Vernon Vipers/Wenatchee Wild Playoff Preview:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

Interior Division Playoff Preview

February 26, 2020 

Next up in our divisional playoff previews is the Interior Division. This year is unique as we have two crossover teams in the Prince George Spruce Kings and the Victoria Grizzlies, while the Penticton Vees and Trail Smoke Eaters will look to build on stellar regular seasons and go on a long postseason run.

#4 Wenatchee Wild vs. #5 Vernon Vipers

Head to head:

Vernon won the season series 4-2 with one of their wins coming in a shootout.

Of note:

Wenatchee

The Wild boast one of the most balanced attacks in the BCHL this year with Nick Cafarelli, Brett Chorske,  Matt Dorsey, Brian Adams and Tyler Young all within three points of each other for the team lead. Wenatchee’s offence got a huge boost when they added Sam Morton who started the season playing his sophomore year at Union College. The 20-year-old last played for the Wild in 2017-18 during their championship season and produced 31 points in 26 games after his return, posting 1.19 points-per-game, the sixth best mark in the league.

First-year BCHLer Drew Bavaro led the way on the back end for the Wild this year, putting up 33 points in 51 games to lead all Wenatchee defencemen. Trevor Griebel and Tanner Main also had productive years, while midseason addition Noah Lugli proved to be a great fit on the team’s blueline.

In the crease, Daniel Chenard has been the undoubted starter since day one. The BCHL veteran finished with a record of 21-16-3 and two shutouts in his first season in Wenatchee after coming over form the Chilliwack Chiefs in the offseason.

Vernon

Vipers forward Matt Kowalski was the standout performer for the team this year, finishing tied for seventh in league scoring with 61 points in 58 games. His 26 goals were also tied for seventh in the BCHL. Team captain Connor Marritt also had a productive season, tying for second on the team with 47 points, while midseason pickup Dawson Holt also finished with 47 and led the team in points-per-game with a mark of 1.15 per contest after coming over from the Regina Pats of the WHL.

A veteran of 184 regular-season games, Vipers defenceman Landon Fuller had by far his best season offensively, more than tripling his career goal total and nearly doubling his career points total. 2020 NHL Draft prospect Trey Taylor was also a standout for Vernon along with 20-year-old Jackson Caller.

The Vipers went through a few goalies during the 2019-20 season, but ended up sticking with 2000-born Reilly Herbst, which proved to be the best decision. Herbst finished the year with a record of 20-10-2 with a .901 save percentage, a 2.91 goals-against average and one shutout.

Final word:

This one is as close as it gets on paper. The teams finished one point apart in the standings, giving the Wild home-ice advantage. That could be the key to the series as Wenatchee has been a tough place for opponents to play since they came into the league. Another key factor will be how the team’s top-end talent produces. If Morton, Dorsey and company get hot for the Wild, then Vernon could be in trouble. Same can be said for Wenatchee  if Kowalski, Holt and their other offensive players get going.

Former Vipers Defenceman Will Dow-Kenny Suspended:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Will Dow-Kenny has been suspended.

This is posted on the BCHLnetwork.ca

Riv blueliner Dow-Kenny suspended two games

Written by Brian Wiebe on February 23, 2020

Rivermen defenceman Dow-Kenny to miss two games

Langley Rivermen defenceman Will Dow-Kenny has been suspended two games for receiving a major penalty and a game misconduct for kneeing during Friday’s 3-2 win over Surrey.

Dow-Kenny, who has three goals and ten assists in 54 games this season, will sit out Sunday’s regular season finale in Chilliwack and game one of the Rivermen’s first round playoff series against Coquitlam.

Dow-Kenny attended the Vipers spring camp and training camp in 2017, played in two exhibition games (2017) before being cut-released. Dow-Kenny committed to the Vipers April 14th 2018.

The Vipers traded Dow-Kenny to the Chilliwack Chiefs August 7th 2018 for Carver Watson. The Chiefs traded Dow-Kenny to the Vipers January 10th 2019 for Mitch Andres. The Vipers traded Dow-Kenny, Coleton Bilodeau, Tyler Ho & future considerations to the CCHL Kanata Lasers June 26th 2019 for Connor Sleeth. The Lasers traded Dow-Kenny To Langley July 10th 2019.

In 15 games with the Vipers, Dow-Kenny collected two assists.

