Episode 26 Vernon Vipers Voices Year In Review

The new episode of Vipers Voices is available now!

Here is the video that is on the Vernon Vipers youtube page,

Vipers Voices - Year In Review - YouTube

Graham Turnbull talks to Vernon Vipers Executive Vice President Todd Miller and Head Coach & GM Jason McKee about this crazy year!

Ex Viper Tufto Records 100th Career Assist In 8-3 Win Over AIC:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Odeen Tufto recorded four assists and his 100th

career assist Saturday in an 8-3 victory over American International College. 

Here is the full press release from the Quinnipiac Bobcats website,

Tufto Records 100th Career Assist in 8-3 Win Over #19 AIC - Quinnipiac University Athletics (gobobcats.com)

Tufto is in his fourth season at Quinnipiac University. Tufto is the Bobcats captain. In 8 games this season Tufto has (2-goals-13-assists-15-points).

Tufto played one season in Vernon (2015-16). In 57 games with the Vipers Tufto collected (25-goals-40-assists-65-points). Tufto left the Vipers for the United States Hockey League. Tufto played one season in the USHL (2016-17) with three different teams (Fargo, Tri-City & Sioux City) before committing to Quinnipiac University for the 2017-18 season.

Odeen Tufto's Player Profile:

Odeen Tufto - Elite Prospects

Junior Sports Teams In B.C. Can Practise Together Following Changes To Health Order:

B.C.'s provincial health officer has modified rules around sports to allow junior hockey teams to practise together. 19-20 yr old junior hockey players have officially been given the go ahead to return to Stage 2 protocols with their teammates. 

Here is the full press release from Global News,

Junior sports teams in B.C. can practise together following changes to health order | Globalnews.ca

Here is an interview with Jay Janower & the BCHL Commissioner Chris Hebb,

JAY JANOWER on Twitter: "19-20yr old Jr hockey players have officially been given the go ahead to return to Stage 2 protocols with their teammates, here’s ⁦@GoBCHL⁩ Commissioner Chris Hebb on that and a possible season come the New Year. https://t.co/jMXpslJSEn" / Twitter

Jacksonville Icemen Re-Sign Ex Vipers Shiplo & Martin:

The ECHL Jacksonville Icemen have re-signed former Vernon Vipers defenceman Luke Shiplo &

 former Vernon Vipers forward Craig Martin.

Here is the full press release from the ECHL website,

Icemen bring back Shiplo, Martin (echl.com)

Shiplo is entering his second season with the Icemen. Shiplo started the 2019-20 season with the ECHL Wichita Thunder before being traded to Jacksonville December 9th 2019. In 17 games with the Thunder, Shiplo recorded (1-goal-5-assists-6-points). In 40 games with the Icemen, Shiplo recorded (3-goals-17-assists-20-points).

Shiplo spent four years at Quinnipiac University before signing his first professional contract with the ECHL Wichita Thunder July 17th 2019.

Shiplo played one season in Vernon (2014-15). In 50 games with the Vipers, Shiplo recorded (5-goals-39-assists-44-points).

Luke Shiplo's Player Profile:

Luke Shiplo - Elite Prospects

Martin is entering his second season with the Icemen. Martin started the 2019-20 season with the ECHL Adirondack Thunder before being traded to Jacksonville November 26th 2019. Martin had two points in seven games with the Thunder. In 41 games with the Icemen, Martin recorded (7-goals-14-assists-21-points).

Martin spent four years at Quinnipiac University before signing his first professional contract with the American Hockey League Springfield Thunderbirds April 2nd 2019. Martin didn't play a game with the Thunderbirds was released before signing with the Adirondack Thunder July 8th 2019.

Martin played parts of two seasons in Vernon (2012-2014) was traded to Alberni Valley along with future considerations for Jared Wilson on October 1st 2013. In 46 games with the Vipers, Martin collected (10-goals-13-assists-23-points). Martin also played with Trail & Alberni Valley.

