A Family Affair:

Earlier this BCHL season when the City of Vernon & the Vipers announced they would be making a bid for the 2014 Royal Bank Cup Viper fans were asked to support the RBC Cup bid, most fans signed up to receive a RBC Cup newsletter. I received my newsletter last week and wanted to share a few articles that were posted inside the RBC Cup newsletter. Here is final one of three that I have now posted,

April, 27th 2012
A Family Affair

By Don Klepp

When Brett Corkey joined the Vipers in the fall of 2010, no one in his family could have predicted the extent to which his family would become part of the ongoing life of the Viper organization.

“I came to play hockey, period,” says Brett. “I didn’t expect that Vernon would become a second home.  And that first season was kind of magical, the way we made the run in the playoffs especially.”

He laughs about his mother Sue’s involvement. “It seemed that every time I looked up in the stands, there she’d be. She almost spent more time here than at home in Calgary.” In fact, Sue Corkey made it to about 65 Viper regular season and playoff games in the 2010-11season. And she has made some very good friends in Vernon. “It’s a welcoming place; we feel very much at home here, and I love the way Brett has become a part of this community.”

Brett’s father Ray says that the sense of family “started early with [head scout] Larry Black’s interest in Brett. Larry faithfully called once a week to keep in touch. Then the coaches were very up front, very honest and respectful. The Vipers make only promises that they can keep; they don’t promise you the world just to get you here. Players have to earn their way onto the team. I respect that.”

Ray had expected that Brett would play closer to home: “He could have played in Camrose or another AJHL city when he was 17. It would have made our travel a lot easier,” he admits with a wry smile. “But Brett did his research. He chose to wait a year so that he could play for the Vipers. He made a fine decision, I must say. He learned a lot last year and progressed as a player.”

The extent of that progress became evident when Brett was one of the top defencemen at the 2011 RBC Cup in Camrose. He led all players in the round robin portion of the tournament with a goal and six assists and played solid defence.

He and his parents were back in Vernon this April 20-22, for the Vipers’ spring prospect camp. Unable to play because he had wrist surgery on April 19, Brett was a bench coach for several of the games. He and his dad were asked to comment on how players performed during the camp, further proof of how the Corkeys have been welcomed into the Viper family.

Ray refers to himself as a “bird watcher.” In a sense, he’s a Viper recruiter: “When parents of good players whom we know in Calgary ask about Vernon, I tell them that there’s no better place to play. A bonus is that the BCHL generates a lot more scholarships than other leagues, partly because here the emphasis seems to be on fast, skilled hockey.”

Former Viper McDonald Commits To Simon Fraser University:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Bruin McDonald has committed to play the 2012-13 season at Simon Fraser University.  McDonald who started the 2010-11 season with the WHL Spokane Chiefs was released before joining the Victoria Grizzlies. The Vipers then aquired McDonald from the Grizzlies on the December, 1st 2010 BCHL card deadline for future considerations. McDonald didnt report to Vernon but ended up signing and playing with the QMJHL Gatineau Olympiques before the team released the d-man after playing in just five regular season games.  McDonald then signed with the Coquitlam Express where he would finish the 2011-12 season.  McDonald will join former Vernon Vipers defenceman Tyler Mah (2006-2008) & former Vipers goaltender Graeme Gordon (2008-2010).  Mah & Gordon both finished their first year at Simon Fraser University.   

Bruin McDonald's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=24672

This is posted on the Simon Fraser University website:

WHL Grad Bruin McDonald Commits to SFU for 2012/13 Season
 
Sunday, April 29, 2012 - Submitted by SFU Hockey

APRIL 29, 2012 -- Burnaby, B.C. -- The Simon Fraser University Men’s Ice Hockey program is pleased to announce a commitment from defenceman Bruin McDonald (Coquitlam, B.C.) to attend SFU and join the team for the 2012/13 British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League season.

McDonald played four seasons in the WHL with the Prince George Cougars and Spokane Chiefs. The blueliner notched 10 points and 33 penalty minutes in 53 games in his final full season with Prince George before moving to Spokane and eventually on to the QMJHL’s Gatineau Olympiques. With a strong career in major-junior hockey, McDonald will bolster the defense core for SFU as they pursue their fourth BCIHL title.

“Bruin’s experience and skill set will be a huge asset to our blueline,” says SFU head coach Mark Coletta. “I’m excited to see him raise the level of intensity on the ice and I think he will contribute to the success of our program in a big way.”

“Coming to SFU gives me a chance to join an up and coming program at a very high academic school where I can continue both my hockey career and studies at a high level,” says McDonald.

He describes himself as “smooth skating, and good puck moving defenceman” and aims to establish himself as a top-4 defenceman while maintaining a strong GPA.
McDonald is SFU’s second commitment for the 2012/13 season. Additional player announcements will be made in the coming weeks.

Q & A With Dr. Wray:

Earlier this BCHL season when the City of Vernon & the Vipers announced they would be making a bid for the 2014 Royal Bank Cup Viper fans were asked to support the RBC Cup bid, most fans signed up to receive a RBC Cup newsletter. I received my newsletter last week and wanted to share a few articles that were posted inside the RBC Cup newsletter. Here is one of them,

April, 27th 2012

John Grisdale , the Commissioner of the BCHL, has supported Vernon’s bid for the 2014 RBC Cup right from the outset. Mr. Grisdale went the college route as a young player, earning a Mechanical Engineering degree at Michigan Tech. He then had a 17-year pro career that included 250 games with the Maple Leafs and Canucks, before using his engineering background and communications skills to become a successful businessman. He became Commissioner in 2003 when the BCHL established its League Office. Under his stewardship the BCHL has entered the digital era, with a comprehensive website and digital audio and video broadcasting of games. He sees the Vernon bid as another step in asserting the BCHL’s place as a premier Jr. “A” league.

“My schedule will restrict my ability to actually attend committee meetings,” says Grisdale, “but I’ll help in any way I can to help the Vernon group win the bid and run a successful RBC Cup.”

Q & A With Dr. Wray

By Don Klepp

Since retiring from his Vernon oral surgery practice and moving to Victoria, Duncan Wray has been just a little restless.

“I’ll have to admit that I miss being around the team every day.  And the rhythm of this season was disrupted when we missed the playoffs. This team is my main passion in life, so I became pretty excited the other day as I prepared to go to Vernon for the spring tryout camp.”  I tracked him down as he watched two teams of prospective players engage in a spirited game.

Q What do you think of the players in this tryout camp?

Dr. Wray. There’s no question that they all can play. I think Larry Black and his scouting staff have done a really good job of unearthing talent. Some of them have previously been here for site visits from as far away as Ontario. They’re keen to become Vipers, partly because of our team’s history and long-term stability.

Q Why are the Vipers running an 80-player camp?

Dr. Wray. It’s really the best size, for the players and for us. Some teams have been running tryout camps with up to 200 players, but it’s too easy for a good player to get lost in the shuffle with so many participants. You can make a lot of money charging camp fees for that many kids, but we think each player deserves a realistic chance of being properly evaluated. Here, each player gets a fair amount of ice team, five games in three days, so each one gets a full evaluation and he goes away knowing where he
stands. Besides, he gets to play with other good players because we carefully selected whom to invite.

Q Are you surprised that so many of the Viper veterans chose to participate?

