Falcons Sign Ex Vipers Defenceman Weinstein:

The American Hockey League (AHL) Springfield Falcons have signed former Vernon Vipers defenceman Steve Weinstein to an amateur try-out contract.  In three games to date with the Falcons Weinstein has one assist.    

Weinstein spent the past four seasons with Bentley University, In 145 games with the Bentley Falcons Weinstein collected (14-goals-91-assists-105-points).  Weinstein played three seasons in Vernon (2008-2011) collecting (10-goals-49-assists-59-points) in 153 regular season games with the Vipers.

Steve Weinstein's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=38003

This is posted on the Falcons website:

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS REASSIGN SONNY MILANO TO SPRINGFIELD FALCONS, FALCONS SIGN MATTHEW ZAY, RICK PINKSTON, STEVE WEINSTEIN TO ATO

03/23/2015

Springfield, Mass. – The Columbus Blue Jackets have reassigned forward Sonny Milano from the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League to the Springfield Falcons, Blue Jackets General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen announced today. Additionally, the Falcons have signed forward Matthew Zay and defensemen Rick Pinkston and Steve Weinstein to amateur try-out contracts, Falcons Director of Hockey Operations Bruce Landon announced.

Milano, 18, led Plymouth in scoring with 22 goals and 46 assists for 68 points and added 24 penalty minutes in 50 games in 2014-15, his first season in the OHL. He spent the previous two campaigns with the United States National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan, recording 14-25-39 in 25 games played for the USNDP Juniors (USHL) in 2013-14.

Columbus’ first pick, 16th overall, at the 2014 NHL Draft held at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Milano was tied for second on Team USA in points with 2-2-4 in five tournament appearances at the 2015 IIHF World Junior Championships. The Massapequa, New York native won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2014 IIHF U18 Championships, collecting 3-7-10 in seven games. He also helped the Americans capture bronze at the 2013 World U17 Hockey Challenge, registering 4-6-10 in six games.

Zay, 24, appeared in 39 contests with Mercyhurst College of the AHA this season, recording 12-20-32 with 44 penalty minutes and a +3 rating. During his collegiate career, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound forward has accumulated 47-81-128 and 131 penalty minutes. The Glendale, New York native also spent the 2010-11 season with the Pembroke Lumber Kings of the Central Canada Hockey League notching 18-35-53 with 16 penalty minutes in 55 match-ups.

Pinkston, 24, finished his senior season at Dartmouth College of the ECAC this year, tallying 4-9-13, 26 penalty minutes and a +14 rating. In 117 contests with Dartmouth, the Trenton, Michigan native posted 11-23-34 and 126 penalty minutes. From 2008-11, the 6-foot-1, 200-pound defenseman skated in 147 games with the Tri-City Storm of the United States Hockey League, accumulating 9-31-40 and 271 penalty minutes.

Weinstein, 24, recorded 5-18-23 with six penalty minutes and a +4 rating in 35 games this season with Bentley University of the AHA. During his four years at Bentley, the 5-foot-10, 175-pound defenseman earned 14-91-105 and 36 penalty minutes. The Los Angeles, California native has also skated in 153 contests with the Vernon Vipers of the British Columbus Hockey league, posting 10-49-99 and 12 penalty minutes in 153 games.

Springfield Falcons ticket packages are on sale now. To reserve your seats, call (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or visit the team office inside the MassMutual Center Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For all the latest Falcons information and updates, follow the back-to-back Northeast Division Champions at www.falconsahl.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/falconsahl and on Twitter (@TheFalconsAHL) using #SPRFalcons!

Thunder Sign Former Vernon Vipers Goaltender Gore:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Stockton Thunder have signed former Vernon Vipers goaltender Lucas Gore. 

Gore spent the previous five seasons with the University of Regina.  In 7 games with the Thunder Gore is 2-4-1 with a 4.37 GAA 

Gore played one season in Vernon (2007-08). In 27 games with the Vipers Gore went 14-8-1 with a 3.31 GAA before joining the Western Hockey League Chilliwack Bruins the following season.

Lucas Gores Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=23803

This is posted on the Thunder website:

Netminder Gore Signed, Joins Team

Thursday, 03.05.15

By admin

The Thunder have signed former Chilliwack Bruin and University of Regina goaltender Lucas Gore to a contract ahead of tonight’s game in Boise, ID.

The Stockton Thunder, owned by the Calgary Flames and proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s New York Islanders and AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers, signs goalie Lucas Gore to a contract before the team takes the ice against the Idaho Steelheads tonight at 6:10 p.m. PST.

Gore, 24, tended the Chilliwack Bruins net of the WHL for parts of four seasons, posting a 60-61-12 record and 10 shutouts before heading to the University of Regina to play four years with the CIS side, the University of Regina Cougars. While in the CIS, Gore recorded a 22-46-1 record with 2 shutouts.

The Kamloops, British Columbia Native was named the goaltender of the week in the entire Canadian Hockey League twice, once in 2010 and again in 2011. Gore made international headlines for a game on March 16, 2011 where he stopped 77 shots in a 2-1 shootout loss to the Spokane Chiefs.

The goaltender holds the WHL record for the most saves made in regulation with 72 and the WHL record for most saves in regulation and overtime with 77.

The Thunder return home for the final three games of the year against the Idaho Steelheads on March 13, 14 and 15. For tickets call (209) 373-1500 or visit StocktonThunder.com.

Former Vipers Conroy & Hannoun-Western Canada Cup Champs!

Former Vernon Vipers forwards Dakota Conroy & Demico Hannoun & the Penticton Vees have won their first Western Canada Cup Saturday after a 4-3 overtime win over the RBC Cup Hosts Portage Terriers at the WCC in Fort McMurray.

Here are the game highlight's,

https://vimeo.com/126738124 

The Vees are looking for their third National Championship are making their fourth appearance at the Centennial Cup-Royal Bank Cup.

This was in the Penticton Herald Newspaper:

Chartier hero as Vees win the West

May 2, 2015

by David Crompton

After surrendering the lead in the last minute, the resilient Penticton Vees recovered in overtime to beat the No. 1 team in the country and capture the Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup Junior-A hockey title.

Connor Chartier stuffed home a rebound of Dakota Conroy’s bad-angle shot from the right side at 2:59 of overtime as the Vees defeated the Portage Terriers 4-3 in front of 943 fans Saturday at the Casman Centre in Fort McMurray.

Both teams had already clinched berths in the RBC Cup May 9-17 in Portage, Man., but played for keeps in a thrilling game from start to finish.

Portage will play the Melfort Mustangs in an essentially meaningless game Sunday aftrenoon. Melfort defeated the host Fort McMurray Oil Barons 4-2 earlier Saturday to earn the second West region berth at the RBC Cup, while Portage is in as the host team.

The Vees will open the five-team RBC Cup – ironically against the host Portage team – next Saturday at 12 noon.

Riley Alferd, Dante Fabbro and Steen Cooper had the other goals for the Vees, while Taylor Friesen, Tyler Jeanson and Zack Waldvogel connected for Portage.

Tournament MVP Hunter Miska was magnificent again with 34 saves for the Vees, while Justin Laforest made 32 saves for Portage but gave up the weak goal in overtime.

A tough first period proved to be the difference when Portage beat the Vees in the round-robin game, but this time Penticton got the jump.

Off a faceoff win by Alferd, Jack Ramsey got a spin-around shot on goal and Alferd went to the net and tucked home the rebound at 7:01.

Friesen tied it on his own rebound at 13:41 after the Vees got caught on a slow line change. Tanner Jago assisted.

An extremely quick whistle cost the Vees the go-ahead goal a minute later. Again it was Ramsey getting the shot on goal and the puck was clearly loose, but referee Mark Pearce ruled it out as Alferd tapped the puck into the open net.

The Vees did reclaim the lead at 5:15 of the second period as Fabbro’s seeing-eye shot made its way through a maze of legs and past a helpless Laforest. Patrick Sexton and Matt Serratore earned the assists.