Craig Martin's Player Profile:

Craig Martin - Elite Prospects

Hunter Donohoe Wishing Vipers Fans A Happy Holidays:

Vernon Vipers defenceman Hunter Donohoe wishes Viper fans a healthy &

happy Holidays!

Here is the tweet from the Vernon Vipers twitter account,

VernonVipers on Twitter: "#4 Hunter Donohoe wants to wish everyone a healthy and happy holidays! #ThankYouBCHLFans https://t.co/QNRXU19JPB" / Twitter

Stockton Heat Sign Vernon Vipers Alumni Shortridge:

The American Hockey League Stockton Heat have signed former Vernon

Vipers goaltender Andrew Shortridge. The Heat have signed Shortridge to a two-way AHL/ECHL deal. The Heat assigned Shortridge to the ECHL Kansas City Mavericks.

Shortridge become a free agent after the San Jose Sharks didn't offer him a qualifying contract back in October 2020.

Here is the full press release from the Stockton Heat twitter account,

Stockton Heat on Twitter: "ROSTER NEWS: we have signed goalie Andrew Shortridge to a two-way, AHL-ECHL deal. He has been assigned to @kc_mavericks and will join them in preseason camp. https://t.co/aFKz8Bt69S" / Twitter

Shortridge played last year in the American Hockey League with the San Jose Barracuda and the ECHL with the Allen Americans. In 14 games with the Barracuda Shortridge went 3-7 with a 3.71 GAA In 10 games with the Americans Shortridge went 4-4-1 with a 2.81 GAA

After three years at Quinnipiac University Shortridge signed a one year contract with the San Jose Sharks on April 3rd 2019 & an amateur contract with the American Hockey League San Jose Barracuda also on April 3rd 2019.

Shortridge played one season in Vernon (2015-16) In 44 games with the Vipers Shortridge went 19-25 with two shutouts and a 3.15 GAA

Andrew Shortridge's Player Profile:

Andrew Shortridge - Elite Prospects

Vernon Vipers Wishing Viper Fans A Merry Christmas:

The Vernon Vipers would like to thank and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Here is the tweet on the Vernon Vipers twitter account,

VernonVipers on Twitter: "Merry Christmas everyone!! Thanks to all of our fans, volunteers and billets and best wishes during this holiday season! https://t.co/BPGyLBHP25" / Twitter

Letter From BCHL Commissioner:

BCHL commissioner Chris Hebb addressed junior hockey fans on Thursday with a letter to the fans regarding the return to play and the 2020-21 season.

Here is the full press release from the BCHL website,

Letter from the Commissioner | BCHL League Site

JoJo Tanaka Campbell Christmas Greetings:

Vernon Vipers forward JoJo Tanaka-Campbell wishes all Vipers fans a safe

and happy holidays.

Here is the video from the Vernon Vipers youtube page,

JoJo Tanaka Campbell Christmas Greetings - YouTube

Ryan Shostak Wishing Vernon Vipers Fans Happy Holidays:

Vernon Vipers forward Ryan Shostak wishes Vipers fans a Happy Holidays!

Here is the video that is on the Vernon Vipers twitter account,

VernonVipers on Twitter: "Wishing our fans all the best during the holidays! #ThankYouBCHLFans https://t.co/hGSoErRm5S" / Twitter

7th Annual Vernon Vipers Christmas Quiz Video:

Hockeytube.net & the Vernon Vipers released it's 7th annual Vernon Vipers Christmas quiz video.