Dr. Wray. Not at all. Their presence shows how much these players believe in our program and how much they want to be here, even though it’s the off-season.

Q Are all the 2012-13 Viper recruits at this camp?

Dr. Wray. No. A number of them had other commitments. We’ll see them at the fall camp in August.

Q Is there a time line for announcing the committed players for next season?

Dr. Wray. I’ll leave that to our GM, but I understand that Jason will announce our signings as the spring and summer progresses. I can tell you, though, that we’re very excited about the players we’ve signed.

Q Has the possibility of hosting the 2014 RBC Cup helped recruiting?

Dr. Wray. It certainly has not hurt our chances! The chance to host the national tournament is exciting for us and for prospective players. How often do you have a one in five chance of winning the RBC Cup and a 100 percent chance of being watched by dozens of pro and college scouts? Quite a number of our past players have been offered college scholarships when they’ve played well at the Cup.

Q Is this team building toward the 2013-14 season?

Dr. Wray. We’re building for the 2012-13 campaign. We want to win every year. That’s what our fans want; that’s what I expect. If we get to host the 2014 Cup, that would be a bonus.

Q So are you optimistic about the upcoming season?

Dr. Wray. Yes. We have a strong core returning. We could have as many as five returning defencemen, for example, and some very talented veteran forwards. Our returning group will have a fire in the belly after this season’s disappointment. You know, I just hate to lose and I want the vets to convey that attitude to our talented new players.

Next Issue: We’ll continue the conversation with Dr. Wray, who recounts his memories of the five RBC Cup final games in which his Vipers have made Vernon proud.

Former Viper Ten Vaanholt Commits To Elmira College:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Jarryd Ten Vaanholt has committed to play for the Elmira College Soaring Eagles next season. The Vipers aquired Ten Vaanholt and defenceman, Justin Elliott from the SJHL Kindersley Klippers back on August, 2nd 2011 for forward, Dane Muench & defenceman, Phillip Patenaude. The Vipers then traded Ten Vaanholt to Victoria for future considerations back on September, 19th 2011
before Victoria traded Ten Vaanholt to the Prince George Spruce Kings on January, 10th 2012.

Jarryd Ten Vaanholt's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=122270

Ten Vaanholt accepts offer to play for Soaring Eagles of Elmira College

Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Submitted by BCHL Media

Prince George Spruce Kings forward Jarryd Ten Vaanholt has committed to play for the Elmira College Soaring Eagles next season.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound forward began this past season with the Victoria Eagles before going to Prince George for the final 38 games of the season. He managed 31 goals and 36 assists, both career highs, over 61 regular season games.
For his career, the West Vancouver native scored 53 goals and 64 assists in 120 games played for Salmon Arm, Victoria and Prince George.
At Elmira College, Ten Vaanholt will join former BCHLers D'Arcy Oakes, Dylan Herold, Mark Morikawa, and Brock Sawyer.
The campus is located in Elmira, N.Y. and the the Soaring Eagles compete in the NCAA Division III Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference.

Former Viper D-man Marc Hetnik Falls Short In New England's Pro-Am Hockey Pre-Draft Showcase Final:

New England's Pro-Am Hockey annual Pre-draft showcase started Friday with games over the weekend. The New England Pro-Am started it's first Pre-Draft Showcase back in 1989, a chance for players that are annually eligible for the NHL Entry Draft. It is now a highly successful annual event held in Boston each May.  Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Marc Hetnik suited up for East Coast Militia. Hetnik who is from Brookline, MA played this season with the Vernon Vipers will be playing this coming season (2012-13) at Botson University. Hetnik will join former Vipers, Ryan Santana, Sahir Gill & Garrett Noonan next season at Boston University. In his rookie season with the Vipers Hetnik collected (3-14-17) in 60 regular season games.

For more on New England's Pro-Am Hockey League visit the league website,

http://www.proamhockey.com/

For more on New England's Pro-Am Hockey annual Pre-draft showcase visit the league website,

http://www.proamhockey.com/2011-pre-draft-s11969

Marc Hetnik went pointless as East Coast Militia defeated Firstar Canada West (Prospects) 4-3 this morning to move onto the Pre-draft showcase semi-finals this afternoon. 

Here is the game summary from this morning's game,

http://www.proamhockey.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=3012

Marc Hetnik scored once as East Coast Militia moved onto the Pre-draft showcase finals after a 3-0 victory over Walpole Express in the semi-finals this afternoon, Hetnik now has one goal and two assists in five games at the showcase. 

Here is the game summary from todays semi-finals,

http://www.proamhockey.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=3009

Marc Hetnik's one assist wasnt enough as East Coast Militia fell 3-2 in the Pre-draft showcase final as Hockey Essentials would take home the championship.  Hetnik finished with a goal and three assists in six games at the showcase.

Here is the game summary from todays Championship game,

http://www.proamhockey.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=3014

Vipers Release Assistant Coach Chris Shaw:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers seek coach

By Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star

Published: May 06, 2012

The Vipers, who missed the BCHL playoffs for the first time in more than a decade, will have a new assistant coach next season.

Head coach/GM Jason Williamson has released Chris Shaw, who worked alongside Williamson last season, his first in Vernon.

Shaw previously was a head coach of the KIJHL Nelson Leafs.

Williamson will make the official announcement this week after a vacation in Disneyland. He also has some major recruiting news.

Former Viper Dean Strong's Season Ends In Game Five Loss In ECHL Eastern Conference Finals:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Dean Strong & the Kalamazoo Wings season came to an end Saturday night after a 3-1 loss to the Florida Everblades in the ECHL Eastern Conference Finals.  The Everblades won the series 4-1 now advance to the 2012 Kelly Cup Finals.

Strong is in his third season with the Wings was also loaned twice to the American Hockey League this season. In November Strong was loaned to the AHL Chicago Wolves before returning to Kalamazoo and then was loaned to the AHL Lake Erie Monsters on December 15th 2011, collecting (4-10-11) with the Monsters before once again returning to Kalamazoo after the Monsters missed the playoffs. In 21 games with the K-Wings this year Strong collected (11-12-23) before going to the AHL. Strong played one year in Vernon (2004-05) collecting (35-56-91) with the Vipers during the regular season.

Dean Strong's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=83858

This is posted on the ECHL website:

Florida claims Eastern Conference title

May 5, 2012

The Florida Everblades advanced to the 2012 Kelly Cup Finals with a 3-1 win over the Kalamazoo Wings in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Florida won the best-of-seven series 4 games to 1.

Florida won its third Bud Gingher Trophy as Eastern Conference champions. The Everblades also advanced to the Kelly Cup Finals in 2004 and 2005, and are seeking their first ECHL championship. Florida will meet the Las Vegas Wranglers in the 2012 Kelly Cup Finals, with Game 1 set for Monday, May 14 at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.

After a scoreless first period, Mike Ratchuk opened the scoring for Florida, scoring his first goal of the postseason 9:02 into the second period. Kalamazoo pulled even on a Kory Karlander power-play goal 12:13, but the Everblades answered with a power-play goal of their own from Sebastien Piche at 18:11 to take a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes.

Trevor Bruess provided the Everblades with some insurance, scoring his fifth goal of the postseason 5:56 into the final period.

John Muse earned the win in goal for Florida, turning aside 27 of 28 Kalamazoo shots.

