Vernon Vipers Showcase Dates Announced:

The Vernon Vipers announced their 2022 BCHL Showcase schedule on Wednesday.

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

Vipers Showcase Dates Announced | Vernon Vipers

The BC Hockey League announced details for the 2022 BCHL Showcase.

Here is the press release from the BCHL website,

BCHL announces details for 2022 Showcase event | BCHL League Site

P2 Hockey Camp Coming To Vernon:

Vernon Vipers Assistant Coach Eric Morrissette is putting on a brand new

hockey camp this summer. 

Here's a preview from the Vernon Vipers twitter account,

Vernon Vipers on Twitter: "Vipers Assistant Coach Eric Morrissette is putting on a brand new and exciting hockey camp this August! More news about guest coaches coming soon! Get more info at https://t.co/lgqpjq8ulN https://t.co/PRsogRdl6e" / Twitter

Vernon Vipers Sign Compton:

The Vernon Vipers have signed 17 year old defenceman Dylan Compton.

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

Vipers Sign Compton | Vernon Vipers

Dylan Compton's Player Profile:

Dylan Compton - Elite Prospects

Vernon Vipers Classic Collision Of The Week - Dylan Chanter

This week's CSN Franks Collision of the Week is from Vernon Vipers alumni

Dylan Chanter. Chanter hits Penticton Vees forward Matthew Serratore in Game 4 of the Interior Conference playoffs March 18th 2014.

Here is the Classic Collision of the Week from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,

Classic Collision - #24 Dylan Chanter [3-18-2014] - YouTube

Chanter played parts of one season in Vernon with the 2013-14 Vernon Vipers. The Vipers traded Jason Bird and future considerations (Logan Mick) to the Merritt Centennials January 3rd 2014 for Dylan Chanter. In 19 games with the Vipers, Chanter collected (0-goals-0-assists-0-points). Chanter went on to play four seasons at the University of New Hampshire from 2014-2018.

Dylan Chanter's Player Profile:

Dylan Chanter - Elite Prospects

BCHL News & Trades:

BCHL News & Trades:

Taylor Commits To Bulldogs:

Bulldogs Add Taylor to Back End for 22-23 | Alberni Valley Bulldogs

Chiefs Name Burt New Office Administrator:

Kaylea Burt Joins Chiefs Business Team - Chilliwack Chiefs

Cowichan-Blackfalds Trade:

Capitals send defenceman Jordan Edwards to Blackfalds Bulldogs for futures | Cowichan Capitals

2011-12 Penticton Vees Inducted Into BC Hockey Hall Of Fame:

NEWS: 2012 Penticton Vees To Be Inducted In BC Hockey Hall Of Fame In July | Penticton Vees

Cranbrook-Okotoks Trade:

Bucks Trade Zeth Kindrachuk to Okotoks for Future Considerations | Cranbrook Bucks

Gossoo Commits To Langley Rivermen:

Nathan Gossoo commits to the Rivermen for the 2022-23 season | Langley Rivermen

Spinale Commits To Centennials:

Centennials Sign Spinale for 2022-23 | Merritt Centennials

Nanaimo Clippers 2021-22 Year End Award Winners:

2021-2022 Nanaimo Clippers’ Award Winners | Nanaimo Clippers

Gojsic & Guilbault Commit To Vees:

NEWS: Vees Commit To Pair Of BC Players In Gojsic & Guilbault | Penticton Vees

Powell River Kings Sign Eyre:

Noah Eyre joins Kings for 2022/23 | Powell River Kings Junior A Hockey Club

Spruce Kings Announce Prep Camp:

Spruce Kings Announce Rep Prep Camp Beginning August 15th | Prince George Spruce Kings

Salmon Arm Silverbacks Sign Foley:

Silverbacks Sign Foley | Salmon Arm Silverbacks (sasilverbacks.com)

Crowell Commits To Smoke Eaters:

COMMITMENT – Smoke Eaters Add Forward Crowell for 2022/23 | Trail Smoke Eaters

Newfoundland Growlers Add Former Vernon Viper Skirving To Teams Protected List:

The ECHL announced their protected lists as submitted by each of its

member teams. The ECHL Newfoundland Growlers have nine players listed on their protected list. One of those nine players, is former Vernon Vipers forward Todd Skirving.

