Wild Third Interior Team Since 2002 To Advance To League Finals Other Then Vipers-Vees:

For the first time in fourteen seasons someone other then the Vernon Vipers or Penticton Vees were playing in the Interior Division Finals. You have to go all the way back to the 2003-04 season to see someone other then Vernon or Penticton in the Interior Division Finals. In 2003-04 saw the Salmon Arm Silverbacks win their first and only Interior Conference Championship with a series win over the Williams Lake Timberwolves. 

Last night the Wenatchee Wild clinched their first Interior Division Title in five games over the Trail Smoke Eaters. The Wild will now advance to the Fred Page Cup for the first time in franchise history. The Wild in their first season in the Interior Division, become just the third team to win the Interior Division Championship other then the Vernon Vipers or Penticton Vees since 2004. Since the 2003-04 season only Salmon Arm, West Kelowna & now Wenatchee are the only three teams other then Vernon or Penticton to win the Ryan Hatfield Memorial Trophy. 

Since the 1995-96 season only four teams have won the Interior Division Championship other then the Vernon Vipers or Penticton Vees. Merritt-2001, Salmon Arm-2004, West Kelowna-2016 & Wenatchee-2018

Since the 2001-02 season the Wenatchee Wild are just the third team (West Kelowna, Salmon Arm & Wenatchee) from the Interior Division to advance to the league finals other then the Vernon Vipers or Penticton Vees.

The Wenatchee Wild become just the second US based team to reach the BCHL Finals. The last US based team to reach the league finals was the Bellingham Ice Hawks who were swept by the Vernon Lakers in the 1992 BCJHL Finals. The last & only US based team to win the BCHL Championship was the 1975 & 1979 Bellingham Blazers.

Past winners since 1996 of the Ryan Hatfield Memorial Trophy:

YEAR	TEAM
2016	West Kelowna Warriors
2015	Penticton Vees
2014	Vernon Vipers
2013	Penticton Vees
2012	Penticton Vees
2011	Vernon Vipers
2010	Vernon Vipers
2009	Vernon Vipers
2008	Penticton Vees
2007	Vernon Vipers
2006	Penticton Vees
2005	Vernon Vipers
2004	Salmon Arm SilverBacks
2003	Vernon Vipers
2002	Vernon Vipers
2001	Merritt Centennials
2000	Vernon Vipers
1999	Vernon Vipers
1998	Penticton Panthers
1997	Vernon Vipers
1996	Vernon Vipers

Past winners since 2002 of the Fred Page Cup:

YEAR	FRED PAGE CUP WINNER	SERIES RESULT
2017	Penticton Vees	4-3 over Chilliwack Chiefs
2016	West Kelowna Warriors	4-2 over Chilliwack Chiefs
2015	Penticton Vees	4-2 over Nanaimo Clippers
2014	Coquitlam Express	4-0 over Vernon Vipers
2013	Surrey Eagles	4-2 over Penticton Vees
2012	Penticton Vees	4-0 over Powell River Kings
2011	Vernon Vipers	4-0 over Powell River Kings
2010	Vernon Vipers	4-3 over Powell River Kings
2009	Vernon Vipers	4-2 over Powell River Kings
2008	Penticton Vees	4-0 over Nanaimo Clippers
2007	Nanaimo Clippers	4-2 over Vernon Vipers
2006	Burnaby Express	4-2 over Penticton Vees
2005	Surrey Eagles	4-1 over Vernon Vipers
2004	Nanaimo Clippers	4-1 over Salmon Arm SilverBacks
2003	Vernon Vipers	4-0 over Chilliwack Chiefs
2002	Chilliwack Chiefs	4-2 over Vernon Vipers

Colorado Avalanche Recall Former Viper Goaltender Hammond From Rampage:

The Colorado Avalanche have recalled former Vernon Vipers goaltender Andrew Hammond from the American Hockey League San Antonio Rampage.