Former Vernon Viper Hetnik & East Coast Militia Improve To 3-0 At New England's Pro-Am Hockey Pre-Draft Showcase:

New England's Pro-Am Hockey annual Pre-draft showcase started yesterday with 45 games, with another 51 games going on today and this evening in day two of the showcase. 

For more on New England's Pro-Am Hockey League visit the league website,

http://www.proamhockey.com/

For more on New England's Pro-Am Hockey annual Pre-draft showcase visit the league website,

http://www.proamhockey.com/2011-pre-draft-s11969

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Marc Hetnik (2011-12) and East Coast Militia defeated Eurocamp Hockey 7-0 this morning to improve to 3-0 at the Pre-draft showcase.  Hetnik went pointless, has two assists in three games with East Coast Militia. 

Here is the game summary from todays game,

http://www.proamhockey.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=2986

Hetnik and East Coast Militia play their next game tomorrow morning at 8:10am vs Firstar Cananda West (Prospects)

2014 RBC Cup: Ask And Answer:

Earlier this BCHL season when the City of Vernon & the Vipers announced they would be making a bid for the 2014 Royal Bank Cup Viper fans were asked to support the RBC Cup bid, most fans signed up to receive a RBC Cup newsletter. I received my newsletter Monday and wanted to share a few articles that were posted inside the RBC Cup newsletter. Here is one of them,

April, 27th 2012

Ask And Answer

After the Vernon RBC Cup bid committee made its presentation to Hockey Canada on March 28, its members were told to expect follow-up questions.

The questions came – 21 of them. On Sunday, the last answers were compiled and returned to Hockey Canada.

“We’re very pleased to see that Hockey Canada is doing its due diligence,” says Committee Co-chair Mike Lane. “We clearly benefit from their experience and we want to know which areas require us to sharpen our focus.”

Don Klepp, who wrote much of the bid committee’s response, agrees with Mike: “Hockey Canada’s selection committee is very thorough, very professional. Answering their probing questions helped us sharpen and expand our understanding of what contributes to a successful RBC Cup.”

This newsletter can’t provide specifics of the 21 questions and answers, but we can give a general overview.

Hockey Canada wanted to see our critical paths for selling tickets, soliciting sponsorship, applying for grants, and other aspects of generating the substantial funds required to run the event.

We were also asked to provide more detail about how we will work with the Vipers, Minor Hockey, the BCHL, and BC Hockey in promoting and running the event. Those partnerships are all in place.

Hockey Canada was interested in how we would take advantage of the excitement generated by the 1990 Centennial Cup hosted by Vernon. We described special events that will celebrate the Vipers’ history within the 100 year span of the CAHA and Hockey Canada.

Of course, Hockey Canada wanted to know about our contingency plans and our plans for filling the Wesbild Centre’s seats. We believe that Viper fans will be joined by other Okanagan fans and fans from other BCHL cities to fill the stands.

Former Viper Marc Hetnik Suiting Up At New England's Pro-Am Hockey Pre-Draft Showcase:

New England's Pro-Am Hockey annual Pre-draft showcase started today.  The New England Pro-Am started it's first Pre-Draft Showcase back in 1989, a chance for players that are annually eligible for the NHL Entry Draft. It is now a highly successful annual event held in Boston each May.  With 45 games going all day & evening former Vernon Vipers defenceman Marc Hetnik will be suiting up for East Coast Militia.  Hetnik who is from Brookline, MA played this season with the Vernon Vipers will be playing this coming season (2012-13) at Botson University.  Hetnik will join former Vipers, Ryan Santana, Sahir Gill & Garrett Noonan next season at Boston University.  In his rookie season with the Vipers Hetnik collected (3-14-17) in 60 regular season games.

For more on New England's Pro-Am Hockey League visit the league website,

http://www.proamhockey.com/

For more on New England's Pro-Am Hockey annual Pre-draft showcase visit the league website,

http://www.proamhockey.com/2011-pre-draft-s11969

Marc Hetnik and East Coast Militia opened the annual Pre-draft showcase this morning at 7:10am Hetnik collected one assist in East Coast Militia's 7-1 victory over N.E. Nordiques. 

Here is the game summary from this morning's opening game,

http://www.proamhockey.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=2904

This afternoon (12pm) Marc Hetnik and East Coast Militia played their second game of the showcase improving to 2-0 with a 6-3 win over Walpole Express.  Hetnik collected one assist (second at showcase) in the victory. 

Here is the game summary from this afternoon's game,

http://www.proamhockey.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=2927

Hetnik and East Coast Militia will faceoff tomorrow morning at 10:20am vs Eurocamp hockey.

Former Viper MacMurchy Commits To HC Red Ice:

Former Vernon Vipers forward, Ryan MacMurchy has commited to HC Red Ice for the 2012-13 season.  MacMurchy played this season in Norway with the Stavanger Oilers.  In 44 regular season games MacMurchy collected (37-39-76).  MacMurchy played one season in Vernon (2000-2001) collecting (4-16-20) in 55 regular season games with the Vipers. MacMurchy was selected by the St. Louis Blues in round 9 #284 overall in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.

Ryan MacMurchy's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=15346

This is posted on the Red Ice website:

Ryan MacMurchy joins HC Red Ice!

April, 21st 2012

The Board of directors of HC Red Ice SA announces commitment for season 2012-2013 of the Canadian Ryan MacMurchy (born on April 27th, 1983). Native of the province of Saskatchewan, he was drafté in 284th position by St-Louis Blues in 2002. Having evolved under the colours of the University of Wisconsin (NCAA, from 2002 till 2006), he played in AHL from 2006 till 2011. Last season it had discovered Europe with Stavanger Oilers in Norway with in the key national title and that of better meter of the first Norwegian division (97 points in 57 meetings). Ryan MacMurchy has got involved for 1 season with option for 1 year more with HC Red Ice.

Seawolves Name Former Viper Chris Crowell Captain:

The University of Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves have named former Vernon Vipers forward Chris Crowell captain for the 2012-13 season.  Crowell finished his third season with the Seawolves played four seasons in Vernon (2005-2009) is the Vipers franchise penalty minute leader with 602.
Chris Crowell's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=92086

Former Vipers captain Crowell to captain Seawolves
 
Monday, April 23, 2012 - Submitted by BCHL Media

In his final BCHL season, Chris Crowell captained the Vernon Vipers to their first of three straight Fred Page Cup wins and the first of back-to-back RBC Cup national titles.
Now going into his senior year at the University of Alaska-Anchorage, the Williams Lake native will wear the "C" again and hope it spurs the Seawolves to similar success.
Crowell, 6-foot-3, 205-pound forward, is known mostly as a physical presence and a defensively responsible player for the Seawolves as he has just a goal and an assist in his NCAA career. He is a two-time Western Collegiate Hockey Association Scholar-Athlete and All-Academic Team honouree.  In 213 career BCHL games, Crowell scored 33 goals and 57 assists while totaling 596 penalty minutes.

Panthers Reassign Former Viper Tyson Strachan To San Antonio:

The NHL Florida Panthers reassigned former Vernon Vipers defenceman Tyson Strachan to the AHL San Antonio Rampage. Strachan played one season in Vernon (2002-03) collecting (6-22-28) in 56 regular season games with the Vipers, before playing four years at Ohio State University. Strachan was drafted by Carolina in the fifth round (137th overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Strachan signed as a free agent with the Florida Panthers back in July after playing the last four seasons with the AHL Peoria Rivermen & the NHL St. Louis Blues.