Here is the press release from the ECHL website,

ECHL announces Protected Lists

Skirving has played the past three seasons with the ECHL Newfoundland Growlers. In 60 games last season, Skirving collected (21-goals-20-assists-41-points).

Skirving didn't play professional hockey during the 2020-21 season as the Growlers decided to opt out of the 2020-21 season under the ECHL's COVID-19 Voluntary Suspension Policy. Skirving spent the 2020-21 season as an Assistant Coach with the BCHL expansion Cranbrook Bucks. Skirving and the Bucks went 3-16-0-1 during the 2020-21 pod season.

Skirving played four years at Rochester Institute of Technology from 2013-2017 before signing his first professional contract with the ECHL Orlando Solar Bears August 3rd 2017. Skirving spent the 2017-18 season playing with Orlando, Utah and Atlanta before signing a professional contract with the ECHL Newfoundland Growlers October 16th 2018.

Skirving committed to the Vernon Vipers for the 2010-11 season. Skirving played half a season in Vernon with the 2010-11 Vernon Vipers. The Vipers traded Skirving and future considerations to the Prince George Spruce Kings January 10th 2011 for Ryan Renz. In 34 games with the Vipers, Skirving collected (4-goals-5-assists-9-points).

Todd Skirving's Player Profile:

Todd Skirving - Elite Prospects

Vernon Lakers/Vernon Vipers Alumni Gartner Joins Tigers:

Former Vernon Lakers/Vernon Vipers forward Garth Gartner has joined

the Vernon Tigers Junior Lacrosse team as an Assistant Coach.

No official press release from the Vernon Tigers, but Gartner is listed on the teams website.

Vernon Tigers website,

Vernon Jr. Tigers (vernontigers.ca)

Gartner committed to Bemidji State University for the 1998-99 season. Gartner played one season at University before signing his first professional contract with the ECHL Pensacola Ice Pilots in 1999. Gartner spent the 1999-2000 season between the ECHL Pensacola Ice Pilots and the CHL Huntsville Channel Cats. Gartner played two seasons in the ECHL & CHL from 1999-2001 with four teams before retiring from professional hockey after the 2000-2001 season.

Gartner is currently construction manager for Everton Ridge Homes in Vernon, BC.

Gartner played four seasons in Vernon from 1994-1998 with the Vernon Lakers and Vernon Vipers. The Vernon Lakers changed their name to the Vernon Vipers in the summer of 1995. In 233 games with the Lakers & Vipers, Gartner collected (78-Goals-89-Assists-167-Points). Gartner is tied with former Vernon Vipers forward/captain Jagger Williamson for most games played in franchise history with 233 games. Williamson played five seasons with the Vernon Vipers from 2014-2019.

Garth Gartner’s Player Profile:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/161490/garth-gartner

Ex Vipers Associate Coach Mallette Named Assistant Coach For Canada’s National Under-18 Team:

Hockey Canada has named former Vernon Vipers Associate Coach Kris

Mallette Assistant Coach of Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team.

Here is the press release from the Kelowna Rockets website,

https://kelownarockets.com/article/mallette-and-guard-named-to-hockey-canadas-mens-under-18-coaching-staff

Here is the press release from Castanet.net,

https://www.castanet.net/news/WHL/371994/Rockets-head-coach-will-join-coaching-staff-for-Hlinka-Gretzky-Cup

Mallette has spent the previous two seasons as Head Coach of the Western Hockey League Kelowna Rockets.

Mallette is a Rockets Alumni (1996-1999) is in his eighth season with the Rockets. Mallette spent six seasons as an Assistant Coach with the Rockets from 2014-2020 before being named Head Coach March 2nd 2020.

Mallette played ten seasons in the ECHL, UHL, CHL & IHL with Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Ashville, Elmira, Colorado, Youngstown, Laredo & Flint from 2000-2009 before retiring from professional hockey in 2009. Mallette spent three seasons in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League as an Assistant Coach & Head Coach of the North Okanagan Knights. 

Mallette spent one season in Vernon as an Associate Coach with the 2013-14 Vernon Vipers. Mallette left the Vipers after the 2013-14 season, returning to Kelowna in 2014. Mallette was named Rockets Assistant Coach July 4th 2014.

