Monday, July 31, 2017

Rebels Select Ex Vipers Defenceman Rizzolo At NAHL Draft:

The  North American Hockey League Aston Rebels have selected former Vernon Vipers defenceman Darren Rizzolo 117th overall in the 5th round of the NAHL Draft.

The Vipers acquired Rizzolo September 9 2015 from the Chilliwack Chiefs for Linden Hora & Tak Anholt. Rizzolo played parts of two seasons in Vernon (2015-2016) collecting (3-goals-7-assists-10-points) in 50 games with the Vipers before being traded to Alberni Valley September 29 2016 for future considerations.

Darren Rizzolo's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=247472

This was posted on the Rebels website:

Rebels 2017 NAHL Draft Recap: Team selects 5 Blueliners

June 7, 2017 jdimarino

Yesterday the North American Hockey League held its annual draft. Since the Aston Rebels finished in first during the regular season the team selected last beginning with the twenty third pick.

With the loss of Gvido Jansons, Brennan Kapcheck, Andrew Noel and Ryan Solomon, the focus for the Rebels was defense. It was so much so that five of the team’s nine picks were defensemen (three forwards and one goalie also were chosen).

To sum up the draft, Head Coach and General Manager Joe Coombs was very pleased with the way the it went. “We knew we needed defensemen” stated Coombs. “We went after the best players available. We feel that with the players we selected along with our tenders that we will have another formable core of blueliners. While we are very pleased with the draft we will certainly attempt to fill our holes. We also will continue to look for free agents” concluded Coombs.

The following is a recap of the players selected by the Rebels.

Round 1 – 23rd Pick

Jeremy Smith, Toronto Jr. Canadiens. Position: Left Defenseman. Shoots: Right. Born: July 19, 1998. Hometown: Toronto, ON. Height: 5’9”. Weight: 158 lbs.

Season                 Team                                     GP          G             A             Pts          PIM
’16-’17 Season   Jr. Canadiens                     42           7              10           17           47
17 Playoffs          Jr. Canadiens                     11           3              8              11           10

Round 2 – 36th Pick

Brandon Stanley, Waywayseecappo Wolverines. Position: Forward. Born: May 3, 1997. Hometown: Sioux Lookout, ON. Height: 6’2”. Weight: 205 lbs.

Season                 Team                                     GP          G             A             Pts          PIM
’16-’17 Season   Portage                                5              1              3              4              12
’16-’17 Season   Waywayseecappo           53           23           44           67           48

Round 3 – 69th Pick

Seth Bergeron, Las Vegas Storm. Position: Left Defenseman. Shoots: Left. Born: August 3, 2000. Hometown: Las Vegas, NV. Height: 5’11”. Weight: 170 lbs.

Season                 Team                                     GP          G             A             Pts          PIM
’16-’17 Season   Las Vegas Storm               38           4              13           17           18

Round 4 – 93rd Pick

Ryan Keane, Omaha Lancers. Position: Goaltender. Catches: Left. Born: March 15, 1998. Hometown: Lewisville, TX. Height: 5’9”. Weight: 157 lbs.

Season                 Team                     GPI         Mins      GA          SO          W            L              SV%       AVG
’16-’17 Season   Omaha                 9              507         36           0              2              5              0.876     4.26

Round 5 – 117Th Pick

Darren Rizzolo, Alberni Valley Bulldogs. Position: Left Defenseman. Shoots: Left. Born: January 12, 1998. Hometown: Mission, BC. Height: 5’10”. Weight: 173 lbs.

Season                 Team                                     GP          G             A             Pts          PIM
’16-’17 Season   Vernon                                 5              0              0              0              4
’16-’17 Season   Alberni                                 44           1              7              8              67

Round 6 – 140th Pick

No pick. Traded to Johnstown

Round 7 – 163rd Pick

Corey Clifton, North Jersey Avalanche 18U. Position: Forward. Shoots: Left. Born: February 3, 1999. Hometown: Matawan, NJ. Height: 5’8”. Weight: 160 lbs.

Season                                 Team                                     GP          G             A             Pts          PIM
’16-’17 Season                   North Jersey Avs 18         31           5              16           21           12
’16-17 Playoffs                  North Jersey Avs 18         5              1              1              2              2

Round 8 – 186th Pick

Jacob Nordqvist, Vastra Frolunda HC Jr. Position: Left Defenseman. Shoots: Right. Born: February 12, 1998. Hometown: Sweden. Height: 5’7”. Weight: 158 lbs.

Season                                 Team                     GP          G             A             Pts          PIM
’16-’17 Season                   V. Frolunda         1              0              0              0              0
‘16-17 Euro One               Frolunda              27           2              12           14           12
‘16-17 Euro Two               Frolunda              17           0              4              4              14
’16-1717 Playoffs             Frolunda              5              1              0              1              4

Round 9 – 209th Pick

Noah Finstrom, Detroit Little Caesars 18U. Position: Forward. Shoots: Left. Born: September 17, 1999. Hometown: Detroit, MI. Height: 5’6”. Weight: 130 lbs.

Season                                 Team                                     GP          G             A             Pts          PIM
’16-’17 Season                   Det. Little Caesers 18      21           6              9              15           36

Round 10 – 232nd Pick

Carson Moniz, St. Thomas Stars. Position: Right Defenseman. Shoots: Right. Born: October 25, 1998. Hometown: Lambeth, ON. Height: 5’11”. Weight: 198 lbs.

Season                                 Team                                     GP          G             A             Pts          PIM
’16-’17 Season                   St. Thomas                          19           3              8              11           56
’16-’17 Season                   Amarillo                               14           0              4              4              14
17 Playoffs                          St. Thomas                          4              1              0              1              22

Sunday, July 30, 2017

Ex Viper Hora Named Playoff Energy Player Of The Year:

For a second straight season former Vernon Vipers forward
Linden Hora tied-or claimed the Fortis BC Energy Player of the Year award. This past season Hora was named the Fortis BC Energy Player of the Year for the 2017 playoffs.

Hora was recruited by the Vipers, played one season in Vernon (2014-15). Hora attended the Vipers 2015 training camp, played in a few exhibition games before being traded before the start of the 2015-16 regular season. The Vipers traded Hora & Tak Anholt to Chilliwack September 9th 2015 for Darren Rizzolo. In 54 games with the Vipers Hora collected (1-goal-3-assists-4-points). In 51 games this year with Chilliwack Hora has (8-goals-9-assists-17-points).

Linden Hora's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=180500

This was posted on the BCHL website:

Energy players of the year

June 22, 2017

The British Columbia Hockey League is pleased to announce its FortisBC Energy Players of the Year with forward Colin Burston of the Wenatchee Wild and Zac Masson of the Langley Rivermen tying for a share of the the regular-season recognition with Chilliwack Chiefs forward Linden Hora taking it for the playoffs.

Once again this past season and throughout the playoffs, in addition to the 3 Stars, one player was recognized each game for his hard work on the ice with the FortisBC Energy Player of the Game nod. Burston, Masson and Hora are this year’s winning players with the BCHL season concluded and the playoff tally added up.

In 56 regular-season games, Burston was named FortisBC Energy Player of the Game 12 times while Masson earned his 12 nods while suiting up for all 58 games. Burston, a native of Winnipeg, produced 25 goals and 43 assists for 68 points which was third-most on the Wild.

Newmarket, Ont. native Masson set new career highs with 15 goals and 39 helpers for 54 points which put him fourth in Rivermen scoring.

Hora, from Kelowna, B.C., played all 23 Chiefs playoff games as the team went all the way to Game 7 of the Fred Page Cup BCHL Finals. He earned the FortisBC Energy Player of the Game recognition on five occasions after notching five goals and three assists in the playoffs. He had eight goals and nine helpers in 51 regular-season games.