Tyson Strachan's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=72630

This is posted on the Rampage website:

Panthers assign Strachan to Rampage

April, 28th 2012

By: www.sarampage.com

Florida Panthers Executive Vice President & General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that defenseman Tyson Strachan has been reassigned to the San Antonio Rampage (AHL). Strachan, 27, played in two games during Florida’s Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series against the New Jersey Devils, registering one assist and a rating of plus-2. In 15 regular season contests with the Panthers, the Melfort, Saskatchewan native recorded one goal, two assists, and a rating of plus-1. Before heading to Florida last week, Strachan posted a rating of plus-1 in one scoreless game with the Rampage in their Western Conference Quarterfinal series against the Chicago Wolves. Strachan, drafted in the fifth round (137th overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, totaled three goals, 14 assists, and a rating of minus-4 in 50 games with San Antonio in 2011-12. The Rampage will play the Wolves in the decisive Game 5 of their series tonight at 7:30 p.m. (CST) at Allstate Arena

Bobcats Name Former Viper Twins Connor & Kellen Jones Most Valuable Players At Year End Awards Banquet:

The Quinnipiac Bobcats have named former Vernon Viper forwards Connor and Kellen Jones Most Valuable Players at the program's annual year end awards banquet.  The Jones twins both just finished their second season with the Bobcats. Connor and Kellen both played four years in Vernon (2006-2010). In 163 regular season games with the Vipers Connor collected (80-118-198) Connor also is the Vipers all-time franchise points leader (regular season & playoffs) with 228 & all-time franchise goals leader (regular season & playoffs) with 95. while in 154 regular season games with the Vipers Kellen collected (39-134-173). Kellen is also the all-time franchise assists leader (regular season & playoffs) with 150.

Connor Jones Player Profile:

http://www.quinnipiacbobcats.com/sports/mice/2011-12/bios/jones%20connor%20gczj

Kellen Jones Player Profile:

http://www.quinnipiacbobcats.com/sports/mice/2011-12/bios/jones%20kellen%20rmzy

This is posted on the Bobcats website:

Connor and Kellen Jones Named Quinnipiac Men's Ice Hockey Most Valuable Players At Annual Awards Banquet

 

April 21, 2012

 

HAMDEN, Conn. - Quinnipiac sophomores Connor and Kellen Jones (Montrose, British Columbia) were named as Quinnipiac Men's Ice Hockey's Most Valuable Players at the program's annual awards banquet at the University Club at the TD Bank Sports Center on Saturday, April 21. Freshman stand-out Matthew Peca (Petawawa, Ontario) was named the program's Rookie of the Year, while assistant captain Mike Glaicar (Kamloops, British Columbia)was honored with the Coaches Award. Junior Zack Currie (Victoria, British Columbia), who was announced as the team's captain for 2012-13, was given the 7th Player Award while Yuri Bouharevich (Montreal, Quebec) earned the Academic Award after posting the team's highest grade-point average.

The Jones', twin brothers who came to Quinnipiac after leading the Vernon Vipers of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) to the 2009 and 2010 Royal Bank Cup National Championships, put together a brilliant year playing together that ultimately resulted in the duo being named assistant captains for the 2012-13 season. Connor led the team with 41 points, on the strength of 13 goals and 28 assists, while Kellen finished with 14 goals and 22 assists for 36 points. The two were the only players in the Quinnipiac line-up to reach double figures in points and assists for the year. Connor was chosen as just the fourth player in Quinnipiac's ECAC Hockey history to earn all-league honors. Connor also became the first player to reach the 40-point plateau since Bryan Leitch in 2009 and also carried a team-best 12 multiple-point games.

Peca, who played for the Pembroke Lumber Kings of the Central Canadian Hockey League (CJHL) completed one of the historically great first seasons as a Bobcat after totalling a team-high 31 assists to go along with eight goals for 39 points, combining with Connor and Kellen Jones to give Quinnipiac its first 30-point trio since 2009-10. Peca was also named to the ECAC Hockey All-Rookie team, making him the first Bobcat to receive the honor since Brandon Wong in 2007, and just the third since Quinnipiac joined the league for the 2005-06 season. The 31-assist mark is also the second highest for a Quinnipiac freshman, trailing Brian Herbert's 32 assists in 1999-00. His 39 points are the most for a first-year player since Brandon Wong tallied 44 in 2006-07. Peca also became the first Quinnipiac player to have a hand in 11 consecutive goals scored and the first freshman to lead the team in scoring in the postseason. In six ECAC Hockey Tournament games, Peca totaled nine points, on a goal and eight assists, which were a Quinnipiac record and also led all NCAA Division I players in postseason scoring. A three-time ECAC Hockey Rookie of the Week selection, Peca posted an 11-game point streak, which was the second longest for a freshman in program history after Ben Nelson's 13-game point streak in 2005-06. Including the final weekend of the season, Peca totaled 15 points, on a goal and 14 assists, in Quinnipiac's final eight games.

Glaicar, who came to Quinnipiac from the Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the BCHL, is this season's recipients of the Coaches Award, which is given to the student-athlete who exemplifies everything that Quinnipiac men's hockey embodies. Glaicar, in his second year as an assistant captain, emerged as a presence for the Bobcats on the blue-lineas well as in the locker room. A consemate leader, Glaicar was a quiet star on defense and was a the forefront of all of Quinnipiac Men's Ice Hockey's Positive Play programs.

Currie, a product of the Cowichan Valley Capitals of the BCHL before coming to Quinnipiac, was given the 7th Player Award, awarded to an individual who has shown the most growth as a member of the men's ice hockey team in his time at Quinnipiac. Despite consistent statistical increases in three seasons, Currie also emerged as one of the top special teams players, not only at Quinnipiac but in ECAC Hockey. For his efforts, his teammates chose him to be their captain for the upcoming 2012-13 season. Currie had a banner season in which he set career highs in goals (9) and points (18). He tripled his career goal total of three goals as he found the back of the net nine times as a junior. He also matched his single-season high of nine assists on his way to 18 points in 2011-12. Currie's nine goals are the fourth most in Quinnipiac history for a defenseman. Against ECAC Hockey programs, Currie had five goals and five assists for 10 points and was one of three Quinnipiac defenseman to reach double-digit point totals against Bobcats' opponents. Off the ice, Currie has carried a cumulative grade-point average of 3.74 as an athletic training major.

Bouharevich, who previously played for the New Hampshire Monarchs of the Eastern Junior Hockey League (EJHL), earned the team's Academic Award for the second consecutive year after holding the team's highest GPA for the second straight year. Bouharevich posted a 4.00 GPA and finished with six goals and 11 assists for 17 points.