Here is the Christmas quiz that is on the Vernon Vipers youtube page,

7th Annual Vipers Christmas Quiz - YouTube

Here is the Christmas video on the Vernon Vipers twitter account,

VernonVipers on Twitter: "It wouldn't be Christmas if we didn't do our Annual Christmas Quiz video! A big surprise - one team cleaned the board - first time we've ever had a sweep! Click the link to watch and play along at home! https://t.co/4hk36894lL https://t.co/378vVO1oEo" / Twitter

BCHL News & Trades:

BCHL News & Trades:

Lipinski Commits To Wenatchee Wild For 2021-22 Season:

WILD SIGN FORWARD JADEN LIPINSKI FOR 2021-22 SEASON | Wenatchee Wild (wenatcheewildhockey.com)

Salmon Arm-Sioux City Trade:

Musketeers Acquire BCHL Standout Loney (musketeershockey.com)

Express Send Players Home The Holidays:

Letter to Express Fans | Coquitlam Express

Ivey Brothers Commit To Wild For 2021-22 Season:

IVEY BROTHERS SET TO JOIN WENATCHEE FOR 2021-22 SEASON | Wenatchee Wild (wenatcheewildhockey.com)

Nanaimo Clippers Plead For An Opportunity To Play During Pandemic:

Junior hockey team in B.C. pleads for an opportunity to play during pandemic – Vernon Morning Star

Blue Commits To Wenatchee For 2021-22 Season:

FORWARD HUDSON BLUE SETS HIS SIGHTS ON WENATCHEE | Wenatchee Wild (wenatcheewildhockey.com)

Schiavon Leaves Smoke Eaters For Vermont University:

COMMITMENT – SCHIAVON COMMITS TO VERMONT | Trail Smoke Eaters

Wood Commits To Victoria Grizzlies For 2021-22 Season:

Victoria Grizzlies on Twitter: "The Victoria Grizzlies are pleased to have signed forward, Matthew Wood from the North Island Silvertips U18 AAA for next season. Welcome to the Grizzlies, Matthew! #WeAreGrizzlies https://t.co/n2DdkjZ6yX" / Twitter

Chiefs Name Skapski New Goaltending Coach:

Chiefs Hire New Goaltending Coach - Chilliwack Chiefs

Hejduk Commits To Wild For 2021-22 Season:

WILD WELCOME DEFENSEMAN DAVID HEJDUK TO WENATCHEE | Wenatchee Wild (wenatcheewildhockey.com)

Surahammars IF Recruit/Sign Vipers Alumni Mick:

Surahammars IF have recruited/signed former Vernon Vipers forward

Logan Mick.

Surahammars is a professional hockey team from Surahammar, Sweden.

Here is the full story from hockeyettan.se website,

Hemvändare klar när Sura värvar två nya spelare - Hockeyettan.se

Mick played his first professional season last year in Sweden with Amals Sportklubb. In 31 games Mick collected (28-goals-37-assists-65-points).

Mick played two years in Vernon (2012-2014) was traded to Merritt on May 29th 2014 as part of the future considerations from a trade in January 2014. On January 3rd 2014 the Vipers traded Jason Bird & future considerations (Logan Mick) to Merritt for Dylan Chanter. Mick never played a game with the Centennials was later traded to Salmon Arm. Mick committed to Quinnipiac University only played parts of two seasons with the Bobcats never finished his scholarship, went on to play one season at Lethbridge University before heading to Sweden last year. 

Mick is the son of former Vernon Lakers forward/Vernon Lakers assistant coach/Vernon Vipers assistant coach/head coach & gm Troy Mick.

Logan Mick's Player Profile:

Logan Mick - Elite Prospects

Penticton Could Be The ‘Hub-City’ For A Potential BCHL Bubble:

The BCHL is in talks with the City of Penticton, provincial health authorities and other groups to turn the city into a hub-city for the league.

Here is the full story that is on the Vernon Morning Star website,

Penticton could be the ‘hub-city’ for a potential BCHL bubble – Vernon Morning Star

Birthday Parade For Former Vernon Vipers Booster Club President:

Friends and family gave former Vernon Vipers booster club president Cindy Masters a birthday parade for her 60th birthday on Friday.

Here is the full story and video on Castanet,

Friends and family have drive-by parade for Cindy Master's 60th birthday - Vernon News - Castanet.net

Masters was a long time Vernon Vipers season ticket holder and volunteered with the Vernon Vipers booster club before taking over as booster club president in 2005 before leaving in 2008.

Vernon Vipers Place Cavan On Reserve Roster:

The Vernon Vipers have placed forward Liam Cavan back on the reserve roster.

