At a time when B.C. Hockey League players are leaving to join Western Hockey Leagues teams, thanks in part to new rules from the NCAA that makes Major Junior players eligible for college scholarships, the Vernon Vipers are adding players with WHL experience.
The Snakes have signed forwards Logan Peskett, 19, and Kyren Gronick, 20.
Peskett is 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, from North Vancouver, who is in his third year of junior hockey. He previously split time with the WHL's 91大黄鸭 Rockets and Regina Pats.
Vernon head coach Lukas Lomicky is excited by the size, skill and physical presence Peskett brings to the Vipers.
"Logan is a forward who combines a strong skill set with a physical element in the game," said Lomicky. "By adding Logan, we expect our forward group to be harder to play against and more dynamic on the ice."
Peskett is happy for the chance to play in Vernon.
"It's a very exciting opportunity to develop and play for a great organization," he said. "I'm looking forward to getting started, and helping the team in any way I can."
In Gronick, the Vipers get a 5-foot-11, 183-pound forward with a ton of WHL experience. He's played more than 200 games with the Seattle Thunderbirds, Vancouver Giants, Saskatoon Blades, and Prince George Cougars.
"We are getting a veteran presence up front," said Lomicky. "We expect him to be a strong example for our younger players, helping them develop into well-rounded junior hockey players.
"His experience and leadership will make our group stronger."
Gronick is eager to get his hockey life in Vernon started.
"I'm excited about this new adventure, and am looking forward to settling in Vernon," he said.鈥� "I can't wait to meet the team and the rest of the organization. I'm pumped to get to work and help the team win games."
Both players are expected to be in the lineup as the Vipers kick off a four-game homestand Friday, Dec. 6, against the Brook Bandits. Game time is 7 p.m. at Kal Tire Place (KTP). Vernon entertains the Cranbrook Bucks Saturday, Dec. 7, with a 6 p.m. start time at KTP.鈥嬧�嬧�嬧�嬧�嬧��
UPDATE: Thursday, Dec. 5, 4:02 p.m.:
The Vipers made a trade late Thursday afternoon, sending forward Lucas Brennan, 20, to the Blackfalds Bulldogs for future considerations, and the BCHL playing rights to Layne Loomer and Rylan Bonkowski.
Brennan joined the Vipers this season, scoring five goals and adding six assists for 11 points in 21 games. He was known for his energy and determination.