The BCHL thanks FortisBC for their support again this season and congratulates Colin, Zac and Linden on this outstanding achievement.

Saturday, July 29, 2017

Image Club d'Épinal Have Signed Former Viper Forward Nikiforuk:

The Image Club d'Épinal have signed former Vernon Vipers forward Alex Nikiforuk for the 2017-18 season.

I read somewhere online Nikiforuk signed in May but no official press release from Image Club d'Épinal. Nikiforuk is listed on their team website.

The Image Club d'Épinal, known as Gamyo d'Épinal for sponsorship reasons, is a French ice hockey team based in Épinal playing in the Ligue Magnus.

Nikiforuk played last season with the Nottingham Panthers before leaving the team after just one season. In 51 games Nikiforuk collected (11-goals-21-assists-32-points). The Nottingham Panthers are a British professional ice hockey club based in Nottingham, England. They are members of the Elite Ice Hockey League.

After playing four years at the University of Nebraska, Nikiforuk has spent the past ten seasons overseas playing with eleven different teams (SaiPa, Grizzly Adams Wolfsburg, Herning Blue Fox, Pontebba, Valpellice, EfB Ishockey, GC Kusnacht Lions, HC Red Ice, EHC Visp, Fischtown Pinguins & Nottingham Panthers) in seven different leagues (Liiga, DEL, Denmark, Italy, NLB, DEL 2 & EIHL).

Nikiforuk played one season in Vernon as an affiliated player "AP" with the Vipers (1999-2000) before being traded the following season to the Burnaby Bulldogs. In 6 games with the Vipers Nikiforuk collected (0-goals-2-assists-2-points).

Alex Nikiforuk's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=11415



Friday, July 28, 2017

Canada’s National Men’s Under-17 Team Names Ex Viper Pierce Assistant Coach:

Canada’s national men’s under-17 team has named former Vernon Vipers forward Luke Pierce assistant coach.

Pierce had spent the previous two seasons with the Western Hockey League's Kootenay Ice before being fired June 2 2017.

In two seasons with the Ice Pierce went 26-100-16-3. Prior to joining the Ice Pierce spent the previous six seasons as Head Coach-GM of the Merritt Centennials. Pierce was named BCHL Interior Conference Coach of the year in 2013 played his final year of Junior hockey in Vernon (2003-04) after being acquired from the Merritt Centennials for future considerations on June, 10th 2003. In 53 regular season games with the Vipers Pierce collected (7-goals-21-assists-28-points).

Luke Pierce's Player-Coaches Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=136883

This was posted on 102.9 The Drive website:

ICE’s Pierce to help coach national U17 team

Cranbrook, BC, Canada / The Drive FM

Josh Hoffman

May 19, 2017

The Kootenay ICE bench boss is one of six coaches that will help with Canada’s national men’s under-17 teams this year.

Luke Pierce has been named an assistant coach for Team Canada – Red.

Pierce is expected to work with the club during this summer’s development camp and help lead the team at the 2017 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

Canada will send three squads, Red, White and Black, to the tournament that goes November 5-11 in both Dawson Creek and Fort St. John.

– Josh Hoffman

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Islanders Name Former Vernon Laker-Viper Whitecotton New Head Coach:

The EV Lindau Islanders have named former Vernon Lakers-Vernon Vipers forward Dustin Whitectton new Head Coach.

EV Lindau is an ice hockey club from Lindau at Lake Constance that play in the Oberliga hockey league in Germany.

Whitecotton last played professional hockey with the Rouen Hockey Elite 76  also nicknamed the Rouen Dragonsto during the 2015-16 season before leaving the team December 15 2015 returning home to Canada for personal reasons.

The Rouen Hockey Elite 76, nicknamed the Rouen Dragons, is a French ice hockey club playing in Ligue Magnus (highest level of the sport in France). Whitecotton played just parts of one year with the Dragons picked up (2-goals-3-assists-5-points) in ten games before leaving the team.

After four years at Miami University Whitecotton spent the next three seasons playing in three different leagues (AHL, ECHL & UHL) with four different teams (Mississippi, Grand Rapids, Missouri, Lowell), before spending the next twelve years playing overseas. Since 2003 Whitecotton has played in five different leagues (Germany 2, DEL, EIHL, Germany 3 & France) with six different teams (Blue Devils Weiden, SERC Wild Wings, Straubing Tigers, Belfast Giants, Deggendorfer SC & Rouen Hockey Elite 76).

Whitecotton is the youngest player ever to play for the Vernon Lakers & Vernon Vipers making the Lakers at the young age of 14. Whitecotton played three seasons in Vernon with the Vernon Lakers and Vernon Vipers from (1993-96). In 166 games with the Lakers and Vipers Whitecotton collected (52-goals-102-assists-164-points).

Dustin Whitecotton's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=15122

This was posted on Hockeyweb.de

Dustin Whitecotton will be coach of the EV Lindau Islanders

July 9 2016

Lubos Sekula remains at Lake Constance

New league, new coach: The EV Lindau Islanders will start with Dustin Whitecotton as a new coach in the adventure Oberliga Süd.

Ice hockey fans are the 37 year old Canadians as a professional in Straubing (220 DEL games), as well as Schwenningen and pastures (250 assignments in the 2nd Bundesliga). For the Islanders, however, the current knowledge of the ex-striker from his Oberliga period in Deggendorf was important, after which he ended his eleven-year career in Germany. In the past season, Whitecotton was still on the ice for the French club Rouen before taking the path as a coach.

"Dustin is a young, ambitious and modern coach. What he lacks in experience is made up of a high level of expertise and a tremendous ability to communicate, "says EVL Chairman Bernd Wucher. "Our discussions have taken place at the same time and have given an identical opinion at all sporting points. As a novice, he is looking for the challenge to go to the league with us, as well as the German ice hockey with his structures. "The parallels to his predecessor at the EVL can not be overlooked. Sebastian Buchwieser as well, had to leave the field to be replaced.

At the same time the coach comes into grown structures, both as regards the club and the team. "The entry into the training business is, of course, a great challenge for me, and that is precisely what appeals to me. I want to pass on my modern philosophy of ice hockey and I am looking forward to working with the players, "says the 37-year-old. He will work closely with EVL's managing director and team manager Sebastian Schwarzbart - and has already begun. "We had arranged for a short telephone call. It was an hour, and I felt like I was talking to someone I trusted. We are on a wavelength, "says Schwarzbart.

"I know Dustin from his time as a player. Since he already thought like a coach, assumes responsibility and has always been one of the open and interested types. That is why he speaks sensationally good German, "says EVL President Marc Hindelang, who praised the thorough work of the board members Bernd Wucher and Michael Messmer. "What the two have done for the EVL in recent weeks, both in the negotiations with the DEB, as well as in personnel questions, is invaluable."

Around 60 coaches and players had flown by e-mail or post to Eichwaldstrasse 16, since the Islanders were also mentioned only in connection with the Oberliga topic. One end is not foreseen. "This is also good. We still have three positions in the squad, including the second foreigner, "says Wucher.

For the first foreigner position, the Lubauer - proven - occupied, as Lubos Sekula will also remain in the upper league as contingent player at Lake Constance. The 33-year-old goes into his fifth season with the Islanders. "Lubos is on the league and we are convinced that he can play a very important role there too and will be among the top players," says Bernd Wucher. "We know what we have in him and he knows the other way round." In the league, the two-team strength and the hardness of the Slovaks are likely to come to the fore. And his offensive qualities with 134 points (53 goals) in 135 Bayernligaspielen are enormous for the EVL.