Hammond has played the past five seasons with the Ottawa Senators/American Hockey League Binghamton Senators before being traded to the Colorado Avalanche November 5th 2017. Hammond has spent this season in the American Hockey League with the Belleville Senators & Colorado Avalanche.

After four seasons with Bowling Green University, Hammond signed his first pro contract with the Ottawa Senators on March 20th 2013. Hammond attended the Chicago Blackhawks 2012 development camp and Ottawa Senators 2013 development camp.

Hammond made his NHL debut  February 27th 2014 vs the Detroit Red Wings. Hammond was called up that night from the American Hockey League as the backup for Senators starting goaltender Robin Lehner. Hammond would replace Lehner late in the 2nd period who was pulled after 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 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. 

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 was posted on the Rampage website:

RAMPAGE GOALTENDER ANDREW HAMMOND RECALLED BY COLORADO AVALANCHE

03/28/2018

SAN ANTONIO (March 28, 2018) – The Colorado Avalanche today announced that goaltender Andrew Hammond has been recalled from the San Antonio Rampage.

Hammond, 30, was acquired by the Avalanche as a part of a three-team trade on Nov. 5 and has appeared in 99 career AHL contests, registering a 43-43-4 record, 3.11 goals-against average, .903 save percentage and three shutouts. He opened the 2017-18 campaign with the Belleville Senators (AHL) tallying an 8-6-2 record, 3.34 goals-against average, and .900 save percentage in 18 appearances. The fifth-year pro has also made 55 NHL appearances with Ottawa, going 27-14-6 with a 2.32 goals-against average, a .923 save percentage and four shutouts.

The Silver and Black begin a two-game series against the Stockton Heat on Friday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the AT&T Center. Season tickets for the 2018-19 campaign are available and can be purchased by calling a Rampage representative at 210-444-5554 or online at SARampage.com. The 2017-18 season is presented by H-E-B and Wells Fargo.

Heat Recall Former Vernon Viper Nowick From Mavericks:

The American Hockey League Stockton Heat have recalled former Vernon Vipers forward Darren Nowick from the East Coast Hockey League Kansas City Mavericks.

Nowick is in his third season with Mavericks, was invited to the Stockton Heat training camp in September, was released during camp returned to Kansas City. In 20 games this season with Missouri Nowick has (6-goals-9-assists-15-points).

Nowick split last season between the Mavericks & the American Hockey League Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Nowick started last season with the Mavericks before signing a professional tryout (PTO) with the American Hockey League Bridgeport Sound Tigers March 7 2017. 

After playing four years at Northern Michigan University Nowick signed his first professional contract with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Missouri Mavericks March 16 2016. 

Nowick played two years in Vernon (2010-2012) played in 109 games with the Vipers collected (36-goals-50-assists-86-points). 

Darren Nowick's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=93823

This was posted on the Heat website:

Heat Call-Up Three from Kansas City

January 31, 2018/in News /by Brandon Kisker

Stockton, Calif. – The Stockton Heat, proud AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Calgary Flames, announced today that goaltender Tyler Parsons and forwards Darren Nowick and Mike McMurtry have been recalled from the team’s ECHL affiliate, the Kansas City Mavericks, while goalie Mason McDonald has been assigned to Kansas City.

Parsons, 20, was assigned to the Mavericks late last week and went 2-1-0 in his return to Kansas City’s lineup, and in his last two starts, posted a 1.00 goals-against-average and 0.966 save-percentage. The Chesterfield, Michigan native made his AHL debut with Stockton on January 12 against Texas, and turned pro this season with Kansas City in the ECHL where he picked up his first pro win in his pro debut on October 13, his first pro shutout, on November 19, was named the CCM/ECHL Goalie of the Week after going 4-0-0 with one shutout, a 1.49 goals-against-average and a .952 save-percentage during the week of November 13 through 19.

Nowick, 26, has played in 8 games with the Stockton Heat this season, recording his first point of the season, an assist in his Heat debut on January 5, before scoring his first goal of the season a day later in a Heat win over San Antonio. The Long Beach, California native skated in his first ECHL game for Kansas City on Tuesday night since November 26 and recorded his sixth goal of the season in his return to the Mavericks lineup.

