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Here is the story from the Vernon Morning Star,
Vernon Vipers add duo with WHL experience – Vernon Morning Star
Kjell Kjemhus was in his third season with the Vernon Vipers, went pointless in 16 games this season.
Vernon Vipers 2021-22 Roster,
Adam Bourgeois was recruited by the Vernon Vipers, committed to the Vipers July 31st 2021 went pointless in 18 games this season.
Adam Bourgeois's Player Profile:
Adam Bourgeois - Elite Prospects
Kjell Kjemhus's Player Profile:
Jason Mckee has never been high or patient with local kids but as we all know changes had to be made. Lets hope these new players can make some sort of a difference to this dismal season so the team can finish strong.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't sure what to expect today from the Vipers, but I like the moves they made at the deadline.
ReplyDeleteCade McNely is a veteran 20 yr old defenceman that has Major Junior experience and has some size. I like the sounds of this kid. The Vipers signed 18 yr old defenceman Anthony Cliche on Thursday also has some size. Two big defencemen added to the blueline will help.
I wonder why the Spokane Chiefs gave up on Copeland Fricker at only 18 yrs old? If he decides to stick to the Junior A route, the Vipers could get home for another two years. Maybe he will bring some offence to the Vipers lineup. Fricker put up some very good numbers playing AAA hockey in the States.
No surprise to see Adam Bourgeois & Kjell Kjemhus no longer with the team. Bourgeois is only 17 yrs old and needed some time to be groomed, didn't play with a lot of confidence and always seemed to be making mistakes or turning over pucks. He's young and needs to play to get better and gain confidence but kids like these are a dime a dozen. I was very disapointed in Kjell Kjemhus this season. When he joined the Vipers three years ago from the Western Hockey League, he played with a ton of jump/energy and was a real enery player for the Snakes. He didn't put up many points but played/battled hard. This season as a veteran 20 yr old he didn't do anything and was basically taking up a roster spot. No disrespect to both young men but I was surprised they weren't traded/or released earlier in the season.
I think Adam Bourgeois is the third or fourth recruit/committed player from this season no longer on the team and this is concerning. The Vipers also traded recruits/committed players from last season in Desmond Johnson, Ethan Mercer and Nicholas Remissong in November. You have to wonder about the Vipers scouting.
The biggest question is will these moves help the Vipers? Only time will tell.
I was disapointed and upset with the Vipers, why they didn't make any moves/trades in early November when the team went 1-10 in the Month of November. That is when I thought they really needed to pull off a blockbuster trade or two when they still had a chance of climbing the standings. Instead they waited until the end of November to make two trades with Prince Geore & Merritt and then still continued to struggle in Decemember but didn't make any moves in December. I personally think they waited too long to make moves this year and were hoping this team was going to turn things around. I like the moves today and hope they help but with the season half over, it might be a little too late to gain any ground on teams above them in the standings. If they manage to get on a bit of a roll and string together a winning streak, maybe they have a shot at passing Wenatchee or Trail? I guess will have to wait to see.
For the fans who may think I have been negative or hard on this team, I have and only because the Vipers put together a team at the start of the season that has struggled all season, hasn't been competitive, has continued to make several of the same mistakes and been inconsistent all season. As a long time season ticket holder, it's frustrating. I don't expect to win every game or have the best team every year but put together a competitive team.
Go Vipers Go!
Wow, the Vipers have finally shook the team up. Hopefully the newbies will have an impact on the remainder of the season. Here are a few thoughts:
ReplyDeleteGone - Adam Bourgeois (17) is a good young player and it is sad to see him released. However, realistically he is probably not ready to make the jump to the BCHL. Going to a Junior B team and playing lots of minutes will be better for his development.
Gone - Kjell Kjemhus (20) I am not a fan although he is probably a nice young man. He has done nothing in his time with the Vipers, zero points in 16 games does not cut it as a 20 year old. It appears as if he is eligible for 4 years of WHL schooling so hopefully will take advantage of that.
Added - Cade McNelly (20) A good pick up as he is a big guy with loads of experience. It sounds like he plays a physical game and will add some "snarl" to the Vipers back end. He will probably bring back memories of Landon Fuller, a fan favorite who was never a treat to play against.
Added - Copeland Fricker (18) Another economy sized forward with WHL experience. With Spokane he had 9 points in 45 games. Given the opportunity I can see him becoming a good producer for the Vipers, thus a good pick up.
Added Capton & Dubinsky, both Goalies and probably will not see game time in Vernon this year.
So... lots of question marks but considering how little it cost these were possibly some very good moves. Time will tell but it may keep McKee off the hot seat for the next while. Go Vipers Go!!!
Damn:/
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