No official press release from the Vipers but Cavan is now listed on the Vipers reserve roster.

Cavan a rookie with the Vipers didn't play a single pre-season game at the Okanagan Cup was listed on the Vipers reserve roster during the Okanagan Cup. The Vipers added Cavan to their active roster after the Okanagan Cup ended. Jordan Tonelli is also still listed on the Vipers reserve roster.

Vernon Vipers 2020-21 roster,

Vernon Vipers Roster 2020-21 Extended Training Camp | BCHL League Site

Liam Cavan's Player Profile:

Liam Cavan - Elite Prospects

Spokane Chiefs Release Former Viper Goaltender Porter, Jr:

The Western Hockey League Spokane Chiefs have released

former Vernon Vipers goaltender James Porter, Jr.

Here is the full press release from the Spokane Chiefs website,

Michael King and James Porter Released – Spokane Chiefs

Porter, Jr was entering his second season with the Chiefs but with the Western Hockey League season on hold, Porter, Jr joined the Wenatchee Wild in October. Due to COVID-19 the Wild couldn't enter into Canada to play exhibition games. The Wild were holding a camp/ scrimmages in Coeur d'Alene, ID preparing for the 2020-21 season if allowed to re-enter Canada. The Wild's season ended in late November due to COVID-19 rules and restrictions. In 10 games last season with the Spokane Chiefs, Porter, Jr went 8-2 with a 1.94 GAA

Porter, Jr started last year with the Western Hockey League Kelowna Rockets was assigned to the Vernon Vipers November 4th 2019. While playing with the Vipers, the Rockets traded his rights to the Moose Jaw Warriors November 24th 2019. Porter, Jr never played a game with the Warriors. Moose Jaw traded his rights to Spokane January 3rd 2020. Porter, Jr left the Vipers to join the Spokane Chiefs and played the remainder of the 2019-20 season in Spokane. In 9 games with the Vipers Porter, Jr went 3-6 with a 2.59 GAA

James Porter, Jr's Player Profile:

James Porter Jr. - Elite Prospects

BCHL Explores Its Options While Stickhandling Around 'Confusing' COVID-19 Orders:

The BC Hockey League is exploring options to play in the new year despite the difficult logistics caused by COVID-19.

Here is the full story from the Vancouver Province newspaper,

BCHL explores its options while stickhandling around 'confusing' COVID-19 orders | The Province

Ex Vernon Viper Brownlee Apologizes For Controversial Social Media Post:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Chad Brownlee has apologized after posting a conspiracy theory image criticized as racist and antsemitic on social media.

Here is the full story from Global news,

(1) Chad Brownlee apologizes for social media post that ‘could be perceived as racist’ - National | Globalnews.ca

Here is the full story from Kelownanow.com,

Country star Chad Brownlee apologizes for controversial social media post (kelownanow.com)

Brownlee a current country music star played two seasons in Vernon (2001-2003) In 113 regular season games with the Vipers, Brownlee collected (14-goals-28-assists-42-points).

Brownlee was drafted in 2003 in the 6th round, by the Vancouver Canucks. Brownlee played four years at Minnesota State University, retired from hockey after a short stint in the ECHL with the Idaho Steelheads following a series of injuries during the 2007-08 season. In 35 games with the Steelheads, Brownlee collected (1-goal-2-assists-3-points).

"The Best That I Can (Superhero)" his first single, was released in November 2009. Brownlee's self-titled debut album, produced by Mitch Merrett was released in August 2010.

Chad Brownlee's Wikipedia page,

Chad Brownlee - Wikipedia

Chad Brownlee's Player Profile:

Chad Brownlee (b.1984) Hockey Stats and Profile at hockeydb.com

Broncos Name Former Vipers Defenceman Scott Captain:

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League Humboldt Broncos have

named former Vernon Vipers defenceman Doug Scott captain.

