Sssniper & Vipers Blog!!

Mr. Excitement Goes Back to College

2011-05-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

Mission accomplished – Malcolm Lyles has regained his confidence and has earned another NCAA athletic scholarship.

After languishing at the bottom end of the depth chart at Boston College for two years, the athletically gifted native of Miami Gardens, Florida left that university to play Junior “A” hockey in his last year of eligibility.
“Things weren’t working out for me at Boston College, and I was losing my edge, my self-belief. Basically, I had just one chance and that was to come to Vernon. My hockey career would have ended quietly at Boston College if I hadn’t come here. I didn’t even have a full set of equipment!”
Malcolm says that he has “learned a lot about hockey and about life in Vernon.” He adds that he feels “revitalized. I feel optimistic again, like maybe I can be a decent player.” A big part of that rebirth, he says, is “enjoying being around a great bunch of guys on this team.”
The 21-year-old says that “Playing and living in Vernon has been a real eye-opener. There’s a good atmosphere here, a positive vibe. It definitely starts with the owner and coaches and it flows into the dressing room.”
Indeed, he is staying around until early June, when his university classes will wrap up. Malcolm has been taking a full load of courses in order to satisfy requirements that will allow him to play NCAA hockey next year.

He has committed to the University of Massachusetts (Lowell) where he will play for the River Hawks during his Junior and Senior years. He feels that he will have a much better chance of being a regular on that squad because he’s “learned some of the finer points of playing defence from Willy and Ferns.”
This summer he will again train with Mike Boyle and Paul Vincent, who have previously helped develop Malcolm’s legendary strength and quickness. He says, “They are two of the best, and I’d be nowhere without them.”
He has worked hard this year, on and off the ice. He says that he has worked as hard before, but “Now I’m working smarter. Brains over brawn, you know?”
His speed, strength, and mobility have earned him several nicknames. Some refer to Malcolm’s own favourite moniker, Malcolm “Styles” Lyles. He has also been known as “Mr. Excitement,” “Action Jackson,” and “The Chocolate Rocket.”
Whatever the nickname, Malcolm Lyles has left a strong impression on Vernon hockey fans. He will not soon be forgotten.

Kyle Murphy Gave Everything He Had

2011-05-16T09:02:00.000-07:00

Written By Don Klepp

Let’s start this article with a short question-and-answer.

Q: How do you pack a 200-pound heart into a 170 pound body?
A: I don’t know; you’ll have to ask Kyle Murphy.

An example of Kyle’s work ethic and determination came in the final two games of this year’s RBC Cup, held recently in Camrose, Alberta. He played the entire tournament on a wonky left knee. Then, in the semi-final against Wellington, he laid himself full out to block a shot.
The puck sliced his right knee open, but he finished the game and then played the final game with both knees heavily bandaged. As Mark Ferner put it, “Some guys in the playoffs will play on one leg because it’s the playoffs. Murph played that final game on no legs.”
“We brought him in to be a veteran leader because of what we heard about his character. That’s exactly what he brought to the team. He was great in the [faceoff] circle, he checked like crazy, and he just played the game right.”

Kyle often showed his gutsy style in the faceoff circle, where he would get down low and work to tie up opposing centres. He especially excelled late in games. Case in point: in the seventh game against Spruce Grove, Kyle won his last five draws, all in the Viper zone, with the Vipers clinging to a one-goal lead.
His tenacious play led the Viper broadcast crew to refer to the New Jersey native as a “bulldog, ”a “pit bull,” and a “terrier.” (The Viper broadcasters’ grasp of canine terminology is somewhat inconsistent, but they recognize tenacity when they see it.)
Kyle also put up some decent scoring numbers, 20 goals and 28 assists in 78 games, good for fourth place on the team. His biggest goal was the neat deflection that knotted the score at 3-3 in the Vipers’ sensational comeback win over the Powell River Kings in the deciding game of the Fred Page Cup.
He certainly had the pedigree to be successful. He played at a high level in Boston minor hockey and then at the Shattuck St. Mary’s prep school before accepting a scholarship to the fabled Notre Dame university.
At Notre Dame, he didn’t get the ice time that he expected. So, even though the experience of studying and
living at Notre Dame “was first class,” he opted to leave that school to “play the game I love at a level I could accept.”
The study skills he developed at Shattuck St. Mary’s and Notre Dame have certainly helped him navigate a challenging year in Vernon. In order to retain his remaining two years of NCAA eligibility, this year he had to take a full load of university classes and graduate with an associate degree.
This year he took 10 business classes through the extensive online program at Central Texas College. He completed six of those courses after Christmas. How did he manage it? He says, “I still can’t believe it, to be honest. It’s all a blur. It got really hectic, especially during the playoffs when the assignments and exams came thick and fast. But I got some help from the team’s academic advisors and I tried to plan ahead.”

His work has paid off – he has earned an “A” in every one of the 10 classes, an amazing achievement for someone involved in a lengthy playoff run.

One of his business classes was a business internship. He chose to work in the Viper office, with Marketing
Manager Heidi Haas and Business Operations Manager Todd Miller. Kyle helped with publicity, promotions, sponsorship sales, and ticket sales, in what he calls “a really good experience for someone who’s interested in sports and business. I learned a lot about the business side of a sports organization from Heidi and Todd.”
As he reclined in a bed at Vernon Jubilee hospital, recovering from the second of two operations to deal with a staph infection that has ravaged his cut right knee, Kyle spoke of the Viper coaches. “I’ve been lucky to have good coaches over the years, but Ferns and Willy are one of the best, if not the best coaching staffs I’ve played for. Their knowledge and communications make them exactly the kind of coaches a player wants.”
He’s looking forward to getting rid of the IV drip line, which he’ll have for a couple of weeks after he leaves
hospital: “once the antibiotics kick in, I’ll get back to training and I’ll get ready for this fall.”

He is mulling offers from three universities, all in the Northeastern United States. “All three are good schools for academics and hockey. I’m looking forward to next year, but I’ll never forget the great year I had in Vernon.”

Viper Fans Converge on Camrose

2011-05-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

Heather Kakoske (L) and Kim Robinson (R) participate in an RBC Cup trivia contest

Jason Williamson's puppy, Bauer, joins the Viper tail gate party on May 5

Viper players' parents participate in a tail gate party before the May 5 game

Viper Fans Converge on Camrose

May 6, 2011. Special report from Camrose.

Viper marketing manager Heidi Haas has been busy fielding requests for tickets at the RBC Cup in Camrose.

“Each game we’re allowed 100 tickets for our fans to purchase and I’ve had no problem moving those tickets,” says Heidi.

In addition to the travelling group of Viper die hard fans, most of the Viper players’ parents have travelled to Camrose. Some, such as the Kakoskes, Corkeys, Thompsons, Voths, and Robinsons, have been here all week. Others, such as the Murphys and Nowicks, have arrived in time for the weekend games.

Mike and Karen Murphy and Kyle Murphy’s younger brother Brendan arrived Thursday afternoon from New Jersey, just in time for a tail gate party in the Edgeworth Centre parking lot. Brendan, one of four hockey playing Murphys, was somewhat disappointed because Kyle sat out the Thursday game with a nagging injury.

Benton Hadley, who has been on a lot of airplanes lately, likes the Vipers’ chances: “this team keeps rising to the occasion. Earlier in the playoffs, we were in the process of booking a family holiday, and Aaron told us to wait until the RBC Cup was finished. That tells me something about the players’ confidence!”

Marcus Basara’s parents, Milos and Karen, talked about the joy they see in their son. Karen said, “Marcus was on a team that won the Telus Cup last year, so he has some experience in this kind of atmosphere, but he’s very excited this year. We’re delighted to see him so happy.”

Heather Kakoske and Kim Robinson shared a chuckle about their appearance on the big screen during an intermission at the Viper/Wellington game. They participated in an RBC Cup trivia quiz hosted by Camrose play-by-play announcer Tim Ellis. “We just tried to have some fun with it. I mean, who cares which Ontario team last won the RBC Cup?”

All told, 17 of the Vipers had family members at the tail gate party that was organized by the Corkeys and Heidi Haas. More will be present for this weekend’s playoff games.

Jack Gilroy, David Robinson’s uncle, played junior hockey in Vernon and Brandon and then went on to a pro career. He said, “People in Vernon are excited for the team and what they’ve done for Vernon. We’re known nationally again. These kids are amazing ambassadors for our community so we’re here to support them.”

Kakoske's Thoughts!

2011-05-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

The Vipers had a day off on Sunday but they couldn't stay away from the rink! Some of the boys caught the 3:30 game where I had the chance to chat with Bryce Kakoske

What do you think of Camrose so far?

The rink is really nice but I haven't seen much of the city, been busy with playing and practicing.

Is the RBC as special the 3rd time as it was the 1st and 2nd time?

Oh for sure I think so. I don't know how many others have done it. It's pretty cool.

What makes the Vernon Vipers so special?

We were so young at the start of the season and we came together right at the start. A lot of great guys on this team.

What's everyone doing in their spare time?

I got to hang out with my parents and brother this afternoon. It's pretty cool having them here and my bother hasn't seen me play since last year so it's nice that he can come watch my final junior A hockey games.

Last year, last games...how are you feeling?

I just cherish every moment and take it all in, it doesn't get any easier after this.

Message From Hockey Canada

2011-04-24T22:19:00.000-07:00

Hey Vernon Vipers fans,

Congratulations on winning the Doyle Cup. Your team has made it all the way back to the RBC Cup again to compete for your third consecutive National Junior A Championship. The season started with 137 Junior A teams competing for this great trophy and your team is one of the remaining five teams, so you should be proud.

If you are looking to follow your Vipers at the RBC Cup, here are a few ways to make it real easy.

Website – real time scores, stats, interviews and tournament stories – www.hockeycanada.ca/rbccup

Twitter – constant updates from the venue in Camrose – www.twitter.com/HC_RBCCup

Facebook – Like the RBC Cup on facebook and follow along throughout the tournament with daily updates – www.facebook.com/RBCCup - let us know who you are cheering for!

Want to watch live? We have that too! All games can be seen via pay-per-view at http://hockeycanada.fasthockey.com. There will be live action, player interviews, thoughts from the coaches and more!

Want photos of the National Junior A Championship – they can be found at www.hockeycanadaimages.ca.

Congratulations and good luck to your team at the 2011 RBC Cup, April 30 to May 8, 2011 in Camrose, Alta.

Connor Jones Named Rookie of the Year

2011-04-21T09:30:00.000-07:00

Click HERE to Read Full Story!

Vipers Take Game 1

2011-04-16T14:02:00.000-07:00

The Vernon Vipers came out hard and they were able to take Game 1 of the Doyle Cup winning 3-1. Game 2 takes place Saturday night and now that both teams had a chance to see each other and shake any nerves Saturday night should be an intense battle between the best of BC and the best of Alberta. The Vipers are hoping to pack the pit as this weekend is the last the Vipers will play at home so be sure to get your tickets and get your neighbours, family, friends and people you see in the streets to get their tickets as your not going to get better live hockey action any where else!

Vernon Vipers Prospect Camp Schedule

2011-04-15T09:01:00.001-07:00

Friday April 15th
12 (Noon) Registration
1 PM Team 1 White vs Team 2 Blue
3 PM Team 3 Yellow vs Team 4 Red

Saturday April 16th
7 AM Team 2 Blue vs Team 3 Yellow
9 AM Team 1 White vs Team 4 Red
1 PM Team 1 White vs Team 3 Yellow
3 PM Team 2 Blue vs Team 4 Red

Sunday April 17th
11 AM Team 1 White vs Team 2 Blue
1 PM Team 3 Yellow vs Team 4 Red

Vipers vs Spruce Grove!!!

2011-04-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

The Vipers and Spruce Grove Saints will face off again for the Doyle Cup and a pass to the RBC Cup!! Are you planning to go? Contact the Vipers Office and they can help book tickets for you! The Vipers will host the Saints this coming Friday and Saturday and tickets are on sale NOW!!! Be sure you help pack the pit and show Alberta that we have the best fans in Canada!!! It's been one of the best years for hockey and this will be the last weekend to watch your Vipers at home DON'T MISS IT!!! The Vipers players and staff look forward to seeing a packed pit!! Thanks once again Vernon Vipers fans for supporting your team! We couldn't do it without you!!!

Rob's Blog

2011-04-07T13:13:00.000-07:00

Be sure to follow Rob's Blog at 1075kiss.com for great stories, fan quotes and Vipers videos!

Doyle Cup Schedule

2011-04-07T09:43:00.000-07:00

SWEEP FIRST TWO GAMES:

Game 1 April 15, 2011 @ BC
Game 2 April 16, 2011 @ BC
Game 3 April 19, 2011 @ AB
Game 4 April 20, 2011 @ AB
Game 5 April 22, 2011 @ AB
Game 6 April 23, 2011 @ AB
Game 7 April 24, 2011 @ AB

SPLIT FIRST TWO GAMES:

Game 1 April 15, 2011 @ BC
Game 2 April 16, 2011 @ BC
Game 3 April 17, 2011 @ BC
Game 4 April 20, 2011 @ AB
Game 5 April 21, 2011 @ AB
Game 6 April 23, 2011 @ AB
Game 7 April 24, 2011 @ AB

2011-04-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

For more photos head to the Vipers Facebook page

BCHL Finals Game 3

2011-04-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

Be sure to head to the Vipers Facebook page for all the photos from the game!

BCHL Represented In Final Four

2011-03-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

The British Columbia Hockey League is pleased to pass along news that seven of our graduates will be appearing in the NCAA national semifinals - the Frozen Four - which begin April 7 in St. Paul, Minn.

“Players with a BCHL background continue to get opportunities to play on the biggest stage in the college game,” noted BCHL commissioner John Grisdale, a graduate of Michigan Tech University. “I look forward to seeing more familiar names on the rosters of Frozen Four teams in the years to come.”
Last weekend’s opening-round matchups saw 16 NCAA teams and 43 BCHL alumni go into battle and after a number of upsets, just the semifinalists remain. Of the four original #1 seeds, only North Dakota is still standing which is good news for the BCHL as they carry four league graduates on their roster. The following is a list of BCHL alumni still in the hunt.
North Dakota Fighting Sioux – Brett Hextall (Manhattan Beach, Calif./Penticton Vees), Chay Genoway (Morden, Man./Vernon Vipers), Evan Trupp (Anchorage, Alaska/Penticton Vees), Ryan Hill (Hermantown, Minn./Trail Smoke Eaters) * Hextall is the son of former NHL netminder and Vezina Trophy winner Ron and is a draft pick of the Phoenix Coyotes.
Michigan Wolverines – Ben Winnett (New Westminster, B.C./Salmon Arm SilverBacks).
* Winnett is a draft pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish – Shayne Taker (Surrey, B.C./Cowichan Valley Capitals)
Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs – Cody Danberg (Canwood, Sask./Nanaimo Clippers)
The Frozen Four is being held at Xcel Energy Centre. Minnesota-Duluth and Notre Dame play at 3 p.m. PDT and Michigan and North Dakota follow at 6:30 p.m. PDT.

Vipers Advance to BCHL Finals

2011-03-25T22:16:00.000-07:00

WOW! The Vernon Vipers have done it...AGAIN! For the third straight year the Vernon Vipers have claimed the Ryan Hatfeild Memorial Trophy and named Interior Conference Champions. Another three-peat happened on the coast as Powell River won the Coastal Championship and the two teams will battle for the third straight year in hopes to hoist the Fred Page Cup and be the best in the BCHL.
The Salmon Arm Silverbacks battled hard in every game and put doubt in a lot of Vipers fans when they took the first two games in the series that started in Vernon. But the Vipers dug deep and would take the next four games to win the series in six. After an overtime thriller in Vernon for game five, the Vipers were leading the series 3-2 going to Salmon Arm. With there backs to the wall and Vernon coming on strong the Silverbacks put everything they had out on to the ice and fell short of a miraculous comeback.
Dylan Walchuk would get four of the five Vipers goals and was named first star and now the Vipers look to get past one more team to claim the Fred Page Cup and they will have to once again get past the Powell River Kings.
In the regular season the Vipers and Kings only met up twice, November 17th the Kings won 5-2 on home ice and on January 21st the Vipers won 3-2 in their barn. Powell River also finished first in there division giving them a first round bye and so far has played five overtime games in the playoffs, winning two of the five.
The Vipers have gone above and beyond what many would have expected back in September and the next games are only going to get better as the two top teams in the BCHL battle it out for the Fred Page Cup and a chance to go for the Doyle Cup. Be sure to get your tickets to the games and you can listen online to all the Vipers games at 107.5 Kiss FM.