Penticton opened up a 3-1 lead on the power play at 15:35. After some terrific puck movement, Mike Lee directed a shot from the right point that Laforest stopped through traffic, but Cooper drove hard to the net and slipped in the rebound. Conroy also assisted.

But the Vees couldn’t handle prosperity and let the Terriers get back within 3-2 just 25 seconds later, as Jeanson scored on another rebound from Brett Orr and Jordan Boyd.

Fabbro was knocked from the game in the third period and did not return after taking a pair of dangerous hits to the head, neither of which went penalized.

With 2:48 to go, Vees forward Tyson Jost was whistled for a marginal holding-the-stick infraction on the offensive zone.

Portage got Laforest for an extra skater to make it a 6-on-4 and Waldvogel tied it up with 56 seconds left, tipping Jago’s point shot and then swiping home his own rebound.

On the Vees first offensive foray in overtime, Conroy lofted a soft shot from the right side that somehow went right through Laforest and appeared to be going in anyway before a hard-driving Chartier made sure of it.

Miska and Jago – who had two assists – were the game MVPs.

ICE CHIPS: Miska was also named the tourney’s top goaltender, Jost was named top forward and top scorer, while Miska, Jost and D Miles Gendron were named to the tourney all-star team ... With veteran F Cam Amantea out indefinitely with a shoulder injury, rookie F Jordy Bellerive dressed for the Vees but played sparingly ... In the Dudley Hewitt Cup final, Soo Thunderbirds edged the host Fort Frances Lakers 3-2 and will represent the Central region at the RBC Cup ... Carleton Place Canadians play Dieppe Commandos today in the Fred Page Cup final, with the winner to represent the East region.

Viper Alumni Hammond's Success Presents The Senators With A Pickle:

Former Vernon Vipers goaltender Andrew Hammond is set to become an unrestricted free agent July 1 2015.

Hammond attended the Ottawa Senators development camp in July before being released from the Sens Training camp was sent down to the AHL. Hammond was in his second season with the Binghamton Senators before being recalled from the American Hockey League on January 29th 2015 where he would finish the remainder of the season in the NHL with the Senators.     

Hammond made his first career NHL start February 18th 2015 vs the Montreal Canadians, recorded 42 saves in a 4-2 win over the Habs for his first career NHL victory.

After four seasons with Bowling Green University Hammond signed his first pro contract with the Ottawa Senators on March 20th 2013. Hammond played last year as a rookie with the American Hockey League (AHL) Binghamton Senators. In 48 games with Binghamton Hammond went 25-19-3 with one shutout and a 2.81 GAA.

Hammond made his NHL debut last season was called up to the Ottawa Senators on February 27th 2014 vs the Detroit Red Wings. Hammond was the backup for Senators starting goaltender Robin Lehner that night but made his NHL debut after Lehner was pulled late in the 2nd period giving up six goals on fifteen Detroit shots. Hammond would finish the game playing just over thirty four minutes stopping all eleven Red Wing shots in a 6-1 loss to Detroit. Hammond attended the Chicago Blackhawks 2012 development camp and attended the Ottawa Senators 2013 development camp playing in a few exhibition games with the Senators last season. (no stats)

Hammond played parts of two years in Vernon (2007-2009) after coming over in a trade with the Surrey Eagles during the 2007-08 season. In 52 regular season games with the Vipers Hammond posted a (33-15-1) record recording 6 shutouts.

Andrew Hammond's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=38007

This is in the Ottawa Citizen Newspaper:

Hammond's regular season success presents the Senators with a pickle

Ken Warren, Ottawa Citizen

Published on: April 28, 2015

Now that it’s all over, The Hamburglar’s contract situation has left the Ottawa Senators in a bit of a pickle this barbecue season.

Goaltender Andrew Hammond is to become an unrestricted free agent July 1, while Craig Anderson and Robin Lehner have guaranteed NHL contracts. Anderson has three years remaining on his deal, while Lehner, still experiencing post-concussion symptoms, is under contract through the end of the 2016-17 season.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Hammond said Tuesday, as Senators players packed up and said goodbye for the year. “I love Ottawa. I love everything about Ottawa: The fans, the organization and everything. It’s still early. No one knows what’s going to happen here. I’d obviously love to stay.”

During Hammond’s record-setting 20-1-2 stretch, his agent, Dan Plante, and Senators general manager Bryan Murray agreed to put any contract discussions on hold.

Along with his teammates, Hammond has spent the past few days getting over the disappointment of the six-game first-round playoff loss to the Montreal Canadiens. He recognizes his contract is big topic that he and the Senators need to discuss, but he’s not ready to go there just yet. He hasn’t talked to his agent about the next step.

“Obviously, my contract situation does play into it, but the season is just ending, it’s pretty fresh.”

The Senators will certainly entertain trade talks for Anderson and Lehner – the NHL draft could be the trigger for a swap — but Lehner’s health could prevent a team from taking a chance on him. Also keep in mind that part of the Senators sales pitch in trying to sign Boston University goaltending prospect Matt O’Connor is that there would not be a long line of netminders ahead of him on the depth chart.

Hammond has also not allowed himself to dwell on his remarkable, improbable rise to become the key piece of the greatest comeback to a playoff spot in NHL history, after spending the first half of the season struggling with Binghamton of the American Hockey League. He says he needs some time to “decompress” after the crazy ride.

“I’m going to try and make a conscientious effort to look back at everything and soak it in. Part of being able to have success at this level is being able to be numb to what’s kind of going on around you. At the same time, it was my dream growing up to play in the NHL and to go through what we’ve gone through, so it’s also important to kind of take a step back and enjoy it as well.”

While Hammond says he’s comfortable in the NHL and is confident that he can “be an asset to an (NHL) team,” he’s also not assuming he’s guaranteed to be in the big leagues next season.

Even though the end of his season came on a bit of a sour note, replaced by Anderson after losing the opening two playoff games against the Canadiens, he understands why the move was made.

“Every goalie wants to play every game, it’s just natural and the the decision was made,” he said. “You can look around the league and we’re not unique in that regard that that happened. There are goaltenders (Corey Crawford) have won Stanley Cups that are sitting on the bench, so for me to be kind of selfish about it and take away from the team wouldn’t be right. I understand the decision and obviously you saw what happened and Craig played extremely well. Part of being a good goaltender is being a good team player.”

Anderson, in fact, played that role for the longest time while Hammond was the star of the show. On Tuesday, Anderson paid the utmost respect to Hammond.

“That was remarkable,” Anderson said of Hammond’s performance in the final two months of the regular season. “There would have been no opportunity to play in the playoffs if it wasn’t for what the team and Andrew did. It was outstanding. He was so calm, so controlled, so humble. He came in, worked so hard. It’s one of those things where you can’t explain it, but he did it. He found a way to do it. It’s a credit to what his make-up is.”

Former Vipers Hannoun & Conroy Earn Berth In Royal Bank Cup:

Former Vernon Vipers forwards Dakota Conroy & Demico Hannoun & the Penticton Vees have qualified for the 2015 Royal Bank Cup in Portage, Man after the RBC Cup Host Portage Terriers defeated Spruce Grove 4-2 Thursday afternoon.  With the Terriers win both the Vees & Terriers earn a berth at the 2015 National Championship May 9-17 in Portage, Man.  This will be Penticton's fourth trip to the National Championship (1985, 1986, 2012 & 2015) winning it in 1986 & 2012.  Penticton & Portage will play for the Western Canada Cup in the WCC Final Saturday.

Conroy is in his first season with the Vees.  On October 28th 2014 the Vernon Vipers traded the CJHL playing rights of Conroy along with future considerations to the Penticton Vees for forward Liam Finlay. Conroy a member with the Prince Albert Raiders at the time of the trade left the Raiders on October 19th 2014 returned home to Edmonton, Alberta awaiting a trade. Conroy was suspended by the Raiders for leaving the team was eventually released before joining the Vees in mid November.