McMurtry, 25, has also suited up in 8 games for the Heat this season, debuting for the club on January 6 and recording his first point in a Heat sweater, an assist, on January 17 in San Jose. Named an ECHL All-Star, McMurtry may have missed the 2018 CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic in Indy while called up to the Heat, but still ranks atop his team in points with 33 in just 31 games with the Mavericks this season.

The Heat return home to start a home-and-home series with the San Jose Barracuda this Friday, February 2 at 7:00 p.m.  It’s another Fry Day presented by Golden State Restaurant Group McDonald’s!  Fans who eat at a participating McDonald’s location can bring their receipt to the Stockton Arena Ticket Office and with a purchase of one ticket, can get one ticket free! To find a participating McDonald’s location nearest you click here!

Plus, during all Friday home games during 2018, fans can bring an empty can or bottle of any Coca-Cola product to the Stockton Arena Ticket Office to receive $5 off any regular priced ticket. One can or bottle required per ticket discount. Subject to availability. Stockton Arena retains the right to select seating locations.

Learn more and purchase your tickets now by calling 209.373.1500 or by visiting stocktonheat.com/tickets.

Jagger Nets Four Major Honours:

This was in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Jagger nets four major honours

Kevin Mitchell

Apr. 4 2018 

Local Sports

A steak dinner at Jesse Lansdell’s home Easter Monday night in Langley. Chilling in downtown Vancouver most of Tuesday.

The Vernon Vipers are a tight group and while their B.C. Hockey League season is done, they don’t want the journey to end just yet.

“There was seven or eight of us at Jesse’s folks’ place last night,” said captain Jagger Williamson. (Ufberg) Mike and (Kevyan Mohktari) Mohk and I are going downtown today. Some of the other guys are heading home today.”

The Vipers, who lost the BCHL Interior Division semifinal series to the Wenatchee Wild in six games, said most of their goodbyes at a fun skate last Thursday at Kal Tire Place.

Then came what was officially known as Viper Awards Night in the media room. It soon became the Jagger Williamson Show as the 19-year-old pride of Lumby won four major honours.

Williamson, a University of Michigan Tech Huskies commit, was named MVP and Fan Favourite while taking the Duncan Wray Memorial Award and sharing the Rienie Holland Memorial Community Service Trophy with Jordan Sandhu. Holland was a longtime minor hockey off-ice official who died in 1999, at age 73.

“That’s (Wray honour) pretty special,” said Williamson. “It got pretty emotional when I heard my name and I saw (Duncan’s wife) Libby and (Duncan’s daughter) Erica up there. That one meant the most to me since Duncan meant so much to me.”

The Wray award recognizes inspiration, hard work, sportsmanship and integrity on and off the ice.

Viper head coach Mark Ferner recalls his first glimpse of a young Jagger playing at the Okanagan Training Rink.

In our one-on-one (exit meeting), I told Jags, ‘I remember seeing you skate with my son (mac) and asking who’s that little bugger? He’s pretty darn good.’”

Ferner said the Vipers have had some extraordinary captains and he adds Williamson to that list.

“The organization is better off when he left because he was an unbelievable captain. He was so passionate, he was attentive, his IQ and his compete level. Coaches love to trust players and I could trust Jags in so many situations,. Here’s a kid who played with a broken back. Those kind of kids don’t come around very often; he was very, very enjoyable to coach.”

Williamson spent four years as a centre with the Vipers, earning his shower every night. He compiled 18 goals and 53 points, a career best this season. He added five goals and 10 points in eight playoff games.

Whispers in Wenatchee had hockey people saying the series MVP was the referee who assessed Williamson a marginal goalie interference penalty in Game 3. Williamson was assessed a two-game suspension for his third such penalty of the season.