On the other hand, the Islanders are leaving three foreign players. While Mario Seifert will stay in the Bayernliga and join the ESV Buchloe, the goal of Fabian Sing and Stefan Reisinger is unknown.

The current squad:

Goal: Beppimayer, Korbinian Sertl (ERC Sonthofen).

Defense: Tobias Fuchs, Philipp Haug, Adrian Kirsch, Lubos Sekula.

Zdenek Cech, Simon Klingler (EVR Towerstars), Mike Sabautzki (ERC Sonthofen), Jiri Mikesz, Michal Mlynek.

Coach: Dustin Whitecotton.

Departures: Sebastian Buchwieser (coach EC Peiting), Marko Babic (EV Weiden), Mario Seifert (ESV Buchloe), Fabian Sing, Stefan Reisinger (unknown).

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

BCHL News & Trades:

I found these press releases off team websites, twitter accounts, blogs or online. All Vipers news-trades are posted on this blog as soon as released-announced.

BCHL News & Trades:

Alberni Valley-Merritt Trade:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce the acquisition of 1998-born goaltender Colten Lancaster from the Merritt Centennials in return for 1997-born forward Alex MacDonald and future considerations. Lancaster is a two-year BCHL veteran who posted a 5-15-0 record in 24 appearances for the Centennials last season. Despite his modest win-loss record, the 19-year old finished 11th amongst qualifying BCHL goaltenders in goals-against average (3.04) and ninth in save-percentage (.913). He was also named a Three Stars selection on 11 separate occasions. “Colten is a quality young man who has already proven himself to be a very capable BCHL goaltender during his two seasons in Merritt,” says Bulldogs head coach Matt Hughes. “We feel that he’s just starting to scratch the surface of his potential and we look forward to seeing his continued development and growth into an elite netminder while in a Bulldogs’ uniform.” Before joining the Centennials, Lancaster spent his 16-year old season playing under Hughes on the U18 Prep team at Pursuit of Excellence. “I’m very excited to be coming to Alberni Valley; the town is beautiful and they are known for their amazing fans,” says Lancaster, who describes himself as calm and efficient between the pipes. “I look forward to playing for the Bulldogs and have high hopes for what the team achieve this season. I feel that all individual success starts with the guys in front of me. When the team does well that’s when individuals start to have success and if we can keep that in mind we have a great opportunity to make it to playoffs and see where it goes from there.” “I’ve had the opportunity to play for Matt Hughes before and found him to be an unreal coach and a very honest, straightforward guy. I really cannot wait to play for him again.” Lancaster will take the ice with his new teammates when the Bulldogs begin their main training camp on Monday, August 21st at Weyerhaeuser Arena.

Chilliwack-Welland Trade:

The Chiefs continue to add to their 2017-18 roster with the acquisition of 18 year old forward Ryan Miotto from the Welland Jr. Canadians of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League in exchange for future considerations. Miotto was the GOJHL’s Rookie of the Year last season, putting up 27 goals and 44 assists in 48 games. “Chilliwack is a great city, with loyal fans and a great coaching staff,” said Miotto.  “I’m excited for the opportunity to play with and against great players. I look forward to developing both as a hockey player and a person while with the Chiefs.” Miotto comes to Chilliwack having already secured an NCAA scholarship for Canisius College beginning in 2019. Chiefs General Manager and Head Coach Jason Tatarnic says the Chiefs are adding a player who not only possesses an offensive skill set but also a player with character. “Ryan is a skilled player that will add offense to our line-up. He has great vision and comes with junior experience. Obviously as a staff we want to add talent to our team but we know we are adding a high character. We are excited to have Ryan join our team and we are looking forward to getting him ready for Division one program in Canisius College.”

Vees & Bell Media Announce Five Year Broadcasting Deal:

The Penticton Vees are pleased to announce a five year exclusive radio broadcast rights agreement that sees EZ Rock Penticton deliver live radio broadcast coverage of every Vees game through the 2022-2023 season.  Live coverage is available on AM 800 in the Penticton Area, as well as via live streaming through the station’s official website and the iHeartRadio app. As part of the new agreement, EZ Rock Penticton delivers every Penticton Vees game, including all regular season and playoff games, as well as daily reports and comprehensive news coverage focusing on the team. Live game broadcasts are led by Penticton Vees radio voice Craig Beauchemin, alongside EZ Rock’s Scott Austin, who provides analysis. “This new agreement further solidifies our strong relationship with the Penticton Vees, a team with a passionate fan base and a rich history in the community of Penticton,” said Ken Kilcullen, General Manager, British Columbia Interior, Bell Media Radio. “The Vees are a key part of EZ Rock Penticton’s programming lineup, and we are proud to be the team’s exclusive radio home. We look forward to sharing all the excitement surrounding the team for years to come.” “We are thrilled to extend and grow our great partnership with Bell Media,” said David Michaud, Director of Corporate Partnerships, Penticton Vees. “With live broadcasts of every game in addition to wide-ranging news coverage on EZ Rock Penticton, Vees fans will be able to follow the team’s every move, all season long.” The Penticton Vees kick off their 2017-18 season on Sept. 8 when they take on the Merritt Centennials.

Prince George-Drayton Valley Trade:

The Prince George Spruce Kings would like to announce they have acquired 1997 defenceman Nick Sutter from the Drayton Valley Thunder of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) in exchange for 1998 defenceman Sam De Melo. The 6’2” 210 pound Sutter is from Spruce Grove, Alberta. Sutter started his junior career with the Olds Grizzlys in the 2015/16 season posting four goals and 10 assists for 14 points in 44 games. He would duplicate the feat last year with the Drayton Valley Thunder again scoring four goals and 10 assists in 44 games. Sutter played his midget hockey for the St. Alberts Raiders where in two seasons he had five goals and 12 assists in 60 games. Sam De Melo was acquired last offseason in a trade from the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. In his first year with the Spruce Kings, the Kelowna native had two goals and 10 assists in 52 games. “We’re excited to add Nick to our team. He’s a big strong veteran defenceman who will provide leadership on and off the ice, and will be looked upon to be a steadying influence on our back end. A lot of our success last season started from our veteran defencemen. By adding Nick, we are closer to having our group of Dmen where we want it to be,” said Spruce Kings General Manager Mike Hawes. “We would also like to thank Sam for his time with our team. Sam is a great person and player, and he will be missed by our group” The Spruce Kings would like to welcome Nick and his family, and thank Sam for his time with the team, and wish him the best with the Thunder organization.

Around The Pound Episode 4

On May 6th 2017, Bulldogs volunteers held their first car wash. Thank you to all those who supported, donated, and let us wash your vehicles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhGR-iNslaE

Lamb Steps Down As CJHL Chairman:

The Canadian Junior Hockey League announced Friday that Kirk Lamb has stepped down as Chairman of the national organization composed of the 10 leagues and 132 team Jr. A teams across the country and pockets of the U.S. Among his many duties during his tenure with the CJHL, Lamb was instrumental in the completion of the CJHL’s Partnership Agreement with Hockey Canada as well representing the CJHL on the National Hockey League’s Development Group. Lamb first joined the CJHL back in January of 2011 as volunteer chairman before being appointed into a full-time role in October of 2012. Along with his time with the CJHL, he has also practiced law for the past decade with the Calgary firm of Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP. An Alberta native, Lamb played Jr. A in the AJHL and is an alumnus of the CJHL, CHL, and NCAA where he went on attend and graduate from Princeton University before moving onto a minor pro career and eventually law school. As part of the transition, the CJHL has also announced that current president Brent Ladds will add the Chairman’s role to his duties, until further notice, as they work towards the commencement of the 2017-18 season. “We at the CJHL certainly regret Kirk’s decision to step down, however we are extremely grateful for the dedication, leadership and vision he brought in his role,” stated Ladds. “The entire CJHL would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Kirk for his time and extensive efforts he brought in fostering the growth of Jr. A hockey across the country and wish him nothing but continued success in all future endeavours,” added Ladds.