Dakota Conroy's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=51703 

Hannoun also in his first season in Penticton played one season in Vernon (2013-14) before being traded to Surrey along with Ben Butcher on June 9th 2014 as the Future Considerations in the Brett Mulcahy trade from January 2014. The Vipers sent forward Chase McMurphy & Future Considerations to Surrey for Brett Mulcahy & Future Considerations on January 6th 2014.

Hannoun played two seasons in Surrey before joining the Vipers. Hannoun was part of the future considerations in the Vipers-Eagles trade at the 2012 BCHL trade deadline that saw Vernon send Adam Tambellini & Michael Roberts to Surrey for future considerations wich at the end of that season were named (Mason Blacklock and Demico Hannoun). In 47 games with the Vipers last season Hannoun collected (15-goals-29-assists-44-points). Hannoun was committed to Michigan Tech for this season was traded from the Eagles to Penticton on August 13th 2014.

Demico Hannoun's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?statsleague=WC&player=98683&team=&year=&status=&leagueid=&season

This is in the Penticton Herald Newspaper:

Vees focused on winning West

Apr 30, 2015

by David Crompton

Though they have already qualified for the RBC Cup, the Penticton Vees are still focused on winning the Western Canada Cup championship game Saturday night in Fort McMurray.

The Vees will play in the title game at 6:30 p.m. against the Portage Terriers after both teams amassed 3-1 records in the round-robin segment of the five-team competition. Portage beat Spruce Grove 4-2 on Thursday to clinch their berth in the final.

“We’ve won every banner possible so far this season and we want this one, too,” declared Vees GM/head coach Fred Harbinson. “It’s one more step in the process and it’s our only focus right now.”

The RBC Cup will be played May 9-17 in Portage, Man. Portage has qualified already as the RBC host team.

Melfort and Fort McMurray will play for the second qualifying berth.

Harbinson has been delighted with the performance of his team so far, which included 11-3 and 6-0 wins over Spruce Grove and Fort McMurray, respectively, a 3-2 loss to Portage and a 3-1 win over Melfort on Wednesday.

“We looked a bit tired mentally in the loss to Portage, but that’s a big, experienced team with nine 20-year-olds so that had something to do with it,” said Harbinson. “We took a massive step back in the right direction against a real good Melfort team with a great goaltender.”

The Vees goaltending has been pretty good too, with Canadian Junior Hockey League Top Goaltender Award finalist Hunter Miska surrendering just seven goals in four games.

“He’s the backbone of our team and he’s been great during the tournament,” said Harbinson. “He’s a big reason why we’re playing now and have a good chance to be playing in May.”

Harbinson was surprised Alberta league champs Spruce Grove struggled so mightily and was eliminated after losing all four of its games.

“We felt coming in they were one of the most skilled teams here,” said Harbinson. “We knew Fort Mac would battle in front of their home fans and they came in pretty rested.”

Harbinson said the Vees still have plenty in the tank despite they will have been on the road for 17 of the last 23 days by the time they fly out of Fort McMurray on Monday night.

“The fact we’ve gone with four forwards lines and three defensive pairings all season has been critical for us,” said Harbinson. “Hunter has obviously played a lot but as far as our skaters go we haven’t had to overuse guys.”

Unfortunately for the Vees, they lost 20-year-old forward Cam Amantea with a shoulder injury in Wednesday’s game.

Harbinson said Amantea won’t play this weekend and likely won’t be available for the RBC Cup.

“Cam had a great playoffs for us, been really physical and scored some key goals,” said Harbinson. “We lose two key veterans with Cam and Cody (DePourcq). It means one of our APs (affiliated players) will have to step in the rest of the way.”

Harbinson said the will only have a couple of days at home before flying to Portage on Thursday. The first game of the RBC Cup is Saturday at 12 noon PDT.

The East and Central regional champions round out the five-team field.

Wenatchee Wild Arrives In BCHL For 2015-16 Season:

This was posted on Brian Wiebe's BCHL Blog:

Wenatchee Arrives in 2015-16

Monday, April 27, 2015

The Wenatchee Wild are set to become the BCHL's 17th franchise. One BCHL GM and Head Coach told me today that Wenatchee will "definitely be playing in our league next season." This comes on the heels of a Twitter conversation I had with Bliss Littler, who is the current GM and Head Coach of Wenatchee in the North American Hockey League, in which he seemed confident that his club would be in the BCHL in 2015-16. Littler's exact words were, "I'm betting on it happening".

As was mentioned in this space earlier this month, the Wild requested to become dormant in the NAHL for next season in order to seek permission from USA Hockey and Hockey Canada to join the BCHL. Approval from USA Hockey and Hockey Canada doesn't guarantee Wenatchee can move to the BCHL, as the league's governors would also need to approve any such move. No confirmation where we are in those processes, but based on conversations today, it looks like the BCHL will have its first US-based team since Bellingham last played in the league in 1994-95. There's more to this story for sure.

This was posted on Brian Wiebe's BCHL Blog:

Wenatchee to Join Mainland Division

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

With word that the Wenatchee Wild are to join the BCHL next season, there is a lot of speculation as to which division the team will fit into. One BCHL GM told me that it's likely the Wild will be in the Mainland Division along with Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Langley, Prince George and Surrey. The Bellingham Ice Hawks are the last US-based team in the BCHL and they played in the Mainland Division before leaving the league in 1995. There is a three hour traveling time difference between Wenatchee and Bellingham, so it's not really an equal comparison in terms of distance. Geographically, Wenatchee is directly south of Princeton, BC, so it's actually further east than Merritt, but with Prince George also in the Mainland Division, geography doesn't really have much to do with it. The discussion about the BCHL's division names is a discussion for another time.

Here are the distances and driving times from the Mainland Division home rinks to Wenatchee, according to Google Maps:

Surrey to Wenatchee: 337 km - 3 hours, 53 minutes

Coquitlam to Wenatchee: 363 km - 4 hours, 14 minutes

Langley to Wenatchee: 350 km - 4 hours, 4 minutes

Chilliwack to Wenatchee: 363 km - 4 hours, 22 minutes

Prince George to Wenatchee: 1,032 km - 11 hours, 13 minutes

COACH'S CORNER: Former Viper Forward Kisio Breaks Down Game 4 vs. Wheaties:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Brent Kisio breaks down Game 4 vs the Brandon Wheat Kings.  Brandon leads the best of seven Eastern Conference Championship series 2-1 with Game 4 going tonight in Calgary.  Kisio Assistant an Associate Coach & Assistant General Manager is in his eigth season with the Western Hockey League (WHL) Calgary Hitmen.  Kisio played one season in Vernon (2002-2003) in 59 regular season games with the Vipers Kisio collected (20-goals-46-assists-66-points).

Brent Kisio's Player-Coaches Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=78357

This is posted on the Hitmen website:

COACH'S CORNER: Kisio breaks down Game 4 vs. Wheaties

Apr 29, 2015

By Andrew Schopp - Hitmenhockey.com (@Azschopp)

No matter how many times the Calgary Hitmen head to overtime in the 2015 WHL Playoffs, it never gets any easier on associate coach Brent Kisio’s ticker.

After Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Championship series headed to extra-minutes for a second-straight time on Tuesday at the Scotiabank Saddledome, the Hitmen broke a franchise record for most overtime periods in the playoffs with eight.

Scoring his third overtime goal of the post-season, Adam Tambellini claimed the crucial tilt for the Hitmen to narrow the Brandon Wheat Kings series lead down to 2-1.

“Does it get easier for a coach? The answer is definitely no,” Kisio laughed of the Hitmen developing penchant for overtime. “It’s something that from a comfort level, we’ve been there lots. The biggest thing for us is our leadership in the room. There’s not a lot of panic, we just go out and play our game.”

With Tuesday’s victory, the Hitrmen improved their overtime record during the playoffs to 5-3 as they look ahead to Game 4 on Wednesday at the Saddledome.