2011-03-25T13:45:00.001-07:00

Vipers Vs Salmon Arm Series

2011-03-25T13:40:00.000-07:00

The Vipers have taken the lead on the Interior Finals Series and Game 6 will take place in Salmon Arm Friday night....expect a great hockey game!! Make sure you read the post game report by Don Kleep on the Vipers website and if you're looking for some stories to read about last nights game and all other games in the series, head to Vernon Morning Star website or read what the away team is talking about here at the Silverbacks blog.

But make sure you "LIKE" the Vernon Vipers Facebook page for the all the latest happenings in the Vipers world! Thank you fans who have already clicked "like" we hope to get A LOT more!! So make sure you tell your friends!

2011-03-25T13:31:00.000-07:00

2011-03-21T13:03:00.001-07:00

Long Time No Post

2011-03-21T13:00:00.000-07:00

I know...it's been awhile since I've posted! It's been pretty busy around here as you would probably know! The Vipers moved past the Warriors and are now in a full battle with Salmon Arm. Unless you've been under a rock for the past few days you'll know that the Backs took the first two games of the series and now head to Salmon Arm tonight and tomorrow for games 3 and 4. It's a big game for the Vipers and since the Backs have been winning there fans have come back out to watch so the arena should be packed...although saying that I know alot of fans from Vernon will be making the trip as well...including a Vipers fan bus! Vernon and Salmon Arm have always seemed to bring out out the fans and Salmon Arm is looking to get their hands on the Ryan Hatfield trophy which they have only won once before and the last time they were in the Interior Finals was in 2009 when the Vipers won and went on to win the RBC Cup.
The Vipers have put in a very entertaining year and surprised a lot of people when they finished first in the interior and they may still have a few surprises left! You can listen online on 107.5 Kiss FM or call the Vipers Office if you are interested in hoping on the fan bus 250-542-6022.

GO VIPERS GO!

Vipers Take Game One

2011-03-08T21:39:00.000-08:00

The Vernon Vipers won 3-2 in game one of the Interior Conference Semi-Finals Tuesday night in Vernon, it was a great game for the Vipers as they came out fast and furious and showing no signs of rust after over a week off. The crowd that did show up was loud and proud the whole way though and made sure the players knew they were there for them. Unfortunately it wasn't enough fans to guarantee the $10 rate for any games after Wednesday. To hold the $10 rate the Vipers would have to completely sell out and get over 3000 fans to the game. It may have been disappointing to see less then 2500 fans but the businesses around Vernon are sure stepping up the show their support. So far Prestige Hotel & Conference Centre, Johnston Meier, Vernon Mini-Storage, Swan Lake Nurseryland, Go-Go Box, Wendy's, Boston Pizza and Affordable Auto...they're all showing their Viper Pride with painted windows and "Go Vipers Go" on their marquee and billboard signs and the Vipers thank you!!!!!!! If you have a business that is showing your Viper Pride please let us know!i

So here's to hoping the City of Vernon can get behind their team and can pack the pit to its maximum capacity ...it IS possible and if everyone who came Tuesday night came again with a friend then not only would we be sold out but tickets will stay at $10 each instead of going to $15 each!!

See you Wednesday at 7pm for game 2!!!!

Show Your Viper Pride!

2011-03-03T10:21:00.000-08:00

The Vernon Vipers are looking for ALL businesses around town to show their Viper Pride by decorating their windows and changing their marquee and billboard signs to cheer on the Vernon Vipers as they take another run at the RBC Championship! Local businesses are encouraged to cheer on the Vipers and the Vernon Vipers will take pictures and post them to the blog as well as Facebook and as a huge incentive to show support all businesses that take part will be entered to win an advertising package for next season valued at over $2500...the more Viper Pride you show the more entries you will get! For more information contact the Vipers Office at 250-542-6022.
The Vernon Vipers hope to see the City of Vernon and all businsess get behind their home town team. Fans can show their support by buying tickets to the first two games that will take place on March 8th & 9th, tickets are on sale now and are only $10 each. If fans want the price to stay at $10 then 2500 fans must come to each of the first two games, if not the ticket price will go to $15 each. A lot more fans need to come to get to the 2500 mark so if you already have your tickets make sure you tell everyone you know to come out and support the Vernon Vipers!!

Goin' for 7 in 20-11

Narrowed to Two

2011-03-02T11:34:00.000-08:00

Well the Vipers opponent has been officially narrowed down to two possibilities after both Salmon Arm and Penticton won four straight games in the first round to advance and play each other in round two of the playoffs. As for the Vipers they still have to wait to see who they will play as Trail and Westside battle it out in their series. The Warriors took game four which leaves the series tied at two a piece. The two will continue the battle on Thursday night in Westside and will have to again travel back to Trail for a game six scheduled for Friday night.
Full credit going to both Quesnel and Merritt for their efforts in beating both the Vees and Backs. Last night saw the Millionaires score three goals in the third period after being down 5-0, but after bringing the game within two it was just too late as the Vees scored an empty net goal and finished the game 6-3 for the series win. As for Merritt, if there was an award to hand out for team with the biggest heart they would get it hands down. This team never quit all year and battled through every game against Salmon Arm and last night saw them get within one but the Backs wouldn't allow a goal in the third to keep the lead and also win their series.
So now the both Backs and Vees will take the weekend off and face each other on Tuesday while the Vipers continue to practice and wait to see who they will face in the Interior Semi-Finals.

Quick Stats -
The Silverbacks went 3-2-1 in the regular season against the Vees but ended the season two points shy of Penticton to finished third in the standings while Penticiton finished second.

The Vipers have gone 4-1-0-1 against Trail and 4-0-1-1 against Westside in the regular season with Westside finishing five points ahead of Trail placing them fourth and fifth in the standings.

Who Will The Vipers Play?

2011-03-01T10:08:00.000-08:00

A lot of hockey fans have asked “Who do the Vipers play?” and I thought I might try to explain who, why and what is happening now! The Vernon Vipers finished 1st in the interior which gives them a 1st round bye (meaning they don’t have to play in the first round). Once the first round is over the Vipers will play the lowest seeded team. So in the current battles the Vipers would first play the Quesnel Millionaires if they beat Penticton if Penticton wins then the Vipers would play the Merritt Centennials if they were to beat the Salmon Arm Silverbacks but if the Backs win then the Vipers would play the winner of the Trail/Westside series. It’s not as complicated as it sounds! Now to give you a heads up on all the series, Penticton and Salmon Arm will advance to the next round tonight with a win and they would play each other in round 2 and the Vipers opponent will still have to wait to be decided as Trail is up 2-1 in their series with a definite game 5 needed.

A quick re-cap of the Interior series.
What are the chances of a Penticton and Salmon Arm sweep?
Well if you asked Penticton before they headed to Quesnel they probably would have told you that Quesnel doesn’t have a chance but last night in the bottom seeded interior teams put up a fight that saw all games go into overtime and we will find out tonight if it was the cliché of “too little too late” or the “TSN turning point” of the year! After two 5-1 wins in Penticton, Quesnel took the lead in game 3 and wouldn’t let up, always keeping the 1 goal lead, they only had 11 seconds to hold on for the win but with Penticton’s net empty and the extra attacker, they managed to tie it up and take the win in overtime. Even though Penticton might claim “they had all the excuses in the world to lose”, I think Quesnel may have a little more fight left in them.

In Merritt, the Centennials managed to tie the game up twice and bring their game three into overtime after losing 7-2 in game 1 and a close 4-3 loss in game two in Salmon Arm. The Centennials are proving to be “never say die” team and with their backs up against the wall the Silverbacks cannot take tonight’s game lightly if they want to take the Cents in 4.

The 3rd and 4th seeded teams in the league, Westside and Trail, are proving to be the most even battled series of the league. Trail took game one, 4-2 in Westside and the Warriors battled back in game two, winning 4-2. Game three took place on Monday night in Trail and Westside took a 4-2 lead in the third but the Smoke Eaters tied it up with two power play goals and took the win just two minutes into overtime. Game four will take place tonight in Trail and game five will take place Thursday in Westside.

So who will the Vipers play? We could see in narrowed down to two teams tonight but we could also see Merritt and Quesnel dig deep to take their series to game five as well. Don’t count any team out just yet, this is playoffs after all!

What should Vernon fans do while they wait? BUY TICKETS!! It doesn’t matter who the Vipers will play on the 8th and 9th of March, all tickets are only $10 each and if you want to keep them at $10 then you have to come to the games! If everyone brings an extra friend or two we will have a sold out arena and VERY cheap tickets for any additional playoff games! Lots of seats are still available and without your support your next tickets could cost you $15! Book your seats NOW!!!!

First-ever BCHL all-rookie team unveiled

2011-02-24T15:00:00.000-08:00

For the first time ever, the British Columbia Hockey League named an all-rookie team and it's made up of players from both the Interior and Coastal Conferences.

Voting was done by coaches from all 16 teams in conjunction with award and regular all-star balloting. As opposed to finding true centres and wingers, the league simply named three forwards to go along with two defencemen and a goalie.

The 2011 BCHL All-Rookie team is as follows:

Forward - Destry Straight, Coquitlam Express
59 GP, 26 G, 41 A, 48 PIM
Coastal Conference Rookie of the Year

Forward - Bryce Gervais, Salmon Arm SilverBacks
58 GP, 29 G, 22 A, 49 PIM
Interior Conference Rookie of the Year

Forward - Joey Benik, Penticton Vees
60 GP, 30 G, 26 A, 12 PIM

Defence - Craig Dalrymple, Powell River Kings
58 GP, 9 G, 26 A, 18 PIM

Defence - Sam Labrecque, Nanaimo Clippers
47 GP, 15 G, 12 A, 2 PIM

Goaltender - Kevin Boyle, Westside Warriors
39 GP, 20-16-1, 3.02 GAA, .902 sv. %.

Voting was also done for league all-stars and results will be released Friday, February 25.

2011-02-23T15:19:00.001-08:00

Playoff Tickets On Sale Now - Only $10!!!!

2011-02-22T12:36:00.000-08:00

Vernon Vipers playoff tickets are on sale now! Be sure to get your tickets for March 8th and 9th when the Vernon Vipers will play their first two playoff games in the interior semi-finals. Tickets are only $10 each and fans can keep that price for all the playoff games if they support the Vipers! If 2500 or more fans come to each of the first two playoff games then the $10 rate will stay for the next games…keep coming and the Vipers will keep the price.

Season ticket holders have until noon each game day to pick up their tickets before they are released. Fans can pick up their tickets at the Vipers Office, Monday through Friday from 9am-4pm or you can purchase over the phone with a Visa or Master Card by calling 250-542-6022. Show your support and save big throughout the Vipers playoff run and don’t forget to purchase your season tickets for next season and save $90 per seat if you book before March 15th.

The Vipers have had an amazing regular season and now have a first round bye in the playoffs. Be sure show your support for a team that has helped put Vernon on the map with their back-to-back National Championships and be part of history in the making as the Vipers are now “Going for 7 in Twenty-Eleven”!

Join the Vipers on Facebook!

Murphy's Law

2011-02-16T10:26:00.001-08:00

Hi Viper Fans! It has been a couple of weeks since my last blog, so I will try to catch you up on everything that has happened. First off, I hope you all enjoyed the Superbowl a couple weeks ago between the Packers and Steelers. It was a fun game to watch and it was great for us to be together as a team for a while. Before the game we all met at Kal Tire for the Truck Rodeo to help out with the event and sign autographs for the kids. A few of the guys even took a spin on the go-carts. Malcolm Lyles somehow squeezed into the tiny seat and fortunately made it safely around the track without taking anyone out. We then all went to Dave Robinson’s house to watch the football game later in the day.

Last Saturday, about ten of us went over to the Pewee Tournament Banquet at the Best Western. At the banquet, we were split up among the different teams. The guys from Vernon sat with the Vernon pewee team, and everyone else was randomly assigned to a table. I sat with the Anchorage team and they really seemed to enjoy talking to us. Then, on Sunday afternoon we all came out to the Winter Carnival Skate here at the Wesbild Centre. We spent a couple hours here skating around with the kids and signing autographs. Tonight we are all making the trip up to Silver Star to skate on the outdoor rink. A minor hockey team from Vernon will meet us here at the rink and then we will bus up to Silver Star together. It should be a lot of fun for us to get out and play a little pond hockey. I will let you know in my next blog which team is victorious in the Viper Winter Classic.

Hammond named BGSU's Male Player of the Week for the 2nd week in a row & 4th time this semester

2011-02-09T09:32:00.000-08:00

Each week, the Bowling Green State University Athletic Department names the Papa John's Athletes of the Week, as selected by the athletic communications department based on their athletic performances from the previous week. This week's winners are hockey player Andrew Hammond and women's basketball player Jen Uhl.

Male Athlete of the Week

Andrew Hammond, a sophomore from Surrey, British Columbia, helped the Falcons pick up two points in the conference standings with a tie and shootout win Friday against Western Michigan. After holding the Broncos to one goal and posting 31 saves in 65 minutes, he stopped all Bronco shootout attempts en route to the victory. Saturday, he added 30 more saves in a 3-1 loss and had a 1.92 goals against average on the weekend and a .938 save percentage.

bgsufalcons.com/news

Playoff Tickets & Awards Ceremony

2011-02-08T11:03:00.000-08:00

The Vernon Vipers may not know exactly when they will start the playoffs but we can give you some information about playoff tickets! First off...season ticket holders can request to have their tickets held for each playoff game, you must let the Vipers Office know that you will be purchasing playoff tickets and you will have until noon each game day to purchase your seats and after noon on each game day your seats will be released!
Second...the cost for your playoff tickets...only $10 per seat!!! Yes that is correct! Only $10 per ticket!!! But there is a catch, that price is for the first two playoff game only UNLESS 2500 fans come out to each of the first two playoff games then the next game will be $10...and so on and so on!!!
Tickets will go on sale once the Vipers know exactly when the first two games are, then as soon as they go on sale make sure you get your tickets and tell everyone you know to get tickets...if the Vipers don't get the 2500 fans for each game then your ticket could cost you $15! So it is worth it to come to every game and support the Vipers and cheer them on at every game...no one expected the Vipers to be in first place at the end of the season and here they are...another year of exciting and entertaining hockey and the only thing missing is the fans! They are doing there part...come on Vernon do yours!! Support YOUR hockey team.

Awards Ceremony
The Vipers will host their Wine & Cheese Awards Ceremony on February 21st at the Best Western Vernon Lodge. Tickets are on sale now for $15 each at the Vipers Office. The event is open to the public and limited seats are available. For more information contact the Vipers Office at 250-542-6022.

There are still 3 home game in the regular season and three more game to pack the pit...does it matter who we are playing?!?! You know its going to be entertain, exciting and definitely a GREAT bang for you buck!! Here are the dates:
Friday February 11th vs Merritt - Joey's Only Seafood sponsoring the game with great give aways!
Friday February 18th vs Trail - Volkswagen/Lake City Casino giving 3 fans a chance to win a car!
Sunday February 20th vs Quesnel - Fan appreciation night TONS of prizes, free skate after the game and watch the players give away their jerseys right off their backs!

GO VIPERS GO!!!

Get On The Bus!

2011-02-07T11:22:00.000-08:00

Book your seat now to Salmon Arm! The Vipers will be in Salmon Arm this Wednesday night and you can go cheer them on for only $15! Call the Vipers office now to book - 250-542-6022 - the 1st bus is sold out and we want to take two FULL buses!!! Call now and book!!!