Will Dow-Kenny's Player Profile:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/351467/will-dow-kenny

Fan Experience Survey:

The Langley Rivermen have a fan experience survey posted on there website for fans to fill out. It caught my eye, as not only do I think this is a great idea for the Vernon Vipers, but I think all junior hockey teams should be handing these out or be doing something like this to try and better fan/game experience.

This was posted on the Langley Rivermen website:

2019 Langley Rivermen Fan Experience Survey

Name 

First                                Last

Which community do you live in? 

Abbotsford 

Aldergrove 

Brookswood 

Cloverdale 

Fort Langley 

Langley City 

Murrayville 

Northwest Langley 

Surrey 

Walnut Grove 

Other 

What is your age? 

Under 18 

18-24 

25-34 

35-44 

45-54 

55-64 

65+

Are you a season ticket holder? 

Yes

No

How many tickets do you usually purchase per game? 

1 

2 

3-4 

5+

How many Rivermen home games did you attend during the 2018/19 season? 

0 

1 

2-5 

6-10 

11-15 

16-20 

21+

How do you usually purchase tickets for other events? 

Box Office 

Online 

Phone/E-mail

Would you purchase Rivermen tickets online if the option was available? 

Yes 

No 

Maybe

What aspects do you enjoy about the experience at Rivermen home games? *

What aspects do you dislike about the experience at Rivermen home games? 

How would you rate the overall fan experience at Rivermen games? 

What suggestions do you have to improve the fan experience at Rivermen games?

The New Centennial Cup Unveiled:

This was posted on the CJHL website:

The new Centennial Cup unveiled

February 16, 2020 

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, Man. — The new Centennial Cup was unveiled Saturday in Portage la Prairie, Man., in a pre-game ceremony in a Manitoba Junior Hockey League contest between the 2020 Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, host Portage Terriers and the Dauphin Kings.

Among those on hand for the unveiling was CJHL President Brent Ladds and MJHL Director of Operations Kevin Saurette.

The 50th edition of Canada’s National Junior A Championship set for May 9-17 in Portage la Prairie, Man.

Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Junior Hockey League, announced earlier the event will return to its original name – the Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons – starting in 2020.

“There is a long-standing and deep-rooted history of this event that brings together the top Junior A teams from across the country and we look forward to honouring that history by returning to the event’s original name,” said Dean McIntosh, vice-president of events and properties with Hockey Canada. “For 49 years, hockey fans from across the country have embraced this tournament, and we are excited to officially reintroduce the Centennial Cup in Portage la Prairie in 2020 and celebrate the 50th edition of the event.”

In 1971, the Red Deer Rustlers of the Alberta Junior Hockey League claimed the inaugural championship and Manitoba Centennial Trophy with a win over the Charlottetown Islanders. The final Centennial Cup was awarded to the Calgary Canucks in 1995, with the tournament being re-named the Royal Bank Cup from 1996 to 2018.

“Within the CJHL, we are exceedingly excited about reactivating the Centennial Cup,” said CJHL president Brent Ladds. “It represents a cherished memory from our past and will capture the period of the RBC Cup to maintain the history of the road to the National Junior A Championship, which is so important to our members.”

The 2020 Centennial Cup represents a partnership between Hockey Canada, the Canadian Junior Hockey League, Manitoba Junior Hockey League and Hockey Manitoba.

For more information on the 2020 Centennial Cup, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook or Twitter.

Thunder Trade Ex Vernon Viper Martin To Jacksonville:

The ECHL Adirondack Thunder have traded former Vernon Vipers forward forward Craig Martin to the Jacksonville Icemen.

Martin was in his first season with the Thunder, had two points in seven games this season.

Martin spent the past four seasons at Quinnipiac University (2015-2019) before signing his first professional contract with the American Hockey League Springfield Thunderbirds April 2nd 2019. Martin signed an amateur tryout with the Thunderbirds, didn't play a single game before being released. The Thunder signed Martin July 8th 2019. 

Martin played parts of two seasons in Vernon (2012-2014) was traded to Alberni Valley along with future considerations for Jared Wilson on October 1st 2013.  In 46 career games with the Vipers Martin collected (10-goals-13-assists-23-points). Martin also played with Trail & Alberni Valley.

Craig Martin's Player Profile:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/126247/craig-martin

This was posted on the Icemen website:

Icemen Acquire Forward Craig Martin From Adirondack

26 Nov 2019

JACKSONVILLE, FL – The Jacksonville Icemen, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets and AHL’s Manitoba Moose announced Tuesday that the team has acquired forward Craig Martin from the Adirondack Thunder in exchange for forward James Phelan. 