Here’s how Kisio broke down some of the Hitmen keys to victory: 

THE YOUNG GUNS

According to Kisio, losing key components of the lineup is par for the course for any team thrust in a deep playoff run. 

With key pieces in Chase Lang, Jake Virtanen and Connor Rankin missing from the Hitmen lineup, the team’s core of freshmen have stepped up to the plate.

Being hit by the injury and suspension bug in the playoffs is something the Hitmen are prepared for, Kisio explained.

“We were banged up at different parts of the season,” he said. “We had some guys step up and play different roles. We are missing a couple guys now, but it’s almost no different than the regular season.”

The Hitmen young guns have rose to the occasion in a big way in the wake of Lang, Virtanen and Rankin’s absences from the lineup.

On Tuesday, A newly formed line combination of forwards Beck Malenstyn, Pavel Karnaukov and Carsen Twarysnki served as a shining example of the Hitmen crop of rookies’ ability to grab increased minutes by the horns.

Throughout the playoffs, Hitmen first-year skaters Pavel Karnaukhov, Jordy Stallard, Caren Twarynski, Taylor Sanhiem, Jake Bean, Loch Morrison, Layne Bensmiller and Beck Malenstyn have combined for an impressive 34 points.

“It’s something that in the playoffs you are going to see,” Kisio added. “The games are battles, they are going to be physical and there’s going to be nicks and bruises and guys are going to miss some games.”

BETWEEN THE PIPES

Kisio considers the Hitmen situation in net to be a favourable one.

Hitmen 19-year-old goaltenders Brendan Burke and Mack Shields have been duking it out throughout the playoffs for time in net with both netminders delivering game-stealing performances in close series’ against the Kootenay Ice, Medicine Hat Tigers and Wheat Kings.

Kisio said that’s what the Hitmen set out to do when they acquired Burke at the 2015 WHL Trade deadline in exchange for rookie goalie Evan Johnson and a fourth round draft pick in 2016.

“They have both been fantastic,” Kisio said of his goaltending duo. “It’s what we wanted to create at the deadline. We wanted to create something where we could have two guys competing for playing minutes, no different than a forward or defenceman.”

Against the Ice, Burke saw the bulk of the action through the first six games before Shields stepped in to take Game 7 of the series, when he faced just 13 shots after making a relief appearance in Cranbrook midway through Game 6. 

Shields took the reigns between the pipes against the Tigers and was instrumental in his team’s 4-1 series triumph, stopping 196 of 208 shots thrown his way in the best-of-seven.

Round 3 has belonged to Burke so far.

The Arizona Coyotes prospect has so far matched Shields’ stellar play in Round 2 with an outstanding 43-save performance in Game 2 on Saturday in Brandon before claiming Game 3 with 33 stops.

With a pair of capable and experienced backstops, the Hitmen know they’ll have a bona fide starter with loads of WHL experience in net on any given night.

“It’s something where if you asked our players in the room and a from coach’s standpoint, we are comfortable with whoever’s in net,” Kisio said.

URGENT BEHAVIOR

The idea of going down 3-0 against the regular season champion Wheat Kings was a reality the Hitmen weren’t ready to accept.

They came out with all guns blazing on Tuesday and Kisio expects the Wheaties to come back at the Hitmen with the same level of intensity on Wednesday.

“We just have to stick to our game plan,” he said. “We have to play hard and have a sense of urgency. I think you’ve seen that when our team has a snese of urgency like we did in Game 7 vs. Kootenay and last night, we have a different level to our game.”

“We know Brandon is going to come out and be playing a little harder and tighten things up,” he added. “We know that and expect it.  It’s going to be close and the little things will be the difference.”

Viper Alumni Tambellini Scores Third Playoff Overtime Winner:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Adam Tambellini scored his third overtime goal of the WHL Playoffs Tuesday giving the Calgary Hitmen a 2-1 win over the Brandon Wheat Kings.  Brandon leads the best of seven Eastern Conference Championship series 2-1 with Game 4 going tonight in Calgary.  In 11 playoff games Tambellini has (9-goals-12-assists-21-points).

Tambellini attended the New York Rangers Prospect Development Camp in July was one of twenty players reassigned from the Rangers Training Camp in September. The Rangers reassigned Tambellini to the Hitmen on September 24th 2014.

Tambellini left the University of North Dakota last season for the Western Hockey League joining the Calgary Hitmen in early January after being acquired in a trade with the Portland Winterhawks. Tambellini played a season and a half in Vernon (2011-13) before being traded to Surrey on January 10th 2013 along with future considerations (Michael Roberts) for Mason Blacklock & future considerations (Jordan Klimek and Demico Hannoun). In 91 regular season games with the Vipers Tambellini collected (49-goals-46-assists-95-points). Tambellini was drafted 64th overall in the 3rd Round by the New York Rangers at the 2013 NHL Draft.

Adam Tambellini's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=103529

This is posted on the Hitmen website:

AT IT AGAIN: Tambellini strikes in OT to claim Game 3 for Hitmen

Apr 28, 2015

By Andrew Schopp - Hitmenhockey.com (@Azschopp)

As bench boss of the American Hockey League’s Hershey Bears in 2010, Mark French had Alex Giroux pegged as his clutch man.

Thrust in a deep playoff run in his first year coaching a WHL team, French now has Calgary Hitmen forward Adam Tambellini.

For the third time of the 2015 WHL Playoffs, Tambellini scored in overtime to lift the Hitmen to a critical 2-1 victory over the Brandon Wheat Kings in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Championship series on Monday at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

With the win, the Hitmen cut into the Wheat Kings series lead and made it a 2-1 best-of-seven ahead of Game 4 on Wednesday in Calgary.

“I had Alex when we won the Calder Cup in Hershey,” French said when asked if he’s ever coached a player with a similar knack for overtime tallies. “It’s funny how in these (playoff) runs certain guys step up.”

With key pieces in Chase Lang, Jake Virtanen and Connor Rankin missing from the Hitmen lineup, the team’s core of freshmen stepped up to the plate.

A newly formed line combination of forwards Beck Malenstyn, Pavel Karnaukov and Carsen Twarysnki shined in a scoreless first period, helping the Hitmen to keep pace with the Wheat Kings as they were outshot by a narrow 12-10 margin.

Scoring both Hitmen goals on Tuesday, Tambellini was impressed with his younger teammates' ability to fill the void left by injuries and suspensions, which have struck as a major blow to the team’s roster.

“Our guys are doing a good job of stepping into roles with Rankin, Virtanen and Lang out,” Tambellini said. “Those are three guys that log a lot of minutes. Our young guys have stepped up and done really well.”

The Wheat Kings struck first just under five minutes into the second period when forward John Quenneville snapped a wrister past Hitmen starting goalie Brendan Burke to crack things open.

Calgary’s struggle to get on the board in the early going was not due to a lack of effort.

The Hitmen young guns continued to make an impact as they helped generate a series of strong chances, including a breakaway by Twarynski, which was stopped by Wheat Kings netminder Jordan Papirny to keep it 1-0 after 40.

“It’ll be an experience I am sure they are going to build off of,” French said of the Hitmen rookies’ increased role. “They are giving us some good minutes. Twarynski is playing hard; he’s finishing his checks, he can skate well. Beck is much the same way and Karnaukhov is doing a good job.”

Working off an outstanding 43-save performance in Game 2 at Westman Place, Burke was once again in solid form in the third frame.

While the puck travelled freely between the Hitmen and Wheat Kings zones, both sides got their share of licks in as Burke stood his ground to keep it a one-goal game.

Burke, who turned away 33 shots in the Game 3 victory, said going down 3-0 in the series was not something the Hitmen were ready to accept as a reality.

“Let’s face it, if you go down 3-0 to a team like that, it’s a long shot to come back,” Burke said. “We knew what was on the line and we knew how to execute.”