Kris Mallette's Player/Coaching Profile:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/19340/kris-mallette

Former Viper Defenceman Ardanaz Commits To RPI:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Nick Ardanaz has committed to Rensselaer

Polytechnic Institute for the 2022-23 season.

Here is the press release from the West Kelowna Warriors website,

https://www.westkelownawarriors.ca/news-ardanaz-evans-commit-to-rpi

Ardanaz played the past three seasons with the West Kelowna Warriors. In 53 games last season, Ardanaz collected (4-goals-31-assists-35-points).

Ardanaz attended the Vernon Vipers training camp in 2017 & 2018. Ardanaz played three games with the Vipers as an affiliated player during the 2018-19 season. Ardanaz committed to the Vernon Vipers June 8th 2018. Ardanaz never joined the Vipers, committed to the West Kelowna Warriors May 11th 2019.

Nicolas Ardanaz's Player Profile:

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

Former Vernon Laker Chase To Be Sentenced For Sexual Assault:

Former Vernon Lakers defenceman/Assistant Coach Keith Chase sentence hearing is set for June 27th 2022. Chase was found guilty of sexual assault from 2004.

Here is the story from the Vernon Morning Star,

https://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/former-vernon-coach-to-be-sentenced-for-sexual-assault/

Chase currently owns Chasers Bottle depot in Vernon.

Chase played parts of four seasons in Vernon from 1982-1985 before being traded to the Merritt Centennials during the 1984-85 season. Chase would return to Vernon after being traded back to the Lakers and played his final two seasons in Vernon from 1986-1988. After his junior hockey career ended, Chase joined the Vernon Lakers as an assistant coach from 1988-1991. In 94 games with the Lakers, Chase collected (3-goals-11-assists-12-points).

The Vernon Lakers were around from 1980-1983 & 1984-1995 before changing their name to the Vernon Vipers in 1995.

Keith Chase's Player Profile:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/196520/keith-chase

Cyclones Add Former Viper Andrusiak To Teams Protected List:

The ECHL announced their protected lists as submitted by each of its member teams.

The ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones twenty seven players listed on their protected list. One of those twenty seven players, is former Vernon Vipers forward Zach Andrusiak.

Here is the press release from the Cincinnati Cyclones website,

https://cycloneshockey.com/news/2022/06/cyclones-announce-2022-protected-list

Andrusiak spent the 2021-22 season with the ECHL Idaho Steelheads & Cincinnati Cyclones. In 34 games with the Cyclones last season, Andrusiak collected (20-goals-25-assists-45-points).

Andrusiak started the 2021-22 season with the ECHL Idaho Steelheads, his second season in Idaho. Andrusiak was traded to Cincinnati January 25th 2022. The Cyclones loaned Andrusiak to the American Hockey League Tucson Roadrunners March 3rd 2022. Andrusiak went pointless in two games with the Roadrunners, was returned to Cincinnati March 11th 2022.

Andrusiak was suppose to play the 2020-21 season with the ECHL Idaho Steelheads, but the team opt out of the 2020-21 season due to COVID-19, allowing Andrusiak to sign with another team. The ECHL Orlando Solar Bears signed Andrusiak January 22nd 2021. Andrusiak's rights would revert back to the Idaho Steelheads for the 2021-22 season.

Andrusiak played three seasons in the Western Hockey League from 2016-2019 with Tri-Cities, Seattle, Prince Albert & Everett before signing his first professional contract with the ECHL Idaho Steelheads August 8th 2019.

Andrusiak started the 2015-16 season with the Western Hockey League Tri-City Americans, was released early into the 2015-16 season. The Vernon Vipers signed Andrusiak October 1st 2015. Andrusiak was released November 5th 2015. In 15 games with the Vipers, Andrusiak collected (0-goals-2-assists-2-points).

