Thursday, December 24, 2020

BCHL News & Trades:

BCHL News & Trades:

Lipinski Commits To Wenatchee Wild For 2021-22 Season:

WILD SIGN FORWARD JADEN LIPINSKI FOR 2021-22 SEASON | Wenatchee Wild (wenatcheewildhockey.com)

Salmon Arm-Sioux City Trade:

Musketeers Acquire BCHL Standout Loney (musketeershockey.com)

Express Send Players Home The Holidays:

Letter to Express Fans | Coquitlam Express

Ivey Brothers Commit To Wild For 2021-22 Season:

IVEY BROTHERS SET TO JOIN WENATCHEE FOR 2021-22 SEASON | Wenatchee Wild (wenatcheewildhockey.com)

Nanaimo Clippers Plead For An Opportunity To Play During Pandemic:

Junior hockey team in B.C. pleads for an opportunity to play during pandemic – Vernon Morning Star

Blue Commits To Wenatchee For 2021-22 Season:

FORWARD HUDSON BLUE SETS HIS SIGHTS ON WENATCHEE | Wenatchee Wild (wenatcheewildhockey.com)

Schiavon Leaves Smoke Eaters For Vermont University:

COMMITMENT – SCHIAVON COMMITS TO VERMONT | Trail Smoke Eaters

Wood Commits To Victoria Grizzlies For 2021-22 Season:

Victoria Grizzlies on Twitter: "The Victoria Grizzlies are pleased to have signed forward, Matthew Wood from the North Island Silvertips U18 AAA for next season. Welcome to the Grizzlies, Matthew! #WeAreGrizzlies https://t.co/n2DdkjZ6yX" / Twitter

Chiefs Name Skapski New Goaltending Coach:

Chiefs Hire New Goaltending Coach - Chilliwack Chiefs

Hejduk Commits To Wild For 2021-22 Season:

WILD WELCOME DEFENSEMAN DAVID HEJDUK TO WENATCHEE | Wenatchee Wild (wenatcheewildhockey.com)

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Surahammars IF Recruit/Sign Vipers Alumni Mick:

Surahammars IF have recruited/signed former Vernon Vipers forward

Logan Mick.

Surahammars is a professional hockey team from Surahammar, Sweden.

Here is the full story from hockeyettan.se website,

Hemvändare klar när Sura värvar två nya spelare - Hockeyettan.se

Mick played his first professional season last year in Sweden with Amals Sportklubb. In 31 games Mick collected (28-goals-37-assists-65-points).

Mick played two years in Vernon (2012-2014) was traded to Merritt on May 29th 2014 as part of the future considerations from a trade in January 2014. On January 3rd 2014 the Vipers traded Jason Bird & future considerations (Logan Mick) to Merritt for Dylan Chanter. Mick never played a game with the Centennials was later traded to Salmon Arm. Mick committed to Quinnipiac University only played parts of two seasons with the Bobcats never finished his scholarship, went on to play one season at Lethbridge University before heading to Sweden last year. 

Mick is the son of former Vernon Lakers forward/Vernon Lakers assistant coach/Vernon Vipers assistant coach/head coach & gm Troy Mick.

Logan Mick's Player Profile:

Logan Mick - Elite Prospects

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Penticton Could Be The ‘Hub-City’ For A Potential BCHL Bubble:

The BCHL is in talks with the City of Penticton, provincial health authorities and other groups to turn the city into a hub-city for the league.

Here is the full story that is on the Vernon Morning Star website,

Penticton could be the ‘hub-city’ for a potential BCHL bubble – Vernon Morning Star

Monday, December 21, 2020

Birthday Parade For Former Vernon Vipers Booster Club President:

Friends and family gave former Vernon Vipers booster club president Cindy Masters a birthday parade for her 60th birthday on Friday.

Here is the full story and video on Castanet,

Friends and family have drive-by parade for Cindy Master's 60th birthday - Vernon News - Castanet.net

Masters was a long time Vernon Vipers season ticket holder and volunteered with the Vernon Vipers booster club before taking over as booster club president in 2005 before leaving in 2008.

Vernon Vipers Place Cavan On Reserve Roster:

The Vernon Vipers have placed forward Liam Cavan back on the reserve roster.

