This is on the Vernon Vipers twitter account & facebook page:
VernonVipers
@VernonVipers
Mar 26, 2020
On Day 3 of our Awards we give out our Most Sportsmanlike Award.
With just 18 minutes in penalties all year long in 57GP… The winner of the most sportsmanlike award…is Connor Sleeth (@ConnorSleeth16) #OneGoal
The Vipers acquired Connor Sleeth in a blockbuster trade last summer. Sleeth to many Viper fans was a major disappointment/bust. I thought Connor was also a major disappointment at the start of last season, but as the season went along, I thought Connor slowly started to improve and looked to gain his confidence, slowly started to chip in with a goal or point and played much better in the second half. I have had season tickets since 1990 and found that most kids from Ontario that come out West to the BCHL struggle or just aren't the same impact type of player, they were back East. The Vipers have brought in several Ontario kids that were a bust and never lasted the full season, before being traded or released. I think Junior hockey in Ontario is completely different then Junior hockey here in BC. I think for most kids like Connor Sleeth, it takes them more then a couple of months to adjust to the different league, style of play and players. It's too bad Connor wasn't returning, as I think you may have seen a different hockey player in Mr. Sleeth in 2020. Congrats on your award and wishing you all the best in life/hockey future.
ReplyDeleteVDHF I agree with you 100% as it is hard for an older player to come into the BCHL. They are expected to produce immediately or are called a bust. I really liked Connor as he "played the game right", doing so many little things that often go unnoticed. He played a hard, honest game and did a good job. The price the Viper's paid for him (players going the other way) was definately worth it, he was a warrior.
ReplyDeleteTo Connor... thank you for coming to Vernon. You were appreciated & will be successful wherever you play. Best of luck.