2011 Playoff Schedule

2011-02-03T15:39:00.000-08:00

(First place team will get a bye for the first round and last place team will not play)

Friday, February 25 - Round One Game One
Saturday, February 26 - Round One Game Two
Monday, February 28 - Round One Game Three
Tuesday, March 1 - Round One Game Four
Thursday, March 3 - Round One Game Five
Friday, March 4 - Round One Game Six
Saturday, March 5 - Round One Game Seven

Tuesday, March 8 - Round Two Game One
Wednesday, March 9 - Round Two Game Two
Friday, March 11 - Round Two Game Three
Saturday, March 12 - Round Two Game Four
Monday, March 14 - Round Two Game Five
Tuesday, March 15 - Round Two Game Six
Wednesday, March 16 - Round Two Game Seven

Friday, March 18 - Round Three Game One
Saturday, March 19 - Round Three Game Two
Monday, March 21 - Round Three Game Three
Tuesday, March 22 - Round Three Game Four
Thursday, March 24 - Round Three Game Five
Friday, March 25 - Round Three Game Six
Saturday, March 26 - Round Three Game Seven

Friday, April 1 - Fred Page Cup Final Game One
Saturday, April 2 - Fred Page Cup Final Game Two
Monday, April 4 - Fred Page Cup Final Game Three
Tuesday, April 5 - Fred Page Cup Final Game Four
Thursday, April 7 - Fred Page Cup Final Game Five
Saturday, April 9 - Fred Page Cup Final Game Six
Monday, April 11 - Fred Page Cup Final Game Seven

Friday, April 15 - Doyle Cup Game One
Saturday, April 16 - Doyle Cup Game Two

Murphy's Law

2011-01-31T09:58:00.005-08:00

Hello Viper fans! It’s been a busy week for us and we are only 8 games away from playoffs. We started off last week with a tough loss to Salmon Arm on Tuesday, but we responded this weekend with two overtime wins against Prince George and Trail. We have certainly seen our fair share of overtime games this year and it was really big for our team to win both this past weekend. With the race for first in the Interior as tight as it is, we definitely realize that every point is extremely important.

Besides the games, we were also very busy off the ice this past week. On Wednesday, six of us helped out at the Wendy’s Dreamlift Day. It was a great experience for all of us who got volunteer at the Wendy’s here in Vernon. We were all happy to hear that over $109,000 was raised to send the children to Disney Land this year. Also, Bryce Kakoske and I visited Alexis Park Elementary School on Thursday. We started off playing soccer with the third graders at recess. Unfortunately, Bryce had done some scouting on the third graders and he picked the winning team. After recess, Bryce and I visited Ms. Dion’s fifth grade class to read with some of the kids. We both had a great time over at Alexis Park and we plan on making another trip over there later in the week.

This week we play on Wednesday and Friday against Coastal teams Nanaimo and Alberni Valley and then on Saturday against Penticton. It will be another big week for our team as we near the end of the regular season. We hope to see all of you at the games this week!

Murphy's Law

2011-01-17T11:03:00.000-08:00

Hi Viper fans! We are back from our last road trip of the regular season during which we played the Quesnel Millionaires and the Prince George Spruce Kings. We left on Thursday afternoon and arrived in Quesnel around 9 pm. The bus ride took a little longer than expected because of all the snow on the way up. We watched a couple of movies and slept for a while to pass the time. When we finally arrived in Quesnel, it was snowing really hard and it was extremely cold. Apparently it was -20 degrees Celsius, which is about -8 degrees Fahrenheit for those of you who are American. After getting unpacked in the hotel, everyone pretty much just took it easy in their rooms and went to sleep. When we woke up the next morning, it was snowing just as hard as it was the night before. Nobody wanted to leave the hotel, so after breakfast most of us went back up to the warmth of our rooms. We stayed in Quesnel on Friday night after the game, and then made the trip up to Prince George on Saturday afternoon for our game against the Spruce Kings. I thought I would never be colder than I was in Quesnel, but then we arrived in Prince George. My hair froze on the three step walk from the bus to the rink door and it was not much warmer inside the rink. After the game it started snowing again and we knew that it would be a long trip back to Vernon. We finally pulled into the Wesbild at 6 am Sunday morning. Overall it was a successful road trip for our team. We were able to come home with the four points that we needed to keep pace with Penticton in the Interior standings.

This week will be really important for our team. It starts off with a home game against Merritt on Tuesday, and then two more home games on Friday and Saturday. It would be great to get as many people to these games as possible, so that we can support the VJHF Tower of Care.

Murphy's Law

2011-01-12T09:50:00.001-08:00

1/12/11

Hello Viper Fans! I would like to take this chance to thank all of you who came out to the games this past weekend. It was especially great to have so many Viper fans make the trip down to Westside on Friday night. This week will be a relatively quiet one for our team until we leave for Quesnel on Thursday. With the Interior standings as tight as they are, every game from here on out will be really important for us. We play at Quesnel on Friday and at Prince George on Saturday, so we will definitely spend plenty of time together on the bus this weekend.

As some of you may already know, the BCHL trade deadline passed on Monday night. Coach Ferner was able to make a couple deals and bring two new players to Vernon. Every Monday night a large group of us have study hall here in the rink with our academic advisors Don Klepp and Rod Knopp. It was during study hall on Monday night that guys started to discover the rumors of the trades online. John Knisley decided to start his own rumor and shared with us that an anonymous team offered Coach Ferner $1 million for his rights, but that the Vipers turned the deal down. Coach Ferner would not comment on Knisley’s rumor. Also, when asked about how he felt on Monday around the trade deadline, Marcus Basara made it clear that he didn’t even know about it.

On a more serious note, it is hard to see someone like Todd Skirving leave Vernon, but we all wish him the best of luck in Prince George. At the same time, it is very exciting to welcome two new faces to the team with Dane Muench and Ryan Renz joining us today.

Home & Home with Westside

2011-01-07T10:20:00.000-08:00

The Vernon Vipers are heading to West Kelowna Friday night to face the Warriors and both teams will be in Vernon Saturday night for round two. Viper fans are encouraged to come out to the game at the Wesbild Centre in hopes for another sell-out and another $2000 for the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation. Ticket sales are going extremely well right now but we don't want to come shy of the donation marks! ($1000 to be donated for 2500 fans and $2000 donated for 3000 fans) If you haven't already picked up your tickets for the Saturday night tilt you can get them by phone, 250-542-6022, or head to the Vipers office on Friday from 9am-4pm or anytime after 9am on Saturday at the outside box office. If you do have your tickets, make sure everyone you know has got theirs as well!

Wray inducted into BC Hockey Hall of Fame

2011-01-06T15:56:00.000-08:00

BCHL Media

Vernon Vipers owner Dr. Duncan Wray was one of five 2011 inductees to the British Columbia Hockey Hall of Fame, the organization announced Wednesday. The news was certainly not expected by the longtime owner.

"When I heard, I was floored, overwhelmed;" said Wray. "I was shocked; I never would have dreamed I'd be a member of any Hall of Fame."
Wray says his own hockey career took him through his high school years but no further. The Montreal native grew up with a love of the game and credits his father for instilling that passion in him.
"I was a very mediocre player, but I loved the game and I thank my father for that. He made sure I knew all about the game and the NHL."
An oral surgeon, Wray purchased the Vernon franchise in 1992 when the team nickname was the Lakers. Since then, the club has won eight Interior Conference titles, six Fred Page Cups, five Doyle Cups and four Royal Bank Cup national championships.
"I was doing some (oral surgery) work with the team and when it came up for sale, I thought, 'Maybe I can do this,' and the rest, as they say, is history."
Other inductees for 2011 are retired NHL great Joe Sakic, 25-year on-ice official Rob Schick, longtime NHL player and coach Jack McIlhargey and the 1986 Penticton Knights, the first BCHL team to win a national championship.
A father of five, Wray is humbled to be inducted alongside such names.
"It's a really big accolade to me when you look at the the people I'm going in with. My hockey career pales in comparison to them."
Ever since taking ownership of the team, Wray has served on the BCHL board of governors and was chairman from 1999 to 2006.

Murphy's Law

2011-01-04T10:02:00.001-08:00

Hello again Viper fans! I am sure that most of you are celebrating Canada’s win over the USA in last night’s semi-final matchup. However, there was a much more important game that took place earlier yesterday that you should all be aware of. The game I am referring to was the real Canada vs. USA game…the Vernon Vipers version of it. At the end of practice yesterday, Coach Ferner split our team with Canadian players on one bench and American players (plus Dylan Walchuk and Kirby Halcrow) on the other bench. We then played three on three for about 20 minutes, which became quite heated. After taking an early lead, Team Canada fell behind and trailed the Americans 6-3. Team Canada coach Dave Robinson was losing his mind on the bench at this point. Canada responded with three quick goals to tie the game at 6-6 with only a few minutes remaining. At the end of regulation, Colton Sparrow had a chance to win the game, but instead hit both posts before the puck settled underneath Kirby Halcrow. Sparrow decided to take his chances and pull a fast one on the Americans, as he started to celebrate as if he scored and the game was over. Team Canada jumped off their bench and began the celebration, but Referee Mark Ferner was in perfect position to make the call and signal ‘no goal’. Canada coach Dave Robinson and the rest of the players seemed to lose their cool at this point, but Team USA was ready for overtime. Just one minute into sudden death, USA player Phil Patenaude sealed the deal with a golden goal for the Americans, igniting a Team USA celebration at center ice. The only thing Canadian player Zach McPhee could do was skate around the ice flipping the American’s gloves and sticks over the glass and into the stands. After the game, Team Canada continued to display their disgust with Referee Mark Ferner’s call at the end of regulation, but Malcolm Lyles assured them that it was not a goal. Unfortunately for Team USA’s cause, Lyles is known to distort the truth quite often. However, Team USA was victorious in the real game yesterday that took place here in the Wesbild. I should also note that Steve Weinstein received MVP for his two breakaway goals during the contest.

Unfortunately for me and the rest of the American team, our celebration lasted only a few short hours, before the World Junior game in Buffalo got underway. We all watched the game together, so the Canadians certainly rubbed it in throughout the night. However, at the end of the day all of us who were part of the Vernon Viper’s Team USA knew that we won the game that really mattered.

Murphy's Law

2011-01-03T10:33:00.000-08:00

Hey Viper fans! Throughout the rest of the season I will be blogging to help you get to know your Vernon Vipers even better, both on and off the ice. To start off, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to all of you Viper fans. As some of you may already know, I am from Fair Haven, New Jersey, which is a small town about an hour south of New York City. I started playing hockey there when I was about 5 or 6, but I actually played most of my youth hockey in New Hampshire and Massachusetts where I lived for about 7 years. After playing in the Northeast, I decided to attend high school in Faribault, Minnesota at Shattuck St. Mary’s school. Although it was far from home, I enjoyed the four years that I spent out there. After graduating from Shattuck in 2008, I was given the opportunity to play for the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. After spending two years at Notre Dame, I decided that I needed change, which led me here to Vernon. After this season, I will to return to college and finish my final two years. I could not have asked for a better place to be than here in Vernon. Living in British Columbia and playing in front of the greatest fans has been an unbelievable experience.

Do You Know Kakoske?

2011-01-01T17:21:00.000-08:00

Local product Bryce Kakoske (K) seems to know everyone in Vernon, but how well do his team-mates know him? We asked his stall-mate Kyle Murphy (M), his bus-mate Steve Weinstein (W) and long time friend and Vernon product Dave Robinson (R) a few questions to see just how well they know Bryce.

When he is not at the rink he is...
M-Playing video games
W-Playing COD (Call Of Duty)
R-Gaming
K-Gaming

What is in his iPod?
M-Kings Of Leon
W-Country?
R-Country
K-Country

What does he love about living at home?
M-Home cooked meals
W-Mom's cooking
R-Mom's cooking
K-Mom's cooking

What does he hate about living at home?
M-It's far from the rink...a good 15 minutes anyway
W-Everyone knows him
R-No XBox there
K-Dealing with my parents

Who does he think is the funnest on the team?
M-Pat? (McGillis)
W-Probably Pat
R-I'd say Chewie (Weinstein) or Bas (Basara)
K-Bas, everything he says is funny

Does he have any superstitions?
M-He's got a lot I think
W-He always goes out early and throws the pucks out before warm up
R-He goes and listens to his iPod on the bench and 'games' (plays video games) before each game, oh and quiznos...he has a lot.
K-Listen to music on the bench before the game

What is his favorite thing to eat?
M-Chicken
W-Eggs Benny
R-Quizno's
K-Pizza Sub...it's a staple

What is the best thing he got for Christmas?
M-A new suit?
W-Clothes
R-His Canucks hoodie, he's worn in like everyday
K-TV

If he could be anywhere doing anything what and where would it be?
M-At home playing video games
W-Probably here with the boys
R-Golfing in California
K-Playing hockey in Europe

What song would he sing on American Idol?
M-I can't picture him on American Idol
W-Follow Me, Uncle Kracker
R-Wonderwall, Oasis
K-I wouldn't sing on American Idol

1 Down 14 To Go

2010-12-31T09:50:00.000-08:00

On Thursday night the Vipers hosted the Salmon Arm Silverbacks and 3015 fan came out to watch some awesome double overtime hockey! With over 3000 people filling the seat Little Tex donated $500 to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation and the Vipers donated $2000. There are 14 home games left in the regular season and another $28,000 up for grabs to donate to the VJHF. If the seats keep getting filled the donations will keep adding up! The Vipers next home game is Saturday January 1st against the Penticton Vees and tickets are on sale Friday from 9am-4pm and the box office will open at 9am on Saturday...bring a friend, your neighbours and all your family to pack the pit again and see what is going to be a great game as Penticton and Vernon are tied for 1st place in the Interior!!!

Building A Tower Of Care One Fan At A Time!

2010-12-28T09:09:00.000-08:00

The Vernon Vipers will be kicking off a new campaign to help fill the seats at the Wesbild Centre but more importantly help build the new Tower of Care at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital. “Strength in Numbers” will start December 30, 2010 when the Vipers host the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. The goal is to raise $30,000 for the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation and all fans have to do is come and cheer on the Vernon Vipers.

The Vipers will have “Two Levels Of Care” for donations; if 2500 or more fans come to each of their 15 home games, December 30-February 20, then the Vipers will donate $1000 per game to the foundation, if there are more than 3000 fans per game, though the same dates, then the Vipers will donate $2000 per game to the foundation.

“It’s a you support us, we will support you kind of promotion” says marketing manager Heidi Schrader. “The Vipers donate thousands of dollars worth of merchandise, tickets and money to most charities that ask around Vernon and its surrounding areas and we want to show the community that we do what we can to give back to the City of Vernon. With this promotion we could possibly give $30,000 to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundations “Building a Tower of Care Campaign” “.

The new “Patient Care Tower” will house Emergency, Maternity, Pediatric, Surgery, ICU, Cardiac and Ambulatory Care Departments. An additional two floors will be built to accommodate future growth.

The Vernon Vipers have a great fan base right now and if each fan brought even one extra person to the game the Vipers would have well over 3000 fans a game and the hospital would have an extra $30,000 towards their fundraising efforts. “It’s a challenge to the people of Vernon as well,” Heidi says “we challenge them to come to the game and we would like nothing more than to write a check to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation. We only need 2500 fans to come out to have $1000 go to the hospital, but 500 fans aren’t much more to double the donation.”

The official kick off for the Vipers “Strength In Numbers” fundraiser will be December 30th against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, “We picked the December 30th game for the official kick off as our attendance is usually higher over the holidays and against Salmon Arm” Heidi also added “It will also be Student Night on the 30th and all high school students get in for only $5.00 so it should be easy for the attendance to get to 2500 and hopefully 3000.”

Businesses wanting to get involved are welcome to contact Heidi at the Vipers Office. For more information or to purchase tickets please contact the Vipers Office at 250-542-6022.

Fan Buses SOLD OUT!