Zach Andrusiak's Player Profile:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/247479/zack-andrusiak

BCHL News & Trades:

BCHL News & Trades:

Surrey-Prince George Trade:

https://www.sprucekings.bc.ca/spruce-kings-acquire-ross-from-surrey-to-complete-brody-gagno-trade

Terwoord Commits To Bucks:

https://www.cranbrookbucks.ca/2022/05/04/bucks-commit-defensemen-salmo-native-willem-terwoord-for-the-2022-2023-season/

Green Commits To West Kelowna Warriors:

https://www.westkelownawarriors.ca/news-kailus-green-commits-to-the-warriors

Peskett Commits To Trail Smoke Eaters:

https://www.trailsmokeeaters.com/commitment-smoke-eaters-add-2006-forward-logan-peskett-for-2022-23

Di Paskour Commits To Vees:

https://www.pentictonvees.ca/news-vees-land-commitment-from-goaltender-luca-di-pasquo

Henry Commits To Bucks:

https://www.cranbrookbucks.ca/2022/05/06/bucks-commit-defensemen-yale-university-commit-jack-henry-for-the-2022-2023-season/

Kings Sign Dashevsky:

https://www.powellriverkings.com/kings-make-first-signing-of-the-offseason

BCHL Approves Sale Of Surrey Eagles:

https://bchl.ca/bchl-board-of-governors-approve-sale-of-surrey-eagles-franchise

Hamilton Commits To Smoke Eaters:

https://www.trailsmokeeaters.com/commitment-smoke-eaters-add-kootenay-local-hamilton-for-2022-23

Message From Warriors Ownership:

https://www.westkelownawarriors.ca/message-from-the-warriors-ownership

Prince George-Elmira Trade:

https://www.sprucekings.bc.ca/spruce-kings-acquire-f-luke-eurig-03-from-gojhl

Frias Brothers Commit To Cranbrook Bucks:

https://www.cranbrookbucks.ca/2022/05/11/bucks-commit-forwards-donovan-and-julian-frias-for-the-2022-2023-season/

Makway Commits To Trail:

https://www.trailsmokeeaters.com/commitment-smoke-eaters-sign-local-talent-makway-for-2022-23-season

Glen Commits To Ohio University:

Vernon Vipers forward Jack Glen has committed to Ohio University for the 2022-

23 season.

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

https://www.vernonvipers.com/glen-headed-to-ohio-univ

Jack Glen’s Player Profile:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/352090/jack-glen

Ex Viper Pierce/Edmonton Oil Kings Advance To Memorial Cup:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Luke Pierce and the Western Hockey

League Edmonton Oil Kings won their fifth Western Hockey League Championship after a 2-0 victory over the Seattle Thunderbirds June 13th 2022. The Oil Kings won the best of seven series 4-2. Pierce and the Oil Kings advance to the 2022 Memorial Cup in Saint John, June 20-29th 2022.

Here is the press release from the Edmonton Oil Kings website,

https://oilkings.ca/article/game-summary-champions

Here is the full story from the Edmonton Sun,

https://edmontonsun.com/sports/hockey/edmonton-oil-kings-put-away-seattle-thunderbirds-to-win-whl-championship

Pierce is in his fourth season as an assistant coach with the Western Hockey League Edmonton Oil Kings.

Pierce spent five seasons playing at Royal Military College from 2004-2009 before returning to the BCHL in 2009 as an Assistant Coach & Head Coach with the Merritt Centennials. Pierce spent six seasons as Head Coach-GM of the Merritt Centennials from 2009-2015. Pierce was named BCHL Interior Conference Coach of the year in 2013. Pierce was an assistant coach with Canada’s national men’s under-17 team in 2016 & an assistant coach for Team Canada/Team Red at the 2017 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge. Pierce was an assistant coach for Canada’s National Sledge Team at the 2018 Paralympic Games in Pyeongchang. Pierce spent two seasons as Head Coach with the Western Hockey League's Kootenay Ice before being fired June 2 2017.

Pierce played his first two seasons in the BCHL with his hometown Merritt Centennials before being traded to Vernon in his final year of Junior hockey. Pierce played one season in Vernon with the 2003-04 Vernon Vipers. The Merritt Centennials traded Luke Pierce to Vernon June 10th 2003 for future considerations. In 53 games with the Vipers Pierce collected (7-goals-21-assists-28-points).

Luke Pierce's Player-Coaches Profile:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/136883/luke-pierce

Vernon Vipers Sign Tremblay:

The Vernon Vipers have signed 17 year old forward Isaac Tremblay.

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

https://www.vernonvipers.com/vipers-sign-tremblay

Isaac Tremblay’s Player Profile:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/599566/isaac-tremblay

BCHL 2022 Annual General Meeting Recap (Part 2)

The BC Hockey League held its Annual General Meeting May 26th & 27th in Salmon Arm. The League’s Governors discussed and approved several topics including officiating, scheduling and more.