Martin, 24, joins the Icemen after posting a goal and an assist in seven games played with the Thunder this season.  The 6-1, 182-pound rookie forward totaled 75 points (27g, 48a) in 134 games during his four collegiate seasons at Quinnipiac University from 2015-2019.  The Trail, BC native won an ECAC title with Quinnipiac in 2016.

Phelan heads to Adirondack after recording two points in 12 games played with the Icemen this season.

Steelheads Look To Former Viper Andrusiak For Offensive Output:

Here is an article on former Vernon Vipers forward Zach Andrusiak. 

Andrusiak is in his first season with the ECHL Idaho Steelheads.

Andrusiak spent the past three seasons in the Western Hockey League with Seattle, Prince Albert & Everett before signing his first professional contract with the Steelheads August 8th 2019. In 49 games this season, Andrusiak has (10-goals-13-assists-23-points).

Andrusiak played fifteen games with the 2015-16 Vernon Vipers. The Vipers signed Andrusiak October 1st 2015 after being released from the Western Hockey League Tri-City Americans. Andrusiak picked up two assists with the Vipers before being released November 5th 2015. 

Zach Andrusiak's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=247479

This was in the Idaho Press newspaper:

Steelheads look to rookie Zack Andrusiak for offensive output

Oct 9 2019 

By JOHN WUSTROW jwustrow@idahopress.com

BOISE — As a 20-year old last year, Zack Andrusiak shined as one of the oldest players in the Western Hockey League.

Now the Idaho Steelheads are hoping the youngest player on their roster can give their offense a boost this season.

So far, things are looking good for Andrusiak, as the rookie notched a goal in each of Idaho’s two preseason games against the Utah Grizzlies last weekend and had an assist in Saturday’s game at CenturyLink Arena. His professional career will kick off in full force on Friday as the Steelheads open the regular season with a game against the Grizzlies in West Valley City, Utah.

“Obviously it’s going to be different playing against older guys,” said Andrusiak, who signed with Idaho in August. “I was the oldest guy in my league last year on the ice, so it’s obviously going to be different. But I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Over the past two seasons in the WHL, the left wing has averaged more than a point per game, scoring 74 goals and recording 64 assists. He had back-to-back 35-goal seasons to end his junior career, including 38 goals last season, a season which saw him traded from the Seattle Thunderbirds to the Everett Silvertips midway through the year. He added six goals and three assists for the Silvertips in the playoffs

Entering his rookie season in the ECHL, Andrusiak is hopeful he can keep up that same type of production in front of the net.

“I’ve always been able to put up some numbers at the levels I’ve played,” Andrusiak said. “I kind of try to stick to my strengths and I’ve got a pretty good shot. So I try to shoot the puck when I can and just try to help out the team in any area I can.”

While the Steelheads do have 14 players from last season’s squad back for the 2019-20 campaign, they do lose each of their top four goal scorers from a year ago — Steve McParland, Elgin Pierce, Reid Petryk and Brad McClure.

That quartet combined for 84 goal last year, nearly 35 percent of Idaho’s offensive output. Andrusiak’s offensive prowess should help makeup for some of that lost production.

“He’s been a great addition to us for sure,” said Spencer Naas, Idaho’s leading returning goal scorer, who had 18 last year. “He can obviously shoot the puck and whenever you get a new player that brings some new energy. He uses his skills and his shot to create offense, so I’m excited to see him do that more this season. Hopefully he can continue to contribute like he did and should be a great addition for us.”

The past couple of years, Andrusiak has proven a threat to score nearly every time he is on the ice. Before being acquired by Everett last season, he recorded three hat tricks, two in back-to-back games in November.

He tallied six goals in his final two games with the Thunderbirds, four in a home game against the Portland Winterhawks and two more two days later in Portland. He added a fourth hat trick in January with the Silvertips in a game against the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

“I think we watched all of his goals from the past few seasons,” said Idaho coach Everett Sheen. “We knew that he had a knack for the net, knew when to go to the dirty area. There was nothing but rave reviews on his personality and character. We had a pretty thorough background on him when we signed him.”

Prior to signing with the Steelheads, Andrusiak said he had never been to Boise, and only ever been in Idaho once, when his Canadian Sports School Hockey League Midget team played the Compete Hockey School in Coeur d’Alene. But his agency, The Sports Corporation, represents current Steelheads Mitch Moroz and Keegan Kanzig. He also works out with former Steelhead Brady Brassart. Everything he heard about Boise and the organization was glowing.

