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signed former Vernon Vipers forward/captain Jagger Williamson.
Here is the story from the Salmon Arm Observer,
Williamson played the past two seasons with the Federal Prospects Hockey League Columbus River Dragons. Williamson broke his leg in his first ever game with the River Dragons, missing the entire 2019-20 season. In 31 games last season, Williamson collected (14-goals-19-assists-33-points).
Williamson committed to Michigan Tech University for the 2019-20 season, but ended up signing a professional contract with the Federal Prospects Hockey League Columbus River Dragons for the 2019-20 season.
Williamson played five seasons in Vernon from 2014-2019. In 233 games with the Vipers, Williamson collected (54-goals-119-assists-173-points).
Williamson and former Vernon Lakers/Vernon Vipers forward Garth Gartner hold the franchise record for most games played with 233 games each. Gartner played four seasons in Vernon from 1994-1998 with the Vernon Lakers & Vernon Vipers.
The Vernon Lakers were around from 1980-1983 & 1984-1995 before changing their name to the Vernon Vipers in 1995.
I have said this before..... The Vipers have three former players that should have their jersey retired. Jagger Williamson is one, while Connor & Kellen Jones are the other two.
ReplyDeleteColton Sparrow could also be added to the list of " jersey retirees " . Couldn't fans be involved in this process ?
ReplyDeleteI partially agree... I certainly think the Vipers should have a "Jones night" to honor Connor & Kellen and their many achievements. Their jerseys would be raised to the rafters to show a permanent reminder. I do NOT however think their numbers should be "retired" and never used again. I think retiring a number should only be used in the case of a "generational talent" who has truly impacted or changed the game. I also did not agree with retiring #20 (Short) and #18 (Crowell) nor would I agree with retiring Sparrow's number. All these players were very good Viper players but did not leave a spot that was impossible to replace. My opinion does not take away from what they each achieved and contributed to the team, they were all good players and fine young men. Yes, honor them, hang their jerseys but do not "eliminate" a number from future use. The big problem with retiring a number is where do you start and where do you stop. What are the criteria? Points? Leadership? Being from Vernon? How about Gare, Nelson, Murray, Volpatti, Zulyniak, Brandt, and the many other good Vipers? Should we include all of them?
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you Marty. I have said this before, I think the Vipers need a Wall of Fame or Ring of Honour like a lot of teams are doing these days. Have something to honour the past players and great history of Junior hockey in Vernon. Lots of great names/former alumni that need to be recognized but not worthy of having their jersey retired.
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