2010-12-17T09:34:00.000-08:00

Thank you Vernon hockey fans!! You have filled 103 seats on 2 buses which are headed to Penticton tonight to cheer on the Vipers! The Vees and Vipes have always been a great rival to watch and I'm sure with the group going tonight the Vipers will hear the support in the stands! This is the last Vipers game before the holiday break and the Vipers will return with a home and home series against the Silverbacks starting in Salmon Arm on the 29th. The Vipers will then host Salmon Arm the following night in Vernon when the Vipers look to sell out the rink and donate $2000 to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation with Little Tex on board for another $500 if 3000 fans come out to the game! So be sure to grab all your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers and help pack the pit on December 30th!

Viper Fan Bus Looking For Fans!

2010-12-14T09:34:00.000-08:00

The Vernon Vipers have booked ONE full bus to Penticton and are trying for a second! The price it right and it's already half full! Call the Vipers office today at 250-542-6022 and book your seat on the fan bus for only $15!! That will get you to the game and back AND a ticket to the game...for only $15!! The bus needs to be full to go (that is why the price is so fantastic!!) so grab a friend and get on the bus to Penticton to cheer on the Vipers as they play the pesky Vees in their building for the last time this regular season! We hope to have over 100 Viper fans chanting in the SOEC and you can be one of them for only $15!!!! Call now 250-542-6022!

GO VIPERS GO!!!!!

2010-12-09T12:17:00.000-08:00

Team East Captures President’s Cup in 2010 CJHL Prospects Series

2010-12-09T09:40:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 9, 2010
Team East has defeated Team West in two consecutive games to capture the President's Cup at the 2010 CJHL Prospects Series. Team East recorded a 2-1 shootout victory on Tuesday night, followed by a 7-1 win on Wednesday in Dauphin, Manitoba. The CJHL Prospects Series is a two-game, total goal series.

The CJHL Prospects Game was created to showcase the top 40 NHL draft eligible players in the CJHL. Player selection is a joint initiative of the CJHL and NHL Central Scouting. The event attracts scouts from the NHL, CHL and Canadian and American colleges and universities. The CJHL Prospects Game features NHL draft prospects from the CJHL's five Western leagues competing against the top prospects from the CJHL'S five Eastern leagues.

Period 1
Team East Goal #1 @ 2:19 #14 Darcy GreenAway from #19 Brian Bunnett
Team East Goal #2 @ 9:17 #16 Mitchell Deruelles from #10 Jason Lacroix
Team East Goal #3 @13:38 #10 Jason Lacroix from #16 Mitchell Deruelles and #8 Brent Norris
Team East Goal #4 @ 16:49 (PP) #20 Matthew Peca from #14 Darcy GreenAway and #17 Charles Power

Period 2
Team West Goal #1 @ 3:46 (PP) #4 Brody Luhning from #5 Luke Madill and # 9 Mitch VanTeeling.
Team East Goal #5 @ 7:51 #24 Evan Rodrigues from #22 Braedan Russell and #5 Luke Juha
Team East Goal #6 @ 12:01 #2 Curtis Leonard from #12 Scott Wilson and #22 Braedan Russell

Period 3
Team East Goal #7 @ 5:27 #22 Braedan Russell from #12 Scott Wilson and #24 Evan Rodrigues

The Player of the Game for Team East is Darcy GreenAway (OJHL), who recorded 2 goals and 1 assist over the two game series. Defenceman Sam Jardine (AJHL) is the Player of the Game for Team West.

Dauphin Kings General Manager and Head Coach, Marlin Murray, led Team East while Kings Assistant Coach Marc Berry led Team West.

The Canadian Junior Hockey League continues to be a strong supplier of talent to the National Hockey League. Nineteen players from the Canadian Junior Hockey League are identified on the NHL Central Scouting "Players to Watch" list for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Five alumni of the CJHL Prospects Game have been selected in the 1st Round of the NHL Entry Draft, including Kyle Turris (BCHL), Riley Nash (BCHL), Beau Bennett (BCHL), Joe Colborne (AJHL) and Dylan Olsen (AJHL).

Team East and Team West compete annually for the President's Cup, which is awarded to the winning team at the CJHL Prospects Event.
2010 - Game 1: Team East wins 2-1 (SO); Game 2: Team East wins 7-1 in Dauphin, MB
2009 - Game 1: Team West wins 8-1; Game 2: Team East wins 2 - 0 in Winkler, MB
2008 - Team East defeated Team West 6-3 in Summerside, PEI
2007 - Team East defeated Team West 5-3 in Winkler, MB
2006 - Team West defeated Team East 6-2 in Vernon, BC
2005 - Team West defeated Team East 5-4 in Yorkton, SK

Visit http://www.cjhlhockey.com/ for more information on the 2010 CJHL Prospects Event.

Team West Announcement
Team East Announcement

Getting To Know...Malcolm Lyles

2010-12-08T10:21:00.000-08:00

This week we wanted to see how well the Vipers know Florida D-Man, Malcolm Lyles (L). Stall-mate, Brett Corkey (C), Room-mate Kyle Murphy (M) and his D-Partner, Steve Weinstein (W) were all asked questions about Lyles to see how much they know!

What does he miss most about Florida?
C-Weather
M-His mom
W-Weather
L-My dog Fluffy

What does he like most about Canada?
C-The friendly people
M-Weather
W-His billets and their cooking
L-All the friendly people

What is in his iPod?
C-Rap
M-Rap
W-Rap
L-Rap

When he is not at the rink he is…
C-Home sleeping
M-Sleeping
W-Home sleeping
L-Sleeping

What are his superstitions if he has any?
C-Stick handling with a puck
M-Stick handling
W-I don’t think he has any
L-Nap before a game

What is his favorite thing to eat?
C-Steak
M-Chicken
W-Grits
L-Macaroni

He can’t leave home without…
C-iPod
M-Cellphone
W-Big winter jacket
L-iPod

What is he asking Santa for Christmas?
C-Warm weather
M-New phone
W-A point streak
L-Couple more points

If he could be anywhere, doing anything, what would it be?
C-Muscle Beach working out
M-At home sleeping
W-Playing hockey
L-Be on South Beach

Tim Hortons Free Skate After Sundays Game

2010-12-07T09:40:00.001-08:00

A Little Q&A With Halcrow

2010-12-06T12:16:00.000-08:00

How did you react when you got the news you were traded to Vernon?

I had a big smile on my face! I am very excited to be a Viper.

Where did you start and what was your journey to Vernon?
When I was 17 I spent my rookie year in Ft. McMurray and played a full season there and in the off season I was traded to Quesnel, which was kinda out of the blue. I then spent all last season with Quesnel and it was a very up and down season, we didn’t really come together until about Christmas. Then we played our best hockey and had a great run in the playoffs and now I am here.

What was it like playing against Vernon?
It was always fun and Vernon was my favorite team to play against. It really brings your game up when you play a good team and its always a lot of fun.

Will it be easier or harder for you to face fewer shots then you did in Quesnel?
It’s is a little tough at first to adjust to but when I played in Ft. McMurray they had a really good defensive core so I was used to a lot less shots. It is a little different but even after the first game I feel adjusted.

Will it be different playing at Wesbild then the Vault?
It will be a little different but this is probably the best rink to play in for me so I am excited. I have had great personal success here and the fans are great, so I am excited to play here.

How have you adjusted so far here in Vernon?
So far it’s been good. This is a great group of guys and it’s lots of fun. So I think I have adjusted just fine so far!

The Vipers have two veteran goaltenders, how does this affect you and the team?
I think it’s great. It benefits both the team, Voth and myself. We are only going to make each other better and the team better, so it’s good.

Getting to know your team....Do you know Robinson?

2010-12-02T12:28:00.000-08:00

The Vipers are a close bunch...they spend time together at the rink, the gym, the bus, hotel rooms. You would think by now they would have know each other really well....right? Well we put it to the test and wanted to see how well a few of the players know the captain Dave Robinson! So we asked his closest (literally) teammates...Bryce Kakoske, who has known Dave the longest growing up together and is one of his bus-mates, Kyle Murphy, his stall-mate and Adam Thompson another on of his bus-mates!

(Kakoske - K Murphy - M Thompson -T Robinson - R)

How many suits does he own?

K-2

M-2

T-2

R-2

What does he love most about living at home?
K-Moms home cooking
M-His basement
T-Being home with his friends
R-Home cooked meals from my mom

He never gets sick of...
K-Well he gets sick of most things...
M-Xbox
T-Xbox
R-Call of Duty on Xbox

If he could meet any famous person it would be...
K-Steve Yzerman
M-Wayne Gretzky
T-It would probably be an a singer
R- Elisha Cuthbert

What song would he sing on American Idol?
K-Teenage Dream (Katy Perry)
M-Live is Life (Opus)
T-You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling, from Top Gun
R-Sweet Caroline (Neil Diamond)

What is his favorite thing to eat?
K-Ribs
M-Chicken and Rice
T-Chicken Wings
R-Chicken

Who does he hang out with the most?
K-Murph (Kyle Murphy)
M- Me
T-His friends in Vernon
R-Murph (Kyle Murphy)

When he is not at the rink he is...
K-Gaming
M-In his basement
T- At the gym
R-At the gym

What is in his iPod?
K-King of Leon
M-Backstreet Boys
T-We Speak No Americano - Yolanda Be Cool
R-Kings of Leon

He never leaves home without...

K-Cell phone
M-Peanut Butter Sandwich
T-Protein Shake
R-Cell phone

Halcrow & McDonald Join Vipers

2010-12-01T13:34:00.000-08:00

The Vernon Vipers have acquired Kirby Halcrow from the Quesnel Millionaires in exchange for Bryton Udy and Elliot Richardson and also acquired 18 year old defenceman Bruin McDonald from the Victoria Grizzlies in exchange for future considerations. Story on Vipers Website

Teddy Bear Toss This Friday Night

2010-12-01T12:04:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to bring your stuffed animals to the game this Friday night when the Vipers host the Warriors for the annual Teddy Bear Toss sponsored by Kiss FM and Best Western Vernon Lodge.

Strength In Numbers Just Got Stronger!

2010-12-01T09:12:00.000-08:00

The Vernon Vipers will kick off their Strength In Numbers Campaign on December 30th when they host the Salmon Arm Silverbacks to raise money for the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation (VJHF). The goal is to have 3000 fans come to each game and for every game that the building is full the Vipers will donate $2000 to the VJHF. With the kick off date being the 30th Little Tex Restaurant will be jumping on board and has pledge $500 as well if 3000 fans come to that game. Fans are encouraged to share the news with friends, family and neighbors to help pack the pit on December 30th and help the VJHF get a check for $2500!

Other businesses are welcome to pledge a donation based on a sell out crowd and/or bring a group to the game to help fill the seats for the game on the 30th or any regular season game after that. The Vipers would like to see a sell out crowd every night, and if it happens the VJHF would get a check for over $30,000!!! If every fan brought a friend or family member or even a total stranger to a game the rink would be sold out every night and the VJHF would be $30,000 closer to their goal to build the Tower Of Care!

For more information or to get involved please contact the Vipers Office at 250-542-6022.

Vipers Here & There

2010-11-30T12:20:00.000-08:00

Quinnipiac Men's Ice Hockey Loses To UMass, 5-2

Senior captain Scott Zurevinski (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) and Kellen Jones (Montrose, British Columbia) both scored in the loss for the Bobcats while Connor Jones (Montrose, British Columbia), Zach Hansen (White Bear Lake, Minn.) and John Dunbar (Calgary, Alberta) all picked up assists. Full Story

No. 2 Men's Ice Hockey Skates to 4-4 Tie with Brown

Four different Terriers found the back of the net, including sophomore Ben Rosen, who collected his first collegiate goal. Senior Joe Pereira and sophomore Alex Chiasson each tallied their fifth marker of the season and freshman Garrett Noonan and junior David Warsofsky both earned a pair of assists.

The Terriers still had a one-goal deficit entering the second period, but Pereira knotted up the contest at 4:48 of the middle stanza on a 2-on-1 rush when he poked in a rebound off his own shot with assists from freshmen Sahir Gill and Noonan. Full Story

Buckeyes Downed by No. 14 Alaska, 5-2

The Buckeyes held a 1-0 lead after the first period on John Albert's fourth goal of the season. He skated down the left side and pulled Alaska goalie Scott Greenham out of position. He was able to wrap around behind the net and score before Greenham could get to the other post. Sergio Somma and Curtis Gedig assisted on the goal, as they led the breakout of the Buckeye zone. Shots were 15-11 in favor of the Buckeyes in the stanza. Full Story

2 Days Left To Crown MOvember Winner

2010-11-29T13:44:00.000-08:00

It looks like its a race between Voth and McGillis for best Movember Stash! Be sure to cast your vote! See the rest of the best below in pictures taken from last week!

Coldstream Light Up

2010-11-29T11:58:00.000-08:00

The Vernon Vipers were out at the annual Coldstream Light-Up on Sunday night. Here are a few pictures from the night and stay posted to Vipers TV for video and interviews from the event.

McPhee boosts Vernon content

2010-11-25T14:42:00.000-08:00

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

They really are starting to look like the Vernon Vipers.

With this week’s addition of 6-foot-3 forward Zach McPhee, the Snakes now boast six local players on their roster (Dave Robinson, Bryce Kakoske, Colton Sparrow, Max Mowat and Trevor Fitzgerald are the others).
McPhee, 17, was seeing limited playing time with the WHL Tri-City Americans, and rather than risk stagnating in major junior, he decided the B.C. Hockey League might be a better move for his development.
“I wasn’t playing too much down in the States so I sat down with the coaches and thought out a plan for what would be better for me to get some playing time,” said McPhee, who had one goal in eight game with Tri-City.
Having played his minor hockey in Vernon, McPhee grew up idolizing former Vipers like Dean Strong. His aunt billeted Armstrong’s Matt Waddell and Kelowna’s Kenny Magowan.
He said being from Vernon has helped him understand the culture and what being a Viper is all about.
“It’s definitely pressure, but it’s a pressure that I like. I’m just going to work as hard as I can to get playing time and help the team out,” said McPhee, second in scoring with the Major Midget Okanagan Rockets last season with 39 points in 36 games.
“I just have to take some extra time to go over the systems with the coaches and pay attention in practice and jump into it as quick as I can.”
In recent memory, the Viper squad with the next highest local content was the 2001-02 roster that featured four local boys – David Morelli and Chad Murray, both of Vernon, Waddell and Enderby’s Brad Farynuk.
Knowing owner Duncan Wray’s willingness to bankroll a competitive lineup, these moves are not about saving on billeting or scouting expenses. As head coach/GM Mark Ferner notes, it has more to do with the level of grassroots hockey in Vernon.
“It’s a credit to Vernon Minor Hockey. It’s not like we’ve gone out and scouted these players because they’re local kids. They’re good hockey players and they’re going to help us,” said Ferner.
“The one thing I know that they know is how passionate this town is about this hockey team and the way we want to be. That helps speed up the process, especially when they’re young.”
Helping McPhee’s transition to the Viper den will be former Rocket teammates Mowatt and Sparrow.
Said Sparrow: “The first year we played together we were probably six or seven years old, and pretty much all the way up. He’s been one of my best friends since I was little so, it’s good to have him here.”
Ferner doesn’t know much about McPhee, but likes what he’s read on the scouting report.
“Everything I’ve been told is he’s a big body, skilled guy. And looking at our group, we need a little bit more of that. He’s a centreman, but he can also play the wing.”
With just one week of practice, Ferner said it is too soon to determine where McPhee will fit in the lineup. He will have a better idea when the Vipers entertain the Trail Smoke Eaters Friday night at Wesbild Centre.
“This is more about chemistry than anything else, making sure we find the right combination,” he said.
The fourth-place Vipers (14-8-1-6) trail the Smokies (19-9-0-1), who are tied for first with the Penticton Vees (, by four points in the Interior.
“We just got off one of our longer road trips, and I thought it was successful. We didn’t get all the points that we wanted, but our team played pretty well,” said Ferner.
“We’re going to have to be close to our best against a good hockey team. They’re the highest scoring team in our division (3.80 goals for average)... so we’re going to work on some things this week and hopefully we’ll be ready.”
Meanwhile, the Penticton Vees earned a share of first place with a 4-2 win over the Merritt Centennials Wednesday night at South Okanagan Events Centre. Penticton is 19-8-0-1.
In the other BCHL Wednesday nighter, the Nanaimo Clippers stunned the Powell River Kings 6-3, handing the lead-leading Kings (20-5-3-2) their third home loss of the season.
In Tuesday night action, the host Westside Warriors used two goals apiece from Tyler Brickler and Kyle Singleton to bounce the Langley Chiefs 7-3. The Warriors are four points back of Vernon at 14-9-1-2.