Here is the press release from the BCHL website,

https://bchl.ca/bchl-2022-annual-general-meeting-recap-part-2

Gamblers Select Compton At USHL Draft:

The United States Hockey League Green Bay Gamblers have selected Vernon Vipers affiliated defenceman Dylan Compton in the 7th round, 96th overall in Phase 2 of the United States Hockey League Draft.

Here is the press release from the USHL website,

https://ushl2draft.rinknet.com/

Compton was an affiliated player with the 2021-22 Vernon Vipers. Compton went pointless in 2 games with the Vipers last season. Compton has committed to Northeastern University for the 2023-24 season.

Dylan Compton’s Player Profile:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/603583/dylan-compton

Will Vipers Alumni Gill Return To EV Landshut?

Reports are it is unclear if former Vernon Vipers forward Sahir Gill will return to

EV Landshut next season.

Here is the press release from the eishockeynews.de,

https://www.eishockeynews.de/aktuell/artikel/2022/03/21/ev-landshut-vermeldet-acht-abgaenge-dersch-und-kornelli-verlaengern-zukunft-von-gill-noch-offen-geruechte-um-neuzugaenge/9f0bd77d-f039-4bdc-83b3-d89817b4c4d4.html

EV Landshut is also known as EVL Landshut Eishockey is a professional ice hockey team based in Landshut, Bavaria, Germany. They play in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga 2, the second level of hockey in Germany.

Gill has played the past two seasons in Germany with EV Landshut.

Gill played three seasons at Boston University before signing his first professional contract with the ECHL Wheeling Nailers in 2013. Gill played five seasons in the ECHL & American Hockey League with the Hamilton Bulldogs, Wheeling Nailers, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins & Rochester Americans from 2013-2018 before going to Germany in 2018 and signing with the Augsburger Panther. Gill played two seasons with the Panther before playing the 2020-21 season with in Austria with with Villacher SV.

Gill attended the Montreal Canadians training camp in 2014 and the Pittsburgh Penguins training camp in 2016. Gill made his NHL pre-season debut September 28th 2016 went pointless in the Penguins 2-0 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. The Penguins assigned Gill to the American Hockey League Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins where he would finish the 2016-17 season. Gill never played another game in the NHL.

Gill played parts of two seasons in Vernon from 2008-2010. Gill left the Vipers in July 2009 for the United States Hockey League Chicago Steel. Gill played 26 games with the Steel, before returning to Vernon in mid January 2010 where he would finish the remainder of the season with the Vipers. In 71 games with the Vipers, Gill collected (21-goals-30-assists-42-points).

Sahir Gill's Player Profile:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/38017/sahir-gill

BCHL 2022 Annual General Meeting Recap (Part 1)

The BC Hockey League held its Annual General Meeting May 26th & 27th in Salmon Arm. The League’s Governors discussed several topics.

Here is the press release from the BCHL website,

https://bchl.ca/bchl-annual-general-meeting-recap-part-1

Fargo Force Select Cleaves At United States Hockey League Draft:

The United States Hockey League Fargo Force have

selected Vernon Vipers forward Hank Cleaves in the 10th round, 143rd overall in Phase 2 of the United States Hockey League Draft.

Here is the press release from the Fargo Force website,

https://www.fargoforce.com/news_article/show/1224345

Cleaves committed to the Vernon Vipers for the 2022-23 season February 23rd 2022. Cleaves has committed to Dartmouth College for the 2023-24 season.

Here was the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

https://www.vernonvipers.com/cleaves-to-join-snakes-next-season

Hank Cleaves Player Profile:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/614390/hank-cleaves

Vernon Vipers Release 2022-23 Schedule:

The Vernon Vipers released the 2022-23 regular season schedule on Thursday. The Vipers open the 2022-23 regular season September 23rd in Salmon Arm in the first game of a home & home series vs the Silverbacks.

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

https://www.vernonvipers.com/vipers-2022-23-schedule-released

The BC Hockey League released the 2022-23 regular season schedule on Thursday. The 2022-23 regular season opens September 23rd 2022.