Just a few minutes later, the Hitmen finally knotted things up as while working on their second power play of the night, Tambellini wired a howitzer past Papirny with a one-time feed from Travis Sanheim.

Tambellini’s 11th of the playoffs would stand the test of time as with the Wheat Kings outshooting the Hitmen 34-30, the third period expired to ship the game to overtime for the second time of the series.

Just over three minutes into the Hitmen seventh overtime frame of the playoffs, a puck in the Wheat Kings zone found itself loose in the slot, where Tambellini swiftly jumped on it to hammer it home and clinch victory.

“Sometimes in overtime you can be a little too passive,” Tambellini said of the Hitmen shot-heavy mentality in sudden death. “We wanted to focus on being aggressive and take a chance. We were fortunate to get a bounce that popped into the slot.”

The Hitmen immediately look ahead to Game 4 at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

Puck drop is at 7 p.m. MT.

QUICK HITS: Not dressed for the Hitmen on Tuesday were Chase Lang, Jake Virtanen, Connor Rankin, Aaron Hyman (AP) and Kyle Dumba (AP) … Hitmen prospect Bryce Platt won a bronze medal at the 2015 TELUS Cup with the Saskatchewan Midget-AAA Hockey League Regina Pat-Canadians. Platt, a Hitmen protected list addition, tallied a goal and an assist in the tournament … Hitmen forward Pavel Karnaukhov entered Tuesday’s game sitting third in playoff rookie scoring with goals and five assists. Jordy Stallard is right behind him with three goals and four assists … Freshmen Hitmen have combined for 34 points in the playoffs so far.

Sharks Reassign Former Vipers Defenceman Bigos To East Coast Hockey League:

The American Hockey League (AHL) Worcester Sharks have reassigned former Vernon Vipers defenceman Kyle Bigos the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Ontario Reign.

Bigos attended the San Jose Sharks Training camp in October before being released-assigned to the American Hockey League. Bigos started the season in Worcester after signing with the Worcester Sharks on September, 8th 2014 before being assigned to Ontario on October 12th 2014.  The Reign assigned Bigos to Worcester on January 29th 2015.  In three games this season with the Sharks Bigos had just one assist.  In 43 games this season with the Reign Bigos has (1-goal-12-assists-13-points).

Bigos spent last season with three different teams (San Francisco, Ontario & Worcester). Bigos signed his first semi-pro contract with the Worcester Sharks on July, 16th 2013. Bigos attended the San Jose Sharks Training Camp last year before being released back to Worcester where he was then assigned to the East Coast Hockey League San Francisco Bulls on October, 1st 2013. In 40 games with the Bulls Bigos collected (2-goals-4-assists-6-points) before the team ceased operations in late January. Bigos become an unrestricted free agent signed with East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Ontario Reign playing in 19 games collected (1-goal-4-assists-5-points). Bigos was called up to the AHL played in five games with the Worcester Sharks registered one assist before being sent back down to the ECHL.

Bigos played two seasons in Vernon (2007-2009) collecting (10-goals-40-assists-50-points) in 166 regular season games with the Vipers. Bigos an assistant captain in his second and final season with the Vipers was drafted 99th overall by the NHL Edmonton Oilers in the 4th round of the 2009 NHL Draft. Bigos attended the Oilers Developement Camp two out of the last three years. The Edmonton Oilers traded Bigos to San Jose for Lee Moffie on July 7th 2013.

Kyle Bigos's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=38020

This is posted on the Reign website:

Bigos Returns to Reign

February 20, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jesse Liebman, Ontario Reign Media Relations

Blueliner back in Ontario after AHL stint

ONTARIO, Calif. – The Ontario Reign, four-time ECHL Pacific Division Champions and proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s 2014 Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings and Winnipeg Jets, have announced that defenseman Kyle Bigos has been reassigned to the club from the Worcester Sharks of the American Hockey League.

Bigos, 25, appeared in three games with the Sharks during his call-up, posting one assist. In 30 games with the Reign this season, the Upland, Calif. native has posted 10 points (1g-9a) and 67 penalty minutes.

Reign Drops:

The Reign are back in action at home on Friday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. when they take on the Colorado Eagles. The first 5,000 fans that enter Citizens Business Arena will receive a free auto sun shade giveaway, compliments of Smart Solar Power. This game is also a New York Grill Fan Friday. The New York Grill, located at 950 Ontario Mills Drive, invites all Reign fans to come before and/or after all Friday night games. They will stay open late on Friday game nights and provide special "Reign" promotions.

The Reign host the Eagles again on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 3 p.m. for Law Enforcement Night. All Law Enforcement in Southern California are invited to come out to watch the Reign take on the Colorado Eagles at the Citizens Business Bank Arena.

Ex Viper Hannoun In The BCHL Final Is An Annual Event:

Here is an article that was in the Province newspaper last week, featuring former Vernon Vipers forward Demico Hannoun.

Hannoun played one season in Vernon (2013-14) before being traded to Surrey along with Ben Butcher on June 9th 2014 as the Future Considerations in the Brett Mulcahy trade from January 2014. The Vipers sent forward Chase McMurphy & Future Considerations to Surrey for Brett Mulcahy & Future Considerations on January 6th 2014.

Hannoun played two seasons in Surrey before joining the Vipers. Hannoun was part of the future considerations in the Vipers-Eagles trade at the 2012 BCHL trade deadline that saw Vernon send Adam Tambellini & Michael Roberts to Surrey for future considerations wich at the end of that season were named (Mason Blacklock and Demico Hannoun). In 47 games with the Vipers last season Hannoun collected (15-goals-29-assists-44-points). Hannoun was committed to Michigan Tech for this season was traded from the Eagles to Penticton on August 13th 2014.

Demico Hannoun's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?statsleague=WC&player=98683&team=&year=&status=&leagueid=&season

Thanks to Fraser Rogers for posting this article on his Penticton Vees Blog.

This was in the Vancouver Province Newspaper:

Hannoun in the BCHL final is an annual event

Right-winger from North Delta has been in the last three finals, with different teams

By Steve Ewen, The Province April 23, 2015

You have to like the Penticton Vees’ chances of winning the BCHL title next season. It sounds like they’re getting Demico Hannoun back.

Hannoun, 19, has played in the past three BCHL finals, albeit with three different clubs. He helped the Vees capture the banner earlier this month and this weekend Penticton is at the Western Canada Cup tournament in Fort McMurray, Alta.

The top two clubs from the five-team event advance to the RBC national championships, which run May 9-17 in Portage la Prairie, Man.

Hannoun, a right-winger from North Delta, was originally slated to suit up for Michigan Tech in 2015-16, but he said earlier this week that they’ve asked him to spend one more season in Junior A. NCAA teams occasionally mix and match start dates for incoming freshmen according to roster needs.

“You can’t really control those things,” the 6-foot, 195-pound Hannoun explained.

There’s an argument to be made that he has some sort of control of the BCHL post-season.

Penticton beat the Nanaimo Clippers in six games in this most recent league finale. Hannoun has been Penticton’s leading scorer throughout this post-season so far, producing 21 points, including eight goals, in 22 games.

On their way to the final, Penticton needed seven games to beat the Vernon Vipers. Hannoun played 2013-14 for the Vipers, and helped them make league final, where they lost in four straight to the Coquitlam Express. Vernon was hosting the RBC, so they advanced automatically.

They ended up losing in the national tournament semifinals.

Vernon had picked up Hannoun in the off-season, as future considerations in a deal the season before with the Surrey Eagles for sniper Adam Tambellini. In that 2012-13 post-season, Surrey beat Penticton in six games in the BCHL championship. They, too, lost in the RBC semifinals.

Vernon sent Hannoun back to Surrey this past off-season as part of another future-considerations deal, this time for Brett Mulcahy.

Hannoun admits that this time he “asked for the trade a little bit,” out of Surrey.

Vees general manager and coach Fred Harbinson landed Hannoun from the Eagles for the rights to defenceman Alex Coulombe and future considerations. Coulombe, 20, played this season in the QMJHL with the Shawinigan Cataractes.