Here is the full story from the Humboldt Journal,

Scott to lead Humboldt Broncos as captain | Humboldt Journal

Scott is in his second season with the Broncos after coming over in a trade with the Merritt Centennials. Merritt traded Scott to Humboldt November 29 2019 for future considerations. The Broncos are Scott's sixth team in four seasons.

The Alberta Junior Hockey League Grande Prairie Storm traded Scott to Vernon September 3rd 2019 for Ryan MacLean. Scott had one goal in six games with the 2019-20 Vernon Vipers was traded to Merritt October 12 2019 for future considerations. 

Doug Scott's Player Profile:

Doug Scott - Elite Prospects

BCHL News & Trades:

BCHL News & Trades:

Prince George Cougars Loan Moberg To Spruce Kings:

Spruce Kings Add Moberg On Loan From Prince George Cougars | Prince George Spruce Kings

Merritt-West Kelowna Trade:

Acquired: Deegan Mofford | Merritt Centennials

Alberni Valley-Swan Valley Trade:

Bulldogs Officially Acquire Ryan Nause | Alberni Valley Bulldogs

Penticton-Longueuil College-Francais Trade:

NEWS: Vees Add Veteran Presence On Blue Line In Way Of Philippe Chapleau | Penticton Vees

Prince George-Rockland Trade:

Spruce Kings Acquire Labelle From Rockland | Prince George Spruce Kings

Penney Returns To Chiefs:

Chiefs bring back Kyle Penney as NCAA Ivy League teams shut down - Chilliwack Chiefs

Coquitlam Express Sign Lundy:

Express sign Lucas Lundy | Coquitlam Express

Penticton Vees Sign Forfellow:

NEWS: Vees Sign Forfellow To Add Depth To Blue Line | Penticton Vees

Bucks Add Dyck, Benson & Marsella To Roster:

BUCKS ADD 3 TO ROUND OUT ROSTER | Cranbrook Bucks

Surrey Eagles 2020 All-Star Challenge:

Surrey Eagles 2020 All Star Challenge | Surrey Eagles

Moose Jaw Warriors Loan Sukunda To Express:

Express add Sukunda on-loan from the Moose Jaw Warriors  | Coquitlam Express

Episode 25 Vernon Vipers Voices With Rob Short

The new episode of Vipers Voices is available now!

Here is the video/interview that is on the Vernon Vipers website,

Vipers Voices | Episode 25 | Rob Short - YouTube

Host Graham Turnbull chats with former Vernon Viper forward Rob Short who had a lengthy career with the Snakes including winning two national championships.

On This Day In Vernon Vipers History:

Four years ago today (December 14 2016) Vernon Vipers forward Jimmy

Lambert scored four goals in a 7-3 win over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in front of 1,552 fans at Kal Tire Place. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 44-36 Darion Hanson made 33 saves in the win, while Nic Tallarico & Trevin Kozlowski combined for 37 saves in the loss.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Salmon Arm Silverbacks @ Vernon Vipers Wednesday, December 14, 2016 | BCHL League Site

Jimmy Lambert's Player Profile:

Jimmy Lambert - Elite Prospects

Inside The BCHL’s Penticton Bubble Proposal:

With the 2020-21 BCHL regular season on hold, the BC Hockey League will be putting more work into a plan aimed at getting 17 teams into a bubble in Penticton.

Here is the full story/report from Gregg Drinnan's blog,

B.C. restrictions in place through Jan. 8 . . . Vancouver Winterhawks? It’s possible . . . Inside the BCHL’s Penticton bubble proposal – TAKING NOTE (greggdrinnan.com)

On This Day In Vernon Vipers History:

Five years ago today (December 12 2015) Vernon Vipers forward Odeen Tufto

picked up six points (3 goals & 3 assists) in a 7-4 win over the Langley Rivermen in front of 649 fans at the Langley Events Centre. Vernon outshot Langley 32-29 Brendan Barry made 25 saves in the win, while Braedon Fleming & Nickolas Trenciansky combined for 25 saves in the loss.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Vernon Vipers @ Langley Rivermen Saturday, December 12, 2015 | BCHL League Site