Bulldogs Name Former Viper Bishop North American Van Lines Man of the Year:

The AHL Hamilton Bulldogs named former Vernon Vipers forward Hunter Bishop North American Van Lines Man of the year at the Bulldogs year end awards banquet.  Bishop now in his third season with the Bulldogs missed the entire 2011-12 season with an undisclosed injury.  Bishop played three seasons in Vernon (2005-2007) before playing one season at the University of North Dakota.  Bishop then returned to Vernon and played his final season with the Vipers (2007-2008) before playing the next two years at Ohio State University.  In 140 regular season games with the Vipers Bishop collected (93-84-177).  On March. 18th 2010 the Montreal Canadiens signed Bishop as a free agent to a two year contract 

Hunter Bishop's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=80970

This is posted on the Bulldogs website:

Hamilton Bulldogs Weekly Press Release

Tuesday, April. 17th 2012

Bulldogs 2011-12 Award Winners:

The Hamilton Spectator Most Valuable Player Award (selected by Hamilton Bulldogs Players): 

TIE: Brian Willsie and Andreas Engqvist

The Molson Cup Award (Given to the player most frequently named one of three stars): 

Aaron Palushaj (47 points)

The Bill Stirrup Trophy (Bulldogs Fan’s Choice Award, selected by “The Growl”): 

Aaron Palushaj

The Tim Hortons Top Defenceman Award (selected by attending media):

Frederic St-Denis (28 points (3 goals, 25 assists) in 58 games played)

The Flamboro Workhorse of the Game (selected by attending media):

Brian Willsie (8 Flamboro Workhorse of the game titles)

The North American Van Lines Man of the Year Award (selected by Hamilton Bulldogs front office staff)

Hunter Bishop and Brendon Nash (Over 50 community appearances)

The Swiss Chalet Top Rookie Award (selected by the Hamilton Bulldogs Radio Network Broadcast Team)

Louis Leblanc (22 points (11 goals, 11 assists) in 31 games played)

The Andlauer Transportation Services Hamilton Bulldogs Leader Scorer Award:

Brian Willsie (44 points (18 goals, 26 assists) in 68 games played)

Terriers Name Former Viper Noonan Unsung Hero At Year End Awards Banquet:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman, Garrett Noonan was named Boston Terriers Unsung Hero Saturday at the Terriers awards banquet last weekend. Noonan finished his second season at Boston University was drafted by the Nashville Predators in round 4 #112 overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Noonan played one season in Vernon (2009-2010) collecting (2-16-18) in 58 regular season games with the Vipers.

Garrett Noonan's Player Profile:

http://www.goterriers.com/sports/m-hockey/mtt/noonan_garrett00.html

This is posted on the Terriers website:

Megan named 2012-13 captain

Monday, April 23, 2012

Wade Megan, who led BU in goal-scoring with 20, was announced as next season’s captain at the 49th annual Friends of BU Hockey Awards banquet Saturday night. The rising senior from Canton, N.Y. also shared the team’s Most Improved Player Award with blueliner Pat MacGregor. 

The other honorees,

●Clifford Fitzgerald Scholarship (Outstanding Jr/Sr Defenseman): Sean Escobedo
●Regina Eilberg Scholarship (Excellence in Athletics and Academics:Ryan Ruikka
●Ed Carpenter Award (Leading Scorer): Alex Chiasson
●Bennett McInnis Award (Spirit of a BU Hockey Player): Chris Connolly
●Friends Albert Sidd Unsung Hero: Matt Nieto and Garrett Noonan
●George V. Brown Award (MVP) Kieran Millan

Millan was a repeat winner of the Brown Award.

In addition to receiving the Eilberg Scholarship, Ruikka will graduate with two bachelor's degrees in economics and math along with a master's degree in economics. He also received the College of Arts & Sciences Prize for Excellence in Economics.

Former Vernon Viper Nyjer Morgan Out Of Brewers Lineup:

After a mid season slump the Milwaukee Brewers have pulled former Vernon Vipers defenceman Nyjer Morgan out of the Brewers lineup.  Morgan played as an "AP" with the Vipers during the(1996-1997) season. Morgan was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 33rd round ofthe 2002 Major League Baseball Draft. On March 27, 2011, Morgan was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for prospect Cutter Dykstra.

Nyjer Morgan's Player Profile:

http://brewers.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=460579#gameType='S'§ionType=career&statType=1&season=2012

This was posted on the Brewers website:
Fighting slump, Morgan out of lineup

By Adam McCalvy / MLB.com | 04/24/12 

MILWAUKEE -- Nyjer Morgan was his usual smiling self on Monday, though he was admittedly frustrated on the inside.

The emotional sparkplug of last year's National League Central champs was left out of the Brewers' starting lineup amid a season-opening slump. Morgan entered the night with five singles in 42 at-bats, for a .119 batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage. He had one hit in his last 22 at-bats.

"I've got a bad case of the coldness," Morgan said. "I've just got to battle out of it."

This is uncharted territory for Morgan, at least since he joined the Brewers in a trade last March. He said he feels good in the batter's box, and has studied video for reassurance that he has not been swinging at pitches outside the strike zone.

The hits just aren't falling.

"It's frustrating. It's very frustrating," Morgan said. "You just have to keep grinding. ... It's a weird spell, man. I guess last year the spell would have been my injuries at this time of year. Even though I came out on fire, I got injured and I was out a month. That was my funk.

"Knowing me, I always start off [lousy] in April and then always progress. But I've never been through a spell like this. I have to hang in there. ... You have to still show up, same attitude, even though you're a little bit frustrated. You can't let that frustration go off and pile onto the next man. You don't want the next man to feel what you're feeling. You want to be a great teammate and be supportive of these guys."

Morgan said he understood manager Ron Roenicke's decision to start Norichika Aoki in center field. Aoki entered the night 5-for-15 in two starts plus pinch-hit appearances.
"If the right pieces are clicking, you have to put the right pieces in. It's a business, too," Morgan said.

Roenicke characterized the Aoki start as a temporary move. Morgan could be back in the two-hole on Tuesday night against Astros right-hander Bud Norris. Astros left-hander J.A. Happ starts Wednesday, so the Brewers will go with Carlos Gomez, and Roenicke suggested that, given Gomez's hot start to the season, he could see more action against right-handed pitchers in the coming days.

"That's the one position we can play with a little bit because I like all three guys," Roenicke said. "We need to get Nyjer going, that's what we need to do. And before the season's out, he's going to be important to what we do. ... It's two weeks into the season. I don't want to give up on a guy that was really good for us last year. The reason we won was a lot because of him. I don't want to forget that because of two to three weeks of not swinging the bat well."

Former Viper Dean Strong Advances To ECHL Eastern Conference Finals:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Dean Strong & the Kalamazoo Wings faceoff against the Florida Everblades in the ECHL Eastern Conference Finals starting with Game 1 of the best of seven series tonight in Kalamazoo.  Strong in his third season with the Wings was also loaned twice to the American Hockey League this season.  In November Strong was loaned to the AHL Chicago Wolves before returning to Kalamazoo and then was loaned to the AHL Lake Erie Monsters on December 15th 2011, collecting (4-10-11) with the Monsters before once again returning to Kalamazoo after the Monsters missed the playoffs. In 21 games with the K-Wings this year Strong collected (11-12-23) before going to the AHL. Strong played one year in Vernon (2004-05) collecting (35-56-91) with the Vipers during the regular season.

Dean Strong's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=83858
This is posted on the ECHL website:

Eastern Conference Finals Preview

April 26, 2012

Eastern Conference Finals (Best of Seven)

#3 Kalamazoo Wings vs. #5 Florida Everblades

Series Matchup Sheet

Kalamazoo and Florida meet in the Kelly Cup Playoffs for the second consecutive year. Last year, the K-Wings defeated the Everblades 3 games to 1 in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals on their way to capturing the conference title.