“I didn’t know where I was going to go,” admits Hannoun, “but, yeah, I was pleased when it was Penticton.

“Penticton has been at the top of the league ever since I’ve been in the league. It’s a little different being on this side of it now.”

He’s quick to credit Harbinson, who’s in his eighth season with Penticton after a five-year run as an assistant at St. Cloud State of the NCAA.

“He’s coached at higher levels. He knows what’s expected there. And he’s an unreal recruiter,” said Hannoun.

As for the playoffs, Hannoun admits that he feels “more comfortable,” every season. He’s had quite a run. He’s played 66 BCHL playoff games over his four years in the league, along with 10 RBC games and five Western Canada Cup games so far.

“It’s the best time of the year,” he said.

Wenatchee Wild Trying To Join BCHL:

This was posted on Brian Wiebe's BCHL Blog:

Wenatchee Trying Again to Join BCHL

Friday, April 10, 2015

The Wenatchee Wild of the North American Hockey League is once again looking to join the BCHL. The Wild, who have knocked on the door to join the league for at least the last three seasons, requested to become dormant in the NAHL for next season in order to seek permission from USA Hockey and Hockey Canada to join the BCHL for 2015-16. Approval from USA Hockey and Hockey Canada doesn't guarantee Wenatchee can move to the BCHL, as the league's governors would also need to approve any such move.

This was posted on the Junior Hockey.com website:

DAILY DISH: NAHL and USPHL Meeting Updates, FASTHockey Game of the Night - Junior Hockey News

Published: Thursday, 9 Apr 2015

By: Stephen Heisler  |  Web site: JuniorHockey.com

DAILY DISH: NAHL and USPHL Meeting Updates

NAHL- The North American Hockey League's Board of Governors had a conference call yesterday to discuss a number of key issues. On top of the agenda was the Wenatchee Wild's request to be allowed to possibly go into dormancy for next season, which was approved, in order to seek permission from USA Hockey and Hockey Canada to join the British Columbia Hockey League for the 2015-2016 season. If the Wild are unable to get that permission, Wenatchee will remain in the NAHL for next season.

Bears Recall Former Viper Pimm-Reassign To ECHL:

The American Hockey League (AHL) Hershey Bears have recalled former Vernon Vipers forward Braden Pimm before reassigning Pimm to the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Evansville IceMen.

Pimm attended the Washington Capitals Training camp in October before signing with the Capitals farm club AHL Hershey Bears on August 15th 2014. Pimm never played a single game with Hershey before joining the East Coast Hockey League South Carolina Stingrays in mid October.  In 45 games this season with South Carolina Pimm collected (18-goals-17-assists-35-points).  In 7 games with the IceMen Pimm has (2-goals-3-assists-5-points).

Pimm finished his fourth and final season at Northeastern University last season before signing a amateur-tryout contract (ATO) with the American Hockey League (AHL) Milwaukee Admirals on March 27th 2014. Pimm was not rewarded with a new contract after going pointless in 9 games with Milwaukee. In 37 games last season with the Huskies Pimm recorded (20-goals-17-assists-37-points).  Pimm played three years in Vernon (2007-2010) In 179 regular season games with the Vipers Pimm collected (64-goals-97-assists-161-points).

Braden Pimm's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=38012

This was posted on the Stingrays website:

Stingrays Receive former Road Warrior Wong; Pimm Recalled and Reassigned

Feb 23, 2015

By: Joseph Zakrzewski

North Charleston, S.C. – South Carolina Stingrays, celebrating 22 seasons of hockey in the Lowcountry, announced today that forward Brandon Wong has been assigned to the team by the Binghamton Senators of the American Hockey Leauge (AHL) from the Evansville IceMen of the ECHL. Forward Braden Pimm has been recalled to the Hershey Bears (AHL) and reassigned to Evansville.

Wong, 28, led the IceMen in points (39), goals (16) and assists (23) in 50 games this season. Last season, the Victoria, British Columbia, native skated in Denmark and Sweden totaling 36 points (21 goals, 15 assists) in 36 games. Before departing for Europe, Wong spent the previous three seasons with the Stingrays’ in-state rivals, the Greenville Road Warriors, acquiring 161 points (76 goals, 85 assists) in 185 contests.

Pimm, 25, had 35 points (18 goals, 17 assists) in 45 games with the Stingrays this season.

“Braden Pimm violated the team’s personal conduct policy and as a result, we decided to part ways,” said Stingrays President Rob Concannon. “We wish Braden the best of luck and appreciate his time with our organization.”

The Stingrays travel to The Sunshine State for a three-game road trip starting Thursday, February 26 against the Orlando Solar Bears at 7:00 p.m. at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. The road trip continues on Friday and Saturday, February 27-28 against the Florida Everblades at Germain Arena in Estero, Florida.

Solar Bears Trade Former Vipers Captain Ullrich:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Orlando Solar Bears
have traded former Vernon Vipers forward-captain Mike Ullrich to the Stockton Thunder.

Ullrich was in his second season in Orlando after playing with three teams during the 2012-13 season.   (South Carolina, Tulsa & Trenton).  Ullrich a free-agent signed with Orlando on July 1st 2013 before re-signing with the Solar Bears on June 17th 2014. Ullrich collected (10-goals-25-assists-35-points) in 42 games last season with the Solar Bears while picking up (9-goals-23-assists-32-points) in 37 games this season with Orlando.  Ullrich also spent time in the American Hockey League last season playing with Manchester & Iowa as well as a try-out with St. Johns.  Since the trade Ullrich has yet to play a game with the Thunder.

Since 2007-08 Ullrich has played in three leagues with seven different teams.  Pensacola, Tulsa, Orlando, South Carolina, Trenton, Manchester & Iowa.  In 228 semi-pro games Ullrich has collected (73-goals-85-assists-193-points).   

Ullrich played parts of two years in Vernon (2005-2007).  Ullrich left the Vipers during the 2005-06 season before returning to Vernon the following season after a short stint with the WHL Lethbridge Hurricanes. In 103 games with the Vipers Ullrich collected (39-goals-92-assists-131-points).

Mike Ullrich's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=13474

This was posted on the Thunder website:

Thunder Announce Roster Moves

Wednesday, 02.04.15

By admin

Jack MacLellan and Peter Sivak head to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers while the Thunder also acquire Mike Ullrich for future considerations from the Orlando Solar Bears

Stockton, Calif. – The Stockton Thunder, owned by the Calgary Flames and proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s New York Islanders and AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers, announces forward Jack MacLellan receives his first call to the AHL this season with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Joining him in Bridgeport is teammate Peter Sivak, who receives another call-up to the Sound Tigers. The Thunder also acquire the Orlando Solar Bears second leading scorer Mike Ullrich for future considerations.

MacLellan, 26, is in his first season as a member of the Stockton Thunder and currently leads the team with 35 points, 10 of which came as goals. The former Brown University captain has played in 36 contests this season, missing 7 games with an injury. He heads to Bridgeport on a pro tryout contract.

For MacLellan, this is his first AHL call since signing with the Nashville Predators organization in 2012. The centerman played for Nashville’s AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, in 2012-13, spending 35 games with the Admirals.
Ullrich, 28, is in his fifth professional season having spent time the past two years with the Orlando Solar Bears. Last season, the Banff, Alberta native played in 42 games scoring 10 goals and adding 25 assists while also spending 12 combined games with the Manchester Monarchs and Iowa Wild of the AHL.

This season, Ulrich has nearly matched this mark having played 37 games with Orlando, having scored 9 goals and 23 assists for a team second best 32 points.

After finishing his junior career in the BCHL, Ulrich played 11 games with the ECHL’s Pensacola Ice Pilots before heading to college in Canada. Ullrich played three seasons at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology before turning back to the pro game with the Tulsa Oilers of the Central Hockey League. Before he landed in Orlando, Ullrich also had brief stints with the South Carolina Stingrays, Trenton Titans and another short stay with the Oilers in the CHL.