No official press release from the Vipers but Cavan is now listed on the Vipers reserve roster.

Cavan a rookie with the Vipers didn't play a single pre-season game at the Okanagan Cup was listed on the Vipers reserve roster during the Okanagan Cup. The Vipers added Cavan to their active roster after the Okanagan Cup ended. Jordan Tonelli is also still listed on the Vipers reserve roster.

Vernon Vipers 2020-21 roster,

Vernon Vipers Roster 2020-21 Extended Training Camp | BCHL League Site

Liam Cavan's Player Profile:

Liam Cavan - Elite Prospects

Sunday, December 20, 2020

Spokane Chiefs Release Former Viper Goaltender Porter, Jr:

The Western Hockey League Spokane Chiefs have released

former Vernon Vipers goaltender James Porter, Jr.

Here is the full press release from the Spokane Chiefs website,

Michael King and James Porter Released – Spokane Chiefs

Porter, Jr was entering his second season with the Chiefs but with the Western Hockey League season on hold, Porter, Jr joined the Wenatchee Wild in October. Due to COVID-19 the Wild couldn't enter into Canada to play exhibition games. The Wild were holding a camp/ scrimmages in Coeur d'Alene, ID preparing for the 2020-21 season if allowed to re-enter Canada. The Wild's season ended in late November due to COVID-19 rules and restrictions. In 10 games last season with the Spokane Chiefs, Porter, Jr went 8-2 with a 1.94 GAA

Porter, Jr started last year with the Western Hockey League Kelowna Rockets was assigned to the Vernon Vipers November 4th 2019. While playing with the Vipers, the Rockets traded his rights to the Moose Jaw Warriors November 24th 2019. Porter, Jr never played a game with the Warriors. Moose Jaw traded his rights to Spokane January 3rd 2020. Porter, Jr left the Vipers to join the Spokane Chiefs and played the remainder of the 2019-20 season in Spokane. In 9 games with the Vipers Porter, Jr went 3-6 with a 2.59 GAA

James Porter, Jr's Player Profile:

James Porter Jr. - Elite Prospects

Saturday, December 19, 2020

BCHL Explores Its Options While Stickhandling Around 'Confusing' COVID-19 Orders:

The BC Hockey League is exploring options to play in the new year despite the difficult logistics caused by COVID-19.

Here is the full story from the Vancouver Province newspaper,

Friday, December 18, 2020

Ex Vernon Viper Brownlee Apologizes For Controversial Social Media Post:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Chad Brownlee has apologized after posting a conspiracy theory image criticized as racist and antsemitic on social media.

Here is the full story from Global news,

(1) Chad Brownlee apologizes for social media post that ‘could be perceived as racist’ - National | Globalnews.ca

Here is the full story from Kelownanow.com,

Country star Chad Brownlee apologizes for controversial social media post (kelownanow.com)

Brownlee a current country music star played two seasons in Vernon (2001-2003) In 113 regular season games with the Vipers, Brownlee collected (14-goals-28-assists-42-points).

Brownlee was drafted in 2003 in the 6th round, by the Vancouver Canucks. Brownlee played four years at Minnesota State University, retired from hockey after a short stint in the ECHL with the Idaho Steelheads following a series of injuries during the 2007-08 season. In 35 games with the Steelheads, Brownlee collected (1-goal-2-assists-3-points).

"The Best That I Can (Superhero)" his first single, was released in November 2009. Brownlee's self-titled debut album, produced by Mitch Merrett was released in August 2010.

Chad Brownlee's Wikipedia page,

Chad Brownlee - Wikipedia

Chad Brownlee's Player Profile:

Chad Brownlee (b.1984) Hockey Stats and Profile at hockeydb.com

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Broncos Name Former Vipers Defenceman Scott Captain:

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League Humboldt Broncos have

named former Vernon Vipers defenceman Doug Scott captain.

Here is the full story from the Humboldt Journal,

Scott to lead Humboldt Broncos as captain | Humboldt Journal

Scott is in his second season with the Broncos after coming over in a trade with the Merritt Centennials. Merritt traded Scott to Humboldt November 29 2019 for future considerations. The Broncos are Scott's sixth team in four seasons.