He had held superstar Jasper Weatherby pointless in Games 1 and 2, both Vernon wins. The Wild won Games 4 and 5 without Williamson following Weatherby 200-feet every three minutes.

Williamson expects to join the Huskies in the NCAA next fall even though he is eligible for a fifth year in Vernon.

“It’s kind of up in the air. I have some courses online and I have to maintain a 73 per cent average which shouldn’t be a problem. I think they want me to come down there next season.”

He and Sandhu were always the first Vipers to show up for community events such as reading to elementary school students and attending the Terry Fox Run and United Way Drive Through Breakfast, just to name a few.

“Sandy and I made most of them. It feels good to help your community since they support us so well.”

The BCHL Final Four has Wenatchee leading their best-of-seven semifinal series 2-0 over the Trail Smoke Eaters. Weatherby pocketed 2+4 and was named first star in 4-2 and 5-2 victories in Wenatchee.

Ben Berard registered his 10th goal of the playoffs, at 13:40 of double overtime Monday night as the Powell River Kings clipped the visiting Prince George Spruce Kings 3-2 before 1,o33 fans at Hap Parker Arena.

That series is square at 1-1. Prince George took the opener 5-1.

The national RBC tournament goes May 12-20 in Chilliwack, where Vernon’s Powell Connor plays for the host Chiefs.

The rest of the Viper award winners:

Leading Scorer: Jimmy Lambert (23-38-61).

Unsung Hero: Jesse Lansdell (17-33-50 and 106 PIM).

Most Sportsmanlike: Niko Karamanis (24 points and 22 PIM).

Rookie of the Year: Josh Prokop (21 goals, including three hat tricks, in 48 games).

Bill Brown Award for Academic Excellence: Lambert. Brown was instrumental in founding the Vernon franchise and the BCJHL.

Most Improved: D Mitch Andres (11 points in 47 games).

Wayne Buck Memorial Award: Ty Taylor. (Bucky was the popular Vipers’ public address announcer and post-game emcee at Boston Pizza for 15 years. He died in October, 2009, at age 68.)

Avalanche Reassign Former Viper Hammond To San Antonio:

The Colorado Avalanche have reassigned former Vernon Vipers goaltender Andrew Hammond to the American Hockey League San Antonio Rampage.

Hammond has played the past five seasons with the Ottawa Senators/American Hockey League Binghamton Senators before being traded to the Colorado Avalanche November 5th 2017. Hammond has spent this season in the American Hockey League with the Belleville Senators & Colorado Avalanche.

After four seasons with Bowling Green University, Hammond signed his first pro contract with the Ottawa Senators on March 20th 2013. Hammond attended the Chicago Blackhawks 2012 development camp and Ottawa Senators 2013 development camp.

Hammond made his NHL debut  February 27th 2014 vs the Detroit Red Wings. Hammond was called up that night from the American Hockey League as the backup for Senators starting goaltender Robin Lehner. Hammond would replace Lehner late in the 2nd period who was pulled after 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 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. 

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 was posted on the Rampage website:

COLORADO AVALANCHE REASSIGN GOALTENDERS ANDREW HAMMOND AND SPENCER MARTIN TO SAN ANTONIO

03/23/2018

SAN ANTONIO (March 23, 2018) – The Colorado Avalanche announced that goaltender Andrew Hammond has been activated from the injured reserve list and has been reassigned to the San Antonio Rampage (AHL), along with goaltender Spencer Martin. In addition, the Rampage have reassigned goaltender Joe Cannata to the Colorado Eagles (ECHL).

Hammond, 30, was acquired by the Avalanche as a part of a three-team trade on Nov. 5 and has appeared in 98 career AHL contests, registering a 42-43-4 record, 3.05 goals-against average, .905 save percentage and three shutouts. He opened the 2017-18 campaign with the Belleville Senators (AHL) tallying an 8-6-2 record, 3.34 goals-against average, and .900 save percentage in 18 appearances. The fifth-year pro has also made 55 NHL appearances with Ottawa, going 27-14-6 with a 2.32 goals-against average, a .923 save percentage and four shutouts.