SNAKE BITES: Ferner will likely rest injured forward Pat McGillis for another week, saying “We’ve got some healthy bodies here, so we’re not going to inject Patty back in the lineup until he’s 100 per cent.”... The Prince George Spruce Kings have fired long-time head coach Ed Dempsey, replacing him with former Williams Lake Timberwolves bench boss Dave Dupas. The Kings are last in the BCHL at 6-22-0-2.

MOvember Vote

2010-11-25T09:02:00.000-08:00

Some of the Vipers have been taking part in Movember, mustache month, and it's time to take a vote on who has the best 'stash! The pictures below are of the top 8 mustaches and we will let you...the fan and avid blog reader, pick who you think should be named Best Movember Stash!

Marcus Basara & Adam Thompson

Kyle Murphy & Bryce Kakoske

Trevor Fitzgerald & Dave Robinson

Blake Voth & Pat McGillis

Coming To A Vipers Game Pays Off -- Literally!

2010-11-23T14:03:00.000-08:00

Day 5 & 6

2010-11-21T10:56:00.001-08:00

Hello Vipers Fans! We hope your all still with us on the final day of our trip. It’s now Sunday morning and we just got done with breakfast at the hotel. Yesterday was an identical day to Friday. We woke up and had breakfast at the hotel. This was followed by a nap or at least some rest for everyone. We had the same 2 o’clock pregame at East Side Mario’s. We then left for the rink around 4:45 as the arena was only a short drive away. As far as the game went, we obviously did not get the result we wanted. Yet, we put forth a good effort and probably deserved a better fate. After the game, we went back to East Side Mario’s for a quick meal and then headed to the hotel to get some shut eye. This morning was an 8:30 wake up for breakfast. Now, were just hanging out in the hotel and most likely going to take a nap before the game this afternoon. It’s our last game of the road trip and we’re really hoping to come away with a win. It’s been a long trip and were all looking forward to getting back to Vernon. We hope you have all enjoyed reading about our road trip and we hope we can come home with a win today! Farewell from the Baby Blue Line!

Day 4

2010-11-20T09:51:00.001-08:00

Hey out there all you Vipers Fans! It’s the Baby Blue Line saying hi after a big win for our team. Today wasn’t as early of a wake up which was nice for everyone to get a little extra rest. After having breakfast at 9:30, the team went for a short walk which is typical for a gameday. It was actually snowing while we were on our walk which wasn’t what anyone was looking for but we fought through it. After the walk were pretty sure just about everyone went back to sleep for a while. We had a 2 o’clock pregame meal at West Side Mario’s. Then, we headed back to the hotel to hang out for a bit before we packed our bags and headed to the rink. We had to leave at 4:15 to head over to the rink because there was heavy traffic at that hour. As far as the game went, it was a good come from behind win for us. We didn’t get off to the start we wanted to but we regrouped after the first period and seemed to figure things out. The game eventually went to overtime where we saw Bryce Kakoske make a nice move and beat the goalie shortly into the fourth frame. It wasn’t our best effort but everyone was happy to come out with a win and put a hault to our three game skid. After the game we had some pizza on the bus and just headed right back to the hotel to get some sleep as we have another big game tomorrow night in Langley. That’s all we have for tonight but we’ll be checking back in tomorrow night with hopefully another good result to report.

Day 3

2010-11-18T22:10:00.000-08:00

Bonjour Vipers Fans! It’s us again checking in on night 3 of our trip. Today was a day off for us and was devoted to traveling back into the Vancouver area. We left the hotel bright and early at 8 am this morning. After a short bus ride we got onto our first ferry. A handful of the players, Steven Weinstein for example, opted to stay on the bus and catch up on some sleep. On the other hand, Mike, John, Phil Patenaude, and Darren Nowick hopped off the bus to hit up the arcade. After Mike handed Darren and Phil a few beatings in Tekken Tag Tournament Fighting, the bus boarded the ferry. This was a quick and easy ride, but the drive between the two ferries proved to be a little too windy for some of the boys. We actually had to pull over so Max Mowat, Marcus Basara, and Aaron could grab some fresh air. After this, the rest of the trip went smoothly. We eventually got to our hotel in Langley around 2 o’clock. This gave us a chance to just hang out for a while before we headed to dinner around 6 o’clock. We had a nice meal at Montana’s followed by a team movie to cap off the night. Mike was lucky enough to room with the team captain David Robinson who would like to say hello to all the Vipers fans and also add, “this is a huge weekend for our team and we’re going to put our best effort forward and hopefully come out with three wins.” There you have it for tonight and we’ll be checking back in tomorrow night after the game. Farewell from the Baby Blue Line.

Online Chat Merrimack Sophomore Defenseman Kyle Bigos

2010-11-18T11:26:00.000-08:00

Click Here To Read Online Chat With Kyle Bigos

Zurevinski Scores Twice and Jones Adds Insurance Goal

2010-11-18T11:19:00.000-08:00

Written by: QuinnipiacBobcats.com

Release: 11/13/2010

HAMILTON, N.Y. - Senior captain Scott Zurevinski (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) scored twice to lead the Quinnipiac men's ice hockey team to a 3-1 win against Colgate for its first ECAC Hockey victory of the season. The Bobcats improve to 1-2-1 in league action and 5-4-1 overall while Colgate drops to 2-5-1 overall and 0-3-1 in ECAC Hockey action.

Both teams played to a scoreless draw through the first period before Zurevinski scored twice in the second. His first goal tied the game at 1-1, while his second goal of the game gave the Bobcats a one-goal lead through the second period.

Quinnipiac ran its record when leading after two periods to an impressive 49-0-5 in its last 54 games in the situation. Connor Jones (Montrose, British Columbia) scored his second goal of the weekend and third of the year to give Quinnipiac a two-goal lead. Eric Hartzell (White Bear Lake, Minn.) improved to 2-0-0 on the year after stopping 30 of Colgates' 31 shots on goal.

Chris Wagner put the Raiders on the board with his second goal of the year. Colgate put a rush on Hartzell, putting several shots on the sophomore that landed in front of the Bobcats' goal. Wagner was able to pick up the puck in the crease and pop it over Hartzell to give the Raiders a 1-0 lead less than a minute into the second period.

Zurevinski tied the game at the 13:49 mark of the second period when Yuri Bouharevich (Montreal, Quebec) took control of the puck in the neutral zone, and took off down ice. The junior had company as he found himself on a three-on-one with Colgate goalie Eric Mihalik. Bouharevich skated inside the right face-off circle, faked a shot and then hit Zurevinski's stick in the slot. Zurevinski crashed the goal, dumping the puck past Mihalik to tie the game at 1-1. It was Zurevinski's second goal of the season while Bouharevich picked up his team-leading sixth assist.

Zurevinski scored again with just over a minute to play in the period. Colgate was about to be whistled for a penalty, so Quinnipiac, with control of the puck, pulled Hartzell and sent out the extra skater. Mike Glaicar (Kamloops, British Columbia) sent the puck across the ice, from one point to the other, to Zack Currie (Victoria, British Columbia). Currie sent a pass to Zurevinski below the face-off circle who one-timed a shot over the shoulder of Mihalik to give the Bobcats a one-goal lead, 2-1.

The Bobcats jumped out to a 3-1 lead when Connor Jones (Montrose, British Columbia) scored on the power play to start the third period. Zach Tolkinen (Lino Lakes, Minn.) passed the puck to Zach Davies (Smithers, British Columbia) at the point. Davies sent a shot through traffic that Jones tipped past Mihalik to give Quinnipiac a two-goal lead.

Day 2

2010-11-18T09:14:00.000-08:00

Hey Vipers Fans, it’s Mike, John, and Aaron checking in on day two of our trip. Today started off with our team breakfast at the hotel at 9:30. After breakfast, we headed over to the rink for our pre-game skate. After a thirty minute skate we headed back to the hotel for some down time. Our line headed to the conference room to hit the books hard and stay on top of our work while away from the classroom. We had a 2 o’clock lunch at Kane’s restaurant. After a good pasta meal we headed back to the hotel where a bunch of us grabbed a nap and got ready for the game. The team headed over to the rink at 5 o’clock to prepare for the game. The game didn’t go as planned. After we got down two goals early, we worked our way back into the game and tied the game up in the third period. Unfortunately, shortly after we tied up we gave up two goals and that proved to be the too much of a gap for us to catch up. It was a tough loss for the team but we tried to learn from it and move on as we have three more big games this weekend. Tomorrow we’ll be traveling back into Vancouver where we’ll catch back up with you guys! For now, farewell from the Baby Blue Line.

Day 1 - Vipers Road Trip

2010-11-17T09:04:00.000-08:00

Hey there Viper fans! It’s Aaron, John, and Mike checking in on our first night on the road. We just got to the hotel in Powell River after a long day of travel. The day started off with a 7 am departure from the Wesbild Centre. On our bus ride to Vancouver, we saw our first snow of the season up here. Once in Vancouver, we hopped on our first ferry from Horseshoe Bay Terminal to the Sunshine Coast. This ferry ride was very interesting for the rookies. The rookies were split into two teams (Americans vs Canadians) and we had to compete in a scavenger hunt that was put together by the veterans. Each team had to try and get all 10 items on the list. Some of these items were more embarrassing than others, such as a few pictures with random passengers on the ferry. Both teams ended up getting all ten items so it went to a joke off to see who won the competition. The Americans proved to be the funnier of the rookies as they won the joke off and the overall competition. After a short drive we boarded our next ferry. This ride was not as eventful but it provided some beautiful scenery. We landed ashore just outside of Powell River. We then had our final leg of the trip which was a short thirty minute bus ride to Powell River Towns Centre Hotel. Once we got here we grabbed some dinner and many of us headed over to Safeway to grab some candy and snacks for the week. We’d also like to note that Malcolm ‘Styles’ Lyles was in hibernation for all 11 hours of the trip. Were now just hanging out in the Hotel, getting some down time with the boys as we prepare for a big game tomorrow night against Powell River. Hope all you readers got some good insight on our first day and we’ll be checking back in tomorrow. Farewell from the Baby Blue line!

Vernon Viper Dylan Walchuk at WJAC

2010-11-15T11:14:00.000-08:00

CAN West’s Player of the Game on why the team came up short, and playing for bronze.

Dylan Walchuk Interview

Next Game Friday November 26th

2010-11-15T10:16:00.000-08:00

ail Well the Vipers are now hitting the road for 4 games in 5 days starting Wednesday in Powell River. It's there first of two big road trips, the second happening early December. As always you can listen to your Vipers on 107.5 Kiss FM but more importantly you can make sure you are here when they get back for their next home game on Friday November 26th when they host the very hot Trail Smoke Eaters. A lot can happen in any given night in the BCHL and cheering on the Vernon Vipers is a must in the great city of Vernon! Get your tickets today and be sure to get a friend or two to come as well! Be loud and proud and support the hockey that is right in your back yard!

Walchuk vs USA Saturday @ 6pm in Penticton

2010-11-12T13:44:00.001-08:00

You On The Bus?

2010-11-09T12:21:00.000-08:00

Get on the Fan Bus to Salmon Arm this Saturday! Tickets are only $20 which includes your ride and ticket to the game! Be loud and proud on the road and show the opponent who has the best fans in the league! Book today at the Vipers Office or on the phone with Visa or Master Card at 250-542-6022 be sure to help fill the bus and all fans will get a rally hat for the trip!

Vipers Alumni From Around The World Wide Web

2010-11-08T11:23:00.000-08:00

Here is Mike Collins’ waived off goal as time expired in the second period, the green light lit up just milliseconds before Collins’ shot crossed the line.

Mike Collins Highlight Reel Goal from Warrior Rink Rat Blog.

Watch a video from Oilers On Demand of Conner and Kellen Jones at Oilers Camp in July.
Oilers TV - Connor & Kellen Jones

Hammond Makes October Headlines

2010-11-08T10:13:00.000-08:00

Hammond Named Papa John's Athletes Of The Week

10/18/2010 12:58:33 PM

Each week, the Bowling Green State University Athletic Department names the Papa John's Athletes of the Week, as selected by the athletic communications department based on their athletic performances from the previous week. This week's winners are hockey player Andrew Hammond and women's cross country runner Abby Koch.

Male Athlete of the Week

Andrew Hammond, a sophomore goalkeeper from Surry, British Columbia, earned his first collegiate win Saturday against Clarkson. With Hammond's perfect 31-save performance against the Golden Knights, the Falcons earned their first win of the season after defeating Clarkson 3-0 at Cheel Arena (Potsdam, N.Y.). Hammond shut down the opposition to achieve his first career shutout. He made seven saves while the Falcons were on the penalty kill, keeping the Knights unsuccessful in four power play attempts during the game.

Falcons Earn First Win in Shutout At Clarkson

by Ryan Gasser, Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant

10/16/2010 9:56:30 PMPOTSDAM, N.Y. -- Backed by an aggressive offense and a defense that fought tough to the very end, Bowling Green Hockey earned its first win of the season, Saturday night. The Falcons posted a 3-0 shutout win over Clarkson University with the aid of 31 saves by sophomore Andrew Hammond.Andrew Hammond (Surrey, British Columbia) earned his first win as a Falcon. He saved 31-of-31 shots against, including a 14-save first period. The perfect night between the pipes also marked his first career shutout.

Hammond did his part in stopping the Clarkson power play cold. The Golden Knights went 0-for-4, including back-to-back CU power plays in the second period. Hammond stopped seven shots when the Knights were a man up. Marc Rodriguez put the Falcons on top with his first goal of the season on a break-away effort following a Clarkson turnover in the BG zone. On the all-sophomore goal, Jerry Freismuth (Grosse Point, Mich.) and Jordan Samuels-Thomas (South Windsor, Conn.) touched the puck up the ice to Rodriguez, the Aurora, Ill. native who fought through two Golden Knight defenders on a straight path to the net. On his approach, Rodriguez went stick-side on Clarkson goaltender Paul Karpowich and wristed home the game’s opening goal giving BGSU a 1-0 lead in the 15th minute. Bowling Green’s defense faced severe pressure all game from the Clarkson offense. The Knights had plenty of scoring opportunities and clear looks to the net, but sailed many of their open shots wide of the cage while being stoned by Hammond’s hot hand.
After a scoreless second period, the Falcons wasted no time in adding to their total when James McIntosh (Holland Landing, Ontatio) plugged his first goal of the season past Karpowich. After Bowling Green pressured the puck into the CU zone, the Knights retook possession but not for long. McIntosh entered a scrum in front of the crease and retook possession of the rock before turning a backhand shot into a goal just 22 seconds into the final period. Clarkson became more aggressive and chippy in the final five minutes of the contest by pressing into the BG defensive zone late. At 17:30 in the third period, Clarkson pulled Karpowich out of the net and created a 6-on-5 attack. Bowling Green could have had a third goal recorded earlier when Cameron Sinclair (Windsor, Ontario) took a turnover down the ice en route to an easy empty-net goal.
Sinclair was tripped up from behind while the puck sailed wide, causing a roar for a penalty shot or an automatically awarded goal. The referee’s whistle stayed quiet and the play was allowed without any damage done. Bowling Green captain David Solway (Green Bay, Wisc.) put the game away by taking a loose puck along the far end boards before sliding home BG’s third goal to definitively close the game for the Falcons.
Bowling Green (1-3-0, 0-2-0-0) ends the weekend with its first shutout since Feb. 21, 2009 when they beat Michigan State at the BGSU Ice Arena, 4-0. The last time Bowling Green shut out an opponent on the road was on Feb. 6, 2009 at Northern Michigan after a Falcon 3-0 win. BGSU will return to Bowling Green to begin preparing for a home series with Alabama-Huntsville beginning on Oct. 22 at the BGSU Ice Arena.