Sivak, 32, is in his third season in North America and first with the Stockton Thunder. In 29 games played, Sivak has scored 10 goals and added 16 assists. He receives another call to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, whom he’s played a total of 5 games for, scoring 1 goal.

The Thunder take on the Alaska Aces this Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Anchorage. Thunder fans can watch the games on ECHL.TV or listen to the games live on Spreaker and iHeartRadio. Fans can also watch the game for free at the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel, the Thunder’s official home away from home.

OJHL Awarded 2015 World Junior 'A' Challenge:

This is posted on the CJHL website:

OJHL Awarded the 2015 WJAC

Jan 23, 2015

The Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), in conjunction with the Cobourg Cougars Junior 'A' Hockey Club and the Whitby Fury Junior 'A' Hockey Club, announced today that Hockey Canada in partnership with the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) has awarded the 2015 World Junior 'A' Challenge (WJAC) to the OJHL with the Cobourg Cougars and Whitby Fury to serve as the Official Host Sites from December 13–19, 2015.

The 2015 event will mark the first time that the WJAC has been held in Ontario since the tournament’s inception in 2006. 

The 2015 World Junior 'A' Challenge will follow the same format as previous years – two Canadian entries will be joined by four international teams, with two groups of three teams. The group winners will receive an automatic bye to the semifinals, while the second-place and third-place teams will crossover for the quarter-finals.  The 2015 WJAC will be based out of two Official Host Sites in the town of Cobourg, playing out of the Cobourg Community Centre and the town of Whitby playing out of Iroquois Park Sports Centre.  The full tournament schedule, ticket and sponsorship information will be announced in the coming weeks.

The OJHL also announced that former Oshawa MPP, Jerry Ouellette has been named Chairman of the 2015 WJAC Host Committee.  “I very much appreciate this opportunity in promoting the great game of Junior 'A' hockey that can be found here in Ontario and showing the wonders that can be found here in Whitby and Cobourg,” stated Jerry Ouellette, 2015 WJAC Host Committee Chair.

“The CJHL continues to build its brand across Canada through elite events showcasing our players such as the WJAC,” stated Kirk Lamb, CJHL President and Chairman.  “This is the first time that the WJAC will be hosted in Ontario and by the OJHL and we are very excited to award this world class international junior hockey event to the great communities of Cobourg and Whitby.”

“The OJHL is extremely excited about being awarded the 2015 WJAC,” said OJHL Commissioner, Marty Savoy.  “The OJHL strives to bring high profile Junior 'A' hockey events to our fans such as the recent CJHL Prospects game held in Oakville this week.  As we continue to promote the brand of the CJHL and OJHL within Ontario we are confident that the host sites of Cobourg and Whitby will do an outstanding job in the organization and execution of the 2015 WJAC.”

“The entire Cobourg Cougars Junior 'A' Hockey Club and the Town of Cobourg are very honoured to have been selected as an Official Host Site for the 2015 WJAC,” said Cobourg Host Site Chair, Ashley Haynes. “I am very excited to work with the amazing team of people that we have assembled to act as the Cobourg Organizing Committee.  We look forward to working with the Whitby Fury as the other Official Host Site and our governing partners to bring international junior hockey to all supporters of the OJHL.”

In an unprecedented decision, the OJHL Board of Governors have approved a black-out of all OJHL regular season games from December 15–19, 2015 to allow for all OJHL fans, volunteers, staff and supporters to take part in the event.

“We are thrilled to be one of the two Official Host Sites for the 2015 WJAC,” stated Mark Vinintz, Chair of the Whitby Host Site.  “Partnering with such a strong OJHL franchise such as the Cobourg Cougars and our governing partners, we are excited to bring this world class international junior hockey event to Ontario and the fans of the OJHL.”

Six of the seven gold medal games at the World Junior A Challenge have featured at least one Canadian team. Canada West won gold at the first two tournaments, in 2006 and 2007, before taking the top prize in 2011; it also earned silver in 2008, 2009 and 2012, and won bronze in 2013. Canada East was silver medalist in 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2011, and claimed bronze in 2008.

About the WJAC

Since the first World Junior 'A' Challenge in 2006, more than 100 NHL draft picks have played in the tournament, including 18 first-round selections (Beau Bennett, Alexander Burmistrov, Joe Colborne, Nikita Filatov, Mikhail Grigorenko, Dmitri Kulikov, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Elias Lindholm, Hampus Lindholm, John Moore, Vladislav Namestnikov, Riley Nash, Valeri Nichushkin, Dylan Olsen, Jordan Schmaltz, Jaden Schwartz, Brendan Smith, Kyle Turris, Alexander Wennberg, Andrei Vasilevski and Nail Yakupov).

Former Viper Conroy Named Player Of The Week:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

Vees forward Conroy leads scorers, nets Cup winner and is POW

Monday, April 20, 2015 - Submitted by BCHL Media

Penticton Vees forward Dakota Conroy has been named the BCHL Player of the Week for the week ending April 19, the league announced Monday.

Conroy led all scorers for the week and capped off the BCHL season by scoring the Fred Page Cup-winning goal in overtime as the Vees defeated the Nanaimo Clippers in Game 6.

The native of Edmonton wound up with a goal and five assists in four games, all Vees victories. Conroy had a helper in the Vees first win of the Finals and then set up three goals as they evened the series in Game 4. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound forward set up one of two third-period goals for the Vees in Game 6 and 2:06 into OT, he got the series-clinching goal.

Conroy wound up with six goals and 13 assists in the postseason, tying him for third in the BCHL.

Honourable mentions this week:

Nanaimo Clippers F Brett Roulston: 1G, 2A, 3rd Star

Penticton Vees F Steen Cooper: 3G, 1A, 2nd Sta

Penticton Vees F Tyson Jost: 3G, 1st Star, GWG, OT GWG

Reign Suspend Former Vernon Viper Scofield:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Ontario Reign have suspended former Vernon Vipers forward Tyler Scofield after leaving the team to play overseas.

Scofield has spent his entire professional career in Europe playing with three different teams from 2009-2014 before signing with the Reign on December 4, 2014.  In 18 games with the Reign Scofield collected (5-goals-9-assists-14-points).

Scofield started this season with the Moser Medical Graz 99ers, an Austrian ice hockey team from Graz, Styria that play in the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga hockey league. Scofield collected (5-goals-0-assists-5-points) in eight games with Graz 99ers before leaving the team on November 4th 2014.

Scofield spent the past four seasons in Austria with Klagenfurter Athletiksport. Klagenfurt AC is a professional ice hockey team from Klagenfurt, Carinthia, Austria that plays in the Austrian Erste Bank Hockey League. In 49 games last season Scofield collected (18-goals-10-assists-28-points).

Scofield played parts of two seasons in Vernon (2000-2002) before being traded to Prince George during the 2001-2002 season. The Vipers sent Scofield and Mark Nelson to the Spruce Kings in return for Rod Pelly, Dan Rossi & Josh Ciocco. In 79 games with the Vipers Scofield collected (21-goals-19-assists-40-points).

Tyler Scofield's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=34054

This was posted on the Reign website:

Reign Deal Ramsay to Oilers, Suspend Scofield

January 27, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ontario sends rookie forward to Tulsa for futures, while Scofield departs for Europe

ONTARIO, Calif. – The Ontario Reign, four-time ECHL Pacific Division Champions and proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's 2014 Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings and Winnipeg Jets, have announced that the club has traded rookie forward Brady Ramsay to the Tulsa Oilers for future considerations, while forward Tyler Scofield has left the club to play overseas and has been suspended by Ontario in order to retain his ECHL rights.

Ramsay, 21, had played in 13 games with the Reign this season, collecting five points (2g-3a) and 31 penalty minutes.

Scofield, 30, had dressed in 18 games with the Reign this season, posting 14 points (5g-9a) and four penalty minutes.