Prince George-Caledonia Trade:

The Prince George Spruce Kings would like to announce that they have acquired 19 year old defenceman Griffin Roubos from the Caledonia Pro-Fit Corvairs of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) in exchange for future considerations. The 6’1” 185 pound Roubos is from Stoney Creek, Ontario. Acquired midway through last season by the Corvairs, Roubos had a total of 17 goals and 27 assists for 44 points in 43 games after starting the year with the Thorold Blackhawks. In 16 playoff games with Caledonia, the defenceman had three goals and eight assists for 11 points. Roubos was selected to play in the past two GOJHL Top Prospects games in 2015/16 and 2016/17. “We’re excited to add a dynamic player like Griffin to our team. Griffin is an excellent skater who sees the ice very well and will be looked upon to generate a lot of offense from our back end while still being defensively responsible. We’ve had a lot of success in recent years recruiting defencemen from this league with Adam Brubacher and Adam Burnett, and we feel confident Griffin will be the same kind of impact player for our team that those two were. He’s also a terrific young man who will blend in well with our existing group of players,” said Spruce Kings General Manager Mike Hawes. Griffin will be joining his new Spruce Kings teammates when the team begins training camp on August 24th in the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena

Chilliwack Chiefs Sign Young & Lombardi:

The Chiefs today announced the addition of forwards Bobby Young (1998), Michael Lombardi (1998) as well as  defenseman Sean Thomson (1998) for the 2017-18 season. The two were teammates last season at Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire. Thomson, who calls Beaconsfield Quebec home joins the Chiefs after scoring eight goals and 27 assists in 34 games last season. He was also the team’s captain and is excited to be making the move to Chilliwack. “I am extremely excited to be a part of the Chiefs family for this upcoming season. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to play for a great organization in a great league and I can’t wait for the season to start.” In 34 games last season at Kimball Union Young, who hails from Kitchener Ontario scored 12 goals and added 31 assists and is also looking forward to making the move west. “I am excited and honored to become a member of the Chilliwack Chiefs organization. I can’t wait to get the season started.” Lombardi comes to Chilliwack with an NCAA commitment already locked up. The native of Barrington Rhode Island will attend Quinnipiac University after a season with the Chiefs. In 39 games with Kimball Union last season, Lombardi scored 19 goals and added 32 assists. “I couldn’t be more excited and thankful to be apart of a great organization and community like Chilliwack,” said Lombardi.  “I’m excited to get a chance to build upon the winning tradition in Chilliwack.’

Haircut At A Vees Game?

Penticton Vees Survey:

The Atlanta Hawks basketball team announced that you can start getting haircuts at Phillips Arena. Would you get a cut during a Penticton Vees game at the South Okanagan Events Centre?

154 votes   Final results

40%Yes, that's cool

60%No, I'm good

MJHL Adding Player Fees This Season:

The Manitoba Junior Hockey League will introduce a player development fee for the 2017-18 season, according to league sources. It’s a move sources say that will allow for the league to better advertise itself during its annual showcase, bringing in more scouts and more attention to the event. The move will also help provide better health and dental benefits for the league’s 250-plus players. The league has yet to officially announced the the development fees, which are said to be set at $500 per player, but sources say it is a move that has been in the works for a while. The league will take in just under $130,000. The Sun reached out to MJHL commissioner Kim Davis, but he is away on holidays until July 24 and declined to comment. The change is welcomed news for some in the league, including the Neepawa Natives. “It has a lot of advantages for the players, a lot of increased benefits for the players, and something our board, our team, was in favour of,” said Neepawa Natives board member, Ken Waddell. “It’s a move that was made to make the league more attractive for current and potential future players.” But not everyone is a fan. Doug Hedley, head coach and general manager of the OCN Blizzard, wishes the league would have grandfathered in the fees. “You’re now asking kids who have been in the league for two or three years to start paying $500,” Hedley said on Tuesday. “They should have eased into the situation over a two- or three-year period.” Hedley said he will take a wait-and-see approach. “It’s over $120,000 in their league’s coffers,” he said. “As long as the league uses the money to develop the player and the league as a place to play, with educational consultants, promotional videos on every player, nutritional conferences – whatever it is. Anything the league can do to develop a player.” It takes a certain type of player to come play in OCN, Hedley said, and charging fees won’t help recruiting. Hedley thinks the league will likely lose players to the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, who don’t charge per-player fees. “It’s tough,” he said. “We try to do as much as we can for them, but charging them an extra $500 certainly doesn’t make it easy for them. We’re definitely not in favour of it.” The MJHL joins the British Columbia Hockey League, who charge team registration fees for carded players up to a maximum of $800 at the team’s discretion, and a further $100 per showcase game per player. The Alberta Junior Hockey League and SJHL in Saskatchewan do not charge players to play. To the east, the Superior International Junior Hockey League operates under a player fee system, with a minimum fee of $750 and a max of $4,500. The Northern Ontario Hockey League charged players $1,136 for their league schedule of 54 games in 2016 and an additional $350 to play in the league’s showcase.

Chiefs Sign Slick, Pickering & Ormon:

For the second consecutive day the Chiefs announced the addition of three player to their 2017-18 roster. 18 year old defenseman Matt Slick joins the Chiefs from Proctor Academy in Andover New Hampshire. As the team’s captain last year, Slick scored nine goals and 29 assists. “I couldn’t be more excited to join the Chiefs,” said Slick.  “After speaking with Coach Tatarnic, I knew that Chilliwack was the right place for me to play. I’m excited for the opportunity to play for such a storied franchise with immense support from the community. I can’t wait to get started and begin working towards an RBC championship.” Coming to the Chiefs via Northwood Academy in Lake Placid New York are teammates Kaden Pickering and Nick Ormon. Ormon, a 1998 born defenseman from Halifax Nova Scotia put up four goals and 19 assists in 42 games at Northwood last season.  Ormon can’t wait to get things started in his new home. “I’m really excited for the opportunity to not only play for a first class organization like the Chiefs, but to also be able to represent and live in such a good hockey town like Chilliwack. August can’t come soon enough.” Pickering, a 19 year old forward from Madrid New York will bring an offensive game to Chilliwack. In 50 games last year at Northwood he scored 24 goals and added 23 assists. That comes after a 29 goal 29 assists performance the season prior at Northwood. Pickering, who has secured a scholarship to St. Lawrence University for the 2018-19 season is excited to put on a Chiefs jersey. “I’m happy to be a part of a truly first class organization for the upcoming season. Chilliwack is a great hockey town with an unreal fan base. Can’t wait to get things started and looking forward to becoming a Chief. ”

Grizzlies Open Regular Season On The Road:

The semi-annual threat of Mann Cup lacrosse games being played at their home in September will once again force the Victoria Grizzlies on the road for most of the first month of the 2017-18 B.C. Hockey League season. The defending Island Division-champion Grizzlies will play their first six regular season games away from The Q Centre as the Victoria Shamrocks go on their quest for another Western Lacrosse Association championship and the right to host the Mann Cup national championship series. The Grizzlies will open their season with a pair of games in Powell River against the Kings on Sept. 8-9. That will be followed by games in Port Alberni against the Bulldogs (Sept. 15) and in Nanaimo against the Clippers (Sept. 16). The next two Grizzlies games will be at the annual Bauer BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack. The Grizzlies will face the Prince George Spruce Kings on Sept. 23 at Prospera Centre, turn around and face the Coquitlam Express the next day, again at the home of the Chiefs. “It’ll be a tough start, but at the same time it’ll be good for the team to face some adversity early,” said Grizzlies GM and head coach Craig Didmon. “And we have a strong veteran group coming back so we’ll be ready.” The Grizzlies’ home opener is set for Sept. 29 when the Vernon Vipers pay a visit to The Q Centre. That will be followed by a Sept. 30 date with the visiting Langley Rivermen. “It will be good to finally get home because the Island Division will be really strong this year,” added Didmon. “Powell River is always a good program, Nanaimo and Cowichan have good groups returning, and Alberni has a new coach and will be out to prove something.” Victoria wraps up the regular season campaign with a pair of home games against Alberni Valley on Feb. 22 and the Surrey Eagles on Feb. 25. The BCHL playoffs begin March 2. Meanwhile, Didmon is busy retooling his roster for the upcoming season and on Wednesday he added another piece to his blue-line corp. The Grizzlies acquired the rights to 20-year-old defenceman Matt Doran from the Coulee Region Chill of the North American Hockey League. Doran, from St. Louis, Missouri, brings 150 games of junior hockey experience to Victoria, and last season had 34 points in 55 games for the Chill. “I like the way he plays the game,” said Didmon. “He is a physical guy and skilled and he competes hard.” The Grizzlies open training camp Aug. 21 and that will be followed by seven preseason games.

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Mavericks Add Ex Vernon Viper Nowick To Teams Season Ending Roster:

The East Coast Hockey League announced their Season-Ending
Rosters as submitted by each of its member teams. The Missouri Mavericks have seventeen players listed on their Season-Ending Rosters list, one is former Vernon Vipers forward Darren Nowick.

Nowick split last season between the East Coast Hockey League Missouri Mavericks & the American Hockey League Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Nowick started his second season with the Mavericks before signing a professional tryout (PTO) with the American Hockey League Bridgeport Sound Tigers March 7 2017. In 57 games last year with Missouri Nowick collected (21-goals-24-assists-45-points) while picking up (3-goals-1-assist-4-points) in 13 games with Bridgeport.

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

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

Darren Nowick's Player Profile:

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

This was posted on the Mavericks website:

Mavericks Announce Season-Ending Roster

06/16/2017

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. - The Kansas City Mavericks released the team's Season-Ending Roster for the 2016-17 season.

Season-Ending Rosters may include up to 20 players but cannot include any players who did not sign an ECHL contract in 2016-17.

Each team may reserve the rights to a maximum of eight players from the list of 20 by extending a qualifying offer no later than July 1. Of the eight qualified players, no more than four can be veterans (260 regular season professional hockey games played as of the start of the 2017-18 season). Players on open qualifying offers cannot be traded. Teams are not required to extend a qualifying offer to players who sign a contract prior to July 1.

The qualifying offer must remain open for acceptance until August 1, at which time the qualifying offer becomes null and void and the team may sign the qualified player to any salary or may elect to take no further action. Teams that extend a valid qualifying offer to a non-veteran player shall retain the rights to that qualified player for one playing season.

A team that extends a valid qualifying offer to a veteran player, or to a goaltender who has played more than 180 regular-season games, will retain the rights to that player until Aug. 1. After Aug. 1, if the veteran player or goaltender is not signed to a contract by the team, the veteran or goaltender shall be deemed a restricted free agent and shall be entitled to seek and secure offers of employment from other ECHL teams. Restricted free agents may not be traded. When a restricted free agent receives a contract offer from a team other than the team with the player’s rights and the restricted free agent wishes to accept the contract offer, the restricted free agent and the offering member must, within 24 hours, notify the ECHL, the team with the player’s rights and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association. The member with the player’s rights shall have seven days after the date it is notified to exercise its right to match the contract offer.

If a restricted free agent is not signed to either an offer sheet or a contract by an ECHL team by Aug. 31, the player shall be deemed an unrestricted free agent.

The Mavericks' Season-Ending Roster follows:

G Zach Nagelvoort
G Josh Robinson
D Alex Brooks
D Benjamin Dieude-Fauvel
D Stephen Silas
D Zach Tolkinen
F Justin Breton
F Rocco Carzo
F Dan Correale
F Andrew Courtney
F Dane Fox
F Radoslav Illo
F Darren Nowick
F Shawn Pauly
F Matt Robertson
F T.J. Syner
F Jared Van Wormer

Kansas City is set to open its season on Oct. 13 at Tulsa, the first of four road games prior to the team's home opener on Saturday, Oct. 28 against Wichita at 7:05 p.m. Season tickets are currently on sale.

For all the latest on the Kansas City Mavericks, follow the team on Twitter (@kc_mavericks), Instagram (kcmavericks), Facebook (Kansas City Mavericks) and Snapchat (KCMavericks), download the team's free mobile app (Mavericks) and keep checking in to kcmavericks.com.

Monday, July 24, 2017

Ex Vipers Defenceman Cook Steps Down As Braves Head Coach/GM-Named Vice President of Hockey Operations:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Brad Cook has stepped down as Head Coach-GM of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League Saanich Braves, has been named the Braves new Vice President of Hockey Operations.

Cook spent eleven seasons playing professional hockey from 1996-2007 with sixteen different teams (Dayton, San Angelo, Tulsa, Kalamazoo, New Mexico, Richmond, Adirondack, Elmira, Berliner SC, ESC, Columbia, Victoria, Augusta & Bakersfield) in eight different leagues (CoHL, WPHL, CHL, UHL, Germany 3, Germany 4 & ECHL) before retiring from hockey as a player. Cook has spent four seasons with the Braves (2008-2010 & 2011-12 & 2016-17). 

Cook played one season in Vernon (1995-96) winning the 1996 Royal Bank Cup with the Vernon Vipers. In 50 games that season Cook picked up (12-goals-37-assists-49-points).

Brad Cook's Player-Coaching Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=160091

This was posted on the Braves website:

Saanich Braves Announce New Head Coach

Published on May 8th, 2017 | by Admin-LYF

Brad Cook steps off the bench into his new role of Vice President of Hockey Operations.

The Braves are proud to announce that former Brave defenceman Sam Waterfield will be the new head coach. Sam returns to Saanich from Edmonton where he won 2 championships and earned his degree at NAIT. Sam is a Saanich Minor Hockey product and graduate of Spectrum High School.
Former Brave Mackenzie Valentine will be staying with the team as an assistant coach. We will be finalizing the rest of our staff in the coming weeks.

“I am thrilled to have Sam return to the Braves. He will certainly inject some youth and a new perspective into a thriving Braves program. I am looking forward to working with and mentoring Sam which will allow me the opportunity to pursue a new career in the hockey world. I am sure it will be a seamless transition as Sam was with me at Spectrum Hockey Academy and a former player that we moved on to the next level.” said former coach Brad Cook.

Sunday, July 23, 2017

Blog Hits 1.3 Million Viewers:

On Saturday between 11-11:30 am this blog hit 1,300,000 (1.3 million) viewer's-page views.

I wanted to take this time to thank all of you, the viewers who check out my blog.  Without you the fans/viewers, this blog would not be possible.  It's you the fans-viewers who keep this site going. 

I first created my Vipersdiehardfan blog in December of 2008 and since then have had over 1.3 million viewer's visit this site. To follow the viewer count, check out the counter on the left hand side of this blog.

I have a website that tell's me how many viewer's I get per month, per day, as well as per week. During the Vipers/hockey season, I average between 450-800 viewers a day but have also had up to 1000-1100 viewers per day depending on the day and time of year. It obviously slows down during the off season, this summer I have averaged between 200-350 viewers per day. I had 11,885 viewers visit my blog for the month of June.

