training camp in 2017, played in two exhibition games (2017) before being cut-released. Dow-Kenny committed to the Vipers April 14th 2018. 

    The Vipers traded Dow-Kenny to the Chilliwack Chiefs August 7th 2018 for Carver Watson. The Chiefs traded Dow-Kenny to the Vipers January 10th 2019 for Mitch Andres. The Vipers traded Dow-Kenny, Coleton Bilodeau, Tyler Ho & future considerations to the CCHL Kanata Lasers June 26th 2019 for Connor Sleeth. 

    In 15 games with the Vipers, Dow-Kenny collected two assists.

    Will Dow-Kenny's Player Profile:

    https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/351467/will-dow-kenny 

    This was posted on the BCHL website:

    10-Jul-19 The Langley Rivermen have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Will Dow-Kenny(00)(D) from the Kanata Lasers of the CCHL in exchange for future considerations

    Sunday, July 28, 2019

    Rush Add Vernon Vipers Alumni Dancs To Teams Season Ending Roster:

    The ECHL announced their season-ending rosters as submitted by each of its member teams. The Rapid City Rush have twenty players listed on their season ending roster list one is former Vernon Vipers forward Dexter Dancs.

    Dancs started last season with the ECHL Idaho Steelheads. Dancs went pointless in two games before being traded to the Manchester Monarchs October 25th 2018. Dancs collected four assists in 26 games with the Monarchs before being traded to the Rapid City Rush March 7th 2019. In 12 games with the Rush Dancs collected (1-goal-7-assists-8-points).

    Dancs finished his fourth year at University of Michigan before signing his first professional contract with the Steelheads August 15th 2018.

    Dancs played a season and a half with the Vipers (2012-2014) after coming over in a trade with the Penticton Vees.  On December 5th 2012 the Vipers traded Jedd Soleway to Penticton for Dexter Dancs.  In 44 games with the Vipers Dancs recorded (30-goals-53-assists-83-points).  

    Dancs scored one of the biggest goals in recent Vipers history, scored the overtime winner at the 2014 Royal Bank Cup in Vernon giving the Vipers a 3-2 overtime victory over the Toronto Lakeshore Patriots, giving the Vipers a semi-final berth at the RBC Cup.


    Dexter Danc's Player Profile:

    http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=102280

    This was posted on the Rush website:

    RUSH ANNOUNCE SEASON-ENDING ROSTER 

    17 Jun 2019 

    (RAPID CITY, SD) – The Rapid City Rush, in conjunction with the ECHL, announced the team’s Season-Ending Roster for the 2018-19 ECHL campaign.

    Notes regarding Season-Ending Rosters and Qualifying Offers:

    • Season-Ending Rosters may include up to 20 players. Season-Ending Rosters cannot include any players who did not sign an ECHL contract in 2018-19. 

    • Each team is entitled to reserve rights to a maximum of eight players from the list of 20 by extending a qualifying offer no later than June 30. Of the eight qualified players, no more than four can be veterans (260 regular season professional hockey games played as of the start of the 2019-20 Season). Players on open qualifying offers cannot be traded. Teams are not required to extend a qualifying offer to players who sign a contract prior to June 30. 

    • The qualifying offer must remain open for acceptance until July 16 at which time the qualifying offer becomes null and void and the team may sign the qualified player to any salary or may elect to take no further action. Teams that extend a valid qualifying offer to a non-veteran player shall retain the rights to that qualified player for one playing season. 

    • A team that extends a valid qualifying offer to a veteran player, or to a goaltender who has played more than 180 regular-season games, will retain the rights to that player until July 16. After July 16, if the veteran player or goaltender is not signed to a contract by the team, the veteran or goaltender shall be deemed a restricted free agent and shall be entitled to seek and secure offers of employment from other ECHL teams. Restricted free agents may not be traded. When a restricted free agent receives a contract offer from a team other than the team with the player’s rights and the restricted free agent wishes to accept the contract offer, the restricted free agent and the offering member must, within 24 hours, notify the ECHL, the team with the player’s rights and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association. The member with the player’s rights shall have seven days after the date it is notified to exercise its right to match the contract offer. 

    • If a restricted free agent is not signed to either an offer sheet or a contract by an ECHL team by Aug. 1, the player shall be deemed an unrestricted free agent.

    The Season-Ending Roster for the Rush is as follows:

    FORWARDS (10)

    #5 – Mason McCarty
    #5 – Dexter Dancs
    #10 – Alec Baer
    #13 – Taylor Crunk
    #14 – Tyler Poulsen
    #18 – Justin Faryna
    #20 – Jack Riley
    #21 – Cedric Montminy
    #23 – Liam Bilton
    #44 – Alex Rauter

    DEFENSEMEN (7)

    Rob Hamilton
    #4 – Chris Leibinger
    #7 – Myles McGurty
    #16 – Blake Heinrich
    #24 – Richard Coyne
    #26 – Dylan Quaile
    #93 – Brandon Fehd

    GOALIES (3)

    #31 – Adam Carlson
    #36 – Brad Barone
    #41 – Tyler Parks

    Season Tickets for all 36 home games are on sale now! Call the Rush office at 716-7825 to secure your seats today, or attend our “Select-A-Seat” event this Saturday, June 15th between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Ice Arena.