Martin opened the 2017-18 campaign with the Rampage, earning a 14-12-4-0 record, .895 save percentage and 3.05 goals-against average in 31 contests. He served as a backup to goaltender Semyon Varlamov during his recent five-game stint with the Avalanche.

Cannata has appeared in five games with the Rampage this season, recording a 1.84 goals-against average, .920 save percentage and one shutout. The Wakefield, Mass. native began the season with the Eagles, earning 18 wins in his 24 games played while registering a 2.12 goals-against average and ECHL-leading .933 save percentage.

San Antonio travels up Interstate 35 to take on the Texas Stars tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park. Season tickets for the 2018-19 campaign are available and can be purchased by calling a Rampage representative at 210-444-5554 or online at SARampage.com. The 2017-18 season is presented by H-E-B and Wells Fargo.

Ex Viper Waddell Named Strength & Conditioning Coach For Chinese National Women’s Curling Team:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Matt Waddell was named strength and conditioning coach for the Chinese National Women’s Curling team at the 2018 winter Olympics in PyeongChang. 

This was on the Ohio State Buckeye's Twitter account:

Ohio State M Hockey‏ @OhioState_MHKY Feb 10

Buckeye #Olympics news! Hockey alum Matt Waddell (04-07) is the strength and conditioning coach for the Chinese National Women’s Curling Team. #GoBucks

Waddell hasn't played hockey since the 2015-16 season. Waddell last played professional hockey with the IF Troja/Ljungby. IF Troja/Ljungby is an ice hockey club from Ljungby, Sweden. They play in the second highest league in Sweden, Hockeyallsvenskan,

After four years at Ohio State University Waddell spent one season (2007-08) in the East Coast Hockey League & American Hockey League with Charlotte & Hartford. From 2008-2016 Waddell has played overseas in eight different leagues with nine different teams. (Borås HC, Hokki, Miskolci Jegesmedve JSE, Pontebba, Alleghe, Nikko Icebucks, ESV Kaufbeuren, Milano Rossoblu & IF Troja-Ljungby).

Waddell played two years in Vernon (2001-2003). In 110 games with the Vipers Waddell collected (9-goals-44-assists-53-points).

Matt Waddell's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=14987

Wheeling Nailers Release Former Viper Forward Basara:

The East Coast Hockey League Wheeling Nailers have released former Vernon Vipers forward Marcus Basara.

Basara attended the University of Alaska-Fairbanks before signing his first professional contract with the East Coast Hockey League Allen Americans August 24th 2017.

Basara started the season with the Americans, never played a game, was invited to the American Hockey League San Jose Barracuda training camp in September. Basara was released during camp, before returning to the Americans. The Americans traded Basara to the East Coast Hockey League Jacksonville IceMen October 10th 2017 before the 2017-18 regular season started. Basara never played a game with the IceMen before being placed on waivers. Basara was claimed off waivers by the East Coast Hockey League Orlando Solar Bears November 20th 2017. Basara collected one assist in four games with the Solar Bears before being released November 30th 2017. Basara would return to Allen after signing with the Americans for a second time this season, December 10th 2017. In 18 games with the Americans Basara collected (3-goals-3-assists-6-points) was traded to Wheeling February 17th 2018. In 6 games with the Nailers Basara picked up (1-goal-3-assists-4-points). 

Basara played parts of the two seasons in Vernon (2010-2012) before being traded along with Connor Hartley & future considerations to the Alberta Junior Hockey League Okotoks Oilers on November, 28th 2011 for Ben Gamache.  Basara would finish his junior career with the West Kelowna Warriors. In 80 games with the Vipers Basara collected (18-goals-27-assists-45-points).

Marcus Basara's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=65270

This was posted on the Nailers website:

Army and Zink Rejoin Nailers

March 12, 2018

The Nailers made a few separate transactions as well, releasing defenseman Jerry Laakso, as well as forwards Daniel Tedesco and Marcus Basara.