The site also tell's me where the viewer's are from and how they contacted this blog. I get people from all across the world visiting this blog daily. 

Thank you again and thanks for the support. If you would like to leave a comment, there's a comment box at the bottom of this post.

Thanks, Vipersdiehardfan

Saturday, July 22, 2017

Vernon Vipers Exhibition Schedule:

The league released it's 2017 Exhibition schedule on Thursday. Here is a look at the Vipers pre-season schedule.

August:

August 25th Salmon Arm @ Vernon 7pm
August 26th Vernon @ Salmon Arm 7pm
August 31st Prince George @ Vernon 7pm

September:

September 2nd Trail @ Vernon 6pm

Friday, July 21, 2017

Vipers Season One Month Away:

With no Vipers hockey for the past 100 days, the Vernon Vipers are just thirty one days away from opening day of training camp. The Vipers will open main camp August 21st. The Vipers last played April 10th after a very disappointing 3-1 loss at the South Okanagan Events Centre in Game 7 vs the Penticton Vees in the Interior Division Finals.

The Vipers will open the pre-season schedule with a home & home series vs the Salmon Arm Silverbacks starting with the first game August 25th in Vernon at Kal Tire Place. The Snakes will play four exhibition games before opening the 2017-18 regular season with a home & home series vs the Salmon Arm Silverbacks with the first game September 8th in Salmon Arm at the Shaw Centre.

No official report from the Vipers on who will be returning from last years club, but the Morning Star Newspaper has reported two separate stories regarding players returning for the upcoming season.

This was reported in the Morning Star Newspaper back in May before the Vipers Spring Camp:

The core group, including Brett Stapley, Jagger Williamson, Steven and Chris Jandric, Michael Ufberg, Shane Kelly, Jesse Lansdell and Niko Karamanis, is returning to the Viper den.

This was in Sunday's Morning Star Newspaper:

The Vipers camp opens Aug. 21 at Kal Tire Place with three teams scrimmaging. Vernon’s returnintg core is led by forwards Jagger Williamson, Brett Stapley and Niko Karamanis and defencemen Michael Ufberg and Chris Jandric. Taylor is back in net.

Thursday, July 20, 2017

107.5 KISS FM Announces Vipers Broadcast Schedule:

This is posted on the 107.5 Kiss FM website:

KISS FM Announces Schedule

Vernon, BC, Canada / 1075 KISS FM

Kiss FM

July 19, 2017

1075 KISS FM announced today a continuation of their partnership with the Vernon Vipers to continue to deliver comprehensive live radio coverage of the Viper’s 2017-18 BCHL season.

Live Vernon Vipers broadcasts on KISS FM are led by play-by-play announcer Graham Turnbull, who returns for his fifth season calling Vipers games for the team.

Turnbull who provides in-depth coverage, will also be bringing new features and interviews to this year’s regular season and playoff broadcasts.

“We are thrilled to continue our successful partnership with the Vernon Vipers on 1075 KISS FM, the official voice of the Vernon Vipers,” said Shawn McCleary, station Program Director. “We’re proud supporters of team owner Duncan Wray’s Junior A hockey program and the great work that his staff have been doing over the past few years.”

This year’s broadcasts will feature 45 games on radio and live streamed and 13 broadcasts online at 1075 KISS FM. BDM Motorsports have signed on for another year to be the parent sponsor of the broadcasts.

SEE THE SCHEDULE HERE.

KISS FM will also play a big part in the Vernon Vipers promotional nights as well we will also have our KISS FM Events Crew powered by Capri Insurance at all home games.

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Norfolk Admirals Add Vipers Alumni Hetnik To Teams Season Ending Roster:

The East Coast Hockey League announced their Season-Ending Rosters as submitted by each of its member teams. The Norfolk Admirals have twenty players listed on their Season-Ending Rosters list, one is former Vernon Vipers defenceman Marc Hetnik.

Hetnik finished his fourth and final season with the UMass Minutemen last season before signing his first professional contract as a College free agent with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Norfolk Admirals March 9th 2017.

Hetnik picked up one assist in five games with the Admirals last year, played two seasons in Vernon (2011-2013). In 112 regular season games with the Vipers Hetnik collected (6-goals-22-assists-28-points).

Marc Hetnik's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=128531

This was posted on the Admirals website:

Admirals Share Season-Ending Roster

June 21, 2017/in Press Releases /by Norfolk Admirals

NORFOLK, VA. – The ECHL has announced the Season-Ending Rosters as submitted by each of its Member Teams on Monday.

The Admirals roster contains 20 players:

Goaltenders:

Brett Kilar

Defensemen:

Jordan Abt
Paul Cianfrini
Alex Pompeo
Marc Hetnik
Tim Daly
Kyle Pereira

Forwards:

Domenic Alberga
Paul Rodrigues
John Dunbar
Scott Jacklin
Ben Murphy
Trevor Gerling
Brady Vail
John Kurtz
Trevor Mingoia
Cason Hohmann
Angelo Miceli
Erik Bradford
Steven Whitney

Season-Ending Rosters may include up to 20 players. Season-Ending Rosters cannot include any players who did not sign an ECHL contract in 2016-17.

Each team is entitled to reserve rights to a maximum of eight players from the list of 20 by extending a qualifying offer no later than June 30. Of the eight qualified players, no more than four can be veterans (260 regular season professional hockey games played as of the start of the 2017-18 Season). Players on open qualifying offers cannot be traded. Teams are not required to extend a qualifying offer to players who sign a contract prior to June 30.

The qualifying offer must remain open for acceptance until Aug. 1 at which time the qualifying offer becomes null and void and the team may sign the qualified player to any salary or may elect to take no further action. Teams that extend a valid qualifying offer to a non-veteran player shall retain the rights to that qualified player for one playing season.

A team that extends a valid qualifying offer to a veteran player, or to a goaltender who has played more than 180 regular-season games, will retain the rights to that player until Aug. 1. After Aug. 1, if the veteran player or goaltender is not signed to a contract by the team, the veteran or goaltender shall be deemed a restricted free agent and shall be entitled to seek and secure offers of employment from other ECHL teams. Restricted free agents may not be traded. When a restricted free agent receives a contract offer from a team other than the team with the player’s rights and the restricted free agent wishes to accept the contract offer, the restricted free agent and the offering member must, within 24 hours, notify the ECHL, the team with the player’s rights and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association. The member with the player’s rights shall have seven days after the date it is notified to exercise its right to match the contract offer.

If a restricted free agent is not signed to either an offer sheet or a contract by an ECHL team by Aug. 31, the player shall be deemed an unrestricted free agent.

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

BCHL News & Trades:

I found these press releases off team websites, twitter accounts, blogs or online. All Vipers news-trades are posted on this blog as soon as released-announced.

BCHL News & Trades:


Chilliwack-Caledonia Trade:

For the second consecutive off season the Chiefs have addressed their goaltending needs by making a deal with the Caledonia Corvairs of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League. Last summer the Chiefs acquired starting netminder Mark Sinclair from the Corvairs. Sinclair went on to set a Chiefs single season record for wins with 33. Today the Chiefs announced that they have acquired 18 year old goaltender Daniel Chenard from the Corvairs in exchange for future considerations. In a starting role for the Corvairs last season, Chenard appeared in 27 games, putting up a goals against average of 1.77 and a save percentage of 92.2.