Here is the press release from the BCHL website,

https://bchl.ca/bchl-releases-2022-23-regular-season-schedule

Ex Vipers Head Coach/GM Vandekamp Parts Ways With Grande Prairie Storm:

Former Vernon Vipers Head Coach/GM Mike Vandekamp & the Alberta

Junior Hockey League Grande Prairie Storm have mutually agreed to part ways.

Here is the press release from the Grande Prairie Storm website,

https://www.grandeprairiestorm.ca/media-centre/news-archives.html?rYear=2022&nID=20208

Here is the story from the EverythingGP.com,

https://everythinggp.com/2022/03/12/storm-vandekamp-part-ways/

Vandekamp spent the previous two seasons with the Grande Prairie Storm. This was Vandekamp’s second stint with the Storm. Vandekamp was Head Coach/GM with the Grande Prairie Storm from 2007-2011 & 2020-2022. 

Vandekamp left the Storm in 2011 returning to the BCHL as Head Coach/GM with the Nanaimo Clippers from 2011-2018. Vandekamp was let go in Nanaimo was Head Coach/GM in Cowichan from 2018-2020. Vandekamp’s contract was not renewed and returned to Grande Prairie in 2020.

Vandekamp played three years of Junior hockey in Fort St. John and Prince George from 1990-1993 before getting into coaching in 1995. Vandekamp made his coaching debut with the Rocky Mountain Junior Hockey League Fort St. John Huskies in 1995. Vandekamp coached in the BCHL for fifteen seasons with four teams (Merritt, Vernon, Nanaimo & Cowichan).

Vandekamp was Head Coach/GM of the Vernon Vipers from 2001-2005 before leaving for the Western Hockey League's Prince George Cougars.

Mike Vandekamp's coaching profile:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/staff/2639/mike-vandekamp

BCHL Going To Video Review:

The BC Hockey League announced on Monday video review will be mandatory within all BCHL arenas.

Here is the story from Castanet.net,

https://www.castanet.net/news/BCHL/371095/Video-review-technology-mandatory-within-all-BCHL-buildings

Muskegon Lumberjacks Select Buss At USHL Draft:

The United States Hockey League Muskegon Lumberjacks selected Vernon Vipers

forward Luke Buss in the 18th round, 268th overall in Phase 2 at the United States Hockey League Draft.

Here is the press release from the Muskegon Lumberjacks website,

https://www.muskegonlumberjacks.com/news_article/show/1223881

Former Vernon Lakers forward Jim McGroarty is General Manager of the Muskegon Lumberjacks. McGroarty is in his third season with the Lumberjacks, played one season in Vernon with the 1992-93 Vernon Lakers.

Buss played last season in Vernon with the 2021-22 Vernon Vipers. Buss committed to Quinnipiac University May 19th 2022. In 48 games with the Vipers last season, Buss collected (16-goals-20-assists-36-points).

Luke Buss’s Player Profile:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/556718/luke-buss

Top Ten Reasons Why Vernon Lakers/Vernon Vipers Alumni Mick Joined Wenatchee Wild Organization:

Top ten reasons why former Vernon Lakers/Vernon Vipers forward,

Assistant Coach & Head Coach/GM Troy Mick joined the Wenatchee Wild organization.

Here is the press release from the Wenatchee Wild website,

https://www.wenatcheewildhockey.com/news/top-10-reasons-troy-mick-joined-the-wenatchee-organization/

Mick joined the Wenatchee Wild’s organization February 7th 2022. Mick was named Hockey Director and Head Coach of the Wenatchee Wolves 18UAAA team and the Wenatchee Wilderness 16UAAA team. Mick took over April 1st 2022.

Mick spent last season as Head Coach of the Philadelphia Hockey Club 16U team. Prior to coaching in Philadelphia, Mick spent the previous six seasons in the BCHL with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks as General Manager, Head Coach and President and part owner.

Mick played three seasons of semi pro hockey in the IHL & ECHL from 1990-1993 before retiring from professional hockey due to injury.

Mick played two seasons in Vernon from 1984-1986 with the Vernon Lakers before being traded to the Merritt Warriors during the 1985-86 season. In 17 games with the Lakers, Mick collected (4-goals-8-assists-12-points). Mick was also an Assistant Coach and in charge of marketing with the Vernon Lakers from 1993-1995 was an Assistant Coach with the 1995-96 Vernon Vipers before being named Head Coach/GM for the 1996-97 season. Mick was Head Coach/GM of the Vernon Vipers from 1996-2000 before returning to Vernon as GM from 2005-2007. 