Last season, Kalamazoo defeated Wheeling 4 games to 2 in the Eastern Conference Finals before falling to Alaska in five games in the Kelly Cup Finals. The K-Wings have won the North Division regular-season title in each of their three seasons in the ECHL, and return seven players from last year’s Kelly Cup finalist.

Florida is making its fourth appearance in the Conference Finals. The Everblades captured the Eastern Conference title in 2004 and the American Conference title in 2005, and lost in seven games in the 2007 American Conference Finals. Florida has advanced to the postseason in each of its 14 seasons.

The two teams met five times during the 2011-12 regular season, with Kalamazoo going 2-2-1 against the Everblades while Florida was 3-0-2 against the K-Wings. Trent Daavettila led Kalamazoo in the season series with six points (2g-4a) while goaltender Maxime Clermont was 1-0-1 with a 2.62 goals-against average and a save percentage of .901. Florida was led in the head-to-head series by Rylan Galiardi, who registered nine points (4g-5a), and by David Rutherford, who tallied six goals. Pat Nagle was 2-0-0 in two appearances against the K-Wings with a 2.00 goals-against average and a save percentage of .953.

Kalamazoo opened the 2012 Kelly Cup Playoffs with a 3 games to 1 win over Wheeling in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, and followed that up with a 4 games to 1 victory against South Carolina in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Nick Sirota leads all players in the postseason with seven goals, and his 11 points are tied for the playoff lead with two others, including Daavettila. Riley Gill’s seven wins are tops among goaltenders in the playoffs, while he is fifth with a 1.90 goals-against average. The K-Wings lead all playoff teams in goals per game (3.67) and power-play percentage (34.5 percent), while ranking second on the penalty kill (92.6 percent) and fourth in goals-against per game (2.11).

Florida is 7-1 through two rounds, sweeping Greenville 3 games to 0 in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals and defeating Elmira 4 games to 1 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Cedric Lalonde-McNicoll is tied for first in the postseason with eight assists and 11 points, while Sebastien Piche is tied for third among defensemen with six points (1g-5a). Nagle and John Muse have shared the goaltending duties, and both rank among the top goaltenders in the playoff with Nagle tied for second with a 1.36 goals-against average and Muse checking in sixth with a 1.94 goals-against average. The Everblades are second with 3.38 goals per game in the playoffs and are third with 1.75 goals-against per game.

Game 1 – Friday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Kalamazoo
Game 2 – Saturday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Kalamazoo
Game 3 – Wednesday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Florida
Game 4 – Thursday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Florida
Game 5 – Saturday, May 5 at 7 p.m. ET at Florida (If Necessary)
Game 6 – Tuesday, May 8 at 7 p.m. ET at Kalamazoo (If Necessary)
Game 7 – Wednesday, May 9 at 7 p.m. ET at Kalamazoo (If Necessary)

RiverKings Waive Former Vipers Tryout Defenceman Hlookoff:

The SPHL Mississippi RiverKings have waived former Vernon Vipers tryout defenceman Tanner Hlookoff (March 16th 2012).  Hlookoff attended the Vipers 2008 training camp.  In 23 regular season games with the RiverKings Hlookoff collected (2-1-3)  Hlookoff played for three teams in the SPHL this season (Mississippi, Louisiana & Fayetteville). 

Tanner Hlookoff's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=83803

Barons Eliminate Former Vipers D-Man Chay Genoway In Opening Round Of AHL Playoffs:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman, Chay Genoway & the AHL Houston Aeros lost 5-2 Tuesday night in Game 4 of the opening round of the AHL playoffs to the Oklahoma City Barons after the Barons took the best of five first round playoff series in four games.

Genoway is in his first season with the AHL Houston Aeros played in 72 regular season games this season collecting (7-29-36) made his NHL debut with the Minnesota Wil on April, 7th 2012 collecting 1 assist and being named 2nd star vs the Pheonix Coyotes. Genoway played one season in Vernon (2005-2006). In 56 regular season games with the Vipers Genoway collected (17-32-49). The Minnesota Wild signed Genoway to an entry-level contract back on April, 12th 2011.

Chay Genoway's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=92084

This is posted on the Aeros website:

AEROS POSTGAME REPORT

APRIL 24: OKC 5, HOU 2
Tues., April 24, 2012

OKLAHOMA CITY --- Josh Green scored twice, Mark Arcobello had a goal and an assist, Tyler Pitlick added a pair of assists, and the Oklahoma City Barons skated to a 5-2 win over the Houston Aeros in Game 4 of the AHL's Western Conference Quarterfinals Tuesday at Cox Convention Center. The Barons eliminated the Aeros from the 2012 Calder Cup Playoffs three-games-to-one with the win.

Nate Prosser and Kris Foucault scored Houston's goals, and goaltender Mike Brodeur made xx saves. Yann Danis stopped xx Houston shots to seal the series.

Arcobello staked OKC to a 1-0 lead 6:13 into the first period, but Prosser responded with 1:51 left in the opening stanza to knot the game at 1-1. It was the first playoff goal for both players.

Green gave the Barons a 2-1 lead 45 seconds into the middle period, but Foucault answered less than four minutes later to make a 2-2 game. Dylan Yeo scored the eventual game-winner with 8:51 gone by in the second period.

Phillippe Cornet added a goal at the 8:28 mark of the third period, and Josh Green tacked on an empty-netter with 1:30 left in the game.

BOMB DROPPINGS

Houston is now 10-8 in Game 4 AHL playoff action... The Aeros are 9-8 in games when they face elimination... Minnesota Wild Head Coach Mike Yeo was in attendance.

GOAL SCORERS

HOU: Prosser, Foucault
OKC: Arcobello, Yeo, Cornet, Green (2)

AEROS STARTERS

F – Almond, Bulmer, Palmieri
D – Bagnall, Fredheim
G – Brodeur

AEROS SCRATCHES

Olson, Penner, Scandella, Medvec, Mignardi, Lorenz, Palmer, Jobke, Clackson, Caron, Hackett, Kuemper, Cuma

DECIDING GOAL

Yeo (8:51, 2nd)

POWER PLAYS

HOU: 0/4
OKC: 0/4

GOALIES

HOU: Brodeur (22/26)
OKC: Danis (19/21)

Alumni Profile With Former Vernon Viper Tyson Strachan:

Here is a article that was posted on the ECHL website yesterday on former Vernon Vipers defenceman Tyson Strachan. Strachan played just one season in Vernon (2002-03) collecting (6-22-28) in 56 regular season games with the Vipers, before playing four years at Ohio State University. Strachan was drafted by Carolina in the fifth round (137th overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Strachan signed as a free agent with the Florida Panthers back in July after playing the last four seasons with the AHL Peoria Rivermen & the NHL St. Louis Blues.

Tyson Strachan's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=72630

This is posted on the ECHL website:

ECHL Alumni Profile - Tyson Strachan

April 25, 2012

By MIKE ASHMORE

Special to ECHL.com

NEWARK, N.J. – Tyson Strachan knew he'd be playing in the playoffs. He just didn't know which team he'd be playing for.

The 27-year-old defenseman, who played in 25 games for the Las Vegas Wranglers in 2007-08, spent the majority of his season with the AHL's San Antonio Rampage, but also filled in admirably during a 15-game stint with the Florida Panthers.