The Alberta Junior Hockey League Grande Prairie Storm traded Scott to Vernon September 3rd 2019 for Ryan MacLean. Scott had one goal in six games with the 2019-20 Vernon Vipers was traded to Merritt October 12 2019 for future considerations. 

Doug Scott's Player Profile:

Doug Scott - Elite Prospects

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Episode 25 Vernon Vipers Voices With Rob Short

The new episode of Vipers Voices is available now!

Here is the video/interview that is on the Vernon Vipers website,

Vipers Voices | Episode 25 | Rob Short - YouTube

Host Graham Turnbull chats with former Vernon Viper forward Rob Short who had a lengthy career with the Snakes including winning two national championships.

Monday, December 14, 2020

On This Day In Vernon Vipers History:

Four years ago today (December 14 2016) Vernon Vipers forward Jimmy

Lambert scored four goals in a 7-3 win over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in front of 1,552 fans at Kal Tire Place. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 44-36 Darion Hanson made 33 saves in the win, while Nic Tallarico & Trevin Kozlowski combined for 37 saves in the loss.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Salmon Arm Silverbacks @ Vernon Vipers Wednesday, December 14, 2016 | BCHL League Site

Jimmy Lambert's Player Profile:

Jimmy Lambert - Elite Prospects

Sunday, December 13, 2020

Inside The BCHL’s Penticton Bubble Proposal:

With the 2020-21 BCHL regular season on hold, the BC Hockey League will be putting more work into a plan aimed at getting 17 teams into a bubble in Penticton.

Here is the full story/report from Gregg Drinnan's blog,

B.C. restrictions in place through Jan. 8 . . . Vancouver Winterhawks? It’s possible . . . Inside the BCHL’s Penticton bubble proposal – TAKING NOTE (greggdrinnan.com)

Saturday, December 12, 2020

On This Day In Vernon Vipers History:

Five years ago today (December 12 2015) Vernon Vipers forward Odeen Tufto

picked up six points (3 goals & 3 assists) in a 7-4 win over the Langley Rivermen in front of 649 fans at the Langley Events Centre. Vernon outshot Langley 32-29 Brendan Barry made 25 saves in the win, while Braedon Fleming & Nickolas Trenciansky combined for 25 saves in the loss.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Vernon Vipers @ Langley Rivermen Saturday, December 12, 2015 | BCHL League Site

Odeen Tufto's Player Profile:

Odeen Tufto - Elite Prospects

On This Day In Vernon Vipers History:

Eleven years ago today (December 12 2009) Penticton Vees defenceman Matt

Paltridge scored at 3:40 of double overtime, giving the Penticton Vees a 3-2 double overtime victory over the visiting Vernon Vipers in front of 4,522 fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre. With the win, the Vees snapped the Vipers franchise/BCHL record 17 road game winning streak. Vernon outshot Penticton 39-28 Sean Bonar made 37 saves in the win, while Graeme Gordon made 25 saves in the loss.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Vernon Vipers @ Penticton Vees Saturday, December 12, 2009 | BCHL League Site

Matt Paltridge's Player Profile:

Matt Paltridge - Elite Prospects

Friday, December 11, 2020

Bears Re-Sign Ex Viper Tryout Moulson:

The American Hockey League Hershey Bears have re-signed

former Vernon Vipers tryout forward Matt Moulson.

Here is the full press release from the Hershey Bears website,

Bears Re-sign Veteran Scorer Matt Moulson | NEWS | Hershey Bears Hockey

Moulson is entering his second season with the Bears. In 62 games last season, Moulson recorded (22-goals-19-assists-41-points). The Bears signed Moulson July 24 2019.

Moulson played eleven seasons in the NHL with four different teams (Los Angeles, New York Islanders, Minnesota & Buffalo). Moulson was drafted 263rd overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 9th round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Moulson last played in the NHL with Buffalo during the 2017-18 season before being assigned to the American Hockey League.

Moulson attended the Vernon Vipers training camp in 2001 was released during camp.

Matt Moulson's Player Profile:

Matt Moulson - Elite Prospects

Thursday, December 10, 2020

Todd Miller Interview:

The BC Hockey League has delayed the start to the 2020-21 regular season. Vernon Vipers Executive Vice President Todd Miller updates Viper fans on the recent news.