Mick was drafted in Round 7 130th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins at the 1988 NHL Entry Draft. 

Troy Mick's Player/Coaching Profile: 

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/94293/troy-mick

Heat Recall Vipers Alumni Shortridge From ECHL:

The American Hockey League Stockton Heat have recalled former Vernon Vipers

goaltender Andrew Shortridge from the ECHL Kansas City Mavericks.

No official press release from the Stockton Heat, but Shortridge is listed on the Stockton Heat roster. The Heat assigned Shortridge to the Mavericks April 11th 2022.

Shortridge is in his second season with the American Hockey League Stockton Heat and ECHL Kansas City Mavericks. Shortridge has split the season between the Stockton Heat & Kansas City Mavericks. In 1 game with the Heat, Shortridge is 0-1 with a 4.00 GAA and in 15 games with the Mavericks is 7-7 with a 2.92 GAA

Shortridge split last season between the ECHL Kansas City Mavericks & American Hockey League Stockton Heat after signing a two-way ECHL/AHL contract with the American Hockey League Stockton Heat December 5th 2020.

Shortridge played three seasons at Quinnipiac University from 2016-2019 before signing his first professional contract with the San Jose Sharks April 3rd 2019 and an amateur contract with the American Hockey League San Jose Barracuda April 3rd 2019. Shortridge split the 2019-20 season between the American Hockey League San Jose Barracuda and the ECHL Allen Americans. Shortrdige has yet to play a game with the San Jose Sharks.

Shortridge played one season in Vernon with the 2015-16 Vernon Vipers. In 44 games with the Vipers, Shortridge went 19-25 with 2 shutouts and a 3.15 GAA

Andrew Shortridge's Player Profile:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/191183/andrew-shortridge

Phantoms Re-Sign Former Vernon Viper Hanson:

The American Hockey League Lehigh Valley Phantoms have re-signed former

Vernon Vipers goaltender Darion Hanson.

Here is the press release from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms website,

http://www.phantomshockey.com/laczynski-sandstrom-zamula-phiflyers/

This is Hanson’s second stint with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. 

Hanson played the 2021-22 season at the University of Conneticut, before signing his first professional contract with the American Hockey League Lehigh Valley Phantoms March 29th 2022. Hanson didn’t play a game with the Phantoms was released April 8th 2022. The ECHL Reading Royals signed Hanson April 8th 2022. The Royals loaned Hanson to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms April 9th 2022. In 1 game with the Royals, Hanson went 1-0 with a 1.00 GAA

In 35 games at the University of Conneticut, Hanson went 20-15 with a 2.24 GAA Hanson become the first Huskies goaltender to record 20 wins in a season, setting a new school record. 

Due to COVID-19 Hanson decided not to play hockey last season. Hanson played three seasons at Union College from 2017-2020 transferred to the University of Conneticut in December 2020.

Hanson was nominated for the Hobey Baker Award in 2020 was invited to the Philadelphia Flyers development camp in 2017, Toronto Maple Leafs development camp in 2018 and the Buffalo Sabres development camp in 2019.

Hanson played parts of one season in Vernon with the 2016-17 Vernon Vipers. The Vipers acquired Hanson from the United States Hockey League Youngstown Phantoms November 18th 2016. No details on the trade were released. In 21 games with the Vipers, Hanson went 14-4 with 2 shutouts and a 1.84 GAA

Darion Hanson’s Player Profile:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/288916/darion-hanson

Former Vipers Associate Coach Mallette Named Western Hockey League Coach Of The Year:

Former Vernon Vipers Associate Coach Kris Mallette has been named the

Western Hockey League Coach of the Year.

Here is the press release from the Kelowna Rockets website,

https://kelownarockets.com/article/seven-rockets-earn-bc-division-honours

Mallette is in his second season as Head Coach of the Western Hockey League Kelowna Rockets.

Mallette is a Rockets Alumni (1996-1999) is in his eighth season with the Rockets. Mallette spent six seasons as an Assistant Coach with the Rockets from 2014-2020 before being named Head Coach March 2nd 2020.