Strachan had already played in one Calder Cup Playoffs game with the Rampage when he got called up to the NHL after injuries sidelined both Jason Garrison and Keaton Ellerby. For Strachan, who has split the last four seasons between the AHL and NHL, it's not as challenging of a scenario as you may think.

"I don't think it's too difficult, it's the playoffs either way," said Strachan after Florida's Game 6 loss.

"It's that time of year that we all get excited for. I'm just trying to jump in and help out any way I can, whether I'm up or down. At the end of the day, there's a Cup at the end of the rainbow, so either way I've got to fight for that."

The Melfort, Saskatchewan native played in 50 games for the Rampage this season, registering three goals and 14 assists. While obviously grateful for an opportunity to see his first playing time in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Strachan admits it was a little difficult to leave his teammates behind to do so.

"Obviously, you're excited about coming here, but at the same time you feel bad for the guys that are in the middle of a battle down there," he said.

"You've got to say, 'OK, I'll see you later.' Obviously, that's a tough situation, but without me last game, they did fine. They're in good shape, but we just need to rebound and come back for the game on Thursday."

Strachan, who tallied his first NHL goal earlier this season, registered his first Stanley Cup Playoffs point on Tuesday, tallying an assist on Florida's second goal. Whether he'll get a chance to record another one remains to be seen, as reports out of Florida have Garrison being a game-time decision to play in Game 7 on Thursday. But if he does get the opportunity, Strachan has the right mindset to help the Panthers to the second round.

"It's a one game series now, and we worked all year to get this home ice advantage, and this is why," Strachan told ECHL.com. "So we just need to win one game at home and I know our fans will be there to root us on. Obviously, we'll look at this game and reflect on it a little bit and move on. We'll look forward to Thursday and bring our best game."

2014 RBC Cup Group "Cautiously Optimistic"

This is posted on the vernoncentral.ca website:

RBC Cup Group "Cautiously Optimistic"

RBC Cup Bid Committee

March 31 2012

Mike Lane, Co-chair of the committee vying to host the 2014 RBC Cup in Vernon, is cautiously optimistic that the committee’s March 28 presentation to Hockey Canada will help achieve the group’s goal.

“It went well, I think,” said Lane. “We identified six main factors that contribute to successful events of this sort and provided evidence that Vernon excels in

each of these categories.  Is it enough? We’ll know at the end of May when the bid is announced.”

One of the group’s main points is the passionate support that Vernon area hockey fans consistently demonstrate. That point, coupled with pent up demand for championship hockey in the Okanagan, was demonstrated by a closing video sequence.

The video showed various views of Cam Sylven’s overtime winning goal when the Vernon Lakers defeated the heavily favoured News Westminster Royals at a packed Civic Arena in 1990. Those views, taken from TSN’s pioneering coverage of the then-Centennial Cup, was intercut with  comments by fans who were at that game and who’d love to see the event return to Vernon.

Joining Lane in the presentation team were Patrick Nicol, Betty Chan Klepp, and Don Klepp. “Don took the lead,” says Lane, “but Patrick was our star performer. He spoke eloquently about Vernon’s passion for the game, about strong fan support, and the amazing group of volunteers in the area.”

“We also made a point of wanting to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the CAHA and Hockey Canada. After all, we have plenty of history of our own here in the Okanagan. Having the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame here at the Wesbild Centre is a big plus.”

The presentation was held in Hockey Canada’s state-of-the-art new facility at Calgary’s Canada Olympic Park. Vernon’s group followed the group from Terrebonne, Quebec.

A poignant note was provided by 9-year-old Beamer Wigley, a Penticton resident who’s appearing in this year’s Our Kids Have Talent gala. Beamer has written a hockey song especially for the Vernon bid committee.

As Vernon RBC Cup group’s multimedia presentation drew to a close, a still photo of Cam Sylven’s winning shot was accompanied by Beamer singing “so come to Vernon, head to our rink, it’s hockey time tonight.”   

For the next step in the bid process, Vernon’s RBC Cup committee is preparing to answer follow-up questions from Hockey Canada’s selection committee.

Brewers Trying To Get Former Vernon Viper Morgan Going At The Plate:

Will the Milwaukee Brewers play former Vernon Vipers defenceman Nyjer Morgan or let him sit and give him a break?  Morgan played as an "AP" with the Vipers during the(1996-1997) season. Morgan was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 33rd round ofthe 2002 Major League Baseball Draft. On March 27, 2011, Morgan was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for prospect Cutter Dykstra.
Nyjer Morgan's Player Profile:

http://brewers.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=460579#gameType='S'§ionType=career&statType=1&season=2012

This was posted on the Brewers website:

Brewers trying to get Morgan going at the plate

By Adam McCalvy / MLB.com | 04/19/12

MILWAUKEE -- Play on or give him a break? That is the decision the Brewers will make regarding slumping center fielder Nyjer Morgan.

"We'll see how that goes," manager Ron Roenicke said Wednesday, unwilling to tip his hand. "I want to get him going, and whatever we feel is best to get him going, we'll try to do."

Morgan, an emotional engine of the Brewers' club-record-setting 2011 season, is sputtering to start 2012. He went 4-for-32 with eight strikeouts, no walks and no extra-base hits in his first 10 games. Last season, Morgan batted .304.

He was out of Wednesday's lineup because the Brewers faced a left-hander in Chris Capuano. With righty Aaron Harang starting for the Dodgers on Thursday, Roenicke and his coaches will face a decision. Go back to Morgan and try to get him going, or give Morgan another day of mental rest and start Norichika Aoki instead.

"Yes, [Morgan] is frustrated," Roenicke said. "He had such a good year last year. He really didn't have any major slumps that he went into. He had, maybe, a week where he wasn't swinging the bat well. ... To start off, his Spring Training was a little bit off, and he hasn't found it. It is frustrating to him. He wants to help us win, and he knows he needs to do his part. That's never easy."

Defending Champs Eliminate Former Vernon Viper Brodie From ECHL Western Conference Semifinals:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman, Cameron Brodie and the ECHL Stockton Thunder were eliminated 4-1 Saturday night in Game 5 of the Western Conference Quarterfinal after the defending Kelly Cup champion Alaska Aces finished off the Thunder in five games.

Cameron Brodie is in his second season with the Thunder, also played three games with the AHL Texas Stars this season before returning to Stockton. In 52 regular season games with the Thunder Brodie collected (0-7-7) collected just one assist in eight playoff games. Brodie played parts of one season in Vernon (2008-2009) after being aquired from the Coquitlam Express at the BCHL trade deadline.

Cameron Brodie's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=81370

This is in the Anchorage Daily News:

Aces finals bound

Kissel nets three points in Alaska's victory over Stockton, winning semifinal series 4-1.

By DOYLE WOODY

Anchorage Daily News

By DOYLE WOODY Anchorage Daily News

April 22nd, 2012

Their tenure in the ECHL covers just nine hockey seasons, yet the Alaska Aces treat advancing to the conference finals -- just one precious step removed from the championship round -- as if it were a franchise birthright.

Read more here: http://www.adn.com/2012/04/21/2434802/aces-drop-stockton-advance-to.html#storylink=cpy

Saturday night, the defending Kelly Cup champions dismissed the home-standing Stockton Thunder for the third straight game, 4-1 in Game 5 of the conference semifinals, to lock their spot in the Western Conference Finals.