Doucet Commits To Bulldogs:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce that Shawnigan Lake Midget Prep forward Jackson Doucet has committed to join the team for the 2017/18 BCHL season. Doucet is a skilled centre who scored 25 goals and added 24 assists in 30 regular season games for Shawnigan Lake during the 2016/17 Canadian Sport School Hockey League campaign, tying for eighth in scoring in the Midget Prep division. He also tied for top spot amongst 1999-born scorers with OHA forward and Penticton Vees commit Cassidy Bowes. The 18-year old wrapped up his season with five goals and two assists in four games at the CSSHL championships. “Jackson is a dynamic forward whose skating and skill level make him an outstanding BCHL prospect,” says Bulldogs head coach Matt Hughes. “He has consistently produced offence in a very competitive league, and I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand the impact he can have on a game when the puck is on his stick. We’re thrilled that he has chosen to take the next steps in his hockey career as a Bulldog.” Over three seasons at Shawnigan Lake, Doucet totaled 62 goals and 128 points in 89 CSSHL games. “I’m very excited to meet my new teammates and the community,” says Doucet, who describes himself as an offensive player who also takes pride in playing a complete 200-foot game. “The Bulldogs are well known for having a very supportive fan base and I’m looking to be a part of the team regaining it’s winning tradition.” “I’m going to be focused on helping to bring more offensive depth to the team and on using my speed to create opportunities. In the end I want to be a part of instilling a winning mindset in our group and always be playing to win.” Doucet will take the ice with his new teammates when the Bulldogs begin their main training camp on Monday, August 21st at Weyerhaeuser Arena.

Rizzo Picks Vees Over Kamloops Blazers:

Massimo Rizzo is coming back. Rizzo has chosen to play for the Penticton Vees in the B.C. Hockey League over the Western Hockey League’s Kamloops Blazers. The Vees made the announcement on Tuesday. The Burnaby product tallied 84 points in just 48 games for the Burnaby Winter Club Midget Prep team. Rizzo played in three regular season games with the Vees as an underage forward and affiliate player. In the Fred Page Cup playoffs, Rizzo scored his first BCHL goal, and really showed flashes of brilliance during the Western Canada Cup where he scored a goal and added four assists for five points in five games as the Vees advanced to the Royal Bank Cup in Cobourg Ontario. Vees president, general manager, and head coach Fred Harbinson was pleased with the family’s decision. “Although we gave Massimo and his family the appropriate time to make a decision as to which route they felt was best for his development; we’re excited he has chosen to continue his hockey career as a member of the Penticton Vees,” said Harbinson in a press release. “I look forward to coaching Massimo, and I’m certain Vees Nation is thrilled to be able to watch another elite prospect grow here in Penticton.” Rizzo was originally drafted 14th overall in WHL Bantam Draft by the Kamloops Blazers. After meeting with Blazers brass last week, the family made the decision to return to the Vees and continue his development in the South Okanagan following the likes of Tyson Jost, Dante Fabbro, and most recently Johnny Tychonick. “Talking to a variety of different people that have been involved in both leagues and the experiences they’ve gone through and looking at where he’s at, it keeps his development options open,” Rizzo’s father, Remi, told Kamloops This Week on Tuesday. “It really is no different than what we stated before the bantam draft, that Massimo is going to take it year by year and look at what the best options are the following season, developmentally for him and his growth.” KTW reported that the Blazers had owner Tom Gaglardi, part-owner Shane Doan, general manager Stu MacGregor and head coach Don Hay meet with Rizzo and his father in Vancouver last week. “I don’t think any doors have ever been closed,” Remi said. “If that was the case, it would have been a very short meeting with the boys last week. “This is the right choice for this year and next year he re-evaluates what the best opportunity for development is then,” he continued. Rizzo is one of 111 players, along with Vees teammate Luke Reid to be invited to attend the Hockey Canada U17 Development Camp in Calgary starting on July 22. Rizzo and the Vees will be back on the ice at the SOEC in late August to open training camp. Rizzo will wear No. 13 once the puck drops on the season.

Brooks Bandits To Host 2019 RBC Cup:

The RBC Cup, Canada’s National Junior A Championship, is headed to Brooks, Alta., where the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League will play host to the 49th edition of the tournament from May 11-19, 2019 at the Centennial Regional Arena. Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), Alberta Junior Hockey League and Hockey Alberta made the announcement Thursday in Brooks. “We are immensely grateful to Hockey Canada for the opportunity to showcase our community's passion for Junior A hockey on the national stage, and to the local businesses, government, and organizations that helped to support our bid and make this event possible,” said Tyler King, chair of the bid committee and Bandits communications manager. “We are already looking forward to the next two years of preparation to ensure an unforgettable national championship." The RBC Cup will return to Alberta for the seventh time. The event was previously hosted in Lloydminster (2016), Camrose (2011); Grande Prairie (2004); Fort McMurray (2000); Olds (1994); and Edmonton (1975). “Hockey Alberta is excited to have this prestigious event return to Alberta. We are always proud of how our Alberta host communities raise the bar when it comes to hosting a major event and welcoming teams from across the country,” said Rob Litwinski, CEO, Hockey Alberta. “We look forward to working with Hockey Canada and the Alberta Junior Hockey League to provide support for the Brooks Bandits and their host committee to make the 2019 RBC Cup a successful event.” The 2019 RBC Cup will bring together the top Junior A teams from across the country, along with the host Bandits, to face off for the national championship. Historically, the event has generated more than $2 million in local economic impact, with event proceeds being directed to supporting hockey development in the community. "We are thrilled to host the 2019 RBC Cup and welcome the athletes, their families and coaches to Alberta and show them all the warmth and hospitality our community has to offer,” said Barry Morishita, mayor of the City of Brooks. “These tournaments not only provide athletes with an important chance to compete at a national level, they also help strengthen the local economy, boost local pride and increase volunteerism. We look forward to supporting the RBC Cup, and are excited at the challenge of making this the best championship ever.” Having previously captured Canada’s National Junior A Championship in 2013 in Summerside, P.E.I., the Bandits also appeared at the RBC Cup in 2016 and 2017 and will look to carry momentum from their runner-up finish at this year’s championship in Cobourg, Ont. "The experience of the Bandits having appeared in two successive championships, the strength of their hockey program, and the tremendous fan support evident across their community were key factors in the support Brooks received from the CJHL to host the 2019 RBC Cup,” said Canadian Junior Hockey League president, Brent Ladds. Tournament ticket packages are tentatively scheduled to go on sale in May 2018 and season ticket holders will be given the first opportunity to reserve seats for the tournament. Schedule information for the 2019 RBC Cup will be announced at a later date. The RBC Cup is made possible thanks to the partnership between Hockey Canada and the Canadian Junior Hockey League, and the support of RBC. For more information on the 2019 RBC Cup, please visit HockeyCanada.ca/RBCCup, or follow along via social media on Facebook or Twitter.