Mallette played ten seasons in the ECHL, UHL, CHL & IHL with Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Ashville, Elmira, Colorado, Youngstown, Laredo & Flint from 2000-2009 before retiring from professional hockey in 2009. Mallette spent three seasons in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League as an Assistant Coach & Head Coach of the North Okanagan Knights. 

Mallette spent one season in Vernon as an Associate Coach with the 2013-14 Vernon Vipers. Mallette left the Vipers after the 2013-14 season, returning to Kelowna in 2014. Mallette was named Rockets Assistant Coach July 4th 2014.

Kris Mallette's Player/Coaching Profile:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/19340/kris-mallette

Vipers/Lakers Alumni Brandt, Sanford, Kelman-Devils Win British Elite League Championship:

Former Vernon Vipers forwards Riley Brandt & Cole

Sanford along with former Vernon Lakers defence man Todd Kelman and the British Elite Ice Hockey League Cardiff Devils defeated the Belfast Giants 6-3 May 1st 2022 to win the 2021-22 Elite League Playoff Championship.

Here is the story from the British Ice Hockey League website,

https://www.britishicehockey.co.uk/post/cardiff-devils-stun-belfast-giants-claim-elite-league-playoff-title/

Here is the press release from the Cardiff Devils website,

https://www.cardiffdevils.com/news/devils-win-playoff-championshi/

Brandt is in his first season with the Cardiff Devils. The Devils signed Brandt January 15th 2022. In 27 games with the Devils, Brandt collected (2-goals-2-assists-4-points).

Brandt played the past five seasons between Royal Military College & Grant MacEwan University from 2017-2022. Brandt spent the first three seasons at Royal Military College before committing to Grant MacEwan University in 2020. Brandt spent two years at Grant MacEwan University from 2020-2022 before signing with the Devils.

Brandt played three seasons in Vernon from 2014-2017. In 140 games with the Vipers, Brandt collected (38-goals-33-assists-71-points). Brandt was captain of the 2016-17 Vernon Vipers in his final year of Junior hockey.

Riley Brandt's Player Profile:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/153222/riley-brandt

Sanford is in his first season with the Cardiff Devils. The Devils signed Sanford July 16th 2021. In 51 games with the Devils, Sanford collected (22-goals-25-assists-47-points).

Sanford played last season in the ECHL with the Florida Everblades. In 19 games with the Everblades, Sanford collected (3-goals-6-assists-9-points). Sanford was suspended and removed from the Everblades roster June 1st 2021.

Sanford played four seasons at the University of Alberta before signing a professional contract with the ECHL Florida Everblades February 1st 2021.

Sanford played four years in the Western Hockey League with Medicine Hat & Regina from 2012-2016 before signing his first professional contract with the ECHL Colorado Eagles in 2016. Sanford played 19 games with the Eagles before committing to the University of Alberta in 2016.

Sanford was an affiliated player with the 2011-12 Vernon Vipers. Sanford went pointless in 8 games with the Vipers before joining the Western Hockey League Medicine Hat Tigers for the 2012-13 season.

Cole Sanford's Player Profile:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/101594/cole-sanford

Kelman is in his eighth season with the Cardiff Devils as General Manager & Franchise Owner.

Kelman played four seasons at Bowling Green State University from 1993-1997 before signing his first professional contract with the BISL Bracknell Bees in 1997. The Bees are a professional ice hockey team from Bracknell, Berkshire, UK. 

Kelman played three seasons with the Bracknell Bees before signing a professional contract with the Elite Ice Hockey League Belfast Giants. The Giants are a professional ice hockey team from Belfast, Northern Ireland. Kelman played eight seasons with the Giants from 2000-2008 before retiring from professional hockey in 2008. Kelman stayed with the Giants as General Manager from 2007-2014. Kelman left the Giants in 2014 to join the Cardiff Devils, as a Franchise Owner and General Manager.

Kelman was drafted Round 6 141st overall by the St. Louis Blues at the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. Kelman never played a game in the NHL or with the Blues.

Kelman played one season in Vernon with the 1992-93 Vernon Lakers. In 48 games with the Lakers, Kelman collected (16-goals-30-assists-46-points).

Todd Kelman’s Player Profile:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/64909/todd-kelman