This marks the third time in four seasons and the sixth time in those nine ECHL seasons that the two-time Cup winners have qualified for the conference finals.

And this club that proved exceedingly average on the road in the regular season -- Alaska's 14-13-9 record in hostile rinks tied for 10th on the 20-team circuit -- did so by overwhelming Stockton in its own barn.

After splitting the first two games of the best-of-7 series in Anchorage, the Aces reeled off three straight road kills at Stockton Arena by a combined score of 12-3, and Saturday never gave the Thunder more than a brief, faint sniff of hope.

"Stockton for the most part is a very good hockey team, they're a hard-working hockey team,'' Aces coach Rob Murray said by cellphone. "But at the end of the day we had more depth and it showed through.

"Good goaltending, and the guys played well to a man. The cream rose to the top, I guess you could say, and we were able to manage the series real well when we got down here.''

The Aces regained home-ice advantage, though it turned out they never needed it, with Wednesday's 4-0 win, and they pushed the Thunder into a win-or-book-tee-times position with Friday's 4-2 victory.

Aces goaltender Gerald Coleman, who stopped 30 shots Saturday, said a speech by assistant coach and former Aces defenseman Louis Mass about commitment and passion prior to Game 3 furnished inspiration and energy for a veteran team. About half the club consists of returners from last year's Kelly Cup champs, who blitzed through three rounds of playoffs with a 12-1 record.

Also, energy from newcomers like Ryan Cruthers and Chris Bruton boosted the vets, Coleman said. He said the Aces also found a bit of motivation in hearing the Thunder celebrate their 3-2 overtime win in Game 2.

"Last year was kind of a fluke -- you're not going 12-1 again,'' Coleman said. "It's going to be a grind.

"Experience played a big part. We heard them hooting and hollering like they won the Stanley Cup (after Game 2). We don't have that mentality. For us, it's just another day at the office. We look at it like, 'That's just one game.' "

Consecutive goals midway through the first period Saturday furnished the Aces a quick lead and put them on their way to three straight road wins for the first time since late November and just the second time all season.

The Aces await the winner of the Las Vegas-Idaho series, in which Las Vegas holds a 3-1 command entering Sunday's Game 5 in Boise.

Dan Kissel, who opened the scoring, led Alaska's assault Saturday with two goals and an assist. Defenseman Steve Ward, who furnished the game-winning strike in Game 4 with a power-play goal, added another power-play marker, and Garry Nunn notched his second goal of the series.

As Murray pointed out, though, the series victory hinged on collaboration. Nine different Aces scored goals and 18 players, including Coleman (Game 3 assist) generated at least one point. Also, the Aces permitted seven goals in five games. Coleman racked a goals-against average of 1.36 and a save percentage of .946, and his only loss of the series came on Chris D'Alvise's overtime, power-play snipe job, which was of the highest quality.

In the last two postseasons combined, Coleman is 15-2 with a 1.62 goals-against average and .940 save percentage -- those are the kind of numbers that get guys fitted for rings.

"Recently, he's been lights out,'' Murray said.

Kissel's goal midway through the first period, after Brian Swanson deflected a Wes Goldie shot, furnished a 1-0 lead. Ward soon cranked his power-play goal, which appeared to change direction after hitting a Stockton stick, to push the margin to 2-0.

Though Stockton's Jesse Fratkin answered three minutes into the second period when Mike Little's floating shot banked off Fratkin's lower body, Nunn redirected a Nick Mazzolini pass behind Olivier Roy (22 saves) about four minutes later to restore Alaska's two-goal cushion at 3-1.

Kissel late in the second period had a 2-on-1 with Goldie and roofed a left-circle rocket over Roy's glove.

Coleman and company, who were unhappy with their defensive performance in Game 2, when they surrendered an abundance of scoring chances, applied the clamps after that, just as they did throughout the three games in California.

"We knew we didn't play well defensively in Game 2, and we took that to heart, and we wanted to be better,'' Coleman said.

Shuffling the deck

Murray said a Stockton fan doused him with beer in the waning seconds of the game and was removed by security.

"Some guy poured a beer over my head and ruined my hairdo,'' Murray, who keeps his locks cut trim, joked to broadcaster Josh Bogorad in a post-game television interview. "I got out on the ice and Colesy looked at me funny because I smelled like beer.''

Aces defenseman Brandon Gentile sat out with an upper-body injury suffered in Game 4. Rookie David Shields, in his pro playoff debut, filled in nicely, furnishing two assists and a plus-2 rating.

Also missing was Bruton, out with a lower-body injury. Rookie Tim Hall took his spot in the lineup.

Both teams lost pivotal players just six minutes into the game. Cruthers speared D'Alvise on a face-off and D'Alvise, Stockton's most dangerous player, countered by cross-checking Cruthers in the back of the head. Both players received major penalties and game misconducts. Still, pretty good trade-off for the Aces.

Mazzolini led Aces scorers in the series with 3-3--6 totals, and Kissel (3-2--5) and Goldie (1-4--5) each furnished five points. Goldie was the only player in the series to have a point in each game, and he led the Aces with a plus-6 rating. Chad Anderson led Aces defensemen with a plus-4 rating.

After struggling on the power play late in the regular season and in the first two games of the series -- the Aces went 0 for 27 during that stretch -- Alaska scored a power-play goal in each of the last three games of the series.

Aces 2 2 0 -- 4

Stockton 0 1 0 -- 1

First Period -- 1, Aces, Kissel 2 (Swanson, Goldie), 11:13; 2, Aces, Ward 2 (Miller, Goldie), 13:04 (pp). Penalties -- Foy, Stockton (interference), :08; D'Alvise, Stockton, major-game misconduct (cross-checking), 5:57; Aces, Cruthers, major-game misconduct (spearing), 5:57; Deck, Stockton (holding the stick), 12:34.

Second Period -- 3, Stockton, Fratkin 2 (Little, Foy), 3:14; 4, Aces, Nunn 2 (Mazzolini, Shields), 7:30; 5, Aces, Kissel 3 (Shields), 18:32. Penalties -- Anderson, Aces (roughing), 14:26.

Third Period -- None. Penalties -- Hunt, Stockton (high-sticking), 11:28; Miller, Aces (cross-checking), 13:09; Squires, Stockton (tripping), 14:53; Foy, Stockton (slashing), 16:04; Kwiet, Stockton, misconduct-game misconduct (unsportsmanlike conduct), 19:08; Anderson, Aces, misconduct (unsportsmanlike conduct), 19:08; Brodie, Stockton (boarding), 19:53.

Shots on goal -- Aces 8-11-7--26. Stockton 8-16-7--31.

Power-play Opportunities -- Aces 1 of 6. Stockton 0 of 2.

Goalies -- Aces, Coleman, 4-1 (31 shots-30 saves). Stockton, Roy, 4-4 (26-22).

A -- 3,914 (9,737). T -- 2:22.

Referee -- Joe Sullivan. Linesmen -- Todd Owen, Wally Lacroix.

Read more here: http://www.adn.com/2012/04/21/2434802/aces-drop-stockton-advance-to.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.adn.com/2012/04/21/2434802/aces-drop-stockton-advance-to.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.adn.com/2012/04/21/2434802/aces-drop-stockton-advance-to.html#storylink=cpy