Here is Todd Miller's interview that is on the Vernon Vipers website,

BCHL Suspends Season Start | Vernon Vipers

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Playing Junior A During A Pandemic:

Don Klepp interview's Vernon Vipers defenceman Trey Taylor about playing during COVID-19.

Here is Don Klepp's full interview that is on the Vernon Vipers website,

Playing Junior A During A Pandemic | Vernon Vipers

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

On This Day In Vernon Vipers History:

Ten years ago today (December 8th 2010) Vernon Vipers defenceman Malcolm

Lyles drew four assists in a 5-2 victory in Duncan over the Cowichan Capitals in front of 675 fans at the Island Savings Centre. Vernon outshot Cowichan 45-33 Kirby Halcrow made 31 saves in the win, while Chase Martin made 40 saves in the loss.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Vernon Vipers @ Cowichan Valley Capitals Wednesday, December 08, 2010 | BCHL League Site

Malcolm Lyles Player Profile:

Malcolm Lyles - Elite Prospects

BCHL Delays Season Start To New Year:

The BCHL has decided to delay the start of the 2020-21 regular season to the new year.

Here is the full press release from the BCHL website,

BCHL delays season start to new year due to PHO order limiting team activities | BCHL League Site

Monday, December 7, 2020

On This Day In Vernon Vipers History:

Thirteen years ago today (December 7 2007) The visiting Vernon Vipers

& Salmon Arm Silverbacks ended in a 0-0 tie in front of 1,560 fans at the Shaw Centre. Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 43-29 Graeme Gordon made 29 saves in the tie for the shutout, while Bryce Christianson made 43 saves in the tie for the shutout.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Vernon Vipers @ Salmon Arm Silverbacks Friday, December 07, 2007 | BCHL League Site

BCHL Hopes To Play In Penticton Bubble In 2021:

The BC Hockey League is rumored to be working on a plan that would have the 2020-21 regular season be played in a Penticton bubble.

Here is the full story from Gregg Drinann's Blog,

BCHL hopes to play in Penticton bubble in 2021 . . . Swedish junior star tests positive . . . Daum back in coaching game – TAKING NOTE (greggdrinnan.com)

Sunday, December 6, 2020

On This Day In Vernon Vipers History:

Six years ago today (December 6th 2014) Vernon Vipers defenceman Luke

Shiplo collected four assists in a 9-5 win over the hometown Trail Smoke Eaters in front of 831 fans at the Cominco Arena. Vernon outshot Trail 34-23 Jarrod Schamerhorn made 18 saves in the win, while Adam Todd & Brett Clark combined for 25 saves in the loss.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Vernon Vipers @ Trail Smoke Eaters Saturday, December 06, 2014 | BCHL League Site

Luke Shiplo's Player Profile:

Luke Shiplo - Elite Prospects

Public Health Order Update Regarding BCHL Players:

On December 2nd 2020 Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry provided updates to the current Public Health Order. The announcement put all indoor and outdoor adult sports on hold, while reverting youth sports back to Phase 2. The biggest hit the BCHL took with the new update is the current Phase 2 guidelines on the BCHL is that players over the age of 18 are not allowed to practice with their current teams. Only 16, 17 & 18 year olds are allowed to take part in practices and skills put on by teams.

Here is the full press release on the new Public Health Order update,

Public Health Order Update - Dec. 3 (constantcontact.com)

Saturday, December 5, 2020

On This Day In Vernon Vipers History:

Eleven years ago today (December 5th 2009) Vernon Vipers forward Connor Jones scored at 3:00 of overtime giving the visiting Vernon Vipers a 3-2 overtime victory over the hometown Trail Smoke Eaters in front of 881 fans at the Cominco Arena. The win gave the Vipers a franchise/BCHL record 17 game road winning streak. Vernon outshot Trail 42-25 Blake Voth made 23 saves in the win, while Garrett Beckwith made 39 saves in the loss.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Vernon Vipers @ Trail Smoke Eaters Saturday, December 05, 2009 | BCHL League Site



Friday, December 4, 2020

Growlers Re-Sign Ex Viper Skirving:

The ECHL Newfoundland Growlers have re-signed former Vernon


Vipers forward Todd Skirving.