Vernon Viper's Highlight Hall Of Fame Video - #1 Andrew Hammond:

This is posted on the Hockeytube.net website:

Viper Highlight Hall Of Fame – #1 Andrew Hammond

Posted by HockeyTube on Apr 4th, 2015

Before he became the Hamburglar & suiting up for the Ottawa Senators, Andrew Hammond helped the BCHL Vernon Vipers win the 2009 National Junior ‘A’ Championship. Here are some never before seen highlights from the guy we called Hammy.

These are highlights from the 2008-2009 season and most have never been seen before as the footage was discovered only recently. While he had a very calm relaxed personality, he was also very agile and athletic as you will see in these highlights.

He is the second player to be inducted into the unofficial Vernon Vipers Highlight Hall Of Fame. The first was longtime captain and former teammate of Andrew Hammond, #18 Chris Crowell.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBSmndb0G5o

Ex Vernon Viper Gill Named ECHL Player Of The Week:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Sahir Gill has been named the ECHL Player of the Week.

Gill is in his second season with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Wheeling Nailers after stints with the American Hockey League Hamilton Bulldogs & Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Gill attended the Montreal Canadians Training camp this season was released before signing with the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs on October 10th 2014. Gill was released after going pointless in one game with Hamilton returned to the Nailers where he played last season before signing a professional tryout agreement (PTO) with the American Hockey League (AHL) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Gill played in 12 games with the Penguins collecting (1-goal-2-assists-3-points) before being released January 16, 2015.  Gill signed a professional tryout agreement (PTO) on January 17th 2015 with the Hamilton Bulldogs played in 24 games collecting (2-goals-2-assists-4-points) was released on March 25th 2015 before returning to Wheeling.

Gill played last year with the ECHL Wheeling Nailers. Gill finished sixth in rookie scoring and lead the team in scoring collecting (13-goals-41-assists-54-points). Gill was suppose to enter his fourth and final season at Boston University last season but left school signing with the Nailers early in the season. Gill played parts of two seasons in Vernon (2008-2010). Gill left the Vipers in July of 2009 for the United States Hockey League (USHL) Chicago Steel but after just 26 games would return to Vernon in mid January of 2010. In 71 regular season games with the Vipers Gill recorded (21-goals-30-assists-42-points).

Sahir Gill's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=38017

This is posted on the ECHL website:

Gill named Sher-Wood Hockey ECHL Player of the Week

March 31, 2015

Wheeling Nailers’ forward Sahir Gill is the Sher-Wood Hockey ECHL Player of the Week for March 23-29.

Gill scored five goals, including two game-winners, and added four assists for nine points as the Nailers went 3-1-0 last week.

The 22-year-old had a goal and an assist in a 3-2 loss to Toledo on Wednesday and in a 2-1 win against Fort Wayne on Friday, tallied an assist in a 5-2 victory against Reading on Saturday and recorded a hat trick and added an assist in a 4-3 win over Cincinnati on Sunday.

A native of Terrace, British Columbia, Gill has 23 points (9g-14) in 19 games with the Nailers this season while adding seven points (3g-4a) in 37 games with Hamilton and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the  American Hockey League.

Gill has tallied 77 points (22g-55a) in 86 career ECHL games with Wheeling.

Prior to turning pro, he had 78 points (28g-50a) in 117 career games at Boston University.

On behalf of Sahir Gill, a case of pucks will be donated to a Wheeling youth hockey organization by Sher-Wood Hockey, the exclusive puck supplier of the ECHL. Since beginning its sponsorship of the award in 2000-01, Sher-Wood Hockey has donated more than 31,000 pucks to youth hockey organizations in ECHL cities.
           
Runners Up: Ryan Walters, Alaska (4 gp, 4g, 6a, 10 pts.), Shawn Szydlowski, Fort Wayne (3 gp, 4g, 3a, 7 pts.) and Lindsay Sparks, Missouri (3 gp, 5g, 2a, 7 pts.).
           
Also Nominated: Vincent Arseneau (Allen), Chris Knowlton (Colorado), Wade MacLeod (Idaho), Matt Caria (Kalamazoo), Johnny McInnis (Orlando), Justin Fox (Quad City), Kale Kerbashian (Rapid City), Andrew Rowe (South Carolina), Brad Stebner (Stockton), Kyle Bonis (Toledo) and Alex Krushelnyski (Utah).

Jackals Trade Former Viper Florentino To Everblades:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Elmira Jackals have traded former Vernon Vipers defenceman Rob Florentino to the Florida Everblades.

The Jackals signed Florentino to a try-out contract on October 15th 2014.  In 18 games this season with Elmira Florentino recorded two goals.  In 34 games this season with Florida Florentino has (4-goals-4-assists-8-points).

Florentino started last season (2013-14) with the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) Huntsville Havoc. In 14 games with Huntsville Florentino collected (5-goals-9-assists-14-points). Florentino was loaned to the ECHL Reading Royals before signing with Reading on December 6th 2013.  Florentino played in just 9 games with the Royals picking up two assists, was released on March 19th 2014. 

Florentino attended the 2009 Vernon Vipers Training Camp playing in a few exhibition games before being released. The Vipers with the league limit six twenty year olds at that time were forced to release Florentino who was twenty years old. Florentino later signed with the Victoria Grizzlies where he started the 2009-2010 regular season.

Rob Florentino's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=42676

This was posted on the Jackals website:

Jackals Send Florentino To Florida

DULUTH, GA - January 3, 2015 - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, announced today that they have traded defenseman Rob Florentino to the Florida Everblades to complete the future considerations from the October 15th trade, which sent Kevin Hart from Florida to Elmira.

Florentino, 25, skated in 18 games with the Jackals this season as a forward and defenseman, notching two goals and 35 penalty minutes. In 38 career ECHL games with Elmira, Reading and Las Vegas, Florentino has recorded four points and 54 penalty minutes.

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Former Vernon Laker Metropolit Signs Contract Extension With Eagles:

The Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) Adler Mannheim Eagles have given former Vernon Lakers forward Glen Metropolit a new contract extension.  Metropolit in his first season with Adler Mannheim signed with the Eagles on July 29th 2014.  The Adler Mannheim Eagles are an ice hockey team that play in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, the highest ice hockey league in Germany. The Eagles are based in Mannheim, a city in the north of Baden-Württemberg. 

Metropolit played last season with two teams. HC Lugano & Schlittschuh Club Bern. Hockey Club Lugano is a professional hockey club based in Lugano, Switzerland while Schlittschuh Club Bern is also a hockey team based in Bern, Switzerland. Metropolit played two seasons with HC Lugano before joining Schlittschuh Club Bern. In 40 games last season with HC Lugano Metropolit collected (6-goals-28-assists-34-points). In three games with Schlittschuh Club Bern Metropolit picked up one goal. Metropolit was also Captain for Team Canada at last years Spengler Cup where he picked up (1-goal-2-assists-3-points) in four games with Canada.

Metropolit played one season in Vernon (1994-95) with the Vernon Lakers. In 60 regular season games with the Lakers Metropolit lead the team in scoring with (43-goals-74-assists-117-points). Mettropolit was never drafted but played eight seasons in the NHL with seven different teams (Washington, Tampa Bay, Atlanta, St. Louis, Boston, Philadelphia & Montreal).

Glen Metropolit's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=3587

This was posted on the Eagles website:

Eagles speed up cadre plannings for the season 2015/2016

29th December, 2014

The eagles speed up the cadre plannings for the coming season 2015/2016 and have extended the contracts running out at the seasonal end with eight players shortly before the turn of the year prematurely.

Ronny Arendt, to yokes pike and Glen Metropolit remain loyal to the eagles for an other playing time in each case. Jamie Tardif and Christoph Ullmann are available till 2017, Martin Buchwieser and Dennis Endras till 2018. Matthias Plachta has signed a long-term contract which binds him up to the 30th April, 2020 to the eagles.