Odeen Tufto's Player Profile:

Odeen Tufto - Elite Prospects

On This Day In Vernon Vipers History:

Eleven years ago today (December 12 2009) Penticton Vees defenceman Matt

Paltridge scored at 3:40 of double overtime, giving the Penticton Vees a 3-2 double overtime victory over the visiting Vernon Vipers in front of 4,522 fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre. With the win, the Vees snapped the Vipers franchise/BCHL record 17 road game winning streak. Vernon outshot Penticton 39-28 Sean Bonar made 37 saves in the win, while Graeme Gordon made 25 saves in the loss.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Vernon Vipers @ Penticton Vees Saturday, December 12, 2009 | BCHL League Site

Matt Paltridge's Player Profile:

Matt Paltridge - Elite Prospects

Bears Re-Sign Ex Viper Tryout Moulson:

The American Hockey League Hershey Bears have re-signed

former Vernon Vipers tryout forward Matt Moulson.

Here is the full press release from the Hershey Bears website,

Bears Re-sign Veteran Scorer Matt Moulson | NEWS | Hershey Bears Hockey

Moulson is entering his second season with the Bears. In 62 games last season, Moulson recorded (22-goals-19-assists-41-points). The Bears signed Moulson July 24 2019.

Moulson played eleven seasons in the NHL with four different teams (Los Angeles, New York Islanders, Minnesota & Buffalo). Moulson was drafted 263rd overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 9th round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Moulson last played in the NHL with Buffalo during the 2017-18 season before being assigned to the American Hockey League.

Moulson attended the Vernon Vipers training camp in 2001 was released during camp.

Matt Moulson's Player Profile:

Matt Moulson - Elite Prospects

Todd Miller Interview:

The BC Hockey League has delayed the start to the 2020-21 regular season. Vernon Vipers Executive Vice President Todd Miller updates Viper fans on the recent news.

Here is Todd Miller's interview that is on the Vernon Vipers website,

BCHL Suspends Season Start | Vernon Vipers

Playing Junior A During A Pandemic:

Don Klepp interview's Vernon Vipers defenceman Trey Taylor about playing during COVID-19.

Here is Don Klepp's full interview that is on the Vernon Vipers website,

Playing Junior A During A Pandemic | Vernon Vipers

On This Day In Vernon Vipers History:

Ten years ago today (December 8th 2010) Vernon Vipers defenceman Malcolm

Lyles drew four assists in a 5-2 victory in Duncan over the Cowichan Capitals in front of 675 fans at the Island Savings Centre. Vernon outshot Cowichan 45-33 Kirby Halcrow made 31 saves in the win, while Chase Martin made 40 saves in the loss.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Vernon Vipers @ Cowichan Valley Capitals Wednesday, December 08, 2010 | BCHL League Site

Malcolm Lyles Player Profile:

Malcolm Lyles - Elite Prospects

BCHL Delays Season Start To New Year:

The BCHL has decided to delay the start of the 2020-21 regular season to the new year.

Here is the full press release from the BCHL website,

BCHL delays season start to new year due to PHO order limiting team activities | BCHL League Site

On This Day In Vernon Vipers History:

Thirteen years ago today (December 7 2007) The visiting Vernon Vipers

& Salmon Arm Silverbacks ended in a 0-0 tie in front of 1,560 fans at the Shaw Centre. Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 43-29 Graeme Gordon made 29 saves in the tie for the shutout, while Bryce Christianson made 43 saves in the tie for the shutout.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Vernon Vipers @ Salmon Arm Silverbacks Friday, December 07, 2007 | BCHL League Site

BCHL Hopes To Play In Penticton Bubble In 2021:

The BC Hockey League is rumored to be working on a plan that would have the 2020-21 regular season be played in a Penticton bubble.

Here is the full story from Gregg Drinann's Blog,

BCHL hopes to play in Penticton bubble in 2021 . . . Swedish junior star tests positive . . . Daum back in coaching game – TAKING NOTE (greggdrinnan.com)