Here is the full press release from the Newfoundland Growlers website,

Growlers Re-sign Todd Skirving (nlgrowlers.com)

Skirving will be entering his third season with the Growlers. In 37 games last year, Skirving collected (4-goals-8-assists-12-points). 

Skirving spent four years at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) before signing his first professional contract with the ECHL Orlando Solar Bears August 3 2017. Skirving spent the 2017-18 season with three different teams (Orlando Solar Bears, Utah Grizzlies & Atlanta Gladiators) before signing with the Growlers October 16 2018.

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

Todd Skirving's Player Profile:

Todd Skirving - Elite Prospects

Thursday, December 3, 2020

BCHL News & Trades:

BCHL News & Trades:

Bulldogs Name Dal Monte Captain:

Bulldogs Announce Leadership Group | Alberni Valley Bulldogs

Tri-City Americans Loan Little & De La Gorgendiere To Capitals:

CAPITALS ADD LITTLE AND DE LA GORGENDIERE ON LOAN FROM WHL | Cowichan Capitals

Troubling Year For Penticton Vees:

Penticton Vees working through a season of uncertainty - BCHL - Castanet.net

Nanaimo-Langley Trade:

Clippers Acquire Tristan Fraser from the Langley Rivermen | Nanaimo Clippers

Express Name De La Durantaye Captain:

Express announce De La Durantaye new Team Captain | Coquitlam Express

Kelowna Rockets Loan Schwebius To Silverbacks:

Backs Add Kelowna Rockets Goalie Schwebius | Salmon Arm Silverbacks (sasilverbacks.com)

Trail-Chilliwack Trade:

TRADE – Smoke Eaters Acquire Garrett Valk from Chilliwack | Trail Smoke Eaters

Cristall Returns To West Kelowna Warriors:

NEWS: CRISTALL RETURNS TO THE WARRIORS | West Kelowna Warriors

Spruce Kings Name Waite Captain:

Spruce Kings Announce Leadership Group For 2020-21 | Prince George Spruce Kings

Salmon Arm-Powassan Trade:

Backs Make Moves in Crease | Salmon Arm Silverbacks (sasilverbacks.com)

Makow Commits To Spruce Kings:

Linden Makow Commits To Spruce Kings For 2021-22 Season | Prince George Spruce Kings

Surrey Eagles Name O'Hearn Captain:

Eagles Announce Leadership Group | Surrey Eagles

Chilliwack-West Kelowna Trade:

NEWS: WARRIORS ACQUIRE WYATT SCHLAHT FROM CHIEFS | West Kelowna Warriors

Vees Player Tests Positive For COVID-19:

One Vees player tests positive for COVID-19 | BCHL League Site

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

BCHL Set To Release Schedule Shortly:

Listening to 107.5 Beach Radio this afternoon, the woman on air said the BCHL will be releasing it's regular season schedule shortly. 

NCAA Hockey TSN Broadcast Schedule:

NCAA College hockey has returned to TSN. TSN will be broadcasting NCAA College hockey this season showing eleven games this year on TSN 2 & streaming games live on TSN.ca.

Here is the full TSN/TV Schedule from TSN.ca

NCAA Hockey on TSN Broadcast Schedule - TSN.ca

Here is the full press release from collegehockeyinc.com

NCAA Hockey Returns to TSN in 2020-21 - College Hockey, Inc.


Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Chiefs Trade Former Vipers Tryout Valk To Trail:

The Chilliwack Chiefs have traded former Vernon Vipers tryout defenceman

 Garrett Valk to the Trail Smoke Eaters.

Here is the full press release from the Trail Smoke Eaters website,

TRADE – Smoke Eaters Acquire Garrett Valk from Chilliwack | Trail Smoke Eaters

Here is the full press release from the Chilliwack Chiefs website,

Chiefs Trade Valk to Trail Smoke Eaters - Chilliwack Chiefs

Valk played his first full season with the Chiefs last year collecting (0-goals-4-assists-4-points) in 40 games.

Valk attended the 2017 Vernon Vipers training camp was released/cut joined the Chilliwack Chiefs as an affiliated player during the 2018-19 season.

Garrett Valk's Player Profile:

Garrett Valk - Elite Prospects