Blaisdell Commits To Chilliwack:

Chilliwack was never able to take a bite out of the Vancouver Giants in the five years the teams clashed in the Western Hockey League. All the Giants did was win, win, win no matter what. But now, six years after that rivalry expired, Chilliwack gets some ice cold revenge with the signing of Harrison Blaisdell. The 16 year old is the second summer signing of the junior A Chiefs, stolen away from the Giants, who picked the Saskatchewan kid 31st overall in the 2016 WHL bantam draft. Blaisdell was still in elementary school when Milan Lucic was delivering high elbows to Oscar Moller and doesn’t feel any animosity towards the G-men. But he’ll be happy if that helps endear him to Chilliwack hockey fans. “Obviously the WHL is a good way to go, but there are two ways and I think the time and development you get going the college route is good,” Blaisdell said. “You get as much junior hockey as you need and four years in college. It’s a lot more time if you’re not quite ready for the next level.” Blaisdell comes to town with an NCAA scholarship already secured. The kid is so good that the University of North Dakota got his signature on a commitment when he was just 15 years old. Eventually he may play alongside former Chiefs captain Jordan Kawaguchi, who will play his first season with the Fighting Hawks this fall. Blaisdell made his way to UND for a campus visit during his bantam season and the teenager had already put pen to paper by the time the Giants made him their bantam draft pick. Maybe they thought they could talk him out of it, but Blaisdell never doubted his decision. “It was a big decision to make, but at the same time it wasn’t a real big deal because my dad did the same thing, going the NCAA route and playing for Wisconsin,” said Blaisdell, who also had strong interest from Denver and Minnesota-Duluth. “I am young and it seems so far away, but I felt like it was the right decision to make at the time and I still feel that way.” His dad is Mike Blaisdell. After leaving Wisconsin Mike went on to a 343 game National Hockey League career with Detroit, Toronto and Pittsburgh and the New York Rangers. Very late in his career he crossed paths with a young Jason Tatarnic. Coach T was winding up his playing career in 1999-00 with the British National League’s Hull Thunder. Mike was the head coach of the British Ice Hockey Super League’s Sheffield Steelers. In the ‘who you know’ recruiting game, sometimes all you need is a conversation starter. “Harrison is a kid we’ve been on for a long time because I think he fits the mold of how we like to play,” Tatarnic said. “He’s a typical Sask player where he’s got that grit, but he’s also got skill. “He can play real hard but he’s got the skill-set to score goals and make plays and there’s a reason he’s going to North Dakota.” The Penticton Vees and Vernon Vipers were both pursuing Blaisdell before the Chiefs reeled him in. Blaisdell was already leaning towards Chilliwack after spending the 2016 season with Abbotsford’s Yale Hockey Academy. Seeing Prospera Centre and the Chiefs’ cutting edge training facility made a big impression, and something Tatarnic said helped seal the deal. “When I asked him about how they play he said, ‘When you cross the red line into the other team’s half of the ice, it’s basically a free for all and have fun down there,’” the teenager said. “They have the mentality to not give up the puck and try to make plays and I thought that was really cool.” Oh, and also, that Royal Bank Cup thing played a role. “That’s a no-brainer and definitely a cool thing that I’m excited to be a part of,” Blaisdell said. Blaisdell spent last season with the Regina Pat Canadians in the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League. He had 20 goals, 41 points and 60 penalty minutes in 40 regular season games, leading his team to a league championship and an appearance in the Telus Cup national tourney. “I had a few injuries that set me back at the start of the year, including having my appendix out just before the season started,” Blaisdell said. “That erased a lot of work I’d done over the summer, but around Christmas time I was back to regular form and it was a good season for me. Online resources (eliteprospects.com) list Blaisdell at five-foot-nine and 163 pounds, which he says is innacurate. Blaisell pegs himself at five-foot-eleven and 175 and isn’t worried about being overwhelmed by big BCHL blueliners. “I think if I have a good summer, work on my skills and come in the best shape that I can — if I play the way I think I can I think I can be an impact player next season,” Blaisdell said.

Kings Sign Kawamura:

The Kings are thrilled to announce the signing of 1999-born forward Kyle Kawamura for the upcoming 2017/2018 season. Kawamura, from Franklin, TN is a 5’6, 155lb forward with a high end skill set. “I’m fast, I like to use my speed, shoot and shoot from a lot of different angles” said Kawamura. “I like to make plays with the puck and try to score. That’s what I’m focused on out there.” Kawamura has an extensive hockey resume including a 105 point season during his final year of Bantam hockey in Georgia, along with a taste of Junior hockey in the USHL and NAHL with Lincolm and Shreveport respectively. “Guys are bigger, faster and stronger here at this level, more experienced too and so it’s a huge step coming up from midget to Junior” said Kawamura. “I feel I’ve done a good job making that transition so far and I’m hoping to carry that on in Powell River.” “Kyle is a highly skilled player that we’re excited to add to our organization” said Kings Head Coach Kent Lewis. “He is creative, offensively gifted and sees the game well. Having an offensive threat like him to compliment the returning guys gives us more options to be effective in the offensive zone.” In addition to helping the Kings this season, Kawamura will use his time in Powell River to ready himself for the NCAA. Kawamura is slated to join the University of Maine for the 2018/2019 season. “Confidence is a big thing I want to work on ahead of college hockey” said Kawamura on what he needed to develop ahead of a four year stint in the NCAA. “Working on my touch with the puck, getting ice time and developing that way by finding a way to play the game against guys who are older, bigger and stronger.” Kawamura will arrive in Powell River in mid-August, ahead of Main Camp at the Hap Parker Arena August 21-24. The Kings would like to welcome Kyle and his family to Powell River.

Rizzo's Father Comments On Decision For Picking BCHL/Vees Over WHL/Blazers:

Massimo Rizzo has committed to play next season with the Penticton Vees. Rizzo was the Kamloops Blazers’ first-round pick in the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft, but has not signed with the major-junior squad and will spend his 16-year-old campaign playing in the junior A B.C. Hockey League. “Talking to a variety of different people that have been involved in both leagues and the experiences they’ve gone through and looking at where he’s at, it keeps his development options open,” Rizzo’s father, Remi, told KTW on Tuesday. “It really is no different than what we stated before the bantam draft, that Massimo is going to take it year by year and look at what the best options are the following season, developmentally for him and his growth.” By not signing a WHL contract, Massimo maintains his NCAA eligibility. The Blazers brought a few of their heavyweights — owner Tom Gaglardi, part-owner Shane Doan, general manager Stu MacGregor and head coach Don Hay — to a meeting with Massimo and his father in Vancouver last Wednesday. “I don’t think any doors have ever been closed,” Remi said. “If that was the case, it would have been a very short meeting with the boys last week. “This is the right choice for this year and next year he re-evaluates what the best opportunity for development is then.” MacGregor spoke to KTW after the meeting. “The philosophy that we have is that a player should come when he’s ready to be here because he’s going to perform to the best of his ability, for himself and for the team,” MacGregor said. Remi was asked if there is anything in particular he will be paying attention to in Kamloops in 2017-2018, on the ice or off, that may influence the family’s decision ahead of Massimo’s 17-year-old season. “No, I don’t think there is anything about Kamloops in particular,” he said. “It’s more of a Massimo thing and really what’s going to give him the best opportunity for his growth.” The highly skilled forward could opt to go the same route taken by Kamloops product Ryan Gropp, who joined the Vees and kept his NCAA options open before eventually signing with the WHL team that drafted him, the Seattle Thunderbirds. Some WHL-drafted players who join junior A squads never return — see Dante Fabbro and Tyson Jost. “I look at Mark Recchi,” Remi said. “His path was no different than what Massimo is doing now. Mark played a year junior A and went on to play for the Blazers and now he’s in the Hall of Fame. I don’t see it as a bad thing. I see it as an opportunity to grow and develop.” Rizzo could play two seasons in Penticton and be selected at the NHL Draft by a team that prefers he develop further in the WHL. “Would you like to know everything about what’s happening with someone? Maybe,” MacGregor said. “But as long as they come when they’re ready to play and they’re comfortable to play, there’s no real timeline for anybody.” Rizzo was recently invited to Hockey Canada’s under-17 selection camp in advance of the 2017 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament in August. He notched 22 goals and 84 points in 48 games with Burnaby Winter Club’s midget prep team last season and won the Canadian Sport School Hockey League’s 2016-2017 Freshman of the Year Award. He racked up 60 goals and 137 points in 61 games in his second-year bantam campaign with BWC in 2015-2016. “It’s probably the hardest decision I’ve had to make so far,” Massimo told KTW last August at Blazers’ training camp. “There are lots of options and lots of things to think about, either playing college or Dub (WHL).”