QBSN Athlete of the Week: Kellen Jones

2010-11-02T11:17:00.000-07:00

(photo:WJAC 2009-Hockey Canada)

This week’s QBSN Athlete of the Week honors are awarded to Kellen Jones (Montrose, British Columbia) of Quinnipiac University’s men’s ice hockey team.

The freshman forward, and top recruit for the Bobcats this year, had a career day this past weekend, putting on a show for the 3,891 fans packed into the TD Bank Sports Center, a non-conference opponent attendance record. Jones netted two goals on the afternoon against Holy Cross; his first two goals of his collegiate career. The Bobcats wound up winning the game 3-1. The other goal came from junior forward Spencer Heichman (Yorba Linda, Calif.), his second of the season.

With his two goals, Jones jumps up to tie Heichman for the team lead in goals with two, and is now in sole possession of the team lead in points with five. Second on the team in points is Kellen’s twin brother, Connor Jones (Montrose, British Columbia), who has four points on the year.

In the offseason, Kellen Jones was drafted in the 7th round of the NHL Amateur Draft by the Edmonton Oilers. Jones passed on the opportunity to sign with the Oilers, and instead opted to come to Quinnipiac and play alongside his brother, whom he has played with his entire life.

The win over Holy Cross for the Bobcats improved their record to 3-1 on the year, as they now embark on a six game road trip. Next up for Quinnipiac is a two game set this Friday and Saturday night against No. 17 St. Cloud State in St. Cloud, Minn. The Huskies are 2-3-1 on the year, but remain the highest ranked opponent that the Bobcats have played so far this season. Quinnipiac’s next home game falls on Nov. 19th, when they play host to the Dartmouth College Big Green. That game will be broadcasted live here on the Quinnipiac Bobcats Sports Network.

Friends or Enemies?

2010-10-30T13:21:00.000-07:00

By Don Klepp

Dylan Walchuk can’t quite decide whether his BCHL team mates on the Canada West team are his friends or his enemies.

On October 21, he and seven other BCHL players were announced as members of the squad that will represent Western Canada at the World Jr. A Championships in Penticton, November 8-14. Players were drawn from leagues in western Ontario,, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and B.C.

The selection has posed a bit of a dilemma for Walchuk, an intense competitor who gears himself up to play against Vernon’s BCHL rivals.

“Especially in the interior division,” he said after practice on Thursday, “we see each other a lot, and the teams are pretty evenly matched, so it’s a dog fight every game.”

“It’s a little bit easier to get pumped for games when you have a hate built up. I’m sure the Penticton guys don’t care much for Vipers, and I’ll be tempted to mention our 3-0 record against them this year. But now Laleggia and O’Donnell and MacMillan are my team mates, so I guess we’d better get along.”

He admits that “now that I’m getting to know them, I have to admit that they’re pretty good guys. That’s something I wouldn’t have said last week!”

He continues, “Yeah, I played with MacMillan when we were kids, and with the other Penticton guys in last year’s Prospects game, but you put that behind you when you play against them.”

He’s full of praise for Westside’s Grayson Downing, who was also on the 2009 CJHL Top Prospects roster: “That guy’s really smooth. Give him the puck and you’ll get it back in a good position. That’s the best thing about playing on a team like this. There’s so much skill.”

Walchuk is not sure about his relationship with Sam Mellor. “I think we beat them every time last year, but they’ve taken two of three this fall, so he might be trash talking me a little. He’d be good to play with, though. Give him the puck and it’s in the net.”

The Viper scoring leader is certain of one thing: “We’ll have a pretty good hate for Canada East, probably more than any other team in the tourney.”

The two Canadian teams lock horns in a pre-tournament exhibition tilt at Vernon’s Wesbild Centre at 7 pm, November 5. Tickets are just $10. Plenty of good seats are still available through the Viper ticket office, at 250-542-6022.

NHL Oil Change Part One - Changes

2010-10-28T09:19:00.000-07:00

Watch TSN's Documentary Oil Change

Twin Blades

2010-10-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

By Alex Lippa
Quinnipiac University Quad News Sports

With the loss of five senior forwards, three of whom are playing at the professional level, many wondered who would provide for the scoring in their absence.

Enter the Jones twins.

The Quinnipiac men's ice hockey team landed highly touted freshmen Connor and Kellen Jones to play this fall, and they are perhaps two of the best recruits in Bobcat history. Kellen was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the seventh round of this past June's NHL Entry Draft, while Connor also has a chance to play professionally in the future. Both twins attended the Oilers' development camp over the summer.

The brothers have played together on the same team for their entire lives. Connor was originally a defenseman when the two were little, but was turned into a winger, and the two have been inseparable on the ice ever since. It was a package deal for the Bobcats to get them and they are ecstatic about the Jones' decision to play at Quinnipiac.

"The coaching staff are great and were honest with us," Connor said. "The campus is beautiful, and they were one of the only ones to offer free schooling and a full ride."

It doesn't hurt of course that Quinnipiac also has one of the most state-of-the-art facilities in college hockey as well at the TD Bank Sports Center.

"The rink here is unreal," Kellen said. "Our workout facilities are great. We came down with [junior captain Scott Zurevinski] during our fly-down, and we had such a good time with the guys. It seemed like we were already part of the team. So it was a pretty easy decision to come down here. Other schools were here but Quinnipiac was always a little bit higher."

Not only are they identical in their looks, their skill set is identical as well. Both players are only 5'9", yet they are not afraid to throw their body around to deliver rocking hits against the glass. This, and their ability to get to the front of the net, is a reason why the coaching staff put them on the first line with Zurevinski.

"The [physical game] is their biggest asset," said Quinnipiac associate head coach Ben Syer. "They're not very big, but their grittiness level is through the roof. In certain areas you might say that one is grittier than the other slightly, but not enough to make any significant difference between the two."

The line of the Jones twins and Zurevinski has been involved in five of the team's eight goals so far this season which has the junior captain gushing about them.

"They're both really good players," Zurevinski said. "They're good with the puck and away from the puck. They create plays pretty much every shift. You just don't find one player or even two that make plays every time they're on the ice. They are really dynamic players and they will be very exciting for the Quinnipiac community to watch."

Each twin has been hot to start the season. The twins are the top two Bobcats in scoring through four games as Kellen has two goals and three assists, with two goals coming this last Saturday against Holy Cross. Connor meanwhile has a goal and three assists.

While they're here at Quinnipiac now, the biggest thrill in Kellen's life was being drafted this past June by the Oilers.

"It's still quite a shock to be drafted by an NHL team," Kellen said. "You grew up as your dream to be part of an NHL team, so it's still really surreal."

The twins faced adversity throughout their life because of their small stature, and not even their own mother believed in them.

"The day of the draft, my mom told me there's no way either of you get drafted," Kellen said. "You're too small, you're not good enough, you're too short. We went up to play a baseball game and I got about 20 calls and texts saying congratulations, and I heard that I had been drafted in the seventh round."

With Kellen being drafted, and Connor also being highly regarded by NHL teams, there is always the likelihood that the NHL will come knocking on their doors with a contract offer to turn pro before their four years at Quinnipiac are up. But for now they are just centered on being a part of the Bobcats.

"It would be a very tough decision," Kellen said. "To be here four years and to get a free education, that doesn't come to everyone. I'd have to really be able to fill in, in Edmonton and be an impact player. I don't really think about that now though, I kind of just focus on being here and doing well here."

The Jones twins have an opportunity, and the potential, to become two of the most decorated Bobcat athletes of all time, as they attempt to help lead the Quinnipiac men's ice hockey team back to the NCAA tournament.

Thank You Valley Auction!

2010-10-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

With the tremendous help from Peter and Rodney from Valley Auctions and the great fans of the Vernon Vipers, we raised over $15,000.00 for the Canadian Cancer Society on Sunday afternoon! It was a great weekend all together with the Vipers Parents in town, the Vipers getting 5 of 6 points over the weekend and a huge donation to the Canadian Cancer Society! Thank you to everyone who made this weekend spectacular!

Serenity Tanning Player Profile

2010-10-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

Vipers Alumni Quick Update!

2010-10-18T13:29:00.000-07:00

Quinnipiac freshman Connor Jones had a goal and an assist in the Bobcats' 3-2 win against Bentley. In that same game Kellen Jones had 2 assists, one on his brothers goal which was also assisted by Viper alumni, Scott Zurevinski. In the Bobcats first regular season game the Jones twins both assisted on the Bobcats first goal scored by Scott Zurevinski's.

On October 15th Cory Kane helped the Ferris State Bulldogs to a 4-2 win over St. Lawrence with 1 goal and 2 assists.

Kyle Bigos and Mike Collins both got assists in the home opener for Merrimack on October 16th. Read Full Story Here

In Boston, Sahir Gill has 1 goal and 4 assists in 3 games played while Garrett Noonan had 1 assist in his 3 games played. The Terriers won their first two games on the road and tied UMass 2-2 for in their home opener.

The Boys Play Ball

2010-10-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

After practice on Wednesday the Vipers gathered up some gloves, bats and balls and hit the field to play some baseball. Here are a few pictures from their day out of the rink.

Nowick, Lyles and Voth ready to play ball

The Vipers divide into two teams

Keeping track of the score on iPhone

Murphy swings...

Patenaude takes on pitching duties

McGillis takes a ball

Kakoske looking to steal 2nd

Patenaude's big hits gets him a home run

Celebrating the home run

Nowick watches his ball go straight up for an out

Thompson showing off his form

Weinstein and Murphy take a minute to pose

Down on his knees, Richardson catches the ball to end the the inning

“Richie” Likes It Here

2010-10-12T12:48:00.000-07:00

A three-year veteran of Ontario Jr. “A” hockey, Elliott Richardson was brought in to bring experience to the Viper defence corps.

Coming from smaller centres in Ontario, he’s very comfortable living and playing in Vernon.

He’s known to his teammates as “Richie,” but “Rocky” might be a better term for the hard hitting native of Hanmer, Ontario. He played his minor hockey in Hanmer and in nearby Sudbury. He also played AAA midget for the East Valley team, just “10 minutes from my house.”

At 16, he made the Lindsay Muskies, a Jr. “A” team about an hour north of Toronto. He had 7 goals and 24 assists as a 17-year-old and the future looked bright. But then he suffered a knee injury playing soccer in the summer of 2009.

He tried playing hockey with a knee brace last fall as the Muskies used him on the power play. However, he soon realized that the knee injury was more serious than originally thought, so he had an operation to repair the ACL on his right knee on December 22. In essence, then, he missed an entire year of hockey.

In the early part of this season, he has twisted his left knee, so as he says he feels “Like an old man with two sore knees. But I’ve been icing them and they’re good enough to play on.”

He admits that he was “a little out of shape when the season started because I wasn’t cleared to skate until the early summer, but I’m getting my legs back under me, and regaining my confidence.”

His first goal in the BCHL was a wrist shot from the point in Prince George on September 24. He describes the goal this way: “I kinda just closed my eyes and shot…it found its way through to the top corner… I’d have to call it a mediocre shot, but a great screen in front.”

The next night in Quesnel, he came to his goalie’s defence as Devin Balness ran Blake Voth late in the game. Elliott challenged Balness and then had to fend off Sterling Bear who jumped Elliott from behind.

Elliott was suspended a game for his actions but he says it was worth it. “You can’t let that kind of thing go unchallenged,” he says.

“I don’t go looking for a fight or anything, but I’m not going to back down either. Some guys, some teams, will try to intimidate you, but you can’t let them do that.”

Sadie Steals Their Hearts

2010-10-09T15:34:00.000-07:00

Two Viper players from upstate New York have fallen for a local girl named Sadie.

That “girl” is a 1988 Volvo 740 GL, purchased from a Viper season ticket holder for the princely sum of $1000.

The players are John Knisley, from the Rochester, New York suburb of Pittsford, and Mike Zalewski, who hails from nearby New Hartford. When they arrived in Vernon at the end of August, they lacked transportation, so they pooled their resources to buy Sadie.

Here’s what John has to say about the car: “Sadie, she’s a beauty. I can’t put it any better than that. She’s just a beauty.”

Is Sadie a dashing sports car? No, not on your life.

But don’t tell that to John and Mike, who have pasted a “V8” decal and a “TT” decal (for twin turbo) on Sadie’s rear end.

Their parents are pleased with the acquisition because the Volvo 740 is one of the safest sedans ever built, and one look at the sedate older lady tells you that they won’t be out drag racing with their new best girl.

Sadie is what she is – well built, nicely upholstered, roomy, and dependable. She can carry five players and their gear in comfort. And the sunroof allows an opening for transporting hockey sticks.

The lads have experienced an anxious moment, however. As Mike tells it, “We had a small hiccup the other day. She leaks a bit of oil, and I guess we didn’t top her up soon enough. We were at the mall, and about to go. Johnny turns to me and says, ‘Did you turn her on?’ I says, ‘I thought so.’ Then I put her in reverse and nothing happened. She wouldn’t start for quite a while and we were a little worried, but then she went and we got her home for a good drink of oil. She’s been fine since then.”

So, if you see the lads out for a spin in Sadie, wave at John and Mike and honk at Sadie. But don’t try to get them involved in a race. They wouldn’t treat her like that, even though that twin turbo V8 would leave you in the dust.

Vipers Vids!

2010-10-08T10:32:00.000-07:00

Be sure you head to the Vipers Website to watch highlight videos and player profile video's sponsored by Serenity Tanning! Get the inside scoop on the players each week plus awesome highlight video's capturing everything from great goals, big hits and much more! Follow this link http://www.vipers.bc.ca/video.php and watch RBC highlights, player intros and special videos from this season and last season! Be sure to catch the all videos first at all Vernon Vipers home games!

Vipers vs Warriors Saturday @ Wesbild 7pm

2010-10-07T11:12:00.000-07:00

The Vipers kept shooting, but the Mills goalie was on fire! Last night the Quesnel goalie saw almost 50 shots but he only let 1 in to have the game end in a 1-1 tie. The Vipers will now hit the road for the first of two games against the Westside Warriors, the second will be played at the Wesbild Centre on Saturday night at 7pm. Hopefully Vernon will be able to get more fans to the game to cheer on the snakes, there will be TONS of give aways at the game from Canada Safeway and On Side Restoration. Fans will have a chance to win gift baskets from On Side Restoration, one is valued at $350! And Safeway will be giving out tons of gift bags loaded with goodies! Bounce Hire will also be helping out with our 1st intermission which is guaranteed to give people a laugh!
Be sure to also get your raffle ticket to win a special edition Paint the Rink Pink Jersey, every $5 donation will get you 1 entry to win! The Vipers Pink Night is on October 24th at 2pm and there will also be a LIVE auction at the end of the game to get your hands on a Pink Jersey!
If you haven't already, make sure you purchase a ticket to the World Junior A Challenge exhibition game when Canada East takes on Canada West. It's a game where the best Junior A players in all of Canada will face off and showcase their talents. Ticket are only $10 each so there is no reason why you shouldn't take in this game brought in by Hockey Canada.

The Vipers are still working on finding the back of the net this season but every game has still been great entertainment. As the weather starts getting cool, hopefully the rink will get more fans in the seats! It would be great to see the people of Vernon come out to support a team that has always done their best to put a great product on the ice. The people of Vernon have to be proud of the 6 banners that hang in their arena, no other city in Canada has those bragging rights and as the team "re-loads" hopefully more fans can come out and cheer them on. If you ask any player on any team, they love to feed off the crowds energy, it is what makes playing at home an advantage! So the Vipers are trying, and they are often out playing their opponent, all they need now is some support and a full arena to give them that extra push. It's now finding the casual fans and getting them here! The Vipers have a fantastic core of die-hard fans, the best in the league, so spread the word, get into the game, support YOUR team and have fun, it's Canada's sport right in your back yard and there is no reason why the Wesbild Centre can't be sold out every night!