“I heard nothing but great things about the city,” Andrusiak said. “I heard it was very comparable to where I live in the Okanagan (region of British Columbia). I just got a real good feel, the mountains remind me of Kamloops, and that’s not too far from where I live. So it reminds me of home, for sure.”

Blog Hits 1.8 Million Viewers:

On Monday, February 24th this blog hit 1,800,000 (1.8 million) viewers/page views.

I would like to take this time to thank all of you, the viewers who support and visit this blog. Without you the fans/viewers, this blog would not be possible. It's you, the fans/viewers who keep this blog going.

I first created and started this blog in November 2008 and since then have over 1.8 million viewers. To follow the view count, check out the counter on the left hand side of this blog.

Blogger tells me how many viewers I get per day, per week, per month and per year. During the Vipers/hockey season, I average between 450-1100 viewers a day, depending on the day and time of year. The stats drop once summer hits, obviously a slow time of the season. Last summer I managed to average between 300-400 viewers a day. I had 17,092 viewers for the month of January.

Blogger also tells me, where the viewers are from, what part of the country, what device they are using while on my blog and how the viewers contacted my blog. I get viewers from all across the country, visiting my blog.

Thank you again, and thank you for your support.

Thanks, Vipersdiehardfan

Vernon Vipers Playoff Preview:

This was posted on Globalnews.ca

2020 Vernon Vipers Playoff Preview

February 20 2020 

With only two games left in the regular season the Vernon Vipers still don’t know who they will face in the first round of the BCHL playoffs. After 56 games, the snakes have amassed 63 points and are currently tied for fourth place with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.

https://globalnews.ca/video/6576792/2020-vernon-vipers-playoff-preview

Vernon Vipers Playoff Schedule:

Vernon Vipers 2020 Playoff Schedule

5th place Vernon Vipers 30-24-2-2 vs 4th place Wenatchee Wild 30-23-4-1

Game 1 Saturday, February 29th Vernon @ Wenatchee 7:05pm

Game 2 Sunday, March 1st Vernon @ Wenatchee 7:05pm

Game 3 Tuesday, March 3rd Wenatchee @ Vernon 7pm

Game 4 Wednesday, March 4th Wenatchee @ Vernon 7pm

Game 5 Friday, March 6th Vernon @ Wenatchee 7:05pm

Game 6 Sunday, March 8th Wenatchee @ Vernon 2pm

Game 7 Tuesday, March 10th Vernon @ Wenatchee 7:05pm

Mariners Trade Vipers Alumni Coughlin To Norfolk:

The ECHL Maine Mariners have traded former Vernon Vipers defenceman Johnny Coughlin to the Norfolk Admirals.

Coughlin was entering his second season with the Mariners, finished his fourth and final season at College of the Holy Cross in March 2019 before signing his first professional contract with the Mariners March 15th 2019. Coughlin collected four assists in ten games with the Mariners last year.

Coughlin played one season in Vernon, playing in 55 games with the 2014-15 Vipers, collecting (3-goals-15-assists-18-points). 

Johnny Coughlin's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=301076

This was posted on the Admirals website:

Admirals Acquire Defenseman Coughlin from Maine

16 Oct 2019

Norfolk, VA  -  The Norfolk Admirals of the ECHL announced today they have acquired defenseman Johnny Coughlin from the Maine Mariners in exchange for future considerations.

Coughlin, 6’3, 205 lbs, joins the Admirals after playing in ten games with the Mariners last season. Before joining the Mariners last season, he completed his four-year career at College of Holy Cross (NCAA D-I).

While in his tenure at Holy Cross, the 24-year native of Airport, NY quickly established himself as one of the more reliable defensemen on the team. He played in at least 35 games each season and had an on-ice rating of +28.

"The commitment to our fans is that we will never stop pursuing the best players who will play all out for our logo, Johnny Coughlin fits that objective and we welcome him to Norfolk,” said Admirals Owner Patrick Cavanagh.

In his senior campaign, Coughlin was tied for second in total points (21), just one short of the team lead. He also served as an assistant captain to his team.

“I am excited about the opportunity to join the Admirals this season,” said Coughlin. "I have heard great things about the new coaching and ownership group and I can’t wait to get started on the ice.”