To get your tickets phone 250-542-6022 or get to the Vipers Office Mon-Fro 9am-4pm or on game day starting at 9am at the outside box office...and bring a friend!!!

GO VIPERS GO

Congrats ENewsletter Winners!

2010-10-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

A big congratulations to our first 3 winners of World Junior A Challenge tickets...Richard, Aubrey and Don have won a pair of tickets to Game 1 of the 2010 WJAC in Penticton on November 8th. Vipers fans can catch some WJAC hockey in Vernon on November 5th as Canada West takes on Canada East, the best Junior A players in all of Canada! If you haven't signed up yet for Vipers ENewsletters be sure you do now for your chance to win more WJAC tickets plus other great prizes! Head to www.vipers.bc.ca and sign up today!

The Vipers take on Cowichan Valley on Saturday night, ex-vipers Nick Amies and Darren Robak will be back for the first time since being traded last season for some revenge in what sure to be another exciting game of hockey!

Like hockey? Then come to a game! It's right here in your backyard!

Vernon Vipers Hockey...BE HERE & CHEER!

The Vipers Challege You To $2 Per Goal!

2010-09-30T09:58:00.000-07:00

Vernon Vipers are Painting the Rink Pink again on October 24th when they host the Prince George Spruce Kings to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society. The Vipers will be wearing limited edition jerseys that will be auctioned off at the game, with all proceeds going to the Canadian Cancer Society. First Choice Haircutters will be on hand cutting hair by donation and the Vernon Vipers are challenging all businesses and fans to meet or beat a $2 per goal donation. $2 per person may not sound like much but together we can make a significant difference. Get your co-workers, friends and family together and collectively donate per goal and help make cancer history.

Come enjoy a great game of hockey and help fight a great cause! Other events at the game include a silent auction and frisbee toss. Stay posted for auction items and sponsor donations!

For more information or to pledge a donation please contact the Vipers Office at 250-542-6022.

Fans can also donate by visiting The Vipers Event Page on the Canadian Cancer Website (click here)

2010-09-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

EXHIBITION SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
FOR 2010 WORLD JUNIOR A CHALLENGE

Before the battle for gold begins on November 8, Canada’s two World Junior A Challenge entries will get a chance to stretch their legs and the hometown Penticton Vees will see how they stack up against international competition when exhibition action comes to the Okanagan.

Canada West and Canada East will both hit the ice twice before the games count in the standings, including an all-Canadian match-up at the Wesbild Centre in Vernon, B.C. on Friday, November 5. The westerners then head to the South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton the following night to face the United States in a rematch of the last two WJAC gold medal games, while Canada East rolls into West Kelowna, B.C. to take on Russia at Royal LePage Place.

The Canada West-United States game is the first half of a doubleheader at the SOEC on Saturday, November 6 – the Vees will look to defend their home rink in the nightcap when they face Switzerland.

EXHIBITION SCHEDULE
Friday, November 5
Canada West vs. Canada East 7 p.m. PT Wesbild Centre Vernon, B.C.

Saturday, November 6
Canada West vs. United States 3pm SOEC Penticton, B.C.
Canada East vs. Russia 7pm Royal LePage Place West Kelowna, B.C.
Penticton Vees vs. Switzerland 7pm SOEC Penticton, B.C.

TICKET INFORMATION

Vernon, B.C. – Tickets are available for $10 each and can be purchased at the Vernon Vipers office between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, or on any Vipers game day at the Wesbild Centre box office starting at 9 a.m. Tickets can also be booked over the phone with Visa or MasterCard at 250-542-6022.

Penticton, B.C. – Tickets are available for $10 each and can be purchased in person at the South Okanagan Events Centre box office, by phone at 1-877-763-2849 or online at http://www.valleyfirsttix.com/.

West Kelowna, B.C. – Tickets are available for $10 each and can be purchased by phone at 250-762-5050 or online at www.selectyourtickets.com/sports/warriors.

2010-09-28T12:18:00.000-07:00

Vipers To Paint The Rink Pink Again

2010-09-27T11:08:00.000-07:00

The Vernon Vipers will be getting back from a weekend on the road with 4 out of a possible 6 points. Taking there only loss on Friday against Prince George! Redemption was sweet though as they then beat the Spruce Kings 6-0 on Sunday afternoon. Now the Vipers have a very busy October with a road game every Friday and a home game every Saturday plus a couple Sunday games and one Wednesday game. But the biggest thing about October is the Vipers 2nd Annual Paint The Rink Pink night scheduled for Sunday October 25th! The Vipers will soon have a link on their website for family and fans to donate online and once again the Vipers will have limited edition jerseys with all proceeds going to The Canadian Cancer Society! We hope everyone can support us on our efforts as once again we want to raise as much as we can for this great cause! Fans and sponsors are also encouraged to donate prizes for the event and Bounce Hire will be on location with a ton of great interactive games for the fans to enjoy. For more information or to donate please contact the Vipers Office at 250-542-6022.

Coming up this weekend the Vipers will host the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Saturday night. The game is sponsored by The Pantry Restaurant and presented by On Side Restoration. Tell everyone you see to come out and cheer on your Vernon Vipers as they host the Capitals for the only time in the regular season!!!

Cents Steel two points from Vipers

2010-09-22T14:38:00.000-07:00

Roger knox

Morning Star Staff

The only things making it a more perfect result for Tyler Steel would have been scoring the winning goal and being named a game star.
However, the Vernon product made 31 saves, including three in overtime, to give the Merritt Centennials their first B.C. Hockey League win of the season, a 5-4 double overtime decision over the Vernon Vipers – the same team that cut Steel late in training camp – in front of 1,405 fans Tuesday at the Wesbild Centre.
“I just went into it like any other game I was playing, I got really focused and was determined to get a win in my first time playing in my hometown,” said Steel, 17, who had family and a bunch of friends in the stands as he picked up his first BCHL win. “It crossed my mind a little bit that I wanted to send the Vipers a bit of a message, but I just wanted to prove to everyone that I can play in this league and be good in this league.
“I thought I did pretty good. I want that last one back, but we ended up winning, that’s a good thing. We worked really hard, guys played their roles very well, everyone just played great.”
Defenceman Jeff Zmurchyk scored his first of the year 1:20 into double overtime for the 1-5 Centennials. He picked up a loose puck in his own end during the three-on-three, skated into Vernon territory and wired a wrist shot from the left face-off circle that cleanly beat Vipers rookie goalie Bryton Udy – the man who beat out Steel for the back-up role to Blake Voth – on the glove side.
The Vipers forced overtime when Dylan Walchuk banged in a puck on the doorstep with 33 seconds left in regulation time. Kyle Murphy started the play by driving to the net around a Centennials defender and getting a high shot away on Steel. The puck dropped to Walchuk, the game’s second star, who fought off a check to put in his second of the night and fourth of the year.
Merritt had taken a 3-2 lead just three minutes earlier on a penalty shot goal from first star Dustin Johnson. Referee Mike Boisvert awarded the shot after Vernon defenceman Steve Weinstein dove on the puck in the crease behind Udy as a Merritt shot hit Udy high on the chest, went up in the air over his head and landed behind him in the crease.
Johnson went to the backhand and beat Udy over the right shoulder for the go-ahead goal, setting the stage for Walchuk’s equalizer.
“We’re not used to having to defend one-goal leads late in the game, that’s our first time doing it,” said Merritt head coach Luke Pierce, a former Viper. “It’s something, like everything, that’s a lesson that our guys are going to learn. I liked our effort level. It wasn’t from a lack of trying, it was from a breakdown. Give Vernon a lot of credit, especially Dylan Walchuk. I thought he was one of the best players on the ice tonight.”
Walchuk opened the scoring at 3:34 of the first with a goal similar to his game-tying marker. He stood at the edge of the crease and scored on a rebound after Steel stoned David Robinson and Mark Basara in close.
The Centennials tied the game with their first of three powerplay goals on the evening less than two minutes later. Stephen Wall won a face-off to Udy’s right in Vernon territory, and Merritt leading scorer Regan Soquila, one of 11 rookies in the Centennials lineup, ripped his fourth of the year past Udy.
Merritt took the lead with the man advantage with only 16 seconds left in the opening frame as Johnson tried to pass from behind the net. The puck went off defenceman Elliot Richardson’s skate and through Udy’s legs.
Vernon scored the only goal of the second period when Weinstein deflected a Bryce Kakoske shot from the point on the powerplay that went five-hole on Steel.
Basara gave Vernon a 3-2 edge 3:53 into the third when a point shot his leg as he was screening Steel and got past the Merritt netminder.
Jeff Jones, who earlier in the week committed to Robert Morris University, an NCAA Division 1 school in Pittsburgh, tied the game for Merritt on the power play at 6:43, one-timing a cross-ice pass from Johnson past Udy.
Jones was the game’s third star.
“Tonight’s loss is obviously very disappointing,” said Vernon head coach Mark Ferner. “We had some guys with some good efforts but just not enough. It’s unacceptable. We win as a team, lose as a team. We needed to be better in a lot of different areas, our penalty kill, our own-end play, our efforts away from the puck. Right now we’re not there.”
The game marked the debut of Coldstream defenceman Max Mowat for the Vipers. He was acquired after being cut by the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL. Mowat saw a regular shift paired with Richardson.
“It’s been a good experience since I’ve been here, I’ve liked the guys ever since I’ve been here,” said Mowat, who practiced Monday with the team for the first time. “We had it going there for a bit tonight then we got outworked.”
The Vipers visit Prince George Friday night and Sunday afternoon, and travel to Quesnel to face the host Millionaires Saturday. Next home game for Vernon is Saturday, Oct. 2, against the Cowichan Valley Capitals.

CANADA WEST EVALUATION CAMP ROSTER ANNOUNCED

2010-09-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), announced on Tuesday the 41 players that will attend the Canada West evaluation camp in preparation for the 2010 World Junior A Challenge.

The evaluation camp, scheduled for September 27-28, will be held at the South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton, B.C., the same venue that will host the 2010 World Junior A Challenge from November 8-14.

Mark MacMillan (Penticton, BCHL) has been invited to camp, but will be unable to take part due to injury. He remains under consideration for a place on the final Canada West roster, which will be named in late October.

Canada West has appeared in the gold medal game at all four previous World Junior A Challenges, winning gold in 2006 in Yorkton, Sask., and 2007 in Trail, B.C., before settling for silver in 2009 in Camrose, Alta., and last year in Summerside, P.E.I.

The Canada West roster is comprised of players from the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) and Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL).

“As a coaching staff, we are looking forward to bringing together 41 of the top Junior A players in western Canada for the evaluation camp,” said head coach Larry Wintoneak of the SJHL’s Kindersley Klippers. “It will be exciting not only for us, but for the fans in Penticton as well to watch these players compete.”

Canada West’s evaluation camp roster includes:

• Four (4) goaltenders, 12 defensemen and 25 forwards

• Ten (10) players returning from the 2009 World Junior A Challenge (Breitkreuz, Dias, Downing, Fritz, Gallacher, Ginn, Halcrow, Laleggia, Marshall, O’Donnell)

• Three (3) players drafted in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft (Gallacher – Florida, 4th round, 93rd overall; MacMillan – Montreal, 4th round, 113th overall; Marshall – Tampa Bay, 6th round, 156th overall)

• Fourteen (14) players from the BCHL, 11 players from the AJHL, eight (8) players from the SJHL, five (5) players from the MJHL and three (3) players from the SIJHL

CAMP SCHEDULE

Monday, September 27
9:15-10:30 a.m. Practice Red
10:45 a.m.-noon Practice White
7:30 p.m. Game Red vs. White

Tuesday, September 28
9:15-10:30 a.m. Practice White
10:45 a.m.-noon Practice Red
7:30 p.m. Game Red vs. White

All practices are free to attend. Tickets to the two Red-White games are available for just $5. Tickets can be purchased in person at the South Okanagan Events Centre box office. In addition, fans who have already purchased a 13-game, full-tournament package will receive complimentary tickets to the evaluation camp; tickets can be picked up at the South Okanagan Events Centre box office.

Canada West will play in Group B at the 2010 World Junior A Challenge, joined by Russia and Switzerland, while Canada East, Sweden and the United States will comprise Group A. Round-robin play will run until Wednesday, November 10, with both semifinals taking place on Saturday, November 13. The gold medal game, which will be shown nationally on TSN/RDS, the official broadcasters of Hockey Canada, is set for Sunday, November 14 (check your local listings). All preliminary round games, quarter-finals, semifinals and the bronze medal game can be seen live via webcast through FASTHockey at hockeycanada.fasthockey.com.

For more information on the 2010 World Junior A Challenge, visit www.hockeycanada.ca/wjac.

BCHL Players
Matt Ginn, Goaltender, Victoria Grizzlies

Kirby Halcrow, Goaltender, Quesnel Millionaires
Joel Rumpel, Goaltender, Penticton Vees
Tim Daly, Defenceman, Langley Chiefs
Joey Laleggia, Defenceman, Penticton Vees
Josh Monk, Defenceman, Salmon Arm SilverBacks
Marcus Basara, Forward, Vernon Vipers
Madison Dias, Forward, Victoria Grizzlies
Grayson Downing, Forward, Westside Warriors
Mark MacMillan, Forward, Penticton Vees*
Sam Mellor, Forward, Trail Smoke Eaters
Brendan O'Donnell, Forward, Penticton Vees
Travis St. Denis, Forward, Trail Smoke Eaters
Dylan Walchuk, Forward, Vernon Vipers
*Unable to take part due to injury.

Basara Brings a Championship Pedigree

2010-09-21T10:02:00.000-07:00

Don Klepp
Winners are drawn to winning programs, so it’s no surprise that Marcus Basara ended up in Vernon.

The 17-year-old Coquitlam native played the last two years at Notre Dame College in Wilcox, Saskatchewan. He was a prominent member of the 2010 Telus Cup champion Notre Dame Hounds, registering 37 goals and 28 assists in 43 games.

He was the Hounds’ top scorer and second in the league in goals. That’s no small feat in an AAA Midget league whose representative has won five of the last Telus Cups and six of the last ten.

Marcus was courted by the WHL Prince Albert Raiders, who coveted the speedy winger’s scoring touch. However, he chose the Vipers because, as he says, “I always wanted to come here. That record speaks for itself. Those national championships – you know they’re doing something right in Vernon!”

It didn’t hurt that Patrick McGillis, a Notre Dame alumnus who was the Hounds’ captain in 2008-2009, was already on the Viper roster. “Yes, it was pretty cool to come here and suit up with Pat; he was a real leader with the Hounds.”

Marcus was scouted and recruited by Viper head scout Larry Black, who impressed Marcus and his parents, Milos and Karen, with a common-sense approach. The Basara family was also won over by the support shown by the Vipers for the players’ education.

Along with five team mates, Marcus is enrolled in the High Performers program at Vernon Secondary School. His ambition, like most of the Vipers, is to earn an athletic scholarship to an NCAA hockey power.

When asked about his goals for this year, he says, “I just want to work hard every time I’m on the ice. I guess my ultimate goal is to get noticed by some colleges, so I can continue to play good hockey and get a good education, too. But in the meantime, it’s important to have fun, to enjoy the game. I love hockey, and it’s really fun when your hard work gives your team and yourself some success.”

Viper fans will have already noticed Marcus Basara’s high skill level. He describes his style of play as “kind of an offensive player. I like to use my speed to create scoring chances.”

He acknowledges, though, that he needs to work on his defensive play, especially at this level. “I’ve been lucky to be on a line with Dave (Robinson) and Wally (Dylan Walchuk). I learn a lot just by watching them, and they always seem to be in the right place.”

“Coach Ferner and Coach Williamson have been telling me to work hard, really hard in the defensive zone.” He adds, “You look at the teams that win Cups, they don’t give up many goals.”

Malcolm Lyles – Miami to Boston to Vernon

2010-09-20T10:55:00.000-07:00

By Don Klepp
At age five, Malcolm Lyles was stranded for “a couple of hours,” waiting for a ride to take him to his karate lesson. Disconcerted, he switched to ice hockey where he could join his brother Milton.

Milton now plays lacrosse for the North Carolina Tar Heels, but Malcolm stuck with hockey and eventually ended up with the 2009 NCAA champion Boston College Eagles. The 5’ 10”, 180 lb. defenceman had trouble cracking the deep Eagles lineup – he suited up for just 13 games in his two years with Boston College.

As a result, he has decided to take the same route as Kyle Murphy and last year’s 20-year-old find, Dan Nycholat. Like those two, Malcolm will take a full load of university classes this year to earn an associate of arts degree. By doing so, he will be able to transfer to another NCAA hockey program next year.

Combining a full university load with junior hockey can be quite daunting, but Malcolm has faced long odds before. He’s one of a handful of Floridians to play Division I college hockey.

He was fortunate to have a rink 15 minutes from his family home in a north Miami suburb. However, he supplemented his Florida minor hockey with summers playing the game in the Boston area.

After Bantam, he enrolled in prep schools an hour or so west of Boston, first at Eaglebrook School and then at the Deerfield Academy. A speedster like his brother, he also was a football running back and a sprinter on the track team.

Kevin Kraus, who faced Malcolm Lyles in the midget ranks, calls him “just about the fastest skater I’ve ever played against.”

When questioned about his strong points as a player earlier this week, Malcolm also referred to his speed. “That’s my best feature, I guess. I pass pretty well, too, and I think I have a decent shot.”

He’s come to Vernon to work on his game: “I want to become a more consistent player, a smarter player, and a reliable defenceman.” The lack of consistency, shift to shift, was an issue for him at Boston College.

At the Viper training camp, he has instinctively joined in rushes, feeling that his speed will allow him to cover up for lost pucks, but he has sometimes been trapped in the offensive zone while the opposing players wheel the other way.

He’s delighted to be in Vernon. “I want to play more than I did at college, and I can see why this team is top ranked in Canada.” Also, he likes the pace of life here. “The people are so nice here; there’s a fair amount of road rage in big cities like Boston, so I appreciate the calm attitudes I see here. Food’s great, too.”

He was surprised by the calibre of play he’s seen so far. “I heard there were lots of new players this year, but when I first stepped on the ice with them, I was surprised at how together the guys seemed. High tempo, very high tempo, and the passes are crisp and tape to tape. It looked to me like these guys have been together for ever.”

Under the tutelage of Mark Ferner and Jason Williamson, who know how to develop defencemen, Malcolm Lyles could well become a top D-man in this league. Flashes of that development were evident in the opening games of the season as Malcolm dished out some heavy checks.

Vipers Host Vees Tonight

2010-09-18T11:06:00.000-07:00

The Vernon Vipers will now host the Penticton Vees after beating them in Penticton last night 3-2. Tonight is a very special night as the Vipers retire their first every jersey for #20 Rob Short. The first 1000 fans will get a limited edition Rob Short hockey card, make sure you get to the game early to get one! Also Kiss FM will sponsor the night with Human Hamster Ball racing for the first intermission with Bounce Hire. On Side is the presenting company and Ora Restaurant will also have a special table set up for fans to visit.

Make sure you come and support your 6 Time National Champs as they take on the dreaded Vees, doors open at 6pm and tickets are on sale NOW at the outside box office!

Corkey – Calm and Clever

2010-09-16T08:17:00.000-07:00

By Don Kleep

There’s no panic in Brett Corkey’s game. The smooth-skating Calgarian plays defence like a seasoned quarterback, gathering up pucks and calmly moving them forward.

Proper positioning and puck movement are big parts of his game, he says. He admits that, at 175 pounds, “I’m a little undersized for a defencemen. That’s why I have to see openings and be the first one to get the puck. If I don’t get there quickly enough, I’ll get smashed by some of the big guys in this league.”

He adds that “it’s not always about making that big hit, though. Guys my size can be just as effective by separating the other player from the puck, and that’s what I try to do… the coaches here have shown me how to get guys off the boards when you’re smaller, how to use your stick to pry them off the boards. Mostly, the coaches have shown me how hard you have to work to be successful at this level.”

Last year with the Calgary NM Flames AAA Midget team, Brett had 6 goals and 9 assists in 29 games. He expects to focus mainly on his defensive skills this year for the Vipers, but his accurate passing and his ability to get point shots through to the net should net him points in the BCHL.

He’s working on his shot. “It’s usually accurate enough,” he says, “but I need more power.”

Other junior teams were interested in Brett, but he chose the Vipers because “I was really impressed by the way they handle themselves. Very professional, very classy. Larry Black saw my first Flames game last fall, and came to the Mac tournament, and I guess the Viper scouts followed me all year. When they brought me out to Vernon at the beginning of January, I just fell in love with the place.”

“Yeah, I’m a little homesick, I guess. I talk to my family in Calgary daily. But my billets are really good people. I can’t thank them enough for what they do to make me feel at home. I appreciate them, that’s for sure.”

So what does he think about the Vipers opening losses to Salmon Arm? He responds, “I think we can just chalk it up to nerves, especially that first game. I mean, nobody on the team was impressed with the way they played. But we’re getting better every day, and we’ll do a lot better this weekend.”

Number 20 Forever

2010-09-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

Vipers Honour Local

The Vernon Vipers will retire there first ever jersey on Saturday September 18th. The Vipers will host the Penticton Vees and long time Viper, Rob Short will see his number in the rafters of the Wesbild Centre as the last Viper to wear number 20.

Rob Short played minor hockey in Lumby and always wanted to play for the local Vernon team. In 2006 Short reached his goal and made the team putting on jersey number 20, four years later jersey number 20 will forever be known as Rob Shorts.

We welcome fans and media to the first ever jersey retirement this Saturday to honour local boy Rob Short and his tremendous career and commitment to the Vernon Vipers.

NEW FLEXIBLE EIGHT-GAME TICKET PACKAGE NOW ON SALE FOR 2010 WORLD JUNIOR A CHALLENGE

2010-09-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

Calling all Junior A hockey fans!

A new ticket package for the 2010 World Junior A Hockey Challenge, coming to Penticton, B.C. this November, is now on sale at a great price.

For just $78, the 8-Game Flex Pack includes eight tickets that can be used for admittance to any of the 13 tournament games, in almost any combination.

For instance, the 8-Game Flex Pack can be used so that:

• You and seven friends can see Canada West face off against Switzerland on Nov. 8, the tournament’s opening night.

• You and one friend can attend four different games, including the gold medal game on Nov. 14.

• You and three friends can attend both semi-final games on Nov. 3.

• You can attend any eight games of your choosing, including all Team Canada games.

The only restriction is that buyers are allowed a maximum of two gold medal tickets per package. Get your 8-Game Flex Pack today by going to www.valleyfirsttix.com or calling 1-877-763-2849.

Want to attend all 13 games of the 2010 World Junior A Hockey Challenge? Full-tournament ticket packages are still available for just $119 each.

Already have 2010-11 season tickets for a British Columbia Hockey League team? The BCHL Fan Pack also includes admittance to all 13 tournament games, but is available at a special price of $99 until Oct. 1.

In addition to access to the entire 2010 World Junior A Challenge, both the full-tournament ticket package for $119 and the BCHL Fan Pack for $99 include a personalized WJAC pass and a free souvenir program.

The 2010 World Junior A Challenge comes to the South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton from Nov. 8-14. This year’s tournament marks the second time in four years that the World Junior A Challenge has come to a BCHL Interior Conference city, with more than 3,000 fans filling the historic Cominco Arena in Trail, B.C. to watch Canada West win a gold medal in 2007.

Single-game tickets will go on sale at a later date. To be part of the 2010 World Junior A Challenge, call 1-877-763-2849, check out http://www.valleyfirsttix.com/ or visit the box office at the South Okanagan Events Centre or the Wine Country Visitors Centre.

For more information on the World Junior A Hockey Challenge, visit http://www.hockeycanada.ca/.

NOTE: 8-Game Flex Packs must be redeemed at time of purchase.

Vipers Put Weekend Behind Them

2010-09-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

The Vernon Vipers didn't start the season the way they wanted but that comes with the territory when you have a brand new young team. Nerves will be settled and the team will start to get to know each other and the Vipers should be back on track.

“We have to be patient with them, but at the same time the expectation doesn’t change. We have a lot of work to do." Coach Mark Ferner said earlier to the Vernon Morning Star. “We like our group – it’s young, we’re going to have some growing pains, but we have a good group of kids here.” And after the home opener lost Ferner was quoted saying "“It was a big night for our hockey team, for our fans. I’m pretty sure there were guys in there who couldn’t feel their legs. It’s a pretty unbelievable opportunity to be able to go through something like that,” he said, of the banner raising ceremony before the opening face off.

“I will take ownership for this loss because obviously I didn’t have them prepared.”

Dylan Walchuk, an 18-year-old McBride product, didn’t think the hype around the banner raising was an acceptable excuse for the Vipers’ poor showing. “It maybe brings a little nervousness, but it doesn’t really factor in because it’s a whole new season,” he said. “We just didn’t show up as a team and we didn’t have a very good effort. But we’ve got to go through those growing pains. It was wake-up call for us.
“We’re going to have to gel here as a group pretty quickly and just come out every night with a better effort.”

The Vipers will be practicing at the Civic this week due to being locked out of the Wesbild Centre and they will be getting ready for their home and home against the Penticton Vees. "We are going to put last weekend behind us," said Coach Jason Williamson "and we are going to focus on the games this weekend against the Vees."

Saturday night's game is sponsored by KISS FM and presented by On Side Restoration. Be sure to get your tickets to the game and show the Vipers your support, with 6 Championship Banners in the rafters the Vernon teams have done the fans proud...now it's time for the fans of Vernon to do the team proud!

Habs’ Price is right for Vipers

2010-09-10T09:42:00.000-07:00

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

To hockey fans across the country, Carey Price is widely known as the starting netminder for the Montreal Canadiens. To Vernon Vipers’ equipment manager Gord (Hoon) Cochran, he’s just a good friend who happens to earn a seven-figure salary.

The two grew up playing minor hockey together in Williams Lake, and despite Price’s skyrocket to stardom, they remained close friends.
“He’s just one of my buddies. A couple of my other friends have trades, he plays hockey. He’s just one of the guys,” said Hoon, who traveled to Montreal for Games 3 and 4 of the Eastern Conference final against Philadelphia.
When he heard Price would be heading up to Williams Lake from the U.S. this week, he invited him to stop by for a practice with the Vipers. No big deal.
The 6-foot-3, 220-pound tender happily obliged, taking part in the drills and chatting with the players and coaches.
“I’ve known Hoon forever. Too long,” grinned Price, shortly before the session started Wednesday morning at Wesbild Centre.
“He was a solid defenceman, a stay-at-home guy (in Williams Lake).”
Even in minor hockey, Hoon said there was something special about Price.
“He was a year younger than me and he was always playing up (a division). I remember our Bantam coach saying ‘You guys are lucky because he’s going to go somewhere.’ We were like ‘Ya, whatever coach.’
“Then in the Bantam draft that year he went seventh overall (Tri-City Americans) and we were saying ‘Maybe coach is onto something here,’ and sure enough he ends up going fifth overall to Montreal.”
Asked if he ever scored on Price, Hoon laughed: “Probably when I was standing in front of the net and it went off my shin pad.”
Wednesday wasn’t Price’s first encounter with the Vipers. Playing a handful of B.C. Hockey League games with the Quesnel Millionaires, he suited up against Vernon once in 2002-03.
“It brings back memories,” said Price, of skating at Wesbild. “I actually played in this building at one point. I played in relief here one game. I remember it was a nice rink to play in.
“The B.C. junior league is a pretty good league. You’ve got a lot of good players coming from here.”
Price has another connection with the Vipers, as he once attended a goalie camp in Williams Lake headed by Sean Matile, now the Snakes’ goaltending coach.
In 2007, Price’s career surged after he went 6-0 with a .961 save percentage to lead Canada to gold at the 2007 World Junior Championships in Sweden.
In addition to collecting CHL Goaltender of the Year honours that season with the Americans, Price went on to backstop the Hamilton Bulldogs (Montreal’s AHL affiliate) to the Calder Cup. Only 19 at the time, he was the youngest player in history to collect the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy (Calder Cup MVP).
Price’s name has surfaced fairly regularly, and almost always controversially, in the national press this summer. Following their Cinderella waltz to the Eastern Conference finals last season, the Habs dealt playoff hero netminder Jaroslav Halak to the St. Louis Blues, opting to stick with Price, who only recently turned 23, as their franchise starter.
After weeks of public speculation, he signed a two-year $5.5 million US contract with the Canadiens earlier this month.
“I’m happy to be signed and have that over with and head into camp,” said Price.
As a star netminder in a hockey-mad market, he handles the intense media scrutiny that goes along with his role with relative ease.
Asked if he feels any extra pressure, Price shrugs: “It’s just hockey, no matter where you’re at, for me. It doesn’t really matter where you’re playing, it’s still a game no matter what city you’re in.”
Hoon isn’t surprised to see how his long-time friend copes with the pressure.
“It’s just his personality – he’s the most relaxed guy ever. He’s just one of those guys that doesn’t gets flustered or too emotional about anything. It’s the way he has always been.”

Price leaves for Montreal Saturday. The Canadiens training camp begins Sept. 17.

Kyle Murphy – Notre Dame’s Gift to the Vipers

2010-09-09T14:26:00.000-07:00

-By Don Kleep

He’s polite and soft spoken. At 5’9” and 170 pounds, he doesn’t look like an imposing hockey player. But don’t be deceived – Kyle Murphy is determined, tough, and tenacious, just what the Vipers need as they try to replace the Jones twins and other spirited players from last year’s championship team.

The 20-year old from Fairhaven, New Jersey comes to the Vipers after spending two years at the famed University of Notre Dame. He was recruited by the Fighting Irish out of the Shattuck St. Mary’s prep school. He recollects that “the Irish said they were short of forwards, so they wanted me to come directly from high school.”

He didn’t get any playing time his first year, and just 17 games his second year at Notre Dame.

Kyle now admits that, “looking back at it, it probably would have been a good decision to play a year of juniors before going to college. Still, I had two good years at a really good university. I had a lot of fun there, and did fine in my business studies. School is tough – it takes up a lot of your time – but Notre Dame is a special place, a great campus. It’s not really a big school, so you get to meet a lot of people and you’re not overwhelmed.”

Wanting to develop more as a hockey player, he decided to change venues before his junior eligibility expired. A training partner in Boston who recommended the Vipers told Kyle that Vernon has “the best coaches and the best organization in junior ‘A’ hockey.”

Kyle has played the wing but he prefers centre – “I seem to see the ice a little better at centre,” he says. He prides himself on his defence and on winning faceoffs. He further describes himself as “a hard-nosed player. I like to get in there and muck it up, especially around the net. The last few years, I’ve done a lot of off-season work to be strong enough to take the pounding in front of the goal.”

We’ve certainly seen that trait in Kyle’s play in the scrimmages and Blue-White games. On one shift during a spirited informal scrimmage at the Priest Valley rink, he scored three times on scrambles around the net. And he scored the winning goal in the Vipers’ 4-3 exhibition win over the Trail Smoke Eaters on August 28.

He plans to return to NCAA hockey next year, but in order to be eligible he has to meet the rigorous 4-2-4 conditions imposed by the National Collegiate Athletics Association. He will complete a minimum of eight university classes offered by a two-year college over the next several months and he will combine those classes with the 20 courses completed at Notre Dame to earn an Associate degree in Business Management from Central Texas College, one of the largest providers of online degrees.

“It’s going to be a bit of a grind,” he admits, “but I hear that you had a player who managed it last year. I’m used to working hard at my studies, so I’m looking forward to learning more about business and related subject